SUNDOWN MUSHROOMS: LAS VEGAS GROWN (LOCAL BIZ SPOTLIGHT)

Originally published at Vegas Cannabis Magazine

SHWA LAYTART - MAY 1, 2021

Chet (Left) and Myrene, Sundown Mushrooms in Las Vegas. Image Credit: Sugar Laytart

As we maneuver closer to the legalization of psychedelics, something I’ve spent my entire adult life pursuing, I’m reminded of my other favorite mushrooms, which are already legal to consume.

Lion’s Mane, the mushroom that mycologist and mushroom guru Paul Stamets calls the first “smart” mushroom, not only has the delicate texture of lobster, it also contains two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that have been shown to stimulate the growth of brain cells.

When it comes to feeding your brain to increase memory and cognitive abilities, the nootropic you want at the top of the list is without a doubt- lion’s mane.

So I went berserk when I discovered the local Las Vegas company, Sundown Mushrooms. A boutique grow operation that specializes in fresh gourmet edible mushrooms- including lion’s mane.

Owners Myrene and Chet take a moment to tell their story.

Shwa: What was the first mushroom that you grew?

Myrene: Oyster. We first started with pink oysters because they were so vibrant. They also taste like pork, and back then we ate a lot of meat, so this was great for us to slowly transition into a vegetarian diet. Not cold turkey, but incorporating more mushrooms in that way, as a meat substitute. That’s what got us. It was mind-blowing; this stuff tastes like meat.

Chet: The way we made it was like chicharrones [fried pork belly] and it was so good.

Myrene: battered, fried, oyster mushrooms...

Shwa: Currently, what are your top selling mushrooms?

Chet: Lion’s Mane, and I would say the Chestnut Mushrooms. The chestnuts are the best selling out there.

Shwa: Anything on the horizon that you’ll be growing?

Myrene: Reishi. We did some reishi that is available in our [limited release] tinctures kits and broth kits. We plan on growing more in a newly expanded grow room. We are also considering shitakis. Lots of chefs have been asking us for them, even though you can find them at asian markets, we can offer them really fresh.

Mushrooms might be the current hot-trend to hit the country, and for good reason. They’re healthy, delicious, and might just help save humanity from complete de-evolution. Myrene, Chet and Sundown Mushrooms might just be the coolest thing to hit Las Vegas. And for good reason!

Lion's Mane, Sundown Mushrooms. Image Credit: Sugar Laytart

Sundown Mushrooms are available for delivery or can be purchased on Sundays at

Fresh52: Farmer’s Market Henderson

940 S Eastern Ave 9am-2pm

As Paul Stamets says-

Mushrooms are miniature pharmaceutical factories, and of the thousands of mushrooms species in nature, our ancestors and modern scientists have identified several dozen that have a unique combination of talents that improve our health.

And I will also point out, when cooked right, taste magnificent!

Fresh Sundown Mushrooms: