May 19th, 2006

Eileen and I will be back in Las Vegas starting July 13th for six nights. If you are interested in a members get together, just email me at mrvegas98@aol.com and I will keep you updated.

To all new members..and older members..please check out our Forum Group. You will find a wealth of information there. You will also find informative Trip Reports and Restaurant Reviews there also. You must register to reply and post but you can read all the information at the site without registering. The Forum Group is here: http://www.everythinglv.com/forums
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Vegas Values Report for 5/14/06

The below information is supplied by Scot Krause, our roving reporter, who supplies us each week with information on the best Las Vegas promotions. It’s only available here on the americancasinoguide.com web site so be sure to come back each Monday morning to find out about the best values in Las Vegas.

http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
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Big Plans for Downtown… Again By Rick Garman

For years, city officials and a virtual parade of developers have been trying to come up with a plan for the 61 acres of vacant land behind the Plaza Hotel known as Union Park. Formerly the site of a major railroad yard, the land became a potential boon for the city awhile back in a deal that gave what is called the largest undeveloped urban tract in the United States over to Las Vegas. Since then everything from a medical park to condos to a major sports arena to the world’s tallest building have been proposed but for the most part the land still sits dusty and empty.

But now what is hopefully the last proposal is on the boards and if it comes to fruition it will dramatically alter the Downtown landscape and perhaps turn the area into a more competitive urban environment.

The proposal calls for spending $4 billion, mostly through private financing, that will transform the Union Park area into a new neighborhood of more than 3,600 condos, brownstones, lofts, and apartments; over 2 million square-feet of office space; half a million square-feet of retail space; three hotel-casinos with just under 2,000 rooms; a new city hall; a performing arts center; an Alzheimer’s research facility; and more.

To tie the new development to old Las Vegas, some or all of The Plaza hotel will have to be demolished so the Fremont Street Experience can be extended into the new area. It would extend past Main Street and end in a circular plaza that would be linked to the main boulevard of shops, restaurants, and casinos in the new area.

The schedule for development of the region goes something like this: approval is expected this week, work out contracts and financing over the next two years while streets and other infrastructure are put in, then the building boom with the first phases opening by the end of this decade.

Of course there is a lot that could torpedo some or all of this proposal, much like many of the other grand ideas that have been dreamed up for the land.
http://www.vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm
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Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies:

Brian Rouff, author of the Las Vegas novels “Dice Angel” and “Money Shot,” will be signing copies of his books at Rejavanate Coffee Lounge, 3300 E. Flamingo Rd., on Sunday, June 4, from 2 - 5 PM.

NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” is holding auditions at the Las Vegas Hilton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 3.

The Venetian’s new poker room, which opened April 2, is off to a very slow start, industry sources say. Despite having the third-largest poker room — after Caesars Palace and the Bellagio — and arguably the spashliest, The Venetian has had only the ninth-largest share of the poker market since it opened, analysts say. The Bellagio, for example, has had better than a 20 percent share of the poker market since April 2, while The Venetian has had only about 4 percent market share, with only one-fifth of its seats in use on average. Venetian sources say a series of television promotions should be enough to take the level of business where it should be going. Article by Rod Smith
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/May-14-Sun-2006/business/7343168.html

It’s just been announced that as of May 15, ticket prices for the Blue Man
Group will be $65, $85, and $110. This in contrast to the prior prices of $98.50 and $126. Sky-high show prices appear to have finally run up against some downward pressure. (from The Las Vegas Advisor)

Vegas bon vivant Monti Rock III has announced “The Monti Rock III 2006 Country Western Birthday Party” May 25 at Hogs & Heifers Saloon in downtown Las Vegas. Never one to resort to hyperbole, I will say that this will be the greatest party in the 101-year history of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

Pure Management Group has announced the opening of Social House, its first full-scale restaurant project, atop Tangerine at Treasure Island. Social House’s theme is “sushi, sake, socialize.” As Pure managing partner Robert Frey says in a statement: “Social House will be jaw-dropping gorgeous and offer dining in a high-octane, energetic atmosphere.” It opens in mid-August.
Las Vegas SUN: John Katsilometes

The World Poker Tour is currently filming the third annual ‘The Mirage Poker Showdown,’ an official World Poker Tour event. Steve Lipscomb, president and chief executive officer of WPT Enterprises, Inc., said, “We are very excited to be kicking off our season five at The Mirage. The excitement and energy of this casino helps to set the tone for the entire season. We always look forward to being here.”
http://www.lasvegasfoodservice.com/newsletter.shtml

Las Vegas continues to break all sorts of records with the ever-popular month of March leading the way. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, more than 3.4 million people visited our fair city in March, buoyed in part by the legalized sports betting involved with March Madness and the Vegas stop of the NASCAR tour, the state’s largest live sporting event. It is the highest monthly visitor count in local history! Way to go Vegas!
http://www.lasvegasfoodservice.com/newsletter.shtml

Terrible’s Casino is undergoing Phase I of their expansion project which includes an expanded casino floor, a new hotel tower, a new 500-space parking garage
and a celebrity grand opening expected this summer.

Sapporo, a high-energy Japanese-influenced restaurant has opened at Grand Flamingo Centre, 9719 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. The restaurant features
three distinctive menus with incomparable Teppan Yaki, Sushi and Pacific Rim dishes prepared by experienced chefs, offering tastes suitable to every diner. Food service begins daily at 4p.

The Flamingo Las Vegas is expected to announce Friday that Toni Braxton, the pop singer known for hits such as “Breathe Again” and “You’re Makin’ Me High,” will be its new resident headliner.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” probably won’t reopen downtown at the Plaza. A spokesman for the producers, Jarrett-Martini Productions, says the rights to the Fats Waller tribute show have been pulled because a new national tour of the title is in the works. The local production might get another chance if it’s decided that the tour won’t visit Las Vegas.
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

The going-away party for Rita Rudner will have to wait a little longer at New York-New York. The comedian is still moving to Harrah’s Las Vegas to replace Clint Holmes on Oct. 2. But instead of closing in June — a summer engagement in London had been discussed — Rudner will now stay through Aug. 26 and then take a month’s vacation.
reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

Earlier this month, “Legends in Concert” kicked off its 24th consecutive year at the Imperial Palace and holds the distinction of being the longest-running independently owned production show on the Las Vegas Strip. Since opening on May 5, 1983, with impersonators Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, Bobby Darin and Elvis, 70 celebrities have been impersonated on the Imperial Theatre stage. The most impersonated act has been the man once nicknamed “Elvis the Pelvis,” with 16 different performers paying tribute to the legendary “King of Rock and Roll.”

Reba McEntire, who returns to headline at the Las Vegas Hilton June 7-11 and 14-18, will be busy on television, appearing on “The Late Late Show” (CBS) hosted by Craig Ferguson on May 22; “The Early Show” (CBS) interviewed by Hannah Storm on May 22 and/or Tuesday, May 23; “Inside Edition” for a segment to air week of May 22; and “Entertainment Tonight” for a segment to air week of May 22. Reba will host the Academy of Country Music Awards (CBS) on May 23.

The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook recently posted their ever popular NFL games of the year. This includes all the Sunday night, Monday night, and other marquee match-ups throughout the entire season. The SuperBook also posted the entire first week’s schedule just a month ago. More than 95 games were posted early. “This gives our guests the opportunity to wager on a particular game even though they might not be in Las Vegas on game day,” says Jay Kornegay, executive director of the Superbook. These lines will remain open for wagering throughout the entire season with the SuperBook staff updating them every Sunday once the season starts. In this case, maybe the early bird does get the worm.
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Hooters Casino Hotel and Hooters Restaurants of Las Vegas Host 2006 Swimsuit Contest Series.

Beginning Saturday, June 3, Hooters Casino Hotel and Hooters Restaurants of Las Vegas will give local patrons the opportunity to cheer for their favorite Hooters Girls as they rise through the ranks in a four-part Las Vegas regional swimsuit competition. The top three Hooters Girls from the series will be entered as the Las Vegas candidates to compete with girls from around the globe for a $50,000 prize at the 10th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant, which takes place in Las Vegas this summer.

The competition kicks off June 3 at 7 p.m. at Hooters of Las Vegas, located at 5675 W. Sahara Ave. The second swimsuit contest is June 10 at 6 p.m. at Hooters of Sunset in Club Madrid, located at 1301 W. Sunset Road in Henderson. The third preliminary swimsuit competition will take place on June 17 at 7 p.m., poolside at Hooters Casino Hotel. From each of these three swimsuit contests, five contestants will be chosen to compete in the finals. The finals will be an invitation-only event at “13” Martini Bar within Hooters Casino Hotel on June 24 at 7 p.m. From the 15 candidates competing in the finals, three Hooters Girls will qualify to compete on behalf of Las Vegas in the International Swimsuit Pageant on July 25.

“The Hooters swimsuit pageants have long been a favorite event for Hooters customers all over the world, and having just opened the world’s first Hooters Casino Hotel, we’re very excited to get this year’s pageant festivities started,” said Richard Langlois, SVP of Marketing for Hooters Casino Hotel. “We’ve partnered with Hooters Restaurants of Las Vegas to bring our guests these four exciting events in the month of June, and whether people are attending at the Sahara or Sunset locations, or here at the casino, we’re going to give them an incredibly fun evening … what else would you expect from Hooters? And I may be biased, but I will be shocked if the winner of the international pageant isn’t from Las Vegas.”

Now in its 10th year, the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant brings together more than 100 Hooters Girls, chosen from more than 15,000 Hooters Girls worldwide who presently work in the chain’s 400 restaurants. The pageant showcases the semi-finalists in evening gowns and swimsuits, and offers a first place prize valued at $50,000, historically including opportunities ranging from modeling contracts to live appearances with today’s hottest stars. The winner of the pageant also serves as the company’s spokesperson for the year.

To be considered for the pageant, candidates must be currently employed as a Hooters Girl at either a restaurant or at Hooters Casino Hotel. Many have utilized the position as a launch pad to modeling and acting careers, starting out as servers in Hooters Restaurants, and eventually enjoying the success as a Hooters Calendar Girl, which brings with it hundreds of well-paying promotional opportunities, international travel, incredible exposure and more. Hooters Casino Hotel is always looking for vivacious, friendly and fit women to work as Hooters Girls at the property and have many different positions available from food or cocktail servers, to bartenders or table game dealers. No experience is necessary, just the Hooters Girl “look” and the right attitude. Hooters Girls at Hooters Casino Hotel enjoy very flexible hours and excellent benefits. To learn more about the benefits or to apply for a position as a world-famous Hooters Girl, visit www.hooterscasinohotel.com.
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Photo Of The World’s Largest Buffet At The Las Vegas Hilton:

World’s Largest Buffet: From the folks who brought you “plop, plop, fizz, fizz” came last Tuesday’s record-breaking gluttony. The Las Vegas Hilton played host to what was touted as the world’s largest buffet. The spread included 510 dishes in all and
was sponsored by Alka-Seltzer.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-02-Sun-2006/living/6609757.html
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SUITE FANTASY from “Lenny’s Las Vegas”

Las Vegas is and always has been a city of fantasy and The Palms is making sure it stays that way. It just opened its Fantasy Suites inside the new $250-million Fantasy Tower. Located on the Fantasy Tower’s 25th and 26th floors, the Fantasy Suites range from 1,500 to 4,200 square feet and each suite features custom furnishings and never-before-seen amenities. The Kingpin Suite, a retro-style party room, has two full-size bowling lanes. The Erotic Suite features leather and metal finishes, an eight-foot round, rotating bed and a Show Shower equipped with special lighting and a dancer pole.

Other Fantasy Suites include the Celebrity, Director’s, Hot Pink, Crib and g-Suite, all built with extra sound insulation (hmmm, wonder why). The Fantasy Suites follow in the footsteps of the Palms’ Hardwood Suite, the only hotel room in the world with an indoor basketball court. And don’t forget the first Playboy Club in 25 years will open at The Palms later this year.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lenny/2006/0308.html
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CineVegas countdown by Carol Cling

The clock’s ticking for local filmmakers hoping to participate in the 2006 CineVegas film festival, which returns to the Palms June 9-17.

With a showcase devoted to Silver State filmmakers, festival organizers hope to feature movies “about Nevada in general,” not “just dice and poker cards,” comments Mike Plante, associate director of programming.

CineVegas also adds a Nevada-style twist to this year’s festival: money. For the first time, cash prizes will be awarded, with $10,000 going to the jury’s pick for best feature and $1,000 for the top short.

Submission deadline is April 21. Click on www.cinevegas.com or call 992-7979 for entry details.

Article from “Shooting Stars”
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Mar-13-Mon-2006/living/6293220.html
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Playboy Hollywood Comedy Tour

Show Dates:
June 10, 17, 2006
July 8, 15, 2006
Aug. 12, 19, 2006
Sept. 9, 16, 2006
Oct. 14, 21, 2006
Nov. 11, 18, 2006
Dec. 9, 2006

The Playboy Comedy Tour is a side-splitting night of entertainment featuring America’s finest nationally-known comics.

Cort Mccown and Paul Hughes originally created the show in Los Angeles, featuring comedians such as Dane Cook, Tommy Davidson, Bobby Lee and Sarah Silverman. Now the show has come to Vegas.

Recent performers have included Colin Quinn, Tommy Davidson, Jim Norton, Doug Stanhope and Jeffrey Ross.

From www.vegas.com
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SHOW REVIEW: Danny Gans.
Trying to Impress: Danny Gans, acutely aware of reviews, has updated his act. By Mike Weatherford

That Danny Gans sure makes a good first impression. But is he the guy you want to stick with?

The singing impressionist is back in stride at The Mirage, emerging last month from a three-month break for surgeries on a hand and rotator cuff. He returns with the energy of his early days in Las Vegas and a tighter act that should keep him in the top tier of Vegas shows for older audiences with $100 to spare.

Especially those who haven’t seen him before.

Article from the Las Vegas Review Journal.
More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Mar-10-Fri-2006/weekly/6242498.html
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MIKE WEATHERFORD: ‘Phantom,’ Beatles show to attract national attention.

So much for things slowing down after Memorial Day. The question is whether the two biggest Las Vegas shows of 2006 can both open in June without one stealing all the thunder.

“Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular,” the shortened but technologically souped-up version of Broadway’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” opens at The Venetian June 4, with a grand opening gala on June 24.

The Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show at The Mirage also looks to drop within that time frame. An announcement of the show’s official title, opening date and ticket prices could come as early as next week. It’s up to Cirque management to decide if they want to get on the same square with “Phantom” or distance themselves.

More here from the Las Vegas Review Journal
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-13-Thu-2006/living/6702863.html
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TOURIST TRADE: Monorail, ‘The Deuce’ competing.
Double-decker bus takes riders up and down Strip.

An old-fashioned bus could be sucking riders away from the high-tech Las Vegas Monorail, which carried far fewer riders but made about as much money last month as in March 2005, according to monorail data released Thursday.

Citizens Area Transit’s “The Deuce” double-decker bus service, which launched on the Strip earlier this year, is believed to have played a role in the monorail drawing just 21,204 daily passengers last month. That’s well short of the 32,324 people who took trains every day in March 2005.

More here from The Las Vegas Review Journal.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-14-Fri-2006/news/6860132.html
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SHOW REVIEW: Louie Anderson by Mike Weatherford
‘Larger Than Life’: Louie Anderson showcases renewed energy at Excalibur.

You’re sure to know Louie Anderson has been working casino crowds a long time when he can come up with a joke about residential appraisers.

This comes during the “Hi, what’s your name? Whattaya do?” part of the show, a place comedians usually don’t go unless they’re ready to deal with any answer they get.

Anderson has been a Las Vegas headliner since 1987, so it’s a ground ball when Kenny, the appraiser sitting up front at Excalibur, mentions his work for mortgage companies.

More of the review from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-14-Fri-2006/weekly/6765190.html
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PAULA’S STILL TALKING

“American Idol” judge Paula Abdul reportedly was close to a deal earlier this year that would have her choreograph the Silverton’s new underwater show.

It’s “still in negotiations,” a publicist said by e-mail.

There’s been speculation that the Silverton has backed off, waiting for some negative headlines to cool down.

Two Silverton employees said they were fired in January because Abdul complained that she missed a 7 a.m. flight.

The 1980s pop music star was in the news again last week when she accused her former agent of attacking her at an after-hours private party this month in Los Angeles.
reviewjournal.com — News - NORM: Sinister Minister’s got odds on him
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International deal:

The televised poker world expands again with the inaugural Intercontinental Poker Championship, which was set to take place over the weekend at the Palms.

The 21 invited poker pros, representing 21 different countries, include Costa Rica’s Humberto Brenes, China’s Johnny Chan, Lebanon’s Sammy Farha, Canadian native Daniel Negreanu, Britain’s Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott and veteran Doyle Brunson, who’s captured 10 World Series of Poker bracelets.

As in other televised poker tournaments, they’re playing no-limit Texas hold ‘em — with a $500,000 prize, a trophy and international bragging rights at stake.

CBS will broadcast eight tournament episodes on its Saturday “CBS Sports Spectacular” starting June 17.
reviewjournal.com — Living - SHOOTING STARS
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SHOOTING STARS: ‘Top Chef’ finale at MGM
By Carol Cling

It’s prep time for Bravo’s “Top Chef,” which is gearing up for a late April shoot at the MGM Grand.

That location shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering that “Top Chef’s” chef-in-chief, Tom Colicchio, counts the MGM Grand’s Craftsteak as part of his culinary empire.

Although “Top Chef” is based in another gourmet haven, San Francisco, Bravo officials opted to stage the finale in Las Vegas, according to Andy Cohen, Bravo’s vice president of programming and production.

Beyond the built-in glitz factor, Las Vegas “represents a huge crossroads of what’s happening in the restaurant world,” Cohen notes. “All of the best chefs in the country are creating show palaces for themselves in Las Vegas.”

As for the MGM Grand, “we’re excited about exploiting that property” and the restaurants there, he adds. “The episode and the challenges we’ve come up with are emblematic of Las Vegas.”
reviewjournal.com — Living - SHOOTING STARS: ‘Top Chef’ finale at MGM
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The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil

Preview performances begin June 2 for The Beatles LOVE, the latest Cirque du Soleil production which celebrates the musical legacy of The Beatles. The Gala Premiere will be held Friday, June 30, 2006. LOVE will be presented exclusively at The Mirage in Las Vegas. This joint artistic venture marks the first time that The Beatles company, Apple Corps Ltd., has agreed to a major theatrical partnership. The project was born out of a personal friendship and mutual admiration between the late George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté.

LOVE will bring the magic of Cirque du Soleil together with the spirit and passion behind the most beloved rock group of all time to create a vivid, intimate and powerful entertainment experience.

Sir George Martin, The Beatles original producer, and his son Giles Martin have been working with the entire archive of Beatles recordings to create the musical component for LOVE. The result is an unprecedented approach to the music for a stage production. “After spending more than 40 years of my life working with The Beatles and their wonderful music, I am thrilled to be working with it once again, on this exciting project with Cirque du Soleil,” said Sir George Martin, “The show will be a unique and magical experience.”

Using the master tapes at Abbey Road Studios, Sir George and Giles have created a unique soundscape for LOVE. “I think we will achieve a real sense of drama with the music, the audience will feel as though they are actually in the theatre with the band. People are going to be knocked out by what they are hearing!” said Giles Martin.

Dominic Champagne directed and wrote the original concept for the show which captures the essence of love that John, Paul, George and Ringo inspired during their astonishing adventure together. LOVE evokes the exuberant and irreverent spirit of The Beatles. “When we embarked on this extraordinary adventure in 2002,” said Gilles Ste-Croix, Show Concept Creator and Director of Creation, “we set out to create a timeless, three-dimensional evocation of The Beatles music. Drawn from the poetry of the lyrics, we developed a preliminary concept that explored the content of the songs in a series of scenes inhabited by real and imaginary people.” The international cast of 60 channels a raw, youthful energy underscored by aerial performance, extreme sports and urban, freestyle dance.

LOVE will be presented in a custom-built theatre at The Mirage featuring 360° seating and advanced high definition video projections with 100-foot digital, moving images. The panoramic surround sound system will envelop the audience who will experience The Beatles music like never before.

TICKET PRICES:*$150, $125, $99, $69All preview performances* will be discounted 25 percent.*Preview performances for LOVE begin June 2 and run through June 29. During these performances, the creative team is in the very final stages of production. The audience’s reaction and participation is an important step in this process. The artistic direction of LOVE reserves the right to interrupt the performance to make adjustments as necessary.

SHOW SCHEDULE:Preview performances will be presented nightly at 7:00pm. In addition, there will 10:30pm performances on limited dates. Please consult the most current show schedule at www.cirquedusoleil.com . Schedule is subject to change without notice.
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Red Rock Station Preview By Rick Garman

Las Vegas’ newest resort hotel promises to offer some astounding views of the wildlife in the city. No, we’re not talking about Paris Hilton trolling some trendy nightclub, we’re talking about honest to goodness views of nature as Red Rock Station prepares to open its doors this week. Perched on the far western edge of the city, Red Rock Station will offer dramatic panoramas of the nearby Red Rock Natural Conservancy Area on one side and The Las Vegas Strip in distance on the other. Built at an estimated cost of about $925 million, the hotel is the latest from the Station Casinos chain that developed such hits at Green Valley Ranch, Sunset Station, Boulder Station, and more. The hotel is situated on about 70 acres of land at Charleston Boulevard and Interstate 215. For those of you unfamiliar with the area, Charleston is the next major street north of Sahara (just past The Stratosphere) and Red Rock sits about 11 miles due west. Although done in a contemporary style, the hotel seems to have an evocatively retro feeling, with lots of clean lines, wood, and stonework bringing to mind a ‘60s era hip-ness. It’s definitely upscale but like sister Green Valley Ranch manages to not be at all stuffy or intimidating. There are 415 rooms in the first phase opening April 19th but an additional 435 rooms will be added soon. Each room is over 500 square-feet making them larger than most in Las Vegas but not as big as those at say The Venetian or Wynn. These are more on par with what you’ll find at Bellagio or Mandalay Bay. The appointments of the guest rooms, however, will certainly compete with the big boys. Each room is filled with lots of wood and marble, high-thread-count linens and very posh furnishings, voice-over IP internet phones, 42” high definition plasma televisions, iPod docking stations, guest robes and slippers, automated private bars, and 15” LCD televisions in the bathroom. The casino is about 80,000 square-feet and features more than 3,000 slot and video poker machines (all cashless with ticket-in, ticket-out technology), 62 table games, a race and sports book, a poker room, a bingo parlor, and a keno lounge. It will be tied to the corporate parent’s very popular Boarding Pass players’ club so you can gamble and cash in your rewards points at any casino in their chain. It will also be a part of the Jumbo Jackpot promotion, a progressive jackpot that is awarded at random to a player using a club card at any machine at any of their casinos and can be worth between $100,000 and $150,000. If you’re hungry, they’ve got you covered with nine restaurants and a food court. On the menu are a 24-hour café, another branch of their popular Feast Buffet, a Mexican restaurant, an Italian bistro, a steakhouse, an oyster bar, a diner, and a branch of the very famous Salt Lick BBBQ from Texas. Even their food court takes it to the next level with an outlet for Capriotti’s, the local sandwich shop that serves up some of the best Italian subs this side of, well, Italy. For entertainment beyond the casino, there is 16-screen movie theater, several bars and lounges, and a new nightclub from Rande Gerber called Cherry that features its own private outdoor pool area. Speaking of pools, this one has a doozy. The three acre Sandbar Pool Backyard is the centerpiece of the resort with a pool and beach area, that features a main pool with an interactive fountain feature; a private pool area; cabanas; wading pools; a poolside gaming environment, featuring blackjack tables; a café; and poolside beverage service. The pool area also will serve as an entertainment venue and can host a variety of public and private events and concerts for as many as to 3,000 people. Staying here will not be cheap but may still offer you a level of comfort and amenities found at much more expensive hotels. Rack rates are being quoted as $129 and up but a quick glance at their rate calendar was showing prices starting at around $155 during the week and going up to around $300 with weekends starting around $185 and going as high as $400. I’ll be bringing you a full review of Red Rock Station soon. For information, contact details, website, and more visit the Red Rock Station page on Vegas4Visitors.com.
http://www.vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm
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Las Vegas Q and A By Rick Garman

Question: Don’t tell my wife but I’ve been to a strip club or two in my time, but I’ve never been to one in Las Vegas. Is there anything special I should know and which ones are the best?

Answer: I’m not sure what the laws in Oklahoma are but in Las Vegas they are pretty restrictive when it comes to what can and cannot happen in a strip club. There is an entire board of people who draw city and county government paychecks whose jobs involve discussion of what can touch what and for how long. Seriously.

Anyway, the gist of it is this: look but don’t touch. No matter how friendly the girls seem or how many lap dances you buy, it is all purely for show so keep your hands to yourself and everything should be fine.

It’s also important to remind folks that prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas no matter what you’ve heard so don’t be offering the girls a little extra for a little extra if you get my drift. And if they make the offer refuse immediately and tell the management before you get caught up in something that will make your Vegas vacation less than entertaining.

The last thing to keep in mind is if the club serves alcohol the ladies can only go topless so if you’re looking for the Full Monty you will have to get by with club soda. There is one exception to this rule in Las Vegas but the place is so far out of the way and so dingy that I wouldn’t recommend it no matter how desperate you are.

As far as “the best” strip club it’s really all a matter of taste and budget. There are dozens to choose from but for the most part like anything else the more you pay the better the quality of entertainment and surroundings. Places like Sapphire and Treasures are very upscale and it shows, while places like Cheetah’s and Déjà Vu are a little more, uh, earthy shall we say, without being trashy.

You can find information on these and a few other recommended strip clubs in the Nightlife section of Vegas4Visitors.com.

Question: Were coming back to Las Vegas this fall for the fifth time and I’ve been arguing with my husband about wanting to do new things. He thinks that the city is all about The Strip but I know there’s a lot more to do and I want to see something new. What do you recommend?

Answer: Great question, Monica. To answer, I’m going to provide another exclusive excerpt from my new travel guide Moon Handbooks Las Vegas entitled “Las Vegas For Repeat Visitors.” According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, only one out of every five people headed to Vegas is going for the first time. I believe them and not just because they have the word “authority” in their title. During my travels and exploits in and around Las Vegas, it’s rare that you find someone who isn’t making a return trip to the city.

What is rare, however, are people who take advantage of that return trip to do things differently and experience another side of Las Vegas. Most people stay in the same hotel, eat in the same restaurants, and even gamble at the same type of slot machines every single time.

But this city is about excitement and adventure and there is a lot more to it than what you’ll find on The Strip.

The first thing you need to do is broaden your accommodations horizons. Staying in Downtown Las Vegas, the Lake Las Vegas area, or at one of the dozens of neighborhood casino hotels around town will not only give you a fresh perspective, it’ll probably save you a ton of money. With a couple of notable exceptions (The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranch), the room rates in the hotels you’ll find in these areas are a fraction of what you’ll pay on The Strip.

Downtown may not be as freshly scrubbed as The Strip but it has that great, smoky, “Old Vegas” feel that’ll make it okay for you to actually say, “Vegas, baby, yeah!” without getting laughed at. The Golden Nugget and Main Street Station are just a couple of the good hotel choices and while entertainment and dining options are a bit more limited (the light and sound show under the canopy at the Fremont Street Experience is one of the few “must-sees” in the area), you’ll find smaller crowds, lower prices on everything, and a more friendly vibe in the casinos (with statistically better odds of winning). That can be a refreshing change from the hyper-kinetic, go-go-go of The Strip.

Lake Las Vegas is about 17 miles east of The Strip but it seems to be on some distant planet when you compare the general attitude of the two locations. The stunning man-made lake surrounded by golf-courses, expensive homes, hotels, shopping, and recreation opportunities is tailor made for those who need a relaxing getaway. The Ritz-Carlton is not only one of the best hotels in Las Vegas, it is considered to be one of the best in the world. Its combination of elegant accommodations, stellar service, and world-class amenities are so seductive you may find yourself coming up with ways to extend your stay because you won’t want to leave.

Adjacent to the Ritz you’ll find MonteLago Village, a beautiful shopping and entertainment village modeled after an Italian seaside town complete with candy colored paint schemes, cobblestone streets, and terra cotta roofs. There are a couple of great restaurants, lots of boutiques that will make your credit cards itch to be used, and even a small casino with some of the friendliest dealers in town.

While you’re there you can go golfing on one of several championship courses, go horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, fly-fishing… oh, the list goes on and on. This is a recreation lover’s paradise.

Around town there are dozens of what are commonly referred to as neighborhood or “locals’” hotel/casinos, located in mostly residential neighborhoods and drawing mostly a crowd of locals (see how that works?). Because they have to appeal to a broader demographic and one that, generally speaking, doesn’t want to spend as much money as tourists, these hotels offer a little something for everyone usually at a drastically reduced rate. Hotels like Texas Station, Orleans, Sam’s Town, and Sunset Station all offer simple accommodations but then load on the extras like huge casinos, inexpensive buffets and restaurants, bars, lounges, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and much more.

But they’re not all cheap. Green Valley Ranch Resort on the southern end of town and the JW Marriott in the northwest section of town are beautiful spa-resort style places usually less pricey than The Strip but not by much.

The one part about a return visit to Las Vegas you can’t pass up is the opportunity to sample the food at restaurants located off the beaten track. Yes, The Strip is the place for brand name, Food Network chefs and really high prices but you can go all over town for meals that are just as good if not better and often less expensive. Examples would be Rosemary’s on the west side of town offering a continental flair; Como at Lake Las Vegas offers a fun twist on a steakhouse; and speaking of steaks, you can’t do any better at any price anywhere in the city than Austins Steakhouse at Texas Station in the northern part of town.

Entertainment and diversions are a little more limited once you get off The Strip but there are still plenty of places to go like museums, sporting and recreation facilities, shopping areas, and, oh yeah, lots and lots of casinos. There are gambling halls big and small everywhere in this city and exploring some of the independently operated ones can be a hoot. Heck, you can gamble in the local convenience store if the mood strikes you, although if you drop more than a quarter just for a giggle you might want to have a friend hold your wallet for you.

For more information on my new travel guide Moon Handbooks Las Vegas, visit the special Moon Handbooks section on Vegas4Visitors.com.
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The Mob Returns To Las Vegas In `The Sopranos Last Supper’

Comedy-musical spoof opens at KRAVE with 2-1/2 show, 4-course dinner Finally a Las Vegas dinner show is opening in Las Vegas - “The Sopranos Last Supper” wants to make you an offer you can’t refuse at KRAVE.

The posh theatre will go Italian-style and host
this two-and-a-half-hour interactive dinner theatre musical-comedy based upon the hit TV series. It’s at the Aladdin on the corner of The Strip and Harmon. For tickets or info call (702) SEE TONY (8669) or
1-800-944-5639 or log on to sopranosvegas.com.

Picture this: You enter when the doors open at 5 p.m. thru the old Blue Note on the left at KRAVE into a lobby with a bar and appetizers. At 6 p.m. Thursdays thru Saturdays you are entering the world of “The Sopranos” only this is a comedy-musical with dancing and interactive dinner theater which includes Italian food with vino.

Here’s a small sample of the enormous menu: eight different kinds of salads from Portobello Mushroom Salad to Orzo Salad. There are up to 13 entrees ranging from Traditional Meat Lasagne to Chicken with Mushrooms and Madera Wine Sauce. The five types of meat include Turkey Breast to Pitted Ham. There will be Pasta of Shell and Ravioli with three sauces to choose from in this four-course dinner. Dessert will be Italian, of course. The spectacular menu will offer a variation of Italian desserts. Nobody will go home hungry! Capice’

It’s about time a Las Vegas show came to Las Vegas! So come join “the family” and meet the mob for some gamblin’, dancing and dining. Grab your chance to get inducted into the mob! Have some good ol’ mobster fun. This is comedy redefined based on the hottest TV series to return to cable TV.

The show features singing great Jon Mattalia of Sicilian heritage as the band leader too along with a cast of 20 making up The Commission and a three-piece band. You will see some of the hottest dancers in Las Vegas along with a live music. The Boston Herald says, “It’s so funny it’s a crime!” The San Diego Reader says, “It’s a hit!” Sangus Living calls it “A real mob hit!” Produced by Dillstar Productions, it’s currently playing in San Diego, Chicago and Boston.

Enjoy a wild and interactive spoof of the hit series you know and love. Join all your favorite “wise guys” and “mob girls” for a night of hilarious comedy, a four-course meal and Mafia madness! Be a part of Tony’s big party before the “big rouse” as you get “made” into the family. Tony Soprano is making an offer you can’t refuse. Ticket prices are $95 for general admission plus tax, preferred seating is $125 plus tax, premium seating is $150 plus tax and special privacy booths including a bottle of wine or champagne per ticket plus a line pass is $500 including tax. All of these prices include a fabulous four-course dinner plus a glass of wine or substitute beverage. This is the best dinner show in Vegas!
Source:www.casinotravelnews.com

“The Sopranos’s Last Supper” $20 OFF COUPON
CLICK HERE for a printable $20 off coupon to the new show “The Soprano’s Last Supper” which opens April 6th at the KRAVE Nightclub at The Aladdin.
http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/sopranos.jpg/sopranos.jpg
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Mandalay Bay Presents 2006 Concerts On The Beach
Some new names, a few old favorites and a couple of “must sees” make up this year’s outstanding line-up for Mandalay Bay’s “Concerts on the Beach” series. The beach concert season runs May through September on the Mandalay Beach Stage, which rises over the Four Diamond resort’s signature sand and surf wavepool. For seven summers, this one-of-a-kind concert venue has drawn some of the best names in the music business. Concert-goers are invited to bring their blankets, sit on the beach or wade in the surf and listen to the music from the cool confines of Mandalay Bay’s 1.6 million gallon wavepool.

Sugarland
Sugarland’s performance is scheduled for Sunday, May 21 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $37.50 and $42.50 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

It’s no surprise that two successful singer/songwriters with years of experience can make an album filled with solid, intelligent music. However, the members of Sugarland themselves are slightly shocked that the songs they made together have become extremely fresh-sounding and unfailingly optimistic. The Atlanta-based duo features Jennifer Nettles, a powerhouse singer with some “twang,” and Kristian Bush, a local folk/rock hero.

REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon’s performance is scheduled for Saturday, June 10 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $50 and $55 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

Since the release of REO Speedwagon’s first record in 1971, the band that started out in a rented Chevy station wagon playing bars across America has produced 17 critically acclaimed albums, scored 13 top 40 singles, including two Billboard No. 1 hits, and sold more than 40 million records. The band performed at President Clinton’s 1996 Inaugural Ball as well as appeared on the Howard Stern Show, Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, VH-1’s Rock ‘n Roll Jeopardy and The Today Show.

The current chapter of the REO Speedwagon story began when lead singer/songwriter Kevin Cronin, keyboardist and founding member Neal Doughty and bass guitarist Bruce Hall joined forces with former Ted Nugent lead guitarist Dave Amato and studio drummer Bryan Hitt to form the new and improved REO Speedwagon.

Go-Go’s
The Go-Go’s performance is scheduled for Friday, June 23 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $37.50 and $40 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

The group first hit the music scene in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s becoming one of the first commercially successful female groups independent of male producers and managers. It was their hit singles “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “Vacation” that marked the group’s popularity. The band first known as The Misfits, featured Belinda Carlisle (vocals), Jane Wiedlin (guitar, vocals), Charlotte Caffey (lead guitar, keyboards), Margot Olaverra (bass) and Elissa Bello (drums). In 1978, the group changed their name to the Go-Go’s and began playing at local parties and small clubs in California. One year later, Gina Schock replaced Bello on drums. Olaverra became ill in late 1980, was unable to perform, and as a result the group added Kathy Valentine to their line-up.

Styx
The Styx performance is scheduled for Saturday, June 24 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $37.50 and $42 .50 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

In November 1970, James “JY” Young joined Chuck and John Panozzo, Dennis De Young and John Curulewski to form the group Styx. In 1972 they released their first album, Styx, and later released Equinox which earned gold and yielded the Top 40 hit “Lorelai.” Alabama singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw replaced outgoing member Curulewski in 1975. The group later reunited with new drummer Todd Sucherman, keyboardist and third vocalist Lawrence Gowan and bass player Ricky Phillips. Over the span of more than three decades Styx has recorded 26 albums.

Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band
Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band featuring Rod Argent, Mark Hudson, Billy Squire, Richard Marx, Sheila E. and Edgar Winter are scheduled to perform Saturday, July 1 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $65 and $68 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

To date, Ringo Starr has released 23 solo records, which includes 14 studio albums, and continues to tour regularly with his All Starr Band. Starr’s music, as a solo artist and as a Beatle, permeates with his personality, warmth and humor, and his exceptional musicianship. Starr’s hits, popular among his fans, include “With A Little Help From My Friends,” “Don’t Pass Me By,” “Octopus’ Garden,” “Photograph,” “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Never Without You.”

The All Starr show will feature each All Starr singing their greatest hits which include “With A Little Help From My Friends,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Photograph,” “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Hold Your Head Up,” “Don’t Mean Nothin’,” “Free Ride,” “The Stroke,” “Everybody Wants You” and “Glamorous Life.”

Beach Boys
The Beach Boys’ performance is scheduled for Sunday, July 2 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $42 and $47 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

The Beach Boys captured the hearts and souls of beach lovers in the 1960s with “Surfin” one of their first hits. It was the combination of three brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson along with cousin, Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine that created a legacy which would continue for more than 40 years. Their chart-topping songs include “California Girls,” “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “I Get Around.” However, it was their biggest hit, “Kokomo,” in 1988 that knocked all previous records out of the water . To these guys, the beach isn’t just a place where the surf comes to play – it’s where life is renewed and made whole again.

Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert’s performance is scheduled for Friday, July 7 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $30 and $35 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

Lambert toured her home state’s music circuit throughout 2002 and placed two songs from her CD on the Texas music charts. In January 2003 Lambert finished first in the Texas auditions for the national telecast Nashville Star competition. The teen left home for the first time and moved to Nashville to appear on the TV series. Of the 8,000 initial contestants, Lambert finished third on the show’s finale five months later. She harmonized with winner Buddy Jewell on his Sony CD. On Sept. 15, 2003 she too became a Sony artist.

Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar’s performance is scheduled for Saturday, July 22 at 9 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $42 and $47 the day of the show. For reservations call the Mandalay Bay box office at (702) 632-7580.

Chrysalis Records discovered Benatar in the 1970s at the New York City club Catch a Rising Star. By 1980, Benatar had a platinum album, Crimes of Passion, and was a certified arena headliner performing hits such as “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Treat Me Right” and “Heartbreaker.” During the ‘80s, Benatar became one of the most -played artists on MTV, enjoyed sold-out tours, received several Grammy Awards
and released five more hit records. She released four additional albums in the ‘90s
and after a five-year hiatus began touring again, co–headlining shows with REO Speedwagon, Fleetwood Mac, the Steve Miller Band and Styx. In 2003 she
released her latest album, Go, complete with her original rock/pop sounds that made her famous.

Please contact the Mandalay Bay Box Office at (702) 632-7580 or go to
www.mandalaybay.com for the most up-to-date concert information.
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Imperial Hawaiian Luau Returns for 15th Year
Pig Out at Poolside Authentic Buffet and Polynesian Revue
It’s time to pig out at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino

For the 15th consecutive year, the hotel presents the Imperial Hawaiian Luau, the Las Vegas Strip’s premier Hawaiian buffet and Polynesian revue. Beginning Tuesday, April 18, the popular seasonal attraction returns by the Shangri-la pool on Tuesdays, Thursdays and – for the first-time ever – Saturday evenings through Oct. 28.

The buffet centerpiece is roasted suckling pig, and while not prepared in a traditional underground pit, executive chef Andy Maeder says six hours of slow roasting guarantees the pork is tender and juicy.

Entrees also feature prime baron of beef, Haleiwa BBQ pork ribs, baked salmon, pan -seared tuna, pork loin, short ribs and huli huli chicken, an Hawaiian specialty. The extensive menu also includes an abundant salad bar including peel-and-eat shrimp and seafood cilantro ceviche, tropical fresh fruits, and a scrumptious variety of mouthwatering desserts. Unlimited mai tais, pina coladas and fruit punch accompany the meal.

The feast is followed by the romantic call of the conch shells, and after participating in hula lessons and sing-a-longs, guests adorned with island leis enjoy an exhilarating and colorful Polynesian music and dance tour through Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii, Fiji and New Zealand. The revue has new costumes and additional dances this season, and show director Rozita Lee says the fire-knife dance – the highlight of the show – is bigger and better than before.

And, as always, the luau is decorated with the Imperial Palace’s signature fruit and vegetable carvings.

For additional information or tickets, call 702.794.3261 or 888.777.7664
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I hope you enjoyed this issue of “Everything Las Vegas. I appreciate your input so please feel free to send me a comment.

Steve

Posted on May 19th, 2006 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter