Everything Las Vegas Issue # 647
December 7th, 2007
Fremont Street East Ready for Visitors
By Rick Garman
It’s been two months since the grand unveiling of the Fremont Street East district and according to everyone concerned it’s shaping up to be quite a hit. In August 2007, the city completed a $5.5 million overhaul of Fremont Street just east (hence the name) of the Fremont Street Experience. Improvements made included the creation of wider sidewalks and more pedestrian-friendly streets; landscaping; lighted gateways and four 40-foot-tall, retro-looking neon signs.
The area had been a bit of a no-man’s land unless you were looking for drugs or prostitutes but now crime in the area is down, foot traffic is up, and business is perhaps not booming but at least doing well enough that the project is being called a success.
Several interesting bars have opened along the stretch including Los Angeles transport Beauty Bar, the fun and funky Griffin, and the sleek and modern Downtown Cocktail Room. In addition, the historic El Cortez has received a major makeover that has turned it into one of the nicest (and yet still affordable) hotels in the neighborhood.
So could this be the start of the revitalization of Downtown that has long been promised but never delivered?
Things are definitely looking up if you look at the list of projects in the area. In addition to the already opened bars and clubs more are on the way including a newly proposed 2,500 seat venue that will house a comedy club and banquet space.
And “The El” is not the only place in the neighborhood that has received some much needed makeover love.
The Golden Nugget is in the midst of a massive (and massively successful) renovation that has returned the luster to the once faded Grande Dame of Downtown. The casino and public areas have been completely revamped, the façade has been redone, there are newly renovated suites, new restaurants and clubs, a gorgeous new pool area, and much more of all of the above on the way.
The Four Queens has gotten some visual upgrades and now Binion’s has a new owner that is promising to do the same at that property as well.
New owners are also swear to get the languishing Lady Luck back on its feet .
Across the street from the Lady Luck, work is underway on turning the historic courthouse into a Mob Museum, a project former mob attorney and current Mayor Oscar Goodman has been trumpeting for years.
New condo towers are going up here and there and while the building boom certainly doesn’t match the one happening on The Strip in terms of scope and size, it’s impressive in this area anyway.
And of course there’s Union Park, the massive 61-acre plot of land adjacent to Downtown that will, some day, be home to a performing arts center, a medical center, hotels, casinos, entertainment, and much more.
Downtown Las Vegas will never be able to compete with The Strip but with projects like these it could finally provide a worthy alternative.
Vegas4Visitors Weekly Column by Rick Garman
Brett's Vegas Views by Jackie Brett
The "Da Vinci Experience," which consists of more than 60 detailed replicas of scientific devices developed by Leonardo da Vinci, is an educational and interactive cultural exhibit open daily at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 South Water Street, through March 2, 2008. The models include a hang glider, a bicycle, a double-hull boat, an air-screw (precursor to the helicopter), a fly wheel, an early tank, a robot, a chamber of mirrors and a movable bridge, among others.
All of the replicas were designed from da Vinci's notebooks, which contain more than 13,000 pages of notes and drawings, and were recreated using the same materials and techniques that would have existed in his time - 15th and 16th centuries. The replicas are organized in three viewing galleries: transportation, military and mechanical.
Other features of the Da Vinci Experience include a theater showing a short film about Leonardo da Vinci, a gallery housing replicas of many of his paintings, interactive computer kiosks and a gift shop. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military, call 702-267-4TIX.
Musical comedian Stephen Sorrentino will present his "Voices In My Head" production at the Suncoast's 450-seat showroom, Dec. 14-16. "Voices In My Head" is a combination of a Las Vegas stage show with showgirls, dancers, costumes, and a classic television variety show with stars of yesterday and today mixed with stand up comedy. Tickets are priced from $19.95, call 702-636-7075 or 877-636-7111.
Sorrentino has been doing impressions since the age of 5. During high school, he learned to play piano, sax, flute and guitar. His musical impressions travel expertly from Joe Cocker to Pavarotti and his world famous Elton John segment is always a show stopper. Sorrentino has headlined in "Legends in Concert" at the Imperial Palace, appeared in a number of independent films, and opened for such superstars as Patti La Belle, Dennis Miller and Dana Carvey.
Harrah's headlining comedy magician Mac King has expanded the recognition of his Magic in a Minute™ brand by teaming up with more than 1,400 Applebee's® restaurants for a nationwide promotion. Based on his nationally syndicated comic strip, "Mac King's Magic in a Minute," King will be launching the brand in the nationwide restaurant chain by creating a children's activity book, kids' menus and cups with the Magic in a Minute™ characters of a cartoon Mac King and his comical sidekick, Lewis the Monkey. The activity book entitled "Holiday Hocus Pocus! Magic, Monkeys & More!" will include magic tricks, jokes, coloring pages and other various activities.
El Cortez owner and Las Vegas legend Jackie Gaughan recently celebrated his 87th birthday with guests at the historic property's lounge. During his Las Vegas career, Gaughan has owned and/or operated the following properties: Boulder Club, Flamingo, Showboat, El Cortez, Union Plaza, Golden Nugget, Las Vegas Club, Gold Spike and Western Hotel. Gaughan still owns downtown's El Cortez that he purchased in 1961. The El Cortez is undergoing $20 million worth of renovations. Most days, Gaughan can be spotted playing at an El Cortez poker table.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm
From: "The Vegas Eye"
Following an amazing performance in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa during the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West returns to the Palms Casino Resort to perform live on New Year’s Eve inside the Pearl Concert Theater. There is no doubt that Kanye West is one of most influential artists in hip-hop today. As a well known producer, Mr. West crossed the line into being in front of the mic when he released his debut LP College Dropout under Roc-A-Fella Records. West wrote, performed and produced on his debut album, allowing his vision and message to always be heard. Presented by Andrew Hewitt and Live Nation, tickets for Kanye West are $153.00 and $203.00, plus any additional service fees. Tickets go on-sale this Friday (11/9). Please visit any Ticketmaster location, call 702-474-4000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.
The White Chocolate Grill Opens
Bringing rich flavors and sheer decadence to Henderson, The White Chocolate Grill, located on south Eastern Avenue opens its doors on December 3rd. The White Chocolate Grill is a contemporary American restaurant, combining the highest quality food with a classic ambiance for an exceptional dining experience. The all-day menu offers a full range of appetizers, sandwiches, entrées and homemade desserts. “We are thrilled to be expanding our concept of honest American dining to the community of Henderson,” said Bobby Fitzgerald, owner and founding partner. “Our take on American cuisine is bold and innovative amongst a contemporary, energized environment.” Located on 9510 Eastern Ave. , The White Chocolate Grill is open from 11am to 10pm seven days a week. For more information, visit www.whitechocolategrill.com .
Hagar's Cabo is Coming to Fremont?
Rumors have it that Downtown Las Vegas may be the next location for Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina. Marco Monroy, Vice President of Cabo Wabo Cantina has been spotted on Fremont Street preparing for a Vegas location at Neonpolis on the corner of Fremont and Las Vegas Blvd.
Marco became a contender and the ultimate winner in Sammy’s competition to find just the right architect for the Cantina, so he built the club.
Having seen the other worldly appeal of the Cabo Wabo lifestyle well ahead of the general public, Marco largely left the world of architecture behind to become part owner and full-time manager of the Cabo Wabo Cantina. His love of architecture still inspires Monroy to continue to design select beautiful buildings and homes in Baja, Mexico. What does Monroy have in store for the Vegas outlet of cabo Wabo Cantina? I am sure it will be a home run!! Monroy has worked side by side with Sammy for over 17 years; including making sure that Cabo Wabo Tequila production goes smoothly, and results in the smoothest product!
She told us not to tell.
Susan Rispoli owner and chef of JR's Place an Italian Kitchen and Gaming on Durango, has the most authentic NY Italian eatery that you are going to get in Las Vegas. Susan Rispoli is in the kitchen preparing her own recipes with her kitchen staff, while you are playing video poker or sitting in the dinning room with friends and family. The outside is very deceiving. JR's appears to be a PUB. Walk in and you find your self in a comfortable villa in tuscany. By the way, another secret of JR's is that the machines are hitting big!! It is worth your while to make JR's a regular weekly stop.JR's Place 5745 South Durango Drive.
Strip House offers holiday menu's.
Strip House, Las Vegas’ hottest new dining destination, offers several appetizing additions to its innovative menu this holiday season. Thanksgiving Day, Strip House will feature three fall favorites such as wild mushroom bisque with crisp pancetta, sage and black truffle butter. This classic entrée comes with chestnut bread stuffing, butternut squash puree, kale and collard greens and balsamic-cranberry sauce with confit giblet gravy. Exclusive Christmas Day menu additions are sure to warm up diners on a cold winter night with The Strip House jumbo lump and Alaskan king crab cake appetizer with a celery root salad and remoulade sauce. One-day only Christmas entrées include a slow roasted bone-in prime rib with horseradish potato pancakes and a sautéed Dover sole with roasted cauliflower served alongside caper salad with brown butter sauce. Several New Year’s Eve menu additions offer a way to start the year off right. Holiday entrée’s include 14 oz. bone-in prime filet mignon, Strip House prime rib with horseradish popovers and broiled or steamed 4 lb. lobster with drawn butter. Strip House is open 5pm – 11pm Sunday – Thursday and 5pm – 11:30pm Friday – Saturday. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call 702.737.5200.
Royal White Tiger Habitat Closes for Burger Joint.
The Royal White Tiger Habitat at The Mirage closes to make way for the latest installment to the resort’s dining destination, BLT Burger by acclaimed chef Laurent Tourondel, is scheduled to open spring 2008. Burger is where the attitude is casual, the burgers are old-school, and the milkshakes are spiked. BLT Burger will serve tender, 100% beef burgers on soft buns with all the burger trimmings the heart could desire, including the usual and the unusual suspects like cheese, bacon, avocado and homemade chili. Choices also abound with five varieties of fries – think sweet potato, waffle-cut and Idaho hand-cut.
Strip House's X Rated Martini Heats Up The Cold Days Of The Holiday Season
Strip House, located inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, heats up the Las Vegas Strip this holiday season with the X Rated Martini. The X Rated Martini, a seductive blend of Christiana Vodka and X Rated Fusion Liqueur, reflects Strip House’s flirty décor, sensual elegance and seductive atmosphere. Sitting atop the bar or on a table in a private corner of the room, the X Rated Martini blends seamlessly into Strip House’s mélange of sultry silks, rich leathers, rosy lighting and Studio Manasse silhouettes. Strip House’s X Rated Martini is served on the stem and comes garnished with a lemon twist. Tempting diners to be a little naughty, its alluring pink glow promises an experience impossible to resist this holiday season.
Strip House, located inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, redefines the traditional steak house. Renowned restaurateurs Peter, Penny and Mathew Glazier, along with Executive Chef John Schenk have created a dining experience unlike any other in Las Vegas. Strip House’s menu includes prime cuts of beef charred to perfection accompanied by side dishes of black truffle creamed spinach, goose fat potatoes, and creamed corn with pancetta. For dessert, experience the decadent 24 Layer Chocolate Cake. Strip House is open 5 – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 5 – 11:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call 702.737.5200.
SUSHI ROKU IS BOOMING WITH EXCITEMENT IN CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YEAR Sushi Roku is offering two wonderful menus on New Year’s Eve to kick off the next 365 days. The five-course menu starts with Kumomoto oysters prepared with diced chilies, yellowtail with Hudson Valley Foie Gras and Salmon alongside golden oscetra caviar. The next dish features halibut sashimi salad tossed in Asian dressing, which delightfully complements the third course of tuna sashimi and soy truffle sauce. The fourth course is prime filet tenderloin accompanying a Japanese wild mushroom ragout. To end the meal, the final plate includes a premium sushi selection. The six-course menu begins 2008 with live sweet shrimp tartar, Oh-Toro with Hudson Valley Foie Gras and king crab beside golden oscetra caviar. Guests can then enjoy the delicious blue fin tuna drizzled in somen and soy truffle before indulging in the Kobe sashimi and yuzu ponzu. The fourth course boasts lobster consommé and is followed by Kobe New York on a Foie Gras crouton covered in black truffle sauce. The final course embraces a premium sushi selection and ends with an unforgettable dessert. New Year’s Eve at Sushi Roku is $90 per person for the five-course menu and $150 per person for the six-course menu. Both meals include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight while enjoying the fireworks on the Las Vegas Strip. Restaurant hours are noon to 1 a.m. for the standard menu and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. for Sushi Roku’s specialty New Year’s Eve menus. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 702.733.7373. Named “Best Japanese” at the 2007 Epicurean Awards presented by Las Vegas Life magazine, Sushi Roku embodies a minimalist style and boasts an extraordinary Strip view. Bamboo, chiseled stone and dark wood décor create a soothing atmosphere. The select menu features California sushi and modern Asian cuisine including signature specialties such as yellowtail sashimi seared in sizzling oil with a splash of ponzu and diced chilies, pan-fried spicy jumbo shrimp, and potatoes and grilled lamb chops marinated in soy garlic sauce to please the palette of the non-sushi diner. At Sushi Roku, tranquility and style unite to create an environment both refreshing and tantalizing to the senses. Funny Business: Comedian Vinnie Favorito Teams Up with World Champion The slot manufacturers offer casinos a payout range low to high when presenting their creations to casinos. Casino management decides the payout range they want to offer players and requests the slot maker to program as directed. Therefore, based on this payout range, these 10 slots have the potential of hitting at the high end of 95% or better. I have listed and reviewed these top 10 in order of payout range from high to low and included the average hit frequency. Let’s explore. 1) White Orchid: IGT. 90-98%. 4 spins. Images of butterflies, tree frogs, fish, bird and topical plants are the theme of this ‘exotic’ slot. There is lots of winning combinations with this game as I describe below. While this is a 40 line machine, if you play max coin of 20 credits/line, you will be triggering all the reels giving you 1024 possible win combinations. There is an option to make a side bet that activates the Bettor Chance feature allowing you to play two ways, the standard 40 lines plus a MultiWay game increasing your win frequency. And more. During the free spin mode, if the triggering symbols appear again, the free game mode starts again. Would you not like to watch those butterflies and birds go round and round and round again? 2) DaVinci Diamonds: IGT. 88-98%. 3 spins.
of Public Speaking, Darren LaCroix, to Host Two-Day Humor Boot Camp. Headlining insult comedian and celebrity roaster, Vinnie Favorito, and the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, Darren LaCroix, will host a Humor Boot Camp™, December 5 and 6 at O’Sheas Casino. The two-day seminar begins Wednesday, December 5 from 8 a.m to 5 p.m and Thursday, December 6 from 8 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will take place inside Favorito’s showroom and will teach participants how to connect with an audience using humor.
Humor Boot Camp™, developed in 1998 by LaCroix, is designed for everyone from salespeople to top-level executives who wish to enhance their public speaking skills by incorporating humor as a means to deliver a message. Favorito and LaCroix will not only teach that humor is a learned skill, but will prove it in just two days. The class will advise on how to make any subject interesting, how to select and arrange your words to have the funniest impact and provide professional feedback. Tuition is $895 per person and includes a money back guarantee, two full-day seminars and a VIP ticket to the “Vinnie Favorito Comedy Show.” For more information log on to www.humorbootcamp.com or call toll free (888) 528-4451.
LaCroix, author, keynote speaker and corporate comedian, was named the Toastmasters 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking after competing against 25,000 people from 14 countries. Prior to his success, LaCroix struggled with public speaking and sought professional help from veteran comic Vinnie Favorito who taught LaCroix the art of humor. LaCroix has extended his knowledge to help others through boot camps, seminars, books and DVDs.
Comedian, celebrity roaster and radio talk show host, Vinnie Favorito, is a veteran in the comedy world. Known for his quick-witted insults and outstanding improvisational skills, Favorito has roasted many well-known celebrities including Jerry Springer, Pat O’Brien, Larry Flynt and Magic Johnson. Together, Favorito and LaCroix will offer a dynamic Boot Camp to teach audiences how to master the art of public speaking through comedy.
As expected, Mona Lisa appears along with the ‘dazzling’ Da Vinci Diamonds.
Gather 3 or more of these dazzlers and you have set off a free spin bonus round.
This game incorporates two features, Tumbling Reels and Cashfall Feature.
With a winning combination on the grid, the triggering reel symbols vanish and new symbols drop down from the top of the screen until all the empty space is filled.
If another paying combination occurs, you again see the tumbling reels continuing until no combos remain.
The Cashfall feature is triggered during the free spin round resulting in bonus credits.
3) The House of the Dead: IGT. 85-98%. 4 spins.
Even though this slot is a basic 3 reeler, the combinations of matching and wild symbols translates into multiplying rewards.
The basic combination is to match the spooky characters on all 3 reels from left to right and then build from there.
Even though the hit frequency at approximately every 4 spins may leave you waiting for a reward this game can increase your credits while awaiting the top jackpot of 250,000 coins.
Doesn’t make it so ‘scary’, right?
4) Good Fortune: Aristocrat. 87-97%. 2-3 spins.
We look to the Chinese for their colorful lucky symbols at this 50 line game.
With this penny version, you are triggering 2 lines for each coin and the coin symbol is wild. Additionally, when the red packet symbols appear scattered on the first three paylines, the free spin round is activated. At that time, five symbols—a phoenix, lion, fish, turtle and butterfly—change to gold. Thus, one wild symbol in the first free spin increases to five by the last spin.
During the free round, as usual with slots today, can be respun with the right combination.
May Good Fortune come your way during this slot adventure.
5) Half Cents: Bally. 86-96%. 2 spins.
This game is appropriately named in that each penny pays for 2 payline, thus a half penny slot.
At only 1 quarter to activate all paylines, it’s a small risk to increase your bet/line.
There are multiplying wild symbols that together can produce a nice reward.
For example, if you line up a combination that includes a 2X and 5X wild symbol; the reward is multiplied by 10.
There is also a Free Game feature that gives you 10 free spins at double credits and can be re-triggered up to a max of 60 free spins.
Your good sense should tell you that ‘half cents’ is the way to go.
6) Bamboo Forest: Atronic. 86-96%. 2-3 spins.
Enter the magical forest where you will meet Yin Yang, Stone Paw and Lucky Cat scatter pays. The orchid symbol is wild and 3, 4, or 5 Lucky Cat symbols start the Lucky Cat Bonus.
If you selected the option Two Ways that pays right to left along with left to right, you can select free games or Spin as long as you Win.
With the free spin selection, all jackpots are doubled during the round while SALAUWIN selection will spin away as long as one winning combo is displayed.
Also, a losing combo can transform to a winner with the appearance of the joker.
Line up 3 or more Ying Yang symbols, select one and add to your credits.
Line up 3 Stone Paw symbols for the Marble Paw Bonus where your choices are Take Offer, Offers Left and Try Again.
With a multitude of choices and winning combos, this game is truly magical.
7) Miami Vice: True Identity: Atronic. 86-96%. 3 spins.
Those ‘wild’ Detectives, Crockett and Tubbs of the TV show Miami Vice will multiply your winning combinations.
You will also want to build the scattered letter symbols to spell MIAMI. Two letters will pay and 3 or 4 letters will begin the True Identity Bonus round, but the top progressive jackpot is yours with all five letters.
True Identity gives you a choice of a group of dishonest characters in a police line-up and your mission is to find the undercover police officer.
Choose the right one and at the second level, five suitcases await your selection and a bonus.
Take my adVICE and head for this slot.
Wild Panda: Aristocrat. 88-95%. 2 spins.
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You have 100 paylines and a free spin feature to keep you very busy at this slot. When the symbols spell out PANDA across the five reels, you receive 5 free spins and those PANDA symbols are now Wild Panda symbols. 3, 4 or 5 Wild Pandas during free spin mode awards 1,000, 2000 or 4000 credits respectively multiplied by the line bet. If you love these cuddly creatures, you are bound to see a lot of them during this fast-paced game. 9) Gold Maker: Aristocrat. 88-95%. 2 spins. First, you have the scale to weigh all the gold collected. Line up 3, 4 or 5 of these scatter pay scales and your reward is 12, 15, or 20 free games where all wins are doubled. Add the unique Gold Maker character as a wild symbol. When this ‘golden’ character appears on the free spin reel, all remaining reels spin again for bonus credits. Lastly, if three or more scale symbols land during a free spin round, the spinning begins again upon the completion of the first bonus round. The Gold Maker may look like a mad scientist, but he’s welcome at my slot. And don’t forget tobring the gold. 10) Double Dragon Deluxe: Bally. 88-95%. 2 spins. This game doubles the features with a free spin mode and second screen bonus. When the fire Dragon, Yin Yang and Water Dragon symbols appear on reels 2, 3 and 4 within one position of the center payline, the Double Dragon Bonus Game is activated. You then select a Fire Dragon or Water Dragon and are rewarded with three free spins. When your dragon is displayed on or within one position of the payline, the credits increase. A Yin Yang symbol on a free spin awards the total bet to each side, but if your selection has more corresponding spins, you win 40 X your bet. If both dragons are equal, the reward is 10X the total bet. Fire and Water don’t usually mix, but this game is both hot and cool! There is always a welcome mat out to new subscribers. Shark Reef Aquarium Celebrates Sea Life and Santa Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is making a list and checking it twice in preparation for Santa in the Shipwreck. Children 12 and under, with each paid admission, may visit St. Nick inside this unique aquatic environment. Children may have their picture taken with the jolly one, plus they’ll receive a candy treat to remember their fun adventure with Santa and his water-based elves. Shark Reef Aquarium, home to more than 2,000 dangerous animals including sharks, crocodiles, sawfish, turtles and piranhas, will transform from an undersea adventure into a winter holiday-themed tropical reef complete with Santa’s throne direct from the North Pole. The Shark Reef Aquarium staff also will be on hand to share their infinite knowledge regarding the exhibits and help youngsters of all ages finish their last-minute wish lists. Santa will be at Shark Reef Aquarium December 21 through 24, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $15.95 for adults and $10.95 for children; children four and under are complimentary. Discounts are available for Nevada residents with identification. For more information, call (702) 632-4555. Koi Of Las Vegas: An In-Depth Look from "The Vegas Eye." On November 9 the massive hand-carved Indonesian doors of KOI Las Vegas will open in the new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Known in Los Angeles for its Japanese-inspired cuisine, exotic and harmonious décor and celebrity scene. Owned by the Los Angeles-based KOI Group and designed by their new in-house design team, KOI Design Group, this stunning restaurant will have all the makings of the original with a prime address and vibrant Las Vegas Strip as a spectacular backdrop. From Los Angeles’ Restaurant Row, to New York’s Bryant Park, KOI is no stranger to premier real estate. “We always knew that Las Vegas would make a great home for our next KOI so when we were approached with the opportunity to open in the Planet Hollywood Resort we just couldn’t pass it up,” explains Dipu Haque, co-owner of the KOI Group, adding, “The location of the hotel and its dramatic new look were major factors in our decision, and we knew Owner Robert Earl would make for a great partner.” One of the hotel’s most striking venues, KOI is strategically located on “The Mezz” overlooking the casino floor and is visible from every corner of the main floor. The restaurant is wrapped in a seductive harmony of Asian design elements, all integrated into a floor plan that combines an exotic Far Eastern aura with a genuine sense of Hollywood energy and style. The grand entrance, flanked by massive copper temple bells is indicative of the remarkable décor and memorable dining experience that diners will be treated to once inside. Guests enter beneath rugged beams topped with three playful gilded Buddhas hand-crafted in Thailand. The first Buddha sees no evil, the second hears no evil, and the third, covering his mouth, speaks no evil. The initial walk from the grand entrance to the hostess station takes guests on a meandering path with stunning views of the casino floor on their left and KOI’s lively lounge on their right. The unique circular lounge that accommodates nearly a hundred guests is poised to be the premier meeting spot for locals and tourists alike. Adhering to the graceful curves found throughout the space, several gold leather banquettes are arranged in a circular pattern around mirror-topped oval tables to encourage interaction between parties. A generous collection of candles helps set a seductive vibe while Buddhas keep an eye on a scene that inevitably heats up as the night progresses. A series of 21 double-stacked columns of spinning hand-carved “prayer wheels,” Tibetan-inspired decorations designed to enhance well being, sit in a 5’ by 73" window along one side of the lounge, while plush velvet curtains grace an interior wall. Amber-hued back-lighting from the striking tiered ceiling above casts a glow on the patrons below. Separating the lounge and the restaurant is a spectacular elliptical bar clad in light-toned “Java sticks” (narrow tiles of Indonesian onyx and marble). The elaborate formation rises up and around, encompassing a DJ booth high above the backs of the skilled mixologists. A dramatic spot to sip a classic cocktail, an exotic infused sake or signature martini. Several major dining areas flow seamlessly into one another, each providing a distinct experience—some intimate and relatively quiet, others bustling and public—but each comprising an essential part of the overall scene. Throughout the dining room, gold pebble-like wallpaper-clad walls and black ceilings are covered in unique metallic interlocking netting, creating an alluring visual effect. In the center of the main dining room, plush circular banquettes are cut out of a massive piece of functional sculpture. On each dark-stained wood table throughout the dining areas, candles glow from within large crystalline blocks of Moroccan selenite, creating a seductive mood that is a KOI signature. One corner of the main dining room is covered in silver leaf wallpaper and accommodates a trio of circular booths seating 6-8 each—perfect for a semi-private affair, but still a part of the collective scene. The sleek, stylish sushi bar, seating nearly 20, is clad in rich walnut inlaid with elegant onyx stone, and the wall behind the skilled sushi chefs, with vintage-style mirrors, reflects the minimalist elegance of a Mondrian painting while creating a shadow box effect with shelves of varying depths. The Fountain Room, with walls lined with copper-colored textured wallpaper, offers one of the most eye-popping views of the Strip—including the Bellagio’s water show across the street—through a panoramic floor-to-ceiling window. The menu at KOI is inspired by authentic Japanese dishes and is enhanced with liberal California accents. Additionally, influences from throughout Asia and around the globe occasionally appear. The sushi chefs, overseen by Head Sushi Chef Toshiaki Horiai, are prepared to create some of Las Vegas’ finest sushi, sashimi and rolls from exotic ingredients. Signature hot dishes from Executive Chef Erich Owen include Miso-Bronzed Black Cod with Seasonal Vegetables ($27); Grilled Skirt Steak with Crispy Red Onions and Sesame Sauce ($27); Kobe Beef Filet Mignon Toban-Yaki ($48); and Soft Shell Crab with Spicy Cream and Ponzu Sauce ($14). KOI’s Wine Director, Will Dunbar ensures a wide choice of premium cold sakes are always available and enthusiastically introduces guests to the varying styles. In addition, the global wine list features a wide selection of world-class Champagnes and other crisp white wines to complement the sushi and Japanese-inspired cuisine, along with other varietals from around the world. Morels Comes to Las Vegas
Among the many restaurants and clubs that we have been announcing and that are going into The Palazzo at The Venetian we are excited about an Los Angeles staple known as Morels French Steak House & Bistro. In L.A. Morels is located at the ultra-commercial Grove at the Farmers Market, this highly-accessible French seafood/steakhouse has two divergent sections: the casual Bistro downstairs and the elegant, mahogany-laced French Steakhouse upstairs. The Cheese selection is something to marvel at with over 35 imported and domestic varieties of cheese kept at varying levels of humidity and temperature control in a "cave.". Morels also serves a number of French style steaks, sandwiches and seafood dishes. In a high -style setting that resembles any French brasserie. 40/40 Club by Jay-Z (Sports Bar) For Mexicans, 'Divas' shows their own world Alba Galvan, a native of Michoacan, Mexico, started a house-cleaning business in Las Vegas when she was 18. Almost a decade later, the 27-year-old entrepreneur will star in "Mexican Divas," a glamorous revue that begins Friday and runs through Dec. 23 at the Empire Ballroom. But she isn't about to give up her day job running Alba's Cleaning Service. Her 17 employees count on her for their income. "I have three girls who help manage the business," said Alba, who is assuming one name for her fledgling career as a performer. More Here: Get inside the mind of a genius. Leonardo da Vinci is in Henderson. That's what the pamphlet says : "da Vinci in Henderson." Maybe Hoover Dam lured him. It is, after all, one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. It generates power and harnesses water for use in Nevada, Arizona and Southern California. Da Vinci, the engineer, probably would be impressed. And we could really use his help to get out of this water mess. Perhaps he'll hop in one of the cars he designed for theatrical use, drive to the dam, then head off to Las Vegas to see all the razzle-dazzle there. It would blow the sandals off da Vinci, the theatrical producer. As would the Bodies Exhibit - no more forbidden autopsies. More Here: A Vegas Portmanteau Combining cocktails and entertainment at the Rio. If you’re reading the title of this article and wondering what a “portmanteau” is, here’s a quick explanation. The word dates all the way back to the 1870s and was coined by Lewis Carroll, you know, the English dude who wrote Alice’s adventures in Wonderland. A portmanteau is the blending of two words to make a combined word and meaning. Words like “brunch,” a combination of “breakfast” and “lunch” or “spork,” a combination of “spoon” and “fork” are portmanteaus. So what is Vegas’ contribution to this grammatical movement? “Bevertainers,” a combination of “beverage” and “entertainers.” And this special breed of cocktail servers can be found in Las Vegas exclusively at the Rio. The day of Daisy serving you a drink while a cigarette hangs from her fuchsia-colored lips saying, “There ya go, doll” is way over. While hundreds of cocktail servers flood the casino floors at major properties, no one does it quite like the Rio. More than 100 male and female bevertainers disperse on the floor nightly, not only to serve cocktails but to provide entertainment. Ten mini stages are set up throughout the casino, placed right in the thick of the action. Every 10 minutes between pulling the handle at Megabucks and sipping on your rum and Coke, you can catch a free performance by one of the bevertainers as they take to a stage. Two types of bevertainers are there to keep the party atmosphere going—the dancers and the singers. Each server performs a 90-second routine about eight to nine times a night—dancing and singing to some of today’s hottest music. To ensure the level of entertainment is top-notch, each bevertainer must audition for the position and receive training headed up by Dick Foster Productions. While choreography and training are provided, most bevertainers are already trained professionals in their respected field. Beverly Johnson, who is currently one of the dancing bevertainers, has been performing since she was 2. As a graduate in dance management, she has performed at the Moulin Rouge in France, been a dancer in Bally’s Jubilee! and recently performed for the opening of The Venetian in Macau. She loves pulling double duty of cocktail server and performer, as do her comrades. “I love that we get to perform because I have been a performer since I can remember. Opposed to a normal cocktail job, everyone that I work with is in the entertainment industry, and we’re definitely a different breed of servers. Everyone is very energetic and very outgoing and we all get along so, so well. We all just have so much fun.” Recently the whole crew pumped up their image even more by getting new attire. Meg DeAgostini, the wardrobe supervisor for Dick Foster, designed the new outfits. The ladies’ sexy and seductive uniforms consist of black lace and black diamond stones. Sure to get a double take, the outfits extend the bevertainers’ assets in a sophisticated, fun, flirty and fabulous way. “All the girls are in the same costume, so we are much more uniformed now and they’re very classy, they’re glamorous, they’re exciting,” Johnson said. So, make sure to check out the bevertainers at the Rio tonight—by all guesstimations you’re bound to have one fantabulous time. Center of attention. Revolutionizing the casino lounge at Eyecandy. It’s a quaint vision, but one not out of reach any longer. One step into Eyecandy Sound Lounge & Bar at Mandalay Bay and you realize that dream has plunged headlong into reality. And it’s about time. Taking over the space once occupied by the casino’s center bar, Eyecandy has all the elements of a nightclub with none of the fuss. Better yet, it raises the bar on technology with interactive tables, sound stations and a reactive dance floor. It all sounds like something out of a futuristic movie, but there are no star wars at this nightspot. Four VIP pods are the only pay-to-play elements of the lounge, but it’s well worth the expense. For a fee (from which your group’s drinks are deducted—which offsets the fee if your friends drink like fish), guests can sit on a circular couch focused around the centerpiece: a 4,000-pound touch-sensitive table that extends 8 feet into the ground. Here, guests can create designs with their hands, view live camera feeds of other pods and parts of the club, including the DJ booth and the go-go cages. They can also communicate with other pods, taking the ancient art of flirting into a millennium beyond this one. Once you’ve viewed your potential mates on the live video feed and communicated with them through the interactive table, the last step is meeting them in person. Luckily, each pod rotates approximately 45 degrees, the equivalent of 90 degrees when both pods engage the feature. Mingling has never required less physical activity. The sensory experience continues on the foot-sensitive dance floor where individual squares change color when danced upon. Three tables adjacent to the dance floor have interactive features of their own, plus iPod connectivity that links your favorite playlists directly to the DJ. At peak hours, the DJ conducts so-called iPod wars, pitting guests’ playlists against one another in a peacetime conflict requiring no congressional approval. Liquid pleasure arrives in the forms of two bars boasting seven wells and 17 specialty cocktails created by master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. A ridiculously extensive wine list dips into more than 7,000 selections courtesy of massive wine tower at Aureole across the hotel. Also available are rare offerings such as Dom Pérignon by the glass and verticals of vintage wines. It’s a party paradise that leaves only one question unanswered: Now that you have nothing left to dream about, what will you dream about next? Eyecandy Art Personified. A chromatic journey through time. A kinesthetic kaleidoscope into the mystery of life, humanism and all of its wonderment, Mystère takes you on a sensuous voyage through time. And in the age of “mediated voyeurism,” Mystère is a feast for the imagination, a mystical journey that merges past, present and future. An emotive 90-minute frolic into infinite personal interpretations, it’s a prophetic introduction into the awe-inspiring world of Cirque du Soleil. Since its premiere in 1993, Mystère has revolutionized Las Vegas entertainment. Fusing kinetic art and transcendent sounds and lighting with exhilarating acrobatics, the classic Cirque du Soleil production continues to astound audiences and critics alike. Accentuated by poignant lighting, vibrant costumes and quirky props, including oversize bottles, buggies, balloons, drums and puppets, Mystère’s sets are designed to stimulate the senses. And the ethereal backdrop of juxtaposed vibrant lights, appearing through shapes in space, and incessant fog provides the perfect ambience for stirring emotion. Imaginations unfold in the state-of-the-art theater as musicians, who envelop the numinous stage from above and beyond, unleash a musical score that evokes mystery, intrigue and anticipation. Utilizing the taiko (a Japanese style of drum), “The Big Bang” symbolizes the journey through life, beginning with primitive creatures. Priming the spectacle is a misguided clown who incorporates the audience from beginning to end, much to the chagrin of Moha-Samedi, the master of ceremonies. Aroused in the aura is an international cast of 76 artists, whose characters include the archangels, a dangerously curious jumbo-size baby who yearns for his pa-pa, a roguish imp, giants and the principal character, Red Bird. “Birds bring a lot of life and fun to the world. They are free-spirited and have no worries,” Gibson said. “I am always interacting with the characters or the audience; there is always a playfulness about Red Bird. Plus, the fact that the costume is such a peaceful color and beautiful adds a lot of focus to the character.” Red Bird’s performance is symbolic of what makes Mystère so different from the typical Vegas production. Echoing Wilkins’ sentiments, Gibson said, “Mystère is strongly based on human performance and interaction; there’s no crazy technology, visual or overdone lighting effects.” He continued, “The wow factor for our show comes from what the performers can do—it’s the human performance that’s breathtaking in Mystère.” A signature to Cirque du Soleil shows is the array of mesmerizing athleticism and human artistry displayed throughout the production: Soaring with acrobatic precision is the man in the aerial cube, a celestial being that embodies the universe. Exhibiting tremendous upper-body strength and agility, double-masked creatures glide effortlessly up and down the Chinese poles, which represent the sprouting of life. A testament to human interdependence is the Lorador brothers’ hand-and-body balancing act. Humanity is perfectly displayed through precisely chiseled physiques that radiate power and stamina through gracefully fluid motions all while rotating on a sphere. High above the stage, like majestic birds, bungee aerialists take flight in a synchronized medley of chaos. The Korean plank signifies unity: working and playing together to create spectacular human pyramids, the performers rely completely on trust and courage. A chorus of artists displays spectacular spatial awareness and acrobatic precision while mastering the mammoth winged trampoline in an exhibition of finding laughter amid adversity. Forty feet above the stage, hopes and dreams soar in the aerial high bar act. Merging past, present and future, the return of the taiko drums at the show’s conclusion is a reminder that the future is built on the memories and mysteries of the past—creating the circle of life. Mystère LOOKING IN ON: ENTERTAINMENT ENDLESS TALENT TO DRAW ON Entertainer Gordie Brown, who recently celebrated his first anniversary at the Venetian, has more talent than one person has a right to have. Impressionist. Comedian. Singer. Composer. Musician. Sketch artist. Before winning a talent contest in Canada and taking to the stage, Brown drew political cartoons for the Ottawa Sunday Herald for five years. He always had his heart set on performing in Las Vegas , and he even bought a home here early in his career while jobs took him to other parts of the country. He finally landed a gig close to home in 2004 and played two years at the Golden Nugget before moving to the Venetian. He keeps fans in stitches with a bottomless bag of impressions delivered at a breathless pace. He lampoons everyone from late-arriving guests to Johnny Cash and presidents George W. Bush and Clinton. Although he often relies on certain routines and characters, his act evolves - sometimes right before your eyes - as he reacts to fans. His spontaneity makes an interesting show even more interesting. "I'm only onstage an hour and a half, but I spend the whole day trying to come up with new stuff," he says. Brown has taken up his sketch pad again to create caricatures of the people he imitates and other celebrities. It's not far removed from what he does onstage - take a recognizable person and turn him into a caricature - except he uses a pen and paper. "When I first started drawing again I was really rusty," Brown says. "I'm proud I was able to sharpen up my skills again." He has put 120 drawings in "Gordie Brown in Caricature," a book that will soon be available on his Web site (gordiebrown.com ). He's also putting together an album of songs he wrote. Details: 7 p.m. Fridays through Wednesdays, Venetian Showroom, $79, 414-1000. Could another impressionist be bound for Las Vegas, joining a field that includes some very talented entertainers - Danny Gans at the Mirage, Rich Little at the Golden Nugget, Gordie Brown at the Venetian? Veteran Vegas performer Fred Travalena made a triumphant return, selling out almost every performance at the Suncoast Showroom and receiving standing ovations from fans. Travalena, a Vegas fixture from the '70s through the '90s, packs a lot into a 90-minute show, doing impressions of not only all the usual suspects but characters from "Star Wars," a Smurf, Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, every president since John F. Kennedy and even a presidential adviser - Henry Kissinger. Travalena wound up the impressions with a rapid-fire list of 15 or 20 celebrities, including Michael Crawford and television characters Archie and Edith Bunker. Now, if he only had a room large enough to put all those people. |
Posted on December 2nd, 2007 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter
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