Everything Las Vegas Issue # 654 January 27th 2008

The coverage of the fire at the Monte Carlo is posted in a special edition of Everything Las Vegas which is posted at the website. I am updating that edition shortly.

Are you ready for some football? Yes — yes you are. By Jack Houston

Las Vegas Magazine

Football fans have been waiting all season for Super Bowl XLII. But before the Vince Lombardi Trophy gets hoisted into the balmy Arizona night, it's crucial to lock up prime viewing real estate to catch every snap, every $1 million commercial and every classic Tom Petty hit at halftime.

The Brew Pub at Monte Carlo is the '72 Dolphins of watering holes, offering a place to eat, drink and watch all the action on giant projection-screen TVs.

While the pregame show breaks down every possible matchup, you can debate your choice of sauce to go along with Herschel Walker's Famous "34" Wings. The Brewmasters sauce honors the man who once helmed the copper tanks, but don't discount the garlic Parmesan or Caribbean jerk sauces.

As the teams shake off nerves and settle into their game plans, head for the entres, where tantalizing pizzas, burgers and sandwiches await. The menu writers have spared no hyperbole, as The Best Fried Chicken Salad Ever and Wow! That's a Good Hot Dog!! live up to the excitement of professional sports biggest night.

Of course, it wouldn't be The Brew Pub without beer, and you can't go wrong with signature "giraffes" — three- and five-liter columns of your favorite brew. Now that's what I call forward progress.

The Brew Pub

Where: Monte Carlo

When: Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; lounge open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily

Info: (702) 730-7423

http://lvshowbiz.com/feature1.html

Super Frenzy..Vegas is the place to be. By Paul Szydelko/Las Vegas Magazine.

The buzz is unavoidable. The tension unmistakable. A week after the conference championship games, the teams have traveled to Arizona to begin final preparations for the NFL's big game. The nation's sport media members have descended to file a seemingly endless amount of stories. What about the presidential primaries, you ask? Even those contests pale in comparison to Super Bowl XLII.

And in Las Vegas, anticipation for sports' most exhilarating spectacle is mounting.

"The Super Bowl is by far one of the busiest and most exciting weekends of the year," said Chuck Esposito, sports book director at Caesars Palace for most of this decade. "It's the final football game of the year. Regardless if you're a $10 bettor or a $10,000 bettor, you want a piece of this game."

The Super Bowl generated $93 million in wagers statewide in 2007, when the Colts defeated the Bears, 29-17, down from the record $94.5 million wagered in 2006, when the Steelers beat the Seahawks, 21-10.

Depending on which teams are involved, Esposito expects the statewide handle to approach the $100 million mark. Each of the final four teams, spread across the country, has brought something unique to the table: Although San Diego should garner some local attention, the upstart New York Giants, the undefeated New England Patriots and the resurgent Green Bay Packers, all with loyal followers nationwide, could draw more people to the windows. Now only the top two remain. The fact that the game will be played so close—in Glendale, Ariz., a suburb north of Phoenix and about a four-hour drive from the Strip—contributes to the aura.

"With the game being in Arizona, I think that would help contribute to the record handle," Esposito said. "People may experience what Vegas has to offer on Friday and Saturday before heading off to the game."

The lure of sports books is just one component of an electrifying mix of events and activities as the Super Bowl draws closer—rooms are sold out long in advance, restaurants are booked, show tickets are sold out and viewing parties featuring NFL stars and other celebrities are planned.

Expect the historic Caesars Palace, boasting a world-class megabook since 1986, to be among the many places hopping this week, throughout the Strip and beyond. In addition to the more than 200 prop bets expected to be posted at Caesars, the Las Vegas Hilton traditionally offers an extraordinary array of betting choices, as does the Golden Nugget downtown.

The sports books at Bellagio and Mandalay Bay are always excellent venues to hit. The newest choice to enjoy sports and other gaming action is the Sports Pit at Harrah's. The Brew Pub at Monte Carlo, ESPN Zone at New York-New York, Blondies at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort draw crowds of sports enthusiasts as well. Away from the Strip, Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch have exceptionally comfortable sports books.

If you can't be at the game, Las Vegas is the next best place to be—no huddles, time-outs, coach's challenges or two-minutes warnings—just nonstop action for everyone.

Cher To Join Bette and Elton? By Rick Garman

The press release that was forwarded to me from a friend was a fairly innocuous one. It was about the design company that has been hired to renovate the stage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for the upcoming Bette Midler show.

But buried in the release was this sentence:

“The 2008 music season kicks off February 20th with Bette Midler’s ‘The Showgirl Must Go On’ and will be followed by legendary hit maker Cher and Caesars Palace alum, Elton John.”

Really? Cher? Really? Because as far as I have been able to figure out, that may be news to pretty much everyone involved including Cher.

When it was announced that Celine Dion’s show at Caesars was going to close in late 2007, lots of rumors were bandied about over who would replace her. Bette Midler was one of the rumors and that turned out to be true. Cher was another, but according to several published reports, negotiations never came to fruition between the singer and the hotel. Everything that I heard said the deal was dead.

Then, late last year the rumors started up again and I heard whispers that Cher and Caesars were back at the bargaining table, but nothing has been formally announced.

Does the design company know something we don’t? Stay tuned.

Vegas4Visitors Weekly Column by Rick Garman

Greek Isles To Cruise AwayThe Greek Isles, a small hotel-casino located just off The Strip near the Las Vegas Convention Center, will close later this year and be demolished to make way for a new hotel-casino according to the property’s owner.

Most of you have probably never visited The Greek Isles and to be honest you haven’t been missing a lot. Its primary claim to fame these days is when my mother does karaoke there. She’s very good.

The owner of the property intends to shutter it later this year, implode it, and then build two new hotel towers with nearly 800 rooms on top of a 77,000 square-foot casino and convention space. This of course is contingent on finding financing, a feat that has killed more than one project previously planned for this particular plot of land.

The hotel has gone through a variety of incarnations. According to the University of Nevada casino timeline, it opened in 1970 as the Paddlewheel at a time when the area was booming. The International (now the Las Vegas Hilton) had just opened its doors about a block away as had the towering Landmark right across the street.

In the 1990s it was purchased by entertainer Debbie Reynolds and rebranded with her name above the front door. In 1998 it was owned briefly by the World Wrestling Federation who announced plans to build a WWF branded property complete with a massive arena for matches.

That never happened obviously and the hotel was sold and renamed the Convention Center Drive Hotel for a short time until it became The Greek Isles. The current owner bought the property last year for nearly $50 million.

The area is undergoing another renaissance, with a Renaissance branded hotel doing good business about a block away and a 3,000 room Marriott hotel planned for the land between The Greek Isles and the Convention Center where the Marriott Suites and the former Beach nightclub currently stand.

Vegas4Visitors Weekly Column by Rick Garman

Nightclub Reviews by Rick Garman/www.vegas4visitors.com

I recently went on a Vegas nightclub crawl – almost literally since it was so cold that it nearly drove me to my knees as I dashed from place to place. Of the six clubs that I hit that night I’m bringing you reviews of two of them this week with more to follow in upcoming columns:

Tryst at Wynn Las Vegas

First the back-story on this club, which is fascinating. When Wynn Las Vegas opened, their entry into the crowded nightclub scene was called La Bete, a dark and ominous space that lived up to its name (French for The Beast). It didn’t do very well and within a year it was shuttered and overhauled into Tryst, a lighter, brighter affair aimed at a well-heeled clientele.

I visited Tryst right after it opened and walked away unimpressed. I encountered lots of problems with the staff and the overall organization seemed to be lacking, to say the least. But I figured it was birthing pangs and decided I’d get back at some point to see if they had worked out the kinks.

It took me awhile but I’m happy to say that I finally returned and not only have they gotten their act together, they have turned Tryst into one of the most entertaining and appealing nightclubs in town.

The main room is all on one level, a half-circle with bars and booths at the back, more booths and VIP areas in the middle, and then a dance floor at the hub all facing a wall of windows that reveals an outdoor patio and a giant waterfall. As focal points go, you’d have a hard time topping a waterfall.

Outside are more tables and private cabanas, bars, and an al fresco dance floor that surround pools of water.

The whole place is gorgeous, as are most of the people who are partying there. Although undeniably young, the crowd here at Tryst and at Wynn Las Vegas in general, is perhaps a couple of years less young and had the appearance at least of being more dignified. This doesn’t mean they weren’t loud, screaming, dancing, and drinking themselves into oblivion, but of all the big nightclubs I went to that night, this is the one that I saw the fewest people getting kicked out of or passed out in the corner.

Cover and drink prices are outrageous of course, but no more so than anywhere else in town. The staff – the bane of my previous visit – was unfailingly polite and not just to me because I was there to review the club. I witnessed one party girl climb up on a leather banquette in her high heels to do a drunken dance. While this would’ve gotten her a lot of trouble in some other clubs I’ve been to, the security guard at Tryst just walked up to her, pointed at her with a meaty finger, and then pointed at the floor. She got down quickly.

LAX at Luxor

The latest “big deal” in nightclubs became a “big deal” before it opened mainly because of the people who have financial interests in it – names like Christina Aguilera and DJ AM. But the creation of a new nightclub and the zeitgeist that surrounds it goes way beyond the backers. I don’t care how many celebrities write checks – a club, to be successful, has to have its own personality and it better be a cool one.

LAX at Luxor is definitely cool. First of all, it’s dark – everywhere. Even the vinyl-booth style padded entry way is so dark that security guards have to shine lights on the stairs so you don’t tumble your way to a lawsuit. But it sets up an appropriately moody vibe that explodes when you walk into the main room.

The cavernous space flows both down and up, with a staircase leading down to a high-energy dance floor covered by the latest in high-tech lighting and sound, and another staircase leading up to cozy, cavy-like VIP lounges that look over the teaming masses below. Bars are scattered about everywhere and there are more VIP seating areas here and there but precious little room for the non-VIPs to do anything other than stand or dance.

The crowd was very young – at 41, I was the oldest there by a solid 15 years and even that 26 year-old probably felt out of place. But hey, that’s what you get when you come to a club like that so either accept it or go find yourself a nice bingo hall somewhere.

The energy was undeniable, with the packed house providing an almost constant feeling of motion even from the people who were just standing in line for a drink. Forget personal space and be on the lookout for the over-imbibers who were legion.

Again, cover and drink prices are typically high. I only had a limited interaction with the staff but they seemed to be on their game and not too overly intimidating.

COMEDIAN GORDIE BROWN PERFORMS FINAL SHOW FEBRUARY 13.

Comedian Gordie Brown will end his engagement at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino after February 13, 2008. Brown, whose show consists of comedy, music, parody and impressions, began performing in The Venetian Showroom in October 2006. “I’ve truly enjoyed the year-and-a-half that I’ve spent performing at The Venetian,” says Brown. “The entire team has been amazingly supportive and I look forward to returning later this year.” Brown will turn his attention to other projects and performances throughout the country with eventual plans to return to his Las Vegas home at The Venetian. “Gordie Brown is an incredibly talented entertainer and it was a pleasure having him perform in The Venetian Showroom. We wish him luck with his upcoming endeavors and look forward to welcoming him back to The Venetian in the very near future,” stated Jason Gastwirth, vice president of entertainment for The Venetian.

Gordie Brown at The Venetian is presented by Bernie Yuman and produced by The Venetian and by Bernie Yuman Management.

Wayne's World…A new ELV weekly column. By Wayne Bernath.

“Lance Burton: Master Magician” is back on track thru Sunday, May

25 the eve of Memorial Day before a weeklong break so recommend the

one show that makes everybody happy.

Note..due to the recent fire at The Monte Carlo it is adviseable to check on the status of this show on a daily basis.

For “Las Vegas’ Sexiest Topless Revue” see the “Crazy Girls” at the

Riviera. Enjoy the magic and comedy of Tony Douglas.

“An Evening at La Cage” will be going head-to-head with Bette

Midler at Caesars with Brent Allen who has been performing as Bette for

nearly 10 years at the Riviera Hotel.

After reading that Steve Wynn said, “Nightclubs can bring in $70

million a year.” I just had to see Jet MIRAGE Nightclub at Mirage when

Strip Las Vegas Magazine had their 2nd anniversary party there. It’s an

amazing operation. I don’t think anything of this magnitude exists outside

of The Strip resorts. There were at least 1,000 people by the time I left at

midnight. The combo bartender/cocktail waitress just stands at your table

- an alcoholic’s dream.

I spent New Year’s Eve at an old restaurant turned new called Trilussa

at 2895 N. Green Valley Pkwy. north of Sunset. The Italian bistro has a

chef from The Venetian and world-class juggler Nino Frediano is a

partner. They offer musical entertainment nightly and are open for lunch

Monday thru Friday. It’s half the price of The Strip with old world charm

and great food.

The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino is the biggest project to have opened

at $1.8 billion (since the Bellagio) with 140,000 sq. ft. of convention space

and 3,068 rooms (more like suites). Canyon Spa Ranch will open in

February. The Venetian and Palazzo are a mega-resort making it the world’s

largest resort.

What’s next? Encore will be called WYNN Las Vegas instead of

Encore. This will open in early 2009 at $2.2 billion making it the most

expensive resort in the world with 2,004 rooms and 100,000 sq. ft. of

convention space. The Tropicana re-development phase one will happen in

July of 2010 costing $2.5 billion. The new Trop will have 4,100 rooms.

Phase II will add another 4,100 rooms in July of 2010 making it the world’s

largest resort. Did anyone say traffic? The Grand Hyatt Las Vegas at The

Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino will be part of City Center and is set to

open at the end of 2009 at $3 billion with 2,998 rooms. The Plaza Hotel

replaces the Frontier Hotel at $5 billion and 4,100 rooms in 2012. The

grandest of all will be the Fountainbleau which will probably change

its name but it will be on Wet `n’Wild’s old site at $2.9 billon due

to open in the fall of 2009 with 3,812 rooms and 400,000 sq. ft. of

convention space.

I’ve had a lot of inquiries about the Big M on the Southwest

corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Blvd. South. It’s the M

Resort Spa and Casino at $1 billion due to open in the spring of

2009 with 390 rooms and 40,000 sq. ft. of convention space.

To put this in perspective, I watched them build the original

MGM Grand Hotel (now Bally’s) in 1973 with a budget of $100

million. They went over budget by $25 million and had 2,432 rooms

making it the world’s largest hotel. They earned it back the first year.

Wayne Bernath is the PR person for Lance Burton, La Cage and Crazy Girls and has always been a great supporter and prize provider for every contest we have had,

Brett's Vegas Views by Jackie Brett

Inspired by the "Big Dog Daddy" of country music, Toby Keith, Harrah's has put honky tonk on the casino floor by adding the country-themed Toby Keith gaming pit. The area features eight gaming tables and offers a mix of games including Casino War, Triple Shot and Blackjack.

The pit, which is adjacent to "Bill's Bar," a watering hole that also incorporates country elements in its d‚cor, is open daily from noon. to 4 a.m. The Toby Pit is adjacent to the casino entrance and features the sounds of contemporary country music. The gaming tables have custom felts, leather "TK" branded chairs, and dealers in Wild West uniforms. Female dealers wear western-themed, whiskey girl outfits complete with a Toby Keith belt buckle and a bustier, while male dealers sport more classic country wear. Rustic barrels and guitar-lined walls round out the country-themed décor while high-definition televisions play continuous country music videos.

Toby Keith has been a part of the Harrah's family since May of 2005 when he opened his famed restaurant, Toby Keith's: I Love This Bar & Grill, inside Harrah's.

Through March 15, the Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is celebrating the 2008 Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat, with a display filled with hidden meaning guided by the ancient practice of Feng Shui - the art of using surroundings to attract harmony, balance and positive life energy.

The dramatic centerpiece of this exhibit, a botanical, 5-foot-tall rodent, is perched atop an oversized, flowering branch. Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came. The rat is revered for its place as first in the Asian zodiac and is a symbol of renewal.

Near the rodent ambassador, an 18-foot-tall Chinese God of Wealth and Fortune is found amidst gleaming I-Ching coins, a traditional Chinese money symbol. The God of Wealth and Fortune is flanked by two Ming Dynasty-styled dings, ancestral vessels that protect against bad luck.

There's also a zigzag bridge leading to a deep red lacquer wing-tipped gazebo with shimmering gold trim and green-tiled roofs. A majestic mountain, seen as a pillar between heaven and earth, serves as a dramatic backdrop.

From a tranquil Koi pond to a shimmering waterfall, water will denote the larger world we live in while carp will signify good luck and everlasting good fortune.

Veteran comedian Vinnie Favorito, who stars in his own show at O'Sheas, will conduct additional Humor Boot Camp™ classes with public speaker Darren LaCroix on Feb. 20 and 21 and March 29 and 30, inside the showroom at O'Sheas.

Humor Boot Camp™, developed in 1998 by LaCroix, is designed to teach everyone from sales people to top-level executives how to use humor as a means to deliver a message. Tuition is $895 and includes two full-day seminars with professional feedback, a VIP ticket to the Favorito's show and a money-back guarantee. Early bird and buy-one, get-one half off discount specials are also available, call 888-528-4451.

On Feb. 1 and 2, Hooters will be bringing in 10 Hooters Girls who are currently featured in the February 2008 issue of Playboy Magazine. The girls will be on hand at the property for an exclusive meet-and-greet and autograph signing in the casino: Friday 7-11 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 7-11 p.m.

The Sopranos' Last Supper interactive dinner show mob comedy will open at the Riviera on Jan. 31 with 6 p.m. shows, Tuesday through Sunday. Show-only tickets are $65 and dinner and show tickets are $95.

The American Superstars show at the Stratosphere, which has played there since April 1996, has added veteran tribute artist John Anthony as Rod Stewart to its line-up of celebrity tributes. He joins Darren Lee as Elvis, Kristie Fisher as Britney Spears, Chad Givens as Tim McGraw, and Lorena Peril as Christina Aguilera. Anthony performs a set of some of Stewart's biggest hits including Infatuation, Hot Legs, and Maggie May.

Crazy Girls, billed as "Las Vegas' Sexiest Topless Revue," began its long run at the Riviera 22 years ago. The show's creator and producer Norbert Aleman said he started the show in 1987 with a 12-week engagement. The show has faced many controversies especially over the world's largest life cast bronze statue of seven ladies derrieres called "NO, Ifs ands OR…" that is literally attached to the Riviera Casino on the Strip. AOL has named Crazy Girls "Las Vegas' Sexist Topless Revue."

Sunset Strip, the high-energy band that performs in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton Tuesday through Saturday was recently chosen by Hilton-headliner Barry Manilow to open for him at several tour dates around the country. Manilow returns to the Hilton Theater March 5.

Menopause The Musical®, which debuted at the Las Vegas Hilton on Feb. 1, 2006, after playing in 40 cities and six countries, recently celebrated its 1,000th show at the hotel.

Sushi Roku and BOA Steakhouse inside The Forum Shops at Caesars have garnered two honors in the Interior Environment category by the AIA Nevada, the state chapter of The American Institute of Architects. With both restaurants featuring cutting-edge design by YWS Architects, the AIA Nevada Excellence in Design Awards Program recognizes exceptional architectural excellence throughout the state.

Sushi Roku embodies a minimalist style with bamboo, chiseled stone and dark wood décor. Luxurious interior with wood flooring, a leather bar top, steel bamboo accents and walls of concrete wood blocks give the restaurant its edgy sense of style. Large windows offer a view of the Strip.

BOA Steakhouse evokes a contemporary, modern feel and offers a second-story terrace overlooking the Strip. Beautiful two-way frosted glass, grey, slate toned walls, an 800-year-old driftwood centerpiece and stainless steel décor all showcase its modern design.

http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/

CITYSEARCH AND ZAGAT NAME STRIP HOUSE

ONE OF THE TOP TEN NEW RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS.

Popular online guide Citysearch and Zagat’s Best of Las Vegas 2008 list Strip House as one of Las Vegas’ top ten new restaurants.

Leading online lifestyle guide, Citysearch, lists Strip House as one of the top ten restaurants in Las Vegas to open in 2007. The online dining and luxury guru commends Strip House for exceeding all expectations and constantly delivering first class service, creative presentation and prime cuts of beef charred to perfection.

Widely viewed as the most trusted name in travel, Zagat names Strip House one of only ten key newcomers in the Las Vegas dining scene in the recently published Best of Las Vegas 2008. The guide praises Strip House for its sexy blend of rosy lighting and flock wall coverings adorned with black and white photographs of scantily-dressed women from the original 1900s Studio Manasse collection.

Zagat also notes the steak house’s lusty beef porterhouse and crispy goose-fat potatoes. “It is a great honor that two of the leaders in the travel guide industry recognize Strip House as one of the top new dining destinations in Las Vegas,” said Mathew Glazier, President of The Glazier Group. “Thanks to a highly talented staff and commitment to perfection, Strip House constantly exceeds guests’ expectations of what a steak house should be.”

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.

SOPRANOS LAST SUPPER UPS THE VIG AT THE LEGENDARY RIVIERA with

STEVE SCHIRRIPA

Sopranos’ Has Its Last Supper At The Empire And Takes The Highly Entertaining Dinner Theater To The Riviera Hotel & Casino

After nearly two years the highly successful interactive dinner theater, “The Sopranos Last Supper” is taking its show to the Riviera Hotel & Casino. The infamous Goombahs will be wowing audiences six nights a week beginning January 31, 2008. So pay your respects to Tony and his crew at the Empire Ballroom on January 22, and wish them luck eight days later when the gang has their Grand Opening at the Riv. Steve Shrippa, who plays the “real” Bobby Baccalieri will be joining the cast to wish them the best in his old stomping grounds on their scheduled MEDIA NIGHT, Tuesday, February 12^th, 2008.

Join Steve and the entire cast of THE SOPRANOS LAST SUPPER as they celebrate their 500^th performance bringing the good ole mob back to RIVIERA!!!

The regularly scheduled shows are Tuesdays through Sundays; the show is dark Mondays. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6:00 p.m.

From "The Vegas Eye"

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Opening.

After enjoying overwhelming success at the world’s first Hawaiian Tropic Zone in New York City, powerhouse restaurateur Dennis Riese, and co-owner Adam Hock bring entertainment and fine dining together again in Las Vegas. Located at the 50-yard line of the Las Vegas Strip, Hawaiian Tropic Zone boasts sexy modern décor, alluring dining room, mouth-watering menu items, the largest video wall in Las Vegas, full bar, water wall entrance, outdoor patio seating area with spectacular views of the Vegas Strip, cat-walk stage for the nightly entertainment featuring beauty pageants by the Hawaiian Tropic Zone models and cabaret dance performances, as well as live DJ appearing nightly.

Saturday nite will certainly steam up with the celebrity grand opening and stars like Audrina Patridge , Carmen Electra, Geoff Stults (“October Road”), Jason Giambi (New York Yankees), Kevin Connolly (“Entourage”), Kevin Dillon (“Entourage”), Lauren Conrad, Mario Lopez, Penthouse Pet and Playboy Playmate models, Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints), Stacy Keibler (“Dancing with the Stars”), Steve Van Zandt (“Sopranos”) and more are expected attend.

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 3663 Las Vegas Blvd., South Las Vegas , NV 89109

Rambo at Planet Hollywood

Thursday night was The World Premiere for Rambo 4 at Planet Hollywood Casino in Vegas. The producers and cast including fellow Marylander Sylvester Stallone and his family were all in house sans my friend Frank Stallone.  The audience cheered as John Rambo went back into action. Planet Hollywood owner Robert Earl even had the governator himself Arnold Schwarzenegger was in the audience to watch his friend Sly’s premiere…The event was so hard to get a ticket for that Tickets were selling for $200 on Ebay to” watch it with The Man himself”.

Earl always makes sure that everything he does is top shelf. After the event The Stallone family including mom Jackie Stallone went to Koi for dinner while the Schwarzenegger camp headed over to Striphouse. Then it was off to the nightclub at Planet Hollywood where Robert Earl held a private party for his guests. I must add that nightclub doorman Jeff and Christian were truly a pleasure to run into.

Pink Taco Celebrates.

On Friday, Feb. 1st, Pink Taco invites patrons to join in the festivities during its grand re-opening newly extended bar DJ D-Wrek MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” on Tuesday, Feb. 5th, Pink Taco kicks off its exciting new monthly night branded as “Cinco de Taco.”  The monthly occurrence will take place every 5th of each month offering $2 Coronas and Corona Lights, $3 Sauza Hornitos shots, $3.75 Sauza Hornitos margaritas as well as half-off appetizers from 4 p.m. until closing.  “Cinco de Taco” features a live Mariachi band beginning at 6 p.m., and girls dressed in lingerie will be participating in three unique Piñata bashings filled with Love Jones lingerie. After 12 years of offering guests a dining experience beyond the ordinary, Pink Taco celebrates its success with a grand re-opening party, a newly expanded bar and the launch of its new monthly affair known as “Cinco de Taco.”

In addition, Pink Taco introduces to guests its new sweet treat, pink fortune tacos.  A rendition of the traditional fortune cookie, pink fortune tacos are shaped like tacos, are pink and contain words of taco wisdom.  Select guests who are fortunate enough will receive pink fortune tacos with fortunes valid for exchange of special surprises such as free cocktails.

Light on Brand.

The Light Group, will unveil its latest restaurant concept with the opening of BRAND Steakhouse, set to open in April at Monte Carlo. One part steakhouse and one part lounge, BRAND will fuse modern fine dining with the classic steakhouse to create the ultimate dining experience. Centrally located in the heart of Monte Carlo’s casino floor, BRAND’s unique design and concept will set the standard for the contemporary American steakhouse. , will unveil its latest restaurant concept with the opening of , set to open in April at . , BRAND will fuse modern fine dining with the classic steakhouse to create the ultimate dining experience. Centrally located in the heart of Monte Carlo’s casino floor, .

"We are thrilled to offer Brand’s contemporary steakhouse experience to guests of Monte Carlo," said Anton Nikodemus, president and COO of Monte Carlo. "Within our city’s thriving dining scene, Monte Carlo now has several dining destinations worth visiting time and again."

BRAND’s open design will lend itself to people-watching where diners and voyeurs alike will go to see and be scene. Designed by Graft Lab, the award-winning design firm behind FIX Restaurant & Bar at Bellagio and STACK Restaurant & Bar at The Mirage, BRAND will feature a 5,000-square-foot dining room and adjacent lounge that will be the center of excitement and energy. The dining room’s stunning interior will feature a dramatically lit ceiling canopy that creates a pixilated abstract cow-print pattern. A rich palette of earthy colors and unique textures combined with soft lighting and subtle sound system will add to BRAND’s casually cool ambience. BRAND’s fluid design, featuring low-level walls and retractable glass partitions from both the casino and inside the restaurant, will create seamless transitions into either environment.

Highlighting the menu will be the Ultimate Steak: a mammoth 8.6-pound beef porterhouse for six served with choice of two house-made sauces and two sides – the perfect party platter for any group of steak fanatics.

BRAND will feature an extensive list of wines, bourbons and specialty cocktails to complement each item on the menu. A select variety of more than 200 red wines chosen from areas spanning the California wine country, to the Bordeaux region of France all the way to the Super Tuscans of Italy will highlight the wine list. An elite array of bourbons has been selected to complete the perfect steak meal and will be sure to please any discerning palette. BRAND also will feature a specialty menu of classic cocktails with a twist, including the Apple Caipirinha (cachaca, cane sugar and fresh lime, garnished with an apple wedge) and the wine-based Blanc Martini (vodka and Sauvignon Blanc).

The BRAND Lounge will add an exciting nightlife element to Monte Carlo. The chic lounge will feature plush low-level couch-style seating perfectly placed throughout to create an intimate vibe. With five elevated plasma television screens and a booth for a live DJ, BRAND Lounge will be the perfect place for sports viewing or a relaxed evening of music and cocktails. The lounge’s unique proximity to the restaurant and full food menu will allow for a combined dining/nightlife experience for guests choosing to partake in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Brand Steakhouse and Lounge will be open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to midnight. The lounge will be open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information, please visit www.lightgroup.com.

http://thevegaseye.com/

T and T Explodes at Luxor

T&T (Tacos & Tequila), a highly stylized restaurant with a fun, high-energy vibe and flavorful menu will open summer/2008 inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Embodying traditional and modern elements of Mexican style intermixed with a rock-n-roll flair, T&T combines the talents of Master Chef and world-renowned restaurateur Robert Sandoval with world-class designer, Adam Tihany, for an unparalleled concept.

Entering as a formidable player on the hospitality scene, Creator and Owner, Michael Frey announced T&T will be the first project under the formation of his new company, Drive This Entertainment!.

“This is not your grandma’s cantina — think pink taco meets coyote ugly interpreted by Quentin Tarantino,” said Frey. “ I am excited to bring our version of a sexy, energy-infused Mexican restaurant to life. Offering more than just a great place to grab an amazing taco or great tequila, it will be a dining experience that will overload the senses.”

Bringing his edgy vision to life, Frey partnered with long-time friend Adam Tihany, a world-renowned and preeminent hospitality designer. Tihany along with Alvarez +Brock Design, a New York based hospitality design firm, brought their cutting-edge vision to the 8, 000 square foot restaurant. Five icons of Mexican culture, the sombrero, the shot glass, the bullfight, skeletons and seductive women inspired the design concept.

Translating the vibrancy and flavor of the design to the menu, Frey enlisted the help of Master Chef and savvy restaurant owner Richard Sandoval who will serve as the consulting chef. The menu includes Sandoval’s unique presentation of both modern and traditional Mexican cuisine and a drink program filled with an extensive tequila selection, specialty cocktails and infused tequilas. In addition to being a terrific lunch and dinner spot, T&T’s El Salon will be a popular place for nightlife goers to grab a tasty bite in a seductive and comfortable setting.

Setting a thematic tone, one of the main focal points is the massive brushed aluminum cover, designed to pay tribute to the sombrero. Adorning the structure are two 20-feet laser cutouts of dancing skeletons. For a fun twist, the cover is lined with lights that shoot down to the ground reflecting the skeleton images on the concrete floor. Continuing to bring the Mexican spirit to life, the designers used a bright color palette of yellows, reds, greens, oranges and blues for chair coverings and decorative lighting throughout the restaurant. Another aesthetic focal point is the bar backdrop. Capturing the excitement and voracity of a bullfight, the bar is transformed into a bull fighting arena. Seated on stadium-style shelves, the liquor bottles are arranged to resemble spectators overlooking a fierce bullfight, which is painted below onto a large mural. Adding to the energy, rock-n-roll music will be incorporated to keep the fun going and the tequila following

Completing the experience, T&T is equipped with a freestanding frozen daiquiri bar that offers drinks to guests on the go and a fashionable clothing and small mementos boutique.

The boutique will specialize in men and women’s shirts and women’s high-quality jean shorts and capris embroidered with a signature ‘T’ on the back pockets as well as an assortment of sexy items, sure to capture the excitement of the night.

Construction for T&T will start in February and is projected to be completed by the end of July. Located above hotel registration at Luxor, T&T will be open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will offer late night dining from the taco bar until 3 a.m.

Palazzo Las Vegas,,Opening Weekend Thoughts by Hunter Hilegas.

Palazzo is the finest hotel ever built in Las Vegas - Las Vegas Sands In-Room Magazine

"Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen." - Red Faced Guy

I was in Las Vegas at the end of December on a trip that was supposed to coincide with the soft opening of The Palazzo, the first major property to open on the Strip since Wynn Las Vegas in 2005. Of course, we know how that turned out - Las Vegas Sands postponed the soft-open for a few days and by the time guests were walking through, I was back at home.

When another excuse for a trip popped up, this time coinciding with the 'real' opening of The Palazzo, the credit card was primed and ready. I reserved a standard 'suite' for two nights at a rate of about $300/night. I've been a critic of The Venetian in the past but I really wanted to go into this past weekend without pre-judging the property… at least that was my goal.

Keep reading after the jump for my thoughts on The Palazzo, some comparisons to other properties, and some specific notes on the photos.

Photo gallery: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/palazzo

More from Hunter's article here:

http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/2008/01/palazzo_las_veg.html

Las Vegas Top Ten Values february 2008 from The Las Vegas Advisor.

1. Shrimp Cocktail -11 am-2 am - 99¢

The Golden Gate Casino downtown has been serving its cold-water Bay-shrimp cocktail since 1959. It’s been 99¢ for the past 15 years. It comes in a tulip cocktail glass with lemon, crackers, and a tangy homemade sauce. It’s served at the Deli in the back of the casino.2. Steak Dinner - 24 hours - $6.95

The Ellis Island steak dinner's price was raised a few months ago from $4.95 to $6.95, but honestly, no steak dinner in Las Vegas comes close to this deal, even at the new price. Plus, EI added a microbrew to the mix, so if you like a beer with your steak, it’s almost as if the price stayed the same. Welcome back, 10-ounce filet-cut sirloin, salad, garlic green beans, and choice of potato.

3. The Comedy Stop - Daily - $19.95

The Comedy Stop has been at the Tropicana since 1990. The classic 300-seat showroom has a cool old-time feel to it, all the way down to the surviving maitre ‘d seating system, so $5 a head will probably get you up close (if you want to be in a comedian’s sights). Be forewarned: The comedy tends to be blue, if not just plain raunchy. Don’t go if you’re offended by language or non-politically correct subject matter. The three-comedian show and a drink cost $19.95, with no add-ons. And if you use the coupon that’s easy to find in many of the freebie mags, it’s only $14.95. Beers are $4.50.

4. Breakfast Special - 4 Locations - 12 am-11 am - $1.49

A great new $1.49 breakfast special is served from midnight to 11 am at the newly designated “Wild” Station casinos (Wild Wild West, Wildfire, Gold Rush, and Magic Star). At $1.49 for two eggs, two bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast, this is the best breakfast we’ve seen hereabouts in a long time.

5. Steak Dinner - 24 hours - $10.95

This 16-ounce T-bone comes with five sides (salad, vegetable, potato, onion rings, and baked beans) and a glass of beer goes for a mere $10.95. It's available 24 hours a day in the Monterrey Coffee Shop, but you have to be 21 to order it.

6. Sign-Up Promotion -Daily - Free

The new-member players club sign-up deal at Hooters replaces the Arizona Charlie’s $100 rebate for first-time sign-ups. The latter is still an excellent deal, but it has run awhile, thus many have already partaken. So, we’re moving on to a new club with a juicy deal. Join the Hooters club and get a package of goodies that includes one free ticket to Bobby Slayton, the excellent comedian-headliner show performing there now.

7. Buffet - Daily - $13.95-$24.95

Planet Hollywood has raised the price of the Spice Market Buffet $1 to $25.99, which automatically disqualifies it from continuing its run in the Top Ten. For a replacement, we return to the Mirage Cravings spread. Another contender was the Rampart, which is a very good buffet for half the price, but we decided to stick with the gourmet product, based on what clearly seems to be our readers’ preference. Cravings is convenient at center Strip and is now $1 less expensive than the former Top Tenner from Planet Hollywood.

8. Lunch Comp - Crown & Anchor - 8 am-2:30 pm - $20

A new listing this month is the lunch comp at the Crown & Anchor, a non-casino British pub on E. Tropicana near Maryland Parkway. This deal, which has been around long enough to make it highly reliable, is good for a beer and a meal in exchange for a $20 video poker buy-in. For the meal, you can have anything on the menu, including traditional English meat pies, bangers & mash, or just a sandwich or burger, so you can’t lose, even if you do lose the whole $20 while you eat. As comps continue to get harder to come by, this one’s a powerhouse.

9. Hot Dog - 11 am-5 pm - 75¢

An all-beef Vienna hot dog is served from the vendor cart at the sports book at Suncoast for 75¢. It comes with sauerkraut and onions at no extra charge and is well worth the buck you’ll pay after tipping the server. The hours are listed as 11 am to 5 pm, but we hear you can often find the cart there till 7 or 8 pm.

10. Steak & Shrimp - 24 hours - $7.77

We’re coming back with another old favorite, the Hard Rock’s steak & shrimp “Gambler’s Special.” This puts three steaks on the list, but this one’s a little different, since it shares top billing with three grilled shrimp and garlic mashed potatoes. It’s served in Mr. Lucky’s and still isn’t listed on the menu, but you can get it 24 hours a day.

http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/topten.cfm

Vegas Values Report for 1/20/08

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 Sunday to find out about the best values in Las Vegas.

http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml

Pushing fun for older women, ‘Hats’ fails to provide much of it.

By: Joe Brown/Las Vegas Sun

The opening-night audience for “Hats! The Musical” — a colorfully costumed crowd of Red Hat Society members celebrating the 10th birthday of their group — was surprised when comedian Rita Rudner stepped onstage at Harrrah’s Showroom on Thursday to introduce the show.

They were even more surprised when Rudner asked the hat ladies to take off their signature towering plumed hats — so the people sitting behind them in the cabaret-style theater could see the stage.

No one wants to be a big meanie about a show featuring an admirable, adorable bunch of older gals. But it has to be said: The 1.5 million worldwide members of the fast-growing, fun-loving sorority for women 50 and older are a juicy, underserved target market, urged to pay cash money (plus a two-drink minimum) for what amounts to a live infomercial for the RHS. Occasionally naughty, mostly cloying and saccharine, the show, at 75 minutes, seemed to stretch out like, well, half a lifetime.

More Here:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jan/27/pushing-fun-older-women-hats-fails-provide-much-it/

Finding Your Confort Zone by Bill BurtonI always suggest that players who to go to the casino on a regular basis should keep a separate bankroll to use for gambling. I also know that the majority of people don’t do this and just take the money they have on hand if they are heading to the casino for a day. Those planning a multi-day vacation however have to plan ahead to make sure their money will last for the entire trip. One way you can do this is by not over betting your bankroll by playing games at a higher limit than you can afford.

I’m sure you have all heard stories about the big wins (and losses) that your friends and co-workers have had at the casino. Everyone loves to tell stories about their casino adventures. When I hear some one talking about the “big score” they made at the casino my first thought is “How much were they betting?”

http://casinogambling.about.com/od/moneymanagement/a/comfort.htm

The Signature at MGM Grand Honored as Nation’s Most Luxurious Hotel.

The 30 million travelers of TripAdvisor.com, the web’s largest travel community, have chosen The Signature at MGM Grand as the No. 1 “Best Luxury Hotel in the U.S.” TripAdvisor’s 2008 Travelers’ Choice Awards also recognized The Signature among the “Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels in the World” and the “Best Hotels in the World’s 25 Most Popular Destinations.” The non-gaming, non-smoking all-suite resort is the only Las Vegas hotel to place in each category.

"The 2008 Travelers' Choice winners are singled out for their great service and extraordinary value," said

TripAdvisor Director of Communications Michele Perry. "Determined by millions of real travelers, the Travelers' Choice award winners raise the bar for hotels around the world, with their exceptional properties and great staff that enhance the overall travel experience."

Located within three distinct towers, The Signature provides a tranquil, non-smoking atmosphere offering the ultimate in service, just moments from the excitement of MGM Grand’s “Maximum Vegas” experience. A gated entrance, luxuriously appointed suites with balconies and attentive staff provide superior comfort, privacy and intimacy.

Palazzo Photos from www.accessvegas.com

http://photos.accessvegas.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio31/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Hotels/Palazzo_Las_Vegas

Wildest Irish Pub On Earth Comes To The Rio

From:www.accessvegas.com

McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon, the "Wildest Irish Pub on Earth," has crossed the great Mississippi River to land in the wildest city on Earth, Las Vegas.

Throwing open its doors today, McFadden's 7,000-square-foot-plus tavern at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will be Sin City's newest pub-hub for crowds seeking out an unpretentious party bar where both men and women can roll up their sleeves and have a great time.

Already famous in cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia, McFadden's Vegas outpost will boast two rooms (including a 150-person private party room with its own island bar), over 20 high-definition plasma TVs, dance floor and a breathtakingly long 100-foot mahogany bar perfect for dancing on. Along with a full bar featuring dozens of favorite draught beers and 90-ounce fishbowl cocktails, customers will want to tuck into McFadden's Almost Famous Boneless Buffalo Wings, Irish Stew, and of course, Shepherd's Pie topped with air-whipped potatoes, from Chef Brian Ratheun's kitchen.

Open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. until the Erin goes bragh, McFadden's beauteous Lucky Charms and jovial Ministers of Hospitality will ensure everyone has fun, whether they're there to watch the game, get their drink on with the dueling pianos and DJ Soup Can, or celebrate happy occasions.

Begun in New York City in 1977, McFadden's has since grown to 11 locations across the country, including Boston; Pittsburgh; Chicago; Columbus; Washington, D.C.; Nashville and Philadelphia. The venues are famous for their Irish-American cuisine, fun-loving atmosphere, happy hours and bachelorette parties.

New Lobby Aquarium Features Sea Creatures From Around The World

From: www.accessvegas.com

After a two-month transformation, The Mirage's famed lobby aquarium – already one of the most elaborate and technically advanced in the world – now offers visitors a new sensory escape.

The addition of hundreds of new sea creatures to the exhibit provides a rare glimpse into the aquatic wonders of our planet.  Nearly 1,000 marine life forms now comprise a thriving undersea community within the 20,000 gallon display.  Sharks, stingrays and porcupine fish now can be seen swimming side-by-side with eels, sea bass and puffer fish behind four-inch thick acrylic walls.      

Top aquarium design experts, noted for their work at such distinguished facilities as California's Monterey Bay Aquarium and The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md., collaborated to enhance the 53-by-8-foot display.  

New, brighter artificial corals call to mind the exotic beauty of such tropical locales as Australia's Great Barrier Reef.  In order to protect the environment it celebrates, The Mirage donated the exhibit's old reef system to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.  The aquarium's filtration and life support systems also were replaced with technology that improves visibility and monitoring.

The Mirage Lobby Aquarium is located directly behind the front desk.

Slots Reviews by Gayle Mitchell

1) The Game of Life: Atronic. 90-92%. 2 spins.

This popular slot offers 3 symbols that will move you toward the five progressive jackpot levels. They are Life Tiles, a payday tile or a stop sign. These symbols allow the player to move around the LIFE game board displayed on the video screen.

A random letter bonus round is the common denominator for all Life games where the player selects from the letters L-I-F-E. At that time, your credit reward is revealed and you move upward to the Game of Life Bonus.

With frequent payouts, this slot put the excitement into The Game of Life.

2) Indiana Jones: Raider of the Lost Ark: IGT. 88-89%. 3 spins.

Slot players can relive the excitement of the popular movie with the 43 clips programmed into this version. Line up 5 Indiana Jones symbols for the top progressive jackpot at this 5-reel game that employs both video and mechanical wheels for bonus rounds.

Three bonus symbols activate the Raiders of the Lost Ark bonus round and movie clip.

You are then asked to spin the wheel and collect the rewards from multipliers of between 25-1000X. Spin, watch and collect the rewards as Indy offers up a rousing slots adventure.

3) Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: IGT. 87-93%. 2 spins

The cast of characters are all present and for each symbol, there are 10 different movie clips.

MegaJackpots wild area progressive is the top prize, which resets at $5 million.

Two outstanding bonus events are Jedi Training and the Cloud City Bonus.

Both events are based upon building up bonus credits. Jedi Training Bonus displays an image of Yoda, the pointy-eared creature who is Master of the Fore and trainer of the Jedi warriors.

During this bonus round, the player spins the wheel displaying credit amounts and multipliers.

If a multiplier is chosen in sequence before a credit amount, these are added together until a credit amount is chosen and your total win is determined.

The Cloud City Bonus is a free spin event with a twist. The bonus begins with a Han Solo symbol on the first reel and Princess Leia symbol on the fifth. Free spins continue until Han Solo and Boba Fett symbols land on the reels at which time, a second free spin round kicks in utilizing the top box wheel.

There’s more in that the Han Solo symbol is an expanding wild symbol meaning that the landing spot turns the entire reel into a free spin zone.

While the excitement of Star Wars models continues in the slots playground, the innovative features of this model are sure to be a hit with other slots in the future.

Therefore, ‘the force will be with us’ for a long time.

http://www.casinoplayersezine.com/email/issue115.htm#slot-review

Posted on January 28th, 2008 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter