In Italian, Voga translates to "fashion" and the name fits the restaurant's eye-catching black and white d‚cor with stark ivory booths. The dining room mirrors the new Flamingo "GO" rooms with contemporary accents and hints of the hotel's signature hot pink color accompanied by minimalist fixtures. The urban chic vibe is really captured by the distinctive look featuring modern black and white artwork by Las Vegas artist Maile Austraw. You can't help being drawn in by the repeated wall half-face murals of a lady with severe black-hair, and big eye and lips. There's also back and white drapes and columns, candles for a dim glow, an inside dining room area and a sleek open-area lounge.

The diverse American bistro menu while limited has something for everyone. Some examples include: Voga Rocks, a sizzling stone plate brought to the table allowing quests to prepare their own appetizer of veal and prosciutto scaloppini; Crab Cake Caviar, Filet Mignon with Italian blue cheese crust and potato galette, and the Roasted Bell Pepper Soup this reported loved. Can't pass up the attractive desserts like a Fried Twinkie and Doughnut dish with dipping sauce, or the decadent Cheesecake Fondue platter with an assortment of different flavored mini cheesecakes artistically arranged to resemble colorful sushi rolls.

Voga's opening is the latest in a series of exciting undertakings at the Flamingo over the past year that includes the renovation of more than 1,000 rooms and suites. The restaurant is opened daily from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., call 702-733-3333.

The atmosphere at the new 9,400-square-foot BRIO Tuscan Grille at the recently opened Town Square is visually breathtaking with a 35-foot replica of the facade of the Roman Coliseum. Part of the ambiance includes the very high ceiling and an exhibition-style kitchen. There's indoor seating for 260, an outdoor terrace with seating for 200, a bar area with the window creating and indoor/outdoor setting, and two private rooms: one for 25 and the other for 60 that gets curtained off in a domed area.

The menu is marvelous and you can check it out by trying the nine-item $2.95 taster menu that's available during happy hour at the bar only from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until closing, Monday through Friday. BRIO is open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Special features are the Bellini Brunch from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and "Martini Night" on Thursdays with an array of martinis available for two dollars off.

The new Town Square located on 117 acres on Las Vegas Blvd., south of Mandalay Bay has dozens of shops and restaurants integrated throughout the 1.5 million-square-foot center's 22 buildings. The buildings feature more than 70 different facades with authentic materials such as marble, stone and hand-painted plaster. A mission-style building is situated within the center of Town Square, and as the buildings move outward, they take on new looks that reflect different places and eras.

Town Square (www.townsquarelasvegas.com) had more retailers and restaurants open in February and new ones are on tap to debut this month. Robb & Stucky, Tommy Bahama's Emporium, J. Crew and most recently the BRIO Tuscan Grille opened their doors in February. March is welcoming Yard House, Tommy Bahama's Tropical Caf‚, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Borders, Teavana, MAC, LeSportsac, and Blue Martini.

AGO, the Italian trattoria named after its celebrated Executive Chef Partner, Agostino Sciandri, has officially opened at the Hard Rock, The opening of the Las Vegas restaurant, which is the resort's first new eatery in five years, coincides with the tenth anniversary year of the landmark Los Angeles eatery. One of the restaurant's Hollywood heavyweight partners is Robert De Niro.

Singing comedy impersonator Tony Pace made his Las Vegas debut this past week in a sneak preview at the Greek Isles. Ironically, he has lived in Las Vegas for more than a year, but he's only been in the city a few weeks due to his hectic performing schedule around the world. Described as "The Man with the Voice…Who Just Happens to Be Funny," he may end up with a permanent Las Vegas entertainment base with his improvisational fun.

Tony Sacca is receiving the 23rd star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars that extends from Russell Road to Sahara Ave. Some past recipients include Wayne Newton, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr., Rich Little, Siegfried & Roy, Liberace, and more.

Encouraged by magicians Siegfried & Roy, who he met in Puerto Rico, Sacca came to Las Vegas with his identical twin brother Robert in 1981 and performed in many hotels. Along with contributing his time and energy to many charities, producing shows and commercials, Sacca has produced and hosted the longest running entertainment television show from Las Vegas featuring hundreds of notable celebrities.

Flamingo Executive Chef Christophe Doumergue created a diverse American bistro menu for Voga, using tastes from around the world. “The next generation of young chefs is inspired by an array of cultures and various cuisines in America and we have built a menu to reflect this idea,” said Doumergue. “Voga’s menu is a primary example of this unique approach to American nouvelle cuisine.”

Guests at Voga are able to sample a variety of plates designed specifically for social dining: Mini Maine Lobster Tacos served with mango chile mojo; Voga Rocks, a sizzling stone plate brought to the table allowing quests to prepare their own appetizer of veal and prosciutto scaloppini; and Asian Crispy Lettuce Wraps, to name a few. Other tantalizing small plates include: Crab Cake Caviar, Tuna Sashimi , Fried Lime Calamari and Bay Scallops, Roasted Bell Pepper Soup, Fresh Mussels and Clams and a Tower of Bruschetta.

Voga’s entrees include prime selections of Seared Scallops served with crab meat and asparagus; Pork Tenderloin with glazed peaches, black plums, goat cheese and baby spinach; Filet Mignon with Italian blue cheese crust and potato galette; and Osso Bucco with yellow lentil risotto.

Classic favorites with an imaginative twist make up the dessert menu. Guests can blissfully indulge in a Fried Twinkie and Doughnut dish served with rich chocolate dipping sauce and whipped cream, or dip into the decadent Cheesecake Fondue platter with an assortment of mini cheesecakes artistically arranged to resemble colorful sushi rolls in mouthwatering flavors including chocolate, strawberry, coffee, pistachio and mango.

Voga translates to “fashion” in Italian and is highlighted in the restaurant’s eye -catching décor. Dramatic black and white drapes and columns of candles provide a dim glow, creating an intimate ambience in the lounge, which features high top tables and a sleek bar. The Voga dining room mirrors the award-winning design of the new Flamingo “GO” Rooms with contemporary accents and hints of the hotel’s signature hot pink color while minimalist fixtures and the steady beat of hip music add to the urban chic vibe. The innovative team at Las Vegas-based firm Urbane Design developed the concept for Voga’s distinctive look. The space also predominantly features modern black and white artwork by Las Vegas artist Maile Austraw.

Voga is open for dinner daily from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. For reservations, call (702) 733- 3333. Groups of 14 or more, call (702) 697-2880 or (866) 462-5982.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com

Mi Casa’s tortilla soup ($6) is comprised of tomatoes, chicken and scallions and comes topped with crisp corn tortillas and sour cream.  Made with finely chopped crisp iceberg lettuce and tossed with chipotle glazed chicken, roast corn and peppers, charro beans, scallions, avocado, mango, shredded cheddar and jack cheeses, frizzled sweet potatoes and jalapeno-ranch dressing, the Santa Rosa chicken salad ($11) is a refreshingly cool meal.

Those looking for a light lunch will enjoy the crab sopes ($8).  These crab stuffed corn tortillas come with jicama slaw, avocado and chipotle crema.  Containing lime, onions, tomatoes, shrimp and crab, Mi Casa’s ceviche ($10) is sure to satisfy while guacamole ($9) served with a trio of salsas and corn chips will leave guests wishing lunch lasted all day.

For traditional Mexican fare, several items are sure to delight. The quesadillas ($7) are made with flour tortillas and stuffed with green chilies, manchengo, cotija and cheddar cheese and served with a salsa fresca. Mi Casa’s flautas ($9) are comprised of crisp flour tortillas stuffed with the chef’s daily selection of meat, poultry or seafood and served with tomatillo salsa, guacamole and crema. A staple of any meal, the nachos ($9) are made with crisp corn tortillas and topped with beef or chicken, charro beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, pickled jalapenos and three cheeses and served with a trio of salsas, sour cream and guacamole.

The enchiladas are sure to stop hunger in its tracks.  Three corn tortillas come served with Mexican cheese, rice, charro beans, red or green enchilada sauce and stuffed with choice of cheese ($9), beef ($12) or chicken ($10). Mi Casa’s burritos come stuffed with Mexican rice, charro beans and choice of cheese ($9) shredded chicken ($10), pork ($11) or machaca beef ($12).

Always a hit, Mi Casa’s fajitas are made with choice of char grilled skirt steak ($12 ) or chicken breast ($11) and served with grilled onions, peppers, warm tortillas, Mexican rice and charro beans. Another delectable option are Abuela’s daily tamales ($10), which come with Mexican rice and charro beans. 

For those who like options, the uno, dos, tres tacos are ideal.  These tasty choices are made with crispy corn or soft flour tortillas stuffed with choice of chicken or fried fish and mixed with Mexican cheese, rice and charro beans. One of these flavorful treats is $6, two are $8 and three are only $10.

Mi Casa Grill Cantina at Silverton Casino Lodge is open daily for lunch 11 a.m. –
4 p.m. For more information, please call (702) 263-7777
http://www.casinotravelnews.com

The purchase hopefully caps 5 years of confusion at the legendary property, and puts Binions back into the hands of an owner who truly has a vested interest in the success of downtown Las Vegas. TLC has done a great job at the Four Queens and we trust that the magic touch will be applied to the house that Benny built as well.

New boss Terry Caudill had this to say to the Review Journal:

That would be the airport, Bob’

Bob Eubanks, best known as host of “The Dating Game,” has heard a lot of odd comments during his decades in the business. One that caught him by surprise was made recently during “The $250,000 Game Show Spectacular” at the Las Vegas Hilton.

“There was a minister on the show, and I asked him where was the strangest place he had ever made whoopee,” Eubanks says. “He says, ‘In the airport parking lot. Well, we hadn’t seen each other in a long time.’?”

Eubanks shares hosting duties with Jamie Farr and Chuck Woolery, and audiences are never sure who will be hosting. Recently, Eubanks has been onstage Mondays through Wednesdays and Farr on Thursdays and Fridays because Woolery is off on another gig.

But the contestants in the “Game Show Spectacular” are the stars of the show, Eubanks says. “You never know what’s going to happen.”

The live game show debuted in October and has had more than 3,000 contestants. More than $300,000 in cash and prizes have been given away — but not the big one, the $250,000 prize.

“And we really want them to win it, right now,” says Eubanks. “It would be so good for the show.”

He describes “Spectacular” as a combination of several game shows, including “The Newlywed Game,” “Name That Tune” and “The Gong Show.” The show lasts 75 minutes and about 40 contestants are picked from the audience to compete each time.

Details: 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, Las Vegas Hilton Theater, $46.20; 732-5755, lvhilton.com
http://lasvegassun.com

By: Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun

Veteran producers Sandy Hackett and Dick Feeney have achieved a coup, melding vintage Vegas shows and the vintage showroom at the Plaza.

It’s a fitting venue for “The Rat Pack Is Back” and “Viva Las Vegas!” — productions reminiscent of the glory days of old Las Vegas. One is a tribute to the Rat Pack, the other a tribute to revues that featured a little bit of glamour, some comedy, some dancing, some singing.

The 500-seat showroom, too, is a throwback to the old days — large yet warm, a place that appeals to entertainers and fans. If they ever take the Plaza down, they should keep the showroom and build a new casino around it.

Tickets for both shows also are a reminder of times when decent entertainment didn’t cost an arm and a leg.

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/mar/13/shows-re-create-vintage-vegas/

By: Joe Brown/Las Vegas Sun

Barry Manilow is back in town after a three-month hiatus.

Here’s what the dynamo was up to while AWOL:

• Played live with an orchestra for Brian Boitano’s ice skating spectacular in San Francisco’s AT&T Park.

• Supersized his Las Vegas act for stadium audiences in Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington.

• Released “Songs From the Seventies” DVD.

• Marketed five Manilow-labeled wines retailing from $20 to $25 a bottle.

• Got some long-overdue hipster credit for giving Shelby Lynne the idea to record her superlative album of Dusty Springfield covers.

How did anything get done around here without him?

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/mar/11/you-know-words-already/

By: Jeff German/Las Vegas Sun

Come with John and Tina Henderson as they take you through the powerfully expensive night they spent last month at LAX nightclub in Luxor. Warning: It is not for the faint of wallet.

Henderson, 53, is a businessman who has lived in Las Vegas with his family since 1989. He and his wife took their daughter, Marissa, and her friends from Santa Clara University to LAX to celebrate her 21st birthday. He summed up the experience in an interview with the Sun on Thursday: “I was insulted. I felt financially raped.”

The party of 10 did enjoy the dancing after getting into the club Feb. 16, the weekend before Internal Revenue Service agents paid visits to two nightclubs, including LAX, run by Pure Management Group. But the Hendersons were not happy about the surprises along the way.

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/mar/09/nightclub-nightmare-costs-couple-bundle/

Domestic Goddess to Wicked Witch:
Roseanne keeps going./ By Carla J. Zvosec/Las Vegas Magazine

By: Paul Szydelko/Las Vegas Magazine

No other sporting event makes a Thursday or Friday morning crackle with anticipation and then roar with excitement. Selection Sunday, when the NCAA men's basketball tournament brackets are announced, is the trigger for fans to pore over the matchups, analyze all the data and fill in the blanks for this weekend and beyond. March Madness is ready to tip off, and sports books are ready for all the action.

Decades of compelling television coverage, ubiquitous office pools, one-and-done drama, multiregional appeal, memorable upsets and inspirational Cinderella stories are among the dynamics that have driven the gaming interest upward — even past that other orgy of sports betting, the pro football championship.

The state doesn't specifically track the handle, or the amount of money bet, on the NCAA tournament like it does for the Super Bowl. But last March, Nevada books risked more than $228 million on basketball, according to the Gaming Control Board, an increase of $121 million from the $107 million bet on basketball in February 2006. With about $60 million bet on pro basketball each month during its regular season, it's easy to see betting on NCAA basketball likely exceeded the handle of last year's Super Bowl, which was $93 million.

With each region of the country boasting strong teams, thousands of fans from across the country have planned their vacations around the tournament and are flooding Las Vegas to put their money where their alumni shine.

"It's like a college frat party," said Mark Walker, sports book director for MGM Mirage. "It looks like a bunch of 25-year-olds betting $20 on everything they can get their hands on." Fans start trickling into the sports books at 5 a.m., and the venues are full by the time Walker arrives for work at 6:30 a.m. Games begin shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday, March 20-21.

Each weekend of the tournament has its own distinct character, said Walker, who oversees the books at the MGM Grand, The Mirage, Bellagio, Treasure Island, Mandalay Bay, Luxor and others in the MGM Mirage family.

"It's really three separate tournaments. The first four days, it's bedlam — it's really as good as it gets for a sports fan," Walker said. With as many as four games going at once, the sports books' big screens are filled with action from all regions, and fans react to every ball steal or buzzer-beater they happen to be watching.

"The next four days, when you get to the quarterfinals, it's a little more subdued but people start to bet a little more money because they recognize the powers that are left and there are a few Cinderella stories," Walker said.

When the semifinals and finals come around, a single-event atmosphere prevails. "It's more like a football bowl game because the powerhouses are left and people feel more comfortable betting a lot more money. So we take a lot more 'bigger bets' but we're not nearly as busy as the first four days," Walker said.

Whether it's trying to identify this year's Cinderella team — a Valparaiso or a George Mason — that makes an unlikely run through the tournament, or rooting for a favorite team or conference representative, count on March Madness for a nonstop raucous good time in Vegas.
http://www.lasvegasmagazine.com/

One for the Kids: 'Mega Bubble Show' goes better with youngsters.
By MIKE WEATHERFORD/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Time was, bubbles on a Las Vegas stage would have involved a stripper (maybe named Bubbles) and a giant champagne glass.

Now, they say Las Vegas isn't for families anymore. Except that a lot of them live here, and a lot of children still pass through in the summer. Fan Yang wants to make bubbles for them.

"Mega Bubble Show" is a spinoff of "The Gazillion Bubble Show," a surprise off-Broadway hit. Both are just what they sound like: a whole show of a guy blowing bubbles. Really big bubbles, sometimes. Yang recently put 100 members of Oprah's studio audience inside one.

You'll have to settle for four children standing under a bubble hoop as big as a trash can lid in the afternoon show at Steve Wyrick's theater in the Miracle Mile Shops.

More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/16671371.html

Through March 23, all PT's Pubs are running the "$20,000 March to the Championship Giveaway" including a chance to win a trip to the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio. Players receive one entry for every four-of-a-kind.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/16671376.html

Rock radio staples the Goo Goo Dolls will top the "A Concert For Lili Claire" benefit show at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on April 26, with Josh Kelley and Sugar Ray. Tickets are $35, $60 and $75 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the Mandalay Bay box office, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Long-running pop stalwarts Duran Duran hit The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on May 9 and 10. Tickets start at $95 and go on sale at noon Saturday at the Hard Rock box office, 4455 Paradise Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Comedian Mike Epps stops at The Pearl at the Palms on April 18, with Lavell Crawford. Tickets are $53 and $78 and go on sale at noon Saturday at The Pearl box office, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Country crooner Dierks Bentley visits the Sandbar at Red Rock Resort on May 2, with Bucky Covington. Tickets are $44.95 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Red Rock ticket sales counter, 11011 W. Charleston.

Country singer Hal Ketchum plays the Chrome Showroom on May 24. Tickets are $27.50, $29.50 and $32.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the venue ticket sales counter.

"I still do my big illusion show, but that's like 10 semis worth of stuff. Fighter jets and Lamborghinis and motorcycles, all that stuff that everybody's doing."

Instead, Daniels is setting up a new afternoon show at the Sahara with a mere 31/2 trucks work of scenery, including 15 backdrops and an animatronic gargoyle or two.

That's still outrageous for an afternoon show sharing a stage with two evening productions ("Fab Four Mania" and Trent Carlini's Elvis tribute). Stranger still is that Daniels is opting out of the usual Las Vegas illusion format in favor of "The Brett Daniels Magic Show: Wohscigam" (spell it backward).

The show debuting April 1 has a theatrical premise blending magic with the format of murder-mystery dinner theater.

Daniels says about half the magic will be sleight-of-hand rather than illusions involving cabinets and other contraptions. The production elements are more devoted to special effects, such as ghosts and a horse-drawn carriage.

"It really is more like a movie than a magic show," Daniels says of the plot dealing with a magician's backstage murder in 1912. The recent release of two movies with similar ideas, "The Prestige" and "The Illusionist," encouraged him.

San Francisco firefighter Joshua Parks alleges his femur, the largest bone in the body, was broken by security personnel March 29, 2004, when he refused to pay a security guard to re-enter after leaving the club for a cigarette.

District Judge David Wall heard motions on the case last Friday. The trial is scheduled to start in his court March 24.

According to court documents, Parks was confronted by security guards Orlando Johnson and Nathan Vargas when the 5-foot-6, 155-pound firefighter attempted to rejoin a wedding party.

In a deposition, Parks said he felt he was being "muscled" for a tip and was beaten when he objected.

The lawsuit alleges his leg was intentionally broken during the incident.

Emmett Michaels, director of security for Mandalay Group, said in a deposition the injury had to be "some kind of excessive force." Surveillance video showed Parks' shattered leg ended up near his head, Michaels said. "Not in 18 years (as security chief) did we have anything similar to that … not even close," he said.

Vargas, in his deposition, said he was fired by Rumjungle's management in 2005 for taking "excessive tips." Asked what he earned on average in a year for working the door, Vargas said, "I don't know."

When pressed for specific tax information, Vargas said he was told by management that he didn't have to file tax returns, because "they said it was a gratuity."

The trial is likely to shine more light on aggressive tipping practices and unreported income.

Club operators and casinos are already on edge after an IRS raid Feb. 20 at Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace and Pure Management Group's offices.

Rumjungle is operated by the China Grill group, which leases the space from Mandalay Group, Mandalay Bay's parent company.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/16429481.html

He still enjoys being a comedian, but he's almost 52 and doesn't endure the travel like he used to. "I love my stand-up and I love doing it when I feel everything's aligned. I don't love being on the road," he says.

But Saget has a lot of company. Look at the headline comedians who visited in February: Dave Attell, Drew Carey, George Carlin, Bill Engvall, Artie Lange, George Lopez, Howie Mandel, Norm MacDonald, Ray Romano and Kevin James (co-billed), Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman and David Spade.

"Damn, that's a lot of people," says George Wallace, the resident comedian at the Flamingo Las Vegas, after I read the list to him. "Everybody wants to come over now. They see, 'Well if George Wallace can do it … .' And I'm the one without the TV show."

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/16429351.html