Everything Las Vegas Issue # 681
October 17th, 2008
ROOM RATES PLUNGING. BY NORM CLARKE
More signs of declining times: Room rates have fallen dramatically since the economic downturn.
Rooms at Bellagio are going for $149; $110 at Mandalay Bay, $90 at MGM Grand, $69 at Treasure Island, and $60 at Monte Carlo and Luxor.
Excalibur is offering $42 deals, and Circus Circus has rates starting at $37.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/31156239.html
Mob-era gambling boss was ‘Old Vegas’
By: Ed Koch/Mary Manning/Las Vegas Sun
Near the end of the 1995 Martin Scorsese film “Casino,” the Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal character, portrayed by Robert DeNiro, laments how the new corporate Las Vegas imploded all the mob-run Las Vegas resorts.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/16/mob-era-gambling-boss-was-old-vegas/
Cirque du Soleil's "O" celebrates 10-year anniversary.
By Kate Silver/Las Vegas Magazine
If "O" were a woman, we'd give her a diamond ring. The circular gift is only appropriate considering the elegant Cirque Du Soleil show celebrates its 10-year anniversary on Oct. 15 (and the "O" in 10 has not gone unnoticed by our keen eyes, either).
With its synchronized swimmers, divers, acrobats and clowns, "O" is known for the feats of its graceful performers. But 10 years is a feat in and of itself in a town where shows often don't live through all of the signs of the zodiac.
The title of the production is a play on eau, the French word for water, which explains the ever-changing pool that serves as a stage. The performance revolves around the concept of infinity, while playfully exploring different forms of theater through different regions of the world. It begins with a handful of street performers greeting a woman who acrobatically descends from high above. A seemingly innocent audience member is pulled from his seat to greet the beautiful woman, who graces him with her red handkerchief. The audience member – and the audience – is then enveloped into the performance, mesmerized by the synchronized swimmers before them. The red handkerchief remains a theme throughout, with a presence as consistent and smooth as the letter O.
Of the 85 cast members, 26 have been with the show since day one. The performers hail from 20 different countries, and each one is scuba-certified. They have to be, in order to navigate the shape-shifting 1.5 million-gallon pool. Of course, swimming is second nature to walking for these performers, who make up the largest group of Olympic athletes of any Cirque du Soleil production. Nine of them participated in one or more Olympic games before joining the troupe.
For the 8 million people who have seen the show, it comes as no surprise that these are world-class athletes. The dives – from heights of up to 60 feet – are stunts of incredible strength, as the men and women flip, backflip, wiggle through the air, cross over one another and seemingly recline mid-leap. Between acts, the infamous clowns of Cirque du Soleil provide comic relief, playfully floating around the pool on a houseboat, playing pranks on one another and the audience.
As "O" approaches its 5,000th performance, the show still feels as revolutionary as it did a decade ago. With 1,200 costumes and headpieces (some made of surgical tubing and shower-curtain material) and a bevy of talented performers, crew and technicians, you can return to "O" time and again and catch aspects of the show you missed the first time around. Its creative genius, pursuit of infinity and limitless possibilities are, in part, responsible for the show's success. It's no surprise that every night "O" gets a standing "O"vation.
http://lvshowbiz.com
Steve's Las Vegas Quickies:
Female impersonator Derrick Barry, who played Britney Spears in "An Evening at La Cage" at the Riviera, has departed the show. He was with "La Cage" since June 2004. Barry was on "America's Got Talent" this year but didn't make the finals.
Steve Wynn has gone up on the roof of his 638-foot luxury tower, Encore, to shoot a sequel commercial to the one he did on the top of his Wynn tower when he opened it. Encore will open in December.
The VooDoo Lounge at the Rio will hold its annual "Mingle & Mayhem" event with a $5000 cash costume contest on Friday, Oct. 31. Bacardi shot girls will be passing out batbite shots and the Hardcore Watch Co. will provide a jewelry fashion show with painted models. Cost, which includes a Bacardi hosted bar from 7 to 9 p.m., is $20 for women, $30 for men, call 702-777-7776.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced that the finale of The Ultimate Fighter Team Nogueira vs Team Mir will take place on Saturday Dec. 13 at the Palms’ Pearl Theatre.
The winner will receive a multi-year, six-figure contract with the UFC.
Wes Winters closed his Liberace tribute show at the Steve Wyrick Theater in the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood last week.
As of Oct. 1, Boyd Gaming's three downtown casinos (California, Fremont and Main Street Station) have a new consolidated players club called B Connected that not only lets members earn and redeem points at those casinos, but also earn and redeem points at the Gold Coast, Orleans, Suncoast and Sam's Town, plus the six Boyd casinos in Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana and Illinois. Members earn one point for every dollar coin-in and every 1,000 points can be redeemed for $1 in cashback. All unredeemed point balances from the former Players Gold cards have been transferred to the B Connected system, but members must pick up a new B Connected card in order to earn and redeem additional points.
Source: Players Edge
You can win a free fleece pullover at the Las Vegas Hilton this month by hitting 7-7-7 in blackjack, a three-of-a-kind in three-card poker, a royal flush at video poker or a $1,000-plus jackpot at slots.
Hypnotist Marc Savard has moved his "Mesmerized" back into the V Theater at Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops, which he left "a year and five days" before his return. His time away included a stint at Trader Vic's on the other side of the mall.
The Amazing Johnathan spent last weekend in Santa Monica, Calif., where he was named Best Comedic Magician at the World Magic Awards. Mac King received the same honor last year. The festivities hosted by Neil Patrick Harris were taped for TV, which last year aired as a syndicated special in December.
The owners of the downtown Neonopolis are in negotiations to revive the "Star Trek" attraction to the downtown shopping center. The "Star Trek" exhibit and ride ended an 11-year run at the Las Vegas Hilton in September.
Bette Midler will be appearing at Krave nightclub on Monday between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at a Barack Obama rally, it was announced Thursday.
The Travel Channel is in town filming episodes for the "Vegas Revolution," a six-episode series that begins airing Nov. 13. Wednesday's filming took place at Simon at Palms Place. Other restaurants being featured include the Peppermill, Wolfgang Puck's CUT at The Palazzo, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at the Wynn, Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace and Puck's Postrio (Venetian) and Chinois (Forum Shops at Caesars).
LBS: A Burger Joint has opened at the Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., offering 23 kinds of burgers plus custom options, fried pickles, sourdough pretzel sticks, microbrew beers and more. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Visit www.lbsburger.com or call 797-7777.
Perennial chart-topping singer-songwriter Neil Diamond headlines the MGM Grand Garden arena on Jan. 2. Tickets are $50, $100 and $175 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the MGM Grand box office, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and Ticketmaster outlets.
BEST-NAMED HALLOWEEN EVENT:
The Imperial Palace's fifth annual "Scary-okee" Halloween karaoke party on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31. Party from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and choose your tune at the "Wheel of Terror," which features such Halloween standards as "Monster Mash" and "Werewolves of London."
The Stratosphere is offering all new Ultimate Reward Club members up to $120 in free play plus comps based on their first day of action. New members earning 100 points ($100 coin-in on slots, $200-$800 coin-in on video poker; no point redemption required) receive a T-shirt. When they earn another 400 points, they get $20 in free slot play. All new members earning 1,200 points get two free show tickets, and those earning a total of 2,000 points get $100 in free slot play (plus all the other rewards). Points must be earned from the time the new member signed up to 11:59 p.m. the following day.
Source: Players Edge
At 9 p.m. Saturday, the South Point is offering "October Binghoul," a special bingo session featuring $14,000 in guaranteed cash prizes.
The five-block-long downtown entertainment complex, the Fremont Street Experience, has now added a third Viva Vision premiere to the giant screen suspended 90 feet over the pedestrian mall. The 12.5 million lights of the screen now dazzle with A Tribute to Queen, Don McLean’s American Pie and the newest feature Born2B Wild.
Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton starts a seven-night run through next Wednesday at MGM’s 740-seat Hollywood theater. It was back in 1994 that he performed his 25,000th Vegas show and he’s still going strong 14 years on!
Mark your calendars for Jan. 10. That's when Mandalay Bay Events Centers hosts the 26th annual Adult Video News Awards. Previous AVN winner Jenna Haze and Belladonna emcee the ceremony, which begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 and $100, and may be obtained through Ticketmaster, the Mandalay Bay box office (702/632-7580), or at www.MandalayBay.com. All attendees must be 18 year of age or older.
According to a breaking news item on Norm Clarke's "Vegas Confidential" blog, Mayor Oscar Goodman says a deal to resurrect Cedar Fair's Star Trek: The Experience at downtown's Neonopolis is in the offing. Neonopolis landlord Rohit Joshi told Clarke, "We are in serious negotiations." Joshi already has a deal in place with CBS Licensing, which is responsible for the museum exhibits at ST:TE, which closed at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sept. 1. A Cedar Fair spokeswoman was unaware of any agreement with Neonpolis, though she allowed that the semi-dismantled attraction could be sold to another operator. Cedar Fair has until Jan. 1 to finish the load-out of ST:TE at the Hilton. No replacement attraction has yet been announced.
For the third consecutive year, AOL.com has named Circus Circus' Fright Dome one of the leading "haunted" attractions in the U.S. The Halloween carnival, held in the Adventuredome, is upping the scare ante this year with three new haunted houses: HillBilly Hell, Vampire’s Bloodfeast and The HEX-MAS Nightmare, plus a stunt show featuring the hosts of Discovery Channel's "Guinea Pig" series. Also featured will be the sword-swallowing Lady Diabla, and her Xtreme Sideshow Circus featuring Stigmata – tattooed from head to toe, performing suspension acts – and Lil’ Miss Firefly – one of the world’s smallest girls, measuring in at just above two feet." Fright Dome is open 7 p.m. to midnight, Oct. 16-19, Oct. 23-26, and Oct. 29-31. Admission is $33.95, although discount coupons are being offered through Fright World stores, Albertsons, Hollywood Video and Del Taco. For details about all the other Halloween events taking place around town, from haunted houses to festish and fantasy balls, and where to get your costume, check out the Halloween listings in our Special Events section.
A $34 Pork Chop? That's among the items on the menu of Stratta at Wynn Las Vegas, whose bill of fare is profiled today in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Specialties of the house include halibut with chick peas and fennel ($38), and braised short ribs ($34).
Today is the 10th anniversary of the opening of Bellagio and the 15th birthday of Luxor. The Egyptian-themed casino has had its ups and downs, but Bellagio has always been one of the Strip's most lucrative casino-resorts. We tip our hat to UNLV's David Schwartz, who unearthed a 1998 doom-and-gloom story that makes for interesting reading during current doldrums. The worries preceding Bellagio's opening were, if anything, even more dire than those heard today. The money quote: "it's highly unlikely that in our lifetimes we'll see development of this magnitude again."
"Bella" is the name given to the dolphin calf recently born at the Mirage's Atlantic bottlenose dolphin habitat. Mirage employees were challenged to come up with names suitable for the seven-week-old dolphin ("Sweet Pea" and "Lucy" were among the suggestions). With the addition of Bella, the Mirage now has three generations of the same bottlenose dolphin family on property.
Harrah's Entertainment announced today that it closed the Paris-Las Vegas poker room on Oct. 10. Players are encouraged to visit the Bally's poker room instead for daily tournaments and lessons. The Rio has closed one of its restaurants, Antonio's, and has cut the hours at Sao Paulo from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. to 6 a.m.-noon.
Harrah's Entertainment is now down to five Megabucks machines in all of its Las Vegas properties. Caesars Palace still has two, while Harrah's Las Vegas, the Flamingo and the Rio all have one each. This phase-out has been ongoing for quite some time but has passed almost without notice: A sharp-eyed LVA reader pointed it out to us. Harrah's made headlines this summer by announcing its determination to cut back Wheel of Fortune games. Both Wheel of Fortune and Megabucks are made by IGT.
Romantic Rendezvous.
Paris' iconic landmarks light up the heart of The Strip. By Leslie Frisbee
Las Vegas Magazine
Among the many cultural influences and diverse attractions that give Sin City its global appeal is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, and you don't have to cross the pond to see Paris' most famous symbol. Piercing the horizon in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip is the Eiffel Tower. A half-scale replica of the real deal, the Tower is the centerpiece of Vegas' version of the City of Lights. The 50-story structure is just one of the many attractions that gives Paris Las Vegas its je ne sais quoi.
Synonymous with romance, the Eiffel Tower Experience provides an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city from 460 feet above the Strip. Open for tours from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m., guests can gaze at Vegas landmarks through the glass elevator and enjoy an unparalleled view of the Strip from the observation deck.
After dining on gourmet French cuisine at the breathtaking Eiffel Tower Restaurant, take a stroll across the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Considered by many as the most beautiful bridge in the world, the Parisian arch is adorned with ornate cherubs, nymphs, a winged horse and art nouveau lamps and spans the Seine River, which flows through the heart of Paris. The Vegas reproduction, which sweeps across the front corridor of the hotel, provides a stunning view of the 85,000-square-foot casino floor.
You couldn't possibly visit Paris without a trip down Le Boulevard. Along the cobblestoned streets of the shopping promenade are très chic boutiques including Les Eléments, a specialty gift and garden store, and Les Boutique, an exclusive shop featuring high-end designers and an haute couture shopping experience; authentic French patisseries and cafés round out this quaint village, which is reminiscent of the Rue de la Paix neighborhood of Paris.
Tucked in the back of the shopping gallery is Napoleon's, an upscale champagne and cigar bar. Adorned in deep reds and dark browns, the lounge, which features dueling piano performances, is a mixture of Old World charm and Vegas glitz. Boasting more than 100 champagnes and sparkling wines by the bottle and glass, and a light menu featuring exquisite appetizers and hors d'oeuvres including pan-seared foie gras, lobster, caviar and truffles, Napoleon's is the perfect prelude to a night on the town.
If you're looking for a place to kick up your Louboutins, then head to Risqué. Located at the front of the casino, Risqué is one of the most chic nightclubs on the Strip. Elegant décor, plush seating areas and DJs spinning the latest hip-hop, R&B and house music make this club a favorite among Vegas' most astute clubgoers. With two separate rooms playing different music and swank VIP tables overlooking the Bellagio and Arc de Triomphe fountains, this posh venue is just one of the many things that makes Paris the crème de la crème on the Strip.
http://lvshowbiz.com/feature2.html
J-Lo gets married again and Celine Dion grabs a Strip vacation.
By Robin Leach/ Vegas LuxeLife/Las Vegas Weekly
Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez brought singer husband Marc Anthony to Vegas to celebrate his 40th birthday — and they wound up renewing their marriage vows in a 3:15 a.m. exchange of vows in their penthouse suite at Caesars Palace. Luxe Life broke that story less than five hours after the secret ceremony yesterday — CLICK HERE. They’d partied at the Pure nightclub for three hours while waiting to find a minister to perform the service!
J-Lo and Marc’s romantic weekend — sans their 8-month-old fraternal twins, Max and Emee — began with a visit to Mindfreak magician Criss Angel’s new Cirque du Soleil Believe show at the Luxor. Backstage afterward in his dressing room they told Criss: “It was a beautiful emotional magical journey and we’re definitely coming back to see it again.” Their friend, New York Mets superstar Carlos Beltran, who later became one of their marriage renewal witnesses, was with them — and Criss took them all off for celebration Cristal champagne at the LAX nightclub, where they danced cheek to cheek to the sounds of DJ Hollywood. Criss also entertained them in the nightclub’s exclusive hidden-away Noir bar. The night was still young so J-Lo and Marc, along with her mom by this time, who would become another marriage renewal witness later, turned up at the Bank nightclub in the Bellagio and were so hungry they ordered taste treats from the adjoining FIX restaurant. For the record, J-Lo stuck to water and Marc had a single Coors Lite beer.
Next night, J-Lo and Marc, her family and Carlos Beltran, all piled into the Vegas Pussycat Dolls lounge at Caesars Palace, and Marc even danced along to the Pussycat Dolls performance. They then moved over at midnight to the Pure nightclub main stage beds — and the hunt began for a minister to perform the marriage renewal ceremony. By 3 a.m. they’d rounded up the Rev. Steven Smith and they all went upstairs to their new Forum Tower suite at Caesars for the ceremony! Incidentally, they were the first guests to even stay in the new super-suite! Congratulations to the newly-weds – again!
Superstar singer Celine Dion took a few days' break from the North American leg of her current world tour that will end in February. She decided “there’s no place like home” – and returned here to her Lake Las Vegas estate. The first stop of her nights out on the town was at the Luxor to see the new Criss Angel Believe show. As Luxe Life reported, Celine, manager husband Rene Angelil and their 7-year-old son, Rene Charles, went backstage and met the rock-illusionist, who presented the youngster with a set of his children’s edition of Mindfreak DVDs. Said Celine: “Between his magic, the amazing dancers, the great lighting and creativity, the show is very entertaining.”
Two nights later it was Bette Midler’s second night of her most recent return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace — Celine’s other "home," where she starred nightly for five years. Celine and Rene sat near legendary music industry executive Clive Davis and singer-composer John Prine who wrote "Hello In There," which Bette features in the show. Then they all went backstage to Celine’s former dressing room that Bette re-designed for her run. Among the celebrity guests attending Bette’s third return show were Celine’s stage director, Franco Dragone, Celine’s songwriter Linda Perry, who has also written for Pink, Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera, Sen. Harry Reid in from Washington D.C. and producer-writer-director Nora Ephron of You’ve Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and My Blue Heaven, among many others.
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life.com
Ram Talent Live really cooks at The Sahara by Robin Leach.
VegasLuxe Life/Las Vegas Weekly
It maybe the most extraordinary show ever staged in Vegas. Not only is it the single-handed determination and genius of just one woman, but also 43 members of the cast who once escaped Communism in Cuba and sought political asylum here in Sin City. It was Cuba’s largest mass- defection ever. The amazing videos that envelop the stage and audience bathing theatergoers in a kaleidoscope of multicolored landscape surrounds and incredible images took two years alone to assemble! The entire result must be akin to what a drug hallucination trip experience resembles. I’ve never done narcotics, but all I can say is I am addicted to the new Raw Talent Live show.
I am baffled and bewildered that the production is at the Sahara, because it should be on a world stage as a pop-opera, either at New York’s Madison Square Garden or the 02 Stadium in London, or as a dance drama at New York’s Lincoln Center. For now, though, we are the lucky ones because it’s playing on the Strip and paves the way for the next generation of Vegas entertainment.
It is an absolute assault on all the senses:
Your head will be pounding from the passion of the performers. Nobody has ever danced with such love of their art as these refugees -– except maybe the talented cast of The Fashionistas, who enthralled with their commitment to magic movement. As they say: “No passion= No Drive.”
*Your eyes will be dazzled by the high-concept costumes — more than 700 visually stunning creations conceived and created for the 70 performers by the one-woman army known as Nicole Durr. (Since she prefers her initials ND to her full name we’ll mention only those for the remainder of this story.)
*Your ears will revel in the original music, songs and dances she single-handedly composed for her 45 dancers, 12-piece band, and the 14 singers each of whom is a superstar in their own right. It’s a magnificent feast of everything from Latin gusto to Havana Nights brass with solo sopranos thrown in to even heighten the experience of thrills and chills down your spine as your skin gets goosebumps. It doesn’t matter a jot that the songs and dances are performed 70 percent English and 30 percent Spanish – in fact, it’s an added bonus to get the rhythms right!
*Your mouth will not stop talking the night you see it or the morning after when you wake up trying to remember what you got immersed in. You will be wondering what you witnessed — but you’ll never know. And just when you think you’ve figured out the gist of the story plot, ND wants you to ask yourself “Are You Sure? If you answer, “YES,” she goes one step further saying, “Then obviously it doesn’t work.” ND wants you to experience the human body’s electricity as you go into sensory overload- and believe me, you will.
In the entire history of theater no one woman has taken on such an undertaking, and even more curiously ND wants it to be misunderstood.
She solely wants to provoke and open up the thought process of living in today’s machine-driven world of opposites. Her list of dichotomies is endless: birth-death; good-evil, war-peace; innocent-deceit, creation-destruction, courage-survival, love- jealousy, conscience-guilt- darkness-light, freedom-caged- and all play a part in a world where we struggle to remain independent thinking human beings instead of being run as machine beings!
All of those opposites become characters during the 75-minute high-energy production and high tech imagery. It’s a modern-day fairytale of olden mystique complete with its own Evil Queen, Snake Girl, Mermaids, Don Juan’s Fuego and Destiny characters. The story focuses onto a laptop of life as today’s computers used by hackers and geeks alike to find the secret of life –- even the keeper of the keys is called Sir Real in a bizarre homage to our wacked out reality TV programs.
You may never figure all or any of this out. So if you go expecting a Cirque-styled story you won’t get it. If you show up openhearted, open-armed and open-minded about a unique and totally different theatrical experience you will. If you want Raw talent Live with explosive excitement, magnificent music, stunning staging, delicious dancing and superb singing then race right to the Sahara before its taken from us. On the other hand you could also delight ND by saying, “What on earth was I smoking?” Ride the rollercoaster and rock your world one-way or the other.
When critics far more skilled than I, review the show it will be beaten up or lavished with praise. There’s simply no middle ground here. You either love it or -as the opposites the spectacle explores- hate it.
I don’t think it matters which because you will still have had a once in a lifetime one of a kind experience. If the émigrés from Cuba risked their lives to flee from their communist captors to bring us their talents they deserve their audience -so we understand why they truly dance with the fire they do!
What’s even more amazing is that ND isn’t only launching this unbelievable undertaking and risking some hefty family fortunes –- along with Muhammad Ali and Siegfried & Roy’s masterful manager, Bernie Yuman as executive producer –- but she’s opening a brand-new nightclub, ND’s Space that fills the entire 3rd floor of the Palazzo shops above the Barney’s store. ND hopes she’ll be ready in February but promised me that if I was blown-away by her video-genius in Raw Talent Live then I will be out in space with the video projectors she is still finishing off there.
Space, spread out over 21,000-square-foot of nightclub also has a One Shot coffee experience with Ethiopian coffees served with tiny cocktails all in Baccarat glass ware, an 8,500-square-foot lounge where celebrity chef David Burke will serve up taste treats and a 420-seat VIP theater which adds onto the dance floor of the nightclub as all three zones linkup. The theater will only feature the world’s top headliners in an intimate setting so exclusive that tickets will be auctioned online for the once every two week shows. The seats disappear into the floor so the 1,400 nightclub revelers can sprawl onto that additional space.
ND summed up: “Your dreams will come to life in Space. It will be the most amazing experience. It is way beyond state of the art. It is the future now.”
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/
Construction Photos By Rick Garman
In this week's column we're going to be taking a look at the construction progress being made on five major resorts going up - or not as the case may be - on the Las Vegas Strip. All of these photos were taken within the last couple of weeks and although construction crews are working around the clock (or not at all) these offer a fairly accurate representation of what each of these properties looks like.
A quick programming note: there will be no column next week, October 13, 2008 but when it returns the week after I'll be bringing you updated reviews of some of your favorite hotels, new restaurant reviews, show reviews, and much more.
CityCenter
Encore
Echelon
Fontainebleau
Cosmoplitan
RA Sushi Executive Chef Rolls Out New Menu
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, located inside the Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip, recently debuted new food and beverage menus, adding a variety of dishes and cocktails to the current selection.
“We are always experimenting with different flavor combinations and rare ingredients, and enjoy offering RA customers the opportunity to try something new,” said RA Sushi Executive Chef Tai Obata. “While we are careful to keep some favorites on the menu, we regularly refresh our selection and make room for new ideas.”
Chef Obata earned his culinary arts degree in Japan at age 18 and has perfected his skills during his 26 years at the finest restaurants in Chicago, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Tokyo.
He added one salad and one appetizer to the RA dinner menu. Spicy Octopus and Cucumber Salad combines octopus, cucumber and Asian green vegetables tossed with an Asian chili sauce ($6.75). Shrimp Shumai is an appetizer comprising of lightly fried shrimp dumplings, skewered and served with a sesame-mustard sauce ($7.25).
Obata also added “Kona Kampachi” nigiri and sashimi to the sushi menu. “Kona Kampachi,” also known as Hawaiian Yellowtail, is native to Hawaii and is a cousin to Japanese Hamachi. It has a buttery, mild flavor, and is one of the healthiest fish on the market with high levels of Omega 3 ($5.50 for nigiri, $10.75 for sashimi).
Three new rolls on the sushi menu include Beef Tataki Roll: artichoke, asparagus, roasted red peppers and avocado, rolled and topped with seared flat iron steak and soy chili sauce, served with a creamy wasabi sauce ($9.75); King Crab Roll: crab mix, cucumber and avocado rolled and topped with King Crab, served with an Asian pesto sauce ($11.50); and Mango Lobster Roll: lobster mix, avocado and cucumber rolled and topped with thinly-sliced mango, served with mango-tobiko and kiwi-wasabi sauce ($9.50).
One special was added to the lunch menu. The Bara Chirashi Bowl includes spicy tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, cucumber, avocado and Asian green vegetables with poki sauce, served over rice ($10.00).
RA added a variety of new cocktails to the drink menu, including three martinis: Bruce Lee-Chee, Mount Saint Melons and Chai One On; as well as two new signature spirits: Moshi Moshi Mojito and Mango Libido Mojito. Other cocktail selections include Crouching Chaiger, Okinawa Iced Tea, Kampai Mai Tai, and a smaller version of an old favorite, the Baby Tsunami Punch (sold by the pint).
The cocktails are joined by a number of new red and white wines, as well as a new sparkling sake imported from Japan. Kizakura “Pure” STARS is chilled, effervescent sake similar to champagne. Enjoyable before or after a meal, Kizakura “Pure” STARS is a sweet, crisp and dry, and pairs exceptionally well with spicy foods.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant, an upbeat, unconventional sushi bar, opened its first location in Old Town Scottsdale in October 1997. RA is best known for successfully combining distinctive sushi with a trendy, hip atmosphere. Fresh sushi is sliced to order along with outstanding Japanese-fusion cuisine in a fun, energetic atmosphere. The result is a place that is both unpretentious and fashionable. Lunch and dinner are served 11 a.m. to midnight and the bar is open until 1 a.m. Happy Hour food and beverage specials are offered Monday through Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m.
Studio 54's Famous Spine-Chilling Spookfest, Nightmare on 54th Street, Haunts Sin City October 28 - November 1
This ghoulish season, legendary nightclub Studio 54 inside of MGM Grand presents its 11th annual Halloween celebration: Nightmare on 54th Street. Tuesday, October 28 through Saturday, November 1, Studio 54 will host the spookiest Halloween soirees on The Strip as the illustrious nightclub transforms into a frightful playground complete with seductive torture maidens, strikingly hot death warriors and wickedly beautiful nurses to haunt the Las Vegas hot spot for the frightening celebrations.
From spine-chilling costume contests and cash prizes totaling nearly $20,000 to eerie live performances and acts, Studio 54 will be the place to party for the scariest time of year. With a five-day celebration and more treats than tricks, guests are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best as the costume-contest winners walk away with cold hard cash. Throughout each evening, Studio 54’s Sexy Spider Girls will entertain the masses as they spin, swoop and swing on the aerial webs and ghost bungees. Hair will rise as a bewitching temptress – Snake Babe – and her slithering serpent seduce the crowd every night.
Studio 54’s Halloween line-up includes the following:
Tuesday, October 28: Influence 2080s Presents Thriller: Nightmare on 54th Street begins with Influence –Studio 54’s popular Vegas industry night – as it gets a makeover for Halloween week and becomes Influence 2080s. Studio 54’s sexy dancers and performers will present an unforgettable production recreating memorable dance scenes from Michael Jackson’s 80s smash hit – Thriller – throughout the night. From smoky graveyards to terrorizing zombies, the talented dancers will showcase a stellar performance to celebrate 25 years of Michael Jackson’s culturally significant hit album. For the 80s themed affair, the best “80s Character” and sexiest “80s Pop Star” will be awarded $2,500 cash. DJ Scene will keep the music pumping as he spins the nightmare away into the early morning hours. All ladies dressed in 80s gear will receive complimentary drinks until 1 a.m. Admission is $20.
Wednesday, October 29: Monster’s Ball: Adding to the Halloween madness, the second night welcomes DJ Eric Forbes and DJ Kiss to rock the turntables with their shockingly scary beats. Guests are welcome to gather under Studio 54’s foreboding crescent moon and show off their unique costumes for this monstrous affair. Admission is $20.
Thursday, October 30: 42nd Annual Beaux Arts Ball: Studio 54 delivers the most extravagant Halloween gala on The Strip: the 422nd Annual Beaux Arts Ball. Performers from Studio 54 and entertainers from numerous Vegas shows will come together to host an evening of fun and philanthropy to benefit Golden Rainbow, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting those living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. The winners of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew season two, Super Cr3w, will make a special appearance at this legendary soiree. An additional performance by Derrick Barry – the nation’s number-one Britney Spears impersonator and former contestant from NBC’s reality TV series, America’s Got Talent – will deliver a not-to-be-missed show as the pop princess. America’s Got Talent’s Bryan Cheatham and Fantasy lead singer Stephanie Sanchez will host the event. A “Night of Mystery” costume-contest extraordinaire, guests to the Beaux Arts Ball will be rewarded with cash prizes for their elaborate Halloween creations totaling over $2,054. Admission is $30 in advance or $40 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit www.goldenrainbow.org.
Friday, October 31: Nightmare on 54th Street: The Nightmare on 54th Street continues with a Friday night spookfest featuring DJ Jose 2 Hype. For this frightening affair, club-goers are encouraged to put on their Halloween best and compete to be named “Sexiest” or “Most Original.” Cash prizes totaling over $12,000 will be awarded to the first-and second-place winners of each contest category. Jose 2 Hype will bring out the thrilling spirits in everyone on Halloween as he haunts the costume-clad crowd with his chilling beats. Admission is $30 for males and $20 for females.
Saturday, November 1: Late Night at Studio 54: The weekend wraps up with Late Night at Studio 54 – an after-hours celebration where guests can continue the party all night – and morning – long. Night crawlers are welcome to the sinful afterlife at the newest after-hours party to hit the world’s sexiest city. The legendary nightclub will transform into a terrifying haunting ground that continues far beyond the witching hour with the sounds of devilish DJs Erik EL and Bruno Brown.
T&T (Tacos & Tequila) Serves Up Hot Mexican Fare at Luxor Hotel and Casino.
The latest Strip hot-spot, T&T (Tacos & Tequila), ignites guests’ taste buds with a bold and flavorful menu designed by consulting chef Richard Sandoval and managed by Executive Chef Saul Ortiz.
The restaurant boasts a flavorful Mexican menu complete with appetizers such as quesadillas, tostadas, ceviches, soups and salads as well as traditional entrees including enchiladas, burritos and tacos. Guests can start off by indulging in fresh guacamole spiced to their liking ($9) nachos with a chipotle-cheese sauce and all the fixings ($11) or traditional queso fundido ($12). T&T also offers small quesadillas filled with a choice of adobo shrimp ($12); marinated beef ($12); or mushroom-huitlacoché ($11).
Chef Ortiz kicks it up a notch with zesty enchiladas and burritos, featuring distinctive flavor combinations such as the beef barbacoa enchiladas with a roasted tomato-guajillo sauce ($16) or the chicken enchiladas divorciadas, smothered in two kinds of sauces and paired with refried black beans, rice and shredded lettuce ($15). Burrito lovers have a choice of the chicken ($14) or beef burrito ($16), both served with black beans and rice. The restaurant also offers flame grilled traditional entrees like classic carne asada ($22) carnitas ($17) pork spare ribs ($17) and fajitas with a choice of tender chicken, skirt steak or shrimp ($15-$17). Chef Sandoval’s menu includes an extensive taco selection, with 13 different taco creations, including fiery favorites such as the chicken ($12) and baja tacos ($13) as well as tantalizing gourmet selections including the Kobe beef ($25) and lobster tacos ($23).
T&T’s tangy cuisine is best served with a lip-smacking cocktail such as the specialty Pineapple Chipotle margarita with a dash of Tabasco ($12), Carly’s Trap made with Milagro Reposado Tequila, fresh cucumber, watermelon and lemon ($12) or the Monty Mojito featuring 12-year-aged rum ($12). With an extensive list of more than 70 tequilas, guests can concoct their own margarita or take the advice of the restaurant’s signature Tequila Temptresses Bridgette and Carly, who roam the dining area with a tequila cart suggesting flavor-enhancing pairings. The restaurant also features a selection of sangria, wine and champagne.
Diners can finish off their fiery meal with something sweet from the exciting homemade dessert menu. Choices include creamy tres leches cake with fruit reduction and whipped cream, warm bananas empanadas with cool vanilla ice cream, a Morenita brownie sundae with cinnamon ice cream, walnut brittle and chocolate sauce, or Helado Frito (fried ice cream) with strawberry-pineapple pico de gallo. All desserts are priced at $7 and provide the perfect antidote to the restaurant’s tangy cuisine.
T&T is owned and operated by Drive This Entertainment! and its partners Michael Frey and Craig Gilbert. Located above hotel registration at Luxor, T&T is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and offers late-night dining (with a limited menu) until 3 a.m. For reservations or more information, call (702) 262-5225.
SHOW REVIEW: 'Raw Talent Live'
A Failed Experiment: 'Raw Talent Live' a confusing mess with no clear story.
By MIKE WEATHERFORD/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
"Raw Talent Live" was created in a vacuum. And those who remember their middle-school science know what happens when vacuums are breached. If you don't, go smash a light bulb or your middle-school thermos.
It will be more exciting.
The show is an incoherent mess, and that opinion may well come as a surprise to its primary creator.
After all, she spared no expense renovating a lackluster Sahara theater and filling it with talented musicians, singers and dancers and expensive video equipment.
But the result is akin to someone going out and buying only the finest ingredients to make a souffle, without having a good, clear recipe on how to bake it.
More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/31156209.html
Piece of ‘bomb’ dropped from plane hits truck on Las Vegas Boulevard.
By: Mary Manning/Las Vegas Sun
Nellis Air Force Base security officials and Metro Police responded to reports of an object that fell from an aircraft about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, hit the ground and broke apart, with a piece hitting a truck heading south on Las Vegas Boulevard at Beasley Avenue.
Nellis officials originally indicated the object, a training weapon, fell from a Nellis-based aircraft and directly hit the truck. But tonight, Nellis clarified that report and said the object, a 'dummy bomb,' hit the ground first and broke into pieces.
The driver was not hurt.
Nellis officials said the training weapon is a BDU-33 (bomb dummy unit). It is a 25-pound device regularly used to simulate real air-to-ground weapons.
The training device does not carry explosives. It does have a small smoke charge, used to mark its impact point, Nellis officials said.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/15/bomb-dropped-plane-hits-truck-strip/
From: "The Vegas Eye"
Ricks Scores:
The new Rick's Cabaret Las Vegas is now open around the clock in "previews"
with several parties planned for the official opening of Wednesday October
22nd through Saturday October 25th.
Rick's Cabaret Vegas is a lavish 30,000 square foot gentlemen's club that
resembles a palace. It was purchased from Scores Las Vegas.
I would like to invite you to our press party on Wednesday Oct. 22nd, 8pm.
Cocktails will be served. We will make several of the beautiful Rick's Girls
available for interviews and photos. RSVP via email, please, with your name
and affiliation.
I also hope that you would like to write about Rick's Cabaret Las Vegas, and
run the attached photo. (If you need higher resolution, please let me know.)
I also have photos of the Rick's Girls for you to use, if you would like.
Please contact me for more details about our exciting opening weekend with
over 500 gorgeous girls, and celebrity guests.
Tickets on sale for Real Deal:
Poker Legends
In A Hilarious, High-Tech, Entertainment Extravaganza
Tickets for The Real Deal!, the first ever live, interactive poker-themed stage-show, will go on sale today at The Venetian Box Office and online at www.venetian.com. The show, created by entertainment industry icon and show co-executive producer Merv Adelson and featuring the top poker pros in the world along with host Paul Rodriguez and hostess Lacey Jones, is set to debut in The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas on October 21st. (with paid previews beginning Oct. 14.) The Real Deal! will feature a one-of-a-kind combination of humor, improvisation, poker, and audience participation sure to entertain poker enthusiasts and non-players alike.
The Real Deal! will pit two of the world’s best poker professionals against a group of randomly selected audience members on stage. Members of the audience play against the head table using handheld state-of-the-art technology created by TimePlay Entertainment, Inc., with lots of prizes throughout, including a chance to win $1 million*. The show reaches a crescendo when the final surviving amateur, the chip-leading pro, and the point leader from the audience take the stage for a three-handed finale.
Featuring an ever-changing cast of poker stars and celebrity guests, The Real Deal! offers a fresh experience to visitors on a regular basis. Professional poker players set to star in the show include the legendary Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Jr., Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Laak, Scotty Nguyen, and Todd Brunson.
The Real Deal! will entertain Tuesday through Sunday with shows at 5 p.m., primetime performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and dark on Monday. Tickets range from $45 To $125 excluding taxes and fees. VIP packages are available for each show that include an opportunity to meet the poker stars after the show. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to play. Tickets are available for purchase by calling The Venetian Box Office at 1-866-641-SHOW or 702-414-9000, or online at www.venetian.com. For more information, visit www.therealdeallv.com.
My heart will go on….I think:
The American Superstars show at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower will add Elisa Furr as Celine Dion for a special limited engagement October 10 – 27, 2008, announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials.
"Our Christina Aguilera tribute artist is taking a break, and we needed a high caliber replacement. Celine Dion is a musical icon with a voice like no other, the adoration of fans worldwide, and a recent record run here in Vegas. We are pleased to welcome the talented Elisa Furr and her amazing tribute to Celine Dion," said Mark Callas, who produces American Superstars with his Springtime Productions partner, Donny Moore.
Furr will perform a set of some of Dion's biggest hits including "All Coming Back," "Power of Love," and "River Deep Mountain High."
Elisa Furr is a multi-faceted talent who has worked as a singer, songwriter, international jingle artist, producer, keyboardist, voice coach, and music composer for film and television. She has entertained hundreds of thousands in countries around the world including Malaysia, Australia, Tahiti, and Mexico. She has shared the stage or opened for Lou Rawls, Mickey Thomas, Mike Reno, and many more. Furr's career as a Celine Dion tribute artist was formed as a result of the response she received worldwide while covering Dion's songs as well as her likeness to Dion.
American Superstars is a full-scale production show that combines the talents of tribute artists portraying the likeness and musical abilities of today's and yesterday's hottest stars. The American Superstars cast also features Darren Lee as Elvis, Damian Brantley as Michael Jackson, Chad Givens as Tim McGraw, John Anthony as Rod Stewart and normally Lorena Peril as Christina Aguilera. The high energy Superstars Dance Band and the beautiful Superstars Dancers back the multi-talented cast. American Superstars has played at the Stratosphere since April 1996.
Brett's Vegas Views by Jackie Brett
Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay have announced the award-winning Broadway musical "The Lion King" will open at the Mandalay Bay Theatre on May 2, 2009, with preview performances beginning on April 20. This sit-down production will emulate the Broadway show and join the six other highly successful companies around the world. Ticket prices and performance schedules will be announced at a later date.
"The Lion King" will replace "Mamma Mia!" that will close its near six-year-run on Jan. 4, 2009.
Superstar Barry Manilow, who has made the Las Vegas Hilton his home since February 2005, recently unveiled his new show, "Ultimate Manilow: The Hits." Covering his spectacular career, "Ultimate Manilow: The Hits" is solidly packed with his chart-topping hit tunes and showmanship. Manilow at 65 puts on a phenomenal show that has his audience standing a good portion of the time especially at the crescendo finale which is again "Copacabana." Manilow paces his revue to perfection mixing medleys, his early-career commercial jingles, solo piano numbers, dance routines, etc.
Manilow's remaining dates for this year are: Oct. 22-25, 29-31; Nov. 1, 12-15, 19-22; and Dec. 17-20, 29-30. Tickets for his 8 p.m. performances range from $95 to $225.
To complement his new show, the showroom's adjacent bar has been renamed the Ultimate Bar, and the gift shop is carrying the Ultimate Manilow brand.
&T (Tacos & Tequila), a highly stylized 8,000-square-foot Mexican restaurant opened last month at the Luxor. It's open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and offers late-night dining until 3 a.m. For information, call 702-262-5225.
The restaurant was designed with five icons of Mexican culture - the sombrero, the shot glass, the bullfight, skeletons and seductive women - in mind. There's a brushed aluminum covering with countless laser cutouts depicting skeletons dancing and drinking tequila. The roof is lined with lights that shoot down toward the ground, reflecting the images on the floor and peppering the space with jagged illuminations. A second design focal point in the bar area features a 25-by-65-foot mural illustrating the bullfight and a female matador. Three similar murals with provocative images of the matador and bull appear in the restaurant's lounge area, El Salon, positioned off the main dining room. T&T also features a bright color palette of yellows, reds, greens and oranges in chair coverings, counter tops and decorative lighting.
Complementing the bold style and menu, T&T offers rock 'n' roll music and its signature Tequila Temptresses, Bridgette and Carly. The girls, sporting sexy T&T branded apparel, roam the dining area with a tequila cart and provide recommendations on tequila pairings and shots.
T&T will soon offer a gift boutique complete with branded apparel and accessories as well as a freestanding frozen margarita bar.
Opportunity Village will again attempt to break the world's record for the Largest Santa Gathering with The Las Vegas Great Santa Run at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Freemont Street Experience downtown. The fundraising event is open to the public. Registration is $35 and $45 on race day, visit www.LasVegasSantaRun.org
The current world record for the Santa Run was set in 2005 with 3,291 participants in the Liverpool Santa Dash in the UK. In 2007, the Las Vegas run had nearly 8,000 participants but the Guinness Book of World Records has yet to announce a decision.
America's favorite siblings, Donny and Marie Osmond, recently unveiled their much-anticipated headlining variety show at the Flamingo Las Vegas. The show aptly called Donny & Marie has the talented twosome delivering a high-energy stage production that incorporates singing, dancing, comedy, audience interaction, and their signature brother-sister banter. The 90-minute production, set for a six-month run, marks the first time in 29 years that Donny and Marie have performed an extended residency engagement in Las Vegas.
The show opened on Sept. 9 and it is playing to sold-out crowds. The "little bit country, little bit rock 'n' roll" duo honestly dazzle and mesmerize audiences as they take them on an entertaining, multi-media journey with five large video monitors, showcasing their 50-year careers both together and individually. They began their careers on The Andy Williams Show; she at age 3 and Donny at 5.
Their variety show is jam packed with set changes accomplished with versatile movable set pieces, a stage jetting out into the audience in an intimate venue seating 750, and costume changes for the siblings as well as the eight skilled dancers. A nine-piece band placed on movable platforms play all types of music and round out the show's perfection.
Highlighting their individual successes as recording artists, both Donny and Marie perform greatest hit solo sets. Marie croons chart-topping "Paper Roses," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and a Broadway medley including "All That Jazz," "Life is a Cabaret" and "Phantom of the Opera." Donny rocks audiences with the smash hit "Soldier of Love," melts hearts with "Puppy Love" and "Twelfth of Never," and gives audiences a taste of his Broadway career with Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Any Dream Will Do" from "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" that he starred in for more than 2,000 performances.
Without question, the Donny & Marie show is in the "must see" category especially since you can't always see them performing together. They headline at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, and at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $85, $99 and $115, call 702-733-3333 or 800-221-7299.
The first permanent ice lounge in the United States that is made entirely of more than 24 tons of imported ice from Canada has opened at Mandalay Place. It's exactly what the name implies_an experience. Inside the 2,000-square-foot attraction everything is ice including sculptures like a life-size Elvis, architectural fixtures such as couches and tables, a bar, an ice chapel for weddings, and the walls. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
Visitors buy a package ranging from $30, which includes entry and a cocktail, up to the VIP Experience for $100. Everyone is given a pager because you're only allowed to stay inside for 30 minutes. You're issued parkas, mittens and booties if you like. Your drink(s) are Vodka-based cocktails served in imported ice glasses made from pure New Zealand artesian water. The fun is picking a drink up with your mittens.
The Minus 5 Ice Lounge can accommodate 50 patrons at a time and the adjacent Minus 5 Lodge that will open in November and be a warm, rustic pub will hold 150 people.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/100508.htm
Introducing ARIA…
From www.vegastripping.com
We're happy to be the first(*) publication to properly premiere the the forthcoming hotel room designs from ARIA Resort & Casino, located within the sprawling mixed-use CityCenter property which towers over The Strip at Harmon Boulevard. I'm sure you're as excited to see the details of ARIA's Deluxe King Room as we are to show them to you, so let's get right to it… shall we?
When complete, ARIA will feature a mix of standard (aka Deluxe) rooms, mini-suites, multi room suites and a handful of palatial VIP mega-suites among it's 4,004 rooms. All rooms feature numerous electronic gizmos, 42" LCD tv mounted on a swivel, the fattest internet pipe ever installed in a hotel, keyless door locks, a TV based electronics control panel (lights, curtains, temperature) which is accessed wirelessly via a joystick remote or a bedside control panel (Wynn Macau has these).
The gizmo which I find most fascinating is a mechanism which automatically opens and closes the curtains and turns on or off lights when entering or leaving the room. How does the room know that you're gone? Weight sensors? Motion detectors? The Asian-style "put your door key in the slot when you get in the room to turn the power on" thing? Nope… they use RFID chips in door keys measuring proximity? What happens if your significant other heads to the ice machine, while you continue sleeping or sitting on the can? Will you suddenly find yourself in the dark? The lighting control panel remembers the latest settings and also gives guests the ability to select from a number of different lighting "scenes." Other options include a sleep timer to turn everything off and a wake up timer within which you can choose your method - open the curtains, turn on the lights, regular alarm or crank up some Foghat.
This stuff is - literally - the state of the art of hotel room technology.
That's all well and good… but a toybox full of electronic goodies don't mean squat if the room itself is a stinker.
More here..about 4 pages of info:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=152&page=1
Vegas Values
The below information is supplied by Scot Krause, our roving reporter,who supplies us each week with information on the best Las Vegaspromotions. 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://americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
Bet a Little, Lose a Little, Drink a Lot.
From: The Big Empire/Las Vegas on 25 cents a day.
Despite what the Chamber of Commerce says, the main attraction of Las Vegas is gambling. Forget all that crap about fancy shopping, fine dining, roller coasters, art museums and natural wonders of the desert. You can get that anywhere. Well, not in West Virginia, but you get the idea.
The trick is to have the fun of gambling without the risk of ending up homeless. Want to play craps, blackjack or roulette without losing your ass? Check out this lis to make your little eyes pop out of your heads of cheap table games.
Any of the spots below will keep you entertained for at least a few hours on the tightest of budgets, and could even net you a couple of bucks.
http://www.bigempire.com/vegas/gamblecheap.html
‘Believe’ making progress with two weeks to go
By: Melissa Arseniuk/Las Vegas Sun
Fifteen days stand between Criss Angel and the premiere of his $100-million Cirque du Soleil production, "Criss Angel Believe."
As the cast continues to put the finishing touches on the performance, a question remains: Will "Believe" be ready for its Halloween debut?
"Is the show done? No, it’s not done," Angel said during a dressing room interview following the Sept. 30 preview performance. Two weeks later, it’s still a work in progress.
A Tuesday night performance was tighter and the characters are coming into their own, but the timing needs to be perfected and at least one major illusion has yet to be performed.
Angel explained two weeks ago the complexities associated with "Believe."
More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/16/believe-making-progress-two-weeks-go/
Strip veteran’s musical dark, ambitious, meandering.
By: Jerry Fink/Las Vegas Sun
ND Durr arrived in Las Vegas in 2004 leading a troupe of 50 Cuban performers for her lively musical “Havana Night Club.”
During its two-year run at the Stardust, the show generated international headlines not only because of its artistic efforts but also because of the political drama surrounding the dancers and singers and musicians who eventually sought and were granted political asylum.
The colorful production, a waltz through the history of Latin dance, ended in 2006 and the cast dispersed and Durr went into creative seclusion.
“I had to disappear,” she says. “It was a very stressful time.”
During her disappearance she created a new production, possibly more spectacular than the first one.
“Raw Talent Live” premiered Friday at the Sahara.
More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/09/headline-here/
Fright Dome: Dark, scary meets hot, heavy.
By: Joe Brown/Las Vegas Sun
There are monster houses in Las Vegas, and then there’s the Fright Dome, the annual megahaunted house at the Adventuredome at Circus Circus.
Sprawling over five acres, the Fright Dome offers five haunted houses with the traditional configuration of pipe-and-drape mazes with black tarp walls and spooky scenarios and gory critters that pop out at you. It’s pretty gross, and truly scary in a BOO! kind of way — a disclaimer says the attraction is not for kids under 12. Believe it.
But the people who should really be scared are the parents.
The Fright Dome is a vast playground of teen anarchy, a post-apocalyptic mall, a massive make-out palace in the fog-filled near dark. The kids who aren’t making out are running through the fog in packs, screaming just for the joy of screaming.
More here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/oct/08/dark-scary-meets-hot-heavy/
Montilicious from The Vegas Eye.
The Lion King arrives at Mandalay Bay in April replacing the highly successful Mamma Mia which brings down the curtain after a six year run. Lion King is a Disney product which means it's a family affair. Since the Lion King, like Mamma Mia, has had such a successful run on Broadway it may find a long term venue here in Las Vegas. This will be the only "permanent" production other than Broadway, thereby allowing the complete staging and sets.
The family scene also includes Donny and Marie Osmond at the Flamingo, who have just extended their 6 month engagement to 2 years Seems business has been that good and the show is delicious. Yes, Mr Marandino has another hit on his hands. As I wrote last week the show is well oiled and a true entertainment delight. The audience leaves with a smile every night so what's not to like. Marie has lost a lot of weight, she's fresh from a divorce and after last season's Dancing With the Stars she has a whole new appeal to today's audiences. Makes me ask myself why can't I get on Dancing With the Stars…. Oh! That's right, I have Disco Ball.
It's amazing that in today's economy Caesars Colosseum manages to fill those seats every night. Everyone was happy to see that Cher returned after taking four days off due to her health. Plus, I just received a press release that Bette Midler is extending her Colosseum show and will start the New Year at the Colosseum. It really is true, The Showgirl Must Go On! With Cher, Bette and Sir Elton John as "regulars" plus throw in the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, the Colosseum is pretty well covered.
To say it was a big night for Neal F. Boyd from America's Got Talent would definitely be an understatement. The former insurance salesman from Missouri just earned one million dollars and a chance to headline a show in Las Vegas. Well done Neal. Who knows, maybe Neal's operatic recordings will fill the air during the fountain show at the Bellagio one day.
Downtown Las Vegas was busy last week. First it was the O.J. Simpson trial which finally went to the jury. The lunch counters downtown will miss the media when this is over. And over it is, for now. Guilty on all 12 counts and sentencing on Dec 6. Will it be life????????
Another highlight for downtown was the introduction of the "mob" museum. Excuse me, it's actually The Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement. We've got to hand it to Mayor Goodman who's been involved with the planning for the museum from the beginning. He never gives up on the possibilities for downtown, does he? This original downtown post office will be the home for the museum which isn't scheduled to open until 2010. That gives everyone time to blow the dust off any thing that might be of interest and be included in the museum. Let's face it, Las Vegas has a colorful past and a history like no other city.
The Las Vegas Hilton and Ira David Sternberg continue to demonstrate that it's possible to present three completely different shows to the world and have all three do well. Barry Manilow seems to have a great fan base, Menopause the Musical with my friend Paige O'Hara is still drawing a crowd and maybe, just maybe the Scintas have found a real home. It seems to be a magical mix at the Hilton
Raw Talent, the show that I.ve mentioned several times has finally openen at the Sahara . The show fuses music and technology and and features some of the dancers from producer/choreographer Niclole Durr's Havana Night Club show. This is a new concept and hopefully be a success.
Dick Feeney has two shows at the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Viva Las Vegas which is Dick's most successful production, and the longest too, and The Rat Pack is Back. All eyes will be on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars when Dick receives his star which will be placed on Las Vegas Boulevard right in front of New York New York on October 17th. Las Vegas producers, performers and residents know Dick Feeney for more than his shows. He's been active in community affairs and charities as well as his entertainment endeavors since 1985. Congratulations to Dick as he joins other celebrities and well known Las Vegans from all areas of our lives.
http://thevegaseye.com/montella/
Five off-Strip hot spots: By Norm Clarks/LVRJ
Zowie Bowie are packing 'em in with their Friday and Saturday shows at the Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 11 p.m. show, which features Top 40 hits. On Thursdays, they move over to Santa Fe Station for Ladies Night, their Vintage Vegas Show, backed by a 13-piece big band. Doors open at 9 p.m.
The hottest happy hour might be the Blue Martini in Town Square, which revs up at 4 p.m. weekdays with a band and heavy local traffic.
You know a restaurant has taken off when its clientele includes star chefs and food and beverage executives bringing in friends. That's what happened to Vintner Grill, 10100 W. Charleston Blvd.
Rosemary's Restaurant, 8125 W. Sahara Ave., has been a popular destination since James Beard-honored chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan opened it in 1999.
Adam Carmer's Adam's Ribs, 4700 S. Maryland Parkway, is the new kid on the barbecue block. Carmer, a former food and beverage exec who practices what he preaches as a professor at UNLV, recently opened his second Adam's Ribs across from UNLV. It's next to his Freakin' Frog beer emporium.
The best yesteryear bar experience in these parts:
Head for Goodsprings, where the Pioneer Saloon is celebrating its 95th anniversary Saturday. In 1942, Clark Gable spent three days in the Pioneer Saloon waiting for word about the airplane crash that claimed his wife, Hollywood icon Carole Lombard, 33, on Mount Potosi. She was returning to California from a war bond rally. A devastated Gable joined the Army Air Forces and flew five combat missions as a gunner on a B-17 bomber.
To find Goodsprings, take Interstate 15 south to Exit 12, hang a right (west) and drive seven miles. For more information, call 874-9362.
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/30737169.html
NORM: 13th Agassi slam another big hit.
Andre Agassi summed up the evening early on Saturday. His 13th Grand Slam for Children, he said, was "in a different home, different year and different times."
The different home was the Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas instead of the MGM Grand Garden, which was the host site of the previous 12 charity extravaganzas.
Different times?
Well, everyone in the crowd of 1,900 understood that part, and the ramifications, with financial markets in freefalls.
For a few hours, Agassi helped put that on hold with a best-ever lineup of entertainment that included Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow (who teamed up with Stewart on a "First Cut is the Deepest" duet and sang "Always On Your Side" at Agassi's request), The Killers, David Spade, British star Natasha Bedingfield and special guest Charice Pempengco, a 16-year-old Filipino sensation who performed at Madison Square Garden last month.
Joining Agassi and his wife, Steffi Graf, on the red carpet were Steve and Elaine Wynn, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, who guided Team USA to a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, Donny Osmond and star chef Emeril Lagasse.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: 13th Agassi slam another big hit
LOOK CLOSELY: Lost Vegas.
City is hard on its history, but some pieces remain.
By COREY LEVITAN/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
The history of Las Vegas has an unusual adversary: The people who own its landmarks.
"New and improved!" has pretty much been our only urban plan since mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel opened his extravagant Flamingo Hotel in 1946. Virtually nothing built between then and the Rat Pack '60s — the Desert Inn, the Sands, the Dunes, the Stardust — still stands. Every time Las Vegas explodes, it seems, it implodes first.
Even the Flamingo destroyed the last vestige of its storied past. The motel rooms by the pool — including Bugsy's Oregon Suite, with its secret getaway staircase — were replaced by the Hilton Corp. with two towers in the mid-'90s.
"There's a lot of interest in Las Vegas when we were the entertainment capital of the world and we had Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. performing here," said Lynn Zook, historian for the Friends of Classic Las Vegas preservation society. "And it is sad that, for the most part, you can't see where they performed, you can't hang out where they hung out, because the places aren't here anymore."
What follows is a guide to the rare exceptions to that rule — places where classic Las Vegas still reigns out of reach of a wrecking ball.
At least for now.
More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/30860404.html
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Shows' dreams actually delusions.
If you go to a party with entertainers, don't drink the Kool-Aid.
Delusions run high in show business. They make some dreams come true and tip others to come crashing down.
Some delusions have roots in sanity. A new Sahara show called "Raw Talent Live," for instance, has all the ingredients of a winner. But somewhere it jumped the track with a wonky premise about a "Laptop of Life" before anyone could intervene with a reality check for its producer-creator (look for a full review in Friday's Neon).
It's still fixable, I suppose. Another title, "Point Break Live!," simply never had a prayer. But people went and did it anyway.
More here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/30860479.html
NORM: Emeril stirring up new LV sports bar.
Star chef Emeril Lagasse broke some news on the red carpet: He's putting a sports bar into the space formerly occupied by 40/40 Club, which was recently sold back to The Palazzo by entertainment mogul Jay-Z.
Lagasse said he hopes to have it open near the end of the football season.
"We're going to have a lot of fun with it and do the ultimate sports bar. Killer food and great fun," said Lagasse, who already operates Emeril's Fish House at MGM Grand, Delmonico at The Venetian and Table 10 at The Palazzo.
He's considering naming it "E.J.'s," after his son, Emeril John, 5. "It may be E.J.'s Sports Bar & Grill," Lagasse said, with a chuckle.
The 40/40 Club opened on New Year's Eve and was purchased by The Palazzo in August. It is currently used as a sports book.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: Emeril stirring up new LV sports bar
MIKE WEATHERFORD: Beatles tribute reopens at Riviera.
Las Vegas is a more-of-everything kind of town. But two Fab Fours? Eight is enough.
"Fab Four Mania" quietly reopened this week at the Riviera, taking a 10 p.m. time slot in the Versailles Theatre after "Ice: The Show from Russia."
It will be hard for the Beatles tribute to avoid confusion with "Fab Four Live." That one has been running at the V Theater adjacent to Planet Hollywood since June, when two "Mania" cast members — Steve Craig as John Lennon and Tony Felicetta as Ringo Starr — split off from the Sahara's outbound revue to front a rival venture.
It took "Mania" this long to find a new home on the Strip, letting the other group run unopposed and failing to get the issue of who can use "Fab Four" resolved in time to avoid a showdown in the marketplace.
"We're letting the attorneys battle it out," says Ron McNeil, president of the Riviera's Fab Four and the group's main John Lennon. It's a sticky intellectual property issue; both groups do a delicate dance with the work of the Beatles, who as a business entity have the official, licensed production "Love" on the Strip.
McNeil is optimistic about opening in a topsy-turvy economy because of the group's long history on the Strip. The original Fab Four — this is starting to sound like the "Spinal Tap" bit about "The New Originals," isn't it? — first came to town in 2001. In 2005, a twin cast gave the group a full-time Las Vegas presence while the main group toured and also participated in Eric Idle's "Rutlemania," a spoof of all this tribute band insanity. The Riviera show will mix and match both casts.
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/31095714.html
CityCenter To Deliver Most Technologically Advanced Hotels In U.S. From: www.accessvegas.com
ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and The Harmon Will Be First in Country to Debut Unrivaled Custom Automation by Control4 Providing Guest Experience Unparalleled in Hospitality Industry.
Upon opening in late 2009, CityCenter will debut the most advanced guestroom technology in the country at ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences. CityCenter collaborated with Control4 Corporation to develop an unsurpassed level of personalized automation for every guestroom, a luxury previously only available in high-end custom homes and select resort suites. Control4's next-generation automation, coupled with CityCenter's ability to network every guestroom device via one gigabit of bandwidth, will deliver an unrivaled guest experience that will become the benchmark for the hospitality industry.
Guestroom Experience
From the moment hotel guests arrive at CityCenter, their stay will be intricately choreographed to meet their personal preferences. Smart solutions throughout the guestroom also will enhance the experience:
As guests approach their room or suite, it will recognize if it is their first time in the room and "greet" them as they enter. Light will fill the room, the curtains automatically will part to showcase the spectacular city or mountain views, and the TV will turn on to display a list of automated controls for guests to personalize.
Guests will enjoy seamless, integrated one-touch control of guestroom features, including lighting, room temperature, television/video systems, music, wake-up calls, draperies and requests for services through a single, easy-to-use remote control. Each nightstand also will feature a seven-inch panel with touch-screen technology that navigates the same room settings as the remote. All settings will be remembered and incorporated every time a guest is in-room.
Having all guestroom devices on one network enables guests to select "scenes" matching their mood or preference, which modify all settings at once. For example, each room will feature a "good night" button next to the bed. With one touch, guests can turn off the lights, TV and/or music; shut the curtains; and turn on the privacy notification for the room. Similarly, guests can utilize the TV's sleep mode to accomplish the same result on a timer.
All guestrooms will incorporate keyless locks utilizing RFID technology, which enables guests to unlock the door by flashing their key over the lock sensor. The electronic key cannot be demagnetized, thus reducing key failure.
For the ultimate connectivity to all devices, each room will include a 42-inch LCD HDTV that allows guests to connect their laptop and enjoy a big-screen monitor; watch a multitude of domestic and international channels in rich high-definition quality; plug in video devices such as game consoles or cameras; control room automation; and enjoy their MP3 players..
The television also will serve as a convenient communications center; when on, the TV will automatically display messages pertaining to new voicemails or package receipts and more.
The classic clock radio will be replaced with TV settings that can wake guests up gradually through controlled temperature, lighting, curtain opening and preferred music, delivering a subtle and more soothing wake-up experience.
Each room will feature dimmable lighting, allowing guests to set their preferred light levels.
Wired and Wireless
All guestrooms will be networked with fiber offering one gigabit of bandwidth, delivering matchless connectivity with both the Internet as well as hotel operations for unequaled guest service:
Wireless Internet connectivity will be up to eight times faster (128 kilobytes) than the average U.S. guestroom today. With the increased bandwidth, guests wishing to legally download copyrighted content like music and movies or free Internet content such as YouTube videos, which requires a high-speed connection, can do so quickly and easily.
All in-room devices also will be on the network, enabling the property to easily "communicate" with the room to perform special requests or maintenance. Whether a remote needs new batteries or a MiniBar needs replenishing, most needs can be identified and resolved before the guest is even aware.
CityCenter will have the largest Distributed Antenna System in the world, covering more than 14 million square feet. More than 6,500 antennas coupled with over 2,900 wireless access points will enable WiFi not only in every room but also anywhere on the CityCenter campus.
Sustainable Choices
CityCenter's in-room technology will offer a non-obtrusive and easy way to conserve precious resources such as energy and water:
Green settings on the room's remote system will allow guests the opportunity to voluntarily "green their stay" by indicating their preferred light level, room temperature and frequency of linen and towel changes.
Systems also can be programmed to automatically put a room into unoccupied status upon checkout – turning down or off the heating/cooling system, televisions, lights and any appliances.
CityCenter is an extraordinary destination designed to exceed expectations in all facets of the development, from architecture and sustainability to public art and amenities," said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of CityCenter. "ARIA, Mandarin Oriental and The Harmon will be the first to incorporate the most sophisticated technological advances in the country to ensure the guest experience also surpasses expectations. Guests will enjoy seamless customization and service as well as unmatched offerings including the fastest hotel wireless Internet connection available in the U.S. today."
http://www.accessvegas.com
The M Resort, Spa And Casino Debuts Its Latest Innovation - The M Lightship.
From: www.accessvegas.com
All eyes were toward the Las Vegas sky yesterday evening as the $1 billion M Resort, Spa and Casino debuted its 178 foot M Lightship – the resort's electronic blimp with the world's largest 70' x 30' aerial television screen on the side. The M Lightship will be the only airship in the world offering the public a close-up, hands-on experience. The resort intends to create a center, which will provide information about the Lightship as well as offer the public a chance to meet the captain and crew, take photos and obtain Lightship souvenirs.
"We envision the M Lightship as an exciting addition to the Las Vegas community," said M Resort Chairman and CEO Anthony A. Marnell, III. "Plans are underway to house the lightship on a property adjacent to the resort and we are looking forward to offering tours of the lightship to the public."
Marnell announced the resort will utilize the 7,705 pound M Lightship to aid in marketing efforts for the resort, which opens in March 2009 and resides at the southern gateway to the city's famous Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard South.
The Lightship is able to broadcast a multitude of media from live television and streaming video, to Web sites and static images and offers vibrant full-color clarity. The M Lightship and its 2,100 square foot advertising screen will be visible to thousands of residents and many of the nearly 40 million visitors coming to the city each year. The Lightship's lightsign – the television screen on its side – is comprised of 235,000 LED (light emitting diodes) that allow the messages to be seen for miles away.
Other fun facts about the Lightship include:
18 – The number of crew members for the M Lightship
30-35 – The miles per hour that the M Lightship cruises above Las Vegas
525 – The number of tiles that make up the M Lightship's lightsign
800-1,000 – The number of feet the M Lightship flies above Las Vegas
7,705 – The number of pounds the M Lightship weighs
23,000 – The number of square feet of Tedlar material that compose the Lightship's envelope
170,000 – The number of cubic feet of helium that the M Lightship needs to be fully-inflated
ABOUT M RESORT, SPA AND CASINO
M Resort, Spa and Casino is located on over 90 acres at the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Situated higher in elevation than other resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, the M Resort will provide optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center and restaurants. The resort features 390 exceptionally appointed guest rooms and suites, over 92,000 square feet of gaming and more than 60,000 square feet of meeting and conference space in addition to a variety of luxury amenities including a partnership with Taubman Centers, Inc. to bring up to one million square feet of retail. The resort will also feature a 14-screen digital movie entertainment complex. Entertainment options coupled with unique dining offerings and a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center provide local and out of town guests with an unrivaled South Strip experience. For more information, visit www.theMresort.com.
Slot Reviews by Gayle Mitchell
1) Imperial Dragon: IGT. 88-95%. 3 spins.
For this banked community play Asian themed slot, a gong will sound to announce the bonus round. One player is chosen as a representative for the Imperial Secret Bonus. 12 symbols divided as 8 symbols on top and 4 at the bottom. The top panels hide–Win All, a Stopper or an Extra Life symbol and the bottom—multipliers. The chosen player makes the picks until a Stopper appears. If no stopper, the next bonus event reveals 3 golden doors that determine the winning credits matched with a multiplier. Other players at this banked game will receive bonus rewards. These shared bonus events invite players to meet at this ‘imperial’ slot.
2) Splendors of India: Konami. 82-96%. 3 spins.
The theme for this slot presents a wild symbol similar to the famous hero of India – Gandhi and the scatter pay is an emerald. Three or more emerald symbols scattered on the reels starts a free spin round where 3 spins are awarded and all jackpots are multiplied by 10. There are several chances to rack up credits—a high hit frequency, high multiplier and additional freebies. Tis splendid indeed.
3) The Price is Right Cliff Hangers: IGT. 85-98%. 4 spins
Fans of the popular TV show will recognize the segment of an alpine hiker ascending a mountain for prizes. This slot version is a banked community play for three players to participate in one of two bonus events. These events are Cliff Hangars Bonus where you gather credits while trying not to fall off the cliff or the Wheel Bonus where you take the first award or risk a second spin. Cliff Hangars begins with Climb icons or Price is Right tags that you select to reveal either credits or advance steps up the mountain. As you pass the 10th spot on the mountain, the decision then is to take the credits or continue play. As with other slot versions of this TV game, there is the ‘right’ amount of excitement.
4) Reel Money: Bally. 85-87%. 3 spins.
I always welcome another version of Hot Shots progressive, but the big deal with this slot is the five level progressive. The set-up is a five-reel game with various bars and symbols plus a video screen over the reels. Off to one side are 5 jackpots displaying gems matching each jackpot level while the other is a bonus wheel. Jackpots reset as follows: Emerald=$10, Sapphire=$50, Ruby=$100, Topaz=$1000 and the top jackpot is Pearl at $25,000. The bonus round begins when 3 or more Reel Money symbols appear scattered on the reels. You then receive 3, 4, or 5 spins at the wheel that displays 9 bonus amounts and a gem for the progressive. Therefore, you can gather at least 1 bonus reward, but possibly all 5 during this round. To qualify for the ‘reel money’ that this slot offers, a maximum bet is required.
There is always a welcome mat out to new subscribers.
I encourage you to invite your family and friends to join us.
TO SUBSCRIBE: Send a blank e-mail to: CPon@casinoplayersezine.com
Jackpot Bulliten: Wining Stories by Gayle Mitchell
1) A Day Off to Play My Favorite Slot
Denise Brown of Bloomfield, CT set off for Mohegan Sun Casino to play her favorite Wheel slot on her day off and landed a $1.6 million Wheel of Fortune Special Edition MegaJackpot. Brown explains her good fortune. “I always play that same machine, it’s my favorite; I had just won $500 and was continuing to play. I asked the attendant previously how you win the jackpot, so I knew I won.” The health care provider will continue to work–“I love taking care of my patients.”, however a new condominium is her goal.
2) It’s Grand to be a Millionaire
Wilsing Tse, 53, from Rosemead, CA struck a huge payoff of $1,995,173. playing at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. After betting about $30 at a quarter Wheel of Fortune slot, Tse states, “I just knew I won something big when the picture on the reel matched the picture on the machine. The automotive services rep and his wife were staying in ‘grand style’ this trip. Future plans include assisting family and friends in China; however, Tse is not ready to retire yet.
3) First Trip and $20.
Kimberly Sheridan, a regular at the Mohegan Sun hit for $452,464. at an Elvis MultiStrike penny progressive slot. Sheridan wagered only $75 and when the machine froze during play, she said she thought, “the machine had a glitch.”
Her plans were more for the immediate, rather than future. “My husband was going to see the Huskies play, so now I am sending more relatives down to see the game—on me.” There would also be a lobster dinner at the casino. As for her current job, the smiling winner
There is always a welcome mat out to new subscribers.
I encourage you to invite your family and friends to join us.
TO SUBSCRIBE: Send a blank e-mail to: CPon@casinoplayersezine.com
Top Ten Casino Tips: October 2008 By Henry Tamburin
1. Casino business is down everywhere because of the poor economy. Check the web site of your favorite casino to find special deals being rolled out by casinos to attract customers. This includes cheaper hotel rates, special casino promotions, and special meal deals.
2. When you are in Vegas, get a hold of the local newspaper (Las Vegas Review Journal) where you will often find some great casino deals. For example, the past few months there were inserts from Station and Coast casinos containing 3-5x points for machine players plus $25 match play coupons. Many casinos also offer gas cards. Check the casino ads and inserts in the newspaper for details.
3.Interested in reading about dice control for craps? Pick up the October issue of Playboy Magazine, which contains an interesting story on dice control by writer Stephan Talty. Here’s the promo on it:
"Shoot-Out in Vegas — Meet the Five Horsemen led by Frank Scoblete and the Dominator: They ride into Sin City, sidle up to the craps table and legally take the casinos to the cleaners. Their secret? It's called Golden Touch dice control. After months of practicing his shooting, Stephan Talty plays sixth wheel with the high rollers as they try to bring down the house."
4. If you play Three Card Poker, you should only make the Play wager if your hand contains a Queen-6-4 or higher rank.
5. The October issue of Blackjack Insider Newsletter contains a report on a Las Vegas casino that offers a weekly blackjack tournament with a guaranteed $2000 first place prize that is virtually free to enter. For details go to www.bjinsider.com.
6. Check out Jean Scott’s blog on www.lasvegasadvisor.com. She often posts about special deals that she runs across in Vegas which can save you lots of money.
7. The casino that is closest to the Las Vegas Strip that offers higher paying slot and video poker machines is the Palms casino located on Flamingo Ave (across from Rio).
8. The South Point casino located south of Mandalay Bay on the Strip returns 0.3% cash for video poker play. They have quite a lot of full pay video poker machines including full pay deuces wild.
9.There are only three casinos in Las Vegas that still offer a good old fashion single deck pitch game of blackjack where a blackjack pays 3-2: the El Cortez, Four Queens, and Western casinos, all located downtown. The casinos on the Strip have single deck games but pay only 6-5 for a blackjack. Stay away from these games.
10. Many casinos offer special comps or multiple points for machine play which they will text to your cell phone. You just go to the Player’s Club and give them your cell phone number (for example one casino in Mississippi recently text me that I can have 7x points on a specific day … a teriffic deal in a casino that offers full pay jacks-or-better progressive machines.
http://smartgaming.com/
Best of Las Vegas by Henry Tamburin: Updated
These are my opinions on the best that Las Vegas has to offer. It is based on my experiences of visiting Las Vegas every year for over 30 years. I also currently own a house in nearby Henderson, NV and spend about 50% of my time there. I’ve recommended this list to my friends and family. I will continue to add different categories to the list each month, or modify them if needed, based on my experiences.
If you have any comments about anything on the list, send them to me at HTamburin@aol.com.
Best Free Things To See
Fountains of Bellagio
Conservatory (Bellagio)
Walking through the Venetian Hotel and Shopping Area
Atlantis fountain show (Forum Shops, Caesars)
Stroll around Red Rock Casino resort
Freemont Street Experience
Volcano eruption (front of Mirage)
Hoover Dam
Lake Las Vegas
Masquerade Village Parade (Rio Casino)
Best Inexpensive 4-Star Hotel
Golden Nugget (downtown)
Best Strip Hotels
Bellagio
Venetian
Wynn
Best Resorts
J. R. Marriott Las Vegas
Red Rock Casino & Resort
Best Gourmet Restaurants
Le Cirque (Bellagio)
Prime (Bellagio)
Delmonico (Venetian)
Hugo’s (Four Queens - less costly and very good)
Best Prime Rib
Lawry’s The Prime Rib (one black from strip on Flamingo)
Best Italian Restaurant
Maggianos (across from Wynn Casino)
Fiamma (MGM Grand)
Best Steak House
Delmonico (Venetian)
Range (Harrah’s)
Charlie Palmer (Four Seasons)
Steakcraft (MGM Grand)
Best Casual Restaurant
Grand Lux Café (Venetian)
Olives (Bellagio)
Best Seafood
Emeril's (MGM Grand)
Best Buffets
Planet Hollywood
South Point
Bellagio
Green Valley Ranch
Best Las Vegas Local Restaurant
Rosemary’s (Sahara Ave. click here for specials)
Andreas (6th Street Downtown)
Todd’s Unique Restaurant (Sunset Road, Henderson)
Best Shows
Barry Manilow
Danny Gans
Mystere-Cirque Du Soleil (Treasure Island)
Mamma Mia (Mandalay Bay)
Best Entertainer
Danny Gans
Best Car Rental Company
Advantage
Best View of Las Vegas Strip and Valley
Stratosphere (observation deck)
Paris (observation deck, Eiffel Tower)
Best Double Deck Blackjack Game (basic strategy player)
Mirage ($25)
NYNY ($50)
MGM Grand ($100)
Wynn ($100)
Best Double Deck Blackjack Game (low stakes card counter)
Santa Fe Station
El Cortez
Suncoast
Red Rock
Best Single Deck Game
El Cortez
Best Shoe Dealt Blackjack Game (basic strategy player)
MGM Grand ($10 min)
Bellagio ($10 min)
Mandalay Bay ($10 min)
Best Crap Game
Casino Royal (center strip)
Main Street Station (Downtown)
Best Coupon Book
Las Vegas Advisor Pocket Book of Values (www.lasvegasadvisor.com)
All kinds of coupons at www.billhere.com
2008 American Casino Guide book (tear out coupons)
Best Video Poker Games (lots of full pay games)
South Point
Fiesta Rancho
Fiesta Henderson
Palms
Best Place to Pay Slots (consistently higher paying slot machines)
Boulder Station
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder
Sam’s Town
Palms
Best Roulette Game
Monte Carlo (single 0 wheel)
Nevada Palace (single 0 wheel)
Stratosphere (single 0 wheel)
Best Low Limit Casino Gambling
Downtown casinos
Best Source for Casino Promotions
www.lasvegasadvisor.com
www.advantageplayer.com (Viva Las Vegas page)
Best Source for List of Casinos that Offer Double or Triple Point Slot Point Promotions (Las Vegas)
www.lasvegasadvisor.com (Slot Club Bonus Points)
http://www.advantageplayer.com/lasvegas/index.html
Best Source for List of Casinos That Offer Cashback/Comps (Las Vegas)
www.vpinsider.com
http://www.advantageplayer.com/lasvegas/index.html
Best Source for Current Blackjack Playing Conditions
www.trackjack.com
www.bj21.com
Blackjack Insider newsletter at www.bjinsider.com
Las Vegas Blackjack Survey at http:/wizardofodds.com/blackjack/vegas/html
Best Spa
Canyon Ranch (Venetian)
Bathhouse (THEhotel)
Best Recreational Activities
Lake Las Vegas
Lake Mead
http://smartgaming.com/
Posted on October 17th, 2008 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter
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