Date: Oct. 11, 2020
MORRISSEY’S FIVE-NIGHT RESIDENCY RESCHEDULED
It is time to look forward and get past 2020. Cultural British icon Morrissey has rescheduled his five-night residency “Morrissey: Viva Moz Vegas” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for summer 2021.
Morrissey takes on this residency as his second theatrical outing following a hallmark sold-out Broadway residency at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater in New York City, a string of acclaimed tour dates with alt-rock icons Interpol last fall, and the release of his 13th solo album “I Am Not A Dog on a Chain.” His Vegas visit will serve as an intimate, invigorating dive into Morrissey’s expansive career from his early days to the new album.
Performance dates are Aug. 28-29 and Sept. 2, 4-5. Tickets at Ticketmaster start at $59.
USHER PLANS CAESAR PALACE RESIDENCY IN 2021
While 2020 has been devoid of entertainment, it gives hope planning ahead for next year. The eight-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Usher will begin a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday, July 16, 2021, with shows at 9 p.m. Tickets begin at $59. Twelve performance dates are: July 16-17, 21, 23-24, 28, 30-31; Dec. 28-29, 31; and Jan. 1, 2022. One dollar of every ticket purchased will be donated to Usher’s New Look, Inc. (UNL), founded in 1999 with a mission to transform the lives of underserved youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion-driven, global leaders.
Usher was first discovered 20 years ago on “Star Search.” He has been ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold more than 65 million albums worldwide.
This year continues to be busy for Usher. Musically, he recently released the single “Don’t Waste My Time,” which hit #1 on Billboard’s R&B chart, as well as “I Cry,” a powerful and emotional song about the social and racial injustices of our time. Usher is currently in the studio recording his ninth studio album which will be released this year.
PLANNING FOR NEW ‘MAGIC MIKE LIVE’ AT SAHARA
At the Sahara, construction of the new Magic Mike Live Theater has begun ahead of the spring 2021 premiere of Channing Tatum’s “Magic Mike Live Las Vegas.” The custom-built showroom is part of the resort’s ongoing $150 million transformation.
The show’s inaugural Las Vegas run, which was launched in 2017, was at former Hard Rock Hotel. “Magic Mike Live” will be taking over a two-story space on the Sahara’s second floor and implementing new features and technologies to make it even bigger and sexier than its predecessor.
While “Magic Mike Live” has gone global with productions in London and Berlin, plus a touring show in Australia, the flagship production is in Las Vegas. The show’s new venue will be nearly 50 percent larger than its last and will feature new amenities. There will be zip lines spanning the venue, which will allow performers to traverse the room in seconds. A two-story bar will innovatively double as a performance space throughout the show. A surround sound system coupled with a state-of-the-art lighting rig will place each audience member in the center of the action. There will be a variety of seating, from couches and easy chairs to standard theater seats and cabaret tables. A QR code-based ordering system will allow for fast, contactless beverage service.
Additionally, a full bar with comfortable lounge seating inspired by the Magic Mike franchise will be located adjacent to the theater’s entrance for guests to imbibe before and after the show.
PLANET HOLLYWOOD OPENED WITH ACTOR ANTHONY ANDERSON
Daily gaming and hospitality operations for weekend stays, Thursday through Sunday, at Planet Hollywood started up last week on Oct. 8. This move follows the successful reopening of Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Paris, Bally’s, and The LINQ Hotel + Experience. The Company Caesars Entertainment has also reopened The LINQ Promenade, High Roller Observation Wheel, FLY LINQ and Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck.
The momentous reopening of Planet Hollywood was celebrated in Hollywood fashion with a showstopping dance number complete with paparazzi and “Black-ish” star and producer Anthony Anderson, who is a friend of Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, in attendance.
DIN TAI FUNG OPENS THIS MONTH AT ARIA
Din Tai Fung, which last year announced it would open its first Las Vegas location, is set to open at Aria on Monday, Oct. 19. The esteemed Taiwanese dumpling and noodle house specializing in Xiao Long Bao has more than 170 restaurants in 13 countries. Din Tai Fung’s Shanghai-style soup dumplings are filled with the highest quality Kurobuta pork and broth that bursts upon the first bite, fragranced with aromas of fresh ginger and green onion.
Originally Din Tai Fung was founded as a cooking oil retail business in 1958 and was reborn in 1972 as a steamed dumpling and noodle restaurant. In 1996, the first international location opened in Tokyo. In 2009, the Hong Kong branch was awarded one Michelin star.
GREEK RESTAURANT ESTIATORIO MILOS PLANS MOVE TO THE VENETIAN
After nearly a decade, Estiatorio Milos, which debuted on Dec. 15, 2010, at The Cosmopolitan the day the resort opened on the Strip, is moving. Now the Mediterranean seafood restaurant will bring the flavors of Greece to The Venetian Resort’s restaurant row this year. Using an estimated $10 million budget, the 13,624-square-foot space formerly occupied by seafood restaurant Aquaknox is being redesigned for a maximum occupancy of 434 inside.
JOY OF HOT DOG REOPENS DOWNTOWN
Joy of Hot Dog, Corner Bar Management’s kitschy, neon-lit trailer serving over-the-top hot dogs, has reopened at 506 Fremont Street in the Fremont East Entertainment District. The food trailer is serving several new flavor combinations and toppings, available Thursday–Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. The new dogs, priced at $8 each, include vegan offering A Walk in the Park, The Al Capone, Chihuahua Chick, The Hangover, and Elvis with banana and peanut butter.
All Joy of Hot Dog selections are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside and served on Hawaiian sweet rolls. Each dog may be ordered with a 100 percent natural Patuxent Farms angus beef hot dog or Beyond Meat vegan Italian sausage.
A new added element is an art installation “Electric Dandelions.” The 30-foot dandelion sculptures, made of metal and acrylic, double as fireworks at night, coming to life with LED animations through a bright light show. Created by Liquid PXL, Electric Dandelions adds ambient lighting, with LED lights running throughout each sculpture to create firework effects.
TO BE FRANK SERVES HOT DOGS AND SAUSAGES IN GHOST KITCHEN
To Be Frank, a new ghost kitchen serving specialty hot dogs and sausages, is open for delivery, takeout, and catering. Hours are Monday through Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight at the downtown eatery Every Grain at 1430 E. Charleston Blvd., which has a lunch business and closes at 2:30 p.m.
To Be Frank’s menu offers an array of carefully crafted dogs and sausages topped with artisan ingredients served on fresh, locally-baked buns. Quality meats are used in all the menu items, with hot dogs sourced from third generation family company Nueske’s and Isaan sausages all the way from Thailand. Notable menu items include Thai Dog, Banh Mi, and Kimchi Dog. Guests can add bacon lardons to any dog and choose from a variety of sides including coleslaw, German potato salad, chili, and Tim's Chips. Desserts include banana pudding and a sugar cookie with raspberry curd dip.
Executive chef Trevor Garrett likes to support local purveyors whenever possible and shops for fresh ingredients every other day. The buns are made fresh by a local baker.
WEEKLY FARMERS’ AND ARTISAN MARKET RETURNS TO TIVOLI VILLAGE
The weekly farmers’ market started up again last Friday at Tivoli Village from 3 to 8 p.m. In collaboration with Fresh52, the socially distanced farmers’ and artisan market will be available every Friday and feature freshly picked local produce, handcrafted artisan goods and live music from 4 to 7 p.m., at the south entrance off Alta Drive at front of 420 S. Rampart Blvd. Masks are required.
Featured produce vendor Picked Today Produce provides an assortment of fruits and vegetables harvested early each market day morning, ensuring freshness. Additional vendors include local farmers selling fresh mushrooms, almonds, eggs, honey, olive oil and micro-greens, as well as artisan vendors offering baked goods, home-made pasta, salsa, hummus, vegan items, and hand-crafted jewelry.
TREASURE ISLAND UPDATES
Treasure Island has new operating hours for Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que and Golden Circle Sportsbook and Bar.
Gilley’s Bar-B-Que is now open daily; Monday-Thursday and Sunday 4 to 11 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight. The Saloon is open Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Treasure Island’s newest addition Golden Circle Sportsbook and Bar also has updated operating hours: Monday-Thursday noon to midnight; Friday noon to 2 a.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to midnight. Alongside sports viewing and 24/7 betting, guests can dine on a variety of menu items ranging from appetizers to main courses.
Golden Circle Sportsbook and Bar is introducing weekend breakfast items on Saturday and Sunday served until noon: The Breakfast Burrito and The Chicken Chilaquiles dish each $15.
TWO RESTAURANTS REOPEN AT SOUTH POINT
Primarily Prime Rib and Baja Miguel’s have reopened at South Point. Primarily Prime Rib, which is tucked away from the casino, is debuting new menu items such as grilled crab cakes and coconut crusted shrimp. The most popular selection, the South Point Cut, is a 10-ounce cut for $19.95. All entrees are served with a choice of salad or soup as a starter and seasonal vegetables and baked or mashed potatoes on the side. Hours are Thursday–Sunday from 5–10 p.m.
Baja Miguel’s is a lively cantina offering south-of-the-border favorites a variety of margaritas including picante, skinny, watermelon and more for $8. Baja Miguel’s hours are Thursday–Sunday from 4–10 p.m.
AREA15 OFFERS FOOTBALL 360 THIS SEASON
Every Monday night and during all Las Vegas Raiders season games, AREA15 is presenting football fans an opportunity to watch their favorite teams inside another dimension. Outfitted with 360-degree, projection-mapped walls and immersive audio and visual elements, Football 360 inside The Portal literally places fans in the middle of the action.
Football AREA15-style also features half-time surprises, trivia contests, swag giveaways, and socially distanced, lounge-style seating with tableside service. Food and drink offerings include a crave-worthy menu crafted by culinary superstar Todd English. Guests can reserve a table of two to four people with a food and beverage minimum starting at $150.
For the Raiders’ home games on Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and Dec. 17, the experience will include an ambient drum procession of performers during the pre-game and half-time choreographed by Chris Wink, former Blue Man Group co-founder and AREA15’s director of content and cool stuff.
VIRTUAL BOOK FESTIVAL FEATURES ‘60 MINUTES’ JOHN DICKERSON
“60 Minutes” correspondent and CBS News senior political analyst John Dickerson will discuss his New York Times best-seller “The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency” with the Las Vegas-Review Journal’s politics and government editor Steve Sebelius at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, during the 2020 Las Vegas Book Festival’s Virtual Book Week. The discussion will be streamed on the book festival’s YouTube and Facebook platforms.
The 2020 Las Vegas Book Festival’s Virtual Book Week will feature programming for all ages from Oct. 19 to 24. Readings, panel discussions and more will be shared on the festival’s platforms throughout the week. Panel discussions will take place daily at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. while children’s author readings and family-friendly activities will take place at noon and 3 p.m. respectively. There will also be a daily poetry session at 5 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 24, programming will run continuously from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to follow the traditional book festival schedule.
Two panels will examine the issue of homelessness in Las Vegas at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct.22, and Saturday, Oct. 24.
ARIZONA CHARLIE’S BRINGS BACK ‘BINGO WITH THE GM’
Arizona Charlie’s is bringing back its “BINGO with the GM” led by Arizona Charlie’s vice president and general manager, Jeremy Jenson. He will host a session at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur location at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 and the Boulder property at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
The October bingo sessions called by Jenson will be Halloween-themed and will include $100 in free slot play to the player who hits bingo on number G50; $25 in free slot play to the player who hits bingo on a ‘B’ ball; and one raffle ticket to players for drawings held after every game to win a prize with a $4 minimum buy-in.
NEXT YEAR TWO NHRA DRAG RACING EVENTS PLANNED AT LVMS
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) is scheduled to host two NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series events in 2021. Both event weekends, of course, are subject to schedule alterations based on possible future restrictions caused by the COVID-19 virus.
The DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals is slated for April 16-18, and the Dodge NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil – part of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship – is Oct. 29-31. The Strip at LVMS is one of just three drag strips, along with Pomona, Calif., and Charlotte, scheduled to host two NHRA national events in 2021.
The DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals is slated as the fourth of 22 series events and will be televised on the FOX family of networks.
WEEKLY CELEBRITY CARS & COFFEE REOPENS
Celebrity Cars Las Vegas hosts a weekly car show every Saturday morning at Sansone Park Place, 9500 South Eastern Ave., in the parking lot of Twin Peaks and BJ’s from 7-10 a.m. year-round. It is free to attend with proceeds benefitting Rotary Club of Las Vegas. Masks are required.
DINING NEWS ITEMS
The eighth local expansion for Olive Garden restaurant will take over third-floor space at the Showcase Mall above the Target store on the Strip. Refurbishing cost will be $3.75 million. Current Olive Garden owner Darden Restaurants also operates The Capital Grille at Fashion Show mall, Yard House at the LINQ Promenade, and Bahama Breeze at Hughes Center.
The next monthly Taste & Learn dining experience at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will be on Saturday, Oct. 24. The first event of the fall season will be showcasing wines selected from the portfolio of Johnson Brothers of Nevada. Cost is $75 all inclusive.
SIGHTINGS
Blume Kitchen & Cocktails in Henderson welcomed platinum recording artist Cardi B around midnight for an intimate after party on Sunday, Oct.11 following her star-studded 28th birthday party in Las Vegas. Cardi B was joined by her estranged husband and Grammy award-winning rapper Offset, along with Young Thug, Gunna and Floyd Mayweather. Party broke up just after 3 a.m.
Also, at Blume recently were NBA superstar James Harden and fellow NBA star Russell Westbrook. On the other side of the venue Floyd Mayweather was holding court in the VIP section.
Boston Red Sox legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz with of his friends was recently spotted dining at the rotating Top of the World restaurant at The STRAT.
