BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: Oct. 24, 2021
TWO NEW VEGAS LOCATIONS PLANNED FOR BOBBY’S BURGERS
Award-winning Chef Bobby Flay and Caesars Entertainment plan to expand Flay’s fast-casual brand, Bobby’s Burgers, to two new locations on the Las Vegas Strip. His first location opened in May at Caesars Palace. Bobby’s Burgers is inspired by Flay’s love of the grill and the traditional burger, fries and shake combo.
Bobby’s Burgers at Harrah’s is slated to open by December 2021 and will be situated in Fulton Street Food Hall. Bobby’s Burgers at Paris is anticipated for March 2022 in the Le Boulevard area, adjacent to the coming-soon Nobu Restaurant & Lounge.
Bobby Flay has been a partner with Caesars for nearly 20years and has had recent success with his two most recent concepts—Amalfi and Bobby’s Burgers.
The menu at the two new locations will feature Flay’s original recipes including signature burgers, fries with sauces and creamy milkshakes. On the carefully curated menu, guests will find classic flavors as well as burgers with a twist. Additionally, the Harrah’s location will offer breakfast options on their menu.
LARREA WILL DEBUT ON THE STRIP MID-NOVEMBER
Season seven “MasterChef” winner and executive chef Shaun O’Neale and master mixologist Benjamin Browning are at the helm opening Larrea, a modern American cuisine concept with international influences and inventive signature cocktails. Located in front of the Panorama Towers, the city’s newest social dining venue, will open its doors to the public for dinner service on Nov. 13.
After showcasing his dishes and recipes worldwide, Chef O’Neale is embarking on his first restaurant endeavor serving up hand-crafted American cuisine featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients at Larrea. Sustainability will be one of establishment’s core values.
Larrea will seek to support local sports teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights by featuring inspired cocktails by the home teams. Distressed brick walls, earthy textures, and chic black and white interior décor are balanced out with a chic dog-friendly outdoor patio.
Larrea will be open for dinner service 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations can be made online.
‘KLIMT: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE’ HAS LAUNCHED AT AREA15
“Klimt: The Immersive Experience” opened last week at AREA15’s 360-degree projection-mapped venue. Featuring Panasonic’s cutting-edge 4K projection mapping technology, the exhibit joins “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” which has been on view at The Portal since April.
On view until the end of November, “Klimt: The Immersive Experience” celebrates the legacy of Austrian Symbolist painter Gustav Klimt, one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement. Recognized for the gold-leaf glow associated with his most famous paintings, Klimt produced numerous works featured in the exhibit, including “The Kiss,” “Judith and the Head of Holofernes,” “Beethoven Frieze,” “The Tree of Life” and more.
General admission tickets include lounge seating where guests experience the artist’s most brilliant paintings, sketches and murals in a light and sound spectacular featuring Klimt’s vibrant palette, while VIP tickets include the 10-minute accompanying virtual reality experience, “A Day in the Life of the Artist.”
Visitors now have an opportunity to enter a wonderland of moving paintings and highlights of the life and works of two world-renowned artists. “Klimt: The Immersive Experience” will be on view every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, while “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” will be featured every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday inside The Portal. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a double-feature of “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” followed by the new Klimt exhibition every Friday starting at noon.
MIKE TYSON UNVEILS STATUE AT MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA
Recently a commemorative 10-foot-tall statue of one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time Mike Tyson was unveiled just outside the entrance of Richie Palmer’s new Mulberry Street Pizzeria at Resorts World.
Tyson, Palmer’s longtime friend, was on hand to remove the cover of the imposing statue and pose for pictures along with Resorts World president Scott Sibella. Tyson also signed the wall at Mulberry Street Pizzeria and enjoyed a slice of pizza.
New York born and raised Palmer opened his original Mulberry Street Pizzeria in Beverly Hills in 1991 after the entrepreneur saw the need for a New York pizza shop in the market.
EL CORTEZ WILL COMMEMORATE 80YEARS THIS NOVEMBER
Next month, the historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino will celebrate its monumental 80th Anniversary as the longest continuously running hotel and casino in the ever-changing landscape of downtown Las Vegas. As the only casino listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2013, this Vegas institution has stood the test of time. The property recently completed its $25 million renovations just in time for the anniversary celebration in November.
On Saturday, Nov. 6,Las Vegas’ Mayor Goodman will kick off El Cortez’s 80th Anniversary Celebration with a commemorative speech followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary champagne available inside the hotel where they will have the opportunity to play some of the last coin slot machines in the city, participate in a $35,000 gambling giveaway, enjoy the roaming mariachi band, sip on the special 80th Anniversary cocktail, grab a bite to eat at the property’s 24-hour restaurant, Siegel’s 1941, or try their luck at single and double deck blackjack.
El Cortez is a family-owned and operated casino located in the heart of the Fremont East Entertainment District. The property has undergone several renovations, but still rocks the same façade it had in 1941, retaining much of its Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture and keeping the spirit of classic Vegas alive. It was Downtown Las Vegas’ first major resort with 59 rooms, which can still be rented today in the Vintage tower with stairway access from the casino floor. In 1952, El Cortez’s famed neon arrow, marquee, and signature sign were installed and still shine on the property today.
“O” BYCIRQUE DU SOLEIL COMMEMORATED 23 YEARS
Earlier this month, “O” by Cirque du Soleil celebrated its23rd year performing at Bellagio. Since making its initial splash in 1998, “O” has impressed more than 17 million fans from across the globe. “O,” an aquatic masterpiece in 1.5-million-gallon pool, is performed Wednesday-Sunday at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
There are fun facts which go along with such longevity. “O” features the largest contingent of Olympic Athletes of any of the Cirque du Soleil shows, with six of its performers having participated in one or more Olympic Games.
A group of 122 technicians is required to make “O” come to life, many of whom are scuba certified with some having reached Divemaster status. The underwater communication system features 26 speakers, which allow the performers to hear the music, as well as specific cues or instructions while underwater.
Approximately 1,200 costumes and headpieces are used in the show, and some include unconventional materials such as shower curtain material and surgical tubing.
BLOCKBUSTER AUCTION EVENT TOOK PLACE LIVE FROM BELLAGIO
Last weekend, Sotheby’s and MGM Resorts hosted a special, white-glove auction live from Bellagio, where 11 masterworks by Pablo Picasso, showcasing the artist’s entire career and the many media he explored across more than six decades of creative genius, sold for $109 million exceeding the sale’s high estimate with 100% of the works sold.
The auction was standing room only in a packed Bellagio ballroom, where the energy in the room drove enthusiastic bidding, which extended to nearly all lots on offer. Picasso’s Femme au béret rouge-orange, a 1938 portrait of the artist’s famed muse Marie-Thérèse Walter, sold for $40.5 million following a prolonged bidding battle.
When Bellagio opened in 1998, it was the first resort committed to bringing fine art to Las Vegas. With the introduction of the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art and restaurants like Picasso, featuring the master’s iconic paintings and charming ceramic pieces, MGM Resorts was the first to introduce art into its array of amenities for guests to experience in Las Vegas.
WHITNEY HOUSTON HOLOGRAM SHOW OPENS THIS WEEK
“An Evening With Whitney: The Whitney Houston Hologram Concert,” the brand new, highly anticipated show is making its boundary-breaking North American debut with an extended residency at Harrah’s this week on Oct. 26.The innovative hologram production features Whitney Houston’s impeccable voice backed by a live band, singers and dancers performing her iconic songs to honor her legacy.
HEADLINERS SIDELINED
Recently there is news of numerous Strip headliners having health complications. Celine, who was supposed to open her residency at The Theater at Resorts World Nov. 5-20, has severe and persistent muscle spasms and moved her schedule opening dates to Jan. 19-Feb. 22. Now Carrie Underwood will be the first headliner in the showroom Dec. 1-11. Then Katy Perry follows from Dec. 29-Jan. 15.
Wayne Newton postponed his “Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal” show, which was set to relaunch Oct. 23 at the Flamingo. Newton, 79, had back surgery last summer and after a fall at his Montana ranch has chronic back pain. The plan was for him to perform in November and December, with the November dates coinciding with the 58th anniversary of his debut at the Flamingo in 1963. His return dates will need to be determined.
Terry Bradshaw announced during his last visit at the Luxor that he was going to have knee surgery again, which had recently. His next date at the Atrium Showroom is Dec. 3. Even if he needs to sit in a chair, he sings, tells great stories and has an infectious personality.
GRANGER SMITH WILL RETURN TO STONEY’S
Granger Smith, also known by his alter ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., is returning to perform at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 10 p.m. Attendees must be 18 and older. Advance tickets are $15 and $25 at the door.
Granger Kelly Smith is an American country music singer-songwriter. He has released 10 studio albums, one live album, two Eps and has three top 20 singles including, “Backroad Song,” “If the Boot Fits,” and “Happens Like That.”
The artist is also known for his family’s YouTube series “The Smiths” and outdoor apparel company, Yee Yee Apparel. Additionally, Granger and his wife Amber Smith started The River Kelly Fund to bring awareness and invest in children in need, arts and education, wildlife preservation, military, veteran and first responder assistance, donor affiliations, and many more organizations in honor of their son River Kelly Smith.
THIS WILD LIFE WILL SERENADE AT BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLIARDS
Acoustic rock duo This Wild Life will perform at the Backstage Bar & Billiards on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Talented musicians Kevin Johnson and Anthony Del Grosso will take the stage with their acoustic melodies and powerful lyrics with fellow rock artists Taylor Acorn and Arrows in Action also bringing their sounds too for one evening of live music. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of show.
This Wild Life is comprised of two drummers Johnson and Del Grosso who met in early 2010s and realized their musical journeys were strikingly similar. Fast forward about a decade and they started a band together. After some time, Del Grosso expressed he wanted to play acoustic music solely and sold his drum set. Afterwards, the duo flew across the country to record a full-length record called “Clouded (Deluxe Edition)” and changed their careers forever.
WHISKEY SKIES IS LAS VEGAS-BASED ONLINE BOUTIQUE
Las Vegas-based online boutique Whiskey Skies has launched holiday products and more for winter at WhiskeySkies.com.
Family-owned Whiskey Skies started with a bad shopping habit and a big dream. Naming the store after their favorite dog, Whiskey, wife-and-husband team, Joanne Vitale and Steve Lenzie, founded Whiskey Skies in March 2020. What started out of their home is now in a 7,000-square-foot warehouse.
Vitale remains at the center, hand-picking quality and affordable items. Whiskey Skies is a size-inclusive retailer with sizes small to 3XL combining trendy farmhouse charm with a chic, modern vintage style. The business specializes in trendy clothing, accessories, home goods and decorative knick-knacks.
SPIEGELWORLD CELEBRATES 52 WEEKS OF ‘VEGASHITSHOW’
Last year when live entertainment in Las Vegas shut down last year, Spiegelworld and its out-of-work artists decided to turn their creative energies to creating a weekly YouTube series, “VEGASHITSHOW.” Each week for 52 weeks, the episodes have charted the epic struggle in navigating COVID-19 restrictions to get Spiegelworld’s three shows, “Absinthe,” “Atomic Saloon Show” and “OPIUM” back on stage, as well as opening a brand-new restaurant, Superfrico.
Along the way, the emotions, dramas, laughs and achievements have been presented through the entertaining lens of Spiegelworld’s outrageous clowns and creatives. The anniversary Episode 52 has been released with two of the company’s Vegas-based artists, Petra Massey from “Atomic Saloon Show” and Grace Lusk from “OPIUM, looking back on a year like no other.
WILDFIRE LAKE MEAD WILL CLOSE FOR EXPANSION AND RENOVATIONS
Wildfire Lake Mead, a Henderson tavern operated by Station Casinos, will close temporarily beginning Monday, Nov. 1 to start an expansion and property renovations. The locale is expected to reopen before the end of the year.
After the renovation, guests will find an upgraded gaming experience including more than 200 of the latest slot, poker, and keno machines; an all-new STN Sportsbook; electronic table games including blackjack, craps, and baccarat; and other convenient amenities like check cashing and global payment processing.
In addition, the Wild Grill will be receiving a fresh makeover, and menu revamp and is expected to open in February 2022.
DRAI’S AFTER HOURS BRINGS BACK ‘IMAGINE’ PARTIES
Voted “Best After Hours” in Las Vegas Weekly’s “2021 Best of Vegas,” Drai’s After Hours will bring back “Imagine” parties on the first Wednesday of the month from November to March. Every month, the imaginative parties will have a new, playful theme. Party attendees can arrive dressed in costumes to match the fun themes and dance till the sunrise with DJs spinning today’s hottest hits.
The themes are Nov. 3 WWE focused Drai’s Mania; Dec. 1 Winter Wonderland; Jan. 5 Studio 93; Feb. 2 Space Invasion; and March 2 DraiWatch. Drai’s After Hours is open midnight to 6 a.m. every Thursday-Sunday by reservation only.
QUICK ECLECTIC CLIPS
Headlining female impersonator and comedian Frank Marino will be leaving his emcee spot since fall 2019 in “Legends in Concert” at the Tropicana on Nov. 20, the day before his 58th birthday. He wants to focus on his “Divas Las Vegas” impersonator production, which will play at the Italian American Club on Friday, Dec. 3.
New ice construction at The LINQ Promenade, will begin Nov. 7. When completed on Nov. 11, the attraction will feature new art pieces throughout, including deep sea and Mardi Gras themes as part of ICEBAR’s quarterly Staying COOL re-theming program to keep the experience fresh for guests.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will honor members of the Armed Forces with a special, increased discount on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. Veterans and active-duty service members with a valid military ID can enjoy an increased, 20% discount on food and drinks, while they are offered a 10% discount every day throughout the year.
Emporium Arcade Bar at AREA15 will celebrate National Happy Hour Day, Friday, Nov. 12. Guests who visit Emporium Arcade Bar between 3 and 7 p.m. will receive 10 free game tokens. The bar has a variety of games including classic arcade favorites, pool tables, pinball, foosball and many more.
FlyOver, the new high-tech, multi-sensory flight ride located next to Hard Rock Café on the Strip, is welcoming Nevada residents with a local’s deal of 30% off admission with a valid Nevada ID.
