“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
CAESARS PALACE RENOVATES 50-YEAR-OLD TOWER
A $75 million renovation began on the original 587-room Roman Tower at Caesars Palace and it will be renamed the Julius Tower. The rooms, designed by KNA Design, are being upgraded and modernized with new interiors, upgraded furnishings and bathroom fixtures. The first guests are expected Jan. 1 with the renovation’s completion planned for April.
In December, Caesars Palace plans to open the seventh Mr. Chow Asian restaurant location. The resort complex has more than 3,980 hotel rooms, and over six towers with the 181-room Nobu Hotel incorporated into one of the structures.
HONG KONG CAFÉ WILL OPEN AT THE PALAZZO THIS MONTH
Hong Kong Café will open in November at The Palazzo® off the casino floor and feature the fusion of Asian cuisine with Western fare in a warm atmosphere. The new restaurant replaces ZINE Noodles Dim Sum, Chef To’s acclaimed restaurant, which was often credited for bringing the trend of authentic Asian dining to the Las Vegas Strip. In fact, ZINE received the Overall Excellence Award from Chinese Restaurant News in 2010, making it the first restaurant in Las Vegas to rank in the top 10 for the prestigious award. Many signature favorites from the ZINE menu will be found at Hong Kong Café.
Chef To, who is also executive chef at the resort’s exclusive Paiza Club, has 35 years of experience cooking Asian cuisine. Originally from Hong Kong, he specializes in Canton and Szechwan styles and is considered a dim sum master.
The restaurant will open daily at 11 a.m. with late ours until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 a.m. the other days.
BELLAGIO FOUNTAINS DEBUT BRUNO MARS ‘UPTOWN FUNK’
The Fountains of Bellagio in collaboration with Bruno Mars revealed a new water show set to the music of mega-hit “Uptown Funk,” adding to the attraction’s collection of iconic songs. Mars was the first to watch the show at a private viewing with friends. When Mars witnessed the choreographed production, he commented they should change the attraction name to “Brunagio.”
The Fountains of Bellagio shows are complimentary with daily performances rotating more than 30 songs. The schedule is every 30 minutes Sunday-Friday from 3-8 p.m. and noon-8 p.m. on Saturday and holidays; and every 15 minutes daily from 8 p.m.-midnight and Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON WILL OPEN SOLO SHOW AT FLAMINGO
Piff the Magic Dragon, a finalist from the recent 10th season of “America’s Got Talent,” will debut his one-hour solo show at the Flamingo on Nov. 9. With more than 30 million views online, Piff the Magic Dragon became the breakout star gaining more than 250,000 new followers on social media. Judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel were huge fans. Piff and Mr. Piffles, the World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, will perform a selection of their greatest hits from a repertoire that stretches over six previous solo shows.
In addition for the holidays, the show will become “Piff’s Piffmas Piff-Tacular,” from Monday, Dec. 21 through Wednesday, Dec. 30.
All shows will begin at 8 p.m. inside the Bugsy’s Cabaret and be performed Monday through Wednesday. Tickets are $49.95, $59.95 and $69.95.
SOUTH POINT UNVEILS BUDWEISER’S CUSTOM CLYDESDALE BUD POD
Last month, South Point Arena and Equestrian Center’s Priefert Pavilion opened Budweiser’s first custom designed Clydesdale Bud Pod. The mobile Bud Pod, designed by Anheuser-Busch and Bar Pods, is equipped with a Budweiser Signature Draught beer system, a 30-seat VIP deck with custom grand staircase and one-of-a-kind Clydesdale memorabilia mounted for photo opportunities. Guests can purchase cold beverages including Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Michelob Ultra, Shock Top and Bud Light Platinum while watching sporting events on three 55-inch television monitors.
LUKE’S LOBSTER LAUNCHES ‘HARBOR TO PLATE’ STRIP RESTAURANT
Luke’s Lobster, the Maine-bred seafood shack known for its simple menu and top-quality sustainable ingredients, will open its first Las Vegas shack on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. The 300-square-foot circular outdoor shack with al fresco seating is located on the plaza just outside the Fashion Show mall. Accents will include reclaimed Maine barn wood and salvaged nautical gear, including owner Luke Holden’s own buoys from his time as a commercial fisherman.
A lobsterman since youth, founder Holden’s passion stems from his family’s 40-plus years in the industry. Luke’s Lobster scores its seafood directly from the lobstermen at the dock and steams it right out of the water at Cape Seafood, a Maine seafood purveyor founded by Holden and his partners. The seafood is then shipped direct to Luke’s Lobster locations with no middlemen, creating the perfect harbor to plate experience.
The restaurant’s lobster rolls have been hailed among the best in the country by everyone from “Today” to Zagat. Beverages also hail from Maine, including craft drinks from Maine Root and Green Bee, a soda lightly sweetened with pure honey.
Luke’s also specializes in on-site catering for meetings and special events, and offers DIY seafood kits and cookbooks via its website for delivery straight to your kitchen. To mark the opening of the Las Vegas location, Co-Founder Ben Conniff will be reading from “Real Maine Food,” the Luke’s Lobster cookbook, on Nov. 13, at the Writer’s Block on Fremont Street Downtown.
‘MISS UNIVERSE® PAGEANT’ WILL AIR LIVE FROM PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) will air the three-hour “64th Annual Miss Universe® Pageant” live from Planet Hollywood on Sunday, Dec.20 (7-10 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed).
The Miss Universe® telecast is one of the most-watched global events, with distribution in approximately 190 countries and territories. Contestants from more than 80 countries will vie to become the title with the current Miss Universe Paulina Vega of Colombia crowning her successor.
WME | IMG wholly acquired The Miss Universe Organization in September 2015.
The “Miss USA® Pageant,” which will air in 2016 on FOX, features contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The winner of Miss USA® goes on to compete for the title of Miss Universe.
JACK JONES RELEASES NEW ALBUM AND APPEARS AT FUNDRAISER
Two-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy winner, Jack Jones, will perform with the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Band during the Las Vegas Academy’s third annual “Experience the Arts…Dream!” Gala on Nov. 9 in the Pavilion Ballroom at the Rio. The event will honor Paul and Sue Lowden and be emceed by Clint Holmes.
Jones’ new album, “Seriously Frank,” celebrates the life of his friend and legend Frank Sinatra and honors the legend’s one hundredth anniversary of his birth on Dec. 12. Jones’ new album with a 22-piece band is a collection of songs reflecting Sinatra’s life and career. The “Seriously Frank” album release event will take place on Nov. 6 at The Bootlegger Bistro’s Casa Di Copa.
DESIGNER SIGRID INSULL SHOWCASES AT CENTAUR ART GALLERIES
Centaur Art Galleries will present a special two-day show, Nov. 6 and 7 from 2 to 6 p.m., featuring the latest one-of-a-kind signature pearl necklaces from acclaimed jewelry designer Sigrid Insull, who will be present both days. Insull is the first permanent jewelry artist to become part of Centaur Galleries. She will be donating a percentage of sales to Keep Memory Alive, which supports the mission of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
The show is open to the public. Centaur Art Galleries recently moved from the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to 4345 Dean Martin Drive.
Insull moved two years ago to Las Vegas from Los Angeles with her husband William Lucking, who is character actor most recently seen as a regular on the TV series “Sons of Anarchy.” Insull worked for more than 20 years as a costume designer in New York and Hollywood for Broadway, film and television. She has designed jewelry for such notable celebrities as Catherine Deneuve, Cher, Olympia Dukakis, and Kathleen Turner.
NEW STORES OPENING AT MIRACLE MILE SHOPS
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has expanded its roster with new stores. Open now, Anime Revolution offers Nintendo lovers the latest selection of collectibles, while photo enthusiasts and decorators can shop at Vegas Print Factory for a variety of photography prints. One Monarchy, featuring men and women’s clothing with a modern Rock and British vibe, will open this week.
As part of the center’s Harmon Avenue redevelopment, Buffalo Wild Wings is open while southern steakhouse Texas Land & Cattle will begin cooking up grilled creations in 2016.
RICHARD CHEESE PERFORMS TWO SHOWS AT SUNSET STATION
America’s loudest lounge singer Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine will return to Las Vegas with two shows at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station on Friday, Nov. 13 at 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45.
Since 2000, Cheese has released 14 albums and announced the release of three new albums, including: “Swingin’ At The Boulder Theater” in October; “Supermassive Black Tux” this month; and “The Lounge Awakens: Richard Cheese Live at the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cantina” in December.
CARLOS SANTANA RECEIVES COMMEMORATIVE HOUSE OF BLUES DISPLAY
Headliner Carlos Santana will appear at a special ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. as House of Blues executives honor Santana with the unveiling of a commemorative display. The display marks a milestone in the guitar legend’s career, celebrating the sale of his 100,000th ticket to his show “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live.” The memorabilia display will be installed in the House of Blues Las Vegas Music Hall after the ceremony. Santana resumes his residency at the intimate concert venue with performances Nov. 4, 6–8, 11 and 13–15.
STARS OF ‘JERSEY BOYS’ SERVE AS SANTA RUN GRAND MARSHALS
Cast members from “Jersey Boys” will join a sea of Santas as they serve as Grand Marshals of Opportunity Village’s 2015 Las Vegas Great Santa Run, which returns to Downtown Las Vegas Saturday, Dec. 5 for the fundraiser’s 11th year. The event also will feature the famed Chippendales as the Grand Marshals for the one-mile Kris Kringle Jingle walk; Wayne Newton as Honorary Chair of the Santa Run Committee; and a special performance by “Jabbawockeez,” winners of the first season of “America’s Best Dance Crew.”
The nine-time champion of the “World Santa Alliance,” the Great Santa Run hopes to bring the challenge trophy back to Las Vegas in 2015 from its competition in Liverpool. Registration is $45 for adults; $30 for children 12 and under; and $10 for canine companions. The participation fee includes a five-piece Santa suit, a runner goody bag and a commemorative medal from event sponsors.
FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE HOSTS HEART & STROKE WALK AND RUN
The Fremont Street Experience is partnering with the American Heart Association for a fundraiser walk or run with 5,000 health-minded participants on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event will have a 5K and one-mile walking route as well as a timed 5K Heart run. In addition from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. that day, 100 percent of all the SlotZilla revenue for thrill seekers will benefit the American Heart Association.
CELEBRATING OUR MILITARY
To say thanks, comedy-magician Mac King is offering two free tickets at the box office to “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” at Harrah’s for all veterans and active military Nov. 10-14.
Every day will be a day to honor veterans and active military with the introduction of a 25 percent military discount at Therapy in Downtown Las Vegas at 518 E. Fremont St. starting on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Discount will apply to food items only.
SHORT ITEMS
CRUSH at MGM Grand is introducing the new weekly “CRUSH Fridays Brunch Party” beginning Oct. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Made L.V. Guest Chef Dinner at Tivoli Village will feature Chef Vincent Pouessel of db Brasserie at the Venetian on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 and cocktails and wine are available for an additional charge.
CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar at Downtown Summerlin will celebrate fall with a four-course wine pairing dinner featuring William Hill Estate wines, one of Napa Valley’s wineries, on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Executive Chef Jason Talbott will prepare the menu and E. & J. Gallo Winery representative Samantha Butler will host the dinner. Event is priced at $45, call 702-878-5505.
You can go green at Aliante with the “One Bottle = One Tree” campaign as the resort introduces Trinity Oaks Vineyard as their new house wine at signature restaurants including Bistro 57, MRKT Sea & Land and The Salted Lime. Trinity Oaks, located in Helena, Calif., partnered with Trees for the Future in 2008 and their campaign has since provided the means for more than 13 million trees to be planted throughout the world by planting one tree for each bottle sold.
An exclusive five-course dinner featuring the Wagner Family of wine will be held at Roy’s restaurant Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $95.
“SEXXY,” the sensual topless revue at Westgate, is celebrating its 200th show with the addition of new state-of-the-art lighting and sound along with a new 7 p.m. show time beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3.
It will be a night of fashion and fundraising at the 6th Annual Fashion for Autism Gala on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 6–9 p.m. at the Aria. The theme is “Bringing a Solution Into Focus” featuring Porsche Design at Crystals. Tickets are $250, call 702-564-2453.
Dunkin’ Donuts will hold its third annual “Adopt-A-Family” drive benefitting the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Nov. 9 to Dec. 12. Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Southern Nevada will each adopt a designated family. When guests visit any of the 16 restaurants and select an “ornament” listing an item needed for that family and return with the item, they receive one free medium hot or iced coffee, or donut for their donation.
Border Grill restaurants at The Forum Shops and Mandalay Bay through Friday, Nov. 6 are celebrating El Dia De Los Muertos, which translates to Day of the Dead, a Mexican custom of honoring departed loved ones with an abundance of good cheer, refreshing drinks and delicious food. Both outlets are dishing up two different specialty menus in honor of the annual Mexican celebration.
Food is Art featuring a seven-course progressive meal, wine and art with seven top chefs and sommeliers/mixologists along with live entertainment and silent auction will benefit the ALS Association Nevada Chapter. It will be held Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7-10 p.m. at the Springs Preserve. Admission is $75, and $140 for a pair of tickets.
‘SANTA BOB’ DEMPSEY CAN NOW OFFICIATE CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS
“Santa Bob” Dempsey is combining Christmas with marriage by becoming a wedding officiant duly licensed by the State of Nevada and the North Pole. Starting in December, Santa Bob can marry a couple anywhere in Nevada who wants the Christmas spirit to surround their wedding vows, including decorations, gifts, and of course, Santa. Elves, reindeer and Mrs. Claus (Audrey Dempsey) are extra.
Santa Bob is really Bob Dempsey, award-winning owner of Dempsey Graphics and a leader in the Las Vegas graphic design scene since 1981. Dempsey has taught design for more than 18 years at the College of Southern Nevada and performed as Santa for the past nine years. For information, call 702-497-4971.
THE D PRESENTS SUPER SHOWDOWN AT DLVEC… ZAB JUDAH RETURNS!
On Friday, Nov. 13, the D Las Vegas will present Super Showdown, a night of world-class professional boxing, at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) and live on CBS Sports Network.
Headlining the evening’s fights will be five-time world champion and former Undisputed World Welterweight Champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y., in the 10-round main event. Former world champion Juan Carlos Salgado (26-5-1, 16 KOs) will take on Judah. He won the WBA World Super Featherweight Title via first round knockout over current WBC World Champion Jorge Linares.
Tickets range from $20 to $400. Action will start at 8 p.m. PT with the televised broadcast at 9:30 p.m. PT.
