“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
VIRGIL’S REAL BBQ WILL OPEN AT THE LINQ PROMENADE IN 2016
Alicart Restaurant Group will expand in Las Vegas with the addition of Virgil’s Real Barbecue at The LINQ Promenade opening next summer. Virgil’s will span 14,000 square feet with private dining rooms seating up to 300 guests and three outdoor spaces, including a poolside patio at The LINQ Hotel. Plus there will be live music programming nightly.
The menu from Executive Chef Neal Corman, author of “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook,” features the BBQ tastes of Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, the Carolinas and Missouri. Virgil’s meats are smoked at a low temperature over indirect heat for up to 10 hours with a mix of hickory, oak and fruit woods. The selection of sides is traditional like barbecue beans, coleslaw and cheese grits and along with Southern-style desserts like banana pudding and Key Lime and sweet potato pies.
Alicart Restaurant Group has been offering a spectrum of dining concepts for more than 25 years including Carmine’s NYC’s Legendary Family Style Italian Restaurant, which the company opened at The Forum Shops at Caesars in 2013.
DISNEY ON ICE WILL PRESENT ‘FROZEN’ AT THOMAS & MACK CENTER
Disney On Ice presents “Frozen” presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt at the Thomas & Mack Center Jan. 6-11, 2016. The show will be hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by lovable Disney princesses and characters.
Naturally the show will magically whisk the audience away to the wintry world of Arendelle with special effects, skating, and songs including “Let It Go.” Royal sisters Elsa and Anna will be joined by the snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover true love is the most magical power of all.
Tickets range from $35 to $80 for VIP. There are daytime and early evening show times available.
OSCAR B. GOODMAN SPEAKS AT DINNER SERIES ON JAN. 28
The next dinner for the Oscar Dinner Series with former Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar B. Goodman speaking will be on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Oscar’s steakhouse at the Plaza. Goodman, who as a criminal defense attorney represented many notorious figures, will be speaking about “The Mark of Cain - The Nevada Black Book.” The gourmet three-course meal paired with wines is $150 pre-paid; call 702-386-7227.
At its inception of Nevada’s Black Book in 1960, there were 11 names, now there are 33, most considered to be casino cheats.
MAT FRANCO CELEBRATED 100TH PERFORMANCE AT THE LINQ
Mat Franco show “Magic Reinvented Nightly” celebrated its 100th performance at The LINQ with a magic-themed cake presentation. The special cake designed by Las Vegas’ bakery, Showboy BakeShop, featured elements from “Magic Reinvented Nightly,” including a replica of the cannon used in the show, a deck of playing cards and more. Franco is the most current winner of “America’s Got Talent.”
AUTHOR DANIEL SIMONE TALKS ABOUT THE LUFTHANSA HEIST
The Mob Museum downtown will host an Author Talk on Tuesday, Jan. 12 with Daniel Simone. He will discuss his book, “The Lufthansa Heist,” at 1 p.m. with a book signing following. The event is free for Museum Members and free with Museum admission for the public.
Simone will discuss the infamous Lufthansa heist from an insider’s perspective. He co-authored the book with the late Henry Hill, who claimed to be associated with New York’s Lucchese crime family and was a participant in the heist scheme. The crime represents the largest, never-recovered cash haul in history and inspired Martin Scorsese’s 1990 film, “Goodfellas.”
On Dec. 11, 1978, more than $6 million in cash and jewelry was stolen in a daring armed robbery that rocked John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City and continues to baffle law enforcement to this day.
ACTRESS/AUTHOR ILLEANA DOUGLAS HOLDS BOOK SIGNING
Illeana Douglas, author of “I Blame Dennis Hopper,” will be doing a reading and book signing at Barnes & Noble, 2191 N. Rainbow Blvd., on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m.
Douglas is known for playing funny and fearless characters in films such as “To Die For,” “Goodfellas,” and “Cape Fear,” and in television shows like “Six Feet Under” and “Ugly Betty.” In her book, she reveals how movies have made her life.
Her book is an industry love letter from her first experience being on set with her grandfather and mentor-two-time Academy Award-winning actor Melvyn Douglas-to the moment she was discovered by Martin Scorsese, to starring in movies alongside Robert DeNiro, Nicole Kidman, and Ethan Hawke, to becoming an award winning writer, director and producer in her own right.
SOUTH POINT HOSTS ANNUAL VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE AUCTION
South Point Exhibit Hall will host the 25th Annual Las Vegas Vintage Motorcycle Auction, presented by Mecum Auctions, Thursday, Jan. 7 through Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. More than 700 classic motorcycles will cross the auction block, ranging from years 1898 to 2015. General admission tickets can be purchased at the entrance for $25 per day or $60 for a three-day pass.
M RESORT PRESENTS ELVIS TRIBUTE SHOW STARRING JUSTIN SHANDOR
On Saturday, Jan. 23, “The World’s Ultimate Elvis” Justin Shandor will return to the M Resort and feature Elvis Presley’s legendary hits from the silver screen. The performance will showcase Shandor and his 13-piece band as they pay homage to the songs that became hits from Presley’s movie career. Shandor won Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Contest in Memphis, Tenn., in 2010 and was cast as Elvis in the Las Vegas Strip production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” Tickets to the 7 p.m. concert are $30, $36 and $42.
HEALTH, HEALING & HAPPINESS CONFERENCE OFFERS SUPER DEAL
The next Health, Healing & Happiness conference will be held June 10-12, 2016, at the Tuscany Suites. As a holiday offer a super early bird special on is being offered until Dec. 31. A full conference pass is $89 or you can add two plant-based lunch buffets for $109; visit www.health-healing-happiness.com.
The conference includes many speakers and an 80-exhibit marketplace. Already the feature keynote speakers include: Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Michael Greger, Chef AJ, Dr. John McDougall, Robert Cheeke, and John Pierre.
The newest keynote addition is Expeditionist Mahendra Trivedi, the Master of Transformation and the Creator of the Trivedi Effect. Trivedi has very unique and exceptional gifts to share with humanity in a mission that is one of a kind.
NEWS ROUNDUP
John’s Incredible Pizza Company will open its first Nevada location on Dec. 29 at the Boulevard Mall, located at 3700 S Maryland Parkway and be open daily. Those who are the first 100 admitted guests at the California-based family fun spot early on opening day will receive a complimentary $10 FunCard to experience John’s Incredible Fun World. Admission prices range from $10.99 for adults to $4.99 for kids ages 3 to 6. Admission includes John’s All You Can Eat Buffet.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is taking guests on a journey to the North Pole with a special showing of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 4-D Experience inside the interactive SimEx-Iwerks FX Theater through Jan. 11. Based on the holiday film this experience uses 4-D technology to bring the imaginary train ride to life through the use of water squirts, real bubbles, feet ticklers and seat vibrations. This holiday experience takes the place of three other shows during this time: SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: “The Great Jelly Rescue;” and Dora & Diego 4-D Adventure.
Reminder, the 22nd Annual Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates is free to visit and the three-acre botanical and cactus garden, created by nearly 600,000 colorful holiday lights will remain open through Jan. 1. The garden glows nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SOME NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY HEADLINERS
Maroon 5 with Adam Levine will appear at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Dec. 30 and 31. Since forming in the late 90s, Maroon 5 has received multiple awards, produced numerous gold and platinum releases in more than 35 countries as well as sold over 17 million albums worldwide. Tickets are $99.50 to $225.50.
Multi-platinum GRAMMY®-nominated singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen will ring in the New Year at The Venetian Dec. 30, 31, and Jan. 2, 2016. She will headline in The Venetian Theatre.
R5 will perform three headline shows inside The Venetian Theatre, Dec. 29, 31, and Jan. 1, 2016. R5 came together in 2009 and has rapidly emerged as an electrifying new voice in the world of pop/rock.
On Dec. 31, SLS Las Vegas will have world-renowned pop singer and American heartthrob Nick Jonas at Foxtail Nightclub with a performance, toast and countdown to 2016. Also on property on Dec. 31, Grammy nominated rock band Plain White T’s will deliver a booming performance at The Sayers Club® featuring an opening set by local rock band Paper Tigers. Around midnight, partygoers will witness the fireworks from the venue’s patio. Guests at both New Year’s Eve parties will enjoy an open bar from 8 p.m. to midnight and tickets start at $50.
Michael Cavanaugh with his Rock ‘n’ Roll Songbook will take over the South Point Hotel Grand Ballroom to headline the evening with special guest The Alley Cats highlighting doo wop sounds at 8 p.m. Cavanaugh will take the stage at 10:45 p.m. Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in Piano Man, Cavanaugh is considered the new voice of the American rock ‘n’ roll songbook. Tickets are available for $149 and include a four-course dinner, open bar, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
The Alley Cats will return to the South Point Showroom for “New Year’s at Noon” with doors opening at 12 p.m. Tickets are $19 and include party favors and a champagne toast.
The South Point Showroom will host Gregg Austin and his Rockin’ M Town beats to ring in the New Year. Doors open at 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy dancing 2015 away. Tickets are $59 and include two drinks, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
At The Smith Center in Reynolds Hall there will be five performers with a musical extravaganza at 7 p.m. featuring Broadway hits and favorite classic songs. The outstanding veteran entertainers include: Patina Miller, Norm Lewis, Capathia Jenkins, Erich Bergen, Clint Holmes and singers from “Broadway In The Hood.” Tickets are $39-$125.
THE MONORAIL WILL RUN AROUND THE CLOCK FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY
The Las Vegas Monorail will remain open and running around the clock from 7 a.m. New Year’s Eve continuously through New Year’s Day and closing as usual at 3 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2016, to accommodate revelers throughout the night. Last year, an estimated 340,000 people gathered along the Las Vegas Strip. With streets closed off, the Monorail is the only motorized form of transportation available along the Strip on New Year’s Eve. SLS Las Vegas, the northernmost stop of the Monorail, has free parking during New Year’s Eve.
Locals can purchase $1 one-way local tickets on New Year’s Eve from any Monorail ticket office, which will stay open until 11 p.m. that night.
FIREWORKS AND CRUISE AT LAKE LAS VEGAS NEW YEAR’S EVE
A free fireworks show will begin at midnight on Dec. 31 from MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas. Additionally there will be a DJ in the village, and village restaurants will be offering dining specials.
The La Contessa Yacht will set sail at 11 p.m. for a 90-minute cruise around Lake Las Vegas and viewing of the New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Tickets for adults only are $25 with a glass of champagne included. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are limited; visit www.lakelasvegasevents.com.
HIGH ROLLER OFFERS CABIN VIEW EXPERIENCES
For the second year, the world’s tallest observation wheel will offer views on New Year’s Eve from the 14 glass-enclosed cabins at the top half of the wheel, each accommodating up to 25 guests with a full bar and a champagne toast. The Private Cabin Experience starts at $6,250
For the lower cabins, they start at $250 per person with a full bar and champagne toast.
The Hangover Remedy cabin on the High Roller is available from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day for $32 with unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys, Red Bull infused cocktails and more.
NEW YEAR’S EVE – SOME OFF-STRIP RESTAURANT/BAR OPTIONS
Local PT’s Entertainment Group that includes PT’s Pub, Sierra Gold and Sean Patrick’s will have and extended Happy Hour, which includes 50 percent off drinks and pizzas, from 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for 12 hours until 5 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2016.
New Year’s Eve at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country will feature $1 drinks all night for the ladies, a $500 cash balloon drop, champagne toast at midnight and first drink free with $65 admission ticket. The show at 10:30 p.m. will star Kane Brown.
A new find this year is Forge Social House in Boulder City. New Year’s Eve went so well last year that again they will accept 50 reservations for Chef Tim’s dinner and an additional 50 reservations to ring in the New Year. Dinner with champagne toast and party favors is $48 or $58 depending on menu selection. Ring It In party only admission is $15 which includes the toast and favors. There will be a DJ and live music by The Forge house band Manny & The Bearded Clams. Tickets are available at The Dillinger in Boulder City or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Downtown Las Vegas’ Carson Kitchen will hold a celebratory prix fixe dinner on Thursday, Dec. 31. Executive Chef Eugene Santiago will prepare a four-course tasting menu for $80 per person with optional beverage pairings priced at $20 each; call 702-473-9523.
Downtown’s new gastropub, Therapy, will celebrate with a deluxe prix fixe menu and champagne served exclusively for two seatings at 6 and 9 p.m. Cost is $69 with a glass of champagne included.
The Bootlegger on the far South Strip is offering a prix fixe three-course dinner, from 9 to 11, with appetizers at 8:30, no host cocktails, and a champagne toast at midnight. Live music and dancing will feature Lisa Gay and The Tony Drake Band. Cost is $99.
SOME NEW YEAR’S EVE STRIP ACTION
Hard Rock Live on the Strip will feature Ashley Red with the show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $175 with a premium open bar, appetizers, live music, party favors and champagne toast at midnight included.
The Strip’s only gay New Year’s party – Evolve Vegas NYE – will be taking place at The New Tropicana in the Havana Nightclub with outdoor views of the Strip’s midnight fireworks. This party will include a gaggle of gay-friendly notables led by the evening’s hostess, Edie of Cirque Du Soleil’s “Zumanity”. Other entertainers will include: headlining performer and “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” phenomenon Trixie Mattel; Bravo TV personality Scott Nevins; multi-talented recording artist Z LaLa, sexy aerialist duo LV Sky Boys; and sounds by DJ Amphion. Tickets are $99 and $149 for VIP.
TAO will feature the 1920s speakeasy-themed Snoopadelic Cabaret featuring entertainer Snoop Dogg.
On the far South Strip, The SPAZMATICS will take over South Point Hotel’s Exhibit Hall B on New Year’s Eve for an ‘80s dance party with doors opening at 9:30 p.m. Guests will dance while enjoying the SPAZMATICS’ musicianship, tight choreography and contagious energy featuring the top hits from the ‘80s. Tickets are $69 and include an open bar, party favors, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight.
HYDE BELLAGIO TOASTS THE NEW YEAR FOR FIVE DAYS
Hyde Bellagio from Dec. 29–Jan. 2 has lined up the top 2015 R&B and EDM acts. Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 29 guests can celebrate with a performance by R&B sensation Omarion followed by a high-powered DJ set by reality star Brody Jenner Wednesday, Dec. 30. On New Year’s Eve, Hyde will hold a Gatsby-themed, black-tie soiree sponsored by Dom Pérignon. The festivities continue Saturday, Jan. 2 with Travis Barker’s unprecedented “Give the Drummer Some” residency.
