“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, July 17, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
‘THE TOMMY LAMA’ IS APPEARING AT THE LAUGH FACTORY
“Tommy Lama” is the alter ego of multi-award winning comedian Tommy Savitt who is headlining his own new stand-up “karmady” show at the Laugh Factory Comedy Club inside the Tropicana through Sept. 4. As his new stage persona Tommy Lama, he is a Brooklyn tough guy offering spiritual healing and life coaching in rare form as an “ordained” comedian. He is a politically incorrect spiritual healer who breaks all the rules.
Savitt’s delivery is slow and simple while he mixes education or common sense with comedic wit and innuendo-laden mantras. For example, when Dr. Phil says not to drink when you’re pregnant, Lama’s comment is “Then how are you supposed to get pregnant in the first place?”
Savitt actually practiced law and gave it up for comedy, which he’s been doing for 15 years. His legal background; however, helps him take logic and break it down in order to make people laugh at just about anything.
You can witness Tommy Lama on Monday and Friday at 7 p.m. and at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $29.95 to $39.95.
MATT GOSS WILL CLOSE AT CAESARS PALACE IN SEPTEMBER
Ending a six-year resident run, tuxedo-clad crooner Matt Goss will perform his final show in The Gossy Room at Caesars Palace Saturday, Sept. 24. His intimate sold-out performances at the resort have been charming global audiences as well as celebrity guests including Sharon Stone, Jason Statham, Queen Latifah, Quincy Jones, Paula Abdul, Demi Moore, Michael Irvin, P. Diddy, Jerry Lewis and Dick Clark. Goss performs Friday-Sunday and Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $120.
“I have a deep love for Las Vegas and the people that live and visit here,” said Goss. “I have seen shows come and go, and realize how hard it is to sustain a successful one so I am beyond proud and honored to be part of the rich heritage of Caesars Palace.”
In celebration of his 30-year career, Goss will headline at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London on Saturday, Oct. 1. Over his career, the multi-platinum artist has sold more than 20 million albums and headlined multiple sell-out tours, covering more than 20 countries.
OLÉ - CASA DEL MATADOR WILL OPEN IN DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN
Casa Del Matador will make its Las Vegas debut at Downtown Summerlin on Thursday, July 28. The new restaurant will offer scratch-made, seasonal Mexican cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails and a selection of 128 rare tequilas.
Casa Del Matador’s signature artistic interior design is created personally by the founders for each individual location. Highlights will include hand-picked lighting from Mexico and Morocco, artisan décor, custom ironwork and sugar skull wallpaper adorning the walls, and a hand-crafted bar with golden inlay. Flickering candles and an open floor-to-ceiling fireplace will create an amber glow.
The Matador concept is powered by Seattle-based boutique restaurant group Opper Melang Restaurants created by co-founders Zak Melang and Nate Opper with outlets throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Colorado. This will be the first location in Nevada.
MGM RESORTS LAUNCHES MOBILE REAL MONEY TOURNAMENTS
MGM Resorts International has launched a mobile gaming platform, easyPLAY® Mobile Tournaments, which is the first digital and interactive tournament offered by a regulated casino in the United States. Developed by mobile gaming tech company oneLIVE inc, the platform allows guests at nine Las Vegas MGM-owned resorts to compete with other players in a variety of tournament games using their own mobile devices, personal laptop, or the new InteractivePro™ Tables located throughout MGM Resorts’ properties.
The easyPLAY® platform provides the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in cash and other prizes by playing in regularly scheduled tournaments of classic casino games including slots, bingo and video poker as well as fun social, casual and console games. The first of many large contests is the All Summer Long Winner Takes All Progressive Slot Tournament. Guests who enter the tournament with a $5 entry prior to Sept. 4 will have the opportunity to spin the wheels to win the minimum grand prize of $10,000.
RARE AND CRAFT BEER HAVEN PUB 365 OPENED AT TUSCANY
PUB 365 is a new craft beer haven featuring 365 rotating craft beers and 40 draft handles inside Tuscany Suites & Casino. PUB 365’s beer collection includes an expansive rare beer menu called the Unicorn List, lucrative beer loyalty program and specialty cocktail menu featuring distinctive beertails.
The lunch and dinner menus feature traditional pub fare with a modern spin developed with input from Chef Carlos Buscaglia of Due Forni. Prices start at $6.
Guests can join PUB 365’s Mug Club to win exclusive prizes, private tap party invites and the chance to earn a personalized tap on the Tap Wall of Fame.
OPENED IN CHINATOWN
Since 2009, Hobak Korean BBQ has served traditional Korean food all over South Korea. The internationally-known restaurant franchise, fondly known among Koreans as a place for “sharing great things” and pumpkin logo (Hobak means pumpkin in Korean), opened at 5808 Spring Mountain Road in Chinatown last April. It is open for lunch and dinner daily from11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Hobak Family, Inc. was founded by chef and owner Chi Heon Kim. Since opening the first Hobak Korean BBQ in 2009, the company now operates 16 stores directly with eight franchises in Korea under eight different brands. The Las Vegas franchise is the first in the United States.
DU-PAR’S RESTAURANT IS OPEN AT SUNCOAST
If longevity is a sign of quality and popularity, Du-Par’s Restaurant and Bakery fits the bill. Established in 1938, Southern California’s legendary diner-style brand is now available at the Suncoast 24 hours a day with their famous signature buttermilk pancakes, fresh-ground hamburgers, made-from-scratch pies, and much more.
At a tasting, media was treated to hotcakes, Tiny’s patty melt, California chicken sandwich, Cobb salad, watermelon salad, mini Danishes and fruit pies samplers. When food is this good, why stay at home and cook.
HOOTERS HAS ENTERTAINMENT AGAIN IN NIGHT OWL SHOWROOM
Three shows that have been around Las Vegas for years have moved to the Night Owl Showroom at Hooters.
“The King starring Trent Carlini” plays Wednesday through Monday at 5 p.m. with a live band. Carlini has spent years presenting an uncanny portrayal of Elvis Presley. Nightly at 7 p.m. “Country Superstars Trbute” features tributes to Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and more with a live band. Prices for both shows are $34.95 and $49.95.
Vinnie Favorito comes on with his totally unfiltered, no holds barred, jaw-dropping brand of comedy Thursday through Sunday at 8:30 p.m. with additional shows on Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. Tickets range from $39.95 to $79.95. Sit up close is you dare!
THE GOLDEN TIKI CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
The Golden Tiki in Chinatown will celebrate its first anniversary on Sunday, July 24 with the debut of Frank Marino’s shrunken head created for the venue’s cabinet of curiosities at 6:30 p.m. and a raffle for a trip for two to Hawaii. Trip entry is free for each person who signs up. The drawing will take place at midnight on July 25, and the winner must be present to win.
Sunday specials leading up to the July 25 celebration include from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. a free tiki punch with local ID and a limited edition $300 tiki diablo mug giveaway at midnight with free raffle tickets given out starting at 9 p.m.
BRIAN MCKNIGHT VISITS THE SMITH CENTER
Singer, songwriter and host Brian McKnight will appear in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center on Sunday, July 31 at 8 p.m. McKinght has released 15 albums and sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. Tickets range from $33-$99.
Showcasing even more talent, in 2007, McKnight played the role of Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” and in 2009 toured nationwide in the play “Cheaper to Keep Her” with Vivica A. Fox. He was also a contestant on Donald Trump’s hit show “Celebrity Apprentice.” McKnight has used his vast industry knowledge as a red carpet host for “Extra.”
DINING BRIEFS
Standard & Pour, the all-new joint venture created by Simon Hospitality Group and Titan Brands, will host a job fair on Friday, July 22 for the gastro lounge restaurant set to debut in the Henderson late this summer in the former Firefly space at 11261 S. Eastern Ave. Jake Dieleman, who is currently the executive sous chef of Carson Kitchen, will take over as executive chef of Standard & Pour. The job fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Slice of Vegas at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at SLS Las Vegas will feature Cornelius Dönnhoff, winemaker and owner of family-run Dönnhoff winery in Germany at a special, six-course wine pairing dinner on Friday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. Bazaar Meat was recently awarded “Wine Spectator’s” Best of Award of Excellence for the second year. Tickets are $150, call 702-761-7610.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has released its first signature wine, Mille Gradi, meaning “a thousand degrees,” which is fitting since the pizzeria’s ovens can reach one thousand degrees Fahrenheit. The red blend incorporates three grape varietals–sangiovese, syrah and merlot. Grimaldi’s Executive Chef Cory Lattuca and an expert team traveled to the Italian Rocca delle Macìe winery in Tuscany to make this blend. Glasses of the wine start at $10, and bottles are $35.
Honey Salt at 1031 S. Rampart Blvd. has a guest chef dinner series and on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. Italian chef and TV culinary personality Carla Pellegrino, who is the executive chef/owner of Bratalian in Henderson, will present her signature dishes. Honey Salt’s Executive Chef Robert Camacho will start with a variety of shared bites in his “For the Table” selection. This communal dining experience is $49 with an optional wine pairing for $25.
In honor of National Ice Cream Day, HEXX Chocolate + Confexxions at Paris debuted its new Frozen Elixxr milkshake cocktails. The signature alcohol-infused treat is available in five flavors and made with various liquors and flavors of rich, artisanal High Road Ice Cream created by James Beard award winner, Keith Schroeder. The Frozen Elixxrs are $14.95 with the option of a souvenir glass for an additional $6.
Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has introduced a new “Half-Off Happy Hour” from 3 to 6 p.m. daily with half-off specials on appetizers, house margaritas, sangria, shots of Cabo Wabo tequila and draft beer.
The Habit Burger Grill plans to open a third location late this summer in the heart of Henderson on the corner of Stephanie Street and Warm Springs Road. The restaurant will feature 117 dining seats, including indoor and patio dining, complete with the California-inspired interior décor.
MELODY SWEETS HOLDS ‘WILD! JUNGLE BURLESQUE’ FUNDRAISER
“Absinthe’s” sultry Green Fairy Melody Sweets will transform the Absinthe Spiegeltent at Caesars Palace into a tropical jungle in her latest production – “Call of The Wild! Jungle Burlesque” on Saturday, July 30 at midnight. The one-night fundraiser will transport guests into the wild to benefit Siegfried and Roy’s SARMOTI Foundation, which is dedicated to protect, conserve and preserve endangered and threatened animals globally.
Sweets will perform a variety of songs, including original numbers from her debut album “Burlesque in the Black.” She will be joined by an all-star live band and other acts including: “Absinthe’s” Lijana Wallenda and her Wire Walking Wonders, Andrew Adams and Will Howard; Scotty the Blue Bunny; Miss Exotic World, Trixie Little; Mr. & Mrs. G’s crossbow stunts; King of Burlesque, Captain Kidd; and more.
Pre-sale tickets online at MelodySweets.com are $25 and $40 for VIP.
THIS AND THAT NEWS
Due to popular demand, seven rare fragile artifacts recovered from RMS Titanic’s wreck site will be on display for an extended two-week period of time at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition inside the Luxor through Monday, Aug. 1 when the remarkable treasures will be permanently retired from public view.
“SiriusXM Backspin Presents The Art of Rap Festival” will take place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on Saturday, July 23. True to Ice-T’s 2012 documentary “Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap” and the 2015 festival, the Las Vegas lineup will include performances by Public Enemy, The Sugar Hill Gang, Naughty by Nature, Mobb Deep, Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio, EPMD and Kurtis Blow with host Chief Rocker Busy Bee.
Remedy’s 9th anniversary will be celebrated with a ’70s-themed party at Distill in Southern Highlands at 4830 W. Pyle Ave. beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. There will be prizes for wearing the retro-clothes of the period…bell bottoms, gold lame, jumpsuits, disco shirts, etc.
Pinot’s Palette will hold its next Paint–Drink–Dine summer painting events at Crazy Pita in Town Square on July 28 and Aug. 11. Cost is $39
The Fashion Show mall has launched its Summer Movie Series through Aug. 24. The complimentary family movies are shown on massive digital screens in the Great Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Upcoming movies include: “Zootopia” July 20; “The Rookie” July 27; “Despicable Me 2” Aug. 3; “Big Hero 6” Aug.10; “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” Aug. 17; and “ET” Aug. 24.
In celebration of Nevada Ballet Theatre’s milestone 45th Season, Jeff White Custom Jewelry along with prima ballerina Cynthia Gregory, will debut a specially designed series of ballet-inspired pendants starting in October with proceeds going to the dance company.
A Nevada judge rejected a plan to build on the historic site of the first racially integrated casino Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas, citing infighting in the would-be development firm and a better offer from another buyer. The ruling came just seven weeks after a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the property.
The rooftop bar Beer Park at Paris will hold a viewing party for the championship between Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler and Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. Viewing party packages start at $30 and are available for purchase upon entry at the venue.
The History of Burlesque in Las Vegas will be the topic for the Thursday, Aug. 4 free monthly lecture series at the Clark County Library at 1401 E. Flamingo Road at 7 p.m. Burlesque Hall of Fame executive director Dustin Wax will share the history of burlesque in Las Vegas from Harold Minsky’s first revues at the Dune and Lili St. Cyr’s residency at the El Rancho through the glamour years of the 1970s.
The National Atomic Testing Musuem on E. Flamingo Road will hold a “Movie Night at the Museum” on Friday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. with free admission. The 1996 movie “Independence Day” starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum and Vivica A. Fox will be screened with popcorn, boxed candy and water available for purchase. Also a raflle will be held for a two-night stay at the Las Vegas Renaissance Hotel.
America’s first Mah Jongg World Championship will be held at the Westate at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 22 and 9:30 a.m. on July 23 and 24.
Lake Las Vegas now has models open now by three different builders: Regatta Pointe by CalAtlantic Homes; MonteLucca by Century Communities and The Peaks; and Lago Vista by William Lyon Homes.
The next Essence Educates: Wellness Wednesday education program will be Know Your Terpenes on Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 inside Essence-Henderson at 4300 E. Sunset Road Suite A3. It’s free of charge; RSVP online. Learn what Terpenes are, where these elements are found in nature and the benefits of pairing certain strains in the possible treatment of certain conditions/ailments.
RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS WILL APPEAR AT BACKSTAGE BAR & BILLIARDS
Smash Magazine will presents alternative rock band, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus with Ronnie Winter on vocals, at Backstage Bar & Billiards downtown on Friday, Aug. 19 at 9 p.m. with supporting acts Bravo Delta, Shallow Like Me and Reckless Reckless. To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the band’s debut album, “Don’t You Fake It,” the band is on the road this summer playing the now certified platinum record in its entirety for the first time. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 day of show.
