“BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW”
DATE: Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016
BY: Jackie Brett
VEGAS COLUMN
NEW YORK’S PAPAYA KING WILL OPEN ITS FIRST NEVADA LOCATION
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Papaya King, New York’s reigning hot dog emporium since 1932, will open its first Las Vegas location at Harmon Square, across from the Hard Rock Hotel this fall.
Recognized as a favorite among celebrities and seen on the hit-show “Seinfeld,” the New York-based restaurant, known as the tropical oasis in the concrete jungle, has been declared by “Zagat” and the “New York Times” as “The best hot dog in the world.”
The restaurant will feature a 1,558-square-foot space, which will be nearly three times larger than the New York locations, allowing for up to 54 guests with dine-in and take out options. The restaurant will offer its special recipe franks featuring 100 percent all-beef, made in New York City, and shipped to Las Vegas and tropical drinks.
SAM’S TOWN OPENS BIG MESS BAR-BQ
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall on Boulder Highway opened its newest dining concept, the savory Big Mess Bar-BQ, a genuine smokehouse barbeque restaurant serving classic American fare with meats smoked in-house, plus classic comfort-food sides. All meats are dry-rubbed then smoked in-house in Big Mess’ massive smoker, named “Smokin’ Sam” in honor of Boyd Gaming co-founder Sam Boyd.
Located in Sam’s Town’s atrium Mystic Falls Park, Big Mess Bar-BQ is a casual, comfortable dining destination with a spacious dining room along with patio seating. An intimate private dining room is available for parties or special events.
Big Mess is the latest debut in Boyd Gaming’s $100 million campaign to reinvigorate property amenities nationwide.
TIVOLI VILLAGE EXPANDS AND RH RESTORATION OPENS
Tivoli Village has revealed its new extended layout, which includes the beautiful center piazza featuring floral sculptures, sections of landscaped greenery, and the stunning four-story national retailer Restoration Hardware(RH).
Additional retail tenants at the expansive center include: GracedByGrit; MarkieChar; Cherry Hills Market; The Shade Store; Alfred DuPont Concept; Ninush; Canter's Deli; Waffle Bar; and Operation North Pole.
RH is a luxury brand in home furnishings. The new grand-scale, classical contemporary building features artistic installations of home furnishings in gallery settings spread throughout 60,000 square feet of dramatic space. RH Las Vegas has a charcoal-grey Venetian plaster exterior, an expanse of glass-and-steel French doors, and Juliet balconies. There’s an extensive garden terrace on level three and a Rooftop Park and Conservatory with mature heritage olive trees. As night falls, the building is transformed through dramatic illumination, highlighting its architectural details and landscaping.
IL DIVO AND ARW–ANDERSON, RABIN & WAKEMAN PERFORM AT PALMS
Classical crossover group Il Divo will headline the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms on Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. with tickets ranging from $69 to $159.
Simon Cowell brought together the multi-national four-member Il Divo group Urs Buhler, Sebastien Izambard, Carlos Marin and David Miller in 2003. Their groundbreaking debut album followed in 2004. Since then, they have achieved unparalleled success globally with 30 million album sales, 50 No. 1 Records, 160 gold and platinum awards in more than 33 countries and four sold out world tours.
ARW - singer Jon Anderson, guitarist Trevor Rabin and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, three former members of the progressive rock band Yes will perform on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $125.
THE LINQ PROMENADE HOLDS SECOND DIGITAL BAR CRAWL
The LINQ Promenade will host Las Vegas’ only digital bar crawl for the second time on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 23 to benefit Three Square Food Bank.
Participants will digitally check into each bar of which there are seven via The Royal Crawl app. The cost to crawl is $40 on the app, which includes four drinks and a standard ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel.
At each check-in location, crawlers will receive one digital playing card and be entered into a virtual poker game. The event includes stops at seven bars along The LINQ Promenade. At the end of the crawl, the best poker hands will win prizes.
The crawl runs from 8 p.m. to midnight with rides on The High Roller available until 2 a.m. Royal Crawl participating venues will include: ameriCAN Beer & Cocktails; Brooklyn Bowl; Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar; Flour & Barley – Brick Oven Pizza; Off The Strip Bistro & Bar; O’Sheas; and Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery. A portion of proceeds will benefit Three Square Food Bank. Each ticket sold will provide 15 meals to those in need.
KELLY CARDENAS SALON OPENS AT HARD ROCK
Kelly Cardenas Salon - A Paul Mitchell Focus Salon is now open at Hard Rock Hotel. Owned by business partners, celebrity stylist Kelly Cardenas and nightlife veteran Marc Jay, the salon fuses rock ‘n’ roll, fashion and luxury on the second floor next to the Reliquary Spa.
Guests enter to an edgy and upscale black-studded reception area before reaching the 2,475-square-foot spacious salon with chic white walls adorned with Kelly’s signature dreadlock logo. Stylists demonstrate their artistry at an open-air and mirrorless “Color Bar” designed to encourage conversation. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the resort’s tropical poolside oasis radiate natural lighting. Minimalist and sleek styling stations boast Paul Mitchell products, blow dryers that drop from the ceiling, phone charging stations and a dedicated photo area to capture transformations. Kelly’s raved about “Wash House” concept transports guests to a state of nirvana with relaxing music and a one-of-a-kind shampoo experience. Makeup artists complete the look with makeup and eyelash application services available.
HOLIDAY SEASON HAPPENINGS
Flamingo Las Vegas headliners Donny and Marie Osmond will kick off the holiday season by lighting a 30-foot holiday tree at The LINQ Promenade on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. The special holiday performance outside will also include dancers from the Fern Adair Conservatory of The Arts and comedy magician Mac King, who currently performs at Harrah’s, as emcee.
The 28th Annual Festival of Trees and Lights Gala to benefit the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) will be held Friday, Nov. 18 at the South Point with a silent auction followed by dinner and awards ceremony and ending with the Live Auction from 8 to 10 p.m. Enlightening is the Display of Trees is open to the public along with planned family activities on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 1–8 p.m.
The Neon Museum’s annual “December to Remember” holiday celebration will take place Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. It begins with ornament-making in the Boneyard Park and family photo ops with Santa in the North Gallery from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by hot chocolate and caroling by Las Vegas Academy choir in the illuminated Neon Museum Boneyard from 5 to 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
For the first time, the Neon Museum is offering mini-photo sessions on Saturday, Nov. 19; from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Families can book a 15-minute photo session in the North Gallery for $150.
OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE’S MAGICAL FOREST RETURNS
The fabulous 25th annual Magical Forest at Opportunity Village will once again flourish as a winter wonderland with millions of sparkling lights, hundreds of dazzling trees, nightly entertainment, rides and food. Celebrating the 25th season makes it a silver anniversary and that will be a color theme this year. Located at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., the Magical Forest will be open Nov. 19-Jan. 1 nightly at 5:30 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
General admission for 13-plus is $11.99 with ride tickets extra or a passport for $21.99, and child tickets are $9.99 or $18.99 for a passport with rides included.
ANIMAL FOUNDATION UNLEASHES FIFTH 5K AND FESTIVAL EVENT
The Animal Foundation’s fifth annual 5K and Festival: The Fast and Furriest sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet will take place at Sunset Park on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register for the Fast and Furriest 5K is $50 or 1-Mile Walk/Fun Run is $20, with all proceeds benefiting the 30,000 animals that enter The Animal Foundation each year. This family-friendly event also features pet-friendly vendors, a kids’ activity area, dog contests, and more.
For those without furry companions, The Animal Foundation’s rescue partners will be on site with dogs seeking loving homes offering the opportunity to adopt. The festival is free and open to the public.
SOUTH POINT HOSTS THE LAS VEGAS NATIONAL HORSE SHOW
The Las Vegas National Horse Show will be held at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center Tuesday, Nov. 15 through Sunday, Nov. 20. The challenging $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Las Vegas event will be Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $20. Competitions on Nov. 15-18 and Nov. 20 are free and open to the public.
The North American League is one among 16 taking part in the global FEI World Cup™ Jumping series, which has been in existence since 1978. This season includes 115 qualifiers in 43 countries, leading to the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final next spring.
BENEFIT FOR MARK OTOOLE
Local singing personality Mark OToole, who has appeared all around the valley and at Cabaret Jazz at the Smith Center was doing very well and started performing his “Manilow” at Green Valley Ranch this past summer. With a new agent, he’s secured bookings for 2017 across the country and on cruise ships. Unfortunately this cancer survivor’s life has taken a tragic turn with a major medical setback that started with a cold and being over medicated by an Urgent Care facility. Now he’s lost his sight in one eye and is unable to walk. Medical bills are mounting and friends have mounted a benefit for him on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in Addison’s Lounge at The Rampart Casino. Suggested donation is $20 at the door, or visit a Go Fund Me page for Mark OToole.
DINING HURRAHS
Charlie Palmer Steak opened at the Four Seasons 17 years ago. The restaurant recently revealed its new multi-room renovated interior and façade, new Executive Chef and Pastry Chef, and two Master Sommeliers leading a renewed wine program.
Triple George Grill downtown has added more than 15 signature items to its menu this fall and is introducing new glegan (gluten-free and vegan) dishes in time for Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, the signature restaurant at SLS, will host a six-course wine pairing dinner on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will feature Emmanuel Kemiji, owner of Miura Vineyards and managing director of Clos Pissarra, and Bazaar Meat lead sommelier Chloe Helfand. Cost is $165. For reservations, call 702-761-7610.
Martio Batali’s new “Big American Cookbook” features his interpretations of some outstanding recipes from all corners of the United States. On Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., the “Big American Cookbook” extravaganza will feature a multi-course dinner for 40 guests. Batali’s Las Vegas chefs will select 10 of the book’s recipes for the one-night dining event at B&B Ristorante at The Venetian. The price is $135 and includes dinner, cocktails and an autographed cookbook by Batali.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin will acknowledge Black Friday by offering a 10 percent discount on their total dining bill to guests showing a receipt from the shopping center on Friday, Nov. 25.
QUICK TIPS
Several new retailers such as fashion haven A’GACI and a dog-friendly Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar are now open at Town Square. H&M will unveil its newly renovated store on Nov. 17 after completing a 6,500-square-foot expansion, bringing the total to more than 32,000-square-feet.
HEXX Kitchen + Bar at Paris has introduced a chocolate and wine tasting menu, which includes three wine offerings, each paired with a specific HEXX chocolate. The tasting experience is $39.95, call 702-331-5100.
Australian rock band Little River Band will headline the Golden Nugget on Friday, Nov 18, and the British Invasion band The Animals, who have rocked the music scene since 1962, will take center stage on Friday, Nov. 25.
WCK Muay Thai will bring the world’s best fighters together for a night of top-notch boxing and martial arts competition at Orleans Arena on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $24.
Towbin Motorcars is building the new Ferrari • Maserati of Las Vegas dealership set to open next summer at 5550 W. Sahara Ave. It will highlight state-of-the-art technology and a contemporary design. Towbin Motorcars acquired the former Penske Wynn Ferrari/Maserati dealership located at Wynn in late 2015 and added the automobiles to its existing portfolio, which includes Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin.
There will be a free public concert at Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Jury Assembly Room on Friday, Nov. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. Guests can even bring their lunch and listen to harpist Mariano Gonzales, percussionist Alfredo Alvarenga, and multi-instrumentalist Flavio; call 702-229-ARTS for information.
Global Fest – A Celebration of Folk Dance will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park. This is also free. The family-friendly event will feature a variety of cultural dancers, musicians and culinary arts. Ethnic treats from around the world and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Las Vegas-based adult dessert brand, liquor infused Momenti Spirited Ice Creams has rolled out new limited-edition holiday flavors, Rum Raisin and Eggnog through Dec. 31 with a portion of the proceeds helping two local charities; New Vista and Send Me On Vacation.
The Color Me Kind 5K will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 in Henderson at Cornerstone Park, 1600 Wigwam Pkwy. The fun run has no official times or winners. It allows participants to share their kindness to fellow runners in a fun way. Individuals will be showered from head to toe in five different colors to create a kaleidoscope of kindness along Cornerstone Park Trail. Registration starts at $25.
The Wine Amplified Plugged-In event on Friday, Dec. 9 at The Joint at Hard Rock will feature country music star Gary Allan. Tickets are $50 and include a selection of more than 12 wines from a 3rd floor VIP perch overlooking the stage as well as admission to the show. As always, Founder’s Club Members get $10 off their tickets plus weekly complimentary wine tastings around the Las Vegas Valley every Thursday. Wine Amplified started a Wine of the Month Club that already has more than 2,000 members in its first five months. Membership includes an annual Founder’s Club Membership.
SOUTH POINT EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH STOTZ EQUIPMENT
South Point has signed a five-year deal with Stotz Equipment, an official John Deere licensed dealer with 25 locations in eight western states, to convert all of the property’s equipment to John Deere products to maintain more than 80-acres of the resort’s footprint. South Point has more than 40 weeks of equestrian and rodeo events scheduled this year. It is home to an equestrian event facility featuring 240,000 square feet of event space, three climate-controlled arenas, vet clinic, feed store, and more than 1,200 climate-controlled stalls.
ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION HOLDS ANNUAL ‘JINGLE BELL RUN’
The Las Vegas Chapter of The Arthritis Foundation will hold its annual fundraiser, “Jingle Bell Run,” a 10K and 5K timed race, on Dec. 10 at 8 a.m. at Tivoli Village. This holiday event is for the whole family including the dog(s). Everyone can show off their holiday costumes and run, walk, or partake of the activities including meeting local celebrities, a kids zone, petting zoo, shopping, music and entertainment, contests, games and prizes. To register for the “Jingle Bell Run,” visit www.JBR.org/LasVegas.
PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES DECADE WITH FREE PARTY
The public is invited to join the Providence Master Planned Community celebrating its 10th anniversary with a birthday bash called Providence Pride – A Decade to Remember with different activities for the whole family at each of its three neighborhood parks. The event will be on Saturday, Nov. 19 from noon to 6 p.m. and shuttles will stop at each park. Providence is located in northwest Las Vegas off the I-215 North Beltway and Hualapai Way.
