BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: June 24, 2018
ON THE RECORD WILL OPEN AT PARK MGM
Los Angeles-based Houston Hospitality, founded by trendsetting fraternal twin brothers Jonnie and Mark Houston, will open their biggest project and first in Las Vegas. On The Record (OTR) encompassing a 11,000-square-foot space will be located off the main casino floor from Park Theater at Park MGM. The three-room nightlife venue opening on New Year’s Eve 2018 with a modern “speakeasy” atmosphere will include both indoor and outdoor spaces and a world-class cocktail program.
The Houston brothers, who opened Piano Bar in 2008, have been conceiving and operating numerous successful venues in Los Angles for the past 10 years including La Descarga, Harvard & Stone, Pour Vous, No Vacancy, Dirty Laundry, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, their first restaurant Butchers and Barbers, and Break Room 86 at The Line Hotel.
SMITH & WOLLENSKY WILL RETURN TO THE STRIP IN SPRING 2018
An all-new Smith & Wollensky, branded “America’s Steakhouse” restaurant, will make its return to the Strip next spring when it debuts a new establishment in the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian l The Palazzo in the former Zeffirino Ristorante location. The alluring space located near the South Canal turnaround spans 14,000 square feet and two stories.
The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. (SWRG) headquartered in Boston was established in 1977. The time-honored steakhouse brand, known for its dry-aged and hand-butchered USDA Prime steaks, premium seafood and award-winning wines, has expanded to 10 locations across the top cities in America.
CORKS ‘N CRAFTS OPENS AT DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN
Corks ‘n Crafts, a modern DIY craft-and-sip studio, is opening in Downtown Summerlin offering a variety of crafting opportunities combined with a chef-based menu, fine wines, specialty cocktails, and craft beers. From wood crafting, seasonal décor, jewelry making, string art, fabric dying, and décor boards; Corks ‘n Crafts offers something for a variety of ages in an upscale, industrial workshop environment.
This modern-day DIY craft-and-sip studio is open Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Corks ‘n Crafts also offers bottomless mimosas on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for $22 (crafts not included). Crafters can book online with prices starting at $30.
Corks ‘n Crafts will host a weekend of grand opening activities on July 14 and 15 noon-4 p.m. Throughout the day, there will be make-and-take crafts, refreshments, treats, tours, children’s activities, raffles, and more.
MAZ JOBRANI FROM ‘SUPERIOR DONUTS’ MAKES VEGAS’ STAND-UP DEBUT
Maz Jobrani, who plays Fawz in the CBS sitcom “Superior Donuts,” will be making his Las Vegas stand-up debut at the Laugh Factory inside the Tropicana, Saturday-Tuesday, June 30-July 3, with special 8:30 p.m. shows only.
Veteran actor and comedian Jobrani has impressive credits. His first Netflix stand-up special “Maz Jobrani: Immigrant” released last year was filmed at the Kennedy Center and is currently available for streaming. He has released three solo specials on Showtime including: “Brown and Friendly,” “I Come in Peace,” and “I’m Not a Terrorist, But I’ve Played One on TV.” Jobrani was a founding member of “The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour,” which aired on Comedy Central in 2007.
Jobrani has more than 50 guest star appearances including popular shows such as “Greys Anatomy,” “True Blood,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “Shameless.” In 2015, he appeared in the television movie “Descendants,” directed by Kenny Ortega.
Movie credits include starring as the title character in the award-winning indie comedy, “Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan,” a film he co-wrote and co-produced. He has co-starred in many films including Disney’s, “The Descendants,” Sydney Pollack’s “The Interpreter,” and Ice Cube’s “Friday After Next.”
Other accomplishments include being a regular panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” giving two TED Talks, writing “I’m Not A Terrorist But I’ve Played One On TV” published by Simon & Schuster, and executive producing “Everything Must Change,” a documentary about his sister’s battle with breast cancer available on iTunes.
Jobrani’s supporting acts will be Brian Scolaro and Matt Fulchiron June 30 and July 1, with Raj Sharma and Omid Singh taking over July -2-3.
The 10:30 p.m. show June 30-July 1 will feature Ian Brag followed by Dennis Blair taking over July 2-3. Blair will continue as the headliner with for the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. shows July 4-8.
THE STOVE WILL OPEN AS BRUNCH SPOT NEAR ANTHEM
Combining forces, two established chefs Antonio Nunez and Scott Commings will open The Stove by July 2 in space formerly occupied by Standard & Pour, one of the final restaurants Kerry Simon started before his death in 2015. The new breakfast and lunch restaurant at 11261 Eastern Ave. in Henderson will have a menu of American cuisine with regional influences and include vegan dishes. The Stove will also have an 8-foot living garden wall providing vegetables and herbs for use in the kitchen.
The second-story eatery with a Coffee Chill Room, dining room, and Twisted Tea Room will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. A patio will offer al fresco dining with views of the valley, while a private dining room will be able to host up to 45 guests seated.
Nunez recently left his partnership at Kitchen Table in Henderson, and started Culinary Management with Commings, a winner of Gordon Ramsay’s popular “Hell’s Kitchen” reality competition program and chef and partner at Downtown Grand’s Freedom Beat restaurant.
GOLD SPIKE HOLDS 'DOWN & DERBY' SUMMER PARTIES
Gold Spike offering an adult playground downtown began holding Down & Derby, a dance party on skates, last week. Continuing every third Wednesday, Gold Spike’s “Backyard” is being transformed into a roller rink for Down & Derby and Real 103.9’s roller disco party. The skate night extravaganza includes contests, prizes and summer drink specials.
On July 18, the theme will be Rock Bottom 3: Booty Short Contest with music from DJ’s Phoreyz & SHR3D; and, on Aug. 18 Jock Jams Disco. Admission to each event is free. Skate rentals are $10 each accompanied by a free drink.
TRUFUSION LAUNCHES YOGA WITH A VIEW AT LINE AT TOPGOLF
Topgolf Las Vegas and TruFusion are partnering and launching Yoga with a View atop the fourth floor of the venue. Yoga with a View classes for all skill levels are taking place at 10 a.m. every other Sunday beginning Sunday, June 24, for guests 21 and over. Class size is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All yogis are required to bring a yoga mat and towel with them; however, the first 10 guests to come to each class receive a free Topgolf yoga mat. Classes are free and open to the public.
After the class, yogis can cool off by the third-floor Hideaway Pool for Topgolf’s Mimosa Summer Sundays and enjoy $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys and a special poolside brunch menu. Guests can also enjoy complimentary golf lessons by a Topgolf professional during brunch in one of the poolside bays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Admission into Hideaway Pool is free and open to the public.
MEET COMIC BOOK WRITER CHRIS CLAREMONT - ARTIST JOE RUBINSTEIN
In celebration of the 2nd anniversary, the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. exhibit at The Mirage will host a signing with comic book writer and novelist Chris Claremont, known for the X-Men series, and comic book artist Joe Rubinstein, most associated with inking Marvel Comics’ “The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe” and the 1982 four-issue “Wolverine” miniseries by Claremont. The signing and meet-and-greet will take place June 30 from 2-7 p.m.
Additionally, Las Vegas Comic Con running June 25-July 1 coincides, and Con-attendees can receive 50 percent off their admission ticket into the exhibit by showing their convention badge.
BEN MCGEE SPEAKS ON ASTEROID DAY AT ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUM
Multi-disciplinary scientist and television personality Ben McGee will be the guest speaker at the National Atomic Testing Museum on Saturday, June 30 at 2:30 p.m. for his lecture, “The Day an Asteroid Nuked the Test Site,” as part of the annual global Asteroid Day 2018. Tickets are $5 and free for museum members.
McGee’s lecture will center on one of the most titanic asteroid collisions in history, which happened in Nevada. The Nevada National Security Site is the epicenter of the Alamo Impact. McGee will give personal insight into the unfolding evidence of an ancient, civilization-ending explosion, which left a hole in present-day Nevada nearly a mile deep and more than a hundred miles wide.
DINING HIGHLIGHTS
Mexican restaurant and bar, El Dorado Cantina, which is close to the Strip and serves non-GMO cuisine, is celebrating its fourth anniversary this month. In honor of the milestone, guests who dine at the 24-hour restaurant through June 30 will receive a complimentary birthday cupcake, baked in-house. Happy Hour is available 2 to 6 p.m. and again from midnight to 4 a.m. daily.
The Tropicana celebrated the kick-off of the 12th annual Las Vegas Restaurant Week with its Summer Cookout featuring Robert Irvine at Robert Irvine’s Public House. The property partnered with Three Square Food Bank to host a summer camp-inspired affair for adults and raised more than $18,000, which will allow Three Square to provide more than 54,000 meals for Southern Nevada residents.
Andre’s Bistro & Bar’s Las Vegas Restaurant Week 2018 menu is paying tribute to the late Anthony Bourdain. This year’s throwback menu features dishes inspired by Brasserie Les Halles, the New York-based French restaurant which closed in 2017. He was working as their executive chef when he was inspired to write his breakout book, “Kitchen Confidential.” The multi-course, prix-fixe menu available through June 29 is $50.
Beer Park at Paris will start “Beer and Rosé Thursdays” on July 5. The weekly event will be held from 6–8 p.m., offering $5 brewery-fresh beer and rosé by the glass, plus live entertainment through Thursday, Aug. 30.
Masso Osteria at Red Rock Resort has appointed Emily Hansen as the restaurant’s executive chef and Christian Pollock as the general manager. The new duo will work alongside celebrity chef Scott Conant. San Francisco Bay-area native Chef Hansen spent six years operating her own business as a private chef. In 2016, she appeared as a finalist on Food Network’s “Chopped,” which features Chef Conant among its panel of judges. Pollock’s impressive resume ranges from managing Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak at MGM Grand, to Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse and Julian Serrano’s Picasso at Bellagio.
Brothers David and Michael Morton’s MB Steak restaurant at Hard Rock has launched Social Hour featuring cocktails including classic martinis and Manhattans, wines by the glass and beer from 5 to 6 p.m. daily in the bar and lounge. A complimentary rotating selection of signature “light bites” will be served.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin has expanded its popular lunch and dinner menus with an array of new dishes, available now. Among the new entrée selections is beer-battered fish tacos, two corn tortillas filled with crispy Mahi-Mahi, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle sour cream, served with Mexican-style rice and beans.
FOURTH OF JULY SPIRIT
Caesars Palace will present a firework display on Saturday, June 30 around 9:20 p.m. The fireworks can be enjoyed from the Venus European Pool Lounge at the viewing party from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $99 with complimentary drinks and Venus Night Swim.
On June 30, Go Pool Dayclub at Flamingo will be hosting its Red, White & Taboo party, with a special performance by Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas. Doors open 9 a.m. with $15 tickets available at Go Pool Vegas.
Also, on June 30, It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar at Flamingo will be hosting a fireworks viewing party. Cost is $50 per person, which includes an open bar.
Another way to see the fireworks display on June 30 is from the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris. The one-hour 9 p.m. viewing package includes the deck experience, souvenir frozen drink, commemorative photo and an Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck fiber optic wand for $100.
Beer Park at Paris will hold a rooftop barbecue featuring hot dog and ice cream carts and drink specials including the Firecracker Margarita for $12 from Saturday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 4. Guests will have front row seats to a firework show on the Strip on Saturday, June 30.
In Pahrump, Nev., about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will take place at 9 p.m. at Petrack Park. Admission is complimentary, and you can bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the event.
The Las Vegas Philharmonic will celebrate America’s Birthday on July 4 with a Star Spangled Spectacular at TPC Summerlin. Beginning at 5 p.m., the event will include fireworks, food, fun family activities, entertainment and a special performance by the symphony orchestra. Cost is $10-$250.
TREVI Italian Restaurant in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace will celebrate Independence Day with a specialty Red, White and BOOM cocktail available exclusively on Wednesday, July 4 for $10. The strawberry margarita is made with triple sec, tequila, Blue Curacao, sweet and sour mix, fresh strawberry and lime.
HUMOR PREVAILS AS LADY LIBERTY SIGNS WITH LAS VEGAS ACES
The WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas’ second major professional sports team, has signed free agent center Lady Liberty to an honorary contract for its inaugural season. Liberty, 18, was given her official 75.5-foot tall jersey at New York-New York. Scouts noted Liberty’s statuesque presence as the tallest player in the WNBA at 150 feet.
ABOUT TOWN NEWS
Now in its eighth year, “Rod Stewart: The Hits.” has new fall 2018 dates at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace scheduled Nov. 21-Dec. 2. Tickets start at $49.
This really isn’t a big surprise. “The Voice — Neon Dreams,” which was a show scheduled to open Sept. 17 in the production’s 700-seat theater being built at the Hard Rock Hotel, which is becoming Virgin Las Vegas, has been cancelled. Base Entertainment will likely scout around for a different location for the showcase featuring singers who gained popularity on the hit TV series backed by a live band.
Celebrity guests Joanna Krupa, Dean Cain, “Real Housewives of Orange County” stars Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley, and Janice Dickinson were some of the celebrities on hand to celebrate the grand opening of Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center’s (BHRC) second Las Vegas location in Downtown Summerlin. The evening featured live entertainment by singer Nieve Malandra and DJ High Maintenance.
Opportunity Village launched its early bird registration for the upcoming 14th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run taking place Saturday, Dec. 1. Through June you can register for $20.
The Scene Pool Deck at Planet Hollywood will hold the Red, White and Reggae Pool Party on Saturday, July 7 featuring GoGo dancers, drink specials and a bikini contest. The third annual cornhole tournament will begin at 1 p.m. Teams of up to four can register for $50 to receive competition entry, one bucket of Miller or Coors, two Jack Daniels cocktails, and two commemorative t-shirts. Up for grabs is $5,000 in cash and prizes.
Beer Park at Paris has started a night at the drive-in movie, with outdoor showings of cult classics like “Vegas Vacation,” “Mean Girls,” and “Ghostbusters” at 9 p.m. every Monday night through Aug. 27.
Westgate Executive Pastry Chef Stephen Sullivan, who was recently named “Pastry Chef of the Year” at the 29th Annual U.S. Pastry Competition, created a jumbo grand piano birthday cake for the resort’s resident headliner Barry Manilow, who turned 75 on Sunday, June 17. It took a truck to move it from the kitchen to the hotel lobby where it was on display.
In keeping up with the Kardashians, Madame Tussauds will celebrate Khloé Kardashian’s birthday with her first wax figure. Details of the “Revenge Body” star’s pose and outfit will remain a secret until the figure is revealed on June 26, the day before her birthday.
While the national tour cast of the 11-time Tony Award®-winning production “Hamilton: An American Musical” was in town appearing at The Smith Center, they couldn’t resist attending the hit show “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace.
THE MOB MUSEUM ANNOUNCES GROUP TOUR TO HAVANA, CUBA
The Mob Museum is offering an educational opportunity with its “Explore Havana” trip led by Museum Advisory Council Member Scott M. Deitche, who is an organized crime expert and author of seven books on the topic. The tour takes place Oct. 18–21, 2018. This trip is operated by Cuba Executive Travel, Inc., a licensed travel service provider. Cost is $1,535 per person, with a $500 deposit needed no later than July 5.
The Mob loved Havana and in the 1950s, American crime bosses invested millions to make it the Las Vegas of the Caribbean. For a short time, Havana was a Las Vegas rival until Fidel Castro extinguished the Mob’s dreams in 1959 when he seized control, shut down the casinos, and sent the mobsters packing.
