BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW
Date: June 9, 2019
LINQ TAKES HIGH-TECH TO A NEW EXTREME
Last week was the grand opening of the all-new integrated and immersive RE-MATCH bar and The LINQ Hotel + Experience, which was celebrated with a digitally inspired ribbon cutting. The LINQ’s transformation began last fall with the opening of The Book, the next generation of race and sports book, and now has hologram gaming, six virtual reality bays, high-tech casino games, esports, live interactive, multi-stage entertainment, the world’s largest digital art installation and much more. Many of the experiences in the casino like esports and virtual reality are available by guest’s purchasing time to play.
It’s safe to say you really need to visit this new adventure to begin to see firsthand all the socially driven experiences packed into the front Strip-side area of the LINQ.
For instance, the Digital Art Exhibition is a synthetic reality experience woven throughout the casino interior and exterior created by world-renowned artist Refik Anadol. His first-ever work in Las Vegas is dazzling as it constantly changes colors, designs and reacts as guests enter spaces. Hard to describe and best to see in person.
What is on display is very likely a peek into the future of gaming for the Millennials.
CELINE DION ENDS HER RUN AT THE COLOSSEUM
International superstar Celine Dion ended her second groundbreaking residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace June 8. The final audience was treated to special moments throughout the show including a performance of her new song “Flying on My Own” from her upcoming album, “Courage,” due for release this November.
A photo collage backdrop set to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” featured images from Dion’s Colosseum shows from the very beginning, and photos of Rene Angelil, her late husband and former manager, and their three boys, who joined their mother on stage along with her longtime orchestra and band during the emotional final curtain call.
Dion will embark on her Courage World Tour and start Sept. 18 in Quebec City and stop in more than 50 cities across Canada and the United States. The tour will be her first in the United States in over 10 years.
Since Dion’s first residency debuted in 2003, more than 4.5 million fans attended 1,141 performances at the venue, which was built specifically for her. In March 2003, Dion forever changed the Las Vegas entertainment landscape with the premiere of her first residency “A New Day,” which played 717 shows from March 25, 2003, through Dec. 15, 2007. On March 15, 2011, she made a triumphant return to Caesars Palace with her second residency, “Celine,” which played 424 shows.
PLAZA INTRODUCES MORE THAN 100 UPGRADED LUXE ROOMS
The Plaza downtown continues to upgrade its guest experience with a $15 million transforming renovation of more than 100 hotel rooms and suites on the top floors of the North Tower. Reservations are available starting Aug. 1. Significant infrastructure changes were made to create rooms averaging 325 square feet. Adjoining doors were removed to allow for more storage options with modern wardrobes, and 16 rooms were combined to create eight new suites.
Similar contemporary design details, which were presented when the pool suites were renovated, are incorporated including warm wood tones, mixed metals with bold colors and graphics, laminate flooring with area rugs, and barn door entry into reimagined bathrooms with custom vanities, oversized walk-in showers, and quartz counters.
The new Luxe Rooms offer enhanced guest amenities such as Amazon Echo Dot, which takes Alexa commands, energy efficient LED lighting, upgraded climate control system from Verdant, and safety feature RFID card entry.
SIXTH+MILL WILL OPEN AT THE VENETIAN
Downtown Los Angeles’ popular sixth+mill ristorante, pizzeria and bar will debut its first Las Vegas location in September at The Venetian in the Grand Canal Shoppes.
The Southern Italian inspired concept will feature an extensive bar and counter seating overlooking the pizza ovens, a modern lounge area and dining space. The menu will feature Neapolitan-style pizzas, pastas, seasonal plates, all specially curated to reflect early memories in the kitchen from Chef Angelo Auriana’s childhood in Italy. Imported ingredients including cheeses from Naples, tomatoes from Italy and California, olive oil from the mountainous terrain of Molise, and cured meats coupled with local produce will enhance the authenticity and freshness of each dish.
Sixth+mill will be open for dinner seven days a week. The beverage program will feature an extensive draft beer and sparkling wine menu, available by the glass.
The newest FactoryPlaceHospitalityGroup restaurant, sixth+mill, will join its sister restaurant, The Factory Kitchen, which opened at The Venetian last Dec. 31. FactoryPlaceHospitalityGroup was founded by restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi and Chef Angelo Auriana in 2013.
FOOD PARK WILL BRING FOOD TRUCKS TO FREMONT EAST
Real Awesome Food Park, curated by Real Awesome Food Truck’s Paul Samano and Fergusons Downtown, will launch the new food truck park June 14 at the Llama Lot on 9th and Fremont. Every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m., Real Awesome Food Park will create a hub and bring the neighborhood a regular rotation of locally crafted food trucks.
Fergusons Downtown, through the revitalization of the historic Fergusons Motel, is a neighborhood rooted in community, celebrating music, art and local creators. Fitting right in, each week the Real Awesome Food Park will highlight a vast variety of purveyors from veteran food truck operators to new kids on the block.
TOP PROFESSIONAL DOMINO PLAYERS COMPETE AT THE PALMS
Hundreds of domino players and spectators will gather at the newly renovated Palms Casino Resort for the Universal Domino League’s (UDL) Las Vegas Summer Classic domino tournament on Saturday, June 29 from 2 to 10 p.m. Professional domino competitors from around the world will compete for more than $50,000 in cash and prizes, including a 2019 Harley Davidson FXDR 114 motorcycle, UDL Championship Belt, and the title of “Universal Domino League Champion.”
Tournament registration is $200 in advance or $250 the day of the event. The top 16 players will receive a payout, with the grand prize winner receiving more than $40,000 in cash and prizes.
THE BOXMASTERS WITH BILLY BOB THORNTON HEADLINE RED ROCK
The Boxmasters with acclaimed actor Billy Bob Thornton are returning to Las Vegas for a special performance at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
Before The Boxmasters, Thornton as frontman had played in bands since middle school, recorded in Muscle Shoals, Ala., in 1974, and in the 2000s released four solo albums. He founded the American rock’n’roll band in Bellflower, Calif., in 2007 with fellow bandmate J.D. Andrew and has since released eight albums of original material along with third member Teddy Andreadis on keyboards. After opening several tours for Willie Nelson in 2009 and 2010, The Boxmasters ceased touring for five years, which was time they used to write multiple albums and emerge with a more natural sound.
RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED AT SOUTH POINT
“Ricky Nelson Remembered” starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson will return to the South Point June 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20.
This multimedia show with family video footage highlights the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs including “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man,” and “Garden Party” performed by his twin sons. Their father was the only artist to have a No. 1 song, No. 1 movie and No. 1 TV show in the same week and whose legacy includes 53 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and 19 other Top Ten hits. He is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time, a Golden Globe winner for his performance alongside John Wayne in “Rio Bravo,” and in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. “Life” magazine coined the phrase “Teen Idol” after Nelson and he is credited with pioneering the country rock sound.
Fun fact, twins Matthew and Gunnar are also nephews of “NCIS” star, Mark Harmon, on their mother’s side.
HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL DEBUTS NEW MENU GLOBALLY
Hard Rock International (HRI) has announced its most extensive menu innovation in the company’s history with more than 20 new offerings debuting in locations globally, including Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip, on Friday, June 14. The new menu spotlights steak burgers headlined by the world’s first edible 24-Karat Gold Leaf Steak Burger™, which will benefit Action Against Hunger, as well as Instagram-worthy boozy milkshakes and sliders and shareables.
The global menu launch coincides with Hard Rock’s Founders’ Day as a tribute to the original legends who opened the doors to the first café at Old Park Lane in London on June 14, 1971. The HRI company has venues in 73 countries including 184 cafes, 237 Rock Shops®, 28 hotels and 11 casinos.
BBD’S AT PALACE STATION INTRODUCES NEW BEER TOUR PROGRAM
Guests at bBd’s inside Palace Station who purchase a craft beer and mention the secret passphrase “In loving memory of Cliff Burton” to their server or bartender will receive a complimentary behind-the-scenes tour of the draft system and keg room. The tour will focus on the custom designed draft system, two keg rooms with differing temperatures, and the bottle cellar.
Beyond just the equipment, the staff is dedicated to the system and other necessary details like line cleaning, bBd’s brought the Glanola Cleaning System to Nevada, which allows the team to clean the lines “on demand,” and the style-dedicated glassware to optimize each type of beer for 100 percent pure flavor delivery, and to enhance the overall beer-drinking experience.
LETICIA’S COCINA & CANTINA OPENS AT SANTA FE STATION
Mexican-inspired restaurant Leticia’s Cocina & Cantina with a casual sit-down atmosphere is now open at Santa Fe Station. Following in the footsteps of its sister location inside Fiesta Henderson, guests can enjoy flavorful farm-to-table dishes, house made tortillas and sauces, entrees, tacos, burritos, sopas, ensaladas, chef specials and more.
Chef Leticia Mitchell’s story began in Mexico with her mother teaching her how to cook with their own family recipes. Today, she continues to use those family culinary secrets in all the dishes offered in her restaurants. Leticia’s Cocina & Cantina serves up authentic flavors of Mexico from many different regions like Mexico City, Puebla, Guadalajara, and the Mayan Peninsula.
Hours are Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. with brunch served 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
NO ESCAPING FATHER’S DAY
Restaurants are offering and promoting deals much like they do for Mother’s Day; however, sometimes an off-the-grid opportunity might be fun.
The Basement, a new live escape room experience at 3440 Polaris Ave., will offer complimentary tickets to dads with single ticket purchases for all show times on Sunday, June 16. With the purchase of a single reservation, the immersive theatre experience will offer dads a complimentary ticket by booking online and using promo code “DADDY19.” The experience offers two escape rooms The Basement and The Study.
Tickets are $45.
MISS EARTH USA WILL BE CROWNED AT SOUTH POINT
The 2019 Miss Earth USA will be crowned in Las Vegas for the first time at South Point on June 30, and then represent USA at the 19th Annual Miss Earth competition. More than 100 “beauties for a cause” will visit as part of the global competition empowering women ages 5-59 through community leadership, eco-tourism and environmental education. Tickets for the multi-day pageant, June 27-30, are on sale to the public online.
Reigning Miss Earth Nguyen Phuong Khanh of Vietnam and Miss Earth USA Yashvi Aware of Maryland will attend activities in Las Vegas. The Miss Earth USA organization is recognized as a charitable organization with 501(c)3 status. During national activities in Las Vegas, delegates will conduct a cleanup in partnership with Garbo Grabber and The Clean Earth Project.
DOCUMENTARY FOLLOWS PRO-BLACKJACK PLAYERS
Received an email announcing a documentary “Inside The Edge: A Professional Blackjack Adventure” is available now on many platforms. The film features the world’s elite professional blackjack players who take on casinos for millions while trying to evade casino surveillance and local law enforcement. Director Chris Buddy follows the life of KC, a second-generation professional. Through years of unprecedented footage and interviews with the foremost gambling authorities, Buddy pulls back the veil to the most secretive communities and reveals what it takes to succeed while grinding out a career winning big in casinos. The trailer is alluring, and Las Vegas naturally was one of many locations.
DINING • BEVERAGE NEWS ITEMS
Southern Nevada’s fundraising culinary area event for Three Square, Las Vegas Restaurant Week, will run June 17-28 with participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menus at price points ranging from $20 to $80. A devoted website “helpoutdineoutlv.org” has a full list of participating restaurants and bars.
Giada De Laurentiis’ first restaurant, GIADA at The Cromwell, has had more than 1 million guests visit the namesake restaurant over the first five years in business. To celebrate, for the month of June, GIADA is featuring $5 aperitivo bites in the bar and lounge daily from 4-6 p.m. and a new four-course tasting menu for $120 with a portion of proceeds benefitting Green Our Planet, America’s largest school garden program.
Now through July 31, The Palm restaurant at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, which opened in 1994 and completed a renovation in 2016, is offering a four-pound Jumbo Novia Scotia Lobster dinner split for two with soup or salad and family-style side for $109. The Just for You option is Poached Nova Scotia Lobster atop a Filet Mignon or Prime New York Strip Steak with an individual side and starter for $65.
Beer Park at Paris will host a rooftop party for the basketball draft on Thursday, June 20 starting at 4 p.m. High-definition TVs will show all the action, while Budweiser buckets with five bottles served on ice are $35.
The Bootlegger Italian Bistro at 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. So. is featuring $15 weekday Summer Luncheon Specials Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A different entrée is featured each day and served with salad and house made Panetta with dipping sauce.
Ferraro’s late-night, all-you-can-eat patio grilling experience will take place Saturday, June 29, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring Executive Chef Francesco DiCaudo’s traditional Italian grilled meats as well as pasta, risottos, and vegetables for only $25. Each guest dining will receive a complimentary drink from the bar with access to deals and discounts on wine, beer and more.
FERRARO’S LAUNCHES 2019 SUMMER REGIONAL MENU SERIES
This summer from June 14-Sept. 6, Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will be offering a changing rotation of prix fixe menus inspired by Italy’s most renowned culinary regions. The Summer Regional Menu Series will be available every night of the week.
Every two weeks, Chef Francesco DiCaudo will prepare a new, four-course menu priced at $49. Select bottles of wine, chosen by Ferraro’s sommelier to complement the featured menu, will be offered at special values.
Ferraro’s Summer Regional Menu Series will launch June 14-27 with dishes from Calabria, the home region of the restaurant’s owner, Gino Ferraro, in Southern Italy. Other regions to be featured will include Trentino June 28–July 11; Apulia July 12–25; Piemonte July 26–Aug. 8; Sardegna Aug. 9–22; and Toscana Aug. 23–Sept. 6.
SIGHTINGS
R5’s Riker Lynch and fiancé Savannah Latimer celebrated their bachelor and bachelorette parties dining with separate groups at TAO Las Vegas. Lynch’s group of 10 included brothers Rocky and Ryland, other family members and friends. Latimer with future sister-in-law Rydell Lynch was feted by a large group dressed full out wearing white and pink wigs. Afterwards, the ladies headed up to the nightclub and were later joined by some of bachelor party fellows.
Another night, “Dancing with the Stars” pros Emma Slater and Sasha Farber dined at TAO.
American record production duo and rappers, Play-n-Skillz, who are brothers Juan “Play” Salinas and Oscar “Skillz” Salinas, were spotted having dinner at Beauty & Essex.
