Displaying Reviews for BestOfVegas

"Classy Camp"

Some excerpts from the R-J's Mike Weatherford's review of the show:

"Striptease" boasts a strong infrastructure, thanks to choreographer Enrique Lugo and six "house" dancers (one of them male) who are less cartoonishly implanted than the stars.
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The show has its ridiculous moments, as this kind of stuff tends to. But more often you tend to play along with its good humor and respect fresh ideas.
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(Besides appearances by Penthouse Mag Star Taya Parker, Miss Nude World Aspen Reign and America's Got Talent Jenny Romas) the fourth guest star, the enticing Tali De'Mar, offers the genuine striptease promised by the title, a meticulous burlesque number dropped in from the retro cult spearheaded by Dita Von Teese. Nothing wrong with covering all the bases -- or uncovering them, as the case may be here.
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Final Grade: B-
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Read Complete Review here

"Opening the Doors to Dance...in Las Vegas?"

From "Culture Monster" in L.A. Times:

The Jabbawockeez, the first winners of MTV's "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew," created a 90-minute show that stylistically ranges from contemporary hip-hop to a "Singin' in the Rain" number.
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Whether you've seen them in one of their many appearances on "ABDC" or on tour, the live Jabbawockeez's stage presentation is entertaining. Like so many Vegas shows, they engage the audience even before the show starts, with one member sweeping up the stage and walking throughout the theater.
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The main through-line for the show concerns the guy sweeping the stage and his attempts to fit in with and become a Jabbawockee. There are many vignettes told through dance episodes that range from the Jabbawockeez's original hip hop-inspired music by the Bangerz to a historical section featuring James Brown and Michael Jackson tunes to a section set to U2.
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Read the entire review

"We'll Go Back...During Daylight Hours"

From a website called "Tasting Las Vegas"

First Impressions: Nu Sanctuary Lounge
"While I think this place will be a smashing success among the younger folks with too much allowance money to spend, the forced hipness of a big fake glowing tree that acts as a centerpiece to the restaurant and homage to the world’s religions gets my gag reflex going. Another indication that I’m no longer in the “young snot” category and firmly in the “old prick” one is where many will see hookahs as a reason to go to Nu Sanctuary, as a diner, I saw them more as an obnoxious nuisance (nu-isance, get it?). Oh those kids with their hookahs and rock music!"

"In one more comment about the environs, we were seated on the outdoor patio. However, some of the tables need to be reconfigured as accessibility to some of them is nearly impossible, even for normal sized people. The tables are so close together, and then so close to a wall, that people aren’t able to get in and out should another party be seated at the table on the outside. In fact, at the table next to us, even the skinniest little Asian girl had to swipe her ass across our table as she was trying to get to her seat. While many men may pay a premium for such service, I was with The Wife and had to feign disgust."

On the drinks: "The Signature Cocktails are priced at $12 which I felt was a bit of a gouge."

On the pierogis: "The pierogis themselves were quite good, the best I’ve had since the living in the Old Country (Northeastern Pennsylvania), but $13 for the miniscule versions is nothing short of highway robbery."

"While this review might come across as overly harsh, I will say that I will go back to Nu Sanctuary again, albeit during daylight hours. They offer a lunch menu, which I hope dining at that time will alleviate some of the issues my old fogie ass takes objection too. While at first glance some of the cuisine of Chef Brian Howard seems to be complex to the point of too much, there were some very interesting dishes I didn’t get to have yet that deserve a look-see."

Read complete review.

"Time To Take Chances"

Review by Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Energy boost pays off for 'Divas,' but it's time to take some chances
"They're the same old gals, but they look like they've had a little Botox. Maybe some liposuction, too. A tummy tuck. A nose job. A face-lift, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing.

Or at least some new costumes and music. A larger stage, decent lighting and a microphone that doesn't echo.
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It brings back most of the "La Cage" cast, not to mention Marino's jokes. It preserves all the old revue's strengths -- and a couple of its weaknesses -- amid some basic, no-brainer improvements.

(Other returnees include...) There's Steven Wayne, who nails Celine Dion's posturing and facial expressions so right-on, first-timers won't guess they will see him later as an equally convincing Cher.

Chris Woods returns with the easy gig as Diana Ross... But he also keeps the memory alive of the young Whitney Houston.
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"Proud Larry" Edwards -- absent from "La Cage" since his 2004 dismissal -- is back not only in his Tina Turner wig and heels, but as the new comic relief in a Beyonce bit."

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"Tame and Rspectable Nude-Dudes"

Review by Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

'Chippendales' maintains relative decorum for male jiggle show
"Sex appeal is highly subjective and personal, so interpret this as you will: Dorothy Hamill took her daughter to Chippendales to celebrate her 21st birthday.

Why is this relevant? Unless America's Sweetheart of the '70s has us fooled, I'm citing it as evidence that Chippendales is the tamest, most respectable and Hamill-worthy of Las Vegas' nude-dude revues.

Again, read that as an endorsement or a caution.
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If you want to be in the foamy crossfire when a guy pours a beer on himself and then shakes like a wet dog, it's "Thunder from Down Under" you seek.

But if you want to look but not touch (much) and watch with a degree of separation? In a cozy venue offering the best production values in the genre? It's "Chippendales," the brand name in male G-string shows.
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...the show maintains a relative decorum. The first bare buns are seen in fluorescent light, 15 minutes into the show. The first well-lighted view is 15 minutes later, after the gents lose their fedoras, ties and boxers dancing to "You Can Leave Your Hat On."
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...for different groups (in attendance), the show ends up the wildest part of that night or the tamest."

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"A Lot of Luxury for the Money"

From the NY Times

Hotel Review: Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas
"CityCenter, a new $8.5 billion development on the Las Vegas Strip, is a gutsy effort to bring modern architecture to a city known for kitsch.
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The hotel is huge, and it feels that way, but thanks to thoughtful design, it also feels luxurious and, at times, even cozy.
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The TV had an easy-to-use interface, as did the touch-screen system that controls the lights and drapes — bravo on the technology front.
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Given that there are more than 4,000 bathrooms in the building, it’s a good thing the designers got them right.
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It’s hard to think of an amenity the hotel lacks.
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The vast pool area, which is expected to open later this month, couldn’t be more beautiful, with thick groves of palm trees separating the three large, teardrop-shaped pools.
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A standard room is $149. For that, the hotel delivers a lot of luxury."

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"As good of an emcee as he is a magician "

Review by Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Nathan Burton as good of an emcee as he is a magician
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Burton's niche in the crowded magic kingdom is redressing illusions until they're almost prop comedy.

Someone goes head first down a giant toilet, and Burton himself gets "cooked" in a "Microwave of Death." There's the familiar illusion cabinet that purports to spin the magician's head around in a full circle. But Burton actually shows you a rubber neck all twisted up like an old Looney Tune.

The magician is boyishly likeable throughout, and his showgirl sidekicks give Dad some smiles too as they vanish and reappear with startling speed. But partly because the punch lines lie in the big-box illusions themselves -- and partly because he had back surgery this year -- Burton is as much the affable emcee as the master conjurer.

The variety-show atmosphere is furthered by Burton yielding a generous 20 minutes of his 65 to Michael Holly, a veteran juggler-comedian who once had his own afternoon showcase on the Strip as well."

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"Danciest Cirque Show/Ligtest on Circus Dazzle"

A review by Bob Verni of Variety

Elvis hasn't left the building, but his presence is only partly felt in "Viva Elvis." While it peerlessly renders his songbook, the new Cirque du Soleil spectacular expends as much energy on Vegas cliches as on seriously honoring the man and his impact. Those content with a lounge tribute act blown up to showroom scale will likely be satisfied and then some, but to anyone craving a transcendent blend of music and circus artistry, the sumptuous Aria may seem like Heartbreak Hotel.
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The King evidently had less to say for himself (than the Beatles did in Cirque's "Love"), so his showcase involves a little less conversation, a little more action (baby), mostly choreographic. This is the dancingest Cirque show in memory, if also the lightest on circus dazzle.
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(The musical) arrangements sizzle as performed by a first-rate onstage band, the new theater's sound system offering pellucid lyric clarity and bass lines setting the seats a-buzzing. Elvis' hits have probably never sounded better. It's just the context that disappoints.
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While the music rouses, one regrets both the career opportunities fate and his handlers denied Elvis and the missing Cirque du Soleil creative leaps.

(Read the entire review on Variety.com)

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Overall Good Opening Reviews
The LowLife staff has compiled several reviews from the likes of the LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Broadway World, ABC News and several others including local reviewers and put them in this Know It A.L.L. article. There's even a short video which shows bits from the show and also some backstage peeks.

"May Just Have Valley's Best BBQ"

Review by Heidi Knapp Rinella of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Cue the Spotlight: T.C.'s Rib Crib just may have the valley's best barbecue

OK, I'm going to go out on a limb here: T.C.'s Rib Crib has the best barbecue I've tasted in Las Vegas.

Yeah, I put a qualifier on that, because I'm sure I haven't tasted every bit of barbecue that's available across the valley. But I'm still going out on a limb. Barbecue is an intensely personal thing, and the Texas and North Carolina and Memphis and Kansas City camps are all, like fundamentalist preachers, convinced that theirs is the only route to salvation.
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So how do they smoke up good barbecue in a strip center in the 'burbs of Las Vegas? Simple. Those big piles are -- in an uncanny parallel -- just for show (though for fuel, in some cases); it only takes a few chunks of wood to infuse meat with a haunting hint of hardwood and render it gently crusted, moist and tender.

And infuse and render T.C.'s does. In a refreshing bit of egalitarianism T.C.'s charges the same for spare ribs, beef ribs or baby backs, and a half-slab of the latter ($14.99 with two sides and cornbread, or $18.99 for a full slab) came out of the kitchen so irresistible that we had a tough time putting them down.
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The sides were very good as well. Fried okra, fried sweet potatoes and onion rings were all perfectly cooked (which means crisp on the exterior, moist within), without a touch of grease. And Aunt Ada's Potato Salad, studded with chunks of hard-cooked egg, really did taste like somebody's aunt had just dropped it off.

Service throughout was excellent. The wait staff was friendly and prompt, and the cooks occasionally came out of the kitchen to greet customers and solicit feedback.
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As for us, we'll invoke TC's motto: "The way to a person's heart is through the ribs."

Amen."

Read complete review.

"Garth: A Regular Guy"

Review by Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Brooks’ solo-acoustic shows — the first four of what may be 300 in the next five years -- were audacious and revealingly pure.
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The singer walked onto a bare stage of the Encore Theater...wearing a hooded sweat shirt and ball cap. He looked less like a star and more like the people who traipse through Wynn Las Vegas for a look-see but can’t afford one of its restaurants.

He plugged in, tuned up and adjusted the sound levels, all in front of the audience. Then he paced the lip of stage with his acoustic guitar, never using the single stool for anything but a place to set his bottled water as he led a 90-minute tour through his own songs and those who influenced him.
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After the first half-hour, Brooks started taking audience requests. And unless you think he’s sneaky enough to plant requests for more obscure tunes such as his Christmas song “Belleau Wood,” Brooks seemed genuinely challenged by some of them. “The Change” was one of several tunes where he confessed to not knowing all the guitar chords, so he belted some of it a cappella.

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"Damn Nice To Find Ethnic Food In This Town"

From an L.A. Times Review:

"The emphasis on safe, mainstream food for the masses, to say nothing of the basic economy involved in running a Vegas restaurant (take your pick, either pay costly rent to a Strip hotel or get less tourist traffic with an off-Strip site), means that the kind of eateries other big cities take for granted -- you know, cheap holes-in-the-wall, or charming little quirky joints, or the kind of ethnic places the chowhound folks brag about discovering -- are rare indeed. And when you do find them, they are always, but always, in a strip mall. Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe is no exception, and its main dining room has no decor worth mentioning. But it gets extra points for having a courtyard seating area full of Middle Eastern touches and an honest-to-goodness hookah lounge -- it's a good break from an otherwise often stifled, insulating time in Sin City.

Plus, it's just so darn nice to find ethnic food in this town. As the menu warns, kabobs take 25 minutes, so order an appetizer plate with various dips to while away the time. The hummus here is too reminiscent of its chickpea origins, but the baba ghanouj is properly smoky, and the falafel has the right crunch. Gyros may not be the most adventurous thing to order, but who cares about that when you've got a well-stuffed pocket pita, gloopy with yogurt sauce. Fresenjan is a dish of falling-apart chicken swimming in a tangy pomegranate sauce; ask them to ensure that the ratio of sauce to chicken is greater than 10:1."

"Some Impressions Fresh, Some Standard"

From Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun

"Frank Caliendo an impressive impressionist

Caliendo provides surprisingly original takes on some familiar subjects, including sports celebrities and George W. Bush

Does Las Vegas really need another celebrity impressionist?

When the impersonator is Frank Caliendo, the answer is a surprising and emphatic yes.

Surprising, because judging from Caliendo’s posters and ads, we’re in for a gallery of crusty middle-aged white men, most of them past their sell-by date.

Come on: George W. Bush? Donald Trump? Jay Leno?

But Caliendo, who is performing a late-ish show four nights a week in magician Lance Burton’s plush showroom at the Monte Carlo, is sharp and smart with his gang of graying guys. His winning combination of observational comedy, inventive juxtapositions and vocal and facial mutability makes him the standout stand-up on the Strip.
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In one virtuoso bit, he reenacts “The Wizard of Oz,” with all the roles played by a manic Robin Williams — and directed by Quentin Tarantino.
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Though he’s made his fame on TV (Caliendo appeared on “MADtv” and is a regular on the “Fox NFL Sunday” pregame show), his audience shouldn’t expect to be passively entertained like couch potatoes. Caliendo’s delivery is subtle and fast, and he’s actively monitoring the audience, expecting us to keep up with his allusions and impressions."

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"Wayne's Voice Is Shot"

Review by Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun

Wayne Newton: The story, but not the sound
The only thing fans will enjoy about this show is the memories it evokes

I had been warned that Wayne Newton can’t sing anymore. Apparently it’s been common knowledge for years that his voice is shot.

But nothing could have prepared me for the ghastly noises that came out of the Las Vegas icon Wednesday night. Newton can barely speak, let alone sing.

It sounded like the Vegas Chainsaw Massacre.

“Once Before I Go,” Newton’s uneven new show at the Tropicana, purports to be a stroll with Newton through 50 years of memories as an entertainer on the Strip.

But that somewhat maudlin, foreshadowing title indicates what Newton is really up to here: He has planned and staged his own memorial service — and dang it, he’s going to enjoy it while he’s still with us.

But why would anyone want to be remembered like this?
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There’s a sort of desperate, delusional “Sunset Boulevard” quality to this vanity project. At times it feels like we’ve all been cornered by ol’ Uncle Wayne and forced to watch home movies and the History Channel in his rec room at Casa de Shenandoah.

The very strangest thing about this show is that Newton refuses to even acknowledge that his voice, once sweet and bell-clear, isn’t what it was. Some singers, as they age, use their time-ravaged voices to express hard-won wisdom.

But Newton doesn’t do subtle — his range runs from perky to pathos. He goes for it in every song: “Danke Schoen” is basted in napalm and rolled in broken glass, “Summer Wind” sounds like a Santa Ana blowing through a brushfire.

Read complete review
_
Review by Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

Newton's show is good, voice still bad
Can’t he just lip-sync already?
That’s a joke. Mostly. In a new generational divide, such fakery now appears to be perfectly legit on the pop diva concert circuit. But old-school guys such as Wayne Newton — and most of us on his side of the line — still consider that an outrage.
But so is Newton’s singing voice, which is still the elephant in the room for Mr. Las Vegas and his otherwise admirable new showcase at the Tropicana.

This would be a really good show ... if he could still sing.

(Read entire review

"Fright Dome: Terrific Human Horrors"

Review by Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun
(Note: For a month a year during the Halloween season the Adventuredome becomes Fright Dome.)

"Fright Dome: Circus Circus fear factory teems with terrific human horrors
If your friends and colleagues show up strangely and suddenly hoarse or voiceless one morning, it’s a good bet that they visited Fright Dome the night before.

Or that they are moonlighting there.

For one month only, Fright Dome — the mega-spookhouse that takes over the Adventuredome at Circus Circus each October — is not only a symphony of screams, it’s de facto the biggest production show on the Strip, employing more than 300 performers, and that doesn’t count backstage technicians.
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Much of what Fright Dome creator and mad genius Jason Egan does is a sophisticated, supersized version of the childhood classic flashlight-under-the-chin scare. But Egan mines the past three decades of horror movie trends, focusing on the vogue for torture exploitation that began in 1974 with “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and continued through “The Blair Witch Project” and the insanely profitable “Saw” franchise.
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Egan made a partnership deal with the producers and distributors of the “Saw” films, which get the star treatment with two dedicated attractions — “Game Over” and “Jigsaw’s Revenge” (there are five themed attractions in all, plus thrill rides, wandering clowns and carny shows). You don’t need to have seen the six (!) movies, theme and variations on a sadistic madman who traps and pits his victims against each other in perversely moralistic mind games that usually end in hideous mutilation.
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I’d recommend saving “Chainsaw Massacre” for last. No matter how macho you are — I’m talking to you, 6-foot-2 Steve — when you’re being cornered and chased in the shadows by real, stinking, roaring chain saws, there is no face-saving response possible. You can’t help but cringe and back away and run like hell for the exit."

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"This place is chill"

(We found a user's review for this place on the web. This is "Max G's" impression of Square Apple on Yelp.com)

"The place is chill. The bartenders are alright. Not as friendly as Red Room, but they were busy. This place is very spacious as far as hangout bars go. There's of course the square bar area with video poker, There's a VIP area in the back, which is a room with some sofa chairs, really. There's a lounge area with a section of dance floor in front of the stage. The stage is kinda rundown, but it's functional and is actually pretty large compared to some of the dinky stages I've seen that must have been designed for a drum kit and a singer, maybe. the first band of 5 was up there with room to move.

They have cheap beer there, always a plus, and the cocktailer was very cool. and nice. And pretty. And her outfit was sexy.

The venue overall made me feel a comfort that I feel hanging out after a First Friday. Definitely had a cozy feel as if I was in the Art Bar again, or Red Room. Griffin, Beauty Bar. All these places have an aggressive non corporate feel to them, while not having sketchy safety concerns about the staff, or it's patrons. "

"A Fine Happy Hour"

Review by Heidi Knapp RInella of the Las Vegas-Review Journal

Bargain Hunting: McCormick & Schmick's happy hour offers diners discount prices

"A half-pound cheeseburger and fries for $2.95? We can't even get that at a fast-food place these days, and here it is at a white-tablecloth restaurant.
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Happy hour? In a restaurant review? Yup. In case you haven't noticed, the national economy is in the tank and the Las Vegas version is right down there in the toilet. To bring in customers -- to stay afloat in all of that swirling water -- a raft of local restaurants have staggered onto the happy-hour bandwagon. Qualities (and even quantities) are wildly divergent, as you might imagine, but the dining-out consumer looking for a bargain usually can find one at happy hour.
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McCormick & Schmick's happy-hour menu isn't the same daily, though there do appear to be some constants. The half-pound cheeseburger ($2.95) was a good solid burger (which is not to say too solid), the cheese reasonably sharp, the bun pillowy without being mushy. And the fries were in ample supply.

Cod sliders were slightly pricier ($4.95), but still an impressive bargain. Little fillets of the mild fish had been battered, fried until crisp and served on tender little potato rolls with lightly dressed shredded cabbage and a pretty good tartar sauce (which really can be good, as long as you're not getting it out of a jar) that had a tendency to drip out when we ate. Lots of fries with this one, too.

As far as consumers are concerned, it's about eating for less. Here are a few other examples from our McCormick & Schmick's happy-hour excursion: Cajun fries with lemon aioli ($1.95), grilled corn on the cob with chipotle butter ($1.95), Prince Edward Island black mussels in tomato-white wine broth ($3.95), Asian popcorn chicken ($3.95), blackened fish tacos ($3.95), Blue Point oysters ($4.95 for three) and black bean nachos ($4.95).

Yes, there are dining bargains to be had out there. Just be sure to leave the office early."

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"New Firefly Is A Hit"

Review by John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Sun

"With its neon lighting, best view of Downtown Freemont Street Experience and Plaza’s dome-shaped architecture, the new Firefly* is a hit. If you have lived in Las Vegas long enough to know where to go for great ambience and excellent food, you have probably heard of Firefly* on Paradise, arguably the best Spanish restaurant in Las Vegas and very affordable for that matter. “Fun, affordable, and unique” says John Simmons, owner of Firefly* when discussing his new second location Downtown Las Vegas inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino.

The Plaza is one of the more classic Hotel & Casinos of downtown, many films have been shot here and the dome in front of the Plaza where Firefly* is located has one of the most magnificent views of Downtown Freemont. Firefly* will allow guests to experience the rare and the feel of a classic-Vegas dinner, but rather indulging yourself with a much more modern feel and eating tapas or “finger foods” that help create that cordial ambience that the Spaniards are known for achieving in their culture. Firefly* has definitely achieved that kind of free-spirited environment

Here in Las Vegas, there is no other place that can achieve this creativity with food as good as our city allows. We are living in a city that provides 24-hr. entertainment, very much like most European countries. Eat late and chat the night away, Firefly* is the spot deserving its reputation as one of the best menus in town.

Try traditional Spanish tapas like Ceviche and Tortilla a la española, which has egg, potato, onion, garlic and filled with goodness, or try more popular menu items such as the dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon, Firefly*fries seasoned with parmesan, herbs and aioli and you can’t leave without ordering a pitcher of the house made Sangria, especially in this Vegas heat, it is so refreshing, take a sip and you’ll feel like you’re sitting outside at a café in Barcelona chatting about life, travel, family, girlfriends, boyfriends and anything that your mind really captures amongst your friends.

Not only does Firefly* have great food, but they are also known for having the greatest and certainly, the most friendliest service. Don’t be surprised if your waiter or waitress strolls by your table and begins to talk to you seeming as if they’ve known you for a while, long-lost friends, that’s the kind of service Firefly* brings."

"This Magic Show Charms"

Review by Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun

"Breathing warmth, not fire, this magic show charms

Most shows on the Las Vegas Strip are all shiny and neon-bright.

Mac King’s Comedy Magic is plaid. Orange-and-brown plaid, like that wallpaper your mom put up in your kitchen in 1972.

Playing hooky from the office for one of King’s refreshingly nice, budget-priced afternoon shows is like escaping to day camp for an hour or so. Or time-traveling back to the daydream of “Mayberry R.F.D.” when America imagined itself a union of warmhearted small towns.
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King has been performing at Harrah’s for nearly 10 years, and his credentials as a magician are irrefutable — he was recently selected by the International Federation of Magic Societies to participate in the prestigious 24th Annual World FISM (Federation Internationale des Societes Magiques or International Federation of Magic Societies) Championships next month in Beijing.

But next to other prestidigitators and illusionists on the Strip, King’s magic is much quieter, more small-scale and easygoing. Most of it involves King’s unique twists on venerable close magic tricks with rope and cards and other simple props. And what he so simply and subtly achieves is often more involving than a flashy special-effects stunt.
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Comedy gets first billing over magic in the show’s title, and King’s true genius is his magic touch with the audience. He would have made a heck of a con-man — with his genial, joshing patter, a hint of a chuckle in his voice, he can get people to do just about whatever he wants. King makes everyone look good, and his volunteers leave with a souvenir T-shirt at the very least."

Read entire review

"The Perfect Las Vegas Act"

From Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Carrot Top surprises audiences, succeeds by setting the bar low"

A typical quote about the show: ""That might be the best show I ever went to that I didn't want to go to."

"Carrot Top is actually the perfect Las Vegas act.
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He's a celebrity, sort of, immediately recognizable for the mess of curly hair and weird eyebrows that don't go with the ultra-pumped physique. But he's a middle-priced star. Accessible.
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But really, it's the props. Each weekend brings comedians to the Strip, more famous and funnier. But the eight big trunks on the stage of the Atrium Showroom -- packed with so much stuff some of it doesn't even seem to get used -- somehow makes this seem like a real Vegas show, instead of someone standing in front of a curtain that hides another show's set."
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'"They're all dumb jokes. Welcome to Carrot Top!" he says at one point. Just don't go in expecting anything else -- like, for him to be great -- and you will not only be fine, but carrying on a fine tradition."

Read entire review here

"You deserve better"

By Steve Friess, of the The Strip Podcast (A gay perspective on Las Vegas)

Titty Smackdown: Crazy Horse v Peepshow
"It is true, this show was not for me. Literally. "Crazy Horse Paris" is a burlesque show at MGM Grand that, ostensibly, exists primarily to turn on heterosexual men. And there's nothing wrong with that, exactly. It's what this city was built on, right?

Except that I feel a little sorry for the heterosexual guys out there. You deserve better.

I was primed to like this show, which I finally got out to see last night because of the publicity stunt that is the blink-and-miss-her guest star gig by ex-"Baywatch" jiggler Carmen Electra. The posters look cool, the showroom was intimate and exotic and so much else about MGM Grand these days is all so classy. Plus, R-J columnist Doug Elfman said the other day when we were prepping to begin our semi-regular sparring match on KNPR that he considered CHP to be the best, most artistic stripper show in the city.

Sigh. I suppose that could be so if you ignore the awful choreography, simplistic tableaus, kaleidoscopic lighting, extremely poor lip-synching and comical costumes. There were some geniunely erotic and creative moments -- there's a scene where we see just the bottom half of a woman with a perfectly formed bottom and legs as she removes her stockings -- but more often it's a bunch of women bopping around in wigs, doing something repetitive until the music ran out. All yours for $60 a seat; what's it cost for a pole dance at Olympic Gardens these days?

And Carmen Electra? That was just...sad. Like a couple of years ago when we all got snookered into seeing the atrocious Hans Klok magic show at P-Ho because Pamela Anderson was in it, we all waited and waited and waited for the former Mrs. Rodman-Navarro to appear and she finally did about halfway through. She showed no boobies at that point, just shook her big hair about and rolled around on a lip-shaped couch. Yawn. She returned a good 20 minutes later to dance with some bendy poles, vulgarly grinding her g-stringed crack into one of them and sort of obliterating the patina of high-class CHP pretends to attain. Oh, and she showed one breast at the end of the misery, clad in a pasty which, I'm now told by every straight male reader of this blog, doesn't count.

Carmen, in the show through this weekend, does return in one final scene fully topless -- and her surgically created boobs are quite lovely with a cute flair to the nipples -- so I guess the vaginally inclined boys got what they wanted and seemed forgiving of how brief the satisfaction was. But I kept feeling sorry for Carmen that, at 37, she was reduced to such tawdriness to pay the mortgage. There could be no other explanation for why she's there other than the money; she sure didn't put a whole lot of pride in making the performance much.

There are dissenting opinions, to be sure. The R-J's Norm Clarke Tweeted during the show: "Carmen is writhing on the red velvet couch in the shape of Michelle Pfeifer's lips. Eat you hearts out Baker Boys." A few moments later, he Tweeted this: "Swinging door routine...they might be the 8 --ok who's counting -- most breathtaking performers on stage at one time in Vegas."

But even Norm seemed to lose interest; his next two Tweets, sent during the show, were about the Vegas location of the Travelocity Travel Gnome. I thought maybe someone else was Tweeting that stuff for him, but then he wrote: "But I digress....back to the Land of Merkin...and the Hot Legs routine."

OK, so you're thinking, "You're GAY. What do you know about shows about sexy women?" Fair enough. Except that I love "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood. That is a show with high production value, a bit of a story, original music sung live and really creative ways of presenting gorgeous topless women. Also, at the moment, it has another It Girl, Holly Madison, who unlike Carmen is actually in her career prime. Holly's also required to do a little actual dancing and acting, however uncomfortable she may appear doing so.

The irony of all this is that Crazy Horse Paris is more akin to Crazy Girls, the struggling Riviera show whose operators insist remains a viable business despite a nightly audience of about 100 -- and God knows how few of those suckers paid full price -- and a cast larger than the now-gone "An Evening at La Cage." The most important difference between the two, besides the fact that CHP admittedly has more beautiful women, is that Crazy Girls doesn't pretend to be high art. CHP does, but it ain't."

"An Adventurous Spirit"

Review by Heidi Knapp Rinella of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Simon says surprise: Adventurous spirit shows self in unique touches to delicious cuisine"

"There's no disputing that Simon Restaurant & Lounge at Palms Place is gorgeous. There's no disputing that its target market skews young and hip; the energetic soundtrack, pool right beyond the windows (and I mean right beyond) and Palms-compound location are about as obvious as it gets. And we know executive chef Kerry Simon likes to play with his food; witness the cotton candy and Rice Krispie treats on his menu.

All of which leads to the inevitable question: Is there anybody in the kitchen who's serious about food?

Thankfully, yes. And as it turns out, Simon's adventurous spirit (maybe even a love of whimsy) is communicated through his cuisine, which is infused with unexpected touches that help keep thing interesting.

(Rinella looks at quite a few dishes)

Our waitress was quite good, pleasantly and adroitly juggling a number of tables that had been seated at the same time. Her assistant, however, needed an attitude adjustment; projecting a nature that seems surly, and pretty much nothing but surly, is not a recipe for success.

All of the little surprises that Simon presented, however, most definitely were."

FOr the complete review, click here

"They Get Audience On Their Feet"

From Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

"The housequake (at the I.P.) is initiated by an Australian vocal quartet that can only be described as cute, even if they're getting a little old for that. But Human Nature was a boy band back in the day, so they're used to it.
...
Until word of mouth can spread the news on Human Nature, it's up to the songs themselves and Smokey Robinson. His name is above the title to "present" the group in all advertising, and he introduces the group from a video screen.

..........
Human Nature treats all Motown equally, blending one song into the next with a sameness that makes it hard to find much variety in this variety show. There was a big, range within the Motown factory, between the cotton-candy pop of the Jackson 5's "ABC," the grown-up urges of the Temptations' "I Can't Get Next To You" or the troubled social current of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."

They all sound pretty much alike here, with the guys grinning their way through each lyric like they're trying to beat Donny and Marie in a smiling contest.

But at least they sound good. By the barnstorming finale...it's hard to argue with the singing, the showmanship and -- as another group of white harmonizers might have put it -- the good vibrations."

Read the complete review

"Is Sterling Brunch Worth $85?"

Review by Heidi Knapp Rinella of Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Card Game: Sterling Brunch caters to big spenders making others feel like second-class citizens"

"No doubt the question I get most frequently about the Sterling Brunch at Bally's is, "Is it worth it?" That's because it's long been the big ticket in town -- at least as far as brunches go -- in recent years steadily climbing to its current $85.

So, is it?

My standard answer always has been that it depends on the size of your wallet, the size of your appetites for both food and alcohol and even your tastes in food. If you load up on the roasted half Maine lobster and you can put away close to a bottle of the Mumm's Cordon Rouge they're pouring (retail somewhere around $40), then, yeah, you'll likely feel you've gotten your money's worth. If, on the other hand, your idea of a big brunch is a waffle and a cup of coffee, then no, probably not so much. And of course it depends if $85 is a day's pay for you or pocket change.

But there's a new element that I didn't know about, and it's a bit of tarnish on the Sterling (sorry ...):"

(Read the entire review which goes into being treated like second-class citizens because the reviewer was without Bally's Diamond or Platinum card)
.....
"The food was great, as always. The salmon in the smoked-salmon poached eggs with chive Hollandaise sauce was a little on the strong side, but we loved the black-pepper-and-mint-crusted rack of lamb, the steamed king crab legs, the pan-seared filet mignon with cipollini onions, the lobster bisque, the salads, the sushi, the fruit and the desserts. And our waiter was great.

But here's the thing: On our first visit to the Sterling Brunch about 15 years ago, and on every subsequent visit, management surely had a system for rewarding the caino's best players, but the rest of us weren't made to feel like the great unwashed. And back then, the Sterling Brunch was the only game in town when it came to upscale brunches.

That's not the case anymore."
_
From Frommer's:
Buffet: More Bang For The Buck
"Now, the admittedly high cost of this brunch seems antithetical to the original purpose of a buffet: a lot of food for minimal money. However, if you're a dedicated buffet fan, this is probably a better spree than one of the many new high-priced restaurants. It works out to less money in the long run, and you will get, for your purposes, more bang for your buck. It's a fancy deal -- linen and silver-bedecked tables, waiters to assist you, if you choose -- and while the variety of food isn't as massive as at regular buffets, the quality is much higher in terms of both content and execution. We're talking unlimited champagne, broiled lobster, caviar, sushi, and rotating dishes of the day (items such as monkfish with pomegranate essence, tenderloin wrapped in porcini mushroom mousse, and even ostrich). No French toast that's been sitting out for days here! Perfect for a wedding breakfast or just a big treat; stay a long time and eat as much as you can."

"An Eclectic Mix in Signiture Smooth Style"

From Ann Powers -- Los Angeles Times

Carlos Santana at Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel

"Reporting from Las Vegas -- From the start of his Thursday set at the refurbished Joint in Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Carlos Santana made clear what historical moment he hoped to invoke, if not revive. As the 11-piece group got the polyrhythms of Santana's early hit "Soul Sacrifice" simmering, images flashed across the large screen behind the musicians of an earlier, more famous rendition of the song.
...
This crowd sipped cocktails while sitting in neat rows, dressed in vacation finery: dresses and silicone-smooth hair for the ladies, sport shirts and carefully distressed jeans on the men. Though some women showed decolletage, no one was even remotely naked. Few emulated Santana's nouveau psychedelic look or relaxed demeanor.

The fact that Santana's show worked in this setting proves what an unusual rock icon he is. Though it's been promoted as the first rock residency to hit Las Vegas (apparently Prince, who took a similar extended gig at the Rio in 2006, doesn't count as a rocker), "Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits" was just as much a dance party and a jazz performance as a conventional rock show.

Sampling from throughout his career, Santana made sure to please with his most recognizable material: "Black Magic Woman," "Oye Como Va" and the latter-day chart-toppers "Maria Maria" and "Smooth" all got thorough workouts. For many in the audience, these were the night's highlights. The long-weekenders got out of their seats and danced when they recognized the songs.
...
The Joint has a strange seating arrangement, at least on the main floor. Metal bars separate various sections, within which are rows of uncomfortable padded folding chairs. Ushers and security guards prowled the aisles, keeping people in those uninviting seats.

If possible, the Hard Rock's management should consider removing some of those chairs, because what was happening in the back of the room was really interesting. There, couples -- many of them Latino -- broke into elegant partner dancing, doing what is expected when music like Santana's plays in clubs all over the Eastside of Los Angeles on any given night.

If this "rock" residency is to succeed -- and it should -- it would be well served by a real dance floor right beneath the men making all those hips sway."

Read entire review

"Some Real Talent"

Review by Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun

"Gang of (almost) doppelgangers

There’s one show on the Las Vegas Strip at which the farther away you’re seated from the performers, the better.

At Harrah’s Showroom, “Legends in Concert” offers a buffet of showbiz knockoffs, close-enough simulations of a handful of pop music stars. But sitting close-up serves only to disturb whatever fragile illusion the impersonators manage to create.

The “Legends” company is a mini-industry, supplying impostors to six cities, including Atlantic City, N.J., and Branson, Mo., rotating casts from a roster of nearly 100 impersonators, including at least five Elvii. The current lineup at Harrah’s features look- and sound-alikes of James Brown, Britney Spears, David Bowie, the Temptations and (always) Elvis Presley; the most recent cast featured Jay Leno, Tom Jones and Whitney Houston.

The faux fun began with James Brown, convincingly reincarnated by Herb Rawlings, complete with Dynel hair, patented gestures and split-slides.
.............
As Britney Spears, Katie Murdock goes the real thing one better — Murdock actually sings and dances at the same time.
.......................
David Bowie was on next, and much chattier than Britney or Brown. But David Brighton’s imposture made Bowie look butch by comparison — more Julie Andrews than Thin White Duke.
...........................
“Legends” winds up with Matt Lewis as a young-looking Elvis Presley, and though he more closely resembles Elvis as played by Nicolas Cage, he made an endearing, amusing impression as the once and future King.."

Read entire review

"Beautifully and Intelligently Staged"

By Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun

"Constantly kinetic and radiantly colorful, “The Lion King” is a dazzling dramatic enterprise every bit equal but not necessarily comparable to any of the big five Cirque experiences.
......
“The Lion King” is beautifully and intelligently staged — this thing moves. Director Julie Taymor tells the tale using the shifting hues of the skies and savannas, the sun-streaked sounds and above all, the artistry of the performers and ingeniously evocative puppets.
.......
The take-away for grown-up audience members is how manifestly beautiful this show is, like a radiantly illustrated children’s book filled with gorgeous, textured evocations of the jungles, rivers and deserts. Among the many unforgettable images are torn-paper horizons, the rising sun, ever-moving grasses, a mountain ledge spiraling up from the stage.

That’s the vision, then there’s the sound: The familiar songs by Elton John and clever lyrics by pun-gent lyricist Tim Rice are suffused with African melodic, harmonic and rhythmic sensibilities, with more than a bit of Broadway uplift.
.....
If success on the Strip was based on merit alone, there would be no question that “The Lion King” would enjoy a long reign at Mandalay. But whatever the show’s fate or fortune, Vegas comes out a winner, as this is an appreciable trade-up on its long-running predecessor “Mamma Mia!” in terms of quality, entertainment and value.

This is the real thing. All hail “The Lion King.”

Read entire review

"Holly Doesn't Do Much, Cheaza Strong"

From Broadwayworld.com

Las Vegas Review: PEEPSHOW

"Have you heard of Holly Madison? And do you want to see her naked?

If yes, then Peepshow - the Las Vegas burlesque show created by Tony winning director/ choreographer Jerry Mitchell - is for you. In it, Holly struts and poses in various states of undress, while a cast of Vegas regulars performs choreographed Broadway-style numbers based loosely on an array of children's fairy tales.

Let's put aside the incongruity of stripping and kids' stories for a moment, and talk about Holly. She is clearly the main attraction at Peepshow, where her name and image are displayed larger-than-life. She's loudly touted as the show's "star". But unfortunately, she doesn't DO much - and because she's famous for being a Playboy model, even the promise of seeing her topless doesn't create real motivation to get audiences in the door.

Luckily, Madison's supporting cast manages to put on a decent show, if you like a lot of skin with your song-and-dance. Emcee Cheaza, as the "Peep Diva," is the real star; she has a voice, she's got great legs, and she keeps the action going despite a rather weak storyline.
......

Overall, I found Peepshow to be fun but flawed. The dancers are hot and the bodies are bangin,' but the show would be better if the focus was more on the moves and less on the story, and if less attention was given to the posturing done by its "star". Holly Madison's image may sell tickets, but her "talent" leaves much to be desired. Luckily, Madison's co-stars bridge the gap between art and sleaze, and manage to turn out a decently entertaining show."

Read ENTIRE REVIEW

"Joint Awes as Fight Forum"

(From Jeff Haney of the Las Vegas Sun--written after the first major fight was held in The Joint, the Chad Dawson/Antonio Tarver fight of 5/9/09)

"Gary Shaw, the lead promoter of Saturday’s show in which Chad Dawson retained his light heavyweight world title against Antonio Tarver in the main event, was so impressed with the venue that he is negotiating to return with another nationally televised card July 31.

“Oh my God, it’s better than a good place,” Shaw said of the $60 million Joint. “It’s spectacular. I don’t have one negative thing to say about it. If I did, I would say it.”

Considering the most distant seats are only 120 feet from the boxing ring, Shaw speculated that the upper levels of the venue might offer finer vantage points than the rows at ringside."

Read entire review
___

Besides boxing, it sounds like the new Joint is a pretty cool place for a corporate event...
(From John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Sun)

"As a public event venue, The Joint is built for music exclusively -- except for boxing and mixed martial arts events. But Hard Rock Hotel officials are encouraged by what they say is an unexpected rise in corporate events.

“These events are like a PowerPoint presentation on steroids,” Hard Rock President of Entertainment Paul Davis. “They can have meetings in the ballroom space, but then you get into The Joint and you have a real rock 'n' roll vibe, with the guitars we have on display and the big stage. The response for corporate events has taken us by surprise."

"A Local Institution"

944 Life
Pamplemousse is the French word for “grapefruit,” and according to the restaurant’s owner Georges La Forge, his good friend Bobby Darin thought it was the most beautiful word in the French language. La Forge and Darrin had planned to open a restaurant together in Beverly Hills, but the singer died before it happened. As a tribute to him, La Forge kept the name for his Las Vegas establishment.

Darrin may never have gotten to enjoy Pamplemousse, but plenty of other celebrities have over the last 30 years, ranging from Rat Pack legends to stars of today, that dine on the cuisine of Executive Chef Georges LaForge. Located in a converted private home on East Sahara, the restaurant has a cozy feel that’s made it a local institution, and consistently wins accolades as one of the town’s best and most romantic restaurants.
Don’t expect to look at a menu here. Rather, the wait staff recites it for each table from memory. Offerings change daily, but you’ll find plenty of classics like escargot, frog legs, osso bucco, and soufflés. House specialties include one of the leanest ducklings you’ll ever encounter prepared either au poivre vert-style or in a cranberry-raspberry sauce, and the Fettuccini à la Georges (created by La Forge specifically for Frank Sinatra).
__

"Very Charming and Un-Vegasy."
From Frommers:
"A little bit off the beaten path, Pamplemousse is a long-established Vegas restaurant that shouldn't be overlooked in the crush of new high-profile eateries. Evoking a cozy French-countryside inn (at least, on the interior), it's a catacomb of low-ceilinged rooms and intimate dining nooks with rough-hewn beams. It's all very charming and un-Vegasy. There's additional seating in a small garden sheltered by a striped tent. The restaurant's name, which means "grapefruit" in French, was suggested by the late singer Bobby Darin, one of the many celebrity pals of owner Georges La Forge.

Your waiter recites the menu, which changes nightly. The meal always begins with a large complimentary basket of crudités (about 10 different crisp, fresh vegetables), a big bowl of olives, and, in a nice country touch, a basket of hard-boiled eggs. Recent menu offerings have included out-of-this-world soups (French onion and cream of asparagus, to name a couple) and appetizers such as shrimp in cognac cream sauce and Maryland crab cakes with macadamia nut crust. Recommended entrees include a sterling veal with mushrooms and Dijon sauce and an even-better rack of lamb with pistachio nut crust and rosemary cream sauce (all sauces, by the way, are made with whatever the chef has on hand that evening in the kitchen). Leave room for the fabulous desserts, such as homemade ice cream in a hard chocolate shell."

"Decor, menu make for intimate dining at 1501"

From Las Vegas Review-Journal

At 1501, the decor provides as much sustenance -- albeit of a psychic sort -- as the restaurant's bill of fare.

Inside the Artisan Hotel, 1501 W. Sahara Ave., 1501 restaurant offers a lush ambience, thanks largely to its many "reproductions of works of art from the masters," owner Douglas Da Silva says.

He considers the result a "very unique and romantic experience."

But none of that is to shortchange the menu, which features "modern American fusion" dishes, Da Silva says. It is overseen by chef LouRoss Edralin, a fourth-season contestant on the Fox network's "Hell's Kitchen."

Da Silva says 1501 is particularly popular with locals, with food and ambience that make it "perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, wedding receptions or just an intimate dinner for two."

1501 seats 72 in its dining room. Also available are a private dining room for 10, a library for private events that seats 12, a dining terrace that seats 36 and a lounge.

A full wine list and full bar service are available. A champagne brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays for $19.95.

Reservations are not required, but are suggested, Da Silva says.

1501 is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dress is business casual.

Signature dish: Osso buco, $32

Starters: Calamari, $13; carpaccio, $12; shrimp cocktail, $12

Soups and salads: Soup of the day (for example, baked potato soup, pasta e fagioli and tomato and basil), $5; Asian pear salad, $10; Caesar salad, $7; caprese, $10

Entrees: Frenched rib-eye, $35; chicken Parmesan, $18; steak Diane, $26; fresh Atlantic salmon, $22

Desserts: Tiramisu, $7; spumoni $7

"For Those That Haven't Kept Up"

Review by the Las Vegas Sun's Joe Brown

A Show Stuck In Time
Gordie Brown’s act aimed at those who haven’t kept up

"There are thousands of hardworking showbiz people in Las Vegas. But the hardest jobs may belong to the five musicians who have to stand behind impressionist Gordie Brown and act as if they think his shtick is funny or even amusing. Night after night.

Imagine a world in which YouTube, "The Soup," "The Daily Show," even "Saturday Night Live" never existed.

That’s Gordie Brown’s world, a place where pop culture pressed "pause" at about the time of "Achy Breaky Heart," Hootie & the Blowfish and "Forrest Gump."

If the mere mention of those names makes you chuckle, well, this could be the show for you.

Brown does in fact acknowledge that we have a new president (who talks ... very ... deliberately), and a former president (who was, apparently, very dumb). But for the most part he’s peddling stale nostalgia. Dick Cheney hunting jokes. Britney kissing Madonna jokes. "Fantasy Island’s" Tattoo jokes.

Vanilla Ice jokes, for crying out loud.
.....
A quick and kinetic performer, Brown is obviously intelligent. And he’s certainly aware that his current act is a museum piece.

But Brown has clearly made a calculated choice to play in the shallow end. He could be much better than this."

Read entire review

"Overdose of Gross"

From Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun

"‘Freaks’ carnie show on Strip an overdose of gross"
"“Freaks” is the little show that could.

Could make you watch most of it with your hands over your eyes.

Could force you to scream Uggggggh! Blecccccch! And, most often, NooooOOO!

Could make you throw up in your mouth a little.

The precisely titled, bite-sized sideshow revue, which just opened in the second-floor showroom at O’Sheas, is bringing a bit of Coney Island, Tijuana, and even Bangkok to the Las Vegas Strip.

The lurid brainchild of hypnotist Anthony Cools and a committed cadre of extremist carnies, it comes along just in time to give Vegas night life a shot in the arm.

More exactly, a steel skewer in the arm.

“Freaks” intends to shock and ewwwww, and it gets right to the point: This is a show that begins with an ornately bearded, extremely skinny shirtless man impaling himself on a spearhead.

And spinning.

And it looks like it really hurts, too.

“This next act is only funny till someone loses an eye — then it’s hysterical,” says Sleazo, introducing that same super-skinny guy, who proceeds to lift weights from chains attached to his eye sockets."

Read entire review of Freaks

"Dingy Little Den with Astonishing Variety"

From L.A. Times...

Gambler's Book Shop

"This has to be one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the country, and it's certainly a household name among serious gamblers. In fact, two of Vegas' best-known bookies called the day I stopped by.

"We're mentioned in over 125 books, have helped more than 200 authors write or research books on gambling and published 134 books through our GBC Press [publishing company]. And we're known in over 100 countries," says owner Howard Schwartz.

The store remains a dingy little den tucked off 11th Street and Charleston Boulevard (east of downtown), where you can find an astonishing variety of how-to, odds, percentages and betting-line books; videos; cassettes; computer simulation programs; and laminated "cheat-sheets" cards; as well as daily and weekly tipsheets. The store even has a selection of gambler greeting cards, medical humor books, coffee-table tomes and general-interest books about Vegas, boxing, horse racing, crime bosses, the mob, casino history, casino management, you name it. What really surprised me was the selection of serious literature, including Dostoevsky's "The Gambler" and Hemingway's "The Gambler, the Nun and the Radio." (Its selection of books is available online.)

Schwartz has put the shop up for sale because of ill health, but he hopes the buyer will continue its long tradition. "We have about 60,000 regular customers," Schwartz says, adding wryly that the world has an estimated 60 million gamblers. Not a bad percentage, considering that the masses would never in a million years find the little place."

"Tasty, Large Portions"

Review by Heidi Knapp Rinella of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Heaping Helpings: Be prepared for tasty, large portions at Hash House A Go Go

If you've heard anything about HHAGG, you've probably heard about the portion sizes, which conventional wisdom has it are huge. That's pretty close to the truth; most of the dishes at this place are served on platters. But the issue isn't just size; it's also the fact that HHAGG's "twisted farm food" is, well, farmy, and by definition hearty, stick-to-your-ribs stuff. And stick to your hips, and your butt, and ...

HHAGG is a pretty breakfasty kind of place even at lunch and the Farm Scrambles sounded pretty good so we went with No. 1. This one was even bigger than the quesadilla, a plate with a heapin' helping of scrambled-up eggs, bacon, Swiss cheese and avocado -- basically an entire half of an avocado, if that gives you an indication of the size of the thing. And oh, let's not stop there. We already had enough mashed potatoes so we took the other option, which was crispy potatoes, and they were indeed, nicely brown and crisped on the edges, lightly seasoned and just really good. And there were enough of them to feed half the population of Idaho."

Read the entire article

Review from Vegas4Visitors...
Fresh farm food with a wild twist
"Put down the runny scrambled eggs and step away from the breakfast buffet.

True, some Las Vegas buffets are quite good but none can hold a candle to the “twisted farm food” served at Hash House a Go Go, a funky/chic restaurant that would fit well in just about any Strip casino but is actually located miles away. After all, can you get a brown sugar banana pancake the size of a large pizza at a buffet? I think not.

The brainchild of escapees from Indiana, Hash House takes classic American farm fresh food and puts a wild, almost delightfully bizarre at times, spin on things. Their signature breakfast hashes come in the standard corned beef variety but you can also get it with more esoteric items like roasted chicken and garlic with asparagus and rosemary; salmon with cream cheese and scallions; chorizo with jalapenos; or even meatloaf with spinach and mozzarella. “Farm Scrambles” are like those Denny’s skillets only jacked up a couple thousand notches with options such as bacon, avocado, and Swiss cheese; ham, spinach, and cheddar; or smoke salmon and brie.

Even their flapjacks and waffles are something “more” with options for the former including blueberry pecan, snickers, apple cinnamon, and mango coconut among others and vanilla, granola, and bacon for the latter. That’s right, a bacon waffle – it comes with strips of bacon baked right into the thing! For those that know me and my obsession with bacon, that’s a stroke of genius that just can’t be ignored.
......
We were warned by the server that portions are large and designed to be shared, but both me and my dining companion are of hearty Iowa stock and we laughed off their “big portions” and said “bring it on.”

Did I mention that the pancake is the size of a large pizza? And did I mention that I’m not exaggerating AT ALL? "

Read entire review on Hash House A Go Go

"Hugo's Cellar is Back"

Review by Heidi Knapp Rinella of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Hugo's Cellar offers seamless dining experience that honors old Las Vegas
Hugo's Cellar has long been one of the best things downtown Las Vegas had to offer -- an old-Vegas-style "gourmet room" in the best sense of the word, a reminder that although we've moved on to newer things, it's nice to hang on to the best of the past.

The last time I visited more than four years ago, its Four Queens home had changed hands and things were not as they should have been. A change of ownership had, it seemed, not had a positive effect, and service had slipped to the point that I wasn't eager to return.
___
I'm here to report that Hugo's Cellar is back. Quite simply, our visit there was seamless, from the point when we made our reservation until we walked out the door after dinner.

What was so special about it? Service the way it should be, and the continuance of fine traditions.

And here I'd like to note that Hugo's is more of a value than it might appear. That started out with no-charge bottled water in an era when some places still are charging $7.50 or more a bottle. The salad was included with dinner, as was potato and vegetable and really nice sourdough rolls. There even was a palate cleanser -- a tart little bit of lemon sorbet in a tiny ice-cream cone.

Even dessert. The old-school tableside-prepared Cherries Jubilee and Bananas Foster were tough to resist, but we knew (and the menu reminded us) that chocolate-dipped fruit -- a strawberry and a dried apricot dipped in dark chocolate and a dried fig dipped in white for each of us -- and a bowl of whipped cream are included with dinner, and that was a sweet enough ending.

As was the realization that, yes, Hugo's Cellar is back. That's good for downtown, and for anyone who still honors old Las Vegas."

Complete--and in-depth--review

"Cuisine and Service are First Rate"

Review by Marisa DVari of BlogCritics Magazine...

"Restaurant Review: Sinatra at Wynn Encore Resort, Las Vegas
...
I, too, was rather surprised when Sinatra, Theo Schoenegger's new restaurant at Steve Wynn's Encore Resort, turned out to be a fine dining destination in the fullest sense of the word. A skeptic by nature, I was under the belief that the more gold records, Grammy awards, and Oscars a restaurant had on display, the more mediocre the food. Yet the restaurant was packed, and the young, trendy crowd, like me, was not of a generation to have known Mr. Sinatra.

Once seated and presented with our appetizers, I could see that Mr. Sinatra's spirit has found a talented young partner in Chef Theo, who had been the Executive Chef at the award-winning Patina in Los Angeles. The room is buzzing with excitement and anticipation of the delights to come while Ol' Blue Eyes softly croons in the background.
...
The cuisine and service here are first rate. You will definitely want to order many courses here, including pasta and the many delectable side dishes to fully experience Chef Theo's cuisine. If you visit during the warmer months, be sure to book a table in the patio. It is like you are in Florence all over again."

Read Entire Review

"Satisfyingly Cerebral and Dangerously Funny"

Review by Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun

"Penn & Teller: Tricks, gags, laughs, jazz
Spectacle has it all, and it doesn’t disappoint
...
Superlatives are stupid and superfluous here: Penn & Teller’s long-running act at the Rio isn’t the funniest or sexiest or most spectacular show on the Strip. But it’s not a stretch to describe the duo as Las Vegas’ most reliable self-renewing natural resource.
...
They’ve got the sleight stuff, but it would be understatement to tag Penn & Teller as a “magic act” or “comedians.” And although they gleefully flout the first rule of magic — don’t give away the trick — it would be uncool to recount just what goes on in their fast-moving show, which varies from night to night, anyway.

Suffice it to say that it’s all satisfyingly cerebral and dangerously funny: Some disenchanted evening may find them playing with fire and knives, another with guns (including laser-sighted Colt .357s and a hydraulic nail gun) and a buzz saw. And when they nod to traditional magic — the ancient cups-and-balls routine, for instance — they do it in singularly Penn & Teller style, with transparent plastic cups.
...
Penn & Teller’s show involves lots of audience participation. Although P&T are gleefully cruel to each other, they always make their audience volunteers (and reluctant semi-volunteers) look good. Before you even have time to shrink down in your seat or get that please don’t pick me look in your eyes, Penn is prowling the aisles for prey. If you’re called to serve, just go with it. You won’t regret it."

Read Entire Review

"Version at Venetian Has It All"

A Review by Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun
"Version at the Venetian has it all — the music, acting, costumes and special effects

I’ve seen Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” at least five times, in four cities, and I can say without reservation that Las Vegas provides the finest “Phantom” experience possible. Beautifully sung and acted, richly costumed and detailed, the Venetian’s resident production brings grace, grandeur and good humor to Lloyd Webber’s long-running gimmicky gothic gewgaw."

Read complete interview

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Phantom Update is First Rate
A Review by Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal
"...
If you don't already love or hate it, here's a top-notch new version to reassess with an open mind.

And when you do, you find an unabashed melodrama (by its original definition) that dares to take itself seriously and unfolds with an intensity rare for a city where entertainment is mostly laughs or eye candy. No matter what you think of "Phantom" as a creative work, no one could walk away from this production thinking it less than first-rate, from the live orchestra to the overqualified casting of even the smallest roles.
....
Subtlety in this work is restricted to the visual details. "Phantom" is over the top in every other way, so it makes perfect sense it has found such a good home on the Strip."

Read Entire Review

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A Review by Karen D'Souza of Mercury News

"A Roller-coaster Ride
'Spectacular' This is "Phantom of the Opera" as theme park. If all the depth and nuance of the Andrew Lloyd Webber megahit were getting you down, this dumbed-down, 90-minute roller-coaster ride may be just the ticket. Set in an ornate $40 million theater that wraps around the audience, surrounding us with the extravagance of the famed Paris opera house, with its baroque architecture to life-size mannequins, this "Phantom" is all about heart-pumping visuals and whoosh-generating hydraulics. The crashing chandelier alone, which plunges to what feels like mere inches above the heads of the crowd, makes Broadway special effects look like finger-puppets. While the love story may feel a little generic and the action-adventure rather rushed, legendary director Hal Prince certainly knows how to get the pulse racing. For those of us who prefer romance over pyrotechnics, quel dommage!"

Reviewed by Ellen Sterling of BroadwayWorld.com
Phantom is Spectacular
"Having been a theatergoer more years than I care to enumerate, I can honestly say I’ve seen lots of plays with lots of sets, lots of costumes and, of course, lots of performers. But never has there been any quite as spectacular as the very aptly named “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular” which last night celebrated its first anniversary, and 501st performance, at the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Not a person usually given to gushing, I really cannot find enough superlatives — interesting superlatives — to describe the show.

This “Phantom” is not like any other production you may see anywhere. It is instead a re-branded, and somewhat re-imagined, version, that was housed in a new theater at that cost $40 million to renovate. The show itself cost $35 million to produce..."

REMAINDER OF REVIEW

"Encore: A Tactile Experience"

A Look at Encore by R-J columnist Jane Ann Morrison:

"...
Even without seeing the rooms, our afternoon at the Encore, where the color scheme is red, red and more red, marked by an abundance of butterflies, was a tactile experience. My friend and I wanted to touch nearly everything -- wall coverings, mosaics, flooring, chandeliers and the art. Discretion prevailed and we refrained, but I even wanted to feel the red chandeliers in the casino. I guess true luxury drives you to want to touch something to see whether it feels as rich as is looks.

But what I liked the most wasn't something I could touch or eat.

It was the natural light.

Wonder of wonders, even the casino had natural light, both from above and from the side facing the pool.

Dark and dank have been banned from Encore. Let there be light was the order of the day, in total contradiction to the history of Las Vegas gambling halls, where the idea is to encourage forgetting about time entirely by eliminating all natural light from the casino.

And that's what makes Encore more than just a newer, more intimate version of Wynn Las Vegas."

Read entire column

"I was in no hurry to leave"

From Las Vegas Review-Journal's Heidi Knapp Rinella

"I liked the atmosphere at The Capital Grille so much, I was in no hurry to leave.

It would be easy to call it a throwback, because they're not building many places like The Capital Grille anymore, but there's nothing old-fashioned, out-of-date or even retro about it. It's a contemporary version of the classic steakhouse, almost monumental in scale -- the place seems to go on forever -- decorated in dark woods and muted colors. There's a classic dark-wood bar, stately lighting, soaring ceilings, servers that seem to fade into the background until you need one. And while the designers naturally included walls of windows to take advantage of the third-floor views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, even those are less frenzied than they might be; ours was of the forest at Wynn Las Vegas and the soft lights beyond. The whole feeling is subdued elegance, and most of all comfort.

And the food? Well, if you plan to dine at The Capital Grille, be sure to bring an appetite."

Complete Review

"Real Snow, Real Close"

(This look at LVS & SR was written by Chris Dehnel who is president of the Eastern Ski Writers Association.)

(After doing the Vegas thing and dealing with the in-laws) "...there was only one thing to do -- head to the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort.

The place is truly one of the more remarkable venues in the snowsports industry, sitting on Mount Charleston high above the desert floor just 45 minutes northwest of the Strip. One can spend just so much time amid the lights and the bells and the whistles, and more than one of those foot-long, 99-cent hot dogs would do anyone in. That's why places like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River's Black Canyon, and Mount Charleston are so popular. They truly do offer a break from all the action.

Getting to the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is easy -- highway 95 runs right into highway 156, 30 miles outside the city, and 17 miles later, the road ends at the resort's parking lot.

Because it's high desert, the treeline is at the top of the mountain and the evergreen forest it is a sharp contrast from the dusty brown-and-tan barrenness in the valley below. The base lodge sits at about 8,500 feet, and the two main chairlifts take skiers and snowboarders up another 1,000 feet.

Yes, that sounds small. And yes, that is small in terms of vertical drop. But because of where it is, every skier and rider needs to experience the place at least once. When the daily snow report indicates fresh white stuff (you can also see the summit from the Strip), residents flock there with their skis and boards. The access road is also lined with the cars of families who have come to the mountain with their sleds.

There's plenty of room for the tourists, also. The rental shop has plenty of up-to-date skis, boards, boots and even jackets and pants for those who do not want to lug their stuff around.

"It's a unique experience because it is so close to Las Vegas," Operations manager Craig Baldwin says, echoing the resort's slogan, "Real Snow, Real Close."

Baldwin makes no bones about it. It is an urban crowd, much like the hills outside Cleveland or Detroit and about 70 percent of the business comes from snowboarders. But there is crowd control. The 11 trails space out everyone enough so there is plenty or room to get in a good workout.

"We are what we are, which is a smaller area that is a good fit for the young adults and the families," Baldwin says. "But we also tell those visiting Vegas that why drive to Utah or California when we are right up the road."

He's right. The closest Utah resort us three hours away and it takes a good five hours to get to the major California resorts.

It has been hard to expand because the mountain is located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the ski area operates under a special-use permit of the U.S. Forest Service. The trail system also sits between two natural avalanche chutes.

The latter problem has received new life from an old friend -- a World War II-era howitzer obtained from the Army. Now, the amount of charges crews need to throw into the sides of the mountain has been cut down, and the larger ones do the trick better.

In terms of getting bigger, preliminary plans have been laid out to expand the resort over several phases. When all is said and done -- and everything needs the approval of federal, Nevada, and local regulatory bodies -- the trail count and vertical drop could double. A huge snowmaking pond is also part of the preliminary plans.

The cool thing is, a lift up to the ridgeline would open up a view back to the Strip. The place is great as it is, but that element would make the trip to Mount Charleston doubly worth it."

"Henry V -- Vividly Violent and Ferociously Tender"

Joe Brown -- Las Vegas Sun

Henry V
"Vividly violent and ferociously tender, Shakespeare’s “Henry V,” presented by Insurgo Theatre Movement at the Onyx Theatre, is the most impressive performance I’ve experienced during this year in Las Vegas, off or on the Strip.

This huge play is performed in a tiny space — the Onyx seats 100 — but the inspired stagecraft and impassioned and committed acting by an 18-person ensemble explode out of these confines. I wasn’t just impressed — I enjoyed every moment of it.
............
I’ll admit to sighing audibly when I heard that “Henry V” lasts almost three hours, but I didn’t begrudge a moment I spent experiencing this rousing and right-on production. Let’s hope Insurgo extends Henry’s reign into the new year."

Read the Complete Review

"Totally Revamped Show Now A Non-Cirque Magic Act"

From Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review Journal (11/5/2010)

"Reworked show now better suits Angel's 'Mindfreak' image"

(Cirque has left the building. The giant rabbits are no longer in the show as are the dancers, acrobats, etc.). .
...
So much for the artsy-fartsy "Believe" that opened two years ago as a journey through "the baroque theater of Criss's mind."

Critics hated it. Angel's young fans from the "Mindfreak" show wondered why their TV cool guy had been replaced by some fool trying to break dance with guys in derby hats.

So now, "Believe" is just a magic show. The one people might have expected had Cirque never been involved.
...
There's no arguing the illusions are better now, with a serious effort to come up with things we haven't seen. The newest one places the star in the highest of three stacked cubes, with others in the two beneath, before transporting him to two surprising places.
...
The old show ventured too far into the Land of Pretentious, framing all the magic within a surreal ballet.
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Angel says more illusions are on the way, as well as relighting a stage that sometimes looks threadbare when left-over production elements aren't in play.
...
(Angel) is no longer promising one thing and then delivering something else."

Weatherford gives "Believe" a "B" rating. For the complete review, CLICK HERE

"A Money's-Worth Show"

A show review of "Donny & Marie" by the Las Vegas Sun's Joe Brown:

"Donny and Marie put on the charm

Is it too late to nominate Donny and Marie for President?

OK, then. But what about president of Las Vegas?

Think about it: America’s First Brother and Sister are running on a pro-lively, antidepressant, universally entertaining platform. They’re pretty much scandal-free. We’ve all seen them grow up on television. They work the stage and screen like lifelong politicians, and no one alive — not even Bill Clinton — can grin, wave, point, wink and make eye contact like they can.

The toothsome twosome surely smile even while sleeping.

They’re installed for a six-month run at the Flamingo, but they could easily reign for four years — and be reelected by a landslide for another term.

The 90-minute show — it’s simply called “Donny & Marie,” because that’s exactly what it is — revives and revitalizes the idea of the classic performer-based Vegas revue.

Sure, there are eight energetic dancers, a nine-piece band with horns, light-up staircases, video montages and all the now-expected stuff on the showroom stage. But every effect serves solely to enhance the endearing and enduring duo.

It’s a money’s-worth show: The stars (he’s 50, she’s 48) look great, sound swell, and in the Flamingo’s human-scaled showroom you’re guaranteed a good look at them wherever you sit — if you’re seated anywhere near the sage, you’re more than likely to be able to touch them."

Read the Entire Review

"Good at What it Does"

Review by Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Campy Cabaret: 'Menopause The Musical' good at what it does
.......
Four women meet fighting over sale bras at Bloomingdale's, setting up a day of support and sisterhood in various departments of the store. The four are such archetypes they don't even need names. Along with the Soap Star -- who reads in the gossip columns she's about to be retired -- there's the pantsuited Professional Woman (Susan Beubian), the Birkenstock Earth Mother (Cheryl Spencer) and the Lucy-meets-Edith Bunker Iowa Housewife (Laura Lee O'Connell at this performance, but now out in a road company. Annette Houlihan Verdolino is now in the part).

The songs are familiar even if the lyrics aren't. Writer/producer Jeanie Linders goes for MAD magazine song parody using baby boomer classics. "Chain of Fools" becomes "Change of Life." "Stayin' Alive" becomes "Stayin' Awake" and "Night Fever" is "Night Sweatin'."
.....
The consolidated cast of Broadway veterans does manage to keep the silliness grounded, and at times inject just a wee touch of reality. But reality isn't the goal. Affirmation is."

Check out the Complete Review

"Janet Jackson Jumped the Shark and Then Some"

Review from Jason Braclin of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Jackson concert goes to extremes

Some things are ridiculous in a bad way: last call, Michael Bay flicks, pierced foreheads, the 40-hour work week.

Some things are ridiculous in a good way: cheese in a can, the Coen brothers, Mexican soap operas, the yard o' beer.

And then there's that rarified stratum of the awesomely preposterous, solely occupied by chicks in skintight, gold-lamé bodysuits with gigantic Mohawk manes that look like the spoils from a scalped Mr. Ed.

Enter Janet Jackson.

Exit prudence.

And good riddance, by the way.

At the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Friday for a stop on her "Rock Witchu Tour," her first in seven years, Jackson didn't just jump the shark; she pole-vaulted over the thing and then thumbed her nose at it from on high.

"Obey me," she growled during a pretaped video interlude that played on a huge projection screen behind the stage early in the show. With black lipstick, snarling at the camera, this was the "Bad Janet."

Or something.

Shortly thereafter, we saw her face bathed in white light, awash with celestial radiance.

This was the "Good Janet," we presume.

What followed was a musical parable on the eternal struggle between the forces of evil and righteousness."

Read the entire Janet Jackson Review

"Keeps Getting Better"

From Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"Terry Fator makes paying for puppets appealing

Terry Fator was the best entertainment news Las Vegas had in the past couple of years, and the news keeps getting better.
...
Watching Fator now, you wonder why he wasn't a Las Vegas star sooner.
...
Fator managed to add a segment with a new crash test dummy character (named Wrex, natch) without substantially increasing the running time of last year's show. That means spending about eight minutes or less with each of his characters; enough to make a grand entry, say or sing something funny, and then make way for the next one.
...
If you are simply of no mind to see a ventriloquist, best to stick with the Blue Men after all. But if anything can change your mind, Fator is as close to something for everyone as you can find on the Strip right now."

Read complete review

"Campy Yet Entertaining"

Review by Robert Machray of BlogCritics.org

Campy Yet Entertaining

"Bite is one of the most iconic and successful shows in Vegas, because when you mix a strange story line, vampires, beautiful topless dancers, a spectacular aerial adage act, audience participation (yes, guys, you can be mauled by the ladies), magic, and high-energy rock and roll -- well, you begin to get an idea what Bite is all about.

Capitalizing on the age-old fascination with vampires (and this is before True Blood and the Twilight Saga), writer Tim Molyneux has come up with a winning combination of elements. One could criticize the show for trying to be too many things to too many people, but diversity and fast action is what Vegas is all about."
.......

"Despite this sometimes campy presentation (meaning there are plenty of laughs), you, as an audience member, can’t help but be entertained. The production is full of surprises and you too may come away "bitten" as it were by the magic of the show. One side note of appreciation: the topless ladies are not cosmetically altered as far as I could see and it was nice to see the female figure appreciated in its natural state."

Read entire review

Review by Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun

'Bite’: As lifeless as its bloodsuckers
Vampire show disappoints despite hitting cultural sweet spot

It’s common knowledge what vampires dislike: crucifixes, garlic, wooden stakes, daylight, mirrors ...

But how many of us have given any thought to what might make vampires happy?

Before seeing “Bite,” the topless classic rock vampire revue at the Stratosphere, I was unaware that vampires really, really like spanking. During the show, they frequently give one another--or themselves--a good smack right on the pert little undead behind.

That’s not all I learned about vampires--at least the lithe, young female vamps from "Bite.": Aside from human blood, they also enjoy cute, up-to-the-minute haircuts, and they have an eternal boudoir’s worth of complicated-looking but easily removable black lingerie, including bustiers and corsets, vinyl microminis, cropped camisoles and fringed G-strings.
...
When they appear, the vamps don’t waste a moment--they doff their capes, baring their fearsome fangs and their yearning-to-be-free breasts before the second verse of "Welcome to the Jungle."
...
There’s not much of a story line: A buff black demon with glowing green contact lenses craves to be reunited with his long-dead Queen of the Night. He compels his scare-’em harem to enact the torment of the darned through dance. Their gyrations and feral facial expressions are broadcast via closed-circuit on large screens flanking the stage. The effect is like a cheesy Skinemax soft-core flick set to hard rock.
...
I’m afraid I may have made this bloodless "Bite" sound more exciting than it is. It’s hardly as camp, creepy or clever as it might have been. I don’t as a rule give "grades" in performance reviews, but if I had to give "Bite" marks, it would be a lukewarm C-minus. You’ll feel like a sucker if you pay full price.

Complete review of "Bite"

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Review by Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

Campy and Over-The Top
"Staying in Character: 'Bite' embraces its outrageous premise -- fangs and all

There's boring bad and there's brilliant bad. Even when you're talking topless vampires, as in "Bite," they couldn't shake their groove fangs all of four years without a spark of warped genius.
...

This is what separates "Bite," and its creator/producer Tim Molyneux, from your standard-issue girlie shows. Since "Bite" debuted on Aug. 13, 2004, the Strip has become ever-more hifalutin, shoveling dirt over hoot fests such as "Splash." Even rival topless revues, such as "Fantasy" and Crazy Horse Paris, now strive to be artsy and ambitious.
...

The beauty of "Bite" is that you aren't sure if they are or not. The revue embraces its outrageous premise without a bunch of self-aware jokes.
.....
When I see vampire babes climbing out the lid of a grand piano, I remember an old argument offered, I believe, in defense of warped poverty-row filmmaker Ed Wood: "The only bad movie is a boring one."

And of "Bite," it's safe to say many shows on the Strip are boring by comparison."

The Complete Bite Review

"Balls-Out Yet Practical"

From Thrillist:

Even in Vegas, life's about balance -- maybe you'll eat your weight in buffet shrimp, but you'll also appreciate the thoughtfulness of your pillow mint. For a nightclub with that same focus, hit Rok Vegas.

A Tommy Lee venture stashed in the New York, New York casino, Rok's a neon-pulsating indoor/outdoor rocker's den that balances balls-out multi-sensory overload with the sort of practical amenities that can put a smile even on the most practical-amenity-obsessed of faces. On the balls side's a central dance floor concentrically ringed with reservable tables, VIP booths, and a unique-to-the-club mindblowing 360-degree video screen synced to mashup DJ/VJ; outside, the street-level patio sports its own DJ and is close enough to the Strip that you could almost get a DUI. As for thoughtful touches, unisex bathrooms mean futile attempts at conversation won't have to be broken off just to pee; meanwhile, booths come with lady-friendly dance platforms (to keep the wild ones from disappearing into the throng), mechanically chilled sunken drink holders, and banquette seating with stowaway compartments, so ladies can hide their purses, and you can hide from Stormtroopers.

Rok's also the first club in town to offer half-bottle service, because balance can come down to the exact volumetric compromise between stupidly getting a bottle, and cravenly not.

"Blue Man Group still packs punch"

From Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"Blue Streak: Blue Man Group still packs punch with show that shocks the senses

This turned out to be one summer when we all could use a sure thing.
The Blue Man Group is happy to be that thing.
...
The Venetian balcony appeared to be out of action on a recent night, but the main floor of the 1,760-seat theater was crowded with ticket holders crafting strands of crepe paper into Rambo headbands. Blue Man has been on the Strip since 2000, and people are excited to be part of the community for a show that celebrates, among other things, community.

They all do the same things, though: Spatter neon-hued paint from drum heads. Catch 18 or so marshmallows by mouth and then spit them up for a modern-art masterpiece. Crunch that Cap'n at sound levels pumped to movie-surround volume.

A Blue Man is both an innocent and a prankster. He's wide-eyed, but his curiosity can plunge the whole theater into sudden darkness, or jam a camera to your mouth to see what you look like inside."
...

Complete Review

"Fresh, Relevant & Funny"

From Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun

"Showcase of performer’s multiple talents embodies best of the Strip in ’09

If I had to pick just one show that represents the best of everything contemporary Las Vegas has to offer, I would pick, without hesitation, Wayne Brady and his “Making %@it Up” act at the Venetian.

Brady has been called the best "all-around" performer on the Strip, and he really does it all: comedy, impressions, singing and dancing.
.....
Unfailingly charming, Brady is partnered for most of the improvs with Jonathan Mangum, fully the headliner’s equal in the arcane arts of improvisation. Relaxed and alert, seeming to share a symbiotic mind, this duo is ready for any possibility.

In one sketch, four volunteers may be called on to instantly embody stage props; in another, audience members supply sound effects. The inexpert and utterly unpredictable efforts of the endearingly stage-struck amateurs makes the bits all the funnier.
.......
Refreshingly hip and atypically au courant, Brady’s “Making %@it Up” is that rare Vegas show that recognizes the existence of the current millennium and life outside the confines of the Strip. Hyperbolic words such as “hilarious” or "hysterical" aren’t necessary: Brady and his bunch are just solidly, consistently, memorably funny."

Read the entire interview

"
___
From Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal
"Making It Look Easy"
"With Wayne Brady, it seems not a matter of "if" but "when."

If you figure Las Vegas always will have room for at least one old-school headliner, Brady is the logical guy. He has an appreciation for classic Las Vegas showmanship and talent to match or surpass the present keepers of the flame.
.......
"This is one of those old-time variety shows," Brady proclaims at the beginning, hoofing it amid four dancers to a Vegas-y cover of the Gnarls Barkley hit "Crazy." It launches the show with the right retro-tinged tone, and still manages to deliver a punch line to a joke set up by a pre-show video.

The bulk of the set is still in the hands of Brady and comic sidekick Jonathan Mangum. The two have worked together since they were no-names in the early '90s, and because of their experience playing off one another, there's really no end to the improv formats, or "games," they can throw themselves into."

The complete review

"Downtown's Little Secret"

Review by Rachel M. Sugay of Today in Las Vegas magazine

"Downtown's Little Secret
Tucked away downtown is Bistro Divino, which can best be described as a charming, neighborhood restaurant, reminiscent of those you can find in New York or San Francisco. Located in the uber-hip Holsum Design Center, which is home to specialty furniture and art shops, as well as offices, artists studios, galleries and showrooms, this eight-month pizzeria and wine bar took over what was The Grill on Charleston. And what a changeover.

The interiors are true to the Italian theme – the walls are done in Venetian plaster in a light shade of forest green, and numerous vintage liquor ad prints adorn the walls. This is not your run-of-the-mill pizza joint – there are no red-and-white checkered tablecloths, jars of parmesan cheese, or deep-dish pizzas in sight. Manager Megan Bass explains, “The owners were just so in love with Italy, that they wanted to bring back a piece of Italy to Vegas. That’s why all ingredients are imported from Italy. From the deli meats, down to the flour used to make pizza dough and pastas.”
...........

All in all, this is one of the city’s best offerings to the dining scene. It may be a little off the beaten path, but it’s well worth the effort. Parking’s a breeze, no walking through several storeys to get to your destination; the ambience is charming and the antithesis of the bright lights and thematic restaurants on the Strip; it’s child-friendly (it’s the rare child that will refuse pizza or pasta) and most important of all, the food is out of this world – fresh, made-from-scratch with the best ingredients possible. Now this is eating good in the neighborhood."

Read Entire Review

"Gimmick-free 'X Burlesque' doing just fine "

(From Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal)

SHOW REVIEW: 'X Burlesque'

"X" is now the one topless revue you can see seriously late at night: midnight, three times per week.
...
I don't know if "credible" is too serious a word for a topless show, but it's easier to praise "X" for what it's not: seedy, derivative or overly silly.
...
The changes all have been for the better. New choreography is by Enrique Lugo, who did some audacious work for the departed "Fashionistas," and here keeps the seven women moving with rock 'n' roll athleticism that doesn't sacrifice the provocative for artsy indulgence (the same cannot always be said of the projected graphics).
...
The things that haven't changed are most of what made the original "X" stand out when it debuted at the Aladdin in 2002.
...
A couple of numbers now qualify as classics: a bathtub seduction paced by stage blackouts and a piece where you see only three pairs of legs and not the rest of their owners.

"X Burlesque" doesn't reinvent the wheel, or even the girlie show. But for a show without a gimmick, it's doing just fine."

The entire review

"Piles on Insults"

(From the Las Vegas Sun)

Comedian piles on the insults for his shows at Hooters
by Jerry Fink

"Saber-tongued comedian Bobby Slayton hasn’t mellowed in the year he has headlined at Hooters’ Night Owl Showroom.

He still rants and raves and paces. He still spits out a machine-gun staccato so fast he’s able to cram two hours of material into an hour.

Check your politically correct sensibilities at the door because Slayton takes no prisoners in his tirades against young and old, Jews (he’s Jewish), blacks, East Indians, Chinese, Muslims.

“Muslims — you don’t smoke, you don’t drink, you don’t (have sex), you don’t gamble,” he fumes. “What are you doing in Las Vegas?”

Slayton is a heat-seeking missile whose radar targets members of the audience and then blows them away with his caustic wit. Take the man in Vegas celebrating his 21st birthday with his girlfriend.

“What do you do for foreplay, homework?”

Then he wastes the entire front row — most of them members of the Colorado family helping the 21-year-old celebrate. Mother, father, sister, brother. All gunned down.

Slayton begins his routine with riffs on his own wife and daughter — one suffering from menopause, the other from her menstrual cycle.

“One you can’t live with five days out of the month, the other you can only live with five days out of the month,” he says in his raspy voice. “I can’t help. I just pay for stuff.”

There is no linear direction to Slayton’s routine. His takes an ADD approach to comedy. His tangents go off on tangents.

After he has the room rocking with laughter for 30 minutes, he says he’s going to get into his act — but then someone in the audience catches his attention and he’s off in another direction.

Slayton’s warm-up, Robert DeShaine, moves in extreme slow motion compared with Slayton but lays the proper foundation for the star of the show.

“I’m bitter. I’m angry,” DeShaine says. “I didn’t expect to live this long.”

He takes on noisy neighbors, serial killers, divorce and differences between the sexes.

“Women, on average, use 7,000 words a day,” he says. “Men, an average of 2,000 — and most of those are ‘uh-huh.’ ”"

"A Big Gamble"

From Valli Herman, writer for the L.A. Times:

Excerpts from "New Las Vegas luxury hotel has Trump written all over it"

"Viewed from the side, the tower looks like a giant upside-down T, one that Trump crowned with his name in lights. With 1,282 rooms, it's not the largest hotel in Vegas, but it may be the biggest gamble.

Tranquillity isn't usually what brings the big-spending throngs to Vegas, but this no-smoking hotel is a serene oasis apart from the action on the Strip. The building sits alone behind a dusty vacant lot where the New Frontier hotel once stood and where a second tower may someday be built. To leave the hotel, guests must travel by car, traverse a rocky path without sidewalks and street lights or navigate through Nordstrom, which offers the nearest entrance to Fashion Show Mall across the street.

With the Wynn and the Palazzo as its luxury hotel neighbors, the Trump helps form a new Golden Triangle at the increasingly upscale northern end of the Strip. He's dressed the building to fit in with its rich friends - in 24-karat-gold glass, we're told. He should have spent more on sound insulation: Sirens, freeway noise and train whistles came right into my 46th-floor room, loudly enough to wake me."
........
The studios, one-bedroom and penthouse suites, from 515 to 3,500 square feet, are outfitted with golden-hued, contemporary decor and brand-name kitchens. My studio came with a compact Sub-Zero refrigerator, a two-burner Wolf stove and enough tools and appliances to make breakfast or mix cocktails but not a full meal.

Rack rates for studios begin at $349, and penthouses top out at $5,000."
..........

"During my mid-May visit, about 10 percent of the units were functioning as hotel rooms, while the rest remained unsold or were private condos.

The low occupancy should have meant abundant, swift service. Yet in two days, housekeeping failed to clean the room or perform the promised turn-down service, even after I complained."

The Entire Review

"Goodtime Vibe, Cheap Drinks with Liberal Pour!"

Fun Hog Ranch
From Mike Prevatt of CityLife Magazine:

"The mid-size drinkery, located adjacent the least-gay stretch of Paradise Road, is the first Las Vegas gay bar truly befitting a town nicknamed Sin City because it sheds the usual inhibitions. But it's far more charming than that. Not for nothing has it quickly become the favorite queer watering hole of some locals -- including this one -- while impressing some non-queers, too. Credit its goodtime vibe, welcoming staff, friendly and down-to-earth patrons of all ages and creeds, ridiculously cheap drink prices and, perhaps most of all, its consistently liberal pour."

"The homo ephemera on the wooden walls isn't in your face like at most queer watering holes. The diverse crowd ensures that the Internet jukebox isn't always playing diva house; it's refreshing to hear guitar in a Las Vegas gay establishment (though don't go expecting Silver Lake or the East Village). It actually draws more of the regular-Joe crowd than the leather-and-Levi constituency. And straight friends I've taken like the place: They feel comfortable there, and they're entertained by the behavior of the patrons."

Read entire review for Run Hog Ranch

"Delicious, Original and a Lot of Fun"

-- Review by Aleza Freeman of Vegas.com

"Two words: cheesecake lollipops.

Delicious, original and a lot of fun, they embody all the qualities of Hawaiian Tropic Zone at Planet Hollywood.

From its creative menu to its innovative design, this New York import provides a tasty and enjoyable venue for lunch or dinner … or even just dessert.

At the entrance, a waterfall feature greets guests, while Olympic style flame torches dot the patio. Bamboo, a wine wall and lighting features designed to look like burning flames decorate the dining area. The bar is flanked by a video wall and offers 40 fine wines by the glass and several signature cocktails such as Espresso Martini, Grapefruit Fizz and Bikini Punch.

Though classier than a day at the beach, patrons at Hawaiian Tropic Zone may feel like catching a wave as spunky waitresses, or “table concierges,” dressed in bikinis and floral sarongs designed by Nicole Miller, attend to their every dining need. They also participate in nightly beauty pageants.

The menu features creative dishes, some familiar and some more exotic, from world-renowned chef David Burke. The presentation of each dish is impeccable. Even the onion ring appetizer looks almost too good to eat. Almost.

First, when dining at Hawaiian Tropic Zone, be prepared to see a lot of skin and a lot of tattoos. Second, the saying “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” may not apply at Hawaiian Tropic Zone. Several web cams are placed throughout the dining areas and bar, beaming images from the restaurant onto the internet for anyone to see.

So when you break your diet to bite into those yummy cheesecake lollipops, don’t expect it to go unnoticed!"

Complete review

"Nice Blend of Old, New Vegas"

--by Heidi Knapp Rinella, Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Golden Steer Steak House is a throwback to Old Vegas, no doubt about that. But as no throwback is truly authentic, this one comes with both the conveniences of modern living -- the smoke-free air, bottled water if you want it (and without arm-twisting), great wine selection and diversity of staff and guests. But it also comes with the drawbacks, which were mostly embodied by customers in shorts and sweatshirts, in a decidedly non-shorts-and-sweatshirts kind of place.

Geez, people; if you're paying $40 for a steak, would it kill you to put on long pants and a decent shirt? And this in the middle of winter.

But I digress.

Yeah, the prices are very much more New Vegas than Old, which I guess is to be expected on (or, more accurately, just off) the Strip these days. But in all other areas, the Golden Steer manages to meld the best of the old and the new.

The Golden Steer will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. Even though I'm sure there have been ownership shifts over the years, the fact that it has survived that long and maintained an air of the past is unusual in any city, nearly unheard of in this one.

And long may it hail."

Complete Review

"Did Not Want To Leave"

From BroadwayWorld.com by Laura Heywood:

Cirque du Soleil’s Love launched in Las Vegas in 2006 and features music from the Beatles that dates back almost a half-century. However, this tour de force shows no signs of aging; it’s a gorgeous multi-media masterpiece, a Vegas gamble on which you can’t lose.

From the moment the doors are opened at the custom-built Love theatre (a 2,013-seat space at The Mirage Casino, presented in the round), an eerie, otherworldly tone is set. Several screens separate the seats into four quadrants; the air is smoky and colored with blue light. A strange costumed character, a peculiar kind of clown, sneaks up on patrons as they find their seats, blowing puffs of mist on them from an antique lamp. Almost before they can react, he has scampered away to his next victims, easing the audience’s transition from the clanging, overly-bright world of Las Vegas into the fictional land of Love.
...
True to Cirque du Soleil tradition, every scene unveils performers appearing in surprising ways and from a multitude of levels – from deep below the stage via elevator or trampoline, from ramps and wires along the periphery of the space, from trapezes and silks flown in from impossible heights over the audience’s heads. They ride in on bicycles and skates; they bound in on stilts and under heavy robes. Sometimes they are disguised as flowers or pieces of furniture; in one marvelous moment, they “drive” themselves onstage in a vintage VW bug, only to reveal that they are in fact carrying pieces of the car’s exterior, which deconstructs as they dance their fanciful dance.
...
While there is a loose storyline – recognizable characters from Beatles lore like Mr. Kite and Lucy in the Sky make appearances – the show dissolves into a brilliant visual soup of otherworldly delights, and plot becomes superfluous.

The entire show is entrancing, a 90-minute spectacle that transports the audience into a kind of Wonderland that I, for one, did not want to leave. With the timelessness of the Beatles music, the ageless and unusual design, and the weird and wonderful acrobatics for which Cirque du Soliel is known, Love could easily continue playing, and delighting audiences, for another fifty years.
(Read Complete Review here

“Love,” which opened at the Mirage in 2006, is the fifth of Cirque du Soleil’s six resident shows on the Strip, and it became instantly famous for its soundtrack, a clarified reimagining of the Beatles canon, and for its unparalleled sound design. I would have been happy to see this show with eyes closed: Cirque has created the ideal circumstance for listening to the Beatles’ music. Or any music.

But you’ll want to keep your eyes and ears open (and your heart and mind, while you’re at it) "Love" is a constant, kinetic, kaleidoscopic collage of uncorked chaos, an often exhilarating, occasionally disorienting immersion in sound and vision."
Read Complete Review

The "Love" theater is disorienting, although it is surprisingly intimate for a 2,000-seat theater staged in the round. The show is an acrobatic ballet set to a 90-minute re-imagination of numerous Beatles songs melded seamlessly, rising to an emotional crescendo.

Initially devised by George Harrison and Cirque de Soleil, "Love" is the last fully involved Beatles collaboration through the participation and approval of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison.

The soundtrack was produced by original Beatles producer George Martin, working with his son, Giles, from the original master tapes. It is quite an accomplishment. More than a remix, the "Love" album is a 90-minute ride through the Beatles catalog, shifting among the band's hits.

It is a roller coaster of visual images spanning the Beatles' lives and career, interpreting through acrobatics, puppetry, theater and ballet the soundtrack of our lives on a multidimensional stage that envelops us from all angles. "Something" is a sky ballet of lovers on a trapeze; "Mr. Kite" is an onstage vaudeville psychedelic freak show of stunts and acrobatic stilt-walking; "Help" is a rush of in-line ramp skating gone mad.

"Yesterday" is a beautiful pas de duex played out among poignant flying fragments of memory. "Strawberry Fields" is a giant bubble fest that would do Lawrence Welk proud. "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" is an aerial delight on the flying trapeze. The finale, "All You Need Is Love," brings tears to your eyes.

The footage of the band projected at the emotional high point resonates on levels best felt and not described. "Love" transcends whatever minor flaws it may have as it takes us back to a time, long ago, when we were fab."

___

Review by By Karen D'Souza of Mercury News
"'Love": All you need is . . . kitsch. This "Love"-in has more pop-culture firepower than all the other Cirque shows combined. A tripadelic fusion of solid-gold tunes and boomer nostalgia, it taps into the collective joy of Beatlemania. While earlier Cirque shows celebrated the body as art (the delights of aerialists and contortionists, above all), "Love" is a multimedia concert-meets-circus attraction that exults in the pleasures of the MTV age. Hundred-foot-tall, high-definition video projections dazzle us with fantastical images, such as the Fab Four together again, even as tap-dancers and kite-fliers cavort before us live. The music is all canned, but that does not diminish the hum-along power of hits such as "Yesterday," "Strawberry Fields," "Revolution" and "Hey Jude." Perhaps the ultimate jukebox musical, "Love" has some of the most memorable pop songs ever written, and that's enough to make even the most jaundiced theatergoer twist and shout."

~

"Gritty but a Crowd-Pleaser"

From Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"...the absorbing story that propels this musical biography of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons has surprised audiences around the country. Those who expect perhaps a "Forever Plaid"-style revue get a crackling, cinematic staging of a saga so messy it can only be true.
...
(The creative team has) deftly meshed the group's complicated history with its song catalog. More often than not, hits such as "Bye Bye Baby" are interrupted by dialogue, fading into background to underscore the action. When a song such as "My Eyes Adored You" does break out, "Mamma Mia!" style, as the emotional expression of traditional show tuneage, the impact is more effective for its rarity,.

The group slogs its way through dive bars and bowling alleys until it meets Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen), a teen songwriting prodigy. (Then) the quartet teams up with flamboyant producer Bob Crewe (John Salvatore) and slowly but surely makes magic: The slow wind-up doesn't deliver the first Four Seasons hit "Sherry" until the 50-minute mark, and by then the audience is ready to cheer the triumph.

The writers follow the predictable band-makes-good road map, with the musical often compared to a VH1 "Behind the Music."
....
"Jersey Boys" might be gritty, but it's a crowd-pleaser at heart."

Read the Entire Review of Jersey Boys

"Ellis Island steak special still packs ‘em in"

Dave Wilson of the Las Vegas Sun

"Our Ellis Island, which features its own microbrewery, celebrates its 40th anniversary as a favorite spot for the budget-conscious. We headed over (on Koval, behind Bally’s) to check in on its legendary steak special, one of the all-time favorite Vegas deals.

Like many of these specials, it’s not on the menu.

Inside the casino’s restaurant, aptly named “Restaurant,” you can score a 10-ounce filet, a side of green beans and choice of potato (garlic mashed, baked, or steak fries), along with the microbrew of your choice or the EI’s own root beer, for $6.99.

It’s a great value, although if you’re not a fan of the A1, you’ll want to bring your own Mrs. Dash. It’s a good-size cut, but is remarkably bland, with another diner at my table saying it tasted “like water.” But we’re not passing judgment here. It’s a good deal, and a little salt and pepper always changes the game.

An added bonus: If you’re there after 9 p.m., the adjoining bar is a karaoke hotspot, often praised as the city’s best. So if you enjoy dinner while listening to what sounds like a wildebeest being strangled, then opt for heading over a little later."

Read Entire Review
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Voted Best Microbrewery
Voted Best Microbrewery by Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" Reader's Poll (staff selection)
"What's the only thing in the known universe better than a good beer? A good, cheap beer. This is what you get at Ellis Island, where their delicious brews are only $1, all the time. They have four varieties -- Light, Dark, Amber and Hefe Weiss -- and some top-notch barbecue to chase it down with. You'll leave with your belly -- and your wallet -- pleasantly full. "
_

Voted "Best Karaoke" by the readers of CityLife Magazine reader's poll

"Singing over canned music never sounds as good as it does every night starting at 9 p.m. inside Ellis Island. The casino's karaoke scene consistently wins the Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" distinction, and a lot of that is due to master of ceremonies Timmy Welsh, who never flinches or shows any sign of grief, no matter how out of tune some fat dude's caterwauling rendition of a Swing Out Sister song might be. This place gets packed on weekends, when you're more likely to find talented singers. Sure, there are other flashier karaoke experiences on the Strip proper, but for a good time, it's hard to beat Ellis Island."

"Bette Midler unleashes her 'most divine divine'"

By Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times

"Bette Midler is brash, funny, schmaltzy, surprising, poignant, charming, provocative, witty, bawdy and, of course, divine. She knows where Hollywood keeps its skeletons, and she's not afraid to throw open closet doors and drag out what she finds within. She's an absolute master of the stinging put-down, she can belt a big, brassy ballad second to none, do a bit of hoofing and is a former Academy Award nominee to boot.
So how come nobody ever got Miss M to host the Oscars?"

Entire Review
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"Midler Shines in Some Parts"

From Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"...It's perfectly understandable that the shakiest segment is not only the one that attempts to do something new, but also one that pulls the focus away from the star: the big, satiric production number built around Midler's mermaid character Delores DeLago.

...

And it will surprise no one, or at least it shouldn't, that the most touching moment is Midler sitting on the stage steps and strumming a ukulele to "The Glory Of Love."
...

All Midler seems to need is time to be herself, or at least the persona she's created for herself. And that's never been much of a problem."

The Entire Review

"Sounds of Originality: Entertaining Toxic Audio a mostly family-friendly show "

From Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"Oh sure, the showoffs in Toxic Audio can shape a rhythmic version of Harry Nillson's "Coconut" out of coughs, sniffs and sneezes. But what can they do when the mulberries aren't in bloom?

Plenty, as it turns out.

No instruments or recordings are employed by the a cappella quintet, but there's plenty of instrumentation. Every drum solo and bass beat comes from the mouths of the five Toxic Audio members.

The quintet carved out some off-Broadway turf in the "wordless theater" genre of "Stomp" and the Blue Man Group in 2004, so it's a no-brainer that they would want a base camp on the Strip alongside those shows.

Word of mouth can only help the troupe get established. To the credit of their originality, describing them usually comes off like "The Player" or some other flick in which you see a desperate writer getting about 15 seconds to make a pitch to a movie studio executive.

Here, you'd say it's Manhattan Transfer meets The Second City, meets Doug E. Fresh or Rahzel (depending on which beatboxer is your generational reference point)."

Read Entire Review

"Best Thai Restaurant in America?"

From the L.A. Times:
"So we drag you out to a strip mall in the east end of nowhere and you wonder why? Because here is what critic Jonathan Gold of Gourmet magazine called no less than the best Thai restaurant in North America.

What makes this place so darn special? First of all, in addition to all the usual beloved Thai favorites, they have a separate menu featuring lesser-known dishes from northern Thailand -- they don't routinely hand this one out (since most of the customers are there for the more pedestrian, if still excellent, $5.99 lunch buffet). Second, the owner drives at least twice a week back to Los Angeles to pick up the freshest herbs and other ingredients needed for his dishes' authenticity. That's dedication that should be rewarded with superlatives."
Read Entire Review

Other review headlines:
"The single best Thai restaurant in North America"
- Jonathan Gold, Gourmet Magazine

"The greatest Thai meal I've every eaten outside of Thailand."
- The Rosengarten Report, David Rosengarten

"Lotus of Siam is the best Thai Restaurant I've tried in this country"
- Heidi Knapp Rinella, Las Vegas Review Journal

"There's nothing as good- -or as lip-numblingly hot- -in L.A."
- S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times food critic

"It was the smartest gamble we'd made all day."
- Budget Living, Liza Schoenfein and Mark Jannot

"I can't think of any other Thai restaurant I'd rather go to."
- Las Vegas Life, Max Jacobson

"Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut Cream at Lotus of Siam,
is at once sumptuous and seductive-and biochemically, a perfect,
cooling finish to spicy Thai cooking."
- Las Vegas Weekly, Max Jacobson

"Don't skip dessert, or you'll regret it deeply"
- Chow, Ellis Weiner

"This famous hole-in-wall introduced me to extraordinary Thai dishes."
- Food&Wine, Dana Cowin

"The most addictive place to eat in the city."
- USA Today, Jerry Shriver

"A Hotel on Crack"

from the TimesOnline:

"The Palazzo has a vast casino, with 120 table games and 1,400 video poker machines creating an electronic goblin's chorus that accompanies the “kerching!” of the serried ranks of slot machines. The huge theatre - where the Tony award-winning Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, is playing - was full every night with emotionally incontinent fans.

The Palazzo is more than Vegas with extra sequins. It's a hotel on crack. My advice? Enjoy the high while it lasts. And when the swirling kaleidoscopic buzz of franchised avarice and sleaze wears off, remind yourself that while what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, you don't have to. And leave."

Entire Review
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Love the rooms, hate the casino

What's in the cards at the Palazzo?
By John Deiner
The Washington Post

"...Or save your money and don't leave the rooms, which are lavish and ridiculously large. Our suite, a soothing melange of beiges and dark browns, featured a sunken living area with a sectional sleeper sofa, two 42-inch flat-screen TVs, three phones and a soaking tub the size of a koi pond. But we're easy: Our favorite attraction was the remote-controlled Roman shades that opened to a full view of the mountains to the east.

Conclusion: We're fans of the Palazzo, though, come to think of it, we really hate the casino. But the suites make up for it, and at $199, they're a great deal by Vegas standards. Given the choice, we'd opt for the Palazzo's polish over the Venetian's tackiness. And when ''Jersey Boys'' begins its open-ended run in April, there'll be another good reason to check in and check the place out."

Complete Review

"Good for Kids but Otherwise..."

From Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"...The early word from people who beat me to the bubble show was, "It's fine for a 15-minute act, but it's not a whole show." My response would be to invoke the "kids clause" rarely used on the casino show patrol.
...Yang's lack of stage charisma doesn't help either. At one point, he lip-syncs to his own recorded narration. At another, an audience member yelled, "Speak up!"

The Entire Review

"Not Much Fun"

From Joe Brown, reviewer from the Las Vegas Sun:

"No one wants to be a big meanie about a show featuring an admirable, adorable bunch of older gals. But it has to be said: The 1.5 million worldwide members of the fast-growing, fun-loving sorority for women 50 and older are a juicy, underserved target market, urged to pay cash money (plus a two-drink minimum) for what amounts to a live infomercial for the Red Hat Society. Occasionally naughty, mostly cloying and saccharine, the show, at 75 minutes, seemed to stretch out like, well, half a lifetime.

With apparent hopes of imitating the Strip success of “Menopause the Musical” (hitting its second-year mark at the Las Vegas Hilton), “Hats!” is cheery in a cheerleader-y way, an unevenly stitched together (and still somewhat under-rehearsed) patchwork of songs and skits about a “49.999”-year-old woman as she struggles against embracing her age."

Complete review

"Really Good Steaks"

by Heidi Knapp-Rinella of the Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Morton's the Steakhouse Power Hours entices with discount bar bites, cocktails"
"Bar 12-21, the lounge at Morton's the Steakhouse, was quiet early on a recent evening. As 5 p.m. turned to 6, customers started drifting in, first to the bar, then to the dining room. Few of them were taking part in Morton's Power Hours, and all I can say is, it was their loss.

Morton's Power Hours are basically happy hour a la Morton's. As you may have noticed, there's been an explosion of happy hours in Las Vegas recently as restaurants hard-hit by the depressing recession try to find new and better ways to lure customers. For customers, such offers can represent a pretty good deal.
....
Morton's Power Hours run not only from 5 to 6:30 p.m. daily but also from 9 to 11 p.m., which means you can take advantage of them before or after a movie or show or whatever.

The main theme of Power Hours is that Bar Bites and cocktails are $6 each. There's no drink minimum, so unless you have a really big appetite, you can get away with dinner for $12 or so.
....
In ordering we had two easy choices -- the petite filet mignon sandwiches and the blue-cheese french fries, because Morton's is a steakhouse and because, well, who wouldn't want to try blue-cheese fries?"

Read entire review
_
From Frommer's:
"Really Good Steaks"
"A venerable steakhouse with branches throughout the U.S. -- in fact, Mr. Morton is the proud papa of Peter Morton, formerly of the Hard Rock Hotel over yonder. Like The Palm, this place serves "boy food" -- steaks, really good steaks -- and we are not prepared to say which (The Palm or Morton's) has the better hunk o' red meat because, frankly, after a while, these subtle distinctions elude us. Anyway, this is an old-time Vegas hangout (because most actual old-time Vegas hangouts have closed), even in its relatively new off-Strip location. In addition to your cut of beef, suggested sides include flavorfully fresh al dente asparagus served with hollandaise, or hash browns. And it's a good place to hang around post-dinner, drink Scotch, and smoke."

"Solidly Good"

From Frommers:
"Yes, that Dan Marino. No, he's not cooking. But it just figures, doesn't it, that a hotel called Hooters would have a steakhouse owned by a former quarterback? Doesn't get much more manly than that. Anyway, if you can get past the testosterone, what you will be rewarded with is a solidly good, more affordably priced establishment than comparable spots in higher-profile Strip hotels. Lots of finger food, lots of meat, lots of fat, lots of calories, but we mean that in the good way; starters like a three-cheese spinach dip (topped with sour cream, onions, and bacon) indicate that much of the menu is more or less high-falutin' versions of Sunday-afternoon-sports TV-watching munchies. Prime rib has an unexpectedly smoky flavor and Lawry's seasonings, while juicy filet tips are served with garlic mashed potatoes and crispy onions. Dessert is more Guy Food, like a large, pie-cut chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream and sauces."

"One of Our Favorites"

From Frommers:
"This charming bistro is one of our favorite local restaurants. It has it all: a delightful setting, better-than-average food, and affordable prices. Sure, it goes overboard in trying to replicate a classic Parisian bistro, but the results are less cheesy than most Vegas attempts at atmosphere, and the patio seating on the Strip (no reservations taken there -- first-come, first-served, but a recent addition of 70 more seats probably helps matters) actually makes you feel like you're in a real, not a pre-fab, city. You can be budget-conscious and order just the very fine onion soup, or you can eat like a real French person and order classic steak (the filet mignon is probably the best cut, if not the cheapest) and pommes frites (french fries). There are plenty of less expensive options (which is why we listed this place in the "moderate" category, by the way). Yes, they have snails, and we loved 'em. Desserts, by the way, are massive and should be shared (another way to save). The baseball-size profiteroles (three or four to an order) filled with fine vanilla ice cream and the football-size bananas-Foster crepe are particularly recommended. Ooh la la!"
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Voted #3 in Best Romantic Restaurants by AOL City Guide "City's Best" 2007

"Hopefully it won't shatter too many illusions to reveal that Mon Ami Gabi, the delightful French bistro that features indoor and alfresco dining at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, has its origins not in the original City of Lights but in America's City of the Big Shoulders. Chicago restauranteur Richard Melman's innovative Lettuce Entertain You chain is the creative force behind this lovely cafe that offers simple but wonderful French comfort food and wonderful views of the Strip and the dancing waters of Lake Bellagio.

The fancy baroque trappings -- red velvet drapes, carved mahogany woodwork and stained glass entryways -- suggest a budget-busting dining experience, but prices are surprisingly affordable. Choose from onglet (hangar steak), crepes, quiches, grilled chicken breast, roast duck and navarin (stew) of lamb. Everything comes with excellent french fries and a crusty baguette that tastes like it was just baked, probably because it was. Go continental and have a glass of wine, and save room for the outstanding dessert crepes."
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Las Vegas Weekly's Reader's Choice Awards 2007 -- "Best Outdoor Dining"

"This French-themed steak house serves wonderful steaks, oddball but highly addictive curved French fries and a number of bistro dishes. But what makes it so great is a Strip-central location, with a patio that literally hangs out over the sidewalk, meaning incredible people-watching."

"A Classic Cirque du Soleil Show"

A review by a writer from BlogCritics.com

"I recently had the pleasure of seeing Mystère again after many years and it hasn’t lost any of its excitement or thrills. Mystère is a classic Cirque Du Soleil show that features a cast of outstanding athletes performing feats that challenge our imaginations and make us reexamine the mystery of what it means to be alive. The show is a thrilling mixture of athleticism, humor, wisdom, beautiful music and lights, and, well, mystery. The acts include Chinese Poles, Hand Balancing, Aerial High Bar, and Bungee. The cast includes 75 international artists and the show has been performed for 8.5 million spectators over more than 6000 performances.

Mystère contains two of my favorite Cirque acts of all time. First there is the hilarious baby whose antics delight us through the 90-minute performance. He (or she) becomes our alter-self as we experience through the eyes of a precocious child the dangers and wonders of living. When you watch a Cirque show you are often transported to a time of childhood. You can’t help feeling the profound joy of discovery.

The other act that almost defies description is, in my opinion, the best act I have seen in any Cirque show: a brother act called Hand To Hand. There are no trapezes, no bungee, no poles - just two guys doing feats of strength and balance using each other as sole support. They are the brothers Marco and Paulo Lorador from Portugal. They are not only physically beautiful, but their acts of strength, requiring enormous trust, stamina, and balance, are a powerful expression of the male bond between brothers..."

View entire review.

"A Michelin Winner"

Acclaimed French Chef Joel Robuchon has earned a coveted star in Michelin's inaugural culinary guide to Las Vegas & Los Angeles restaurants. One star means "a very good restaurant in its category". There are 12 one-star Michelin winners in Las Vegas. Robuchon's "Joel Robuchon", also in the MGM was the only 3 star winner in either Las Vegas or L.A.

"A Michelin Winner"

Acclaimed New York chef Daniel Boulud has earned a coveted star in Michelin's inaugural culinary guide to Las Vegas & Los Angeles restaurants. One star means "a very good restaurant in its category". There are 12 one-star Michelin winners in Las Vegas.

"A Michelin Winner"

Acclaimed Bay Area Chef Bradley Ogden has earned a coveted star in Michelin's inaugural culinary guide to Las Vegas & Los Angeles restaurants. One star means "a very good restaurant in its category". There are 12 one-star Michelin winners in Las Vegas.

"A Michelin Winner"

Acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer has earned a coveted star in Michelin's inaugural culinary guide to Las Vegas & Los Angeles restaurants. One star means "a very good restaurant in its category". There are 12 one-star Michelin winners in Las Vegas.

"Sleek Show With Lots of Razzle-Dazzle"

Mike Weatherford, a reviewer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal takes another look at Barry Manilow now that he has moved from the Hilton to Paris.

"Manilow's new Paris Las Vegas show sleek with lots of razzle-dazzle"

"Manilow didn't sustain a 35-year career by doing things small or subtle, except maybe that one piano ballad per show. The rest of it's as big as the Silly Putty stretch of the last note on "Even Now" or the butt-off-the-piano bench "Weekend in New England."
........
Everything...is staged with sophisticated razzle-dazzle by veteran pop director Jeffrey Hornaday, and is sleek and focused, about as good as a Manilow show can be at this point.
..........
Manilow does not reinvent himself, creating new reasons for the outside world to pay attention to him. Few artists of his tenure do that, and fewer still would gain anything by it at this point.
..........
Manilow, in fact, sounded so good that fellow scribes seated closer to the stage were pretty sure he was lip-syncing. His raspy speaking voice between songs was quite a contrast to the smooth singing. And the pitch that wavered when I last saw him at the Las Vegas Hilton in August was perfect this time.
...........
Manilow's show took various turns during his five years at the Hilton. But this one sticks to a concert overview of the hits, with only a brief detour into a trio of solid covers from his latest album, "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time."

Read complete review

"Just a Perfect Restaurant"

From Frommer's:
"Just a perfect restaurant, thanks to a combination of the most divine dining room and view in Vegas (situated at the top of the Palms Hotel, with three sides of full-length windows that allow a panoramic view of the night lights of Vegas; obviously, window-side tables are best, but even seats in the center of the room have a good view), and one of the best chefs in a town where many great chefs have restaurants but are rarely in their kitchens. (Emeril and Wolfgang, we love them, but they can't be in 25 different places at once.) Overseen by Andre, he of the eponymous (and excellent) restaurants Downtown and in the Monte Carlo, the executive chef is Jacques Van Staden, who trained with one of the world's greatest chefs, Jean-Louis Pallidin. The menu changes seasonally, but anything you order will be heavenly.

On our last visit, we had perhaps 14 different courses, and not a single one disappointed. In the appetizer department, the marinated jumbo lump crabmeat and avocado salad with heirloom tomato consommé and basil oil was a riot of freshness, while the gnocchi with sautéed wild mushrooms, black truffle, and mushroom emulsion was the kind of dish clearly created by someone thoughtful and clever. A phyllo-wrapped baked pear and Roquefort cheese with a vinegar-and-port reduction was less salad (as it was billed) and more hot appetizer. The foie gras comes in a pink-grapefruit-and-citrus-honey reduction, a tangy combination. Fish can be a little dry here, so we suggest either the stunning New York steak with summer truffle jus and potato herb pancakes, or the meltingly tender lamb chops with some shredded lamb shank wrapped in a crispy fried crepe. Desserts are similarly outstanding and often of great frivolity, such as sorbet in a case of browned marshmallow, floating in raspberry soup. Yeah, we're going over the top on this one, but we bet you won't think we're wrong."

Alize Wins Michelin Award
Acclaimed Las Vegas chef Andre Rochat has earned a coveted star in Michelin's inaugural culinary guide to Las Vegas & Los Angeles restaurants. One star means "a very good restaurant in its category". There are 12 one-star Michelin winners in Las Vegas. Andre's original restaurant, Andre's Downtown, was also a one-star winner.

"Top 10 Buffet"

Forbes.com rates The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas one of it's Top 10 Las Vegas Buffets

"Just like everything at this hotel, the buffet, which includes 17 action stations, is first class--right down to the napkins, which feel more like linen than paper. The dining room is elegantly appointed with stunning tile work and marble. The sushi and smoked salmon are standout. You can expect slightly more refined dishes like the tamarind glazed salmon or jumbo grilled asparagus and pesto mashed potatoes. The setting makes gluttony classy. Lunch: $21.95, Dinner: $33.95/Fri-Sat. $37.95 "

"Best Brunch"

Voted the City's Best Brunch in Las Vegas Life Magazine ('07)

"Readers of Las Vegas Life magazine chose The Verandah in the Four Seasons Hotel (within the Mandalay Bay complex) as the city’s best brunch earlier this year. It’s a choice that’s wholeheartedly seconded by Vegas visitors, as well as the locals, who praise its relaxed ambiance — a quiet, peaceful oasis from the Vegas crowds — almost as much as its food and service. The New American menu is extensive and includes healthy options (non-fat, low-fat and sugar-free) such as cholesterol-free and egg-white omelettes and fresh fruit. Traditional fare includes house-smoked Atlantic salmon; applewood-smoked bacon; mini-Belgian waffles and corned beef and pastrami hash. Save room for its homemade baked goodies — croissants, muffins, Danish and donuts — and breads.

You can eat inside or on the Mediterranean-style outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, where you’ll truly feel as if you’re anywhere but the Strip. The weekend brunch is $35 per person ($42 with a Bloody Mary or mimosa); reservations strongly recommended. (Make them as soon as you know you’re going!)"

"Best Restaurant With A View"

Voted "Best Restaurant With A View" (#1) by readers of AOL CityGuide's City'sBest2007

"If Top of the World is the ultimate room with a view in Las Vegas, it is also one of the more affordable gourmet dining spots in the city, particularly at lunch. Located 800 feet above ground in the Stratosphere Tower, this elegant and romantic rotating restaurant offers guests unparalleled views of Las Vegas and the surrounding mountains. Ideally, guests should arrive at dusk to view the sunset, and watch the lights illuminate along the Strip as the meal is served. Start with wine, from a list that has earned an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Appetizers include shrimp scampi and a chilled prawn cocktail; popular main courses include Colorado Rack of Lamb, Chilean sea bass, Veal Oscar, prime rib and Twin Lobster Tails. While dinner prices can be described as stratospheric, the lunch menu features sandwiches, salads, pasta and chicken dishes, with entrees starting under $10."

"Great Gastronomical Experience"

From Las Vegas Life Magazine "Best of 2007" -- "Great Gastronomical Experience"

"Nothing against master chefs Guy Savoy or Joel Robuchon, but in a town full of celebrity chefs, it's nice to know that one is always behind his namesake restaurant. Like most of the other award-winning chefs at Wynn, Alex Stratta is there every night running the show, personally overseeing every detail, putting his hands on every plate. If you're going to splurge for an ultra high-end dining experience, think Alex. Prix fixe tasting menu, $195."

"Best Place to Imbibe"

From Las Vegas Life Magazine "Best of 2007" -- "10 Best Places to Imbibe"

"For years, going to the salon has allowed women to indulge in much-needed refuge from work, kids and life in general. Beauty Bar runs with the same concept. One of six in the country, our outpost of Beauty Bar promises to"serve as a refuge from the casino culture for locals and visitors alike." Adorned in retro tones of gold and with old school hair dryers, its kitsch factor is increased with the addition of alcove lighting from the former Algiers Hotel. No cover (except for special events), live DJs seven nights a week, and a martinis-and-manicures happy hour makes it a perfect spot to forget the world outside."

__
Voted "Best Music Venue" in '07 Review-Journal Reader's Poll (staff selection)

"With a few exceptions, Las Vegas has a lack of steady outdoor venues -- probably because the summer heat is enough to make granite sweat. But the Beauty Bar fills the void in style by hosting shows on its back patio. There's no better way to enjoy the sublime sounds of bands such as High on Fire than standing beneath the stars, drinking beer from a plastic cup, surrounded by the constellation of lights with which the club has decorated its patio. Now the great outdoors finally can live up to all the hype."

"Just Like Dining in Italy"

Voted Top Italian Restaurant (#2) in AOL CityGuide's City'sBest 2007

The goal at Valentino seems to be a revisitation of traditional Italian recipes and dishes with an emphasis on authenticity. Executive Chef Luciano Pellegrini's culinary prowess has earned Valentino top honors from the likes of Bon Appetit, Forbes, the 2001 Epicurean Award and the 2003 James Beard.

"Many of the ingredients in the kitchen are imported right from the old country, including white truffles, porcini mushrooms, burrata cheese from Puglia and Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea fish. The romantic setting at this cousin to the original and much-celebrated Valentino Los Angeles may surpass its predecessor in elegance with coral walls, tuxedoed waiters and frosted glass, but the refreshingly unpretentious menu lists ravioli and a pizza appetizer alongside the more sophisticated entrees. Main courses include Sicilian-style swordfish rolls with couscous, osso buco and medallions of veal with truffle demi-glace. The outstanding wine list tallies more than 3,000 bottles. Some folks may find the portion sizes a bit paltry, however, given the size of the tab."

Rated #10 in Gayot's "Top Ten Wine Lists in Las Vegas"

"Wine aficionado Piero Selvaggio, whose restaurants are renowned for their superb wine lists, has decorated his stylish Valentino as a monument to its 24,000 wines from around the world. Wine racks almost totally cover the warm wood-paneled walls of the intimate dining rooms. A table for four sits in what appears to be a wine closet; another wine cellar-style room seats 25. The vaulted-ceiling main room is decorated with elegant earth tones splashed with color to complement the cuisine. Furnishings and artifacts from Italy include the terrazzo flooring, Venetian glass for the lighting and plush leather chairs. Sicilian-born Selvaggio reached his goal to bring the fine foods and culture of Italy to America.
Expect Italian dishes you might not find elsewhere, plus excellent versions of classics that focus on the quality of the ingredients. Breads are baked in-house daily. Among imaginative appetizers are warm Maine lobster with spring mix, gold beet salad and pomegranate dressing, and Muscovy duck breast confit over wilted spinach and artichoke salad with raspberry vincotto. The risotto is made with sweet peppers, corn and fava beans. Entrées include gifted executive chef Luciano Pellegrini's sautéed pancetta-stuffed day boat jumbo sea scallops, and pan-roasted veal rack with mushrooms and polenta.
For dessert, try the chocolate ravioli over wild berries and mint soup. To make the most out of a splendid dinner here, choose one of the multi-course tasting menus."

"He Does It His Way"

(This has nothing to do with the dishes served at Cafe Martorano but a restaurant is more than just food--in this case much more. On the chance you were thinking of checking this place out, we thought you ought to know that you are not just sitting down for a meal--you are sitting down for an experience and it will be done Chef Steve Martorano's way...)

This is from Norm, the gossip dude in the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"NO WHINING
Maverick chef Steve Martorano explains it as a case of putting his food ahead of profit.
The issue: Some would-be diners tell me they walked out of Café Martorano last week when informed of a new drink policy: Mixed drinks are prohibited with dinner at the South Philly-style restaurant at the Rio.
Martorano's spokesman, Alan Brown, confirmed the new policy, saying it went into effect about three or four weeks ago.
Wine and beer have been allowed at Martorano's popular Fort Lauderdale, Fla., eatery for 15 years, but hard liquor "ruins the taste, throws off the taste buds," Brown said. "They can drink before or after, but he's requesting you have wine with dinner," Brown added. "Anyone who is a real foodie," Brown said, will applaud Martorano's action. "He really wants people to taste his food. He's breaking the rules. He doesn't care about making money. It breaks the mold of anything in the restaurant business," Brown said.

A local attorney e-mailed me to say he walked out with his dinner party because several members of his group didn't drink wine. "What do you order with a cheese steak? White or red?" the attorney said.

Martorano, heavily tattooed and often wearing a wife beater T-shirt, admits his hard-edged restaurant "is not for everybody." The music is often mind-numbingly loud, along with scenes from some of the most violent mob scenes in movies. In an interview in Vegas magazine's July issue, he said, "I threw a guy out the other day" for asking that the music volume be lowered. When Martorano refused, the customer said, "What do you mean 'no,' I'm a customer." "I don't give a (expletive) who you are. This is what we are and what we do here.

"The customer is not always right," Martorano told Vegas magazine. "Whoever invented that had to be a customer. If you go see Sinatra sing and you're spending $500 a ticket, what do you do, raise your hand and holler out to him that you want to hear 'My Way' because he's not singing it? You spend $500 to let him do what he does. Let me do what I do."

"More bang for the Buck"

An excerpt from a review by Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

"This is the new old Vegas.

Sure, the performers in "V -- The Ultimate Variety Show" are still young pups compared to active seniors such as Don Rickles and Tony Bennett. But neither of them juggles, twirls a bolo to knock a flower out of somebody's mouth or supports the weight of another guy on his head.

Many of the "front of curtain" acts in "V" have been doing that stuff for ages. The hand-balancing team of Iouri Safronov and Nikolai Meinkov opened "Mystere," the show that ushered in a new era for Vegas back in -- can you believe it? -- 1993. But if age makes it harder to do their slow-motion athletics, you don't notice it yet.

Really it's the show's style, its very format, that takes you back to another era on the Strip... "V" (is) a whole revue of the acts that once spelled the big production numbers in Vegas floor shows.
...
"V" is squarely at the top of the middle; no threat to Cirque du Soleil, but delivering more entertainment per dollar than many challengers in its price range."

Weatherford's Complete Review

"What Happens in Camelot, Stays in Camelot!"

From a review by Karen D'Souza of Mercury News

"And now for something completely different. Grab a commemorative Holy Grail in the lobby, and settle in for highbrow musical theater along the lines of the "fish slapping" dance and the "knights who say Ni." Oh, did we mention the snooty French soldiers who pass gas in your general direction? Suffice to say, Sondheim this ain't. But perhaps because "Spamalot" was never about taking the musical genre particularly seriously, this is by far the most successful of the Broadway revamps on the Strip. Lovingly "ripped off" from the 1975 cult classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," among other flicks, this über-cheeky musical pays homage to and pokes fun at not just the Python canon but also Las Vegas itself. What happens in Camelot, stays in Camelot! The shticky bits come so fast and hard here that you hardly notice that some of the numbers don't shine as brightly as in their original movie incarnations (such as "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"). But that's a quibble in light of this musical's thoroughly infectious frivolity. Naysayers can just go and boil their bottom.
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A review by San Francisco Chronicle reviewer Matt Villano:
"Welcome & Unique
While Las Vegas continues to mature as a mecca for foodies, Spam is making quite a statement at the Wynn Las Vegas resort. On the big stage, that is.

That's where you'll find "Monty Python's Spamalot," a comedic musical "lovingly ripped off from" the satirical 1975 film, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Eric Idle, a member of the original Monty Python comedy team, wrote the show's book and lyrics. Like the cult-classic movie, the stage version parodies the legend of King Arthur and makes fun of the French. There also are familiar flatulence jokes and other forms of potty humor. But the show adds laugh-out-loud satire and mocks musical theater in general, a refreshing twist for those who find musicals a bit cheesy.

The Wynn's version of "Spamalot" premiered in the casino's appropriately named Grail Theater in March, almost two years after a version of the same show first appeared on Broadway in New York. Since opening night, the Vegas musical has sold out almost every show, to rollicking crowds.

While a lot of these theatergoers come for a guffaw-inducing dose of Python, it's clear from audience response that many also come to see John O'Hurley, who stars as King Arthur.

O'Hurley is perhaps best known for his role as J. Peterman on "Seinfeld." He also was the ultimate champion on the first season of "Dancing With the Stars."

In this role, O'Hurley is a perfect comic hero: brash and brazen, yet subtly self-effacing. At times, his deadpan delivery and larger-than-life presence had me laughing so hard I nearly spilled my $14 piña colada (served in a plastic grail, of course).

The show begins in medieval England, where a despondent Arthur travels the land to recruit knights to join him in Camelot. In a sequence of hilarious scenes, he finds a number of promising candidates, including the meek Sir Robin, the mullet-headed Sir Galahad and the flamboyant Sir Lancelot.

"Holy Grail" fans will cheer the depiction of Not Dead Fred, a peasant who is mistaken for a corpse but is actually, well, not dead. Later, during a number dubbed "The Knights of the Round Table," O'Hurley and his knights reiterate the namesake line from the film and hail Camelot as a place where they can "eat ham and jam and Spam a lot."

Other moments are vintage Monty Python. After a band of squealing knights demands that Arthur create a Broadway musical, Sir Robin steals the show with his rendition of "You Won't Succeed on Broadway." At one point in the song, I noticed the man sitting next to me crying with laughter. Later, when Sir Lancelot is outed after falling in love with Herbert (whose overbearing father was forcing him to marry a woman), strobe lights create the effect of a dance club in the Castro, with phallic motifs.

There are parts that drag. The Lady of the Lake, a diva-like character who looks frighteningly like RuPaul, exists exclusively to advance the plot and hogs the stage for far too long. In the movie, this character is only spoken about; her presence here is an obvious ploy to work a woman into the show.

Still, the Lady, as she's known, is central to some of the show's funniest moments. Her scantily clothed disciples, the "Laker Girls," mock cheerleaders with side-splitting levity. Later, during "The Song That Goes Like This," she and Sir Galahad sing an equally hilarious love song about the predictability of love songs.

In a town that obsesses over sex, gluttony, gambling and other such sins, the show's lighthearted approach to entertainment is welcome and unique. This is one kind of Spam every Vegas buffet should include. "

"Zumanity Skillfully Balances Sex, Acrobatics, Humor, Music"

Review from Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas-Review Journal

"It started out as just (kinky) sex, but now it seems we've fallen for "Zumanity."

Its attitude, once brash and deliberately in your face, now plays as merely bold and open-minded. Themes of sexual acceptance that came off as impishly defiant in the Bush era now match the calm stride of a new president.

...
Overall, (Zumanity is now) smoother and more substantial in its acrobatics and music, with actual songs (some even in English!) by two singers more in the foreground.
...
Drag emcee Joey Arias -- a provocateur whose "Rocky Horror" stage get-up left no mystery about his gender -- has given way to Edie (Christopher Kenny), a '60s-glam vision of "Valley of the Dolls"-era martinis and bouffants, who has many audience members guessing.
...
The music to set the sultry tone, with violin and pulsating New Orleans-style horns, reminds us "Zumanity" might have been made for the peekaboo thrills of Sin City, but it's the only show that takes sex seriously."

Read complete review

_
From Karen D'Souza of Mercury News
"Beer Bongs Have More Subtlety
'Zumanity's "Ooh-la-la" quickly turns to just plain "ew!" in this dreadful stab at erotica from Cirque du Soleil. Despite some pleasing, teasing bits of eye candy (nearly nude girls swimming in a fishbowl), there isn't enough wit to this show to impress drunken frat boys, let alone a sophisticated theater crowd. We're talking vaudeville-style sight gags like the do-it-yourself breast enhancements and the dildo-rama. Beer bongs have more subtlety. It's really a skin-show for people too embarrassed to be seen at the real thing. Seriously, the highlight of this burlesque experience is the gift shop. Be forewarned. X-rated Cirque scores a big fat F with this critic."

"Love It or Hate It"

"Love It or Hate It"
by Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

"With an admitted budget of $165 million -- insiders say it went north of $200 million -- "Ka" remains the costliest title on the Strip. "Love" came in at about $150 million in 2006, before the economy turned south. Last year, Cirque chairman Guy Laliberte made one thing clear about the upcoming Elvis show at CityCenter: It will be "very tight with the budget."

So you'd think "Ka" would be the city's flagship. But most locals rank it at least third behind "Love" and "O," and it seems to inspire a "love it or hate it" reaction.
.....
"Ka" has been saddled with the reputation for being confusing and/or pretentious. The accusations have merit, though "pretentious" can be a good thing and the confusion has been worked on.

It's now easier to tell the twins apart, and an aerial adagio -- very old-school Cirque -- has been added to emphasize that romance blooms between the female twin and a Tarzan-like jungle prince. (It, came at the expense of a stump-jumping sequence that was perhaps too hard on the knees 10 times a week.)
...
"Ka" still offers things you won't see anywhere else in the world. The main stage turns out to be movable, lifted into various positions by an unseen gantry arm.
.....
At the end, the stage goes completely vertical for a climactic battle that allows us to watch from overhead. Again, if you buy into the illusion, you can forget about the technology. (If not, you can try to figure out how so many people can leap around in midair without getting their guide wires crossed.)

For all the big moments, from a flying machine to an acrobat running on top of a giant wheel, LePage still gets a big reaction from two characters making shadow puppets. It puts the technology in perspective, and is, ironically, one of the few moments of theater magic that carries all the way to the back row."

By, Joe Brown of the Las Vegas Sun
An Adventure for the, Eyes
"What would contemporary Las Vegas be without Cirque du Soleil?

Fortunately we don’t have to dwell on that dreary thought. The Strip is home to five enduring resident shows (and one dud), and crowning them is "Ka", Cirque’s most epic entertainment, which added heroic adventure and cinematic scale to the Cirque canon.
...
Combining visual and thematic elements from Japanese anime and manga comics, Flash Gordon and "The Lord of the Rings," massive multiplayer games and mixed martial arts, "Ka" takes the SFX techniques of movie blockbusters and makes them come alive on stage, in every imaginable dimension, two shows a night. "Ka’s" panoply of jaw-dropping, heart-stirring effects and imagery was surpassed only by the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.
......
Cirque has created an enormous hydraulic stage platform, which rotates 360 degrees, from level to perpendicularly vertical. This stage will enable an ocean rescue, a, cascade of sand, and an awe-inspiring aerial ballet on, a vertical wall that outdoes video game graphics and CGI special effects.
....
It’s safe to say you won’t soon forget many of these truly dangerous-seeming images -- or the explosive finale."

Read entire review.

*
"The Brain Gets Restless"
From Karen D'Souza of Mercury News

"'Kà' Epic unplugged. The eye may be on total sensory overload from the first moment of "Kà" to the last, but alas, the brain gets a tad restless. Rest assured, "Kà" offers plenty of pure visual spectacle, but it's not even remotely in the same class of art as Robert Lepage's earlier works, such as the sublime solo "Far Side of the Moon." This show is multimedia for its own sake, instead of in the service of some deeper truth. That said, there is nothing wrong with indulging in some bungee-jumping, extreme archery and martial arts pyrotechnics every once in a while, right,? Lepage subverts our expectations about gravity by kicking, out the floor of the stage and letting the action unfold in one dimension (horizontal) and then another (vertical), until the athletics of the show become mind-boggling. If you want to take a little mental vacation and get your visceral on, "Kà" is the place."

"O on Steroids"

From Karen D'Souza of Mercury News

"Le Reve -- "O" on steroids. As lovely and lyrical as "O" may be, "Le Reve" makes "O" look like the kiddie pool in terms of sheer, gut-grabbing theatrics and wince-inducing, free-fall high-dives. While arts purists may prefer the leisurely unraveling stage pictures that light "O," adrenaline aficionados will appreciate the Roman amphitheater atmosphere in "Le Reve." Dragone has outdone himself on aquatic thrills and chills here. The death-defying swimmer/divers plummet from the rafters to the deep end. Ziegfeld-style escapades add a dash of whimsy to the edgy, visceral non-stop action. Oh, and if you're in the mood to splurge, the "Reve" VIP package is a dream (champagne and strawberries, anyone?). VIPs also get mini TV screens on which they can admire the extreme underwater ballet of swimmers and scuba divers, in addition to the show at the surface."

"‘O’ is Elegant Watersport"

By Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun

How do you follow an act that forever changed the face of entertainment in Las Vegas?

Just add water.

After the success of “Mystere,” which continues to this day, Cirque du Soleil and writer/director Franco Dragone dreamed up an entertainment that’s like an unexpected oasis in the desert.

The elegant enterprise is “O,” and now that it has achieved the 10-year mark, the beloved spectacular is as permanent as anything gets around here.
...
Cirque set itself to imagining ways to get every drop out of its ocean of possibilities. So “O” is a panoply of the life aquatic. Playing with the elements, mostly fire and rain, it brings forth a fluid sequence of vignettes, populated by humans and chimeras, uncorking a flood of dream-logic associations.

Put another way, “O” is a sensory hot tub. Stop making sense: just let yourself sink into it and go with the flow.
...
The acts are impressive and exhilarating, expressing the sheer joy of moving freely through water and air. Like kids showing off dives at the pool, a series of divers seems to swim through the air, and it’s impossible to count the twists and tucks they make before splashdown.
...
After 10 years in the pool, it would be understandable if “O” suffers some sogginess or pruning, or displays at least a bit of bathtub ring. But the crown jewel of Las Vegas still sparkles and surprises.

Read entire review
_
'O': The Water's Still Fine
By Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review-Journal

"Decade Later, 'O' Still a Memorable Experience
Time has not been the enemy of "O." Success? Maybe.

But if you haven't seen "Le Reve," or other Cirque du Soleils that recycled too many of the red waistcoats from the 10-year-old aqua-spectacular, jump in. The water's still fine.

"O" is still that perfect junction between Cirque's early life as a classy circus and the broad-ranging theatrical entity it's now trying to become. The acrobats are the stars, but the staging makes it memorable.

The playing area morphs from deep lake to (almost) dry land in a few moments, creating one-of-a-kind visuals such as carousel horses circling over the water.

The early acts are deliberately languid, the trapeze artists doing their thing slowly and gracefully, allowing the audience to take in the sheer boldness of the concept.

Read the entire review
___
"A Splash in the Desert"
From Karen D'Souza of Mercury News

"`O' Surrealism is the reigning motif in the phantasmagorical universe of Cirque. Here the circus makes a splash in the desert with an homage to water. The title riffs on the French for water, eau, and indeed Franco Dragone's dreamlike fantasia captures the fluidity of water, its transparency and power. The spectacle spins around a 1.5 million-gallon pool that's sometimes deep, sometimes shallow and always mystifying. At one moment, high-divers plunge into it from far above our heads; in the next, a chorus of balletic dancers prance upon the surface as if walking on water. "O" marks the first show where Cirque completely broke with the past, going far beyond the boundaries of the big-top genre to surpass expectations and break new ground in the world of sensuous tableau."

"Voted Best Italian Restaurant"

Voted "Best Italian Restaurant" (#1) in AOL's CityGuide "City'sBest" 2007.

"There's no truth to the rumor that Battista's had to expand its location across from Bally's just to accommodate the number of signed photos from celebrity diners that line the walls. Yet all those 8x10 glossies serve as stunning proof that long before Las Vegas evolved into a gourmet mecca, Battista's was one of the few must-eat places in town. And despite having more than two hundred restaurants now within walking distance of this venerable institution, you still might have to wait for a table. Perhaps this is because Battista's serves what it always has: basic, family-style Italian food. The reasonably priced main course also includes soup, salad, wine and spumoni. Choose from pasta, chicken or veal dishes. The strolling accordionist, however, either delights or annoys, depending on one's tolerance for such things."

"Hamrik as Tom Jones at Canyon Club"

The Las Vegas Review-Journal's Mike Weathford reviews Hamrik as Tom Jones

"The eyes have it. They bulge, roll and leer.

The mouth has it, too. Harmik, the Tom Jones impersonator, explains the key to the pop legend's essence is looking like "the cat that ate the canary."

"It's a confidence you can't describe," he says.

Harmik's confidence booster is looking as much like the real Jones as any other human is ever likely to. Let's take the high road and skip the whole "Tom Jones: Sock or no sock?" debate. Let's just say that from the chin up it's an amazing resemblance, from the lascivious grin to the crow's feet around his eyes."

The rest of the review

"Voted Best Singles Scene"

Voted "Best Singles Scene" AOL CityGuide City'sBest '07 (Voted #6)

"For the young and elite in Las Vegas, Kona Grill has all the marks of a successful enterprise: It's located in a posh Summerlin neighborhood; it offers two excellent happy hours, one in the early evening, the other late-night; and it boasts the hottest singles this side of the Strip. Indeed, the Asian-influenced American eatery is a place where suits and shorts-wearers commingle, noshing on baby-back ribs or sushi and sizing up the throng of pretty people crowded around the indoor/outdoor bar. The impossibly gorgeous and friendly wait staff contribute to the meet-and-greet vibe, especially after work hours when the upwardly mobile come en masse to snatch half-priced appetizers -- and a few phone numbers."

"Voted Best Lounge"

Voted "Best lounge" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" '07 (Staff pick)

"Dig the crazy zebra stripes at this stylish throwback to old Vegas. And that means architecture as well as a focus on live music: house band Zowie Bowie on weekends and Doo Wop.com for the older demo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays."

"Best Cocktail Waitresses"

Voted "Best Cocktail Waitresses" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas '07" (reader's pick)

"Actually they're called "BevErtainers" at the Rio, an innovation that came along during the years we gave this category a rest, before resurrecting it last year. Those BevErtaining drink-slingers sang, danced and charmed their way to a second consecutive win, well in front of Wynn Las Vegas staffers who are left to the boring task of merely shuffling booze to thirsty gamblers and fending off their advances."

"Voted Best Late Night Dining"

Voted "Best Late Night Dining" by AOL's CityGuide "City's Best 2007" (Voted #4)

"Cozy pub with a dash of Sin City showmanship.
The off-Strip Red Room Saloon mixes neighborhood tavern feel with a palatable dash of Vegas glitz. The tavern part: inexpensive beer prices, after-work gathering vibe and low-stakes video poker machines. The Vegas part: an extensive menu of exotic drinks "the likes of which cannot be found anywhere off the strip" touts the Web site, served by pro bartenders who throw in a little signature Vegas flair action. Pub grub is served 24-7, including the bar's self-proclaimed specialty, Red Rock Chili Fries."

"Best Hotel Rooms"

Voted "Best Hotel Rooms" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas '07 (Online Poll)

"The Venetian doesn't hesitate to brag that it is an "all-suite hotel" giving guests a luxurious and comfortable place to stay on the Las Vegas Strip. The suites range from 650 square feet to 1500 square feet, the smallest of which is almost twice as large as the conventional hotel room. While choosing a suite, guests decide if they want a terrace, dining area, wet bar, oversized bath with a jetted tub and LCD TV in bath area. After a long stroll down the Strip, an oversized bath with TV sounds really good!"

"Best Sports Bar"

AOL CityGuide "City's Best '07"

"ESPN Zone takes the sporting obsession one step beyond. Just check out the row of cushy leather recliners stationed in front of the wall-sized monitors. It's like having dinner at home in front of the TV, and it takes a guy to understand why recreating this experience in a restaurant is a good thing.
The menu is yet another variation on the standard cafe theme, featuring burgers, sandwiches, steaks, chicken and ribs. Choose your seating from either a glass-walled dining room or the video room with the recliners. The video room boasts tables with individual monitors, offering a choice of several sports stations and sports-related Internet Web sites. The food may not be a home-run but it's a solid triple, and the service is quick and efficient. The Zone is also a fun place to explore before or after the meal, with its huge upper-level video arcade and a gift shop that plays a video loop of those hilarious 'Sportscenter' commercials."

"Fever: It's Hot"

As printed in the Las Vegas Weekly. Written by club critic Xania Woodman

"Way Down South

South Point gives you Fever, Vegas’ first showclub.

When Tabu opened, I recall asking myself and everyone within earshot, “What the hell is an ultralounge?!?” If it hasn’t been clarified since then, let me now state that an ultralounge is exactly what the name implies—a lounge or bar that is so very much more, it actually runs the risk of—oops!—being mistaken for a small nightclub. So when the South Point Casino’s new Fever nightclub’s pre-opening campaign suddenly started speaking of a “showclub,” I made a familiar sound, one not dissimilar to a sigh, and said to my laptop: “What the hell is a showclub?!?”

I’m going straight to the source. It’s a bit of a hike for one so accustomed to the center Strip and all of its clubby charms. Especially when those charms are situated so close together. But I can handle a night off-Strip or, rather, just south of it. Entering from the garage, I believe briefly that I’m about to wander through the casino for 40 days and nights but am pleasantly surprised to find my destination located just across a bank of slots.

Once inside, I get my answer even before locating the director of nightclub operations, Rani John, who claims to have introduced the term showclub—a blend of showroom and nightclub—to Vegas. In one large square space, a dance floor, terraced booth seating and a stage dominate. Everything in the room points toward the latter, with the dance floor hinting at just how close one can creep up to the feet of a favorite performer.

Breakdancers have already claimed much of the slick, wood-paneled dance floor, while the rest of the crowd still files in to fill up the half-moon VIP booths or belly up to one of the two bars. Four plasma screens and one huge stage screen zoom in on the faces and other attractive bits of the go-go dancers heating up the elevated corners at the front of the room. DJ Inferno (is it wrong that I think that’s funny? Inferno spinning at Fever?) makes it from “You Shook Me All Night Long” to “Maneater” to some house and then back to hip-hop just before the Full Force B-boy brigade takes center stage with Fever barback Chris jumping in to show off an otherworldly sense of balance.

Now that I’ve seen Fever’s nightclub aspects, it is Young MC and Tone-Loc who get to christen the stage with a live performance. “We’re about to get wild in here!” says Young MC. The dancing crowd takes the cue and transforms seamlessly into an attentive forward-facing concert audience. He dedicates the song “Feel the Love” to Lamont, whom he met in the hotel elevator today and who was getting married at 3 p.m. today. The song features the line “swing low sweet chariot, you can meet me at the Marriott.”

“This guy is so much less washed up than I thought he’d be,” says the guy next to me. A sort of compliment from a sort of fan. Tone-Loc takes over, croaking out “Ain’t no party like a Fever party,” before “Funky Cold Medina.”

At the bar, a massive woman uses her massive posterior to scoot me out of her way. “We’re not on the Strip,” a posh friend says. “Ahhhh, yes we are!” I correct him, shelling out my $12 for a Goose and soda. Still, small details (male bartenders!) hint at the locals-friendly qualities of the place. That’s a phrase that will come up often tonight—“for the locals.” The south Strip locale makes Fever readily accessible for anyone who frequents the I-15 or 215 freeways. Like Green Valley Ranch to Henderson or Red Rock to us Summerliners, South Point is for the people.

“So, what do you think?” Rani John asks when we locate each other at the bar. After a number of years of trending toward multilevel, multiroom megaclub complexes, it’s rather cool to see a single-room venue. It’s refreshing, I tell him, honestly. “It’s hot.”

"A Keeper"

From Las Vegas Life Magazine "Best of 2007" -- "10 Best Places to Imbibe"

"Maybe it's the long, long bar. Maybe it's the dark brick, such a perfect contrast from the spotlight brightness of the new East Fremont. Maybe it's the medieval vaulted ceilings, or the haunted landscape paintings on the west wall, or the mid-room fireplace, but the Griffin takes you out of the desert and damn near out of the 21st century. Any bar that can be simultaneously edgy and cozy, theatrical and laid-back is a keeper."
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We grabbed some reviews from several sources regarding this relatively new bar in downtown Las Vegas.

"Most Overrated Restaurant"

"Most Overrated Restaurant" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" Reader's Poll '07

"Again, the world's most syntactically confusing restaurant wins your nod as most overrated place to purchase a slab o' cooked beef. At Chris House Steak Ruth's -- notice how that doesn't sound much sillier than the way the words actually go? -- the a la carte menu (have they started charging extra for parsley yet?) and dizzying prices combine to create a special occasion restaurant that most of us can justify only if our "special occasion" involves patenting cold fusion, successfully completing a Latin American coup or receiving an inheritance from an uncle whose name is "Bill Gates."

"Voted Best Adult Store"

Voted "Best Adult Store" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" '07 (Staff Selection)

"We like The Rack in the Commercial Center for its healthy supply of all the adult industry has to offer, but what's more impressive is the theater in the back of the store. Not only can you expect to find some of the best fetish gear, goth wear, toys and videos, you also can catch a flick. That's what we call great customer service."

"Voted Best Locals Hotel"

Voted "Best Locals Hotel" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" Readers AND Staff Poll '07

"An instant hit with everyone save maybe a few disgruntled nature lovers, Station Casinos' new crown jewel is off to a strong start with R-J readers. The perimeter walk makes it easy to take in the whole resort before deciding where to spend your time. We won't argue the likability of the classy retro-Vegas design and cool pool area. And Red Rock's successful play for the upscale market came without sacrificing the buffet, movie theaters, coffee shop specials and other favorites that make Station Casinos what they are today."

"Best Place for a Power Lunch"

Yay if you're an executive, are self-employed or otherwise have the flexibility to take more than an hour for lunch and the budget or expense account to pay for it. As for working stiffs who punch a time clock? Not so much.
Things have changed at Triple George. For one thing, there's a separate lunch menu instead of one menu for lunch and dinner. The funkier San Francisco regional dishes are gone as well, as are the relish tray and the bowl of lemons.
The Tadich Grill look is still there, though, in the black-and-white-tiled floor, the dark woods, the booth-like settings that each shelter a table and chairs and so provide booth privacy without the booth slide. The excellent hard-crusted, elastic-crumbed, slightly tangy sourdough is, too, and with lots of butter.
Good thing, because our entrees took so long that my co-worker got through the first rather generous basket and was about to start another by the time they arrived."

COMPLETE REVIEW

"Is Rao's Worth the Wait?"

From the Las Vegas Review-Journal's food critic Heidi Knapp Rinella:

"The original Rao's in New York's East Harlem, which has been in the same family for more than 100 years, is a notoriously tough reservation. It seats about 50, and since many longtime regulars have standing reservations, even the high and mighty, the rich and powerful, the famous who are famous only for being famous, find it as difficult to get a table as you and I would, bucky.
And then a second, 250-seat Rao's opened last winter at Caesars Palace. Finally, it'll be easy to get in, right?
No, we learned when we were able to get a reservation two weeks out; the place is just busy. As we waited to be seated, we watched as party after party without reservations were turned away because they didn't want to eat in the bar.
So, the question arises: Is it worth it?"

The rest of the review

"Rated Top 10 Best Lounges"

Rated Top 10 Best Lounges in Las Vegas (#1) in the Gayot.com "Best of" poll

"More subdued and sophisticated then many casino nightclubs, the Caramel lives up to its name with caramel-colored décor. Leather sofas, oversized ottomans and community marble tables add to the chic atmosphere, while a specialty martini list full of candy detracts from it. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Oreo Shake Martini with chocolate liqueur and crushed Oreos; or the Tiramisu Martini with Irish cream, vanilla vodka and biscotti; or the Jawbreaker, a sweet-and-sour concoction topped with a Jaw Breaker candy."

"Voted Best Valet"

Voted "Best Valet" from Las Vegas Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas reader's poll '07 (staff pick)

"If they're angling for all those celebrities, they can't expect them to park the 'Vettes and the Lamborghinis on the roof of the parking garage, can they? Even the Saturn-driving low-rollers around the office are impressed by the speed of delivery here."

Voted "Best Place to Spot Celebrities" from Las Vegas Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas reader's poll '07 (reader's pick)

"From Britney Spears to Paris Hilton to Hugh Hefner, Palms owner George Maloof knows more stars than some astronomers. They're probably not playing video poker next to you, but you could spot them en route to the N9NE Steakhouse or the new Playboy Club."

"Best Downtown Hotel"

Voted "Best Downtown Hotel" in Las Vegas' Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas Reader's Poll (readers selection).

"Given the weak competition downtown, it's no surprise the Golden Nugget is again a shoo-in for this category. And this victory came during a year that saw a lot of construction dust, and before a lot of people saw the fruits of the remodeling labor: A new theater and buffet, and a water slide passing through a shark tank are chief among the highlights. The shark-challenged Four Queens is a distant second. "

"Best Downtown Hotel"

Voted "Best Downtown Hotel" in Las Vegas' Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas Reader's Poll (staff selection). Note: The readers voted for the Golden Nugget

"The rest of downtown doesn't try very hard to top either the Golden Nugget or this handsomely compact casino, which has a big buffet and great brew pub, all just a couple of right turns away from the Review-Journal office. "

"Best Gay/Alternative Club"

Voted Best Gay/Alternative Club by Las Vegas Review-Journal's Readers Poll '07 (staff selection)

"The big fish of Las Vegas alternative night life, the Piranha Nightclub/8½ Ultralounge is quite the catch. This mammoth, bilevel complex offers the complete club experience: You can work up a sweat on Piranha's sizable dance floor, then cool off by the fireplace in 8½'s swanky surroundings. Don't let its name fool you: This place is a solid 10."

"Voted Best Bar for Romance"

Voted "Best Bar for Romance" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas '07 (staff selection)

"Nothing says romance -- and debtor's prison -- like a $60,000 bottle of cognac. If you take that special someone to this swank nightspot, he or she will know that you're for real -- and that you have excellent credit. Centered around a breathtaking, 94-foot waterfall, Tryst is one of Las Vegas' most stunning clubs, a sensual indoor/outdoor venue decorated with real trees and a shimmering lake. Cozy up on one of the patio's white leather couches and you'll find that Tryst more than lives up to its name. "

"Russians Thrilling, Chilling"

"Russians Thrilling, Chilling -- New show on ice not a Cirque production, but has feel of one"
A review by Jerry Fink of the Las Vegas Sun
Rating: * * * * 1/2

They say "Ice: Direct From Russia" isn't a Cirque du Soliel show, but they should wink when they say it.
It has all the earmarks of the production company that dominates the Las Vegas entertainment market. Acrobats. Clowns. Fabulous costumes. Exciting choreography. Breath taking stunts. And more acrobats.
But the dominating element of this 80-minute show at the Riviera is skating. A cast of 42 skaters direct from Russia squeezes onto a 3,000-square-foot stage covered with 4 inches of ice, although rarely all at the same time.
Just as in all Cirque productions, "Ice" has a preshow show. Three Russians dressed for a Siberian winter mingle with the crowd while onstage. Behind a transparent plastic curtain, a stately female wearing elevator skates that add a foot or more to her height glides effortlessly across the ice-covered stage.
It may not be a Cirque show, but it has the feel of one, perhaps because its director, Debra Brown, choreographed "Mystere" and "O" before striking out on her own.
Those two productions were created by Franco Dragone, who also struck out on his own and created "A New Day..." starring Celine Dion at Caesars Palace and "Le Reve" at Wynn Las Vegas.
Dragone's shows also have the feel of Cirque. Or perhaps Cirque has the feel of Dragone and Brown.
There isn't anything Cirque about the Riviera's theater. It didn't cost $70 million and the production didn't cost another $70 million. Call it "Cirque Lite," not that there's anything wrong with that.
You get much of the excitement and the artistry of the other brand but at about 50 percent of the ticket price, which makes you appreciate the entertainment more. Cirque may have the corner on acrobats, but "Ice" has a few of its own and those acrobats do it on ice.
A skater supports a pole on which an acrobat does a handstand. There are silk-rope artists, a balancing act, clowns playing violins, a skater who clasps a pair of skates in his hands and alternates between skating with feet and hands.
There is a dramatic opening with the cast skating around the arena in formation clad in Russian overcoats. One of the most beautiful scenes is that of a skating couple, dressed in white, with wings that become kites, which they manipulate into an artistic dance in the air.
There is an elegance about the music and the costumes and the routines that is on par with Cirque.
The only problem is the venue. The showroom was adequate for "Splash," which ran at the Riviera for more than 20 years. But this show would do well in a theater the size of the MGM Grand Garden Arena or the Mandalay Bay Events Center. It could be produced on a much grander scale and easily compete with its big brothers down the Strip. But for now the cast is skating on a relative postage stamp, which actually adds another dimension to the excitement as the skaters rein in their movements to fit the stage lest they sail into the audience.
Brown, producer Sergey Ryshkoff, choreographer Alain Gauthier and costume designer Mireille Vachon have created a fun-filled show that may not be on an epic scale, but overall "Ice" is nice.

"Still the Same -- Which is Good"

Micheal's has always been a Las Vegas secret. Hidden inside the old Barbary Coast (now Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon) all those years, Michael's served up some of the best food around and always had top-notch service, quietly winning award after award. With casinos being built and bought and sold, Michael's has moved to South Point and recently re-opened.

From the sounds of THIS REVIEW from Ken White of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, not much has changed at Michael's and that's a good thing.

"Rated Top 10 Restaurant"

Voted AOL CityGuide's "City'sBest2007" Best Restaurant (voted #2)

"If Rosemary's Restaurant seems a little bigger on your next visit, it's not your imagination. After all the "Best Off-Strip Dining" awards the place has collected over the past few years, owners/chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan have added tables, pushed out the walls and doubled the size of the bar and lounge area, to accommodate their ever-growing clientele. Both the menu and the decor reflect the Jordans' days in New Orleans, where Michael trained with Emeril Lagasse. French Quarter and European design touches abound, particularly in the antique style furniture, silk shade lighting and warm autumn colors. Creole sauces, hush puppies and other Deep South staples accompany many entrees, including the Roasted Rack of Lamb, Grilled Pork Chop, and Crispy Skin Striped Bass. Almost everyone seems to order wine with dinner here, and the Jordans are happy to recommend just the right bottle for every meal and every budget."

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Rated Top 10 Las Vegas Restaurant on Gayot.com (#9)

"Michael Jordan honed his culinary skills during his years as chef de cuisine in some of New Orleans' finest eateries, including Emeril’s, and as executive chef at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House in Las Vegas. At his and his wife Wendy’s Rosemary’s, the autumn-hued walls are adorned with local artists' paintings. The 30-seat, full-service bar, with tapas-style fare, is a popular gathering spot; guests enjoy dining at the eight-seat counter looking into the gleaming open kitchen. The menu features the freshest products from Southwest purveyors, ranchers and farmers. Seasonal specialties include beef carpaccio with Maytag blue cheese, arugula, Granny Smith apple salad, candied walnuts and port wine drizzles; panko-crusted crab cakes with ravigote sauce; buttermilk-crusted halibut Linquist with garlic spinach; and grilled filet of beef with asparagus, onion marmalade and brandy-green peppercorn sauce. Lemon icebox pie with raspberry coulis and raspberry sorbet is a refreshing finale. The wine list and extensive selection of beer complement Rosemary’s creative cuisine."

"Voted Best Singles Bar"

Voted "Best Singles Bar" in Review Journal Best of Las Vegas Reader's Poll '07 (staff selection)

"After a pitcher of mojitos at Firefly, even Alf could hook up. Shadowy and candle-lit, with walls covered in deeply hued expressionist art, this nightspot pulses with a sensual, exotic air. Firefly's tapas menu is delectable and of "War and Peace" heft, making this a great place for late-night noshing. Whether you're jonesing for love or tuna tartare, Firefly is the place to be. "

"Voted Best Sports Bar"

Voted Best Sports Bar (Pub?) in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of '07" Reader's Poll (staff selection)

"OK, OK, let's not get into that whole debate between American football and European football. Whether you're into big bad dudes knocking the snot out of one another or guys prancing about in shorts, it really makes no difference, because this is one of the few places where you can indulge in both. The home for World Cup soccer, the Crown & Anchor is the rare truly international sports bar. Even better, their beer selection is among the best in the city, with an array of British stouts and lagers to soothe that sore throat you'll earn after screaming at the TV for hours on end."

"Rated Top 10 Steakhouse"

Rated a Top 10 Las Vegas Steakhouse (#8) by Gayot.com "Guide to the Good Life"

"Capitalizing on its success with FIX in Bellagio, The Light Group opened a sister restaurant and 18-seat slate-topped bar in The Mirage space formerly occupied by Moongate. With similar classic American cuisine designed by FIX executive chef Brian Massie, replicated by chef David Haynes---and a similar sleek décor---STACK is equally hip and comfortable. Dinner starts with a stack of two hot rolls, one sourdough and the other bacon-cheddar. Among the specialties are roasted tomato soup with a mini grilled cheese sandwich, and small plates such as miso black cod in lettuce cups and crab cakes with Louis sauce. We also like the hot rocks---carpaccio-style sliced sirloin that diners char on a sizzling-hot rock---and the crunchy ahi tuna tacos served with mango sauce in a miniature Mason jar. Among traditional-size plates is the three-tiered shellfish stack of Maine lobster, tiger prawns and seasonal crab and oysters. The “ultimate” ten-ounce Kobe burger is stacked with onions and Vermont cheddar. The 24-ounce cowboy steak features a rib-eye, while the 14-ounce Brooklyn filet is a bone-in filet mignon. Among main plates, our favorites are sea bass with lobster risotto and lamb shank with lentils and watercress. Ravioli is filled with spiced pumpkin, goat’s milk ricotta and sage. Specialty cocktails and the extensive wine list nicely complement the fare. Save room for the apple potpie with maple-pecan brittle ice cream."

"Voted Best Dive Bar"

Voted "Best Dive Bar" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best Of '07" Reader's Poll (Staff selection)

"One of the oldest bars downtown, this scruffy, come-as-you-are dive is as warm and inviting as a favorite old sweater. It has great drink specials -- including the buy four get one free card -- and free shows by local rockers on the weekends. There's always a motley crew of characters populating the place, from tattooed punks to city workers, making it a home away from home for thirsty misfits like us."

"Polly Esthers Needs Work"

Las Vegas Sun reviewer John Katsilometes on a new club with potential but for now still seems like work in progress

"After an opening party over the weekend that featured appearances by Deborah Gibson, Tiffany and Danny Bonaduce, the new Stratosphere nightclub Polly Esther's will have to stand on its own - in platform shoes.

The multifaceted 30,000-square-foot club is an adventurous trip through time, but seems a bit short on decor and personality. Only one of the four themed sub-clubs, the namesake Polly Esther's with its happy 1970s motif, seemed finished during Friday night's opening party. The room offers a vintage lighted dance floor, mirrored disco ball, dozens of 1970s-era photos (including a shot of Reggie Jackson in a Baltimore Orioles uniform, which is rare in that he played just one season for the O's), and a "Brady Bunch" display with Alice's middle square open for photo ops. Polly Esther's power to drive the party was evident in the dance moves of former Las Vegas Mayor and Arizona Charlie's Decatur General Manager Ron Lurie during Frankie Valli's "Grease."

But the three other venues are relatively tame. Culture Club, the '80s room, seems barren. Looming above Club 2000, the contemporary-themed club, is a vast black-painted wall that's looking for someone, maybe Las Vegas artist Dray, to provide some visual flair. A white Ford Bronco is the centerpiece of the lacking-in-character 1990s room NerveAna (as a companion noted, were we that superficial in the '90s?). One sighting in that room: Las Vegas City Councilman Gary Reese, who looked healthy after his recent bout with pneumonia but opted not to dance.

Other club quibbles: The Monica Lewinsky mannequin looks nothing like the real thing (matronly mannequins must not be easy to obtain), though the stained blue dress is a noble effort. A "Six Million Dollar Man" lunch box is displayed in the '80s Culture Club room - the show was popular during the '70s - and one of the '70s drinks is called Purple Rain. That's an '80s reference. Maybe they just weren't thinking. Or maybe I am showing my age."

"Top 10 Steak House"

Rated #3 in Gayot's "Top Ten Steak Houses in Las Vegas"

"Executive chef-owner Tom Colicchio created a menu with a wide range of choices served family-style. His chef de cuisine Matt Seeber prepares it perfectly. Complementing the fare is an extraordinary wine list, evidenced by the wall of wine bottles behind the massive 22-seat bar that spans the width of the lounge. Single malt scotches are also featured. For starters, we like the lobster bisque, Kobe beef tartare and roasted foie gras. The shellfish sampler---chilled lobster, red king crab, littleneck clams, oysters, shrimp cocktail and seaweed salad---is always popular. Among seafood entrées are braised Maine lobster and roasted diver scallops, king salmon and halibut. Carnivores like the roasted lamb loin and grilled veal T-bone, as well as the array of savory steaks. The 32-ounce roasted beef porterhouse for two is a winner. The extensive selection of sides includes butternut squash and chanterelle risotto, Japanese eggplant, and roasted asparagus and shiitake mushrooms. Chef Seeber offers several tasting menus for four or more. Chocolate mousse is among dessert favorites."

"Voted Best Wine Bar"

Voted #1 in "Best Wine Bar" in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll.

"Master Sommelier Barrie Larvin has gathered more than 120,000 bottles of wine for patrons to choose from. Prices range from $3 all the way up to $200,000 for the famous 1924 Mouton Rothschild. The world's very best and most rare wines can be found at the Rio's Wine Cellar Tasting Room. The $6 million collection includes the $1 million Chateau d' Yequem collection. Barrie Larvin moved to Las Vegas in 1996 to design this wine cellar for the Rio. The England native has more than 30 years of experience in wine tasting and wine making and has earned worldwide recognition as a leader in his field. The Wine Cellar features a tasting bar with nearly 300 wines available by the glass."

"Voted Best Wine Bar"

Voted #1 in "Best Wine Bar" in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll.

"Master Sommelier Barrie Larvin has gathered more than 120,000 bottles of wine for patrons to choose from. Prices range from $3 all the way up to $200,000 for the famous 1924 Mouton Rothschild. The world's very best and most rare wines can be found at the Rio's Wine Cellar Tasting Room. The $6 million collection includes the $1 million Chateau d' Yequem collection. Barrie Larvin moved to Las Vegas in 1996 to design this wine cellar for the Rio. The England native has more than 30 years of experience in wine tasting and wine making and has earned worldwide recognition as a leader in his field. The Wine Cellar features a tasting bar with nearly 300 wines available by the glass."

"Voted Top 10 Date Spot"

Voted #5 in "Best Date Spots" in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll.

"Romance, like love, doesn’t always come cheap. Located on level 107 of the Stratosphere Tower, the elegant Romance at Top of the World provides the perfect backdrop for impressing that special someone. The central bar and lounge area is a vision in deep burgundy accentuated with subdued lighting and candles. The music of the William Moran Jazz Trio and the amazing views of Las Vegas after dark have set the stage for more than a few marriage proposals.

There’s no cover charge for all this ambiance. However…the bar specializes in upscale beverages, among them The Top of The World Martini (Hennessy Paradis, Grand Mariner, and Ultimat CV Vodka -- shaken, not stirred) for $100. If that doesn’t faze you, there are also 12 private VIP sections offering luxurious trappings and bottle service. The casual chic dress code is strictly enforced."

"Voted Top 10 in Singles Scene"

Voted #7 (tie) in "Best Singles Scene" in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll.

"Perched 51 stories above the lights of Las Vegas, the Voodoo Lounge capitalized on its vantage point long before Strip-fronting balconies and patio seating became cool. When the weather permits (which is more often than not), DJs set up outside on the weekends, but there's always a live band playing indoors nightly. In addition to having one of the best views in town, the Voodoo Lounge also claims some of the best barkeeps and specialty drinks -- "flair bartending" was going on here before it became cool, too. Ask them to whip you up a Witch Doctor, a potent concoction made with four types of rum and tropical fruit juices. If that doesn't make you forget what ails you, nothing will."

"Voted Top 10 in Singles Scene"

Voted #7 (tie) in "Best Singles Scene" in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll.

"Most nightclub-slash-restaurants tend to favor one identity over the other. But Rumjungle has flourished in both pursuits, often to the same clientele. If the restaurant garners more attention sometimes, it's because patrons don't have to pass the "cool" test, administered by the club's bouncers, to get served. The decor is post-modern Ricky Ricardo, accentuated by conga drums, an eye-catching wall holding 160 flaming torches, elementally balanced by a water-wall effect and raindrop chandeliers. The real firewater is behind the bar, illuminated by 5,000 fiber-optically lit bottles of liquor, including 142 varieties of rum.

After 10PM, the club conversion begins, and a slightly older, wealthier crowd takes to the dance floor to the beat of techno, top 40, and a spicy mix of Latin house music, spun by DJ Toast. If you want to sit between dances, you have to pay for the privilege, because the booths are reserved for VIP customers, meaning those willing to pay the $20 cover."

"Voted #1 Dance Club"

Voted #1 in Best Dance Clubs in CityGuide "City's Best 2007" reader's poll.

"Go to the front of the line.
OPM is so money -- as in other people's. The airy space atop Chinois, Wolfgang Puck's Cantonese restaurant in the Caesars Forum Shops, caters to women: It happens to be one of Kelly Osbourne's favorite Vegas hangouts. Months after the club announced its Thursday evening ladies' night, it expanded it to a full-blown "Bi-Girl Party," where the bisexual, the curious and scores of hot and bothered men come to play. There's also a Friday night champagne party, in fact, ladies enjoy free champagne every night until midnight. Free chocolates and roses are also never in short supply for the fairer sex.

OPM's dance floor is one of the roomiest and friendliest in town. You'll never see crowds fighting for a spot in front of the DJ or next to the comfy tables running the length of the floor. Should your tootsies tire, there's a balcony that overlooks the Forum Shops, or a VIP room where, on many nights, you'll find someone trying her hand on the karaoke system. Another great perk: You don't have far to walk if you use the club's exclusive valet off Industrial Road. Just walk through the doors and you'll enter directly through the club's ropes."

"Voted Best Dance Club"

Voted "Best Dance Club" in Las Vegas Review-Journal's '07 Reader's Poll (staff selection)

"With laser light beams knifing through the air, an illuminated dance floor and servers in shiny silver get-ups, Moon looks kind of like a lost set from "2001: A Space Odyssey." And the club boasts some space-age flourishes as well, namely a gnarly retractable roof that opens up to the night sky. At long last, here's your chance to do the funky chicken beneath the heavens."

Voted #7 in Best Dance Clubs in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll

"If Star Trek’s Captain Kirk were still exploring the galaxy, his favorite spot for shore leave would be the Moon Nightclub, on the top floor of the Palms Fantasy Towers. Everything sparkles like stardust in this intimate club, from the celestial décor of gold, yellow, nickel and silver to the space-babe outfits of the sexy cocktail servers. The floor is covered with glass tiles hooked into a computerized lighting system that change colors as guests move across the dance floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dramatic view of the Las Vegas lights, and overhead a retractable roof opens to reveal an amazing view of the desert sky and stars. Private VIP rooms feature balconies and bottle service."

"Voted Top 10 Dance Club"

Voted #8 in Best Dance Clubs in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll

"Nightclubs on the Las Vegas Strip may be getting dangerously close to the saturation point, but Light at Bellagio is still a welcome addition to the club circuit. A joint collaboration between the original Light in New York City, and Hollywood producer Keith Barish ('The Fugitive'), the facility occupies 9,000 square feet above the resort's sports book.
In addition to the prerequisite state-of-the-art lighting and sound, expect a variety of custom details, particularly in the service area. Modeled after exclusive European clubs, Light surrounds its dance floor with vibrant fabrics draped on the walls and ceiling to create a more intimate mood of elegance. Between dances, guests are served in a VIP area, lounge seating or private table seating. The cocktail waitresses all dress in evening gowns and provide personal attention and hospitality."

"Voted Top 10 Dance Club"

Voted #10 in Best Dance Clubs in CityGuide's "City's Best 2007" reader's poll

"Treasure Island (TI) expands its move toward a more adult identity with Tangerine. The club features nightly burlesque shows witha bevy of bodacious bartenders and dancers. Former 'Baywatch' babe Carmen Electra, who has her own burlesque act in LA with the Pussycat Dolls, did the honors as the main dance attraction on the opening weekend. The swanky space includes an indoor lounge and outdoor deck. In between the sensual burlesque revues, DJs spin rock and dance music. "

"Voted Best Place to Shop When Price Is No Object"

Voted "Best Place to Shop When Price Is No Object " by Las Vegas Review Journal reader's poll.

"Year after year you're loyal to this shopping venue inside Caesars Palace. It's home to some of the most sought-after, prestigious names that exist in luxury shopping. From Gucci to Louis Vuitton, Versace to Roberto Cavalli, Bulgari to Escada, it's all here. Not to mention the stellar design of the expansion, which brought in beautifully painted ceilings, spiral escalators and more spectacular statues. Neiman Marcus is a distant second."

"Voted Best Locals Hotel"

Voted "Best Locals Hotel" by readers of Las Vegas Review Journal reader's poll

"Readers dethroned Green Valley Ranch after three consecutive victories in this category and bumped it to second place. Instead they navigate the bumpy Beltway to a different suburb and the Suncoast, which manages to fill up its parking lot on the fringe of Summerlin even without ever having enjoyed its own cable-TV reality series."

"Voted Worst Lounge Act"

Voted "Worst Lounge Act" by CityLife Magazine reader's poll

Big (Fat) Elvis, Clint Holmes, the Scintas (tie)

"What an interesting development! Two of the three winners in this category no longer perform on the Strip. Bloated Elvis left the building many years ago, and Holmes recently ended his six-and-a-half-year run at Harrah's. But the Scintas continue to -- judging from the ballots -- plague audiences with their blend of music, impressions and comedy. What did siblings Joe, Frank, Chrissi (and "adopted" brother Peter) ever do to you, CityLife readers? Did they break your mind with a Jerry Lewis bit? Crush you soul with a soulless version of "The Way We Were"? We take it back; maybe we don't want to know."

"Voted Best Wine Selection"

Voted Best Wine Selection by the readers of Las Vegas Review Journal reader's poll

"The very name of Grape Street makes us think of wine, and so does the decor, with its viney motifs and grapey colors. But we think readers choose it in this category -- again -- for the more than 75 wines available by the glass or bottle, as well as for all of the foods that go so well with those wines."

"Voted Best Lesbian Bar"

Voted "Best Lesbian Bar" by readers of CityLife Magazine reader's poll

"If you've ever been on the local lesbian party circuit -- or know someone who has -- you know Krave's oft-packed Saturday party is a slam-dunk choice over its Fruit Loop competitors. Girlbar, imported from L.A. but made local in Krave's intimate lounge (separate from the main club), boasts both a contagious, jubilant vibe and a babe-heavy patronage that even elicits stares from the homos next door. The party is also refreshingly welcoming; straight couples are occasionally spotted and gay men are (usually) tolerated. That said, Girlbar is first and foremost a ladies' night, and that's probably why you voted for it."

"Voted Best Sushi"

Voted "Best Sushi" by readers of CityLife Magazine reader's poll

"Just in time for its two-year anniversary, it seems this Fashion Show mall hotspot has finally caught on among the locals. It might have something to do with the attractive wait staff, cool décor and DJs spinning hot music seven nights a week. But in the end, the great raw fish and Japanese fusion cuisine are probably what keep you coming back for more. If you haven't been there for a while, make it a point to check out the brand new menu, with choices like mango ceviche, salmon skewer salad and king crab dynamite."

"Voted Best Brew Pub"

Voted "Best Brew Pub" in Las Vegas CityLife Magazine reader's poll

"Being stalked by a Nevada GOP gubernatorial candidate? You know where to go -- into the warm, comforting embrace of Gordon Biersch where, unlike other dining establishments, flirting is just flirting and not an invitation for a parking-garage grope. GB's food is awesome. The Meatloaf is a yummy blend of ground beef and Italian sausage; the Cornmeal Dusted Crab Cakes will make your tongue slap your brains out; and the Barbecue Salmon is fresh and seared just right. The beers -- Golden Export, Hefeweizen, Märzen -- are tasty and never "over-hopped." Chrissy Mazzeo knows where to run, and so do you, dear readers."

(An inside joke here. A Las Vegas waitress was a allegedly assaulted by the Nevada GOP governor candidate in a parking garage near Gordon Biersch)

"Voted Best Adult Attraction"

Voted "Best Adult Attraction" in AOL's CityGuide "City's Best 2007" (rated 9th best)

"Even in an anything-goes town like Las Vegas, there are places that are too wild for the tourist brochures. The Green Door is the city’s most celebrated social spot, which is a polite euphemism for sex club. Opened in 1998, the 18,000 square foot club is open to whatever behavior turns you on, with as many partners as you can handle, as long as you’re over 18, the hookups are consensual and no money is exchanged. To help the mood along, there are group beds and showers, unisex bathrooms and special spaces sporting themes from a dungeon to a doctor’s office. Other amenities include pool tables, Internet booths and a juice bar, but if you’re only there for a V-8 and a game of 8-ball, you’re in the wrong place."

Voted "Best Sex Club" by Las Vegas CityLife Magazine readers 2006.

"Bigger is better, at least in the Vegas-ized minds of CityLife readers. Five hundred beers in their favorite bar, 39 tables in their favorite pool hall and 18,000 square feet in their favorite safe haven for consenting adults -- take your forced and coercive sex somewhere else -- to "meet with friends or make new ones." Making friends can be hard, but as the largest sex club in the country, The Green Door boasts a slew of fetishy rooms -- the "Doctor's Office" and the "Pussywhip'd Dungeon" included -- that can help smooth the process a little for new members who are shy, yet know what they like in a person when they see it."

"Voted "Best After-Hours Party""

Voted "Best After-hours Party" 2006 by CityLife Magazine

"We might as well not even ask readers to vote on this category next year. Despite increased competition in the blue-dawn hours party market from Empire Ballroom and Seamless, the basement club still holds a special place in the blackened hearts and addled minds of local late-nighters. Although Jesse Waits, the longtime face of Drai's, has been spending the bulk of his time at Tryst, the rowdy yet cozy joint keeps banging. Your eardrums. Your fists. Your synapses."

"Voted "Best Dive Bar""

Voted "Best Dive Bar" by Las Vegas Review Journal "Best of Las Vegas" Reader's Poll.

"Readers overwhelmingly appreciate a bar where they can buy vomit insurance. And hard-core drinkers would do well to make the investment when knocking 'em back at the gloriously gritty Double Down Saloon. "You puke, you clean" reads a handwritten sign above the bar. With some of the best drink specials in town -- $4 for a can of Schlitz and a shot of the club's signature, eye-watering Ass Juice from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. -- and a gnarly, graffiti-heavy decor evocative of a subway (in hell), the Double Down is the best bet for those who take their liquor seriously."

"Voted "Best Place to Dance""

Voted "Best Place to Dance" in Review Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" Reader's Poll

"There's something for everyone at Studio 54, even bungee jumpers, wall walkers and acrobats, all of whom make their presence felt at this larger-than-life discotheque. The club caters to all types: the ground level is for the tourists, while the upstairs features another plus-sized dance floor and a luxurious VIP lounge as inviting as a lover's embrace. The club is decorated with black-and-white photos taken from the original Studio 54 in New York City, one of the most storied clubs in history. But having won this category for the seventh year in a row, its Las Vegas counterpart has become just as legendary."

"Voted "Should Be Imploded""

Voted "Hotel Most Deserving of Being Imploded" in the Review Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" reader's poll.

"For the fourth year in a row, you select the New Frontier as not nearly new enough and vote it a spot at the top of the Strip Hit List. Maybe it's just because you like a good party, and implosions are to Las Vegans what summer band concerts on the village green are to small-town Iowans. And, even if you don't disagree with readers, it's OK to feel a pang of sadness felt whenever a classic hotel has to be put down like a lame hunting dog. Circus Circus, another example of classic Vegas, secures the runner-up spot by a single vote."

"Voted "Best Adult Store""

Voted "Best Adult Store" by Review Journal Staff

"It sits amid a sea of adult stores on Industrial Road, but what sets Deja Vu Love Boutique apart from the competition is its welcoming atmosphere. Aside from the products that stock the shelves in this boutique, it's hard to tell the type of store you're in. Even the presentation of the books, games and other items that extend beyond just adult toys, is well-executed. Not only will the tasteful, aesthetic-friendly design of the store remind you more of a clothing boutique than an adult store, but the racks will, too. This store carries a wide variety of gear that can work in a nightclub, bedroom or gentleman's club."

"Voted "Best Club Event" -- Rehab"

Hard Rock's Sunday "Rehab" was Voted "Best Club Event" by the readers of CityLife Magazine.

"While not technically a club event, the Hard Rock's feral poolside luau has all the makings of a nightlife soiree. Only it's outside. During the day. And people are half-naked. Unhinged though it may be for revelers, "Rehab" is actually a well-oiled money-machine run by Chad Pallas, Jack LaFleur and Adam Nixon, a trio of promoters-innovators whose suntanned baby is often imitated but never duplicated. Lots of tweaks were made this year to the pool area's layout, with possibly even more coming next year, says LaFleur. Adding of the Sunday party, "It's an entirely different animal. Vegas people understand that about it." As do a lot of others."

"Voted Best Brunch"

Voted "Best Brunch" by STAFF of Las Vegas Review-Journal in their annual "Best of Las Vegas" '07 poll

"Of course they have the omelet station here. Go ahead, try it with the shrimp and scallops. After all, you're in Paris or at least a retail corridor that sort of, kind of looks like it. But they also have a crepe station, because you're in ... well, you know."

Voted "Best Strip Hotel" by STAFF of Las Vegas Review Journal in their annual "Best of Las Vegas" '06 poll.

"Give us a scale model of the Eiffel Tower and fake cloud-painted ceiling, and we melt like Gomez Addams when Morticia speaks French. When your relatives visit you can park in one of the Strip's more easily navigable garages, have an unusual buffet at Le Village, view Bellagio's fountains from atop the mock Eiffel Tower, then unwind in Le Cabaret, one of the few quality open lounges that still features show bands."

"NY NY's Manhattan Express Voted Best Amusement Ride"

Manhattan Express voted "Best Amusement Ride" by Las Vegas Review Journal reader's poll

"You, fair readers, are far more courageous than us. You have nerves of steel, and stomachs tougher than Chuck Norris. We know this, because for the fourth straight year you've braved the Manhattan Express and named it the city's best amusement ride. You've subjected yourself to drops of 144 feet, a terrifying vertical loop and a "heartline" twist at speeds as high as 67 mph. And somehow, you've lived to tell us about it. Thanks for making us feel like a bunch of sissies. Stratosphere's Big Shot screams its way into second place."

"Voted "Best Strip Club""

Voted "Best Strip Club" in CityLife Magazine poll

"What to say about the Rhino, as it's known far and wide across the valley to any and all who enjoy lap dances and lurid tales of strippers' ex-boyfriends, except that you, sprung readers, can't pull yourself away long enough to visit one of our city's many other gentlemen's clubs, like Scores, Minxx or, oh hell, any one of the other houses of unholiness dotting our roadways and back alleys? We guess the answer is simple: Once you fall in love, no matter how many times you're rebuked, the feeling is always strong enough to make you drop another $20 at the same place you did last week."

"Voted Best Place to Spot Celebrities"

Voted Best Place to Spot Celebrities in Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" readers poll '07 (staff pick)

"For a while, Tao's guest list was the barometer of sickeningly undeserved fame. But since Britney's New Year's Eve collapse, all Hollywood publicists send their clients here for the tabloid coverage they claim is unwanted. This velvet rope has become more difficult to pass than a 2-pound kidney stone."

Voted Best Nightclub in Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" readers poll '07

The best place for celebrity sightings outside the Review-Journal newsroom, Pure is where the beautiful people -- and Paris Hilton -- flock to revel in their fabulousness. Sure, you could do your taxes, tune nine pianos and rebuild the engine to a '75 Ford Pinto in the time it takes to get into the place, but with 36,000 square feet of opulence and a swank terrace with some of the best views of the Strip, it will be worth the wait.

(Voted "Best Nightclub" and "Worst Club Line" in CityLife magazine poll)

Best Nightclub
"No matter how critical of the megaclub we've been, there's one thing we can't take away from it: People fucking love this place. Just check the line, an undulating mass of looky-loos and eager-beavers dressed to impress -- or just to show off their pecs and tits. Lorded over by resident DJs Hollywood, AM and Frank Richards, Pure continues to attract a rich tapestry of rich celebs to its pearly gates, while maintaining a Tuesday night soiree dedicated to us golden locals, a tough balancing act the club manages with a surprising ease."

Worst Club Line

"To our mind, all club lines suck the holy life shining inside your body out your anal pore. Seriously, have you seen Body English on a Sunday night? What about Tao on a Thursday? Both are, like, nine people thick in spots. Still, we sympathize with your anointment of the Caesars Palace megaclub's heathen gathering outside its doors, if for no other reason than there's more than one line. Last count, we spotted three -- one of which was devoted exclusively to women. So, yeah, Pure's line sucks. But so does everyone else's."

"Rated "Best Thrift/Vintage Clothing Store""

(Voted "Best Thrift/Vintage Clothing Store" in CityLife Magazine poll)

While most vintage shops charge a hefty price and you might spend days digging through thrift store duds to get to the good stuff, Buffalo Exchange sorts it all out for you and for a reasonable price. Although sometimes a tad snotty, the staff are usually knowledgeable and helpful. And the chain can boast something else: They are the first to win this new category.

"Best Late Night Dining"

"Rated Best Steakhouse"

(Voted "Best Steakhouse" in CityLife magazine poll)

Packed with celebrities virtually any night of the week, N9Ne is clearly the place for the Hollywood set to grab themselves a slab of beef when they're partying here in Las Vegas. But apparently its high energy, cool décor and great steaks have struck a chord with you as well. None of that comes cheap, however, but apparently when you're partying at the Palms, you're not thinking about the price tag.

"Rated "Best House Music DJ""

(Voted "Best House Music DJ" in CityLife magazine poll)

Best House Music DJ -- "Morningstar" a.k.a. Kian Amiri

"For a guy that's only been in Vegas a year, Kian Amiri has landed more gigs than many a jobless jock haunting clubs, passing out their CDs, forlornly hanging around the bar and complaining to anyone within earshot of the DJ, "That guy sucks." Originally from L.A., Amiri U-Hauled it to Vegas because of the sheer volume of opportunities here, staking out a spot at Krave (where, in addition to house, he also spins Goth industrial on Fridays) and Tao (where he indulges his love of electro and tribal house on Tuesdays). And even though he fled the Golden State, he still managed to maintain a residency at one of its more jabbered about venues, Arena."

"Voted Best Live Music Venue"

Voted Best Music Venue in Las Vegas Review-Journal "Best of Las Vegas" Poll '07 (reader's pick)

If it's good enough for Slayer, it's good enough for you, apparently. Hence, the House of Blues has been voted Las Vegas' top music venue once again. One of the busiest concert clubs in town with shows nearly every night of the week, the HOB is one of the rare venues where you can see Common and Cannibal Corpse under the same roof. The MGM Grand Garden arena plays some mean air guitar in second place.

Voted "Best Live Music Venue" in CityLife Magazine '06

"For 2006, House of Blues Las Vegas continued to put on every kind of show under the sun -- from Blood Brothers (screamo) to Tenacious D (comedic butt-rock), from Rainer Maria (alternative) to Black Dahlia Murder (black metal). Which probably explains why, year after year, this casino-encased club wins in this category. And with more than a few concerts going at the two-for-one price these days, you can sometimes wait to buy your tickets until the week before and save money. Walloping sound, dynamic lighting and pretty bartenders? That's what we like to call in this business a "plus three.""

"Rated "Best Bar""

(Rated "Best Bar" in CityLife magazine)

"Adam Carmer's place across from UNLV is expanding. Again. The hydroponics shop next door is gone now, along with the interior wall that once kept it separate from the Freakin' Frog, a locally beloved hipster haunt featuring 500-plus beers from around the whole drunken world. New plasma screen TVs, neon, a grand piano, frequent live music and the enigmatic, retro-austere Whisky Attic upstairs (featuring the biggest whisky selection in the United States) make for a scene that, if it gets any more eclectic, may become intolerably disorienting even without help from a sea of exotic booze."