The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Mt. Charleston range and a wind advisory is also in effect for the Las Vegas Valley. Predictions that a cold storm sweeping into the area could produce a foot or more of snow in nearby mountains and near-freezing temperatures in residential areas around Las Vegas.
It's not too late to get in on the end of the Caesars Entertainment 72-hour Cyber-Monday sale. Click the "Promotions" box on the home page to access great deals from Caesars properties all over the U.S. The deals are set to expire at midnight.
Italian restaurant franchise Buca di Beppo is expanding to the Las Vegas Strip and hiring 75 workers for its restaurant at the Excalibur. The restaurant is scheduled to open Dec. 23 in the space formerly occupied by Regale Ristorante Italiano. Those interested can in applying in person at the Excalibur's banquet rooms Dec. 5-9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cantor Gaming continues to build its position in Las Vegas with the announcement that it will take over sports book operations at the Palms. The current book will continue to operate until the conclusion of the NCAA basketball tournament, then close for a complete remodel that's scheduled to be completed in August. A temporary sports book will be set up near the Mint Lounge in the interim. The acquisition now gives Cantor control of the sports books at seven Las Vegas casinos.
The December issue of the LVA newsletter has been posted and is ready to read online for all subscribers. This issue includes our annual December room-rate survey, complete with a list of vacancies and rates for NYE; a discussion about James Grosjean and his new pit-game strategy cards; the latest drinking and dining specials, including $2 oysters, $19.95 lobster, and 50-cent beer, and much more!
The 53rd annual National Finals Rodeo starts tomorrow and most of the stars and fans are already here and ready to get the festivities started. Tonight at 6 p.m. the 25th Annual Downtown Hoedown takes place at the Fremont Street Experience and features entertainment by Country stars Lee Brice, Craig Morgan, and others.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway kicks off Champion's Week by hosting the NASCAR Fanfest today at the Fremont Street Experience at noon. This event is free and open to the public and features show cars, displays, and a red-carpet walk by the 12 Chase drivers.
Conrad Murray, the Las Vegas-based doctor found guilty of involuntary homicide in the death of singer Michael Jackson, has been given the maximum jail sentence of four years. He will also lose his license to practice medicine.
It's open mic night tonight at The Bikini Bar (3355 Spring Mountain Rd., just a block away from our office!), with $2 tequila shots all night.
Vegas! The Show, which performs in the Saxe Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops, has been nominated for four Broadway.com awards in the "Vegas" category, including Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress. Click here to add your votes, which also cover categories including Best Concert Venue, Best Theater, Best Nightclub, Best Comedy Club, and more.
This Friday downtown hosts the ever-growing arts festival, which continues to grow and will feature seasonal entertainment for kids this month. Click here for details (courtesy of SaveLV.com).
The LVCVA and the Las Vegas 51s have just announced that the Texas Rangers will take on the Chicago Cubs at Cashman Field for the 2012 Big League Weekend. The teams will play two games the weekend of March 17-18.
Now through Dec. 16, donate a new, unopened gift valued $5 or more at the El Cortez and receive $10 in free play. Donations will be accepted at the casino cage from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily during the drive, which is in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Las Vegas.
There are only a couple of days left to register for the 7th annual Great Santa Run, which takes place Dec. 3, benefitting Opportunity Village, so sign up now if you want to take part.
A deal to buy Boyd Gaming's Dania Jai-Alai fronton in Florida has fallen through. The buyers had planned to convert the facility into a casino and deep-water marina, but the acquisition time frame wasn't met.
If you're surfing today, check out the 72-hour sale at Caesars Entertainment properties by clicking the link in the home-page "Promotions" box. While there are some great rates for Las Vegas hotels, the best deals in this sale are for non-Las Vegas properties, where the discounts are 40%-50%! So if you regularly go to Reno/Tahoe, Atlantic City, Tunica, Joliet, St. Louis, Kansas City, or even San Diego, these could be the best rates you'll see till Cyber Monday 2012.
A UNLV professor is developing a smartphone app to help problem gamblers stay out of trouble. The app would provide informational messages and reminders, such as "Hey, did you know video poker is a stupid waste of money?" While that example was offered as a joke, the messages will be designed to remind gamblers of the dangers of losing control.
"Winter in Venice" is running at Venetian/Palazzo. It's a big holiday display fronting out front that features a synthetic "ice-skating" rink. The rink is open from 11 to 11 daily and the fee to skate is $15 for 45 minutes. There's also a 65-foot Christmas tree made of lights that's relit on the hour from 6:30 to 10:30 pm.
Tomorrow is a big day for room-rate bargain shoppers, as all of the major casinos will put up offers for 24- to 72-hour online deals on rooms. The rates are amazing and can be booked for future dates. We'll list many of them in the home-page Promotions box.
The UNLV Rebels basketball team got one of it's biggest wins in years last night, beating number-one-ranked North Carolina 90-80. It was UNLV's first win over a top-ranked opponent since 1989 and the team is now 7-0.
Voters in Bossier City have approved a $195 million Margaritaville-themed casino with 400 hotel rooms, 1,275 slots, and 38 table games. The Shreveport-Bossier City area targets Dallas, and is hoping to lure back customers lost to the Oklahoma casinos. Completion is scheduled for May 2013.
The District at Green Valley Ranch is running another of its holiday show-ticket incentives for shoppers. Buy $350 in gift cards (which you can buy things with yourself) and get two tickets to Phantom, Blue Man, or Le Reve. Get Phantom tickets for shopping Nov. 25-Dec. 1, Blue Man for Dec. 2-8, Le Reve Dec. 9-15, and your choice Dec. 16-22. Get one set of two tickets for every $350 in purchases while supplies last. It's a good reason to do your shopping there.
McCarran International Airport is adding a $3 million shopping mall in Concourse D. Six shops, including Hugo Boss and Guess, are expected to be operating by early 2013.
Earn 250 points Mondays through Fridays in December at the Hard Rock, and get a pick from the grab bag. Prizes include gift cards, dining credits, and slot free-play.
The Las Vegas Hilton is changing its name. As of January 3, the official name will be LVH-Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The change was necessitated by the expiration of the casino's contract with Hilton Worldwide.
Scott DeGraff, co-owner with Michael Morton of the upscale N9NE Group, was found dead yesterday of an apparent suicide. DeGraff had suffered several recent legal and business setbacks. The N9NE Group created many of the biggest nightclub and restaurant names in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Dallas, including Rain, The Playboy Club, and the N9NE steakhouse, all at the Palms. DeGraff and Morton met when they were both nine years old, which led to the famous company name.
It looks like the days are numbered for Viva Elvis at Aria. It's expected that the resort will end its relationship with the show "at the end of next year," making it the first Cirque du Soleil production to close in Las Vegas.
Anthony Curtis has just posted his weekly Football Update at LVASports.com, so check it out for the latest on contest news, MNF parties, and more.
Most of the casinos are offering Thanksgiving dinners today in their restaurants. South Point is awarding 5X points on slots and 2X on video poker.
Look out for some Cyber Monday madness in the pipeline, but some of our partners couldn't wait and are already posting deals, with Thanksgiving specials from Excalibur and Luxor and a pre-Black Friday deal from the Mirage. These offers are not available to the general public, but to view and book them, all you need to do is sign up with your email address for our totally free LVAGold program and then log on to our Hotel Deals page to view and book member-only special offers.
Boyd Gaming is celebrating recent honors awarded to its B Connected player rewards program by giving members the chance to win an iPad2. Click here to log in for details on how to win.
Don't forget to stay tuned for some amazing Cyber Monday deals from our hotel partners, some of which will be open to everyone to take advantage of, some of which will be exclusive to members of our FREE LVAGold program. (You don't even need to be a member of LVA to take advantage -- just click here to sign up here to register your email address so we can send you the special deals.)
Today's R-K reports an apology from Station Casinos to those members of its Boarding Pass program who received mailers detailing four different $250 offers of free play; the offers should correctly have read $5. Apparently, the faulty mailers were sent to about one percent of customers, whose offers will now be revised.
With everyone gearing up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Station Casinos has launched its sale early, with hotel rooms discounted at up to 50%-off at 10 of its 17 valley-wide properties. Some of the lowest hotel rates in this "Super Sale" will be less than $20 and are available for both locals and out-of-town guests, but must be booked no later than November 28. The promo is available online only; visit www.stationcasinos.com or individual property websites for more details.
We've learned that was Discreet gentlemen's club on Polaris (formerly Minxx), which closed abruptly a couple of months back, has reopened as a gay club called Share.
The Venetian and Palazzo's "Winter in Venice" promotion is underway, including the resorts' winger attractions, including a synthetic ice rink outside the Venetian, adjacent to the gondola rides. Skating sessions cost $19 per person ($14 for Grazie members), and include ice-skate rental through January 8 and sessions are 30 minutes.
In addition, a nightly "Holiday Spectacular" will feature a light show and holiday performance, set off by a 65-foot LED holiday tree and festive music, with show times at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 p.m. at The Venetian’s Doge’s Palace.
Attorneys continue to argue over the $700 million in damages at stake over the failed $2.9 billion Fontainebleau resort, reports Vegas Inc., with 46 lenders and investments funds suing top names in the development and gaming industries in hopes of recovering some of their losses from the long-stalled resort-casino. Click the link for details of the ongoing legal quagmire.
Wynn race and sports director Johnny Avello has released his final odds for the "Dancing with the Stars" finale tonight, making J.R. Martinez, who's paired with Karina Smirnoff, the 6 to 5 favorite, with Rob Kardashian and partner Cheryl Burke pegged at 8 to 5, and dance team Ricki Lake and Derek Hough at 7 to 2. The Season 13 final airs at 9 p.m. on ABC. The line is made just for fun; no wagers can be accepted on this event.
After a five-year tug of war, Gov. Deval Patrick has finally signed a bill legalizing casinos in Massachusetts. The governor signed the historic measure at the Statehouse on Tuesday, allowing for up to three resort-style casinos and one slots parlor in the state.
Apparently, Soutthwest Airlines couldn't wait until Friday to launch their Black Friday deal, so starting today, customers can save up to 50% off their Las Vegas vacation when they stay at an MGM Mirage resort. Look out for a Cyber Monday day running on the 28th for 24 hours only, too.
No, there are still only three of them, but Blue Man Group is adding extra performances to their schedule at the Venetian for Thanksgiving weekend, with additional 4 p.m. shows on Friday, Nov 25 and Saturday Nov. 26.
On Dec. 3rd Downy and mobile application SCVNGR will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for Largest Digital Scavenger Hunt. Hosted by actress and comedian Amy Sedaris. The winning team will win an exciting $20,000 jackpot prize! Participants will also be invited to help Downy break the Guinness World Record for Largest Digital Scavenger Hunt. Participants will to use their smartphones to use sniff out the SCVNGR challenges hidden amidst the best scent experiences up and down the Las Vegas Strip, with a grand prize of $20,000 going to the winners. The event will kick off at the Bank nightclub at Bellagio at 11:30 a.m and participation is limited to the first 750 registrants, so sign up now to avoid disappointment. Click here for more details.
Bob Dancer has posted his latest weekly column and sees the video poker maestro weighing up the pros and cons of casino drawings and how to determine which are worthwhile.
The first moves toward Project Linq are underway, commencing with a remodel of two-thirds of the Flamingo's 3,500 hotel rooms, the start of a rebranding and renovation of the whole property. The $10 million renovation project is expected to be completed by May, reports the R-J, with some 500 new "FAB" rooms, featuring hard wood floors and new furnishings, expected to be ready by Jan. 2.
Taking a leaf out of the Palms' book, the Rio's just announced that Las Vegas-based KJ Kitchen will open a new venue in the hotel, offering dim sum lunch options, plus nightly chef's specials and seafood selections. The new venue is due to debut before the end of the year.
Recycled Percussion has postponed its 24-hour fundraising concert at the Hard Rock Cafe, scheduled for tomorrow, due to illness. The event was due to kick off tomorrow at 10 p.m. and run through 10 p.m. Nov. 23 but founder Justin Spencer has been diagnosed with a severe viral infection and exhaustion on Sunday and has been advised not to perform the 24-hour show this week, although the band will continue to perform its regular show at the Tropicana.
The Whisky Attack at the Freakin' Frog is celebrating Thanksgiving Week with a series of whisky events today through Wednesday, including tastings and the chance to chat with experts, plus the chance to bid in an auction of items donated by the community to benefit Downs Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, including a very rare bottle of 1937 vintage Paul Roger Champagne. Events start at 7 p.m. nightly and tasting programs start at $100.
Beginning Nov. 24 and running through Dec. 31, the Saxe Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops will feature a special holiday show called Santa's Magical Circus, which will perform daily at 6 p.m. Regular tickets are $49.99 for adults and $19.99 for kids, but a complimentary ticket is available with purchase of show tix to Vegas! The Show or V: The Ultimate Variety Show, which perform in the Saxe and V Theaters, respectively.
Last Friday the Tropicana Casino and Resort laid off 35 workers, while earlier in the week 150 were let go from ACH (formerly the Atlantic City Hilton), as the east coast gambling destination continues to struggle against competition from neighboring states, among other factors.
The chef will be signing copies of his new cookbook, Holiday Dinners with Bradley Ogden, from 5 p.m. today in his eponymous restaurant inside Caesars Palace.
The Suncoast has brought back its good buffet comp. Earn 300 points and get a free breakfast or lunch, or earn 900 and get a dinner buffet or a $10 credit in Cafe Siena. You keep the points.
With the approval of final gambling legislation a governor's signature away in Massachusetts, casino hopefuls are lining up for a crack at the market. With three full-scale and one slots-only casino allowed, it's being called the biggest gambling expansion since the Ohio legislation of 2009. Caesars Entertainment Corp., Hard Rock, Ameristar, Penn National, and the Mohegan Sun tribe are among the companies jockeying for position.
Columnist Robin Leach reports that Sugar Factory has proven so successful at Paris, the Mirage, and Planet Hollywood, that a new venue will open at MGM Grand, where lots of changes are underway (see recent entries in "Today's News" about the nightlife shake-up underway.)
It's the second annual Mustachio Bashio hosted by Silverton, in conjunction with Zappos.com. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will feature a mashed potato eating contest, the Mr Stash 2011 contest ($1,000 first prize), live Karaoke, and drink specials. Buy a limted edition Mustachio Bashio T-shirt and receive $1 beers all night. Judges will choose the contestant with the best mustache and proceeds from the event will benefit the Movember Foundation for Prostate Cancer.
In tonight's UFC main event, Mauricio Rua is a -150 favorite over Dan Henderson. In the other high-profile matches, Cung Le is a -170 favorite over Wanderlei Silva and Urijah Faber is also -170 over Brian Bowles.
Tickets, which start at $69, go on sale today at noon for Kelly Clarkson's scheduled April 5 concert at The Pearl at the Palms, while tickets for Guns N' Roses New Year's Eve concert at The Joint at the Hard Rock, which start at $95, go on sale today at 10 a.m.
A reminder that the third and final Clark County surplus auction of the year takes place today, with everything from cars to Kindles up for grabs. The event takes place at a storage lot at 4320 Stephanie St. (off Flamingo Road, near Dog Fancier’s Park), and you must pre-register in order to bid. A list of items in the sale can be seen at www.tntauction.com.
It's just been announced that Shanghai Lilly at Mandalay Bay will close on Saturday to make way for a new, but as yet unannounced venue.
Talking of food, if you didn't get the memo, don't miss out on our current offer on the new 2012 edition of Eating Las Vegas: Purchase now for 25% off the cover price, plus free shipping! (We have the title in-house now; Amazon still is showing a 4-7 week wait on fulfilment.)
Kung Fu Plaza (3505 South Valley View Blvd.), which is apparently the oldest Thai restaurant in Las Vegas, has become the first Asian restaurant in town to become a Certified Angus Beef licensee, having been approved following a six-month review process by Sysco. According to the restaurant's owner, most Asian restaurants use tenderizers, chemicals, and other methods - such as pounding the meat - to create the illusion of tender meat from cheaper cuts, but asserts that Kung Fu Plaza has "never used any other method to tenderize the meat other than buying the best Angus beef available."
With nearly 10,000 people now forced to evacuate, at least 20 homes lost, and a fatality, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared the fire in Reno a major disaster, with fears that the blaze could rage through Saturday.
The move by French investment group Bernard Tapie to purchase gambling site Full Tilt, first announced back in September (see "Today's News" 9/30/11), has taken a step forward following news of a preliminary agreement from the U.S. attorney's office in New York that could pave the way for prosecutors brokering a sale that would help gamblers get their money back.
As part of its ongoing "TGIF" promo, Caesars Entertainment is offering rooms starting as low as $40 at Paris, which beats any other deal for this property we've seen lately, plus there's no resort fee. The catch is that you have to BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!. Offer expires at midnight PST Friday, Nov. 18; use code: IPTGF.
Tickets for individual performances of the inaguaral 26 shows at the new Smith Center for the Performing Arts went on sale today. Tickets start at $24 for shows including The Color Purple, Mary Poppins, Million Dollar Quartet, and Memphis. Visit www.TheSmithCenter.com for more details.
The Nevada Gaming Commission has unanimously approved Leonard Green & Partners L.P. and TPG Capital as new owners of the Palms under an agreement that gives them a 98 percent stake in the off-Strip property.
Caesars Palace is looking to hire 450 employees to staff the new Octavius Tower, which debuts Jan. 2. Both front- and back-of-house positions are available; apply at www.caesars.com/employment.
Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has declared a state of emergency in northern Nevada, where a 400-acre wildfire that started last night has already destroyed more than 20 homes in Reno, closed 90 schools, and forced thousands to evacuate.
Anthony Curtis just posted his eleventh Football Update LVASports.com, with the latest news and reviews from the Vegas football scene.
Morgans Hotel Group Co. today announced that it has purchased a 90% controlling interest in Las Vegas-based nightlife and restaurant company The Light Group, which operates numerous venues throughout the MGM Mirage group. A spokesman for Morgans said the acquisition "fulfills our strategic goal of having industry-leading F&B capabilities in-house" as well as giving the company a platform in a number of Strip properties.
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali will celebrate his 70th birthday party at MGM Grand on February 18, reports the R-J. A spokesman for the LVCVA said the city wanted to thank him for making Las Vegas the boxing capital of the world.
Gossip columnist Norm! reports in the R-J that the Playboy Club at the Palms has terminated all the official bunny dealers, plus the "bunny mom," who was responsible for enforcing the brand's rigorous standards. The dealers will apparently be replaced by contract workers to be poached from party pits at other casinos.
While the struggling ACH (formerly Atlantic City Hilton) is to receive a $27 million cash injection from parent company Colony Capital to help keep it operating, plans are advancing for the proposed boutique Hard Rock hotel-casino. According to plans submitted to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission Wednesday, the proposal is to build a new $465-million, 208-room resort that should take between 21 and 23 months to complete and create an estimated 2,000 construction jobs and more than 1,400 permanent openings.
Here are the highlights for this pre-Thanksgiving weekend:
While the "Occupy Vegas" movement gained recent praise for its peaceful nature, it's just been reported that police have arrested some 20 protesters after they blocked Las Vegas Boulevard outside downtown's courthouse this morning.
Following its dubious experiment at the Rio, Sapphire yesterday won approval from the Clark County Commission for a use permit to build an adult -- but non-topless -- pool next to the gentelemen's club on Industrial Rd. The pool would share the club's liquor license and patrons and dancers will be able to move freely between the two venues, but they will be separate entities due to a 2001 agreement that outlawed any expansion of what was then the largest (now second largest) gentlemen's club in the world.
It's the annual Beaujolais Nouveau release day and French restaurants around town are celebrating. Mon Ami Gabi at Paris is offering a special five-course Beaujolais-inspired menu today through Wednesday, Nov. 23, while Michel Richard's new Central at Caesars is hosting a party from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring a special French menu and live jazz from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
It's the last FEED Farmer's Market of the season downtown today, which will take place in Azul (7th and Ogden) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring at least 15 local producers, plus live music.
Recycled Percussion, currently headlining at the Tropicana, will attempt to break by playing a 24-hour gig at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip starting at 10 p.m. November 22, to raise money for Toys for Tots. The show's slated to last until 10 p.m. November 23; bring a $10 donation or a new, unopened toy to enter.
Our expert video poker columnist takes to the high seas this week, with tales of advantage play on a Caribbean cruise ship...
It's been rumored for some weeks, but today comes the official confirmation that nightclub Studio 54, modeled after the iconic disco-era original in New York, will close its doors Jan. 8 after a 14-year run on the Strip. It has not yet been announced what will take its place.
Bloomberg is reporting that gaming giant Caesars Entertainment is once again moving towards an Initial Public Offering of its assets, having canceled an attempt to go public almost a year ago. Renewed strength in the stock market, as borne out by recent successful IPOs from Zynga and Groupon, is apparently encouraging the company to issue an IPO, but for around only 10 percent of the $532 million they were seeking last year.
We already have two rival Observation Wheel projects competing on the Strip (see Question of the Day 09/10/11); now, following the ground-breaking this week for Las Vegas Splash on the west side of town, comes word of a second water park, this time for Henderson.
Apparently, a different developer has plans for a 22-acre water park near the Galleria Mall, for which a conditional use permit has been issued by the Henderson Planning Commission, but financing is not yet in place, so we're not holding our breath on this one.
Cantor Gaming announced today that it has extended its In-Running wagering schedule for the NFL season. Previously only available for selected NFL games, the race and sports book operator has now extended its mobile platform to include money lines, point lines, and totals on all NFL games during their time outs.
Employers, including those in the fields of administrative, customer service, hospitality, and medicine are among those hosting a job fair today at Texas Station from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. All job seekers are welcome to submit resumes, network with human resource managers and the event, and receive a free resume review.
Tomorrow, Thursday Nov. 17, sees Nevada's Big Give, a 24-hour community giving event, when people are encouraged to donate to their favorite non-profit organizations in the state, including Springs Preserve, Nevada Rock Art Foundation, Nevada Opera Association, Nevada Elite Football Club, Smiles for Survivors, Nevada SPCA No-Kill Animal Shelter, and many other causes. The aim is to raise $1,000,000 during the 24-hour fundraising drive.
Clark County and a number of public agencies will host the last and largest of the tri-annual government surplus auctions this Saturday, Nov. 19 and interested bidders are urged to preregister during a three-day preview and preregistration period that starts today and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. at the County storage lot at 4320 Stephanie St., off Flamingo Road near Dog Fancier’s Park. The auctions feature items used or acquired by government agencies ranging from cars and trucks to office equipment and lost and found merchandise, including five months’ worth of lost and found items from McCarran International Airport, including jewelry, computers, cameras, Kindles, and i-Pods. Click here for more information.
Well, obviously the lights aren't chocolate, because they'd melt, but the holiday lights are now on at Ethel M's Cactus Garden in Henderson.
Eating Las Vegas author Al Mancini will be on KXTE radio this morning, 107.5FM, somewhere around 6:30. The 2012 edition of our dining guide is in-house and shipping now.
Construction has begun on Splash Canyon Water Park, the new attraction on the west side of town slated to open Memorial Day 2012. The $18 million waterpark will initially cover some 25 acres, with future expansion phases planned that will expand it to 40 acres. Click to visit the website for more information and a peek at what the park's going to look like.
What new development in Las Vegas most excited you in 2011? Vote in our current Reader Poll -- it closes at midnight!
The Original Pancake Houses at Green Valley Ranch and Aliante Station have closed, reports Vegas Inc., continuing Station Casino's trend of reclaiming restaurant venues previously operated by third party franchisees. A spokesman for the breakfast franchise said the leases were up; no new plans have been announced as yet for the empty spaces. Two Original Pancake Houses remain in Las Vegas, located at Charleston and Decatur and at Fort Apache and Flamingo.
Magician Rick Thomas, currently performing in the David Saxe Theater, will open for a temporary holiday run at the Tropicana Dec. 9 to 31. Tickets and information are available at troplv.com or call 702/739-2411.
Fodor's has named The Cosmopolitan among the 100 best hotels in the world, nominating it in the "New and Noteworthy" category, while Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter, Skylofts at MGM Grand, Las Vegas Tower Suites at both Wynn and Encore were all awarded Five Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide. Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand and Mandarin Oriental's Twist by Pierre Gagnaire were also awarded Five Stars in the restaurant category.
Cosmo has no less than four restaurants included in the "Essential 50" in Eating Las Vegas 2012, including a new Top 10 pick, while Mandarin Oriental also has a Top 10 listing for the second consecutive year.
The 41-year-old Western Hotel and Casino downtown will close Jan. 16, putting 90 employees out of work, owner Tamares Real Estate announced today. This follows last month's move to cut back on 24-hour gambling, due to low late-night demand. There are no current plans to redevelop the property, apparently.
Legendary rockers Guns N' Roses will headline this New Year's Eve at The Joint at the Hard Rock. Tickets, which start at $95, go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19.
Also from Robin Leach comes an update on the nightlife shake-up at MGM Grand that was first rumored back in mid-September (see "Today's News" 09/13/2011), with word that the Pink Elephant nightclub that's due to replace Studio 54 next year will feature an upper-deck swimming pool to accommodate the "daylife" pool-party scene, too. The new venue's due to open in May.
Other entertainment news includes word that the Lingerie Football League has moved its HQ to Las Vegas, and that part of Mötley Crüe's 2012 30th birthday celebrations will include an extended stint at the Hard Rock starting in February, which will make them the first heavy metal band to sign a short-term residency in town.
Today's USA Today breaks the news on the new Top 10 restaurants in Las Vegas, as determined by the city's top three food critics in Eating Las Vegas 2012, unveiled at an exclusive party hosted by Chef Guy Savoy and emceed by columnist and blogger Robin Leach.
The Cosmopolitan continues to struggle to attract gamblers and posted a $58.5 million loss during the third quarter. The resort-casino's rooms, restaurants, and nightlife continue to bring in the bulk of its revenues, with only 16 percent coming from gambling. It's hoped that a new high-limit area with 15 tables, due to be finished this month, will help boost the take from gaming.
Electronic music superstar Deadmau5 has revealed to Rolling Stone magazine that he's signed for an exclusive year-long residency with XS Nightclub and Encore Beach Club, to commence January 2, 2012.
Former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman continues to keep a high profile, with news that he's set to film a pilot for a new Vegas-based courtroom-based reality show called "Vegas Night Court with Oscar Goodman." Sounding like something akin to a light-hearted "Judge Judy," the show will apparently will feature "real court cases and a gallery filled with celebrities and Las Vegas notables," along with Goodman's ever-present showgirls and gin martinis. The team behind the project include show is being "Pawn Stars" manager Wayne Jeffries and five-time Emmy Award-winning Producer/Director, Jerry Kupcinet, whose credits include "Judge Judy," "Judge Joe Brown," and "Cristina's Court."
World Poker Tour has released the details of the 2012 tournament schedule, which includes new tour stops in Dublin, Venice, and elsewhere.
CNN.com has picked its top choices for the Best New Attractions in Las Vegas; for our readers picks, see the current LVA Reader Poll, which closes at midnight tomorrow.
Frank Marino, star of Divas Las Vegas at the IP, is on the cover of this week's National Enquirer for a feature in which he reveals how he has to have plastic surgery to keep his impersonation of Joan Rivers up-to-date.
The Monorail is holding a Fall Sale, with $2 off the price of a Day Pass (reg. $12) and $4 off the Unlimited 3-Day Pass ($28) on tickets for use between now and November 27. Click here to purchase.
Anyone interested in history and/or dining should check out this link to the UNLV Special Collections Art of Dining section, where you'll find decade's worth of genuine old menus from historic Las Vegas restaurants and diners.
Vegas Inc. reports how in February, the State Gaming Control Board will begin taking applications for licenses from companies who wish to operate Internet poker sites in Nevada. Successful applicants would be able to offer online poker within the state’s boundaries similarly to the way that online sports betting operations currently operate in Nevada.
The Mirage has unveiled a new program of 30 specialty cocktails, some specific to individual bars, and some served at bars property-wide.
Food trucks, inclucding Slidin’ Thru, Snow Ono, and Grouchy Johns will host a "Movies In The Park" event this Friday, Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. at Centennial Hills Park, with an al fresco screening of Back to the Future. The trucks will offer specially priced food and guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Three Square Food Bank. The event is free to attend.
Former mayor Oscar Goodman is recruiting hostesses for his soon-to-debut "Beef, Booze and Broads" steakhouse downtown at the Plaza. He'll be holding auditions this Thursday and Saturday at the hotel seeking attractive female staff who are able to converse with guests on topics including sports and Las Vegas. The restaurant is slated to open Dec. 15.
Central, the new 24-hour restaurant by chef Michel Richard at Caesars Palace has just launched a new bar menu and happy hour program. From 2 p.m. and 4 a.m., seven days per week, the bar will now serve an array of signature appetizers and snacks, while from 2 p.m to 4 p.m., and again between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., guests will receive 24 percent off all food items on Central’s bar menu, plus 2-for-1 draft beers.
Look for Eating Las Vegas author Al Mancini and super-chef Guy Savoy on Fox More (channel 5) this morning at approximately 9:15. They'll be promoting the release of Eating Las Vegas 2012, which will be launched later today in an exclusive party in Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace.
Pinnacle Entertainment is selling the Boomtown Casino in Reno to M1 Gaming for $22.2 million. Despite Pinnacle being headquartered in Las Vegas, Boomtown was the company's only Nevada property.
Can getting married on a "lucky" day improve your chances? A lot of couples apparently think so (or maybe they just thought it would add to the occasion), as the Clark County Marriage Bureau issued about 1,700 licenses for ceremonies on 11-11-11. It was the second-highest total ever for a single day, following the 2,598 issued for 7-7-07.
Tomorrow we can finally reveal the Top 10 and Essential 50 restaurants in Las Vegas, as picked by the city's top three food critics for Eating Las Vegas 2012 . The exclusive launch party is being hosted by Robin Leach at Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace which, we don't think it's giving anything away to reveal, is definitely included in the lineup. The book is now in-house and will be shipping from Tuesday, Nov. 15 -- remember that you may purchase unlimited numbers over the phone (800/244-2224) to take advantage of our special $3 flat-rate shipping offer on this title alone.
The bigger event tonight is the Manny Pacquiao/Juan Manuel Marquez championship boxing match. Pacquiao is a 7-1 favorite. The fight is being shown on closed circuit at MRI properties for $50.
In tonight's big UFC heavyweight championship match, Cain Velasquez is a small -120 favorite over Junior Dos Santos. This line has come down significantly in the past 48 hours, meaning money has been coming in on Dos Santos. The match is being aired on Fox.
The El Cortez plays host to the monthly downtown food-truck fest tonight from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jackie Gaughan Plaza, with food trucks, DJs, streetwear vendors, and more.
More than 100 national parks nationwide that normally charge an entrance fee will be open to the public for free this weekend, including Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, Parashant National Monument, and Zion National Park, plus Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
It's too late to enter, but you can still show up to watch the contestants in South Point's sold-out Spaghetti-Eating Contest from 1-4 p.m. this afternoon. Hosted in conjunction with History Channel's "Pawn Stars" TV series, participants and spectators should be prepared to sign a release form to appear on TV.
P.J. Clarke's raw bar in the Forum Shops at Caesars is hosting an Oyster & Beer Festival today from 1-4 p.m., with specialty dishes, including oyster pot pie and baked oysters with Riesling and herbs, plus craft beers and Guinness specials.
The Veterans Day celebrations continue through the weekend with "Aviation Nation 2011," with two days of light, bomber, and parachute demonstrations out of Nellis AFB. Spectators can park at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from 8 a.m. today and get bussed out to Nellis. Click here for the schedule of events for Saturday and Sunday.
Actor Gary Sinise, who currently portrays Detective "Mac" Taylor on CBS’s "CSI: NY", is hosting a meet and greet until 4 p.m. today at MGM Grand's "CSI: The Experience." .
With the sale of the Boomtown in Reno this week, Pinnacle Entertainment lost its only casino presence in Nevada. The property and its adjacent land is being sold in two separate transactions to M1 Gaming Reno and SJP Reno Property for between $22 and $26 million.
More than 3,500 ceremonies are due to take place in the wedding capital of the world today, with couples rushing to tie the knot on what's being considered an auspicious date.
Downtown Las Vegas will host what's being touted as the largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi River today for Veterans Day. The parade of 5,000 military personnel, which is expected to attract some 40,000 spectators, begins at 10 a.m. at Fourth Street and Hooever, then moves north to Ogden, and ends at Stewart, near City Hall. Roads in the vicinity will reopen at 1 p.m.
If you're among the thousands hoping to get hitched tomorrow on 11/11/11 in Las Vegas, you'd better hurry downtown to the Marriage License Bureau and get in the line, which is currently stretching into infinity ... well, down the street, anyhow. They're processing licenses at the rate of two per minute, we've been informed, and urge would-be wedded couples to complete the license application online. You will be issued a reference number which you should bring to a designated window in the Bureau for expedited service.
It's only four days until the top secret list of Top 50 Essential Restaurants is unveiled at the Eating Las Vegas 2012 official book launch and it just came back from the printer today. To say that we're excited is an understatement -- we're really pleased with all the new additions to this year's edition and the book looks great! Pick up a copy or three today while our limited-duration special offer on shipping remains.
Mother Nature Network or MNN.com, the website founded in 2008 by the keyboardist from The Rolling Stones and a partner that's been dubbed "The New Green CNN" by Time, "The USA Today of Sustainability" by Fast Company, and "Green Machine" by The Associated Press, has named Las Vegas as its eco-tourism Destination of the Week. For more information on the surprising number of "green" initiatives and attractions available in Las Vegas, see our unique Green Vegas Visitor Guide.
Steve Wynn this week joined with Las Vegas Sands' Sheldon Adelson and Malaysia's Genting casino giant to express a desire to develop a resort-casino in Florida, although Wynn's plans focus on Miami Beach, while the other two companies have laid claim to potential casino sites in downtown Miami.
Defending the Caveman at Excalibur is continuing its tradition of offering matching pricing on same-digit dates with an $11 ticket offer for locals with valid I.D. on 11/11/11 that will also extend to Saturday and both shows on Sunday, too. Mention "Lucky11" when ordering tickets at this special rate.
An almost 50% increase in convention attendance helped see Las Vegas visitation levels rise again in September for the ninth consecutive month, although those 3.3 million tourists were gambling less.
Machine Guns Vegas, the new attraction that's due to open early next year, is now accepting applications to fill nearly 40 different positions in the fields of Range Master, Sales Host, Cashier, Hostess, Runner, Ranger Safety Officer, Armorer, and Loader. To apply, applicants need to send resumes and a recent image to [email protected], listing the title of the desired position in the subject line. For more information, including requisite qualifications for RSOs and armorers, visit machinegunvegas.com.
For the second consecutive month, Nevada gaming revenues were down in September, according to the latest figures released by the state Gaming Control Board. The $863.9 million statewide gambling take was a decrease of almost 6 percent on the same period last year, with declines as high as 13 percent in North Las Vegas and 17 percent on the Boulder Strip.
The last of the We Luv Locals deals from Station Casinos has been posted. The weekly promotion, offering discounts on rooms, food and beverage, and activities, has been running for nine months in celebration of the group's 35th anniversary. All current remaining offers are good through Friday, Nov. 11.
Singer Frankie Moreno and his band open at the Stratosphere tonight. The show performs Wednesday at 11 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; tickets are $32.99.
Barona Casino was the victim of a robbery early this morning, when four men armed with guns broke into a glass display filled with money that was promoting an upcoming giveaway. No one was hurt in the incident and apparently only around $3,000 was taken. The getaway vehicle was later located abandoned nearby, but no arrests have been made as yet.
The new world champion of poker is Pius Heinz, a 22-year-old pro from Cologne Germany. Heinz became the second-youngest winner of the World Series of Poker's Main Event when he outlasted Martin Staszko to win the $8.7 million first prize. Heinz began the night in the lead, but fell behind and trailed Staszko for most of the match. Heinz took the lead late and eventually won with an ace-high when Staszko failed to connect on a draw. The third participant in the final, Ben Lamb, was out in four hands after losing most of his chips in an all-in showdown on the first hand of the night.
Tune in to ESPN at 6 p.m. PST tonight to watch the WSOP Main Event final. It will run for two hours on TV, then switch to the ESPN3.com online stream where it will be covered to its conclusion. There will be a 15-minute real-time delay, but hole cards will be shown in tandem with the broadcast.
All you brewheads out there mourning the non-happening of the Las Vegas World Beer Fest that was due to take place in October but didn't, now have something to smile about again, with news that the Annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer will be back for its second bash next April 21. Tivoli Village will host the event, featuring 150 of the finest brews from 40 breweries throughout the southwest. Tickets start at $27 (or $15 for designated drivers). Click here for more information.
Longtime Bon Appétit magazine Restaurant Editor and "The Foodist" columnist Andrew Knowlton concludes his picks for the Top 10 Hottest Restaurants in Las Vegas today for Forbes.com, and you might be surprised to find both a coffee shop and a buffet on his list.
For the next 96 hours, Virgin America is reducing nationwide fares from Las Vegas to as
low as $39 each way. The discounted fares are available Mondays-Thursdays and Saturdays,
Nov. 24 - Feb. 15, to destinations including San Francisco ($39), Seattle ($79), Chicago ($109), New York ($139), Boston ($139), Washington, D.C.($139), and Fort Lauderdale ($139). Taxes are an additional $10.70-$21.40 each way. A 14-day advance purchase is
required and must book by 11:59 p.m. CT, Friday, Nov. 11.
Herman Rarebell, original drummer for Scorpions, is hosting a book signing for his autobiography, And Speaking of Scorpions, in the Hard Rock Store from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening.
Crazy Horse III gentlemen’s club kicks off its annual Toy Drive later this month, with patrons who bring in an unwrapped children’s toy between Monday, Nov. 28, and Wednesday, Dec. 7, receiving a $25 gift card valid for drinks at CHIII and Posh nightclub.
Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão debuts in Las Vegas Thursday, serving 15 cuts of fire roasted meat and a salad and sides bar featuring more than 30 items. Open for lunch (from November 14 onwards) and dinner nightly, the restaurant is located at 360 E. Flamingo Rd. on the former site of Cozymel's.
The video poker expert just posted his latest weekly column, and considers this week how improper emotional thinking can cost you money.
The food editor of Bon Appetit magazine has picked the first five of his picks for 10 Hottest Restaurants in Las Vegas for Forbes.com and has some interesting choices; the next five will run tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how closely his list concurs with the Top 10 picks of our three top food critics in the new edition of Eating Las Vegas, which we'll be revealing after the official launch party on Nov. 14.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, One For The Road, a new HD ski film from Teton Gravity Research, will premiere at Santa Fe Station November 10, 2011 at 8 p.m. Everyone who attends will receive a complimentary lift ticket to Alpine Meadows. Tickets are $20 for adults ($15 in advance) and $10 for kids.
In celebration of the original Palm restaurant's 85th anniversary, the upscale steakhouse chain, which has a location in Caesars' Forum Shops, is offering two celebratory meals through November 30. Choices include the Surf & Turf Dinner for Two at $85, or the specially selected three-course Anniversary Dinner for $49.85 per person, with both options including a starter and side dish. For more information, visit the Palm The Palm website. The original restaurant opened in New York in 1926.
The jury has reached a verdict in the case of Las Vegas doctor Conrad Murray, who's charged with the involuntary manslaughter of singer Michael Jackson. The announcement will not be made until approximately 1 p.m., to allow Jackson's family time to arrive at the court room.
The Tropicana will hold a mass wedding event and reception for couples who tie the knot on Nov. 11, 2011, with the city's wedding chapels anticipating some 75,000 nuptials that day. For those without other arrangements, the property will have ordained ministers on hand and the Spazmatics have been booked to peform. Brides who come in their own gowns will receive complimentary champagne.
There was a mix-up and today's QoD email contained the question for tomorrow's answer; today's is about the rental-car facility, while Tuesday's QoD will be about the fate of the Lady Luck.
The fight's not set, but strong rumors that it will be have led Station Casinos to put out a line on a Floyd Mayweather/Manny Pacquiao match. The line is pick 'em, meaning it's rated an even match lined at -110 on each side (bet $110 to win $100 either way). This is a live line that you can bet now, with wagers being refunded if the fight doesn't go off.
Only three remain in the WSOP Main Event final. Pius Heinz of Germany continues to hold a big lead with 107,800,000. Ben Lamb of the U.S. is second with 55,400,000 and Martin Staszko of the Czech Republic is third with 42,700,000. Play resumes tomorrow at 6 p.m. EST and will be aired on ESPN and ESPN3. The other players finished in this order: Sam Holden (9th), Anton Makiievskyi (8th), Badih Bounahra (7th), Eoghan O’Dea (6th), Phil Collins (5th), and Matt Giannetti (4th).
Online gambling site PokerStars will celebrate its tenth anniversary Dec. 4 by attempting to hold the world's largest poker tournament, by bringing together more than 150,000 players. The attempt to break the current World Record, already held by the site, will start at 12:30 ET on December 4, 2011 and will be a $1 No Limit Hold'em tourney with a guaranteed prize pool of $250,000 and a first prize of $50,000. Taking part in the event will be Team PokerStars Pro and HP author Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier, who already holds a personal Guinness World Record for Most Online Poker Tables Played in One Hour.
PokerStars does not accept business from U.S.-based players.
Following on from the success of Insert Coins old school gamer bar downtown comes word from Hooters that on 11.11.11 they'll debut Joystixx -- new gamer’s arcade and sports bar featuring an array of pool tables, console video gaming, classic arcade games, and VIP booths equipped with flat screen TVs.
Downtown's newly rebranded National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, due to open Feb. 14, 2012 on the anniversary of the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre (the brick wall from which is one of the attractions more prized exhibits), has announced its hours and pricing. Admission will be $18 (plus tax) for adults ages 18 and over, with discounts for children, students, seniors, teachers, locals, and members of the military and law enforcement. Museum hours will be Sunday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, accountants are reportedly pouring over the financial records of the bankrupt Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Trop to try to figure out what millions of dollars were spent on. Parent company Murder Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection Oct. 17 and is the subject of at least 13 lawsuits involving unpaid bills, infighting among investors, and
allegations of fraud, according to the LV Sun.
The November Nine reconvene at 11:30 a.m. today in the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio to determine who will take home the $8.7 million first prize. The leader entering play is Martin Staszko with 40,175,000, followed by Eoghan O'Dea with 33,925,000 and Matt Gianetti with 24,750,000. Today's session will end when three players are left. Tournament updates will be posted at LVAPoker.com.
Remember to move your clock back an hour for the Daylight Savings Time adjustment. That gives you an extra hour to get your bets and contest picks in today.
With the biggest college football game of the year set to start -- #1 LSU at #2 Alabama -- Alabama is a -5.5 favorite. The total is 41.5.
The offshore book BoDog.com has reportedly put up a line on who will be Kim Kardashian's next boyfriend. A professional athlete is favored at 1-2, followed by an actor at 2-1 and a musician at 3-1. If it's an athlete, a football player is the 1-2 favorite.
We apologize for the errant notice earlier about the WSOP final table beginning today. The schedule was changed a few weeks back and play begins tomorrow at 11:30. Someone here didn't get the memo.
The Cashman Center hosts the 30th Annual Great Craft Festival this weekend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, and General Admission tickets are $8. 150 exhibitors are expected.
For the first time in their 15-year history, the Triathlon World Championships are being held in N. America -- Henderson, to be precise. By the time the participants reach the finish line, they will have completed a 4K swim in Lake Las Vegas, a 120K bike ride on desert roadways, and a 30K run on the hills of Henderson. Today's race will close several streets and traffic lanes in Henderson from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; a list of closures and suggested detour routes is available at HendersonLive.com.
Sunday at 11:30 a.m., the so-called November Nine will meet in the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio to battle it out at the 2011 WSOP final table, with a first-place prize of $8.7 million up for grabs. A limited number of tickets are available for free to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early if you want to get it. (With three locals in this year's event, expect a lot of the seating to be taken up by players' friends and family, who take precedence.)
Locals with valid I.D. use offer code LVSANT for 25% off tickets to Supernatural Santana at The Joint from Nov. 11-13.
The new nightclub that will debut New Year's Eve in the space at Bellagio formerly occupied by the Fortuna Lounge, is currently hiring for all positions; click this link for more details.
It's the monthly free downtown arts festival, with after parties at Artifice and Beauty Bar and munchies from some of our leading food trucks, so head on down from 5 to 10 p.m. (but dress warm -- the forecast ain't great for this weekend).
The V Theater in the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood will offer free tickets to see See V the Ultimate Variety Show, BeatleShow!, The Mentalist, and Vegas! The Show on 11/11/11 to veterans and those on active military duty. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis.
Meanwhile, Ceasars Entertainment is extending its ongoing program of military discounts(most of the properties group-wide offer show discounts to active and retired members of the military) by offering free Buffet of Buffet passes on Nov. 11. The pass includes unlimited access to all buffets for a 24-hour period (and $15 off at the Rio's Village Seafood Buffet).
Tickets to see Stevie Wonder at The Cosmopolitan on New Year's Eve go on sale this morninga at 10 a.m. PST. sale Friday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. PST and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com, at 702/698-7778 (toll-free at 877/551-7778), or through Ticketmaster 800/745-3000. General admission pricing begins at $250 (plus tax and fees) and includes complimentary cocktails throughout the show. Guests must be 21+.
We just discovered that Circus Circus has upgraded their race and sports book. The newly remodeled book apparently features 32 large-screen hi-def TVs, including a giant 103" screen, which always shows the featured game of the day, plus new state-of-the-art video odds boards. They also have a football contest, which Anthony Curtis will be investigating, so look out for his reviews in next week's Las Vegas Football Update at LVASports.com.
CSI: The Experience, the attraction at MGM Grand based on the hit CBS show, is celebrating its second anniversary with the help of Carrot Top and Holly Madison, and in return will donate $1 of each ticket sold Nov. 3-10 to Holly’s charity of choice, The Lili Claire Foundation, and Carrot Top’s charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Anthony Curtis' weekly round-up of the Las Vegas football scene has been posted at our free sister site LVASports.com, so check out the latest scoop on the best MNF parties, football contests, and more.
Public House is the latest venture from Block 16 (Holsteins, LBS Burger, The Barrymore) and is an upscale tavern scheduled to open December in the Grand Canal Shoppes. The venue is hosting an open job fair this week seeking applicants for 150 positions, including servers, hosts, bartenders, manager, supervisor, sous chef, cook, pastry chef and dishwasher. Applications are being accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Galileo Room 901 of the Venetian tomorrow.
Who needs a giggle? We thought so. OK, check out When Hypnosis Goes Wrong the latest blooper video from comedy hypnotist Marc Savard. We're laughing hard. (If you want more, click the link for half-price online tickets!) Marc's currently sick and his show's likely dark through Saturday, so we wish him a speedy recovery.
Yep, that would be today, and if you don't know where to celebrate, check out our previous Reader Poll and partake of the collective wisdom of our sub-munching fans on where to find Las Vegas' best sandwich.
It's the monthly downtown arts fest tomorrow night, and just in time the Las Vegas Weekly is running a brief history of the Arts District. Check it out!
The charity acoustic gig that LeAnn Rimes was scheduled to perform at Green Valley Ranch on Nov. 3 has been postponed due to illness. The sold-out performance has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Chrome Showroom inside Santa Fe Station. Tickets purchased for the Nov. 3 performance can be used for the rescheduled date, or refunds will be available at the original point of purchase. Guests who purchased tickets online or over the phone need to call 800/745-3000 to request a refund.
As with the ongoing battle over the Las Vegas Hilton, the Hooters casino bankruptcy case is also proving to be contentious, with the property's main creditor demanding the right to sell the property, which it claims is doomed, while Hooters continues to stave off attempts by Canpartners Realty Holding Co. IV to foreclose quickly, reports Vegas Inc.
This weekend seems to find the city in a mainly nostalgic mood, with lots of blasts from the past in town. Have fun, all you baby boomers!
Upcoming Huntington Press author Rick Lax reports the latest sexy attraction coming to Las Vegas in the LV Weekly. Machine Guns Vegas is set to open in mid-December behind the Mirage, apparently, and will feature sexy "Gun Girls" there to teach you how to shoot automatic weapons.
Club Azul downtown (between Fremont and Ogden) has been granted a one-year temporary tavern license, but has agreed to enclose its outdoor concert venue in an effort to compromise in the current controversy about late-night noise levels. The venue's neighbor is the Downtowner, an extended-stay motel. Azul also plays host to the weekly Thursday FEED farmers market.
For the results of our recent Reader Poll canvassing your feelings about downtown noise levels and nightlife, which garnered almost 2,500 votes, click the link.
Following a swathe of closures over the past twelve months, some new life is being breathed into Town Square with the debut last month of XTC boutique and Coconuts Beach Bar & Mexican Grill, and the scheduled November openings of a new outpost of Patty's Closet, plus I ? Burgers, Bakers, The Gold Guys, and Böhme Boutique.
There's a new promo in the race and sports book at Sam's Town. Enter "Jack's Pick 6 Thursdays" with a $20 buy-in and scoop the weekly prize pool if you pick six winners and no one else does. There will be a mandatory payout Dec. 22 if no one's hit all six races before then. See Race Book Supervisor for rules and details.
The Nevada State Gaming Control Board has unanimously recommended the sale of a majority stake in the Palms to Leonard Green & Partners L.P. and TPG Capital, reports the R-J. The sale will now go before the state Gaming Commission for their approval.
The Clark County Commission today approved plans to renovate the hotel and casino at the shuttered Sahara, but the plans did not include a future for Speed, the roller coaster attraction. The submitted plans apparently call for the addition of an outdoor dining area, including a 2,830-square-foot beer garden, reports the LV Sun.
Coupon use is up among American consumers for the fifth consecutive year, according to a report by Valassis. Apparently, 81% of shoppers use coupons regularly, primarily for brands they already know. At LVA, we've been compiling the best Las Vegas coupon packages for our members literally for decades; as we write, we're already working on the Member Rewards Book for 2012 and a whole new download site for online deals. Watch this space!
If you were born in the '80s, McFadden's at the Rio is offering $2 drinks to you all night for "Way Back Wednesdays" tonight.
Pastry chef Chris Hanmer, formerly of Bellagio, beat out the competition to take home the title of "America’s Top Dessert Chef" on Season 2 of Bravo's "Top Chef Just Desserts" last night. We understand he'll use the $100,000 prize to help pay medical costs from his newborn daughter’s congenital heart defect operation. Hanmer owns the School of Pastry Design in Las Vegas.
The city also scored in the $10,000 Quickfire doughnut challenge, which was won by Carlos Enriquez, corporate pastry chef for Block 16 Hospitality (Holsteins, the Barrymore, LBS Burger) and finished fourth overall, reports Robin Leach in the LV Sun.
R.C. Farms in North Las Vegas, the venerable pig farm that's responsible for most of the food recycling that takes place in the valley, is asking for your unwanted jack o'lanterns, which they can make good use of for tasty pig fodder. Click here for drop-off locations around the valley. This is the 19th consecutive year that R.C. Farms has recycled Las Vegas' old pumpkins. Bravo!
Clark County-owned parking facilities will soon offer $10 annual parking passes to drivers of alternative fuel vehicles, reports today's R-J, following approval of a new program that will issue a window decal allowing free parking at the Lewis Professional Building Parking Garage and the Regional Justice Center metered lot for plug-in vehicles and those that are powered by an alternative fuel and meet specified federal emissions standards.
In this week's column, gambling expert Bob Dancer reflects on how important a good education is -- or not -- when it comes to being a successful gambler, and what the specific traits are that seem to lead to so many pros coming out of MIT in particular.
Did you vote in our current Reader Poll yet? It's all about what you budget most for on your Vegas visits and voting ends at midnight, when a new poll will go live.
Tickets for Electric Daisy Carnival, Las Vegas, go on sale today at noon Pacific Time. After this year's successful debut here, the event will return to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the 16th Annual EDC on June 8, 9, and 10, 2012. Three-day GA tickets will start at $215; three-day VIP tickets are to start at $500 each. There will be a very limited quantity of single-day tickets available at a later date. Get more info at www.electricdaisycarnival.com.
This Saturday, Nov. 5, South Point hosts the "Gourmet Food Truck Fest" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring some of Las Vegas' most popular mobile eateries, plus popular restaurants-on-wheels from L.A., San Francisco, and Denver. The event is free to attend and will also feature live music throughout the day, a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer garden, a wine area, and Absolut Vodka bars.
Kardashian Khaos, the "celebrity-lifestyle boutique" owned by the reality TV clan, holds its grand opening this morning, although the owners are not expected to be in attendance.
Today sees the launch of the new Cantor Gaming race and sports book at The Venetian, following a three-month multi-million dollar refurbishment project and hi-tech upgrade.