Metro will be out in full force tonight on the lookout for DUIs and distracted drivers, so be smart and keep your eyes on the road.
In tonight's Thursday Night Football game, the Cincinnati Bengals are -3 favorites over the Miami Dolphins. The total is 42.
Evidently we are losing our mind, which is a little worrying -- we're convinced we wrote about this a couple of weeks ago when by chance we came across a flyer posted online announcing that LGBT club Krave was returning to the Strip in a new home at the former Boulevard Theater/Empire Ballroom/Club Utopia building, now called TW Theater. We can find no trace of this however, so perhaps we only dreamt that we posted it, in which case, apologies for keeping you in the dark (and damn, because we had the scoop on this!) Anyhow, Krave is now open, under new ownership, from Fri-Sun at the new venue. P.S. If we did post this somewhere and you read it, please tell us where you saw it, just to put us out of our misery!
Actually, a number of the 'ween highlights have already taken place (see Question of the Day 10/14), but there's still plenty going on (check out Las Vegas' -- and possibly the entire universe's -- only haunted strip club!). Meanwhile, here's some of the other stuff going on:
On this day in 1864, Nevada entered into The Union and became the 36th state. Official annual celebrations traditionally take place on the last Friday in October, but the "unofficial" open house hosted by eccentric neurosurgeon and former Lt. Governor Dr. Lonny Hammargren, who's been amassing his eclectic hoard of artifacts and memorabilia from casinos and other sources for decades now, is less rigid in its timetabling. Still, we've neither seen nor heard any word about the event this year, which is normally free (donations encouraged); if anyone else has confirmation as to whether it's happening (or already happened), please drop us a line.
As we'd long suspected, Halloween -- like pretty much everything else important in life -- is definitely better with bacon.
Today's Question of the Day concerns how/where to make a wager on the final table result for the 2013 WSOP, which begins play Nov. 4. When we attempted to obtain any information over the phone from various Caesars Entertainment properties yesterday as to whether or not their race and sports books would be taking bets, we hit a brick wall (no one seems to have told any front-of-house employee or receptionist at any Las Vegas casino property that the law changed five years ago and it's no longer illegal for members of the public to speak to a casino sports book or to use their cell phone in the book, but that's by the by). However, moderator Frank B. at the LVASportsboards just handed us the sheet he obtained from a CET book that lists the lines as of Oct. 28, so evidently you can place a bet at any of their Vegas books. As with the offshore books we've been monitoring, Caesars currently has JC Tran (USA) as the clear favorite to win, at 11/5; Marc Newhouse (also USA), who's in third place, is the current long shot at 14/1. Note that wagering closes at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 4; play commences at 5:30 p.m. PST.
Our online program for downloadable deals has been somewhat on hiatus of late, since we hoped to have launched the new LVA site by now (taking a leaf from the "Obamacare" website debacle, we're going to ensure this baby's really ready before birthing); however, when a friendly vendor approaches us we don't want to pass up a good deal on your behalf, so we jut posted a new gambling offer at CouponsinVegas.com. The deal's from Homeplate Grill & Bar, which Anthony Curtis has written about with regularity, since they're very player-friendly as well as having a great kitchen, and it's a video poker/keno bonus worth up to $200. The usual terms apply: It's for members only, limited to one download per subscriber, and currently the offer's only live through the end of November, so grab it and use it while you can.
We're a couple of days later than hoped with this month's newsletter, although at least we're still in October. There was just so much to write about, it took on a life of its own (Anthony Curtis has not seen daylight in days). We have a new blog to brag about, a new casino for you to try out (feedback welcome and the chips are on us right now), and that's in addition to all the usual treats (no tricks), like: the scoop on a non-casino video poker bonus worth up to $67 and how to do a coupon run with "Win Cards"; a happy hour that encompasses many of a Strip casino’s best restaurants; a new blackjack mini-tournament with positive equity; a pig-roast feast on the Strip; an update on Las Vegas’ best sushi house; a new $500 loss rebate; and a church service with a kickass Bloody Mary bar. Yup, that's all yours for the taking with the exclusive monthly members-only newsletter.
As the holidays approach, Station Casinos is offering a number of seasonal promos to Boarding Pass members, including a free pumpkin-pie offer on Nov. 27 (you have to earn 500 points to qualify, but you get to keep the points) and a $250,000 Grand Fall Giveaway: Now through Nov. 24, receive 10 free drawing entries every day when you swipe your card, with additional entries for every 50 slot points earned. Each Station and Fiesta property will have 10 winners at each drawing, taking place at 4:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. every Sunday in November, with a chance to win up to $5,000. Check with the players club for full details.
According to celebrity gossip site TMZ, Britney Spears will face some competition for attention on her opening night at Planet Ho (Dec. 27), with word that Mini-Brit, who's been a staple of the Las Vegas entertainment scene for some years now, will be debuting at the new Beacher's new Madhouse at MGM Grand on the same night. According to the site, Big Britney will receive something in the region of $310,000 per show, while her only-12-inches-shorter lookalike will be paid a mere $310 per performance.
Meanwhile, in more Brit news, according to the Market Watch blog from Wall Street Journal (so it must be true), the pop princess's music is being blasted off the coast of East Africa as a deterrent to scare off Somali pirates, whose nefarious activities are said to cost the global economy some $18 billion per year. "Her songs were chosen by the security team because they thought the pirates would hate them most," according to a merchant navy spokeswoman, with "Baby One More Time" and "Oops! I Did it Again" reportedly the most effective songs in her repertoire when it comes to offending anti-Western sensibilities.
On Thursday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Palms will host the Las Vegas Job Fair, with diverse local employers from the fields of hospitality, technology, education, the media, and more all represented and recruiting. Job-seekers are encouraged to bring plenty of copies of their resume to the event, which will take place in the Addison Exhibit Hall, and to dress to impress; general admission is free, but you can pre-register at the career fair website.
Members of South Point's players club have two days remaining to earn a free lunch buffet when 300 same-day base points are earned by 1 p.m.; earn an extra 300 points by 8 p.m. this evening and earn a free dinner buffet.
Caesars Entertainment's Las Vega resorts host the fourth annual "Battle of the Bras" fashion show tomorrow, from 4 to 6 p.m., in support of the American Cancer Society's "Breast Cancer Awareness Month." CET execs and headliners will take to the catwalk to model undergarments designed by staff and performers (after four years, we're still waiting to see Gary Loveman in a conical bustier, but that's just us). The free fashion show kicks off at 4:30 p.m. sharp on the Mezzanine level at Planet Ho and the bras on show will be for sale (unlike the ones that aren't on show, which are not).
The group-wide introduction of complimentary hi-density Wi-Fi in public areas has now been completed throughout MGM Mirage's Las Vegas properties, which a spokesman for the group describes as a world-wide first among the hospitality industry. "We implemented the same commercial-grade technology and design solutions used at last year’s Super Bowl and Summer Olympics," stated John Bollen, senior vice president and chief digital officer for MRI. For the background on this achievement, which was gained via an exclusive and lengthy interview with Bollen back in May, check out the Question of the Day Archives (5/14/2013).
Casino MonteLago out at Lake Las Vegas shuttered its doors this morning for the second time in its history. The casino, which reopened in May 2011 after more than a year's hiatus due to the economic downturn, has again closed, with operators this time citing lease issues. A call to the Hilton Lake Las Vegas, which remains open for business, revealed that the management team for the casino, which is owned by Newage Lake Las Vegas, quit unexpectedly last night. We'll keep you posted as more details become available.
In this week's column, video poker expert
On Saturday, Nov. 2, downtown's Neon Museum, in conjunction with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, will host "Story Time" from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The books being read at this family-oriented event will be "My Many Colored Days," by Dr. Seuss, and "Dog’s Colorful Day," by Emma Dodd (the program's intended for preschoolers through first graders, accompanied by parents or guardians).
Then, on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m., a special holiday ornament-making event will take place, followed by hot chocolate and caroling by Las Vegas Academy singers as the Neon Boneyard events area is lit up for the holidays. Both of these events are free to attend; for more info visit neonmuseum.org or call 702-387-6366.
In tonight's Monday Night Football game, the Seattle Seahawks are -13.5 favorites over the St. Louis Rams. The total is 43.5.
It opened with some fanfare back in January 2011, but it looks like the Las Vegas outpost of the venerable New York steak-and-seafood saloon (founded in 1884) couldn't stay the course in Sin City and by all accounts, aside from an official press release, it seems to be closed. (A friend of LVA tipped us to this and our call found the phone ringing off the hook, while the Forum Shops at Caesars venue has been removed from the franchise's official website, so it looks pretty conclusive, although we have not yet verified in person.)
For all those who couldn't afford the tix, missed 'em before they sold out, or who couldn't make it to Vegas to catch the country star in person, there's good news: His final one-man concert at Encore will be broadcast as a rare live-concert special on Nov. 29, to be broadcast on CBS from 9 to 11 p.m. ET (tape delayed on the West Coast).
Despite being home to some nationally acclaimed chocolatiers, as far as we can tell, it isn't. If we're missing something, other than the S'mores flatbread desert at Wynn's La Cave (which is a menu staple but at least they're giving a nod to the annual celebration), them drop us a line; but for now we can only assume that everyone's simply too exhausted to celebrate anything else in the aftermath of Life is Beautiful.
While Nevada and Atlantic City may be grabbing all the headlines with regard to the legalization of online gaming, Delaware will actually beat the East Coast gaming enclave to the (virtual) tables, when it rolls out its legal iGaming operations this Thursday. Unlike in Nevada, where only the game of online poker is allowed, in Delaware (and New Jersey, when its program goes live Nov. 6), comprehensive Internet wagering will be permitted.
According to the latest predictions by the state demographer, Clark County's population is due to hit the 2 million mark this year for the first time on record, but statewide annual growth has slowed to be in line with the national average of around one percent per annum, fueled more by natural procreation than by an influx of migrants.
We're not talking elephant nuptials, but rather a wedding involving an elephant, which was the chosen mode of transport for an Indian groom arriving at Bellagio on Saturday for the grand finale of a $9-million-or-so extravaganza arranged by Las Vegas wedding planner Tory Cooper (engineers apparently had previously tested the resort's driveway to ensure it could handle the load). It's not the first time this stretch of Strip real estate has welcomed an unconventional form of transport: Frank Sinatra showed up on a camel and in full Arabian costume at the debut of the Dunes in September, 1954, reports gossip columnist Norm! in the R-J. Both dramatic entrances tend to eclipse Shania's much-hyped arrival on a horse last year.
Last Friday, the antique press in the Nevada State Museum manufactured the first of 1,000 commemorative silver medallions marking the Silver State’s 150th birthday, which is just three days away. The Morgan and Orr press dates back to the 1870s, when the U.S. Mint operated in Carson City, and it's had a long and colorful career since then, including being seconded to work in the mints of Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver, and avoiding a close shave with the scrap heap, saved only by a sharp-eyed mint worker who recognized the Virginia & Truckee Railroad plaque on it and had it sent back to Carson City.
While most eyes have been on downtown this weekend, what with the opening of the much-awaited Downtown Grand, plus the Life is Beautiful Festival in full swing, on the Strip Treasure Island had its own celebrations afoot. While the resort's original owner was busy downtown making history on the crap tables, T.I. was lit up to mark the occasion of its 20th birthday (how come we weren't invited to the party?).
In tonight's Sunday Night Football game, the Green Bay Packers are -7 favorites over the Minnesota Vikings. The total is 47.5.
We goofed in the October Las Vegas Advisor newsletter, identifying an awesome prime rib dinner special on Fridays as coming from Anthony's Burgers ... at the Rio. No, no, no. Anthony's is at M Resort. Sorry for that. The special includes a terrific cut of prime rib, served with clam chowder, baked potato, vegetable, and rolls for just $15. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. There are also several new happy hours running throughout the casino.
Las Vegas' third Original Tommy's Hamburgers has opened at Hwy. 95 and W. Craig Road. The chain from California known for its chili burgers also has outlets on St. Rose Pkwy. and Boulder Highway.
Daniel Negreanu won the main event of the World Series of Poker Europe and the first prize of €725,000. Since the tournament counts as an official bracelet event (despite the fact that there were only 80 players in the field), Negreanu now has six total.
The Downtown Grand opens today at 5 p.m. The soft opening is being advertised as "sneak peeks," but the resort will be in full operation, with thousands of people downtown for the wind up of this weekend's Life is Beautiful festival. The official grand opening is Nov. 12, or easier to remember, 11/12/13.
If you're looking for a way to make a lot off a little, you might want to check out the William Hill progressive NFL card. It costs $5 to play and you win by picking 15 out of 15 winners straight up (no point spreads) against sides and totals in this weekend's NFL games. The appeal is the size of the jackpot, which has surpassed the $100K mark for the first time in the game's history, and now stands at $107,305. There's no limit to how many you can play. Must get your picks in before the start of the games at any William Hill sports book.
Lyoto Machida is a -360 favorite over Mark Munoz in today's early UFC main event from England. In the other featured match, Melvin Guillard is -135 over Ross Pearson.
In a survey conducted by the Tarrance Group and commissioned by Las Vegas Sands Corp., 67% of respondents indicated that they have a negative view of online gambling. Given that Sands has been the most vocal opponent of Internet gambling of any type, the fact that its study supports its position isn't exactly a stop-the-presses moment; however, there's certainly good information to be gleaned from the results. State lotteries came in as the most excepted with 71% indicating a positive view, followed by horse racing with 58% approval and casino gambling at 56%.
September saw a 1.2 percent gain in passenger traffic at McCarran International Airport compared to a year ago, although for the year to date, the number is up just a smidgen at 0.1 percent, or 31.5 million travelers.
World-renowned artist Vladimir Kush introduces his newly-expanded gallery inside Caesars retail area, with a special Grand Opening celebration today from 3-7 p.m., which will see the Russian-born painter and sculptor joined by former mayor of Las Vegas Oscar Goodman, whose original portrait by Kush will be unveiled. Oscar being Oscar, he'll also be taking the opportunity to sign copies of his latest memoir, while the event will also feature an art auction with radio personality "The Voice of Vegas" Bart Torres of Highway Radio serving as an unofficial M.C.
Today through Sunday, Friends of Metro Search and Rescue will host its second annual Balloon Festival and Carnival at the Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center (9300 W. Sunset Road). More than 20,000 attendees are expected during the 3-day event, which when combined with the Life is Beautiful crowd, should guarantee some interesting traffic and parking scenarios, we predict.
Yep, folks, it's the moment you've all been waiting for: The Downtown Grand website is now live, so all of you who didn't get to attend the recent VIP preview party, feast your eyes! You can book rooms now, but you can't actually stay there until Oct. 27 (ahead of the official grand opening next month).
Apparently, there was an earlier issue with the Neon Museum's website accepting credit cards for tonight's birthday party celebration/horror fest, but we understand you can now purchase tickets online. General Admission's $75 and the event kicks off at 8 p.m.
North Las Vegas’ new Craig Ranch Regional Park debuted Friday, complete with a 65,000-square-foot skateboard complex -- one of the largest in the U.S.
The Silver State celebrates its 150th anniversary Oct. 31, and Springs Preserve and Nevada State Museum are getting the festivities started early, with free admission to both attractions today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nice!
Other celebrations are myriad, including the 75th Annual Nevada Day Parade, which will take place on Saturday, October 26, at 10 a.m. in Carson City, the RSVP Carnival at Mills Park, the Pinewood Derby, Chili Feed, Beard Contest, and more! Visit www.events.NevadaDay.com for more information
Only in Vegas: Today, Range 702 celebrates its 1st anniversary with the parking-lot party to end all gun-range-parking-lot parties. It's got: guns, obviously (including from sponsor Beretta); a Beer Garden (is that a wise combination?); the lovely ladies of Cheetahs Gentlemen's Club (uh-oh); a live raffle with $10,000 in prizes (lap dances? firearms?); a complimentary weenie roast (that's just so they could say "weenie" in the same sentence as "stripper"); Rock Star Energy drinks (woo-hooo!); and a Zombie Eradication Response Team. (Thank goodness someone had their head on. We want the name of that party planner.) The insanity's already underway at 4699 Dean Martin Drive, so get on over there and join the madness, which runs until 5 p.m.
"Vegas Writes" is the brainchild of the prestigious Vegas Valley Book Festival. An annual invitation-only showcase, it highlights a spectrum of Sin City's most talented and thought-provoking writers, from novelists and essayists, to short-story writers and journalists. Each year, the chosen few are given a broad theme to explore, with this just-released 2013 milestone fifth-anniversary edition, Getting Better All the Time: Las Vegas Writers Explore Progress, tackling the complex concept of change, from the personal level to the civic.
It's a thought-provoking anthology and tonight you have the chance to meet the writers and have your copy personalized at a FREE Vegas Valley Book Festival pre-event. Hosted by Clark County Library (1401 E. Flamingo Road), the panel talk kicks off at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a book signing and reception (copies of the book will be available for purchase at the door for a "show special" of $10, including tax), so come along and support our growing pool of local talent!
In tonight's Thursday Night Football game, the Carolina Panthers are -6.5 favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The total is 38.5.
Here's some news from the left field: Mexico today issued a decree banning slot machines, limiting the ability of casino-permit holders to rent out or cede their permits to other operators, and limiting the maximum license term to 25 years (down from 40), reports the Elko Daily Free Press.
The prevalence of slots, known in Mexico as "tragamonedas" (Spanish for "coin swallowers") has apparently escalated to such epidemic proportions in recent years that they've spilled out of corner stores and onto sidewalks, while the nation's been hit by repeated casino scandals tied to the nation's drug cartels, including a grenade attack and fire in 2011 that killed 52 patrons. Coin-operated video and fairground games are still allowed.
Yup, in case you didn't get the memo, there's a little music-and-food festival thingy taking place -- correction: taking over! -- downtown this weekend; and there's a whole bunch of other stuff, too:
Legendary casino entrepreneur Jackie Gaughan celebrates his 93rd birthday today at El Cortez and everyone's invited to the party! There will be free cake and champagne from noon to 4 p.m., so get on down there and join the fun.
On Friday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a.k.a. The Mob Museum, will commemorate the anniversary of the Kefauver Committee hearings, which investigated organized crime and took place in its building on Nov. 15, 1950, by offering free admission for Nevada residents. Non-Nevada residents can receive a twofer offer on admission that day.
This Friday, October 25, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay will host a blood drive for United Blood Services from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with donors receiving complimentary admission to the Haunted Shark Reef Halloween exhibit (donors must be adult, but children 12 years old and under who come dressed in costumes will also receive free entry). There's currently an urgent need for O negative blood, the universal blood type; all donors are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 877-827-4376 or online at unitedbloodservices.org/LV.
The accident that earlier blocked the I-15 southbound at Lamb Boulevard has now been cleared.
"8NewsNow" has just reported that a crash involving an SUV has closed southbound lanes of the I-15 at Lamb Boulevard.
While it's no secret that China suffers from some serious air-pollution issues outside, it seems the problem extends to building interiors, too, with 16 of Macau's casinos failing a second round of air-quality tests. An initial inspection earlier this year saw 28 of the gambling enclave's 46 legal gaming venues fail government tests that followed the Jan. 1 mandatory introduction of defined smoking areas; evidently, a slew of casinos have still failed to clean up their acts and will have their smoking areas reduced in size until they improve the air quality. The Dept. of Social Affairs and Culture has not named the offenders, but of the original 28 casinos that failed, 16 are operated by SJM Holdings, the Hong Kong-based company that's the largest of the six licensees authorized to offer casino gambling in the territory.
Today through Oct. 27, the Thomas & Mack Center will be home to the PBR World Finals and on Friday, the Tropicana hosts the official Draft Party, where the top 35 bull riders in the world will be on stage to select their Round 4 bulls, followed by a buckle presentation and a poolside concert by country star Craig Campbell, which kicks off at 11 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Las Vegas nightlife aficionado Joe Vargas reports via his kingofnightclubs blog that sweeping changes are imminent on the Las Vegas club scene, with word that: Pure inside Caesars is to undergo a remodel in 2014, and expand into a beach club (isn't that what Venus Pool Club is/was meant to be?) in the the space next to Serendipity 3; Haze at Aria also undergo a remodel/rebranding after New Year’s Eve (estimated "down" time is five months); and to complete the trinity, the Bank at Bellagio is also in line for a facelift of some sort...
Further to the Pure story, it would be easy to forget that this place still exists, so we're not surprised it's getting a relaunch. Back in the day, Pure was the celebrity hangout, but these days we barely hear about it, other than as a venue used for random events like fashion shows; the same goes for the Venus Pool Club, also owned by Angel Management, which was the first topless pool in Vegas but keeps such a low profile we have to check each year to see if it's still open.
Our current Reader Poll takes you on a trip down memory lane, with the question: "Which obsolete, rare, or vanishing casino game do you miss the most/would you most like to try?" [NOTE: Please no "blackjack with decent rules/payouts" -- we're inquiring about actual games that are defunct or hard to find.] We've had a ton of responses but if yours isn't among them, hurry: Poll ends at midnight tonight!
Las Vegas thrill seekers have a new option, with the launch of a pilot Harley-Davidson rental scheme from a new branch of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, located at 4715 W. Flamingo. Specific bikes available for rent through the branch, which is exclusively offering Harley's, include:
An associate of LVA's called minutes ago to inform us that he was driving into town on the 1-15 when, in the vicinity of the Speedway, he was passed by a car with flames coming out of the tailpipe. Soon after, he started passing "bits of the vehicle" -- on fire -- and believes the female driver may have been trapped inside the burning car (he turned around in an attempt to assist, but believes he may have been too late. We'll say no more until we hear an official report and for now can only hope that any occupants of the vehicle are okay.) This is just an eye-witness account (from a very dependable source) and we have no further information, but you may wish to avoid this area, if possible. We'll keep you posted as and when we hear more.
In the wake of this week's tragic shootings, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Valerie Pida Plaza at UNLV will host an anti-violence event, with a candlelit vigil and practical resources, like "Yoga for Survivors," plus food, music, art, and more. Take a stand, and Take Back the Night.
The current writer is from the U.K., where we have extremely strict laws governing advertising practices and what a company is permitted to say about its competitors and their products; in the U.S., it seems to be much laxer, a situation that behooves consumers to be extra vigilant, maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism. To wit, check out an ad by the Rampart casino placed recently in the R-J, which caught the eye of Frugal Vegas blogger Jean "Queen of Comps" Scott, who offers a clear and concise argument as to why its message should not be taken at face value. Read it!
In tonight's Monday Night Football game, the New York Giants -4.5 favorites over the Minnesota Vikings. The total is 47.5.
Apparently for no reason other sheer joie de vivre on this beautiful Monday evening, from 4-7 p.m. Park on Fremont is giving patrons a bouquet of flowers with the purchase of a pint of beer. We like their style!
It seems like it never rains but it pours these days for "Mr Las Vegas," the latest calamity in a long line being word that his 65-foot yacht sank Friday morning at a marina on the Arizona side of Lake Mead, as reported by the R-J. The houseboat went down stern first in approximately 45 feet of water while moored in its covered slip. The Newtons are currently out of the country on vacation (they could probably use another one now) and no one was on board the vessel at the time. For more news on Wayne Newton's roller coaster fortunes, tune in for tomorrow's Question of the Day.
A patron was killed and at least two employees wounded during an early morning shooting today outside of the temporary Drai's after-hours nightclub at Bally's. An argument over the refund of a cover charge precipitated the shooting by an angry customer, who is now in custody. No other details have been released.
The former Barbary Coast and Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon will not become Gansevoort Las Vegas. Caesars Entertainment has cut ties with the Gansevoort Hotel Group after Massachusetts regulators denied CET a gaming license over the association, citing concerns with a Gansevoort investor. It's a big development considering the amount of marketing that's gone into promoting the brand. Caesars says that all of the announced major components of the resort will remain, though it will get a new name.
In tonight's Sunday Night Football game, the Denver Broncos are -6 favorites over the Indianapolis Colts. The total is 55.
Caesars Entertainment, thought to be the front-runner for the lone casino license in the Boston area, has withdrawn its application at the request of Massachusetts gaming regulators, who apparently judged the company unsuitable to be licensed. Caesars responded, "we believe the commission is attempting to set standards of suitability that are arbitrary, unreasonable, and inconsistent with those that exist in every other gaming jurisdiction." The move leaves a proposal by Wynn Resorts Ltd. as the leading candidate for the Boston license.
The American Lung Association hosts its annual Fight for Air Walk today in Floyd Lamb Park to raise funds for those who suffer from lung cancer, asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases. The 5k walk begins noon and will be followed with a Fall-themed festival featuring food and drinks, craft vendors, and a live bluegrass band. Walkers can also receive complimentary flu shots and health and wellness information. Children and pets are welcome to attend the event.
According to nightclub guru Joe Vargas' kingofclubs.com site, off-Strip nightlife destinations The Pulse (formerly located downtown on 7th Street) and Wish Vegas (7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South) have both followed in the steps of Krave Massive and The Act, and are no longer open for biz. The Pulse stands accused of using bogus engagements with celebrity performers to lure patrons under false pretenses; the first we'd heard of Wish Vegas was that it was closed.
This isn't confirmed, but it looks like there may be more bad news for PokerStars in its attempt to secure an online gambling license in the U.S. Despite going so far as to try to buy a casino to qualify in New Jersey, there are rumblings that the company will not be granted a license there because it operated illegally in the U.S. subsequent to the 2006 UIGEA ruling.
Cain Velasquez is a -195 favorite over Junior dos Santos in tonight's UFC championship fight. In other featured matches, Daniel Cormier is -560 over Roy Nelson and Gilbert Melendez is -565 over Diego Sanchez.
The fourth annual Aki Matsuri Japanese culture and food event runs today at the Rio until midnight. Tickets are $8 and ages 8 and under are free. The Golden Nugget is running the Oktoberfest Pool Party until 7 p.m. today as part of its Fall Beer Festival. Admission is free with food and drinks available for purchase.
Planners are debating whether a possible Interstate 11 highway would pass through, or divert around, Las Vegas. If built, the highway that would run from Mexico to Canada, via Phoenix and Las Vegas in the southwest, would not materialize for several years. However, it could have major implications for cross-town travel, potentially running on a direct route from Henderson, past Summerlin, to the far northwest side of the city, and on toward Reno.
The Sapphire Pool & Dayclub will be the only one still open and partying this weekend, as pool season finally winds down, with DJs from noon to 6 p.m. both days.The strip club will be screening UFC 166 live immediately after the pool party ends on Saturday, with admission just $20 for locals with valid ID.
Kill two birds with one stone and protect your security while raising funds for a good cause with the free document-shredding event hosted by the Better Business Bureau (6040 S. Jones) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. Or, if you prefer, head on over to the other free shredding event, hosted by the Craig/Ferrell branch of One Nevada Credit Union, from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This one's a fundraiser for Opportunity Village.
The Australian Bee Gees (Excalibur) and The Chippendales (Rio) will join the eclectic ranks of celebrities, including Siegfried & Roy, the casts of Beatleshow! and Jubilee!, Frankie Moreno, Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison ("Pawn Stars"), and BMX Dirt Jumper Ricardo Laguna, in celebrating Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus with keg tappings tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.
Four-time GRAMMY Award-winning R&B vocal group Boyz II Men has extended its residency at The Mirage into 2014, with tickets for performances scheduled January through April now on sale.
Online culinary authority The Daily Meal has released its list of the 101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World, and the #1 spot goes to é by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan for its "multi-award-winning chef, dramatic décor, interactive dining experience, and "secret" multi-course tasting menu." Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace) and Joël Robuchon (MGM Grand) also made the Top 10, with Bellagio's Michael Mina figuring in the Top 20. All four are featured in Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants.
The ABBA-inspired musical that played for six years at Mandalay Bay, will return to Las Vegas next May, but this time to a new home in the remodeled showroom at the Tropicana, which has been looking for something to occupy it since February.
The annual Las Vegas Foodie Fest kicks off at 4 p.m. today at the Silverton, featuring a vast array of food trucks and vendors (yes, folks, White Castle is back, and apparently bigger and better than last time around), plus entertainment, carnival rides, and games. The press release introduced us to a new dining concept: the "celebrity food truck," which apparently refers not to a mobile eatery vending tacos made by Lady Gaga, nor truffle soup by Guy Savoy, but instead denotes a truck made famous by being featured on Food Network, Travel Channel, etc., which in this instance includes: The Buttermilk Truck, BACONMANia, White Rabbit, Vizzi Truck, Devilicious, Fukuburger, Jogasaki Burrito, Fist of Fusion, and Fluff Ice. Tickets are $10 at the gate (cash only) or $5 in advance online at lasvegasfoodiefest.com (until 4 p.m. today).
The cast of the about-to-be released movie Last Vegas, the new comedy about a bunch of old geysers in town for a late-life bachelor party (think The Hangover, but with grown ups), will be in town this Friday to receive the honorary key to the city. The red-carpet event, which is due to take place at 3:30 p.m. in front of the Bellagio fountain, will be attended by Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, and Mary Steenburgen -- the stars of the movie -- while Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak will be there to proclaim Friday "Last Vegas Day." The much-anticipated film opens in theaters Nov. 1 -- click the link above to view the official trailer.
There seems to be a theme running through this weekend, and that theme is: BEER! We can't think of many better things to base a weekend on. Cheers!
Aliante Casino + Hotel will debut a new farm-to-table cafe concept on Friday, Nov. 1, to coincide with the resort’s one-year anniversary as an independent property. FARM 24-7 will offer round-the-clock daily service, with a menu that features classic diner fare, but made using fresh ingredients all sourced from local Las Vegas farms. Apparently, to emphasize the local-community theme, all the dishes will be named after local streets (anyone for an Industrial creme pie, or a Las Vegas Beltway bagel?)
In tonight's Thursday Night Football game, the Seattle Seahawks are -4 favorites over the Arizona Cardinals. The total is 41.5.
STK at The Cosmopolitan is hosting one of the more interesting Halloween events we've heard about. From 9 p.m. on Oct. 30, the steakhouse will transform into a "whimsical forest utopia" inspired by the iconic Lewis Carroll book, providing the backdrop for a one-off performance by the crazy cast of Absinthe, the "acro-cabaret" variety show that performs outside Caesars Palace. Executive Chef Stephen Hopcraft will serve an array of spooky Alice-inspired treats, including magic mushroom crisps, lobster tea sandwiches, eyeball pumpkin-soup shots, scream cheese rangoons, and black foie gras liver toast points. all washed down with "DRINK ME"-tagged potions crafted from a Pernod Ricard-sponsored bar including Perrier Jouet, Avion Tequila, and Absolut Elyx.
As is being celebrated all over town, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with lots of things going pink temporarily as a reminder. By a complete but happy coincidence, today's Question of the Day is all about Pink (the singer) but we took the opportunity to highlight some other of this city's widespread "pinkness" -- check it out (especially if you're a local business owner...).
First Jubilee, the hotel tower got a makeover; now Jubilee!, the show is to get an update. The longest-running show on the Strip, which has been performing at Bally's for more than 30 years and is the city's only remaining showgirl spectacular, will undergo a major transformation in early 2014, under the supervision of creative director Frank Gatson Jr. The plan, apparently, is to bring a "bold, fresh new twist to the production, while staying true to the spirit of the original show." The official press release goes on to say that, "While the best of the show’s main elements will be preserved as a nod to the past, including the signature costumes and a number of the most iconic sets, the choreography, staging and music will be refreshed for today’s audience."
Jubilee! has been looking pretty tired for a long while -- more of an anachronism than an homage -- so we're interested to see the affect of some fresh ideas.
Get buffets for points today at Station and Fiesta casinos. Earn 300 points for a free breakfast, 400 for lunch, and 500 for dinner (600 at Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock). This works out to as little as $100 coin-in (for breakfast), and points do not come off your account. This deal is being offered every Thursday.
It's not our schtick to cover politics (unless it's gambling-related), but since this has wide-reaching national implications, including the availability of attractions like Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon, we are passing on this breaking news, courtesy of Fox5Vegas.
This Friday, Oct. 18, MGM Grand Garden Arena will host "Super Dancer Born Tonight," a free showcase of 20 of the best American and Chinese competitive dancers, including stars of the popular television show, "So You Think You Can Dance," which is being filmed for Chinese state television. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show, which will feature multiple genres of dance, including ballroom, hip-hop, and modern, begins at 7:30 p.m. Both nations will be represented by some of their top dance talent but the contest is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, while free tix to the event are available in advance from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Box Office.
An accident involving a car and a motorcyclist, who sustained critical injuries, has closed all lanes of Sahara Avenue between Cimarron Road and Buffalo Drive. Drivers are encouraged to find an alternate route for the next couple of hours.
The California law student who drunkenly beheaded a rare bird in the Flamingo's wildlife collection has been sentenced to 190 days of prison boot camp, courtesy of the Nevada Department of Corrections. If Justin Teixeira fails the program, he could be face up to four years in prison, while the future of his law career hangs in the balance: Teixeira is awaiting the results of the California bar exam but even if he passes, the State Bar of California stipulates that a person who's to practice law must be of "positive moral character," which precludes those convicted of violent felonies or those involving moral turpitude.
For more on this story, see Question of the Day 5/5/13.
Luxor's sister property MGM Grand will be party central for PBR week and home to many of the participating riders, so the property is going all-out to make 'em feel welcome. From Oct. 23 the resort will be "branding" [pun intended] the area in front of the KA Theatre as the "8 Second Lounge," which will host official World Finals activities all week, with live entertainment nightly. The resort is also offering discounted ticket-and-room packages for those attending the PBR World Finals -- check out the PBR official website for more details on events and deals.
Luxor's Tender Steak & Seafood is getting into the PBR spirit by featuring some specialty menu items during the PBR World Finals, which take place at Thomas & Mack Wednesday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 27. The "Tomahawk Chop," which is a grilled 30-ounce Angus beef rib-eye steak that comes paired with a Crown Royal flight (pours of Crown XR, Crown Reserve and Crown Royal), is priced at $95 per person, or guests may order either option à la carte for $75 and $30, respectively.
In addition, the Game Meat Tasting Platter ($55) will feature a sampling of three rare American meats: Wyoming range-fed American bison rib-eye, served with maple-flavored baked beans and duck bacon; Colorado Rocky Mountain elk medallion, accompanied by huckleberry sauce and cherry fig chutney; and Texas Hill-Country wild boar spare ribs, served with a roasted white corn salad. (A note to lovers of exotic meat: Check out Question of the Day 5/30/13 for details of other Las Vegas eateries that cater to carnivores with an adventurous palate, from ostrich to antelope, and alligator to frog.)
This afternoon at 2 p.m., a record-breaking stunt is scheduled to take place at the far south end of the Strip, when four of the World Slackline Federation's top athletes attempt a high line walk outside the 63rd floor (actually, more like the 30-somethingth floor, since MBay skips the 40s and 50s - see Question of the Day 7/5/05, but we digress and it's still really high, like 480 feet above the ground). It's a prelude to the sport's World Cup Finals, which the resort is hosting on Thursday.
Today's daredevil display is an attempt to set the world record for the longest urban high line walk, using a 460-foot-long slackline running between the resort's two towers, parallel to the Las Vegas Strip. It's a prelude to Thursday's championship, which will take place inside the Michael Jackson ONE Theater and will feature a specially choreographed sequence starring two performers from the Cirque show, which has forged a new partnership with Las Vegas-based GibbonsSlacklines. The championships kick off at 1 p.m. Thursday and the event is open to the public and free to attend.
The results of the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards have been released, and no Las Vegas resort made it onto the "Top 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World" list (we were up against some pretty stiff competition, including private game reserves, hotel rooms under the Indian Ocean, former royal palaces, and some of the most stunning views on the planet). We failed to make the grade for "Top 25 Cities in the World" (which is dominated by Europe), and don't even figure in the "Top 10 U.S. Cities" rankings (Charleston, S.C. was the winner).
The massively anticipated inaugural festival, which will be taking over much of downtown Las Vegas this Oct. 26-27 (and a few days prior, no doubt, for set-up), has released a detailed event map, plus the complete festival schedule, which reveals that homegrown talent The Killers will close the two-day music-and-food extravaganza.
The Dotty's chain of home-style neighborhood casinos, a business model pioneered in Oregon and transplanted to Nevada in 1995 by Nevada Restaurant Services owner Craig Estey, is expanding its base beyond state boundaries, with news that a "Dotty’s Café" has been approved locally by the village of Homer Glen in Illinois. The company must first obtain a state gaming license before it can go forward with plans to convert a 1,350-square-foot leased space into a cafe and video gaming venue; if it goes through, the approval will likely lead to the spread of Dotty’s Cafés throughout that state.
It was recently confirmed that Dotty's had purchased the Hacienda; located on U.S. Highway 93 close to the Hoover Dam, it will be the brand's first full-fledged hotel-casino, pending regulatory approval.
Discount carrier Virgin America is offering discounted ticket prices on select routes to Las Vegas, but some routes -- including Los Angeles (from $46), San Francisco ($56), and New York ($166) -- must be booked by today, Oct. 15. The one-day-only sale, which ends at 22:59 p.m. CT tonight and was brought to our attention as a TravelZoo VIP pick, is to mark the airline's naming as "Best U.S. Airline" by readers of Condé Nast Traveler for the sixth consecutive year; the $46 L.A.-to-Vegas fare is available for departures select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, Oct. 29 through Feb. 26. (excluding major holiday dates).
A rollover crash that took place approximately half an hour ago on the southbound 215 Beltway at Jones Boulevard resulted in a truck fire that has led NHP to shut down the highway in both directions. We'll keep you posted re developments as we hear, but for now use an alternate route if at all possible.
In his latest exclusive weekly column, video poker expert Bob Dancer explains why he's a professional gambler, as opposed to being a football or basketball player, while revisiting a familiar promo at the Palms.
We doubt too many are mourning its passing, but we are sharing what we just learned, via a reader of VegasChatter, namely that the buffet at The Quad closed Sunday, with little warning and apparently no tears. While any official statement has yet to be forthcoming, a call to an on-the-ground company representative informed us that it's only closing for a remodel, but that this will likely take some months. In the meantime, the property features a diner, a Hash House A Go Go, a Mexican eatery, and a 24-hour pan-Asian restaurant, plus it's in walking distance of lots of other options.
In tonight's Monday Night Football game, the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers are Pick 'Em (no pointspread) The total is 50.5.
It took multiple false alarms before Britney Spears finally settled on a venue and signed a contract for a Las Vegas residency; the latest "will she/wont's she?" star to get the gossips going appears to be superstar Brit. songstress Adele, whose native tabloid press last weekend was all over the rumor of an extended run on the Strip for the singer -- a story first posited back in February by Sin City gossip columnist extraordinaire, Robin Leach. Among those vocal in their encouragement of such move, apparently, is fellow Brit. Sir Elton John, who's currently enjoying his second residency at Caesars' Colosseum.
Dates have been announced for the first 15 2014 performances of Shania: Still the One at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace; tickets for the new dates, which start at $55, go on sale Friday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.
Repaving work on the 215 Beltway between the I-15 and Windmill Lane commenced this morning and will be continuing through Oct. 26, with traffic disruption anticipated throughout, so find an alternate route for your commute, if you can. Westbound traffic will be reduced to two through Saturday, Oct. 19, then from Monday, Oct. 21 to Saturday, Oct. 26, it's the turn of eastbound traffic to be reduced to two lanes, while on and off ramps will be affected at various times throughout the project, too.
Thank goodness for the chainsaw-wielding zombies at Planet Hollywood, who have stepped in to deliver a dream "horror" wedding that was to be staged at Eli Roth's Goretorium, only for the haunted house attraction to announce its closure prior to the appointed date set for the nuptials. Never fear, however, since Evil Dead The Musical has stepped in to cater to at least one of the couples left wedding-less, offering to host the ceremony, together with a reception in V Theater's Veranda Bar prior to that night's performance, followed by an after-party with the cast of the show. Here's to one horror story with a happy ending.
The controversial nightlife in The Canal Shoppes, which has been fighting against an eviction order from landlord Sheldon Adelson, has evidently lost the fight, and it looks like Saturday was the final party for the venue, which didn't make it to its scheduled Oct. 23 "End of the World" party, nor to Halloween. Whether the concept will find a new Las Vegas home, with Beacher's Madhouse now confirmed as on the way back, and Absinthe and Zumanity still going strong, is hard to say, but we're going to guess it's unlikely.
Boulevard Mall, the shopping precinct on Maryland Parkway, is to host the inaugural Tacorama Taco Festival in the parking lot this Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 8 p.m. More than 2,000 attendees from across the Las Vegas Valley are anticipated at the celebration of Hispanic culture, which will feature taco tastings, performances by top local bands and dance troops, a kid's zone with pinatas, balloon artists, a bounce house, and face painters, plus a taco-eating contest with a first prize of a $500 gift card to La Bonita (must register in advance). General admission to the event is $5.
Columbus Day doesn't appear to have resonated on many marketing calendars this year, but it wasn't completely forgotten. Get 11X points on slots and 7X on video poker today at Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, and Sam's Town, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In tonight's Sunday Night Football game, the Dallas Cowboys are -5.5 favorites over the Houston Texans. The total is 52.
An article in today's LV Review-Journal paints a dismal picture of the prospects for the second giant observation wheel that had been announced for the Strip. Work on the SkyVue wheel, halted several months ago, has not been resumed. The article details financial problems and legal entanglements that make the completion of the project unlikely. Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment's High Roller wheel at Linq continues to take shape, on schedule for its early 2014 debut.
The Denver Broncos opened this week as 28-point favorites over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the biggest spread ever in the NFL, topping the previous 26 points for the Steelers over the Buccaneers in 1974. The bookies see the game as such a mismatch that most have not put up a money line, which are the odds for winning a game straight up. However, while predictions were that the line would continue to rise, possibly as high as -31, money has come in on the Jags and the number currently sits at -26.5.
Commencing Thursday, Oct. 17, the popular new eatery will launch a monthly free cooking demo hosted by Williams-Sonoma (1001 S. Rampart Blvd.), with Chef Brett Uniss giving shoppers a step-by-step tutorial on how to make two of Honey Salt’s signature items, beginning with turkey meatballs and Tuscan bean soup. Each month's demo will feature one restaurant staple, plus one seasonal offering. Not only is the event free, but participants will receive 10% off their in-store purchase; all you need to do is RSVP in advance by calling Williams-Sonoma at 702-938-9480.
Rockhouse "ultra-divebar," located inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian/Palazzo, is upping the ante on its existing "Taco Tuesday" night, adding a regular 9 p.m. beer-pong tournament to the existing offerings, which include tacos starting at $1.50. For employees of Venetian/Palazzo or Grand Canal Shoppes, plus all local industry workers with valid ID who sign up via [email protected], there's all-night open bar access and complimentary tourney entry; for everyone else, entry and open-bar access is $25. The weekly grand prize is $500 cash.
John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks has been sold to a private investment group and will be operated by Global Gaming and Hospitality. The casino had been owned and operated for more than 50 years by the Ascuaga family, and is known for its good restaurants, including the long-running Big John's Oyster Bar. A $50 million upgrade is planned for the resort, which will retain its name, at least in the short term.
Residents of Hawaii can show ID to get a $25 matchplay coupon at both the D and the Golden Gate. The "Ohana Match Play" offer is being run through tomorrow in conjunction with tonight's UNLV/Hawaii football game.
The valley-wide locals bar has launched a "Happiest Happy Hour" photo contest and is encouraging fans to snap a photo of their happiest happy-hour moment in the bar, then post to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using tag #LOCALSBEST. Check their social media outlets each Friday at 5 p.m. to see if you and your friends were happy enough to win the $100 gift card.
The annual Renaissance Fair continues out at Sunset Park today and tomorrow, with heaps of activities and vendors and cool/crazy stuff to see. It's $10 admission for adults, $5 for kids, and it's a fun diversion in a great setting; visit the official website for more information.
Blue Man Group celebrated its first anniversary in its new home at Monte Carlo today with a cake (blue, of course) and a report that in its first year, the show has used no less than 2,124 Twinkies; 18,585 marshmallows; 2,655 gallons of paint; 3,186 drum sticks; 74,340 cubic feet of helium, and 272,934 feet of streamers.
The auction taking place at the Rio as we type actually runs for four days, through Monday, Oct. 14 and not just through Sunday, as earlier reported.
The Crue rocker's mixed (roughly 50/50, we'd estimate) success with motley Las Vegas business ventures (including tattoo studios, bars, live music venues, and strip clubs) doesn't ever seem to dull his enthusiasm, although perhaps that's because he mainly just seems to talk about new projects these days, as opposed to actually realizing -- or even starting -- them. It's a popular formula in Las Vegas that's been tried and tested on many occasions over time (did someone say "observation wheel"?) but but we're not sure how workable it is as a long-term strategy (blame the cynicism of local media). According to the Vegas Eater blog, the latest non-event in a growing string of them from Neil is the revelation that his formerly announced takeover of the Rock and Rita's venue inside Circus Circus -- which was to lead to even greater things -- has yet to materialize. Still Vince's solution to the non-happening is nothing short of genius: He's actually moved time and changed the clock! Our advice: Go ahead and re-set your watches, just don't hold your breath.
Construction is now underway on Part II of Summerlin's Tivoli Village complex, which comprises almost 300,000 additional square feet of retail, restaurant, and office space. This phase of the project is not slated for completion until spring 2015 but tenants are already being lined up, with unconfirmed rumors of new Victoria's Secret and Apple stores being among them. The original Tivoli Village, which debuted in April 2011, is currently at 88 percent occupancy, reports the R-J.
While, in playful jest, a Las Vegas blogger joked earlier this week about how Caesars Entertainment was planning a massive bake sale in an attempt to clear some of its $23 billion debt, it turns out he was pretty close to the mark; it's just that, actually, it's a garage* sale that eight of the group's nine Las Vegas properties are holding this weekend, with tiki huts, gold pigs (current asking price a mere $35!), an inflatable Miller can, lounge chairs, and a Plinko game among the items for sale, as opposed to lemon slices and "macauroons" (see Today's News 10/7).
Yup, CET's currently operational Las Vegas properties (i.e., everyone except Bill's), are having a massive joint clearout of their 30 warehouses, with 14,000 items coming under the auctioneer's hammer over the next three days. The preview was yesterday (oops, sorry) but you can browse the catalog online at the Munari Auctions website. If you can't make it to the Rio in person, you can also get your remote bids in online, so if you’re looking for carpet, or an authentic "Price is Right" chair, mini fridge, lampshade, pool table (currently bid at five cents!), Grecian-goddess statue, or myriad other hotel-casino fixtures and fittings, this is your chance. The sale runs from 10 a.m. daily through Sunday.
We note that it's perhaps more accurately termed a "warehouse sale," but since one of the items in the catalog is a 2003 Mercedes, and another is a flatbed truck, we figure at least one of those 30 storage facilities is technically a giant garage, no?
A new show has been added to the repertoire at V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops, with the Oct. 10 debut of Las Vegas Live Comedy Club, a new option to fill the comedy vacancy left by the graduation of Sin City Comedy & Burlesque to its own theater in Planet Hollywood.
The new 9 p.m. nightly show will feature a revolving lineup of comedians from the national circuit, including acts previously featured on HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central, plus a different local host to open and emcee the show. Ticket start at $49.
Local food critic and Eating Las Vegas co-author Al Mancini has some tips on how to get the most
SLS, the sexy boutique hotel-casino that's rising from the ashes of the former Sahara, is hiring; visit the careers page on the website for details about openings at the north-Strip property, slated to open in 2014.
Not one of these mobile eateries/promotional vehicles is in Las Vegas (although, we think at least one of them should be, especially since we lost the strippermobile), but we just had to share this awesome photo montage from Thrillist anyhow, because it's been cold and we want to make you smile.
They keep it quiet (crowds are not encouraged at these events), but it's come to our attention that there is what's known colloquially as a "trailer Station" on the way. These rare occurrences involve a casino being obliged to open a temporary eight-hour gambling facility on a site that's in possession of a casino license but currently has no gambling; it's a regulatory requirement in order to keep the permit "live."
Such is the situation with Station Casinos and the plot of land on E. Fremont Street that once was home to the Showboat/Castaways casinos, but which has not witnessed any active gaming action since the latter closed in 2004. Hence, on Dec. 10, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., a 40-foot trailer, equipped with 16 slot machines, plus an outside portable toilet, will be present on the site and anyone who feels like it can show up and play.
Of all the New Jersey-casino partnerships with online entities, forged to take symbiotic advantage of the scheduled Nov. 26 legalization in the state of iGaming, that between Borgata and its European Internet partner Bwin.party has been named as the first to be granted an online gambling permit. Bwin.party is the company behind the partypoker.com brand in Europe and the World Poker Tour franchise.
We can't vouch for anything else, but we do recommend the first item on this weekend's agenda, which is lots of fun and a bargain at that price:
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, renowned chef Scott Conant will be signing copies of The Scarpetta Cookbook (named for his restaurants, of which Cosmopolitan is home to one), with an evening of assagini (Italian tapas) and aperitifs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets, which include a signed copy of the book, are $150, with proceeds benefiting Keep Memory Alive. Even if you have no intention of attending this event, we recommend you click through to the reservation link just to see an awesome photograph of downtown's Lou Rouvo Center, designed by the one-and-only Frank Gehry.)
A storm brought the first significant snowfall of the season to Mt. Charleston last night, the earliest in the season that 5 to 6 inches has been recorded in the area since 1980, reports today's Las Vegas Review-Journal, which carries a pretty photo montage of the early-season sprinkling on the mountain, which was ravaged by wildfire earlier this year.
It's not too late to register as an individual ($50) or team member ($45) for the annual GlowRun this Sunday. The "5K Nighttime Illuminated Costumed Fun-Run" takes place around the Fremont East Entertainment District, with allied entertainment and festivities throughout the area, all in support of AFAN, the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada.
No, it's not the downtown Denny's, the only Las Vegas fast-food joint to boast its own wedding chapel, but instead it's upscale burger chain Smashburger that's giving away the prize of a Las Vegas wedding to celebrate the reputedly auspicious date of 11/12/13. Couples looking to win the package -- which includes their flight to Vegas and accommodation in one of Bally's new Jubilee! Tower suites, a wedding at a Smashburger location officiated by an Elvis and reception featuring a multi-tiered wedding cake constructed entirely from Smashburgers (no, we did not make that up), two tix to Jubilee!, and all kinds of other goodies -- are invited to submit a Vine video demonstrating how much they love both each other and burgers. Publish your post to www.Facebook.com/Smashburger or @Smashburger by 1:59:59 PST on Friday, Oct. 25th and making sure to include hashtag #SmashWedding.
While KRAVE Massive and Drink 'n Drag are no more, with no hint of a future life, LGBT nightlife is gaining a new after-hours club, with word that starting Oct. 25 House, the mysterious on-off nightclub/strip club on Procyon that's owned by Treasures, will host a regular after-hours session called Utopia. The event, which has plans to expand to Saturdays following the soft opening, will apparently feature guest DJs, aerialists, contortionists, body painting, hookah lounge, a fruit bar (?!), and "spectators," which will apparently "set the club apart from other venues in town," although it sounds a lot like The Act (perhaps minus the alleged obscenity, and perhaps not!)
The whole venue and what it's about has continued to bemuse us since it stopped being Rick's Cabaret strip club. Several marquees promising various flavors of nightlife experience have been and gone without ever seeming to deliver anything; the club has a fancy new website, but appears to cater only to corporate/private events, or to stage "outings" at other people's venues, having evidently not hosted anything in its own "House" since August.
The Neon Museum is to host three "drop-in" events for families this fall, commencing Saturday, Oct. 19, with "The Wayfinder Experience: Orienteering at the Neon Museum." The event, which will run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Neon Boneyard, will consist of basic skill instruction and an introduction to orienteering, including how to use a compass, followed by a beginner-level scavenger hunt of various sites on the museum campus. For more information about this and future events, visit neonmuseum.org or call 702-387-6366.
Downtown's about to get some funky new housing, with news that the hotel portion of the Gold Spike, whose casino was recently transoformed into a new restaurant, bar, and general adult playground, is to be converhotel into employee housing for the soon-to-open Zappos headquarters. A "pedestrian plaza" for special events has also been approved as part of the property's transformation.
Las Vegas let us down badly on National Taco Day/National Vodka Day (see [very short] item on 10/4); now it's National Pierogi Day and while we haven't come across any specials, just finding a live pierog felt like a mission we couldn't pass up, what with our publisher being of Polish-Ukrainian extraction 'n all. So, for all you dumpling fans out there, the good news is that we found not just one, but entire herds of pierogi out there! This is where they roam:
What do you think of it? There are myriad choices to fit your fancy in our current Reader Poll, or we invite you to write to us with one entirely of your own invention, but you'd better do it fast, because this survey closes at midnight to make way for a fantabulous new one...
*Special note for the person who wrote in to complain that our use of the word "vibe" was discriminatory in its exclusion of those ignorant as to its meaning -- here is a handy dictionary definition that we hope rectifies that little faux pas; meanwhile, "Initiative of the Day" award to Dan from El Paso, who wrote in this very morning to inform us he'd looked up an unfamiliar word we used all by himself. Bravo, sir! You have replenished our dwindling cup of hope for this nation's future.
This fall/winter the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood welcomes four new tenants, including new dining offerings in Meatball Spot (formerly of Town Square, formerly of Chef Carla Pellegrino) and Ketchup Premium Burger Bar. These additions will bring the total eating spots in the mall to 17.
The ongoing government shutdown has not stalled the introduction today of the new $100 bill, which enters circulation today after more than a decade in development. The new note, with its high-tech anti-counterfeit features, will be delivered to regional banks and other financial institutions via armored truck and some customers could be receiving them before end of day today.
It's been five years since the last significant currency change took place, with the introduction of the new $5 bill back in 2008. We researched the casinos' readiness for that one at the time and what measures were necessary in order for their bill validators to accept them. With something as significant as a new C-note, we figured the gambling capital of the western world would be all over this one, not least since the Treasury Dept. thoughtfully provides a section on its website specifically for the gaming industry: Not so! Check out our Question of the Day* from just a week ago, when we called no less than 18 different properties around town to check on their preparedness and received some surprising responses...
*Usually, archived QoDs, of which there are now almost 2,500 because we've been churning these babies out since 1/5/2005 (yes, you read that correctly) are for LVA members' eyes only, but we made a special exception in this instance, seeing as it's concerning a matter of national security.
That's a burning question to which many of us would like to know the answer; you can find it in video poker expert Bob Dancer's latest column, which just went live!
In tonight's Monday Night Football game, the Atlanta Falcons are -10 favorites over the New York Jets. The total is 45.
According to trade publication Nightclub & Bar, Las Vegas now boasts 21 of the 100 most profitable nightclubs in the U.S., including all of the Top 10 spots. Seven Sin City clubs bring in more than $25 million a year (and they need to, with DJ salaries now regularly registering in the millions for the top crowd pullers).
According to a poll conducted this year by casino lobby group the American Gaming Association, of those questioned, 27 percent of casino visitors nationally don't gamble at all, while more than half visited a bar or club. An industry insider from the nightlife side of the table described the current trend as an "arms race" at the recent G2E gaming summit in Las Vegas, where the market has become even more skewed against casino dependency when it comes to revenue streams (see Question of the Day 10/5/13). It's a battle that has not only seen DJs elevated to the same heights as rock and movie stars, but which is also fueling an industry based on upping the ante in terms of lighting, sound, and gimmicks ranging from lasers and dry-ice machines to 3-D glasses and confetti cannons.
It's from the rumor mill, but the dependably accurate VegasChatter has it on good authority that Starwood Hotels has been sniffing around LVH to the extent that reps have been spotted physically on-property checking it out in recent weeks. The Starwood Brand has a mixed history in this city: It currently owns the off-Strip Westin and the eco-branded Element hotel in Summerlin, but a much-vaunted 4,000-room W Hotel slated for the N/E corner of Harmon and Koval was a victim of the Great Recession that never got off the drawing board, while when the company inherited ownership of 10 casinos, including Caesars Palace, through its takeover of ITT Sheraton in 1997, it ditched all the gaming properties within less than 12 months.
The acclaimed Rat Pack tribute show, which opened, then closed, then opened again at the Plaza, is to close once more -- this time for good -- with a final performance by The Phat Pack scheduled for Nov. 16, reports Mike Weatherford in the R-J (and confirmed by the show's own site, although the person with whom we spoke at the Plaza had no clue what we were talking about).
In case you didn't catch it in our Spotlight On... feature, the Palms has teamed up with Las Vegas Advisor to offer a special room-rate-and-buffet package to LVA readers. The deal results in base rates as low as $41/night for weekdays (plus $20/night resort fee, but that includes a useful free shuttle service to the Strip), plus two free buffets daily; click the link for more details and restrictions.
Thanks to the R-J's Doug Elfman for the heads-up that Bare Pool Lounge at the Mirage, which we noted earlier will host its last party of the season today, will go out with a bang offering its traditional "Drink Bare Dry" promo to locals with valid ID. The plan is to finish off all the booze left undrunk still after weeks of topless fun at this fun party spot, so get yourself over there if you're free today (just remember to line up a designated driver).
Tourists dismayed at the disruption caused to non-casino activities by the current government shutdown, including the closure of Red Rock Canyon facilities and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, can take some consolation with news that downtown's new Slotzilla zipline ride is still on track for an early November debut. The VitalVegas blog continues to chronicle progress on the giant attraction, with a new photo montage posted this morning that shows how advanced the project is. (Plus, scroll down for some breaking, sorry baking news from CET to enjoy with your morning coffee. It put a smile on our face...)
CET is continuing its "Enlisting Heroes" program, a campaign to offer employment opportunities specifically to military veterans. The initiative was rolled out in Las Vegas earlier this year, but is now extending to the company's properties in Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland in the current recruitment wave, which will eventually encompass all regions where CET has a presence. To date, almost 200 vets have been hired in front-line and management positions in Las Vegas, according to a company spokesman. Interested qualified parties should check the employment pages on casinos near them to keep apprised of upcoming job fairs.
While pool season is finally starting to wind down, with Daylight (MBay) and Liquid (Aria) closing over the weekend, and Bare hosting its last event today, the Flamingo GO Pool is having a last hurrah, and will host its traditional "St Somewhere" poolside parties this Oct. 19 and 26 to coincide with Jimmy Buffet's concerts at MGM Grand. Admission is free, with prize giveaways (including Buffet concert tix), interactive games, food and drink specials, and live entertainment from Tommy Rocker.
In tonight's Sunday Night Football game, the San Francisco 49ers are -3.5 favorites over the Houston Texans. The total is 43.
After many years, Casino Royale no longer deals 100X odds on its craps games. It's now 20X odds, which is still tops in town, along with Main Street Station.
Take a cab to Ellis Island and show your receipt to get a full reimbursement of up to $20 in slot free-play. They round it up to the nearest $5, so you can actually come out ahead on this deal.
Silverton is awarding 10X points on slots today. At Orleans it's 15X points on slots and 10X on video poker. At Gold Coast it's 3X on video poker. The Silverton and GC promotions run every Sunday in October. Gold Coast, Suncoast, Orleans, and Sam's Town are also running their annual "Pumpkin Patch Pick" giveaway through Oct. 19. And Station is running its $3 million "Swipe and Spin" giveaway through Oct. 27.
The District at Green Valley Ranch continues its annual free family-friendly movie season with a screening of Gremlins tonight at 7 p.m., sponsored by Crazy Pita. Bring your own blankets, pillows, etc. for sitting comfortably.
New Jersey will open for legal online gambling on November 26. It's not clear yet which sites will be ready to open, but those that do will be cleared to deal other casino games in addition to poker. As in Nevada, players will have to be physically in New Jersey to play.
It's the 51st annual Art in the Park fair out at Boulder City, featuring a vast array of art and craft vendors, food stalls, and more. The event, which is free, is a great hunting ground for interesting gifts (for others or yourself); just be advised to take a sweater as, from past experience, this is always one of the windiest events of the year.
The Cosmopolitan hosts its second annual LUCKYRICE food festival this weekend, with a traditional-style Night Market tonight that aims to recreate flavors and sensations from Taiwan to Thailand, dished up by celebrity chefs from both Vegas and further afield, all taking place around the Boulevard Pool. Tickets for tonight's event start at $88, while tomorrow there's a Dim Sum, Bloody Mary and Mahjong Brunch, featuring friendly games of Mahjong on the side ($65). Click the link for more details and to make your reservations, while if you need to brush up on your Mahjong skills, check out our expert strategy guide, which you can download right now in eBook form at ShopLVA.com.
We canvassed our vast readership for any additions to today's Question of the Day -- which is the conclusion of a two-parter listing every popular TV show since the invention of the cathode ray tube that has seen fit to include that de rigueur "the gang goes to Vegas episode, 'cos every cool show has to have a 'Vegas' episode" -- and collectively you only came up with one that we missed! Kudos to us; but, more importantly, thanks to you few who wrote in to rectify our glaring omission ("from the greatest series in the history of television," no less, we're assured. Oops. Evidently, you haven't seen "Misfits," however... Just the first 2 seasons; kinda sucks after that, round about the time it features its ... "The Gang Goes to Vegas" episode, now we come to think of it!):
Tonight, at 7:30 p.m., catch Huntington Press publisher and Las Vegas Advisor founder Anthony Curtis as the guest on Channel 3's ongoing series: The Strip: From Dust to Digital. Previous guests on this ongoing biography of one of the world's most iconic thoroughfares have included Jim Murren and Gary Loveman, head honchos at MRI and CET, respectively, with other episodes dedicated to the history of slot machines and the evolution of the entertainment scene on Las Vegas Boulevard.
The most-anticipated casino opening ever in the entire history of casino openings (as far as LVA readers are concerned -- see Question of the Day Archives) now has a confirmed date, with the former Lady Luck, now Downtown Grand, accepting reservations for stays commencing October 27, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for Tuesday, Nov. 12. (Seriously, after all this time, heartache, and anticipation bordering on the rabid, the "Grand Opening" is going to consist of someone cutting a piece of fancy string? Surely there will be more? A balloon? Fireworks? Do we need to start a petition?)
While we may be losing the year-round house of horror (a misconceived concept, we always thought, and evidently were correct) that is the Goretorium, we have news of a three-week-long (much better idea!) horror fest launching in time for Halloween this year. The Sin City Scare Fair will run on select days from October 11 through 31 at 9121 E. Sunset (just off the Strip behind the Calloway Golf Course) and will feature everything from multiple Haunted Houses (including a custom fan-inspired option); to zombie go-karting, to a 3-D "fully immersive" attraction specifically for anyone suffering from clown phobia (isn't that everyone, aside perhaps from actual clowns?); a thrill ride in an actual used coffin (okay, maybe this is taking it a little too far? We assume the previous occupant has vacated?); to more mundane offerings like a pumpkin patch, festive vendors, and an arcade.
We got this one on the down-low from a (saddened) former employee, who requested to stay anonymous, but apparently the days are numbered for the venerable Chargers bar at Rainbow and Flamingo, which has been sold for conversion into a Jackpot Joanie's. We understand Michael's Pub will be closing in a month or so, maybe less.
UK bookmaking giant William Hill, which now operates in excess of 100 race and sports books within Nevada state lines, has launched an iPad casino app that allows gamblers to play live-dealer casino games while on the go. The move is part of a growing trend, following the recent launch of the world’s first Bitcoin mobile live-dealer casino, SatoshiLive.com. The new William Hill app features live roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat games, dealt by real humans, with live audio.
We don't know who makes up these "National Food & Beverage Days," but we put it out there that "Chips & Salsa Day" obviously should share a date with "Margarita Day" (currently it does not); now we discover that "National Taco Day" is paired not with "National Tequila Day," but rather with "National Vodka Day" (shouldn't that be on "National Potato Day"?) Still, we're fully open to the concept of tacos and martinis, except no one in Las Vegas appears to be celebrating either "Day," with the exception of Border Grill at MBay, which is serving $3 tacos in any flavor all day, plus a special today-only "crispy ribeye taco with roasted garlic, seared serrano chiles, and guacamole" ($18, but sounds awesome) during lunch. There has to be more! Please contact us if you know something we don't.
In the meantime, if you haven't tried Taco y Taco (3430 E Tropicana Ave.) then you really must. We called and they don't have any specials today, but the prices are so reasonable they'd have to pay you if it was going to be any better value, AND they're super-friendly, AND the tacos are bomb, AND they're open till midnight tonight.
In tonight's Thursday Night Football game, the Cleveland Browns are -3.5 favorites over the Buffalo Bills. The total is 41.
Aliante Casino + Hotel has announced a new partnership with mobile-marketing company Joingoto launch a new mobile app for the casino's "Player's Club" loyalty program. Scheduled for a mid-October launch, the app will deliver highly-personalized and targeted notifications direct to players' smart phones, based on their location within the property in addition to real-time account info, including point balances, bonus cash, tier status, and available credit. The app will be available for iPhone, Android, and mobile web platforms.
The live streaming EarthCam located at the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign is back up and running, we've just discovered by a quick trip to the website. The popular webcam was discovered to be out of commission back in September (see "QoD" 9/18) but now appears to be fully operational once more. For a link to this, and all of the various other assorted operational Las Vegas webcams, check out the feature in our Visitor Guide.
The Palms continues in its ongoing state of flux, apparently, which has included both extensive remodeling and the introduction of new facilities on the one hand, marred with a flipside of scandal and frequent departures at the management level. The latest shocker, following the original ouster of founding owner George Maloof, is the surprise news today that Joseph Magliarditi has been fired from his post at the helm of the off-Strip property after just over two years in the job; veteran gaming executive Daniel Lee, whose previous positions have included CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment and CFO of the Mirage, has been named his successor chief as CEO of the Palms.
It's a festival-y kind of weekend, whether your preference be for beer, bike, or boho flavor. If all of the above, then it's your lucky weekend; if none, then go cheer yourself up with some stand-up, or something:
Any Vegas trivia nut should check out today's Question of the Day, which is Part I of a list of all the known TV shows from the beginning of time that have featured the de rigueur "Vegas" episode, from "I Love Lucy" to "Twilight Zone" to "Kojak". As hoped, we're receiving some great obscure additions from the TV-show buffs among our readers; if anyone out there knows of any more, let us know. Part I starts in 1954 with a show called "Topper" and concludes in 2004 with ... well, something we'd rather not dwell on. Tune in tomorrow from Part II, which will feature all the additions to the list since we last tackled this beast, back in 2007.
Runner Runner, the new movie starring Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake set against the backdrop of unregulated online gambling, debuts are theaters nationwide this Friday. While the portrayal of the world of Internet casinos is not favorable Anthony Curtis, who attended the Sept. 18 Las Vegas press premiere, came away from the screening with a lukewarm feeling toward the movie, which he described as somewhat cursory in its handling of the supposed core subject and too stereotypical. He and others have observed how the "bad guy" casino boss, played by Affleck, is a fairly transparent composite of three well-known characters from the world of online gaming. (Random Thursday Teaser: Can you identify them? No prizes offered! But we'd be interested to hear your guesses!)
Following a successful 2013 debut, the Las Vegas ProSoccer Challenge will return to Sam Boyd Stadium for the 2014 Major League Soccer (MLS) showcase. It all kicks of Feb. 16 with a preseason rematch between Colorado Rapids and Chivas USA and tickets, priced $20 for adults, $15 for kids -- are on sale now.
Actually, when we looked at a regular Google map, we realized that the seemingly enormous purple dimensions of the official Life is Beautiful Festival map are not as all-encompassing as they first appeared to be, although some downtown residents are already perturbed by the upcoming event's intrusion into everyday life, which will involve restricted areas, parking placards, loss of access to residents who don't have tickets, and hordes of descending visitors (tens of thousands are expected) who do.
We assume that those businesses inside the "bedazzled fence line" (no, we didn't make that up and yes, we sincerely hope that it lives up to that description) are happy to take the trade-off in terms of lost regular custom versus a captive crowd of festival-goers, but the logistics of policing the whole thing are something currently beyond our humble comprehension. Apparently, "parking* and shuttle information will be released in coming weeks" -- we hope not too many weeks, seeing as today is October 2 and it all kicks off on October 26, if not before...
*Finally, Neonopolis' big moment has arrived!
This Saturday, Oct. 12, the Tropicana will host the inaugural "Miss Asian Las Vegas" pageant, with the winner going on to compete in the 2014 Miss Asian America pageant. Tickets for the event, which begins at 7 p.m., start at $25.
While the real Venice has long been suffering from the effects of too much water, with the combined effects of the sinking of the city (now thought to have been checked) and rising sea levels causing permanent flooding in some buildings, the canals at Las Vegas' Venetian have been dry for some time, having been drained back in early September so that routine maintenance work could be carried out. The gondola rides were expected to be on hiatus through October 8, but with work having been completed ahead of schedule, VegasChatter reports that the gondolas were back in action this morning.
Downtown's monthly arts-and-culture festival will be just a little less free starting this week, with the introduction of temporary fencing at Fremont Street Experience and the Fremont East District, plus the introduction of an extended curfew for those aged under 18 (which will apply at all times, not just during the First Friday event). For more details on the specifics of the curfew for unaccompanied minors, which kicks in at 9 p.m. nightly, and the few exceptions to the new law, see coverage at Fox5Vegas.com.
Look's like time's up for KRAVE Massive, which enjoyed a long and successful run in its previous incarnation in the Miracle Mile Shops but has been plagued by problems ever since it announced a move downtown. The venue, which billed itself as the "largest gay club in the world" but which debuted late after multiple delays and has recently been shuttered due to permitting issues, was today denied the tavern license essential for its operation, reports the R-J. KRAVE takes down with it its sister property, Drink 'n Drag, which has also been denied a license, although to the best our knowledge it's been operating without incident since its debut more than a year ago. This saddens us, since we had yet to avail ourselves of the opportunity to go drag-queen bowling, which sounded like fun, but with the clubs' owner apparently in the hole to the tune of more than $700k in unpaid fees and taxes, prospects don't sound good, unless someone else can take on the concept. Thank heavens there's still drag queen bingo at Circus Circus.
With today's news comes confirmation that the evident "Curse of Neonopolis" continues, with previous casualties having included a concert venue, the Poker Dome, Las Vegas Rocks Café, Galaxy Theaters, Jillian's, the Star Trek Experience (which never even got as far as opening), the ShoeZeum -- and the two customers who were hospitalized after proving that the Heart Attack Grill is no joke. In fact, the only thing that Neonopolis seems to have succeeded at is being a parking garage. Perhaps Derek Stevens will buy the place and blow it up (see earlier news item) -- it really feels like time someone put it out of its misery, although of course that would deprive us of the ability to tie the knot in a Denny's (a dubious addition to the wedding map that we're pretty sure we can live without).
According to the latest word from in-the-know gaming analysts, MRI has changed its mind about offloading Crystals, and the upscale retail complex at CityCenter is no longer for sale. In addition, the company has expressed its desire to take full control of the centerpiece Aria resort from its heavily-indebted Dubai World business partner, with whom MRI has had a somewhat rocky relationship (apparently, the gaming giant has yet to inform its Emirates partner of this intention). Meanwhile, like its massively in-debt rival CET, MRI is also looking to reduce its borrowing burden and is seeking new loans to refinance CityCenter's nearly $2 billion of long-term debt.
Further to the surprise news Tuesday that downtown casino developer Derek Stevens had purchased the former Clark County Courthouse for $10 million comes confirmation that it was the 2.76-acre land parcel that Stevens was after and that he plans to demolish the building, although he has not yet revealed his subsequent plans for the space, which is is bordered by Third Street on the east, Casino Center Boulevard on the west, and Carson and Bridger Avenues to the north and south, respectively.
While fellow south-of-Strip locals casinos Silverton and South Point have both jumped on the foodie bandwagon, with regular food-truck festivals and other events, M Resort has been notably quiet on the gastronomic-event front, since the ownership change put an end to the annual Marnell family Italian food festival and the odd experiment with a live-cooking demo show back in 2010. But no longer! This fall, one aspiring culinary contender will be rewarded with an Executive Chef position at an M restaurant as the grand prize for winning Food Network's new "Restaurant Express" show, which debuts Sunday, Nov. 3, at 9 pm ET/PT. The premise for the seven-part series is a challenge to both the cooking and business-savvy skills of nine aspiring restaurateurs, who will travel across the nation with host and challenger Robert Irvine. Each challenge will see one contestant eliminated and left behind as the bus moves on to the next destination.
Downtown's Golden Nugget will provide a temporary new home for the Fifty Shades of Grey parody Spank! The Musical, from October 18-November 9. Tickets to the adults-only comedy, that features "music, action, and spicy humor," start at $35 and are on sale now. Spank, (not to be confused with Shades of Temptation, the other show inspired by the best-selling book, which performed for awhile at NY-NY), previously had a run inside the Rio's Crown Theater.
The Tropicana is offering a novel deal for locals, with the launch of a dedicated parking lot for members of the players club. This is in addition to other perks aimed specifically at Clark County residents, including a 20 percent cash return on all losses.
That would be today, which marks the beginning of the sake-brewing season in Japan, and Ra Sushi in the Fashion Show Mall is celebrating with all-day specials, including $1 hot sake shots (usually $4), $4 Hakutsuru "drafts" (reg. price $7.50), $5 sake flights (three 2 oz. tastings, reg. $8).
The original Clark County Courthouse, built in 1905 and located at 200 3rd Street downtown, was purchased this morning at auction by downtown casino entrepreneur Derek Stevens, who owns the D, Golden Gate, and a share of the Riviera. The seven-story building has been vacant since 2005, when the courthouse relocated to its new home in the Regional Justice Center at 200 Lewis Ave. There's no official word as yet as to what Stevens, who placed the minimum required bid of $10 million, intends to do with the building or the land that it's located on. (The Clark County Courthouse is not to be confused with the former Federal Courthouse, located at 300 Stewart Ave., which now houses the Mob Museum.)
Today's LV Sun confirms the long-suspected news that Eli Roth's Goretorium Haunted House in the Harmon Corner complex will close ahead of Halloween, on October 2, while the Mob Attraction, currently located at the Trop, is definitely on the move, although it's new home -- rumored to be the Flamingo -- has yet to be confirmed. Finally, as announced previously (see "Today's News" 9/11) the Sirens of TI show will go dark temporarily while the new retail center is under construction. While it was previously reported that the last Sirens show would be October 29, it's apparently closing sooner, on October 21; nightly performances of the sexy pirate show will recommence,in a slightly truncated space, on December 25.
In his regular Tuesday column, video poker expert Bob Dancer examines two popular games, namely 9/6 Jacks or Better and 8/5 Bonus Poker, and the subtle differences in strategy necessary when switching from one game to the other. If you're a video poker player, don't forget about Bob's free weekly seminars at South Point. The classes take place each Tuesday through November 19, with a different game under the spotlight each time; click the link to check the schedule.
Visitation to Las Vegas was up slightly for the month of August compared to last year's number. The estimated 3.4 million tourists and business visitors who came to the city represented a 0.9 percent increase on the figure for August 2012, while gaming revenue for Clark County saw an increase of more than 12 percent, mainly fueled by baccarat play. Room occupancy was up a little, too, according to the latest official report, with conventions and meetings, down 13 percent, showing the only significant dip.
Following news last week that gambling legend Archie Karas had been arrested for cheating at blackjack at Barona Casino comes word from Europe of another bust, involving a self-styled "player and cheat of international renown" who goes by the suave code name of "Parmesan." The Italian, who used infra-red contact lenses and an accomplice to cheat at live poker using marked cards introduced by casino staff who were in on the scam. The accomplice, who was known as "The Israeli" (but would have been much better named "Truffle Pig") would apparently signal to Parmesan using snorts and sniffs. The team got away with more than $90,000 in illicit winnings before being busted and are all now facing prison terms.
For the story of a slot-cheating mastermind, check out the Question of the Day for 9/30, which you can find in the Archives if you missed it yesterday.