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Sunday, July 13, 2014 NEWEST - PRIOR ISSUE - ARCHIVES

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DELANO LAS VEGAS INSTALLS FIRST EXTERIOR SIGN!

Jackie Brett
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Delano Las Vegas the luxury all-suite hotel that will debut at Mandalay Bay on Sept. 1 has completed the installation of its first exterior DELANO sign high atop of the building. Public spaces are taking shape as construction walls come down to reveal glimpses of what's ahead including the sleek, sophisticated lobby and 3940 Coffee + Tea.

Delano Las Vegas sign installation

YARDBIRD SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR WILL OPEN AT VENETIAN 2015

50 Eggs, Inc. will bring Yardbird Southern Table & Bar to The Venetian® Las Vegas for an early 2015 launch.

Created by restaurateur John Kunkel, 50 Eggs, Inc. has been a noticeable force in South Florida for the last 10 years. Since its inception, the company has opened varied and successful family of restaurants, ranging from Taste Bakery Café and Lime Fresh Mexican Grill to the critically acclaimed trio Swine Southern Table & Bar, Khong River House and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar.

While Yardbird Miami's sister restaurant will share many of the restaurant's design and menu staples at the Venetian, the restaurant will certainly embrace the “bigger is better” aesthetic that is inarguably part of the Las Vegas DNA. The 8,000-plus square-foot-space will be located in the resort's Restaurant Row and seat 180 guests throughout the main dining room and two private rooms. With the extensive footprint comes an expansive bar for the 50 Eggs team to expand their beverage program that will include an exclusive ice program, complete with a special on-site ice room where mixologists will harvest hand-cut blocks for libations.

GIADA AT THE CROMWELL WILL DEBUT LUNCH MENU JULY 16

Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef and “New York Times” best-selling author Giada De Laurentiis' first-ever restaurant, GIADA, that opened in June on the second floor of The Cromwell will introduce lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning July 16. The restaurant will offer a special preview from July 16 to Aug. 1 for locals to be the first to experience the new lunch menu, call 702-667-1799.

Giada at The Cromwell

‘MJ LIVE’ CELEBRATES TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT RIO

Media and VIPs were recently invited to see “MJ Live” in the Crown Theater at the Rio, which is celebrating its second year anniversary. The show will have a long shelf life for a myriad of reasons beginning with the fact that it is a totally upbeat, colorful, fast paced Michael Jackson tribute show with winning music. With 14 performances weekly it takes four rotating King of Pop impersonators to keep up the killer pace.

Jalles Fanca 'MJ Live'

We saw Jalles Franca who moved to the United States from Brazil at the age of 16 to be a professional dancer in Las Vegas. At 21, he began a seven-year residency as a performer, dancer and percussionist at Studio 54 Nightclub at the MGM Grand where he began imitating the star's signature dance moves. After his idol passed, Franca perfected the superstar's whole persona. The other three MJs are: “Little Tony Kouns; Michael Firestone; and Justin Dean.

Not having seen the show before, all the comments by everyone around were how good the show is with three live band members and eight extremely hard working dancers. Costume changes are continuous but not distracting and help create quite a spectacle. To say the show is “bad” is a real good thing!

REWORKED ‘PAWN SHOP LIVE!’ DEBUTS ‘THE LOST EPISODE’ AT RIVIERA

“PAWN SHOP LIVE!” is set to debut a completely reworked version of the show on Monday, July 14 in the Starlite Theatre at the Riviera. “PAWN SHOP LIVE! - The Lost Episode,” will be a gritty new comedy based on History's popular series “Pawn Stars” written by actor/comedian Howie Gold. The plot will follow a day in the life of Rick, Corey, Chumlee and the Old Man as they encounter insane customers, street people and sleazy agents while trying to shoot their pilot episode. The show will include original video clips.

'Pawn Shop Live' Rick - The Lost Episode

One of the show's stars Rick Harrison is an investor and felt it was worth giving the show another shot with a complete overhaul. He feels the show is no longer a parody and more authentic to the foursome's quirky personalities. Performances are Saturday through Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $28.36.

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN ADDS SHOW DATES AT FLAMINGO

Olivia Newton-John is extending her stay through January 2015 at the Flamingo with her “Summer Nights” residency, which is a musical journey through her life in film and music. The production features an eight-piece band. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. except for on Wednesday, Dec. 31, which will begin at 10 p.m. Ticket start at $70.

Olivia Newton-John

CARMINE'S IN THE FORUM SHOPS CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY

The Italian eatery at The Forum Shops at Caesars is toasting its successful first year anniversary in Las Vegas all of July. The restaurant's novelty is its humongous family-style food portions meant for sharing between four to six people. Just in its first year, Carmine's served more than 125,000 meatballs, 25,000 gallons of marinara, 1,200 Titanic sundaes and 14,800 pounds of garlic.

Carmine's colossal-sized Titanic dessert

Throughout July, locals are receiving a complimentary glass of Prosecco with purchase. July is National Ice Cream month and Carmine's is offering a petite version of the colossal-sized Titanic, properly named The Tugboat all month long.

Perfect for large groups, the 27,000-square-foot restaurant features nine private dining rooms and more than 750 seats. Carmine's also features gluten free, vegetarian and vegan menus for guests with dietary restrictions.

DAVID COPPERFIELD CONTINUES AS REGULAR HEADLINER AT MGM GRAND

Master magician David Copperfield continues regularly at MGM Grand's 740-seat Hollywood Theatre with his stage production “An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion.” Copperfield currently holds 11 Guinness World Records including “Largest Illusion Ever Staged” and “Most Magic Shows Performed in a Year.” He also is the first living illusionist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His next MGM dates are: July 9-Sept. 8; Sept. 23-Oct. 20; Oct. 28-Nov. 13; Nov. 21-Dec. 3; and Dec. 15-31.

LOCAL BAR DISTILL OPENS SECOND VALLEY LOCATION JULY 19

The first Distill is in Summerlin and the second location opening Saturday, July 19 is in Southern Highlands at 4830 W. Pyle Ave. The new Distill is the latest creation from the owners of Remedy's Tavern and Elixir, and the third addition to their popular restaurant portfolio in the last year. Distill will have two Happy Hour food and drink specials a day from 3-6 p.m. and 3-6 a.m.

For gaming aficionados, Distill will have 15 brand-new 20” LCD gaming machines carrying more than 55 poker, blackjack, slot and keno games. For sports fans, it will have 18 high-definition televisions and feature two pool tables, Silver Strike Bowling and Golden Tee Golf. In addition, a state-of-the-art juke box with access thousands of songs.

CHEF KERRY SIMON HONORED WITH MEMORABILIA CASE AT HARD ROCK

Kerry Simon, dubbed the “rock ‘n’ roll chef” by “Rolling Stone Magazine,” will be honored with the inaugural culinary memorabilia case at Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, July 17 at 6 p.m.

In his career, Ivana Trump appointed him executive chef of Edwardian Room at The Plaza Hotel and then he began developing culinary establishments in Miami, Hong Kong, New York, London, Chicago and finally, Las Vegas. In 2002, Simon partnered with restaurateur Elizabeth Blau to open Simon Kitchen & Bar at Hard Rock Hotel. The venue was selected as one of “America's Best New Restaurants” by “Esquire Magazine” in 2003. Simon was a two-time competitor and judge on Food Network's “Iron Chef America” and defeated Kat Kora on the station's “Battle Hamburger.”

The display will boast a photograph of Simon and longtime friend actor Bill Murray in matching Elvis suits, a bust of Simon painted purple, black chef coat from Simon Kitchen & Bar, autographed guitar, culinary knives, image of him as a young chef with Bianca Jagger and various awards.

DONNY OSMOND DEBUTS APP GEARED TOWARD 60th ALBUM LAUNCH

Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond is setting a technology and recording industry trend with his new online app "Donny Osmond” that coincides with the marketing of his newest CD, “The Soundtrack of My Life.” The app, which launched last month, is an interactive social media application that gives followers a sneak peak at all of the songs on Osmond's latest album, which happens to be his 60th. The free app is available for download through iTunes and Google Play.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

LYFE KITCHEN OPENS IN THE DISTRICT

LYFE Kitchen, the Oprah Winfrey-approved restaurant with locations in California and Chicago, opened in The District next to Settebello Pizzeria. The restaurant is known for using locally and sustainably sourced organic ingredients whenever possible. LYFE lists its full ingredients, as well as calorie, sodium and nut allergy information. LYFE stands for “love your food everyday.” Consultants include Art Smith, who worked for Oprah Winfrey, and Tal Ronnen, a proponent of vegan dining who also runs Crossroads in Los Angeles.

Lyfe Kitchen - Tal's ancient grain bowl

DOWNTOWN GRAND DEBUTS EXPANDED MENU AT S+O AND CHANGES

On July 21, the Downtown Grand will debut an expanded menu at its 24-hour restaurant, S+O. New items at a variety of price points will include Northern Chinese dishes, including hand-pulled noodles and dim sum, for lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast will now be served all day.

Downtown Grand will be transitioning the former Red Mansion restaurant space into a private dining and meeting room. This fall, Downtown Grand will introduce a new eatery in its William Hill Sports Book. This venue, which replaces The Spread Deli, will be announced in the coming weeks.

SCOTCH DAY AND HAPPENINGS AT HOUSE OF BLUES

House of Blues at Mandalay Bay is holding an Anchorman National Scotch Day Celebration inside the Foundation Room on Sunday, July 27 at 10 p.m. To RSVP and for table reservations, contact ninaquincey@livenation.com. Wear an ugly suit and the first drink is on House of Blues. Ugliest overall suit wins a $500 gift card to STITCHED.

On July 17, theLive Music with a View” Series at the Foundation Room will continue with “The Voice” finalist Ryan Whyte Maloney from 7-10 p.m. On July 26, “‘Rise to Offend” Comedy Night will be back by popular demand and take place monthly at the 64th floors Foundation Room. No cover for these events.

In addition, the Gospel Brunch price is now $53.95 for adults and the new time for Rosckstar Karaoke is 9 p.m. and run until midnight.

SOUTH POINT HOLDS VARIOUS EQUESTRIAN EVENTS

The Walkabout Tour will return to the South Point Arena July 19-20. Designed for all riding aesthetics, including English, Western or trail riding, guests will learn how Clint Anderson, the man behind the “Method,” uses particular techniques everyday to develop respectful and fun horses.

The Las Vegas Cutting Horse Association will host an “Open Cutting” event at the South Point Arena and Priefert Pavilion, July 23-27. Throughout the event, guests will see some of the best riders and a daily gift show with western memorabilia will be held in the arena's concourse. This event is free and open to the public.

South Point Arena will host the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) “Scully Western U.S. Championship” July 30-Aug. 3. The nation's fastest growing equestrian sport will have mounted contestants competing on a variety of levels ranging from novice to seasoned professionals. Riders will compete in a fast action timed event using two .45 caliber single action revolvers each with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. This event is also free and open to the public.

BELLAGIO CONSERVATORY'S SUMMER DISPLAY GOES THROUGH SEPT. 7

Always a must-see is the free seasonal display at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This year's summer display has colorful finches and canaries fluttering inside a New England style open glass green house, an oversized tree with a tree house and larger-than-life birds, and custom-designed kites suspended overhead. On either side of the tree house, life-size horses gallop through dancing sunflowers and vibrant blossoming buds. The display has a total of 83,000 fresh flowers.

Bellagio Conservatory Summer 2014

NEWS TIPS

Award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien will be the keynote speaker at the Women's Leadership Conference taking place Aug. 6-7 at the MGM Grand and being presented by the MGM Resorts Foundation. Cost to register is $350.

Soledad O'Brien

The Riviera has announced new catering packages for the newly-remodeled Top of the Riv 10,000-square-foot ballroom, located on the top floor of the Monaco Tower. Catering packages begin at $25 per person.

“Fayne & Friends” starring Bill Fayne will appear at The Viva Las Vegas Event Center July 19, Aug. 2 and 30, and Sept. 13 and 27 from 8-11:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. There is a Celebrity Open Mic after the show.

The first-ever Chinese produced show to take up a Las Vegas residency, “PANDA!” at The Palazzo, was again extended through Aug. 31.

Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will celebrate National Tequila Day Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24 by offering half-priced tequila shots and margarita specials.

Psychic Lisalee will appear in Club Tequila at Fiesta Rancho on Sunday, July 20 at 7 p.m. During the show, Lisalee will talk to as many dearly departed as time permits and will also draw names to answer psychic questions. Admission is $20 at the door.

The NBA Summer League is in Las Vegas playing at the Thomas and Mack Center and COX Pavilion July 11-21. Over 11 days, 67 games will be played and televised, featuring many of this year's top NBA draft picks.

“Las Vegas Weekly” and partner Nightclub Hall of Fame are hosting a series of induction ceremonies, paying tribute to the true trailblazers. Victor Drai was first on July 8 and Jesse Waits, managing partner at XS nightclub at Encore and Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, will be honored on Monday, July 21.

Right Now Air has again joined forces with the Little Miss Hannah Foundation for its third annual “Rainbows in the Wind” event on Wednesday, July 23 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Town Square. The Quad/Linq headliner Jeff Civillico will perform and there will be music, activities, special discounts and raffles, while raising money to help support local families. For information, call 702-608-2488 or visit www.littlemisshannah.org.

Platinum LV Transportation has added a brand new 2014 Turtle top 24-Passenger Limo Coach to its fleet. This coach has a state-of-the-art surround sound system, complete with DVD player and Flat screen TVs. The company will soon have information about its new partnership with Nite Tours.

Platinum -  24 passenger party bus

MISS USA NIA SANCHEZ HOSTS NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY AT SUGAR FACTORY

Nia Sanchez, the newly crowned Miss USA 2014, will host National Lollipop Day benefiting The Shade Tree at Sugar Factory Town Square on Sunday, July 20. Sanchez will sign autographs and take photographs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. She is the first Nevada beauty queen in history to win the Miss USA crown. Miss Nevada Teen USA 2014 Alexa Taylor will also make an appearance with Sanchez.

Nia Sanchez Miss USA

Fifty percent of lollipop sales sold at Sugar Factory that day will be donated to The Shade Tree Las Vegas. Sugar Factory will also sell its signature Couture Pops at 50 percent off both in-store and online all day.

PANEVINO REVEALS NEW BAR-LOUNGE MENU AND HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

Panevino Italian restaurant on Sunset has a new menu and variety of happy hour specials offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Happy hour includes all items from the new bar and lounge menu that's available weekdays until 10 p.m., half-priced cocktails, beers, and specially priced wines by the glass. Menu example is blackened chicken skewers served on grilled pineapple with pineapple-soy sauce ($14/$9).

Panevino blackened chicken skewers

EASTER SEALS HONORS OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN AT 2ND WOMEN'S TEA

Las Vegas ladies will celebrate Strip headliner Olivia Newton-John and three outstanding businesswomen Terri Peck, Christie Garness and Tonia Chaftez at “Tea, Thyme, Women & Wine,” the 2nd Women's Tea for Easter Seals Nevada, on Monday, Aug. 18 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Acacia Ballroom. This tea acknowledges women who exemplify extraordinary commitments to business, family and community.

Tickets are $55 in advance at www.eastersealsnevada.org. All ticket holders must commit to a minimum pledge of $150 to Easter Seals Nevada payable over the course of one year.



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