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Sunday, November 9, 2014 NEWEST - PRIOR ISSUE - ARCHIVES

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RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE ADDS INDYCAR DRIVING!

Jackie Brett
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IndyCar racing just started this weekend at the Richard Petty Driving Experience located at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The open-wheel vehicle adventure is being offered twice a week during a three-month partnership. Known as open-wheel vehicles due to the wheels being located outside the car's main body, IndyCars are lightweight, extremely aerodynamic, have powerful engines and are often considered the fastest racing vehicles available. Guests who try their skills at IndyCar will have the opportunity to lay rubber in their own open-wheel vehicle as they follow behind an instructor-led car. Adrenaline junkies will feel like they're in the Indianapolis 500 as they step on the gas around the 1.5-mile tri-oval superspeedway at speeds up to 120+ mph.

Richard Petty IndyCar Driving Experience

RICKY MARTIN'S MADAME TUSSAUDS WAX FIGURE UNVEILING NOV. 19

International icon Ricky Martin will have his wax figure for Madame Tussauds revealed on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 11:30 a.m. in Las Vegas at The Venetian attraction. Martin with his latest single “Adios” will be in Las Vegas to perform live at the 15th Annual Latin Grammy Awards on Nov. 20. Martin's figure will remain in Las Vegas until it travels to its permanent home at Madame Tussauds Orlando, just in time for the celebrity wax attraction's spring 2015 grand opening.

Madame Tussauds wax figure of Ricky Martin

Each Madame Tussauds wax figure is a work of art involving teams of professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive research and take more than 500 measurements to recreate world-famous icons.

WOLFGANG PUCK'S RESTAURANT OPENS AT DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN

Legendary Chef Wolfgang Puck has opened his off-Strip restaurant, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Downtown Summerlin. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the restaurant showcases the master chef's elevated take on the classic American bar & grill.

Wolfgang Puck

The restaurant's approachable, casual lunch and dinner menus led by Executive Chef Mark Andelbradt, offers a seasonally driven menu. Daily specials include: Sunday's Fried Chicken and Cheddar Waffle with black pepper syrup; Tuesday's “Mojo” Pork Carnitas Tacos with salsa verde and pickled onion; and Wednesday's Whole Roasted Sea Bass with garlic spinach, just to name a few.

To complement the dining experience, the restaurant features a full-service bar. The 200-seat eatery has a warm and casual setting designed by EDG, who also created numerous Wolfgang Puck restaurants including Spago at The Forum Shops. The rustic colors and materials pay homage to the surrounding desert beauty and towering red cliffs of Las Vegas' Red Rock Canyon. The restaurant overlooks a beautiful park and courtyard and includes two open and airy patio seating areas and also features private dining space.

SHAKE SHACK PREPARES TO OPEN AT NEW YORK-NEW YORK

Set to open this winter at New York-New York, Shake Shack is a modern day “roadside” burger stand serving burgers, fries, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more and has earned a cult-like following around the world. The New York-based restaurant company is looking to hire 125 team members.

Tom's Urban and Shake Shack

Shake Shack is part of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), which includes many of New York City's most celebrated restaurants: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, among others. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC's Madison Square Park, it now has multiple locations in New York, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, and international locations including London, Istanbul, Dubai, and more.

HOUSE OF BLUES HOLDS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Beer and music lovers will unite for the “Local Brews. Local Grooves. at House of Blues” festival at Mandalay Bay on Saturday, Nov. 22 beginning at 7 p.m. The beer and music festivities featuring 50 beers from brewers will take place in the Music Hall, Crossroads, and Foundation Room. General admission tickets are $20, or $35, which includes five beer samples, and VIP Lounge $49, call 702-632-7600. Attendees will also receive 15 percent off at the retail store.

In the main Music Hall, there will be performances by Unwritten Law, Franks and Deans and Out of the Desert starting at 7 p.m. The Courtyard stage at Crossroads will be transformed into the Loop'd Perfect Pairing Loft with food and drink pairings and at 9 p.m. performances by looping artist Phillip Stendeck. More food and drink pairings will be offered atop the Foundation Room with complimentary access for attendees and DJ sets by DJ Karma and DJ Que starting at 10 p.m.

CRAZY PITA OPENS DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN LOCATION

Crazy Pita will be hosting an official Grand Opening in Downtown Summerlin on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Coupons will be given out to the first 200 customers to redeem for discounted food during their next visit to any of the valley's three locations. Proceeds from that day from every purchase of Josh's favorite Pita, the Kefta Pita (marinated seasoned ground beef) will be donated to the Josh Stevens Foundation to support “kindness” programs in local schools.

JACQUES CAFÉ IS NEW CASUAL AMERICAN BISTRO IN SUMMERLIN

Jacques Café is a new casual American bistro in Summerlin's Trails Village at 1910 Village Center Circle, Suite 1. The restaurant is named after owner and Chef Jacques Pauvert and caters to a variety of dining preferences with a selection of hearty dishes, such as burgers, pasta and ribs, as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items. Homemade pastries are baked onsite daily.

Jacques Cafe

Jacques Café is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The restaurant is also available for private party rentals and can accommodate nearly 70 customers in its dining room and another 45 in the outdoor patio.

DELANO RETHINKS FASHION AS FINE ART IN NEW EXHIBIT

Guests at Delano Las Vegas are being treated to a special exhibit that showcases fashion as fine art. Situated throughout Delano's immersive lobby, “Organic Matter” features a travelling collection of 12 pieces of wearable fine art designed by students of Pratt Institute in collaboration with design visionary Ralph Pucci through Nov. 24.

Delano: Organic Matter display

Juxtaposing student-designed fashions with Pucci's iconic mannequins, “Organic Matter” premiered earlier this year at Ralph Pucci International's Nine Gallery in Manhattan and has since appeared in the windows of Macy's flagship Herald Square store in New York City and Neiman Marcus' flagship store in Dallas.

MARK SHUNOCK'S ‘MONDAYS DARK’CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Every month since November 2013, Mark Shunock has gathered an eclectic cast of guests including stars from Hollywood, the Strip, musical acts, athletes and celebrity chefs for a 90-minute fundraising variety show. Mondays Dark partners with a different Las Vegas-based charity to raise money each month between ticket sales and silent auction items. The next event marking the one-year anniversary will be Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at The Joint at Hard Rock and will benefit 13 local charities in one night. Charity partners for 2015 will be announced that night.

Mark Shunock

Shunock is a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada, and former member of the Canadian Hockey League. After hockey, he spent almost 10 years in New York City performing. He is currently starring in the “Rock of Ages” at the Venetian/Palazzo.

General admission tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door; with VIP tables available for $50, which includes a VIP after party in Vinyl. For information and tickets, call 702-485-1262.

HENDERSON SEEKING ENTRIES FOR ‘FAIRY TALE’ WINTERFEST

The City of Henderson is inviting residents, community partners, organizations and businesses to participate in this year's WinterFest, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11-Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Henderson Events Plaza in the Water Street District. Submissions are now being accepted for the WinterFest Evening Light Parade, Festival of Trees and Gingerbread House Competition. The theme for all three activities is “It's a Fairy Tale Christmas.” Individual deadlines are: trees Nov. 17; parade entries Nov. 24; and gingerbread houses Dec. 11. Applications and details are at HendersonLive.com/special-events/winterfest/.

Ballots will be tallied and awards for all three activities will be presented at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Henderson Events Plaza. All cash prizes are courtesy of several community partners.

TOP OF NEXT COLUMN

HENDERSON STROLL ‘N ROLL WILL DISPLAY VINTAGE SCHWINN BICYCLE

Henderson will continue our nation's Veterans Day dedication to war heroes at this month's Henderson Stroll ‘n Roll. A 1936 World War II-themed Schwinn bicycle that debuted at the recent SEMA Show will be displayed near the bike swap at Paseo Verde Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The bike features a hand-painted scheme reminiscent of the military-issued combat uniforms of the World War II era done by internationally-renowned airbrush artist Mikey Harris, whose artwork extends from the Pentagon to Richard Petty's Garage. The bicycle is owned by veteran, bicycle enthusiast and Schwinn Stingray and Krate specialist Tony Abraham of Krates in the Attic. Abraham will also be showing a variety of antique Schwinn bicycles including vintage road and BMX bikes, newly-restored bicycles and rusty barn finds from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Some of the bicycles will be available for purchase.

Henderson Stroll ‘n Roll is a car-free street festival. It is modeled after the world-famous Ciclovia in Bogotá, Columbia. and transforms city blocks into a commuter-friendly neighborhood. The southbound lanes of Paseo Verde Parkway will be temporarily closed to motorized traffic. For information, visit BikeHenderson.org.

KNUTTEL-INSPIRED ARTS STUDENTS UNVEIL ‘FREMONT STREET’ CANVAS

Earlier this year, world-renowned Irish figurative artist Graham Knuttel worked in collaboration with a number of handpicked students from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA) on creating a landscape of characters and architecture painted in bold strokes and vivid colors that capture the essence of the city and the essence of Knuttel's work. The original canvas was unveiled for the first time last week at The Knuttel Gallery inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at Palazzo as a sneak peek before LVA's annual Gala on Nov. 10 in which Knuttel is being honored for providing this one-of-a-kind experience to the students and his contributions to the art program. Limited edition prints of “Fremont Street” will be available for sale in the Knuttel Gallery with proceeds benefiting LVA.

Knuttel with LVA students

ABOUT TOWN

Local friend and singer Renee Hale will be performing at the Italian American Club, which is open to the public, from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 23.

Renee Hale

Park on Fremont downtown will celebrate Thanksgiving with an extended happy hour from 3 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Regular happy hour runs Tuesday-Friday 3-7 p.m. and Tuesday-Thursday 10 p.m. to closing. Bar bite appetizers are $5 and drink specials include $3 well cocktails, $4 domestic draft beers and $5 craft beers on draft.

Señor Frog's at Treasure Island is holding Latin Night every Sunday this month from 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Every Monday and Thursday the Strip-side eatery is hosting a $1,000 Bikini Contest.

Senor Frog's at Treasure Island Las-Vegas

Roy's restaurant is holding a five-course dinner paired with Cakebread Cellars wine on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Hyde Bellagio will be transformed into its very own Bayside High with an all-new ‘80s and ‘90s theme Sunday, Nov. 23. Guests dressed in their raddest retro attire can head to Hyde beginning at 6 p.m. to ‘jiggy’ the night away. The Bayside bash will feature celebrity hosts Dustin Diamond - best known for his role as Screech - and Dennis Haskins, who played Mr. Belding in the original television series “Saved by the Bell.”

Through the end of the year, Madame Tussauds is offering the locals resident rate of nearly a 50 percent savings. In addition, for Everyday Heroes this month, veterans will receive complimentary admission for themselves and $8 off regular pricing for up to three of their guests.

Celebrity colorist and Las Vegas salon owner, Michael Boychuck, will open his second location of Life Spa + Salon by Michael Boychuck at the new Life Time Athletic Green Valley on Tuesday, Nov. 11 located next to the Green Valley Ranch Resort.

CALLVILLE BAY ANNUAL ‘TRASH BASH’ BEACH CLEAN-UP NOV. 15

Forever Resorts, in cooperation with the National Park Service and Nevada Beverage, will host its annual Clean-up Day at Callville Bay Resort and Marina on Saturday, Nov.15 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. with BBQ lunch included. It's a chance for eco-conscious individuals to come out and help clean up the marina and surrounding beach areas with others who share their passion for preserving the beauty of our National Park lands. Pre-register at Get Outdoors Nevada at www.getoutdoorsnevada.org.

Last year, 225 volunteers picked up 5,000 pounds of litter from the shoreline and surrounding area at Callville Bay. In the last six clean-up days at Callville Bay, more than 26,000 pounds of debris have been collected -- that's 13 tons of trash. Individuals wishing to volunteer for Clean-up Day should remember to wear loose fitted or layered clothing, closed toed shoes, sunglasses/hat, and sunscreen. Tools and bags will be provided.

ROTELLA GALLERY DEBUTS PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID YARROW'S EXHIBIT

Rotella Gallery at The Forum Shops at Caesars adds David Yarrow's limited edition prints to its collection of two resident artists Robert Rotella and Art Wolfe. Yarrow, who claimed the Outstandingly Produced Book award at this year's Spear's Awards, displays his award-winning prints and several new unseen works for guest viewing and purchase. Yarrow is an acclaimed photographer who has travelled to some of the world's most isolated locations to capture unique images of wildlife, indigenous communities and landscapes. A central tenet of Yarrow's photography is that “behind every picture there is a story.” He will stop at nothing to secure mesmerizing pictures, using black and white photography. Yarrow, 48, was born in Scotland and now lives in London.

Photographer David Yarrow on location

FERRARO'S HOSTS FIVE-COURSE WINE DINNER WITH WHITE TRUFFLES

Ferraro's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will host “Tartufi E Nebbiolo - Una Coppia Perfetta” (“Truffles and Nebbiolo - a Perfect Match”) Wine Dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The one-night-only, five-course dinner featuring seasonal white truffles from Alba, Italy, will be paired with Italy's finest Barbaresco and Barolo wines. Tickets are $275, call 702-364-5300.

Ferraro's patio

CHEF MIMMO FERRARO FEATURED IN ‘WINE SPECTATOR’ MAGAZINE

In its Oct. 31 issue, renowned wine magazine “Wine Spectator” spotlighted Las Vegas' Mimmo Ferraro, executive chef at Ferraro's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, in its popular back-page “A Perfect Match” feature. The article titled “Veal Scaloppine and Truffles with Barbaresco” includes the recipe for Ferraro's popular Vitello Reale dish, which pairs tender veal medallions with sage, white wine fried egg and fresh truffles. In celebration of Chef Mimmo's recognition until Dec. 30, Ferraro's is offering a four-course “A Perfect Match” Menu, priced at $350 for two people. The dinner begins with pappardelle with butter, sage and shaved seasonal white truffles.

MAX'S RESTAURANT MARKS FIRST YEAR IN LAS VEGAS

The local Max's Restaurant at 1290 E. Flamingo Road was recently recognized by the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce and honored in the Groundbreakers category of this year's Business Excellence Awards. The restaurant founded by Maximo Gimenez Max's has never forgotten the American soldiers who inspired the original restaurant and offers a 10 percent discount everyday at all Max's Restaurants of which there are more than a hundred throughout the Philippines and 15 locations in America since 1982.

In 1945, after World War II, Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher, befriended American troops stationed at Quezon City, Philippines, by hosting them for dinner regularly at his home. Eventually the soldiers began insisting they pay for their meals. It was then that Gimenez, his wife Mercedes, sister-in-law Felipe and her niece Ruby decided to open a restaurant featuring Ruby's now-famous chicken recipe. The restaurant became known as “The house that fried chicken built.”

CITY ART NEWS

A Public Employee Art Exhibit will run weekdays Nov. 20-Feb. 5, 2015, at the Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor. A free Meet-the-Artists Reception will be held Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This exhibit includes several city, county and state employees who also practice fine art. There will be a variety of media in the exhibit. The curator is Marty Walsh, owner of Trifecta Gallery in the Arts Factory.

Vanessa Stewart artist

Artist Vanessa Stewart's “Surrealist Expressionist in Fine Art” exhibit will run Dec. 6-Jan. 24, 2015, at the West Las Vegas Arts Center Community Gallery, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. A free Meet-the-Artist Reception will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. Vanessa is the daughter of artist Yabo (Albert Stewart) and loved to draw as a child in San Fernando, Calif. She covered her bedroom walls with mushrooms, butterflies and lots of polk-a-dots and heart shapes.



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