By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com
WILD, A Unique Eatery, Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Las Vegas
WILD, a unique eatery, offering the perfect combination of fun, healthy, sustainable and delicious food, celebrated its Grand Opening at The Ogden in downtown Las Vegas, on Thursday, February 27.
Miki Agrawal, a social entrepreneur, founded the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, WILD, in New York City and brought the concept to Las Vegas in partnership with Tony Hseih.
WILD is located in the heart of downtown on the first floor of the high rise residential building, The Ogden at 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120 with the entrance facing E. Ogdan Avenue. The 2700 square foot restaurant features a bar with open seating in front of its open kitchen and a dining area that can accommodate 100 customers with choices of seating at either two large farmhouse style tables with benches or smaller tables near its pastry cabinet and smoothie bar.
Agrawal was on hand for the grand opening accompanied by the restaurant's General Manager Elyse Martin and Pasty Chef Tatiana Lewis (granddaughter of legendary comedian Jerry Lewis). Also in attendance, along with invited guests, were Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Councilman Steve Ross who brought along his daughters.
Councilman Steve Ross, WILD founder, Miki Agrawal, Mayor Carolyn Goodman and General Manager, Elyse Martin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Dedicated to healthy living with the promise of choosing ingredients that have been harvested from the earth and are already perfect, without unhealthy additives, hormones and pesticides, WILD features a menu that is completely gluten free, yet diners can't taste the difference. Many of the items are also vegan and use ingredients that are organic and sourced from local farms in Nevada and California.
At the opening celebration, guests were treated to several items from the menu including samples of mouthwatering pizzas, delectable pastas, an assortment of fresh salads and sinfully delicious desserts including cupcakes and seasonal pies.
Most recently the restaurant unveiled its bar menu featuring small plates of vegas spinach and artichoke dip, chicken lettuce wraps and wild nachos for $5 each. Those who are on a dairy free diet will be pleased to discover WILD also offers refreshing dairy free smoothies such as Kale'ing Me Softly (kale, strawberries, banana, goji berries) and Kitchen Sink(acai, bananas, peaches, strawberries, avocado and dairy free milk).
Invited guests for the opening had a chance to sample several of the menu items.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The kitchen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The smoothie, pastry and desert counter
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Healthy salad options
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Healthy salad options
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
WILD's mission is to give people a positive environment to eat nourishing, yummy food and offer true peace of mind.
From everything I tasted at this health conscious restaurant, there is no doubt in my mind that Wild founder, Miki Agrawal, has accomplished her mission.
WILD is open 11 a.m. for lunch and closes at 10 p.m Sunday through Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.
2nd Annual Style With A Cause Partners with Project Runway Designers
The second annual Style With A Cause event inspiring women through fashion and beauty took place on Friday evening Feb. 28 at the Great Hall at Fashion Show Mall. Special guests Joshua Christensen and Carlos Casanova from Lifetime’s “Project Runway” and “Project Runway All Stars” joined the movement, lending their fashion expertise to the event and showcasing their latest collections. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefited The Pregnancy Foundation Las Vegas, a charity for care, education and research for women in our city. Also on hand as the keynote speaker was Dr. Brian Iriye, Subspecialist in Maternal-Fetal Medicine from the High Risk Pregnancy Center.
Style with a Cause was created by Las Vegas fashion stylist, Jenna Doughton, who suffered miscarriage when she was pregnant with her first child. She is a staunch supporter of the Pregnancy Foundation who helped her through a subsequent pregnancy that resulted in the birth of a healthy baby boy in late 2013. Jenna said the theme of this event was to “pay it forward” and give back to the event's chosen beneficiary.
Style with a Cause founder, Las Vegas fashion stylist, Jenna Doughton
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Keynote speaker, Dr. Brian Iriye, Subspecialist in Maternal-Fetal Medicine from the High Risk Pregnancy Center
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Fashion Designer Carlos Casanova
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Fashion Designer Joshua Christensen
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The event included honoring inspiring women, a cocktail hour featuring passed hors devoures and ice tea and vodka libation, a fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and a silent auction that included a Saks Fifth Avenue cosmetic basket valued at $350, a John Hardy Bamboo Sautoir Necklace donated by MJ Christensen valued at $995, a Fashion Show shopping spree that included a $1,000 gift certificate and services of local fashion stylist Jenna Doughton (valued at $1800); a Yoga package that included five sessions and peaceful yogini kit valued at $240, and several other fabulous goodies for the mind and body.
Runway Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Runway Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Runway Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Runway Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Runway Fashions
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Silent auction items
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Lori Rogers, a beauty transformation recipient was unable to be present because she was stuck in San Diego due to bad weather.
“Style with a cause was founded with the goal of empowering women and giving back to the wonderful community we live in,” said Doughton. “Our inaugural event gained incredible traction, and this year, we are spreading our wings and partnering with nationally-renowned fashion designers in hopes of taking the movement to New York and Los Angeles in the near future.”
“I know that beauty comes in many different forms and I am very excited to be part of an event that celebrates women for who they are,” said Joshua Christensen, who served as a fashion designer on the ninth season of “Project Runway.”
Fashion designer and “Project Runway” Season 8 and “Project Runway All Stars” Season 2 contestant, Carlos Casanova said, “Fashion is about perspective and showcasing your inner beauty. I’m honored to be a part of this event and celebrate this year’s style with a cause beauty transformation recipient, along with the other wonderful women being honored.”
Tickets to the event was $100 for general admission and $200 for VIP, which included early access to the event with an exclusive private meet and greet with Joshua Christensen and Carlos Casanova and reserved front row seating at the runway fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue. Table packages were also available for $2,000 and included a table for eight near the runway, full page ad in the Style with a Cause program, and the VIP experience.
Style with a cause is a movement designed to empower and inspire women through fashion and beauty. Through an interactive cocktail reception style event, style with a cause provides a bevy of entertainment for fashionistas at all levels, whether aspiring or inspiring, to come together and celebrate one common denominator that every woman has; that they are unique and beautiful at every turn of their journey. It is a night full of fashion trends, beauty tips, fashion shows, beauty transformations, and honoring amazing women.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas includes:
Thursday morning on February 27, Opportunity Village’s greatest champion, beloved heroine and mentor, KITTY RODMAN, passed away after a long fight with Parkinson’s Disease at age 89. Kitty had been the matriarch and hero of Opportunity Village since its inception in 1954. As one of Nevada’s most influential women and active philanthropist at Opportunity Village, Kitty was part of various projects at the foundation that will become a part of her legacy.
In April of 2000, the Kitty Rodman Center was erected built inside the Walters Family Campus and serves as the only Fine and Performing Arts center for people with intellectual disabilities in the country. She also provided the funds for the Oakey Job Discovery Food Training Program and the build out of the facility’s kitchen.
She will be terribly missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives of every Opportunity Village staff and board member, OVIP and family.
JW MARRIOTT LAS VEGAS RESORT & SPA has received numerous prestigious accolades including its 10th consecutive AAA 4-Diamond Award as well as awards from U.S. News & World Report, Meetings & Conventions and more. Voted as one of the Top 5 Las Vegas Resorts by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, and recognized as a Top-Performing Business on TripAdvisor, the elegant resort has recently added other notable honors to its long history of award-winning service. The latest include 2014 No. 7 ranking for “Best JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts” in the world and No. 9 standing for “Best Hotels in Nevada” by U.S. News & World Report, a leading website for establishing the finest in travel, education, health and more; “Best Splurge-Worthy Spa” for Spa Aquae in Desert Companion’s Best of the City 2014; 2013 Gold Key Award from Meetings & Conventions magazine, which is given to properties for their overall excellence in serving meetings and events; and 2013 Bride’s Choice Award for Ceremony & Reception Venue from Wedding Wire, recognizing the resort’s flawless wedding planning and execution.
Towbin Fiat of Las Vegas will honor the women of Las Vegas on Saturday, March 8, as the Fiat studio hosts a CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY IN HONOR OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY, which celebrates equality for women.
The event, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m., will feature delicious food, a DJ and activities for the ladies of Las Vegas. In addition, Towbin Fiat will have several fun activities for party-goers to enjoy. Revelers can remember the evening forever by stepping into the on-site photo booth, which will be complete with playful accessories. Towbin will also be offering up free massages, as a team of trained masseuses will be on hand to help attendees relax. Finally, guests won’t walk away empty handed, as the dealership will be filling the party with plenty of Fiat prize giveaways, from hats and bags to fun car accessories.
The newest dealership in the Towbin Automotive Group, Towbin Fiat of Las Vegas, is located at 2550 S. Jones Blvd and has been named number one in the nation in sales multiple times. Towbin Fiat is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
SHADES OF SINATRAS will perform their award-winning show at Freedom Hall Theater, 2460 Hampton Rd. in Sun City Anthem in Henderson, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. Recently awarded the Excellence in Entertainment Award for Tribute Show of the Year, Shades of Sinatra is an original musical production celebrating the extensive music and career of Frank Sinatra. Shades cast members - Carmine Mandia, Lisa Smith, Ryan Baker and Larry Liso (Bruce Hammond will be filling in for Mr. Liso at the Sun City Anthem show) create unique characters that celebrate the legendary singer in their own ways, often drawing on experiences from their individual lives. In between songs and poignant stories, there is plenty of humor and good-natured ribbing among the cast, creating the vintage, off-the-cuff Vegas show atmosphere that is often associated with Ol' Blue Eyes. Tickets are $15. Must be 18 or older to attend. In addition to this special engagement on March 9th, Shades of Sinatra performs every Monday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., at the Clarion Hotel & Casino. Tickets can be purchased at the Clarion box office, 305 Convention Center Drive.
Tacos & Tequila at Luxor Hotel & Casino will host VIVA MAX!, a benefit dinner that will donate 100 percent of proceeds toward the recovery of MAX JACOBSON, the local food writer who was critically injured in late December. The cocktail mixer and sit-down dinner will be held in partnership with Chefs to the Max from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. Priced at $100 per person, Viva Max! will begin with a cocktail reception followed by a delectable three-course dinner. A live Mariachi band will set the tone for the evening at the cocktail mixer, where guests will enjoy T&T Top Shelf Margaritas and tray-passed appetizers.
Feral Tale Theatricals in association with the Rudy Foundation present INTIMATE FERAL; A CLOSE AND PERSONAL CABARET on Friday, March 14th, beginning 7 p.m. at the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center. The mission of Feral Tale Theatricals is to provide audiences with repurposed, impassioned, and entertaining theatrical live events. The Feral Tale Theatricals cast will bring to life Broadway and pop favorites with clever and innovative delivery in a showcase of witty repartee. Singing and dancing cabaret-style, Intimate Feral: A Close and Personal Cabaret will feature performances from seasoned members of the Las Vegas entertainment community. This one night only event will be open to the community at NO COST. The spectacular showcase will bring together the seasoned Feral Tale Theatricals cast with special appearances from many friends of Feral Tale and the cast of youth programs sponsored by the Rudy Foundation, including the Las Vegas Young Entertainers, Master of the House, Above the Belt, and Broadway Bound.
Hash House A Go Go at its newest location inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is challenging Las Vegas entertainers to a PANCAKE COMPETITION FOR CHARITY. The selected talent designed their own pancake to be listed on the Hash House A Go Go menu from March 1 – 31.
Penn & Teller present PENNCAKES & TELLER: A soft and custardy honey-orange juice pancake with a yogurt tang, served with warm maple syrup and honey butter. Penn & Teller are playing for Opportunity Village.
Chippendales present the Mint Chocolate CHIPPENDALE: An original flapjack with mint chocolate chips, green M&Ms and sprinkles, served with warm maple syrup and butter. Chippendales are playing for the American Cancer Society.
X Rocks presents the X ROCKS ROCKSTAR: A rich and red flapjack topped with fresh whipped cream and edible sugar glitter, served with warm maple syrup and butter. X Rocks is playing for Fight MSA.
Hash House A Go Go’s four locations throughout the valley will offer these pancakes, each sold for $11.99. The pancake that sells the most by the end of the month will be declared the winner, with $1 from each of the three celebrity pancakes sold to be donated to the respective charity.
THE LAS VEGAS IMPROVISATION PLAYERS celebrate their unique version of March Madness on Saturday, March 22. The all new, every time comedy and musical improv show starts at 7:00 p.m. at the American Heritage Academy, located at 6126 South Sandhill Road in Las Vegas. Tickets are only $10 and available for purchase at the door which opens at 6:40 p.m.
The first-ever FESTIVAL OF BEAUTY will take place at The Forum Shops at Caesars March 21 - 22 between 1 p.m. - 8 p.m Visit Dior Beauty, Fresh, Inglot, Kiehl's Since 1851, MAC Cosmetics and Sephora at The Forum Shops to enjoy live beauty presentations, make-up touch ups, music, beauty bars, product demonstrations and more in this free, two-day extravaganza. Plus, register at any participating store to win one of many exciting gifts including shopping sprees and beauty products. There is no purchase necessary to take part in the Festival of Beauty.
To add to the celebratory atmosphere during The Festival of Beauty, visit the VEGAS/RATED RECHARGE ZONE – relax, tweet, and post your favorite beauty finds in the VEGAS/RATED recharge zone near the Fountain of the Gods. While there, enjoy Real Water, relax with some music and delight in the custom, floral decor by Flora Pop.
Less than a year since its opening in April 2013, HAKKASAN LAS VEGAS NIGHTCLUB AT MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO has been named “Las Vegas Nightclub of the Year” by Nightclub & Bar Media Group. The illustrious accolade recognizes Hakkasan Nightclub as one of the industry’s most distinguished venues, proving the nightlife mecca’s excellence in professionalism, concept, development and more. To celebrate this year’s eminent award, Hakkasan Nightclub will host an exclusive celebration with resident DJ Calvin Harris as the complex opens its doors for a Nightclub & Bar Platinum Party Tuesday, March 25.
Celebrity Sightings:
Tuesday evening, March 4...
TV Jason Kennedy, accompanied by fashion blogger Lauren Scruggs, dined at TAO Asian Bistro.
NBC’s “The Voice” contestant, talented pop artist Austin Ellis, performed at Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.
Austin Ellis performing
Photo courtesy of Cabo Wabo
