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
Chef Daniel Boulud Celebrates Grand Opening of db Brasserie at the Venetian Las Vegas
Chef Daniel Boulud celebrated the Grand Opening of his new restaurant, db Brasserie inside The Venetian Las Vegas, Thursday, May 8 with a ribbon cutting event and special VIP party. Along with Chef Boulud and Daniel Middleton, notable Master Chefs in attendance were Thomas Keller, Jean-Georges Vongerichte, Nobu Matsuhisa, Paul Bartolotta, Francois Payard and Sam “Sammy D” Demarco, host of Travel Channel’s “Chow Masters, as well as Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson.
Vice President of Food & Beverage for The Venetian and The Palazzo Sebastien Silvestri, Chef David Middleton of db Brasserie, Chef Daniel Boulud, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation Sheldon Adelson, Dr. Miriam Adelson, db Brasserie General Manager Chris Eagle (back) and President and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation Michael Levin
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed complimentary champagne, cocktails, and a selection of items from the db Brasserie menu including signature dishes such as Hamachi cru (eggplant-cumin aigre doux, finger lime, harissa, shallots), grilled swordfish, escargot spaetzle, Tunisian Lamb (roasted chop, merguez sausage, couscous, lemon braised spinach and chickpeas, with red pepper tagine) and spiced lamb flatbread. Delectable desserts included almond and strawberry tartelettes, mini versions of the pistachio-cherry sundae and warm madeleines.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Buddy “The Cake Boss” Valastro, whose Buddy V’s Ristorante and Carlo’s Bakery is located on the Venetian property, arrived in true Vegas style, accompanied by a showgirl on each arm before presenting Daniel with a special welcome “back” to Las Vegas cake.
Chef Daniel Boulud
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Buddy “The Cake Boss” Valastro, Chef Daniel Boulud
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The restaurant, which Boulud calls his ‘ideal brasserie’, is an updated version of French brasserie, with a contemporary twist and international appeal. The opening marks one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year – Boulud’s return to the Las Vegas Strip.
“Like me, ‘the brasserie’ was born in France but has traveled the world,” says Boulud. “I wanted to create a menu with my favorite French dishes, charcuterie, shellfish―all the ‘brasserie staples’―and international flavors from my travels that are a bit exotic and transporting.
db Brasserie boasts a wine list of approximately 300 international selections, curated by Boulud’s group Wine Director Daniel Johnnes and db Brasserie Sommelier Devin Zendel. The list pays special tribute to the glories of American Wine, which are presented in three categories: PIONEERS ‘the first to prove the quality of American terroir’; NEW FRONTIER ‘young wineries inspired by their old-world counterparts’; and CLASSICS ‘next generation American winemaking, classics in their own right’. Keeping with the tradition of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants, the list also features the best French producers from the storied regions of the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, the Loire Valley and the great Southern regions of Provence, the Languedoc and Roussillon. The list’s old world wines –French and ‘LeVoyage’ – are organized by region in the traditional fashion. db Brasserie also features a full cocktail list, with creations ranging from classic (Le Boulevardier, Bulleit Rye, Aperol, Carpano Antica Formula) to floral (The Peruvian Love, Barsol Pisco, Cointreau, Lime, Cranberry, Lavender Soda) to bubbly (Ménage À Trois, a tasting of three Champagne cocktails).
Chef Daniel Boulud
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Chef Thomas Keller, Larry Ruvo and Daniel Boulud toast from the celebratory bottle of champagne from Southern Wine and Spirits
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
The spacious restaurant seats 280 diners, including two private dining rooms, as well as a casual bar and lounge. Jeffrey Beers International, whose design element extend throughout the venue, took inspiration from classic brasseries in France to create a welcoming and convivial atmosphere. The exterior façade of db Brasserie has been clad in travertine limestone panels, a reference to the public buildings that house some of France’s classic brasseries from past centuries. The restaurant's centerpiece is an expansive faux-skylight reminiscent of those in classic Beaux-Arts train stations and restaurants.
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Located at the start of Restaurant Row, just off the casino floor, db Brasserie is accessible from both The Venetian and The Palazzo, with easy access from The Palazzo parking garage. db Brasserie is open seven days a week for dinner from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., bar until 12 p.m. The restaurant operates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
In celebration of NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK WEEK, the city of HENDERSON was recently named a BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY(BFC) at the bronze level by the League of American Bicyclists. The award recognizes communities for their efforts to increase bicycling and community achievements in five categories: Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering, and Evaluation & Planning. The League of American Bicyclists recognized Henderson for its commitment to improving conditions for bicycling. The city invested in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies, and is now one of only 303 BFCs in 48 states across the nation.
In honor of America’s servicemen and women, POLE POSITION RACEWAY 94175 South Arville) will hold a MILITAIRY APPRECIATION EVENT from 11 a.m to 1 p.m on Friday, May 16, and will give all active and retired military personnel a free race and membership during the month of May in celebration of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. The military membership includes one free race the day of sign-up and an additional free race during the recipient’s birthday month. In addition, race discounts will be applied on all arrive and drive races for one year. The offer is limited to one per person and proof of past or present service is required at time of race. Prizes will be awarded to the top serviceman at the end of the month and special member t-shirts will be available for purchase at a discounted rate of $9.95.
American country artist and songwriter, BRETT ELDREDGE will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 16, inside Access Showroom at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa as part of his nationwide “Bring You Back Tour.” Individual tickets will start at $25 and luxury booths are also available. Guests must be age 21 and older.
“GOTTA DANCE: A TRIBUTE TO...LIFE!” a spectacular, new stage extravaganza celebrating dance through the years, will hold LAS VEGAS AUDITIONS FOR MALE AND FEMALE DANCERS on Sunday, May 18th at 9:00 a.m., and for Hand-To-Hand couples and solo hand balancers at 2:00 p.m. at the Rock Center For Dance (8210 S. Maryland Parkway). The production is set for a World Premiere showcase July 2 and 3, 2014, at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in The Troesh Studio Theatre.
“Gotta Dance: A Tribute To…Life!” is seeking technical male and female dancers trained in at least two of the following styles: Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, and Tap, as well as Hand-To-Hand Couples and Solo Hand Balancers. All artists should be Las Vegas residents or be willing to relocate at their own expense for the production rehearsal and performance period from June 15th through July 3rd.
Singer CHADWICK JOHNSON presents the World Premiere of his first production show, Music and Me, 8 p.m. Friday, May 30th, in the main showroom at the Italian American Club, 2333 E. Sahara. In this celebration of music and life, featuring some of Las Vegas' finest dancers and musicians, Chadwick touches on the impact of music and how it shapes and colors our lives. Preceding the show, a red carpet event will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Currently putting the finishing touches on his new DRAI'S BEACH CLUB NIGHTCLUB at The Cromwell in Las Vegas (opening Memorial Day Weekend),Victor Drai has announced the opening of LIAISON: the first-ever gay nightclub at a Las Vegas casino. Located at Bally’s, Liaison will open this summer in the space currently occupied by Drai’s famed After Hours nightclub and the club will be holding casting calls for all positions in Las Vegas on May 17 at Drai’s After Hours and on May 20 in Los Angeles at Victor Drai’s new Rare by Drais.
Sam’s Town Live! will host TRADITIONAL POLYNESIAN ENTERTAINMENT during Asian-Pacific Island Heritage Month – May 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.each day. The event will feature an exciting dance competition along with an introduction to the culture of French Polynesia through drums, dances, songs, and chants. Tetua Ioane, a native-born French Polynesian Tahitian and descendant of the Monarchy, will host the competition. Tickets to watch the event are $20 for adults and $10 for guests ages 5-12.
The Sports Bar at Crazy Horse III will host a FIGHT VIEWING PARY for the anticipated UFC 173: RENAN 'THE BARON' BARAO VERUS TJ DILLASHAW bout on Saturday, May 24, starting at 6 p.m.Viewing party tickets are available for $20 and include two complimentary drinks, two raffle tickets and pizza. Guests can also enjoy mix and match beer buckets, priced at $20 as well as specialty premium bottles, priced at $200 each.
In commemoration of Memorial Day, BODIES…THE EXHIBITION AND TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION salute our veterans with 20% off regular priced adult, youth and senior tickets for themselves and their families, May 24 – 26. Active and retired service members can redeem the offer with a valid military I.D. at the exhibitions’ box office, located on the atrium level of Luxor Hotel and Casino. Limit eight tickets per I.D.
WE'VE ONY JUST BEGUN: CARPENTERS REMEMBERED,” a tribute to popular 70s music group The Carpenters, is returning to the Suncoast Showroom May 31 and June 1.. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets start from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
Award winning singer MARK O'TOOLE brings his unique style to the Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center on Tuesday, June 3rd. Backed by a 10-piece band made up of Vita Corimbi (musical director/piano), Adam Shendal (drums), James D'Arrigo (horn), Steve Meyer (horn), Bill King (horn), Frank Fabio (bass), Tony Drake (guitar), and Gary Anderson (horn) Mark will present an evening of songs that have special meaning to him, including songs from the Great American Songbook from Frank Sinatra to Barry Manilow. A number of surprise guests are planning to join Mark on stage. Show starts at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $38 and $48.
THE HENDERSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, under the direction of conductor Taras Krysa, presents a LIVE ORCHESTRAL SCREENING OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN'S THE CIRCUS at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Pkwy. Kid Auto Races at Venice, a 6-minute short featuring the Little Tramp for the first time, opens the show. Tickets are $10.
The 13th annual REGGAE IN THE DESERT, Las Vegas’ largest Reggae festival showcasing both the unifying power of Reggae music and the Caribbean lifestyle, will take place from noon till 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the Clark County Amphitheatre (500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas). The all-ages music festival features Barrington Levy, Collie Buddz, Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, Don Carlos, Fortunate Youth, Las Vegas’ own Barry Black and the Senzuals and more. General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of show. VIP tickets are $100 and include an event t-shirt, event poster, meet-and-greet with select artists and an air conditioned VIP Lounge with free wine tasting and complimentary appetizers (while supplies last). Only cash is accepted at the door for tickets on the day of the show. Children ages five (5) or younger are free.
Celebrity Sightings:
Sunday, May 11...
In the afternoon, Newly drafted NFL defensive end Michael Sam continued his weekend of celebrating at Marquee Dayclub
Michael Sam at Marquee Day Club
Photo credit: David Dyer
Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes performed at REHAB at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Travie McCoy
Photo credit: © Chase Stevens/Erik Kabik Photography
Saturday, May 10...
GRAMMY Award-winning country artist LeAnn Rimes and husband Eddie Cibrian were spotted enjoying an evening out at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand. In town to perform a gig earlier in the evening, the talented singer was joined by a number of close friends and family including her mother Belinda Butler Rimes and father Wilbur Rimes.
LeAnn Rimes and husband Eddie Cibrian
Photo credit: Brenton Ho of Powers Imagery, LLC.
Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL, celebrated the occasion at TAO Nightclub. Drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round, the defensive end from the University of Missouri was joined by boyfriend Vito Cammisano, who swam competitively for the school.
A group of ten, including his agent and friends were on hand as Sam was surprised by a presentation from the club and a shout out from DJ Vice. He spotted Richard Sherman of the NFL champion Seattle Seahawks at a neighboring table the two chatted for a few minutes.
Michael Sam and Vito Cammisano
Photo credit: Amit Dadlaney
Michael Sam at TAO
Photo credit: Amit Dadlaney
Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Miami” star Joanna Krupa and her sister Marta Krupa soaked up the sun and launched round 1 of the 2nd annual REHAB Bikini Invitation at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. During a break in the invitational, the sisters received a surprise when they were presented with a two-tiered pink and black cake in honor of their recent birthdays.
Crystal Hefner, REHAB Bikini Invitational’s resident DJ, was on hand to set the sounds for the event and even brought along some fellow Playboy Playmates to watch the competition.
Crystal Hefner
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/Retna/erikkabik.com
Joanna Krupa and her sister Marta Krupa
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/Retna/erikkabik.com
Friday, May 9...
Actress Jessica Alba was spotted celebrating her birthday at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand. By her side was husband Cash Warren and close friends including best friend and Co-President of Baby2Baby Kelly Sawyer, Who What Wear founder Katherine Power, good friend and celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, makeup artist and childhood friend Lauren Andersen, The Honest Company Co-Founder Brian Lee and wife Mira Lee and the cast from Alba’s most recent movie venture “The Veil”.
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren
Photo credit: Denise Truscello of Wire Image.
Australian actress and model Nicky Whelan dined at TAO Asian Bistro with author Colet Abedi.
