Vegas Happenings | Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Celebrates Opening | Casa Fuente Cigar and Bar Lounge Hosts Taquila Tasting

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Celebrates Opening of Newest Las Vegas location at The Palazzo.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, famously known for its award-winning, hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas and calzones, celebrated its Grand Opening inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo on Sunday, July 29.

The event kicked off with CEO and President, Joey Ciolli slicing into a ceremonial pizza with a golden pizza cutter and taking the “first bite.”

Other highlights included performances by award-winning pizza tossers and a visit by special musical guest Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, “Frank Sinatra,” whose swoon-worthy vocals delighted guests as they dined on complimentary signature coal-fired pizzas, Italian salads and, for dessert, mini cannolis.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Grimaldi’s has garnered more awards than any other pizzeria in the country with more celebrity sightings than most 5-star restaurants. True to form, among the guests at the grand opening celebration were several local celebrities and entertainers including Chris Phillips (aka Zowie Bowie) and his lovely date, electric violinist, Lydia Ansel, comedy magician Murray SawChuck and his new bride/stage assistant Chloe and Doug  “Lefty” Lefkovich of Tropicana’s Laugh Factory and the gentlemen of Chippendales.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria CEO and President, Joey Ciolli and COO, Eric Greenwald pose on the red carpet at the grand opening of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo on Sunday, July 29.
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg/vegaskool.com

Chris Phillips, headliner of Zowie Bowie learns how to toss pizza dough like a pro from World Champion Pizza Tosser, Jamie Culliton at the grand opening celebration of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo.
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg/vegaskool.com

Murray SawChuck of Tropicana’s Laugh Factory, walks the red carpet with wife and magician’s assistant, Chloe and “stage hand” Lefty at the grand opening celebration of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg/vegaskool.com

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Crooner entertains guests with Sinatra tunes at Grimaldi's Grand Opening
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Comedy Magician Murray and new bride/stage assistant Chloe
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Chris Phillips (aka Zowie Bowie) and date, Lydia Ansel
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

The opening of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo is the beginning of a major expansion planned for the restaurant group, headed by President and CEO Joey Ciolli. 
“We are very proud of the newest addition to the Grimaldi’s Pizzeria family. This opening marks our sixth location in Nevada and our second location on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Ciolli. “We look forward to sharing over 100-years of pizza making traditions with the guests at The Shoppes at The Palazzo.”

In honor of the festive occasion, a plaque from Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaiming July 29, 2012 “Grimali's Pizzeria Day” was presented to Ciolli.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

The new Grimaldi's Pizzeria, located on the second floor of the Palazzo is open daily for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Casa Fuente Cigar and Bar Lounge Hosts Special Taquila Tasting Event

As part of the Casa Fuente Spirits Society, the cigar bar and lounge inside The Forum Shops at Caesars hosted a special limited edition taquila tasting event on Wednesday, July 25 featuring Jose Cuervo Reserva la Familia.   100% blue agave tequila, which is often described as the “cognac of tequilas,” Reserva la Familia is released annually and a rare treat, prized by tequila connoisseurs for its rich bouquet and uniquely complex taste, a true tequila masterpiece.

Only a limited number of bottles of the Reserva la Familia are produced each year and each bottle is hand-bottled, labeled, numbered and sealed in wax with the Cuervo family crest.  Additionally, each year a Mexican artist is commissioned by the Cuervo family to handcraft a limited edition presentation box for the special tequila.

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

The 16th installment of the limited-edition handcrafted wooden box collection is adorned with the artistic styling of celebrated tattoo artist Jerónimo López Ramírez, known in the tattoo community as “Dr. Lakra.”

Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

Casa Fuente, home to one of the best premium spirits collections in Las Vegas, is known as the place in Las Vegas to light up and enjoy a cigar.  The establishment offers patrons premium cigars in an intimate smoker’s utopia with a spacious patio, full service bar and a large boutique carrying the finest in cigar accessories.

Additional recent and upcoming happenings in and around Las Vegas include:

The show formerly known as THE PLATTERS REVIEW, THE MARVELETTES AND CORNELL GUNTER'S COASTERS have taken a hiatus from the Crown Theatre until Sept. 1st.

HYDE BELLAGIO is celebrating the 2012 Summer Olympics July 27 – August 12 with early evening screenings of the games and patriotic drinks worthy of their own medal. Hyde invites patriotic fans to sit back and watch Team USA fly past the competition on multiple flat screen TVs while sipping Olympic-inspired libations: Captain America cocktail ($18).  Served in a highball glass over ice, this drink blends Corzo Silver Tequila, Cocci Americano, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth and tonic water to create blue and white layers complemented by a red Prickly Pear Cassis Air foam for an American Flag-hued refreshment, or Gold Medal ($18) a record-breaking mix of Captain Morgan, yellow chartreuse, pineapple and lemon juices, and angostura bitters. Gilded with gold flakes and served up in a statuesque martini glass, this cocktail is worthy of the gold.

On August 1, Michelin-starred Chef Masa Takayama will debut TETSU his first teppan concept at Aria Resort and Casino. Tetsu will deliver an intimate dining experience featuring the fresh, high-quality ingredients, and unparalleled culinary techniques for which Chef Masa is renowned.

“Tetsu translates to ‘iron’ in Japanese, which is why we refer to the Iron Chef in Japan as ‘Tetsu,’” said Tetsu Executive Chef/Creator, Masa Takayama. “It is the idea that the chef cannot be beat. This concept will be embodied at Tetsu – you will not find this quality of teppan cooking anywhere else – it is the best of the best.”

Tetsu will feature highly skilled teppan chefs overseeing six grills – four blackjack-style tables and two communal teppan grill tables seating five and 10, respectively. A produce table serves as the room’s centerpiece, displaying the finest quality meats and seafood; and offering guests the opportunity to select the proteins for their entrée, specifying the exact cut, portion size and preparation style they desire.   The à la carte teppan grill menu allows guests to taste a variety of offerings such as the Toro Tartare with Caviar, Sizzling Jalapeño Octopus and Oyster with Tomatillo Ceviche. Other main course grilled offerings range from Center-Cut Lamb Chop and Herbed Chicken Thigh to Foie Gras.

Tetsu’s hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sunday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Guests enter Tetsu through barMASA, located adjacent to the stunning ARIA lobby.

Chelsie Hightower, fan favorite and veteran professional dancer and choreographer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, has signed on to perform as a special guest with Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas at the New Tropicana La Vegas through the highly successful show’s last performance Sunday, Aug. 5.

On the second Wednesday of each month Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) hosts “ART & WINE: A PERFECT PAIRING”  of wines from Bellagio’s cellar with artwork featured in the gallery’s exhibition “Claude Monet: Impressions of Light.”  Highlighting the program is the interactive conversation about wine and art blending the expertise of Jason Smith, Bellagio’s Director of Wine and Master Sommelier, with the knowledge of Tarissa Tiberti, BGFA Director.

This month’s event on Wednesday, August 8 from 5 – 7 p.m  will feature Jasmine Hirsch and a selection of wines from Hirsch Vineyards, the highly-acclaimed producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. Tickets for “Art & Wine” are $30 for BGFA members and $38 for non-members.

Comedian PAULA POUNDSTONE returns to The Orleans Hotel and Casino Showroom  Friday and Saturday August 17th and 18th.Showtimes are 8:00PM eac h night. Tickets range from  $22 to  $44.

COYOTE COUNTRY FEST, featuring country music star Ronnie Dunn and “American Idol” finalists Lauren Alaina and Bucky Covington, returns to the Orleans Arena for one night only, Saturday, August 18. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $50 and $65 each plus tax and convenience fees.

The Suncoast Hotel and Casino will host two cupcake-themed competitions — the MISS CUPCAKE USA PAGEANT will be held Saturday, August 18 in the Madrid Room and the LAS VEGAS CUPCAKE BAKE-OFF will be held on Sunday, August 19 in the Grand Ballroom

Tickets for the Miss Cupcake USA Pageant are $15 for adults ($10 for children 12 and under), and can be purchased at the door. Crowning for multiple age divisions, from 3 months to 9 years old, begins at 9:30 a.m. with overall crowning at 3 p.m. Six queens will be crowned and winners of optional categories will be determined, including photogenic, best party dress/formal wear, best fun fashion runway, best hair and best personality.

The Las Vegas Cupcake Bake-Off will bring 100 bakers  to compete for the title of “Best Cupcake Baker in Las Vegas” and to win a portion of $2,500 in cash prizes. The grand prize winner will receive $1,500 and have their cupcake featured at both Gigi’s Cupcakes locations in Las Vegas.
 
The non-baking general public is also invited to attend the event to indulge in cupcakes and beverages (21 and older for alcoholic cocktails), while enjoying flair bartenders, speed decorating demonstrations and more. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under), with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Project Teddy.

"GOD LOVES IN GLASS,” an original musical and theatrical concert, composed by "Jersey Boys" conductor, Keith Thompson, and inspired by the cultural divide that resulted from the events of Sept. 11, will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 25 and Sun., Aug. 26 in the UNLV Judy Bayley Theatre.

The concert features a 50-voice choir, a 14-piece orchestra, and a 12-member dance ensemble, including performers and musicians from "Jersey Boys,” "Surf,” "Tony and Tina's Wedding,” "O,” "Menopause the Musical,” and "Phantom: the Las Vegas Spectacular." Tickets are $25 (senior and student discounts available), and all proceeds benefit two Las Vegas non-profit organizations:  Family Promise of Las Vegas, which gives much-needed assistance to homeless families in the Las Vegas Valley, and The Nevada Conservatory Theatre, whose mission is to elevate theatrical arts in Las Vegas.

OSCAR'S, The “happiest steakhouse in the universe” inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas  introduces its happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m., everyday in the lounge and bar area  featuring half-priced Specialty cocktails, well drinks and a wide selection of beer and wine.

Krave Entertainment on Wednesday announced plans to close its KRAVE NIGHTCLUB at Planet Hollywood and move to a new home downtown, the former Galaxy 11 movie theater on the Neonopolis' third floor. The company, which also owns the Drink and Drag bowling alley and drag queen-themed bar on the complex's second floor, will transform the 80,000-square-foot space with 14 theaters into the world's largest gay nightclub, announced owner Kelly Murphy.

The vacant space will be transformed into Krave Massive, with five themed dance rooms (hip-hop, country, Latin), three bars, a VIP lounge, comedy club, performance art space and LGBT movie theater. The cost for this massive renovation is expected to run approximately $1.5 million. Murphy said the club will open piece by piece, with at least one of the themed rooms and the martini lounge in what is now the theater lobby open by the end of the year.

Celebrity Sightings:

Wednesday night, July 25...

Actor Taye Diggs was spotted at LAVO.

Thursday afternoon , July 26...

Singer Kelly Clarkson, along with boyfriend Brandon Blackstock and members of her band, were spotted at Marquee Dayclub.

Friday night, July 27...

Season one American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and The Fray joined forces to bring a lively performance to The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas during their summer co-headlining tour.

Kelly Clarkson
Photo credit: © Scott Harrison / Harrison Photos

The Fray
Photo credit: © Scott Harrison / Harrison Photos

Singer-songwriter Kelis, well known for her catchy R & B and rap tunes, invaded Tryst Nightclub for a one-of-a-kind boutique performance at the Wynn Las Vegas hot spot.

Kelis
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/Tryst Nightclub.

Kelis
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/Tryst Nightclub.

Reality star Rob Kardashian was spotted dining with a friend at LAVO.

Famed former NFL star Jerry Rice dined at TAO Asian Bistro and then hit up LAVO Nightclub for La Freak Fridays.

Rice was with his son Jerry Rice, Jr., who was celebrating his 21st birthday.

Jerry Rice at LAVO
Photo credit: Al Powers/Powers Imagery

Saturday night, July 29...

Stunning Playmate, and Hugh Hefner's former girlfriend Anna Sophia Berglund, hosted Crazy Horse III’s ‘Bikini Beach House’.

Anna Sophia Berglund has some fun on the red carpet with a beach ball and sunglasses at Crazy Horse III3.
Photo Credit: Scott Harrison

Sunday afternoon, July 29, electro-funk duo Chromeo played to a sun kissed crowd during Project WET at WET REPUBLIC.

Chromeo
Photo credit: Powers Imagery.