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
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic - Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
www.theflickchicks.com
Wynn’s Encore Raises the Bar for Luxury and Comfort
Steve Wynn’s new $2.3 billion, 2,034 room Encore resort opened on the strip in December. Yet, I hadn’t paid a visit until recently when I was officially invited by Wynn Resorts to spend a night in one of the fabulous state of the art suites and enjoy the many amenities and activities offered by this spectacular new destination.
Steve Wynn
In over 25 years that I have been a Las Vegas resident, no resort has made more of an impression on me than Steve Wynn’s newest property, the 61,000 square foot Encore resort/casino, which sits directly across from its sister flagship property Wynn. With the opening of Encore, the casino mogul promised to up the ante and he delivered. Not only is Encore beautiful and elegant, it appears Wynn has redefined the resort experience with this new luxurious and comfortable property.
Upon entering the doors one can’t help but notice something different in the air. It is an ambient feeling that permeates the elegant surroundings. The impression is of entering a world class resort unlike any other where the comfort and welcome factor is a primary goal. Elaine Wynn (Steve’s wife) who was a principle influence in several aspects of the property and helped design the tasteful, classy staff uniforms, said during a property tour, “Encore is the continuation of the quest for the ultimate vacation experience in a quality resort. It starts off with the staff, which is responsible for keeping our lofty promises and making sure guests have a good time. The staff should be proud, and that transcends to our guests.” I can attest to that. In fact each member of the staff that I encountered was extremely friendly, courteous, caring and made every effort to make my visit the best possible. But, they are just one of the many ingredients that make a visit to Encore unforgettable and special.
Attention to detail has been carefully thought out for every element of the décor including the architectural design, hand blown chandeliers and gorgeous drapery. At the atrium entrance are lush trees and foliage as well as flowering gardens throughout the property. Natural lighting is allowed in, flooding areas of the casino and infusing vitality and energy into the place.
In addition, butterflies, which represent good luck, are the central theme and, as such, butterfly motifs can be found throughout the resort within the eye catching, colorful and beautiful Venetian glass mosaics, floor treatments, drapery and architecture. Red, which also signifies good luck, is the prominent color and various shades can be seen throughout the casino.
Different than most luxury gambling resorts is the centrally located, smaller and more intimate designed casino area. For visitors not interested in gambling, a unique aspect of the property is that one can actually by pass the gaming area by following the walkways on the perimeters of the casino leading to all the restaurants and other amenities.
Of course, what is a vacation destination without dining, shopping and nightlife? Among the fun things to indulge in are two European inspired pools, seven new cozy bars and lounges, XS - a chic new nightclub/outdoor pool scene, an exclusive shopping area, a chance to enjoy headliner Danny Gans, and Encore’s five signature restaurants including a salute to Steve Wynn’s friend, legendary crooner Frank Sinatra. Aptly named Sinatra’s, the elegant restaurant not only serves Italian fare under the culinary creativeness of Chef Theo Shoenegger, but also memories of old Blue Eyes himself with his signature style and charisma. Switch, with its changing walls and ceilings features French inspired seafood and steak; Botero located poolside with windows and indoor/outdoor dining, offers steaks, chops and modern cuisine. At the Pan Asian eatery Wazuzu, an imposing 12 foot long crystal dragon hanging on the back wall captures the attention of patrons eager to dine from the menu which features a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Singaporian, Indian, and Thai Cuisines. Society, Encore’s hip and trendy café is the only eatery open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Need to shop? You never have to go outside, for it is a short walk to the Esplanade at Encore which offers a selection of 11 new retail shops in more than 27,000 square feet to choose from including Chanel, Hermes, and the edgy Rock and Republic.
For the ultimate in relaxation and pampering you can’t beat the Spa and Salon at Encore. The fill service Spa consists of 61,000 square feet of tranquil space that is visually beautiful and meant to create a sense of well being. In one of the dimly lit treatment rooms I was treated to an 80 minute facial and arm message by one of the aestheticians. My experience was pure bliss and close to Nirvana. I didn’t want it to end.
The Salon at Encore provides a variety of services including haircuts and coloring, manicures, pedicures, to bridal-up dos and can accommodate groups, wedding parties, and other private gatherings up to 40 people.
I can’t speak highly enough about Encore. But, you have to experience this exquisite resort for yourself to appreciate all it has to offer. I applaud Steve Wynn for envisioning only the best and, when put into action, not settling for less. For his Encore, Wynn deserves a standing ovation.
Encore is located at 3131 South Las Vegas Blvd. For more information call (702) 770-8000. The toll free number is (888) 320-7125, or go on line www.encorelasvegas.com.
LAVO Waitress Wins Title of 2009’s Sexiest Server
On Monday, February 9, Vanessa Remijio, a cocktail waitress from LAVO nightclub walked away with top honors and a check for $10,000 after winning the title of SpyOnVegas.com’s “Sexiest Server in Las Vegas” contest. Remijio beat out 51 sexy contestants representing the hottest spots in Las Vegas, who competed for five weeks in a series of events and online voting to earn the coveted title.
Vanessa Remijio
The final event was held at JET nightclub, where sexy server fans from every Las Vegas hot spot packed the club to capacity and cheered on their venue’s stunning representative. Bridget Nicole Peters from Tacos & Tequila and Amy Bishop of Body English came in at second and third place, respectively. Fellow LAVO server Danielle Brewer finished in the top 10.
New Leopard Cub Introduced at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden
Wednesday, Feb. 11 a new leopard cub named Java born on Nov. 19, 2008 was introduced as the newest addition to the animal family at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. After nursing from his mother for the first three weeks of life, Java was switched over to bottle feeding and is currently being cared for in the Secret Garden nursery. The adorable male leopard cub is the offspring of two leopards, Asabi and Mu-gamba, living in the habitat. This is the pair’s second litter. The previous litter still resides in the Secret Garden.
Java
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is home to six leopards, one snow leopard, and one black panther, all of which are endangered species. Viewing hours are 12:30 – 5 p.m. daily.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The most provocative adult show on the Strip, “X” BURLESQUE, that showcases a variety of performances by six gorgeous dancers set to music by today’s hottest artists, celebrates its second anniversary at Flamingo Las Vegas with the addition of several different dance numbers, hot costumes and a new look to the set. Some new additions to the 90 minute production include a feisty Latin number, a Country-Western medley set to Jessica Simpson’s “Boots” and Toby Keith’s “She’s a Hottie” and a sexy performance to Aerosmith’s “Pink. X” Burlesque performs nightly in Bugsy’s Cabaret at 10:00 p.m. Guests must be 18 or older with proper ID.
Now through Feb. 28, in honor of National Heart Month, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is donating all the money tossed in to its new fountain feature to the American Heart Association. In addition, the newly opened attraction will emit a constant red color and ambiance in between its regularly scheduled water shows, which take place at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Norbert Aleman, producer of AN EVENING AT LA CAGE at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, has decided to close the show after a 24 year run. The last performance of the show starring Frank Marino as Joan Rivers and a cast of female celebrity impersonators was February 9, 2009. Frank Marino is currently in negotiations with the Riviera and another undisclosed hotel to produce his own show entitled "Frank Marino's Ultimate Drag Show". Mr. Aleman is in negotiations with television producers for a backstage-drama type of reality show and hopes to come back to the Riviera soon and reopen the show.
THE SCINTAS, the popular Buffalo, New York foursome who have been performing in the Shimmer Cabaret at the Las Vegas Hilton since 2007, will end their run on March 14. They plan on working on their upcoming syndicated television show and performing limited dates around the country.
"HITZVILLE — THE SHOW," featuring a cast of 10 talented performers who take you on a journey through time with the music of Tina Turner, The Drifters, Gladys Knight, The Supremes, The Four Tops and more, ended its seven-month limited engagement at the Harmon Theater on Feb. 15, 2009, to perform a previously contracted tour. The show will return to Las Vegas at a location to be announced on May 1, 2009.
The Harmon Theatre also recently announced that "Magic's a Drag" will replace "Lucky Cheng's Dinner Cabaret," which closed Feb. 15. "Magic's a Drag" opens Feb. 21 and performs at 7 p.m.
On Friday, February 13, QUEEN EMILY, one of the top five finalists in the recent “America’s Got Talent” has joined the cast of Menopause The Musical at the Las Vegas Hilton.
During February, which has been designated Black History Month, MADAME TUSSAUDS LAS VEGAS, located at The Venetian Resort-Hotel is featuring twelve outstanding African American wax figures from the historical (Martin Luther King, Jr.) to the hysterical (Whoopi Goldberg). The President Barack Obama figure and two time Oscar® winner Denzel Washington are among the new wax figures making their public debut. Among the other celebrated African American figures featured are: Sammy Davis, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Louis Armstrong, Jamie Foxx, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, James Brown and Jimi Hendrix. For additional information, please call (702) 862-7800 or visit online at www.MTvegas.com.
On February 15th, singer/pianist WES WINTERS began performing his lounge show at Envy The Steakhouse during their delicious “Mimosa’s & Music” Sunday Brunch. The Sunday morning brunch is $25 per person and is offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a performance by Wes Winters from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ENVY is located in the Renaissance Marriott Hotel, 3400 Paradise Road, right next door to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, Grammy-nominated artist and record producer SOULJA BOY TELL ‘EM will make a special appearance inside the Las Vegas Cricket retail location at 1131 E. Tropicana Ave. (off Maryland Parkway) to kick off Cricket Communications’ “Mobile Music”, promotion that gives customers the ability to easily download songs directly to their wireless devices and/or personal computers. During this appearance, he will sign autographs and take photos with patrons. For more detailed information on this promotion visit www.mycricket.com
Wednesday, Feb. 18 three champions from the best and brightest spellers in the Clark County School District (CCSD) will be crowned at the end of the 2009 SPELLING BEE FINALS to be held at the Vegas PBS studios. The spelling bee finals will air Sunday, Feb. 22 on Cox Cable channel 10 at 11 a.m. and will repeat on Cox Cable channel 111 at 7 p.m. The students will “spell down” in the finals until a champion and runner-up remain in each grade with the champion advancing to the State Spelling Bee later this year.
Every day over 6,000 men woman and children are in need of a bone marrow transplant and the National Marrow Donor Program Registry needs our help in increasing the number of registered donors. To support the cause, Sunrise Children’s Hospital at 3186 S. Maryland Drive in Las Vegas is hosting a BONE MARROW DRIVE on Friday, February 20th from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. in honor of 10 year old Brandon Rayner, who passed away on December 24, 2008. Donors with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds are especially needed. Donors are required to be between the age of 18 and 60, be willing to donate to any patient in need, and meet the health guidelines. For more information call 702-731-8741 or 800-MARROW-2.
THE OSCAR NIGHT AMERICA EVENT scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2009 at Rain Nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort has been CANCELLED. “Due to the current economic situation we are all facing, we feel it is better to skip this year and revisit our fundraising initiatives in 2010," said Jimmy Foster, President of Whispering Giants, the special events company organizing the event.
On February 25, Bloomingdale’s stores nationwide are pledging $75,000.00 to Mentoring USA, the non-profit organization that provides mentors to children, as a part of Bloomingdale's “Fashionable Fundraiser”. Customers will have the opportunity to shop for a cause, enjoy special offers and meet Mentoring USA representatives who will provide information on how to make a difference in their own community and become part of the ‘mentoring movement’ sweeping the nation. This event is free and open to the public. For more information on Bloomingdale’s Fashionable Fundraiser to benefit Mentoring USA, call 702.277.2448 or 702.784.5400.
On Friday, February 27, 2009, at 6 p.m. Las Vegas-based alternative rock band SEARCHLIGHT will perform at THE FARM, Las Vegas’ newest all-ages venue, to celebrate the release of their long-awaited debut CD, Until the End and After. Searchlight will be joined by special guests Lydia Vance, Collin Creek out of Utah and This City In Collision. The Farm is located at 5597 S. Rainbow Blvd. at Russell Road. Tickets are available for $10 at www.myspace.com/searchlightmusic or $15 at the door.
Texas native and former Big & Rich stand out, Troy Coleman aka “Cowboy Troy”, will perform at Toby Keith’s: I Love This Bar & Grill” inside Harrah’s Las Vegas for a four-night limited engagement, Feb. 25-27 & Mar. 1. The first of four sets each night begins at 9 p.m.
Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion TONY STEWART will hold a meet-and-greet with the public and sign a limited number autographs at the Sportsbook Bar & Grill at The Palazzo from 5 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, the day before the Shelby 427 Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
At 7:30 p.m. on March 6, 7 and 8, THE COWSILLS, the real-life inspiration behind hit television series “The Partridge Family,” will perform at the Suncoast Showroom. Tickets are priced from $19.95, plus tax.
During the month of March, in celebration of National Reading Month, JAVA DETOUR is having a BOOK DRIVE to benefit Clark County READS, the literacy initiative of The Public Education Foundation. Patrons who visit one of two Java Detour coffee shop locations (6087 S. Pecos Rd and 100 City Parkway in the Molasky Corporate Center) and donate a new or gently used book (for children ages 4-12), will receive a FREE small house tea, small coffee or small children’s beverage (limit one per customer). All donations will be given to first-year teachers in the Clark County School District where the books can be utilized for classroom libraries or take home reading for students.
Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay have announced new dates for the highly anticipated debut of Disney’s THE LION KING in Las Vegas. Tickets will go on sale to the public Saturday, March 14; preview performances will begin Tuesday, May 5 with the official opening Friday, May 15.
LES FOLIES BERGERE, the classic Parisian revue, will host their last wholly-ticketed night of performances on March 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Both shows will be uncovered. The final performance on March 28, 2009 will be primarily for invited guests; 100 tickets will be available for the general public to purchase. Tickets for all remaining performances are on sale now as supplies last. Tickets for the Folies Bergere begin as low as $35 plus tax and surcharge.
The legendary PAUL MCCARTNEY will headline grand opening weekend of The New Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Sunday, April 19. Tickets go on-sale Saturday, February 14 at noon at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office.
Celebrity sightings:
Last Wednesday night (February 11) NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving enjoying dinner at Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops while watching the Duke vs. North Carolina game on the 36-foot tall plasma screen wall.
Thursday night (February 12) NBA Player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Corey Brewer, dressed casually in a gray long sleeve shirt, jeans and black shoes, was spotted having a good time at Moon Nightclub inside The Palms Casino Resort. He was joined by a small entourage of four.
Friday the 13th, newly single reality TV Star Khloe Kardashian hosted an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party at TAO arriving with 10 friends including sister Kourtney, brother Robert and childhood friends Malika and Khadija Haqq.
Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Once in the club, Khloe was hit with a surprise, that wasn’t planned. The group was dancing to the sounds of DJ REACH when suddenly Khloe’s newly ex boyfriend NBA star Rashad McCants appeared at the table. The very man Khloe had just recently dumped was in Vegas at the party celebrating their break up. In response to this, Khloe and Kourtney went to the DJ Booth and had DJ REACH play "DAMAGED" by Danity Kane, and as the song played Khloe grabbed the microphone and screamed out to the club "What’s Up VEGAS?? SCREW VALENTINE’S DAY, HAVE A HAPPY SINGLES DAY!"
Also at TAO on Friday was gorgeous Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Jessica Hart seen dining with a pair of friends. In town promoting her sexy pictorial and to host at LAVO for Valentine’s Day, the beauty kept it casual in jeans and a t shirt with black rimmed spectacles.
Also spotted in the nightclub sitting in a corner table on the dance floor was Enrique Iglesias. He was joined by small group of his buddies and stayed low key.
Friday night at LAVO inside The Palazzo, “90210” star Adam Gregory and E! News on air correspondent Jason Kennedy were spotted hanging out in the club with a group of eight friends.
Friday night DJ and record producer Benji Madden, Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn and renowned music manager Johnny Wright were seen at the Palms Casino Resort.
Benji Madden, who considers N9NE Steakhouse as one of his favorite Las Vegas restaurants, arrived around 9 p.m. with four other people, including friend and Good Charlotte manager Tal Cooperman. Madden was dressed in his usual attire of in jeans and a fashionable shirt. At nearly the same time, Brady Quinn showed up, also with a party of four who sat at one of the restaurant’s largest banquets. Following his dinner at N9NE Steakhouse, Madden arrived at Rain Nightclub a little past midnight, to serve as the guest DJ. He arrived with an entourage of eight. Madden immediately went to the stage with his group and spun on the turntables until 3 a.m.
A little before 10 p.m., another N9NE Steakhouse regular, Johnny Wright, arrived with his wife and a childhood friendto celebrate Wright’s wife’s birthday.
Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Jessica Hart, and her rocker boyfriend Nicolas Potts of the band Tamarama, which is regularly featured on MTV’s The City, enjoyed a romantic St. Valentine’s Day dinner at LAVO. Afterwards, the duo and friends headed to the nightclub.
Meanwhile at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino multi-platinum rock star, Katy Perry was honored with a special case dedication displaying her outfit from the video of her #1 single “Hot N Cold.” Perry was overwhelmed by the tribute claiming to the crowd who watched, “this is awesome!” She spoke about being a young girl at the Hard Rock admiring a Madonna case and thinking how she would love to someday have the same honor.
Later that evening Perry gave a special private performance inside the rock club, Wasted Space. The always entertaining singer wore an orange and pink tutu and danced all over the stage for her one hour set. Right before singing her controversy song "Ur So Gay," Katy made mention of receiving an e-card for Valentine's Day and stated, "this song is for that special someone."
Katy Perry and Benji Madden arrived at LAVO with a group of 20 for some post-concert celebrating, but the large size of the group did nothing to hide what looks to be a hot new Hollywood coupling. The crew dominated LAVO’s VIP section on the dance floor, just in front of the booth where DJ REACH was spinning. Katy and Benji sat together and chatted closely, occasionally standing up and waving to the crowd with shout outs by REACH.
Also spotted at LAVO was band Plain White T’s.
Over at Body English at the Hard Rock Smashtime lured in a full house as well as actor on the new 90210, Adam Gregory.
Saturday night at TAO Las Vegas saw a packed house for the club’s Valentine’s Day party hosted by Fredericks of Hollywood. The event featured a fashion show on TAO’S Catwalk of lingerie by Fredericks.
Spotted at TAO on Saturday was "Twilight" star Billy Burke who had dinner at TAO Asian Bistro before heading upstairs to the club.
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson visited at N9NE Steakhouse inside The Palms Casino Resort Saturday night for an intimate Valentine's Day dinner with his girlfriend. The couple arrived around 9 p.m. and Jackson was dressed in jeans, a button-down back shirt, leather jacket and a red scarf.
Over at Playboy Club, Brittany Flickinger, also know as Paris Hilton's "My New BFF," partied at the Diamond Bar with a group of seven friends.
American middleweight boxer Ronald "Winky" Wright celebrated the holiday of love at Wolfgang Puck's CUT inside The Palazzo. Wright was joined by his wife and son.
Actor Jonah Hill and hairstylist Johnny Wright were spotted dining at separate tables at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Sunday night two separate parties were rockin’ inside Body English as Katy Perry’s ex and lead singer of Gym Class Heroes, Travis McCoy was filming for an upcoming show on MTV. Travis and friends arrived around 12:30am and partied at one of the VIP nightclubs booths until almost 3am. Just across the casino floor inside rock lounge, Wasted Space, Good Charlotte band member, Benji Madden was hosting a party for his and brother Joel Madden’s clothing line, DCMA.
On Monday night Smallville actor Justin Hartley was spotted hanging out at the bar at Dos Caminos inside The Palazzo.
Spotted dining at separate tables in Strip House at Planet Hollywood actress Brittany Daniel and NBA star Paul Pierce.
I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.