By Judy Thorburn

Acclaimed Chef Michael Mina’s recently debuted his first ever steakhouse, aptly called StripSteak, situated inside Mandalay Bay Hotel. For carnivorous eaters who want to experience a menu that serves up dishes with only the highest quality ingredients – corn-fed, all natural meat, line caught seafood and fresh, seasonal produce this is the way to go. StripSteak is surely a steak lovers dream come true. Offering two varieties of beef, Certified Angus Beef and American Kobe, prepared in one of two wood-burning mesquite-stoked grills or one of six circulating slow poaching chambers. Also serving wood-grilled Maine lobster, whole-fried organic chicken, Colorado lamb, Kurobuta pork, grilled Ahi tuna, swordfish, king salmon, Loup De Mer, true Dover sole and Tai snapper, the menu at StripSteak has something for everybody.

The opening Media/VIP reception included numerous food stations: a shellfish station featuring muscles on the half shell, lobster tails and jumbo shrimp, a A-5 Kobe station which served Tataki beef raw, thinly sliced and with 3 different sauces- sesame peanut, daikon & chili and wasabi, and shabu shabu cooked in Matsutaki mushroom broth, and a prime rib of beef station serving beef, pork and lamb poached in virgin olive oil then mesquite grilled. I personally loved the cucumber martinis and the cherry margaritas that flowed all evening.

The interior design from the Japanese firm Super Potato is an elegant and open environment with the use of rich woods and stainless steel. One wall is comprised of glass jars of cooking oils with herbs adding color and light to compliment the rich textures and modern ambience. There is also an open lounge and bar for your after dinner socializing which looks out at the Mandalay Bay promenade.

Managing Chef Michael Mina and Executive Chef Benjamin Jenkins have put together a menu of exclusive signature recipes that will be sure to impress even the most hard to please culinary connoisseur. From classic hand-crafted cocktails and an impressive wine list, appetizers, main course selections on to fabulous dessert creations by Pastry Chef Lincoln Carson, StripSteak offers a delectable alternative to the traditional steakhouse experience. StripSteak at Mandalay Bay is open nightly at 5:30PM. The lounge opens at 4PM. Phone (702) 632-7414 for reservations, or go on line at www.michaelmina.net / www.mandalaybay.com for more information.

The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival, hosted by the Clark County Parks and Recreation Department, took place from October 13th - 15th at Sunset Park. The festival encompassed the entire park and completely encircled the lake with the look of a time long ago in history, where there was an environment of knights, wizards, pirates, m’ladies, wenches, kings and queens. The park was set up as a village with clan encampments, vendor booths, entertainment stages, a jousting arena, and assorted activities for all ages. Entertainment included demonstrations of sword fighting, jousting, belly dancers, singers, magicians, and a fabulous exotic bird show.

The makeup and costumes (mostly handmade) were spectacular and in keeping with the spirit and period of the renaissance. We met many of the participants roaming about the crowd who were dressed as literary characters such as Pan, Puss ‘N’ Boots, Lord Oberon, Prince Kai, and a host of elves, fairies, pirates, soldiers, kings and queens, jesters and the like. Despite a torrential downpour on Friday night, the spirit of the festival was not in the least dampened. The Renaissance Festival sets down residence in Las Vegas once a year and gives visitors a chance to share in the experience of a different time and people that is colorful, enchanting and lots of fun. For more information about this touring festival go to www.LuRenFair.com 

(Click on any thumbnail below to view the photo)

The Atrium inside the World Market Center on Grand Center Parkway was the setting for a cocktail reception last week to announce the design team chosen for the upcoming, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Servers treated invited guests to delicious hor devours with additional table offerings of fruit, vegetables, desserts and an open bar.

Mayor Oscar Goodman with Don Snyder, Chairman of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

VIPs and supporters and dignitaries

The $250 million project, which will be built on a 4.75 acre site in downtown Las Vegas, is named after the chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Fred W. Smith and his wife Mary, for its contribution of $50 million, the largest single charitable gift ever given in Nevada. As a world class performing arts center guaranteed to enrich our community with a whole new world of song, dance, international attractions, and theatre, which will also be home to resident companies including the Nevada Ballet Theatre and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, this project serves as a milestone leap in transforming Las Vegas into a sophisticated cultural mecca, a far cry from its “sin” city perception.

Don Snyder, Chairman of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Included among some of the prominent VIPs in attendance were Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and County Commissioner candidate Chris Giunchigliani who were there to show their support for this exciting new project that will have a positive influence on our city.

Mayor Oscar Goodman

Smith Performing Arts Center Chairman Don Snyder began speaking about the launch of the project that he called “the most important building to be built in Las Vegas in our lifetime….a building that will change our community in way that we have only dreamed of. I want to thank Fred and Mary Smith for making it possible. The center will be a catalyst for the arts and economic development, in terms of quality of life and has the power to bring people together.” He went on to say that a total of twenty-three architectural firms responded to the request for designers, which drew an impressive group of people. The final decision came down to a team that includes Design Architect David M. Schwarz/Architectural Services, Inc.; Executive Architect HKS Architects; Theatre Consultants Fisher Dachs Associates, Inc. and Acoustical Designer Akustiks, LLC.

David M. Schwarz of Architectural Services Inc.

Myron Martin, President of The Smith Center began with a personal reflection on how the performing arts made an impact on his life at an early age. He remembered, as a child, seeing the curtain going up (in a theatre) and how it changed his life and can inspire all kids. Regarding the chosen designers for the new project he said, “Our board could not be happier. This is a proven team, capable of giving Las Vegas a truly world class facility. We thank the members of the architect selection task for their considerable hard work and expertise. They selected an extraordinary architect for an extraordinary center.”

Myron Martin, President of The Smith Center

David M. Schwarz, known for his timeless designs and his extraordinary work on numerous performing art centers, said, “It is a great honor working with the community, a wonderful town with wonderful opportunities.”

Preliminary plans for The Smith Center includes a magnificent main hall- expected to be completed in 2011—that will feature more than 2,000 seats, a stunning balcony, box seats and a dramatic stage. The complex will also include an elegant 600 seat theater for more intimate performances, and a studio theater seating approximately 300 for children’s performances, jazz, cabaret, rehearsals and community events. The complex will also feature spectacular multi-tiered lobbies, refined acoustics and a peacefully landscaped plaza linking surrounding restaurants, shops and offices.

The projected groundbreaking for the Smith Center for the Performing Arts is in late 2008. The news of this forthcoming marvelous facility, alone, breaks new ground for Las Vegas.

Upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas are as follows:
On Saturday, October 28 from 2-9PM The City of Henderson and Henderson Libraries is putting on a fun filled Halloween event for the entire family called “Legends and Tall Tales of the Haunted Pavilion” at the Henderson Pavilion located at 200 S. Green Valley Parkway near the I-215. Admission is free and open to the public. Activities include Storytellers, airbrush tattoos, balloon artists and virtual reality games, a costume contest with gift certificate prizes of $200 for the winner, $100 for 2nd place and $50 for third place from the Galleria Mall, and a Jack O’ Lantern contest with a chance to win a $250 gift certificate from the Galleria Mall. For more information call (702)
267-2171 or go on line to www.visithenderson.com .

Stars of the hit Discovery Channel TV show, “American Choppers – The Teutul Family” featuring Paul and his sons Paul Jr. and Mickey will be appearing in person inside the Reading Room at Mandalay Place on Tuesday, October 31, to sign copies of their latest book “Orange County Choppers: The Tale of the Teutuls”, a must read for motorcycle enthusiasts. In order to get an autograph copy, purchase of the book is required. The Reading Room is located on the lower level at Mandalay Place, 3930 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Due to popular demand and great audience response, the high-energy dance sensation “Burn the Floor” which features an international cast of some of the best ballroom dancers in the world performing a variety of dance styles including salsa, samba, cha cha, tango and rhumba, has extended its run through Sunday, November 26, 2006. Show times are Monday – Thursday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. with only a 7 p.m. show on Tuesdays. Sunday performances are 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show is dark Fridays and Saturdays and Thursday, Nov. 2, 16 and 23 and Wednesday, Nov. 8. Special weekend performances will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4. “The public’s response to Burn The Floor® is phenomenal and we are pleased to extend the show,” said Felix Rappaport, President and COO of Luxor Las Vegas. “The dedication and passion exhibited by this group of talented dancers is undeniable – it’s visible in the energy and excitement of the audience.” Tickets are priced at $41 and $29 plus tax and fees and can be purchased at the Luxor Box Office

Burn The Floor

Back by popular demand, comedic hypnotist Anthony Cools, also known as the Uncensored Hypnotist, for his uninhibited brand of adult comedy, returns to Paris Las Vegas for an indefinite engagement starting Thursday, November 2. Cools takes the stage Thursday – Tuesday at 9 pm (Dark Wednesday) at the Anthony Cools Experience inside the casino. Tickets are priced at $44.95 (General Admission) and $64.95 (VIP Seating) plus tax and service charges. Tickets will be available beginning Monday, October 16th by calling the Box Office at 877-374-7469.

Cast members from Mamma Mia! and Phantom – the Las Vegas Spectacular are volunteering their talents and time for a concert to benefit Family Promise, a local non profit organization that helps homeless families. The theatrical presentation based on the book “God Lives in Glass” will take place on Saturday November 11 at 2PM inside Community Lutheran Church, 3720 East Tropicana, Las Vegas. Tickets are available for a minimum donation of $30 with proceeds going to Family Promise of Las Vegas. For reservations or more information, call 702-245-0992 or visit www.familypromiselvtickets.com

Country music star Brad Paisley is bringing his high energy “Time Well Wasted 2006 Tour” with special featured guest, previous “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood to the Mandalay Bay Event Center Thursday, November 30 at 8PM.
 

I’ll be back next time for what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.