Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

The Media Divas were incredibly busy this week with the National Association of Broadcasters’ convention (see our separate article) which included receptions, lunches, dinners, seminars and a display of all of the latest in technology for television and radio with all of the peripheral accessories such as duplication, antennas, etc. However, we have to say a BIG thank to Harrah’s Entertainment and the NLGJA for inviting us to their Journalists’ reception at the Paris’ Ah Sin Restaurant. Sunday's event was a huge success beyond anyone's expectations. More than 100 journalists, including representatives from every major news outlet in Las Vegas and dozens of TV stations across the nation attended. The NLGJA-Las Vegas' annual RTNDA-NAB gathering was transformed into a significant annual conference diversity event, as evidenced by attendance by the presidents of RTNDA and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Thanks go out to NAHJ's Chris Saldana and NABJ's (National Association of Black Journalists) Christina Brown for their participation in the event. We also want to thank Debbie Munch, Vice President of Public Relations, Harrah’s Entertainment; Celena Haas, Director of Public Relations/Rio, Bally’s, Paris and David Strow for a wonderful evening. Media Diva Debbie even won the door prize of a pair of tickets to George Wallace and dinner for two to Steak House 46 at the Flamingo.

It is springtime! For the fifteenth straight year, The Hawaiian Luau, which takes place outdoors at the Shangri-la Pool in the Imperial Palace, is happening once more. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings through October, the public is invited to partake in a festive tradition of the Hawaiian Islands. The food is incredible with an all-you-can-eat Island buffet of salads, cold and hot items, a carving station and the most phenomenal dessert station. Some of the salads include Passion Fruit Punch, tropical fresh fruit, mixed free greens, shrimp and scallop salad, red bliss Dijon potato salad and Polynesia pasta primavera. Hot items include Haleiwa BBQ Pork Ribs, Huli Huli Chicken, baked Salmon with a Mango Papaya relish, and pan-seared tuna. The carving station features a roasted suckling pig and prime baron of beef. The desserts! How sweet it is with Raspberry Marmalade Cheese Cake, Pineapple upside-down cake, coconut haupai cake, chocolate cakes and a variety of cookies, regular or sugar free pies and much more mouthwatering goodies.

The entertainment sweeps you into the musical sounds and sights of the tropical islands with a Polynesian revue of singers and hula dancers, a fire-knife dance and hula lessons. Let’s not forget the Mai Tais and Pina Coladas. For more info, call 702-794-3261 or go to www.imperialpalace.com.

Marciano, upscale Ladies clothing, opened their new store at the Forum Shops and invited the media to toast the occasion with complimentary cocktails and champagne while viewing their fashionable clothing and accessories available for sale on and off the rack. Rhinestone encrusted bras, gold and copper spandex tops and spangled jeans were worn by the gorgeous models, many of whom stood mannequin-like atop tall pedestals. Marciano’s jewelry line includes lots of bling bling in the form of big dangle earrings, large necklaces and bangle bracelets. Another Marciano’s is located in the Fashion Show on the strip.

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars recognized Las Vegas entertainer and humanitarian Dr. Toni Aileen Hart during a special ceremony at the Hartland Mansion on Thursday, April 27, to honor her commitment to the development and expansion of Las Vegas. Dr. Hart is a talented musician, singer and producer who recorded several very successful records and entertained at the MGM Grand Hotel, Caesars Palace, Tropicana Hotel and Aladdin Hotel. She also founded the Hartland Foundation in 1984, which awards scholarships for children and young adults. The Las Vegas Walk of Stars was developed in cooperation with Clark County, which sanctioned four miles of sidewalk to the East and West of Las Vegas Boulevard South between Sahara and Russell. Similar to the “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” located along the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, California, the Las Vegas project honors people of prominence in a variety of fields including entertainment, sports, literary, humanitarian, civic, military and pioneers. Each star is a three feet square slab of polished granite weighing 180 lbs. and inlaid with the recipient’s name and specialty. For more information, visit www.lasvegaswalkofstars.com

Media Diva Debbie had the opportunity to dine in the newest establishment at the Golden Nugget when Landry Restaurants, Inc. showcased their premier steakhouse, Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse. Landry’s, one of the nation’s largest causal dining, hospitality and entertainment company, completed its purchase of the Golden Nugget and Golden Nugget Laughlin. As part of the renovation, Landry’s is adding several signature restaurant concepts. Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse at the Golden Nugget is intimate, with hand-crafted mahogany woodwork, plush leather furnishings, velour window treatments and luxurious touches throughout the restaurant. The Wine Room, replicated from the Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse in Houston, features stone flooring and archways with mahogany cabinets filled with a collection of wines from all over the world.

Media Diva Debbie enjoyed Maple Glazed Quail appetizers (other choices include Blue Point Oysters and Petrosian Caviar); a medium rare filet mignon (all cuts of steaks are available); and Australian Rock Lobster Tail (with live Maine lobsters waiting to be selected). Lamb chops, veal, pork chops, Sea Bass and Chicken are also on the menu along with sides of soups, salads, vegetables and potatoes. Now let’s discuss dessert! Media Diva Debbie had the Croissant bread pudding, a cinnamon toasted croissant baked into a custard, served with caramel sauce, ice cream and almond toffee. Media Diva Debbie also tasted the Pecan Caramel which is homemade caramel ice cream rolled in toasted pecans served on a bed of chocolate. There are certainly more temptations in an atmosphere of excellent service, warm ambiance and a wonderful experience in downtown Las Vegas. Dining begins at 5 p.m. For reservations, call 1-800-634-3454 or go to www.goldennugget.com. 

Remember, The Media Divas make entertainment news DIVALICIOUS!