Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

Photos by Stephen Thorburn

In our last column, we wrote that when we are out and about we never know what other celebrities might happen to cross our path next. Well, plenty of celebrities crossed our path during the big Block Party held at the Fantasy Towers at the Palms. Along with celebrities, there was shopping, a special look inside a new and elegant social venue, wine tasting, a concert and fine food.

Donald J. Pliner, shoe designer to the stars, held a “fun”d-raising event at his boutique at the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace to benefit The Public Education Foundation. Pliner is known for comfort and quality and celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Carmen Electra, Beyonce Knowles, Mark Wahlberg and Shaquille O’Neal wear his shoes. “Fashion and comfort have come back,” Pliner said, “wedges are great because you get height without sacrificing width and with espadrilles, you get support. Both pointed and round toes are in but comfort is the big thing since we are more active.” He supports The Public Education Foundation because, “I have a little baby girl and we need a strong education system. In other countries, kids are speaking a second language and are better informed. We as a nation should be much more educated that anywhere in the world. This is extremely important to all of us.”

The Donald J. Pliner collection consists of a full line of luxury comfort footwear and leather clothing, handbags and belts for men and women as well as the Friends of BabyDoll Pliner Collection for pets. Pliner recounted that, “Three years ago we started pet collection. It all began when I asked the factory in Italy to make my dog BabyDoll a leather jacket. So many people wanted a jacket for their dogs that my wife and I put it in our catalog. We also offer items for cats as well.” He laughed when he admitted that the Donald J. Pliner collection is for, “the two legged mothers and fathers as well as their four legged children.” Check out his boutique at the Forum shops at Caesars’ Palace.

Speaking of celebrities, all we can say is when Palms owner George Maloof throws a party the stars come out in droves. A perfect example was the May 6th celebratory party in honor of the opening of The Fantasy Tower at the Palms, which was labeled a “block” party since it covered two floors that are filled with amazing one of a kind suites I doubt you will find anywhere else. The red carpet leading to the elevators that take you up to the suites was beaming with an array of big name celebrities from all aspects of the entertainment industry. Rockers C. C. Deville, Matt Sorum, singer Avril Lavigne, actors from TV and movies such as Jeremy Piven, Seth Green, Nick Stahl, Rick Yune, Shannon Elizabeth, Kelly Hu, Sophia Bush, Michelle Trachenberg, plus the ultimate socialite princess herself, Paris Hilton (no stranger to the Palms) and her designer sister Nicky, who arrived separately, were among some of the celebrity guests making their way past the anxious photographers. But the real stars of the evening that everyone came out to see were, of course, those specially themed Fantasy Suites which definitely live up to their individual name with each having its own personality and distinct style to make a guest and/or guests’ fantasy come true.

Palms Hotel and Casino's First Annual Fantasy Tower Block Party Special Celebrity Photo Gallery Click Here!

The Erotic Suite is decorated in Red and Black, lots of leather, a marble floor, a revolving circular bed, huge Grecian tubs, ceiling-to-walls windows and a shower with a dancer’s pole and all encased in glass. Of course, the night of the party, dancers were provided for our entertainment.

We continued to the G Suite, where on the floor is a screen with a webcam of the pool. There is a chair suspended from the ceiling, a pool table, more ceiling-to-wall windows and very plush leather chairs. In this room, we rubbed elbows with the aforementioned Seth Green of Austin Powers’ fame. Of course, the shower features a dancer’s pool fully encased in glass. As we walked out the door we were in sync with Lance Bass of ‘N Sync, who was just making his way inside. Once outside Media Diva Judy was thrilled to bump into tall, adorable and very friendly Australian actor Joel Edgerton, star of the delightful new British film “Kinky Boots” who seemed eager to stop and chat for a while with Judy, aka The Flick Chick. Then it was on to check out another “sweet” suite.

The Kingpin Suite features a regulation bowling alley, plasma TVs, pool table and a glass enclosed shower that faces outside the suite with a view of the Palms. Of course, this suite is 26 floors up. But with a helicopter, imagine what one can see.

The Pink Suite is, well, pink with all of the luxuries you would expect. The Celebrity Suite is ceiling-to-floor windows, two beds, plasma TVs, sound systems and a place to feel special.

The Crib Suite has a bedroom with double beds, a bath area with aquarium and a room set up with pool table. We rode in the elevator with Sophia Bush who told us, “I like it but I have to change into flip flops, my feet are killing me.”

The Media Divas was invited to the opening of the brand new Marbella, the newest addition for social catering at the J.W. Marriott, for some elegant fun. Built as an upscale social ballroom, the Marbella can accommodate as many as 150 people for a sit down dinner with dance floor for such celebratory occasions as weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, holiday parties, and any other event.

Marbella at J.W.Marriott


Bridal Fashion Show at Marbella

Within the beautiful spacious room that has a fireplace, natural lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows decorated with silk curtains, and crystal chandeliers, the Marbella can play host to the fanciest balls and socials as well as a more intimate wedding reception setting. Ideal for an upscale wedding ceremony, the adjoining Marbella patio is a large outside area complete with picturesque waterfall and greenery. Regardless of the event’s needs, the Marbella has the flexibility of both an indoor and outdoor events venue, while combining class and sophistication in one elegant ballroom.

We were treated to a sampling of the food including Olive and Artichoke Petit Quiche, Cashew Chicken Spring Rolls, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Mini Beef Wellington, Coconut Shrimp, Brie on Brioche Toast with Orange Horseradish Marmalade and a Chocolate fountain along with a tasting of Chocolate Sponge cake with Mocha Butter Cream Filling and Coffee Mocha Butter cream Frosting. We were also privy to a fashion show where REAL women (as in not bone skinny) paraded among the guests wearing gorgeous wedding gowns provided by “All About You” Bridal Galleria. Door prizes were given away including a total photography package and gift baskets.

The Marbella is available. For more information, contact Michael at the Catering Office by phone at (702) 869-7034 or by email at catering@jwmarriottlv.com.

The concert series on the Mandalay Beach at Mandalay Bay kicked off on May 5 with 80s sensation Cheap Trick. It is a true 11-acre beach and stage with VIP seating, pools and a private bar on the second level with live on-stage video projected on a wall. The night was balmy, the crowd was wild and the band can get as loud as possible with people dancing, talking, singing and having fun. Upcoming concerts include Hall & Oates; the Go-Go's; Sugarland, Sunday, May 21; Sean Paul, Friday, May 26; and REO Speedwagon, Saturday, June 10. Call 1-877-632-7800 for details.

Mandala Bay Beach Concert Series kicks off its season with Cheap Trick

UNLVino is a tradition of wine tasting to benefit the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at University of Nevada Las Vegas. It was the 32nd Annual Wine Tasting with three nights of Bubbliscous, Auss-Some and then Some and the Grand Tasting. Bubbliscous offered a selection of champagnes and sparking wines on May 4. Auss-Some and Then Some featured Wines from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa that was presented outdoors at “Cili” overlooking the lush green Bali Hai Golf Club just south of Mandalay Bay. Southern Wines and Spirits presented the incredible array of red and wine and a wonderful spread of foods was there to compliment the tasting. Numerous buffet tables were filled with Roast Salmon, Sydney Seafood Salad, Shark with a lemon sauce and spring rolls, mini boomerang burgers with caramelized onions sand bleu cheese, puff pastry crusted banger rolls with spicy mustard sauce, turkey sandwiches with brie and kiwi chutney, curried chicken sandwiches with raisins and cashews, choices of purried potatoes with either Chipotle, Wasabi or Garlic toppings, and a wide selection of cheeses and fruit. Tempting desserts included cookies, brownies and petifores.

The Master Grand Tasting was held at one of the grand ballrooms inside the Paris Resort and it was filled with wines, people and snacks. Every kind of wine imaginable, including blends, was available and it was a party atmosphere for a good cause. There was a live band, dancing and sampling some of the best wines available.

Speaking of some of the best wines available, how about adding some great food to the mix? Kokomos, The Mirage’s flagship restaurant, reopened with a fresh new look by famed designer Adam Tihany. The main entrance has been moved to the hotel lobby with a neon light 24-hour bar. We stood under a glass canopy to see the lights, the stars and the Mirage sign surrounded by nature. Iridescent silver fish sculptures are suspended throughout the restaurant and natural material such as wood, stone and live bamboo are used to enhance the dining experience.

Kokomos at the Mirage Hotel and Casino

The food, fine steak and exotic seafood, is incredible. We sampled Alaskan King Crab, Oysters on a half shell, lobster bisque, lobster tail, and prime rib, just to name a few. Bar food includes beer battered cod and fries along with crispy coconut shrimp and ahi tuna tartar. Who can forget the desserts of chocolate mousse and strawberry puff pastry. Champagne flowed, wonderful wines were available and we enjoyed the spacious room with its tropical feel.

With a calendar full of upcoming events, we look forward to giving you the inside scoop of the when, where, what and who of it all.

Remember, The Media Divas make entertainment news DIVALICIOUS!