Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

What a week - with two entertainers making Las Vegas their new home, a remembrance of a legendary showman, and some great food.

The Flamingo Las Vegas is transforming the resort and one of the big changes is the announcement of Toni Braxton joining their entertainment line-up on August 3 with her show, “Toni Braxton: Revealed.” The six-time Grammy winner and Broadway star is looking forward to bringing her production show to the Flamingo Las Vegas.

Toni Braxton - Photo by Judy Thorburn

Tom Jenkins, President of Harrah’s Las Vegas spoke how “The Flamingo was born in 1946. This is the best property on the best corner in the best city in the world.” The Flamingo has begun a two-year project and this (Braxton’s engagement) “ kicks off the first leg of the major transformation, making this property a competitive force on the strip where people will seek out the best entertainment property in Las Vegas”, Jenkins continued, “Las Vegas is all about entertainment, which is the cornerstone of this transformation. We looked for a while for the right piece to launch that and knew that (Braxton) was the right person at this location.

Don Marrandino, president of Flamingo Las Vegas, spoke how Flamingo Las Vegas was “embarking on becoming a world-class property with a world class name. Words like fresh, clever, empowering, uncomplicated, playful and vibrant are the entertainment model which makes this place great.”

Then amidst pink smoke on a stage filled with an incredible floral display, Toni appeared to her song, “Don’t Break My Heart.” She looked just FABULOUS and was obviously very excited, “to be performing where Elvis and Gladys Knight appeared. I want to make all you proud and really create a buzz at the Flamingo.” Toni has been in pre-production in Europe, performed during the World Cup Series and has been touring, but she is looking forward to settling down to one venue and be a mom to her two sons, ages three and four. She feels her time on Broadway will help her new show at the Flamingo, which will be more of a production than a concert. The show will be 60% performing and 40% other elements including costuming, sets and choreography and promises to be very theatrical with acting and singing at the same time. The goal of Toni Braxton: Revealed is, in her own words, “a show that that will be sexy, intimate, and classic, and will show that I have a range. People will be very happy.”

Tickets are available at the Flamingo Las Vegas with shows beginning August 3 Monday through Saturday. Ticket Prices are $65, $75, and $100 and to purchase tickets, call 702-733-3333 or 800-221-7299.

Speaking of performers, the Las Vegas Hilton announced that country sensations Brooks and Dunn have signed a multi-year contract. The superstar duo will kick off their show during the National Finals Rodeo December 4-6.

Las Vegas headliner, Reba McEntire introduced the duo by saying, “I love them to pieces.” Ronnie Dunn thanked Reba and added, “like she has nothing better to do,” to the laughter of the crowd. He then related a funny story about borrowing Elvis’ cape for a performance, only to have Kix Brooks throw the cape into the audience (to the horror of security and Elvis’ representatives). Asked about how they have prepared themselves for this Las Vegas gig, Brooks replied, “We’ve started taking a Vegas vaccine and are reading Wayne Newton books” which also garnered laughs.

The Las Vegas Hilton Brooks and Dunn performance are part of the “The Long Haul Tour,” presented by Toyota Tundra. Best known for their hit, “Boot Scooting Boogie,” they have consistently won Vocal Duo Award at the Country Music Association in 1999, then every year from 2001 through 2006.

Their first performance will be December 4, 5, and 6 at 9 pm in the Hilton Theater. Tickets are $100, $135 and the VIP meet and greet at $195. Tickets can be purchased at the Las Vegas Hilton Box office at 702-732-5755 or www.lvhilton.com.

A legendary musician who performed regularly at the Las Vegas Hilton was Liberace, known as much for his flamboyant stage costumes as his piano stylings. His memory lives on, not only at the Liberace Museum, but also through scholarship programs distributed by the Liberace Foundation, which has over the years awarded over $5 million dollars to worthy recipients. Wes Winters performs “A Musical Tribute to Liberace: The Showmanship Years” at the Museum in the afternoon. But Friday night, we were privy to a special performance by Wes that began with a reception before the show.

Wes Winters performs as Liberace - Photos by Stephen Thorburn

Liberace would have been 87 years old on May 16 but Wes keeps his memory alive in this tribute show, a celebration of the legendary pianist’s life and passion. Between the many pieces that Liberace performed on stage with an orchestra and brother George, Wes, decked out in eye popping, bejeweled colorful costumes just like Mr. L himself would have worn, spoke about watching Liberace on TV as a child, and how he was inspired to play the piano and grow up to do something he loved. “Liberace was my piano teacher. He never knew because he was never there,” Wes related in an amusing, but thankful tone. One regret, Wes related, was that, “I never had the chance to meet Liberace and tell him how he changed my life and how much he meant to me personally.” It was amazing to hear Wes say he has never had a lesson, cannot read music, and plays by ear. Although the very talented, Wes does not resemble Liberace, but he evokes the spirit of the legendary showman, in personality, and on piano that is highly entertaining and memorable.

As a special treat, we were introduced to Joseph Gabriel and his marionette likeness of Liberace on his own scaled down piano, who accompanied Wes in sentimental and touching duets of “That’s Impossible,” “Moon River” and “Memories.” Of course, what better way to close the tribute than with Liberace’s signature song “I’ll Be Seeing You,” before everyone made a champagne toast to Wes Winters for helping to keep Liberace’s legacy alive.

Performances are every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at 1 pm. You can purchase tickets priced at $15 at the Liberace Museum at 702-798-5595- Ext 13.

Many thanks to the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas and congratulations on the opening of their student-run restaurant, Opus Too. The stylish restaurant features global cuisine, an incredible view of Las Vegas and allows graduate culinary students to prepare a wonderful lunch or dinner in a warm environment.
Media Diva Debbie attended one of the graduation dinners, a five-course dinner which included California Vineyard Quail with Goose liver Pate, Wild Mushroom Essence Champ Elysee, Maine Lobster Poached in Fume Blanc and Bourbon Vanilla, Roast Rack of Veal with Celery and Truffle Emulsion, Asparagus Tips, and topped off with a decadent Chocolate Espresso Trio. The students were anxious to please, which they accomplished. The restaurant is under the supervision of three professional chef instructors who oversee every menu selection.

Opus Too is open for lunch Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 am to 1 pm and open for dinner on Wednesday, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. For more information, call 702-992-8500.
Bonefish Grill

There are over 108 Bonefish Grill restaurants across the country, but one finally opened in Las Vegas, and are we fortunate! Both appetizing and visually appealing, this is more than a seafood place. Bonefish Grill is not considered a chain, but a family restaurant following in the tradition of Outback Restaurants, Roy’s, and Fleming’s Prime Rib Steakhouse.

The food is unbelievable. The fish is flown in daily for the extensive seafood menu that includes North Atlantic salmon, Ahi tuna, swordfish, trout, halibut, butterfish, Chilean Sea Bass, shrimp, lobster tails and other delectable seafoods. For those who desire meat or poultry, there is also steak, chops and chicken dishes for your satisfaction. We tried a number of dishes and all were superb in presentation as well as taste. Appetizers included Coconut Shrimp (light and crispy), Crab Cakes (spicy and flaky), and the biggest hit at our table of six, the delectable Sausy Shrimp, which is sautéed in a Lime Tomato Garlic sauce with Kalamata olives and Feta cheese. Entrees include a variety of grilled fish served with choices of specialty sauces and a fresh seasonal garnish and awesome side item, or if you prefer your meal sautéed, you can choose from among four dishes, Pistachio Parmesan Crusted (boneless) Rainbow Trout, Grouper Piccata, Chicken Portabella Pasta or Diablo Shrimp Fettaccine. If that isn’t enough, there is also grilled specialties, and soups and salads to please any appetite. Our desserts, which all come topped with rich whipped cream, and are each so unbelievably decadent, included Deep Dish Key Lime pie with a graham cracker and roasted pecan crust, Chocolate Macadamia Nut Brownie Cake served with raspberry sauce, and creamy vanilla ice cream, and Crème Brulee.

Bonefish Grille - Photos by Stephen Thorburn

There is an extensive wine list and a martini bar where Media Diva Debbie tried out the signature martini, Hypnotic along with a Lemon Drop and Chocolate Martini and Media Diva Judy opted for the Raspberry Martini served with fresh raspberries. All we can say is Wow!

The décor is simple with brass and metal accents instead of passé fishnets and seashells. The wall treatments are actually salmon color with a copper trim, the booths are big and luxurious and community tables are placed in the bar for single patrons to join others in conversation. But, what makes this restaurant a standout is the blend of excellent food with impeccable service that can’t be beat. Trainers from all across the country was flown in (22 altogether) with 11 stationed in front and 11 stationed in back to train the servers with Bonefish Grill’s motto of “guest indulgence and the art of language.” As the managing partner, Tobias Fox, told us, “it is ladies and gentlemen and good evening to all of our customers.” That said, Bonefish Grill proves to be inviting in every way and warrants our highest recommendation.

Bonefish Grill is located at 10839 S. Eastern, south of 215. For more information, call (702) 228-3474. Their website is www.Bonefishgrill.com

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