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 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
Photos by Judy Thorburn
unless otherwise credited
Grand
Opening of Company American Bistro
As I mentioned in last week’s column, on November 30
Nicky Hilton, Wilmer Valderrama and Nick Lachey, the trio of celebrity
investors in the restaurant Company American Bistro, hosted a special
Grand Opening celebration and red carpet event for their joint venture
that is located adjacent to LAX Nightclub inside the Luxor. A week later
on December 5, the media was personally invited to check out the chic
new dining spot.
Photo courtesy of Company American Bistro
Leading the team of Company American Bistro’s
talented chefs is executive Chef Adam Sobel, formerly of Restaurant Guy
Savoy. Together they have created an innovative and diverse menu with
twists on traditional recipes using the freshest ingredients available
from all 50 states.
Photo courtesy of Company American Bistro
For this venue, their second project in Las Vegas,
award-winning, AvroKO, a New York based design firm that specializes in
restaurant and residential architecture, has crafted a beautiful and
warm organic atmosphere with a rustic feel with the 10,000 square foot
venue. The restaurant décor features a main dining room highlighted by a
state-of-the-art wine wall and silver-leafed chandeliers and a fireside
lounge surrounded by aspen trees and hurricane lamp candles. Comfort is
also of utmost importance and customers can enjoy their meal seated in
custom made high-back leather chairs and cozy couches within a soothing
environment of fashioned tree logs and stack stone.
Company American Bistro is open nightly from 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. (but will
be closed Sunday & Monday until December 30). Reservations are suggested
by calling: (702) 262-4852.
Chef
Louis Osteen's Fish Camp Opens at Town Square
Another new dining spot had its VIP Grand Opening on
the same evening as Company American Bistro. Fish Camp, located in Town
Square on the south end of the strip is the second restaurant James
Beard award winning Chef Louis Osteen has opened in Las Vegas, just
across the way from his first, Louis’s Las Vegas. Recognized for the
revival of southern fare on a national level, Chef Osteen introduces
that flavorful and hearty flair flare to Las Vegas by offering upscale
and updated renditions of authentic, impeccably prepared, low-country
Southern dishes like you’d find in South Carolina.
Photo by Stephen Thorburn
Photo by Stephen Thorburn
While Louis’ is a more elegant, intimate 70 seat restaurant with an open
air patio, Fish Camp accommodates up to 350 in a more casual,
boisterous, environment that is decorated with over a hundred crab pot
buoys suspended from the ceiling, a bourbon bar called Zelda’s and live
music presented on Friday and Saturday nights.
Photo by Stephen Thorburn
Some of the regional dishes served up at Shrimp Camp includes Charleston
She Crab Soup; SC’s finest: Shrimp and Grits, Pan Fried Whole Baby
Flounder with lemon butter and capers; and Louis’s very special Oyster
BLT. The menu also includes bar snacks, appetizers, soups, salads,
sandwiches, desserts, plus an extensive wine list. During my visit the
Chef was kind enough to make my husband and myself a “Proper vegetarian
plate” that customers can order from the menu that consists of sweet
potato gratin, wild mushrooms, split creek goat’s cheese and stone
ground grits. It was satisfying and delicious and we can’t wait to go
back for seconds.
Louis’ Fish Camp is located at Building N in Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas
Blvd. South and can be reached at (702) 463-000. Hours are 11 am to 11
p.m seven days a week.
Bellagio's
Conservatory and Botanical Gardens debuts Dazzling Winter Exhibit
Visitors to Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens have the
pleasure of experiencing the delightful new winter exhibit now on
display through January 8, 2008. The conservatory has been transformed
into an enchanting winter wonderland featuring a towering holiday tree,
fanciful penguins and flying reindeer. The centerpiece is a soaring,
42-foot-tall Shasta White Fir ablaze in more than 12,000 holiday lights.
Just steps away, a colony of 22 Emperor penguins can be found on a bed
of icebergs as three animated penguins on a tipping ladder attempt to
decorate their holiday tree. Nearby, six pecan-encrusted reindeer appear
to soar over a giant, living holiday card comprised of thousands of
florals. Just around the corner at Jean Philippe Pâtisserie, is a
230-pound dark chocolate Santa, dressed in a suit of sugar icing. The
sweet Santa is the handiwork of executive Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe
Maury and his team who spent one month creating the decadent,
five-foot-high display.
Photos courtesy of the Bellagio
Stars
Introduce World Premiere of "Jumper" Movie Trailer at Luxor
It was a cold night, but on Friday, December 7 my photog/hubby and
myself, along with several other members of the media and a crowd of
spectators, withstood the freezing outdoor temperature in front of the
Luxor Hotel as we waited anxiously for the clock to strike midnight.
That was the moment actors Samuel L. Jackson, Hayden Christensen and
Rachel Bilson made an appearance together at the replica of Egypt’s
Great Sphinx …in front of Las Vegas’ LUXOR Hotel and Casino to take part
in a one of a kind movie promotion, the world premiere screening of the
new trailer for their new motion picture JUMPER (The film’s trailer and
movie poster feature Christensen atop the Egyptian monument). After
introducing the trailer that was shown on a huge screen at the base of
the Sphinx, the film’s stars, along with the director Doug Lyman, made
their way down to a platform for photo ops and interviews. You can watch
my video interview with the film’s stars by clicking here:
Video courtesy of The Flick Chicks
The film JUMPER will be released in theaters everywhere February 14.
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Doug Lyman, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Hayden Christensen
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Rachel Bilson
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Samuel L. Jackson
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Doug Lyman
Photo by Judy Thorburn
Studio
54 Celebrates 10th Anniversary
at MGM Grand Las Vegas
Also on Friday night, Studio 54 celebrated its 10th
anniversary at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. To commemorate the event, the
hot nightclub was transformed into 54 BELOW, an arctic play land of
music, go go dancers, fashion and decadence, with appearances by sexy
Frederick's of Hollywood models and the gorgeous ladies of MGM Grand's
Crazy Horse Paris in the VIP area. Also in the house were stars from the
boxing world, in town for the biggest fight of the year (also taking
place at MGM Grand). Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya hosted Studio 54’s
celebratory party and was joined by an entourage of celebrity friends
including actor/comedy star Will Ferrell, rocker Kid Rock, model/actor
Tyrese, stars from the boxing ring; Lennox Lewis, Bernard Hopkins,
"Sugar" Shane Mosley and UFC president Dana White. The group partied in
a skybox overlooking the mega-club's dance floor, drinking magnums of
Cristal and Louis XIII.
Photo by Stephen Thorburn
"Ice Bunny" Greeter at entrance to Studio 54
Photo by Stephen Thorburn
Boxer Shane Mosley
Photo courtesy of Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty
Oscar De La Hoya and Tyrese
Photo courtesy of Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty
Boxer Lennox Lewis
Photo courtesy of Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty
Rapper, Kid Rock
Photo courtesy of Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty
Bernard Hopkins
Photo courtesy of Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty
Will Ferrell and friends
Photo courtesy of Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty
Additional
recent and upcoming “happenings” in Las Vegas include:
On Monday, December 3, twenty seven contestants that came to Las Vegas
to compete in the weeklong 2008 Miss Rodeo America pageant, including
reigning queen Ashley Andrews, took a break from their competition to
visit the Mirage. Wearing their cowboy hat – complete with
jewel-encrusted crown – and state sash, the lovely young women spent the
afternoon visiting with Siegfried & Roy’s White Lions, Royal White
Tigers and the magnificent mammals in the Dolphin Habitat, including the
youngest dolphin, Sgt. Pepper, born this summer.
Photos Courtesy of the Mirage
On December 3, The White Chocolate Grill, a contemporary American
restaurant that combines flavor rich food with a classic ambiance for an
exceptional dining experience, opened its doors in Henderson. The dining
spot featuring an exhibition kitchen, a hardwood grill, rotisserie oven
and an in-house smoker, offers an entire menu made from scratch:
appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees including signature
dishes such as Spit Roasted Turkey French Dip, Parmesan Crusted Filet
and Tomato Gin Soup as well as desserts from delicious recipes. The
White Chocolate Grill is located at 9510 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson and
can be reached at 702-436-7100.
On Tuesday, December 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. TV’s culinary queen, Rachael
Ray will appear in person at Sur la Table inside Miracle Mile Shops at
Planet Hollywood. She will be there to meet fans and autograph copies of
her latest cook book, “Just In Time” that offers more of Ray’s signature
quick and delicious meals, plus two new categories of recipes for
maximizing every moment in the kitchen. Cooking enthusiasts who want
access to Ray’s cookbook signing and meet and greet must have a ticket
which will be given to those who purchase the book, but space is
limited. For more information, please call (888) 800-8284 or visit
www.miraclemileshopslv.com
.
On Wednesday, December 12 The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge at The Mirage is
teaming up with The Platinum Agency for a charitable event called Marine
Toys for Tots to benefit local Las Vegas children. This will be the
first annual holiday party for The Platinum Agency—the model, talent and
celebrity agency. The evening at REVOLUTION features DJ Leo Teo spinning
the music, as well as offering guests the chance to make some young
children happy. The event is open to the public but everyone is
encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the lounge and leave it in
the collection bin. Doors open at 10 p.m.
On Thursday, December 13, Ovation at Green Valley Ranch is hosting “Rock
N Roll Wine”, a wine tasting and live music event featuring an intimate
acoustic performance by indie singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson.
“Ingrid is an incredible artist and we’re really excited to have her
perform at our holiday concert,” said Rock ‘n Roll founder Chris
Hammond. “This is going to be a great night for friends to get together
this holiday season and taste unbelievable wines and listen to amazing
music.” Tickets for Rock ‘n Roll Wine featuring Ingrid Michaelson are on
sale now available for $35 plus $3.50 LET, which includes entrance to
Ovation, the concert and all wine tasting. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets
can be purchased at,
www.rocknrollwine.com or by calling the Rock ‘n Roll Wine
office at 702-240-3066 as well as all Stations Casinos, The Fiestas,
Galleria Mall or
www.stationscasinos.com . Must be 21 years of age or older to
attend. Tickets available at the door will be $40 plus $4 LET.
On Thursday, December 20 at the Showroom inside the Golden Nugget
seasoned comedic stage actor and playwright, Kevin Burke, will take the
stage for his 1000th performance of “Defending the Caveman”. To
celebrate this milestone, a special performance and reception will be
offered along with $10.00 tickets to all Nevada residents.
The Devine “Miss M”, Bette Midler, who will be the featured headliner at
Caesars Palace after Celine Dion completes her run at the end of the
year, has announced the official title of her highly anticipated show
set to premiere on February 20, 2008. Known for her incomparable humor,
over-the-top imagination and captivating charisma, Midler has
appropriately titled her new Las Vegas production that has been created
exclusively for the Colosseum, Bette Midler The Showgirl Must Go On.
Tickets go on sale Sunday, December 9.
The Showgirl Must Go On will feature plenty of girls and gags including
some of Midler’s favorite colorful characters, from Delores Delago – the
wheelchair-bound mermaid – to the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas,
old, old, old Soph. Midler and her entourage of talented performers,
comprised of the staggering Harlettes (Jordan Ballard, Kyra Dacosta and
Kamilah Martin), a 13 piece band— which includes a six piece horn
section from the Las Vegas band “The Fat City Horns” — and 20 female
dancers, are rehearsing in New York and Los Angeles before heading to
Las Vegas to continue rehearsals in January 2008.
Due to high demand, five additional shows scheduled for March 11, 12,
14, 15 and 16 have been added to her first run at The Colosseum. Bette
Midler will perform approximately 100 shows a year, five nights per week
at 7:30 p.m. (dark on Mondays and Thursdays). Ticket prices are $95,
$140, $175, and $250.
On December 14 – 15 award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, Robert
Schimmel, will take the stage inside the Lance Burton Theatre at Monte
Carlo. Show times are 9 p.m and tickets are priced at $49.50 and $38.50
inclusive. Guests must be 18 years of age to attend. For more
information or to purchase tickets please call (702) 730-7160 or visit
www.montecarlo.com .
Maude, a new wardrobe boutique exclusively for women, has opened inside
Mandalay Place. Luring visitors inside with hip furnishings Maude offers
the latest in clothing and accessories, with affordable prices under
$100. Located directly across from The Chocolate Swan, Maude is open
daily from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. and can be reached directly at (702)
262-0024.
After more than three years as one of Las Vegas’ top nightlife
destinations, Tangerine Lounge & Nightclub which opened on July 4, 2004,
will close its doors after a star-studded New Year’s Eve party hosted by
Kevin Federline Monday, December 31. With New York design firm Seed at
the helm, the club will undergo a major renovation and be expanded and
redesigned in spring 2008 as an entirely new, top-tier nightlife escape
destination.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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