Posted Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 at 1:00A
..> | The Good, The Bad and
The F-Ugly LVFBM's First Annual Golf Tournament
a Huge Success | 
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| Last week, our sister publication, Las Vegas Food & Beverage Magazine, hosted their 1st annual The Good, The Bad and The F-Ugly Golf Tournament at the gorgeous Siena Golf Club in Summerlin, and boy what a tournament it was. The interactive golf event, put fun first while stripping away advantages like say a golfer's handicap. Instead, at each hole, teams were dared to make their day by drawing one of three cards, the good cards aided their score, bad cards hampered them and the f-ugly cards, well let's just say it got pretty f-ugly out there. |
| Motley Crue rocker Vince Neil in a pink tutu, master chef Gustav Mauler in a Tangerine Nightclub burlesque uniform, Sushi Roku honcho 'Sushi' Mike Cardenas teeing off blindfolded, Palms sneaker-sporting prince Jon Gray draining a booze soaked 50-foot putt- the tournament had it all. "It was the most fun tournament I've ever played in," noted one participant, a sentiment echoed by many in the days following. Check out the award winners below: |
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..> | The Good - With a highly debated score, and a golf outfit that would have made Johnny Cash jealous, the winners of the 1st annual The Good, The Bad and The F-Ugly Golf Tournament was Matt Lanigan and Team Coors Lite. |  |
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..>  | The Bad - With a commitment to golf anarchy and a fearsome foursome that included Right Gin sales czar Chris Alvarez, the aforementioned sneaker loving Gray, N9NE Group director of marketing Mike 'The Putt-ler' Fuller and Bellagio's jedi-sharp master mixologist, Drew Levinson, it's little wonder that Team Right did lots wrong and bogeyed their way to The Bad award. |
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..> | The F-Ugly - With so many f-ugly landmines out on the course, it was dangerous territory for the hundred plus industry golfers that turned out to play. Drawing the most f-ugly cards out on the course, not only landed the PURE Nightclub team in trouble on the scorecard, but also earned them the first ever F-Ugly Award. |  |
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..>  | As an added bonus, our friends from Red Bull Energy Drink set-up shop at the 100-something yard, par 3, 17th hole with a special 'Closest to the Pin' contest. Former Commander's Palace chef, and James Beard nominee, Carlos Guia owned the flag for most of the day until, with just a few holes left, LVFBM consulting chef and former TAO Las Vegas, BOA Steakhouse and The Lodge at Pebble Beach top chef Josh 'Moses' Thomsen left his ball just inches from the cup taking home the title and a custom-made Red Bull golf bag filled with energy-packing cans of Red Bull. We should have known better, Thomsen's been playing a lot of golf lately… |
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..> | We want to thank everyone who took part in the fantastic event and our generous sponsors who made the tournament possible. You can click their links below to find more information on their products. We also have to give special thanks to Siena Golf Club; not only is the course gorgeous but the staff was fantastic. Also our sincere gratitude goes out to 'Tequila' Tore Kragerud without whom, the tournament would not have been such an amazing success. Just wait until next year, we're promising it will be bigger, better and much, much f-uglier! |
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| Thanks to our sponsors, without you, this tournament would not have been possible: PURE Nightclub (Caesars Palace), Ketel One Vodka, Corralejo Tequila, Montecristo Rum, Lucky Strike Lanes (Rio), Sapphire Gentlemen's Club, Budweiser, Social House Restaurant (TI), Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, Hypnotiq Liquor, Perrier Water, Tangerine Nightclub (TI) and Coors Lite. |
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Flying High
An Eye Exclusive
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As we move closer to what is anticipated to be a near-Labor Day opening, PURE Management Group has named its first full-time employee to the new LAX Nightclub project, in respected and revered local VIP maven Marko Greisen. The second generation Las Vegas local will oversee all customer development aspects for the new nightclub, a role he became very good at over 12 plus years working with the N9NE Group, first with Drink Nightclub (which existed in what would become ICE Nightclub), then with all of the company's nightlife offerings at the Palms Casino Resort: Rain Nightclub, ghostbar, Playboy Club and MOON Nightclub. "I am so excited and grateful to be joining the PMG team," Marko told the Eye in his first interview as PMG staffer, "I can't wait to immerse myself in the company and learn their side of the business and what has led them to be leaders in the nightlife industry. More or less, I'm grateful to learn from the structure and team behind PURE Management Group." When asked about what his title will be, Greisen plunges forward, "I'm not about titles; I am about treating people right, helping provide the ultimate Vegas experience and just being myself. I am really looking forward to being able to take care of the locals and treating the hometown people great." Obviously, the N9NE Group and PMG are vastly different beasts, however Greisen insists that his transition will be seamless, "I will always have a special place in my heart for the N9NE Group, but this next part of my journey is truly going to be exciting. I have always admired Stevie [referring to PMG boss Steve Davidovici] and now having the opportunity to work with him will be amazing. I know he runs a tight ship, but that's what I enjoy about him and his company." As talk turns to LAX itself, Greisen hushes up before he lets any details slip but adds, "I truly believe LAX will be the next great Las Vegas nightclub, it is truly a beautiful project. It's exciting to be part of the team that will continue LAX's success into Las Vegas. We have a great challenge ahead of us because of the reputation of the Los Angeles original, but there is no doubt in my mind that we will succeed!" As we move towards the club's late summer/fall opening, the hiring of Greisen is a major indication that PMG has no intentions of resting on their laurels and is intent on making LAX a hit. Being born and raised in Las Vegas, and having spent a dozen years taking care of VIP's for the N9NE Group, Greisen has built a solid reputation on customer service and 'just being Marko'. Hiring such a seasoned individual as its first employee makes a large statement that LAX is not just a far off PMG dream, but is inching ever closer and closer with each day.
Beard vs. The World
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When chefs gather together it's no surprise that it can be quite entertaining. All the partying aside, they trade opinions on new restaurants, discuss trends and new products, exchange secrets and dish dirt, of course. This past weekend, a who's who of the culinary world was present as the gourmands were brought together by a ballyhooed Bon Appetite Grand Tasting event that brought together amazing culinary names but very little turnout, energy or vibe at the Caesars Palace pool. Afterwards, the party really got started at a private reception at David Burke Las Vegas where chefs like Guy Savoy, Daniel Boulud, Hubert Keller, David Burke, Andre Rochat, Joe Elevado, Ralph Perrazzo and David Varley, to name a few, mixed and mingled with dozens of other chefs and operators. It's no surprise but the biggest red button topic of the evening was clearly Restaurant Guy Savoy's failure to bring home the 'Best New Restaurant' award at the recent James Beard Awards, an award that instead went to Joel Robuchon's NYC transplant, the casual, counter service L'Atelier. "It's just a total joke," said one reputed chef on the condition of anonymity; he wasn't alone however as most everyone present was in total agreement. If the famed Savoy, or his son Franck who operates the Las Vegas branch of the Savoy empire, were bothered by it, they didn't let on, instead choosing the higher road and enjoying the praise of their peers. This came on the heels of an email we received from one industry professional who was present at the actual awards ceremony, "You missed the ultimate absurdity in the Best Restaurant Award category," began the email, "Neither Robuchon nor anyone from his Manhattan L'Atelier showed up to accept the restaurant's award. With red faces, the presenters stood there and mumbled something along the lines of "well, we'll be sure we get the award to him," the email continued. "In contrast, Guy Savoy was there, affable and accessible as always and gracious in defeat." We think we've said enough on this topic, so we'll leave it at that. If you have not yet been to Restaurant Guy Savoy, save up your pennies and stop by, it's breathtaking.
A Tao Trio
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As the sun set over the Las Vegas Strip Sunday, several hundred industry locals and lucky tourists hardly noticed it- they were too busy enjoying the city's newest nightlife promotion, TAO Beach's Sunset Sessions. More reminiscent of legendary European summer spot Ibiza than Las Vegas Boulevard, Sunset Sessions is the first weekly promotion that waits until the temperature starts to dip before heating up with a relaxing yet up-tempo affair that is sure to be one of the city's next, great parties. Holdovers from the earlier sun soaked hours remain, partying it up in the same bikinis, pasties and board shorts that helped them improve their tan while a new crowd joins the party dressed to the nines in relaxed summer wear; the common theme between the two, a penchant for a hip and stylish party in the outdoor air. As the sun set and dusk slowly faded from the famed Strip, giving way to darkness, the party continued on with new arrivals joining the fray, no doubt using the beach as a starting point for a long evening ahead, after all, Sunday nights have always been about the locals. "We've invented a time slot that's completely new to Las Vegas," added international scenester and revered local PR guru Marc Jay, who besides being one of the masterminds behind Sunset Sessions, is serving as the promotion's director. "This time slot is a staple in Ibiza, quite often the sunset parties are better than what's going on in the nightclubs later that night," he continued. "We only play vocal house music, but we will be adding different sounds to the mix throughout the summer," notes the affable Brit while pointing out that last Sunday's event included not only a trumpet player, who danced on the pool deck trumpet in one hand, drink in the other, but also a large portion of the cast of STOMP who brought a collection of music-making oddities that added to the party's vibe. "There is no dress code, it's completely relaxed and different from what people are offered in the nightclubs." After a successful first week with plenty of familiar faces, Sunset Sessions has a hearty encore planned for Memorial Day when world famous DJ, Paul Oakenfold will man the turntables for several hundred of his closest friends. Congratulations and just keep our day bed reserved!
With its first dedicated promotion up and running, TAO's management team is still learning just how much of an asset the newly expanded space is becoming. All along, the plan was to open the Beach as a third level to the nightclub on Saturday nights, allowing TAO to push its capacity as well as offer an exciting new environment and component to the TAO package. Friday afternoon, as the club was bombarded with table reservations for the busy weekend evenings ahead of them, the decision was made to open the Beach as an extension of the nightclub, and VIP's were given the option of enjoying their bottle service poolside. "We looked at the amount of reservations we had and decided to give it a shot," said TAO boss Jason Strauss proudly while hinting at the enormous revenue boost the club received because of the decision. It also helped push the club to one of its busiest Saturday nights in its history. "We had to close the entire door at 1A," Strauss continued, clearly awed, "the line went around the block and into the mall. By the end of the night, we had almost 6,000 people come through the club." Already a standard bearer for covers in the restaurant, expect TAO Beach to not only be an effective weapon for the TAO promotions and marketing teams, but also for the VIP Services division as the summer continues. For example, this Sunday, in celebration of the long weekend, the TAO machine will be firing on all cylinders; while TAO Beach opens for fun in the sun during the day before offering 'Oakey' at the Sunset Sessions party, the restaurant will open for dinner as usual at 5P and expects over a 1,000 covers and the nightclub will present famed DJ Erick Morillo, who will spin a special Sunday set. Wow, is right!
Last month, Restaurant & Institutions Magazine released its annual survey of the top 100 grossing independent restaurants in the country, a list that is certainly no stranger to TAO's NYC sister property, and who just met its new reigning champ, TAO Las Vegas. Rather than simply topping the list, TAO Las Vegas shattered it, landing over $17 million above its closest competitor, storied NYC eatery Tavern on the Green. To be fair, TAO's reported $55.2 million in F&B sales does include nightclub revenue, which gives it a somewhat unfair advantage when comparing the outlet to others on the list, although other mixed-use facilities also on the list include #8 MIX Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay) which was estimated at $20 million in revenue and #13 rumjungle (Mandalay Bay) which was estimated at $18 million in revenue. According to R&I, TAO also landed a 50% alcoholic beverage sales mix which again points to the nightclub's influence on these numbers, however the only other restaurant in the same ballpark was TAO New York City which posted a 40% sales mix, possibly a more impressive number since it doesn't possess a nightclub component. The report continued that over the course of 2006, TAO Las Vegas served approximately 600,000 meals with an average check of $70.00 per person in the 400-seat restaurant.
Golfing with the Stars
An Exclusive Eye Prize Package
Thanks to Vegas Eye friend and Baltimore Ravens all-pro Jonathan Ogden, the Vegas Eye is privileged to give away a very special and exclusive prize package this week, two spots in Ogden's celebrity golf tournament which is taking place this Friday, May 25thJonathan Ogden Foundation. The foundation's 6th annual celebrity golf tournament is taking place at the Paiute Golf Resort with several of Ogden's friends including Marshall Faulk, Marcus Allen, Erick Dickerson, Emmitt Smith, local hero Steven Jackson and Charles Barkley among others. Bringing together a series of parties, shopping, and golf; the Jonathan Ogden Foundation aims to raise funds and awareness for inner city schools and local charities through the Play It Smart Program. What makes the event special is that the money raised goes to help kids in Las Vegas and Jonathan's other home town of Baltimore. Even if you don't golf, you can still support the cause by stopping into the Talulah G boutique in Boca Park on Friday from 12:30P-4P where proceeds from an afternoon of shopping will go to the charity. The tournament kicks off on Friday at 12:30 with a shotgun start. To win this very special prize package, please email us here and tell us why you should win this prize! For more information, including a complete list of the events, please click here.
Four Years and Ballin'
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OPM Nightclub will celebrate their 4 year anniversary this week, beginning on Thursday night (5/24) with their Official Anniversary Party. OPM did a nationwide Anniversary Promo where they picked 50 radio winners around the country to fly into Vegas for the weekend. On Friday night, the lucky winners will attend the special Anniversary concert by R&B sensation Bobby Valentino along with other party-goers and OPM's long standing residents, Andy Gil, Masterweb, Franzen and BET's Dj Mad Linx on the turntables. Saturday Night, in celebration of their anniversary, sponsored UFC fighter Terry Martin will be at OPM for his official afterparty. On Sunday, OPM's Annual Memorial Day Weekend Blast will be one of the biggest night's of the year for one of the smallest clubs on The Strip, who, despite its size, has remained one of the hottest clubs, winning "Best Dance Club in Las Vegas" for the 2007 Yahoo Readers Poll and "Best Nightclub 2005 and 2007" for the AOL Digital City Awards. Congratulations to Mike Goodwin and the entire OPM Nightclub team on reaching this tremendous milestone. You guys are truly the little club that could!
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The Hard Rock Hotel has hired Matt Greene as its Senior Vice President of Operations. Greene has a long twenty year history in the field which includes his most recent post of Director of New Builds and Conversions for W Hotels Worldwide. Other properties where Greene had toiled include Hotel ZaZa in Dallas, Texas; the Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida and Wyndam Hotels in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Sustainable seafood palace RM Seafood (Mandalay Bay) recently had several changes to their management team. First, sommelier Christopher Janz has departed from his beverage director position and will be replaced with a pretty serious name in the wine world in former Thomas Keller wine guy, Jeff Eichelberger. He will making the move to Las Vegas after residing over the wine program at Keller's award winning Big Apple outlet Per Se. Also resigning his post is longtime assistant general manager Allan Zinkann, who is making the move back to Chicago where he will be opening a Dunkin Donuts franchise. Before joining the RM Seafood team, Zinkann had held a management role at the Foundation Room for several years. He is being replaced by manager Craig Hammond.
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Natalie Fisher has announced that she will be rejoining the N9NE Group as the company's Guest Services Manager after a brief sabbatical. She will be filling a position left vacant after the promotion of Julie Cane and will be the direct conduit for the N9NE Group's roster of VIP Members. "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to be back working for such a great company," Fisher told the Eye. "For the past three years the N9NE Group has been like a family to me. It is such an exciting time to be a part of all that is going on at the Palms, and it is an honor to once again be working for our members."
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Longtime, lovely VIP Host, Andrea Duran, has announced that she has rejoined the PURE Management Group and is the first host tapped to join the LAX VIP Host stable. Duran has history with the nightlife giant, helping to open Tangerine Nightclub nearly three years ago. After moving to Los Angeles, Duran returned to help open Revolution, the Beatles themed ultra-lounge at The Mirage. Working with Greisen will be nothing new for Duran; the two worked together way back in the day at the Drink Nightclub.
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Jeff Lovari has resigned from his Station Casinos PR manager post to introduce his newly founded public relations firm SCINC Marketing. "Today is my last day at Station Casinos," stated an email Lovari sent out last week, "It has been my absolute pleasure working with all of you over the past year promoting the wonderful amenities Station Casinos' properties have to offer."
Summer of Love
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Playboy, John Huntington and Damian Sanders of Club Rubber, and Pimp 'n' Ho present Summer of Love this Memorial Day Weekend at The Palms with a different party and different talent each night. The weekend will begin this Friday at 10pm when guests are invited to open their heart to love while they party in MOON with DJ's Felix da Housecat, Donald Glaude, and Funkler plus BeeJ, and the Playboy Club with DJ's Danny Love and 4 Real. Saturday night, the party begins at 10pm as thousands of party-goers flock inside Rain Nightclub and outside at the pool while enjoying the beats from guest DJ's Eddie Halliwell, Charles FeelGood, and DJ P among others. Finally, on Sunday, Miller Lite presents Daytime Pool Sessions beginning at 10am followed by the exclusive VIP Last Chance for Love Closing Party. This is not a party to be missed! For more info or table reservations, call (702) 942-6832.
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Also on Sunday, The Vegas Eye will be teaming up with Right Gin to prove that 'There is a Right Way' to celebrate Memorial Day at the Palms Pool with several cabanas, reserved chaise lounges and even a dedicated bartender creating complimentary hand crafted cocktails. To receive a 'The Right' wrist-band for you and a friend, simply email here. Only the first 25 industry professionals to respond will win. Remember to include all pertinent info including place of employment and job title.
Wine Tasting Alert
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Oenophiles should mark their calendars for Wednesday, June 6th when a Las Vegas will be the host of a very special wine tasting focusing on the phenomenal New World wine producing region of New Zealand. While New Zealand is unarguably best known for the vivacious and lively Sauvignon Blanc (or Sauvi's as the kiwi's call them) produced in the region, they are starting to achieve growing recognition for other varietals as well. The folks from New Zealand Wine will be offering two tastings on that day and qualified industry professionals can attend either free of charge. It will be the most comprehensive tasting of New Zealand wine ever in Las Vegas! With approximately 70 wineries and producers taking part, it is a wine tasting that cannot be missed if you work with and/or sell wine either on-premise or off-premise. The wines will be matched with several New Zealand inspired hors d'oeuvres so that each attendee will gain a comprehensive overview of the character of the region. The first trade-only tasting will take place at Sensi Restaurant in the Bellagio from 1P-4P, while the likely livelier tasting will take place at UNLV's Stan Fulton Building from 10P-1A, both are on Wednesday, June 6th. For more information and listing of specific wineries, please click here. To register for participation, please click here.
Memorial Day Voodoo
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This week, VooDoo Lounge inside the Rio will be holding exciting Memorial Day Weekend Events beginning on Thursday (5/24) with the live performance by KC the Drummer and DJ's Joey Mazzola and L1. On Friday night, DJ Inferno takes on the turntables, followed by Live House Band and LF8, playing a mix of funk, soul and disco. Saturday, DJ Exodus will make his appearance playing hip-hop and mash-ups, and then on Sunday, all locals will get in free as the "Neptune's on the Beach Hits the Roof in Vegas" where East meets West coast with DJ Theo, Dj Mazzola and the beautiful L1. Doors open nightly at 10pm. For tables reservations, call (702) 777-6875.
Are You Ready To Bowl?
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The creative minds behind The MAIN Event and all of the amazing parties we create will be introducing our newest concept to the masses when the Industry Bowling League kicks off next month at PMG's Lucky Strike Lanes with forty teams (two divisions of 20 teams each) representing restaurants, bars and nightclubs across the city. Each Tuesday night throughout the summer, 20 teams will face off rolling strikes and gutter balls while trying to accumulate enough points to qualify for the playoffs which will begin in August. It's a great opportunity to create something truly unique in Las Vegas and build on the amazing camaraderie that we as an industry have. There will be weekly prizes and drink specials along with a massive grand prize that we're keeping hushed for the time being. The low price, one time registration fee also includes the lane rentals throughout the entire summer! Stay tuned for more information to follow in next week's Eye…
If you would like to reserve a team spot for your restaurant, bar or nightclub, please email us here and we will provide more registration information.
The Hit List
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We already mentioned R&I's annual list of the Top 100 Independent Restaurants in the country as well as TAO Las Vegas' conquest of the list landing the nation's top spot, however, they certainly weren't alone as they had lots of local company as Las Vegas restaurants accounted for over 20% of the Top 100 list with 21 different outlets represented on a list. It's a great indicator of Las Vegas' influence and importance on the national dining scene since each of the restaurants had estimated or listed revenues of over $10 million. Restaurants from Las Vegas that brought home the big bucks in 2006 include: TAO Las Vegas - #1 (Venetian), MIX Las Vegas - #8 (Mandalay Bay), rumjungle - #13 (Mandalay Bay), Mon Ami Gabi - #14 (Paris), Joe's Seafood, Prime Steaks and Stone Crabs - #17 (Forum Shops), SW Steakhouse - #19 (Wynn Las Vegas), Delmonico Steakhouse - #22 (Venetian), Prime Steakhouse - #25 (Bellagio), Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare - #27 (Wynn), China Grill - #32 (Mandalay Bay), craftsteak - #33 (MGM Grand), Top of the World - #37 (Stratosphere), ALEX - #47 (Wynn), Daniel Boulud Brasserie - #59 (Wynn), Okada - #70 (Wynn), Aureole - #77 (Mandalay Bay), Zeffirinio Ristorante - #79 (Venetian), Eiffel Tower - #80 (Paris), Harley-Davidson Café - #81 (Free standing), Spago - #84 (Forum Shops) and Aquaknox - #89 (Venetian). In case you're counting, property-wise, Wynn Las Vegas was the top dog with five different restaurants on the list that accounted for over $80 million in estimated and reported revenue, while Venetian and Mandalay both had four restaurants on the list. Proving the advantage of operating within a casino property, the Harley-Davidson Café was the only free-standing restaurant from Sin City on the list.
*********Eye Spy***********
Light Nightclub at Bellagio hosted five-time Grammy award winner John Legend's official concert after-party last Friday. The acclaimed musician, fresh from his concert at Lake Las Vegas, rolled into Light with a crew of security, back-up singers and swarms of fans. Also at Light, poker player Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari, who previously dined at Fix Restaurant & Bar earlier in the evening and making a brief cameo Denver Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan. On Sunday, actress Lara Flynn Boyle stopped by Light for a private party hosted by her husband's company Endeavor Commercial Real Estate. Over at Jet, in town for the Academy of Country Music awards, country superstar Toby Keith hung out with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and friends until the early morning. Also, over the weekend, the A&E hit reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" filmed an episode at Jet for the new upcoming season. Gene's long time girlfriend Shannon Tweed and her sister dined at Stack Restaurant & Bar before heading over to Jet for a Bachelorette Party scene. Also, at Bare Pool Lounge, April Rawlings, star of E!'s "Paradise City, hosted Asset Thursday as the celebrity Guest Lifeguard.
PURE Nightclub was the champion of Las Vegas nightlife Tuesday night as newly crowned WBC Super Welterweight champ "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr., stopped in to party with some friends. Also seen bringing smiles to people's faces at PURE last night was actor and comedian Jamie Kennedy. Earlier in the evening, Lucky Strike Lanes helped Penn Jillette, of Penn & Teller fame; celebrate the birthday of his friend and World Series of Poker bracelet holder Perry Friedman. The two were later joined by several friends, including poker pros Chris Ferguson and Eric Seidel.
Social House was magical Friday evening as new couple Cameron Diaz and Criss Angel came in for a romantic dinner. After dinner, the couple headed down The Strip to PURE Nightclub where they hung out on the terrace. Meanwhile downstairs inside the main room, the monthly MySpace party invaded Sin City. With a packed house on hand, club goers went crazy when hip hop star Fabolous appeared on the main VIP stage to perform a couple of songs. Taking in Fabolous' performance were actors Mena Suvari and Hayden Christensen as well as MySpace founder Tom Anderson. Saturday night, Roselyn Sanchez walked into PURE to promote her new movie "Yellow" with fellow celebs also in the mix including Shaquille O'Neal, Brevin Knight, and Colleen Shannon who spent some time on the turntables. Sunday night, Miami Heat player and NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal basked in the warm night air at Social House in T.I. and stopped into PURE for the second night in a row. Earlier in the day, actress Mena Suvari got her tan in pure luxury as she took in the beautiful afternoon at Venus Pool Club.
Saturday night, Roselyn Sanchez walked into PURE to promote her new movie "Yellow" with fellow celebs also in the mix including Shaquille O'Neal, Brevin Knight, and Colleen Shannon who spent some time on the turntables. Sunday night, Miami Heat player and NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal basked in the warm night air at Social House in T.I. and stopped into PURE for the second night in a row. Earlier in the day, actress Mena Suvari got her tan in pure luxury as she took in the beautiful afternoon at Venus Pool Club.
Rapper Lil Jon, rolling in about 25 deep with a party including John Legend, Big and Rich and "Paradise City" Reality star JJ, partied up at the Playboy Club last Tuesday night.
Luke Wilson was spotted having lunch Tuesday afternoon at the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, located inside MGM Grand. Enjoying his lunch so much, Luke was back the following day with his brother Andrew Wilson.
David Hasselhoff was seen at TAO Nightclub on Thursday night hanging out with friends…Then on Sunday evening; industry locals enjoyed the beats of DJ Galeano and Chris Garcia while partying up at TAO Beach during the first Sunset Session Sundays. This Saturday, don't miss the Gym Class Hero's as they perform inside the nightclub from 6P-9P.
**** Quick Bites *****
In a story that is literally developing as we type, it appears as though MGM Mirage majority shareholder Kirk Kerkorian is "studying alternatives" for his investment in the gaming giant and plans to enter talks to buy two of the company's biggest assets, the Bellagio and the CityCenter project. MGM Mirage countered by stating that the topic would be discussed at a shareholder's meeting taking place tomorrow and that they would, "respond in due course."
The Mirage Dolphin Habitat has earned accreditation by one of most respected marine care and conservation societies, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. "The recent accreditation of The Mirage Dolphin Habitat indicates the facility excels in providing care for their dolphins," said Alliance Executive Director Marilee Menard.
This week's birthday wishes go out to liquor sales hound Adam Rolfe, who celebrated his milestone birthday with a weekend of partying, and TAO's bold and beautiful VIP services queen Lynn Freeman, who celebrated privately in Cabo San Lucas with her new man before hosting friends and well-wishers at TAO Beach on Sunday.
Fans of the HBO hit The Sopranos, which will be airing the final episode ever, in less than two weeks, had to enjoy Tony Soprano's trip to Las Vegas in last week's episode. The New Jersey mob boss needed a getaway and hopped on a private plane for some rest and relaxation in Sin City. The only restaurant featured in the program was the acclaimed Restaurant Guy Savoy, where Tony dined solo, no doubt enjoying the stellar French fare. "We were only on screen for a few seconds," said Savoy general manager and namesake, Franck Savoy, "but if you've been in the restaurant you would have known it was us."
The 7th Annual Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival will be expanded for two extra days, Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16 at the Sammy Davis Jr. Plaza in Lorenzi Park with headliners Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewitt, George Wallace and LJ Brown scheduled to appear. The event will be held from 4pm - 9pm and is free to the public. For more information, please contact Diana Hughes at (702) 255-6659.
One insider with PURE Management Group tells us that culinary isn't being forsaken for bottle service at the company's upcoming multi-concept complex at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. We broke the news that former Prime Steakhouse chef Jonathan Snyder would be overseeing the kitchen at the restaurant which would carry the name Aspen 702 (Eye Archives - 06/20/06) nearly a year ago. "Just wait," said our insider, "it's going to be cutting-edge with phenomenal up-scale food." From the sounds of things, expect Aspen to be PMG's most fine-dining restaurant concept to date.
Speaking of PMG, the newly hired VIP kahuna for LAX Nightclub (Luxor) Marko Greisen has been getting a ton of network face time lately. With heiress Paris Hilton hogging headlines while facing a brief stint behind bars, each of the major networks have used the same clip footage of Paris Hilton being interviewed at the Palms during the opening of the Playboy Club. Next to the heiress, looking ever-so dapper in a tuxedo, in each of the clips is Greisen. "My phone's been ringing off the hook, it's pretty funny," laughed Greisen. "It's been playing over and over and over and over again."
Let's just make it a PMG quick bite hat trick. The popular celebrity focused television show Extra recently named the 'Top 5 Places Paparazzi Hang Out to See Celebrities' and predictably four of the five hot-spots were located in La-La land. Perhaps more surprisingly, local party place PURE Nightclub not only made the list, but garnered the #2 placement, after celebrity lunch staple, The Ivy. The remaining three spots to spot the stars were L.A. nightclub Area (#3), boutique Kitson (#4) and storied Asian eatery Mr. Chow (#5).
Sammy's Woodfired Pizza will be holding their job fair on May 21 - 23rd from 10am - 6pm at the new Centennial Hills restaurant, located at 7160 N. Durango Dr. in the Montecito Market Place. All interested applicants should bring a resume and work cards.
As reported here first many moons ago, the Rio's Voodoo Lounge has officially changed it's name to Voodoo Steak and Lounge. The change is accompanied by a new menu that offers guests an increased focus on steak and other red meat based inspirations. Oh yes, and of course, the amazing Voodoo view!
On Tuesday, May 29th, Matsuri, the number one musical production in Japan will open in the United States at the Sahara Hotel & Casino. The show features Olympic medalists and world-class athletes performing a combination of acrobatics, dance, stunts and athletics set to high energy music.
We wanted to take a moment to congratulate longtime Eye friend Seth Rogan, star of the up-coming blockbuster hit Knocked Up which hits theaters June 1st. The film, which includes several scenes shot in Las Vegas, is getting rave reviews with many critics anointing it a comedy classic even before it's released. While Rogan is busy in L.A with last night's premier and a long promotional travel schedule ahead of him, we can tell you that his next flick, 'Super Bad', which he co-wrote with Evan Goldberg, will be hitting theaters in August and it is absolutely hilarious (we know because we saw the screening), you can check out the Super Bad trailer by clicking here.
Back in Vegas and over at Tryst Nightclub, rock star operations manager Brian Affronti gets more and more awed with each passing weekend. "We had a guest come in and order 70 bottles of [high priced champagne]," Affronti told the Eye this weekend while explaining how cocktail servers attacked the table from all four corners with bottles and sparklers in hand. He continued that the high roller continued ordering until his tab passed the quarter million mark. When asked what could possibly be next, Affronti smiled and said, "Memorial Day weekend!" Well said buddy …
Before we leave you to prepare for the busy long weekend ahead, we want to give a reminder that rotund comic Jeffrey Beacher will be hosting a Memorial Day Special of Beacher's Madhouse on Saturday, May 26th at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel. While the all-new show will officially re-launch next month, Beacher will be giving locals and tourists alike a sneak peak of what's to come. We all knew that little people would be involved, but a spy within the Madhouse office now tells us to expect "Midget Ultimate Fighting" which hilariously carries the acronym M.U.F.! We're putting our money on Wee Matt, and yea bro, we know you're not a midget. For more information, to purchase a season table or to purchase tickets for this Saturday's show please click here.