Archive for April, 2010

Estefans Feted by Vegas Walk of Stars

We always wanted to use the word “feted.” 

Music legends Emilio and Gloria Estefan were feted by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars at a dedication ceremony on Apr. 29 at Rio Vegas. Their star will be installed outside Flamingo Las Vegas.

Estefans

Bonus factoid. The Estefans were the first bajillionaires. (We made that up.)

Thanks to Dave Proctor for the sweet pic.

Oh, and here’s a totally unrelated link that explains why the stars on the American flag have five points rather than the six George Washington preferred.

Posted on April 30th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Everyone’s a Photographer in Vegas

We snagged this random photo at a recent wedding hosted by the Flamingo Wedding Chapel. Check out the Flamingo Las Vegas chapel page on Facebook. Always lively!

wedding photographer

Dude, at least use two hands!

Read our exclusive interview with the Flamingo chapel manager. Got questions? She’s got answers.

Posted on April 30th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Luke Jermay Will Be Missed

We’re bummed to say that the two shows featuring “mind reader” Luke Jermay at O’Sheas have closed, “Mind Reader” (formerly “Mental”) and a recent offering, “Dirty Mind.”

We sense Jermay will pop up at another venue in town soon, and we’ll let you know, because his shows were always entertaining and one of the best values in town.

Jermay

Sorry to see you go, mate!

Posted on April 29th, 2010 by sroeben  |  4 Comments »

Kansas Man Eats His Way to Vegas

Randy Santel, from Overland Park, Kansas, is well on his way to Las Vegas because he won $450 in an eating contest. He devoured a staggering 324 square inches of pizza in an hour to nab the prize, which he plans to use for a trip to Sin City. About 100 people had tried the feat of eating 300 square inches in a hour, but failed. Read more about this gastronomic feat.

pizza

Some relatively-unrelated cheesy awesomeness from the ovens at Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace.

Posted on April 29th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

O’Sheas Gets a Jump on Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a big deal in Vegas, and O’Sheas Las Vegas is getting the party started early with its first-ever “Uno de Mayo Block Party.” Best part, it’s free. Well, that’s one of the best parts.

osheas

Yes, we take photos of walls. If you don't like it, get your own Las Vegas blog.

The block party on May 1 goes from noon to midnight and features plenty of live music, Oshea’s trademark drink specials and tons of Mexican fare like tacos al pastor, cola barbacoa pork tacos, south of the border potato salad and churros.

Of course, the block party will be overflowing (an especially appropriate word at O’Sheas) with outdoor games, contests and giveaways. And don’t forget the beer pong, a game where, if nothing else, you are sure to learn some colorful new words.

lucky

Partying with Lucky, the piquant O'Sheas mascot, is the other best part of a block party at O'Sheas.

If you’re a Total Rewards member (it’s free to join, so why wouldn’t you be?), join in the Uno de Mayo Pub Crawl on April 30 and May 1. You’ll visit seven watering holes at Pulse of Vegas (Harrah’s Entertainment) resorts across town.

The pub crawl hits Piano Bar at Harrah’s, Mai Tai at Imperial Palace, Burger Joint Bar at Flamingo, Sportsbook Bar at Bill’s, Tequila Bar at Bally’s, Gustav’s Bar at Paris and Heart Bar at Planet Hollywood.

burger_joint

Yes, technically, it's another wall. Not every photo can have Holly Madison in it.

The band line-up for the block party includes Kings of Kenmare, Sina Foley and the Big Bang and The Street, which, ironically, will be playing on the street (between O’Sheas and Flamingo), which we fully expect to cause a tear in the time-space continuum.

So, get a head start on Cinco de Mayo! Oh, and bonus factoid: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day as is popularly believed. That’s Sep. 16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla.

holly

Holly Madison, star of "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood, plays beer pong to kick off the last block party at O'Sheas on St. Patrick's Day. You're welcome.

Posted on April 29th, 2010 by sroeben  |  4 Comments »

Well, Yeah, Actually, This Kind of Sucks

This Las Vegas blog is sorry to announce that the widely-beloved Buffet of Buffets is no longer available at its ridiculously-low, former price. As of today (Jul. 17), the price is $39.99 for Total Rewards members (and their companions under 21), and $45.99 for non-members.

We know, we know. Slight bummer. However, we are highly-trained marketing professionals, and are well-equipped to assist you with your Price Increase Suffering Syndrome (we’ll spare you the acronym).

buffets

Stop the whining, and load up!

While the real reasons for the price bump are pretty boring (popularity of the program far exceeding expectations, adjusting the price point to manage demand to maintain reasonable line length and service levels, blah, blah), we’ve compiled a list of ways to spin this price adjustment to make it good news! (See how spin works? It’s not an “increase,” it’s an “adjustment.” Fun, huh?)

Spin #1: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Whether you’re talking about your love life or Vegas buffets, this timeless sentiment puts it all in perspective. Let’s live in the moment.

Spin #2: Like a challenge? Now’s your chance to get your money’s worth and stick it to the MAN. Show everyone who’s boss, get your all-day pass and eat like you just won a reward challenge on “Survivor.” That’ll show ‘em.

Spin #3: It’s Vegas, baby! We don’t play by the rules.

Spin #5: See? Told you we don’t play by the rules.

Spin #6: Look at all the wonderful food! There are people on our planet, right now, that are having mud for lunch. We should feel lucky to have such abundance! Makes fretting over spending a few bucks more for unlimited food seem kind of silly, doesn’t it?

Flamingo buffet

Stop undressing these buffet desserts with your eyes.

Spin #7: You know how sometimes you try on a pair of pants, and they don’t fit? So, you try on another pair? Sometimes, the right fit takes some time. The same goes for Capitalism. It’s an inexact science. Ultimately, it’s supply and demand. Basically, if you dislike price adjustments, you dislike a market economy that matches curves to equilibrium.

Spin #8: Sad about the price jump? Take control of your own destiny. Try your luck in a Las Vegas casino, win a Vegas jackpot, buy a Las Vegas resort and give away buffets for free, all the time.

Spin #9: Dude, it’s a few bucks more.

Spin #10: This is still an awesome, awesome deal! Did we mention that the still-low price of $39.99 (you are going to join Total Rewards, right?) is for all-day, all-access, all-you-can-eat buffet gloriousness at some of the world’s premier resort destinations?

Hey, wait a minute, that last item wasn’t exactly marketing spin. It’s just plain true. So, take a deep breath and dig in at your favorite Vegas buffet. Or all of them.

Of course, we’re sorry for having to raise our Buffet of Buffets prices. Of course, we’re sorry some of the advertising on the Strip still reflects the earlier price. (We’re fixing it!) And we’re sorry if we didn’t get it right the first time. Nobody’s perfect. Giant gaming companies are people, too, you know.

Flamingo buffet

Nothing says, "Loosen that belt another notch!" like a Vegas buffet.

Posted on April 28th, 2010 by sroeben  |  43 Comments »

Danke, Mr. Las Vegas

Wayne Newton’s show, “Once Before I Go,” at the Trop closed on Apr. 24. Wayne Newton is believed to have performed more than 30,000 shows in Sin City over four decades.

You’re the man, “Mr. Las Vegas,” and no matter what’s next for you, onstage or off, you’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.

Mr. Las Vegas

Bonus factoid: Wayne Newton's singing career began at the age of six.

Posted on April 28th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Can Something Be Lame AND Fun?

Finally, an answer to the question, “Can something be lame AND fun?” Well, yes, actually, it can. Here’s a silly site that lets you change the text on the famed Las Vegas welcome sign. Go play.

Las Vegas sign

This is the real Las Vegas sign. (After several Captains and diet, of course.)

Posted on April 27th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Today’s Sin City Quickies

It’s so much Vegas news, there’s almost not enough room on the Interwebs. Dive in for the steamy, the scandalous and the seductive. (Actual results may vary.)

* Don’t pencil this one in, it’s ink-worthy! Fans of the original “Star Trek” series will want to catch the Star Trek auction at Planet Hollywood, Jun. 27. Bids will be accepted in person, online and by phone. Get details here.

Planet Hollywood

The Borg SO could not assimilate this colorful Planet Hollywood hotness.

* This writer nailed it with the suggestion of taking Mom to the Eiffel Tower Restaurant for Mother’s Day.

* Freestyle comic genius Charles Fleisher hits the stage at The Improv at Harrah’s Las Vegas this week. Hint from personal experience: Do not attempt to eat or drink while this guy is talking. Get the low-down.

* We enjoyed this write-up about “The Price is Right” at Bally’s. Fun show!

* Congrats to Penn & Teller for helping to raise a big chunk of change during the recent Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) Walk here in Vegas, Apr. 25. The Rio Vegas comedy-magician-miscreants generously matched the donations made by their fans and the public. Read more.

Penn Teller

Yes, actually, Penn & Teller can be "bad boys" and "good guys," at the same time.

* The Las Vegas Pride Parade takes place downtown (not a euphemism) on Apr. 30. Watch for participants from Bally’s Jubilee!, Rio’s Chippendales show and always-free Show in the Sky. Learn more about the Las Vegas Pride parade and festival.

* Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond made a surprise appearance on “Dancing With the Stars.” The former “Dancing With the Stars” champ struts his stuff nightly at Flamingo. See Donny and Marie.

* Sylvester Stallone and Paula Abdul were spotted at Planet Hollywood over the weekend.

Cher Matt Goss

Singers Cher and Matt Goss recently paused for a photo op at Caesars Palace.

* And in a completely unrelated story, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum here in Vegas will soon unveil a new statue of mixed martial arts fighter Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell. Find out more.

* Our friend at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas, nicknamed @EiffelLyle, let us know that “the Eiffel Tower Restaurant just received 2007 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.” We don’t exactly know that that means, but it sounds good. If you know the significance of “100 point Parker wine,” please let us know, thanks. Find out more.

* We are currently writing this blog entry without pants.

*That last item was totally just to see if you were still reading along.

* Vegas is gearing up for some serious Cinco de Mayo action. Read more about the excitement planned at McFadden’s in the Rio, cabo Wabo Cantina at Planet Hollywood, Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub at Imperial Palace and other venues. Oh, and make sure to see Rick Martinez for some “Mr. Spicy Latino Nights” laughs at the Improv at Harrah’s.

* Seriously. Pantsless.

Posted on April 27th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

The Rio Las Vegas Rumors Are True

The rumors about Rio Las Vegas are true! A brand new nightclub venue is set to open in Vegas this summer, in the space formerly occupied by the Rio’s 3121 (where Prince performed a series of shows last year). The new venue will play host to a mix of live concerts and late night entertainment.

Crown

We tried sneaking in for some exclusive photos of the new venue, but were promptly pummeled by security. Apparently, we are a Las Vegas blog and not a mixed martial arts fighter.

The venue’s 900-capacity, in-the-round design will feature intimate performances by some of the biggest names in music as part of Crown Theater’s offerings. The multi-tiered venue features VIP seating on each level, complete with low-slung, modern furnishings.

After the concerts, the venue will transform into the Crown Nightclub, a nightlife spot featuring a mix of themed nights with a variety of music. 

The booking of acts in the Crown Theater will be under the direction of Joe Rinaldi who brings years of experience booking venues including The Viper Room and House of Blues.

Posted on April 27th, 2010 by sroeben  |  3 Comments »

Cheap Trick’s “Sgt. Pepper Live” at Paris

“Sgt. Pepper Live,” featuring the immortal Cheap Trick, is set to rock Paris Las Vegas for a limited engagement starting Jun. 11.

“Sgt. Pepper Live” will feature one of popular music’s most distinctive collection of musicians, Cheap Trick, and the Sgt. Pepper Symphony Orchestra performing a live interpretation of one of the most beloved rock albums in history, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles. The show will also include other Cheap Trick songs that lend themselves to orchestral arrangements.

Cheap Trick is best known for its classic singles, “Dream Police,” “I Want You To Want Me” and “Surrender.” Timeless!

Bonus factoid: Cheap Trick has a unique connection to The Beatles. Their 1980 album, “All Shook Up,” was produced by former Beatles producer George Martin. The engineer on the original “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album, Geoff Emerick, will oversee the audio production for “Sgt. Pepper Live” at Paris.

Tickets for “Sgt. Pepper Live” featuring Cheap Trick are now on sale, and are priced from $75 to $275. Tickets can be purchased at the Paris Las Vegas box office, online at Ticketmaster or call (888) 727-4758. The show is set to run through July 31.

Learn more about what is sure to be an unforgettable musical experience.

Posted on April 27th, 2010 by sroeben  |  6 Comments »

Daytime Emmys Come to Las Vegas

Hot off the presses! Or whatever the Interwebs version of a press is. The Daytime Emmys will be held in Las Vegas this year.

The Daytime Emmys were held in New York for more than 30 years, but apparently the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences finally started reading this Las Vegas blog and came to their senses, scheduling the event for Jun. 27 in Sin City (with nominations being announced May 12).

The Daytime Emmys honor daytime dramas (soap operas), talk shows, game shows and other daytime programs.

award

Bonus factoid: The Emmy award was originally called the "Immy," after the "image-orthicon camera tube" used in early TV cameras.

Posted on April 26th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Hey, Don’t Take Our Word for It

We enjoyed this glowing review of the ever-romantic Paris Las Vegas and its various entertainment and dining offerings.

We especially enjoyed the fact that they used our wildly incredible photo of a steak from Les Artistes restaurant in the article. Objectively speaking, of course.

Les Artistes steak

Totally qualifies for that Atkins diet. The desserts at Les Artistes, not so much.

Here’s another look at our thoughts about another of the surprisingly delicious offerings at Paris, the Anthony Cools show, one of the funniest in Sin City.

Posted on April 26th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Gloria and Emilio Estefan Get Vegas Stars

Emilio and Gloria Estefan will be honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars at a dedication ceremony on Apr. 29 at 5:00 p.m. in the Crown Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The ceremony is open to the public.

The star will ultimately be installed in the sidewalk in front of Flamingo Vegas.

Emilio Estefan is a successful music producer, and has collaborated with his wife Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jon Secada, Jennifer Lopez and many others. His resume includes over 30 Grammy nominations and 19 Grammy Awards.

Gloria Estefan has sold more than 90 million records worldwide, has recorded 24 albums and earned five Grammy Awards.

Frank Marino

In this recent, only-tenuously-related photo, Frank Marino of "Divas Las Vegas" at Imperial Palace is also honored with a star.

What’s the Vegas connection? The Las Vegas Walk of Stars organization has specific criteria for those who are honored with a star. “Honorees must have worked or lived in the Greater County of Clark, for periods of considerable regularity. Honorees must have, by their presence in this area, contributed to the charm, worldwide prominence and name recognition of Las Vegas…[those considered are] persons who have become prominent in the field of entertainment, and have greatly contributed to the worldwide prominence of Las Vegas.” We’re not sure that answers the question, but we’re a Las Vegas blog, not a Walk of Stars honoree selection committee.

Visit the official site of the Las Vegas Walk of Stars to learn more.

Posted on April 26th, 2010 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

You Could Win a Vegas Trip to See Ludacris

Rap music superstar Ludacris performs live at Pure nightclub inside Caesars Palace on May 15, and the folks at Pure Management Group are giving away a free trip to Vegas to take in the show.

Ludacris

If you try to read that small print, we are not responsible for your eyes imploding.

Click here for a larger version of that flyer thingy.

The only thinly-veiled-social-marketing hoop that needs to be jumped through (to enter) is to Tweet this message, “I want to party with @purelasvegas and @venuspoolclub @caesarspalace with @ludajuice!”

Learn more, and get to Tweeting!

Posted on April 25th, 2010 by sroeben  |  4 Comments »