Archive for the ‘Celebrities’ Category

Heartthrob Joey Lawrence to Star in Chippendales

Joey Lawrence, who first won hearts around the world in the ’90s TV hit, “Blossom,” is all grown up and ready to bring his talents to the Chippendales stage at Rio Las Vegas for a limited-time guest-hosting gig, June 7-24, 2012.

Joey Lawrence

Joey Lawrence should totally hang out with comedian George Wallace at Flamingo, because he, too, be thinkin'.

Lawrence is expected to sing, dance and host the popular male revue. Other recent guest hosts have included 98 Degrees singer Jeff Timmons and former “Bachelor” star, Jake Pavelka.

Joey Lawrence

Yes, that Joey Lawrence.

Lawrence currently appears in the ABC Family series “Melissa & Joey,” co-starring Melissa Joan Hart. He also starred on Broadway as Billy Flynn in the hit musical “Chicago” and a number of feature films.

Bonus Chippendales trivia: On May 31, 2012, Chippendales will celebrate its 4,000th pec-fueled show at Rio Las Vegas.

Here’s an exclusive Pulse of Vegas peek inside the bedlam that is the Chippendales experience.

Chippendales performs nightly at 8:00 p.m., with additional shows on Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Joey Lawrence will perform Thursday through Sunday night performances only. Tickets run from $39.95 to $59.95.

Let us know how you think Joey Lawrence has blossomed. See what we did there?

Posted on May 16th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Gordon Ramsay Officially Opens Steakhouse at Paris

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was in rare form at Paris Las Vegas today as he officially opened his new restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak. Yes, we have exclusive photos. Haven’t you learned how this blog rolls by now?

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Vegas

Gordon Ramsay didn't disappoint!

Ramsay gave a lively cooking demonstration for members of the media, and expertly navigated a Q&A laced with Ramsayisms we can’t actually report due to Internet obscenity laws, many of which we just made up.

Actually, we found Gordon Ramsay to be as funny and charming as we’d hoped, tossing out good-natured zingers throughout his interactions with journalists and fans.

Gordon Ramsay

Pulse of Vegas blog exclusive: Gordon Ramsay confirmed to us that when he calls someone "Donkey," it's not meant as a compliment.

While Ramsay did a great job of keeping visitors in stitches, it was also clear he’s serious about the business of food.

He also seems to have a soft spot in his heart for Las Vegas, which tends to go over really well with Las Vegas blogs.

Gordon Ramsay Steak Paris Las Vegas

You done good, chef!

See more exclusive photos, several of which are actually in focus, of Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas.

Gordon Ramsay

You know how some people have impish grins, but they're not impish? Gordon Ramsay isn't that.

Ramsay said he’ll be in Vegas every couple of weeks as Gordon Ramsay Steak establishes its footing, then expects to directly oversee his “brigade” at least monthly thereafter. He recently purchased a home in California, and quipped, “It’s great to be able to get here in 15 minutes. I have a private jet.” After a beat, he added, “No, I don’t. Seriously? I’m just kidding.”

Gordon Ramsay also took the opportunity to mention that the winner of the 10th season of his popular reality TV show, “Hell’s Kitchen,” will win a head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris. The new season premieres June 4. A direct Vegas tie-in on “Hell’s Kitchen”? As if this blog weren’t already a huge fan! Remember when the contestants got a drop-in from Rio headliner’s Penn & Teller back in 2012? Check it out.

Welcome to Las Vegas, Chef Ramsay, and thanks for stirring things up at Paris Las Vegas. Because he’s a chef. See what we did there?

Posted on May 11th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Celebrated Chefs Kick Off Vegas Uncork’d

Some of the culinary world’s most acclaimed chefs served up a bubbly photo op at Caesars Palace on May 10, 2012 to launch Vegas Uncork’d, an annual food and wine event in Sin City.

Vegas Uncork'd Caesars Palace

Could somebody whip us up a sammich? Thanks.

Click here for a larger version of the group photo. Frame not included.

Chef Wolfgang Puck did the honors for the traditional “saber-off” (uncorking a symbolic bottle of champagne with, you know, a saber) at the famous fountains in front of Caesars Palace.

Vegas Uncork'd

It's all fun and games until a famous chef puts an eye out.

Many credit Wolfgang Puck with starting the fine dining restaurant revolution in Las Vegas, one which had led to Vegas becoming a mecca for celebrity chefs from around the world.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Puck’s Spago restaurant at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Vegas Uncork'd

This blog credits Wolfgang Puck with "letting us get all up in his grill for a close-up."

Vegas Uncork’d was first held in 2007, bringing together culinary superstars for a “celebration of wine, food and spirits.”

Visit the official Vegas Uncork’d site for all the details.

Bobby Flay Vegas Uncork'd

Chef Bobby Flay currently has 124 shows on the Food Network. Roughly.

The launch event included appearances by so many big-time chefs, it was difficult to keep track of them all.

They included Bobby Flay (Mesa Grill at Caesars), Hubert Keller (Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay), “Nobu” Matsuhisa (below, Nobu Las Vegas) and Rick Moonen (RM Seafood, Mandalay Bay).

Nobu at Vegas Uncork'd

Chef "Nobu" Matsuhisa is about to get his own hotel and restaurant within Caesars Palace. It's complicated.

Because there were too many great chefs to fit into once sentence, here are more: Francois Payard (Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars), Jean Joho (Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Vegas), Michel Richard (Central at Caesars Palace), Guy Savoy (Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars), Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Prime Steakhouse, Bellagio), Bradley Ogden (Bradley Ogden at Caesars) and many others.

Vegas Uncork'd

French invasion in Vegas: Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michel Richard, Jean Joho and Guy Savoy.

Vegas Uncork’d is presented by Bon Appetit magazine and the event is sponsored by the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace and the Cosmo.

Vegas Uncork'd

Wolfgang Puck's lucky there were no cameras present to record this mishap.

All-in-all, Vegas Uncork’d will feature about 50 world-class chefs, 60 restaurants and 30 events (through May 13). Don’t miss this rare opportunity to rub elbows with a pantheon of culinary greats. Only in Vegas, baby!

Here’s a virtual sample platter of exclusive photos from the Vegas Uncork’d kick-off event at Caesars Palace.

Vegas Uncorked 2012 Kicks Off at Caesars Palace

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Posted on May 11th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

“Peepshow” Star Holly Madison is the Bomb

Holly Madison, the pulchritudinous star of “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood and “Holly’s World,” has further assured her place as the official-unofficial face of Las Vegas by being named Miss Atomic Bomb 2012.

Las Vegas never met a photo op it didn’t like, so in honor of the 55th anniversary of the original Miss Atomic Bomb, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority had Madison recreate a 1957 photo taken by Las Vegas News Bureau photographer Don English.

Holly Madison Miss Atomic Bomb

Holly Madison just radiates sex appeal.

Holly Madison’s version of the photographic homage to Vegas kitsch was captured by Darrin Bush, also of the Las Vegas News Bureau. Bush has been with the Las Vegas News Bureau for an astonishing 23 years. Read more.

The release of the updated Miss Atomic Bomb photo marks the 65th anniversary of the Las Vegas New Bureau, which captures photos and video of special events, entertainment and the resorts of Las Vegas known around the world.

Miss Atomic Bomb

Showgirls have a certain glow about them, don't they?

The model in the original Miss Atomic Bomb photo (above) was a showgirl, Lee Merlin, who was working as a Copa Girl at The Sands at the time of the photo. Apparently, Vegas fans have been trying to track Merlin down for some time. Read more here and here. A lesser-known version of Merlin can be viewed here. Get more on this intriguing story at LasVegasAdvisor.com.

Here’s some news coverage of the Miss Atomic Bomb 2012 unveiling.

If you’re not all that familiar with Vegas history, you might wonder, “Atomic bomb? What’s up with that?” We hear you. Well, in the 1950s, there was quite a bit of above-ground nuclear testing done in Nevada, and creative Vegas marketers made the most of the tests by playing them up with viewing parties and all things atomic. Flamingo Las Vegas, for example, even served a popular Atomic Cocktail. Yay, capitalism!

For 12 years, an average of one bomb every three weeks was detonated in Nevada, with flashes seen as far away as Montana. Read more about Sin City’s part in the atomic bomb craze. Las Vegas even has its own National Atomic Testing Museum attraction.

Now you know! Thanks to Holly Madison for being such a great sport, and for making us an offer we couldn’t diffuse.

Posted on May 10th, 2012 by sroeben  |  1 Comment »

Mac King Hosts Kentucky Derby Party for Magic Royalty

Harrah’s Las Vegas comedy-magician Mac King has a thing for the Kentucky Derby. Each year, he hosts a party leading up to the race, and a who’s-who of Las Vegas magicians and other entertainers show up in droves. Except for the ones wearing pants. They show up in pants. And in honor of the Kentucky Derby, some also show up in hats. Or in the case of Mac King, pants and a hat. Thankfully.

Mac King

We do not fully understand Mac King's Kentucky Derby obsession, but this blog doesn't judge.

Also in attendance were Penn Jillette, the taller half of Penn & Teller at Rio Las Vegas, who was recently booted prematurely from “The Celebrity Apprentice,” and fellow comedy-magician The Amazing Johnathan, who seemed a lot less freaky in person than he does in his show at The Harmon Theatre at Planet Hollywood.

Penn Jillette Amazing Johnathan

Relax, Teller, this was not a job interview. Probably.

Next up, our pal, Paul Vigil. He does a mind-blowing free show inside King Ink at the Mirage on Wednesday nights. And did we mention how free it is? Find out more.

Paul Vigil

Whenever we shake hands with Paul Vigil, we count our fingers afterward. Just saying.

The photographically-less-cooperative Lance Burton (below) was also on-hand for the festivities. Among his many talents, we learned Lance Burton is an amazing pool player.

Lance Burton

Yeah, we probably won't be invited back. The things this blog does for you.

The party guests weren’t all magicians, of course.

Mac King Kentucky Derby party

Some of this blog's favorite guests were mint juleps, official hooch of the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby, by the way, is billed as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” As opposed to sex with this blog, billed simply as “the most exciting two minutes.” Oh, how we crack ourselves up. And speaking of cracking up…

Also in the house (literally, since the party was in Mac King’s house) was Vinnie Favorito, longtime headliner at Flamingo Las Vegas. Learn more about his hilarious, off-the-cuff show.

Vinnie Favorito

Don't make Vinnie Favorito angry. His tongue doubles as a fencing sword.

Popular Las Vegas singer Clint Holmes also came to play. Holmes used to headline at Harrah’s Las Vegas, and you can visit his official site to see his current performance schedule.

Clint Holmes

Clint Holmes fact: He's the son of a jazz musician and an opera singer.

Naturally, there were also colorful hats galore.

Kentucky Derby

Our personal favorite. If you're into that kind of thing.

The winner of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012: I’ll Have Another. Yes, that was the horse: I’ll Have Another.

Which, coincidentally, we heard coming out of our mouth a lot as the mint juleps were being passed around. Hey, we wanted to get into the spirit of the event. The things this blog does for you.

Posted on May 7th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

First Look: Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Vegas

While the much-anticipated Gordon Ramsay Steak restaurant officially opens May 11, 2012, we couldn’t wait, so we breached security for a sneak preview of this photogenic new eatery at Paris Las Vegas.

Gordon Ramsay Steak

You can't miss it. Just ask Dr. Freud for directions.

The restaurant can be found next to the casino’s high limit salon.

The eye-catching entrance to Gordon Ramsay Steak was inspired by The Chunnel, the tunnel between London and Paris. It’s slightly smaller than the Chunnel, we think, but we didn’t have a tape measure.

Gordon Ramsay Steak

The Chunnel took six years to build. Gordon Ramsay Steak took about six months. Note: This tunnel doesn't require a ticket.

Chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, his first in Las Vegas, was designed by EDG Interior Architecture + Design, and trust us, we wouldn’t be mentioning that fact if they hadn’t done an impressive job.

Gordon Ramsay Steak bar

The bar has a cool vibe this blog hopes to experience often.

A centerpiece of the interior is the abstract sculpture high above (see below). The neon tubes hanging from the ceiling represent Gordon Ramsay’s hand movements while preparing his signature Beef Wellington, according to one server. The art piece was created by Andrey Berezowsky of SWON Design.

Gordon Ramsay Steak sculpture

Chef Ramsay clearly has very fast hands.

The restaurant seats about 200 people, and features a two-story dining room and, of course, a chef’s table. The restaurant covers about 7,500 square feet, if you’re into the numbers thing.

The tunnel-themed bar separates the main restaurant from the lounge, which will have its own menu with smaller plates. It’s like two destinations in one.

Gordon Ramsay Steak

Gordon Ramsay brings it.

Signature cocktails abound, colorfully displayed in iPads. Their names include the English Garden, Vesper, Extra Dry Steakhouse Martini, HK Antioxident (HK stands for “Hell’s Kitchen,” Chef Ramsay’s hit reality series we’re completely addicted to), South Side, Red Lion, Side Car, Primm’s Cup and the Strawberry Martini.

Gordon Ramsay Steak

This blog likes its cocktails as interactive as possible.

The menu is overseen by Executive Chef Kevin Hee, and showcases Chef Ramsay’s take on traditional American steakhouse dishes. The menu will change seasonally, so guests will always have something new to look forward to. Something we hadn’t heard before: At the beginning of each seasonal menu, the first 1,000 guests will receive an autographed item from Chef Ramsay. We can’t remember if it’s a photo or a menu. We were too busy drooling over our amazing mac and cheese.

Gordon Ramsay Steak

Vegas has a new contender for "Best Mac and Cheese."

Starters include butter-poached Maine lobster, fried oysters and smoked beef tartare with Guinness-infused mustard seeds. Entrees include a wide selection of grilled items, such as Wagyu beef, various cuts of dry-aged steaks, veal, a Kurobuta double pork chop and seafood choices. See? We take notes sometimes.

The meat at Gordon Ramsay Steak is aged 28 days in a “Himalayan sea salt environment,” whatever that might actually be. The restaurant is so proud of its meat, cuts are actually displayed throughout the dining area on a trolley. We’re not entirely sure how to feel about the meat trolley, personally, but the steak aficionados seemed to love it.

Let’s just say that if you don’t love the Wagyu American Kobe filet, you’ve lost your marbles. (See what we did there? Because steaks have marbling. So, it’s a pun. And puns are hilarious.)

Gordon Ramsay Steak

Fancy beef ain't cheap, but you get what you pay for, baby. Sheer succulence.

A server mentioned Chef Ramsay’s favorite cut of meat is the “rib cap.” In case you’re ever asked that on a game show someday.

The desserts are plentiful, too, of course. Every meal in Sin City requires a happy ending.

Gordon Ramsay Steak tropical

That crispy thing on the Tropical Coconut Panna Cotta dessert is called a "sugar tuile." We always wondered about that.

Make sure to take advantage of discounted prices for Total Rewards loyalty club members.

Gordon Ramsay Steak

Where the culinary magic happens at Gordon Ramsay Steak.

Gordon Ramsay Steak will be ready for its Vegas debut on May 11. Drop in for the celebrity chef experience at Paris Las Vegas.

Enjoy more images in our exclusive gallery. Or just check out Gordon Ramsay Steak for yourself. As you might suspect, our poorly-executed photos don’t do it justice.

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris

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Posted on May 5th, 2012 by sroeben  |  4 Comments »

Deal Us In for “All In: The Poker Movie”

The world of poker is a fascinating one, and “All In: The Poker Movie,” a new documentary about that world, is one this Las Vegas blog would be inclined to watch.

The film’s billed as, “The definitive story of the rise, fall and rebirth of poker.” It features many of the game’s most prominent figures, including Chris Moneymaker, the man whose 2003 Main Event win at the World Series of Poker is often cited as the reason for the boom that’s kept poker in the spotlight ever since.

The person pictured below is not him.

Matt Damon poker

Matt Damon is a great poker player. We hear he also acts a little on the side.

Here’s the trailer for “All In: The Poker Movie.”

“All In” was directed by Douglas Tirola and includes segments with Matt Damon, Phil Hellmuth Jr., Annie Duke, Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, Daniel Negreanu and others.

All In Poker movie

The World Series of Poker happens each year at Rio Las Vegas.

The film is currently available on iTunes and through Video on Demand. It didn’t get rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, but this blog doesn’t live by society’s rules, and we’re watching it, anyway.

Get all your poker needs met at the official World Series of Poker site.

Posted on May 2nd, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Poker Loses Legend “Amarillo Slim” Preston

The game of poker lost a legend, “Amarillo Slim” Preston, on April 29, 2012, at the age of 83.

The five-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner was one of the pioneers of modern-day poker, including raising the game’s visibility through media appearances (including 11 guest spots on “The Tonight Show”) and his colorful personality.

Amarillo Slim

Amarillo Slim once bet someone that a cat could pick up a Coke bottle, and once beat daredevil Evel Knievel in golf using a carpenter's hammer.

Among his many accomplishments, Preston won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 1972. He was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992.

There was even a song written in his honor.

Read more about this WSOP champ and pop culture icon on the official World Series of Poker site, and listen to a radio interview with “Amarillo Slim.”

They just don’t make ‘em like Slim anymore.

Posted on April 30th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Cee Lo Green Announces Something We Don’t Recall

Cee Lo Green, singer of one of this blog’s favorite songs of all time, “F**k You” (but without the asterisks), took part in a news conference at Caesars Palace today (Apr. 27, 2012) where something was announced. Probably.

Cee Lo Green

Charisma, Cee Lo's got.

We think it had something to do with the Billboard Music Awards, but honestly, we were distracted by the “Jubilee!” showgirls from Bally’s Las Vegas.

Cee Lo Green showgirls

See? Not our fault.

We kind of remember a mention of the fact Cee Lo Green will perform at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards. The star-studded ceremony will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, for broadcast on ABC.

Green kind of stole the show when he appeared in 2011.

During the whole news conference, we couldn’t seem to get “F**k You” out of our head. Which certainly doesn’t help, remembering-wise.

Cee Lo Green

We do have a vague memory of Green working the crowd a little.

We’re fairly sure Green mentioned something about his upcoming residency at Planet Hollywood. He must have said something about that.

Cee Lo Green showgirl

News conferences can be draining. They can also lead to serious HR violations.

We don’t recall him saying he’s on “The Voice,” but he is. He might have mentioned his gig at 1OAK (“One of a Kind”) nightclub at the Mirage (Apr. 27), but we don’t think so.

Again, we blame the showgirls.

Jubilee showgirl

Would you rather we have taken notes or this photograph? Exactly.

The former mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman, also kind of distracted us at the news conference, mainly because he was drinking a martini at 10:00 a.m. It’s kind of his thing.

Oscar Goodman

We love the guy. We can't help it.

Anyway, that’ll have to suffice for now.

Find out more about the Billboard Music Awards on the official site, and mark your calendar for Cee Lo Green’s stint at Planet Hollywood starting Aug. 29, 2012.

Posted on April 27th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Las Vegas Keeps Step With “Dancing With the Stars”

There’s definitely been one degree of separation between Las Vegas and the TV juggernaut “Dancing With the Stars” lately.

On the April 23, 2012 episode, Imperial Palace headliners Human Nature joined the popular show for a Motown-themed blow-out.

Human Nature

Yes, this blog takes photos of its TV. Why, what do you do with your spare time?

The four freaky-talented members of Human Nature, Andrew Tierney, Toby Allen, Michael Tierney and Phil Burton, performed Motown-era hits throughout the show. They also took the opportunity to promote their new album, appropriately called, The Motown Album.

Human Nature DWTS

We want to get lighting like this for our cube at work.

Also featured in the Motown episode of “Dancing With the Stars” were music legends Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and The Temptations.

Human Nature

But mostly Human Nature, because they have a Las Vegas show.

The “Dancing With the Stars” connection to Las Vegas doesn’t stop there, of course. “Dancing With the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” is in the middle of a 12-week run at the Tropicana. Read more.

Las Vegas is also home to a genuine “Dancing With the Stars” champion, Donny Osmond. Donny Osmond’s disco ball trophy is actually on display in the lobby of Flamingo Las Vegas. Yes, we took a photo. This blog rocks it like that.

Donny Osmond trophy

Las Vegas even has bling inside its bling.

Here’s some video of Donny Osmond just after he snagged his prize in Season 9.

Congrats to Human Nature for stepping it up and representing Las Vegas on “Dancing With the Stars.” Catch Human Nature live at Imperial Palace, in all their synchronized, harmonized glory.

Posted on April 25th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Penn Jillette Was Robbed on “Celebrity Apprentice”

If you still have “The Celebrity Apprentice” sitting on your Tivo, don’t read this blog post.

Spoiler: Rio Las Vegas headliner Penn Jillette was robbed! The taller half of “Penn & Teller” was fired from the popular reality show based largely upon the reaction to a slogan he proposed for a new Donald Trump cologne: “You earned it.” The slogan, which was approved by Project Manager Clay Aiken, was deemed “too pompous.”

Oh, please! “Too pompous” for Donald Trump?

Penn Jillette

Penn handled his firing with aplomb. This blog, less so.

Penn Jillette got the boot before former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, the most called-into-the-Boardroom contestant in the show’s history? Are they trying to make this blog’s head explode? Before Arsenio Hall? Teresa Giudice? Seriously? Penn Jillette is a creativity machine. (Need more proof? Go here.) You’re going to fire someone for brainstorming?

See a post-boot interview with Jillette on The Wendy Williams Show.

Just when this blog was ready to get all ranty up in here, we heard the Caesars Foundation, the charitable arm of Caesars Entertainment, has donated $250,000 (what Jillette would’ve won if he’d prevailed in “The Celebrity Apprentice”) to Jillette’s charity of choice on the show, Opportunity Village. This kind of calmed us down. For a minute, anyway.

Penn Jillette at Opportunity Village

It's hard to rant when you're smiling about good news.

Opportunity Village serves people with intellectual disabilities, and we’re a big fan. The donation from the Caesars Foundation will be used to support the programs of Opportunity Village, like vocational training and recreational services.

Jillette’s appearance on the show had already resulted in a $40,000 donation to the nonprofit.

So, all’s well that ends well. But, for the record, that don’t make it right, “The Donald.” In fact, this blog is no longer going to watch “The Celebrity Apprentice.” Until next week, anyway.

Posted on April 24th, 2012 by sroeben  |  2 Comments »

Vegas Hook-Up: 2-for-1 Tickets to Empire Comedy

If you’re a fan of Foursquare app check-ins, you’re about to get even fannier. Which is not, technically, a real word, but that’s never stopped us before.

Now, when you check in at Napoleon’s Lounge at Paris Las Vegas, you’ll get 2-for-1 VIP tickets to Empire Comedy, featuring some of the hottest comedians on the circuit.

No, we do not know what a “circuit” is, but we thought it sounded cool.

Napoleon's at Paris

Useless Napoleon fact: His wife Josephine's real name was Rose. Napoleon didn't like it, so he renamed her Josephine and she just went along with it.

Remember, getting 2-for-1 VIP tickets is like putting $60 right back into your pocket. Or, better yet, into a slot machine. Hey, this blog has bills to pay.

Among the comedic luminaries coming up (May 10, 2012) is one of our favorites, Rob Riggle, who first make us chortle on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” Read more.

Rob Riggle

Fact: When you're born with a name like Rob Riggle, you don't have the option to not be a comedian.

See who else is scheduled to appear at Empire Comedy, because this blog certainly does not have the time to “click” or “research” or “exert effort on your behalf.”

Bonus: Your Empire Comedy ticket stub also gets you into Chateau Nightclub, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Posted on April 23rd, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Paris Vegas Arch Gets Gordon Ramsay Treatment

The two-thirds scale Arc de Triomphe at Paris Las Vegas has a new look.

The much-photographed arch is now draped in larger-than-life, semitransparent banners touting celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s soon-to-open restaurant at Paris, Gordon Ramsay Steak.

Gordon Ramsay Paris Las Vegas

As if Gordon Ramsay weren't imposing enough, even without being 70 feet tall.

Click here to see a larger image.

Gordon Ramsay Steak is slated to open May 11, 2012 in the space formerly occupied by Les Artistes Steakhouse, adjacent to the casino’s high limit room.

This is the first restaurant Chef Ramsay, star of “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Kitchen Nightmares,” has opened in Las Vegas. The two-story restaurant will boast a chef’s table, private dining rooms, a bar and lounge, and will seat 200 people.

This blog loves it some Vegas newness, especially when it involves saucy language (besides cooking, Chef Ramsay’s other area of expertise) and scrumptious food. Be sure to add Gordon Ramsay Steak to your list of “New Things to Do in Las Vegas.”

You are keeping a list, right?

Posted on April 18th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

“Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood Turns Three

“Peepshow,” the flesh-filled “striptease spectacular” at Planet Hollywood, celebrated its third anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip with some sort of peculiar cupcake “cocktails” and a photo op on April 16, 2012.

Peepshow anniversary

Bonus points for spotting the topless, photo bombing dude in the background.

The show’s featured performers, Holly Madison and Josh Strickland (also co-stars of the popular reality show, “Holly’s World”) were on hand to toast the show’s ongoing success. Joining them was the show’s creator, choreographer and director,  Jerry Mitchell (left, below).

Peepshow

It's called a Holly sandwich in the biz.

“Peepshow” made its debut on the Strip on April 18, 2009. At the time, the show starred former Spice Girl Mel B and Kelly Monaco. Mel B was later replaced by Aubrey O’Day, alleged singer and actress, currently stirring things up on “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Congrats to Holly Madison and the whole “Peepshow” team. And especially Holly Madison. From a completely objective perspective.

Holly Madison

Insert additional, gratuitous photo of Holly Madison here.

Thanks to Erik Kabik for the great photos.

Catch Peepshow at Planet Hollywood. Did we mention how flesh-filled it is?

Posted on April 18th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Is There Anything Jaymes Vaughan Can’t Do?

His name is Jaymes Vaughan. He’s in the Chippendales male revue at Rio Las Vegas. But that’s kind of just the beginning.

Jaymes Vaughan

Don't say this blog never did anything for you.

You see, Jaymes Vaughan does it all. He’s the ultimate Renaissance Man, like Galileo Galilei, but shirtless.

Vaughan not only dances in Chippendales, he’s also the featured singer, and also does his thing in the Rio’s free stage extravaganza, Show in the Sky.

This blog has generously slapped together a snippet or two of his performances just so your eyes have something to do for the next few minutes, ladies.

From what we can tell, this guy has quite the charmed life. He was also named one of the “10 Sexiest People in Las Vegas.” See more.

Note: Quite a bit of the "Show in the Sky" doesn't actually take place in the sky.

Jaymes Vaughan definitely gets around. We bumped into him while doing emcee duties at an event at The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and it turns out he’s also a gifted public speaker. Damn him.

Jaymes Vaughan

Jaymes is fairly dashing even when he's forced to wear a shirt.

Vaughan has also been on his fair share of magazine covers, so let’s add “print model” to his list of talents.

Jaymes Vaughan

This blog did a sit-up once.

You never know where he’ll turn up. We were browsing the saucy merchandise at the Go Sexy shop at Flamingo Las Vegas, you know, as blog research, and came across the costume below. Guess who?

Jaymes Vaughan

Subtext: Your boyfriend or husband will look exactly like Jaymes if you purchase this costume. Good luck with that.

Vaughan is also, apparently, a member of the armed services. Or at least pays homage to them with this Go Sexy item.

Jaymes Vaughan

Insert "landing strip" joke here.

He also has some colorful friends. Below, Vaughan hangs out with stars from Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas, the drag show at Imperial Palace, before one of his “Show in the Sky” performances at Rio.

Jaymes Vaughan

Yes, he just looks like that. All the time. If you're into that kind of thing.

Consider your beefcake quota for the week filled. Learn more about this multi-talented guy in the profile below with Vegas journalist Dayna Roselli.

See Jaymes Vaughan live in Chippendales at Rio Las Vegas, or just about anywhere, come to think of it.

Posted on April 17th, 2012 by sroeben  |  4 Comments »