Las Vegas is truly the slushy drink capital of the world! The range of frosty beverages is almost limitless, and now there are two new places to get them.

First, there’s Liquid Sugr at Paris Las Vegas. This beverage-dispensing oasis is adjacent to the Sugar Factory American Brasserie.

Your daiquiri craving just got all photogenic and stuff.

The open-air seating at Liquid Sugr provides a great place to people-watch, too.

There are also non-alcoholic options available. Although the question, “Why?,” springs to mind.

The handy walk-up counter offers a variety of refreshments, in a range of vessels, including a guitar-shaped souvenir cup, an essential part of any Las Vegas adventure for many visitors.

Play it, don’t spray it. Or something.

The slushy drink fun continues just up the street at Planet Hollywood with the new Shiver bar.

Our newest happy place.

Frozen cocktails are in plentiful supply at Shiver, with concoctions like the Strawberry Rush, Captain Crush (not that we’re playing favorites) and Margeria Mania.

We love you, colorful, swirling mirth-making machines.

One of the stars at Shiver, of course, is the blinged-out keepsake cup, complete with a neck strap. (Not pictured, but trust us on this one.)

This 50-ounce bad boy will show you’re serious about your Vegas.

This blog loves it some frozen cocktails, so we may just see you at Liquid Sugr and Shiver. Your treat. Because you’re generous like that.

After a stand-out season on NBC’s “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice,” Rio Las Vegas headliner Penn Jillette has been named a finalist in what’s sure to be a clash of the Titans, all for the sake of charity.

This blog is completely objective, let’s just say that up front.

For the show’s final competition of the season, Penn and country singer Trace Adkins have been tasked with creating their own flavor of ice cream.

On May 13, outside the Walgreen’s adjacent to Planet Hollywood at Harmon Center, Penn was joined by “Jubilee!” showgirls and other Las Vegas performers to launch his ice cream flavor, Vanilla & Chocolate Magic Swirtle.

Penn arrived via a small carbon footprint vehicle. It also happened to be a high calorie footprint vehicle, but let’s not get bogged down in details.

Trace Adkins’ flavor, Maple Macadamia Mash-Up, is not nearly as good as Penn’s flavor, despite this blog having no real basis of comparison, because we didn’t try that one. If you want an unbiased opinion about things, please visit another blog.

What we do know is Penn’s ice cream is vanilla-based, with salted caramel swirls and pieces of chocolate mixed in. Even if we weren’t biased, this blog would love it.

Can we please get past the speech-making to the ice cream giving-outing? Thanks.

After a few remarks, Penn and friends dove into the serious business of handing out ice cream samples to members of the crowd. Caesars Entertainment purchased 200 pints to get the party started.

Insert gratuitous photo of showgirls here.

At the ice cream social, Penn was joined by Opportunity Village clients, his Rio co-star, Teller, as well as Paris headliner Taylor Hicks, comedian George Wallace (Flamingo Las Vegas), comedy-magician Mac King (below, Harrah’s Las Vegas) and Blue Man Group.

Trivia: Before becoming a headliner on The Strip, Mac King was an expert pointer.

The competitors’ ice cream flavors will be sold at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide through May 18.

The “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” winner will be announced May 19, 2013.

Teller would agree: Being a Vegas magician is rough.

George Wallace seemed in his element, giving out ice cream as gleefully as the cash he sometimes gives away at his Flamingo shows. Note to ourselves: Attend more George Wallace performances.

George Wallace is as serious about generosity as he is about comedy.

If Penn Jillette can sell more ice cream than Trace Adkin, who is probably a very nice person, other than being on the losing end of a Vegas versus Nashville throw-down, Walgreen’s will award $100,000 to Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas-based charity that serves those with intellectual disabilities.

Paris headliner Taylor Hicks hangs out with two Opportunity Village clients.

The ice cream sales will also help determine who will be named the “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice,” and if Penn wins, another $250,000 would go to Opportunity Village.

If Penn doesn’t win, this blog agrees to eat an entire pint of ice cream. We’re selfless like that.

Penn’s playing for Opportunity Village has already brought in a whopping $400,000 to the organization. The Southern Nevada nonprofit provides vocational training, community employment, advocacy, arts and social recreation, among other services. They also do this. Find out more at OpportunityVillage.org.

Here are a few more photos from the “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” festivities on The Strip.

The seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit festival is officially under way in the city known as much for its restaurants as its neon.

As is the tradition, this year’s event began with a “saber off” ceremony (the removal of a cork via a dramatic, sabering motion), wherein this blog was drenched with expensive champagne.

It’s all fun and games until somebody gets their camera sticky.

Vegas Uncork’d, a four-day food-lover’s extravaganza is resplendent with dinners, wine and food tastings, cooking demonstrations and all things gastronomical.

Some of the town’s best chefs take part in the event. We forced several of them to have their photo taken.

Restauranteur and chef Greg Sherry, of Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars, this blog’s favorite restaurant on The Strip. Yes, we have a favorite, just like normal people.

A variety of hotels on The Strip host Vegas Uncork’d events, and a highlight of the festival is the Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. Lots of chefs. Lots of food. Lots of wine. Oh, yes, there will be trash-talking.

It is important that you do not attempt to get between this blog and a Grand Tasting. We’re just saying.

Caesars Palace’s Chef Guy Savoy of Restaurant Guy Savoy, and Frank Pellegrino of Rao’s. Don’t get all jealous about the Old Homestead thing, you two.

We finally got to meet “Hell’s Kitchen” winner Christina Wilson. Her prize was a gig at Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas. Happily, she seems to have made it through her Probationary Period.

Let’s just say Christina Wilson went through a very public job interview.

About 40 chefs took part in the Vegas Uncork’d saber ceremony. We are sharing some of the ones from Caesars Entertainment hotels, because we’re sort of biased like that.

Chef Francois Payard of Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace has forgotten more about chocolate than the rest of us will ever know.

Although you have procrastinated masterfully, there are still tickets available to some of the Vegas Uncork’d events.

Chef Jeremy Berlin is Executive Chef at the new Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace. We get the impression he takes food very seriously.

Vegas Uncork’d runs through May 12, 2013, so get on that.

Find out more at the official site, VegasUncorked.com.

When you’re in Vegas, there are only so many activities and meals and cocktails you can squeeze in, so you have to make them count. A great way to get more bang for the buck is prix fixe menus. The restaurant narrows down your options, and you get several courses (typically, three) at a fixed price.

The brunch prix fixe menu at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas is not just a solid value, it also makes for an unforgettable Vegas experience, complete with one of the most stunning views on The Strip. Or anywhere, for that matter.

This blog does not use words like "stunning" lightly.

Related: Yes, that’s Table 56. Read more about the best table in Sin City.

Start off with some delicious cheese gougères. We called them “cheese puffs,” mainly because we are a blog, not a gastronome. We’d say not to fill up on these, but you’re going to, anyway.

Fancy, but not pretentious. Just like this blog.

There are two options for the appetizer course. Choose either marinated warm shrimp (below), with chiffonade (a fancy way of saying “cut into long strips”) of red and white cabbage and an herb vinaigrette, or a mushroom and spinach strudel, with cave-aged Gruyère cheese.

You know it's a good sign when your meal is already memorable, and you're just getting started.

Both appetizer options are great. Tip: Make sure your companion orders the other thing, so you can try both.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant is solely responsible for this blog becoming a strudel fan. Our mom is so proud.

The two entree options are equally tempting.

One is the smoked salmon, with a gorgeous presentation, topped with an omelette galette. We looked up “galette,” and still don’t know what it means. This is why we leave the cooking to the top-notch culinary team at Eiffel Tower Restaurant, thank you.

As much art as salmon.

The second entree is steak and eggs, a flat-iron steak and poached egg, with Yukon Gold potatoes and mushrooms. Had it. Loved it. Still not regretting the cheese puffs, though.

This is not your grandpa's steak and eggs. Although, if you're a grandpa, it could be.

The dessert is delicious, which should come as no surprise, since Eiffel Tower Restaurant has a French theme, and the French tend to know something about desserts.

The brunch dessert is the frozen Grand Marnier strawberry souffle, topped with crunchy pistachios.

The second best view at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant is a close-up of this souffle as it enters one's face.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Eiffel Tower Restaurant has a slew of hand-crafted cocktails, each more photogenic than the last.

Just ask them to make something pretty. Done deal.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant bartenders are well-equipped to make classic French specialties such as the scrumptious piña colada, below. Yes, it’s French. Because if you say something with confidence, people think it’s true.

Top things to do in Las Vegas: 1) Piña coladas. 2) Get caught in the rain. 3) Make love at midnight.

Oh, and since you’ll be full at this point, you’ll want to take home an edible keepsake. Might we suggest some Eiffel Tower Restaurant chocolate. There’s light or dark, with a hint of sea salt for that sweet-savory thing we hear so much about.

They make great gifts. Which you can eat later in your hotel room. Possibly at midnight.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant brunch is $39, a steal when you consider the gourmet-quality food and old-school, ever-outstanding level of service.

This is truly some of the most elevated dining in Las Vegas (literally and figuratively), at a price that won’t break “la banque.” Which we’re 81% sure is French.

The good folks at Gayot.com (pronounced guy-OH) have outdone themselves once again. The popular restaurant review site has released its 2013 restaurant honors, and several Las Vegas eateries are listed as being among the nation’s best.

Among the top restaurants honored was Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, earning a place in Gayot’s “Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S.” list. Restaurant Guy Savoy was also recently named a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star restaurant. Check out all 40 of Gayot’s favorites.

We'd compare Restaurant Guy Savoy to something, but that's one of the difficulties when a restaurant is incomparable.

On a marginally-related note, if this blog’s photo of Restaurant Guy Savoy looks familiar, that’s because it graces the cover of “Eating Las Vegas” (see below), a comprehensive and essential guide to dining in Las Vegas. “Eating Las Vegas” lists Restaurant Guy Savoy one of the 10 best in Las Vegas. Get the book.

Please try to contain your excitement in relation to this blog talking about itself all the time, thanks.

Central at Caesars Palace was named among the “Hot 40 Restaurants in the U.S.”

Of Central, Gayot says, “The restaurant is located in prime real estate…a lively atmosphere prevails with opportunities for people-watching available in the bar, with a view of the lobby and an outdoor patio area overlooking the entryway into Caesars.” See all 40 buzzed-about restaurants.

The food at Central's even prettier.

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas was included in Gayot’s “Top 10 Steakhouses in the U.S.” feature.

All the Top 10 steakhouses are here.

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris.

Gordon Ramsay Steak was also recently named “Best Steakhouse” in Las Vegas in the Las Vegas Review Journal’s annual Best of Las Vegas reader poll.

See the complete Gayot Restaurant Issue 2013.

Can lightning strike twice? In Las Vegas, hell, yeah, it can.

Two lucky players became instant millionaires playing video slots at Paris Las Vegas in recent days.

One player hit it big on a Wheel of Fortune machine, to the tune of $1.7 million (on March 26, 2013). A second player snagged a $1.4 million jackpot on a Grease slot machine (on March 27).

Chills = multiplying.

Paris Las Vegas is part of the Caesars Entertainment family of casinos, and now the company’s keeping a running tally of its millionaires. The latest winners bring the total to 705 millionaires made in Caesars Entertainment casinos since 1987.

Find out more on the official Millionaire Maker site.

If you’re going to overindulge when you’re in Las Vegas (and you are, aren’t you?), we’ve got a great way to do it. Dessert!

Behold, the potentially life-altering Cookie Jar Sundae at Sugar Factory American Brasserie restaurant inside Paris Las Vegas.

These are a few of our favorite things. If not all of them.

This gift from the heavens features cookie dough, cookies, ice cream, cookies, warm fudge, cookies, crushed chocolate chips, and also cookies.

The best part? This amazing dish has only 14 calories!

Just a test to see if you believe everything you read on the Internet.

In honor of the fifth anniversary of “Jersey Boys” on the Las Vegas Strip, the cast of the Paris Las Vegas musical presented a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars to two original members of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio.

Yes, there are five "Jersey Boys." Two actors (far right) alternate as Frankie Valli. Yes, the Frankie Valli standing RIGHT THERE. That's so freaky.

“Jersey Boys” tells the origin story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, a group of blue-collar guys who became a worldwide musical phenomenon.

Yes, the actual Frankie Valli. We are not making this up.

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons received the 64th star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. Find out more.

And, yes, the actual Bob Gaudio. Trivia: He co-wrote the unforgettable ditty, "Short Shorts," immortalized in a Nair commercial in the 1980s.

During the standing-room-only presentation, the cast of the “Jersey Boys” performed a portion of their show (no pressure performing in front of Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio, of course). Take a look at some exceedingly inadequate video, below. Sorry, guys. We are a Las Vegas blog, not a tripod.

“Jersey Boys” has had nearly 2,000 performances since it debuted in Las Vegas in 2008.

The show features timeless classics like “Sherry” and “Walk Like A Man.” And, oh, about 140 other hits. (They had a lot.)

If you haven’t seen Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas yet, you’re missing out.

"Las Vegas Walk of Decagons" didn't have the same ring to it, but it's factually correct.

And look for the star honoring Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons outside Paris Las Vegas, next to the hotel’s Arc Bar.

Just about everyone has visited Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas. The food and cocktails are great, and the sweets are even better.

The next time you stop by, look up. The Paris has some incredibly detailed statues on its facade, including one that seems especially appropriate in a spot up above the Sugar Factory.

Told you it would be useless.

No, that’s not a typo, it’s just an odd coincidence. This statue is that of Suger, a French abbot who was instrumental in the development of the Gothic style of architecture. More here.

Apparently, being a French abbot didn’t pay particularly well, because Suger could only afford one name, but he was nevertheless an important historical figure, now immortalized at Paris Las Vegas.

Bonus Suger trivia: Suger’s closest friend in school later became King Louis VI. It’s good to know people in high places.

So, the next time you’re strolling The Strip with your Sugar Factory Couture Pop, look up and give a lick in honor of Suger. Because now you know somebody in a high place, too.

Location-based app Foursquare has shared its “Best of” rankings, and Margaritaville at Flamingo Las Vegas has been named the top American restaurant in Sin City.

Check it out, then check-in on Foursquare.

Foursquare bases its “Best of Foursquare” ratings on user tips and comments, likes and overall popularity.

Margaritaville scored an impressive 9.2 on a scale of one to 10, the highest of any restaurant in Foursquare’s American cuisine category.

Margaritaville. It's not just the food.

Also among the “Best of” stand-outs is the Eiffel Tower ride at Paris Las Vegas. Foursquare users consider this ride to the top of the tower one of the “Top Things to Do” in the city. The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace ranked fifth in the “Great Outdoors” category.

In the “Best of Casinos” category, Caesars Palace was among the hotels which ranked highest.

The classic showgirl production Jubilee! at Bally’s Las Vegas and adult carnival Absinthe at Caesars Palace are among the highest-ranked shows in the “Performing Arts” category.

Some "What the hell?" from "Absinthe." Hint: There's a lot of it.

See all the rankings on the official Best of Foursquare, Las Vegas page, and make sure to check in using Foursquare at all your favorite Vegas hotels.

Foursquare badges are fun to collect, and Foursquare check-in offers, things like 2-for-1 drinks or other perks, are a great way to squeeze the most from your Vegas visit.

Today’s Las Vegas temptation? The Cotton Candy Cosmo from Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas.

Anything but child's play, this baby has quite the kick.

This sweet concoction features Pinnacle Cotton Candy Vodka with a mix of orange, citrus and cranberry flavors.

If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of Chef Matt Piekarski’s kitchen. The Executive Chef of Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Paris Las Vegas was recently voted the city’s hottest chef. Read more.

No pressure, bro.

Eater Vegas hosted the friendly competition, and now Piekarski will represent Las Vegas in a “no-holds-barred national hot chef death match.” (We’re pretty sure no actual death will be involved.) Cast your vote here.

What makes a hot dude additionally hot? He also happens to know how to cook. We caught the chef in action during a recent visit to the Sugar Factory’s kitchen.

How you like me now?

Note: It’s pure coincidence the chef won our “Hottest Chef” vote approximately three minutes after he made us this.

Sexy is highly subjective.

Congrats to Chef Matt Piekarski on the win. He’s just lucky this blog doesn’t know how to cook, because we’re adorable.

If you doubt whether Vegas has a great sense of humor, check out the anti-Valentine’s Day special menu at Sugar Factory American Brasserie restaurant inside Paris Las Vegas.

No cherubs were harmed during the making of this advertisement.

The prix fixe (French for, “I hate doing math”) menu is four courses, $40 a person, and eschews the traditional, lovey-dovey schmoogling typically associated with Valentine’s Day.

After a first course of garlic soup (how better to avoid someone wanting to kiss you?), the appetizer (below) takes a clever jab at love.

This isn't the clever part. This is the tasty part.

Seems innocent enough, right? It’s just arancini (fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs), right? Wrong. Cut into the balls and a smoked salt beet gelee gives the “Bleeding Heart” its desired, anti-Valentine’s Day effect.

Both clever and delicious.

The entree course is called “The Separation,” and features cider braised beef short ribs, grilled prawn, candied fennel and a crispy potato web.

"Honey, you're beef. I'm a prawn. I'm sure you're going to make someone else very happy someday."

Dessert is referred to as “Cold Hearted,” a delicious vanilla semifreddo with pistachio butter and burnt cherry compote.

Cold heart, but happy taste buds.

This blog is going to continue to pretend we know what semifreddo is.

Insider tip: If you break up before dessert comes, you won't have to share.

Of course, no visit to Sugar Factory is complete without a signature cocktail. Start off with a Minty Moscow Mule.

Bonus: If you call your date a Minty Moscow Mule, you'll be well on your way to the best anti-Valentine's Day ever.

To deaden your heartbreak, follow up with a 36-ounce goblet drink like the Hawaiian Crush, complete with a dry ice cloud to shroud your heart during this most awkward of holidays. Or something.

Sure, it's 36 bucks, but it's not like you'll be spending any money on a gift for your significant other, so drink up!

The Sugar Factory’s special menu is available only on Feb. 14, 2013, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Find out more about Sugar Factory American Brasserie restaurant.

If you stand in just the right place when you’re entering Planet Hollywood, and tilt your head at just the right angle, and if the sky is crystal clear just after sunset, and if you move to the perfect spot so you can get a glimpse of the Paris Las Vegas balloon, too, this is what you’ll see.

It's even jazzier in real life.

Then, go inside and gamble or grab a bite. Because if you continue to stand there with your head tilted, people are going to think you’re weird.

Just in time for the new season of “American Idol,” past winner Taylor Hicks has announced his show will be moving from the Indigo at Bally’s to Napoleon’s inside Paris Las Vegas.

Taylor Hicks, out and about in Vegas.

Hicks will perform at Paris starting Jan. 21, 2013.

The soulsy (which may not be an actual word) singer recently signed a year-long extension with Caesars Entertainment (the umbrella company that owns Bally’s, Paris and other casinos across the country), making him the first “American Idol” winner with a long-term residency on The Strip.

Aside from his gig at Paris Vegas, Hicks will perform at other Caesars Entertainment destinations during 2013 as well. This blog would name some of those destinations, but that would require “effort,” and we’re far too busy doing the critical work of producing an award-winning Las Vegas blog (specifically, tasting cocktails) to find out more. You’ll manage.

Taylor Hicks drops in on "American Idol." It's a TV show. Perhaps you've heard of it.

Aside from being the Season 5 winner of “American Idol,” Hicks has already racked up some impressive accomplishments. His debut single, “Do I Make You Proud” entered Billboard’s Hot 100 at number one.

His self-titled album debuted at number two on on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. Which, granted, makes it more difficult to fit into your CD player, but you get the point.

Hicks was also named People magazine’s “Hottest Bachelor of the Year,” a title formerly held by this blog, and that’s the story we’re sticking to.

Taylor Hicks works a red carpet.

Taylor Hicks also appeared in a national tour of the hit musical, “Grease.”

Taylor Hicks performs at 8:00 p.m. in his new digs at Paris Las Vegas. Tickets are $39.99, with the option of a meet-and-greet with Hicks for $69.99, at least one portion of which is this blog’s lucky number. Get ticket information on the Paris Las Vegas Web site, which this blog personally designed. Probably.