Las Vegas Blog

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.

Wow. Thirty years ago, there was no Internet, no DVDs and no cell phones. There was no Prozac or Viagra, and no disposable contact lenses.

What was around 30 years ago? “Legends in Concert,” the tribute show now at Flamingo Las Vegas that shows no signs of slowing down. “Legends in Concert” celebrated its 30th anniversary on The Strip on May 5, and recently put on a special anniversary show, so we grabbed some photos to memorialize the occasion.

Britney Spears is played by Katie Murdock. We trust we have your attention now.

When it opened in 1983, “Legends in Concert” originally ran in the hotel now called The Quad, then had a long run at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Now, it’s all about the Flamingo Showroom, on a stage shared with famed performers George Wallace and Donny & Marie.

The current line-up of “Legends in Concert” features Britney Spears (played by the aforementioned Katie Murdock), Michael Jackson (Damian Brantley), Elvis (Victor Trevino), Rod Steward (John Anthony) and Lady Gaga (Kate Steele.)

Damian Brantley, as Michael Jackson, will make you want to unison clap, even if you’re a unison clapping hater.

There have been about 18,000 performances of “Legends in Concert” during its run on The Strip, and it’s estimated the production has been seen by a staggering 6.5 million Las Vegas visitors. Well, not all of them were staggering, but quite a few were. It’s Las Vegas. We’re just saying.

Did we mention there’s a Britney Spears impersonator? Our memory isn’t what it used to be.

Each of the performers in “Legends in Concert” has to be a triple-threat: They must look similar to the star they emulate, they must sing like the star, and must must be able to replicate the star’s moves.

Rod Steward is portrayed by John Anthony, owner of a voice even Rod Stewart mistakes as being his own, probably.

And, yes, these performers do their own singing. No lip-syncing.

There are times when you’d swear you’re at a concert by the superstars they emulate. In that way, it’s like getting five mini-concerts, all in one fast-paced show.

And, honestly, what tribute show would be complete without a Britney Spears? Unless we already said that, then nevermind.

The featured performers are backed up by one of the most talented live bands on The Strip. Remember, they have to master music from multiple artists, across multiple styles and decades.

The dancers and choreography are top-notch as well.

This ain’t your grandpa’s kick ball change.

Dancers never get enough love, so please enjoy this photo of the show’s dancers we grabbed at the anniversary party.

From left to right are Cece Correia, Anne Carter, Melani Michaud, Julie Furness, Jessica Morales and Andrea Fortuno. This blog truly has a rough job.

“Legends in Concert” has managed to remain fresh for three decades because the show changes often, and audiences can return over and over and always see something new.

More than 500 tribute artists have been featured in the Las Vegas version of “Legends in Concert.”

Kate Steele as Lady Gaga is crazy good. She always seems to be changing up her costumes and songs, and does a mean solo on the piano, with spot-on vocals and a Tony-worthy take on Gaga’s whole vibe.

It’s rumored Lady Gaga takes lessons in Gaga from Kate Steele. Unconfirmed.

Of course, no Vegas tribute show would be complete without The King, and Victor Trevino (below) is easily one of the best Elvises we’ve seen in a town teeming with them.

Taking. Care. Of. Business.

Since its recent move to the Flamingo, the show has become the city’s only big production that offers a matinee show, at 4:00 p.m., six days a week. Other shows happen at 9:30 p.m., each Sunday and Monday.

And last but not least, it’s Katie Murdock as Britney Spears. She looks so familiar, for some reason.

Congratulations to everyone at Legends in Concert for a truly remarkable, 30-year run. This crowd-pleasing show is part of what makes Vegas so, well, Vegas.

This blog does not love commercials. We use our Tivo remote to blow by commercials on TV, and have clicked “Skip Ad” links since the very invention of the “Skip Ad” link.

But the ads in this blog post are different. They’re for Horseshoe casinos around the country, which is cool and all, but somewhat beside the point, because these videos actually transcend geography or a specific casino, even one with as sweet a history as Horseshoe. What are we talking about? Why, here’s one of the ads now.

Anyone who loves casino games recognizes this moment. It’s the moment of anticipation of a result, the outcome of your bet, whether it happens at a blackjack table, or craps table or slot machine.

Yes, that moment.

Funny you should mention slot machines (well, somebody mentioned slot machines), because there’s also an ad featuring (wait for it) slot machines.

Who hasn’t had those moments? And if they haven’t had them, what sad planet are they from?

And just when all the craps players were starting to grumble about how they feel left out of the fun (not that a craps player would ever grumble about anything, of course), another video appears, as if by magic.

People sometimes say to us, “Pulse of Vegas, you’re an award-winning blog, right?” “Yes,” we reply, humbly. They continue, “Why do you seem to love casinos so much?” We sit them down, and try to describe that feeling when the decision is about to happen, when fate is in charge. That moment of anticipation, when anything is possible.

At which point, they tend to look at us like our hammock doesn’t reach both trees.

But, now, we can show them these videos. And they’ll get it. And hopefully, they’ll join us at the craps table.

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino has just unveiled 380 redesigned suites, called Samba Suites, in its Masquerade Tower.

Teal and orange hues are used throughout these 600-square-foot suites, which also feature patterned carpets, dark wood furnishings, brushed chrome fixtures and a 32-inch flat screen TV. The rooms also have upgraded bathrooms.

No relation to the "Sealy samba." Probably.

Click here to view a larger image.

Today’s useless trivia: Samba is a Brazilian style of music and dance, using a 2/4 tempo and a sung chorus to a batucada rhythm, with various stanzas of declaratory verses. Which this blog totally knew off the top of its head, by the way. The musical instrument most closely identified with samba is the tamborim, which this blog would not be able to recognize in a line-up, even under duress.

Here’s something we do know. Samba Suites at Rio Las Vegas start at $69 a night. The new-room smell is included at no additional charge. Go check some rates, already.

The weather in Las Vegas is absolutely gorgeous, and dining outside is a wonderful way to take advantage of the sunshine.

This blog completely sympathizes with those around the country still in the throes of winter. (Sorry, Minnesota and Wisconsin.) And what better way to “sympathize” than to “share photos of people enjoying outdoor dining” while also “gloating a little”?

1. Serendipity 3

This restaurant in front of Caesars Palace has ample seating, warm breezes and ranks among the best places to people-watch on The Strip.

When packing for Las Vegas, sunglasses are as essential as Elvis sideburns and the phone number of a good bail bondsman.

Note: There are two seating areas at Serendipity 3. One faces The Strip (above), and the other faces, well, this.

This view is what's described on review sites like Yelp as, "Akin to having your eyeballs dipped in newborn kittens."

2. Central Michel Richard

Central Michel Richard recently opened its centrally-located patio, and diners can order lunch to-go at the restaurant’s bar for consumption on the patio, complete with an ample supply of umbrellas for shade.

Once the sun goes down, there's a DJ, and Central's patio takes on a nightclub vibe.

3. Rao’s

With a great view of the Garden of the Gods pool complex, Rao’s is a terrific spot to enjoy a take-out order and play a little bocce while catching some rays.

Why do they call it "antipasto"? This blog is pro-pasto.

4. La Salsa

This popular restaurant at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace also has outdoor seating next to a replica of the Trevi fountain.

"The Pulse of Vegas Blog: Calling things 'hidden gems' since 2009."

5. Margaritaville

Even regular diners at Margaritaville at Flamingo Las Vegas aren’t always aware of the restaurant’s third floor patio, complete with a bar, lots of tables and a spectacular view of Caesars and The Strip.

We see a massive amount of nachos in your future.

We weren’t kidding about the nachos thing.

Somebody was just photobombed by a sweet pink phone case.

6. Carlos’n Charlie’s

This tequila-fueled party spot at Flamingo Las Vegas boasts a patio with sun, fun and drinks the size of bathtubs. More Carlos’n Charlie’s.

You want mellow, do lunch. You want "I can't feel my face," do dinner.

7. Mon Ami Gabi

Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas is easily one of the more well-known spots to dine outside in Las Vegas. Great service, consistently good food and people-watching make it an essential part of any Vegas visit.

Mon Ami Gabi is even more awesome than our awesome photo of her. Yes, it's a she.

8. Cabo Wabo Cantina

There aren’t too many places where you can dine outside and hang out with a bona fide rock star, but Cabo Wabo Cantina fits the bill. Even when Sammy Hagar (The Red Rocker) isn’t in town, the lively outdoor seating at Cabo Wabo at Planet Hollywood is worthy of an ovation.

Bonus: Balloonage.

9. Pink’s

The dogs are plentiful at this Planet Hollywood eatery, as is the sunshine and ogling at this intimate seating area facing Las Vegas Boulevard.

Nothing too fancy, but plenty of fresh air and vitamin D.

10. P.F. Chang’s

What’s not to love? Check out some pics from our recent visit to this fixture at Planet Hollywood, including our encounter with some new, 96-ounce cocktails.

We avoid sitting right behind the horse. Just a personal preference.

11. PBR Rock Bar & Grill

The fun at PBR Rock Bar at Planet Hollywood can’t be contained inside, so it overflows into the restaurant’s perfectly-situated outdoor patio. Step inside for a ride on the mechanical bull, or just watch as hundreds of Vegas visitors stroll by. Many in sun dresses and inappropriately-short shorts. We’re just saying.

Note the lack of snow-blowers.

So, pick your spot and enjoy Sin City’s fabulous weather and diverse dining. But don’t wait! This window of wow-worthy weather may not last forever. One time, in 1987, we had a day in May where it was, brace yourself, overcast for upwards of 20 minutes!

Just kidding. Never happened. But we didn’t want the people in Minnesota and Wisconsin to feel too badly. Probably.

A lucky player at Rio Las Vegas was just dealt four aces with a three on a $25 Super Double Double Bonus 5 play video poker machine.

Honestly, we have no idea what most of that means, but we do know it resulted in the following.

Mwah.

Thanks to the team in the Rio’s high limit salon for passing along the photo.

Note: Actually kissing a video poker machine is not recommended. At least not on the first date.

Just a quick update to our post the other day about the dramatic changes at the former Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, soon to be Gansevoort Las Vegas.

As we were driving by today, we noted the beginning of the end for the hotel’s much-photographed front-facing decorative protrusion thingy.

Yes, we got release forms from the people in those cars. Do we seem like the sort of blog that would not get release forms?

Read more about Gansevoort Las Vegas, coming soon to the Las Vegas Strip.

Throughout May 2013, Las Vegas resorts in the Caesars Entertainment family will offer special deals and freebies on dining and shows as part of Military Appreciation Month. Here are some of the highlights.

Bally’s Las Vegas

Tickets to “Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding” are buy-one-get-one-free for general and VIP tickets. The hotel’s Blu Pool is offering free admission and half-price bottle service to active military members.

Planet Hollywood

BurGR restaurant is offering a two-for-one burger entrée. Spice Market Buffet offers a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday.

Fly-overs not included.

Flamingo Las Vegas

Comedian George Wallace will offer one free ticket to members of the military, past and present. “X Burlesque” is offering $20 off General Admission and VIP tickets, along with a free shot glass. “Legends in Concert” will provide free Golden Circle or Main Floor admission. Paradise Garden Buffet will offer a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday.

Harrah’s Las Vegas

The pool at Harrah’s offers free admission and half-price bottle service. KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers is offering a two-for-one burger entrée. Toby Keith’s: I Love This Bar & Grill is offering a complimentary military burger and French fries to active military members with valid ID. Flavors Buffet offers a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday. “Defending the Caveman” is offering a free admission with each paid admission.

Just prior to a deployment. This is the place in the blog post where we tend to get a little weepy.

The Quad

Frank Marino’s “Divas Las Vegas” has an ongoing half-price ticket offer. Comedian-juggler Jeff Civillico is offering up to four free tickets with a military ID. “Recycled Percussion” is providing an ongoing 50 percent discount.

Paris Las Vegas

Taylor Hicks is offering 10 two-for-one tickets to anyone who presents a military ID at least two hours before show time. Comedy-hypnotist Anthony Cools is providing a two-for-one ticket deal. Le Burger Brasserie is offering a two-for-one burger entrée, and Le Village Buffet is offering a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday. The hotel’s pool will offer free admission and half-price bottle service.

Did you know the Caesars Foundation donated $100,000 to the USO to support services offered at the USO Las Vegas center at McCarran International? Now, you do. Vets Woody and Terry seemed appreciative, despite our forcing them to have their photo taken.

Rio Las Vegas

“Chippendales” has an ongoing 50 percent off discount for military members. VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub will offer free admission. All-American Bar and Grill is offering a two-for-one burger entrée. Carnival World Buffet is offering a two-for-one lunch, Monday through Friday.

Caesars Palace

The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis is offering free admission and half-price bottle service. Shadow Bar offers free admission and half-price bottle service. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is offering a two-for-one burger entrée.

We never take freedom for granted, especially in Las Vegas.

Please note that the show deals are for active and retired military, and restaurant offers are for active military only. Just show a government-issued, military I.D. to take advantage of all these great deals.

And our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all those who serve so selflessly in our nation’s armed services. In Las Vegas, they get to be a little selfish. Or a lot. This blog doesn’t judge.

It’s Vegas, just deal with it.

In Las Vegas, pole dances are free, but lap dances are usually $20 a pop.

Thanks to the roaming balloon-maker at Carlos’n Charlie’s restaurant at Flamingo for the balloon sculpture this blog probably does not condone.

If you’re ever in the mood to master the pole yourself, check out Stripper 101 at the V Theater in The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. You might also enjoy X Burlesque University at Flamingo Las Vegas.

The recently-closed Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon is smack dab in the middle of a massive renovation, as it transforms into the new Gansevoort Las Vegas. How “smack dab”? Behold.

Brace yourself for some Vegas newness.

The entire north wall of the former Bill’s (the side facing Flamingo Las Vegas) has come down, evidence the changes at the iconic corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Flamingo Blvd. are anything but merely cosmetic.

For a slightly more immersive view of the new “ventilation system,” you might say, click here for a panorama pic.

This blog is currently selling commemorative Bill's rubble at very reasonable prices.

The new Gansevoort Las Vegas will open in early 2014 and will feature 188 “Parisian apartment-style” guest rooms and 19 suites. The renovations will cost about $185 million.

The hotel will also boast a redesigned lobby bar, ultra-lounge, retail outlets and 40,000 square-foot casino.

Here’s a rendering of what the Gansevoort Las Vegas will look like, featuring infinitely less debris.

Day, meet night.

More updates to come. In the meantime, stay in the loop by following Gansevoort Las Vegas on Twitter, or “like” the hotel’s page on Facebook.

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.

Although the new Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace has been welcoming guests for some time now, the hotel celebrated its official grand opening with a star-studded bash on Apr. 28, 2013.

The glitzy gathering included a traditional sake ceremony, an appearance by illusionist David Blaine and a poolside performance by singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

All of Caesars Palace was in the mood for a grand opening party.

Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace is a first-of-its-kind boutique hotel-within-a-hotel, the result of a collaboration between Nobu Hospitality and Caesars Palace.

Nobu Hospitality partners include renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, Meir Teper, Trevor Horwell and Struan McKenzie.

Robert De Niro, David Blaine, Ed Sheeran and Chef Nobu.

The grand opening celebration featured floating Japanese lanterns at the Garden of the Gods pool at Caesars, Nobu-inspired fashion, taiko drummers and Nobu cocktails.

The Nobu tower even got its purple on.

A poolside concert by Grammy-nominated Ed Sheeran (his song “The A-Team” has been a top 10 hit around the world) was attended by Vegas performers like Holly Madison (formerly of “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood), Coco Austin (currently of Peepshow at Planet Hollywood), dapper Caesars Palace headliner Matt Goss and Paris Las Vegas resident headliner, Taylor Hicks.

Ed Sheeran wows the crowd. Thanks to Ethan Miller for the pic.

Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace has 181 rooms including 18 luxury suites, and opened at the same time as the world’s largest Nobu Restaurant, downstairs.

A unique aspect of the new Nobu Hotel is guests can, for the first time, order from Nobu Restaurant, around-the-clock, for dining in their room. Blueberry and yuzu soba pancakes, eggs Matsuhisa, obu sashimi tacos and Nobu bento boxes just a few of the highlights.

Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa enjoy some spiced rum in a traditional Japanese spiced rum ceremony. Unless we just made that up. Photo by Erik Kabik.

Just weeks into the hotel’s debut, CNN Travel named Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace one of the Hottest New Hotels of 2013.

East meets west. Assuming Rome is in the west. Although, on a map, it doesn't appear so. We are a blog, not a direction determiner.

Learn more about Nobu Hotel Restaurant and Lounge Caesars Palace.

Enjoy more photos from the grand opening celebration at Caesars Palace.

The individual-sized portions at the Bacchanal Buffet inside Caesars Palace are pretty much made-to-order, which means the food comes out so hot, the buffet gives out colorful little plastic thingys to help protect your digits. We think they make a great Vegas keepsake.

We'll say it. They're adorbs.

Get ready to use your finger protector thingy a lot at the Bacchanal Buffet. There are nearly 500 things on the menu. (We’re not kidding.) Find out more about the buffet voted the city’s best by USA Today.

It’s a little thing called “swim-up blackjack at Caesars Palace.”

"Keeping you cool, even when the blackjack action gets hot!" We think you'd agree, this blog is perhaps the best copywriter ever.

We don’t have to know the details. We just know we already like it. Lick. At Flamingo Las Vegas. Soon.

We are so there.

We’re thinking it’s a new candy shop, but in Sin City, you just never know.