By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com
La Comida Opens in Downtown La Vegas
La Comida, the latest creation by the Morton Group, led by restaurateurs Jenna and Michael Morton, celebrated its Grand Opening on Wednesday, May 15. Located at 106 Sixth Street in downtown Las Vegas, in what was formerly an old laundry facility, La Comida features a menu inspired by the cosmopolitan fare of Mexico City, blending authenticity and tradition with a delightfully funky vibe.
“In the restaurant industry ‘comida’ is the meal shared by staff before they begin their service. We call it ‘family meal,’” says Michael Morton. “La Comida was designed to recreate that feeling of camaraderie in a fun, eclectic atmosphere with fresh drinks and Mexican food we all love.”
La Comida
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Young dancers celebrating the opening of La Comida
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
La Comida's executive chef, Pablo Sanchez-Ortiz created a menu offering familiar Mexican cuisine using true traditional ingredients and cooking styles from various regions in Mexico with the sophisticated influence of Mexico City.
The drink menu boasts more tequilas than it has seats in the restaurant and outdoor patio. Featuring varieties from around the world, including Cabrito, El Tesoro, Milagro, Partida and more, Michael says, “A tequila for every toast.” The drinks flow from the zinc top bar situated next to a Dutch door, creating an open feel.
The front of the restaurant faces Sixth Street with an old-school overhanging 'La Comida' sign stretching across the sidewalk beneath a 7-foot sculptured metal monkey clinging to the rooftop corner, whose bones flash in pink neon in keeping with Downtown Las Vegas tradition. The 3,000 square foot restaurant seats 80 in the dining room, 15 at the bar and 24 on the patio. The interior design elements featuring wood floors, reclaimed tiles from Mexico, authentic church pews, and stained glass from old church windows, are just a few of the authentic touches that create an old world feel.
In attendance at the Grand Opening celebration were Mayor Caroline Goodman, City Councilman Bob Coffin, former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, and Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh. As part of the momentous occasion, there was an attention getting "fire breathing" praying mantis on display on the street in front of the restaurant and a troupe of young Mexican dancers on hand to entertain guests.
City Counselman Bob Coffin, Jenna and Michael Morton, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and Mayor Caroline Goodman
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Former Congresswonam Shelley Berkley and Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Mariachi musicians
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Peepshow Cast Member Receives Onstage Marriage Proposal
Audience members were treated to a wonderful surprise as they were on-hand to witness the first onstage marriage proposal at PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood on May 18. Ensemble cast member SOPHIA MONICA, who performs the “Teddy” number in Vegas’ only striptease spectacular, in addition to filling in for the “Bo Peep” role when headliner Coco is out of the show, was caught off guard as her long-time partner and father of her son, Etienne Carreira bent down on one knee and proposed to her onstage in front of the PEEPSHOW cast and audience. Carreira is a professional break dancer and is also a trained dancer. To celebrate, Sophia also did an impromptu back flip (in heels) at the end, which made the audience go crazy with joy and excitement. Congratulations goes out to the newly engaged couple!
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
On Wednesday, May 22, BOYD GAMING CORPORATION announced it will be the first Locals casino operator to premiere Bally Technologies, Inc.’s NASCAR gaming line at its Las Vegas properties. Boyd Gaming plans to introduce the game on Friday, May 24, at The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, Fremont, the California and Main Street Station.
The Steel Skeleton of the 128-foot tower for SLOTZILLAZ™,a two-level thrill ride, has been completed. The takeoff tower of the $11.5 million ride is located just east of 4th Street and Fremont Street on Fremont Street Experience. SlotZilla™, set to open in the Summer of 2013, will be a major new icon for downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street Experience, a five-block entertainment district that attracts nearly 16 million annual visitors. The attraction will alter the downtown Las Vegas skyline with an 12-story slot-machine-themed takeoff platform located near the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.
Slotzilla Skeleton
Slotzilla Rendering
Riders on the upper Zoomline will take off over 110 feet above ground and riders, lying flat in a harness, will be launched to a speed that will zoom them 1,700 feet through and under the Fremont Street Experience canopy. Riders on the lower Zipline take off about 70 feet above ground and zip 850 feet to a mid-point landing platform. Both levels deliver a ride experience unique in the world – flying above thousands of people on Fremont Street Experience and under the Viva Vision canopy, which is the world’s largest video screen.
JONATHAN DEANS, who teaches sound design for the UNLV department of theatre and for the entertainment engineering & design program, was recently nominated for a Tony Award for his sound design for Pippin on Broadway.
Legendary R&B group THE MANHATTANS will bring their doo-wop and soulful sounds to the Suncoast Showroom May 25 and 26. Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15.95, plus tax and fees.
Hyde Bellagio invites guests to party from sunset to sunrise all Memorial Day Weekend with a sizzling three-day lineup featuring sbes “Sayers Sessions,” on Friday, May 24, Capital Cities on Saturday, May 25, and Kourtney Kardashian's longtime beau, Scott Disick’s 30th birthday bash on Sunday May 26.
VICTORIA'S WEDDING CHAPEL will give away complimentary wedding ceremonies to all active duty military members and veterans all day long from 12 to 8 p.m. to commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 27. In addition to giving away the wedding ceremonies, Victoria’s Wedding Chapel will provide roses for the bride and her maid of honor, along with photography and discounts will be available on receptions to provide them at cost. Interested couples may contact Victoria’s Wedding Chapel at (702) 252-4565 to book their ceremony.Victoria’s Wedding Chapel is located at 2800 West Sahara Ave, just west of I-15.
Former Las Vegas Mayor OSCAR GOODMAN, the legendary and charismatic identity behind Oscar’s Beef ∙ Booze ∙ Broads, will be at his namesake steakhouse on Thursday, May 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., to sign copies of his recently released autobiography, “Being Oscar.” The public is invited to have dinner at Oscar’s steakhouse inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino on May 30, when they will have the opportunity to meet the former mayor and have him autograph copies of his new book.
DONNA CUTLER, Manager of Las Vegas Fruits & Nuts new retail store at McCarran Marketplace on Eastern Avenue, will represent Las Vegas and Nevada with Tourism Cares, Inc.’s Coney Island volunteer restoration project on May 30 and 31 in New York. She will be joining volunteers from all over the country and around the world to give back to Coney Island and the shoreline at Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, much work still needs to be done along Coney Island’s famous beach and boardwalk. Volunteers will participate in dune’s preservation and beach clean-up projects along Fort Tilden Beach. As a part of this program, special grants will also be awarded to selected tourism related sites that have suffered losses attributed to Hurricane Sandy.
The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas will come alive with the fantasy, food, fun and romance of Italy during CARNEVALE, a three-month celebration of the summer festivals of Italy, May 27 through Sept. 8, 2013. Based on the highly successful premier in 2012, the festival will be expanded with new events and special new experiences exclusively for The Venetian and The Palazzo guests and Grazie members.
This year’s activity schedule will include additional value and programming for guests and visitors. Special Value for Overnight Guests
The “Passaporto di CARNEVALE ” will be included with overnight stays throughout CARNEVALE featuring special discounts and entertainment specials valued at more than $1,000, including retail offers from resort restaurants, spa, The Grand Canal Shoppes and The Shoppes at The Palazzo. The Passaporto will be an exclusive benefit to resort guests and Grazie members, The Venetian and The Palazzo’s premier loyalty program. During CARNEVALE, Grazie members can continue to earn valued Status Points with all suite charges by linking a Grazie account to suite reservations. Special Fun and Activities
Guests visiting during CARNEVALE will enjoy a calendar of special events, activities and promotions, including nightly entertainment spectacles. One such spectacle will be LIGHT OF VENICE, a 3D light projection show on the façade of the Clock Tower. This show will illuminate in a spectacular light performance with a complimentary five-minute show several times every evening.
The Grand Pools of The Venetian and The Palazzo will also come alive with special events and activities. And as night falls, an exciting electric light parade will wind its way throughout the resort, with fantastic electric gondoliers and courtesans, stilt walkers and jugglers creating a visual spectacle.
In addition, the casinos at The Venetian and The Palazzo will feature special events and activities aimed at the casual player, as well as the seasoned “high roller.” The resort’s collection of famed restaurants will also participate with inventive new menu options and special culinary events.
Other special events and activities will highlight the CARNEVALE festival themes of:
- Entertainment
- Art
- Fashion
- Games
- Casino events
- Sports
- Music
- Wine
Las Vegas entertainer KELLY CLINTON brings her remarkable abilities as an actress, singer, comedienne and impressionist to her one-woman show. “Freckled For Life” in the Suncoast Showroom for one night only, Saturday, June 1. Guest stars will include Tara Palsha, who has performed in several well-known Las Vegas Strip shows, and currently performs in “Vegas: The Show.” A special surprise guest or two will also make an appearance. Broadwayworld.com recognized Clinton as a nominee for “Best Female Comedian” in 2011, and for “Best Comedienne” in 2012. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees.
Rock icon SCOTT WEILAND brings his‘Purple At The Core’ solo tour to The Pearl inside Palms Casino Resort June 1, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $34, plus any additional service fees.
In addition to his previously announced June 6 – 11 show dates, RODNEY CARRINGTON will perform Wednesday, June 12 at the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand. Shows will be 9 p.m. nightly.
The UNLV Performing Arts Center proudly welcomes THE PIANO GUYS – an Internet sensation by way of their immensely successful series of strikingly original self-made music videos that brought them to their major label debut album – at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 13.
Tickets are $30, $45, $60 and $80, and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu. A $1.25 facilities fee, in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center tickets.
Comedian/ventrilioquist, JEFF DUNHAM brings his new laugh packed “DISORDERLY CONDUCT” WORLDWIDE TOUR to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday, June 14.
REGGAE IN THE DESERT, the two-day music festival, in its 12th year, will take place on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from noon until 11 p.m. at the Clark County Amphitheatre, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Steel Pulse, Luciano, Capleton, Marcia Griffiths and The Green headline this year's impressive lineup. Doors open at noon and the event concludes at 11 p.m. General two-day admission tickets are $60 and on sale now. Individual tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day of show. VIP two-day packages are $120 and include: an event t-shirt, event poster, artist meet n greet, air conditioned VIP Lounge with free wine tasting. Only cash is accepted at the door for tickets on the day of the show. Children ages five (5) or younger are free. All seats are general admission and available on a first-come, first served basis.
IMPACT WRESTLING comes to Orleans Arena for one night only, Saturday, June 29. Showtime is 7 p.m PT.
Featuring an unforgettable evening of drama, action and excitement, the lineup of established legends and newcomers includes “The Immortal” HULK HOGAN, “The Icon” STING, “The Charismatic Enigma” JEFF HARDY, Olympic Gold Medalist KURT ANGLE, TNA World Heavyweight Champion and President of Aces & 8s BULLY RAY, “The Phenomenal” AJ STYLES, “Submission Machine” SAMOA JOE, “The IT Factor” BOBBY ROODE, “Cowboy” JAMES STORM, AUSTIN ARIES, CHAVO GUERRERO JR. and HERNANDEZ, TNA Knockouts Champion VELVET SKY, GAIL KIM, MISS TESSMACHER and many more. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are sale starting at $15 for reserved seating. IMPACT WRESTLING will be the first nationally-televised wrestling event from Las Vegas for Orleans Arena; the matches will be recorded to broadcast on Thursday, July 4 and Thursday, July 11 on Spike TV at 9 p.m. PT.
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan and Kenny king
Former Mayor Oscar Goodman
Celebrity Sightings:
Saturday, May 11....
Actor Matthew Gray Gubler, star of TV's Criminal Minds, was spotted in a local "Savers" thrift store by young fan Lily DaMil.
Matthew Gray Gubler and Lilly Damil
Wednesday night, May 15...
Detroit hip hop artist Danny Brown was spotted dining at LAVO Italian Restaurant with a small group.
ABSINTHE’s foul-mouthed host, The Gazillionaire and his raunchy sidekick, Penny Pibbets, along with the rest of the eccentric cast welcomed to their venue renowned DJ Afrojack, where he also snapped a photo with Gaz and Penny following the show.
Afrojack with Penny Pibbles and The Gazillionare
Photo credit: Joseph Sanders/Spiegelworld
Thursday night, May 16...
Detroit rapper Danny Brown kicked off MAXIM Music Weekend at TAO’s Worship Thursday. He first dined on signature menu items at TAO Asian Bistro before making his way up to the club scene. DJ Five announced Danny’s arrival as he took over a VIP table with a few friends.
Danny Brown
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
Danny Brown perfoming
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
Friday, May 17...
R&B legend Ginuwine as he put on an action-packed performance under the stars at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens. During the mini-concert the singer gave a quick shout out to the queen of rap, Lil’ Kim as she was spotted sipping champagne at Ginuwine’s table.
Ginuwine and Lil Kim
Photo credit: David Becker of WireImage.
Ginuwine and Lil Kim
Photo credit: David Becker of WireImage.
The second day of MAXIM Music Weekend, Drop City Yacht Club headlined the night at LAVO. The California trio, made up of A Wolf, Kristo, and THX, first dined at the Italian eatery on house favorites before heading up to the nightclub.
Also at LAVO, Tamra Barney and Eddie Judge had a joint bachelor and bachelorette bash with friends including fellow Real Housewives of Orange County co-stars Terry and Heather Dubrow. The happy couple danced to the sounds of DJ C*LA and was later surprised with a congratulatory cake.
Tamra Barney and Eddie Judge
Brenton Ho/Powers Imagery
Rapper Theophilus London was also spotted at LAVO. Accompanied by a few friends, Theophilus enjoyed dinner before taking in the party scene from a table in the nightclub.
Theophilus London
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
Theophilus London performing
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
In town for “Life Beyond Football Weekend”, 49ers team members Perrish Cox, Darcel McBath and Trenton Robinson and Steelers team members Anthony Madison, Stevenson Sylvester, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen. Brett Swain and Michael Morgan of the Seahawks, Sterling Moore of the Cowboys, Greg McCoy of the Vikings, Eddie Pleasant of the Texans and Daryl Washington of the Cardinals were also seen at the upscale sports restaurant, HERAEA inside Palms Casino Resort
Saturday, May 18...
DJ, Steve Aoki had food from Greens & Proteins delivered to him at the SKYLOFTS inside MGM Grand just after arriving in Las Vegas.
Bryan Hopkins, lead singer from Elvis Monroe, and Ben Carey, guitarist from Lifehouse both stopped into Greens & Proteins.
MAXIM Music Weekend continued on Saturday at TAO Beach with a special performance by New York rapper Theophilus London.
NBA Clippers player Chris Paul was also spotted at the daytime party with friends in a cabana as was “Breaking Bad” actor Aaron Paul who celebrated a joint bachelor and bachelorette party with wife-to-be Lauren Parsekian and friends.
Lauren Parsekian, Aaron Paul and Chris Paul
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
Singer Miguel headlined the MAXIM Music Weekend event At TAO Nightclub. Stopping on the red carpet to pose for photos, he was joined by girlfriend Nazanin Mandi and friends before making his way to a VIP table. Hit music-maker Will.I.Am as well as Jennifer Lopez’s beau Casper Smart joined the group, and comedian Kevin Hart, who also had a table that night, stopped by to chat with the singer as well.
Miguel performing
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
Nazanin Mandi and Miguel
Photo Credit: Brenton Ho, Powers Imagery
Rapper Theophilus London was also spotted partying at a VIP table.
At Marquee, Aaron Paul and fiancé Lauren Parsekian kept the celebration going in the Library Room surrounded by a large group of friends.
At LAVO, actress Chloë Moretz was spotted in the dining room with a small group.
Lauren Parsekian and Aaron Paul
Photo Credit: Al Powers, Powers Imagery
BMX Rider and host of the MTV show, The Challenge, T.J. Lavin, was spotted at HERAEA enjoying the restaurant’s UFC viewing party for the Velasquez vs. Bigfoot 2 fight.
Celebrities invaded LAVO and TAO after the Billboard Music Awards.
Music royalty Madonna was spotted dining with a group of friends after the awards show in LAVO’s private dining room.
At LAVO Nightclub, international sensation PSY hosted a Billboard Music Awards after party. The Korean superstar was joined by British singer Ed Sheeran, who performed at the awards show earlier that night. The packed room went crazy as DJ Jessica Who announced PSY's arrival, and soon afterward, he headed to the stage to perform.
Earlier in the day, “Breaking Bad” actor Aaron Paul and fiancé Lauren Parsekian continued their bachelor and bachelorette weekend at TAO Beach. Aaron and Lauren were joined by friends in a cabana. In the evening, the group was spotted at TAO Asian Bistro.
Actress Chloë Moretz was also spotted dining at TAO Asian Bistro after the Billboard Music Awards with family and friends.
Sunday, May 19...
Guitar icon, Carlos Santana, visited the newly opened Dos Caminos in Summerlin.
Monday, May 20...
Singer, actress and businesswoman, Jennifer Lopez, enjoyed an afternoon with her children and boyfriend, Casper Smart, at Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Paris Las Vegas. After lunch, the group headed towards the retail shop. In the evening Jennifer and Casper showed support for the world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez by attending their all-new headlining show “PRiSM” at Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Following a celeb-packed weekend in Las Vegas for the Billboard Music Awards, stars collided at XS Nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas for the grand opening celebration of the signature event, Night Swim. Fresh off his set at Electric Daisy Carnival in New York, DJ Afrojack took over control of both the dance floor and the venue’s glistening pool for the affair.
“Nashville” star,Hayden Panettiere, who presented Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ performance at Tryst nightclub earlier during the awards show, arrived around midnight with her boyfriend and rumored-fiancé, boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
At the table next door on stage was actor David Arquette.
Jenny McCarthy was also spotted at the Vegas hot spot, but was seated inside.
Afrojack was in the DJ booth for a three-hour set before he jumped into the pool.
Night Swim
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub
Tuesday, May 21...
Joe and Frank Scinta from the D Las Vegas show, “The Scintas” visited Greens & Proteins.
The gorgeous dancers from FANTASY, the seductive revue at Luxor Hotel & Casino, performed at the SuperTooth display at CTIA 2013 inside Sands Expo & Convention Center.
Fantasy Dancers and star Lorena Peril (center)
Former MLB player Mo Vaughn was spotted with a group of friends enjoying the sounds of DJ Dijital at LAVO’s All Night Tuesdays.
Actress and model Jenny McCarthy partied at Hyde Bellagio during the venue’s weekly industry party, Lost Angels. with a close group of girlfriends.