Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

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• Memorial Day Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

More Vintage Vegas Photos – A few weeks ago, we linked to a photo set of Las Vegas photos from the 50′s through the 80′s. Hot on its heels, Life Magazine has placed 23 (until now) unpublished photos from the 50′s. Enjoy Vintage Vegas: Rare Photos Of A Desert Boomtown

Cheap Food On The Strip – Our friends over at Vegas Chatter recently published a blog post titled What’s Eating At Us About The Strip, detailing how expensive even many of the hotel casual dining and coffee shops are now ($30 including tax for a burger and a beer… outrageous). One of the many things we plan to do when we go membership-based (and can afford the staffing to do so) is to list all of the value meals to be had on The Strip.

But for now, just keep your eyes open. Don’t forget that between Harrah’s and Casino Royale sits Panda Express, Chipotle, and McDonald’s. Insider Casino Royale is Subway, a $1.99 foot long hot dog joint (quite filling) and a couple of other reasonably inexpensive offerings. Nothing fancy (hey, more power to you on those $20 casual dining burgers if that is your thing), but you can sit down and chow down without breaking the bank. At Casino Royale, you can even get the $1 Micholob Lager or frozen margarita they offer at the bar and take it to the food court!

Besides keeping your eyes peeled for places like 7-11 or the reasonable offerings inside the Hawaiian Marketplace (directly across from CityCenter), ask if your hotel has a food court when you check in. If not, ask about the nearest hotel with a food court. Also, don’t forget about the age-old buffet trick: Find out when they switch from lunch to dinner. If no gap in service (they don’t shut down for 30 minutes or similar), show up at the buffet 15 minutes before the price switch and just have a leisurely salad to kill the time, waiting for them to roll out all the upscale dinner goodies which you’ll be able to consume for the “lunch” price!

Photo Courtesy Google Maps

Yes, You Can Gamble At The Famed Moulin Rouge – Las Vegas’ first integrated hotel casino property Moulin Rouge (950 W. Bonanza — shuttered for decades) is about to come under new ownership. To keep the site’s gaming license alive, they plan to have a “tent casino” on site for 8 hours on June 19. According to Nevada gaming regulations, you can keep your gaming license “alive” by operating a casino on the site of a shuttered property for eight hours every two years. (The Castaways — formerly The Showboat — also has done the same thing at their Boulder Highway property).

For the Moulin Rouge, it is especially important that they keep this license alive. If you want to build a new casino in the Las Vegas area today, you MUST have a full service “hotel” attached including hundreds of rooms. The grandfathered license which Moulin Rouge possesses allows full-blown gaming (unlimited slots and table games) without the hotel requirement.

Why keep hope for this property alive when it sits in one of the more downtrodden parts of town? The reality is that it sits one mile from the Fremont Street Experience and all downtown has to offer (which we’ve discussed often), the drum beat of people wanting to live close to downtown is ever increasing, and older neighborhoods like this are ripe for gentrification. Don’t believe me? I watched the inner northwest part of my hometown of Portland, Oregon go from a bunch of empty warehouses and an old, tired, run down neighborhood into one of the hot spots to live/work/play. The new Moulin Rouge owners are taking a gamble that may very well pay off in the long run.

At Least One Politician “Gets It” – I’ve chronically complained over the years that (it seems like) neither our county commissioners nor hotel/casino upper management has had a clue what you as visitors face night after night on The Strip. (At least until now… we’ve chronicled how this issue has come to the forefront). It should be mandatory for all of them to go out on a Saturday night a few times per year and drink their way up and down The Strip. Just like you do. So they can see the good and the bad.

It is fair that I note we have an exception! Someone who represents The Strip in the Nevada Assembly. Joe Hogan (D-Las Vegas Strip) was recently arrested for drunk driving just a few blocks behind The Stratosphere! (Disclaimer: He’s my Assemblyman, and he’s a joke. He’s the only local or state politician who has failed to give any response to correspondence directed his way). Now, I don’t condone drunk driving. If you live here, keep it in moderation, have a friend drive, get a room, or call a cab. But hey, maybe he parked at The Strat and boozed his way down the Wynn and back, surveying the blight that is the North Strip!

For what it is worth, the guy can’t be that bright. The neighborhood behind The Strat is a quick short-cut back to West Sahara for those of us who live in the general area. (We avoid the traffic light and bunched up traffic at Sahara and The Blvd). But it is also a BAD neighborhood, and saturated with cops. Not exactly a smart place to drive through tipsy.

Wall-To-Wall Walgreens – A few weeks ago, we noted destruction starting to take place at the former Holy Cow Brewery and Casino just across Sahara from The Sahara. The structure is not gone. We were hoping that it was being quietly cleared for some kind of gaming project. (I have to imagine they took the steps to keep the license alive). Unfortunately, everything is pointing toward it being yet another Walgreens. It will be the fourth Walgreens on The Strip (plus the one downtown on Fremont Street), so obviously it’s working well for them. And ironically will be the closest to my house, making it my “neighborhood” Walgreens. But, I’d rather see a casino in the spot…

More, More, More – Visitor numbers were up 3.7% in March, a continued sign that last year’s near-record count wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan. However, the glut of rooms opened the past few years has kept room occupancy rates at around 88%. Just about every other city would kill for an occupancy rate that high. However, Las Vegas has traditionally enjoyed rates in the 90′s. This “glut” of rooms will help keep room rates from rising, so this is good news for visitors. I continue to remind everyone that barring something unfortunate, Las Vegas occupancy will get back to traditional numbers and we’ll see room rates go up. The smart money is to book any Vegas trip you are thinking about well in advance.

Viva Las Elvis – Every year, downtown Fremont Street Experience holds a big Elvis impersonator contest, and this year was no exception. Las week brought contestants from all over the world to the free downtown performances.

Vegas$, Las Vegas, And Now Simply “Vegas” – CBS has picked up the pilot for the TV show “Vegas” for the fall season. Not to be confused with the 1970′s Robert Urich show “Vega$” (now available on Netrlix) or the show from last decade called “Las Vegas” (remember The Montecito), this drama is set in the 1960′s and is based on our legendary cowboy sheriff Ralph Lamb who fought quite a battle with the mobsters and anyone else who dared step on his toes.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Frank & Sammy Davis Jr. Died Almost On Same Dates May 14-16 – 8 Years Apart – Frank Sinatra died 14 years ago while Sammy Davis Jr died 22 years ago. ‘The Rat Pack is Back!‘ plays tributes to late superstars nightly in the Crown Theater.

It seems like yesterday when “The Rat Pack” was playing at the Sands and now the best re-creation of them pay tribute to them nightly in the Crown Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

The Austin American Statesman’s travel writer Helen Anders just called them the show that best reflects “Old Vegas” after experiencing “The Rat Pack is Back!” starring Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean in last Sunday’s travel section. The anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s death was May 14 and he has been dead for 14 years. Brian Duprey plays Frank Sinatra nightly at the Crown Theater.

• Full story/details/info: Frank & Sammy Davis Jr. Died Almost On Same Dates
• Buy Tickets Now: The Rat Pack Is Back

PBR Rock Bar & Grill’s Memorial Day Weekend Patio Party Will Be Loaded With Beer, BBQ, And Bikinis – PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will celebrate Memorial Day Weekend by highlighting two of America’s favorite things: BBQ and beer.

PBR Rock Bar & Grill is the hottest spot in Las Vegas offering beers, bulls and plenty of babes in its sprawling, 16,800-square-foot venue. Open daily from 8 a.m. until the early morning hours, PBR Rock Bar & Grill offers guests hearty, American comfort food and barbeque around the clock. Beautiful babes and bad ass bull riders are dared to attempt to defy gravity on PBR Rock Bar & Grill’s daunting, hydraulic mechanical bull.

• Full story/details/info: PBR Rock Bar & Grill’s Memorial Day Weekend Patio Party

Cabo Wabo Cantina Offers Last Fling Before The Ring Bachelorette Packages – The premiere spot on the Las Vegas Strip for bachelorettes to wine and dine before tying the knot, Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, offers exciting party packages for the bride-to-be and her gal-pal posse.

For only $25 each, the bachelorette and her closest friends can indulge in delicious food and receive a complimentary Cabo shot and entry into Chateau Nightclub & Gardens and Gallery Nightclub. Plus, with the purchase of a Cabo Wabo souvenir glass, the party will receive unlimited refills on frozen daiquiris including the signature piña colada and margarita throughout dinner.

• Full story/details/info: Last Fling Before The Ring Bachelorette Packages

Legendary Entertainer Bill Cosby Returns to Treasure Island May 25 – Iconic funny man Bill Cosby, who has been making audiences laugh for decades with his keen insight into everyday existence, brings his signature comedy to the Treasure Island Theatre May 25 at 8 p.m.

• Full story/details/info: Bill Cosby Returns to Treasure Island

Las Vegas Epicurean Affair Returns May 24 At The Palazzo – On Thursday, May 24, many of the best restaurants of Las Vegas will unite again poolside at The Palazzo Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair. The event, sponsored by the Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA), gives guests a taste of the gourmet offerings that have elevated the city to an international dining destination.

• Full story/details/info: Las Vegas Epicurean Affair Returns May 24 At The Palazzo

Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Memorial Day With Weekend Fiesta – In honor of Memorial Day, Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will offer holiday specials for the ultimate three-day weekend in Las Vegas from Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28.

T&T will feature their signature mariachi brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Created by Executive Chef Saul Ortiz, the menu includes delectable items such as traditional Huevos Rancheros, Albondigas Soup, T&T’s signature Chilaquiles and Breakfast Burritos. Guests looking to celebrate the holiday with lively libations will enjoy two-for-one Bloody Maria’s and top shelf house margaritas in addition to half-price daiquiri refills, $10 Dos Equis beer mugs and Patrón shot specials. Keeping the fiesta atmosphere alive will be DJ Larry Lynx spinning the hottest beats every night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Full story/details/info: Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Memorial Day

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurants Celebrate National Hamburger Month Throughout May 2012 – While National Hamburger Month may not be a Federally recognized holiday, it certainly is one that is gaining notoriety amongst burger lovers. It’s suggested that each American consumes, on average, 3 hamburgers every week. With songs, movies, books and more dedicated to the amazing sandwich, it’s no wonder the American food staple seems to grow in popularity year after year. In honor of National Hamburger Month, Jimmy Buffett’s restaurants nationwide will be celebrating all things burger throughout the month of May.

• Full story/details/info: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurants Celebrate National Hamburger Month

Maverick Helicopter Combo Adventure with River Rafting Tour – Our Wind Dancer Flight with an added thrill of rafting the Colorado River through Black Canyon. An adventure of a lifetime! You will begin your day with complimentary hotel pick-up and your jet helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon. Your pilot will bring you back to the Boulder City Airport to be greeted by the river rafter team for a motorized 10-mile float. Take in the sites of the Colorado River and enjoy a delicious lunch. The rafting team will bring your party to your hotel.

Click To Book Maverick Helicopter
Combo Adventure with River Rafting Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas by Terri D’Richards

Can We Talk? Frank Marino’s “Divas” Honors The Legends With Humor

What do you get when you put together: a virtual who’s who of pop divas throughout the decades, 6 male back-up dancers and a jaw-dropping collection of Diva-esque couture, all presided over by Joan Rivers? – Can we talk?!

Frank Marino’s “Divas” stirs these ingredients together with a little twist. The spot-on impersonators with all the right looks and moves, wearing to-die-for costumes are all female impersonators extraordinaire! Specially created background tracks weave in live recordings from legends such as Madonna, Lady GaGa, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion and Diana Ross, just to name a few, making for a near seamless juxtaposition between the “Divas” show performers and their real-life counterparts.

• Read Entire Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas Review
• Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas tickets, video, and info

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Las Vegas Buffet Tour – Enjoy this video tour with chef interviews. First, see what the famed Bellagio buffet offers, how they do it, what you can enjoy, and how much food they serve. Then over to the Gold Coast to find out about one of the best wallet-friendly buffets which caters to locals but it just close enough to The Strip for all to enjoy.
• The Neon Museum In Las Vegas, Nevada – When the plug is pulled at casinos, chapels, restaurants and other businesses, Sin City’s iconic art form – the neon sign – used to get sent to the scrapyard. That was until The Neon Museum, a 501c3 non-profit, began collecting and preserving these timeworn signs, ensuring the treasures won’t be forgotten. Wander around and find dead casino marquees, unlit wedding chapel signs and bygone used car billboards scattered about like noodles in alphabet soup.
• Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas Now Open – With the opening, Gordon Ramsay brought his unique style and culinary flair to Las Vegas with the opening Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas, marking the award-winning chef’s first restaurant in Las Vegas. Enjoy sights of the new restaurant and interview clips with Ramsay and others connected with the opening.
• Las Vegas’ Most Extreme Adventure Takes Flight – Sky Combat Ace invites thrill-seekers to experience aerial joyrides high above Nevada desert. Enjoy the adventure-of-a-lifetime with Sky Combat Ace (SCA), as you suit up for a wild aerobatic flight of non-stop spins, barrel rolls, hammerheads and loops high above Las Vegas. With the glittering Strip and desert mountains as a backdrop, SCA is the nation’s ultimate flight experience.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We were wondering what is going on with Wayne Newton? A search of various sites and even Wayne’s Homepage yielded nothing. The last news I recall was the preparation of his Museum.

John and Cathy Schmalstig

Ted Responds:

Things have been awfully quiet on the Wayne Newton front as of late. If we had any info, we certainly would have passed it along. I know we have a fair number of Newton fans in our readership so if a few more weeks go by without any news, I’ll start poking around. His place isn’t that far from my chiropractor, so I’ll make sure to swing by on my next visit and see if any development is visible.

I am not a good letter writer,so here is my best shot. I look forward to reading your newsletter every week, just love all the information you write. My husband and I vacation in Las Vegas once a year, for the last 25 years, I would not go anywhere else.

This year we visited the 28′th April until 5′th May. We always rent a car, that way we go somewhere everyday, we have seen the same places over and over but we never get tired of the sites: The Grand Canyon, The Hoover Dam, Primm Valley, Pahrump, Lake Las Vegas, and highways are so beautiful.

We always stay at The Golden Nugget and with every year that place gets more beautiful and the service is great, and the entertainment on Fremont Street is great, especially the girl that was the DJ. I have seen many dancers in my years, but she was great, the Sax player has to be the best I have ever heard.

I could go on and on, the weather was wonderful. Everything was wonderful, cant wait to come back.

Anne

Ted Responds:

You’re letter was great, thanks for sharing your excitement! 25 years of Vegas vacations certainly makes you loyal. One of the great things about visiting here regularly is that you never run out of great things to do and see.

Hoover Dam and The Grand Canyon are a couple of things that people typically dismiss. They’ve seen photos, they have seen it from the air flying in. But absolutely nothing compares to the awe of seeing each in person.

Lake Las Vegas is a beautiful area to stroll around, get something to eat, or just relax with a glass of wine. The fact that it is maybe 30 minutes from downtown or The Strip (if that) makes it an easy venture. We’ve talked about Pahrump before (especially the winery), and I’m a fan of Primm. Love the outlet mall and Buffalo Bill’s has some decent food values and table limits. Plus one of the fastest roller coasters in the U.S.

Here’s a couple of other day trips those of you who rent a car might want to check out:

1. Mesquite and the Virgin River Gorge – Head north on I-15 past Mesquite to Littlefield, Arizona and stay the course. From there, you’ll enter the incredibly scenic Virgin River George for 15 spectacular miles of some of the more scenic interstate highway in the nation. If you reset your odometer when you leave downtown, you’ll come upon Black Rock Road at the 110 mile mark where you’ll turn around, reverse course and do it again on your way back to Mesquite. Home to three hotel/casinos, Mesquite makes a nice place to breathe some fresh air and get something to eat before the relatively quick 70 miles back to Las Vegas.

2. Valley Of Fire State Park – This can actually be combined with the above trip and something you can swing through and check out on your way home from Mesquite (give yourself a couple extra hours). The red hues are literally out-of-this-world (parts of one of the Star Trek movies were shot there) and the scenery is ever changing as you take the comfortable drive through the park.

Important Note: Both of these adventures are on well-traveled roads, but you are getting out there in the “middle of nowhere” to some extent. Keep your car gassed up when you get a chance, carry some snacks and plenty of bottled water, and I’d avoid doing this in June, July, or August do to the heat. Believe it or not, these areas are actually a few degrees HOTTER than Las Vegas is!

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Join the Mob in Las Vegas

  Book Las Vegas Mob Attraction Tickets Now

• Beloved Performer Cornell Gunter Who Founded The Coasters Tragically Murdered

  Book Platters, Cornell Gunter Coasters, and Marvelettes Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Shades Of Sinatra Does The Chairman Proud (with video)
• Commonwealth Set To Open In Downtown Las Vegas This Summer – Two-Story Bar to Serve Creative Cocktails, Spirits in Classic Surroundings
• PBR Rock Bar Announces New Weekly Line-Up Just In Time For Summer
• Eight Steps To Meat Nirvana From Strip House’s Executive Chef John Schenk
• Crystals at CityCenter Announces May Events
• Binion’s Adds More High Stakes And Short-Handed Events For 6th Annual Poker Classic (with schedule)
• PBR Rock Bar & Grill To Offer Mouthwatering Happy Hour Special For National Barbecue Month
• Gordon Ramsay Came, Saw and Conquered Vegas (And Us)
• Las Vegas remains top dog in network’s rankings of trade show sites
• Pack-up & Carry-on: Smart Things to Bring in Your Carry-On
• What’s Eating At Us About The Strip – Eating on The Strip is damn expensive!
• 3 Things You Should Know When Hailing Cabs In Vegas
• Rich Little Brings Jimmy Stewart and Two Dozen Others To The LVH
• A Reminder About The Strat
• Gordon Ramsay Steak officially opens at Paris with star chef
• Liberace musical preps for Broadway investors and auditions
• Wolfgang Puck toasts 20 years on Strip, opens Vegas Uncork’d
• Review: The newly opened, 24-hour Central Michel Richard at Caesars Palace
• Las Vegas now has point spreads for 240 season games
• When we spent the night recently in the beautiful Augustus Tower at Caesars Palace, we ventured to Michel Richard’s Central.
• More Details Revealed on Downtown’s Commonwealth
• Vegas Uncork’d Opens With Knives, Trucks And Food, Food, Food
• Vegas sign a tourist attraction in its own right
• Inside the Golden Nugget’s Wet and Wild Pool Scene
• Vegas’ big table games now include knives and forks
• Las Vegas Ranks Near Bottom in Manufacturing
• Old Homestead Serves Up the Perfect Vegas Meal

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

• Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – The sun is shining and it looks like we’ve just seen the end of overnight low temps in the 60′s. Thankfully, we’re still a few weeks away from regular triple-digit high temperatures. Here’s an interesting little fact: It takes less energy to cool than to heat. Of course, remind me of that when I see my July power bill later this year!

We Can Agree With This – Way too often, reporters from out-of-town slip in and do a really shoddy job on articles about what some of the better things in a given category are. Fortunately, Fox News (via Gayot.com) came out with an article titled Top 10 all-you-can-eat Las Vegas buffets and I’m happy to say they nailed it. You can’t go wrong at any of the buffets they listed.

However, important note: Breakfast buffets are pretty pedestrian no matter where you eat. (Even Palace Station’s $5 breakfast buffet has an omelette station where they are cooked to order). These ratings really come into play for lunch and especially dinner, where the better buffets have a real chance to shine.

Best Wishes To Monti Rock – Reader Jim Dougherty has notified us that Monti Rock III was “performing a marriage ceremony, didn’t hydrate, and suffered heat exhaustion” and is currently in the hospital with a blood infection. Monti played the DJ in Saturday Night Fever and was infamous for appearances on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show in the 70′s.

For the past decade-plus, he’s been a Las Vegas gadfly and news/gossip columnist writer locally. Although not a close acquaintance, I’ve met him at press events and always found him very affable. Jim said that the prognosis is good and we hope to see Monti back on his feet and returning to his old self again very soon.

Airport Liquor Store – Back in the stone ages (OK, well over a year ago), we reported about the pending new liquor store at McCarran airport. It is to be located in the baggage claim area so you can grab your bags and a couple of bottles for your room in one fell swoop. The original company awarded the contract never got around to building it. (Why, we don’t know. The company is a well-known chain of discount liquor stores around town with plenty of resources). A new contract has been awarded and supposedly the store will finally be open in September.

iWhatevers – Last issue, I expressed near disbelief at the 20-somethings who are in Las Vegas and have their smart phone in their hand 100% of the time, eyes glued to it instead of taking in all of the “Vegas” surrounding them. For the record, I bought a Droid EVO shortly after they came out a couple years ago and still love it. (I’m agnostic about Droid vs. Apple. At the time, the EVO’s 4G and ability to play flash media audio and video made it a no-brainer for me) So, it wasn’t a stab at Apple devotees or smart phone users.

But is your friend’s Facebook posting about his dog throwing up more interesting than The Bellagio? Are you really getting so many important texts and calls that you can’t bear to put the phone in your pocket and enjoy The Strip or the amazing property you are in? I’m just asking…

CityCenter Condos Reduced – Veer Tower Condos (the ones in front of CityCenter that look like they are about to fall over lean slightly by architectural design) have reduced prices to $315k for a one-bedroom. Will they sell? Time will tell. In my opinion, much better deals are out there for the money. Two examples (neither of which I’m affiliated with):

Just behind CityCenter, you can get 1500 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths featuring spectacular views of much of The Strip for $319k: 4525 Dean Martin Dr 800 (click to view, make sure to check out the photo tour). If you don’t mind living a quick 3 miles from The Strip on a golf course, $315k will get you 3100 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms: 2058 Ottawa Dr (this house is stunning, do the photo tour).

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Rice & Company Celebrates Mother’s Day With “Hot Mama” Sushi Roll – Treat Mom To A Memorable Dining Experience – Rice and Company’s Executive Sushi Chef, Danny Chen, has created the spicy “Hot Mama Roll” to make moms feel special this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, at Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Hot mamas will devour the sizzling roll, priced at $18, made with salmon, asparagus, spicy shrimp, spicy tuna and puff rice served with a tasty spicy mayo sauce. Guests will give mom a sweet kiss with the “Mama Son’s Kiss” specialty cocktail made with Ketel One Oranje Vodka, Yuzu liqueur, muddled strawberries and sweet lemon juice, priced at $11.

• Full story/details/info: Rice & Company Celebrates Mother’s Day

The Barrymore Introduces Wine, Sangria, and Tapas Happy Hour On The Patio – The Barrymore’s spacious, private patio now offers guests an after-work or post-convention retreat to enjoy select $5 cocktails, wine and beer, as well as small bites and appetizers as a part of its new happy hour. Available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday through Friday, The Barrymore’s new happy hour will feature an array of refreshing cocktails and small plates.

• Full story/details/info: The Barrymore Introduces Happy Hour On The Patio

Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Returns To Fremont Street Experience – For the third year, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience and the celebrated tribute artist production “Legends in Concert,” host the official Las Vegas preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The Elvis competition will take place on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight on the 3rd Street Stage. Elvis Tribute Artists are competing for a chance to proceed to the semifinals during Elvis Week 2012, the 35th anniversary celebration in Memphis.

“Las Vegas has a very special place in its heart for Elvis and with the indelible mark he has left on this city it is only natural to look for best tribute artist in Vegas. The level of talent is incredible here so the audience is in for a real treat,” said Jeff Victor, President of Fremont Street Experience.

• Full story/details/info: Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

The Palazzo Las Vegas And Southwest Airlines Join With The Armed Forces Foundation To Celebrate Armed Forces Day With “Salute Our Troops” – In celebration of Armed Forces Day, The Palazzo Las Vegas and Southwest Airlines have joined with the Armed Forces Foundation and Omaha Steaks® to salute our nation’s wounded veterans with a weekend of world-class entertainment, dining and relaxation in Las Vegas from May 16 to 19.

“The sacrifices our service members and their families make for our country cannot be overstated,” said Patricia Driscoll, president and executive director of the Armed Forces Foundation. “They rise to the occasion each and every day, so when corporations like The Palazzo Las Vegas, Southwest Airlines and Omaha Steaks unite to recognize that sacrifice by rolling out the red carpet to treat these service members to a VIP weekend in Las Vegas, that is truly special.”

• Full story/details/info: Armed Forces Foundations Celebrates Armed Forces Day

“Good Day LA” Anchor, Lauren Sanchez, To Perform At Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon – Sunny California’s own “Good Day LA” host, Lauren Sanchez, will trade in her bikini for a glamorous get-up while taking center stage with Vegas’ very own Dolls, at Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon inside Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, May 19.

The bubbly brunette, who was featured in US Weekly’s “Hottest Bodies” issue and People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” in 2010, also hosted the premiere season of FOX’s global smash hit, “So You Think You Can Dance.”

• Full story/details/info: Lauren Sanchez Performs At Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon

Oscar’s Steakhouse Celebrates Mother’s Day With Special Dinner Menu – To celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13, Oscar’s steakhouse inside the dome of the Plaza Hotel & Casino is offering a special three-course dinner menu that the whole family can enjoy and that is sure to show Mom just how much you appreciate all that she does everyday.

The Mother’s Day dinner begins with a flavorful baby greens salad topped with pecans, blue cheese and raspberry vinaigrette. Mom can then enjoy a succulent surf and turf entrée that features a juicy 6-ounce filet mignon and a half grilled lobster tail accompanied by baby vegetables and roasted fingerling potatoes. For dessert, treat Mom to a decadent chocolate lava cake with truffles.

• Full story/details/info: Oscar’s Steakhouse Celebrates Mother’s Day

Brew UNLV Comes To Hard Rock Hotel On May 11th – The UNLV Beverage Club and Hard Rock Hotel have joined forces to bring the second edition of Brew UNLV entitled “Rock and Brew,” an event that is half beer festival and half music experience. The festival organizers hope that one day, Brew UNLV will be just as big, if not bigger, then it’s counterpart UNLVino. This year, the festival hopes to draw over one thousand people to the Hard Rock’s breathe pool to taste over sixty different local and national beers.

• Full story/details/info: Brew UNLV Comes To Hard Rock Hotel On May 11th

Nobhill Tavern By Michael Mina Celebrates National Burger Month With Tasty Weekly Burger Specials Inspired By America’s Train Lines – Taste your way through American history this National Burger Month at NOBHILL TAVERN at MGM Grand. Every week throughout May, NOBHILL will present a specially crafted burger inspired by early American train lines and the regions through which they traveled. Juicy eight ounce Kobe beef burger patties sandwiched between brioche buns, baked daily in-house and topped with the finest ingredients are sure to evoke warm nostalgic images of the culinary diversity of America’s past and present.

• Full story/details/info: Nobhill Tavern By Michael Mina Celebrates National Burger Month

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas Opens Friday, May 11, 2012 – Today internationally-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay announced that Gordon Ramsay Steak, his first restaurant in Las Vegas, will open Friday, May 11 at Paris Las Vegas. Gordon Ramsay Steak will offer guests a fresh, high-energy modern steakhouse environment that playfully transports guests from Paris to London.

“The space is bold and innovative, and we’ve put together a strong team who together created a contemporary and fresh menu,” says Chef Ramsay. “I can’t wait to open and start welcoming guests to my very first Vegas-based restaurant.”

• Full story/details/info: Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas

Las Vegas to Host First-Ever World Food Championships – Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel’s Man v. Food: Nation, and the upcoming Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America, and Trybe Targeting, America’s premiere food enthusiast marketing agency representing over 700 food competitions, have teamed up to produce the inaugural World Food Championships in Las Vegas, the culinary and entertainment capital of the world.

• Full story/details/info: Las Vegas to Host First-Ever World Food Championships

Annual Las Vegas Helldorado Days Celebration May 17-20, 2012 – Enjoy The Rodeo, Carnival, Parade, Exhibits, Food Vendors And More.

The annual Las Vegas Helldorado Days will be celebrated downtown May 17-20 with community and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos, carnival, parade, exhibits and food vendors. The downtown rodeo grounds are located from Las Vegas Boulevard east to Seventh Street and from Stewart Avenue north to Mesquite Avenue.

• Full story/details/info: Annual Las Vegas Helldorado Days Celebration May 17-20, 2012

Maverick Grand Canyon Landing Tour – You will start your experience with a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, as well as many other awe-inspiring views. After descending 3,500 feet inside the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, you will enjoy a light snack, a cool beverage and a champagne toast 300 feet above the Colorado River.

Click To Book Maverick
Grand Canyon Landing Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Las Vegas Mob Attraction by Sarah Jane Woodall

If I hear one more crusty old-timer in Vegas ramble on about how much better this town was “when the Mob ran Vegas,” I’m going to puke. What exactly is so idyllic about a bunch of murderous thugs running a city? But, love it or hate it, the history of Vegas is inextricably linked with the history of the Mafia…and in finest opportunistic Vegas fashion, the city has figured a way to capitalize on this rampant nostalgia.

• Read Entire Las Vegas Mob Attraction Review
• Las Vegas Mob Attraction tickets, video, and info

Brian Hoffman’s Red Skelton Tribute Show by DW Grant

Seeing this show is like blowing the dust off an old favorite photo album, bringing back the thrill of rediscovery. Brian Hoffman brings Red Skelton back to Vegas in a valuable rediscovery of the late great movie, radio, and TV comedian. Even if you never knew Red Skelton you’ll find you have a new friend by the end of the evening. Recreate a celebrity, imitate their mannerisms and mimic their voice, Brian Hoffman does all of that very well.

• Read Entire Brian Hoffman’s Red Skelton Tribute Show Review
• Brian Hoffman’s Red Skelton Tribute Show Las Vegas tickets, video, and info

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Aureole Wine Angels – With all the unique structures in Las Vegas, like the Luxor and Stratosphere, we’ve uncovered what may just be the ultimate in the theatrics of dining out at Aureole inside Mandalay Bay. They have flipping, flying wine angels to put on a show and a menu to die for.
• History of Las Vegas: Casinos and Crime – Learn more about the history of Las Vegas.
• Famous Food at Serendipity 3: Egg White Shrimp Frittata – Serendipity 3′s Chef Michael Wolf demonstrates how to make one of the restaurant’s signature breakfast dishes, Egg White Shrimp Frittata, made with wild shrimp,asparagus & roasted tomatoes in an egg white frittata, topped with mixed green salad.
• California’s Gold Road Trip: Las Vegas – Legendary California PBS fixture Huell Howser leaves the Golden State and heads for the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas to find some of the “hidden” gold in this historic town. From the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park (accompanied by Mark Hall-Patton of Pawn Stars fame), the Atomic Testing Museum, and Red Rock Canyon, there’s a lot to see and do.

  Note: The link is a 1500k MP4 video and is 30 minutes long. You may wish to right-click and download it to your computer for optimum playback.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

What is happening to the Las Vegas Club? We were there last weekend and the casino which I absolutely love, was less than half full, machines that had once been my favorite (coin operated) were removed and put into the back room with other slot machines that were now part of storage. At one time the was a Sport’s Book and Live Keno–no more.

Our last night Tuesday May 1st, quite a few of the machines were tagged to say non operational after 1:30am. Tinocos at the Las Vegas club was vacant except for my husband and myself. The food is always excellent with some of the best pasta dishes I have ever had except for Florence Italy. The restaurant is no longer accepting Comps.

I love the friendly staff in the casino who make our gambling experience fun (even though I may be losing). I am worried that when I go back this summer the Las Vegas Club will no longer be operational.

Teresa Sherman

Ted Responds:

For a number of months, the hotel portion of the Las Vegas Club has only been open weekends and selected weeks of high demand. As it is the sister property to the newly refurbished Plaza, they don’t currently feel the need to run Las Vegas Club at “full speed”. You got to Tinoco’s just in time. They have temporarily closed. Las Vegas Club guests are encouraged to take in the dining options across the street at The Plaza.

On a recent visit, we didn’t see any really empty (of slots) areas of the casino floor, but did see a bank of progressive video poker games all with the same sign noting they would be not working after 1:30 AM.

Pretty serious rumors are afloat regarding a serious overhaul and upgrade of the property. This makes sense as work on The Plaza is coming to a close and the ownership company has indicated that they’d turn their attention to the Las Vegas Club next.

No need to worry about its demise. Casinos just don’t close, especially in an improving Vegas tourism economy. (Yes… The Sahara closed — due to bad management from what we could tell — but other than that, everyone is sticking it out and/or making improvements).

Hang tight. I’d bet that in the next year or so, we’ll see a revitalized Las Vegas Club back at full steam!

Love your newsletter!

Myself and my wife have just had a few days in San Francisco (great place) and then moved on to Vegas where I celebrated my 60th birthday. I first visited Vegas in 1997 after a few days in LA for the Breeders Cup. This was the best thing that I have ever done in my life. Since then I have been coming back to Vegas at regular intervals, sometimes alone because my wife isn’t smitten the same as I am.

I have always stayed on the strip at a different Hotel each time, all are good but some are better than others. This time we stayed at the Bellagio which was magnificent but maybe its because it is part of OLD VEGAS my preference must be Caesars.

In the past I have done the Grand Canyon and the Sky Walk and all of the other attractions which were great but this time we visited the Mob Museum which was simply the best.

The restaurants/food are still of the highest standard as well as the service, but this is where I am going to have a slight criticism. I am sure that there where a lot more drunken people walking around the casinos using strong language and making nuisances of themselves, at all times of the day and night. I’m sure it didn’t used to be like that, or maybe its me that’s getting old.

It didn’t spoil our holiday and we will be back. I really enjoy your newsletters and all those photos of old Vegas are great.

Thanks again Ted

John from York England

Ted Responds:

No question that Las Vegas has become more and more about heavy partying than it used to be. Don’t get me wrong… alcohol has always helped “grease the skids” here, but the whole “What Happens Here, Stays Here” campaign has definitely attracted people who tend to get a little more out-of-control.

Obviously, the properties have a fine line to walk between letting people do their thing and stopping people who are out of control. At the table games, you are still expected to keep the cursing to a minimum. But to a point, it is something that has become pretty prevalent in an adult atmosphere.

It certainly is common for people traveling as far as you do to make more than one stop on the West Coast, and San Francisco is certainly a beautiful city to see. For those thinking of a multi-city swing, keep in mind how big the western U.S. is. A drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas is over 9 hours. Up to Reno from here? Nearly 8 hours. Los Angeles? 5 hours or so (although it can really vary depending on traffic). Even a drive to the west rim of the Grand Canyon to the Skywalk is over three hours (and not suggested for a low clearance vehicle).

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2012
News & Events

• A Special Mother’s Day Feast Awaits Las Vegas Moms at JW Marriott
• Delight Mom With Dessert This Mother’s Day At California Pizza Kitchen
• Boyd Gaming Properties Offers Special Mother’s Day Menus
• Engage In Social Spa-Ing This Mother’s Day At Qua Baths & Spa At Caesars Palace
• Hash House A Go Go Announces Mother’s Day Specials

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Legends in Concert – From Janis To Lady Gaga

  Book Legends In Concert Las Vegas Tickets Now

• House Of Blues Las Vegas Puts A New Twist On The Classic Gospel Brunch

  Book Gospel Brunch Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Revamp of House of Blues greets Santana
• Santana ready to bring good energy to House of Blues
• Cozy House of Blues is a real jam hall as Santana opens two-year residency

  Book Carols Santana Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Grandma Lee Of ‘America’s Got Talent’ Fame Coming To The King’s Room On May 31
• Michelin-Starred Chef Masa Takayama Debuts First Teppanyaki Restaurant, Tetsu, At Aria
• Rí Rá Las Vegas Introduces Rí-Wards Card By Giving Away A Trip To Ireland
• Study Says Las Vegas Housing Market Rebounding
• From Halo-Halo To BungBong, Filipino Fast Food At The Hawaiian Marketplace
• Catfish Alley Serves Up Southern Cooking At, Um, The Hawaiian Marketplace
• First Look: Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Vegas
• Catching Up With The Commonwealth, Fremont Country Club and Fremont East
• Jackie Gaughan, El Cortez integral parts of downtown Las Vegas’ rebirth
• Bellagio fountains help whet appetite for learning during science festival
• Las Vegas gets high-end, U.S. brand stores
• Las Vegas bucket list: Start exploring now
• News Bureau showed sexy sells
• Rich Little paying tribute to idol Jimmy Stewart
• With boom over, Las Vegas enters Era of Normal
• Of beer pong, Lucky and ‘Freaks’: O’Sheas performs its last jig
• Collector has right stuff for space and science center
• Former boomtown Searchlight rich with history
• Farmers markets sprout throughout valley to meet demand for locally grown produce
• SWEET 16: The highest paid executives in Las Vegas
• Tourists flock to, gingerly tread on Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Las Vegas’ Smith Center as much about community, education as theater, arts
• McCarran scores high in magazine’s reader survey

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Need to contact us? Send feedback to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

• Cinco De Mayo Las Vegas 2012
• Kentucky Derby Las Vegas 2012
• Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Well, we’re back in the saddle. I had a great week last week with my parents here. They aren’t really into the “Vegas” side of things, but do enjoy Bellagio Fountains and similar. Plus, coming down from Portland, OR they really enjoyed the sun and warm weather. Rick enjoyed time with family and friends back in Connecticut. But on the 10 day trip, he started getting that “Vegas itch” about halfway through it.

Don’t get me wrong: It is always great to get back to the hometown and see everybody. But once you’ve lived here more than a while, you get really, really bored really, really easy in most “normal” places. What, you can’t just go hit Fremont Street because you have nothing to do? Is it ever going to stop being cloudy? Why do they roll up the sidewalks at 6 PM on a weeknight?

Interestingly enough, I’ve run into a fair number of people over the years who lived here a while, moved away, and ended up moving back because they just couldn’t stand how “normal” other places were!

Goodbye O’Sheas – I’m devoting much of my section to the demise of Las Vegas’ favorite Strip dive casino. Now, O’Sheas wasn’t for everybody. It was a little on the dirty, beat up side. No high limit pit here. Those trendy 20 and 30-somethings who prowl the Cosmopolitan in 60′s era suits with their eyes permanently glued to their iWhatever (because they think that they are so important, that they can’t ignore their phone for even three seconds)? None of that at O’Sheas.

The significance is that we lost one of the final low roller, “real people” places on The Strip. Already gone are the Boardwalk, Silver City, and Frontier. San Remo became Hooters. The Hacienda was blown up to make way for Mandalay Bay (YouTube implosion video). Pretty much only Casino Royale remains.

O’Sheas owners Caesars Entertainment have vowed to rebuild it as part of their Linq project (which we’ve covered extensively in previous issues). As you can see by the artist rendering above, the new O’Sheas looks more like something that belongs in CityCenter. It is going to take a lot of spilled booze and general abuse to get it looking like the O’Sheas we all knew and loved!

Last night of O’Sheas

Last night of O’Sheas

Of minor note was the implosion of the parking garage about a day later. Obviously, not one of Las Vegas’ more noteworthy implosions. But the first one we’ve had in quite some time. True personal story: I had forgotten about the 2:30 AM planned implosion time. I live just over 1.5 miles from O’Sheas (as the crow flies). I was sitting on my back patio (beautiful, warm late evening) watching some Netflix and all of a sudden, this super-loud “Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom…” was coming from The Strip.

It completely freaked me out and I thought that we’d be hit by a terrorist attack! After being jolted up out of my chair and spinning around to note if I could see anything, I realized that it was the implosion and my heart rate immediately started dropping back to normal!

Photo Credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage

Photo Credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage

Link: O’sheas Parking Garage Implosion Video

Project Linq Construction Continues
Between Carnival Court And Imperial Palace

On A Completely Unrelated Note – The porte-cochère at Golden Gate is basically done. Given that the former lobby entrance to the property was a “15 Minute Parking” loading spot on the curb of Main Street outside the hotel, this is quite a change.

Boo Hoo Hoo (Lying, Cheating Cab Drivers) – In protest to more cabs being allowed in Las Vegas, cab drivers are claiming that they can’t make a go of it. So, they are long-hauling more and more and more to bump up fares. We’ve linked to a video detailing the latest in our What Were Watching area later in the newsletter.

Once we go to a membership model and have the finances and staff, we plan to aggressively pursue this issue on behalf of you and all Las Vegas visitors. We’ll take the rides (and turn in every cabbie who long-hauls us), we’ll post detailed (for members) charts of how much it should cost to various areas from the airport, and create a little “cheat sheet” you can print out on how to handle it when you’ve been long-hauled. In the meantime, check out the video when you make your way down to that section.

Sahara Gets Financing – The company owning the shuttered Sahara actually got the $300 million in financing they need (roughly half the projected total renovation cost) to redo the property a la The Tropicana. I’m a little surprised and not particularly bullish on it (read previous issues), but will be happy to see the first domino fall on the revitalization of the North Strip. The owner seems bullish on the North Strip. Perhaps they are also expecting some of the new energy from downtown to waft down the street and help that area pick up.

One work of caution: The completion date isn’t until sometime in 2014. So, don’t look for ground breaking tomorrow. They are claiming that they want to finish hotel projects they have in other cities to create a group of customers they can market to. I think they are hedging their bets and playing a “wait and see” game regarding how well and quickly Las Vegas recovers. As always, we’ll keep you posted.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino Front Drive Closed – Detour Route Map – There will be additional road closures at Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino for construction of The LINQ. Vehicle traffic will no longer be able to access Imperial Palace from the Las Vegas Boulevard entrances.

• Full story/details/info: Imperial Palace Front Drive Closed

• Map Of Traffic Detours For Imperial Palace Visitors

An Intimate Evening With Santana: Greatest Hits Live – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow – The legendary Carlos Santana will perform An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.

For 40 years and as many albums later, Santana has sold more than 90 million records and reached more than 100 million fans at concerts worldwide. To date, Santana has won 10 GRAMMY® Awards, including a record-tying nine for a single project for 1999’s Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Smooth”). In 1998, the group was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

• Full story/details/info: An Intimate Evening With Santana
• Click to Book Tickets Now: Carols Santana

The Barrymore Hosts Kentucky Derby Fans – Popular New Restaurant to Televise Kentucky Derby and Serve Traditional Cocktails – Mint juleps and bourbon smashes will set the mood for Kentucky Derby fans at The Barrymore on Saturday, May 5. The contemporary new restaurant at The Royal Resort will showcase the hand-crafted cocktails for just $5 and televise the Kentucky Derby on the flat screen TVs in the lounge and dining room.

In-between races, patrons can take the southern party outside on the patio and enjoy the traditional cocktails on the oversized couches and cozy chairs. Plus, guests can pair their cocktails with tasty new spring items from The Barrymore menu including the Kentucky Hot Brown or Monte Christo; a roasted turkey, aged ham, jalsberg Swiss cheese and brioche.

• Full story/details/info: The Barrymore Hosts Kentucky Derby Fans

Comme Ça To Captivate Guests With Patio Launch Of Riviera Nights – Introduce Seasonal French Small Plates Menu – Comme Ça at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will launch Riviera Nights, an unparalleled dining and lounge party experience on Thursday, April 26. Set on the restaurant’s stunning patio, the weekly soiree will introduce a selection of French small plates and a signature sangaree.

Available from 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday night, patrons will enjoy the striking views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip showcased from Comme Ça’s breathtaking patio. A French house DJ will be on-hand to spin the hottest tunes under a canopy of neon red lights glimmering from the ceiling.

• Full story/details/info: Comme Ça To Captivate Guests With Patio Launch Of Riviera Nights

2012 Fantasy Calendar Cover Girl Koree Is May ‘Showgirl Of The Month’ – Summer sizzles with the “Ultimate FANTASY” 2012 calendar cover girl Koree, who has been named May’s “Showgirl of the Month.”

A top performer in FANTASY, the adult revue at Luxor Hotel and Casino, Koree shows off her sexy dancer physique in the calendar, tantalizing fans in a silky, see-through nighty that shows off her pink bow tattoo. The gorgeous Pittsburgh native stays in tip-top shape by working out daily, taking Pure Barre classes and regularly taking her dog to the park.

• Full story/details/info: 2012 Fantasy Calendar Cover Girl Koree
• Click to Book Now: Fantasy

Maverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane Tour – Fly aboard Maverick’s Beechcraft 1900D aircraft on a 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim where your ultimate adventure will begin. Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park as your journey continues with ground transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park.

Click To Book Maverick Grand
Canyon Explorer Plane Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Jersey Boys by Guy Chapman

For anyone looking for a true musical journey that will provide an evening of non-stop hits, one would be hard pressed to find a better or more satisfying experience than “The Jersey Boys”, a musical send up of the life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. From their humble beginnings in New Jersey, to their meteoric rise to fame, and their eventual split careers, this is an ear-pleasing spectacle that any music lover won’t soon forget.

Having recently opened in the Paris Hotel and Casino, “Jersey Boys” is a fine addition to the Paris’ theater. Part biography and part documentary, the production is a two-hour time machine that starts with the origins of the Four Seasons (including the many and multiple names and music genres the group went through before settling on their distinctive sound), and the discovery and emergence of a teenaged Frankie Castelluccio, who would later become Frankie Valli.

• Read Entire Jersey Boys Review
• Jersey Boys Tickets

Human Nature – The Ultimate Celebration of Motown by T. D’Richards

WARNING: Attending a performance of Human Nature can lead to serious hand-clapping, foot-stopping, dancing-in-your-seat and aisles behavior – not to mention, singing along.

At a recent performance, audience members succumbed to all the above as Human Nature served up their unique brand of classic Motown with a subtle, yet distinct modern twist.

• Read Entire Human Nature Review
• Human Nature Tickets

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Robbie Maddison’s 2008 New Year’s Eve Jump – Relive daredevil Robbie Maddison jumping his motorcycle to the top of the Arc de Triomphe at the Paris Las Vegas, and then jumping straight back off it 10 stories up.
• Going the long way: Costly cab trips grow into ‘epidemic’ – “Long hauling is becoming truly epidemic,” said 14-year driver Stephen Lenett with Whittlesea Blue Cab/Henderson Taxi. “Originally, you saw it from the airport to the hotels, but now it’s just as prevalent going back to the airport. People are coming up with more creative ways to take people on longer rides.” Read More…
• Gold Spike Hotel – By definition, an oasis serves as a pleasant change from what is usual: a haven or retreat. Hence, Oasis at Gold Spike, the name for Stephen Siegel’s newest creation in the heart of Las Vegas’ famed downtown area. The re-developed, 50 room boutique hotel connected to Downtown Las Vegas’ just renovated, Gold Spike Hotel & Casino, offers Las Vegas locals and tourists with a distinctive option.
• The Mob Museum: The Inside Story – Learn all about the new Mob Museum downtown and what to expect when you visit.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

Cinco de Mayo Las Vegas 2012 News – Shows – Events

• Carlos’n Charlie’s Hosts Its Inaugural Vegas Cinco De Mayo Party
• Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino May 5
• Go Coconuts First Cinco De Mayo Party, Contests, Food And Drink Specials!
• MGM Resorts Las Vegas Ready For A Fiesta On The Strip This Cinco De Mayo
• Silverton Casino Hotel Announces Cinco De Mayo Events And Specials
• Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With Festive Block Party at Bally’s

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Jersey Boys – Ces Soirées-là!

  Book Jersey Boys Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Peep! Peep! ‘Peepshow’ celebrates 3rd anniversary
• “Peepshow” at Planet Hollywood Turns Three

  Book Peepshow Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Style Profile: Phantom The Las Vegas Spectacular

  Book Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Las Vegas Tickets Now

• 10 years later, ‘X Burlesque’ still keeps audiences on their toes

  Book X Burlesque Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Las Vegas mayor touts downtown turnaround (with video)
• Miracle Mile Shops Las Vegas May Events, Deals And Promotions
• El Cortez May Promotions, Deals, and Events
• Celebrate “the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” at the D Las Vegas with $10,000 Giveaway and Mint Juleps
• Station Casinos’ Free May House Entertainment
• Metro McDonald’s Launches on the Las Vegas Strip with After-Hours Grand Opening Event
• Tropical Smoothie Café Opens Three Las Vegas Strip Locations
• First Friday Las Vegas Presents: The Art Of Science!
• Flamingo Introduces Exotic Summer Love Poolside Wedding Package
• Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill Launches “Red Cup Solo” Ladies Night Every Thursday
• With Temps Hovering Around 100, Last of Vegas Pools Make Their Debut
• Inside The Biggest Candy Store (Yet) in Vegas
• What is the definition of an authentic Las Vegas showgirl?
• A Last Look at RPM and An Un-Official Sneak Peek at Bagatelle
• Las Vegas pines for a little respect – It took a brutal tumble with the economy, but locals say the national media’s ‘worst city’ lists are overkill.
• Las Vegas #2 on business travel list
• From showgirls to vampires, the topless revues of the Strip
• Palms To Go All In With New Sportsbook
• Carlos N’ Charlies: To Si or Not To Si?
• Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee Moves from Bill’s to Harrah’s
• Drink & Drag Vegas is Dressed Up and Ready to Party
• Carlos’n Charlie’s Las Vegas Opens at Flamingo
• Can Vegas Sustain Even More Reality TV Shows? We Asked The Experts
• Coffee In Your Rio Room Will Wake You Up, But Maybe Not Until Checkout
• A Refreshed Food Court Arrives At Luxor (But, When Can We Score?)
• Jabbowockeez gets its own venue
• Plans for downtown club, bar advance
• It’s time to put an end to taxi cab long-hauling
• Wanted: More international visitors to U.S.
• McCarran flier count increases in March
• Las Vegas flirts with triple digits, settles for record 99
• With Allegiant shaking up Las Vegas-Hawaii air market, how will Southwest respond?
• What’s behind Tony Hsieh’s unrelenting drive to remake downtown Las Vegas?
• The weirdness of the Strip is what makes it cool – leave it be
• Pub set to push revival forward for downtown
• Tropicana’s Mob Attraction reopened its interactive displays in March
• Las Vegas cuisine is melting pot of world’s best
• Empty spaces filled by shows on Strip
• UNLV forecasts continued slow economic recovery for Las Vegas
• Popular shoes step out of the Cosmopolitan for time being
• Wetlands Safari: Exploring Clark County’s desert oasis
• Slot makers preparing for Internet gaming
• Las Vegas tourism numbers continue steady climb
• Las Vegas tourism sizzles in February; visitor count surges 6.4 percent
• What can be done with the Vegas’ half-built corporate eyesores?
• CityCenter developers cut prices on high-rise condos
• Southwest Las Vegas in the spotlight
• LVCVA report provides snapshot of the prototypical Las Vegas visitor
• Magician Murray building brand, including new residency at Tropicana
• Week 1 lines keep NFL on front burner
• Nevada reports gaming revenues of $932 million for February
• Las Vegas, Nevada unemployment rates dips slightly
• Las Vegas new-home prices rise
• Former Luxe condos get Modern touch
• Can’t just stop Strip handbillers; that takes time and money
• Postal Service’s money troubles to spread Las Vegas-style mail delivery

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Send feedback to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

• Cinco De Mayo Las Vegas 2012
• Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Compublisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – What a difference a week makes. Last weekend, Saturday was a rainy 55 degrees F. Early this week, we’re looking at a couple of days sneaking up on the 100 degree mark! The average high for April is only 78 and this just goes to show you that our high desert weather can be very unpredictable. Average is not the norm.

Junk (Bonds) For The Sahara – Standard & Poor’s has rated the $300 million loan The Sahara owners want to take out (as part of a $744 million face lift) as a more risky debt in the “junk bond” category. They basically cited all of the reasons I’ve cited over time as to why turning the legendary property into an upscale hotel centered around nightlife and dining probably won’t work (period) and absolutely won’t work in that location. Listen… I live in that general area (within 2 miles of the property, which I can see from my front lawn). I drive by The Sahara running errands. The north Strip is a disaster.

One can argue that the upgrades at Stratosphere are paying off, but The Strat only spent $20 million to spruce the joint up. They aren’t dreaming of catering to the trendy club crowd.

Now in their defense, we must note that the same was said about The Mirage. It was also financed by junk bonds and people laughed at the thought of that kind of upscale property working in Las Vegas (at the time). Note that I’m not rooting against The Sahara remodel. It would be great to get it open again. Even if they ended up defaulting on the loans, we’d have the hotel up and running and helping revive the north end of The Strip. But I’ll take on all comers who want to bet on the success of the project. In related news…

The Sahara Roller Coaster Is Moving – Just across from Mandalay Bay sits an unassuming little strip mall (Google maps) that is home to McDonald’s, Panda Express, a liquor store, and a radio station. I’m super familiar with it because it used to be the Panda (of which I’m a fan) I’d patronize when I lived down on the “South Strip” not too far from the outlet mall down that way. Big plans are in store: They are going to rebuild the ride, wrapping it around the mall. In addition, they are building a 26,000 sq. ft. nightclub/concert venue and 6000 sq. ft. worth of restaurant space. We’ll keep you posted.

Photos Of Vegas From When The Mob Ran Vegas – We recently published a note from a reader who has been visiting Las Vegas for 60 years. I myself am 19 years into living here and have been reflecting on all of the changes I’ve seen over that time. If you remember parts of Las Vegas as they used to be (or are just curious about how different the town looked decades ago), check out the photo slide show Photos of Vegas when the Mob ran Vegas

Moody’s (Investor Services) Notes Las Vegas Recovery – Wall Street has just figured out what I’ve been telling you for the past year: Las Vegas is back. Now, I’m not a stock analyst. This isn’t what I’m writing about. My only question is “What took them so long!!!” Last year, Las Vegas nearly set a record for the number of visitors. The Strip and downtown are often packed, and have been for a long time now. Talk about old news…

Don’t Feel Guilty – One of my pet peeves is when I read an occasional blog post or even newspaper article noting how unsustainable, non-green, wasteful, and similar that Las Vegas is. How a city shouldn’t be in the middle of a barren desert. About all the water the resorts “waste”. On and on and on…

Let’s clear the air on a few things, so next time your snide friends turn up their nose at you for visiting Las Vegas, you have some answers:

• The Las Vegas Strip sits 20 miles from the Colorado River, one of the major great tributaries in North American. Anywhere else in the world, a city taking water from a river 20 miles away would be considered normal. But for Las Vegas, it is somehow considered evil.
• We’ve been criticized that everything we consume has to come in by truck or train. That we don’t grow anything locally. However, A significant amount of the nation’s agriculture occurs in California and even Arizona because of the year-round growing weather. States which are our next door neighbors.

  So… it is bad for us to get our food one state away, but OK to sit in South Dakota and eat California oranges? (I’m not slighting South Dakota. These are just examples). By the way, we have agriculture in Southern Nevada. Just not enough water rights to really do some serious growing.

• The hotels are wasteful, right? Actually, not really. Most properties have green initiatives. (They are doing it to actually save money, just like I use those new light bulbs not because I like them, but they are cheaper to leave on all the time… as many visitors often do). But, green is green.

  Most have extensive recycling programs. In fact, an architectural masonry company here in town takes an enormous number of empty beer bottles from the hotels and uses them in their product. That food you don’t finish at the buffet or restaurant? It is taken to feed pigs at a pig farm in North Las Vegas.

• People think the resorts waste water. Not true. Many of the big water features (Bellagio Fountains, Treasure Island Pirate Show) use recycled water that was originally first used inside the property (no, not the sewage). How about all those pools? Actually, a handful of pools serving many, many thousands of hotel guests at once is very efficient. What about all of the lush landscaping? Same story. It is being enjoyed by thousands of people per day.

Next Week – Next week is a scheduled week off for us. Rick has already headed back to his hometown in Connecticut for 10 days and my parents are in town all next week. So, we’ll see you in a couple of weeks.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Mike Tyson Debuts Las Vegas Show “Undisputed Truth” – Boxing icon Mike Tyson hosted a star-studded grand opening event for his one-man show “Mike Tyson: UNDISPUTED TRUTH – Live on Stage” at MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theatre. Tyson along with wife/producer/co-writer Kiki Tyson, producer/creator Adam Steck and director/co-writer Randy Johnson welcomed a packed house of friends, family, celebrities and VIPs. Photo credit: Erik Kabik/erikkabik.com

• Full story/details/info: Mike Tyson Debuts Undisputed Truth

Mark Ruffalo and Chris Browning film scenes for “Now you See Me” at Golden Gate Casino – Mark Ruffalo and Chris Browning headed to downtown Las Vegas for a night at the Golden Gate – Las Vegas’ original casino – to film a scene for the upcoming movie “Now You See Me.”

The movie, scheduled to hit theaters in early 2013, pits a crack FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against a super-team of the world’s greatest illusionists, who pull off a series of daring bank heists during their performances, showering the profits on their audiences while staying one step ahead of the law.

• Full story/details/info: Mark Ruffalo and Chris Browning film scenes for “Now you See Me”

The Barrymore To Offer Mother’s Day Brunch – Treat Your Gem To A Memorable Dining Experience – The Barrymore at the Royal Resort will take care of the cooking on Mother’s Day with a Sunday brunch dedicated to the women that take care of their families.

An array of refreshing libations including mimosas, champagne and bloody marys will set the tone for a relaxing brunch with mom. Savory selections include Meidenbauer’s delicious lobster eggs benedict; a freshly baked English muffin topped with poached eggs, Maine lobster asparagus, and bernaise sauce, along with a side of crispy hash browns and traditional steak n’ eggs featuring an eight-ounce hangar steak with two eggs any style, roasted tomato and hash browns. French toast served with whipped butter and a choice of maple syrup, fruit compote or banana-raisin compote will appease any mom’s sweet tooth.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer Introduces Rock ‘N’ Roll Brunch – Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer introduces a new Rock ‘N’ Roll brunch menu featuring traditional breakfast items and griddle specialties with live performances from rock bands every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

Rockers will wake up with a choice of traditional egg-style combos like the Scramble of the Day, Steak and Eggs, Chicken Fried Steak or a Build Your Own Omelet all served with breakfast potatoes and toast. For specialties on the griddle, guests will enjoy breakfast favorites like French toast, waffles or biscuits and gravy with sides including bacon, sausage and toast.

• Full story/details/info: Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer Introduces Rock ‘N’ Roll Brunch

• Full story/details/info: The Barrymore To Offer Mother’s Day Brunch

Mother’s Day Brunch And ‘Momosa’ Drink Special At Sugar Factory Las Vegas – Every mom deserves an extra sweet day and there will be no better place to treat her well this Mother’s Day than at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas. The whimsical eatery will feature an unlimited “momosa” drink special, priced at $15, to go along with their dozens of delicious brunch menu items on Sunday, May 13.

The day’s special term for a classic mimosa cocktail is just the beginning of the creative cuisine moms and families will get to experience at Sugar Factory American Brasserie. Original dishes include the Red Velvet Pancakes topped with cherry syrup, white chocolate shavings, candied orange and maple syrup, priced at $12. Another favorite is the Chocolate Decadence French Toast, which features rich, dark chocolate-stuffed brioche piled with strawberries and drizzled with a choice of white, milk or dark chocolate syrup, priced at $14.

• Full story/details/info: Mother’s Day Brunch At Sugar Factory

Tender Steak & Seafood Celebrates Mother’s Day With Special Dinner Menu – K.C. Fazel, executive chef of TENDER Steak & Seafood at Luxor Hotel and Casino, has created a special prix fixe menu priced at $49 per person in honor of Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13.

The elegant 12,000-square-foot restaurant features warm cherry wood walls and soft mood lighting for an upscale dining experience. Highlighted by leather seating and antler-crusted chandeliers, the interior offers guests a luxurious ambiance combined with a classic and intimate feel. TENDER has a relaxing main dining room, bar and lounge and two smaller private dining rooms for meetings and small parties accommodating 15 to 30 guests, respectively.

• Full story/details/info: Tender Steak & Seafood Celebrates Mother’s Day

Comme Ça Features Specialty Prix-Fixe Dinner In Celebration Of Mother’s Day – Acclaimed Chef David Myers will treat mothers to an exquisite dining experience at his esteemed restaurant Comme Ça at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13.

Chef Myers and Executive Chef Brian Howard have created a specialty prix-fixe menu priced at $55, which will be available all day. Guests may enjoy the French brasserie’s sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip while indulging in a decadent, three-course dinner that includes a glass of rosé wine. A bouquet of flowers will be presented to mothers upon being seated, adding a special touch to the holiday festivities.

• Full story/details/info: Comme Ça Celebrations Mother’s Day

Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Cinco De Mayo With Sexy Las Vegas Latina Lorena Peril – Tacos and Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will be the spiciest spot in town as singing starlet Lorena Peril from the steamy, adult revue, FANTASY, hosts a Cinco de Mayo fiesta Saturday, May 5 at 7 p.m. Following Peril’s appearance, DJ Larry Lynx spins party beats from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. as a few of FANTASY’s sexy dancers meet fans and “salud!” the holiday.

Fiesta-goers looking to start the party early can do so by enjoying T&T’s signature Mariachi Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The midday feast will feature a high-energy Mariachi band, two-for-one house margaritas and Bloody Marias, the Mexican version of a Bloody Mary. The T&T signature Bloody Maria is made with Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila and Chipotle Tabasco, topped with fresh cucumber and olive juice, and served with a green olive, Panela cheese and tomato skewer in a Gusanos salted rim glass.

• Full story/details/info: Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Cinco De Mayo

PBR Rock Bar & Grill Serves Up $5 Small Plates Menu For Cinco De Mayo – PBR Rock Bar & Grill at the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will treat patrons to a specialty menu in honor of the Cinco de Mayo holiday on Saturday, May 5.

Five will be the lucky number in Sin City as patrons will score some of the Strip-side eatery’s most popular food and drink selections that will be served as small plates and priced at only $5 all day. The affordable menu will feature PBR Rock Bar favorites including BBQ Potato Chip Nachos, Queso Con Carne Dip with Tortilla Chips; Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas; Fresh Corn on the Cob, garnished with mayo, parmesan, butter and chili powder; and Cheese Quesadillas.

• Full story/details/info: PBR Rock Bar & Grill For Cinco De Mayo

Rockhouse Announces Plans To Relocate To New Strip Venue – Free Drinks On Closing Night – After six successful years of rocking out all day and night at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, the iconic hotspot Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub has announced plans to close its doors on Saturday, May 5. The Cinco de Mayo bash will be the ultra-dive bar’s final night of hard partying until its reopening at a new venue on the Strip later this year.

• Full story/details/info: Rockhouse Announces Plans To Relocate

Maverick Grand Canyon Air Tour – Sit back and relax as you experience this spectacular air excursion through the Grand Canyon. Highlights of this trip include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and Fortification Hill an extinct volcano. Fly through Black Canyon and on your return to the south Las Vegas valley.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Air Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

David Copperfield by Guy Chapman

There are few entertainers that can boast the longevity and widespread appeal of master illusionist David Copperfield. His career has spanned decades with Broadway shows and Emmy winning television specials that have showcased everything from walking through the Great Wall of China to making the Statue of Liberty disappear. And now he brings that talent and wonder to reside in the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, in a 90-minute spectacle that will leave the audience breathless.

• Read Entire David Copperfield Review
• David Copperfield Tickets

Country Superstars by Nicole Acevedo

Out in the country, they’re always ready to have a good time. The same is true for Las Vegas, so kick on yer leather boots, strap that silver buckle and top that noggin’ with that good ol’ cowboy hat and get ready to sway those hips and kick them heels to the top hits of the today’s hottest country music superstars. This isn’t a fancy karaoke, and certainly not a lip-syncing look-alike contest. These tribute artists rock the stage with an amazing five-piece band singing and performing to you live. They are so talented that you quickly forget you are watching a tribute show.

• Read Entire Country Superstars Review
• Country Superstars Tickets

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Peepshow – Mail lead Josh Strickland tells you about this Las Vegas entertainment staple, takes you inside Holly Madison’s dressing room, and introduces you to the dancers.
• NASA: What Doesn’t Stay in Vegas? Sprawl – When Landsat 5 launched on March 1, 1984, Las Vegas was a smaller city. This image series, done in honor of the satellite’s 28th birthday, shows the desert city’s massive growth spurt since 1972. The outward expansion of the city is shown in a false-color time lapse of data from all the Landsat satellites.
• Las Vegas’ Competitive Adult Pool Party Market – The creative marketing efforts of Las Vegas adult pools heats up in an effort to attract more customers in an increasingly competitive market. Check out the pools, parties, and what makes it all happen.
• Clark County Shooting Park – If you take Decatur north until it runs out, you’ll be at the Clark County Shooting Park. This park is a safe, fun and family friendly range with everything from archery and pistol to shotguns and rifle ranges. They have state of the art technology…junior and women’s programs, and family fun days to get the whole community involved.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I have gone to Las Vegas 32 out of the last 33 years. The earlier years, it seemed like nothing ever changed. BUT then starting 10 or more years ago what a change!! Giant mega casino’s a long ways to walk to get to from the strip, etc. But the excitement was and is still there. I enjoy going to Las Vegas more than anywhere in the world that I have been.

For a while it seemed like it was going to be just for the younger crowd but that seems to have changed some. And then back to when MGM Grand had the carnival atmosphere out back that isn’t there any more and I think – good riddance. I never thought Las Vegas was a ‘family town’ and that proved to be correct.

I have always enjoyed your wonderful newsletter!

Clearnce from Garden City, KS

Ted Responds:

Always great to hear the excitement of a long-time visitor. I too debate the “new” and “old” Vegas. I miss The Boardwalk (super easy, close parking and the casino sitting right on The Strip) and will miss O’Shea’s. Seems like a visitor almost has to hit the treadmill before their trip just to prep for the miles of walking they are going to do every day. In fact, part of the popularity of downtown is that you can bop from casino to casino to casino in a concentrated space.

The old amusement park at MGM is indeed long gone. That area is now their massive pool complex and their “Signature” Towers. We’re better at leaving that stuff to Disneyland, and parents with children (that aren’t old enough to gamble) are probably better off vacationing elsewhere. Very few things make me more sad then to see a young couple pushing a stroller along The Strip or downtown on a super-hot summer night at 11 PM. I’m sorry, but that just isn’t right.

Hopefully you enjoyed the old Vegas photos we linked to earlier in this issue. I know they certainly brought back some memories for me!

Love your newsletter!

Why doesn’t some group come out with a card that says NO MORE ILLEGAL CARD SNAPPERS ALLOWED TO LITTER AND LOITER! I will buy some of those.

When we went to Vegas in February, there was a section of the sidewalk near Harrah’s that barely had enough room for one person to pass in either direction. These damn card snappers were clearly hindering and blocking pedestrian traffic. What does that have to do with freedom of speech? And please don’t tell me they do not litter. I watched them trying to place the cards in shrubs and on a fence on a windy day.

Am I allowed to drop trash and put my empty drink containers in the shrubs? Sorry, but I feel my rights are violated when I have a walk on a litter-covered sidewalk and see nothing but their trash strewn everywhere. Why have I never seen these dirt bags downtown?

John from Swanton, VT

Hi Ted. I read with interest your thoughts on cleaning up the strip.

With regards to the porn slippers I think one way is to move them from the tight sidewalk areas they usually ply their wares to the wider sidewalk areas where you can walk more freely to avoid them. The argument the city can use is for safety. The areas they currently occupy are restricting people traffic flow in a safe manner. I find it very unsafe where they currently stand and it also allows for tighter confines for pickpockets.

Not sure but this would allow them to continue (ugh) and allow for safe pedestrian traffic flow.

Thanks,

Jack

Ted Responds:

Plenty of fantastic points.  Pinch points are under study. One of the worst is right in front of Margaritaville. I’m a fan of the joint, but whoever approved the design left way too little sidewalk.

I also have seen the pornslappers sticking their cards in bushes, to parts of light poles, you name it. As we’ve noted before, they way it works is that each card has a little code on it noting why gave it out. When someone avails themselves of the “service”, the person handing the card out gets a commission. I think the problem is that police would actually have to be catching these guys in the act.

The good news is that this issue is that upper casino management and the county commission are finally sobering up long enough to finally realize we have a serious problem here. I’m just in shock that this has been a top complaint for years and years and years and years and years now, and it is finally seriously in the spotlight. They say that when there is a will, there is a way. At least the issue is on the front-burner now.

The Fremont Street Experience is a completely different beast than The Strip. It is private property essentially “owned” by the main group of casinos which fund the Experience. It is considered a public thoroughfare in to a point, but they can (if they so choose, as on New Years Eve) to close it off or charge admission if they wish.

A suggestion has been made to privatize the sidewalks on The Strip, giving the various properties control over who steps onto their property and what they do when on it. However, think of the uproar which you’d see in your town if they decided to give the business district sidewalks to the business owners! It would be an unprecedented move. One suggestion I’m going to hit my county commissioner with is to see if the hotels could lease the sidewalks from the county for $1 per year (on a year-to-year deal). The citizens would not give up their property, the deal would be easy not to renew if it created issues, and the hotels could better control detrimental activity.

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More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Fat Frank, Absinthe’s Clown On The Wire, Shares His Vegas Secrets (with video)

  Book Absinthe Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Hangover Heaven doctor treats the buzz kill on Strip (with video)
• What Does Tony Hsieh See When He Talks Downtown? (with video)
• Casino mogul plans mini-versions of Strip around world (with video)
• Boyd Gaming Properties to Offer Special Mother’s Day Menus
• Tacos & Tequila Celebrates Mother’s Day With Special Brunch Menu
• American Burger Works To Offer Specialty Burger For National Hamburger Month
• Indulge in the Decadence of Champagne Brunch Daily At MGM Grand Buffet
• Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer Brings ‘Sunday Family Barbecue’ Tradition To Las Vegas Strip
• Restaurant Guy Savoy Inside Caesars Palace Selected as Top 40 Restaurant in the U.S.
• San Gennaro Feast Returns To Rio May 9-13 – It’s A Gastronomic ‘Love Affair With Italy’
• Pure Aloha Festival Brings The Aloha Spirit To Silverton Casino Hotel
• Cody Collins Headliner of Country Superstars Debuts Original Songs on iTunes
• NBA Summer League Returns To Las Vegas
• Comme Ça To Host Wine Dinner Featuring Joseph Phelps Wines
• Rockhouse Offers Beer Bucket Special In Celebration Of NFL Draft
• Jubilee! Remembers Titanic
• Does Dancing With The Stars Cha-Cha The Tropicana Out Of the Doldrums?
• Eiffel Tower’s Chef Joho Named Best in the U.S.
• Find your inner commando at Machine Guns Vegas
• Walking from the Las Vegas Airport to the Las Vegas Strip
• Paul Vigil’s Mystery And Magic Still Amazes, Still Free
• Allegiant adding carry-on fee of $35 per flight segment
• Las Vegas tourism officials urge changes to lure more visitors to U.S.
• Culinary Dropout restaurant to open at Hard Rock
• Mob Attraction muscles in on Las Vegas
• Plan to redevelop Sahara risky for investors, debt-rating agency says
• Field Trip: Herbs & Rye, Las Vegas
• The Lonesome Death of Family Vegas
• Inside The Strip’s Two-Story Walgreens
• Five Hot New Las Vegas Restaurants Not to Miss
• Pop icon Barry Manilow chats about his health, music and fame
• Vegas restaurants gamble on vegetarian menus
• High heels and low bikinis: It must be pool season in Vegas
• 45 minutes and a world away: Mount Charleston residents relish life in high-altitude oasis
• Low prices, low interest rates driving home sales across valley, Realtors say
• Behind the dreams: A peek past the waterfall at Wynn’s spectacular lake show
• Mayor: ‘We are well on our way’
• LVH struggles without Hilton
• How can Allegiant Air justify charging so many fees? Here’s what the company says
• Regulators warn day-pool, club operators
• Six street performers you might miss if Las Vegas cleans up the Strip
• La Cave at Wynn serving up interesting dishes in tapas fashion
• Zappos renovating old City Hall for future use
• Masada sees Trop as top spot for laughs

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Coming Events Listings:

• Cinco De Mayo Las Vegas 2012
• Mother’s Day Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – Spring is giving us the typically unpredictable weather it always seems to. We’re starting out the weekend with clouds and bands of rain, which will give way to highs in the mid-to-upper 80s as the coming week wears on.

Lots and lots to get to this issue (possibly the longest and most packed issue we’ve had in some time) so let’s just dive right in:

$20 Less In Gambling – A recent report noted that you budgeted about $20 less per trip in gambling money, but were spending more on dining, shopping, and tours. I’m sure the casino companies will cite the recession regarding gambling numbers. I continue to cite the tighter slots (penny slots are notoriously tight and often even an “win” is where you’ll win less than it costs you to play the hand, which gives you an actual loss).

Lower pay blackjack isn’t exactly helping either. If your money is going to be gone in a flash at the tables or slots, you’re much better off seeing a show, going on a tour, or getting a really great meal. At least you know what it will cost, and will have a experience in return for the dollar spent.

Hangover Heaven – Many of you saw news of a new Las Vegas company which will give you an IV to help combat your Las Vegas hangover. They have a bus which drives around to your hotel to pick you up and they treat you on board (starting at $90). I have a better (and far cheaper) suggestion, something which I’ve noted over the years but not very recently: Have some water between each drink. There is no charge to ask for an ice water when you order a drink.

Our climate is very deceiving: Because it is (usually) so dry, you don’t feel yourself sweat. (It dries off your skin so fast you can’t feel it). Between the low humidity and the booze, you dry out very quickly. Dehydration = Hangover. Down that ice water between drinks, down a good glass of water before you go to bed (hotel tap water is safe to drink despite the fact that our local water isn’t the best tasting), and you’ll find yourself in much better shape the next morning.

Where’s The Shrimp Cocktail – I was at Binion’s a couple of months ago and encountered a couple of guys near the old coffee shop looking lost. I told them that I live here and wondered if I could help them. They were looking for the famous shrimp cocktail and weren’t even sure what hotel it was in. (Obviously not our readers as we’ve highlighted news about the Golden Gate shrimp cocktail recently). Fortunately, I was able to point them in the right direction and note that they would have to obtain it in the coffee shop (Du-Par’s) due to construction on the deli. Oh, and gave them a card with the newsletter info.

With so many people returning to Las Vegas who have not visited in years (too expensive during the boom, they couldn’t afford to visit during the bust) and 19% of 2011 visitors as newbies, I’m seeing a record number of people literally walking around with a lost look. They pay good money to be here, then burn so much time trying to figure out what is going on and what they should do and see.

Many of you have friends thinking about coming or maybe even planning a trip. At the very least, send them over to http://www.las-vegas-news-reviews.com where they can read all of our archives and get up to speed! (It is a complicated web address… click over to it then copy and paste it into an email or IM to them)

Really Putting The Sin In Sin City – Lots of rumbling about the porn industry continuing to invade Las Vegas. Los Angeles has always been the adult film capital, but a recent law requiring condom use in adult films shot in L.A. has the industry looking for a new home, and Las Vegas’ libertarian live-and-let-live attitude and lack of regulation seem to be just what their looking for.

I’ll be honest: If you are in a business where location is agnostic (you make widgets that could be manufactured just about anywhere) and you are doing it in Southern California, I have one little exercise for you: Go to Realtor.com and see what kind of house $250k will get you in So Cal. Then do the same search and see what it will get you in Las Vegas. OK, I know… we don’t have the beach. But with the much lower cost of housing, labor, and no state income tax, you can afford to fly over and enjoy the beach probably more often than you do now!

Train To Nowhere Looking Even More Dead – With a terminus in beautiful Victorville, CA, the expectation that 2/3 of Las Vegas visitors from Southern California would have to be riding for it (not going to happen) to work out financially, and a projected cost that has almost doubled, it appears that the high speed train is headed for the grave. I doubt that even influential Nevada Sen. Harry Reid (a big proponent of the project) will be able to revive this one.

For a fraction of the cost, I-15 can be six-laned all the way to Las Vegas from Southern California. And/or a partnership between Union Pacific and a mix of public or private money could be used to increase capacity and speed on the existing rail line between the two areas. A rail line that happens to run all the way into downtown L.A. (not Victorville) with connections to Metrolink and Amtrak all over the region. Let’s not forget that airfare from Southern California to Las Vegas is currently running in the $140 round-trip range. The train to Victorville is looking at an $89 round-trip ticket.

Most Popular College – UNLV came in 12′th on U.S. News and World Report’s list that ranked colleges on a basis of what percentage of students that get accepted actually end up going to a particular school. Harvard, BYU, and Stanford topped the list. Although much maligned over the years as a “basketball school” and the red-headed stepchild of University of Nevada (Reno), UNLV has really come into its own as a vibrant place to study.

While somewhat on the back burner, we’re still hearing plans to transform the adjacent Maryland Parkway area into a walkable arts and culture corridor. Outside of downtown (which I’ve previously discussed), I predict that the general UNLV area is really going to pop in the next few years as a place to live. You’re in relative proximity of the college, Thomas and Mack, Strip, and airport.

However, a word of warning: This area sits just off the north/south runways at McCarran. When the winds dictate takeoffs to the north, the planes are buzzing your head . So, living in this area won’t be for everyone. If you are thinking of buying here, McCarran has a noise map (PDF) you may want to consider.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

The Gazillionaire Welcomes Tony Hsieh to the Gold Shoe Club – On Friday, April 6, The Gazillionaire and cast of Absinthe attended First Friday arts celebration to donate Bar Vendome to the monthly event. At the unveiling at Beauty Bar, Gaz presented zappos.com founder Tony Hsieh with the first pair of gold shoes ever to be bestowed to another person thus making him the very first member of “The Gazillionaire’s Gold Shoe Club.”

• Full story/details/info: The Gazillionaire Welcomes Tony Hsieh
• Buy Tickets Now: Absinthe

Jerry Springer Hosts “The Price Is Right Live” At Bally’s Las Vegas – The Price is Right Live Stage Show at Bally’s Las Vegas welcomes back special celebrity host, Jerry Springer, for an exclusive engagement April 25 – May 6 and May 16 – June 3. The show, from FremantleMedia, producers of “American Idol” and “The Price Is Right” TV shows, features such fan-favorite games as “Plinko,” “Cliffhangers,” the “Big Wheel” and, of course, a fabulous “Showcase.” Springer will enlist audience members to play for a chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

• Full story/details/info: Jerry Springer Hosts “The Price Is Right Live”
• Buy Tickets Now: The Price Is Right Live

First Look Inside Gordon Ramsay Steak At Paris Las Vegas New Contemporary Steakhouse To Open Mid-May – Photos were released that give the first look inside Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas, the celebrated chef and television star’s first Las Vegas restaurant. The images reveal the centerpiece of the 7,500 square foot, two-story restaurant: the Union Jack painted on the ceiling and the energy inducing neon sculpture that will hang directly below it.

Set within the Paris Las Vegas resort, which is whimsically modeled after the “City of Lights,” the restaurant design will celebrate Chef Ramsay and the city of London, where he lives. This innovative concept will reflect edgy, exciting and bold designs and will bridge the resort’s Parisian theme with Ramsay’s British heritage.

• Full story/details/info: First Look Inside Gordon Ramsay Steak

Public House Springs Forward With New Menu Items – Executive Chef Anthony Meidenbauer has developed an array of new selections for spring at Public House, the celebrated new gastropub at The Venetian.

Starting with small bites, the delectable new offerings include the truffle arancini fondue, the Scotch egg, made with barley wine sausage and bacon mustard sauce, and foie gras, or crispy frog legs, made with tomatoes, brown butter, lemon, herbs and croutons.

• Full story/details/info: Public House Springs Forward With New Menu Items

Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series Coming to Fremont Street Experience – Fremont Street Experience announces its summer concert series Rock of Vegas with an entertainment lineup of legendary rock ‘n’ rollers from the 1980s. The free concert series in Downtown Las Vegas will kick off Memorial Day Weekend with Vince Neil, legendary singer of Mötley Crüe, and runs through Labor Day Weekend with a performance by the ultimate glam metal rocker, Dee Snider, legendary singer of Twisted Sister.

• Full story/details/info: Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series

Historic California Hotel Celebrates May Day With 15th Annual Lei Day Polynesian Festival May 5-6 – California Hotel and Casino hosts the 15th Annual Lei Day Polynesian Festival on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

The annual Polynesian festival brings together musicians, dancers, artists, craftsmen and food and beverage vendors to showcase the very best of Hawaii. Entry to the two-day event is FREE.

• Full story/details/info: Historic California Hotel Celebrates May Day

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer Now Offers Barbecue Lickin’ And Beer Tappin’ Happy Hour Specials – The new rock ‘n’ roll-inspired restaurant, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer, now offers tourists and locals alike the ideal Happy Hour spot with barbecue smokin’ and drinks pourin’ from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

• Full story/details/info: Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer Happy Hour Specials

Vegas Uncork’d By Bon Appétit Reveals Chef Line-Up For Celebrity Chef Poker Tournament – Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit announces a line-up of world-renowned chefs including Bruce Bromberg, Scott Conant, Jose Andres, Stephen Hopcraft, David Myers, Anthony Meidenbauer, Jason Smith, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger for the highly anticipated Celebrity Chef Poker Tournament May 11 starting at 10:30 p.m. Taking place at the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a first-year resort partner at the epicurean festival, the event presents a rare opportunity for players to enjoy a world-class poker tournament alongside everyone’s favorite celebrity chefs and culinary personalities from Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Cosmopolitan and Mandalay Bay in an incredible outdoor setting overlooking Las Vegas Boulevard.

• Full story/details/info: Vegas Uncork’d By Bon Appétit Reveals Chef Line-Up

Country Superstars At The Golden Nugget Las Vegas Celebrates New Show Format Featuring Headliner Cody Collins – Country Superstars, formerly known as Country Superstars Tribute, located inside the Golden Nugget Las Vegas, launched its new show format with the addition of Cody Collins, former lead singer of Lonestar, as its headliner during their Opening Night held on March 29, 2012.

• Full story/details/info: Country Superstars Celebrates New Show Format
• Buy Tickets Now: Country Superstars

Maverick Dream Catcher Sunset Grand Canyon Tour – Landing tour with beverages, snacks and Extra Flight Time in the Grand Canyon! Experience the journey of a lifetime. Your journey begins with a flight out of Las Vegas to Hidden Valley to see the arches. Continue your journey to the Valley of Fire, were you will see red rock formations and some of the most remote, desolate, and fascinating desert landscape.

Click To Book Maverick Dream Catcher
Sunset Grand Canyon Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Reviews

Absinthe by Erika Bayer-Polak

As soon as you enter the tent in front of Caesars Palace, the peculiar carny atmosphere initiates the sneaking suspicion that “Absinthe” is not your standard fair.

One of the finest characteristics of “Absinthe” is that it is difficult to pin down; it is a true variety show complete with acrobats, dancers, tightrope walkers, and singing. While there is something for everyone, being prudish will most certainly thwart your enjoyment.

• Read Entire Absinthe Review
• Absinthe Tickets

Fantasy by Guy Chapman

Deep within the Luxor Casino, eager visitors looking to add a little bit of spice in their evening will not have to travel much farther than the little showroom theater that houses one of the Strip’s sexiest shows: Fantasy.

But make no mistake: Within that smaller-sized theater is allowed a level of personal intimacy to the events happening on the stage, all of which is complimented by the eye-pleasing ensemble cast that makes up this production. “Fantasy” is here to entertain, in a very attractive, and often very witty package. And alongside all of those genuinely beautiful women that dance to a variety of sexy musical numbers and styles, is the evening’s very attractive and talented Lorena Peril.

• Read Entire Fantasy Review
• Fantasy Tickets

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Las Vegas Breaks Record For Simultaneous Uncorking – 308 chefs, sommeliers, and culinary professionals gathered February 29, 2012 to break the Guinness World Record for most simultaneously uncorked bottles of wine. Here’s a clip of what it’s like to participate in history! Remember, tickets for the epicurean affair of the year, Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit are on sale now at http://www.vegasuncorked.com

• Lied Discovery Children’s Museum – The Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is full of creative, interactive exhibits designed for kids…but most times, the grown-ups are the ones who walk away having the most fun.
• Golf & Other Fore-Letter Words #043: An Insider’s Look at Shadow Creek – Host Dennis Silvers is joined by co-host Mark Brenneman (General Manager, Shadow Creek) who reveals an insider’s look at the exclusive and world-famous Shadow Creek, from his favorite holes, to some of the celebrities that have played there in the past.
• 360 Vintage Vegas: El Rancho (audio, not video) – Isolated gambling clubs existed on Highway 91 before 1941 but the concept of a full scale resort with overnight accommodations, gaming, dining, entertainment and shopping all in one vacation destination wasn’t conceived as something anyone would want in the harsh desert climate. The El Rancho not only offered something Highway 91 had never seen, it set a precedent by creating a themed vacation destination that would shape what would later become the Las Vegas Strip. This is the story of the El Rancho Vegas.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Hi——having been visitors to Vegas every year for 60 years (we’re 84), my wife and I still get the itch to return. Of course our visits, as the years went by, became less strenuous and more nostalgic and required more “down time”. None the less, we still love to gamble. Craps, blackjack and video poker still give us a rush but has to be balanced with rest, relaxation and soothing beverages. (Did i mention Brandy Manhattan?)

Which brings me to the subject line “balconies and palm trees”. For the last 20 years or so our very favorite place to stay was the garden rooms at Tropicana. At that time many considered it a dump and in many respects it was: dirty elevators, lousy service and long waits at check-in. So why did we like it?—–The garden rooms with balconies, over looking a garden area with palm trees. Quite and restful (especially with a Brandy Manhattan within arms reach) sheer heaven!!! And yet within walking distance of all the exciting action you could ask for. The “Trop” pool was, and still is, one of the best in Vegas.

Unfortunately, the garden rooms were demolished as was the garden to make room for the younger generation. And so life goes on with the young replacing the old. But that’s OK!!! We lived our lives and now it’s their turn.——still would like to go back one more time!!! Don’t we all????

Al from Milwaukee

Ted Responds:

What an incredible outlook on life! Those old Garden Rooms at The Trop were pretty popular even in their waning days for the reasons you mentioned. In a recent issue, I noted how much I enjoy outdoor living and it really does add to a hotel experience when you can step out of your room to some fresh air.

The Sahara had some balcony rooms and I must assume those will still be available once the hotels is remodeled and re-opened (if and when… we’re not holding our breath). Most Imperial Palace rooms have balconies, but beware that the side of the hotel overlooking Carnival Court is subject to bands playing from Noon to 2 AM. You can request a room on the other side of the property (no guarantees) upon check-in, but you’ll lose the Strip view. The Cosmopolitan was originally designed to be condos and guests who stay there love the large balconies. However, be prepared to pay a nice chunk of change. No “Garden Room” prices there.

Incredible to hear that after 60 years, Las Vegas never gets old. Nothing like rolling the dice to get the blood flowing, and never a shortage of things to do and see. Thanks for the great comments!

Love your newsletter!

We visit Vegas every year and have been doing so since 1996. We would prefer to get the Bell Trans Bus from the Airport but, as we are from the UK, we arrive in Terminal 2 and there only seems to be one option from this terminal, which are the Taxicabs.

We have been longhauled many a time but didn’t know we could do anything about it. After a 10 hourish flight and standing in line at Customs, all we want to do is arrive at our hotel and chill out. It is most annoying when you know the journey is taking much longer than it should deliberately. Funny how the Taxicab from the hotel back to the Airport at the end of the holiday is so much quicker and cheaper. We always give a bigger tip if they are fair with us, so they are losing out when they longhaul us and charge more.

Is it possible to get to Terminal 1 from Terminal 2 to enable us to get the Bell Trans or any of the other Transport that is available there?

Thanking you in anticipation.

Kind regards,

Marlene

Ted Responds:

I have good news for you, Marlene. International arrivals are moving to the (soon to open) brand new Terminal 3. So, after decades of “banishing” those that fly the farthest to visit us to the aging and inconvenient Terminal 2, we’re finally going to roll out the red carpet for our international guests. Terminal 3 is a major terminal. (We drove by it the other day… it is huge). It will also serve a number of domestic carriers. I have to imagine that all of the shuttle bus companies will also serve Terminal 3. Local scribe Rick Velotta wrote a really great article Sneak peek: An inside look at McCarran’s Terminal 3 that many of you may find of interest.

No question that the nice thing about airport shuttles is the set fee. The downside is that they may stop at a few hotels dropping people off before they get to your hotel. But if traffic is bad (and it isn’t getting any better on The Strip now that visitor numbers are closing in on breaking records), you don’t have to sit there and worry that the meter is running. Or getting longhauled.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Boulder Strip Sees Gambling Boom (with video)

• Vegas ‘Titanic’ exhibit holds vigil on sinking anniversary (with video)
• Allegiant offering non-stop to Hawaii (with video)
• A Las Vegas Mother’s Day She Won’t Soon Forget
• Enjoy Mexican Flare With $5 Davalos Tequila Shots And Dos Equis Bottles At LBS Burger Joint
• Moms And Grandmas Get Free Bull Rides At PBR Rock Bar & Grill For Mother’s Day
• House Of Blues Las Vegas At Mandalay Bay Announces Two Year Engagement With Series Of Intimate Performances With The Legendary Carlos Santana
• Rockhouse Celebrates Tax Day With Two-For-Tax-Day Drink Specials
• Mail Your Tax Return From Mandalay Bay On April 17 And Receive A Complimentary Voucher For Shark Reef Aquarium
• How Las Vegas missed out on a life-sized Starship Enterprise
• Luxor commemorates 100th anniversary of Titanic’s sinking
• Rod Stewart Plots Return to the Las Vegas Strip
• Roy cracks wise, and Siegfried speaks of unbreakable bond at Mirage
• Strut Over to KISS Monster Mini-Golf For Crazy Crazy, Um, Days
• Home prices slide in Las Vegas, 54 percent were cash sales
• Summer NBA league returns to Las Vegas in July
• Maaco Bowl to be held December 22 in Las Vegas
• Vegas Ski & Snowboard 2012/13 passes now on sale
• Educating the NCAA: Las Vegas should be off the ‘banned’ list
• Can Las Vegas, a city of excess, become a health destination?
• MDA telethon leaving Las Vegas
• MGM Resorts plans zip lines for south Strip
• Revamped look has the Stratosphere standing taller these days
• Just think of GSA’s $823,000 as economic stimulus Vegas-style
• Country Superstars, tribute or not, sing up a storm
• ‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ finds home at the Plaza
• New-and-improved Stratosphere is a beacon of noble risk-taking
• Some of the most popular slot machines made in Las Vegas
• Passenger count soars at McCarran during February
• High-tech Vegas designs bring arcade game experiences to casinos
• Dig This offering unique earth-moving experience
• Las Vegas man who once played with Miles Davis, Ray Charles and others now a star attraction as shoeshiner
• Old school odds: Riviera offering taste of vintage Vegas gaming
• Coyote Springs project stuck in sand trap
• Seven Las Vegas Valley condos and what it costs to live there
• Why Nevada offers just about every type of gambling possible – except a lottery

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

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• Easter Las Vegas 2012
• Spring Break Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – A big milestone for me as April 3 marked my 19′th year here in Las Vegas. I always like to say “Time flies when you don’t know what you are doing!” Having The Strip in my back yard is still pretty cool after all these years and I can’t imagine ever tiring of it. May will also mark another milestone with the 13′th anniversary of this newsletter and this summer will bring the AccessVegas.com 5.0 design upgrade. We still have in-use code dating back to the 90′s!

With March Madnesss and Spring Break finally in the rear view mirror, things are seemingly returning to normal for Las Vegas. (If you can call Las Vegas normal)! Couple of breaking notes as we’re getting ready to send, both of which we’ll have plenty of coverage down the road:

• Zip Lines On The Strip – Luxor and Excalibur have been floating around for a while the concept a series of three zip lines running between the two properties, including one from the top of the Luxor pyramid to the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana (the street, not the hotel). Lots of permitting and planning left to do, so don’t make your plans to ride it yet. But they are moving forward with government reviews.
• Sahara Moves Toward Securing Funding – The owner has gotten a reasonably decent grade regarding the probable success of a loan he needs to redo the property. As of now, plans are still being touted to refurbish The Sahara (to be renamed SLS Las Vegas) into an upscale hotel priced a tier below the Wynn/Encore, Venetian/Palazzo and Aria/Bellagio’s of The Strip.

  Talks are of an 2014 opening. Given that the remodeling seemingly can’t take more than a year (if that), I repeat my previous conjecture that they are taking a wait-and-see attitude both in terms of the economy and whatever other development may be resurrected on the North Strip. At this point, I do not see a hotel of the caliber they are aiming for having success in that location period.

Best Of Las Vegas – The Review-Journal arguably runs the most well-known “Best Of” balloting each year. You have to take it with a grain of salt because in previous years, only a few thousand people voted and this year they declined to print how many people participated. I mean, Outback Steakhouse won best steakhouse in a city brimming with some of the finest steak options in the world (even off The Strip). Still, some picks were worth noting:

• Hotel – Bellagio (I say Encore).
• Performer – Donny and Marie (No real argument).
• Comedian – Carrot Top (I agree that he’s hilarious)
• Magician – Criss Angel (Score one for the hype machine… I favor their editor’s choice of David Copperfield).
• Attraction – Bellagio Fountains (No argument there).
• Bargain Show – Mac King (Still funny after all these years).
• Resort Architecture – Venetian (I concur and raised my eyebrows at the editor’s pick of Cosmopolitan, which simply looks like some nice hotel you’d find in any city).
• Parking Garage – Cosmo (I’m with the editors who picked Bellagio, and the same thumbs-up to Encore. You can whisk your way directly up to the top floor of either and always find great open spots).
• Hotel Coffee Shop – El Cortez (I’ve had my share of late night meals there in my day, no argument from me).

We’re actually going to do our own Best Of starting this summer, so that you guys can have a say. I’ve wanted to do one for a long time, but most polls get few voters because voting is tedious. Our voting process will be easy and fun and very unique. (Can’t spill the beans… I’ve never seen a readers poll with this kind of process before). Can’t wait to unveil it!

The World Is Not Enough – Venetian/Palazzo owner Sheldon Adelson has already successfully branched out to Macau and Singapore. Generally we don’t bother with global gaming expansion. But, we have a significant European readership and Mr. Adleson’s latest proposal is headed your way.

He wants to drop $22 billion (2.5 times what CityCenter cost) on a complex with six casinos, twelve hotels, bars/restaurants, shopping, golf… kinda like Las Vegas. He wants to do it in recession-plagued Spain citing their high international visitation rate and nice weather. (Recession, international visitation, nice weather… kind of reminds me of Las Vegas).

The deal is far from done. Adelson wants significant freedom regarding construction and architecture in a very image conscious country. He also wants Spain’s stringent anti-smoking laws altered to allow smoking in the casinos. If the project moves forward, it will be built in phases over the course of a decade. Any thoughts from our European readers? Drop us a line at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com. Speaking of…

Venetian Construction – The sidewalk in front of The Venetian is all torn up, as is part of the facade in that area. We were wondering if this was any indication of a possible re-start to the stalled tower they were building. The most answer we could get was that they are reconstructing the casino entrance in that area and they will let us know more if and when future projects are pursued.

So, we’re highly unlikely to see the revival of any major construction on The Strip this year. Having said that, consider this “catch-up” time. I mean, have you really seen and done just about everything there is to do in Las Vegas? Last I counted, The Strip has 25 hotel/casino properties (I didn’t count non-casino properties, shopping, or attractions). I’ve been to them all, but have you? There is always something new to see and do no matter how many times you visit!

Cleaning Up The Strip – Longtime readers know that one of my pet peeves has been that it seems like neither local politicians nor upper hotel management seem to spend any real time on The Strip (especially later in the evening when the party peaks) because year-after-year, many common visitor complaints have been neglected. Controversial* County Commissioner (remember, the Las Vegas Strip is not inside the Las Vegas city limits, so the county has jurisdiction) Steve Sisolak finally stepped up to the plate last year and spearheaded assembling a group to look into all of this and finally do something about it.

* Sisolak has been in the news of recent regarding a tangled mess revolving around a former flame and previously, he was the guy who was behind stopping the “strippermobile” that used to run up and down The Strip. (Do a YouTube search for it).

Among the suggestions: Empty garbage cans more often (DUH), power-wash the sidewalk numerous times per week (DUH), prohibit loitering on the pedestrian bridges (to eliminate the panhandlers who sit on them all day long), crack down the vendors and performers (who are generally doing business without the proper permits), and more police (not sure that will change anything as the police presence is already very noticable). The one thing no one can figure out how to tackle? The porn(card)slappers (which is the #1 complaint visitors have) The ACLU is adament about defending this “free speach”. (Whether you want to hand out escort leaflets or Bibles, you have the right to do so on public property).

In an odd way, these suggestions will bring The Strip up to the level of downtown! If you’ve ever been on Fremont Street in the wee hours of the morning, you’d see them using machines to clean the entire mall surface. I can’t ever remember seeing an overflowing garbage can downtown either. Speaking of downtown…

Downtown Real Life Monopoly – Zappos.com CEO Tony Hseih’s “Downtown Project” group recently bought the shuttered 7-11 building at the corner of Fremont and Las Vegas Blvd. (The Strip as it extends to downtown) for around $4 million. Then they turned around and plunked down more than $5 million for the Motel 6 on East Fremont (just a block up from the El Cortez). What on earth does he want with a Motel 6? He doesn’t. He’s tearing the damn thing down! What kind of hotel/casino is he planning on putting there? He isn’t.

None of his major investments in downtown Las Vegas (which are getting to be significant) have anything to do with gambling. He’s moving his company downtown and wants to create a much more affordable miniture version of Silicon Valley where tech start-ups can thrive. Among the ideas he’s tossing around for the property are affordable housing units, something he’s pretty passionatly talked about in light of the company moving to downtown. I’m very interested in seeing how a “tech incubator” downtown meshes with the Fremont Street Experience that most of us know. We’ll keep you posted!

Les Clefs d’Or – One of the things we’re really happy and exited about is the expanding presence of Les Clefs d’Or concierge members here in Las Vegas. Worldwide travelers know that members of this elite group are the gold standard of concierges (and interestingly enough, members wear a set of crossed gold keys on their lapel). Over the years, we’ve received complaints that Las Vegas “concierge” desks were often glorified ticket counters. Les Clefs d’Or members are bringing a much higher level of professionalism to local concierge services, and it is a long time overdue. For more information, visit www.lcdusa.org

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Peepshow Joins The Fight Against Aids With Third Annual Las Vegas Broadway Bares: BARE-lesque On April 15 – PEEPSHOW, Las Vegas’ mega-hit striptease spectacular is pleased to announce the Third Annual Las Vegas Broadway Bares: Barelesque on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 11:59 p.m., which will be held on the PEEPSHOW stage at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Hosted by ABSINTHE’s dynamic duo The Gazillionaire and his assistant Penny Pibbets, the show will feature the sexiest entertainers from across the Las Vegas Strip, with a special performance by PEEPSHOW’s Josh Strickland.

• Full story/details/info: Peepshow Joins The Fight Against Aids
• Broadway Bares BARE-lesque Ticket Info: Peepshow
• Buy Tickets Now: Peepshow

Vegas Uncork’d By Bon Appétit Sets Guinness World Record For Most Wine Bottles Uncorked Simultaneously – Alain Ducasse, Bobby Flay And Nobu Matsuhisa Added To May Event – Chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and others from Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and Mandalay Bay set a new Guinness World Record by uncorking 308 bottles of Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon simultaneously. Amidst flying corks and free flowing wine, the crowd shattered the previous record of 252 in celebration of Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. “Today we’re making history with some of the world’s best chefs, sommeliers and mixologists,” said Adam Rapoport, Bon Appétit’s Editor-in-Chief. “Setting this Guinness World Record is just the beginning of all the great programming and truly memorable moments you’ll see at Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit in May.”

• Full story/details/info: Vegas Uncork’d By Bon Appétit Sets Guinness World Record

X Burlesque Celebrates 10 Years As Las Vegas’ Hottest Topless Revue, Adds New Dance Numbers To Celebrate A Decade On The Las Vegas Strip – The most provocative show on the Las Vegas Strip, X Burlesque, celebrates 10 years as the city’s hottest topless revue with the addition of sexy new dance numbers. X Burlesque will celebrate a decade in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 19 at Flamingo Las Vegas. “We’re thrilled and excited to be celebrating X Burlesque’s 10th anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip,” said X Burlesque Creator and Producer, Angela Stabile. “Flamingo Las Vegas has been an unbelievable partner and we’re looking forward to another ten years as Las Vegas’ sexiest revue.”

• Full story/details/info: X Burlesque Celebrates 10 Years
• Buy Tickets Now: X Burlesque

Caesars Palace Concierge Jasmin Vitale Honored With Prestigious Les Clefs d’Or Achievement – Caesars Palace concierge supervisor Jasmin “Jas” Vitale has received the prestigious honor of a Les Clefs d’Or (pronounced “lay clay door”), which is French for “the keys of gold,” by the prestigious namesake concierge organization. Displayed on a concierge’s uniform lapels, the crossed gold key symbol assures travelers they are dealing with a seasoned professional who is dedicated to serving their every need.

• Full story/details/info: Caesars Palace Concierge Jasmin Vitale Honored

Las Vegas’ Hottest Chefs Cook To Fight Childhood Hunger In Las Vegas And Across America With $100 Dining Event – With a passion to fight childhood hunger, Las Vegas’ hottest chefs, restaurants, and mixologists will gather for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation®, the city’s premier culinary benefit. Taste of the Nation Las Vegas will raise critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in the Las Vegas valley and across the nation. This year’s event will be Thursday, May 17 at Rain Nightclub at the Palms Casino Resort from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, with a VIP reception beginning at 6:00 pm.

• Full story/details/info: Las Vegas’ Hottest Chefs Cook To Fight Childhood Hunger

Maverick Canyon Dream Air and Land Tour – A 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon South Rim aboard a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft starts your ultimate adventure. Upon landing, your excursion will begin with a seat on our state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter for an amazing 25-minute breathtaking helicopter experience over the Grand Canyon.

Click To Book Maverick Canyon
Dream Air and Land Tour Now!

Las Vegas Show Review

O by Cirque du Soleil

Included on many people’s “If you only see one show in Vegas see this one” list, “O” delivers as a classic Cirque production where theater, circus and surrealism combine on a lavish scale with breath-taking results. The title “O” derives from the French word “eau” (pronounced “oh”), meaning “water”, the show’s central theme — from tiny droplets to torrential downpours. A 1.5 million gallon pool forms the centerpiece of this production, entertaining audiences in and of itself through an amazing series of technological transformations: from deep pool to shallow water to dry stage and back to pool again, playing host to one incredible act after another.

• Read Entire ‘O’ Review
• ‘O’ by Cirque du Soleil Tickets

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Absinthe – Who Is The Real Green Fairy?
• Absinthe is coming of age in a city loaded with entertainment options
• Angel Porrino: From personal assistant to Absinthe star

  Book Absinthe Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Tight ‘Jersey Boys’ ensemble offers many reasons to celebrate

  Book Jersey Boys Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Brad Garrett shells out big for new club

  Book Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Zappos preps to make move to downtown Vegas (with video)
• Is a Lottery Right for Nevada? (with video)
• County to spend $581K on Strip pedestrian study (with video)
• Enjoy Delicious Easter And Passover Menus, Holiday Activities At JW Marriott Resort & Spa And The Rampart Casino Restaurants
• Hash House A Go Go Announces Easter Sunday Brunch Specials
• PBR Rock Bar & Grill Celebrates Easter Sunday With ‘Egg-Ceptional’ Drink Specials
• Several Boyd Gaming Properties Offer Special Easter Sunday Menus
• American Fish By Michael Mina And Sirio Ristorante Present Unbeatable Happy Hour Specials
• Rhumbar To Introduce Smokin’ New Happy Hour Special
• Whiskey Licker Bar Now Open At Binion’s Gambling Hall
• Penn & Teller Celebrate 11 Years as AFAN AIDS Walk Grand Marshals and Continue the Penn & Teller Challenge
• Silverton Welcomes Spring With The Re-Opening Of Sway Pool Lounge
• Help Absinthe’s Penny Pibbets Design A T-Shirt
• Why Vegas is a True Start-Up City #VegasTech
• High Roller Villa at Caesars Palace
• Marty Allen’s 90th Birthday Party
• The Last Nights Of The Playboy Club
• Spring Break Guide: Las Vegas
• The One Where We Threw Our Money Around D Fitz
• Whoa, Amazing New Details About The Linq
• A Swanky New Starbucks Perks Up Caesars Palace
• Palms betting big with new sports book, poker room, and bar
• The Hottest Las Vegas Pools Are Now Open
• Baseball Starts Today, Here’s How To Bet
• One Of The Finest Restaurants in America Is In A Vegas Strip Mall
• How Much That Poolside Cabana Costs
• Motley Crue frontman’s Twitter war leads to ban from hotel-casino
• Caesars Palace pool lounge opens season Apr. 20
• Señor Frog’s coming to Las Vegas Strip
• Ski and Snowboard Resort Celebrates the End of the Season
• Nightclubs are the new cash registers at Strip casinos
• Magicians go from talent show to Strip
• Eldorado Canyon holds history and rugged scenery
• Hold on to your wallets if feds build DesertXpress train
• Late-night food specials conjure memories of old Las Vegas
• Effect of gas prices on Las Vegas economy has been minimal so far, but resorts are wary
• Old-school restaurants with Las Vegas style
• California start-up airline to offer flights to Las Vegas
• State allows pumping of groundwater from rural Nevada
• Visit Death Valley before the weather turns deadly
• Mob Attraction and Mob Museum both worth experiencing
• MGM designer provides a glimpse of how Las Vegas resorts plan room renovations
• Cantor Gaming now accepting credit and debit cards for wagering
• Downtown Project adds space, thanks to Zappos chief
• Celebrity diners, traditional atmosphere, classic food are common ingredients at Las Vegas’ oldest restaurants
• More in Las Vegas now rent than own
• Las Vegas Perspective offers portrait of ‘many communities’
• Dear DesertXpress developers: Has your project gone off the tracks?
• Titanic tragedy captures imagination of Las Vegas visitors
• Commission OKs singer Jimmy Buffett’s gaming license request

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

• March Madness Las Vegas 2012
• Spring Break Las Vegas 2012
• Easter Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – We had a little unscheduled gap in publishing. If you were sitting at home watching March Madness and wishing you could be experiencing it in Las Vegas… me too. Join the crowd. Oh, I was sitting in the city limits of Las Vegas, alright. At home with a double-whammy: First I experienced a nasty ankle sprain and then just as I was getting well enough to hobble around a little bit, I got creamed by a killer cold.

I raised the white flag and for the sake of both (staying off me feet and getting over the drain from coughing my brains out), I took a little over a week to get plenty of bed and couch rest. No March Madness with the crowds and crazies on The Strip, no out-and-about enjoying our stunning “not too hot, not too cold” March weather. The way my luck was running, I didn’t even bother to send a friend out to bet some games for me!

I’m fine, no pity party for me. But living in Las Vegas doesn’t guarantee life is going to be a bed of roses 100% of the time! Speaking of watching TV…

Outdoor Living – If the temps are anywhere between 60 and 90 and I’m at home, you can usually catch me on my back patio. I love being outside and getting some fresh air. Simply something special about outdoor living. This isnt’ Vegas related (plenty of Vegas, just keep scrolling), but I’ve been asked about how I have it wired to watch TV outside. This is far more basic and obtainable than most think: I keep an old CRT TV (old school before HD flat screens) on the back patio. Why? They are cheap (you probably have one collecting dust or go get one cheap on Craigslist) and nobody is going to steal it!

So do I have a cable and cable box out there? No way. I use an X10 Wireless Video sender (not a paid endorsement, nothing in Newkirk’s Notes is). Hook one of these little satellite dish looking gizmos to an output on your cable box and hook the other one into your outdoor TV. Withing minutes, you can watch anything on your cable box (including stuff you’ve DVR’d, pay channels, everything) out on your back porch or patio (or garage). So why watch TV indoors when the weather is nice!?! Warning: I have a covered patio (a must here in sunny Southern Nevada) so rain is no issue. If you don’t and you leave your set-up plugged in and unattended during rain, don’t hold me responsible for the damage!

Transformation Is Underway – Fitzgerald’s downtown has “officially” changed their name to The D (we had news and a first photo last issue) and they’ve put up a massive building wrap you can’t miss. This is an iconic photo of the changeover as we understand the Fitzgerald signs are coming down very soon. So, here’s a last look at the good ol” “luck of the Irish” Fitz and the sexy new motif they are looking to give the property.

With the new performing arts center open, plans to fill in the few remaining vacant areas of Fremont East, and the Mob Museum, downtown is starting to pop with a real synergy. Dingy old downtown is under serious revitalization. Once The D (by fall) and Golden Gate (by summer) expansions/improvements are complete, our crystal ball sees the Las Vegas Club getting a complete Fitz-like overhaul and Binion’s refurbishing and re-opening their rooms.

Speaking Of The Golden Gate – If you are thinking of the old shrimp cocktail joint, prepare to be surprised. The deli is being relocated and the former deli area at the end of the casino is not an expanded gaming area plus spacious (compared to the old ones) new restrooms.

Significant changes clockwise from the upper left include 1. A retro Golden Gate display in the main entrance. 2. The huge new expanded rear entry (valet, cabs, limos) with a revolving door and the hotel’s longstanding vintage slot collection on display. 3. Entryway to the cozy check-in area featuring Las Vegas’ very first telephone (the hotel had the phone number 1) and other artifacts. 4. The actual check-in area. Compare that to the (seemingly mile long desk at MGM Grand) and you can see they are keeping their boutique property feel.

Smith Performing Arts Center – Last issue, we promised you photos of this popular new venue. Unfortunately, these pics grabbed with my phone don’t quite to it justice, but they will give you some idea. I will say that the building’s retro art deco feel is really a nice change of pace from typical Las Vegas architecture and the “ode to Hoover Dam” design that inspired it was a good call. Hoover Dam is going to be here a few hundred more years, and they wanted to imply that this building will be here to serve Las Vegan’s (and our visitors) for hundreds of years as well.

This is a building that would fit right into the mix of just about any major city downtown or arts district area in the United States. Well done!

The lower right photo is of the adjoining Symphony Park and has a really nice feel to it. I can see people gathering pre-event to enjoy the park and also possible special occasions taking place. If you look closely, you can see a number of downtown hotel casinos in the not-too-distant background. As we reported last week, looks are a little deceiving. Yes, it is that close to the established core of downtown. However, pedestrian walkways must eventually be constructed to scale the Union Pacific multi-track mainline that dissects this area on the run from L.A. to Chicago.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler
Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

ABSINTHE Welcomes To The Stage, Lijana Wallenda, Seventh Generation Member Of The Legendary Circus Family, The Flying Wallendas – The Gazillionaire and the cast of ABSINTHE at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas’ hottest show, welcomes high wire heiress Lijana Wallenda-Hernandez to the stage now through May 1. Wallenda is a seventh generation member of the world-renowned circus family, the Flying Wallendas and great grand-daughter of the legendary Karl Wallenda. With her captivating charm and mass sex appeal, Wallenda embodies the vision of a Greek Goddess, adding fabulous tricks to ABSINTHE’s death-defying act. Wallenda will take to the sky as she joins the Esteemed Gentlemen of the High Wire, temporarily filling in for her husband Tony Hernandez.

• Full story/details/info: ABSINTHE Welcomes To The Stage, Lijana Wallenda
• Buy Tickets Now: ABSINTHE

Madame Tussauds Reveals Abbey Road Traveling Experience – The Beatles Interactive Exhibit On Display Through May 28 – Madame Tussauds Las Vegas located at The Venetian welcomed the Abbey Road Traveling Experience to its attraction. The exhibit, on display through May 28, features a recreation of The Beatles’ iconic ‘Abbey Road’ album cover.

• Full story/details/info: Madame Tussauds Reveals Abbey Road Traveling Experience
• Buy Tickets Now: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Dance Into Spring With Joy And Splendor At Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Spring has sprung at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, now open to the public through May 13. This year’s show debuts the enchanting musical sounds of the harp and violin, a rotating windmill and a floral exhibition showcasing tulips, azaleas, hibiscus and lilies. A carousel, waterfall and ceiling-hung hand-painted parasols invite the spirit of spring with open arms.

• Full story/details/info: Dance Into Spring With Joy And Splendor

Ice Performs As Michael Jackson ‘The King Of Pop’ In ’2 Kings’ At The Rio – Ice may well be the youngest performing Michael Jackson on the planet at only age 26 and he’s been performing as the legendary superstar since he was 14. He was born and reared in Gary, Indiana just like the late Michael Jackson. Ice’s talents are purely musical. He said, ‘I play the piano, drums, bass guitar and violin. My hobbies are limited to music and video games.’ He has toured the world performing as Michael Jackson. He exclaimed, ‘China was a culture shock. I’ve been to Brazil and Spain too doing my character and it seems like I’m appreciated more by the audiences. They go wild.

• Full story/details/info: Ice Performs As Michael Jackson

Public House Kicks Off National Beer Day With Week-Long Celebration – Beer drinkers will unite when Public House, an American gastropub located in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, celebrates National Beer Day with a prix fixe menu and beer pairing as well as the introduction of the new ‘Pub Club’ from Monday, April 2 through Saturday, April 7. The three-course meal priced at $48 per person will begin with the Scotch Egg paired with a Firestone Double Barrel Ale. The main-course will feature Public House’s mouthwatering Short Rib paired with a smooth Deschutes Black Butte Porter. To end the experience with something sweet, patrons will enjoy the Irish Coffee Cheesecake paired with a Uinta Labyrinth.

• Full story/details/info: Public House Kicks Off National Beer Day

Tender Steak & Seafood Introduces New Wine And Cheese Lounge Menu – With a sophisticated and upscale ambiance, TENDER Steak & Seafood at Luxor Hotel and Casino presents a new wine and cheese menu to offer guests an exquisite tasting experience. For smooth white or red tastings by the glass, guests will enjoy two glasses priced at $8 or four glasses priced at $15. For white wine pairing options, the menu features selections including Chateau St. Michelle Eroica Riesling 2008, Ravenswood Chardonnay 2006, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010, William Hill Chardonnay 2008 or a Cakebread Chardonnay 2008. For the red wine selection, guests will enjoy selections of a Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Noir 2008, Ferrari-Carano Merlot 2006, Beaujolais Georges Duboeuf 2008, Apothic Blend 2009 or a Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.

• Full story/details/info: Tender Steak & Seafood Introduces New Wine And Cheese Lounge Menu

Cosmopolitan Teams Up With EA Sports To Bring Las Vegas’ First-Ever EA Sports Bar To The Strip – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas transforms the traditional sports bar concept by partnering with EA SPORTS, one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, to create Las Vegas’ first-ever EA SPORTS BAR powered by Sharp opening March 31. Combining the excitement of a sports bar, the comfort of a living room and EA SPORTS video games, the one-of-a-kind experience will feature Sony PlayStation 3 game consoles, a selection of EA SPORTS games, high-definition televisions broadcasting the day’s sporting events and a lively bar set among nine living room style vignettes.

• Full story/details/info: First-Ever EA Sports Bar To The Strip

Ben & Jerry’s 34th Annual ‘Free Cone Day’ Tuesday, April 3 Features Local Celebrity Scoopers For Charity – Ben & Jerry’s, the company that broke the mold for businesses demonstrating you could make a profit while giving back to the community, will commemorate its 34th Annual ‘Free Cone Day’ at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops at the District at Green Valley Ranch and inside Sunset Station Hotel & Casino. The Scoop Shops enlist help from some of the city’s hottest entertainers who will scoop to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. All small cones are FREE with no purchase necessary but patrons are encouraged to make a donation to the store’s respective charity partners.

• Full story/details/info: Ben & Jerry’s 34th Annual ‘Free Cone Day’

Maverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane Tour – Fly aboard Maverick’s Beechcraft 1900D aircraft on a 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim where your ultimate adventure will begin. Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park as your journey continues with ground transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park. Absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and capture memories to last a lifetime as you enjoy a gourmet box lunch.

Click To Book Maverick Grand Canyon Explorer Plane Tour Now!

What We’re Watching – Vegas Videos You’ll Enjoy

• Top Of The Food Chain – The Big 5, Dining In Las Vegas When Money Is No Object – The French are well represented as Al walks us through what is arguably the five most extravagant fine dining options in Las Vegas (This would be a good time to have your American Express Black card handy). Guest: Scott Whitney. Restaurants: E, Twist, BARMASA, Guy Savoy, Robuchon.
• KISS Personally Open Monster Mini-Golf & Chapel – Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the rest of Kiss were on hand in Las Vegas for the opening of the Kiss Monster Mini-Golf Amusement center containing a real-life chapel.
• O’Sheas Casino St. Patrick’s Day Block Party 2012 – Although closing their doors in just about one month, O’Sheas Casino Las Vegas celebrated their final St. Patrick’s Day with a bang.
• Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel is now the D Las Vegas – Ditching their “Luck Of The Irish” theme, this video gives you a clue to how the new D Hotel and Casino is marketing themselves and the vibe they are after.

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

I know there has been a lot of discussion about a pay version of the newsletter. Being a small business owner, I understand the need to have a pay version. That said, I don’t recall (I could have missed it, as well) a like to sign-up for the pay version. I would be a subscriber!

You guys do a great job putting it together!

Thanks,

Larry

Hello … let me start by saying how much I appreciate your newsletter.

(Excuse my writing if I made mistakes and verb tense error, but I’m French Canadian and English is just a second language)

I went to Las Vegas for my first time in November and wrote my a very long email about it to say how much it was memorable, though i didn’t get publish, but I understand that you have many many to read. I just can’t wait to go back for a second time.

We went for 6½ days and we did the entire Strip from the South Outlets up to Fremont street. My soon-to-be wife and I are no gambler and those who says that LV has nothing else to see/do/ offer than slot machines and poker … man … THEY ARE SO WRONG!!!!

We visit every casino, every casino/hotel pool backyard, every stores, went to every attractions each place offers, etc …. to resume, we saw everything the Strip & old downtown has to offer, free or not. Yes our days were loaded, not much rest from 8am ’till midnight but what a thrill !!!

Of course we didn’t see all the shows you would have to be ultra rich to see them all and probably stay there a whole year but we went to see Rod Stewart at the Colosseum at Caesar Palace and we loved it!!!!

We stayed at the Tropicana which was awesome. I know it’s been renovated recently which is kinda why we chose this place to stay, also the price were good! Though the hotel ain’t Strip Central, we wouldn’t mind going back for our second trip. Also we loved the coconut smell all around inside!!

Gotta say that your newsletter help me a lot while planning that first trip

Like I said, I just can’t wait to go back for a second time. Since we saw/did everything the Strip and downtown has to offer, except for the new stuff that will come out until then …. which is where your newsletter comes very practical …. our next time will concentrate on the outdoor fun. We fought the temptation to go see the Grand Canyon VERY HARD, to give us a good reason to come back.

So our next time will be about an helicopter tour in Grand Canyon with Rafting on the Colorado river … Hoover Dam … dune buggy in the desert … Red Rock Canyon … Splash Canyon Waterpark … Bootleg Canyon Zip lines … Bryce Canyon … and much much more!

Now, about the upcoming subscriptions. I just wanted to know a few things

1) when will it start

2) what will be the payment options

3) how much will it be

4) will you have different options : per month / half-year / per year

Thanks to your devotion to Las Vegas tourism and for your excellent work. Love to read you!

Your Quebec City fan … Jeff

Ted Responds:

I’ve been happily surprised at the number of both emails and even phone calls to our comment line wondering about when we go subscriber based, the details, how to pay (we’ll offer everything from Paypaltgo old fashioned check), etc.

While I appreciate so many who see the value of the newsletter as-is (and willing to help chip in to keep it at the current level), we want to offer more to subscribers as a way to thank them for helping out. Hence, we’re working on a huge behind-the-scenes overhaul and upgrade of AccessVegas.com to accommodate a subscriber area. That needs to be in place before we can really do anything.

THEN, I’m hoping that we can develop the online app we’re going to include with subscribership. I can’t spill too many of the details, but we’re so sure that this app will save you as much as (or pretty close to) the cost to subscribe, that we’re going to offer a money-back guarantee. At the end of your yearly subscription if you don’t feel that you got your money’s worth, we’ll refund the entire amount.

Regarding this app, don’t worry if you don’ have a smart phone or a tablet. Even if you don’t own a cell phone, you’ll be able to use it right on your computer before you head out here and get great value out of it. If you have a smart phone, you’ll be able to use it while you are here and we promise you’ll find it an incredible aid. (Once again, wish we could spill the details, but we can’t as this really has not been done before). If you can surf the internet on your phone or tablet, you’ll l be able to enjoy this app no matter who makes your phone or what system you are on.

Another thing we’ll be doing for subscribers is guaranteeing (within reason) a personal answer to Vegas questions you submit. We don’t know everything, but we usually know how to find the answer. Right now, we do not have the staffing to do so.

Per cost, we’re currently looking at $23.95 per year. Less than $2 per MONTH. The plan will only be yearly and here’s why: We work hard to put out great Vegas info all year. Even if you only read when you are getting closer to a trip, you have TONS of archived newsletters to go back and look through. If we provided a short-term option, we’d be face with people who only pay a few dollars for the couple of months before their vacation, they’d use the app (which is looking to be very expensive to develop and maintain), ask us questions with a guaranteed response and basically use more of our resources than they are paying for. The math simply does not work out.

If you enjoy a certain hobby (whether motorcycle riding or knitting) and you subscribe yearly to a publication that covers it, you pay for the year even if you may go a few months at a time without being active in your hobby. That affords the magazine a stable financial base to provide all the great information they prepare for you all year.

We’re going to be doing these special things for subscribers because the subscribers are the ones who are willing to really support what we’re doing! We do the “Vegas Homework” for you so that you don’t have to spend countless hours trying to hunt down all this info yourself. Just the time you save in vacation planning makes it well worth it even if you only visit once per year.

In response to Jeff: Your English is fine and we really appreciate the great trip report. I’ve always said that if you had an entire month in Las Vegas, you couldn’t do and see everything. But it sounds like you almost tried! Absolutely, one can go from 8 AM until Midnight for a week and not even be close to getting board.

Good for you that you weren’t scared to venture downtown or check out the outlet malls and really take it all in!

I highly recommend seeing the Grand Canyon. It is one of those things people simply can’t begin to comprehend until they see it in real life.

What great excitement. When I read letters like yours, it makes me so happy that we’re able to enjoy such an amazing and memorable vacation!

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Absinthe’s Penny Pibbets’ Spring Break Top Ten

  Book Absinthe Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Jersey Boys – Oh, What A Night, Now At Paris

  Book Jersey Boys Las Vegas Tickets Now

• If he can make Mike Tyson cry, Chazz Palminteri can move anyone to tears
• Loved, hated or feared, Mike Tyson has always been the star of his own story

  Book Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Playboy Club at Las Vegas casino to close in June (with video)
• Designers say performance hall’s form marries function to produce world-class venue (with video)
• Golden Gate expansion includes new tower, lobby (with video)
• Gimme a D: Fitzgeralds taps new name for rebranding (with video)
• Black-tie gala opens $470 million Smith Center (with video)
• Vegas event shows Cadillac ‘Through the Years’ (with video)
• Spring Break Brings Big Business to Las Vegas (with video)
• Moody’s Bullish on Las Vegas Strip (with video)
• Golden Gate Casino begins renovation project (with video)
• What Smith Center boss Myron Martin is going for: goose bumps (with video)
• Atomic Testing Museum to Highlight Area 51 (with video)
• Bellagio Executive Chef Edmund Wong And Patz And Hall Winery Host Epicurean Epicenter Dinner Saturday, March 24
• Comedy Legend Marty Allen To Receive ‘Key To The City’ From Mayor Carolyn Goodman Prior To March 24 Performance In Celebration Of 90th Birthday
• Guns And Ammo Garage Launching 5.11 Tactical Store
• PBR Rock Bar & Grill To Offer Hot Deal For Hot Dog Day
• Splash into Spring Break at Tabú Ultra Lounge
• Could Downtown 3rd Farmers Market be Las Vegas’ Embarcadero?
• Who’s Got the Fever For Flavor Flav’s House Of Flavor? We Do (Really)
• The Barrymore Bar: Merging Off-Strip And Downtown, One Cocktail At A Time
• The Original Rooms of the Golden Gate Have Their Charm (And, Noise)
• Lake Las Vegas readies for future development
• The Palms’ Big [Spring] Break
• ‘Batman’ arena show comes to Las Vegas in October
• New Wildburger restaurant coming to Wildfire Casinos
• Judge rules against Grand Canyon Skywalk developer
• Cosmopolitan plans Las Vegas Strip-side EA sports bar
• Dining Review: The Plaza’s ‘speakeasy’ restaurant, Simpatico, makes Italian cuisine you shouldn’t serve a goodfella
• In Bloom with the Bellagio Conservatory
• Forbes: Las Vegas Among Worst Cities to Get a Job
• Strip Seeing Signs of Recovery
• Dion recovering after inflammation of vocal cords
• KISS golf: Something to get tongues wagging
• Community-oriented Smith Center brings a new era to Las Vegas by enriching our cultural life
• MGM designer provides a glimpse of how Las Vegas resorts plan room renovations
• 7 looks at revitalized rooms in Vegas on the Strip and downtown
• For many, two mob tours is one too many
• Eight places to live near the Strip
• Golf: Stallion Mountain’s course up to par
• Smith Center homage to Hoover Dam fitting statement on our past and future
• Nevadan at Work: Tamares rep a driving force in revitalizing downtown
• Why Broadway shows are a big part of Smith Center’s first-season offerings
• Gem in the desert – Shelby Museum and Shelby American manufacturing facility tour
• The Smith Center for the Performing Arts makes city cultural player
• Las Vegas health care ranks 268 out of 306, with 30 percent uninsured
• Las Vegas joins league of big cities with grand halls
• An ace by Tommy Thayer gets KISS By Monster Mini Golf off to a rockin’ start
• If tickets sell, new Cirques will come
• Galleries spread across Las Vegas Strip, delighting fine-art collectors
• Dear DesertXpress developers: Has your project gone off the tracks?
• Neonopolis chief touts business, sees better days ahead

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

• March Madness Las Vegas 2012
• Spring Break Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – If you are reading and just returned from a weekend visit, all I can say is “Uh-Oh”. Weather this past week was absolutely stunning with highs near 80 F, mostly sunny days, and nights that never got way too cold. That is, right up through Friday. Then came Saturday. I’m not sure what happened overnight, but Saturday brought some pretty hard steady rain and downright cold temps that barely hit the mid-50′s. And to think that just the day before, I’d been kicking back watching TV on the back patio while enjoying dinner and a cocktail. Thankfully, The rain is supposed to be gone by Monday and we’re back into the 70′s where we usually are this time of year.

This kind of hits home on a couple things I regularly remind you about: 1. The temperature here in the desert has some wild swings. Always assume that it could be 10-15 degrees warmer or cooler than average on any given day, and that the weather can vary dramatically from day-to-day. 2. I’ve talked about how everyone’s Vegas experience is unique. Come here on Memorial Day weekend and it is much different than the week before Christmas (both in terms of crowds and temperature). Those who were here midweek last week went home and told all their friends how incredible Vegas weather is in March. Those here this weekend are going to go home and say Never visit Vegas in March… it is cold and stormy!

Viva No Elvis – Cirque du Soleil has announced the replacement for Viva Elvis at Aria in CityCenter. Not wanting to take any risks, they are bringing Zarkana here after hugely successful runs in both Moscow and New York City. The question is whether an already saturated show market (certainly saturated with Cirque shows) can absorb another production and whether CityCenter’s “way back off The Strip” location will be a hindrance to ticket sales.

Harmon Update – The Harmon is the unfinished hotel which is part of the CityCenter project, sitting right next to The Cosmopolitan. Construction defects halted work on the project. The builder says that if it gets torn down, they’ll never be able to absolve themselves from responsibility for the defects. (Any evidence in their favor in a protracted court battle will be gone). Clark County wants it torn down as the defects evidently make it vulnerable to collapse in an earthquake. Next hearing is July 9. I’m guessing we’re going to see it imploded early fall.

New Performing Arts Center – Thanks in part to $105 million in car rental taxes from you guys (funding slightly more than 1/5 of the project), downtown Las Vegas has unveiled the new Smith Performing Arts Center. It certainly is beautiful and the movers and shakers and local press are ga-ga over it. We were the largest city in the U.S. without such dedicated performing arts facility. Boy oh boy, we’re in the big leagues now!

I confess to being just a tad bit snarky because for some reason, the people with the biggest inferiority complex about living in Las Vegas (and the biggest boosters of this project) are the exact people who have done extremely well here. Nobody every stopped them from picking up and moving to San Francisco or New York City. How about you quit being embarrassed of being a Las Vegan?

A very pleasant addition to a city? Absolutely. A stunning venue that is a must-see? The few who have had the opportunity to attend an event there so far have raved about it. An awesome addition to the city and downtown? You bet. But something that changes the way the world sees us (in terms of arts and culture)? Not even close.

Opening night was a star-studded event hosted by Doogie Howser Neil Patrick Harris and featured artists ranging from Willie Nelson to Joshua Bell to Jennifer Hudson (just to name a few of many). It was filmed for TV and is slated to appear on PBS (date not yet set, we’ll let you know).

For those wondering which two Fremont Street hotels this venue sits between? It doesn’t. It is on the west side of the railroad tracks in the vicinity of the outlet mall, World Market Center, etc. At just about a mile from the Fremont Street hotel area by car or foot, I wouldn’t suggest the walk (especially if you are dressed up to see a performance) because parts of downtown are still pretty sketchy. But you are talking a cheap cab ride from Fremont Street and probably about $15 from The Strip.

Talk is underway of walkways to connect the new Smith Center to the tourist part of downtown. As the crow flies, you’re only talking four blocks. I’ve expressed concerns that attendees to events won’t contribute to the downtown economy. Having to park downtown, eat, drive or cab to the venue, then back around again to downtown for after show drinks just makes no sense. Walkways over the railroad tracks need to be expedited. Once in place, a walk from Fremont East all the way to the Smith Center will be a very manageable and enjoyable 10 blocks.

We’ll list performances for this venue in our Entertainment Calendar just as we do other concerts and headliners. Free walking tours of the venue are available at www.thesmithcenter.com/explore/tours

What Is This Mess? – The opening salvo on the construction of Project Linq. To those familiar with Harrah’s, Carnival Court is on the left. Remember the ice cream store next to Carnival Court at the end of the mall-like walkway? Gone. You’re looking straight through to one of the Imperial Palace towers. To the right is what used to be stores lining the walkway from Imperial Palace to Carnival Court.

Playboy Club Closing – It appears that the Playboy Club at The Palms is closing. Very strange indeed as it was deemed a great fit for Las Vegas and was the 35′th highest revenue generating dayclub/nightclub in the United States in 2010. With founder George Maloof no longer having the level of ownership in the hotel which he used to, one has to wonder if this is a “bean counter” move. The hotel may be getting out of a revenue sharing deal for use of the iconic brand. But without the Playboy name, will the club perform as well?

Just Call Us Tournament Town – With the announcement of the PAC-12 moving their basketball tournament to Las Vegas next year, that brings the total number of tournaments we host to four. Unheard of for any other city. Besides the PAC-12, we also host the Mountain West Conference, West Coast Conference, and Western Athletic Conference tournaments. (OK, the last three aren’t the Big-10 or SEC, but still…). This occurs right around the same time we host NASCAR and just prior to March Madness making March one of the most chronically busy times of the year here. The PAC-12 event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden arena.

Fitz Becomes The D – This past week, Fitzgerald’s downtown renamed itself “The D” (which stands for downtown and is also an homage to the city of Detroit, where the brothers that own the place come from). Pretty much everything that we’ve reported on here since late November is now official and underway. Downstairs, expect a Golden Gate (casino) style party vibe including an outdoor bar with go-go dancers and dancing dealers inside. (The D is owned by the same guys who own Golden Gate). If thump-thump music isn’t your thing, the upstairs casino will be retro-Vegas (including some popular vintage slots from decades gone by) and be more of a tame experience.

They are going to remodel all the rooms, working two floors at a time. Although the tallest building in downtown Las Vegas, only a handful of the rooms at the south end feature a view of the Las Vegas Strip. (Might not hurt to see if you can ask for one upon check-in). An new one-way escalator will go from Fremont Street up to the second floor casino. They are also claiming that they’ll have the fastest wi-fi of any Las Vegas hotel. Of course, given how poor the wi-fi in many hotels can be (which is insulting because you are paying for it either as a separate fee or as part of a resort fee), that shouldn’t be hard to pull off.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Concerts and Headliners: Amy Rayner-Cooley

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Payard Patisserie And Bistro At Caesars Palace Swings Into Spring With Fashionable Chocolate Decorated Easter Eggs – This spring, Payard Patisserie & Bistro brings the finest in French design to Caesars Palace with intricately adorned chocolate pastries. The confectionary is adding to the chocolate shop’s imaginative, effervescent atmosphere, setting new trends this season with decadent Easter-themed pastries and chocolates. Beginning March 15, the pastry shop will present an assorted collection of chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies. As shown in the photos above and attached, specially featured will be the new cheeta and zebra-themed eggs offered for the first time this year, and the chocolate print eggs returning from their debut last year, among several other variations. Made with 72 percent dark chocolate and the rest milk and white chocolate, the eggs are created with a customized mold and painted with assorted patterns. Recipients who break open the eggs will be awarded with additional Easter goodies located inside each egg, including miniature chocolate and candied eggs.

• Full story/details/info: Chocolate Decorated Easter Eggs

The Smith Center For The Performing Arts Opens In Las Vegas With Star-Studded Concert – History Making Night Featured Award-Winning Musicians And Broadway’s Best – An extraordinary line-up of performers from across the arts community ushered in a new era of culture as they graced the stage for the opening of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas on March 10. Led by quintessential host and award-winning actor, Neil Patrick Harris, the evening featured performances by the who’s who of music and Broadway’s brightest stars.

• Full story/details/info: The Smith Center For The Performing Arts Opens

Frank Marino Unveils First Ever ‘Divas Las Vegas’ Gaming Table At Imperial Palace – March marked another first for Frank Marino, Las Vegas’ longest-running headliner. The superstar female impersonator has two stars on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame, a street named in his honor, his own official day (February 1), a key to the city and his own building wrap on the famed Las Vegas Strip. The only thing missing was his own branded gaming table – until now. Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino recently welcomed to its gaming floor the first-ever Frank Marino and ‘Divas Las Vegas’-themed gaming table. The game puts a new spin on the typical betting wheel. Instead of betting on numbers, guests now have the opportunity to bet on impersonators from the show, including Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, Janet Jackson and, of course, Marino.

• Full story/details/info: Frank Marino Unveils First Ever ‘Divas Las Vegas’ Gaming Table
• Buy Tickets Now: Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas

$200,000 Superstar Bingo Extravaganza Returns to Riviera – The Riviera Hotel & Casino, home to the only bingo room on the Las Vegas Strip, brings back its $200,000 Superstar Bingo Extravaganza on Mar. 28 and 29. There will be 20 games played per day on both days with a minimum payout per game of $3,000 plus a $25,000 Superstar Coverall at the end of both sessions. Check-in and registration begins on Mar. 27.

• Full story/details/info: 200,000 Superstar Bingo Extravaganza Returns to Riviera

Aria’s March Menus Make Springtime In LV Even Better – This month only, ARIA Resort & Casino is serving up Signature Tasting Menus highlighting fresh ingredients, just in time for spring. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, catching some March Madness, or hitting the links at a local golf course – whatever March means to you – round out your day with out-of-this world cuisine at AMERICAN FISH by Michael Mina, Jean Georges Steakhouse and Sirio Ristorante.

• Full story/details/info: Aria’s March Menus Make Springtime In LV Even Better

Grand Canyon Air Tour – Sit back and relax as you experience this spectacular air excursion through the Grand Canyon. Highlights of this trip include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and Fortification Hill an extinct volcano. Fly through Black Canyon and on your return to the south Las Vegas valley.

Click To Book Grand Canyon Air Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

We’re closing in on the debut of AccessVegas.com 5.0 (hey, we’ve been around since 1997) and due to those time constraints we’re not running readers letters this week. Members Mania is a popular feature which unfortunately will be sporadic until our site upgrades are finished.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• ‘Jersey Boys,’ reopening at Paris Las Vegas, feels like new show for cast, crew
  Book Jersey Boys Las Vegas Tickets Now
• Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Mystere’ never disappoints
  Book Mystere Las Vegas Tickets Now
• ‘Nothing’s off-limits’ in new Mike Tyson show
  Book Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth Las Vegas Tickets Now
• Jonathan Clark makes ‘Lasting Impression’ with up-to-date material
  Book Jonathan Clark, A Lasting Impression Las Vegas Tickets Now
• Cee Lo Green lands Planet Hollywood gig
  Book Cee Lo Green: LOBERACE Las Vegas Tickets Now
• International Retailer Opens Store in Las Vegas (with video)
• NASCAR And College Basketball Draw Fans to Sportsbooks (with video)
• Las Vegas Resorts Ready for Spring Break Students (with video)
• Curtain rises in one day at new Smith Center (with video)
• Pool season set to make an economic splash for Las Vegas resorts (with video)
• O’Sheas Casino to Close on April 30 (with video)
• Pop goes the wine uncorking record (with video)
• NASA satellite imagery shows 40 years of growth in Las Vegas Valley (with video)
• New Shooting Range Combines Guns, Girls and Glamour (with video)
• Cabo Wabo Cantina To Heat Up For March Madness And Spring Break
• Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ And Beer Will Slam Down Food And Drink Specials For The Big Dance
• Center Cut Steakhouse Brings A New Element Of Swagger To The Nostalgic Flamingo – Swanky New Restaurant To Feature Classic Cuts Of Steak And Specialty Martini Bar
• Rick Harrison mints ‘The Old Man’ for a special Pawn Star Birthday – Pawn Star shows respect to his Dad by creating a specially engraved medallion
• Crystals At Citycenter Showcases Flair And Artistry Of Nevada Ballet Theatre With Limited-Time Exhibit
• High-speed rail from Las Vegas to Victorville.
• Goodbye Gameworks (The Las Vegas Strip Coin-Arcade)
• Former PH Towers Westgate timeshare resort gets new name
• Houses below $200K boost Las Vegas sales
• Tropicana mob exhibit consultant: ‘Nobody has an attraction like this’
• The Smith Center Opens With Star-Studded Performances
• Arts community demanding spotlight in Las Vegas
• Unemployment rate in Las Vegas improves in January
• Fine arts in coarse Las Vegas? Yes, and they’re expanding
• Dining reviews at Bellagio
• NASCAR Hauler Parade
• Downtown’s New Farmers Market is Pretty Fresh
• Jimmy Buffett one step closer to NV casino license
• Las Vegas Boasts Nation’s Most Lucrative Nightclubs
• The Smith Center Opens Curtains
• YouTube stars live in concert in Las Vegas
• KISS Mini Golf Opening in Las Vegas
• 9/11 firefighters tribute on display in Las Vegas
• Water rate increase passes – Additional money raised will help pay for Lake Mead intake
• Sacrificing the desert to save the Earth
• Visitor volume rises 4.3 percent in 2011
• A Hawaiian island in the Nevada desert – How the California brought Hawaii to Las Vegas
• Curfew set for animals on Strip
• Fortunes may be shifting for downtown’s Lady Luck
• Las Vegas’ image may discourage professional women from taking up residence
• Pac-12 likely moving basketball tournament to Las Vegas
• $25 million in comps, 500 steaks a night and other South Point tidbits revealed by TV’s ‘Vegas Stripped’
• Smith Center’s pride and permanence a new act for Las Vegas
• Oscar’s Beef, Booze & Broads a throwback to old Las Vegas
• SkyVue wheel developers begin pouring foundations
• Singer Jimmy Buffett recommended for license by Nevada gaming regulators
• Refit for a Hit: Mob Attraction opens at Tropicana
• Plans delayed for downtown luxury hotel
• Certified cicerone sniffs, swirls and sips breweries’ best
• Lobster ME proves you can get good seafood in the desert
• Dancing on the ceiling: A backstage look at the Rio’s ‘Show in the Sky’

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

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AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

• St. Patrick’s Day Las Vegas 2012
• March Madness Las Vegas 2012
• Spring Break Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – I usually keep you updated on our weather, and this week will be no different. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t send out thoughts out to those affected by the severe weather we had here in the United States about a week ago. It hit somewhat close to home for us because team member Robert Oliver (IT, software development, our pending design upgrade) only lives about an hour from the town of Harvest, AL which got ravished. As it was, Robert and his girlfriend Marsha were forced into their basement at one point and funnel clouds were seen over their area.

This past week on Tuesday (March 6), we ourselves had an unusual weather blip. Monday was beautiful, temps in the 70′s F. People on The Strip at midnight in short sleeves, short skirts, just really pleasant. Tuesday, we had serious and unrelenting wind with gusts approaching 50 mph. That is pushing into the Tropical Storm force category (if we weren’t land-locked). The storm brought some serious cold into our area for Wednesday. Temps didn’t make it out of the 50′s. The good news? 10 day forecast is showing 70′s all this week with some cooling over the weekend.

O’Shea’s Closure – As part of the Project Linq massive makeover of the Imperial Palace and (what is currently) the alley way between O’Shea’s and Harrah’s, the popular little “dive” casino O’Sheas will shut the doors for the last time on April 30, 2012. Some rumble has been made regarding the re-creation of O’Shea’s as part of the revamped Imperial Palace (which itself will get renamed), but that will be like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. O’Shea’s unique atmosphere has made it quite a success.

Just last week on an otherwise slow Monday night (for Las Vegas), O’Shea’s was packed. Every table was open, and most of them were full. The beer pong area was full. The lounge was full. The place had an energy not matched at surrounding casinos. But then again, the planners who plan great projects like Linq are probably in bed with milk and cookies during what is peak time for visitors who are partying and gambling at places like O’Shea’s. So, maybe they have no clue. Or maybe it has to go, but killing a cash cow to make room for an outdoor mall is risky in my book.

LongBar At The Fitz – Fitzgerald’s hotel in downtown (soon to be The D if internet rumor holds up) is wasting absolutely no time with their remodel. Just a few weeks ago, they ripped out their old downstairs bar and presto/chango, a new really long bar (hence the name Longbar) is in place along the west wall (the McDonald’s side). Click the thumbnail to see the full-size picture.

Smoke Free Resort – Just not here. To follow up on a story we noted in June 2011, Revel in Atlantic City opens in April with an entirely smoke-free atmosphere including the entire casino. Interestingly enough, a law banning smoking in Atlantic City casinos was later modified due to loss of gaming revenue. Smokers gamble. On the flip side, around 3/4 of the U.S. population does not smoke. All eyes will be watching to see what the results will be.

The Nevada Recovery – Taxable sales for Clark County (Las Vegas) NV are showing a few key significant jumps: Furniture and home furnishings (obviously mostly locals) up 15%, clothing and accessories (mix of locals and visitors) up nearly 15%, and accommodations (visitors) up over 12%. Construction continues to be the sore spot, down nearly 16%. Don’t expect that number to change anytime soon. With years worth of residential and commercial real estate inventory available and no new resort construction, the demand simply isn’t there.

Top 10 Value Hotel – Travel+Leisure Magazine has ranked Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa as the 10′th best overall hotel value. In the world! GVR isn’t for everyone, if simply because you are 11 miles from The Strip. They have a free shuttle to Mandalay Bay, but last departure is 8 PM. (They want to get you and your money back on their property).

Still, if you are doing a week or more here in town, you might want to look into spending a couple of days there. Especially in months where the weather is nicer. You can enjoy their beautiful outdoor pool and grounds plus the adjacent The District for all kinds of dining, drinking, and shopping.

Flavor Flav’s House Of Flavor – After unfounded rumors of opening a restaurant in The Riviera and an apparently failed version in Iowa, Las Vegas local (and a former neighbor of mine, we sorted junk mail next to each other once) Flavor Flav is opening and chicken and waffle house. But, not on The Strip. Instead in a strip mall at Desert Inn and Maryland. I like chicken and waffles, so we may just have to get over and check it out. However, probably not worth the cab ride if you are just visiting.

Asian Resort Planned – The beleaguered area of Sahara and The Strip (Sahara closing, Ivana Trump hotel never happening, MGM’s “CityCenter North” on permanent hold) may see a niche resort coming soon. The empty lot next to Allure (the condo high-rise at the intersection) is slated to be the future home of the Lucky Dragon, a 10 floor resort which plans to market both to the booming local Asian market and Asians who actually live in Asia (and are generally the very wealthy who can afford to visit Las Vegas and drop large sums of money).

The developers feel that the location won’t be a hindrance as this will be a “destination” resort which their clients will actively seek out. Also, Palace Station (literally a few blocks to the west) heavily caters to the local Asian market and I’m guessing the new property will be looking to steal some of those customers.

We Can’t Help You If… – We certainly enjoy your feedback at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com and we strive to answer as many questions as possible. But please understand we pack this newsletter with info and links each week. Make sure to at least scan it all, including the More section which has lots of links to all kinds of useful information. If you don’t click to read all the info we’re digging up and linking to, there isn’t much we can do about that.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor / News Researcher: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

Chateau Terrace To Host Celebration – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With The Best View On The Strip – Chateau Terrace at Paris Las Vegas will host an all-day St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday, March 17. Themed with Irish flair, the lavish nightclub’s outdoor Terrace will open its doors starting at 9 a.m. for food, green beer, music and plenty of Irish-go-lucky fun. The stunning terrace will serve up dozens of varieties of beer, including Killian’s Irish Red and Guinness from Ireland. And, as no St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without green beer, the Chateau Terrace will serve up pints and pitchers of the shamrock-hued brew. With unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip overlooking the fountains at Bellagio, Chateau Terrace will celebrate the day party where gorgeous servers and a DJ will keep the festivities going well into the night.

• Full story/details/info: Chateau Terrace Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

‘The Last Supperette’ Serves Up The Ultimate Ladies Night Out This Spring – Asian Bistro To Offer Brides Last ‘Single’ Meal – To celebrate the bride’s unforgettable last night of freedom, Rice & Company offers ”The Last Supperette,” a four-course prix fixe menu priced at $50 per person at Luxor Hotel and Casino. For the bachelorette dining experience, ladies begin their meal with the ”Prenuptials” course and choose between The Sexy Lady Roll made with king crab, seaweed salad and spicy tuna or the Vegetable Spring Roll made with tangy sweet and sour sauce. For ”The Second Date” course ladies will indulge in a have the option of Mixed House Seasonal Greens with a savory signature ginger dressing or Egg Drop Soup made with vegetables and scallions.

• Full story/details/info: ‘The Last Supperette’ Serves Up The Ultimate Ladies Night Out

Rhumbar Celebrates Spring Break On The Patio – Additional Happy Hour Specials Available Throughout March – Spring is right around the corner and RHUMBAR at The Mirage is gearing up for party-goers as they create the best place to catch the warm breeze with unbeatable drink specials. For the month of March, Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., spring breakers can experience the Caribbean-themed patio at RHUMBAR as it turns regular happy hour into the top party spot in town. All vacationers can spend their week of freedom indulging in affordable $5 cocktails including Rum Punch, Coors Light and vodka mixed drinks. Buckets of domestic beer also will be available for $25. The daiquiri bar will feature free refills of tasty libations and RHUMBAR will offer a house selection cigar for $8 to complete the Caribbean-themed spring break party.

• Full story/details/info: Rhumbar Celebrates Spring Break On The Patio

Flamingo Announces Plans To Open The First West Coast Carlos’n Charlie’s – Popular Mexican Cantina Set To Open April 2012 – Flamingo Las Vegas is pleased to announce plans to open the first West Coast location of the high-energy Mexican eatery Carlos’n Charlie’s. The restaurant and bar will make its debut this April. Located adjacent to the Race & Sports Book, Carlos’n Charlie’s will span more than 13,000 square feet serving lunch and dinner nightly. The dining room will boast seating for 150, and a unique outdoor terrace will overlook the lush Flamingo pool and gardens complete with oversized umbrellas and cooling misters, accommodating an additional 150. The large bar will seat up to 40 guests bringing the venue’s full seating capacity to 340, with additional space for gathering and dancing.

• Full story/details/info: Flamingo Announces Plans To Open The First West Coast Carlos’n Charlie’s

Revelers Will See Green At PBR Rock Bar And Grill’s St. Patrick’s Day Party – The luckiest place to party for everyone’s favorite Irish drinking holiday will be PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, March 17. Revelers will be seeing green as the popular rock bar will serve up traditional favorites in the holiday’s signature hue including green beer, green margaritas and green daiquiris. Drink selections will be offered in 80-ounce Green Guitars and 100-ounce Super Yards for $38 each. Partygoers can relish the Strip-side eatery’s daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. with unrivaled drink specials including 2-for-1 well drinks, $3 domestic drafts and $5 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey shots and Jager Bombs.

• Full story/details/info: Revelers Will See Green At PBR

Experience Basketball Mania with Special Appearances, Events, and VIP Viewing Packages throughout Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts – With the college basketball tournament right around the corner, locals and guests alike are invited to take part in various activities being offered at Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas resorts March 15-18. Whether a guest is a casual sports follower or a die-hard college basketball fan, Caesars Entertainment has the perfect offerings to make sure the weekend is a slam dunk experience. Sports fans have the opportunity to catch all the action with the ultimate Man Cave Package available at Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and Imperial Palace.

• Full story/details/info: Experience Basketball Mania with Special Appearances

Two Days Of Free, Open-To-The-Public Concerts To Be Held During ACM Weekend On Fremont Street Experience Friday, March 30 & Saturday, March 31, 2012 – The Academy of Country Music is hosting two days of all-star concerts at Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas during The Week Vegas Goes Country®! The weekend-long party leading up to the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be hosted by three-time ACM On-Air Personality of the Year Award winner Blair Garner, host of After MidNite with Blair Garner, and will feature performances by ACM New Artist of the Year nominees Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes and Scotty McCreery as well as Love and Theft and headliner Luke Bryan on Friday, March 30th, and Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Campbell, Eli Young Band, Jana Kramer, and headliner Eric Church on Saturday, March 31st.

• Full story/details/info: Two Days Of Free, Open-To-The-Public Concerts To Be Held During ACM Weekend

The Golden Nugget Las Vegas Named Official Host Hotel For Legendary General Tire Mint 400 – The world-renowned General Tire Mint 400 has selected the Golden Nugget Las Vegas as the ”Official Host Hotel” for the 2012 race. With over 270 pre-entries already counted, the top off-road teams in the world will compete in over twenty different classes of race vehicles at this year’s Mint 400, which will take place the week of March 21 and continue until March 25, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• Full story/details/info: Legendary General Tire Mint 400

Grand Canyon Landing Tour – You will start your experience with a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, as well as many other awe-inspiring views. After descending 3,500 feet inside the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, you will enjoy a light snack, a cool beverage and a champagne toast 300 feet above the Colorado River.

Click To Book Grand Canyon Landing Tour Now!

Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

My wife and I were in Las Vegas mid January, visiting from the UK. I just wanted to comment on a few things if I may:

We were not disappointed with the visit, as usual we enjoyed ourselves immensely, and the weather was great. We celebrated our wedding anniversary and my wife bought us tickets to see Celine Dion, which was a great show.

I am sure I had read prior to leaving the UK, that the ‘Porn Slappers’ were not supposed to be so in your face very 5 feet along the sidewalk. That had been something I was keen to see, but was very disappointed to see that this was still as prevalent as ever, and quite annoying. Although I would not be a customer, I do wonder how much the fees go up, to be able to give some money to this endless number of South American people pushing to handout the fliers?

A comment on the new hotels Cosmopolitan etc. I have to say that until now Las Vegas is best when copying themes from around the world, when constructing hotels or just trying to make them unique. Yet this collection of hotels is something which does not do credit to Las Vegas, as they are just plain modern hotels and to our mind are nothing different from anywhere else in the world. In fact they are boring.

Night time entertainment – Celine Dion show was just that, well put together and very enjoyable. One Las Vegas theatres do well, is put on something large in a lovely theatre. And the way the crowds disappear so quick on leaving the show is amazing. We did see the Absinthe show as well, and have to say that we were not warned before hand how dreadful some of the antics were in-between the main acrobatic acts. We are not aversed to good banter, but this really was way beyond that. I am disappointed that there was not some suggested warning to potential customers when buying tickets. The acrobatics were really very good however and in tent surroundings was a nice change.

All in all another lovely time, and we will still be back, but avoid the dreary outright modern hotels.

Enjoying the news updates, oh, and one last thing. What is the position with the area between Circus Circus and Trump tower?

Regards,

Alan Pardoe

Ted Responds:

Glad to hear you had a great trip, nothing like celebrating your anniversary in Las Vegas! You were lucky to catch Celine as she had to cancel current shows to let her voice rest and get over a throat-related ailment. We’re hoping she’ll be in top shape to return in July when her next set of shows is scheduled.

The pornslappers are not supposed to shove the cards at your face anymore. Or hand them to anyone who looks less than 25 years old. However, the new agreements they have with law enforcement do not make them go away. My advice? Just ignore them. That’s what I do. Per how they get paid: Every card has a code on it particular to the person handing them out. If their card results in a “sale” then they get a commission. I’m not aware of the exact dollar amount nor what it costs to have a “friendly” encounter with the girl they send to your room.

It has been suggested to use immigration policy to thin their ranks. However, you can’t just stop someone and ask for their identification without cause in the United States. Given that nearly 25% of all Nevada residents are Hispanic combined with others in favor of amnesty for illegal aliens, you’d have an uproar on your hands. Similar to the ongoing battle in the Phoenix, Arizona area where the “tough” sheriff is under fire for allegedly doing just that.

I believe you are referring to the CityCenter complex, of which Cosmo appears to be a part of. (In actuality, it is a separately owned property). You are not the first, nor will be the last to express displeasure with the way it looks on The Strip. In a Las Vegas skyline filled with whites and tans and shades of gold and brown, the blue certainly stands out.

For some reason, there has been a push to de-theme Las Vegas hotels. The Luxor (for example) is nothing like the Egyptian-themed property it was at opening, the Aladdin theme (and name) is gone, CityCenter has no theme (it has an urban feel, but I’m not sure that translates into a theme — the nearest grocery store is 2.5 miles away), and the proposed remodel of The Sahara into something else will certainly de-theme it. I could go on. Simply put, many visitors are not happy about this development.

When we brought Absinthe on board as an advertiser, we did note that it wasn’t for those with tame ears. The show gets on the profane side. Some love how over-the-top it is, for others it is a bit too much. So be warned!

The Echelon project between Circus and Trump is still dead in the water. I panned the concept when it was announced. I didn’t believe the market could absorb all of the resort complexes under construction even in good times. I’m sure that Echelon owners Boyd Gaming are kicking themselves for blowing up The Stardust. Highly unlikely we’ll see any action there for another 2-3 years as so much other development has to shake out first.

You have the Downtown Grand (formerly Lady Luck) working on re-opening, which will add rooms to the market. Ditto if The Sahara remodels. Another downtown hotel may be getting ready to re-open their rooms (I’ve seen the room designs, but I’m not supposed to talk about it). Until all those rooms come online (which I believe they will but it could be quite some time), new construction is simply out-of-the-question.

We love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Here’s how to participate:

• Want to comment on a current reader post? Use the comment box on that particular web page. Many of the stories we post also have comment boxes at the end of the story. Make your voice heard!
• Drop us an email at AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com – We read them all!
• Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call.

More St. Patrick’s Day Las Vegas News And Events

• Bellagio, MGM, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur And Circus Circus Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Feasts And Festivities
• Cannery Casino Set To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – Pub Crawl, Irish Food Specials, Irish Music And Much More
• Cork Proctor Returns To Railroad Pass St. Patrick’s Day
• Public House To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Irish Fare And Drink Specials
• Ri Ra Las Vegas March And St. Patrick’s Drink Specials
• Celebrate Luck Of The Irish At Rice And Company Get Lucky In Vegas With The ‘Lucky Roll’
• Rockhouse Goes Green For St. Patrick’s Day – Patrons Will Get Lucky With Irish Inspired Drink Specials
• Silverton Casino Hotel announces Patty Madness
• Sugar Factory American Brasserie to Offer Festive St. Patty’s Day Specials on Saturday, March 17

More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Mint 400 gearing up to be a valley spectacle

  Book NASCAR Mint 400 Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Jubilee Puts It All Out There, Both On and Off The Stage

  Book Jublilee Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Shania Twain Las Vegas Show in Pre-Production
• Shania Twain Begins Preparations for Las Vegas Stint

  Book Shania Twain December 2012 Las Vegas Tickets Now

• High Winds Rip Through Las Vegas (vith video)
• High Accident Rate in Las Vegas Valley Could Impact Insurance Rates (vith video)
• Tropicana’s Mob Attraction: Tweaked, Fixed And More Fun Than You Think
• Hotel restaurants at the Wynn resorts and Encore in Las Vegas have added vegan menus with options that go far beyond the simple salad.
• In A Mobster Turf War, Which Crime Museum Should Get Your Money?
• January traffic at Las Vegas airport up over last year
• Art And Wine: A Perfect Pairing At Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art March 14
• Tickets Now On Sale for KISS By Monster Mini Golf!
• Las Vegas Strip Gambling Revenue Rises 29%
• Las Vegas: 21 things to do for under $21
• There’s Gambling, Floor Shows … and ‘Full Auto’ in Las Vegas
• Las Vegas indoor shooting range rents machine guns
• English’s in Town Square serving up interesting British fare
• Zappos CEO dreams of fixing world by fixing cities
• Grand opening will promote club as upscale spot for gays to party
• The Martin luxury high-rise to unveil new design
• MGM Grand starts remodeling after nearly eight-year delay
• Smith Center ready to remake Las Vegas culture
• Nothing fake about ‘Pawn Star’s’ love
• Nevada taxable sales saw gains in December
• City Hall, shiny and new, opened February 21, 2012
• Independent coffee shops spreading in Las Vegas Valley
• Men and women face different rewards and challenges in club industry
• Shadow and light converge on Mob Museum
• Real heart attack occurs at ‘Heart Attack Grill’
• X Burlesque: Meet Shakeera Onstead

Serving Las Vegas Visitors and Residents Since 1999

Welcome to the Insider Vibe! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

Send feedback to AccessVegas@AccessVegas.com

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend! Missed an issue? Click to Read Back Issues Online.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

• March Madness Las Vegas 2012
• Spring Break Las Vegas 2012
• St. Patrick’s Day Las Vegas 2012

Newkirk’s Notes – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello From Las Vegas! – I’m going to be MIA (from the newsletter) this week as we’re in the thick up prepping the major upgrades to AccessVegas.com. I will be off-and-on for the next couple months. However, I should return next issue with my insider insights. And as always, we still have a newsletter packed with the Las Vegas information you need to know!

Plus, we’re going to do right by you. We’re proud to have Jersey Boys back on board as an advertiser. With their move to Paris Las Vegas, they’ve cooked up something special just for us: Right now, you can book Jersey Boys Las Vegas tickets and save $40 per ticket. But, you have to do it through us. This is for our readers and their friends and family and associates.

How to book with the discount: Head on over to

Jersey Boys Paris Las Vegas $40 Ticket Savings

When you go to book, enter the code 40ACCESS when prompted in the purchase process. You’re good to go, with some extra gambling money in your pocket courtesy of us and Jersey Boys!

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Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Rick Ziegler

Skip the airport taxi hassles and arrive at your hotel in style: Check out driver and limo service availability now!

The Rat Pack is Back! Steps into KISS Boots for Original Rat Packer – Joey Bishop’s 94th Birthday! – Photo Cut Line: In commemoration of Joey Bishop’s birthday, The Rat Pack is Back! brings a touch of nostalgia to the official KISS boots that are currently touring Las Vegas in celebration of the upcoming opening of KISS by Monster Mini Golf on March 15, 2012. Photo © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ erikkabik.com. The Rat Pack is Back! paired their signature coiffed look with KISS’ signature striking boots to celebrate the 94th birthday of famous Rat Packer, Joey Bishop.

• Full story/details/info: Rat Pack is Back! Steps into KISS Boots
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Comme Ca Introduces New Spring Items To Seasonal Menu – As the spring season evokes ideas of renewal, so does Comme Ça’s new seasonal menu created by acclaimed Chef David Myers and Executive Chef Brian Howard. This spring, the celebrated French brasserie at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will roll out a new menu that incorporates the freshest ingredients of the season with new culinary concepts. New hors d’oeuvres introduced to the menu include a delicate Crab Salad made with preserved lemon, espelette, garlic chips and locally grown mustard greens; as well as Grilled Octopus garnished with charred spring onion and a warm chili vinaigrette.

• Full story/details/info: Comme Ca Introduces New Spring Items To Seasonal Menu

NASCAR Fans Get Fired-Up As Sam’s Town 300 Returns To Las Vegas March 8-10 – Boyd Gaming Kicks Off NASCAR Weekend With Appearances By Nationwide And Sprint Cup Drivers – NASCAR Weekend is one of the most anticipated events on the Las Vegas calendar, and Boyd Gaming Corporation is once again revving up for the 15th annual Sam’s Town 300 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Ahead of the March 10 race, Boyd Gaming properties will be offering a variety of unique experiences designed to appeal to NASCAR fans of all ages. On Thursday, March 8, fans are invited to several free events with exclusive chances to get up close and personal with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, and third-generation NASCAR driver and champion Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

• Full story/details/info: NASCAR Fans Get Fired-Up As Sam’s Town 300 Returns To Las Vegas
• Buy Tickets Now: Sam’s Town 300

Celebrity Colorist Michael Boychuck Introduces Happy Hour At Color Salon – Guests Can Enjoy ‘Makeup And Mimosas’ From 2 To 4 P.M. Daily – Leading Las Vegas salon owner, Michael Boychuck, proves that happy hour specials are not only good for the best drink deals in Sin City with the launch of ‘Makeup and Mimosas’ at his acclaimed salon, COLOR – a Salon by Michael Boychuck at Caesars Palace. The full-service salon now offers a daily happy hour special from 2 to 4 p.m. Clients may bask in the most opulent salon experience as they get pampered by the city’s most elite beauty professionals. Guest may also indulge in complimentary mimosas provided by the salon during their services.

• Full story/details/info: Celebrity Colorist Michael Boychuck Introduces Happy Hour

American Burger Works Delivers The Ultimate Hamburger Joint At Excalibur – ABX’s (American Burger Works) juicy burgers and authentic, crispy Belgium French fries will be served with a delicious complement: 15 flavorful dipping sauces. Some innovative favorites include bacon-mustard, cheddar cheese, chili-cilantro sour cream and Jack Daniel’s ketchup. Hot and spicy aficionados will love the horseradish cocktail sauce and spicy Sriracha ketchup. The sauces transform classic items with sophisticated flavors that will keep guests coming back for more. ”It’s all about the sauce,” added Michael Frey, managing partner at Drive This! Entertainment. ”The sauces create 15 different tastes and flavor profiles so that guests can really make their burger and fries their own.”

• Full story/details/info: American Burger Works Delivers The Ultimate Hamburger Joint At Excalibur

Lupo By Wolfgang Puck Invites Guests To Discover Italy With Executive Chef Eduardo Perez – New Prix-Fixe Menu Rich In Italian Tradition – Lupo by Wolfgang Puck has introduced a new five-course, prix-fixe menu inspired by Chef Eduardo Perez’ recent trips to Italy. The ”Discover Italy” dinner menu is priced at $60 per person (excluding beverage, tax and gratuity) and features authentic Italian flavors and ingredients. During his annual culinary explorations through the country, Chef Perez researched and developed new dishes by studying the culture, food and cooking techniques of celebrated Italian chefs in world-renowned restaurants. These chefs include Michelin-starred Chef Gaetano Trovato of ”Arnolfo” in Tuscany, Chef Maurilio Garola of ”La Ciau del Tornavento” near Alba and Chef Gian Nicola Colucci at ”Hotel Danieli” in Venice.

• Full story/details/info: Lupo By Wolfgang Puck Invites Guests To Discover Italy

Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Presents ”Claude Monet: Impressions Of Light” – New Exhibition Showcases 28 Works From The Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston – Organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), this landmark exhibition will feature works that illustrate the height of Claude Monet’s engagement with color and light. BGFA showcases 20 pieces by Monet, the founder of French Impressionist painting, accompanied by eight additional canvases by the master’s predecessors and contemporaries. All of these works are drawn from the MFA, which holds one of the largest collections of paintings by Claude Monet outside of Paris.

• Full story/details/info: Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Presents Claude Monet: Impressions Of Light

Wind Dancer Sunset Landing Tour – Landing tour with Hors d’oeuvres on the Canyon Floor. Birds eye view of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Get a close look at the extinct volcano Fortification Hill. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Descend deep into the Grand Canyon and land on the Hualapai Indian territory on the canyon floor

Click To Book Wind Dancer Sunset Landing Tour Now!

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More Las Vegas News – Shows – Events

• Show & Tell: Meet ‘Peepshow’s’ Quinn Kingston-Spencer

  Book Peepshow Las Vegas Tickets Now

• The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel, And Tower Announces Race Week 2012 Activities

  Book NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesLas Vegas Tickets Now

• Staging carefully crafted to not overpower singing in Celine Dion show

  Book Celine Dion Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Madame Tussauds unveiling wax Celine Dion figure

  Book Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Carlos Santana to headline at Vegas House of Blues

  Book Santana Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Interview: Matt Goss performs at the Gossy Room inside Ceasars

  Book Matt Goss Las Vegas Tickets Now

• NASCAR Fans Will Race Down To PBR Rock Bar And Grill For Dining Specials And Open Bar
• NASCAR Drivers Making a Pit Stop for Charity at Riviera
• NASCAR Organizers: Illegally Parked Cars will be Towed

  Book NASCAR Race Weekend Las Vegas Tickets Now

• Reality Television Program Showcases Las Vegas Strip Police (with video)
• Las Vegas home to burgeoning Tequila industry (with video)
• Occupy Las Vegas cleans up camp as permit expires (with video)
• Las Vegas celebrates Oscar night at the Palms (with video)
• Weightless in Las Vegas: Tourists spend big bucks for a wild experience (with video)
• Local Cirque Du Soliel performers put on a show at the Oscars (with video)
• Kicking Off Restaurant Week (with video)
• Mob Archive: Who Tried to Kill Frank Lefty Rosenthal? (with video)
• Las Vegas Could Attract Medical Tourists (with video)
• Book Chronicles Bizarre Requests Made to Las Vegas Concierges (with video)
• Gun Range Opens in Las Vegas (with video)
• Ri Ra Las Vegas Celebrates One Year Anniversary And St. Patrick’s Day With Two-Day Festival
• Irish Stew Cook Off Added To St. Patrick’s Day Festivities In Henderson
• Cabo Wabo Cantina Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day With A Mexican Twist
• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Live Bands and Specials at J.C. Wooloughan’s Inside JW Marriott
• Reality Television Program Showcases Las Vegas Strip Police
• Caesars Palace Hosts Second Annual Hoops and Hold’em Poker Series
• M Resort Spa Casino Hosts Rock The Shamrock Whiskey Tasting
• Tacos And Tequila Goes South Of The Border With Spring Break 2012 Specials
• Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio Bar And Grill Launches New Weekend Brunch Menu
• 2011 Brings Second Highest Visitor Count In Las Vegas History, Record Targeted In 2012
• PBR Rock Bar And Grill To Serve As Official Headquarters For Mountain West Conference With Specials
• Station Casinos’ March House Free Entertainment
• Inside A Room At The Orleans
• Las Vegas’ hotel supervisor tells all in Reddit Q & A
• For startups, Las Vegas is a beautifully clean slate
• Boyd sues over ruling that it must pay tax on comped meals
• MGM Resorts Posts Narrower Loss as Strip Gambling Recovers
• Is Downtown’s Mob Museum Worth A Visit?
• Las Vegas Revamping Its Reputation as a City for the Arts
• 6 Lessons for Surviving Las Vegas
• Flamingo’s FAB rooms vs. GO rooms – It’s not even close
• Riviera Aiming To Give Gamblers On The Strip The Best Odds
• For $16.5 Million, A Zany Las Vegas Compound With A Shooting Range And Underground Wine Cave
• Nevada issues rules for driverless cars
• Sammy Hagar Talks Up New Rum at Planet Hollywood
• A Near Hit – Former Mayor Oscar Goodman’s steak house doesn’t quite ‘meat’ expectations
• The Clotted Artery of Interstate 15
• The Two-Year Turnaround – How long does it take for a newcomer to fall for this town?
• Vegas Has Culture – Museums of Las Vegas
• Our Night At Monte Carlo
• We Know Exactly What Your Favorite Cocktail Is Missing: Bacon
• Act Out Your Call Of Duty, Clint Eastwood Fantasies At Guns And Ammo
• Double-decker bus firm expanding Vegas business
• Nevada’s 2011 jobless rate pegged at 13.5 percent
• Foundation Pouring Starts Thursday for Skyvue Wheel
• Marine wins $2.9 million jackpot, credits karma
• New farmer’s market launches in downtown Las Vegas
• Lineup announced for annual sports and music festival
• Arts community demanding spotlight in Las Vegas
• New Smith Center packs plenty of ‘wow factor’
• After 15 years, GameWorks closing on Strip, and looking for new location to serve locals
• Time will tell if Smith Center keeps winning numbers game
• Las Vegas? Family-family? Not so much.
• Monet paintings lead Impressionist exhibit at Bellagio Gallery
• Tommy Wind blends music with magic
• Bird-watchers flock to Henderson preserve
• Major carriers falter, but smaller players fill gaps in McCarran air travel
• Machine-gun ranges thrive locally letting visitors spray bullets for play
• Main lender for Hooters Hotel to become owner
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