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INSIDER INTEL
Vegas is one of the most frequently sung about American cities. New York and Memphis also take top honors.
My Four Favorite Song Lyrics about Las Vegas 1 Never Been to Spain
by Elvis Presley
“Well I’ve never been to England, but I kind of like The Beatles/ So I headed for Las Vegas only made it to Needles”
2 The Good Life
by Kanye West
You never forget your first time. For me it was from a plane. Not only was it my first trip to Las Vegas, it was my first time traveling by air. I remember it was nighttime, because I could see the lights. They were magnificent, so much so that the first impression remains: darkness broken swiftly by a flood of vivid colors. Vegas is undoubtedly the most spectacular city in the world to fly into at night. I’ve landed in a lot of places in varying degrees of darkness, yet nothing really ever comes close. The lights are sometimes enough to distract me from the well-noted “rough” landings. It’s only fitting that a place so great would be a little difficult to get to. The roads to Vegas are many, as are the impressions it leaves. Every month, when evaluating my city and packaging it up into the pages of Vegas/Rated, I mull over how everyone else views this neon bubble. These ponderings were the true inspiration for this month’s cover: Katy Perry. We chose Katy because not only does she bring her road show to Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 19, but she—along with other pop culturally relevant kernels such as Elvis and The Hangover— are directly responsible for what you want from your Vegas experience. The insides don’t matter. In this case it’s truly all about the sequined jumpsuit. And we are OK with that. As an homage to Katy and all the other Vegas clichés that America so embraces, we asked three of our favorite up-and-coming artists—all of whom have strong ties to the city in their own right—to put pen to paper and reinterpret one lyric from the pop star’s hit song, “Walking Up in Vegas.” The end result was kind of like when you ask someone if they’ve ever beaten the house … yep, we got three different stories. Whatever your next Vegas experience, here’s hoping you at least get a good story out of it. Melinda Sheckells Editor-in-Chief Follow us on twitter @vegasrated
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“… but when I get my card back activated/ I’m back to Vegas cause/ I always had a passion for flashin’ before I had it/ I close my eyes and imagine, the good life ...”
3 Leaving Las Vegas
by Sheryl Crow
“I’m standing in the middle of the desert/ Waiting for my ship to come in …”
4 Shiny Disco Balls
by Who da Funk
“…bad-ass Vegas hos/ late nights booty calls/ shiny disco balls …”
Artist Casey Weldon gives his interpretation of the song “Waking Up in Vegas.” See page 70.
Photograph by Ryan Reason; Styling by Nicole Chandler; Hair by Marshall VanIerland; Makeup by Natasha Chamberlin; Dolce & Gabbana dress, Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show
FROM THE EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS
GL WOOD
Growing up, Wood had always wanted a creative job, so after graduating from the University of Georgia, he packed up his car and drove to Los Angeles to begin life as an art teacher. Once in California, a random case of mistaken identity led him to venture into the world of photography. Call it destiny, as he ended up becoming an accomplished fashion photographer. Wood lent his eye to our fashion this issue, including “Ripped Apart,” on page 30. “I would say my favorite Halloween costume would be Beetlejuice a couple of years ago. Just because I actually had all of the elements to look like the character. … I did the dirty, hobo-looking version of him at the beginning of the movie. Also I got his voice correct, so everyone loved to see me imitate the character.”
HEW BURNEY
Burney has spent the last decade in Las Vegas immersed in celebrity culture from behind the lens of his camera. With more than a million memories captured, he continues to be one of the city’s most prominent storytellers. In this issue, Burney chronicled the happenings of Labor Day 2011. See page 110. “My favorite Halloween costume: Body paint at the Playboy mansion.”
WE ASKED THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS: “WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME?”
CHARITY MAINVILLE
Mainville’s approach to life has become a hit as spyonvegas. com’s resident blogger, Agent 21, where she dishes out dating advice and party tips. Add published author (So What Brought You to Las Vegas?) to her list of accomplishments, and you’ve got yourself a University of Wisconsin-Madison grad taking the city of sin by storm. Mainville took us behind the scenes at Haze for “All Access,” on page 92. “My favorite costume is Wonder Woman. It gives me an excuse to purchase red knee-high boots.”
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ERIC SCHWABEL
ELIZABETH SEWELL
CHRISTOPHER CALICOTT
Best known for his “highresolution” close-up portrait work—and now known for his location portrait work at the annual Burning Man festival (page 112)—Schwabel’s photographs capture each subject’s character in masterful detail. His work can be seen in magazines worldwide and in ads for Ritz-Carlton and Toyota.
Part daydreamer and part go-getter, Sewell can usually be found planning her future travels, shopping for vintage finds or taking a stroll with Charlie, her Chihuahua. Vegas/Rated’s editorial assistant is a graduate of UNLV’s College of Urban Affairs and a rare Las Vegas native.
“I think my personal Halloween triumph as an adult was ‘Mummy Who Died from OD’ing on Viagra,’ which involved wrapping myself and a strap-on dildo in gauze.”
“Since Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, I love dressing up. My favorite costume would have to be Mr. Monopoly; it’s the mustache that pulls it all together.”
Calicott (“The Perfect Pair,” page 56) is a passionate Las Vegasbased food-and-wine writer and student of French and international business at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He feels strongly about wines and cuisine that communicate a sense of place, and if he isn’t drinking a glass of vino in Vegas, he’s likely drinking one abroad. Follow him on Twitter @vegascritics. “I make a great Caesar. I’ve also been a drunken airline pilot. There’s just something fun about wearing a toga, though.”
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Vegas/Rated® is a registered trademark of Sandow Media, LLC and used in partnership with WENDOH Media Companies. Vegas/Rated (ISSN 2162-6340) Vol. 1, No. 3 is published monthly by Sandow Media LLC, Boca Raton, FL and WENDOH Media Las Vegas, NV. Subscriptions are $29.95 for one year in the US. Address subscription requests and correspondence to: Vegas/Rated, PO Box 810369, Boca Raton, FL 33481-9941. Email: subscriptions@vrated.com. S A L E S @ V R AT E D . C O M
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E D I TO R I A L @ V R AT E D . C O M
11 . 2011 ™
30 62
WATcH PSY comes to Smith center for the Performing Arts
w h a t ’s i n s t o re
21
DiScovEr 22 Dom DeMarco’s opens in Summerlin MiNGLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Playersync brings together outdoorsy types rELAx Absinthe returns
23
DiNE STK’s blinged-out utensil
23
PLAY Halloween DJ preview
24
SHoP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Aviators with attitude
28
V/RATED Places to buy him a watch
30
RIppED ApART Fall fashion inspired by the 3-D craze
38
gEMS Shiny, smart and affordable jewels
the culinary scene
46
V/RATED Where to eat white-hot truffles
48
HIgH/LOW Splurge or scrimp? Soul food in Sin city
50
40
HOT SpOT P J clarke’s brings a taste of old New York to the Strip
42
ALL ACCESS The Barrymore pairs vintage glamour with forward-thinking cuisine
TIME LApSE Explore TAG Heuer’s first North American flagship store AUTOpIA The Audi A6: A sexy car for her
52
get away from it all
60
V/RATED Stay centered on the Strip with these yoga offerings
62
SUITE SENSATION Take a peek at the Plaza’s swanky new suites
64
CUTTINg EDgE Brannonhair takes the celebrity salon experience off the Strip
54
FIRST CRUSH Try cru Beaujolais for a different twist on holiday wine
56
THE CELLAR Sensi’s innovative wine program reflects its ever-evolving, global menu
ON THE COVER
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Katy Perry wakes up in Vegas on November 19 when she brings her tour to Mandalay Bay Events Center.
riPPED APArT, GL WooD; PLAzA HoTEL, FrANcS+FrANciS; KATY PErrY, LAurEN DuKoFF
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82 concerts, shows
&
art
68
V/RATED upcoming concerts not to miss
70
WAkiNg up iN VEgAs WiTh kATY pERRY Three up-and-coming artists draw their interpretation of a lyric from Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas”
beyond the strip
80
108
on the list
90
who to know
100
V/RATED Dance companies that offer a glimpse into the city’s cultural side
V/RATED Tiësto’s November playlist
V/RATED Hometown bands
82
All ACCEss Take a look behind the scenes at Haze nightclub at Aria
92
102
MEET Meet the family behind Cowtown Guitars, a Las Vegas musical institution
96
106
CulTuRE ClAsh Far from the neon lights, the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater is giving the arts scene a lift
l i b AT i O N s When the planets align, the season is right for a great cocktail collaboration
76
CAlENDAR The monthly resource for arts and entertainment in Las Vegas
MEET Heidi Fleiss and her life in Pahrump
108
ThE sCENE Deadmau5 rocks The Chelsea with a breathtaking new stage show
110
ThE sCENE DJs invade Wynn Las Vegas during Labor Day Weekend
112
ThE sCENE A photographer captures the essence of the Burning Man festival
122
V/RATED Rules to live by on All Hallows’ Eve spEllbiNDER High fashion with a heavy dose of theatrics
128
ThE guiDE A guide to getting decked out this Halloween
136
ThE plAYERs ircus Couture showcases inspirational Halloween costumes
140
124
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CAlENDAR your resource for what’s happening on Halloween
114
90
ThE sCENE Las Vegas Pride gives the LGBT community cause for celebration
144
ThE END The secrets of the high-end gaming lounge
116
ThE sCENE Fashion’s Night Out rocks Crystals at CityCenter with fashion, food and music
LVCDT, ANTHONy MAiR; DEADMAu5, DENisE TRusCELLO
124
PULSE V/RATED EXCLUSIVES
there’s a new CirCus in town Created in Montreal in 2002, Les 7 doigts de la main, or the seven fingers of the hand, is a performance troupe that blends mind-bending circus acts with off-the-wall subjects. The comparisons to Cirque du Soleil are inevitable, especially in Las Vegas, but Les 7 doigts de la main is a more pared-down stage show. They’re performing their fourth creation PSY at the soon-to-open Smith Center for Performing Arts in May 2012, and the critically acclaimed show has people buzzing already. Billed as a trip through the human psyche, PSY follows the acrobats through a series of dreams, visions and memories filled with paranoia and darkness. It’s a nouveau circus experience not to be missed. $24-$59. The Smith Center for Performing Arts; thesmithcenter.com
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v/rated exclusives: always the first to know
BY KATE SILVER
discover: Pie iN The Sky For 45 years, legendary pizza maker Dom DeMarco has been serving his masterpieces at Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn, N.y., wooing critics, locals and tourists alike. Now, he’s bringing that pizza to Las Vegas. in November, Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar opens on the west side at 9785 W. Charleston Blvd. DeMarco-trained Chef enzo Deiuliis will reproduce the pies that have New yorkers waiting in hours-long lines that wind around the restaurant. he’ll use the same ingredients they use in New york— right down to the water, which they’re reportedly “re-creating” here. Albert Scalleat, co-owner of Dom DeMarco’s Pizzeria & Bar, says he’s already received a huge amount of excitement and support from New york transplants living in Las Vegas. “They can’t wait to have a slice of home,” he says. 702.570.7000; domdemarcos.com
Mingle: Get ConneCted
Playersync.com
PhotograPh by xx
Find yourself alone on the tennis court or hiking solo? Not if Playersync.com has its way. The website, which launched in July, aims to bring together active individuals through the sports they love. Playersync was started by locals Scott Giovanni and Michael Rotshelz, after Giovanni took up tennis and often found himself without an opponent. The two decided to launch a social network to bring together liked-minded active individuals, so you never have to be left in the cold again. Playersync offers 31 different activities to look up, and Giovanni says the company adds others based on consumer demand. At the moment the most popular are hiking, basketball and tennis, but Playersync also hooks up fellow yogis, snowboarders, muay-thai fighters and even disc golf junkies. Currently the site has more than 3,200 members and is focused on getting Las Vegas out and about, but Giovanni says more sports and markets are definitely in the company’s future.
PULSE V/RATED EXCLUSIVES
Relax: ABsinthe returns The show goes on for Absinthe. The wildly popular circus-gone-wrong returns to the Strip on October 21 in a brand new performance space. Caesars Palace president Gary Selesner says the show, which made its debut as a limited engagement earlier this year, has helped turn the Roman Plaza—the Caesars property adjacent to the sidewalk facing the Strip—into a new hub for entertainment. Absinthe closed on September 18 with no indications the critically acclaimed variety show would continue. The new space is suitable for all seasons and integrates theater in-the-round seating. absinthevegas.com
Play: Bling-in Filet Nothing goes with steak like a little bling. Now select VIP guests at STK at The Cosmopolitan will cut their meat with a diamond- and jewel-encrusted steak knife, created by Jason of Beverly Hills (see page 24 for some cool shades to go with the cutlery) and designed exclusively for STK Las Vegas. The knife is presented to STK VIPs in a special case. Those who receive the steak knife will be invited to sign and date the STK “secret book,” aligning them with a hidden society of fellow diamond-back-knife carriers. And that’s not all. The bejeweled knife also comes with an indemnity insurance policy, staking your claim on the exquisite utensil’s future. 702.698.7000; stkhouse.com
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pulse V/RATED EXCLUSIVES
play: afrojack-o-lantern Whether your costume is sexy, scary or something in between, everyone needs a place to party come halloween, and Vegas/Rated got the exclusive story on the happenings at the ultra-chic XS nightclub inside encore Las Vegas. On halloween night superstar afrojack will man the turntables, spinning his hits, including “take Over Control.” But afrojack is just the close to an incredible weekend-long party, as the venue has secured a lineup that includes tiësto prodigy avicii on October 28 and axwell of super group Swedish house Mafia on October 29. the biggest name on the roster for halloween? none other than Joel Zimmerman, aka deadmau5. the dJ who always comes in costume—custom-designed mouse heads, often tricked out with Led screens—will be spinning October 30. 702.770.0097; xslasvegas.com
Shop: Stunner ShadeS What happens when jewelerto-the-stars Jason of Beverly hills gets his hands on a pair of vintage aviators? they become diamondencrusted vintage aviators, of course. Vintage Corsair aviator sunglasses from universal Optical circa 1970 got the celebrity treatment by the jeweler inside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. the throwback frames came from the Cosmo’s vintage sunglasses boutique, retroSpecs & Co., and feature a 12-carat white-gold filled frame—the last of its kind in the uS. But it’s the diamonds that we really care about, and this pair of glasses has 29 of them. almost a fifth of a carat (.17 to be exact) of nearly colorless VS1 clarity diamonds decorate the special specs, and they can be yours for $2,500. afrojack PhotograPh by anthony mair
702.698.7000; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
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TIME TO MOVE ON
shop
Evolving from its roots as a skate and surf brand, Nixon introduces the Magnacon SS featuring a six-hand Swiss-made chronograph and a band constructed of stainless steel with a double-locking clasp. The Magnacon SS is available in four hues. See page 28.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANTHONY MAIR
what’s in store and on trend
$ 7 5 0 , B ar ne ys new yo rk in sid e The sho ppe s aT T he p alazzo , 7 0 2 . 629.4200; nixo n n o w. c o m VRATED.COM
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eight places to buy him a watch
shop
8 *
Places to Buy him a watch
It’s what’s on his wrist that counts
*
Tourbillon Crystals at CityCenter
---------------------Only the third Tourbillon boutique in America, the location at Crystals carries all of the elite watches for which the store is known, such as Breguet, Omega and Jaquet Droz. 702.597.0284; tourbillon.com
*
*
bellusso The Shoppes at The Palazzo
---------------------Featuring limited edition and complex timepieces, Bellusso is the boutique favored by those looking for a watch as unique as their personality. The store carries pieces from top watch designers including Cartier and Blancpain. 702.650.2988; bellussojewelers.com
*
Tourneau Time Dome The Forum Shops at Caesars
---------------------The Tourneau outpost at The Forum Shops opened in 2005 and is now recognized as the largest watch store
028
---------------------Specializing in jewelry made from stainless steel TeNo categorizes its minimalistic timepieces into small, medium or large, depending on just how dramatic you want to go. The watches have a clean look that complements any wrist. 702.259.0565 (The Shoppes at Mandalay Place); 702.735.8366 (Miracle Mile Shops); teno.com
Tag Heuer Crystals at CityCenter
---------------------The first North American flagship store for the high-end Swiss brand, Tag Heuer at Crystals is an 800-square-foot timepiece paradise designed by architect Eric Carlson. This location features limitededition products not available anywhere else in the country. 702.380.2820; tagheuer.com
Teno The Shoppes at Mandalay Place; Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood
* Piaget
in the world. At a whopping 17,000 square feet, the venue features a selection of more than 8,000 timepieces from brands such as Bell & Ross and Breitling. 702.732.8463; tourneau.com
*
PiageT The Shoppes at The Palazzo
---------------------A staple on the watch scene since 1874, Piaget has been producing exquisite timepieces for more than 100 years. The Swiss giant recently released its Emperador Coussin Tourbillon Automatic Ultra-Thin timepiece, which is the slimmest watch on the market that features a handwound tourbillon movement. 702.418.3033; piaget.com
november/ 2011 | V R A T E D . C O M
Wynn & ComPany WaTCHes Wynn Las Vegas
---------------------In an esplanade full of highend shops, Wynn & Company Watches stands out with its selection of rare brands. They are an official Rolex dealer, but you can also find Carl F. Bucherer and Maitre du Temps, to name a few, in the display cases. 702.770.3560; wynnlasvegas.com
*
veneTzia Fine JeWelry The Shoppes at The Palazzo
---------------------Venetzia Fine Jewelry has an extensive collection of watches, many priced in excess of $50,000. They count brands such as the prestigious Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille among their many watch lines. 702.734.5100; theshoppesatthepalazzo.com
what to wear When Tokyo-based designer Yohji Yamamoto partnered with Adidas for a collaboration dubbed Y-3 in 2003, it was the perfect fashion collision: cutting-edge couture melded with superior sports-inspired gear. Taking a cue from the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the Spring 2012 men’s line was dominated by black mixed with plaid, the Union Jack and Mod overtones. With a dash of funky elegance, the line is downtown meets punk—but it’s still polished. Y-3, The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702.791.7012; y-3store.com
for her Though ladies’ watches often take a backseat to the status of men’s wrist wear, the de Grisogono Tondo RM N56 is vying for equal attention. Beautiful, sexy, elegant and sassy, it features a signature black galuchat strap and is set in stainless steel with matte black PVD coating, 30 diamonds and black guilloche dial. Part of the Black Forever Collection, it retails for $36,400. de Grisogono, Crystals at CityCenter, 702.834.6600; degrisogono.com
fashion
two fold Louis Vuitton sweater and skirt available at Louis Vuitton, The Forum Shops at Caesars. LakoBukia jacket available at notjustalabel.com. JLynch belt available at Decorazzi, Wynn Las Vegas. Giuseppe Zanotti shoes available at Giuseppe Zanotti, The Forum Shops. Suno necklace and cuff available at sunony.com. Wolford stockings available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show.
shop RIPPED APART
pher ogra t o h ze, p d D cra n of folde 3 f e h o t i s by tion o llu a i d t e e e r r i h t s erp ith a Insp d use ce his int round w o o my ya GL W o enhan o pla angles in m t t e r k e i pap and eIa . “I l shion elements of tim ks a t f o l l l fa wor ign So a f des d says. “ what g n i lot o o see ,” Wo g and .” n work i t n rime s a whole expe a story a r o f
an; ani ); h o t c. ear n in ny) ewh te rya s n l / e g a mod ylin n (k a (Q e st nguye i b n o a r el/t ard linh d; w ; hair/ ti; mod o o i n w enn rso /gl phy e pete aria m a r t/m nni tog pho eup/ro sistan s mak obe a dr war V R A T E D . C O M | november/ 2011 031
take off The Blonds bodysuit available upon request at theblondsnewyork.com. Lie Sang Bong belt and vest available upon request at liesangbong.com. Noir earrings available at noirjewelry.com. Wolford stockings available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show.
shop
Alexandre Herchcovitch top and boots available upon request at herchcovitch.uol.com.br. Cushnie et Ochs shorts available at bergdorfgoodman.com. Lie Sang Bong belt available upon request at liesangbong.com. Stephen Dweck jewelry available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. Wolford stockings available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show.
RIPPED APART
over it
Shredded LakoBuka blouse available at notjustalabel.com. Nathan Jenden coat available at net-a-porter.com. Charlotte Ronson boy shorts available at shopbop.com. Stephen Dweck necklace available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. Lie Sang Bong belt available upon request at liesangbong.com. Walter Steiger shoes available at barneys.com. Wolford stockings available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show.
shop RIPPED APART
fly by The Blonds tuxedo corset available upon request at theblondsnewyork.com. Jac Langheim skirt available at jaclangheim.com.
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turn me Dolce & Gabbana coat available at dolcegabbana.com. Sally La Pointe pants available upon request at sallylapointe.com. Stephen Dweck ring and necklace available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. JLynch belt available at Decorazzi, Wynn Las Vegas.
shop RIPPED APART
middle ground Louis Vuitton shorts and jacket available at Louis Vuitton, The Forum Shops. JLynch belt available at Decorazzi, Wynn Las Vegas. Stephen Dweck earrings and bracelet available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. Wolford stockings available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show.
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Golden TOUCH TwO jewelry designers adapT TO THe ever-CHanging Times By miCHael sHUlman, sHUlmansays.COm The buzz this year on the floor of the annual Couture show at Wynn Las Vegas was how the biggest names in jewelry design would address the flux in the marketplace due to the topsy-turvy economy. Equally as critical a question to answer: With the skyrocketing prices of precious stones and metals, how would these designers meet the needs of an ever-evolving market without cheapening the brands they’d worked so hard to build? Here’s a look at how two popular designers met the dilemma head-on, proving that, with some resourcefulness and wherewithal, it is not necessary to lower your quality or
workmanship to meet your customers’ needs.
Bead It Hailing from Denmark, Shamballa Jewels achieved near cult-like status with its macramé bracelets strung with beads made from 18-karat gold, precious stones and pavé diamonds. With this popularity, however, came the copycats. That led brothers Mads and Mikkel Kornerup to constantly work to stay ahead of their competition. This year, they introduced ceramic beads to the collection, and in this instance, inspiration struck close to home. Says Mads Kornerup: “My mother wanted a ceramic bracelet that she could coordinate with her Chanel J12 ceramic watch.” Easy enough. The wonderful thing about the ceramic beads is that while maintaining the heft of the original bracelets (endearing them to men and women), the pricepoint is well within the reach of a far greater market. To wit, a 10-milimeter ceramic bead retails for $110 versus $1,320 for a 10-milimeter Star of Shamballa bead in 18-karat gold. With up to 15 beads per bracelet, well … you do the math.
Brown macramé bracelet with 12 brown ceramic Star of Shamballa beads; centered with a 12-milimeter bead of 1.90cts of pavé black diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold; and finished with a pair of 10-milimeter, 18-karat rose gold Star of Shamballa beads. $8,970.
ShamBalla JewelS Available inside the Precious Jewels Salon, Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 702.731.3636; shamballajewels.com
shop golden touch
In the mood for more smart luxury? Check out MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza’s clever tribute to the art nouveau style. The domed “Spider Ring” features a sparkling sea of multicolored sapphires and a pair of spider-shaped white enamel embellishments, on a gunmetal setting. $500 in the Fashion Jewelry department at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show.
hand-knotted Scott Kay uses multiple this lariat in l ne spi ck strands of bla lls and Fleurs featuring “Sammy” sku karat gold verde Lys finished in 18h white sapwit , meil and Ruthenium ble at Wynn ila ava 50, phire details. $1,2 as. & Co. at Wynn Las Veg
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Race GeaR The men’s Formula 1 watch has a stainless steel bracelet, rotational bezel and quartz analogue movement. The bold orange display ensures it’ll stand out in a crowd. $1,100
on Vegas Time B y So n d r a Schne id e r
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tRavel well
The Calibre 6 automatic watch keeps dual time with a second sub-counter at six o’clock. The Calibre 6 also features a sapphire caseback and a polished cushionshaped fixed bezel. $2,700
Designed by renowned architect Eric Carlson, the new TAG Heuer boutique at Crystals in CityCenter is the luxury Swiss watchmakers first North American flagship store. Carlson, who also did TAG’s London and Paris flagships, crafted an open counterless shop that invites casual browsing. The elegant customized niches in dark zebrawood, hand-brushed aluminum, cream leather and glass bring the goodies to comfortable eye level, creating what the folks at TAG refer to as a “lifestyle retail environment.” “With TAG Heuer’s heritage as a leading luxury brand, and its unprecedented commitment to innovative design, opening the first North American flagship in Crystals at CityCenter was an ideal selection for our first branded retail space,” says Jean-Christophe Babin, Worldwide CEO for TAG Heuer. “The boutique offers guests a unique shopping experience that stimulates the senses while the exquisite Las Vegas destination allows us to reach a wide range of American and international visitors.” Crystals at CityCenter, 702.380.2820; tagheuer.com
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BEYOND THE WRIST
On display in these niches, in addition to the motor-inspired Monaco collection (watches that look as if they were ripped off the wrists of race-car drivers) and a selection of women’s watches, are other TAG Heuer fashion items such as fine-leather goods that include key rings, billfolds and jackets. There’s an eyewear collection and a vintage cuff link collection that uses the same high-quality stainless steel as the watches, and even includes a fun pair in orange and pale-blue enamel, the racing colors worn by Steve McQueen in the film Grand Prix. Of major interest is LINK, the recently developed TAG Heuer mobile phone, the first luxury smartphone made with the precision and advanced engineering of a Swiss watch. LINK uses the Android operating system with more than 250,000 apps available as well as various covers, from rubber to alligator. As mobile phones go, this one is so gorgeous it’s worth a trip to the boutique just to check it out.
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AUTOPIA
shop
girl TALK
girl talk
The 2012 Audi A 6 is T he ide al r ide for a sm a rT g ir l w iT h an e dg e By SARAH KAHi
I SEE YOU No need to pull out your keys, as the Audi knows when your close by; simply open the door and you’re on your way.
FUllY MObIlE The A6 offers an embedded Wi-Fi hot spot. ––––> Slipping into the driver’s seat of the all new Audi A6 is equivalent to that feeling you get when rocking your finest cocktail dress paired with your favorite Christian Louboutin’s— it’s class, sophistication and beauty all rolled into one dynamic package. For starters, the A6 is a well-engineered machine, obviously a strong asset in a new ride. But it’s also smart, and smart is definitely the new sexy. For instance, are you stuck in traffic with time to kill? The Audi is here to entertain you, offering an embedded Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth wireless technology to stream Pandora from your iPhone and real-time traffic updates to keep you moving when life (or road construction) slows you down. Boasting a first-class Google Earth navigation system, drivers not only receive precise directions, they also get real-life street views of their destination.
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Under the hood, the 310-horsepower supercharged V6 engine has an impressive eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and a convenient paddle-shift system built into the steering wheel, letting you accelerate effortlessly on the highway with a comfortable and smooth ride. Of course, when you’re piloting such a sleek vehicle that sports an array of gadgets, it’s easy to get distracted from the task at hand. Don’t worry; the A6 has you covered there, too. It intuitively signals you if a fellow driver drifts into your blind spot, illuminating your side view mirror, ensuring that even when you’re not looking, the Audi is. All this smart luxury probably has you bracing for some serious sticker shock, and we’re not going to lie: The price will jolt you … but in a good way. The base model starts at $49,900, proving that fine craftsmanship, sound engineering and beautiful luxury doesn’t require a dip into your retirement account. lasvegasaudidealers.com
©2011 GREY GOOSE, THE GREY GOOSE BOTTLE DESIGNS AND THE GEESE DEVICES ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS. IMPORTED BY GREY GOOSE IMPORTING COMPANY, CORAL GABLES, FL. VODKA 40% ALC. BY VOL. -DISTILLED FROM GRAIN.
T O C E L E B R AT I N G T H E N I G H T O U T Rallying friends and finding a place where everyone can get together is a perfect reason to celebrate with the exceptional taste of GREY GOOSE® vodka. Visit facebook.com/greygoose for a selection of signature cocktails to order and add even more flavor to your night.
FA C E B O O K . C O M / G R E YG O O S E
Sip Responsibly.
The evolution of steakhouse culture and cocktail chemistry.
Call 35 for reservations 702.693.5585
dine The Culinary Scene Uncovered
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANTHONY MAIR
Mussel Madness There’s no dish that comforts like a good pot of mussels with french fries. In its version, P.J. Clarke’s uses meaty Penn Cove mussels, steamed open in a heady, aromatic broth, alongside perfect, house-cut pommes frites, served Belgianstyle in a paper cone. See page 50.
P.J. Clarke’s, The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702.434.7900; pjclarkes.com V R A T E D . C O M | november/ 2011
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White truffle season is back, so it’s time to take a big whiff of one of the most expensive gourmet items in the world By Grace Bascos
white hot truffles
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White hot truffles
The Tuber magnatum—or white truffle—are grown almost exclusively in Alba, Italy and average about $2,000 a pound. They ‘re pricey because they’re rare and hard to find, so much so that they’re foraged by specially trained dogs and pigs.
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bucovina Valentino at The Venetian
----------------------Every year, James Beard Award-winning executive chef Luciano Pellegrini dazzles with white truffle specials. A huge hit has always been his handmade bucatini stuffed with prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano or Fontina cheese, which is then topped with shavings of the exorbitantly priced Tuber magnatum. 702.414.3000; venetian.com
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Le Foie Gras Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand
----------------------The temple of French gastronomy presents white truffles two ways, both extravagant and combining the heady fragrance with rich flavors and textures. The one to try is Le Foie Gras, a carpaccio of foe and potatoes, covered in a velvety blanket of white truffle shavings. 702.891.7925; mgmgrand.com
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White truFFLe risotto Sirio Ristorante at Aria Resort & Casino
----------------------The Maccioni family’s classic white truffle risotto is one of the best, and the elegant tagliatelle in butter cheese sauce oozes delicious. For more options, embark on an Italian five-course tasting journey that starts with a fried egg, red mullet filet, the aforementioned tagliatelle, veal chop Valdostana and a hazelnut dessert … all with a touch of truffles, naturally. 877.230.2742; arialasvegas.com
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truFFLe tastinG menu Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace
----------------------Consider Restaurant Guy Savoy the temple of all things truffle. The black truffle is prominent on the menu, but during the winter
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months, the white truffle takes center stage. Guy Savoy Las Vegas also claims to have gotten the season’s first white truffle in the United States all the way back in September, and the white truffle tasting menu features the star across several savory dishes. 877.346.4642; caesarspalace.com
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taGLierini Carnevino Italian Steakhouse at The Palazzo
----------------------Chef Mario Batali’s treatment of white truffles always pays homage to Piedmonte, the region in Italy where the finest truffles can be found. Carnevino keeps it simple with a white truffle taglierini. House-made strands of double-yolked pasta are tossed in a white butter sauce and then finished with three luxurious grams of shaved truffles tableside. Simple indeed. 702.789.4141; carnevino.com
What does $398 taste liKe? The tasting menu at Restaurant Guy Savoy features the best of fall and winter flavors. Chef Mathieu Chartron, who heads the French master’s kitchen at Caesars Palace, grew up on a truffle farm, so this assortment of delicacies— which goes for $398—is in capable hands. A few featured dishes include: Scallop carpaccio in cold steam, cauliflower puree and a shaving of white truffles; pumpkin soup, poached egg and white truffles; Alba white truffle risotto; and Guinea hen in papillotte and fall vegetables.
the Key to a fine Wine When it’s time imbibe, do as the sommeliers do and open each bottle with a le thiers sommelier by herve Pennequin wine key. Pennequin, the first american sommelier to be named a finalist in the 2004 Best sommelier in the World contest, developed the device—similar to a corkscrew—following regulations dating to 1582. the tool features a sleek design meant to keep cork breakage to a minimum. $160, winekeymaster@gmail.com.
shhhh... Locals Know Something You Don’t
EntEr to win A private dinner for you and 8 of your friends at twin Creeks Steakhouse, Las Vegas’ best kept secret. You pick the night, you design the menu and you enjoy an evening of luxury.
3 EASY StEPS • “Like” the Silverton Casino Facebook Page
facebook.com/silvertoncasino • write on our wall and tell us why you and your
friends should win a dinner party at twin Creeks • we will announce the winner on november 15, 2011.
1-15 & Blue diamond rd. • 702.263.7777 • silvertoncasino.com See Silverton Rewards Club for complete details. One guaranteed grand prize winner. Must be 21. Must sign up for Silverton Rewards Club Card. Promotion runs through October 31, 2011. Enter to win on the Silverton Facebook Page, one entry per person. Drawing will be held November 15, 2011 and winner will be notified on the Silverton Casino Facebook Page. Winner will have seven (7) days to respond and claim prize. No purchase necessary.
Soul Food in Sin City
Have breakfast for dinner (or vice versa) with a heaping plate of chicken and waffles By DeBBie Lee
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der that chef/owner Sam DeMarco is the Strip’s King of Comfort Food. First Food & Bar has made its mark with well-tailored twists on classic dishes, and Sugarfoot’s chicken and waff les are no exception. The dish balances perfectly on the palate: a side of honey maple syrup complements the savory meat, while crunchy breading plays against a soft, chewy waffle. For soul food on steroids, visit on a wee kend, when the usual boneless chicken strips are replaced with an entire half bird. You might even catch a glim pse of Sugarfoot—the dance-happy line cook for whom the dish is named—cutting a rug as your food is served.
high $$$ $18
First Food & Bar at The Palazzo 702.607.3478; firstfoodandbar.com
TC’s phoTograph by anThony Mair
ChiCken & Waffles at first food & Bar
CHICKEN & WAFFLES At tC’S RIb CRIb
low $ dine
$9
3655 S. Durango Road, Ste. 18, 702.451.7427; tcsribcrib.com
soul food in the city
away in a nondescript strip mall, this six-year-old prices, operation dishes up southern staples at dirt-cheap employs T.C. ietor Propr affair: family a is here meal a and up on you nieces for his wait staff, daughter Sharon checks potato s famou her butes contri mid-meal, and Aunt Ada by reside s—ma waffle and n chicke The . salad to the menu wings, ed eason well-s three of ts consis Sam— Big chef dent hot wafous enorm an fresh from the fryer, served alongside an throw they when s, esday Wedn fle. Still hungry? Dine on afford even can you $9, For free. for plate the extra waffle on (you know, to drop a few extra bucks on Cousin Joe’s greens to offset the guilt).
––––> Tucked
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LEGACY ON THE SIDE P.j. claRke’S BRinGS a TASTE OF OLD NEW YORK To The STRiP b y G R AC E b A S C O S / P H OTO G R A P H y b y A N T H O N y M A I R One of the beautiful things about Las Vegas is that even old things are new here. P.J. Clarke’s has been a New York institution for well over a century, a restaurant and bar frequented by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Jackie Onassis and Buddy Holly. The 55th Street location is where a lot of magic happened, where Page 6 of the New York Post got a lot of its fodder. It’s a place where everyone is treated like they’ve been coming in for years, an easygoing joint with fresh seafood and strong cocktails. Now in its home at The Forum Shops at Caesars, P.J. Clarke’s has imported its very own built-in legacy, complete with the Sidecar, a holdover from the old 55th Street location, where a nondescript door led to one of the best-kept drinking secrets in town. Sidecar in Las Vegas is a private dining room set apart from the restaurant’s main area for optimum privacy. In the spirit of the speakeasy, Sidecar holds many secrets, but guests are welcome to create their own. Frosted glass windows separate the space from the regular dining room, and its own private bar stretches the length of the room. The leather booth is the crown jewel, tucked into a corner and an homage to Sinatra. On the wall are the words to “One for My Baby,” by Johnny Mercer, another P.J. Clarke’s regular who penned those very lyrics at the New York bar, and the reason why happy hour here begins at “quarter to three.” If you want to dine the way the legends did, start at the raw bar. The Vegas outpost pays respects to both coasts by offering oysters from each side of the country, all of them arriving at the restaurant as pristine as when they were picked just a day before. Twenty-six ounce, 28-day wetaged Tomahawk steaks come from Red Angus cattle and look almost prehistoric; a giant bone protrudes from this great cut of meat, well-seasoned and seared with a perfect crust, then finished with herb butter. Chef Johnny Church has a deft hand in all of his dishes, from the creamy and rich tomato soup with grilled cheese to a beautiful wild salmon with Bearnaise over a bed of spinach. Mussels are aromatic in a white wine butter sauce, the fragrance hitting you as the lid of the castiron pot is opened at the table. Also, the chicken potpie here is one of the most comforting dishes ever encountered. Golden-brown pastry covers the rich and well-balanced filling, and the aroma alone will make you melt. And the burger is still best served plain, atop raw onion slices, a remnant of the bar’s really early days, when they still served on paper plates. (The onion slices were meant to keep the bun from getting the plate soggy.) Vintage Vegas is certainly alive and well, but it’s spots like P.J. Clarke’s that remind us where vintage really began. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702.434.7900; pjclarkes.com
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SiT in STyle The black leather booth offers the intimate privacy Ol’ Blue Eyes himself enjoyed.
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Thank johnny Happy hour (and $1 oysters) starts at 2:45 p.m. thanks to crooner Johnny Mercer.
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Time machine The jukebox is one of the many vintage items to adorn the room.
dine legacy on the side
INSIDER INTEL
Sidecar iSn’t just a private dining room but an exclusive spot specifically reserved for friends of the restaurant. It’s free to join … if you secure an invite, which are given out on a discretionary basis. Once you’re in though, Sidecar members are afforded special privileges and use of the intimate room, and membership in one location gets you access to the other Sidecars in New York and Washington, D.C. Former mayor Oscar Goodman, celebrity journalist Robin Leach and comedian George Wallace are among the Las Vegas elite who have gained access to Sidecar. Think you’re worthy of joining them? Go ahead and inquire at privateaffairsvegas@pjclarkes.com. But we’re not making any guarantees.
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the GILDED aGE the Barrymore paIrs vIntaGE GLamour wIth forwarD-thInkInG cuIsInE ––––>
By elizaBeth sewell/PhotoGraPhy By anthony mair Hidden on Convention Center Drive next to the historic Riviera and inside the recently renovated Royal Resort, a new restaurant is making waves on the Las Vegas culinary scene. No, The Barrymore isn’t situated in a fancy megaresort, but it certainly has a worthy pedigree. Opened by William Richardson of Block 16—the group behind LBS Burger at Red Rock Casino Resort and Holsteins at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas—The Barrymore is a cozy dining space that does more than just good hamburgers. Executive Chef Anthony Meidenbauer’s food is fresh, continental cuisine, and the menu changes with the seasons. Another speciality? Delicious drinks at brunch, including a champagne bar where you can add fruit to spice up your morning bubbly. 99 Convention Center Drive, 702.866.2159
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bloody good time Don’t miss Sunday Brunch and—in particular—the Bloody Marys, which are made from three different infused vodkas, including bacon, truffle and jalapeño cilantro.
I ns t ant c las s I c s Signature dishes at the restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, include lobster eggs Benedict, oysters Rockefeller and a full menu of steaks served with your choice of sauces and sides.
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for reels The Barrymore has 263 specially made movie reels that adorn the ceiling.
dine The gilded age
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quit your winin’
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in good company
The Barrymore wine list features a selection of 50 wines, all for less than $50 per bottle.
The Barrymore takes inspiration from old-school Vegas dining rooms, including one at the original MGM Grand (where Bally’s stands now) that was also named Barrymores after the famous Hollywood family.
InSIDer InTeL James Gundy of Las Vegas-based 1027 Design Management designed The Barrymore, along with LBS Burger inside the Red Rock Casino Resort.
mo r e s ’m or e s Pastry chef Carlos Enriquez competed on Top Chef: Just Desserts, and at The Barrymore he’s created a menu to satisfy your sweet tooth. The s’mores profiterole, served with marshmallow ice cream and chocolate fondue, is a can’t-miss sugar rush.
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Cru VeLVet
Give pinot noir a rest this holiday season and let a Cru Beaujolais—such as Domaine Louis Jadot’s Château des Jacques Côte du Py 2009 from Morgon, France—be the life of your party.
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dine
by xania woodman
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THE YEAR 2009 was a banner year for Cru Beaujolais. The wine ages 12 months in the cellars beneath the estate’s grounds before blending and bottling. While the lighter, fruitier Beaujolais Nouveau actually benefits from being served slightly chilled and with lighter foods, Cru Beaujolais is best served between 55–60 degrees, and has the substance and character to stand up to a variety of meals.
N O T HIN G LIK E N O UV EA U cru velvet
Though related by geography and grape, Cru Beaujolais is worlds away from its un-aged cousin, Beaujolais Nouveau. The 10 crus (wine-producing regions) of Beaujolais occupy the finest and most complex soils of that district in Burgundy, France. Morgon is the second largest cru of Beaujolais and distinguishable by its powerful structure.
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T W O PA I R Gamay is game! Give Cru Beaujolais the bird: turkey, goose, quail, squab, pheasant. Alternatively, pair it with fine aged cheeses.
2 T HE D IRT The particular composition of Morgon’s soils is marked by the presence of sand and gravel over a deep clay layer called terre pourrie (or decayed soil). Manganese in the soil imparts density and vigor, and also makes the wines slower to evolve and more powerful in flavor.
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T HE G RAP ES Handpicked gamay grapes undergo traditional pinot noir vinification at the domaine’s manor house rather than the typical carbonic maceration technique that gives un-aged Beaujolais Nouveau its bubblegum-like flavor.
Structure defines Côte du Py from Morgon, a deep garnet wine that has everything: elegance, complexity, aromatic intensity and great acidity. Fragrant red berries give way to a long, ripe finish underscored by woodsy, earth and mineral notes. There’s no rush: This wine will improve in the bottle and will drink well for the next 15 years.
Can’t Find it? AVAILAbLE AT EIffEL TOWER RESTAURANT AT PARIS LAS VEGAS $94 bottle 702.948.6937; eiffeltowerrestaurant.com
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nice substitute is Georges Viornery, Côte de Brouilly, Vieilles Vignes 2009, a chewy, complex wine redolent of blueberries and black cherries. $24.75; northberkeleyimports.com.
The Perfect Pair
Eclecticism in the kitchen allows for a broad range of wine choices. This is the case at Sensi inside Bellagio, with its fourkitchen approach to dining that integrates seafood and mixed-grill flavors from Asia, Italy and the Mediterranean. With so many options, a sommelier who understands the menu is critical. That’s where Sanae Halprin enters the picture. The head sommelier at Sensi, Halprin approaches pairings with an eye toward lifting the food, not overpowering it. Sensi’s new chef, Royden Ellamar, is keen to bring organic and sustainable proteins to the menu, and Halprin’s evolving wine program parallels that approach, denoting wines on the list guaranteed to be organic, sustainable or biodynamic. On the wine list, one need not look far for compelling choices. While presenting a tasting of selections offered at Sensi, Halprin begins with a 2009 Navarro Vineyards Gewürztraminer from Anderson Valley, California. This wine displays instantly recognizable aromas of lychee and tropical fruits, as well as floral notes and wet stones. “The nose—it’s so beautiful—almost makes you feel like it’s something sweet. But it’s not!” She says the Gewürztraminer ($60 bottle; $15 glass) is “definitely a go-to wine for me” when guests are looking for something “not too sweet.” Another reason Halprin is strong on such aromatic white wines as the Navarro is because they pair easily with Sensi’s food style.
Best ! tip
Sensi, inside Bellagio, 702.693.8865; bellagio.com
THE DETAILS Sensi’s wine list features more than 2,000 offerings from 927 labels. Here are two favorites from head sommelier Sanae Halprin: 2007 Cristom Sommers Reserve Pinot Noir Bottle: $76; Glass: $19 2009 Navarro Vineyards Gewürztraminer Bottle: $60; Glass: $15
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For a red selection, Halprin suggests a 2007 Cristom Sommers Reserve Pinot Noir ($76 bottle; $19 glass) from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, whose owners have dined at Sensi. Solidly made with strawberries on the nose, this medium-bodied wine would go well with a variety of Sensi menu choices such as lighter meats or salmon, leaving room for the nuances of the food flavors. These two particular American varietals exemplify Halprin’s wine program but by no means define it. The list includes a backbone of American reds, and about 40 percent of the supply is from the Old World, including wines from Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley in France. “They are very food friendly,” Halprin says. A good selection of half bottles, including first-growth Bordeaux, is also available. Whatever option guests choose, one visit to Sensi is all that’s required to appreciate that Halprin is committed to echoing one of the key trends in dining today: spotlighting great food through the support of intriguing wines.
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THE PERFECT PAIR
dine
Sensi’s innovative wine program reflects its ever-evolving, global menu By Christopher CaliCott, lasvegascritics.com
the best places to get away from it all
PHOTOGRAPH/francis + francis; styling/nicole chandler; makeup/whitney urichuk, one luv agency, using mac cosmetics; hair/shelby kelsey, one luv agency; models/kim (elite) and john (delure models)
relax
Hot Property When the Plaza Hotel opened at the far west end of Fremont Street some 40 years ago, it was the sexy place to be in downtown Las Vegas. Now, after a $35 million renovation, the owners are determined to reestablish that reputation, from the ground-floor casino to the 25th-floor Penthouse suites. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, usually … . See page 62.
Kiki de Montparnasse bra, panty, and lace beaded blindfold available at Kiki de Montparnasse, Crystals at CityCenter. Casadei shoes available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show.
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ThinGS ThAT mAkE YOu GO Om Yoga classes to keep you centered on the Strip
five things that make you go om
relax
Bellagio provides two different yoga experiences. The Holistic Hatha class is a more traditional vinyasa flow, but if you’re looking for something a little more intense, head to the Jivamukti class. The 50-minute sessions are also open to non-hotel guests and are $40 each. 702.693.7472; bellagio.com
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Platinum Hotel and Spa
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The Spa aT mandarin orienTal Mandarin Oriental
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On the 22nd floor, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers a yoga studio that has unparalleled views of the Strip and CityCenter. When it’s time to chill out the spa offers a slower-paced vinyasa flow that’s good for all fitness levels and costs $35 per class, whether or not you’re a hotel guest. 702.590.8888; mandarinoriental.com
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plaTinum hoTel and Spa 211 E. Flamingo Road
----------------------Just a block off the Strip, the
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serenity of the Platinum Hotel’s Saturday morning yoga classes aids in increasing relaxation. The 8 a.m. class is good for all levels and takes place on the fifth-floor pool deck. The price—free for locals and hotel guests— should be encouragement enough to heed the early wake-up call. Grab breakfast at Kil@wat inside the hotel afterward. 702.365.5000; theplatinumhotel.com
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Spa bellagio Bellagio
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Offering an extensive roster of fitness classes, including the Cirque du Soleil workout Jukari Fit,
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Qua baThS & Spa Caesars Palace
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Qua focuses on the Roman Bath experience, so it’s only appropriate they would offer a stress-reducing water Qi Gong class. The Saturday course is based more on Tai Chi than yoga, but it’s stress-reduction that matters most. If you’re more interested in a traditional yoga class, Qua offers those, too. Classes are $15 each for all guests. 866.782.0655; caesarspalace.com
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The Spa aT aria Aria at CityCenter
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Spa at Aria’s numerous classes range from cardio to Kettlebell training, and the yoga offerings are no different. Whether you’re looking for a vinyasa asana practice with the Jivamukti class or a more intense experience with Power Yoga, Aria is a great place to exercise your relaxation needs. All classes are $50. 702.590.9600; arialasvegas.com
PARTinG GiFTS Everyone loves a surprise, especially one as useful as Bloody Mary mix on the morning after. In a program initiated by The Cosmopolitan to show just how much they appreciate their patrons, the resort is handing out surprises to guests who valet park their cars. Don’t be shocked when you pick up your automobile and it’s stocked with bottles of water, a bag of trail mix or a mini Bloody Mary mix. The gifts are given out randomly—yet another small touch of appreciation that frequent guests of the Strip’s newest resort have become accustomed to receiving.
YOGA FOR ALL Blue Sky Yoga at the Arts Factory downtown has an affordable solution to expensive yoga instruction: donationbased classes. There is no set price to take a class; the studio simply asks you to give what you can. 107 E. Charleston Blvd., 702.592.1396; blueskyyogalv.com
smart because good taste is non-negotiable
smart because it’s made that way
©2011 glacéau, glacéau®, smartwater®, bottle design and label are registered trademarks of glacéau.
SUITE SENSATION
Top of the World ––––> The
Plaza’s top-to-bottom remodel can best be experienced from one of seven Penthouse suites on the 25th floor of the south tower. In addition to the requisite plush king-size bed and flat-screen TV, this suite features a sitting area, wet bar and private bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub made for two.
Blast from the Past ––––> The
walls inside this Penthouse suite are adorned with four oversize blackand-white photographs of the Plaza in its infancy, as well as vintage shots of downtown. Each guest room has the same aerial photo (right) of the Plaza’s original north tower and classic neon sign and marquee.
A NEW DEAL ––––> As
recently as a year ago, nobody with a discerning eye would’ve used the term “valuable luxury” to describe the Plaza hotel-casino. Sure, a weekend at the vintage downtown property might set you back less than a Ben Franklin, but the only luxury you’d get would be possible views of an opulent resort on the Strip. Then the Plaza’s owners launched an extreme makeover of the 40-year-old, 1,000-plus room hotel. Some 10 months and $35 million later, the Plaza has been reborn, and suddenly value and luxury are at hand. 702.386.2110; plazahotelcasino.com P H OTO G R A P H / f ra n c i s + f ra n c i s ; s t y l i n g / n i c o l e c ha n d l e r ; m a k e u p / w h i t n e y u r i c h u k , o n e lu v ag e n c y , u s i n g m a c c o s m e t i c s ; ha i r / s h e l b y k e l s e y , o n e lu v ag e n c y ; m o d e l s / k i m ( e l i t e ) a n d j oh n ( d e lu r e m o d e l s )
Cage bra, high-waisted panty and fingerless opera gloves available at Kiki de Montparnasse inside Crystals at CityCenter. Christian Louboutin boots available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show
your loSS, our gain ––––> The
Fontainebleau Las Vegas never made it to the finish line. But a big chunk of the mythical $2.9 billion Strip project lives on inside the Plaza, which purchased virtually all of its new furnishings and materials—carpet, wall coverings, light fixtures, marble and tile—from the Fontainebleau.
RELAX A NEW DEAL
Play Big, Stay Big ––––> Want
to spend a night or two high atop the Plaza with unobstructed views of downtown and the famous Las Vegas Strip? Then head to the casino and bet big. That’s because the Penthouse suites, along with three multiroom “Derby” suites located on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th floors, are generally reserved for highlevel casino guests.
InSIDer InTeL GaininG access to an exclusive Penthouse suite is one thing. Actually finding it might be even more challenging, as only two of the south-tower elevators reach the 25th floor. Hop on the wrong elevator and you’ll need to exit and re-board a private elevator.
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mEET
edge BRANNONHAIR TAKES THE CELEBRITY SALON EXPERIENCE OFF THE STRIP
B Y L A U R A CO R O N A D O / P H OTO G R A P H B Y R YA N R e A s O N
Las Vegas has enough high-end fashion boutiques to keep one looking stylish for an eternity. But until just recently, when the order of the day was an A-list coiffe, there were only a few salons that could answer the call, and they were all located on Las Vegas Boulevard. Alas, a new day has dawned, and thanks to Brannonhair, which recently opened at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, great tresses now have no geographic boundaries. “There wasn’t a celebrity stylist taking care of the locals,” says Brannon, owner and renowned hair stylist. “I wanted to do a salon for them.” Most importantly, he wanted to do it right. Hence the reason that, while most of his colleagues go to great lengths to promote themselves as someone who can create an over-the-top ’do, Brannon’s low-maintenance looks are considered anything but edgy— a badge of honor he proudly wears. “What sets me apart is that most local stylists will do a cut and color and style the hair out
amazingly, but it can never be re-created,” Brannon says. “I treat every person as if they have no idea how to do their own hair. I create looks that they can do themselves.” Another reason for his popularity: He understands the active life of a busy woman. Whether she is a stay-at-home mom or an executive working 50 hours a week, today’s woman is searching for ways to save time—a luxury Brannon fully appreciates. “If I can give a woman an extra half an hour in the morning, she will stay with me for life,” says Brannon, who will soon begin distributing his own line of hair products worldwide. “A lot of it is just wash and go, classic beauty hair.” This much is for sure: Brannon is in it for the long haul. “I’m going to be here for Vegas, definitely,” he confirms. “People are starting to fly in to see me. And then they stay at Red Rock and experience a different side of Vegas all because of a haircut. It’s really cool.”
Brannonhair, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, 702.797.7878; redrockresort.com
RELAX cutting edge
What’s hot noW Hair trends can range from wacky (hot pink hair) to downright scary (mullets), but Brannon says the “all-natural” look is what’s most current. “The one thing that all of the trends have in common this fall/winter is the ‘unkempt’ look,” he says. As far as color, it’s all about ombré. This technique gives the appearance the color has grown out, leaving ends lighter than roots. Celebrities such as Drew Barrymore and Rachel Bilson are poster girls for the “burned-out look.” To take it to the extreme, Brannon says try brown roots with fiery red ends.
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ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO
Voted Best Show in Las Vegas 2011
TAKE THE VEGAS RATED READER SURVEY TO ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN. Just log on to vrated.com/survey to ďŹ ll out our reader survey and be automatically entered into the sweepstakes. Rules and regulations online at vrated.com/survey
watch must see concerts and shows
PHOTOGRAPH BY KRisTiAn DOwlinG
Waking up with katy perry It’s easy to see an artist gaining inspiration from the doe-eyed pop-star character that is Katy Perry. The pink wigs, bubble-gum dresses and suggestive lyrics all make Perry seem like something right out of a Japanese anime novel. In celebration of her persona, Vegas/Rated asks three artists to craft illustrations based on the aptly titled “Waking Up In Vegas” song lyrics. See page 70.
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nine concerts not to miss
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From rock to reggae, November has it all By Craig a. NymaN, doyouhearthemusic.com
----------------------nov. 5 & 19: The six-time Grammy winning band brings its “Long Road Out of Eden” tour to Las Vegas for two shows two weeks apart. It’s one hit after another when Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit hit the stage. Tickets start at $68.25. 702.891.7777; mgmgrand.com
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supernaTural sanTana The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
----------------------nov. 11-13: The rock icon and former headliner at the Hard Rock Hotel returns to The Joint for what is sure to be a spectacle as Santana takes fans on a musical time warp. Tickets start at $55. 702.693.5000; thejointlasvegas.com
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Yellowcard Hard Rock Café
----------------------nov. 16: The pop-punk band has been through hiatus and back, earning critical acclaim for its album that was released this spring, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes. Tickets are $20. 702.693.5000; hardrock.com
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ladY anTebellum The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
----------------------nov. 18: Having owned the
068
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The eagles MGM Grand Garden Arena
Morrissey
music charts since 2008, this Grammy Award-winning trio hits Sin City in support of its latest release Own The Night. Tickets start at $45. 702.693.5000; thejointlasvegas.com
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The dirTY heads & gYm class heroes House of Blues, Mandalay Bay
----------------------nov. 18: A double-dose of genres invades the House of Blues as reggae band The Dirty Heads joins forces with the alternative hip-hop group Gym Class Heroes. Tickets start at $25. 702.632.7600; hob.com
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KaTY perrY Mandalay Bay Events Center, Mandalay Bay
----------------------nov. 19: The chart-topping pop star will indeed be “Waking Up in Vegas,” one of several hits she’s certain to perform. Tickets start at $45. 702.632.7777; mandalaybay.com
november/ 2011 | V R A T E D . C O M
morrisseY The Chelsea, The Cosmopolitan
----------------------nov. 25: Rising to prominence as lead lyricist and vocalist for legendary English alt-rock band The Smiths, Steven Patrick Morrissey has won the hearts of many as a solo artist and brings his dynamic live performance to the Strip. Tickets are $72.60. 702.698.7000; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
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JaneT JacKson The Colosseum, Caesars Palace
----------------------nov. 26 & 27: Pop icon and one of the most successful female entertainers of all time, Janet Jackson returns to Las Vegas to perform her arsenal of greatest hits on the third leg of her Up Close & Personal tour. Tickets start at $75. 702.866.1400; caesarspalace.com
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rYan bingham & The dead horses Silverton
----------------------nov. 26: The Oscar-winning singer-songwriter rolls through town with his band to perform inside the intimate confines of Veil, the Silverton’s special-events space. The raspy-voiced former rodeo rider will have fans holding on tight for a wild ride, singing of life, love, ups and downs. Tickets start at $30. 702.264.7777; silvertoncasino.com
Big Fight Business by andy samuelson
Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White has always promised that mixed martial arts will one day be the most popular sport in the world. Now he’s finally in position to perhaps back up his big talk, having inked a seven-year, multimedia rights agreement with the Fox network. The UFC joins Fox’s sports stable that includes baseball’s World Series, NASCAR and the NFL. “There’s been a lot of big milestones we’ve had over the last 10 years in building this company and growing this sport,” says White, who along with Station Casinos owners Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta III purchased the fledgling UFC in 2001. “But I have to be totally honest when I say this is the biggest.” The agreement, which is reportedly worth as much as $100 million annually, gives the UFC access to network TV for the first time. That includes the premiere event Nov. 12 when heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez takes on Junior Dos Santos at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Additional UFC programming, including the popular reality show The Ultimate Fighter, will be shown on Fox’s sister stations FX, FUEL TV and Fox Deportes.
dana white PhotograPh by francis + francis
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ConCerts not to Miss
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angie wang
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casey weldon
pj perez
“you got me into this. information overload situation lost control. send out an s.o.s. and get some cash out.”
INSIDER INTEL Katy Perry performs at Mandalay Bay Events Center November 19. “Waking Up in Vegas” is one of the most popular songs about the city in recent years, making it to the top 10 on the Billboard charts. The video was shot throughout the city and prominently features both Fremont Street and Palms Casino Resort.
Angie Wang, 24, characterizes herself as an illustrator concerned with suggesting a narrative through a static image and inducing feelings that bypass conscious understanding. “I’m a cartoonist concerned with emotionally evocative layouts,” she says. Her relationship with Las Vegas is troubled. “It’s a place where my parents used to drag me against my will when I was a kid.” When you hear the song “Waking Up in Vegas,” what first pops into her head? “Ten-year-old me complaining about how the cigarette smoke is going to stunt my growth, slot machines, a buffet and brightly-colored ’70s carpeting. Its very different visiting Vegas with your parents.” For more of Angie Wang’s work, visit okchickadee.com.
watch ART IMITATING ART
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“You gotta help me out. It’s all a blur last nIght. We need a taxI ‘cause You’re hung over and I’m broke.” Casey Weldon, 32, characterizes himself as a lowbrow pop surrealist who loves Las Vegas but “more through the eyes of a local rather than a tourist.” And while not a fan of the song per say (“I’m a bit of a snob”), he says it’s the first verse that resonates with him. “I don’t have much experience with gambling or glitter, but I am often hung over, broke and in need of a ride.” Weldon’s work is on display at Trifecta Gallery inside The Arts Factory and at caseyweldon.com.
watch ART IMITATING ART
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“Why are these lights so bright? DiD We get hitcheD last night? DresseD up like elvis … Why am i Wearing your class ring?”
ART IMITATING ART
watch
Pj Perez, 35, isn’t an artist. “I’m an adept faker at best,” he says. And as for his relationship with Las Vegas, he bleeds neon. To Perez, the song “Waking Up in Vegas,” is his reality for the last 20 years. “The best place I’ve ever woken up in Las Vegas is next to someone I love. But the strangest and worst place was the men’s bathroom stall inside Cathouse at Luxor.” For more of Pj Perez’s work, visit bleedingneon.com.
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LUPE FIASCO
STEELY DAN
special guest TINIE TEMPAH
with the MILES HIGH BIG BAND and featuring THE EMBASSY BRATS
K.D. LANG
LOUIS C.K.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
PALMS CASINO RESORT
tickets at ticketmaster.com // pearl box office // 702.944.3200 // palmspearl.com palms.com | Like Us facebook.com/palmspearl facebook.com/palmscasinoresort ©2011 Fiesta Palms LLC. All Rights Reserved.
| Follow Us @PearlAtPalms @palms
THE MONTHLY RESOURCE FOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT IN LAS VEGAS
LAST NIGHT’S PARTY
Seattle rap duo takeS on laS vegaS By MoSi reeveS Benjamin “Grieves” Laub likens the maturation process to moving at light speed: growing from a boy to a man, falling in and out of love, and working shitty part-time jobs while trying to make it in the hip-hop game. The Seattle rapper fills Together/Apart, his third album, with these introspective thoughts in a soft-spoken voice that slowly unfurls in a melodic croon and quickens into a confident yet understated rap. But during an interview on the eve of a national headlining tour with his
producer, Josh “Budo” Karp, Grieves is mostly irreverent. He cops to a “massive hangover” from the night before, trades snarky inside jokes with Budo and claims, “I have a massive imprint of a phone on my face because I fell asleep on my phone.” It’s a reminder that while he may sing on Together/Apart with a grace worthy of John Mayer, he’s still a down-toearth hip-hop head. “There’s not that much melody and harmony in rap,” says Grieves, “and I wanted to bring that back.” He
jokingly refers to Together/ Apart’s jangly emo ballad “Against the Bottom” as “my Sugar Ray song.” Grieves and Budo have worked together since 2008’s 88 Keys and Counting. The album drew the attention of Minneapolis-based rap label Rhymesayers, which put the duo on tour with its flagship artist, indie-rap pioneer Atmosphere. The duo filmed their October 2010 show at the House of Blues in Las Vegas for In the Shadow of a Giant, a featurette on the Together/Apart CD/DVD.
“We spent the past few years opening for other people and not really knowing what we’re building as far as our crowd goes,” Grieves says. The upcoming national tour, he adds, “will be our first time tapping into [our own audience].” What that audience will hear are personal songs like “Bloody Poetry” (a title that Grieves says was inspired by “a dark period”), “On The Rocks,” and “No Matter What,” the latter on which Grieves says he’s “26 with a twist and a face like a child.” Budo, whose beats are inspired by artists as diverse as Lil Wayne, Miles Davis, Stars of the Lid and Daft Punk, says, “Our audience definitely has a lot of women. But it’s music for everybody. … There’s human emotion in there, heartbreak, pain, sadness, confusion and happiness.” Grieves, whose heroes include Al Green and D’Angelo, adds, “If people think we only make music for girls, it’s only because of how handsome we are.” Turning serious, he says, “When I sit down to write, my body comes up with what it wants.” Oct. 21, The Copa Room at Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702.736.4939; ticketfly.com
November |
this MONth’s hOttest tickets house makes his Vegas debut with a complimentary performance. The best way to describe the 25-year-old: He marries the past with the futuristic, where vintage becomes new and contemporary meets old-school 702.698.7000; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
Louis c.k. OctOber 29
The Pearl Palms Casino Resort Tickets start at $53
Nick Waterhouse OctOber 24-26
Book & Stage The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Free
OctOber 29
Mandalay Bay Events Center Mandalay Bay Tickets start at $100
Georges St. Pierre and Carlos Condit enter the octagon to fight for the welterweight championship in the main event for UFC 137. Three preliminary bouts also highlight the card: BJ Penn vs. Nick Diaz (welterweight); Dennis Siver vs. Donald Cerrone (lightweight); and Tyson Griffin vs. Bart Palaszewski (featherweight). 702.632.7777; mandalaybay.com
Pacquiao vs. marquez iii NOvember 12
MGM Grand Garden Arena MGM Grand Hotel Tickets start at $200
Old rivals Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez lace up the gloves for the third time in seven years as they slug it out for the
lightweight championship. Pacquiao (53-3-2) is widely considered the best poundfor-pound fighter in boxing, while Marquez (53-5-1) has been a champ in three different weight classes. The previous two matches have gone the distance, with the first being declared a draw and Pacquiao winning the rematch. 702.891.7777; mgmgrand.com
NeW FouNd GLory NOvember 19
Hard Rock Café Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tickets start at $22
It’s been a busy year for New Found Glory, with the release of its seventh album Radiosurgery, supported by The Pop Punk’s Not Dead tour that makes a stop at the Hard Rock Café. New Found Glory will share the stage with The Wonder Years, Man Overboard, Set Your Goals and This Time Next Year. 702.733.8400; hardrock.com
calendar
Played in Vegas Downloads to get you in the mood By Mosi Reeves
cubic Zirconia’s Follow Your Heart gathers a cast of NYc genre-funkin’ professionals, from band members Nick Hook and Todd Weinstock to guests such as bass freak Drop the Lime and neo-soul balladeer Bilal. But the project rests on the shoulders of Tiombe Lockhart, who imbues acid-funk workouts with erotic feeling. “Look at my soda water, it’s boiling. It needs a little more powder,” she sings on “Freebase You.” If that doesn’t get you high, I don’t know what will.
bradford cox’s work with guitar-rock heroes Deerhunter and his solo ambient project Atlas Sound has become nearly indistinguishable: If you like one, you’re bound to appreciate the other. Cox’s third album under the latter guise, Parallax, opens with a coy shrug on “The Shakes” and a wash of hooky guitars and laptop melodies. “Found money and fame, but I found them really lame,” he sings, before proving his songwriting mettle on sadcore numbers like “Mona Lisa.”
You’ve heard Dev’s saucy rhymes on Far east movement’s “Like A G6,” New Boyz’ “Backseat” and her “Bass Down Low” and “In the Dark.” But what’s she like when the party ends? The Night the Sun Came Up doesn’t answer that question successfully. Dev sounds more comfortable throwing bitchy swagger over the Cataracs’ dirty house beats. Her attempts at squeaky-clean radio-pop like “Perfect Match” are comparatively bland.
wAtch
Combining the R&B rhythm of New Orleans, Detroit and Memphis with acoustic soul, Nick Water-
For more than 20 years, Louis C.K. has kept audiences laughing and gasping with his anything-goes standup act. Even though the comedian has found success on the small screen with his critically acclaimed FX show Louie, he still hits the stage regularly to push the politically incorrect envelope like few funnymen before him. 702.944.3200; palms.com
uFc 137
Justice’s Audio, video, Disco should be re-titled Audio, Video, Glam. Or whatever you call Muse. The French duo still has the Daft Punk touch, and its platform-shoes-stomping drums on “On’n’On” and “Canon” prove that the disco vibe is more than Donna Summer and the Bee Gees. But this follow-up to 2007’s Cross sticks to stadium-filling progressive-rock; the electro-house beats will keep your head bobbin’, while the guitar synthesizer riffs keep your brain noodlin’.
VRaTeD.COM
For his contribution to the decades-old DJ-Kicks series, Gold Panda digs into UK garage, Detroit techno and dubstep, and adds a few new tracks of his own. The UK producer’s standout debut Lucky Shiner remains the best source for his dream-inducing aesthetic, but speaking in multiple voices— from the electro surrealism of Drexciya to the blunted beats of Matthewdavid—has its unique delights.
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discover the city beyond the strip
PHOTOGRAPH BY AnTHOnY mAiR
LyricaL MoveMent   Founded by dancer Bernard H. Gaddis, the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater stages an annual spring and fall concert series. To celebrate its fifth year the dance company is performing three numbers, including Vespers by contemporary master Ulysses Dove. The performances take place at the West Las Vegas Library Theater on November 4-6. Tickets start at $40. lvcontemporarydancetheater.org. See page 82.
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BodieS in Motion
Ballet and the Oakland Ballet. The company has gained a reputation for bringing unique and diverse productions and styles to the stage. LVCDT’s fall concert series is November 4-6 at West Las Vegas Library Theatre. 702.366.9436; lvcontemporarydancetheater.org
four bodies in motion
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Up choreographed by James Canfield of the Nevada Ballet Theatre
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Nevada Ballet theatre
----------------------Founded by Vassili Sulich and Nancy Houssels with a group of volunteer dancers from the Strip in 1972, the Nevada Ballet Theatre has grown into a first-class dance company recognized worldwide. In 2012, the Nevada Ballet Theatre will become the resident dance company of the new Smith Center for Performing Arts. NBT’s fall show
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is Dance Dance Dance! at Paris Las Vegas on October 29 and 30. 702.946.4567; nevadaballet.com
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las vegas CoNtemporary daNCe theater -----------------------
The first contemporary dance company in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater was founded by Bernard H. Gaddis, who has performed with companies such as the Pennsylvania
VRATED.COM
Culture shoCk las vegas
----------------------An off-shoot of the original Culture Shock, which formed in 1993, Culture Shock Las Vegas is a hip-hop company whose main mission is to keep young people off the streets and away from drugs. Youths from all over the Las Vegas Valley audition to be a part of the group, which not only enhances their hiphop skills but teaches them to appreciate other forms of dance as well. 702.281.7588; cultureshockdance.org
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uNlv departmeNt of daNCe
----------------------The University of Nevada, Las Vegas boasts a burgeoning fine-arts programs that includes a dance company comprised of students, faculty and guest performers. Their performances showcase the up-and-coming talent that can be found in the Las Vegas dance community, in addition to luring top dancers from around the world to perform. 702.895.3827; dance.unlv.edu
PuCCi For A CAuSe BY MICHAEL SHULMAN On November 3, socialites and fashionistas will gather at the legendary Spago at the Forum Shops at Caesars for the Ninth Annual Fashion Show Luncheon to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada. The event includes a fashion show of Peter Dundas’ designs for the Florentine house Emilio Pucci, plus a luxury raffle and auction. 702.212.9474; snv.wish.org.
A greAt night out the inaugural Scarecrow Festival welcomes families to the Sport Center of Las Vegas on october 21 for an evening of halloween fun, games and fine-dining, all while benefiting Communities in Schools, a local charity devoted to keeping at-risk kids in school. one of the festival’s highlights is a hay-bale maze that will feature decorative scarecrows created and donated by area businesses and youth groups. Additional attractions include an indoor 37-foot climbing wall and outdoor batting cages. Chow down on fare provided by the Cosmopolitan’s restaurants, including Comme Ça, holsteins and StK. tickets are $175 for adults and $50 for kids, and the event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Sports Center of Las Vegas, 121 E. Sunset Road, 702.770.7611; cisnevada.org.
nevada ballet theater PhotograPh by Jeff SPeer
Dance companies that offer a glimpse into the city’s cultural side
discover culture clash
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The Las Vegas ConTemporary DanCe TheaTer is a small but strong artistic force within the burgeoning Las Vegas arts scene. Artistic director Bernard H. Gaddis founded the fine-arts company five years ago with the purpose of bringing culture in the form of dance to the city. Today, it has a collection of more than 30 ballets and is supported by a dedicated team that includes four original dancers, costume designer Jessica Agar and a sponsorship from Inglot cosmetics, all of whom Gaddis collaborates with to bring his visions to life. Gaddis moved to Las Vegas in 2004 after being invited to join the cast of Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil.. Despite a lot of coaxing from cofounder Charmaine Hunter, he was apprehensive about developing a dance company in a city full of casinos and Strip shows. But after putting together a charity event featuring performers from the Strip he decided it was time to pay homage to his mentors—Alvin Ailey, Jean Hill Sagan, Ulysses Dove and Milton Myers—by continuing the modern dance tradition and giving Las Vegas a fine-arts dance company to call its own.
discover
The Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater’s repertoire consists of original works by Gaddis and guest artists (including locals), and legendary classic works. Each piece has a unique point of view, and Gaddis is committed to ensuring that every performance element preserves artistic integrity. And it begins with himself. He does extensive research and relays the story of what he’s learned to his company. The dancers, in turn, must do their own study in order to fully grasp the depth of the intended message. Then comes the challenge of connecting emotionally to each piece, which means learning to break down walls and shed baggage to create a clean slate. Sometimes rehearsals consist of simply sitting and talking about life experiences, “because dance is not just about learning steps,” Gaddis says. “Dance and art imitate life.”
culture clash
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Costuming is also an important means of furthering an artistic message, and Agar has been an integral part of Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater since the beginning. Agar, who is also a seamstress for The Lion King at Mandalay Bay, has more than 40 years experience in dance and wardrobe. She uses her extensive knowledge to collaborate with Gaddis on fabric choices and construction that doesn’t hinder the dancers while staying true to the artist’s vision. When designing for a classic work, Agar watches videos of the performance or sometimes is lucky enough to receive a sample of an original garment. From there, she determines how to achieve a similar look while making the design more durable. Costuming for new works involves a series of sketches and friendly squabbling between Gaddis and herself before settling on a final fabric and design. The most recent addition to the company is a partnership with Inglot cosmetics. The independently owned company was looking to branch out and help the entertainment industry with artistry, and Oscar Camacho (manager of the Inglot store at The Forum Shops at Caesars) found Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater to be a perfect fit. Camacho and his
team of makeup artists work with Gaddis and his dancers to create quick, easy looks that complement each piece’s message. This is achieved through instore sessions where makeup artists teach the dancers how to apply the line’s highly pigmented colors and matte finishes under various light settings. After each training session the dancers receive an extensive face chart that functions as a guide to remind them what colors to select, placement of those colors and which brushes to use. With all the artistic elements in place, Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater is ready to open its season with its annual Fall Concert Series. It will mark its fifth anniversary by premiering Vespers, a powerful all-female ballet originally choreographed by the late Ulysses Dove of Alvin Ailey American
discover culture clash
Dance Theater. LVCDT is also bringing back two of its original ballets and audience favorites, Brethren and Mood Indigo. As for the future of LVCDT, Gaddis says he’s “looking to do more touring nationally and internationally and to take the Las Vegas name to other parts of the world.” He dreams of one day having his own building that includes a physical therapy annex, library for the performing arts and museum of costumes completely open to the public. But that’s off in the distance. For now his goals remain simple: make sure the community continues to embrace the theater company’s message while at the same time seeking new collaborations that promote the art of dance within Las Vegas.
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TurnTablisT Las
Vegas has become a mecca for dance music, and we have the top DJ residencies to prove it. One of the pioneers, Tiësto, began his Tiësto in Concert show at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on New Year’s Eve. The Dutch powerhouse has been DJing since the ripe old age of 14, but it wasn’t until recently that he received widespread fame in America. See Page 90.
play on the list and on the lips
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tiëSto’S eSSentiAl trACkS
The Dutch super DJ shares his must-play list for November By Craig a. NymaN
tiËsto’s nine essential tracks
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As a top producer, Tiësto has worked with some of the biggest names in music. Scouring his albums you’ll find tracks featuring Nelly Furtado, Sigur Ros and Tegan and Sara, to name a few. Here, he drops nine essential tracks to listen to before heading out to see him in concert.
As one of the biggest names in electronic dance music, Tiësto keeps the party going year-round by traveling from Ibiza to Las Vegas and everywhere in between, wowing packed nightclubs, arenas and concert halls with his barrage of hit songs and banging club mixes. The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is keenly aware of the DJ’s star power; he’s been holding down a Tiësto in Concert residency, performing marathon sets each month for sold-out crowds as part of a visual and aural spectacle unlike anything Las Vegas has ever seen. $46-$76, Oct. 29 and Dec. 3, 702.693.5000; hardrockhotel.com
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TiësTo “Maximal Crazy”
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sandro silva & QuinTino “Epic”
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Kryder “K2”
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Green velveT “Flash (Nicky Romero Mix)”
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TiësTo feaTurinG Kay “Work Hard, Play Hard”
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BassjacKers “Mush, Mush”
*
Paul KalKBrenner “Boxing Leise”
*
r3haB & swanKy Tunes “Sending My Love”
*
dirTy souTh & Thomas Gold “Alive featuring Kate Elsworth”
Divine inSPirAtion Downtown Cocktail Room bartender Rustyn Vaughn Lee impressed the panel of judges (including Vegas/Rated contributor Xania Woodman) when he presented his Plum Summer cocktail at the Bombay Sapphire “Most Inspired Bartender” competition. Lee took first place in Las Vegas with his well-balanced libation that brought together citrus, spice, sweetness and bitterness, and highlighted the botanicals of Bombay Sapphire. “I appreciate a drink that will surprise you and bring flavor profiles not often seen in cocktail form,” Lee says. “Never judge a book by its cover— anything can work in a cocktail.” — Xania Woodman
the Plum Summer muddle three slices of Chilean plums, ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice and ¾ ounce red pepper flake simple syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, simmered for 15 minutes, strained and cooled; reserve). Add 1½ ounce Bombay Sapphire gin, ½ ounce Campari, 1 dash celery bitters, ½ ounce egg white ice and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe and top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
tiËsto photograph by hew burney; plum summer photograph by kacie lochner
9
Video Vixen The 20-foot video walls are every technophiles dream.
Hit the deCk International DJs David Guetta, Tiësto and Mark Ronson have cut some beats at this very spot.
A HAZY SHADE LOCATED INSIDE ARIA AT CITYCENTER, HAZE NIGHTCLUB CASTS A GLAMOROUS GLOW WITH ITS OVER-THE-TOP PARTIES BY AGENT 21 ––––> Haze
Nightclub has been a premier spot for performances by superstar recording artists and prominent spinmasters since it opened in 2009. And now with the recently launched “In the House” Friday party—a night completely dedicated to house music and featuring DJs such Paul Van Dyk, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Nicky Romero, Sultan & Ned Shepard with Nadia Ali, Laidback Luke and Congorock—the three-level venue has added yet another layer to its appeal, not to mention another reason for club-goers to consider splurging for a table with a view. lightgroup; 702.693.8300
I SPY If you’re fortunate, this is where you’ll catch a glimpse of A-list celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Rihanna, as these tables are reserved for the ultra-VIPs.
INSIDER INTEL The Light Group operates Haze which is named in honor of owner Andrew Sasson’s daughter.
Pass the Mic Lucky guests have been able to witness performances by artists like Usher, Bruno Mars and Katy Perry.
play a hazy shade
Big Spender Want the No. 1 spot in the club? Then you better be willing to break out your wallet to compete with highrollers like Don Johnson (no, not the actor) who spend $100,000 on Haze’s most expensive treat: a 30-liter bottle of Ace of Spades Champagne.
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The United State of Your CoCkTail When The planeTs align, the SeaSon iS right for a greaT CoCkTail CollaboraTion by xania woodman photography by anthony mair
Curse of Corleone
As served at Petrossian in the Bellagio, $14 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -
the united state of your cocktail
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In a mixing glass, combine 1½ ounces Macallan 12 Year, ½ ounce Disaronno, 1 ounce peach puree (try Perfect Purée of Napa), 2 dashes Hogan & Ellis’ Lavender Spice bitters by Bar Keep (Greenbar.biz) and 1 barspoon Luxardo cherry syrup. Add ice, stir and strain into a snifter over an ice sphere. Garnish with a Luxardo marasca cherry and a swath of orange peel.
The soCial MixologisT
Bartenders aren’t known for being a particularly quiet bunch, but BarMagic of Las Vegas owner Tobin Ellis is exceptional at keeping secrets. He has to be in order to maintain the mystery of the location and password for his next Social Mixology moveable speakeasy party. And even when he’s ready to reveal the details, he does so only to registered members. Once there, America’s top bartenders dole out handcrafted cocktails in an atmosphere as convivial as it is exclusive. Since kicking off the event in 2009, and taking it on the road in 2010 (Miami, Aspen, San Francisco, etc.), Ellis has had the cocktail geeks drinking out of the 096
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Perfect timing, serendipity, coincidence—call it what you will. Bellagio assistant beverage director and mixologist Matt Myers was pondering the increasing popularity of scotch-based cocktails such as the modern classic, Penicillin, by Sam Ross of Comme Ça (“Liquid Inspiration,” October issue). Hoping to strike a note with a different audience than today’s contemporary mojito-drinker, Myers hit the books, looking to history’s classics for inspiration and sticking on the Godfather, a golden oldie that pairs scotch with amaretto. It just so happened that BarMagic of Las Vegas founder Tobin Ellis was at the same time revisiting the Godfather trilogy. “I often come to him for advice when I am getting cocktailian writer’s block,” Myers says. That worked for Ellis, whose perspective is rooted in the classics, but with modern taste: “Simple, fresh, balanced, fun,” is his cocktail creation mantra. With that in mind, the two collaborated and, Myers says, “the Curse of Corleone was born,” a drink both gentlemen agree has a bright future.
palm of his hand. Now the beverage industry veteran with 22 years under his belt has set his sights on a new crowd: the consumer, “people who appreciate things that are creative and unique and handcrafted,” he says. In other words, the top five to 10 percent of the nightlife crowd that’s not impressed by the size of his neighbor’s bottle of vodka. “We’re trying to ruin people with good drinks,” Ellis says with a smirk, “and people are starting to recognize a good drink.” Social Mixology returns to Las Vegas in December to commemorate the end of Prohibition. Join the fray at socialmixologyvegas.com.
Surrealist Society In a mystical city that rises out of the desert, 50,000 people gather for a week of celebrating radical self-expression at an event known as Burning Man. Taking place on a dry lake bed in the remote Black Rock Desert in Northern Nevada known as the Playa, “citizens” come from all parts of the world to build a city apart from society where art, individuality and self-reliance are placed above all else. It’s a spiritual experience, with a lot of fun mixed in. See page 112.
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who to know and where to be seen
PHOTOGRAPH BY eric schwabel
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AT THE DOOR
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Two downtown bars now boast live music ARTIFICE
HOMETOWN BANDS
Talented music groups who have emerged from the neon scene By Jarret Keene track “Prehistoric” from the band’s debut EP.) deadhandband.bigcartel.com
CAnDY WArPoP
--------------------Fuzzed-out, female-fronted pop-rock that falls somewhere between My Bloody Valentine and Hole—in sum, a chewy, sugary center coated in distortion and powered by the jackhammer beats of gorgeous (and deadly) drummer Anisa Buttar. candywarpop.com
Big Talk
seven hometown bands
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bIG TALK
--------------------Last summer Ronnie Vannucci Jr.—the drummer for the Las Vegas-based Killers—strapped on a guitar and stepped up to the mic as frontman for his new band Big Talk. Vannucci mixed the classic-rock formula with Tom Petty guitar pop and new-wave synths to create a much-discussed debut album. bigtalkmusic.com
*
ImAGIne DrAGonS
--------------------This synth-infused indierock quartet spent the last few months in L.A. recording with Grammywinning producer Alex da Kid (Nicki Minaj), putting together a full-length debut for a major label. Just which
100
label remains a mystery. imaginedragonsmusic.com
*
moST THIeveS
--------------------A passionate yet cerebral alt-rock band with a talent for soaring hooks and textured guitars, this upand-coming quintet’s recent iTunes single—the countrytinged ballad “Empty Chambers”— features actress Bijou Phillips on guest vocals. mostthieves.com
*
DeADHAnD
--------------------Led by 25-year-old guitar wizard Brendan Scholz, this fierce trio isn’t afraid to put its peanut-butter punk on your chocolate metal and call it pure rock ’n’ roll. (Check out the bluesy head-banging
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JACUZZIHIDIve
--------------------No one brings ’80s dancerock into the 21st century like guitarist Aram Blassingame and singer Aily Iglesias, and they get some help from their vast array of vintage Casio keyboards and Roland drum machines, plus the recent addition of punk drummer Cameron Isham. jacuzzihidive.com
*
THe KILLerS
--------------------C’mon, we have to count these guys (plus solo artist Brandon Flowers) as a Vegas band, right? They live in town, and you’ll find them chilling at bars like Artifice and appraising younger acts—that is, when they’re not working on their new album. thekillersmusic.com
Located in the downtown Las Vegas Arts District, Artifice recently added a stage and sound system in time for the twice-annual Neon Reverb music festival. Big Talk has already played the venue, along with local legends Tippy Elvis. Legendary national acts such as grunge-forefathers The Melvins are booked for 2012. Watch this place become the city’s new live music hot spot. 1025 First St., Ste. 3, 702.489.6339; artificebar.com
THE BEAT Live music has been happening at this downtown coffeehouse by day/bar by night (after 7 p.m.) for some time now, but recently the scene has gotten a lot more serious, especially during the aforementioned Neon Reverb. This place hosts an array of performers from acoustic-folk to electronic-pop to indie-rock. It’s also a great spot to catch some wild visual art. Caffeine, alcohol and culture? The ultimate trifecta. 520 Fremont St., 702.409.5563; thebeatlv.com
big talk photograph by eric ita
*
MEET
CowtowN GuItars owNErs ROxiE AnD JEssE AMOROsO Carry oN a MoM-aNd-pop tradItIoN
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Like many families trying to get by in America right now, the Amorosos feel some pressure. But when you consider where they work while trying to raise their three kids— ages 14, 11 and 3—with the same values any parent wants for their children, it gets complicated. Not because the family is in any way associated with our city’s well-documented debauchery. Rather, we’re just talking about the Amoroso family’s vintage guitar store. “Our 3-year-old, Gibson, was telling customers for a while that girls play bass and boys play guitar,” laughs Roxie Amoroso, a wife, mother and the bassist for local gutter-rock band Pigasus. “For our family, breaking down gender roles goes a little deeper than, you know, ‘Mommy makes dinner, and Daddy mows the lawn.’” Last summer Roxie and Jesse Amoroso bought Cowtown Guitars (2797 S. Maryland Parkway, 702.866.2600; cowtownguitars.com), the oldest vintage rock ’n’ roll instrument and gear shop in Vegas (it’s been around since 1990). But the Amorosos’ history with Cowtown goes back a decade. Roxie had worked for Cowtown’s previous owner, Mark Chatfield, since she was 21, designing the shop’s website and print ads. A few years later, after his punk band went on hiatus, Jesse happened to enter Cowtown just as Chatfield was firing someone. (“Right place, right time,” says Jesse.) Today every serious rock musician inhabiting or visiting Sin City—from Carlos Santana and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons to Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee and My Chemical Romance’s Ray Toro—defers to Jesse’s encyclopedic six-string brain and his passion for fret boards and amplifiers. He even appears on the popular Vegas-based reality show Pawn Stars as the go-to rare guitar guy. “Knowing as much as I do about guitars was once only slightly cooler than, say, the stoner metal-head character in The Simpsons,” says Jesse. “I’ve been vindicated.” Vintage instruments were once so expensive that the only people buying them were speculators who’d place them in cases and throw them in a vault. Real players were forced to buy reissues, if that. But it’s really hard for a wannabe rock ’n’ roller to fall in love with playing guitar while holding a cold, Korean-made instrument coated in layers of cheap paint. Besides, a guitar just feels better when it’s been played for a while. “We’re in a cool time right now when actual players can buy and use vintage gear again,” Roxie confirms. “It feels awesome to sell a ’58 Gibson Les Paul to a kid in Ohio who’s been working at a pizza shop all summer. You know he’s gonna play the hell out of that guitar.”
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MEET
THE LONG HIGHWAY
H e i d i F l e i s s g i v e s a n i n ti m ate lo o k i n to he r l ife in s o u th e r n n e va da’ s othe r ‘ big’ c ity
It’s a Thursday around noon and Heidi Fleiss is standing in the traffic violations department of the Nye County Courthouse in Pahrump, Nevada. Her imprint on pop culture is evident when even the baby-faced cops making their way in and out of the facility salute her with glee. Some of them couldn’t have been more than toddlers during the heyday of Fleiss’s 1990s flesh empire, back when she was known as the “Hollywood Madam.” Her fame knows no statute of limitations; she forever spells sex. And sex rarely expires in the human consciousness or in America. Wherever Heidi goes she is treated like a rock star, wanted (sometimes literally) and repudiated at the same time. However, the moral of the story on this Thursday, and woven into the fabric of her past, is that Heidi lives fast. She’s at the courthouse to pay a fine on a speeding ticket she recently received while blazing the barren trail between Pahrump—a dusty little town known for its legalized prostitution, about 60 miles northwest of the Strip—and Las Vegas multiple times each week to run her newest business venture: First Pedigree, a dog hotel and grooming facility at the corner of Silverado Ranch Boulevard and Bermuda Road, just off Las Vegas Boulevard. First Pedigree is operated in tandem with former Chippendale Jason Johnston and Playboy model Yvette Lopez. Only because it’s Las Vegas would anyone believe that one of the most recognizable figures of the late 20th century is now the mistress of a pet spa, and her partners are a Bunny and a Chip. Heidi sought refuge in Nevada about five years ago and subsequently opened up a highly publicized coin-op fluffand-fold called Dirty Laundry. There was also talk of a male brothel, which never got off the ground. The idea for a dog haven came after she was summoned by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to speak against the sale of live birds at a Petsmart shareholders meeting. The neverdormant left side of Heidi’s brain also picked up on the $6.7 billion sales figure (associated with the domestic pet industry) that was thrown around at the event. It was at that point she realized that, while concentrating on her feathered friends, she was missing out on a great opportunity with animals of the four-legged variety. You see, these days, aside from sex, Heidi is most well known for the 19 exotic birds she has adopted since living in Nevada. That story line was the premise for a television special on Animal Planet, From Prostitutes to Parrots. Quite poetically some ex-prostitutes contributed Molly the Parrot to her ever-growing stable. Content to now be in charge of a true flock, and a few Shih Tzus here and there, she grows ponderous when asked if she would ever go back to her old tricks should prostitution be legalized in Las Vegas. “Not really,” she says slyly. “With the advent of the Internet, the competition is too abundant.”
BY BENEDETTA PIGNATELLI/PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY MAIR
Heidi’s Haunts
---------------------Fleiss’ one-proposed male brothel was to be located in Crystal (another city outside Las Vegas). But now that her cohort, famed Bunny Ranch owner Dennis Hoff, has purchased interests in the area, there’s a possibility that the plan could be revitalized. She treks regularly to the Whole Foods at Town Square on Las Vegas Boulevard, where she loads up on Earth Café gluten-free, vegan cheesecake and Amy’s Cornmeal Crust Three Cheese Pizza “to balance [me] out.” Pahrump offers eclectic entertainment: from Front Sight, the much frequented shooting range, to the Spring Mountain race track, once known for its three-day Lotus driving school.
the long highway
LAUNDROMAT PHOTOGRAPH BY BeNeDeTTA PiGNATeLLi
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elecTric parade deadmau5 rocks The chelSea wiTh a breaThTaking new sTage show
B y To m S c h l e S i n g e r p h oTo g r a p h y B y d e n i S e T r u S c e l lo & h e w B u r n e y
With the digital music revolution in full effect, it’s easy to get burned out on beats, especially since it’s featured in everything nowadays from car commercials to movie soundtracks. Deadmau5, the leader of the dance music superstars, took over Las Vegas on Labor Day weekend performing two nights at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The DJ, whose real name is Joel Zimmerman, had the entire venue on a rollercoaster ride fueled by a newly designed stage production, and a chandelier-rattling sound system. The Cosmo prepared by amping up The Chelsea’s speaker count and partnering with Marquee Nightclub to offer bottle service. But it was Deadmau5 who came out blazing. From the dub-step influenced “One Trick Pony” to older hits such as “Ghost ‘n’ Stuff”—during which Paris Hilton danced onstage—Deadmau5’s two-hour set proved to be a milestone for the producer but also a major moment for dance music. Not since Daft Punk’s Alive 2007 has such a production been carted around, and while Zimmerman’s previous shows have been excellent, the lighting here was, at times, otherworldly. It was a performance that left ears ringing and mouths agape.
* The Cosmopolitan team outdid themselves with a fully upgraded sound system installed especially for Deadmau5. 3G Audio, who did the sound for Electric Daisy Carnival, was responsible for preparing The Chelsea for the Deadmau5 assault. The system was half the rig they used at EDC’s mainstage, which when it was erected was the largest stage in the world. At The Chelsea show, 3,000 people were listening to half of the system that was used for more than 40,000 people at EDC. Our ears are still ringing.
“AnOThER wAy TO
end a night in vegas...
wAlking OnTO A sTAgE AnD sEEing lOTs Of sMiling fACEs... i
can die happy ” –@deadmau5
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DJ INvASION
DANCE MUSIC’S BIGGEST NAMES GAThEr AT ThE NIGhTCLUBS OF wYnn AND enCORe OvEr LABOr DAy WEEkEND P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y H e w B u R n e Y
––––>Not
every superstar DJ was on the roster at Wynn Las Vegas’ many venues for Labor Day weekend ... it just seemed that way, as the hotel turned into a defacto clubhouse during summer’s final holiday. Skrillex, who played Surrender on Friday with Lil Jon, brought friend and fellow DJ Zedd to his set. The two are also (if you believe Twitter) buddies with none other than the reigning electronic dance music king, Deadmau5, who after performing his brand-new production at The Cosmopolitan, was spotted at Surrender with Playboy Playmate girlfriend Lindsey Gayle. When one-third of the super group Swedish House Mafia (Sebastian Ingrosso) played Surrender, fellow Wynn residents showed up, including Steve Aoki, Kaskade and Afrojack, who took over the decks at Encore Beach Club at various points during the long weekend.
* Throughout Labor Day weekend 2011, various DJs made appearances at Surrender and XS nightclubs and Encore Beach Club. But it was Monday night that saw the ultimate mashup on the turntables. During Skrillex’s performance he was joined onstage alternately by Afrojack, Steve Aoki and Deadmau5.
Afrojack and Skrillex
Skrillex, Reverend Pariah & Holly Madison
Lil Jon
“Vegas Birdz Vegas slims Vegas Hustlaz, Vegas grimz” Zedd
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Kaskade
Tommy Lee and Sophie VRateD.COm
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land of the free
A PhotogrAPher caPtureS the eSSence of the Burning MAn festivAl B y K at i e P e g l e r / P h o t o g r a P h y B y e r i c S c h w a B e l ––––> “I
was born there; it just took me a while to find my way back,” says photographer Eric Schwabel of the majestic Burning Man festival that draws 50,000-plus “free spirits” to northwestern Nevada each summer. Schwabel’s sentiment is not uncommon on the Playa (the name given to the desert expanse where Burning Man takes place). Many fans of the weeklong arts gathering in Black Rock City, Nev., have a supernatural connection with the event, seeing it as their true home where they can express themselves freely without fear of judgment. As such, Burning Man celebrates radical self expression, through art installations, costumes and art cars. The artists, along with all attendees, are affectionately known as “burners.” They come for one week a year, and their experience is nearly impossible to describe; it truly is one of those “you need to see it to believe it” settings. The barren dry lake bed stretches far into the horizon, and
the relentless dust, fine as talcum powder, often whips up into frequent storms called “whiteouts.” It lends an air of surrealism to an event where stumbling upon a massive boat floating across the landscape is as common as seeing a replica of Thunderdome or automobile transformed into a woolly Mammoth. As for Schwabel, his contribution to the barter-only society (attendees must be completely self-sufficient, as only coffee and ice are available for purchase) is the Human Light Suit. Picture a man—whose Playa name is SoftBox— transforming himself into a portable photo studio via bicycle transportation. Again, you have to see it to believe it. Burners encourage giving back to the society they built, and Schwabel’s contribution to Black Rock City is capturing the essence of the individuals who make Burning Man an experience those who attend will never forget … and those who don’t will never fully understand.
“My gOAl is
to shoot On lOCATiOn AnD lighT iT As i wOulD
if i wAsn’T AT
burning man ...” — Eric schwabel, photographer
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P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y TO m O
––––> 2011
Pride festivities kicked off with a celebration in downtown Las Vegas, one of the only nighttime parades in the country. Thousands lined the closed streets, and the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and their supporters came out in full force. The next day featured the Pride Festival at the Clark County Amphitheater with performers such as Mya and top local talent, including Edie, mistress of ceremonies from Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil. Female impersonator Frank Marino hosted the closing party at The Beatles Revolution Lounge inside The Mirage. Long before the night ended, plans for next year’s event were revealed: Pride 2012 will span an entire week and will be dubbed Gay Days Las Vegas.
* This year’s Pride was the first time the event has been held in September. The Southern Nevada Association of Pride Inc., the organization behind the festival and parade, says there has been a drastic change since its inception in 1983. Only 200 people attended the first parade, and now thousands show up to march in joy and revelry.
“These were amazing
pictures
to take because there was so
much love and joy and craziness.” –TOMO, photographer
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mass consumption Vegas does what vegas does best ... shop
––––> Born
out of the economic downturn that saw people more concerned with the recession than the runway, Fashion’s Night Out New York launched in 2009 as a collaboration between Vogue magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. In the two years since its debut, FNO has spread across the country and into Europe with events in Los Angeles, Atlanta, London, Paris and, of course, Las Vegas. FNO’s goal: Encourage shoppers to buy for the sake of charity, with proceeds from most purchases going to select nonprofit organizations. Crystals, the high-end retail and entertainment district at CityCenter, saw most of its stores throw open their doors, welcoming eager consumers with cocktails and h’ordeuvres. L.A.-based Fitz and the Tantrums provided tunes for the evening.
Danya Roselli
is wearing the Wendy dress from Stella McCartney’s fall 2011 collection. The famously vegan designer’s only Las Vegas store is located at Crystals.
Chris Saldana
was completely outfitted in Paul Smith. The morning news anchor tweeted about last minute shirt changes to add a “pop of color” to his fall 2011 collection duds.
KLAS-TV news anchors Dayna Roselli and Chris Saldana served as the official emcees for Fashion’s Night Out at Crystals inside CityCenter. The stylish pair guided visitors through the numerous store promotions and introduced a performance from equally fashionable Fitz and The Tantrums.
1. Samanta Stewart and Kama Carnes, president of Kiki de Montparnasse
2. Audra Hendley, CityCenter President Bobby Baldwin, TAG Heuer Manager Joyce Johnson, Larry Ruvo and Camille Ruvo
5. Ellen Schaner and Lacy Schorr host Stella McCartney
“Fashion’s night out At crystAls wAs priceless. I cAn’t wAIt for next yeAr.”
3. Mike Myers and Light Group President Jodi Myers
–Chris Saldana, 8 News NOW anchor, FNO at Crystals emcee
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PhotograPhs 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 by al Powers; PhotograPhs 2 and 6 by denise truscello
4. Farid Matraki, vice president and general manager of Crystals, and Lela Sagnelli, manager of Jimmy Choo
6. Fitz and The Tantrums at Social House
7. Live lingerie windows at Kiki de Montparnasse VrAteD.coM
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halloween Happy Haunting
Happy Haunting If a city could take possession of a holiday, Las Vegas would own Halloween. From over-the-top parties to elaborate disguises, revelers come from all over the world to indulge in Devil’s Night. Shown here, high fashion pays homage to the art of costuming in photographer GL Wood’s feature “Spellbinder.” See page 124.
PHOTOGRAPH BY GL WOOD
Manish Arora leather beaded top. Alaia bodysuit. Zero + Maria Cornejo hood. Silver and gold cuffs by Stephen Dweck. Vintage Monies black cuff.
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halloween seven rules to live by on all hallows’ eve
7
ruleS to live by on all hallowS’ eve Don’t let the trick be on you By AGENT 21
Spook City Spirits abound in Las Vegas … and we don’t mean the kind you drink by agent
*
SCArY SKIn
----------------------Avoid costumes that show a lot of skin, unless you’ve got a body everyone wants to see. Remember, sometimes it’s best to leave more to the imagination.
*
THree TImeS THe FUn
*
DrInK UP ... CAreFULLY
spent a lot of time and cash on your disguise, so don’t assume you’re going home with the big prize for Best Costume.
----------------------When you were a kid, your parents warned you: Don’t take candy from strangers. The same words of wisdom apply as an adult.
*
SeT THe TrenD, Don’T FoLLoW IT
----------------------Before you do anything, consider tripling your costume budget this year. That’s because Halloween falls on a Monday, meaning a long weekend of parties, and the last thing you want is to get caught wearing the same schoolgirl outfit three nights in a row.
*
DreSS To ImPreSS
----------------------If you don’t have a costume, just stay home. Most parties require you to dress up in something.
*
*
DITCH THe SHADeS
AnD THe WInner IS ... -----------------------
You’re not the only one who
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----------------------Don’t wear your sunglasses
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----------------------As is the case with all kinds of fashion, try to anticipate the trends, and avoid repeating last year’s biggest hits. In other words, no Lady Gaga or Avatar costumes. While you’re at it, put down that sequined glove. … Michael Jackson is done. Move on.
Las Vegas is a breeding ground for ghost stories and farfetched tales of hauntings. Urban legends of infamous celebrity happenings and underground tunnels built in the heyday of organized crime are all part of the lore. We may never find out the truth, but with this being the month of ghosts, goblins and ghouls, it seems a perfect time to revisit two Vegas fables. flamingo
Hotel
Mobster “Bugsy” Siegel died in 1947 after being gunned down in his girlfriend’s home in Beverly Hills. However, it is said his spirit lives on inside the presidential suite of the Flamingo Hotel, which Siegel helped finance. Allegedly, his ghost has also been seen wandering the hotel’s pool late at night. las vegas Hilton
Workers have reportedly witnessed Elvis’ ghost roaming the property he made famous in the 1970s, most notably by the backstage elevators. No word if it was jumpsuit Elvis or gold lamé suit Elvis … or if he stopped to sign autographs.
costume photo by magicinfoto; flamingo photo by gary paul lewis / shutterstock.com
at night, unless your costume actually requires it.
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nailed ––––> Toni
Maticevski dress and cape available upon request at tonimaticevski.com. Zero + Maria Cornejo hood available at Barneys New York, The Shoppes at The Palazzo. Matina Amanita ring available at amelieboutique.com. House of Lavande ring available at houseoflavande.com.
photography by gl wood; photographer’s assistant/brendan burdzinski; wardrobe styling by newheart ohanian;
wardrobe assistant/lisa makoowski; hair by tetsuya yokozuka; makeup by roshar for make up forever; model/andrea (ford) and eileen (next)
HALLOWEEN
swan song ––––> Calvin
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spellbinder
Famed photographer and perfume impresario Serge Lutens was the inspiration behind GL Wood’s “Spellbinder.” The photographs utilize Lutens famous style: bold colors, women with dramatic makeup and blunt bangs. The end result is an “homage to the art direction of the 1980s” shot by Wood in his Astoria, N.Y., studio.
Klein body suit available at Macy’s, Fashion Show. The Blonds corset available upon request at theblondsnewyork.com. Thorin & Co. for House of Lavande earrings available at houseoflavande.com. LaCrasia gloves available upon request at lacrasia.com.
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HAIR-RAISING ––––>Michael
Angel dress and belt available at Ensemble, Encore Las Vegas. Lina Osterman necklace available upon request at linaosterman.com. Perry Gargano cuff available at perrygargano.com. House of Lavande pendant available at houseoflavande.com.
HALLOWEEN spellbinder
cold shoulder ––––>Heather
Huey hat available at heatherhuey. com. Toni Maticevski cape available upon request at tonimaticevski.com. Vintage Monies earrings available at eyecandystore.com.
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The InsIder’s GuIde To cosTume shopping
from
sexy to
spooky
halloween the guide
Star CoStume & theatriCal Supply ––––> The leader in sexy costume chic, Trashy Lingerie is a Los Angeles institution when it comes time to get dressed for Halloween. The only place in Las Vegas where you can find Trashy’s elaborate disguises is Star Costume, a 15,000-square-foot superstore. Star offers a full collection of Trashy’s signature sexy birds, comic-book characters and Indians—which can run up to $1,000—but also has more than 20,000 costumes for rent for those who truly want to go all out. For a bespoke experience, Star has a seamstress on duty to ensure you don’t commit a serious Halloween faux pas by running into any other sexy devils. Star also features full lines of professional stage makeup, including Kryolan, Mehron and Ben Nye. Can’t find what you need in this costume wonderland? They’ll special order it for you. The General Perversion, shown here, runs around $700.
3230 S. Valley View Blvd., 702.731.5014; starcostume.yolasite.com
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trash talk Far From actually living up to its name, Trashy Lingerie was launched in Los Angeles by owners Mitchell and Tracy Shrier more than 25 years ago. Mitchell Shrier specializes in custom-designed intimate apparel and has crafted outfits for celebrities such as Madonna and Paris Hilton. The custom lingerie and costumes are all handmade in their L.A. factory. Trashy Lingerie’s signature collections may not come cheap, but their craftsmanship and originality are unrivaled. One more caveat: If you want to shop at their original store on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, you’ll have to pony up $5 for a membership. You’ll be issued a custom membership card, putting you among celebrities such as Demi Moore and Brooke Shields. The Wicked Queen of Hearts, shown here, is priced at around $1,500—all pieces sold separately. trashy.com
halloween
NaNcy Williams Baker, owner
the guide
Williams Costume ComPaNY has beeN makiNg Costumes iN doWNtoWN las Vegas siNCe 1950, but the building’s original incarnation was as a dance studio. Owner Nancy Williams Baker arrived in Las Vegas in 1948 to dance on the Strip, and was a Dice Girl at the El Rancho before moving on to perform in showrooms at The Flamingo and Thunderbird. “I was teaching dance and making costumes, and it turned into all this,” Baker says. Nearly all of Williams’ costumes have been handcrafted in the building, which has become a sprawling three-story mass of back rooms and racks. There’s even an entire area dedicated to Roman costumes, a space the store’s associates affectionately call Rome. As for Baker, Williams Costume Company is her home, literally; she turned the third floor into an apartment for herself. Her favorite costumes? Ancient Egypt.
Williams Costume Company ––––> As the oldest costume shop in Las Vegas, Williams Costume Company enjoys a cult following that comes out every October to sift through their more than 8,000 costumes for rent, in addition to the racks of vintage pieces for sale. The majority of costumes available at Williams were made right in the store’s back room, and many are originals from the 1950s and ’60s. If you have an idea you’re trying to execute this year, just ask one of Williams’ professionals, and they’ll help you find the perfect ensemble. Not interested in renting? No problem, as Williams has racks of vintage costumes for sale, plus more tassels, fringe and over-the-top-accessories than any girl (or guy) could ask for. And if your costume requires extensive makeup, Williams has you covered there, too. Just seek out Ellie, the store’s resident makeup specialist.
1226 S. Third St., 702.384.1384
williams photograph by anthony mair
BohemiaN flare Nestled doWNtoWN aCross from Williams Costume ComPaNY, The Gypsy Den is an enclave for vintage treasures and handmade jewelry. Owner and jewelry designer KT Cewe creates mystical pieces made from stones, metals and (our favorite) feathers, but it’s the headdresses Cewe creates that really turn, well, heads. Cewe handcrafts everything in her workshop, and she can make each piece to any specification. She started creating headdresses after being asked to style a witch doctor-themed photo shoot. “I made a crazy headdress and have been making them ever since,” Cewe says. They’ve become a hit with local singers and fashionistas, and one even made it onto the head of hipster DJ Steve Aoki. The headdresses add that extra something to any costume, or outfit, and because each piece is a handmade one-of-a-kind, you’re sure to stand out in any crowd. It’s exactly the out-of-the-box costume accessory you’ve been searching for. 213 E. Colorado Ave., 702.684.1628
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Las Vegas Feather ConsUmption
Rainbow FeatheR Company ––––> Leave it to Las Vegas to have one of the most revered feather shops in the industry. Rainbow Feather Company is a plume institution because of a special—and top-secret—dying process. Rainbow Feather can dye your desired quill just about any shade you can imagine; just don’t ask how they did it, because owner Jody Favazzo isn’t talking. “We’re one of the only stores in the world who can do this,” Favazzo says, and she’s not about to spill the beans. The store is a family business started by Favazzo’s father in Burbank, California, before he relocated it to Las Vegas. The store sells any type of feather that’s legal, which amounts to nine different birds, including ostrich, chicken, peacock and pheasant.
Dress-Up Dreams
1036 S. Main St., 702.598.0988 rainbowfeatherco.com
01
01
01
The ATTic
BuffAlo exchAnge
hAlloween MArT
Founded in 1989, Las Vegas’ biggest vintage clothing store is a bonanza for funky accessories and authentic period pieces. The Attic can also special-order those hard-to-find items.
Located in a prime location near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Buffalo Exchange receives an influx of unique vintage clothing and costumes. They also sell a small selection of costumes that have never been worn.
Open year-round, Halloween Mart covers everyone from adults to children and even pets. If you can’t find the perfect costume and accessories here, they probably don’t exist.
1025 S. Main St., 702.388.4088 atticvintage.com
4110 S Maryland Pkwy., 702.791.3960 buffaloexchange.com
6230 S. Decatur Blvd., 702.740.4224 halloweenmart.com
feathers photography by anthony mair
While it makes complete sense that there’s a feather store in the hometown of the infamous showgirl, what’s most unique about Rainbow Feather Company is that it’s a worldwide operation. Owner Jody Favazzo says less than 20 percent of her business actually comes from Las Vegas, and they have clients worldwide. Two of their biggest events each year are Rio de Janeiro’s famous Carnival and New Orleans’ raucous Mardi Gras. Just how many feathers the store goes through a year isn’t completely clear, but Favazzo says the number is in the thousands … of pounds. Her wildest request? “People always want bald eagle feathers,” she says. “But they’re illegal, so we can dye others to give them the same look.”
Get Made
––––> Your costume is complete, and you’ve worked hard to fit everything in that barelythere bustier (or Speedo). But the devil is in the details, and that’s where Michael Boychuck’s team comes to the rescue. From October 27-30, AMP Salon in Palms Resort Casino and Color Salon at Caesars Palace are offering Halloween makeovers. The entire process typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the costume, says head of makeup Kate Stromberg. The experience begins with a consultation with the stylist, who gets to know you and your costume concept before taking the reins and on the transformation. The full makeover includes makeup, eyelash application, hairstyle and a buff and polish change for nails. Think your character is too wild for this team of artists to execute? Think again. In fact, Stromberg says, Vegas brings out the best in creative Halloween costuming—“We get it all”—and as far as this makeup extraordinaire is concerned, the more outrageous, the better. “Anything that involves bold colors and things you couldn’t wear on a day to day basis,” she says, making sure to emphasize one particular must-have accessory: glitter. Of course, it wouldn’t be Vegas without a hint of glitter.
Packages start at $135; AMP Salon at Palms Resort Casino, 702.942.6909; Color at Caesars Palace, 702.731.7791; michaelboychuck.com
photography by anthony mair
Stylist Michael Boychuck and his bevy of beautymakers complete the Halloween transformation
the playeRS
The RingLeADeRS CiRCuS CouTuRe gIveS BuddIng deSIgneRS A CHAnCe To SHow oFF THeIR SkIllS FoR CHARITy And SeRveS AS InSpIRATIon FoR oveR-THe-Top HAlloween CoSTumeS PhoTogRAPh by Sh An e o ’ n eAL
From left to right: Assembling performance, fashion and art for the sake of charity, Circus Couture is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for St. Baldrick’s, whose mission is to conquer childhood cancer. It is staffed with volunteers, most of whom are performers in (or work for) shows on the Strip. Circus Couture’s main event is an annual party with circus performances where attendees can bid on auction items and see one-of-a-kind costumes, all for the sake of charity. For the 2011 event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Circus Couture put out a call to avant-garde designers for runway submissions. “The Revolution” was the theme of this year’s show and each piece was custom designed a la Project Runway. Here are six inspirational looks from the event. circuscouture.org
Revolution #3
Geisha Showgirl
inspired by: military
inspired by:
revolution, the punk movement and historical military looks
drama, Japanese culture and showgirls
designed by:
Jenny Leigh Du Puis
Aimee Melinda Johnson
designed by:
insider intel:
insider intel: The dog tag corset is inspired by those in military service
The wig for Geisha Showgirl measures two-and-a-half feet tall
Makeup by Sarah Redding; Hair design by Jenifer Pietrzak; Model/Jennlee Shallow
Makeup and hair design by Kelsey Contois-Husch; Model/Jennifer Alaimo
halloween the ringleaders
A Model Linebacker
Warrior Priestess
Untitled
Achromo
inspired by: a high-fash-
inspired by: nature,
inspired by: a
inspired by: time travel,
designed by:
designed by:
insider intel: There
insider intel:
ion model’s interpretation of a football player
Jenny Leigh Du Puis are 160 yards of cyberlox attached to football pads featured in Model Linebacker’s shoulder piece
Makeup by Meghann Mason; Hair design by Jenifer Pietrzak; Model/Karlee Klow
human fears, obsessions, Kali and Kundalini
Marlo Dalby
The Warrior Priestess features feathers, nontextile materials and football pads Makeup by Tiki Jay; Hair design by Marlo Dalby; Model/Marlo Dalby
paranoid hypochondriac, it’s a washable garment to protect against germs
designed by:
Karen L. Cornejo
insider intel:
Untitled is designed to fully light up Makeup and Hair by Jerica Hughey; Model/Sarah McIntosh
the Industrial Revolution and steam-punk
designed by: Marisa Miranda
insider intel:
Achromo is a time traveler with clothing inspired by the 19th century Makeup by Wester Cooley; Hair design by Irena Stoycheva; Model/Jordan McHenry VRATED.COM
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MARQUEE
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 702.333.9000; marqueelasvegas.com
Marquee is home to three distinct rooms and an attached day club— meaning no matter your mood, you’re bound to find something you like. don’t miss: The Boom Box Room, an intimate space with its own DJ. we dare you: To check out the Library, with a fireplace, billiards table and tomes about the history of Las Vegas. on halloween weekend: Get some satisfaction
with Benny Benassi on Friday. ATB takes over Saturday, followed by Kaskade on Monday.
TAO
The Venetian, 702.388.8588; taolasvegas.com
A hand-carved, 20-foottall Buddha is the centerpiece of this nightclub and restaurant, which features Asian-inspired decor. don’t miss: The sexy dancers in birdcages. we dare you: To dive into
one of the tubs on display that feature models bathing in rose petals. on halloween weekend: Bring out the sexy
to party at Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween event.
RAin, PlAybOy ClUb, GHOSTbAR & MOOn Palms Casino Resort, 702.942.6832; palms.com
The nightclubs at Palms Casino Resort set the standard for an exceptional night out. Offering four different experiences, there is never a dull moment at Vegas’ quintessential party resort. don’t miss: Rain’s new giant LED screen behind the DJ booth. on halloween week-
Night of Killer Costumes 5 on October 29 with DJ Pauly D & Yelawolf.
end:
SURREnDER
Encore Las Vegas, 702.770.7300; surrendernightclub.com
This luxe nightclub features a combined
Marquee
60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, so there’s plenty of room to boogie down. don’t miss: The 120-foot snake situated behind the main bar on halloween week-
Start early on Wednesday with a $10,000 cash-and-prize giveaway, featuring Nervo. Afrojack and Quintino follow, with Dada Life on Saturday and Lil Jon on Halloween night, which features a $25,000 cash-and-prize giveaway.
end:
XS
Encore Las Vegas, 702.770.0097; xslasvegas.com
The bank
A club that lives up to its name, XS is opulent with gold busts of female employees lining a glittering staircase, along with a rotating disco ball chandelier. don’t miss: The 1,100square-foot dance floor. we dare you: To try
the signature drink, the $10,000 Ono. did you know: The V.I.P. booths are lined with goldembossed crocodile skin. on halloween weekend: The DJ rotation esca-
lates from Avicii on Friday to Axwell on Saturday to Deadmau5 on Sunday to Afrojack on Monday.
TRyST
Wynn Las Vegas, 702.770. 3375; trystlasvegas.com
Classy and stylish, Tryst opens up to an opulent waterfall that serves as the backdrop to one of the hottest dance floors in Las Vegas. did you know: This is the only nightclub in town that has its own lake. don’t miss: To grab one of the booths around the lush waterfall and order the Holly Berry, the signature drink named in honor of Holly Madison. on halloween week-
end: Double the beats with
Manufactured Superstars on Thursday, get caught in DJ Spider’s web Friday and catch all the characters at the official costume party on Saturday.
CHATEAU
Paris Las Vegas, 702.776.7770; chateaunightclublv.com
Chateau combines classic French opulence with modern style, and the chateau theme extends all the way down to the naughty French maid outfits the cocktail servers wear. don’t miss: The Beer Garden that overlooks the Strip. we dare you: To indulge in one of the over-the-top drinks from Sugar Factory below Chateau. on halloween week-
Jenni “JWoww” Farley from Jersey Shore hosts on Friday, with Scott Disick and Carlos Condit taking over Saturday.
end:
halloween halloween calendar
Halloween weekend nigHtclub calendar GALLERY
HAZE
The newest club to open on the Strip, Gallery is appropriately named, as voyeuristic oversize photos line the walls and alluring dancers perform acrobatic feats on netted platforms suspended from the ceiling. don’t miss: The Red Room, featuring 3-D photographs that follow your movements. we dare you: To see the dirty dancing that takes place in a gigantic rhinestone-covered bathtub in the attached Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon.
Party till dawn inside this 25,500-square-foot palace that features world class DJs and a 70-foot wall of lights. It’s the ultimate Vegas nightclub. did you know: Haze features 100 square feet of interactive projection screens. we dare you: To not be blown away by the Avalon Sound audio system. on halloween weekend: Check out Hot Chelle Rae spinning dance tunes on Thursday before Laidback Luke takes over Friday. Flo-Rida and Ludacris are performing Saturday and Monday.
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, 702.818.3700; gallerylv.com
Aria Resort & Casino, 702.693.8300; arialasvegas.com
on halloween weekend:
Fight for your right to party Saturday with Nick Diaz, who hosts the UFC after-fight party. Bridget Marquardt hosts Oct. 30.
THE BANK
Bellagio, 702.693.8300; bellagio.com
#1 TLharsilVleRgas i de
Living up to Bellagio’s fivestar reputation, The Bank is decorated in deep blacks with rich gold accents. The Cristal Room, which features walls covered in the stuff, doesn’t hurt either. don’t miss: The raised dance floor in the center of the club. we dare you: To order big in the Cristal Room surrounded by dozens of bottles of the expensive champagne. on halloween weekend: Chill out with Yolanda Be Cool on Friday and see all the beautiful people Saturday when Marilyn Manson hosts.
ARTISAN HOTEL BOUTIQUE
1501 W. Sahara Ave., 702.214.4000; artisanhotel.com
Be transported to early 20thcentury Parisian chic in the Artisan’s ornately decorated lobby. This boutique hotel is a local’s hideaway, and its sister property Rumor (rumorhotel.com) is also gaining the same reputation. don’t miss: The hidden outdoor patio. we dare you: To stay out late. Artisan was voted one the top after-hours spot in Vegas. did you know: If you reserve a booth in your birthday month Artisan will give you a bottle of vodka free on halloween weekend:
Rumor hosts Howl-O-Ween, the holiday edition of their Yappy Hour (a dog-friendly happy hour) October 27 at 6 p.m.
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THE END
HigH-LimiT ROOMS
high-limit rooms
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, as Las Vegas’ visitor volume grew, so too did the number of gamblers looking to up the ante from $1 blackjack to something with more heart-pumping action. This eventually gave birth to the “high-limit” room, an opulent, semiprivate space where casinos could make their wealthiest customers feel at home. Today, every major hotel-casino on the Strip (and beyond) offers a place where the only thing higher than the stakes are the players’ pulse rates. by matt jacob
(b i g ) m o ne y t a l k s
1 2
3
Whale hun t in g Casino players are divided into a class system, and sitting atop the food chain are “whales,” whose pockets run as deep as the ocean. They come from all corners of the globe and set up shop in high-limit rooms, with a singular goal: grow their fortune.
4
high risk , hig h reWard Who hasn’t come to Vegas with dreams of “breaking the house?” Well, high-limit players can actually do it. Says David Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas: “You can have someone take the casino for several million in a weekend.”
State law prohibits private gaming, meaning high-limit rooms are open to all … to all who have a thick bankroll, that is. Table-game minimums at major casinos can range from $5,000 to $50,000 a hand—and more.
W h e e l i ng & d e a l i ng On occasion, you’ll find slot machines or a craps table inside a high-limit room. But the majority of big-money gamblers play one of two games: blackjack and baccarat.
insider intel
One part of Las Vegas that has been recession-proof? High-limit rooms. “The super, super rich still have a lot of money,” Schwartz says. “The $25 and $50 blackjack tables have been hit a lot harder than the $20,000 baccarat tables.”
High-Limit Room at Caesars Palace
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giuseppe zanotti design
shop at www.giuseppezanottidesign.com
automne-hiver 2011 2012
Zanotti Vegas Rated Mag.indd 1
1-09-2011 10:47:18