Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 21, 2007

AccessVegas.com Insider Vibe

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


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

Hello From Las Vegas! I’m still getting used to the end of Daylight Savings Time. The sunsets are amazing, but the sun is setting about 5 PM this time of year. This week, we are also dealing with the sudden end of “summer” weather. Long time Las Vegas residents will tell you that we always seem to have one definitive time in the fall and another in the spring where the temperature makes a sudden shift. This week started with highs near 80 and will end with highs near 60. Every spring, we seem to jump from the mid-60’s to the low 80’s over the course of just a few days in April (all temperatures Fahrenheit).

This is a special photo issue! Usually we post many of the great photos that readers send in, so this week it is our turn. We had Mark Jacobs out shooting photos of the aftermath of The Frontier implosion, over to The Bellagio for their Botanical Gardens Thanksgiving Display, and then to the new Planet Hollywood for the pre-opening of the Hawaiian Tropic Zone bikini bash! (Yes, he really gets paid to do this and no, we don’t have another similar position open right now). Links to all those great photo sets are later in the newsletter.

The L.A. Times did a solid, accurate update on how things are going with the Nevada smoking ban. The bottom line is that enforcement has been all but given up on. Bars have found creative ways around it, and a judge has ruled that violating the ban is only a civil matter. IE, the police aren’t going to do anything about it. This leaves a health department staff without the manpower to enforce the law responsible for trying to catch and deal with violators. The fine if you are caught? $100. The number of people fined to date? 0.

Because this story has generated so much reader feedback over the past year, we’ll continue to follow it. Those interested in the details can read the article Las Vegas bars working around Nevada smoking ban.

As this issue goes out, it is the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States and we hope all celebrating have an enjoyable time with family or friends. This would be a great time to tell everyone you know about this newsletter. If you are checking your email at someone else’s place or have a group of people over at yours, gather a few around and share some of the Bellagio Thanksgiving Season photos we feature later in the newsletter. If they are Las Vegas visitors (or just thinking about visiting), click on over to our newsletter website and get them signed up.

Enjoy This Issue!

Associate Editor: Amy Rayner-Cooley
News Researcher/Editor: Mark Jacobs


Ring In 2008 With The Biggest Concert In Vegas – Kanye West Live At The Pearl At The Palms – Following an amazing performance in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa during the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West returns to the Palms Casino Resort to perform live on New Year’s Eve inside the Pearl Concert Theater. (Tickets) The evening with Mr. West will begin at 10:45 p.m. There is no doubt that Kanye West is one of most influential artists in hip-hop today. Click to Read The Full Story …

Dancing With The Stars Tour Performs At The Orleans Arena – Dancing with the Stars, ABC’s #1 rated unscripted show, is hitting the road this winter and bringing its most popular team of stars and professional dancers to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. (Tickets) The third Dancing with the Stars tour will feature a cast of the show’s most popular competitors, combining established favorites from previous tours with newcomers from the show’s current season. Las Vegas audiences will be treated to an exciting new line-up of stars including season two winner and special guest star Drew Lachey with Cheryl Burke, Sabrina Bryan with Mark Ballas… Click to Read The Full Story …

Strip House Boasts The Sexiest Uniform In Fine Dining Thanks To World-Renowned Designer Kiki de Montparnasse – Strip House, along with luxury lingerie designer Kiki de Montparnasse, heats up the Las Vegas Strip with Studio Manasse-inspired cocktail dress uniforms. Strip House’s coy but classic cocktail mini-dress, designed by Kiki de Montparnasse, is perfectly executed in a soft, black, fine rib jersey. A high elegant front harmonizes a dangerously low back to reveal a signature satin lace-up corselette bra embellished with tulle lace. Complete with flutter sleeves, Kiki de Montparnasse’s style reflects the sexy sophisticated atmosphere of Strip House. Click to Read The Full Story …

Bellagio, Picasso And Le Cirque Receive 2008 AAA Five Diamond Award – Bellagio Continues To Shine As Only Hotel In The Country Featuring Two Five Diamond Restaurants – For the seventh consecutive year, Bellagio received AAA’s prestigious Five Diamond Award as did Julian Serrano’s renowned restaurant, Picasso. Additionally, Le Cirque received the distinction for the fifth consecutive year, making Bellagio once again the only hotel in the United States to be home to two AAA Five Diamond restaurants. Click to Read The Full Story …

J.R. Johns’ Presents ‘Dog Gone Silly’ At Harmon Theater In Krave – ‘America’s Funniest Dog Show’ Comes To Las Vegas As The Newest Afternoon Show – “Dog Gone Silly” is… Doggone funny! Reno favorite J.R. Johns and 14 of his best friends romp their way on to The Strip and into the audience’s hearts in the Harmon Theater at 3 p.m. daily. (Tickets) This general audience offering is unlike that of any other as veteran physical comedian/dog trainer takes you on a four-part journey through what some press have called a living cartoon. J.R. plays straight man to a constant barrage of pranks perpetrated on him by his canine co-stars. Click to Read The Full Story …

It’s “Cuchi-Cuchi” Time As Charo Brings Her Celebrated Variety Show To The Rampart Casino On November 25 – International superstar Charo visits the Rampart Casino for a one-night engagement on Sunday, November 25. Recognized the world over for her witty humor, loveable accent and mastery of the flamenco guitar, this truly multi-talented icon brings a smile to people’s faces with the mere mention of her name. Her trademark statement, “cuchi-cuchi,” has become the international term for fun and excitement. The performance will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the adjoining JW Marriott starting at 4:00 pm with doors opening at 3:00 pm. Click to Read The Full Story …

Wolfgang Puck Continues To Revolutionize The Fine Dining Scene In Las Vegas – Master Chef To Open Award-Winning Steakhouse CUT – Master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck is bringing his critically acclaimed, award-winning restaurant CUT to Las Vegas. The Beverly Hills, super-chic steakhouse will open at The Palazzo late December. CUT will mark the sixth fine dining restaurant from the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group in Las Vegas, recognized as a leader in revolutionizing the dining landscape of the city. Click to Read The Full Story …

The M Resort, Spa And Casino Unveils Plans For New Local Las Vegas Resort Destination – M Resort, Spa And Casino To Re-establish Las Vegas Hospitality With Next Generation Of Architectural Design, Service Ane Amenities – M Resort Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anthony A. Marnell, III, unveiled the 12′ x 16′ M Resort, Spa and Casino model and announced details of the project during yesterday’s press conference. M Resort, Spa and Casino will be located on approximately 80 acres of land at the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Click to Read The Full Story …

Michelin Announces First Ever Ratings For Las Vegas:

ONE STAR (by neighborhood)
ESTABLISHMENT NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL
Alize West of the Strip Palms
Andre’s (downtown) Downtown None
Aureole The Strip Mandalay Bay
Bradley Ogden The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Daniel Boulud Brasserie The Strip Wynn
LÆAtelier de JoÙl Robuchon The Strip MGM Grand
Le Cirque The Strip Bellagio
Mesa Grill The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Michael Mina The Strip Bellagio
Mix The Strip Mandalay Bay
Nobu East of the Strip Hard Rock
Wing Lei The Strip Wynn
TWO STARS (by neighborhood)
Alex The Strip Wynn
Guy Savoy The Strip Caesar’s Palace
Picasso The Strip Bellagio
THREE STARS (by neighborhood)
Joel Robuchon The Strip MGM Grand


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Usually we post great reader photos and comments in this area. This week, we give you these great photo sets we’ve taken the past week for you and your friends to enjoy online!

Click on any of the photos below to see the
respective complete photo sets!

Bellagio Gardens Thanksgiving 2007


Frontier Las Vegas Post Implosion


Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas Pre-Opening


Hawaiian Tropic Zone Restaurateur Dennis Riese


More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Coming Hot Holidays – The following dates are huge times to be in Las Vegas, and rooms are in high demand. Booking in advance is the best way to save. Visit our friends at Las Vegas Hotel Deals and spend one of the following hot dates having fun in Las Vegas:

  • Christmas December 25 (4 day weekend – Christmas on Tuesday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (4 day weekend – New Years on Tuesday)

Link To Us! – Have a home page, web page, or blog? Link to us, and give yourself and your friends a quick link to find us from your site. Simply link to http://www.accessvegas.com and name the link Access Vegas!

RSS Feed – We now have an RSS/XML feed! Most RSS programs let you visit AccessVegas.com and automatically pull the feed. For those who want to enter it manually, the feed is:
http://www.accessvegas.com/xml/whats-hot.xml

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For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.New to the list? See our Newsletter Archives for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates.All contents copyright 2007 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

November 21, 2007 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy
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Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 26, 2002

WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 80 countries around the world! This is the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com We talk about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about.

If you receive this by mistake, please note the simple unsubscribe instructions at the bottom. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others in its entirety. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to (click) mailto:newsletter@las-vegas-news-reviews.com

THIS ISSUE: Bravo Starring Charo

LAS VEGAS DEALS:

* Bally’s from $54
* Caesars Palace from $100
* St. Tropez All Suite Hotel (across from Hard Rock) from $59

All of these deals and more available at (click) http://www.res99.com/nexres/search/specials.cgi?src=10004558&lang=ENG
Book Online or Call: TOLL FREE 1-888-254-0637, USA and Canada. 561-845-8899, International. Give Savings Promo Code 4558 when calling.

LAS VEGAS: Tours, Entertainment, Hotels, Packages, Weddings, Gambling, Golf, Nightlife, Dining, and Weather — get it all at http://www.accessvegas.com


Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours


NEWKIRK’S NOTES – comments on Las Vegas from AccessVegas.Com publisher Ted Newkirk:

Hello from Las Vegas! Running a little late this time. I was out of town for a week at my sister’s wedding, and I thought it would be a good idea to get caught up on the stack of newspapers and press releases so I could pass everything along.

The long 4’th of July weekend is just about here, and there is still time to reserve your room and head to Las Vegas. Check at http://www.accessvegas.com and grab rooms while they are still available. This year both the Stratosphere Tower and The Venetian are featuring fireworks (approx. 9 PM for both).

Our deepest sympathy to the fans, friends, and family of Who bassist John Entwistle who passed away Friday June 28 here in Las Vegas, just one day before the start of their highly anticipated concert tour.

$1.83 BILLION – is the new price tag for Steve Wynn’s Le Reve (former Desert Inn site). Other reports place the cost closer to $2.5 billion. The billion dollar construction credit line is believed to be the biggest construction loan ever issued in the United States. How upscale is this property going to be? They are looking at having Ferrari and Maserati dealerships right on site. Completion is expected in 2005. We’ll tell you more as they actually get moving along. This is looking to be huge.

STRIKE LOOMING – Looks like we are going to have a hotel strike at a few selected properties that have not come to terms with the union. Word is that replacement workers are ready to go to minimize disruption. The strike is set for a few hours following our publication here, but we’ll keep a hotel list and details updated at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-hotel-strike.htm

CIRQUE DU TOO MANY? – Two more Cirque du Soleil shows are coming to the Las Vegas Strip. New York, New York will open one in 2003 and MGM in 2004. Details are scarce except that the New York, New York show will be sensual and erotic. Cirque du Soleil has been kicking around the idea of an adult (topless) show for some time. This just might be it. Add to that Celine Dion’s show (which is supposed to be Cirque style) and another Cirque style show at Le Reve and we’ll see if overkill is possible, even in Las Vegas.

$20 DISCOUNT – We have a special arrangement with Maverick Helicopters to offer $20 off on their spectacular Grand Canyon helicopter flights online. Maverick flies farther and deeper into the Canyon with some of the newest equipment and the best safety record. They are the company the concierges at many of the top Las Vegas resorts call when their guests request a Grand Canyon tour. By booking online through us, we can offer you $20 off these stunning tours. Tour info, photos, and booking details available at http://www.accessvegas.com/tours/las-vegas-grand-canyon-tours.htm

NICK’S – Our restaurant guide Chef John Guinivere just reviewed Nick’s On The Strip, a pleasant alternative to a hotel coffee shop for diverse 24 hour dining and a great night view. You can find it and other reviews at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-restaurants.htm

FREE BINGO, CHEAP BOWLING – The Westward Ho is having free bingo at 4 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays. Everyone is welcome for the eight games played at each session. $50 prize each game. The Gold Coast (next to Rio and Palms) has $1 bowling and $1 drinks Midnight to 4 AM, Mondays through Fridays.

TAXI SCAM – The cab drivers are at it again. If you are on your way down The Strip, they’ll tell you that the Bellagio Fountain show is about to start and will pull into the right lane of traffic sitting there with about 20 other cabs until the show starts while the meter is running (racking up both a higher fare and hoping you tip them extra for the “favor”).

Granted, the fountain show runs every 15 minutes after dark so it is never more than a 10 minute wait, but the view from a cab is lousy. You are behind trees and other people lining the sidewalk. Since the fountain shows do play every 15 minutes from dusk to midnight, and since they are well worth seeing, plan on seeing them up close from the sidewalk sometime during your visit.

SPIRIT AIRLINES – is starting to serve Las Vegas. This on the heels of Jet Blue announcing that they are entering our market October 10. This opens up new service from New York (Jet Blue) and Detroit (Spirit) as well as flights from multiple cities in Florida (heavily served by both airlines).

FABERGE: TREASURES FROM THE KREMLIN – opens at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art in September running through January 26, 2003. The exhibit will feature more than 100 of the world’s finest Faberge masterworks. Tickets are $15 ($12 for students and NV residents).

SUBSCRIPTION “DUES” – This newsletter is absolutely free! We enjoy bringing you great Las Vegas information. If you enjoy our newsletter, we ask two small things: Consider booking your hotels, shows, and tours through http://www.accessvegas.com or the links in this newsletter. We have great rates and fantastic selection in every category. Also, turn your friends on to Las Vegas by forwarding a copy to them and suggesting they subscribe. They’ll thank you and we thank you.




SHOW REVIEW:

Bravo Starring Charo – The “Cuchi-Cuchi” girl has returned to Las Vegas. Charo made her Las Vegas debut at the Sahara in the mid-70’s, playing here often as well as making 45 appearances on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, guest star spots on shows like The Love Boat, and recording albums. After taking the better part of two decades off to raise her son in Hawaii, she is making a strong comeback in Las Vegas.

Bravo is an international variety show with contemporary Latin music, flamenco, salsa and samba dancing. While centered on Charo’s multitude of talents (she can do much more than jiggle), she doesn’t try to carry the show. Bravo contains a full cast of musicians, dancers, and specialty acts to create an enjoyable, well rounded show.

After the opening song and dance set, ventriloquist Sammy King and his wisecracking Mexican parrot Francisco do a very funny comedy bit. Sammy King has been performing since 1958 all over the world as well as a mainstay performer of Las Vegas shows. His act is seasoned by his years of performing, but hasn’t lost lost the edge. He is hilarious.

After the dance number “Freedom,” the aerial adage team of Cees and Cathy take center stage. For those not familiar with this art form, it combines dance, strength, and gymnastics performed while suspended high in the air. The male generally wraps his arms around leather straps and floats through the air while supporting, twirling, and twisting with the female in an artful way.

Later in the show, Charo took the stage to perform four classical guitar pieces. While known best for her “cuchi-cuchi,” few know that she trained and performed with classical guitar master Segovia in her birth country of Spain and continues to be a master of the instrument. This segment was long enough to be enjoyable without being an exercise in ego.

Bravo is more likely to appeal to those who know/remember who Charo is or who enjoy the very popular Latin music and dance (which the show has plenty of). The Sahara showroom is moderately intimate and very comfortable, providing the perfect venue for most aspects of this production.

Charo was recently inducted into the Casino Legends Hall of Fame and video highlights of the induction are available at http://tv.accessvegas.com/videos/news Video highlights of Bravo Staring Charo are available at http://tv.accessvegas.com/videos/shows

Bravo Starring Charo plays at the Sahara Hotel and Casino. For current times and ticket prices, please click http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&showid=299&cityid=1 and enter the dates of your visit to display prices and availability.

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Show Review Criteria: We understand that Las Vegas attracts visitors of varied budgets and interests. Shows are reviewed on the basis of value for dollar spent as well as to present the reader enough knowledge of the content to make an informed decision.

EVENT LISTINGS:

* SHOWS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-shows.htm
* HEADLINERS – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm
* CONCERT – listings available at http://www.accessvegas.com/entertainment/index.htm

FEEDBACK:

We encourage you to post comments about specific Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and general trip reports to our Comment Las Vegas message board at http://boards.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all and they help shape our content.

QUICK TRAVEL LINKS: Book Online and Save – Easy and Secure with Instant Confirmation:

* Discount Hotel Rooms: http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
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* Tours – Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, More: http://www.accessvegas.com/tours
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air): http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free Discount Room Hotline: TOLL FREE 1-888-254-0637, USA and Canada. 561-845-8899, International. Give Promo Code 4558 when calling.

MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas opinions! Our boards are new so let’s fill them up with the good, bad, and just general comments on your last visit. Ask questions before you go, help others with comments when you return! Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com

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New to the list? Back issues and subscription info can be found on the web at: https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com

Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet click here: http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=826126 to recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000!

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
June 26, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770