Access Vegas Insider Vibe – March 12, 2008

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.


Book Online or over the phone! Call 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Featured Shows
Photos and Wallpaper

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

Ted will return next week. He was last seen muttering something about sunny 75 degree days, March Madness, his cabana by the pool…

Actually, he’s finishing getting everything in order to resume his Las Vegas podcast and arranging all the great new content we’ll debut over the next few weeks. However, visitors have been enjoying 75 degree days, March Madness, and hitting the pools.

Special Note: In the next few weeks, we bring you brand new show reviews of Stomp Out Loud, Rita Rudner, Lance Burton, Mac King, Crazy Girls, American Superstars, Blue Man Group, Wayne Brady, and many more!

Please enjoy these new show reviews and great Las Vegas information prepared by staff!

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


Featured Review:
Monty Python’s Spamalot

By Guy Chapman

For those who consider themselves a Monty Python fan, there is a special breed of humor found within the absurdity of the British comedy troop. While the classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” carried its fair share of catchy tunes, it would have never been considered a Broadway-scale musical… until now. “Spamalot” takes the troop”s second film and turns it into a full tour de farce that showcases a spectacle that is “lovingly ripped off from” the Python”s parody of the Arthurian Legend.

So is “Spamalot” simply an adaptation of the film? Monty Python fans know that nothing is ever as it seems when it comes to comedy, and to always expect the unexpected. While “Spamalot” lifts primarily from the original film, it also serves up a buffet of classic Python songs from past “Flying Circus” skits, and includes them into the story in clever and seamless ways. The rest of the production adds new extended scenes into the story that fit well with the absurd sense of humor the film is known for. Click to Read Entire Spamalot Review…

Featured Review:
Tony and Tina’s Wedding

By Sarah Steinberg

“Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” at the Calypso Room at the Rio Hotel & Casino is a must-see! It pulls you in immediately. Literally the actors, in character, pull you in the minute you walk through the door. You will be ushered to your table and then greeted by your emcee for the evening, the obnoxious, loud Vinnie Black and his tacky wife Loretta. Vinnie is like a shock to the system, but in a good way, pulling you right into the fun. “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” is the story of two crazy Italian families, the Vitale’s and the Nunzio’s, coming together for an evening of mayhem and shenanigans. Don”t think you’ll be just sitting back and watching the show. This is an interactive experience and you will be a part of it.

Before the wedding ceremony even begins, the macho groomsmen with attitude will make you feel like you”re part of the family, but not just any family. Everyone, including the bride and groom-to-be, make their rounds greeting the guests. That would be you and me folks, so get prepared to experience two hours of zany fun. Family “issues” delay the start of the wedding while Sister Albert Maria is appalled by the certain behavior of the sleazy Italian men. With the help of Father Mark, the mild-mannered priest, they try to get this motley crew under control and get through the wedding ceremony. Click to Read Entire Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding Review…

Ultimate Fighting Championship« Presents UFC 84: Ill Will Live From MGM Grand May 24 – The war of words between UFC Lightweight Champion “The Prodigy” BJ Penn and former champion Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk is about to end and the fighting is set to begin. (Tickets) On May 24 both men will step into the UFC Octagon to determine, once and for all, the undisputed king of the 155-pound division. Also, in back-to-back light heavyweight superfights, “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz will face undefeated Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida and “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva will battle Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine. The Ultimate Fighting Championship organization presents UFC 84: ILL WILL live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, May 24. Click to Read The Full Story …

Tiger Woods To Host Rock Icons Van Halen At Tiger Jam XI Presented By AT&T Saturday, April 19 – The Tiger Woods Foundation announced today that Tiger Jam XI presented by AT&T will take place Saturday, April 19 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. (Tickets) Golf legend Tiger Woods will welcome rock icons Van Halen to Tiger Jam XI to raise funds for the Tiger Woods Foundation and select Las Vegas-based charities. Saturday evening’s highlights will include top-notch epicurean fare as well as an exclusive live and silent auction featuring unique items. Click to Read The Full Story …

Reunited After Eight Years, The Verve To Play The Pearl April 26 – British contemporary rock band, The Verve, best known for their hit “Bittersweet Symphony” brings their unique sound to The Pearl at the Palms on Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. (Tickets) After splitting in 1999, members of The Verve went their separate ways, some on to solo projects, until 2007 when they announced their return to the pop/rock scene. The announcement included information on a tour and a new album, their first original album since 1997’s Urban Hymns. Click to Read The Full Story …

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Weekend At Fremont Street Experience – Las Vegas’ legendary Fremont Street Experience will be the place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day when a weekend of live entertainment kicks off on Saturday, March 15. St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at the Fremont Street Experience brings three days of free concerts with Whiskey Galore and Wild Celts. The performance schedule is as follows: Saturday, March 15, Wild Celts , 6-8 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Whiskey Galore, 9-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Sunday, March 16, Whiskey Galore, 8-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage; Monday, March 17, Whiskey Galore, 8-11 pm, 3rd Street Stage. Click to Read The Full Story …

Boa Steakhouse Struts Its Stuff With Its Red High Heel, A Cocktail For The Ladies – A concoction sure to put a pep in any woman’s step, BOA Steakhouse’s Red High Heel blends Bombay Sapphire Gin, simple syrup, lime juice, fresh raspberries, rosewater and champagne to create a lovely mixture ù perfect for a night on the town.

Red High Heel Recipe

  • 1 1/2 ounces of Bombay Sapphire Gin
  • 1 ounce of simple syrup
  • 1/2 juiced lime
  • 8-10 fresh raspberries
  • 1 ounce of rosewater
  • 1 ounce of champagne

Combine all ingredients into a drink shaker and serve in a champagne flute garnished with raspberries and a lemon twist.

Sirens Of TI Sizzle Into Summer With New Late Hours – Dancing into their fourth year as Vegas’ most brazen beauties, the Sirens of TI will lure guests into Sirens’ Cove with new summer hours beginning March 10. The Sirens will perform nightly at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. From daring swordplay to high-diving acrobatics and eye-popping pyrotechnics, the Sirens of TI is packed with countless thrills. Created by award-winning director Kenny Ortega, the music, dance, excitement and seduction in this modern musical-meets-action-movie spectacular has captivated the attention of more than 9.6 million spectators to date. Since 2003, the Sirens of TI cast has performed more than 4,250 shows.

Blue Man Group & Allegiant Air Announce Innovative Partnership – Launching March 13, this unprecedented partnership will focus on communicating the Blue Man Group message to the Allegiant customer at all phases of the experience û from booking the flight to experiencing the Blue Man brand inside the carrier’s aircraft on cups, napkins, overhead bins, service carts, and on in-flight crew uniforms. (Blue Man Group Tickets) The Blue Man Group iconic image will also be featured on the exterior of the Allegiant aircraft. In a mutual advertising relationship, the Allegiant brand will be incorporated into the Blue Man Group Las Vegas show, including the Allegiant logo on the aircraft featured during the show and an official Allegiant sponsored VIP room. Click to Read The Full Story …

New Days Of Operation At Monte Carlo Brew Pub – The Monte Carlo Brew Pub now is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It remains open daily, Wednesday û Sunday, 11 a.m. û 11 p.m., with a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, 11 p.m. û 2 a.m. In addition to live entertainment, the spacious pub also features 38 flat screen televisions, three big screen televisions and a 10-by-10 projection screen making the Brew Pub an ideal place to enjoy your favorite sporting events. The Monte Carlo Brew Pub provides a menu of freshly baked brick-oven pizzas, calamari, steaks, hamburgers, large salads, sandwiches and desserts accompanying refreshing signature cocktails, 21 bottled beers and a selection of draft beers.

Gambling Talk: Video Keno – Part Eight – with Victor H. Royer. Four Card Keno Continued – You must remember that each time you do anything, to the machine this is a “user command”, and it will do what it’s programmed to do with such commands. So, unless you start from the start, the machine won’t “know” you only wanted to make one change. It will take that as a “new event”, and if you don’t start at the beginning, nothing that you had been playing before will so remain.

This becomes even more important when it comes to the making of wagers, because many people habitually change one card or another, and forget to go through the procedure from the start, and then wonder why the machine either doesn’t play, or somehow doesn’t play all the cards or numbers they had previously marked. Click to Read Complete Article…


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:

  • St. Patrick’s Day March 17
  • Easter Sunday March 23
  • Cinco de Mayo May 5
  • Mother’s Day May 11
  • Victoria Day, Canada May 17-19 (3 day weekend)
  • Memorial Day May 24-26 (3 day weekend)
  • Father’s Day June 15
  • Canada Day, Canada July 1
  • Independence Day July 4-6 (3 day weekend)
  • Civic Holiday, Canada August 2-4 (3 day weekend)
  • Labor Day, U.S August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Labour Day, Canada August 30-September 1 (3 day weekend)
  • Grandparent’s Day September 7
  • Jewish New Year September 30
  • Yom Kippur October 9
  • Columbus Day October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Thanksgiving Day, Canada October 11-13 (3 day weekend)
  • Halloween October 31
  • Veteran’s Day November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day November 27-30 (4 day weekend)
  • Hanukkah Dec. 22 – Dec. 29
  • Christmas December 25
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 31 – January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, U.S (Observed) January 19-21 (3 day weekend)
  • Chinese/Lunar New Year January 26
  • Lincoln’s Birthday, U.S February 12
  • Valentine’s Day February 14
  • President’s Day, U.S (Observed) February 14-16 (3 day weekend)
  • Washington’s Birthday, U.S February 22

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

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!


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 2008 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

March 12, 2008 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us Privacy Policy

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 29, 2006

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.


Book Online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Nightlife, Tours and Golf. We live here. We know Las Vegas!

AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Las Vegas Essentials
Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello From Las Vegas! We have a freeze advisory tonight. It might get down to freezing the next couple of nights, and highs have only been in the 50’s. Brrrrrrrrr! It has been sunny, but I’ll tell you what: I’ll take our 100 degree summers where we can enjoy the air conditioning in the day, and hang out by the pool all night long instead of freezing overnights. We very rarely dip this low.

Nevada Southern Railway – Riding a tourist train isn’t what most people think of when they think of Las Vegas, but part of the railroad track originally built to haul supplies to Hoover Dam is alive and well running as a tourist railroad in Boulder City (about halfway between Las Vegas and Hoover Dam). The Nevada Southern Railway even offers cab rides and the opportunity to be an “Engineer for an Hour.” Might be worth checking out for train buffs, those with kids, or anyone wanting to enjoy a fun piece of history.

Special American Express Offer To Our Readers: Earn 15,000 Delta Skymiles with A New Delta American Express Card plus Double Miles on qualifying purchases and one mile for virtually every other dollar you spend! I’ve carried the Delta Skymiles AmEx Card for years and enjoy using it as my credit card of choice. Now you too can get the benefits and prestige of an American Express card along with earning miles toward your next trip to Las Vegas (or anywhere Delta flies).

You must use our special offer code 3300297770 in the Unique ID box (copy and paste it in) when you click to Apply For This Great Card!

With Christmas less than a month away, we have a special video for you of Blue Man Group playing Jingle Bells. That, plus all the latest Las Vegas news, events and fun stuff you expect from us every week so let’s get to it.

Enjoy This Issue!



Show Review:
Zumanity – Another Side of Cirque Du Soleil

Reviewed November 2006
by Nancy Dickinson

Cirque du Soleil has always enlightened the spirit with brilliant expeditions celebrating life, beauty, and humanity. It is then only natural that the sultry free-flowing-love show “Zumanity” be born. After all, what is one of humanity’s undoubtedly favorite and essential functions?…sex of course. Love is limitless at the New York New York heating up a giant Las Vegas bedroom cabaret style. Zumanity is peeling away the glorious layers of intimacy and sexuality with a story about personal freedom and acceptance, beauty in all it’s facets, and the celebration of the mysterious, wonderfully convoluted…love. Click to Read Complete Review

Beatles’ LOVE Album Celebrates New Cirque du Soleil Show at The Mirage -á Beatles lovers rejoice! Apple Corps Ltd. and Capitol Records have released the Beatles LOVE album. The much-anticipated album contains the music featured in the Cirque du Soleil/Apple Corps collaborative production, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage. After being asked by the remaining Beatles to make experimental mixes from their master tapes for a collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, Sir George Martin, The Beatles’ legendary producer, and his son Giles Martin have been working with the entire archive of Beatles’ recordings to create LOVE.

Barry Manilow Trivia Question: When did Barry Manilow (resident headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton) begin his first solo tour? Answer: Barry began his own first solo tour in 1974 and the release of “Mandy” started an unprecedented string of 25 consecutive Top 40 hits, including “Even Now,” “This One’s for You,” “Weekend in New England,” “I Write the Songs” and “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again.” Four years later, five of Barry’s albums were on the charts at the same time, a record equaled only by Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mathis. Barry’s current album, BARRY MANILOW’S THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, is tearing up the charts.

Mamma Mia!, The Smash Hit Musical Based On The Songs Of ABBA, Will Celebrate Its 1500th Show At Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino On November 29. – Now in its fourth triumphant year, MAMMA MIA! has been the most successful full-scale musical ever to play on the Las Vegas Strip. Named the Number #1 Show in Las Vegas by Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review Journal, MAMMA MIA! has not only experienced success in Las Vegas — it has been seen by over 27 million people around the globe and has more productions playing worldwide than any other current Broadway musical. Click to Read The Full Story …

Thanksgiving Day Begins Month Long Las Vegas Show Specials! All Military are Free & Las Vegas Locals get ‘2 for 1′ at Larry G. Jones’ Impressionist show – ‘Tis the season to be entertained and Larry G. Jones — The Man of 1002 Voices helps keep the jingle in your pockets & get the joy in your heart! Starting November 23, and continuing through December 25, 2006: All military (including police and firefighters) get in free and all Las Vegas Locals get ‘2 for 1′ Show tickets at Jones’ Singing Impressionist/Comedy show at Fitzgeralds Casino Showroom, 9pm nightly (except Tues,Wed). “In appreciation of their service and as a thank you to the locals for all the support during my last 4 years as a Las Vegas impressionist I just wanted to offer something in return” Jones said. Click to Read The Full Story …

Hot Drink Recipes to Spice up the Holiday Season – Cold weather calls for hot drinks and what better way spice up the holiday season than a hot toddy!? These recipes, straight from Bellagio’s own Master Mixologist Drew Levinson, are guaranteed to make you feel warm and cozy right down to your toes.

Tequila Toddy — a fun variation on the standard
¥ oz Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila
¢ oz Fresh Agave Nectar
¢ fresh lime juice

Add ingredients to hot water in heated coffee mug and stir well with a spoon.
Garnish with a lime wheel and cinnamon stick

Hot Buttered Rum – made to order from scratch

1 ¢ oz. Cruzan Single Barrel Rum
2 heaping teaspoons hot buttered rum mix***

Mix ingredients with small amount of hot water in heated coffee mug and stir well with a spoon. Once mixed thoroughly, top off mug with hot water.
Serve with a swizzle stick.

***Hot Buttered Rum Mix***

1 lb. light brown sugar
1/2 lb. salted butter
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon high-quality vanilla extract
Yields approx. 1 1/2 lbs.

“Texas Hold ’em” Hits The Links As World Series Of Golf Reinvents Amateur Tournaments With Innovative New Play Format – NBC Televised Event Tees Off In Las Vegas May 13 – 17 With A Dream Team Of Partners Including The Mirage Hotel & Casino And Octagon – The World Series of Golf will tee off May 13 — 17 in Las Vegas, introducing the most exciting golf wagering tournament since the Skins Game. To be played at the Tom Fazio designed Primm Valley Golf Club, the tournament combines the skill of golf with the wagering savvy of poker and gives amateur players the thrilling opportunity to compete for $750,000 in prize money on NBC national television. The World Series of Golf will be played in a patent-pending method of play that allows for high stakes to ride on each and every shot of the tournament. Click to Read The Full Story …

Kristofer’s Steak House At The Riviera Provides Relaxed Setting – With an emphasis on fine steaks and fresh seafood, Kristofer’s, nestled in the venerable Riviera Hotel and Casino, has been heralded as one of the finest steak houses in Las Vegas. “Only the best for our guests,” says Executive Chef Sam Chong. Among the inventive entrees are aged, midwestern prime ribs of beef, broiled fresh salmon or Mahi Mahi, double-rib spring lamb chops, and Kristofer’s classic Surf and Turf. For serious steak connoisseurs, there’s the challenge of a 20-ounce, succulent Porterhouse steak. Click to Read The Full Story …

Las Vegas Monorail Demoted To Junk Status – Moody’s Investors Service cut the credit rating on the Las Vegas Monorail Co. deep into junk status Tuesday and said the tourist train will default on its debt by 2010 if it continues its current rate of losses. The rating on $445.8 million in debt was cut five notches to B3 from Ba1, and the outlook was negative, meaning the company could be in for another downgrade. The move follows a downgrade by Fitch Inc. in March, also to junk grade. Moody’s analyst Maria Matesanz said the monorail company’s revenue needed a dramatic boost to keep from depleting its $60 million in cash reserves over the next three years.Click to Read The Full Story …

Gambling Talk: Evel Knievel Video Slots – with Victor H. Royer. In keeping with the heart-pounding thrills of IGT’s new series of video slot machines, this brand new game features a host of Evel’s best jumps and bonuses. This is a five-reel 15-line game which will thrill you just as Evel Knievel’s stunts did. If you are a slot thrill-seeker, then this is the game for you. State-of-the-art 3-D video animation and actual film footage of Evel’s famous stunts will keep you spellbound in this great game. Click to Read Complete Article

Vegas Photo Set Of The Week: Las Vegas New Years Eve – New Years Eve is closing in on us fast, but it isn’t too late to book now and still be here to enjoy this spectacular, nowhere-else-on-earth-like-it event! View all the photos then book while rooms are still available, they are going very fast:

Vegas Streaming Video Of The Week – Blue Man Group Performing Jingle BellsBlue Man Group is best known for it’s award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as “ground-breaking,” “hilarious,” “visually stunning,” and “musically powerful.” These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.

  • Click To View Blue Man Group Performing Jingle Bells: Broadband (only)


Members Mania – We Love Our Readers!

Readers Write:Dear Mr. Newkirk:Some very close party friends and I are attending a wedding and will be in Las Vegas December 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. We all work in the various fields of engineering, medical, animal medical, accounting and architecture. I guess some of the crowd would be semi-geeks, but we all party pretty hard and are know to stay up late doing it too.I am 43, single, straight, and it’s my first time to visit Las Vegas, so I am really trying to maximize my itinerary. I really want to soak up this experience. I have a degree in Geography and my profession is in city planning, so I have a wide variety of interests. Sexy women, pretty women, and other women close to pretty interest me greatly. 🙂 Anyway, if there are any tips that are “have to things to do or see” please let me know. I used to work in research, so I’ll be checking everything like a city planner would. I am detailed oriented too.

Any information and TIPs you could provide me would be greatly appreciated. If this is something you don’t do, I’m really sorry I wasted your time.

Best regards,

Rob Hammons

Ted Responds:

Rob,

I’m around your age, straight, single. Some advice:

You are going to get here and go nuts, and you couldn’t see or do everything here in three months. So your homework, get hyped, but get ready to just hang loose. You will be back. Trust me. Be very happy going “that looks great, we can do it next time.”

Per clubbing: At our age, skip spending huge piles of cash on my friend, but neither you nor I are going to go home with Paris Hilton, and they like to keep the girl-to-guy ration high which necessitates buying bottle service if you are a group of guys.

Instead, Voodoo Lounge at Rio. Get there before 10:00 PM, earlier is better to get in. Very comfortable, awesome view from the top of The Rio, nice mix of very nice looking ladies from 25-40’ish. And if that isn’t your cup of tea, Palms is a very short walk.

Very much do appreciate you reading, and telling your friends about this newsletter and AccessVegas.com!


What goes on in Dec in Vegas anything worth going to see.? From the 12 through the 23.Thanks,TerryTed Responds:

Slowest time of year. Rodeo is gone and many shows are on vacation.

You can use our shows search on our shows page to see what shows will be playing, and Bellagio indoors always does a huge Christmas display in their gardens.

Take the good with the bad: won’t be as much going on, but you’ll have some elbow room and lines will be shorter than peak weeks.


To whom it may concern,My brother and I will be coming into Vegas on Saturday 12/16 and leaving on Tuesday 12/19 in the afternoon. This is our first time coming out, so we wanted to really do it up.Can you provide me any information on reserving a table at the following clubs (i.e. how much $$ per table, minimum bottle requirement, entrance to VIP areas, and dates)?> Ghostbar
> Tao
> Lure
> Red Square
> V Bar
> Mix
> Pure
> Playboy Club
> Tryst
> Ava
> Social House
> Tangerine

Thank you for any information you can provide.

Ted Responds:

There is no set price for any and every night. Like hotel rates, it depends on weekday or weekend, what club, what celeb might be making an appearance to celebrate their birthday/divorce/magazine layout/new movie and similar.

You can call our reservations hotline at 800-696-5721 or you can visit Travelnice Nightlife to check things online. If calling, you can talk to someone who can help you with all that info, give you all the details, what clubs will be open or might have something special happening, etc.

Have a Vegas comment or question? Post To Our Message Boards!

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

  • Post a trip report to our brand new Trip Report Message Board section! (Simply click on the New Thread option. You may be prompted to register if a fist time user. That keeps our boards safe and spam-free)!
  • Post a comment, Vegas suggestion, or question to the appropriate category of our Message Boards.
  • Call our recorded comment line at 702-507-0055. We listen to every call, and use some of them on our Radio.AccessVegas.com Streaming Broadcast! (Don’t worry … we never broadcast your personal information. All calls used are edited to insure caller privacy).
  • Drop us an email at allvegastv@aol.com – We read them all!

Readers Rants, Raves, and Questions – Great reader questions and comments from our Access Vegas Message Boards. Help someone out or post your own comment or question!

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 22-25 (3 day weekend – Christmas on Monday)
  • New Year’s Eve-Day December 29 – January 1 (3 day weekend – New Years on Monday)

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

Share the info: Click to Email this newsletter to a friend!

Take 4 Posters for $9.95! This and other Great Free Stuff, Bargains, and More on our AccessVegas.com Advertiser Deals page. Click there now!


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 2006 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

November 27, 2006 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us
Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – November 17, 2004

In This Issue: Newkirk’s Notes, Free Online Games, Desert Inn Implosion, Sushi Roku/Boa Steakhouse, Marilyn Taps Keg, Honky Tonk Angels Christmas, Show Coupons, Trip Report Giveaway, more …
Book online or over the phone! Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all Las Vegas hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining.Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.


AccessVegas.com Quick Info Menu:

Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

Free Photos, Wallpaper, and Streaming Videos

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

Hello from Las Vegas! If you can’t make it to Las Vegas, we bring a little Vegas to you. Check out our new, free online games: Craps, Blackjack, Keno, Roulette, and Video Poker.

As reported here two weeks ago, Wynn Las Vegas may just be looking to take the top long-time talent from MGM Mirage’s hotels that used to be be under the Mirage Resorts banner. A recent local news article Insiders see Wynn poaching workers tells the world what we told you here first.


See the Grand Canyon in a Jet Helicopter! For years Maverick Helicopters has been providing a true VIP Helicopter experience of the Grand Canyon. We do things a little different than any other helicopter Company. We give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas Strip tours plus Helicopter Weddings also available!

Desert Inn Implosion – went off without a hitch:

Sushi Roku and Boa Steakhouse – is the hot new dining experience at Caesars Forum Shops. I was under the weather and had to miss the star-studded VIP premiere for this great dining experience, but heard only great things from all who went! Related article: Sushi Roku at Forum Shops adds modern twist to traditional Japanese

German Marilyn Monroe to Tap Keg – KVEG HOT 97.5 to Give Away Scorpions and Jay-Z Tickets

On Friday, November 19, Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas is honoring a Hollywood legend their way, as Germany’s own Bettina “Marilyn” Monroe, one of the world’s greatest Marilyn Monroe look-a-likes, acts as honorary mayor for the day.

Monroe, who won first place in a Marilyn look-a-like contest and has appeared on numerous magazine covers, music videos and television programs, will be on site at the Bavarian restaurant Friday at 6 p.m to tap the honorary mayor’s keg in front of the restaurant’s diners. Hofbrauhaus information:

Honky Tonk Angels 5th Annual Holiday Show – This years’ holiday season is right around the corner, and the Honky Tonk Angels are set to debut their fifth annual holiday show, A Magical, Musical Christmas, at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. The show will run November 24 – 28, and December 15 – 30.

A Magical, Musical Christmas is a combination of holiday and country music favorites. Magician and comedian, Bill McRea, hosts the show, and provides great close-up magic throughout, including making one of the Angels disappear. Santa Claus will also make a guest appearance, giving the Angels a lie detector test to see if they have been good or bad this year!

Shows are at 8 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Prices are $24.95 for the show, or $34.95 for the show/dinner package (includes 1 drink). Tickets by calling (702) 251-3574

High Speed Internet Wireless Covers Las Vegas – Verizon Wireless chose Las Vegas to be only its third city to debut its third-generation high-speed wireless service, BroadbandAccess. The new wireless service can reach average speeds of 300 to 500 Kilabits per second, with data busts up to above 2 Megabits per second. (In layman’s terms, fast broadband internet anywhere in Las Vegas).

This service has spread to some 20 cities and airports, and is growing rapidly. You know what that means: If you have BroadbandAccess and your laptop, you can access all our great information while you are visiting. That’s right: More restaurant information, more show reviews, and more streaming video that let’s you preview for free! Plus, our convenient toll-free number let’s you nail that great show or restaurant reservation once you decide what you like.

Additional information on BroadbandAccess:

Show Coupons – Remember our coupons for the free Michael Johns Comedy Hypnosis Show and $9.95 coupon for Spotlight: The show at Bourbon Street Hotel Casino.

New Year’s Eve – More events and headliners have been added. Click to our Las Vegas New Year’s Eve page for the latest!

Las Vegas Trip Report Giveaway – The winning doesn’t have to stop when you get home! Tell your newsletter friends and readers here about your trip in our forums and be automatically entered to win a $25 casino chip for your next visit (what a great souvenir)! Click to our Las Vegas Trip Report Giveaway page.

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

Rewind – What you may have missed last week:

More … News – Concerts – Events … Scroll Down!


Click For Great Las Vegas Hotel Values


More Las Vegas News – Concerts – Events

Click To Read Latest News:



Vegas Comments and Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it. And don’t forget our comprehensive Las Vegas Frequently Asked Questions area.

For comments or questions regarding our content or this newsletter write us at allvegastv@aol.com.

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.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 2004 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.

November 17, 2004 ISSN: 1529-2770 About Us

Proud Member:
Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – September 10, 2003

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of AccessVegas.Com. We talk about the Las Vegas activities you really care about.

This newsletter is published exclusively for visitors to AccessVegas.Com and can only be signed up for there. We do not buy or rent lists, and this information is only for our members and guests. If you feel you have received it in error, click the unsubscribe link at the bottom. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

This Issue: Carrot Top, Greens of Las Vegas

Also In This Issue – Sept. 10, 2003: Newkirk’s Notes, Cheap Rooms, News Of Interest To Tourists, More

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

Hello from Las Vegas! It’s been a busy week, out doing and seeing so much. The weather has kicked down a notch. The days are pleasant and the evenings incredible. I’ve got the office window open as I write.

Mystere Show and Dinner Deal – If you pass this one up, you are crazy! We have available a special discount price on a VIP level package: Dinner at Smith & Wollensky with Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere after. Click For Details

Smith & Wollensky is on of the area’s top dining attractions, across from the Monte Carlo. Mystere is the legendary Cirque show that continues to be a top Las Vegas draw. Added Bonus: Watch Smith & Wollensky chef John Piccolino prepare their famous Angry Lobster dish: Dial-Up or Broadband

NASCAR Las Vegas – tickets are on sale! We suggest you go the Race and Hotel Package route so you don’t get the tickets then get stiffed, paying outrageous rates for a room. Race weekend is March 5-7. You want really great seats? Check out premium seating for the race.

What Happens Here, Stays Here – Local civic leaders are complaining that the Las Vegas tourism ad campaign is scaring off new companies who don’t want a Las Vegas address because of the negative association. Hello … this is Sin City!

Ray Brown Jr. & Uptown Attitude – The son of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald is performing in Las Vegas for the first time! Enjoy his mix of Adult Contemporary Pop, Rhythm & Blues, and Jazz September 2 û November 30, 2003, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 p.m. in The Riviera’s Le Bistro Theater. $34.95 + tax.

New Year’s Eve – Don’t forget to check out the great America West deal below, and for the inside scoop and all the advice for enjoying New Year’s Eve with us in Las Vegas, check out our Las Vegas New Year’s Eve site!


Ring in the New Year in Vegas

America West Las Vegas New Years Eve Special Offers – There’s no more exciting place to spend the New Year than Vegas, baby! We’ve made it easy for you to get the vacation you want to ring in 2004. Click to price your best New Year’s Eve yet!


Las Vegas News: Of Interest To Tourists

Click To Read Latest News:

Learn What People Are Saying On Our Travel Boards:

Travel Agents – We have a special offer of you. Please read it at the end of this newsletter.


á See the Grand Canyon in a Jet Helicopter! For years Maverick Helicopters has been providing a true VIP Helicopter experience of the Grand Canyon. We do things a little different than any other helicopter Company. We give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas Strip tours plus Helicopter Weddings also available!

Featured Story: Carrot Top, Greens of Las Vegas

Carrot Top – I finally checked out Carrot Top on the invite of his local PR staff. He’s been headlining here for years, and all I knew about him was his Jay Leno appearances and the phone commercials that seem to play non-stop. Was I ever happy to finally check him out live!

A prop comedian, Carrot Top’s stage is filled with trunks and trunks of gags. Sounds like it would get boring after five minutes? Not even. This skilled performer rarely let up, with gag after gag after gag that had the audience laughing non-stop for the entire performance. Nothing was off-limits, from politics to NASCAR to poking fun of the very hotel he was performing at.

The show is PG-13 because of a little bit of language, but nothing that will make anyone blush. And he pulls off his entire show without getting into raunchy humor, making this the perfect fun show to take your teenagers or even Grandma to. Carrot Top plays now through September 17 at the MGM Grand. Catch him this time, but if you can’t we’ll remind you before his next headlining run.

Click for Carrot Top Tickets Or Call Toll-Free (866) 828-9849 x143

Want to see who is playing during your next visit? Check out our Concert and Headliner Calendar

Greens Of Las Vegas – Want some golf, but don’t want to take up hours of your vacation time or travel miles from The Strip? We had a great time at the Greens of Las Vegas, close to The Strip and just south of the Hard Rock Hotel.

Imagine a top-notch golf course minus the fairways. Hole after hole of challenging but fun putting greens outdoors in a beautiful setting. This isn’t mini-golf, but carries a couple great advantages: You can enjoy the course in about an hour, and the non-golfers in your group can still play and enjoy this experience because no fairway driving is involved.

The greens has a full pro shop, and a comfortable, upscale “19’th hole” restaurant and bar called Bogee’s. A full golf experience that doesn’t eat up your entire vacation!

Check out the Greens of Las Vegas website for more information, and a couple of great money saving coupons. With the perfect, warm fall Las Vegas weather at hand, we had a great time and you will too on your next trip!


Mamma Mia!
The worldwide smash hit is now playing Mandalay Bay Resort.
A must see this Vegas visit. Reserve Now!


Vegas Questions? Post to our message boards and get great advice from people who have been here and done it.

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

New to the list? Click Here for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000! Click Here To Win

Attention Travel Agents: Tired of fighting the airlines and internet travel eroding your business? Let us help! What if you were guaranteed respectable commissions on not just hotels, but shows, tours, golf, dining and more? Not just in Vegas, but resorts across the US including Hawaii!No starting costs, maintenance fees, or minimums. Oh, and we won’t steal your customers. Our “customer for life” policy guarantees you get paid even if they book direct, time after time. Email us now: allvegastv@aol.com (subject line Travel Agent). We’ll get the details right to you.

All contents copyright 2003 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
September 10, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – April 9, 2003

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of 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. To subscribe, visit our Newsletter Site.

This Issue: Zeffirino Italian At The Venetian

Also In This Issue – April 9, 2003: Newkirk’s Notes, Hotel/Show Giveaway, News Of Interest To Tourists, Valley of Fire – Logandale Trail, Painted Desert
Shows | Headliners | Tours | Dining | Golf | Rental Cars | Airfare | Packages

Print Out This Number! – Call (toll free) 866-828-9849 x143 to book all hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining reservations. Bring number to Las Vegas for last minute reservations too! (New reservations only. Existing reservations use contact information given when reserving. Online room deals must be booked online).

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

Hello from Las Vegas! The weather has been incredible, with highs in the low 80’s. Enjoyed watching some of the snow and rain on TV, but glad it isn’t here. Spring is in Las Vegas!

Travel 101 – Every few weeks, someone writes and say “I try to get your deals and it always gives me a higher price than you put in the newsletter.”

In the travel industry, prices are listed “From $$$.” For example, Travelocity.com has a “Las Vegas From $25” commercial running on TV (where they say to check elsewhere, you’ll be back). If you are willing to travel on off days, no weekends, and stay downtown Las Vegas somewhere, you might get the rate they advertise. A search for May 4-7 Las Vegas on Travelocity.com found no rates lower than $39.95, and this was the weekday.

Travel prices are subject to demand. Travel during peak periods costs more. We have a How To Get The Best Las Vegas Room Rates page that explains steps you can take to get the lowest rates. Hope it helps!

á

Silverton Las Vegas and Dirk Arthur Present:
“The New Art of Magic” Las Vegas Giveaway

á

Winner will receive:

  • 2 nights room accommodations at Silverton Hotel Casino just minutes south of the Las Vegas Strip
  • Six tickets to Dirk Arthur’s “New Art of Magic” show in the Dirk Arthur Showroom
  • Runner up to receive a family pack (6) tickets to the show.
  • Each show ticket comes with a complementary buffet!
  • Free shuttle service now available between The Silverton and Strip hotels for ticket holders.

Click Here To Enter!

Las Vegas News: Of Interest To Tourists

Celine Dion – tickets continue to be in good demand after a slight (possibly war related) lull. Early reports that it would be more “show” than Celine aren’t true, with her performing most of the show. You can check out a video preview and see what you think for yourself.

Gardu±os at The Palms Celebrates Cinco de Mayo – It’s fiesta time at Gardu±os at The Palms as the restaurant celebrates Cinco de Mayo. Mariachis will fill the restaurant with the sounds of Old Mexico on Sunday and Monday. Nueva Era will perform from 5 :00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. both evenings. Read More …

House Of Lords Back At Sahara – The tradition of legendary dining has returned to the Sahara Hotel and Casino. The House of Lords steakhouse offers tantalizing menu selections and a high standard of service in an intimate dining atmosphere. Beautiful waterfalls and plush seating highlight the cozy ambiance of the House of Lords steakhouse, located adjacent to the SaharaÆs casino. Read More …

New Specials At Imperial Palace Ribhouse and Seahouse – For the freshest seafood experience, Imperial PalaceÆs Seahouse Restaurant is a true fisherman’s paradise, featuring the freshest and tastiest seafood this side of Atlantis. If meat is more your style, the RibhouseÆs outstanding western-style entrees, will make you feel like youÆre home, home on the range! Read More …

Fine Irishmen Features Traditional Irish Food and EntertainmentNew York, New York will soon be home to America’s most ambitious Irish pub with the July 2003 opening of Nine Fine Irishmen. This authentic Irish pub will feature the best of Irish drink, food, music and entertainment. With a location overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, the interior of the 9,000 square-foot pub will be as genuine as the food, by replicating in fine detail the styles of pubs found across Ireland with Victorian bars, cottage areas and more. Read More …

Rampart/Marriott Host KQOL Karaoke Contest – Divas, non-divas, and other stars can show off their talents during the five-week KQOL (KOOL Oldies) Radio’s Kahuna Karaoke contest at Addison’s Lounge inside the Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin. The contest continues each week between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The finals will be Wednesday, May 7 when the grand prize vacation getaway will be awarded. Read More …

Kentucky Derby At Imperial Palace – Imperial Palace, famous for the Las Vegas Strip’s only weekly handicapping contest on a weekend — “Super Saturdays” — invites tourists, as well as locals, to enjoy the competition of a Saturday afternoon at-the-races, right up to one of the biggest events of the season, the Kentucky Derby! Read More …


Featured Shows!

V – The Ultimate Variety Show
á

Legends in Concert
á

Hypnolarious starring Terry Stokesá


Featured Review: Zeffirino Italian At The Venetian

By John Guinivere and Marianna Jones – ChefLive.Com

The staff who tend to the day to day operations of “Zeffirino”, inside the Venetian Hotel, located on the famous Las Vegas strip, invited a few of us to dinner as their guests. Downstairs, where the bar is situated, we began our evening with a cocktail. The bar is very intimate and has almost a cathedral ambiance. It was the perfect setting to relax, people watch and prepare for our wonderful dinner upstairs in the dining room.

Zeffirino is not just another restaurant in Las Vegas. It has a history that extends back to 1939, originating in Italy. The first Zeffirino is still known as the best restaurant in Genoa and was founded by Paolo Belloni. With BellioniÆs vision and Confucio BelloniÆs guidance, Zeffirino opened as a small pub, in a small fishing village in Genoa and through the years has become one of the most famous restaurants of the region.

It is not the food alone that makes a great restaurant. It is the people who cook, serve and greet the customer as well. The evening we went for dinner, we had the opportunity to take the time to sit down and talk with some of the individuals who keep Zeffirino ticking like a well oiled clock. I had one of my best dining experiences ever, listening to the stories and the rich history about the restaurant and the past careers of those who enable Zeffirino and itÆs traditions to continue. Read More …

Featured Tour: Valley of Fire – Logandale Trail

Valley of Fire – Logandale Trail (ATV) – Located just one hour from Las Vegas, the Logandale Trail System of the Valley of Fire is an off road rider’s paradise! This tour takes place on the north side of the Valley of Fire. The area is a scenic wonderland with towering, fiery red rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and Native American Petroglyphs carved into the Canyon Walls.

Valley Of Fire Photos

Additional Tours Including Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, City, Scenic, National Parks, and Adventure

Featured Golf Course: Painted Desert

Painted Desert – was the original desert-style golf course in Las Vegas, and the contrasts of the desert areas and lush green fairways lend beauty and challenge to the experience. Painted DesertÆs tee boxes and fairways are separated by native desert vegetation (cactus and mesquite), several lakes guard the landing areas and greens, and many bunkers dot the course.

Additional Las Vegas Golf Courses and Golf Vacations

Save Up To $100 Per Night At Walt Disney World – Dreams Do Come True at Walt Disney World Save up to $100 per Night Escape to the Walt Disney World« Resort with Disney’s Summer Dream Maker package. In addition to saving on your Disney vacation, you’ll also receive complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World« Resort and an Extra Magic Hour which allows Resort Guests into the Walt Disney World« Theme Parks one hour early every morning.


For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter please post to our message boards so that others may read and help or write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

See you on the boards!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

Registering for the boards is simple. Plus, it has a side benefit: When you return, you can click one place and get a customized list of all new threads, posts, and news releases right at your fingertips. We don’t put you on a list or send you unwanted info. Simply go to the boards and click on the “Register” button on the upper right hand side.

New to the list? Click Here for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000! Click Here To Win

Advertising with us is easy! See our media kit or contact us at allvegastv@aol.com

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
April 9, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – February 5, 2003

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of 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. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to allvegastv@aol.com

Shows | Headliners | Tours | Dining | Golf | Rental Cars | Airfare | Packages

Print Out This Number! – Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 x143 to book all hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining reservations. Bring number to Las Vegas for last minute reservations too! (New reservations only. Existing reservations use contact information given when reserving. Online room deals must be booked online).

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

Hello from Las Vegas! A strong wind blew through town Sunday morning blowing our warm weather somewhere else. Low to mid 50’s this week. Hey … we don’t have lake effect snow! Curious about our monthly average temperatures? Check out our Weather FAQ.

Las Vegas News: Of Interest To Tourists

Megabucks – The second-largest slot jackpot in gaming history is still up for grabs at 158 Nevada casinos. The current jackpot is over $30,000,000 and continues to increase. The only slot jackpot total larger than this is the world-record $34.9 million Megabucks jackpot that was hit at the Desert Inn on the Las Vegas Strip in January 2000. Read More

Valentine’s Day With Tony and Tina’s Wedding – On February 14, 2003 the Rio All-Suite Hotel is offering free admission to brides and grooms with Valentine’s Day wedding licenses to “Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding,” the second longest running show in Off-Broadway history. Read More

Playboy Playmates Promote Playmate Slots – On Saturday, February 22, from 6-7:30 p.m., Imperial Palace will host September 1998 Playmate Vanessa Gleason and January 1996 Playmate Victoria Fuller as they sign autographs and hand out limited edition Playboy Slots T-shirts to guests who play the new Playboy Slots! Read More

Temptations, Celine Join Legends – Two new acts have joined Legends In Concert:

The five performers that make up TRIBUTE have almost 100 years of entertainment experience among them, including working collectively or individually with the likes of The Jackson Five, James Brown, Lou Rawls, The O’Jays and the Indigos. Read More

She is on “top of the world” now! Brigitte Valdez brings her amazing Celine Dion tribute center-“Strip,” joining the world-famous “Legends In Concert” multi-million-dollar live celebrity spectacular at Imperial Palace Las Vegas. Read More

Craftsteak Honored With Epicurean Award – Craftsteak, MGM Grand’s newest restaurant, was named “Best New Restaurant” in Las Vegas at the 2003 Epicurean Awards. This is the second consecutive year that an MGM Grand restaurant was bestowed this honor. NOBHILL received the same award in 2002 proving MGM Grand has established itself as a formidable dining destination. Read More

Hypnotist Terry Stokes – You may have seen him at the Calgary Stampede, State Fairs, or other venues all over the world. We saw him last night, and while our review won’t run for a few weeks, this is one show worth taking the 5 minute walk off The Strip to the Bourbon St. Hotel to go see. Read More

CCSN’s 8th Annual Wine Tasting – Wine, Spirits, non-alcoholic specialty drinks served in souvenir glasses and a cornucopia of hors d’oeuvres will be presented, and featured artists’ work will be displayed. Live Jazz by Woody Woods Quartet. Silent auction gifts include round trip airline tickets for two, shows, dinners, and golfing at major golf courses in the Las Vegas area, and vacation packages. Read More

Las Vegas Commerce – If you live here and do any kind of internet related business (or your business sells online), let me urge you to join the Las Vegas Internet Chamber of Commerce. No cost, and a great opportunity to network with others in Las Vegas who actually know how to turn on a computer.

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, showstours, and golf through 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 suggesting they subscribe. They’ll thank you and we thank you.

Featured Review: Sixtiesmania Rocks The Castaways

By David Berman
dberman@concentric.net

Every decade can be characterized by the music of the era, music that we often feel nostalgia for because of the events in our lives at the times specific tunes were popular. And few decades were as rich as the 1960s. You could start and end with The Beatles, of course, and that would almost be enough to make the æ60s unforgettable.

But there were many others who burst upon the scene to enrich the lives of those who lived through the decade, including The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, and so many others whose “greatest hits” still resonate today.

A group called Sixtiesmania, currently performing in The CastawaysÆ Windjammer Lounge, exploits and celebrates the music of the æ60s in a way that is building audiences so fast that many nights are standing-room only.

Sixtiesmania is not just a band; it is a SHOWBAND presenting a two-and-a-half-hour review that spans the decade through the use of multimedia, dancing, many costume changes, near-perfect impressions of legendary performers, and excellent musicianship which does not rely on lip-synching or recorded soundtracks. Read More

Featured Tour: Hoover Dam Tour (Suburban or Jeep)

Hoover Dam Tour (Suburban or Jeep) – This tour offers ample time for exploring this National Historic Landmark and engineering wonder of the world. See live presentations, a fascinating film on the Dam’s construction and history, exhibit gallery, observation deck, and venture down to the observation room in the power plant to view the massive generators.

Additional Tours Including Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, City, Scenic, National Parks, and Adventure

Featured Golf Course:
Desert Rose Golf Course

Desert Rose Golf Course – Desert Rose offers an alternative to the higher green fees of the Las Vegas’ premiere resort golf courses. Located 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Boulevard, Desert Rose is easily accessible and will satisfy your golfing needs. Designed by Joe Lee and Dick Wilson, who also designed Doral, the course annually hosts the Clark County Amateur. Palm trees, water hazards and bunkers decorate the course.

Additional Las Vegas Golf Courses and Golf Vacations

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter please post to our message boards so that others may read and help or write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

See you on the boards!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

Registering for the boards is simple. Plus, it has a side benefit: When you return, you can click one place and get a customized list of all new threads, posts, and news releases right at your fingertips. We don’t put you on a list or send you unwanted info. Simply go to the boards and click on the “Register” button on the upper right hand side.

New to the list? Click Here for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000! Click Here To Win

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
February 5, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770

We are “reprint friendly” to other websites and newsletters — please do ask if you would like to use our news, reviews, or contents from our websites. All material in this message is protected by US Federal Copyright law. All Rights Reserved.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – January 29, 2003

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews! This is the official newsletter of 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. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to allvegastv@aol.com

Shows | Headliners | Tours | Dining | Golf | Rental Cars | Airfare | Packages

Print Out This Number! – A great new service for readers: Call (toll free) 800-696-5721 to book all hotels, shows, tours, golf, and dining reservations. Bring number to Vegas for last minute reservations too! (New reservations only. Existing reservations use contact information given when reserving. Online room deals must be booked online).

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

Hello from Las Vegas! We’ve continued to have beautiful days around 70 (F) but I won’t rub it in. (Our) spring is a great time to be in Las Vegas.

Missing Newsletters? – We are aware that some of you aren’t getting all of our newsletters. We are stuck with a problem. Words like (read backwards) ONISAC, Las Vegas PIRTS, GNILBMAG, and other words related to our fine city are also words that many spam filters stop.

Solutions: If you use use your internet service’s email filter, you can turn it down a notch. If you use a free email with an automatic filter, you can subscribe under your regular email address.

A more simple solution might be to use our own Vegas Mail free email. It won’t block our newsletter, and it will send your regular email a note (if you wish) letting you know when you have mail on your Vegas Mail account. Plus, spammers don’t seem to bug us. They go after the big email systems, nor ours. I use Vegas Mail as my main personal (non-business) email address and love it!


Riviera Valentine’s Day Package – Two nights deluxe accommodations, romantic gourmet dinner for two February 14th at Kristofer’s Steak House or Ristorante Italiano at the Riviera , and the sexy Splash show all included! This special package is the perfect romantic getaway with all the excitement of Las Vegas.


Reader Feedback

Joe La Banca wrote:

This is the best site I have found for Las Vegas Wallpaper and Screensavers. Las Vegas is my town and plan to move there this year. Keep up the good work.

We are proud of our Photos/Wallpaper/Screensavers section! We have more Las Vegas photos than any other site, as well as some great wallpaper and screensavers to bring Las Vegas to you. As always, no fee or registration. Enjoy!

T Walker wrote:

Your tipping guide was incredibly helpful on our recent trip to Vegas. We were prepared to tip the front desk clerk, but we were satisfied with the room we received. We did tip the maitre d’ at a show with general admission seating (and a full house) and got a great seat. (We didn’t see anyone else tipping, and they all were shuttled to the outer tables.) Your advice on tipping the maid daily is something we will do in every city from now on.

Glad we could help! We invite everybody to enjoy our Tipping Guide which also has links to many other Frequently Asked Questions about Las Vegas.

Message Board Member “ralfrick” wrote:

Stayed Nov. 22-29 at the Jockey Club: the wife (51), the boy (7) and myself (41).

He went on to write a great trip report detailing more activities, thrill rides, buffets, and shows that most people hit in 3-4 visits and well worth the read. View this and other trip reports, or better yet tell us about your last Las Vegas visit on our Las Vegas Travel > Trip Reports board. A great way to get advice and help others who love to visit Las Vegas!

Also, if you feel Las Vegas is a great place for kids, or that people should never bring their kids here, contribute to our ongoing Kids In Las Vegas board.

Message Board Member “justguy47” wrote:

I will be in Vegas Feb. 2 at the Imperial Palace. I am wondering what tower of rooms should I ask for. Which one has the newer rooms , or are all the rooms about the same. I am a new member and thanks for your insight.

We know many of our readers love the great location and modest rates of Imperial Palace. Help him out with your room suggestions on our Las Vegas Strip Hotels board.

Message Board Member “MAMACETA39” wrote:

Hi everyone, I have a quick question, I am going to Vegas in February and was wondering if anyone has every used the $20.00 trick at Circus Circus or Fitzgerald’s and if so how do I go about it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. This is my second time to Vegas and I will be there for five days this time and just want a bigger room for my duration.

The $20 Trick she refers to is a way to tip the desk clerk for the possibility of a better room, room with a view, etc. Details are available at our Tipping Guide. Have you tried the $20 room tip? Did it work or fail? What kind of upgrade did you get? Let us know in our Travel Questions/Trip Suggestions forums!

Message Board Member “UKali” wrote:

My boyfriend and I are visiting Vegas this September. It’s a holiday of a lifetime for us and I doubt we’d ever do it again as we are from England and its quite an expensive holiday (sorry vacation I forgot!). We intend to make this one a BIG one! We are saving our money up (staying for 2 weeks!!!) and want to try and plan our stay. We want to do all the best things and go to the best places.

Obviously I don’t expect anyone to plan our entire trip, but we don’t want to travel all that way and then miss things we should have done. We went to Florida in year 2000 and this happened. There is nothing worse than coming home and meeting someone who has been there and they say ‘didn’t you go to this place or that place???’.

“UKali” is smart to plan ahead. Las Vegas has so much to do and see and most know that overwhelming feeling of “did we do and see the interesting things”? Help her out by letting her know what attractions you feel are a “must see” or which you would never go back to on our Travel Questions/Trip Suggestions.

Message Board Member “Vern” wrote:

I always rent a car. I find the rates cheaper than taking a cab. Just having the freedom to go where and when you want is worth the effort, rather than confining yourself to a small area, and then having to rely on expensive cabs just go a few miles. It is very easy to get around Las Vegas if you get to know the roads that run parallel to the strip. Just stay off the strip while driving.

We’ve already had great input on our Getting Around Town > Renting a Car forum, including experiences with various rental car companies. If you have rented a car in Las Vegas, help share your experiences. If you are looking to rent a car on your next trip, check out our Low Rate Rental Car Search and check out the board for more advice.

See you on the boards!

Live From Las Vegas,

Ted Newkirk

CEO
Senior Content Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com

For comments or questions regarding Las Vegas, our content, or this newsletter please post to our message boards so that others may read and help or write us a “letter to the editor” at allvegastv@aol.com. Include your city — we have readers worldwide!

Registering for the boards is free and simple. Plus, it has a side benefit: When you return, you can click one place and get a customized list of all new threads, posts, and news releases right at your fingertips. We don’t put you on a list or send you unwanted info. Simply go to the boards and click on the “Register” button on the upper right hand side.

New to the list? Click Here for back issues and subscription info. Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to friends and associates, or better yet recommend it to friends with a chance to win $10,000! Click Here To Win

All contents copyright 2002 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
January 29, 2003 ISSN: 1529-2770

All material in this message is protected by US Federal Copyright law. All Rights Reserved.

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – May 15, 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: Las Vegas News, Events, Updates

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for May / June:

* Lady Luck From $29.95 until 06/30/02
* Imperial Palace From $59.95 until 06/30/02
* Bellagio From $169.95 until 06/30/02

All of these deals and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

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


Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!


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

Hello from Las Vegas! Yes, we are a week late. I’d like to tell I was playing hooky and enjoying the sunny 85 degree days but alas, the only tan I got was from fluorescent lighting as we continue to expand and upgrade our content. We started our “Best Of” poll (which will feature a new category every month for the next year), made All Vegas TV accessible to more users of various computers, and put up our brand new “New Year’s Eve” section.

We’ll talk about all that in a minute but I want to welcome Rick “Zig” Ziegler to the staff. Coming to us from Connecticut via Arizona, he’s already up to speed on the summer heat we’ll soon see, and he loves the tourism side of Las Vegas. He’ll be playing a major “behind the scenes” roll in adding and expanding our content.

BEST OF – It seems like every publication in town has their own “Best Of Las Vegas” poll. Some are legit but locals vote and most locals never go near The Strip. Others may anoint their better advertisers as the “best.” We are going to do it a little differently! Every month on the main page of http://www.accessvegas.com we’ll have a new question for newsletter readers and site visitors can vote on! You are the visitors — your voice should count!

We have put in a double redundant system to keep people from “stuffing the ballot box.” I get one vote, just like anyone else. You can always click on the “Results” link and see how the voting is going for yourself at any time. This month’s question is “What is the best luxury hotel in Las Vegas?” Go vote now at http://www.accessvegas.com !

TOURS AND MORE TOURS – Our expanded tours section is up. We have far more tours than ever before, plus great photos and specific tour details. Whether it is a quick visit to Hoover Dam or an all day adventure by Hummer, ATV, or even horses we have you covered. Plus, we aren’t going to screw with you. Many companies quote a crazy low price, then tack on the taxes, fees, and surcharges when you show up. The price we quote and let you book online is the complete price you pay. Check out all the great tours at http://www.accessvegas.com/tours and really see the beauty beyond The Strip!

ST. TROPEZ SUITES – I usually don’t mention hotel deals here, but this one is so good I might take a couple of days off and take advantage of it. We are offering this resort suite hotel from $59 a night. Where is it? How about right across the street from the Hard Rock, one of the hottest casinos/dining/drinking in town! You are 1.5 miles from The Strip, but with the money you save you can rent some wheels, grab a cab, or just take the Hard Rock’s free shuttle to The Strip (open to everyone). I’d look into this one now, before someone over there at the St. Tropez sobers up and yanks this great deal! Click http://www.accessvegas.com — the special is at the top of the page.

GREAT HAPPY HOUR – What will $1.95 buy you in Vegas?

* Half Pound Cheeseburger and Fries
* Onion Rings
* Jalepeno Poppers
* Buffalo Wings
* Fried Clam Strips
* Pork Eggrolls
* Beef Taquitos
* Fried Calamari
* Roma Tomato and Garlic Bruschetta

Where? McCormick and Schmick’s just east of The Strip on Flamingo at Restaurant Row (set back kitty-corner from Terrible’s Hotel). This place is becoming the unofficial hangout for AccessVegas.Com and ChefLive.Com crew and at those prices we don’t even bother to bargain for discounts. Specials are subject to change, run Monday – Friday; 3:30 – 6:30 PM and again later from 9:30 – 11 PM (close). No take out, $2 min. beverage purchase. (702) 836-9000

AIRPORT WINNERS – Two McCarran (Las Vegas) Airport passengers went home happy in the past month. While declining to release their names to media, each of these winners hit $1,000,000-plus jackpots waiting for their flights! On May 9, a Chicago bound passenger in Terminal 2 whacked “Wheel of Fortune” for $1.3 million and change. Twelve days earlier on April 27, another passenger took a “Wheel of Fortune” machine in Terminal one for $1.6 million and change. I’m guessing they both had no problem upgrading to first class with that kind of fresh loot.

NEW YEAR’S EVE – The biggest party night of the year is Las Vegas’ biggest night and now we over 100 photos plus streaming video highlights online in one spot. This includes new photos from this past year including the fireworks! In keeping with our “give you the scoop” attitude, we also give you the complete lowdown on just about everything you need to know to enjoy this huge event. Go enjoy our new site section at http://www.las-vegas-new-years-eve.com

FREE MAGIC – World-class close-up magician Michael Close has returned to the Houdini Lounge inside the Monte Carlo. A local favorite, he has drawn raves from Lance Burton, Penn and Teller, Mac King, and more. He performs each Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 PM until 1 AM. Houdini Lounge has always been a great place to relax and regain your sanity and this added bonus is worth seeing. No cover charge, must be 21.

UH-OH – I goofed last time. Larry G. Jones’ plays Thursday – Monday at 5 PM with his free show at Fitzgerald’s downtown. More on Larry “The Man of 1002 Voices” Jones at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/larry-jones-las-vegas-shows.htm

THE VIEW – No, not the female dominated TV show. This is the name of the new nightclub at Harrah’s. Thursday through Saturday night, Harrah’s Range Steakhouse is transformed into a nightclub with a DJ spinning music from the 70’s to now, dancing girls, and an appetizer menu. Not to mention the great view the venue affords, looking directly over the center of The Strip. Doors open at midnight. Guys are $10 and ladies are free. Proper dress required.

THE AMAZING KRESKIN – is playing Silverton Hotel and Casino now through June 9. Show runs Thursday – Sunday and tickets are $13 – 16. The Silverton is about 5 minutes south of the bottom of The Strip just down the freeway. Reservations and more info at (702) 263-7777

SCOTT AND JENNY – A big high-five to our magical friends Scott and Jenny Alexander who just inked a nice long-term deal to perform at Caesars Magical Empire (reviewed at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/caesars-magical-empire-las-vegas-shows.htm ). This is a great show, and their permanent addition is icing on the cake as they are topnotch magicians. Jenny’s site is at http://www.jennyalexander.com

NEONOPOLIS – opened downtown over the weekend. Kind of. The theaters and food court plus a handful of retail shops have opened. The full slate of shops and galleries aren’t scheduled to all be open until fall. We are finally getting a Jillian’s at Neonopolis, which is good news for locals and visitors that like to have fun. Words don’t describe Jillian’s. Just go look at their site http://www.jillians.com

ALL VEGAS TV – We want everyone to be able to enjoy our streaming online videos of Las Vegas. However, with the various computers, browsers, and operating systems in use some were shut out. We now have alternate links for all of our videos at http://tv.accessvegas.com — if it didn’t work before, try the new alternate link on each video page.

WINNER! Carol Waller of McLoud, OK was the winner of our McCormick and Schmick’s $50.00 gift certificate in our All Vegas TV contest a couple months ago.




SHOW REVIEWS:

No review this week. WAY too much news. Next two reviews are the new Showgirls at The Rio and Bravo starring Charo. We liked them both and while you wait for our reviews, enjoy these show overviews:

SHOWGIRLS – http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&id=199

BRAVO starring CHARO – http://www.vegasguide.com/detail_shows.cfm?amid=143&cscheme=2&id=145

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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
* Discount Rental Cars: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* 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 24 Hour Discount Room Service: 1-800-666-5268

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.
May 15, 2002 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – December 18, 2001

WELCOME to Access Vegas News and Reviews, now with subscribers in over 60 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.

This monthly newsletter is free and supported by commissions from sales of hotel rooms, rental cars, and other travel services we offer. Your bookings using the following links support this effort.

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

* Discount Hotel Rooms: http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm
* Discount Rental Cars: http://www.travelnow.com/cars/search.jsp?cid=2005
* Low Airfare: http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Travel Packages (Hotel/Air): http://www.accessvegas.com/a-travel-center.htm
* Toll Free 24 Hour Discount Room Hotline: 1-800-666-5268

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

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. Plus, we now have a section for trip reports. New boards at http://boards.accessvegas.com


Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!


LAS VEGAS NEWS, INFO, and SPECIALS:

Wheel of Fortune has been very, very lucky. The Harrah’s win was in November, and the December win just happened a few days ago. You could be next!

ARIZONA MAN WINS BIG AT HARRAH’S:

Bryan Sundblom says that the first thing he’s going to do with the $2.5 million he won Sunday evening at Harrah’s Las Vegas playing Wheel of Fortune(R) quarters is buy his wife a new car. The Arizona microbiologist said the jackpot came as such a surprise, he had to be told several times that he had hit the progressive.

In Las Vegas on business, Sundblom said he had invested $22.00 in the
machine when the Wheel of Fortune(R) logos lined up. In addition to the new
car, he says he’ll pay off bills and looks forward to enjoying his millionaire
status.

HAWAIIAN GUEST HITS $2.5 MILLION JACKPOT AT THE CALIFORNIA HOTEL:

Honolulu resident David Tokunaga is the latest of Las Vegas’ big winners, grabbing a stunning $2.5 million jackpot at the California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Mr. Tokunaga was playing the “Wheel of Fortune” slot machine.

BELLAGIO HONORED WITH AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD:

Association Five Diamond Award, the first Las Vegas hotel and casino and the largest resort in AAA history to receive this honor. The AAA Five Diamond Award, presented to fewer than one-half percent of the approximately 40,000 lodgings and restaurants in the AAA TourBook guides, has been the most coveted symbol of excellence in the travel industry since its inception in 1977.

“The Five Diamond Award is only given to establishments that exemplify an impeccable standard of excellence,” said AAA spokesman Atle Eriingsson. “What makes Bellagio even more impressive is its ability to achieve such a standard with over 3,000 rooms, far more than any other Five Diamond winner, which until now have included properties with 10 to 896 guestrooms.”

To be considered for AAA approval and rating, lodgings and restaurants must undergo a thorough, unannounced, inspection by one of AAA’s s 60 full-time professional evaluators. Five Diamond establishments go through the most extensive reviews.

Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, Bellagio overlooks a Mediterranean-blue eight-acre lake in which fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet choreographed to music and lights. Bellagio offers 3,005 deluxe guest rooms and suites featuring sweeping vistas of the resort’s lake, surrounding mountains and Las Vegas skyline. Each room is elegantly appointed with custom European-style furnishings, fine art and conveniences such as computer and fax accessible data ports and multiple telephone lines.

Within Bellagio are award-winning dining experiences including the world-renowned Picasso, a year-round botanical conservatory, a world-class art gallery, Cirque du Soleil’s stunning performance of “O”,” luxurious spa services and an elegant casino. The resort’s shopping promenade, Via Bellagio, features upscale shops including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Prada, Fred Leighton, Hermes, Moschino and Yves Saint Laurent.

With Las Vegas room rates still down a bit, this is the perfect time to indulge on your next trip and be one of the few that can say “I stayed at a 5 Diamond Resort”! Link to Bellagio information and rates / availability at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-strip-hotels.htm

THE STEAK HOUSE – CIRCUS CIRCUS: This special guest review by reader Jenny Wyatt

This was our 5’th visit to Las Vegas but our first visit to The Steak House which is situated in Circus Circus. This restaurant isn’t exactly what you’d expect inside a hotel which is aimed at children and circuses but I was pleasantly surprised!

When you enter you are faced with slabs of meat and lobster behind glass and it struck me as looking very English (I say very English as being from the UK I felt like I was walking into a Steak House back home). The bar come waiting area is very comfortable with settees to sink into while you wait for your table. This bar area is quite dark and has a very Victorian feel to it.

The restaurant is very well set out and is very reminiscent of Victorian England. They say on their menu that they “offer exquisite dining in a warm atmosphere of casual elegance” and this is quite true it does have a warm atmosphere and the decor is very tasteful.

There is a “cooking area” where you can actually see the steaks being cooked which is always a good thing as you then know that they have nothing to hide in their kitchens!

There is plenty of choice on the menu and for appetizers we tried the Shrimp Cocktail, the Mushrooms and the Crab Cocktail. The Shrimp Cocktail was nothing like we get in the UK. A crock shell was put in front of me filled with ice and jumbo prawns were placed on top together with lemon and a cocktail sauce (why they called it a shrimp cocktail when you were served giant prawns I don’t know!!). The mushrooms were very tasty and so was the crab. The appetizers started at a price of $4.95 up to $18.95.

When you order your main course you are also given the choice of Black Bean Soup or Salad. We all plumped for the salad of which there was mountains, but not wanting to spoil the main course I don’t think it was all eaten.

The steaks were delicious. This is one of the only steak houses I have got what I asked for — “how would you like yours cooked?” asked the waiter — “VERY well done” was my reply and yes, it was VERY well done — I’m one of these people who does NOT like ANY red showing in the meat and it came to the table in exactly the way I liked, delicious it was too.

If, like my friend, you’re not into steaks then the chicken breasts were very nice and the selection of Garlic Mashed Potato, Rice Pilaf or Baked Potato was a good choice. The steaks range from $17.95 up to $27.95, the chicken was $16.95 but they also offer Salmon and Halibut at $18.95. The Lobster and Crab legs were market price, so it’s worth asking before ordering. Lamb Chops are also on offer at $27.95.

There are deserts on offer but after an appetizer, salad and a main course there was not room left for a pudding!! They offer freshly baked goods — which if you have room looked delicious.

I will definitely be visiting the Steak House on my next visit to Las Vegas as it has a very relaxing atmosphere to all the hustle and bustle of the casinos and you can take your time over a delicious meal. Although the cost is slightly higher than your average restaurant (if you are on a budget) but I would recommend saving those pennies and have a nice quiet evening in a relaxed and very nice Steak House.

LOCAL NEWS – updated daily at http://www.accessvegas.com

LAS VEGAS DEALS – for December / January:

* Luxor From $55.95 until 01/31/02
* Monte Carlo From $55.95 until 01/31/02
* Sahara From $35.95 until 01/31/02

All of these and more available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-discounts.htm

SECURE ORDERING – We frequently get asked how safe giving your credit card over the internet is. When you buy on the internet, the information is scrambled in a way that is virtually impossible to unscramble except by the receiving computer. That computer then checks with a computer to confirm product availability and then gets credit card approval from another computer.

No humans involved, and your reservation is confirmed in seconds. Compare that to giving your credit card to a waiter at a restaurant (where they vanish for 5 minutes with it) or a live reservations clerk that obtains tons of info about you. Who is more likely to commit fraud with your card, 3 computers or a live human making a possibly low wage?

CONDO SPECIALS – Driving in or renting a car, enjoy the luxury of a condo at prices that rival a hotel room:

Westgate Flamingo Bay features over 200 villas in a lush tropical oasis style complex. You’ll be only minutes from the world famous Las Vegas Strip. While on site, you’ll enjoy soaking in the hot tub or taking a swim in the outdoor pool. For your convenience laundry facilities are available on site.

Special Internet pricing and accommodation info for Westgate Flamingo Bay at http://www.accessvegas.com/condo-specials.htm

PREFER NOT TO FLY – and Vegas is too far to drive but you still want to visit a REAL gaming destination? We offer the same great discounts, guaranteed lower rates, and the $100 Rebate Spectacular for rooms in Atlantic City, Gulfport / Biloxi, and Reno as we do in Las Vegas!

Atlantic City: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=ACY
Gulfport / Biloxi: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&TRK=H1-citylistMore&Dest=BIL
Reno: http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/pickinput?SID=IVC&LKF=IVC&Dest=RNO

WINNERS! – The winners of the Calvin Brooks CD’s (smooth jazz artist appearing regularly in Harrah’s Range Steakhouse lounge) are: Diane McDonald – Bradenton, FL, Jimmy Salyers – Lexington, KY, and Ying Mah – Wichita, KS.


 


CONCERTS AND SHOWS:

* SHOW TICKETS – See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Search by date at http://www.accessvegas.com/show-tickets.htm

SHOWS, GOLF, DINING, WEATHER:

* SHOW REVIEWS – Read our unbiased, archived show reviews at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com

* GOLF RESERVATIONS – Grab that tee time GUARANTEED before you get to town! Search by date, see prices at http://www.accessvegas.com/golf-reservations.htm

* DINING RESERVATIONS – For a small service fee, you can now lock up reservations for that “special night out” during your visit at http://www.accessvegas.com/dinner-reservations.htm

* LAS VEGAS WEATHER – http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Las_Vegas.html

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

CONVENTION CALENDAR:

Your best hotel deals are the weeks when convention traffic is light. If you are flexible, check our convention calendar at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-conventions-hotels.htm before choosing the dates of your Las Vegas visit!

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SPECIAL BULLETIN:

ALL VEGAS TV: Is our new, long awaited monthly online TV show. We got a bit behind schedule with the Sept. 11 fallout, but the official premiere will be the February episode, launching mid-January. It’s already in the can and we are thrilled with it. We have a great interview with Wolfgang Puck, we show you the inside of the Guggenheim Museum, and more.

Now that we are rolling, we are looking for the following people who would like to be involved. See if you fit the bill and contact info will be at the end. Aspiring talent is welcome — this is great exposure. We will direct you to our media preview (already online) so you can get a better understanding of what All Vegas TV is.

ACTOR AND ACTRESS: For parts in two commercial spots which will be used to promote booking travel at AccessVegas.Comááá Hundreds of thousands will view (over time) and we will post your contact info if desired.

SWIMWEAR / BIKINI MODELS: It is a little brisk in Las Vegas right now but fun and pool weather is right around the corner. Still and motion photography will be used as “bumpers” (short segments between major stories) promoting Las Vegas fun and sun. Hundreds of thousands will view (over time) and we will post your contact info if desired.

CAMERA OPERATOR: If you enjoy playing around with your video camera, have some real fun shooting Las Vegas with us. A couple times a month (and with advance notice) we need someone behind the camera while I’m in front covering the “party” side of Las Vegas. Clubs, New Year’s Eve, Spring Break and the like. If you aren’t energetic, or balk at the thought of getting a little beer spilled on you, this one isn’t for you.

If interested, drop me a line at (click) mailto:ted@accessvegas.comááá I’ll get back to you with detail after Christmas as well as the location of our online media preview so you can see the full scope of this project.


 


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

We’ve gotta talk about New Year’s Eve! I especially want to talk to those of you on the West coast who are within driving distance. You have a golden opportunity this year that I’ve never seen before, and we probably won’t see again. Because a fair number of people from the East coast are too concerned about long-haul flights to come out, rooms are not only still available for New Year’s Eve, but cheaper than in years past.

Plus, those of you that drive in really have the advantage because you can stay off The Strip. There are thousands of rooms (some in casinos, some not) within a few blocks of The Strip as well the “local’s” casinos. What’s it going to be this year, another year of watching Dick Clark and people in New York City freeze to death on tape delay (it’s 9 PM here when midnight strikes there) or being in the middle of this party:

At midnight on December 31, the city will celebrate with a spectacular fireworks show billed as “America’s Party: Las Vegas New Year 2002.” A five-mile stretch of sky above the Las Vegas Strip will be transformed into the canvas for a feat of pyrotechnic mastery. Fireworks with names like Comets, Plumes and Oscillating Flares will illuminate the sky above the Las Vegas Strip, for seven minutes and 11 seconds.

Don’t take my word for it. Our photos from last year are at http://www.las-vegas-new-years-eve.com and we have booking info there as well. One note: most hotels are requiring that you stay at least Dec. 28 – Jan. 1 (4 nights or more) so remember to enter those dates for maximum availability. If last year was any indication, you don’t want to miss this one!

New casinos are opening — the party doesn’t stop in Las Vegas! The Palms recently opened, and must be seen to be believed. Upscale with the feel suited to South Florida, this new resort is kitty-corner from The Rio just off The Strip. Of particular note is the Ghostbar lounge, one of the most amazing views of The Strip in town. Green Valley Ranch opens in a matter of hours (as I write this), so we’ll size it up in the future. We have links to info on both hotels at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm

Speaking of, we were at the grand reopening of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in The Forum Shops (Caesars Palace) a couple of weeks ago. The food is superb, the atmosphere fantastic, and Puck and his staff (as always) the gracious hosts.

I’d tell you more about it, but instead we are going to show it to you in the premiere episode of All Vegas TV in January. Including an interview with Mr. Puck conducted by our very own Elizabeth Rizzo. We are still looking for great additional people who want to get involved with All Vegas TV.

Puck is offering a free bottle of wine at his Las Vegas restaurants Spago (702-369-6300), Lupo (702-740-5522), Postrio (702-796-1110), and Chinois (702-737-9700) with every meal in December. Simply inform the hostess when making reservations or upon arrival.

Cheval (mentioned last issue, archived at https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/01-11-07.htm ) is drawing great reviews all around. If you like Cirque du Soleil style entertainment, enjoy horses, or appreciate a good show this is one to see before the run ends!

Attendance at Comdex was reported to be way off — as little as 1/2 of the usual 250,000 people due to terrorism fears and the bottom falling out on all those crazy Dot Com companies. (Funny, here in the internet travel business, we did business the old fashioned way. We sold a good, real product at a great price. We’re still here and growing). Anyway, I digress!

I have mixed thoughts on this. Yes, it is good to expose Las Vegas to as many people as possible with conventions. But hotels have to charge top dollar for hotels during Comdex to make up for the fact that computer industry people are least likely to gamble. This ties up rooms, and drives up rates during a November week we usually have flawless weather (highs around 75-80) and depriving the regular visitors of the ability to get a room that week.

Sheena Easton is returning to the Las Vegas Hilton, where she had a great run this summer. My review and ticket information are at http://www.las-vegas-shows-reviews.com/sheena-easton-las-vegas-hilton.htm

Tours have resumed at Hoover Dam, but unfortunately the $25, one hour “hard hat” tour was a casualty of the new security precautions. Having the pleasure of taking the hard hat tour last year, I can understand why. They took you into the bowels of the dam and quite a bit of the operation. Hoover Dam is still a marvel that must be seen in real life. Visitors are allowed (and tours conducted) during daylight hours. Go earlier in the day to avoid crowds.

Nevada’s jobless rate was the highest in the nation last month. Quit moving here (unless you are retired or independently wealthy) until things get better. As you can imagine, longtime residents with a work history here are going to be hired back before someone new and Las Vegas is no fun when you are struggling with cash.

The Bootlegger Restaurant continues to be a local secret, but obviously not for long. Nevada Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt and her husband “Blackie” run the family owned Italian eatery and are joined by “Sonny” King every Friday and Saturday evening at 10 PM for a true, free-form, old style Las Vegas lounge show. Lorraine and Sonny sing while Blackie plays the piano. Although not of that era (I’m 36), it is a fun, relaxing time to enjoy quality entertainment that brings Las Vegas’ past to the present.

Word is getting around. Last Friday, John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin on Cheers) was enjoying the show. A few weeks ago, Hugh Hefner and his seven girlfriends (Mandi, Brandi, Candi, Sandi … or something like that) stopped by for dinner. The Bootlegger is easy to find. Simply drive south on the Strip past Vacation Village and go a couple more miles The Bootlegger sits just south of the Belz Factory Outlet Mall on your left. Lorraine, Blackie, and Sonny start the show around 10 PM and perform 3-4 hours.

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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 topics in the newsletter, write us a “letter to the editor” at (click) mailto:allvegastv@aol.com We do certainly read them all. They help shape our content and we do personally answer specific Las Vegas related questions!


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


Have a request for a review? Confused when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where the “articles” are tied in with paid ads, our sites give you the honest scoop.

If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us using the travel links listed at the top of each issue. You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!

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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 2001 Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
December 18, 2001 ISSN: 1529-2770

Access Vegas Insider Vibe – June 21, 2000

Welcome to Access Vegas News and Reviews, the official newsletter of http://www.accessvegas.com This is the newsletter that talks about the Las Vegas attractions, dining, and shows that YOU really care about. This is not spam. If you receive this by mistake, unsubscribe information is at the bottom. Please forward this to friends who may enjoy it!

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JUNE ROOM SPECIALS – Harrah’s from $59.95 a night and The Sahara from $49.95 a night. Details at http://www.180096hotel.com/cgi-bin/hotdeals?SID=IVC

HOTEL MESSAGE BOARDS – Help others and share your Las Vegas hotel opinions!

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This Issue: Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico

Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.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


LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:BYE-BYE, DI – Breaking news today — Steve Wynn is closing the Deserted Inn at the end of September. Yes, I can read your mind: No word of any implosion at this time. Wynn plans to build a 59 story, 3000 room hotel that will be nicer than Bellagio. We wish him well, but keep in mind that initial visions often give way to economic reality. Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2000/jun/22/510417686.html

SHARK REEF – This new exhibit just opened at Mandalay Bay and we’ve already heard great things. You walk through a 20-foot long acrylic tunnel under part of a main tank holding 1 million gallons of water. Shark Reef features one of North America’s largest displays of sharks and other sea predators.

Much more than a conventional aquarium, Shark Reef is a diverse cross-section of magnificent aquatic creatures, including close to 100 different species of sharks, exotic fish, reptiles and turtles. The press release is at http://www.travel2vegas.com/mbayreef.html and you can view stunning photos at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-20-Tue-2000/news/13810832.html

THE MEXICAN – Staring Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini has been filming in and around town. The early buzz is that this is going to be one of next year’s biggest movies. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-19-Mon-2000/lifestyles/13748609.html

POOL WEATHER – If you enjoy hanging by the pool here, you’ll appreciate this photo of visitors enjoying the Paris Las Vegas pool: http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-21-Wed-2000/news/13820184.html

RITZ-CARLTON – is planning a $500 million Mediterranean-themed hotel-casino, commercial and residential complex in Lake Las Vegas, an affluent community a few miles east of downtown Henderson, NV (about 30 minutes from Las Vegas). Titled The “Village at MonteLago”, this destination resort won’t be for the t-shirt and fanny pack crowd. Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2000/jun/21/510412450.html

BREWPUBS – Two more microbreweries have opened up in the last 6 months here in Las Vegas. Just think — between that and people in this city actually starting to embrace the internet, Las Vegas is catching up to the more sophisticated parts of our country! (3 years ago, the hotels saw no reason to have a website and when I told people I did internet work, they looked at me like I just told them I was from Mars).

Both are in the suburbs, but not a bad time to remind everyone that Southern Nevada has a number of pretty fine microbrews on or new the tourist areas. Among them Ellis Island Casino (the best deal at $2.25 for a 22 oz. glass), Gordon Biersch (Flamingo and Paradise), Holy Cow (across from The Sahara), Monte Carlo Hotel, and the Triple 7 downtown in Main St. Station. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-14-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13740986.html

FORTH OF JULY FIREWORKS – http://www.lasvegas.com/events/4thofjuly

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Quick Concert and Show Notes:

See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143

NEW SHOW – According to R-J columnist Norm, the Rio is unveiling a new Cirque du Soleil type show called De la Guard next month, and will be one of the most unique ever. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-19-Mon-2000/news/13796400.html and we’ll give you more details as they become available.

Hard Rock – Anthrax on June 28, Destiny’s Child on July 2, Don Henley on July 10, “Weird Al” Yankovic on July 27, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, B-52’s on Aug. 5, K.D. Lang Aug. 11, and Jimmy Page plus The Black Crowes on Aug 16. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).

Las Vegas Hilton – Sinbad on June 30 and July 1, Engelbert Humperdinck July 11-16, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour July 28-29, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement) and Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).

Mandalay Bay – Megadeth on Jun. 23, Bob Dylan on June 27, Mickey Hart Band on June 30, Bill Maher June 30-July 1, Ween on July 1, Kottonmouth Kings on July 2, The Young Dubliners on July 3, Cheap Trick on July 3, Boz Scaggs on Jul 8, Dan Folgelberg on Jul. 14, Hall and Oats on July 21, LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on July 29, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, Kiss with Ted Nugent Aug. 2, Brian Setzer on Aug. 8, Duran Duran Aug. 25-26, Little Feat Sept. 22, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).

MGM – Carrot Top June 22 – July 5, Blink-182 and Bad Religion on June 24, Nickelodeon’s All That Music & More Festival featuring LFO, Blaque, and B*Witched on July 1, Diana Ross and the Surpremes Aug. 5, Penn and Teller July 27 – Aug. 9, and Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).

Station Casinos – Sammy Kershaw June 30th at Sunset, Loverboy & Night Ranger June 30 at Sunset, and Joe Walsh plus a fireworks extravaganza July 1 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).

The Orleans – The Righteous Brothers now through June 25, and Robert Goulet June 29 – July 2.. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).

The Venetian – Andrew “Dice” Clay June 30-July 1. Tickets available at (702) 414-4100 and Venetian discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Venetian link).

Thomas & Mack – Up In Smoke tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Eminem on Aug. 11. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).


Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!


This is the third and final installment in a three week series on some of the more notable steakhouses in town. I’ll have a quick comparison at the end.FEATURE STORY: Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico

“Bam, Bam, Bam” — If you don’t know who Emeril is, just talk to someone who is into cooking or enjoys the Food TV cable channel. He’s taken “celebrity chef” to a new level with his “macho” cooking style with his signature “Bam” and “Let’s kick it up a notch” verbal stylings.

He is also one of the cooks credited with bringing truly fine dining to Las Vegas. And, fine it is. Rich modern decor, extensive wine availability, servers who call you by name — Las Vegas has come a long way since the days of the $2.99 buffets.

As with many fine restaurants, much is a la cart. Various servings of vegetables and potatoes run from $6 – $7.50. Soups and salads start at $6.50 for the New Orleans Gumbo of the day. Besides your typical selections such as French Onion Soup ($6.50) Caesar Salad (for two, $20.00), Sliced Tomato Salad ($12.00) and Composed Anti-Pasta Salad (market price), more unique items like Organic Baby Greens ($8.50), Baby Arugula, Cheddar Cheese and Apples ($9.00), Creative Soup of the Day (market price) and Wilted Spinach and Fried Mozzarella ($13.00) are available.

Filet Mignon, N.Y. Strip Steak, Ribeye, and Bone In Rib Steak run $28.00 – 36.00. My N.Y. steak was a healthy cut cooked to unbelievable perfection. As expected at this level, the presentation and the service were second to none.

House specialties (most of which include appropriate side dishes) are as follows: Chateaubriand (for two, $65), Charred Dry Aged Beef Sirloin ($30.00), Roasted Double Cut Pork Chop ($26.00), Grilled Creole Marinated Rack of Lamb ($36.00), Pan Roasted Creole Chicken Cordon Blue ($25.00), Maine Lobster (fresh from their tanks, market price), Creative Fish of the Day (Market Price), Saute of Gulf Shrimp and Fresh Pasta ($28.00), Grilled Sweet Barbecued Atlantic Salmon ($27.00), Seared Beef, House Cured Bacon and Maytag White Cheddar En Croute ($28.00), and New Orleans Veal Piccata ($28.00).

This popular restaurant in The Venetian seems to have no slow period. Reservations are a must at (702) 414-3737. They are open daily for lunch from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and open for dinner from 5:30 – 10:30 PM (11:00 PM on weekends). The lunch menu varies from dinner and is just slightly less expensive. The full menu is available at the bar, but are you crazy? Save eating at a bar for some corner joint in your city. Enjoy the dining room for a taste of the exquisite food, service and surroundings.

THE VERDICT: In the past three weeks, I have visited Harrah’s Range Steakhouse (reviewed https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-06-07.htm ), Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse (reviewed https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-06-14.htm ), and Delmonico.

If I had to pick a clear winner, it would be Delmonico. One of the very best meals I have ever been served in my life, but with a price to match. If you are on an average budget, save this one for truly special occasions. If you have no intention of heading downtown, or want the most plush and intimate surroundings, Harrah’s is your stop and probably the best for a romantic dinner and leisurely drinks. Binion’s is a little more down-home — still nice but not as pretentious as the others, and it’s top-floor view of the entire Strip and the Las Vegas Valley makes it a relaxing spot to savor great food.

Next week I’ll be out of town so we are devoting next week’s issue to news and some great reader feedback. In two weeks, I’ll be reviewing the new Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Now about that exercise program I need to start …


 

 


FREE CONTESTS:Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.

Win a weekÆs trip for 2 to this yearÆs Las Vegas Motor Speedway Trans Am Series Race, Oct. 27-Nov. 3. Prize is 2 first-class, round-trip Delta Airlines tickets, overnight accommodations at AmeriSuites in Las Vegas, 2 tickets to the race (Oct. 29), plus other race giveaways. Enter at http://www.amerisuites.com/racing/05.htm

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Two tickets to Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, a $100 gift certificate to Quark’s Bar and Restaurant, a copy of the Collector’s Edition CD Rom from Activision – STAR TREK -Hidden Evil and a fabulous two night stay at the Las Vegas Hilton! Enter at http://promotion.lasvegas.citysearch.com/the_experience.html

Golden Gate Hotel and Casino: three day, two night stay plus dinner for two at Golden Gate’s Bay City Diner. Enter at http://www.vegasexperience.com/webclub/index.htmlContinue reading

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