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By Ken Miller Photograph by Christopher DeVargas
Mat Franco reinvents his iconic show on the Strip
Before the pandemic shutdown hit, Mat Franco had one of the tightest sets of any magician on the Las Vegas Strip: It was one amazing close-up set piece after another, with lots of humor, wit and family memories thrown in for good measure. And Franco’s post-shutdown show is even better, partly because of the time he had to reimagine it.
The first thing fans of the show will notice is a new segment before the show even starts—Franco, in a series of videos posted on social media, performs quick bits of magic, some meant to wow you, some meant to just make you laugh at their silliness. For those who have never experienced a Franco show before, it’s a great introduction to his style, as well as a hint as to what to expect from the show itself.
The personality, sense of humor and smile that helped Franco win America’s Got Talent are in full force in his show at the Mat Franco Theater. He’s instantly likable, and spends plenty of time with his
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audiences, finding out information from them that gets used at the end of the show in a signature illusion that lends itself to the name of his show—Magic Reinvented Nightly. No matter how many times you’ve seen this show, this final bit ensures that every performance will be different.
One segment that’s likely to always be in Franco’s show comes midway through. After a touching story involving his grandmother helping him achieve the seemingly impossible, Franco proceeds to do just that: He begins producing cards from thin air, demonstrating why he’s easily one of the greatest close-up magicians in the world. This performance brings the house down each and every time, and requires no pyrotechnics, no special effects, no explosions—it’s just a man, cards and loads of technique.
There are also a few new additions, and they are welcome additions to Franco’s stable of favorites. One involves a poker table and four volunteers, and trust us—no matter how closely you’re watching the cards, nothing can prepare you for how this illusion unfolds. It’s a great blend of humor, audience participation and sleight-of-hand. Another new illusion involves a helium-filled balloon that “switches” with another balloon not filled with helium. Again, best of
luck in trying to figure this one out.
But, as Franco would admonish you, why are you trying to? Just enjoy it, as you would a big-budget Hollywood film, without trying to determine how all the special effects are achieved. And as Franco moves forward, ever reinventing his show, it’s a safe bet his fans will always be ready for more—whether they can figure it out or not.
Benihana Village
Explore these hot spots to eat, drink and be merry
By Kiko Miyasato
While the Westgate Las Vegas has gone through many incarnations and names to become what it is today, its history dates back to 1969 when it opened as The International, the then-largest hotel in the world. From the early 1970s to 2012, the property was known as the Las Vegas Hilton, then LVH from 2012-’14, then finally the Westgate Las Vegas in 2014. Although the hotel’s owners have changed, the property has always offered stellar options to grab a bite, have a cocktail and have some fun—and we’ve picked three of our favorite spots. This restaurant has been part of the property since opening in 1974. The famed Benihana brand serves as the anchor eatery for the 38,000-square-foot complex that lies just off the casino floor. Once through the
doors, with the beyond striking Japanese architecture, it’s like being transported around the globe, as guests are fully enveloped in a world of cherry blossom trees, babbling brooks, the sounds and sights of pouring rainfall, bamboo forests and traditional Japanese elements such as wooden structures and tiled and thatched roofs. Inside this magical world, guests can dine at several different spots: the interactive teppanyaki tables with the talented and entertaining chefs of the iconic Benihana Japanese steakhouse; Asian cuisine at Silk Road Asian Bistro; and sumptuous sushi and sake options at Rikki Tikki Sushi.
While the Westgate Las Vegas offers different styles of bars and lounges around the property, one of our faves—and a hidden gem of sorts—is inside the property’s upscale Edge Steakhouse. Stop in and take a seat at the petite bar and lounge portion where one of the best bartenders in the biz, Mike Thompson, is whipping up all his own handcrafted specialty cocktails. The Edge
Mike Thompson
Super Karaoke Smash, Vegas Dream and Mojave Margarita are definite highlights. Thompson will regale you with fun stories, provide suggestions on where to go in the city and is the epitome of a bartender’s bartender. Plus, the space is inviting, beautifully designed and the perfect precursor to dinner.
If you’re a fan of karaoke, then the microphone is waiting for you every Thursday night inside Westgate’s ginormous Superbook sportsbook. Every Thursday night beginning at 10 p.m., guests 21 and over can take the stage to belt out their favorite songs as the words scroll across the sportsbook’s giant screens. Enjoy cocktails and light bites while partying down with your fellow aspiring singers. Whether you’re a novice or karaoke veteran, the goal of Super Karaoke is to have fun!
By Brock Radke
Las Vegas Aces stay strong in midseason
A’ja Wilson
The WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces have been an instrumental piece of the professional sports renaissance that has enveloped the city in recent years. With Mandalay Bay’s dynamic Michelob Ultra Arena serving as home court, the team relocated from San Antonio before the 2018 season and made an immediate impact in the league and on the Strip with an exciting, fast-paced style of play and a highly competitive approach.
The franchise was founded in Utah in 1997 as one of the original eight teams in the league, a strong history that really resonates right now as the WNBA celebrates its 25th anniversary season and record-setting growth. In January, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis bought the Aces, paving the way for both professional teams to work together to raise the profile of sports in Las Vegas.
After a short break for the rescheduled Olympic Games in Tokyo where an astonishing five Aces players represented their respective countries on the court—the WNBA season resumes this week and the Aces are back in action at Mandalay Bay against the Washington Mystics on Aug. 15 and 17. The team will hit the road after that, returning for more home games in Las Vegas on Sept.2 and 5 against the Chicago Sky.
After a dominant start to the season, the Aces are currently resting in second place in overall league standings, in great position for another deep playoff run after winning their way into the conference finals last year. Leading the way once again is reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, the 6-foot-4 all-star forward averaging 19.4 points and 9 rebounds per game.
“We came into this season with a lot of confidence and we know what we bring to the table,” Wilson said.
The Aces also rely on steady play from 6-foot-8 center Liz Cambage, one of the most dominant players in the league, and her 14.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. On the perimeter, guard Kelsey Plum is having a banner year after sitting out last season rehabbing a serious knee injury. She’s responded with 13.5 points per game coming off the bench while providing limitless energy and pinpoint shooting. “I feel like I’m in a really good place and I’m grateful to have such a great team around me. It hasn’t been easy but the work has been worth it,” Plum said of her impressive comeback.
Add two-time Sixth Woman of the Year award winner Dearica Hamby and first-year Aces player Chelsea Gray, a perennial allstar who has seamlessly transitioned into the starting point guard role this season, and you’ve got a recipe for a championship contender this season. You’ve also got one of the most exciting teams to watch in the WNBA today, a very different kind of fabulous show on the Las Vegas Strip.
Liz Cambage
Chelsea Gray
Discover interesting places that are off the beaten path
By Kiko Miyasato
SURE, THERE ARE THE famous fountains of Bellagio, the spectacular spectacle that is The Mirage volcano and the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller—but there are also other fascinating, fun spots and little-known destinations with some great history behind them. Read on, and then go and discover for yourself some hot spots in Las Vegas that you might not know about.
Feeling flirty, a little bit naughty and looking for an education in all things sex? Head to the Erotic Heritage Museum—24,000 square feet dedicated to sex positive exhibitions and erotic artifacts. The interactive exhibits aim to educate and celebrate human sexuality. Learn about the pleasures of the body, view fine art and discover the history of important sexual artifacts. While you’re there, think about purchasing tickets to one of the most daring shows in Las Vegas: Puppetry of the Penis. If you don’t mind full-frontal male nudity and want to laugh your butt off while watching the actors shape their “members” into some interesting positions, then it’s well worth checking out this X-rated, totally comical and fun show.
A man who most-likely loved the art of the tease—his girlfriend was the notorious Virginia Hill—Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel will always be synonymous with Las Vegas. While you might know his history with the famed Flamingo hotel, did you know about the plaque
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino
Erotic Heritage Museum
Bugsy Siegel plaque
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on property that’s dedicated to him? You can find it in the wildlife habitat near the Garden Chapel (it’s also in the spot where the original bungalows were located where Siegel had his own personal suite). One cool fact about the plaque is you can read about the secret escape routes he had leading from his suite.
For more mob history, there’s only one place in town to visit: The Mob Museum (702.229.2734). But did you know that the museum now produces and bottles its own hand sanitizer on property? The timely product is made down in the museum’s underground speakeasy, where they also make moonshine. The hand sanitizer is made from the externally sourced ethanol, as well as the waste produced during the moonshine distillation process.
If the mob era and old-school Vegas vibe piques your interest, a must-visit is the Golden Steer Steakhouse (702.384.4470), founded in 1958. Dine on some of the best steaks in town while seated in vintage booths once occupied by famous people that include the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, Tony “The Ant” Spilotro, Natalie Wood and Nat King Cole..
For more Vegas history, head downtown to the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (702.385.1906). While the property, which was first erected in 1906, has been revamped and revitalized through the years, you can browse through artifacts from its early days. In the hotel’s lobby, check out memorabilia that includes gaming ledgers, guest books, Prohibition-era liquor bottles and even Vegas’ first telephone.
While downtown, head to the famous Atomic Liquors (702.982.3000)—the oldest free-standing bar in the city. It was the first spot where beer, wine and mixed drinks were served over the counter, thus creating the “Tavern Sale License” of which Atomic was issued the first ever: #00001. While the bar temporarily closed due to a government mandate, it is open now. Plus, visit its next-door restaurant, The Kitchen at Atomic—and you’ll still experience a piece of Vegas history.
Did you know there’s a free animatronics show inside The Forum Shops at Caesars? Fall of Atlantis features 9-foot-tall talking statues and some pretty cool fire and water effects. (Don’t miss the 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium nearby with more than 300 fish.) And even though it’s summer, you can still catch a rainstorm in Vegas … indoors. At Miracle Mile Shops, at the top of every hour, experience the free Rainstorm Show complete with thunder, lighting and fog.
The Mob Museum Golden Steer Steakhouse
By Brock Radke
RuPaul’s Drag Race Live presents some of the best acts and costumes from the show
The reopening of RuPaul’s Drag Race Live this month at the Flamingo Las Vegas was a monumental event for several reasons, perhaps most notably because it marked the return of one of the Strip’s hottest new shows. The flamboyant original production based on the Emmy Award-winning TV competition show made its initial Las Vegas debut in late January 2020, garnering rave reviews and building massive momentum before the pandemic set in and halted live entertainment everywhere.
“It was definitely disappointing, also because we had all been touring prior to coming to Las Vegas and we were looking forward to doing this show in one place and leading a somewhat normal life,” said Asia O’Hara, one of six stunning queens anchoring the cast. “Just when we thought we were getting comfortable and could take a deep breath and enjoy the show and our lives, it was shut down.
If these talented performers are ready to bring that renewed energy to the stage, imagine how excited their audiences will be.
The classic Flamingo Showroom is the home of this vibrant, music and fashion-focused spectacle directed by RuPaul and Jamal Sims and produced by World of Wonder, the same team behind the hit TV show. It expands on that tried-and-true TV format with the competing queens showing off their skills in lip-sync, on the dance floor and on the runway, with the eye-popping performances before,” O’Hara said. “As much as you rehearse bolstered by stunning sets and an engaging, and prepare, nothing can prepare you for the party-ready soundtrack. actual show in front of a live audience, and my
O’Hara serves as host, interacting with role is a little different in Las Vegas because the audience and bringing out the other a lot of times we’re in front of people that queens for their time to shine. may have never seen an episode Kameron Michaels, Derrick Barry, of Drag Race. It’s my job every Naomi Smalls, Vanessa “Vanjie” night to bring these people into Mateo and Yvie Oddly take our world.” turns displaying their distinct 800.745.3000 And that world can be very skills and style with inter- Ticketmaster welcoming and empowering. spersed video clips adding the But above all else, it’s a celeright amount of “Mama Ru” to the bration of drag, an art form that glamorous proceedings and the six- has always had a place in Las Vegas. man Pit Crew dance squad injecting extra Now, with the popularity of the TV show sizzle. (The lineup is subject to change.) helping to spread drag culture to a greater au-
“We definitely are taking the (time off) as dience around the world, this spectacular new an opportunity to improve things, just polish show seems like the perfect event to boost the and clean the things we didn’t a chance to entertainment comeback in Las Vegas.
Hand-cut Prime beef tartare at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse
By Ken Miller
Steak tartare is a dish whose time has arrived
Steak tartare used to be the Rodney Dangerfield of the food world—it got no respect. In fact, it spent quite a lot of time being the brunt of jokes, including a particularly cruel bit courtesy of Mr. Bean, in which the titular character spends his entire meal trying to hide the dish in question wherever he can find space on the table, rather than just telling his server he really doesn’t want to eat it. Those days are fully in the rear-view mirror. Savvy diners know that
not only is steak tartare a must-try dish at higher-end restaurants, it can often define the dining experience.
On its face, the dish can seem deceptively simple: It’s traditionally made with raw ground beef and served with any number of ingredients, from onions and Worcestershire sauce to capers and pepper. But take one bite of steak tartare at any of Las Vegas’ top steakhouses, and you’ll realize that description falls short. The only limits to steak tartare here are the chefs’ imaginations.
There’s the sublime Prime steak tartare at Aria’s Bardot Brasserie, a visual feast with its orange egg yolk seeping into every crevice of the dish. A small bit of sauce verte (green sauce) adds just a bit more color and flavor, and the deep flavors of the meat pair perfectly with house-made waffle fries.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at Sahara Las Vegas has a fantastic selection of tartares, each more inventive than the next. As good as Vittore 1950 is (small medallions of flawless tenderloin with black pepper, Parmesan, capers, brown-butter croutons and sherry dressing), fans—and especially vegetarians—will want to dive into Andrés’ beefsteak tomato tartare, which looks like the real thing but is a taste sensation all its own. Flavored with balsamic vinegar, cucumber and black olive, it will have you asking, “How did he do this?”
Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis at Green Valley Ranch provides an excellent 7X wagyu beef tartare for its happy hour, and you won’t be happier than when you’re experiencing the flavor sensations of quail egg yolk and smoked paprika aioli on some toasted brioche.
You might not expect to find great steak tartare at an Italian restaurant; you would be dead wrong! Brera Osteria at The Grand Canal Shoppes, which pays tribute to the famous Milan neighborhood, serves up a delicious version, using American wagyu beef, anchovies, capers, shallots and mayonnaise.
Certainly not the least on this list is the hand-cut Prime beef tartare at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse at Flamingo. It’s easily one of the best things on the menu, served with a truffle crème fraîche and pan-toasted country bread. Odds are you’ll be fighting your dining companions for that last scoop.
Prime steak tartare at Bardot Brasserie
Beefsteak tomato tartare at Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
IF YOU’RE INSPIRED AND WANT TO REPLICATE THESE DISHES AT HOME, HERE ARE SOME TIPS, COURTESY OF BUGSY & MEYER’S:
Use the sharpest knife you have available. Cut the tenderloin into very thin slices (1/8-inch thick, if
possible), cutting crosswise into bitesized pieces. Freeze a stainless steel bowl a day in advance, as you will
definitely want your tartare to be cold. Add ingredients you love. Once again, the only limits to this dish are your imagination.
By Alex Haase
Check out these compelling reads, courtesy of your favorite entertainers
Although you may have seen a few Las Vegas entertainers on your trip, there will always be more than you see in many visits. You can still connect with some of your favorite past and present Vegas performers through the books they’ve written. Here are a few by some of the Strip’s greatest acts.
The Universal Tone, by Carlos Santana
Santana knows you want to hear stories about Woodstock, and he’ll tell them, but first, you must understand the universal tone. It’s a concept that connects us all spiritually and artistically, but, more importantly, it’s Santana’s creative North Star. Though he appears cosmic and ethereal, Santana is pretty down-to-earth, writing casually, as if he were an old friend.
Rod: The Autobiography, by Rod Stewart
Stewart would be the first to say he’s a lucky man. But finding fame and fortune is always a stroke of luck, and Stewart decided to dig
deeper, telling stories of his working-class upbringing, his early foray into rock ’n’ roll, his iconic hairdo and all the women he’s known (in the biblical sense).
Carrot Top’s Junk in the Trunk
In the ’90s, before you could watch all of Carrot Top’s comedy bits on YouTube, the prop-comic put a picture book together that showed off his hilarious inventions, like an ice tray with a level on it so you won’t spill water while taking it to the freezer or a ketchup bottle that slaps the condiment out for you. Some of these are still in his show, like a pair of slippers equipped with a bumper to avoid stubbing your toe at night.
God, No! by Penn Jillette
The larger, louder half of magic duo Penn & Teller offers an up-close and unfiltered glimpse into his life, with hilarious stories like the time one of Jillette’s more delicate appendages met the white-hot end of a blow dryer. And if you couldn’t guess from the title, Jillette is an unabashed atheist, which he discusses more than obliquely throughout the book.
Tricks With Your Head, by Mac King
Fellow magicians Penn & Teller claim that “not liking Mac King is like not liking Carlsbad Caverns, or Lou Reed, or Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. It means there’s something wrong with you.” The same could be said about not liking this book, in which Excalibur’s magician King lays out hilarious ways to prank your friends.
My Life, as I See It, by Dionne Warwick
Warwick describes all the music and memories from her long, storied career. But she also drops some philosophical nuggets, like this one on aging: “If what time represents are lessons learned, goals met, and good health, then you are ahead of the game of aging.”
The Time of My Life, by Bill Medley
From the Righteous Brothers’ encounters with Frank Sinatra at the Sands to Medley’s close friendship with Elvis Presley, along with stories of what it was like to perform in Vegas when rock was young, Medley offers a captivating, nostalgic, front-seat view into Old Vegas.
Once Before I Go, by Wayne Newton
Although Newton’s autobiography was written more than 30 years ago, it still sheds light on an incredible career in which he arguably became Las Vegas’ most well-known performer. You’ll get tales about his humble roots, his friendships with Elvis and Bobby Darin, and how his career skyrocketed.
