Foundation A for Success
Cover Feature
Darin Feinstein and Eddie Griffin are the masterminds behind The Feinstein Griffin Foundation for children – with an assist from Antonio Zepeda.
Attractions
There are options aplenty to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend in Las Vegas, including hiking (as long as you stay hydrated).
Cinn City
Adult performer Christiana Cinn offers five Fourth of July picks that keep the summer heat going in Las Vegas.
Time to Dine
Vegas Prime Magazine Editor-in-Chief
Don Chareunsy’s top to-do picks while you’re in Las Vegas
Food, food and more food at Revelry at Wynn Las Vegas, Indulge at Resorts World and Vegas Unstripped. Also: Floyd Mayweather, Hoobastank and Soul Asylum.
Celebrity Spotlight
Longtime Luxor headliner and comedian Carrot Top is as relevant as ever.
Blink-182 rocks T-Mobile Arena. Also: DJ Cassidy and all-stars at Bakkt Theater, Kevin Hart, Missy Elliott, Ciara and Busta Rhymes.
Dining with a view atop Las Vegas rooftops, and our favorite burgers in town.
Health
Indulgent spa packages … because you truly deserve it.
Noe Knows Vegas
The Las Vegas scoop from the beloved Noe Alarcon.
The
Vegas Prime Whispers: Celebrity and Las Vegas gossip and sightings. Ssshhh!
Editor's Letter
The Fourth of July weekend is widely known for fireworks, barbecues and picnics, family gatherings, concerts and parades, but let’s not forget the sacrifices made by the military for the freedoms and liberties all of us have as Americans. One veteran I want to praise is Arturo “Pete” Peralta, Vegas Prime Magazine’s Art Director. I’ve known and worked with Pete for two months, and he’s one of the coolest and most talented and hard-working people I’ve ever met.
Continuing the theme of amazing colleagues, Darin Feinstein and Eddie Griffin are the masterminds behind The Feinstein Griffin Foundation, which aims to make a positive impact on the lives of at-risk youths. Former UNLV football player turned boxer Antonio Zepeda is the foundation’s president. Stacey Gualandi’s cover feature on the foundation and its leaders is inspiring.
Also in this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine: A Fourth of July roundup; our favorite burgers; photos of Floyd Mayweather, Hoobastank, Soul Asylum and food festivals; guest columnist Carrot Top; Blink-182, The Eagles, Missy Elliott and Kevin Hart; Cinn City by Christiana Cinn; Brewing News by Bob Barnes; hiking in the desert and spa treatments; and much, much more.
Vegas Prime Magazine loves Las Vegas, and we’re proud to be Americans – Amer-I-Can, as the late Kirstie Alley’s Gladys Leeman would say in “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” We’re here to help the 800,000 weekly visitors in Las Vegas have the best time. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, and Happy Fourth of July!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Vegas Prime Magazine
By Don Chareunsy Editor-in-Chief
THAT’S HOT!
BLINK-182
Blink-182 have headlined in Las Vegas countless times, and every rock show … well, rocks. With the return of vocalist-guitarist Tom DeLonge, fans are certain to want to catch him alongside bassist-vocalist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker at T-Mobile Arena on July 3. T-MobileArena.com
FOURTH OF JULY
Are fireworks, barbecues and picnics, family gatherings, baseball games, concerts and/ or parades on your itinerary? It must be the Fourth of July! Check out our Fourth of July in Las Vegas guide in this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine and at VegasPrime.com.
Courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas
PALATE IN THE ARTS DISTRICT
Owners Marisa Martino and Rudy Aguas and Executive Chef Sterling Buckley have created something special in The Arts District, a restaurant that blends soul food, local artists, luxury design and fun. Bravo! Brunch and dinner are fabulous. PalateLV.com
‘PURPLE REIGN’
BURGERS, BURGERS + BURGERS
To mark this Fourth of July weekend, is there anything more American than barbecue, burgers and apple pie? Check out the feature of our favorite burgers in Las Vegas, from The Flying Scotsman to The Butter Burger, in this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine.
by
“Purple Reign,” the Prince tribute starring Jason Tenner at V Theater in Planet Hollywood, is offering buy one, get one free tickets (plus tax and fees) for residents with a valid I.D. through Sept. 15. Performances are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the box office.
OUR FAVORITES
Vegas Prime Magazine has created lists of our favorites in Las Vegas, from burgers and doughnuts and dim sum to buffets and resident headliner shows and tacos. We want you to have the best experience while here, and that means eating well and playing well in The Entertainment Capital of the World.
Photo
Denis Truscello
Photo by Eugene Dela Cruz
Photo by Eugene Dela Cruz
Photos by Toby Acuna
It’s a Knockout
Floyd Mayweather launches whisky, champagne at Eight Lounge
Retired boxing legend Floyd Mayweather celebrated the launch of his new champagne Le Bon Argent (The Good Money in French, and Bon, Simon Le Bon!) and Good Money Whisky line at Eight Lounge at Resorts World on June 7.
The sharply dressed plaid-jacket-clad champion arrived right before 10 p.m. and got behind the bar to embrace fans and hand out samples of his new line of adult libations before moving outside to enjoy Eight Lounge’s patio until shortly after midnight.
It was an evening of new whisky and champagne, a lot of cigars and one legendary athlete on the Las Vegas Strip. Cheers!
Rock on!
Hoobastank and Soul Asylum headline at Fremont Street Experience
The six-block entertainment district Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas continued its free concert series Downtown Rocks with back-to-back performances by rockers Hoobastank and Soul Asylum on June 8.
Music fans braved the outdoor soon-to-besummer heat to listen to the biggest hits from both bands, including “The Reason,” “Just One,” “Remember Me” and “Never There” by Hoobastank and “Runaway Train,” “Somebody to Shove” and “Misery” by Soul Asylum.
Who’s old enough to remember when Soul Asylum frontman Dave Pirner and Winona Ryder dated? And did you know the band has been together for 41 years?
Fremont Street Experience’s Downtown Rocks concert series continues with a highly anticipated performance June 29 by Boys Like Girls. Seether headlined on May 25. For the full schedule, go to: VegasExperience.com
Courtesy of Black Raven Films
OUT
A BOUT
Fabulous Five
Vegas Unstripped celebrates fifth edition with celebrity chefs’ support at Palms
Celebrity chefs came to work for their proteges on May 18 at the fifth Vegas Unstripped, a food festival focused on local Las Vegas chefs who have garnered critical and creative acclaim.
Legendary Chefs Marc Vetri and Bradley Ogden could be seen at booths at Sammy’s Island at Palms Casino Resort promoting local chefs Michael Rubinstein (Vetri Cucina) and Sean O’Hara (Esther’s Kitchen), while Michael Symon and Rick Moonen were among other kitchen royalty mingling with the crowd.
Created by Chef James Trees (Esther’s Kitchen, Al Solito Posto, Ada’s Food + Wine) and The Feast of Friends agency head Eric Gladstone, Vegas Unstripped began as a reaction to previous Las Vegas-based food festivals that overlooked local talent.
Those events have faded while Vegas Unstripped has grown with every edition, now nearing 1,000 attendees supporting 30 local chefs alongside bartenders, brewers and more. Vegas Unstripped gathers leading local chefs and tasks them with creating one-night-only dishes.
Entertainment was provided by Vegas Golden Knights host Katie Marie Jones, Jason Harris, Samantha Souza and DJ Night Weapons. Bartenders included Adam Rains (Golden Tiki), Chris Gutierrez (Stray Pirate), Joe Mikulich (EDO/Anima by EDO) and Max Solano (Bar Chef Productions).
Wine and beer selections were donated by MGP Fine Wine, Drink Boutique, Bird Dog Wines, Able Baker Brewing, Trumer Pils and Big Noise Beer. This year’s proceeds will be donated to Obodo Collective, Families for Effective Autism Treatment and Baby’s Bounty. Donation amounts will be announced later.
Photos by Jose Salinas and Wade Vandevoort/Vegas
Unstripped
Reveling in the Best
Wynn culinary celebration includes The Feast, Icons Dinner and Yakitoriguy
Wynn Las Vegas’s inaugural culinary festival Revelry took place at the resort from June 5-8 and featured the world’s top names in hospitality and entertainment for four days of meals and events. Highlights included the Icons Dinner, mixology class Class in the Glass, Los Angeles’s Yakitoriguy hosting a class and demonstration and Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament.
Nearly 1,000 guests gathered for The Feast, a grand tasting like no other, on June 8. During the event, attendees mingled with top chefs and celebrities in the four immersive culinary universes: The Casbah Marketplace featuring modern Mediterranean dishes; Road to Tulum featuring Coastal Mexican; Shibuya Crossing, inspired by Tokyo’s famed Shibuya District; and Four Sixes Ranch Country Cookout, a ranch-inspired cowboy cookout.
Highlights from The Feast: Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” and Four Sixes Ranch
made an appearance at the country cookout. Aaron Paul joined The Feast launching his new Zero Bond Caviar to VIP guests. And guests were wowed with a 325-pound blue fin tuna presentation, brought in from Japan, at Shibuya Crossing.
Courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas
2024 VEGAS UNSTRIPPED
Extravagance
Resorts World hosts first Indulge Week culinary celebration
Resorts World Las Vegas hosted its extravagant Indulge Week from June 3-8 featuring culinary and entertainment experiences.
As an official partner of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Resorts World kicked off festivities with a Welcome Dinner at Carversteak and concluded with a closing party at Allē Lounge on 66.
Highlights of the week included The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Welcome Dinner at Carversteak, Industry Only Afterparty, Michelin-Starred Stubborn Seed Pop-Up, Not a Damn Chance Burger Takeover at RedTail, Sushi by Scratch Omakase, Wally’s Mixology Masterclass and A Night With ¡Viva! x Brezza.
Also: Camphor Presents Steak Frites Night (Michelin-starred Camphor L.A. Chef Max Boonthanakit was very cool), Glenfiddich Tasting at Eight Lounge, Chifa Takeover at Fuhu, Birthday Celebration for Fashion Icon Humberto Leon at Zouk Nightclub and Official 50 Best Closing Party at Allē Lounge on 66.
Courtesy of Resorts World
Carrot Top
Comedian has amassed 10,000+ shows and 19 years at Luxor
Growing up in Florida, my dad would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I always said from a young age that “I want to be a comedian!”
My dad’s response was “but you’re not funny …” He took me to see Gallagher, and I was hooked! I knew this is what I wanted to do.
While I was in college, at my first audition I made my first prop – it was this crime watch sign that I had stolen, and I said, “Hey, sorry, I'm late. I was in the neighborhood.”
I held up this neighborhood crime watch sign that I'd
Carlin’s favorite jokes of mine.
stolen, and I said, “How good is their crime watch if I’m watching their signs?” The woman who was auditioning me asked if I had any more signs, and I said “No, but I can go steal more!”
The show has changed since then, and I always keep the show updated – making a new prop or jokes from news headlines, music, just about anything going on in the world today – I want to make sure no one sees the same show twice.
However, I do like to bring out some of the classics like the “string telephones with caller ID and call waiting,” this was one of George
When I started touring at the beginning of my career in 1985, I had two trunks and a strobe light, driving around in a van. The show has evolved since then – now we have so many trunks full of props, a video wall, a fog machine, streamer cannons – it’s come a long way.
This November, I will celebrate my 19th year at Luxor Hotel & Casino with more than 10,000 shows! It has been an amazing ride, and I owe so much of it to this wonderful city of Las Vegas.
Thank you!
NEW KIDS IN TOWN
The Eagles announce four weekends at Sphere in Las Vegas
The Eagles have announced a residency at Sphere in Las Vegas with eight shows over four weekends from Friday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Oct. 19. The residency will offer fans the ultimate connection to the band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only Sphere can provide. The general on-sale began Friday, June 21, at 10 a.m. PT at Eagles.com.
Tickets start at $175 and will reflect all-in pricing, meaning the ticket price listed is inclusive of taxes and fees.
To ensure that tickets get directly into the hands of fans, advance artist presale registration is available now at Eagles.com powered by Seated. The artist presale began Tuesday, June 18, at 10 a.m. PT. A Live Nation presale began Thursday, June 20, at 10 a.m. PT.
Vibee is the Hotel & Experience Package partner for The Eagles Sphere residency. Vibee packages include a twonight stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, the only resort attached to Sphere, with guests receiving priority entry to Sphere, commemorative keepsakes and access to a fan experience. Vibee presale packages went on sale Friday, June 14, at 10 a.m. PT at Eagles.Vibee.com.
Limited VIP Ticket Packages became available Tuesday, June 18, at 10 a.m. PT at Eagles.com and include premium seats, exclusive merchandise, parking and more.
These shows will use Sphere’s next-generation technologies, including the world’s highest-resolution LED display that wraps up, over and around the audience. Sphere also features the world’s most advanced concert-grade audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by Holoplot, which delivers audio with unmatched clarity and precision to every guest.
In fall 1971, The Eagles formed, pioneered and personified a unique American musical style blending country, folk, R&B, rock and pop and would go on to become one of the most successful bands of all time. The Eagles retain an appeal that transcends generation and genre, cementing the band’s role as enduring musical icons.
The Eagles have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, scored six #1 albums and topped the singles
charts five times. They have won six Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, in their first year of eligibility, and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016.
The band’s “Greatest Hits 1971-1977” is the bestselling album in history, with the RIAA certifying the collection 38 times platinum. “Hotel California” is the third bestselling U.S. album in history, certified 26 times platinum. It earned Grammys for “New Kid in Town” and “Hotel California.” Editor’s Note: Shortly before deadline, The Eagles announced four more Sphere shows: Nov. 1-2 and 8-9.
“The Eagles: Live in Concert at Sphere” dates: Friday, Sept. 20 | Saturday, Sept. 21 | Friday, Sept. 27
Saturday, Sept. 28 | Friday, Oct. 11 | Saturday, Oct. 12
Friday, Oct. 18 | Saturday, Oct. 19 | Eagles.com
Photo by Kevin Mazur
Don’t (miss) Blink-182
It’s all the small things and the big hits at T-Mobile Arena
By Ed Condran
Blink-182 failed to score many favorable reviews during its creative height and commercial heyday at the turn of the century. Some critics wrote off the pop-punk trio as a joke as the band’s amusing tunes “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” scaled the pop charts.
However, Blink-182, who perform July 3 at T-Mobile Arena, is having the last laugh as the band has sold more than 50 million albums, and much of the music criticism has been rewritten.
Blink-182, much like pop-punk peers Green Day, who were also maligned by some critics and members of the punk rock community, not only still stand but also are among the most influential recording artists of their era. Fall Out Boy and All Time Low are two of the many bands who have absorbed Blink-182’s guitar-driven sound, which combines pure pop and blunt force.
And then there are the fans who have embraced the band, which proved to be exceptional detailing adolescent angst. The confessional “Adam’s Song” and the amusing “Dammit” are each written from the viewpoint of a teen coming to grips with a big, complicated world.
Even though Blink-182’s fans have grown up, the Southern California band’s material has aged well. The Blink-182 rousing classics such as “First Date” and “The Rock Show” are still resonant.
The combination of the hook-laded tunes and a tour featuring the three original members – bassist-vocalist Mark Hoppus, drummer Travis Barker and the return of vocalist-guitarist Tom DeLonge – has enabled the group to sell out arenas during its tour.
It’ll be curious to see if Blink-182 takes its own advice and “Stay Together for the Kids.” After leaving the band in 2015, DeLonge returned in 2022. Blink-182 is touring behind its latest album “One More Time ...” that dropped last October.
by Rory Kramer
The band proves that it still can crank out catchy pop-punk. Check out the initial single “Edging” for proof. There’s no reason to stop now since somehow Blink-182 is more popular than ever.
The trio of longtime friends have come a long way since their “PooPoo PeePee” tour of 1998 and have indeed grown up. However, Blink-182 hasn’t lost its playfulness at middle age.
Blink-182’s latest tunes possess the familiar lightheartedness fans enjoy, and the trio has always been adept at engaging the audience. Blink-182 is certain to play “All the Small Things” and the big hits upon its return to Las Vegas.
Photo
Sharing the Spotlight
DJ Cassidy passes the mic to Akon, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Public Enemy and more at Bakkt Theater
By Ed Condran
DJ Cassidy is about to pass the mic at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood. Who can blame DJ Cassidy, who is hosting a star-studded residency? Some of the most iconic figures in hip hop and R&B history are part of “DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live!” shows slated from July 5-20.
The rotating guests, who are a who’s who of recording artists who changed the face of ’90s music, are beyond impressive. The Wu-Tang Clan’s intense Ghostface Killah and his co-conspirator, the dynamic Raekwon, kick off “Pass the Mic” on July 5.
The July 6 show features Public Enemy, which is led by the fire-and-ice combination of Chuck D and Flavor Flav, who resides in Las Vegas. It’ll be a special gig since the venerable act, which raised the bar for hip hop with its dense production and brilliant wordplay, doesn’t perform often.
Sengalese-American singer Akon, who possesses a golden set of pipes, will perform July 12 and 13, his setlist certain to include the hits “Locked Up,” “Lonely,” “Smack That” and “Beautiful.”
Songwriter extraordinaire Jermaine Dupri, who helped Atlanta reach the top of the rap and R&B echelon, will bring it with brash Da Brat July 19. The latter made a name for herself with hardcore wordplay. And the inventive Too $hort and the clever Warren G close out the residency July 20.
The guests change, but DJ Cassidy will be on hand each night with a veteran crew of entertainers. Slick Rick, who is one of the most sampled recording artists of all time, will keep the music going.
Ja Rule, who helped make gangsta rap commercial, the charismatic Fat Joe and Doug E. Fresh, who is known as “The Human Beatbox,” will all take part in every show.
It’s a welcome step for Las Vegas since there’s not been much hip-hop on the Las Vegas Strip. The urban sounds will combine with Las Vegas style to produce a contemporary Rat Pack vibe.
“I am truly honored to share a stage with my musical heroes,” DJ Cassidy said. “Public Enemy, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Akon, Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Too $hort and Warren G, all of whom will help us redefine the Vegas residency in ways the Strip hasn’t seen since the days of The Sands and The International.
“Just as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop united in Las Vegas to form The Rat Pack, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh and I will unite to create an experience that will go down in Vegas history.”
Bring on the Laughs
Kevin Hart’s ‘Acting My Age’ is at Resorts World Theatre on July 12 and 14
Comedian and actor Kevin Hart makes his return to Resorts World Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas with two performances of his new phone-free show “Kevin Hart: Acting My Age” on July 12 and 14.
Hart was the first comedian to record a comedy special at the theater, where he performed eight sold-out shows of his The Reality Check Tour in 2022 and 2023. The tour was named the No. 1 Comedy Tour of 2022 by Billboard, and Hart was later named 2023’s Highest Grossing Comedian of the Year.
Fans can now watch Hart in action with all-new material this summer in the phone-free experience. Use of phones, smartwatches and accessories will not be permitted in the theater. Upon arrival, all phones, smartwatches and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the show.
Guests always maintain possession of their devices and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas in the venue. All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the theater. Anyone seen using a device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue.
For the second consecutive year, Resorts World Theatre was named the world’s highest-grossing venue under 5,000 capacity on Billboard’s Annual Top Grossing Venues list for 2023. Based on reporting from Nov. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023, the 5,000-seat venue scored No. 1 on the 2023 year-end box score chart.
‘Out of This World’
Missy Elliott embarks on her first headliner tour with Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland
Superstar Missy Elliott’s first-ever headliner tour “Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience” makes a stop at T-Mobile Arena on July 13, and the hip-hop and R&B pioneer will be joined by hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes, singer Ciara and mega-producer Timbaland.
“This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone firsts. Being the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my first headline tour,” Elliott said.
“Fans have been asking me to tour forever, but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So, get ready to be taken ‘Out of This World’ with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!”
Always on the cutting edge, Elliott conceptualized an “Out of This World” visual to skyrocket the tour announcement when she reunited with longtime collaborators director Dave Meyers (“Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” “Pass That Dutch”); celebrity stylist and 2024 NAACP Image Awards Fashion Vanguard Award recipient June Ambrose; and creative director Hi-Hat (“The Voice”) to bring her intergalactic vision to life.
The “Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience” will offer VIP packages and fan activations to elevate the concert experience. Select packages include premium tickets, group photo onstage, VIP Lounge access, exclusive tour poster, specially designed VIP gift items and more. More: VIPNation.com.
Photos by Derek Blanks with crowdMGMT
Afor
THEY ARE THE UNLIKELIEST OF SPARRING PARTNERS.
In one corner, the world-renowned comedian-turned-actor Eddie Griffin.
In the other, former football player-turned-professional heavyweight boxer Antonio Zepeda, who played football at UNLV.
On stage and in the ring, they are going the distance to fight for at-risk youths in Las Vegas.
“We both came from broken homes, so we understand what these kids are going through,” Griffin says.
Griffin is a successful standup who has starred in numerous shows on both the big and small screen despite, he says, not knowing his father until he was age 16.
“I had three uncles, and they became my father figure,” Griffin says. “Deep inside, I know every boy is wanting to see where half of their genetic code came from. They wanna see this guy, they wanna meet this guy. So, I met him.”
“How was that?”
“I hit him dead in the mouth,” Griffin admits. “I forgave, but I did not forget. I can’t carry that for the rest of my life. Now I have my own children, and I became the father that I always wanted to have, so you can break that cycle in one generation.”
In 2013, the now father of 12 (eight boys, four girls!) decided to make a difference for other
underprivileged children by joining forces with his longtime friend Darin Feinstein, a prolific and successful Las Vegas businessman and financial investor.
They had worked with The Shade Tree – a battered women’s and children’s shelter in Las Vegas – but wanted to expand, so together they formed The Feinstein Griffin Foundation to provide equal-education opportunities to kids who need it most.
“If you can show a child a good time, then they’re gonna want more good times,” says Griffin, the self-described fun-raiser. “Then you have to explain the work ethic that it takes to find this type of joy constantly. I think the first move is just make sure that they have a motherf*cking good ass time.”
Darin
Feinstein, Eddie Griffin and Antonio Zepeda make impact on future of at-risk youths
Photos by Shane O'Neal
homes, and in and out of jails, so I’ve been through it all,” Zepeda says. “A lot of things that these kids are going through, I’ve experienced firsthand, so I see eye-to-eye with them, and I know what it takes to overcome.”
Zepeda, who never met his father, says he didn’t want to be a statistic, so he made the decision to turn his life around.
“At the group home I was in for the longest amount of time, I saw thousands of kids come and go. None of them went to college, and a lot of them are dead,” Zepeda says.
“Eddie and I have been best friends for more than 20 years and both have large families,” Feinstein says. “During that time, as we’ve reflected on the state of the world, we realized it seems that children who have no father figure in their lives have a massive disadvantage. So, we wanted to create something substantial to help make a difference.”
About 12 years ago, they established The Feinstein Griffin Foundation for underprivileged children, and every year, they go to The Shade Tree in December to help brighten spirits during the holidays, catering lunch from El Dorado Cantina, which Feinstein owns, and bringing in musicians and performers and commissioning local artists to paint murals on-site.
“We’ve also taken children to special events with their mothers such as Britney Spears concerts, shows like ‘MJ Live’ and Circus 1903 and dinners,” Feinstein says. “For more than
a decade, we have provided dozens of these special experiences to children and their mothers, and it is our goal to continue that work while providing the ability to educate the children on how to succeed in our country.
“We created a free 12-step educational program for children to help them develop logical skills and provide fundamental tools for them to think independently after they turn 18 and into adulthood.”
“Since I was 10 years old, I’ve had the same goal: to start a nonprofit for troubled teens and at-risk youth,” Antonio Zepeda says.
Now 29, Zepeda finally got his wish. The heavyweight boxer is now on board as President of The Feinstein Griffin Foundation.
“I grew up really rough; I was homeless from 4 to 8, and from 8 to 17, I was in and out of group
“I graduated high school with straight A’s … played college football with an athletic scholarship … graduated with a degree in criminal justice. I just made a 180. Now, I want to help kids achieve whatever it is that they set their minds to, and that’s why I really want to get involved with Darin and Eddie.”
Griffin says it’s transformations like Zepeda’s and others that keep him in the fight. One young woman he took under his wing at Shade Tree graduated college and has a daughter earning straight A’s.
“She’s actually a schoolteacher now,” Griffin adds.
They say a difficult part is getting kids to acknowledge that they want to change.
“You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped,” Zepeda says.
“That was me. When I was 9, I had so much anger, so much animosity toward the world, and I had people who were willing to help me, but I didn’t want it.”
Through the help of community partners and nonprofits, the foundation will soon announce plans for monthly events. Their emphasis is on kids ages 8 to 17, when “they’re very moldable,” Zepeda says.
“Let’s clean them up, let’s entertain them, and then let’s send them on the right path,” Griffin says. “Then we got to add a bonus, [like] if they can produce straight A’s.”
“Give some kind of incentive,” Zepeda adds. “I’ve been an athlete my entire life. … But, at the end of the day, I always took education seriously because eventually your body is gonna give out … and as long as you protect your faculties, your brain’s going to take you farther than anything.”
There are no two better role models and mentors than Griffin and Zepeda. While they admit that they can’t help everyone, they believe many facing homelessness, opioid addiction and a life of crime could stand a chance at having a happy life.
“That one woman and her daughter’s story, it makes it all worthwhile because it let me know that we can affect people, and it does work,” Griffin says. “So, going forward, I’m just looking for more success stories like that one.”
Las Vegas residents Zepeda and Griffin continue to entertain crowds – Griffin with his long-running residency now at Planet Hollywood and Zepeda with his upcoming September bout – but they won’t give up helping those in need without a fight.
“I still have a lot to do, and I wanna give back,” Zepeda says. “I don’t like to toot my own horn; I just keep pushing. I would love in a few years to see [more] kids like me, and they’re like, ‘Hey, I made it! I went to college! This is what I’m doing!’ That’s how I look at it.”
“You see why we hired this guy?” Griffin jokes.
| FeinsteinGriffinFoundation.com
weekend in Las Vegas
American Barbecue
If you’re not feeling an outdoor barbecue in the Las Vegas heat, barbecue restaurants in town include Bell’s BBQ, Big B’s Texas BBQ, Biscuits and Bourbon, Gilley’s Saloon, Dancehall and Bar-B-Que, Fox Smokehouse BBQ, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill, Mabel’s BBQ by Michael Symon, Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern, Rollin Smoke Barbeque, SNS Diner BBQ, Soulbelly BBQ and Virgil’s Real BBQ Las Vegas.
Concerts + Comedians
There are the music headliners up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, and there are the national tour stops and one-off performances from comedians. This Independence Day holiday weekend includes Blink-182, Garth Brooks, Lady Gaga, Dead and Company, New Edition, Beartooth, Theo Von, Jeff Dunham, Hombres G, D.L. Hughley, Jodeci, “DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live!,” Whitney Cummings, Il Divo, Rufus du Sol and more.
Courtesy of SoulBelly BBQ
Photo by Kevin Mazur, Getty Images
Fireworks
There are fireworks options aplenty in the Las Vegas Valley, from Henderson and Southwest Las Vegas to Summerlin and North and East Las Vegas and on the Las Vegas Strip. The Station Casinos (Red Rock Resort, Durango Resort, Green Valley Resort), The M Resort, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Caesars Palace, Cowabunga Bay, Fremont Street, Lake Las Vegas and public parks are among the locations offering bright lights in the night sky.
Get Married?
Sparks will fly as freedom rings at The Little Vegas Chapel in The Neon Gateway near The Arts District, with “The Star-Spangled Love” wedding package available July 4-8. Priced at $375, the package includes the ceremony in The Archway Chapel, bouquet and boutonniere, handheld miniature flags, sparklers, photography and five digital images, officiated marriage license/ceremony certificate, 18 guests maximum and a witness if needed. Camera phones are allowed.
Pools
Vegas Prime Magazine has you covered – or uncovered, as it were, since you’re at the pool – with our pool guide in Issue #2 that dropped on May 19 and is at VegasPrime.com (with a flip book). There is something for everyone to have fun in the sun (stay hydrated): family-friendly hotel pools, adults-only pools minus children and for more relaxed experiences and dayclub pools for partying, dining and imbibing and with world-class DJs leading the celebration.
Photo by Sammy Dean
Courtesy of Tao Group Hospitality
Shows
There are many great shows in The Entertainment Capital of the World for the indoor, air-conditioned experience. In Issue #3 that dropped June 2, we named our five favorite (non-music artist) headliner shows in Las Vegas: “Atomic Saloon Show,” “Awakening,” Chippendales, “Jersey Boys” and “Mad Apple.” Also: “Absinthe,” “Fantasy,” “Criss Angel’s Mindfreak,” “Mystere” and Shin Lim. Check them out in-person and at VegasPrime.com.
Courtesy of Spiegelworld
By Todd Schacherl
Hiking Around Las Vegas High-Skill Hikes Must-Do Hikes
Charleston Peak
At 11,916 feet, Mount Charleston is the highest peak in Southern Nevada. Many of the trails have been closed since Hurricane Hillary in 2023, but this peak is still accessible from the North Loop Trail. This is an out-and-back hike that is about 18 miles round trip.
Hayford Peak
This peak is on the other side of US 95 from Mount Charleston and includes hiking to the Hidden Forest, Hidden Cabin. The hike can be done in a day as a 16-mile out-andback hike or as an overnight backpack trip. There is also a military plane crash site nearby for those who like to visit such sites.
Rainbow Peak (Direct)
This is a scrambling route to one of the most iconic peaks in Red Rock. It has webbing and even airline cables to assist on the climb. Most people go up that route and then come down the normal route, but it’s not unheard of for the adventurous types to go up and down the direct route. This route is mostly Class 3 and Class 4+. This is not a hike to route find on your own. Go with someone who knows the route.
Calico Tanks (Red Rock)
This is a popular hike in Red Rock and starts from the Sandstone Quarry. Get there early as the parking lot is small and fills fast. This is a great hike for winter and spring as the reward at the end of the trail is Calico Tank, which usually has water during those times of the year. By early summer, it’s usually bone dry.
Fern Canyon (Red Rock)
This hike starts from the Pine Creek Trailhead in Red Rock. The attraction for Fern Canyon is that it always has water, even during the summer. There are several small waterfalls and one 30-foot waterfall at the “end.” One can go farther, but folks usually turn around here.
Rain Tree (Mount Charleston)
This hike starts from the North Loop Trailhead. It’s about 6 miles out and back. There is an alternative on the return by going down Wildhorse Canyon. There are wild horses, but it’s rare to see them.
by Todd
Easy Hikes Where to Connect
Children’s Discovery Trail (Red Rock)
This is an easy hike with lots of things to see. It’s less than 2 miles out and back that ends at a waterfall. There are also some petroglyphs that can be viewed nearby.
Ice Box Canyon (Red Rock)
This out-and-back hike is about 2 miles and ends in a box canyon that during the winter can have a lot of ice and snow. There are usually a couple small pools at the end.
Railroad Tunnels (Lake Mead)
This hike follows the railroad tracks that were used to bring heavy equipment and materials to build Hoover Dam. There is a trailhead near the Lake Mead Visitor Center, but it’s 1.5 miles to the first tunnel. There are a total of four tunnels. One can also start the hike at the overflow parking for the bridge overlook. Tunnel four is very close from there. One can hike past the boneyard, which has a lot of old equipment like the crawlers that were used to bring in the turbines. This trail goes to the parking lot at the dam, and from there all the facilities like tours, a gift shop and food are available. Depending on where one starts, this hike is about 3 to 8 miles. This trail is appropriate for bikes and e-bikes.
Finding people for these routes is easier than one might think. Meetup.com, and specifically Meetup.com/VegasHikers, is a great resource to join hikes with folks who know where they are going. There are more than 27,000 members with events of varying degrees of skill levels and multiple events daily. It’s the most active group on Meetup.com. Activities include hiking, scrambling, backpacking, camping, kayaking, canyoneering and climbing. Oh, and it’s free. Just sign up.
Photos
Schacherl
Tips for Hiking in the Desert
Hiking in the desert is no joke, so take it seriously. Things can go from bad to worse very quickly, especially for the unprepared. Here are tips for hiking safely in the desert:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Drinking plenty of water before and during your hike will help to make hiking the desert enjoyable. Getting dehydrated can happen very quickly and with deadly consequences. Add ice to your water bladder and freeze a bottle of Gatorade, which is one of the few drinks you can freeze without breaking the bottle. Nothing better than being able to sip on cold water in the desert heat.
Hike Early or at Night
Starting a hike at 6 a.m. can allow someone to hike several hours and be done before the day gets unbearably hot. Night hikes are super fun. There aren’t any animals to be afraid of at night, and at night is the only time one can see things like ringtail cats. On a full moon night, it’s even possible to hike without any lights as the moon lights up the desert. Even with no moon and with some overcast, the lights of Las Vegas will reflect off the clouds and light up the desert.
Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston is a great option for day hikes during the summer. The temperatures are usually at least 15 to 20 degrees lower than in the Valley. However, Hurricane Hillary in 2023 destroyed many of the popular trails like Mary Jane Falls and Big Falls, but there are hikes to be had up there that are lots of fun like Raintree, Robber’s Roost and Fletcher Canyon.
Rattlesnakes
From May to about late October is when rattlesnakes come out from their winter slumber. It’s not unheard of to hike many years in this area and never see one or to see several in one year. It really depends on the chance factor, but one thing to keep in mind: Rattlesnakes rarely bite people and are usually very docile. Nonetheless, give them space and don’t antagonize them unless you want a big hospital bill.
Cars at Trailheads
Unfortunately, car break-ins are a fact of life these days, especially at Kraft Mountain parking lot and anywhere around Frenchman Mountain. The key is to make sure nothing is visible. Empty the glovebox and center console and leave them open for thieves to see that there is nothing to steal. Don’t leave any Bluetooth devices in your car, as thieves can look for that Bluetooth signal and know where it is in your car.
Ticks, Fleas and Mosquitoes
It used to be that we never had to worry about such pests, but they have become prevalent hiking in and around Las Vegas. They are most common in the spring when things tend to be more wet, but ticks now seem to be a year-round problem.
What to Wear and Bring
What to wear usually comes down to layers, even in the summer. In the summer, wearing a light long-sleeve shirt will help to protect your arms from the sun without having to wear sunscreen. Shorts are fine, but keep in mind, if bushwacking is part of the route, long pants help protect your legs from the scrapes from scrub oak and other prickly vegetation.
Most of the trails are very rocky, so good hiking shoes are a must to protect your feet. Trail runners are fine, but Vans and Chucks are probably not a good choice.
Most experienced hikers know about the 10 Essentials, and carrying them on hikes in this area are a must. There are lots of resources describing the 10 Essentials, so we won’t bother to list them here.
Christiana Cinn is a four-time Penthouse cover model and frequent adult performer in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is one of her Top 10 cities to perform and visit. Cinn is a foodie at heart and appreciates superior quality and creativity. Cinn also loves sour licorice and No Doubt and enjoys natural mineral spas in nature.
Adult performer Christiana Cinn offers five Fourth of July picks that keep the summer heat going in Las Vegas
“Absinthe” at Caesars Palace. Underneath the big top, this Spiegelworld joint welcomes us through candy cane-colored curtains for a spectacular evening of vintage circus flare. Vibrant performers excite and delight by showcasing funny, quirky and sexy variety acts in a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Spiegelworld describes the evening perfectly: “They live to perform for your pleasure – and theirs – on ‘Absinthe’s’ astonishingly intimate stage.”
Canyon Ranch at The Venetian. This is my favorite spa in Las Vegas. The best spa starts with a great locker room. I know it sounds silly, but it means a lot knowing your belongings are safe alongside clean facilities (luxurious locker rooms) that are top of the line in facials, body care treatments, couple’s massages and facials. This is the perfect place to unwind with your partner.
SW Steakhouse at Wynn. This steakhouse has been my favorite fine-dining experience by far. Are you ready to discover an oasis on the Las Vegas Strip? You’re escorted to a gorgeous terrace underneath the desert night sky. There are quiet, cozy tables lit by candlelight, and you’re overlooking a pool that looks like a surreal dreamlike mirage surrounded by foliage kissed by crystal twinkling lights.
The rumbling of music starts, and your eyes are treated to the most delicious delight of the night, the Lake of Dreams water show. My steak and seafood recs: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, tenderloin; New York Strip; rib eye; and rib cap. Each juicy piece practically melts in your mouth. The Seafood Spectacular – with Maine lobster, king crab legs, jumbo shrimp, oysters, crab cocktail, tuna crudo and scallop ceviche – is to die for if you’re a seafood lover like me.
Are you ready for Discopussy? Are you ready to relive the nostalgia of Studio 54 and being chosen to go inside exclusive nightclubs? Make your disco dancing dreams come true and boogie on over to Discopussy on Fremont Street. It’s glitter, glamour, cleavage and disco balls along with thumping music to wind you up like a firecracker and set those inhibitions and pants of desire on fire!
The best Fourth of July fireworks? The best place to watch fireworks in Las Vegas is at Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson. No, it’s not just a delicious ranch dressing. GVR is southeast of the Strip with the canvas of the night sky displaying the most incredible fireworks that can be seen from a pool or on resort grounds. I highly recommend it!
Vegas Prime Magazine
Our Favorite Burgers in Town
A Vegas Prime Magazine panel of experts (our qualification is we like to eat) selected our favorite burgers in town. Here are our picks – and Happy Fourth of July!
THE BUTCHER BURGER
EchoandRig.com
The Butcher Burger, at Echo & Rig in Henderson and Tivoli Village, is a butcher grind of chuck, short rib, brisket, bibb lettuce, heirloom tomato, red onion and aioli cooked to perfection.
THE BUTTER BURGER
CarsonKitchen.com
At Carson Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas, the Butter Burger beckons with Boursin and Fancy Sauce. It’s an excellent meal with crisp tater tots in an exceptional eatery. Try the crispy chicken skins with smoked honey, too – dare you.
THE CLASSIC LeoneCafe.com
Calibombs is a no-fuss window-serve featuring excellent burgers on soft buns, and their bloomin’ onion bombs make Outback Steakhouse blush. Combine the two if you wish; no judgment here. Blink and you’ll miss this tiny spot at 2300 E. Lake Mead Blvd. in North Las Vegas.
The Classic at Leone Café in Tivoli Village is grilled and as close to being a homemade burger there is. The Classic is dressed up with tomato, onion, lettuce, cheddar cheese and 1,000 Island dressing and perfectly prepared.
Photo by Chelsa Christensen
THE FLYING SCOTSMAN
BrewDog.com
The Flying Scotsman at BrewDog is an 8 oz. beef patty with authentic Scottish haggis (sheep stomach casing sausage stuffed with sheep's heart, liver and lungs and more), red onion rings and a side of peppercorn sauce. Enjoy the haggis – and the Strip view.
THE MAD MAXX BURGER
TheMResort.com
Maxx Crosby’s Mad Maxx Burger at Raiders Tavern & Grill at The M Resort is a 10 oz. angus beef patty, grilled onions, mushrooms, Swiss cheese and a little bit of mayo. The Raiders defensive end created the burger with all his favorite ingredients.
NICCO’S 28 BURGER
DurangoResort.com
“By far the best burger I’ve had in my life.” At Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish at Durango Resort, Nicco’s 28 Burger is a custom housemade Japanese and Australian Wagyu blend smashburger with cheese and special sauce and served with duck fat fries.
SMOKED BRISKET BURGER
SoulbellyBBQ.com
At Soulbelly BBQ inside HUDL Brewing Co. in Downtown Las Vegas, you can’t go wrong with this smoked brisket burger with special sauce, American cheese and a side of fries. Medium is the go-to – even though you’ll end up smashing two orders.
Courtesy of Soulbelly bbq
Courtesy of Brewdog Las Vegas
Photo by Al Powers
Rooftop Reverie
Take a Las Vegas summer to the hottest heights
By Jen Avison Smith
A summer trip to Las Vegas means that the bars and restaurants are ready with unbeatable drinking and dining deals – so why not take in the sights from the best heights? Let these rooftop spots set the stage for the ultimate night out on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond.
The Foundation Room (63rd floor)
Mandalay Bay’s famous rooftop makes it easy to party every night during the summer months. Catch a late-evening Happy Hour every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. with beers, spirits and wines by the glass. Small bites that span cuisine borders complete the indulgences for the night, including vindaloo tacos, cauliflower tempura and an ice cream sampler to top off the treats.
Ole Red (fourth floor)
Standing proud on some of the Strip’s hottest real estate, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red bar exploded onto the scene this year. Wall-to-wall country fun awaits on the luxurious rooftop lounge space with an amazing view of the Bellagio Fountains. Whether the night calls for a cocktail flight or beer, these libations are best enjoyed in the presence of the city’s rotation of up-and-coming country music talent.
Top of the World (Level 106)
The Strat is starting the summer with a delectable new dining menu and the same sky-high views. Top of the World Restaurant is serving a refreshing seafood-forward dinner menu with a hot-and-cold tower, premium Wagyu cuts and beef selections, trendy entrees like crab and scallop stuffed sole and, of
course, mouthwatering desserts. Don’t forget to step onto the observation deck on levels 108 and 109 for 360-degree photo ops.
Legacy Club (60th floor)
As the site of Fremont Street’s tallest building, Legacy Club crowns Circa Las Vegas with a plush, lively lounge space that knows how to throw a party. All summer long, join the locals for bespoke summer events like Star-Spangled Glamour, an Independence Day extravaganza, as well as a Great Gatsby costume party with costumes and fruity cocktails for fellas and flapper dresses alike.
GhostBar (55th floor)
Atop The Palms, GhostBar is the perfect panoramic setting for an evening out. This late-night spot hosts the city’s most iconic LGBTQ+ events and regularly welcomes local DJ talent. Enter from the casino floor and get ready to enjoy weekly events every Wednesday through Saturday during the summer months.
Allē Lounge (66th floor)
While not technically an outdoor rooftop bar, Allē Lounge is a swanky high-up hideaway that makes beating the elements a luxury experience. Step out onto the glass-covered observation deck with a bespoke cocktail in hand, or relax into a plush armchair in this sophisticated setting. Head over to the Conrad Las Vegas lobby to take the designated elevator to the 66th floor.
BrewDog (second story)
Not all rooftops in Las Vegas must be a suit-and-tie affair. BrewDog is a casual choice nestled on the Strip, with its expansive viewing deck overlooking Las Vegas Boulevard and three stories of beer heaven. With open-air fire pits and sports viewing, kicking back for a brew has never been more scenic – and, yes, there’s a breakfast menu, too.
Photos By Anthony Mair
Located across from Mystère Theatre.
under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. 20% Off for Military & First Responders with Military I.D. 1/2 Price Games on Wednesdays!
By Bob Barnes
Pour Your Own Brew at Taps and Barrels Beerhouse
Have you ever wanted to get up and pour your own beer when you are ready for another instead of waiting for your server? Or pour a sip of several before committing to a full pour? At Taps and Barrels Beerhouse, you can.
Located in Southwest Las Vegas in the Evora community comprised of residential and commercial spaces, the beer-centric and nongaming pub’s décor features large windows allowing for natural light and a view of the mountains, a rustic red brick wall, long wood communal tables and a lounge area with couches and comfy chairs.
After running your credit card, you are given a card that allows you to pour from 36 taps. A display details the price per ounce and amount you are charged after dispensing. In 2019, UNLV Hospitality grad Ming Liu visited Tapster in Seattle, a pour-your-own pub, and the seed was planted to create his own version because, “The psychology of it is you have the power and freedom to choose and can try several without committing to a full pour.”
There are always six to eight local brews and unique beers you likely won’t find elsewhere covering a wide range of beer styles such as Firestone Walker Parabola Whiskey Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout and locally brewed Big Dog’s Belgian-Style Tripel Dog Dare. Not into beer? You’re not left out: There are also taps pouring cider, hard kombucha, hard seltzer, sake and wine.
Liu, who has experience working in the kitchens of other establishments, created an elevated bar food menu with dishes that pair well with beer, like yellowfin tuna pizza with ponzu aioli and truffle oil, summer burrata with prosciutto and berries, flatbreads and variations of upscale hot dogs.
Enticements to be a regular customer include free trivia night with prizes on Tuesdays, live music every other Friday, a monthly standup comedy show, periodic painting and cooking classes and Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 3-6 p.m. offering 30%-40% off drafts and $6 wings and nachos. | TapsBarrelsLV.com
Courtesy of Taps And Barrels
Silver State Summer Brewfest
Think Las Vegas is too hot for a beer festival in July? Thanks to air conditioning, an indoor event is just the ticket, and the 7th annual Silver State Summer Brewfest will be held in the climate-controlled Florentine Ballroom at Tuscany Suites & Casino on July 20 from 4-8 p.m.
In this recurring feature, we spotlight establishments that appreciate our local breweries enough to serve only beer made in Nevada. Fergusons Downtown is set in the vintage Fergusons Motel that was renovated to house a collection of shops, restaurants and bars dedicated to supporting local. Its F Bar is doing just that, with a 100% local selection of 13 beers brewed in The Silver State. Breweries represented include Able Baker, Astronomy, Big Dog’s, CraftHaus, HUDL, Lovelady, Revision and Tenaya Creek. To view the current lineup, visit FergusonsDowntown.com.
Sponsored by Tuscany’s Pub 365, as the name implies, it will feature all-you-can-drink beer from nearly all Southern Nevada breweries, many of which will be one-off beers that can only be found at the festival.
Proceeds will benefit Nevada Craft Brewers Association, whose President Wyndee Forrest says, “Pub 365 has always made a commit-
ment to showcasing Nevada beer not only at the Silver State Beer Festival but all year long. Our Nevada breweries appreciate this commitment and are excited to take part in the fest!”
Tickets are $55 for early entry at 3 p.m. and $50 for general admission entry at 4 p.m. To purchase tickets, TuscanyLV.com/restaurant/pub-365-craft-beers.
Body Talk
When aching muscles tell you enough is enough, indulge in these treatments to get back in the groove
By Emmy Kasten
With trekking across the casino floor all day, dancing in the clubs all night and losing a few bucks (or more) at the tables, it’s no wonder your body is wound tight.
Thankfully in Las Vegas there is no shortage of skilled hands that can scrub, rub, press and knead your tension into a pain of the past. If your tight back and knotted shoulders are begging for a break, relax and reset with our favorite body treatments to loosen you up.
Awana Tokyo Escape at Awana Spa & Wellness at Resorts World
Sometimes a good night’s sleep is the best remedy for tired bodies, and this sleep-inducing full-body massage lulls you into a state of calm. With a blend of sedating essential oils
and carefully applied pressure to relieve key areas of tension, you’ll surely doze deeply while a cocooning warm, dry towel is placed over your head and eyes. Starting at $360. RWLasVegas.com
Renew & Restore Energizing Body Treatment at The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being at Red Rock Resort
This journey revives your skin, detoxes your muscles and releases pent-up stress. It begins with an oil-to-foam natural enzyme exfoliant to prep the skin for an invigorating body brushing that encourages circulation and lymphatic flow. Next, a mud wrap draws out impurities, followed by an essential oil massage to banish tension. Starting at $270. RedRockResort.com
Luxury of Time at Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
For more particular needs, this bespoke experience starts with a consultation to design
a highly personalized two-to-three-hour escape. Every journey includes aromatherapy, hot stones and full-body exfoliation, but the blend of massage, body treatments and signature facial therapies is your call. Starting at $430. Hilton.com
Photo by Waldorf Astoria
Courtesy of Resorts World
Noe Knows Vegas
I’m Noe Alarcon, and I’ve lived in Las Vegas since 1981. I know Las Vegas, I love Las Vegas, and I hope, through Noe Knows Vegas, to share interesting anecdotes about The Entertainment Capital of the World, my home for more than four decades now.
Zero Bond
Zero Bond is coming to Wynn Las Vegas and replacing Country Club. It’s one of the hottest clubs in New York. This has prompted some questions:
How many private clubs are there in Las Vegas? How many more are planned? Are we becoming Los Angeles or New York? Is this a good thing?
Another successful hospitality company in New York and Europe also wants to come to Las Vegas. Where is this going to be?
What are the requirements to join –status or financial? Private clubs are nothing new in Las Vegas, but are they more for showcasing, hiding or exclusivity?
The Mirage Closing
While I’m sad to say it, it’s a good thing that The Mirage is closing. When it opened, it was a dream and a fantasy. Thirty years later, it’s time for an update, a change and an evolution.
Caesars Palace is different. It was nurtured to be exceptional for a long time. Nonetheless, The Mirage was a game-changer. You had Siegfried & Roy and their tigers and dolphins. The volcano attraction was a big and free draw for tourists.
Steve Wynn took Las Vegas and made it better with The Mirage.
Julian Serrano
Award-winning, star Chef Julian Serrano’s upcoming retirement is sad for me and a big loss. Julian is a customer’s chef with unending enthusiasm. He didn’t need the cameras on to be charming.
His best restaurant in Las Vegas is Picasso at Bellagio. It showcased a lot of Spanish dishes with a European flair. He put the croquettes up there with foie gras and caviar.
The Culinary Industry
I think The World’s 50 Best Restaurants coming to Las Vegas for the first time is just like F1 Las Vegas. It was a
great show with Revelry at Wynn and Indulge at Resorts World and will keep getting better. There is more than enough culinary talent in Las Vegas to compete in the world, no-name chefs who execute the same orders with endless passion, talent and skill.
Revelry and Indulge follow the lineage of The Palace Court at Caesars Palace, Montrachet Room at Las Vegas Hilton, Gigi’s at the original MGM Grand, Chateau Vegas, Michael’s at Barbary Coast, Hugo’s Cellar at 4 Queens and Sultan’s Table at The Dunes, all exceptional, world-class restaurants that are part of the culinary legacy of Las Vegas.
Signing off until next time,
Noe
LAST WORD The
In honor of the late Robin Leach, Vegas Prime Magazine has reimagined his longtime Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors as Vegas Prime Whispers – as a tip of the toque to the very-muchmissed colleague, mentor and friend.
VEGAS PRIME WHISPERS
Overheard at dinner the other night: One superstar singer is not well-endowed (“It was a one and done”), and which TV actress is a horrible diva – but her (now ex-) husband is a total sweetheart?
Which star chef has used pots, pans and other kitchenware to pay employees?
Chefs with “one-year residencies” of their restaurants is a thing now in Las Vegas?
Which local journalist might be on the brink of being blacklisted for recent unprofessional behavior?
There are always rumors that award-winning and celebrated Chef Jose Andres’s Bazaar Meat at Sahara is closing. Let’s hope the rumors aren’t ever true.
Email your Vegas Prime Whispers to editorial@vegasprime.com.
Seen at the exemplary The Feast on June 8 during Revelry at Wynn Las Vegas: Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” and Four Sixes Ranch at the country cookout and Aaron Paul launching his new Zero Bond Caviar to VIP guests. Is he breaking bad?
Over Memorial Day weekend, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. spent the holiday at Green Valley Ranch and previewed Ortikia Mediterranean Grill, created by the culinary team behind Blue Ribbon Restaurants, among them owner and Chef Bruce Bromberg. Gellar posted photos on her Instagram.
