• Earn 1,000 base points to enter the Tournament. The top 10 places qualify for the $100,000 New Year’s Eve Finale Tournament.
• Plus, the top 60 participants will share $10,000 in Cash & Free Play Prizes!
$25,000 Qualifier Tournaments
September 13th – 15th & September 27th – 29th EVERY SUNDAY
• Earn 3,000 base points to enter the Tournaments. Earn a 2nd chance round by earning 30,000 same day points.
• $25,000 Qualifiers pay down to the top 50 spots!
Cover Feature
USC and LSU face off in the Modelo 2024 Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1.
Showtime
Vegas Prime Magazine Editor-in-Chief
Don Chareunsy’s top to-do picks while you’re in Las Vegas.
Our recommendations for the top whiskey hotspots in Las Vegas and where to watch the Modelo-sponsored 2024 Vegas Kickoff Classic in town.
Nas, Kathleen Madigan, Future + Metro Boomin, Twenty One Pilots, Boyz II Men + Robin Thicke, Dane Cook, The Beach Boys, Billy Currington and more.
“Purple Reign,” Rod Stewart, Morrissey, Dustin Lynch and The Star Trek Convention.
Celebrity Takeover
Las Vegas girl Mikalah Gordon, Top 12 of “American Idol” Season 4, talks about life in Sin City, L.A. – and Las Vegas again.
Machine Guns Vegas, Hot Wheels
Monster Trucks Glow Party at The Orleans Arena and Death Valley in one day.
Time to Dine
Jose Andres opens Bazaar Mar and Bar Centro at Crystals. Also: His other restaurants in Las Vegas, 00 Pie & Pub and Brewing News by Bob Barnes.
The Last Word
Vegas Prime Whispers: Celebrity and Las Vegas gossip and sightings. Ssshhh!
JAMAL M. PARKER Publisher
DON CHAREUNSY Editor-in-Chief
ARTURO PERALTA Art Director
BRIANNA KOURETAS Senior Account Manager
DANIEL HOWARD Account Executive
MICHAEL URIARTE Account Executive and Events
NOE ALARCON, JEN AVISON SMITH, BOB BARNES, PATRANYA BHOOLSUWAN, CHRISTIANA CINN, ED CONDRAN, MARISA FINETTI, STACEY GUALANDI, EMMY KASTEN, RANDY SCHACHERL + TODD SCHACHERL Contributors
DARIN FEINSTEIN Founder/CEO
Editor's Letter
It’s been all about sports, and especially Las Vegas sports, as of late.
Four players on the Las Vegas Aces won gold in women’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Are we still talking about the French pole vaulter?) The Las Vegas Raiders season is underway. And now the 2024 Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic is on the horizon at Allegiant Stadium.
Taking over the Death Star in the Desert on Sept. 1, USC and LSU face off in one of the biggest college football games to be hosted in The Entertainment Capital of the World. Are you ready for some college football – and Modelo?
And speaking of Modelo, this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine includes where to watch the VKC if you couldn’t score a ticket at Allegiant.
Also in Issue #9: Prime Picks for late-night dining and whiskey hotspots; Celebrity Takeover guest Mikalah Gordon, Machine Guns Vegas, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Death Valley in a day; Jose Andres, 00 Pie & Pub and more!
And check out this music and entertainment lineup: Nas at Encore, Kathleen Madigan at The Venetian, Future + Metro Boomin at T-Mobile Arena, Twenty One Pilots at MGM Grand, Boyz II Men + Robin Thicke at The Cosmopolitan, Dane Cook at Pearl Concert Theater, The Beach Boys at The Venetian, Billy Currington at Pearl Concert Theater and more. Day-um!
A belated congratulations, Olympic gold medalists A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum – cheers to y’all with an ice-cold Modelo!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Vegas Prime Magazine
2024 MODELO VEGAS KICKOFF CLASSIC
AllegiantStadium.com
The 2024 Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1 pits USC and LSU in one of the largest college football games to be played in The Entertainment Capital of the World. If you couldn’t get a ticket to the game, there are viewing parties aplenty in town.
NEW CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
PrimmValleyResorts.com
The Buffet at Buffalo Bill’s in Primm launched a champagne brunch Aug. 11. Available from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, unlimited champagne and mimosas are $10.99, and the expansive buffet (prime rib, seafood, desserts) is $29.99. Timewise, it’s a faster drive from my home in Henderson to Primm than it is to Summerlin! More details to come.
VEGAS PRIME PICKS
VegasPrime.com
Vegas Prime Magazine has created lists of our favorites in Las Vegas, from burgers, doughnuts, dim sum, buffets and headliner shows to tacos, beer pubs, fried chicken and pizza. We want you to have the best experience while in The Entertainment Capital of the World!
THE KILLERS
Caesars.com
Somebody told me The Killers, with charismatic frontman Brandon Flowers, are performing 10 shows at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their album “Hot Fuss” through Sept. 1. So awesome! Just call me Mr. Brightside.
BAZAAR MAR BY JOSÉ ANDRÉS
TheBazaar.com
It’s a good day when José Andrés opens a restaurant in Las Vegas, and we now have two new concepts by the celebrity and award-winning chef at Aria: Bazaar Mar, a seafood and tapas restaurant rooted in Spanish flavors, and Bar Centro steps below for a chic and upscale café experience.
THE STEAKHOUSE ISSUE
VegasPrime.com
We featured 50 of our favorite steakhouses in Las Vegas in the July 14 issue of Vegas Prime Magazine. Our six Prime Picks: Bavette’s Steakhouse, Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, Carversteak, The Steakhouse at Circus Circus, Papi Steak and Scotch 80 Prime. So many awesome steaks, so little time!
By Don Chareunsy
Here are five of our favorite latenight dining spots in Las Vegas
By Don Chareunsy
Bramare
Bramare.com
I couldn’t have been more thrilled when Bramare Inspired Italian – by Partners + Owners Evan Glusman and Constantin Alexander and Executive Chef Joe Valdez – opened in July at 3900 Paradise Road, ushering a new era of late-night dining in Las Vegas post-pandemic.
Open 5 p.m.-3 a.m. (closed Sundays and Mondays), Bramare offers delicious and inventive Italian fare (pizzas, pastas, pork) and excellent cocktails, a specialty of Alexander, who said business is booming after midnight when industry workers are off work and looking for great food and cocktails.
Pre-pandemic, it was a common occurrence to dine after a concert or show beginning at 11 p.m. or midnight – and not fast food. Grazie, Evan, Constantin and Joe, for bringing late-night dining back, yeah.
Here are four more favorite latenight dining restaurants. Criteria for all five places: The restaurants must be open until at least midnight and serve a full menu. As luck would have it, my five off-the-cuff selections are Italian, Mexican, Korean, Chinese and American – one of each. Bam!
El Dorado Cantina
Multiple locations; ElDoradoCantina.com
I’ve dined at all three locations (Tivoli Village, Southwest Las Vegas and Sammy Davis Jr. near
the Las Vegas Strip) – all of which are open 24/7 (hooray!) – and all three are fantastic. My go-to menu items now are the tableside guacamole, pozole, tostada salad, Judi Siegel Platter, Chicken Feinstein and flan. Be sure to ask for the hot habanero salsa with the chips and salsa.
Top Korean BBQ + Meat Salon
I’m cheating here because I can. These two AYCE options in Henderson are similar. Both offer discounted late-night AYCE menus, unlimited refills on soda and menus with traditional Korean BBQ items and appetizers, side dishes and dessert. Top Korean is open 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. seven days a week, and Meat Salon, formerly Honey Pig, is open 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. seven days a week.
Hong Kong Garden
Seafood & Dim Sum
One of my favorite dim sum restaurants in Las Vegas based on food, pricing and hours offers a full menu in the later hours, minus the carts. The classic must-orders: fried smelt, rice noodle rolls, chicken feet, baked egg custard, baked coconut buns, turnip cake, braised beef tendon, sweet rice in lotus leaves and more. Hours: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays-Sundays.
Born and Raised
Multiple locations; BornAndRaisedLV.com
The Southwest Las Vegas and Henderson locations are both open 24/7 (hooray!), and I have so many fond memories of Born and Raised and late-night food and drinks with good friends at both places. Standouts: the (surprising) loco moco, aloha breakfast sliders, breakfast poutine, homemade mac and cheese bites and Texas-style nachos.
Courtesy Photos
Five Standouts for Mega Whiskey Selections
By Bob Barnes
Whiskey has long been on the rise and in the U.S. is the top-selling spirit category for on-premises consumption. Here are our Prime Picks of where to find a well-rounded and voluminous selection of the popular brown spirit. All also offer exclusive one-of-a-kind pours you’ll find nowhere else created from custom wood barrels aged with carefully selected barrel staves.
Delmonico Steakhouse
DelmonicoSteakhouse.com
This Emeril Lagasse steakhouse in The Venetian is elegant and luxurious both in cuisine and atmosphere. It boasts one of the top meat selections globally, which is matched with its whiskey selection, possibly the largest in Las Vegas. Entering the restaurant, you’ll encounter the front bar, where the alcohol arsenal is situated in its full glory. The menu is so extensive, it is listed in the 47-page Whisky Book.
# of Expressions: 800
Rare Gems: The Macallan 25 yr Bottled by Signatory, Glendronach 29 yr 1992 Oloroso Cask and Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel
Exclusive/Available Only Here: Emeril’s Weller Full Proof Bourbon, Emeril’s Rare Character Rye Whiskey
Finished with Brazilian Amburana Wood and Emeril’s Westward Single Malt Whiskey
Ask For: Lead Bartender Erik Kluever
Carversteak
Carversteak.com
This luxury steakhouse at Resorts World has made a name for itself for its dedication to fine cuts of beef and stellar whiskey selection. One of Carversteak’s two private dining rooms is the Whiskey Room, where there are private tastings and some of its rarest bottles are stored in attractive cabinets. The collection is one of the city’s largest in terms of rare, one-off creations. A unique amenity is Timeless Treasures, a leather trunk containing rare and limited-production spirits paired with a water specially formulated to blend with premium spirits.
# of Expressions: 240
Rare Gems: Banff 37 yr Cask
Strength, Bunnahabhain 43 yr
1975 Vintage Matured in Refill Sherry Butt Cask and Craigellachie 33 yr
Exclusive/Available Only
Here: Carversteak Maker’s Mark 46 Private Selection
Single Barrel
Ask For: Carver Road Hospitality Vice President of Beverage & Hospitality Culture and Master Mixologist Francesco Lafranconi
Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge
DoubleHelixWine.com
Located at Town Square, large whiskey barrels at the entrance give a clue to what awaits inside. Here you’ll find the largest selection off the Strip, with nearly 500 unique labels spanning a variety of regions from around the world. Some of the whiskies are so rare, they are not kept at the bar but are locked away (you’ll have to ask for them). An excellent perk is the Custom Flight: Choose any number of whiskies on the menu for half pours at half price.
# of Expressions: 480
Rare Gems: Kentucky Owl Rye Bayou Mardi Gras XO Casks, The Macallan 25 yr Sherry Oak and WhistlePig The Boss Hog VIII
Exclusive/Available Nowhere Else: Elijah Craig Private Barrel Uncut and Sonoma Cherrywood Straight Rye Single Barrel
Ask For: Manager Quentin Reyes
Oak & Ivy OakandIvy.com
This craft whiskey bar in the Downtown Container Park just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Like everything else in the park, the bar is made from upcycled shipping containers, which makes for an intimate, cozy feel. The décor suggests an opulence from years long ago, and a rooftop patio provides overflow space and room for special events. Be sure to ask for the Unicorn list of hard-tofind bottles and check out the Battle Born Flight (all made in Nevada).
# of Expressions: 102
Rare Gems: Pappy Van Winkle series, Noah’s Mill and Brook Hill Rare Character
Exclusive/Available Nowhere Else: Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon
Ask For: Lead Bartender Wesley Pride and Bar Manager Russell Dow Scotch 80 Prime Palms.com
The name of this steakhouse at Palms Casino Resort suggests the numbers of scotch it carries, but it is instead named for an old Las Vegas neighborhood. But that doesn’t mean whiskey isn’t at the forefront. Although the selection isn’t as vast as when the restaurant opened under different ownership, it is a respectful amount and steadily increasing. The lion’s share are whiskies from Scotland. Flights to consider: Bourbon Trail, Scotch Explorer and Secret Flavors of Japan.
# of Expressions: 83
Rare Gems: Pappy Van Winkle 15 yr, 20 yr and 23 yr, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute and Kujira 20 yr
Exclusive/Available Nowhere
Else: Elijah Craig Palms Single Barrel Bourbon (also available in other Palms restaurants)
Ask For: Director of Beverage Nicole Canfield
‘Reign’ on His Parade
Jason Tenner – star and creator of “Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show!” –received a proclamation on July 27 declaring it “Purple Reign Day” in Las Vegas.
July 27 marked the 40th anniversary of the premiere of the film “Purple Rain,” for which Prince won an Academy Award, and 27 years since “Purple Reign” started entertaining audiences in Las Vegas.
Since then, the award-winning show has entertained millions of people, celebrating the music and legacy of Prince.
“Purple Reign” is now in residency at The V Theater inside The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood and performs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.
Rod Stewart, at The Barbershop, celebrates milestones
Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sir Rod Stewart surprised fans with an appearance at The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, the swanky speakeasy and live music hotspot at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, on Aug. 5. Joined by family and bandmates, the British rock legend celebrated the first anniversary of his award-winning Wolfie’s Whisky and the 200th show and conclusion of his 13-year “Rod Stewart – The Hits” residency at Caesars Palace on Aug. 7.
Unsuspecting fans were treated to an impromptu a capella performance of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” and then a singalong of “Ooh La La” joined by his backup singers Holly Brewer, Becca Kotte and JoAnne Harper and Radio XX, an allstar rock band including Ben Carey (formerly of Lifehouse and Savage Garden),
Credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images
Bryce Soderberg (Lifehouse), Toby Rand (“Rockstar Supernova”) and drummer Al Seratto.
Stewart kicked off the evening by stepping behind the bar alongside his business partner Duncan Frew, CEO of Wolfie’s Whisky, serving shots of their spirit. The rock icon then joined his wife Penny Lancaster and his family, including his children Sean, Liam and Renee Stewart, as well as Liam’s newlywed wife, Nicole Artukovich, and Frew’s wife, Lauren.
Breaking news! So much for ending his residency. Stewart has announced 12 encore shows in 2025: March 12, 14-15, 19 and 21-22, May 29 and 31 and June 1, 5 and 7-8.
Morrissey sells out shows at House of Blues
Morrissey kicked off his limited run of Las Vegas shows at House of Blues in Mandalay Bay with two back-to-back sold-out performances July 26 and 27. Performing to 3,600 guests over the two nights, the setlists varied each evening. Morrissey returned to Las Vegas the next weekend for his final two shows Aug. 1 and 2.
The Las Vegas shows are in celebration of “Beethoven Was Deaf” (2024 remaster), which was reissued for the first time since its original release in 1993. The album was recorded during the “Your Arsenal Tour” in Paris at the Zenith in 1992 and has now been remastered at Abbey Road Studios. The two setlists:
Night 1 (July 26)
1. Bigmouth Strikes Again
2. You’re the One for Me, Fatty
3. I Wish You Lonely
4. Ganglord
5. How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?
6. Sure Enough the Telephone Rings
7. If You Don’t Like Me, Don’t Look at Me
8. The World Is Full of Crashing Bores
9. Munich Air Disaster 1958
10. Half a Person
11. Let Me Kiss You
12. Girlfriend in a Coma
13. Why Don’t You Find Out for Yourself
14. The Loop
15. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
16. Irish Blood, English Heart
17. Jack the Ripper
18. I Will See You in Far Off Places
19. Speedway
Night 2 (July 27)
1. The Boy Racer
2. Sure Enough the Telephone Rings
3. You’re the One for Me, Fatty
4. I Wish You Lonely
5. Ganglord
6. How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?
7. Bigmouth Strikes Again
8. The World Is Full of Crashing Bores
9. Girlfriend in a Coma
10. I Like You
11. Why Don’t You Find Out Yourself
12. If You Don’t Like Me, Don’t Look at Me
13. Munich Air Disaster 1958
14. Half a Person
15. All the Lazy Dykes
16. The Loop
17. Shoplifters of the World
18. Jack the Ripper
19. I Will See You in Far Off Places
20. Speedway
Dustin Lynch Performs Poolside at Red Rock
Country music star Dustin Lynch performed poolside at the standing-room-only The Sandbar Stage at Red Rock Resort on Aug. 2. Despite the summertime heat, Lynch donned a cowboy hat, shirt, pants and boots in shades of tan and brown – to match his guitar – and a white T-shirt.
The night before Lynch’s Friday night concert, he threw out the first pitch at he nearby Las Vegas Aviators game against Albuquerque. Lynch has achieved eight No. 1 hits, four Top Five albums and 10 goldand platinum-certified singles and amassed more than 5.4 billion global streams.
His sixth studio album, “Killed the Cowboy” from Broken Bow Records, was released Sept. 29, and his hits include “Where It’s At,” “Seein’ Red,” “Small Town Boy,” “Thinking ’Bout You” and “Party Mode.”
Star Trek Convention Lands for 58th time at The Rio
By Randy Schacherl
Another weekend ended, another year marked down on the 58th voyage of Creation Entertainment’s Star Trek Las Vegas at The Rio. The biggest and longest-running annual Star Trek convention, Trekkies the world over bid adieu and left the simmering heat of their host city.
Some things you might have missed were the varied and excellently executed cosplays. You might have seen a few Borgs, assimilated beings now part of the collective consciousness. Another guest was rolling around as Captain Pike from “Star Trek: The Original Series,” futuristic wheelchair and all.
One could not turn left or right without seeing someone in a Starfleet uniform of one generation or another. From the original series to “The Lower Decks” animated show, every Star Trek show was represented.
Panels on The Leonard Nimoy Stage featured actors from “The Original Series,” “The Next Generation,” “Space Nine” and “Voyager”: William Shatner, Walter Koenig, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, Armin Shimerman, Nana Visitor, Terry Farrell, Jeri Ryan, Tim Russ and Robert Picardo.
Autograph booths seemed to outnumber vendor stalls this year. In fact, those hoping to meet actors and get autographs were absolutely spoiled in the opportunity to talk and listen to the plethora of actors whose stories and answers to fan questions made it feel more like a family reunion than a convention.
No matter where you come from in the world or where you entered the Star Trek fandom, you were among like-minded individuals, a Trekkie family.
10 Years in the Loop
CUE THE VIEWS
SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Las Vegas girl
MikalahGordon’s
full-circle moment and ‘Idol’ life at home and in L.A.
Vegas, baby! That’s me –a girl born and raised in a city where everyone dreams of being a showgirl. Well, maybe that was just my dream. Unfortunately, with a bad knee and a height of barely 5’2,” I had to reconsider. Instead, I honed my singing skills and became the youngest contestant on “American Idol.”
People often ask how long I’ve been a singer, and the truth is, my whole life! My father, a jazz musician, passed down his passion for music, inspired by artists including Billie Holiday and Miles Davis. My grandfather, also a jazz artist, shared stories of playing with Holiday.
While I now appreciate those artists, I have vivid memories of begging my dad to turn the car radio to 98.5 KLUC. I loved his jazz, so why couldn’t he love The Spice Girls and Nelly?!
By age 6, I had a vocal coach, Ms. Helen Wray, who believed in me so much that she didn’t charge my family for les-
sons. At 8, I was performing at top Las Vegas hotels with entertainers including Charo, Tony Sacca and even Tony Bennett (sorry, Gaga, I did it first, lol!).
At 16, I auditioned for “American Idol” and landed in the Top 12 of Season 4. After the show, I moved to L.A., appeared on Fran Drescher’s “Living With Fran” and hosted “American Idol Extra” for four seasons. I discovered a love for making people laugh, leading me to standup comedy, headlining at The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store.
Social media opened new doors, and I developed a Melania Trump characterization, gaining 1.6 million followers on TikTok! My partner in crime was John Di Domenico (as Trump), also from Las Vegas.
In 2016, I moved back to Las Vegas for my residency at Rose.Rabbit.Lie. inside The Cosmopolitan, but soon enough L.A. called again. I returned, began a career in radio, where I hosted a national morning show for five years. I also recorded my
first album, “Vivian,” named after my grandmother.
Now I’m back in Las Vegas and wouldn’t change a thing. I am engaged to the love of my life, DJ Lisa Pittman, and surrounded by friends, family and Las Vegas nightlife. I’m thriving.
Recently, I announced my singing residency at Nowhere Lounge inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas and at Delilah at The Wynn. I created a podcast, “So Funny It Hurts,” interviewing comedians and exploring the trauma that makes them hilarious (laughter is the best medicine).
In a full-circle moment, I landed a job as the co-host of “The Chet Buchanan Show” on 98.5 KLUC. Remember when I begged my dad to play KLUC? When I got the job, I called my dad, and we just cried and laughed.
I love being from Vegas, growing up here and seeing the city’s incredible transformation. If I’ve learned anything from Vegas, it’s to always bet on yourself.
USC and LSU face off at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1
By Ed Condran
It’s the beach vs. the bayou when two of college football’s most legendary programs battle at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1. USC will face LSU in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic.
LSU, ranked No. 14 in the pre-season ESPN poll, is coming off a solid 10-3 season.
Expectations are high for the LSU Tigers even after losing Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. The perennial powerhouse features the return of six starters on both sides of the ball and boasts the No. 9 recruiting class.
Redshirt junior Garrett Nussmeier should put up numbers, and the LSU defense should be more productive than the disappointing 2023 unit thanks to a coaching change and infusion of talent.
LSU coach Brian Kelly hired former Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker to transform a surprisingly porous unit, which ranked 81st in scoring defense and 118th in pass defense in 2023.
However, much is expected of defensive end Gabriel Reliford and transfer defensive tackle Jay’viar Suggs. It wouldn’t be surprising to find the Tigers in the national championship mix.
USC also lost a Heisman-winning quarterback. The top pick of the NFL draft, Caleb Williams, is in the rearview, and the Trojans, who are ranked No. 25 in the pre-season ESPN poll, have potential.
Quarterback Miller Moss should develop under head coach Lincoln Riley. The offensive line has been revamped. There’s some hype around Mississippi State transfer Jo’Quavious Marks, who is expected to be the featured running back.
The offense should be fine, but the focal
point will be on the Trojans defense. Riley hired UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to reconstruct a unit that was ranked 121st in the Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring defense and 119th in total defense.
Expect safeties Akili Arnold and Kamari Ramsey and cornerbacks John Humphrey and DeCarols Nicholson to make a difference.
Experiencing the start of the college football season with two dynamic teams with considerable tradition is a great way to kick off the 2024 campaign at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The hope is that the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic will live up to the hype. At the very least, the game should be entertaining, and the potential is there for offensive pyrotechnics in a game coached by two of the finest in college football.
Will LSU be in the running for another national championship? Will USC’s young quarterback lead his team farther than Williams? Much will be known after the two titans clash over Labor Day Weekend.
LSU and USC battle in THE
VEGAS KICKOFF
at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1
FORE! FOR FUN
Swingers Las Vegas to open crazy golf experience at Mandalay Bay on Nov. 8
It’s par-tee time in Las Vegas, as Swingers Las Vegas – the adults-only crazy golf club and high-end entertainment experience – is set to open its flagship location at Mandalay Bay on Nov. 8.
Marking the largest venue for the global entertainment brand Swingers and becoming its flagship, the 40,000-square-foot destination will include four crazy golf courses, multiple bars and eateries and the Swingers Carnival arcade concept and introduce a new design distinct from other locations worldwide: an English country estate with an English country house.
“As one of the world’s premier entertainment destinations, Las Vegas is the perfect place for the next chapter of Swingers,” said Co-CEO and Co-Founder Matt Grech-Smith. “We believe life’s most enjoyable moments are fueled by a blend of friendly competition, exceptional food and superb cocktails.
“Swingers will bring this unique mix to the Strip with our whimsical golf courses, Swingers Carnival, vibrant bars and electric party scene. In true Vegas style, our flagship location will be grander and more thrilling than ever.”
Founded in London by Grech-Smith and co-CEO Jeremy Simmonds, Swingers pioneered what is termed “competitive socializing” and the renaissance of what the Brits call “crazy golf” – by taking the classic game of mini golf and reinventing it for a 21-and-over audience with DJs, street food and cocktails served by caddies.
Located steps away from the Mandalay Bay parking garage entrance, highlights of Swingers Las Vegas include:
CRAZY GOLF COURSES: The Las Vegas location will house four crazy golf courses across three floors, each featuring their own layout. Custom created in London, these are the Clocktower and the Hot Air Balloon courses – located in the heart of the venue – and the Carousel and the Meteorite courses on the upper levels. All of Swingers’ courses include obstacles with moving installations (such as windmills, waterwheels and carousels), jumps and loops.
CADDIES WITH COCKTAILS: Crazy golfers looking to quench their thirst can order anything from wine and beer to craft cocktails with premium spirits.
BARS AND BEATS: On the main level, Swingers’ Sunken Garden will feature a parasol-covered cocktail lounge, DJ booth and two private rooms for events. The Estate Bar will span the length of the venue offering the perfect vantage point to watch the action, sip on cocktails and enjoy tunes from Swingers’ DJ booth. Guests on upper levels can head to The
Clubhouse split-level cocktail bar and the elevated Carousel Lounge for drinks in between rounds.
STREET FOOD EATS: Swingers Las Vegas will debut a street food restaurateur where hungry guests can grab a bite while relaxing in between rounds.
SWINGERS CARNIVAL: Guests can test their luck in a variety of old-school games and sideshows within the Swingers Carnival. Inspired by a bygone era and the grandeur of the Belle Epoque, the space will be decked out in vintage décor, vibrant lights and the nostalgic charm of traditional games. Points can be earned at the Swingers Carnival and used to redeem prizes.
NEW LAS VEGAS NIGHTLIFE: Guests can swap the nightclub for a golf club at this new alternative to nightlife.
“The opening of Swingers Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay marks an exciting milestone as we continue to roll out a new wave of engaging and interactive entertainment offerings,” said Mandalay Bay President + COO Travis Lunn.
Christiana Cinn is a fourtime 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
shares how to have a great time in a Las Vegas strip club
While visiting a strip club in Las Vegas can be an exciting and adventurous experience for couples looking to spice things up, it’s important to keep a few key things in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable evening. As an adult entertainer who is well-versed in the industry, I’ve gathered some tips to help couples have a great time at strip clubs in Las Vegas.
First and foremost, it’s essential to be aware of the dynamics at play when it comes to dancers interacting with couples. Dancers often pay more attention to the female in the couple, as she is typically the one who matters most in the situation. It’s common for dancers to approach the woman first and engage with her before turning their attention to the male partner. This is all done to make the female feel comfortable and respected in the environment.
When it comes to touching, it’s important to ask for consent both ways. While some dancers may be more comfortable with touch than others, it’s crucial to always respect their boundaries and ask before making any physical contact. Additionally, couples should be prepared for the fact that everything at a strip club will likely cost double, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
It’s also worth noting that not all dancers may be comfortable dancing for couples, as they might find it challenging to manage the attention of two people at once. However, couples should not be discouraged by this and should feel free to approach dancers and express their interest in a dance or conversation.
If a dancer shows interest in the female partner or begins flirting with her, this can be seen as a green light for the couple to engage further. Encouraging the female partner to flirt back can help make her feel more comfortable and can lead to a more enjoyable experience for both parties.
When it comes to choosing a strip club in Las Vegas, there are several options that cater to couples. Some popular choices include Spearmint Rhino, known for its VIP host services; Palomino, the only full nude strip club in Nevada that serves alcohol; and Hustler, which offers great customer service and a fun atmosphere.
Ultimately, the key to having a great time at a strip club in Las Vegas as a couple is to communicate openly, respect boundaries and embrace the experience with an open mind. By following these tips and choosing the right venue, couples can enjoy a sizzling evening filled with excitement and adventure.
Ludacris, Alesso and OneRepublic are set to headline the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere Stage during the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix from Nov. 21-23. Chromeo, Drama, Kaleena Zanders, Meute, The Beaches, Too Many Zooz and more also will take the stage for performances throughout the weekend.
The Race Is On
Alesso, OneRepublic, Ludacris to headline during F1 Las Vegas Nov. 21-23
Guests can step into a festival-like atmosphere underneath the glow of Las Vegas’s newest landmark, Sphere, and engage in fan activations along with unobstructed views of some of the most challenging turns of the race, including Turn 5G and through the chicane spanning Turns 7 through 9.
“Las Vegas is The Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World, so we knew we needed to bring an all-star lineup for this year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix,” said Renee Wilm, CEO of
Las Vegas Grand Prix. “Fans can expect an extraordinary set of live acts, with performances from major names in entertainment to electrifying sets by beloved DJs and many more.”
The T-Mobile Zone at Sphere Stage lineup includes:
Thursday, Nov. 21: OneRepublic
Friday, Nov. 22: Alesso
Saturday, Nov. 23: Ludacris
“I’m excited to celebrate the Las Vegas Grand Prix and welcome fans from all over the world to my home away from home,” Alesso said. “It’s going to be another great weekend in Vegas!”
Fans with ticketed experiences in the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere will have access to headliner performances, fan activations including Club Magenta by T-Mobile and complimentary food, water and soft drinks. Ticket options available in the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere include:
T-Mobile Grandstands: Three-day ticket with assigned seats in the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere.
T-Mobile General Admission: Three-day ticket with standing-room-only views and access to viewing platforms on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Additional entertainment, such as the Heineken Silver Stage acts, The Liv on the Grid DJ lineup and other performance offerings will be announced later.
Courtesy Photos
Kathleen Madigan Brings ‘Potluck Party’ to The Venetian
By Ed Condran
Kathleen Madigan enjoys riffing about the aggravation of travel, but that’s part of the deal for a standup comic. “It’s the hardest part of my job,” Madigan said while calling from her Nashville home. “I love performing.”
When lockdown commenced, Madigan enjoyed being able to just hang out in Music City or in The Ozarks.
“It was so nice to stay home for a year,” Madigan said. “Ron White said something hilarious to me, which was, ‘Isn’t it funny how the one thing that got in the way of our fun were those shows we did at night?’
“I love my job, but I got to do all of these other things in my life, like play golf, fish and go walking in the woods. Ron White also said, ‘Isn't it amazing how we seamlessly slipped into retirement? ... For me, there is nothing I would rather do than standup.”
Madigan, who brings her “The Potluck Party 2024 Tour” to The Venetian on Aug. 30 and 31, isn’t just blowing smoke. The quick and unpredictable humorist had plenty of TV offers over the years. The gigs Madigan turned down range from being an ESPN anchor to acting and writing for sitcoms.
“Ever since the ’80s when they started giving out sitcoms to standups like Robin Williams, there have been comics that are really actor people looking to get acting gigs but trying to do standup," Madigan said.
“I never wanted a sitcom. Asking me to become a sitcom actor would be like asking me to become a veterinarian. I have no concept about how to treat a dog or act. How arrogant would I be if I could pretend that I can do what Patricia Heaton does?”
Some of her peers would have jumped at the chance to have joined ESPN just due to the national face time. “I can see that because you would have great exposure as an ESPN reporter,” Madigan said. “The job I turned down went to Suzy Kolber, who has had a heck of a career. I love sports. But there were a few big reasons I passed on ESPN.
“I don’t like every sport. ESPN isn’t going to pay much for new talent because they can get away with it. Everyone would sacrifice to work there. Hey, I studied journalism, but it was evident early on that I could make more money as a bartender than as a journalist.
“But I didn’t want to do that, either. I always wanted to be a standup comic.”
Nas + Las Vegas Philharmonic headline
Encore Theater for three nights
Grammy Award-winning rap legend Nas has announced his venue debut at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with three performances featuring the Las Vegas Philharmonic over Labor Day Weekend.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of his debut album, “Illmatic,” Nas will perform his chart-topping hits in the exclusive-to-Las Vegas collaboration Aug. 29 and 31 and Sept. 1.
“Las Vegas has always served as a creative outlet for my music, and these performances will take that to the next level,” Nas said. “I am excited to partner with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to bring this first-of-its-kind performance to Encore Theater and to showcase my music to my fans in Las Vegas in a whole new way.”
Future + Metro Boomin’s ‘We Trust You Tour’ at T-Mobile Arena on Aug. 30
Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Future and Grammy-nominated record producer Metro Boomin’s “We Trust You Tour” makes a stop at T-Mobile Arena on Aug. 30.
The tour supports Future and Metro Boomin’s most recent collaborations, “We Don’t Trust You,” which was released on March 22, and “We Still Don’t Trust You,”
which dropped April 12 via Freebandz, Epic Records, Boominati Worldwide and Republic Records.
“We Don’t Trust You” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 following the release of their track ‘Like That’ with Kendrick Lamar that topped Billboard’s Hot 100.
Twenty One Pilots bring ‘The Clancy World Tour’ to MGM Grand
Grammy Award-winning duo Twenty One Pilots announced details of their massive global headline “The Clancy World Tour” and shared “Next Semester,” a new song from their highly anticipated album “Clancy” released May 17 via Fueled By Ramen.
Twenty One Pilots bring “The Clancy World Tour” to MGM Grand Garden Arena on Aug. 31 in their biggest headline tour ever.
Twenty One Pilots returned with news in February of “Clancy” and released the album’s lead single “Overcompensate” alongside an accompanying official music video directed by Reel Bear Media.
Having amassed more than 33 billion streams worldwide and more than 3 million tickets sold across global headline tours, the Columbus, Ohio-based duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have established themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 21st century.
Co-produced by Joseph and Paul Meany, Clancy marks the final chapter in an ambitious multialbum narrative introduced in the band’s 2015 multiplatinum breakthrough “Blurryface.”
Boyz II Men + Robin Thicke take Chelsea stage for four shows
Boyz II Men, the bestselling R&B group of all time, are returning to Las Vegas for a four-night, exclusive engagement at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The shows are Aug. 23, 24, 30 and 31 and will feature guest Robin Thicke.
Boyz II Men redefined popular R&B and continue to create timeless hits that appeal to fans across all generations. The band has penned and performed some of the most celebrated classics of the past two decades,
including “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day,” “Motownphilly” and many others.
Thicke skyrocketed to solo success with 2013’s “Blurred Lines,” featuring T.I. and Pharrell, the RIAA diamond-certified single that spent 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cemented him with the first record to take the top spot on five radio charts simultaneously – Top 40, Rhythm, Urban, Hot AC and Urban AC. Thicke joined Fox’s “The Masked Singer” in 2021.
CosmopolitanLasVegas.com
Dane Cook Brings ‘Fresh New Flavor’ to Palms on Aug. 31
Comedy trailblazer and actor Dane Cook has announced “Fresh New Flavor,” a 36-city tour that makes a Las Vegas stop at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.
Cook is known for his standup comedy specials, stage presence and observational humor. Having had his catalog of content streamed more than 1 billion times, Cook is in a league of his own.
He has released record-breaking comedy specials, including “Vicious Circle,” “Isolated Incident,” “Harmful If Swallowed,” “Retaliation,” “Tourgasm” and “Rough Around the Edges: Live from Madison Square Garden.”
In addition to standup comedy, Cook is known for his acting roles in movies including “Mr. Brooks,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Dan in Real Life,” “Employee of the Month,” “Good Luck Chuck,” “Waiting ...” and more. Cook was the second comedian to ever sell out multiple shows at Madison Square Garden.
Chelsea Handler makes history at The Chelsea
Comedienne, TV host and bestselling author Chelsea Handler made Las Vegas history when she announced “Chelsea at The Chelsea,” the first comedienne residency at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Shows begin Sept. 1, with six performances scheduled through April.
All shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The six performances are Sept. 1, Nov. 2 and 30, Jan. 18, March 21 and April 18.
After a seven-year run as the host of E!’s “Chelsea Lately,” a tenure in which she was the only female late-night talk-show host on-air, Handler launched her documentary series “Chelsea Does,” followed by her talk show “Chelsea” on Netflix in 2016. She has penned six New York Times bestselling books.
Following the success of her 2020 HBO Max comedy special “Evolution,” Handler made her return to Netflix with her 2022 comedy special “Revolution.” Handler is currently on a standup tour.
Credit: Denise Truscello
The Beach Boys are at The Venetian on Sept. 4 and
As The Beach Boys mark more than 50 years of making music, the group – who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon to fans around the world – continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in U.S. music history.
The Beach Boys will bring their “Endless Summer: An Exclusive Vegas Engagement” to The Venetian with three shows in September. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beach Boys’ iconic “Endless Summer” album, the shows are Sept. 4 and 6 and 7 at 8:30 p.m.
6-7
You can capsulize most pop music acts by reciting how many hits they’ve had and how many millions of albums they’ve sold. But these conventional measurements fall short when you’re assessing the impact of The Beach Boys.
This band has birthed a torrent of hit singles and sold albums by the tens of millions. But its greater significance lies in the fact that The Beach Boys’ songs have forever changed the musical landscape, profoundly influencing countless performing artists to follow.
Jim Breuer brings his ‘Breuniverse’ to The Venetian
Standup comedian and actor Jim Breuer returns to The Summit Showroom at The Venetian for two performances Sept. 6 and 7 at 8:30 p.m.
Breuer is an American actor and comedian from New York. He was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1995 to 1998 and starred in the film “Half Baked!”
He has a hit weekly podcast titled “The Breuniverse,” where he brings people from all walks of life together.
Breuer’s standup tackles many subjects, from marriage and relationships to current events to love and loss (and so much more) all with one goal in mind – to leave people with a little more hope than when they arrived.
Billy Currington at Pearl Concert Theater on Sept. 7
Country singer-songwriter Billy Currington is set to perform at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Sept. 7 at 8 p.m.
Currington has spent nearly two decades topping the country charts, parlaying his rich, emotion-laden tenor and unerring song sense into some of the format’s most memorable hits.
The Georgia native has tallied 12 No. 1 singles, including four-time platinum hit “People Are Crazy,” three-time
platinum “Good Directions,” three-time platinum “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and platinum hits “Do I Make You Wanna,” “We Are Tonight,” “Don’t It” and more.
Equally skilled at delivering upbeat summertime anthems as well as exploring the complexities of life and love with a ballad, Currington most recently joined Jessie James Decker on the duet “I Still Love You."
In search of a premier shooting range in Las Vegas? Machine Guns Vegas is the only Las Vegas lounge experience that lets participants fire the kick-ass artillery seen in the hands of highly skilled SEAL and Delta Force teams.
From modern-day machine guns to historic handguns, Machine Guns Vegas patrons receive the real feel of what it’s like to clear a room with just a pull of the trigger.
Machine Guns Vegas isn’t a walk-in gun store or dimly lit shooting gallery – it is a sensory experience that will rock your thrill index with every shot you take.
Popular shooting experiences include The Full Auto ($399), Seal Team 6 ($229), Femme Fatale Experience ($149),The Compound ($975), Gamers Experience ($199, down from $220), Urban Assault ($99) and Outdoor Experience ($299 and in the Mojave Desert).
MACHINE GUN VEGAS
“
“This was my fifth visit to MGV. Each and every time, I am greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff. The prices are reasonable, and the experience is always great,” says Kiran Q. on the MGV website.
“The prices are reasonable, and the experience is always great. I strongly recommend this location to anyone looking to fire guns during their stay,” Jordan B. says.
“
The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party returns to Las Vegas for the second consecutive year at The Orleans Arena on Sept. 7 and 8.
The event will feature a spectacular laser light show, mindblowing theatrical effects, dance parties and toy giveaways at Orleans Arena.
Hot Wheels Monster Truck favorites scheduled to appear include Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Demo Derby, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster and the brand-new HW 5-Alarm, the firetruck hero of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.
Tickets start at $10 for children ages 2-12 and $22 for adults, plus taxes and fees.
OrleansArena.com
FURNACE CREEK,
the heart of Death Valley, is about 140 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, which is about 2 hours of driving. This makes Las Vegas a great base camp for exploring Death Valley. There are a few different routes to get there, but most people will take NV-160 to Pahrump and then to Death Valley Junction. From there, just take CA-190 into Death Valley.
The best time to visit Death Valley is between late October and April as the temperatures otherwise are just insane. If bagging a record-breaking temperature is your thing, head directly to Furnace Creek. Just make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape.
DEATH VALLEY JUNCTION & AMARGOSA OPERA HOUSE
Known as the gateway to Death Valley, this sports a small hotel, which has been going through renovations, as well as the Amargosa Opera House built by Marta Becket in 1967. It’s well worth 20-30 minutes of walking around and exploring this beacon of culture in the desert.
This is a short detour from CA-190, about 13 miles each way, and goes to an overlook that is directly over Badwater Basin. From this vantage point, one can see much of Death Valley. Look across the valley and one can find Telescope Peak, the highest peak in Death Valley at just over 11,000 feet. Beyond that on a good clear day, Mount Whitney in California at 14,005 feet is visible.
This is a turnoff parking area where one can get a close-up view from above of Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch and Manly Beacon. It’s a great place to view the beauty and desolation of Death Valley.
GOLDEN CANYON AND GOWERS GULCH MARS HILL
The parking lot for this trailhead is small, so get there early. This is most often hiked as a loop hike that can include Zabriskie Point. The hike goes by the Red Cathedral and Manly Beacon, as well as Golden Canyon and Gowers Gulch. This hike can be anywhere from just over 4 miles out and back to Red Cathedral or as much as 7 miles if doing the full loop and hiking to Zabriskie Point.
At the entrance to Artist’s Pallet across the street is the lowest named high point in Death Valley. It’s called Mars Hill, and with 18 feet of prominence and a top elevation of -194 feet, it’s one of the easiest high points ever. It only takes about 20 minutes to hike to the top and back This hill was used by NASA to test rovers for Mars.
DANTE’S PEAK
ZABRISKIE POINT
ARTIST’S PALLET
This is a one-way loop that goes to one of the most colorful areas in Death Valley. Give yourself at least an hour if you are driving and 2 to 3 hours if planning on doing any hiking.
BADWATER BASIN
No trip to Death Valley is complete without stopping at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at -282 feet below sea level. The salt-covered boardwalk provides a great view of the basin. However, one can walk out onto the salt flat to get an amazing view of the basin. Until recently, this was Lake Manly; however, all the water has since evaporated.
NATURAL BRIDGE
This is another easy hike and only about 1 mile out and back from the trailhead to the bridge and back. Once at the “bridge,” one can keep hiking up the wash or turn around.
FURNACE CREEK VISITOR CENTER
This is where the famous thermometer that everyone sees on the news is located. The visitor center has a museum, gift store and plenty of rangers to help people plan a safe visit in Death Valley.
THE RANCH AT DEATH VALLEY
The Ranch at Death Valley has been welcoming visitors since 1933. They have recently done quite a few upgrades, adding a new ice cream shop, bungalows and refurbished rooms. They have an 18-hole golf course and a spring-fed pool. It’s a great place to stop and get something to eat.
This a great final stop when visiting Death Valley. From the “secret tunnel” to the amazing gardens, it’s a mustsee on any trip into Death Valley.
RESOURCES
National Park Service: NPS.gov/deva/
Amargosa Opera House: AmargosaOperaHouse.org
Farabee’s Jeep Rentals: FarabeeJeeps.com
The Oasis at Death Valley: OasisAtDeathValley.com
Natural Bridge
THE OASIS AT DEATH VALLEY
Dante’s Peak
Artist’s Pallet
Jose, Can You See?
Bazaar Mar and Bar Centro by award-winning Andrés are now open at Aria
By Don Chareunsy
José Andrés Group has opened Bazaar Mar, a seafood-and-tapas-driven Spanish restaurant at The Shops at Crystals at Aria. Bazaar Mar’s menu is complemented by a Spanish-led wine list and creative cocktails.
Adjacent to Bazaar Mar steps down on the mezzanine is Bar Centro, an elevated bar and café serving coffee and pastries in the morning, Spanish pressed sandwiches for lunch and cocktails, caviar and desserts in the evening.
“We are proud that our Vegas restaurants have contributed to the city’s position as a top culinary destination for many years,” said Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO of José Andrés Group.
“The opening of Bazaar Mar is our first collaboration with Simon Property Group and one that emphasizes our deep commitment to push culinary boundaries at premium properties as we grow across Las Vegas and the West Coast.”
If you love José Andrés like I do, you’ll love Bazaar Mar and Bar Centro – the open-air ambience, small bites and libations are wonderful.
THREE COSMOPOLITAN RESTAURANTS
A recent culinary tour of Andrés’s three restaurants at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas proved that the high-level quality F&B and service has not waned.
We made dim sum (I was not good at it) at China Poblano, watched paella being made and ate delicious menu items at Jaléo Las Vegas and ended with the private-dining é inside Jaléo.
And don’t forget Bazaar Meat by José Andrés – one of the top steakhouses in Las Vegas, as detailed in Issue #6 of Vegas Prime Magazine, aka The Steakhouse Issue, and at VegasPrime.com – at Sahara.
P.S. The cheesy headline “Jose, Can You See?” is based on a joke Andrés told me years ago at China Poblano.
Credit: Katrina Frederick
Double Accolades for Double Zero Pie & Pub
Michael Vakneen’s Chinatown pizzeria makes 50 Top Pizza USA list, marks first anniversary
By Don Chareunsy
Double Zero Pie & Pub Chef + Partner
Michael Vakneen, GM Erica S. Bell and their staff have at least two recent reasons to be proud: The Chinatown pizzeria is celebrating its first anniversary and it being named to the 50 Top Pizza USA list.
“The gravity of [the award] is settling in slowly,” Bell said. “It’s wild. Our business changed over a week. There is so much excitement with the whole team and now a new pressure. We’re elated, and we’re definitely feeling the effects of what this kind of title puts on people.
“We’re focused on upholding the quality and standard and moving up farther on that list. It is mind-blowing to accomplish this in our first year of business!”
A recent dinner at Double Zero Pie & Pub was divine and proved that not all pizzas
are equal. We enjoyed Wagyu carpaccio, schiacciata, meatballs, Funghi and Diavola pizzas, tiramisu, pistachio and the cocktails Draft Lemon Sour, Mazzy Star (fade … into … you), Negroni flight and Short Shorts.
“Chef Michael Vakneen is beyond talented,” Bell said. “His palate and sense of culinary creation – he has it down. His dough program and his care and the quality of products that he uses set him apart from the pack.”
The celebratory bites and libations in July to note the 50 Top Pizza USA honor included 00 Spritz, Wagyu carpaccio, scallop crudo, insalada verde (with anchovies), Margherita, Pepperoni, Funghi and Salami Rosa pizzas and 00 deconstructed cannoli. All delicious!
Bell, whose menu favorites include the justlaunched meatballs, Wagyu carpaccio –“a flavor bomb” – and Margherita pizza –“I eat one every day,” summed up, “We care so much about our team. We want them to be healthy and happy and learning and pushing themselves. You have to be patient and really care about your staff.
“We want to highlight great food with the right culture in the promise of a high-quality experience. We want to blow you away!”
By Bob Barnes
Triple 7 Takes Gold at U.S. Open Beer Championship
Triple 7 Restaurant & Microbrewery at Main Street Station in Downtown Las Vegas was awarded a gold medal at the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship in Oxford, Ohio, and was the only Las Vegas brewery to medal at this year’s competition.
More than 9,000 beers were entered in the nation’s third-largest brewing competition, and Triple 7’s gold in the Belgian Witbier category was for its Winner Winner Wit, a beer made with coriander and orange blossom honey, which will be available at the microbrewery on draft at least through the end of summer.
Triple 7’s Brewmaster Casey Jacobson (pictured here) upon learning of the win said, “This being my first time participating in a major competition as a brewmaster, a title I’ve held for just over year, is truly what dreams are made of. You couldn’t wipe the grin off my face for days, and I reached out to thank every brewer I have ever worked for to say, ‘Thank you for everything you taught me.’
“I am truly honored and glad I was able to bring one home for our awesome team here at Triple 7.”
In this recurring feature, we spotlight establishments that appreciate our local breweries enough to serve only beer made in Nevada. Chef Brian Howard’s Half Bird Chicken & Beer specializes in free range rotisserie chicken and seven addictive sauces (such as green curry ranch and chili garlic crunch), which is an excellent companion to draft beer.
The quick-serve restaurant has an eight-tap, self-serve draft beer wall that’s 100% local. Recent handles included HUDL Cockfight
Pils (brewed in partnership with Half Bird), Ballin Eagle Light American Lager and High Hatter Hefe on Pineapple; Able Baker El Pato Loco Mexican Lager and Atomic Duck IPA; Beer Zombies Boomstick Blonde Ale; Lead Dog Fade to Orange American Pale Wheat; Lovelady 9th Island Pineapple Sour; and Revision Disco Ninja New England Style IPA.
The drafts are priced by the ounce, and if you so desire, you can have a sip of each one before investing in a full pour. To view the current tap list, visit HalfBird.com
CraftHaus Brewery Celebrating 10th Anniversary
You don’t need to travel to Munich to experience Oktoberfest this year. As this year’s anniversary is a milestone, CraftHaus Brewery will take an entire week to commemorate its first full decade of operation with an Oktoberfest theme.
The celebration, dubbed HausFest 10!, will take place Sept. 16-21 at its family-friendly Henderson Booze District brewery location and its Arts District taproom, both of which will be transformed into an Oktoberfest hall and bier garden.
Guests are encouraged to dress in Oktoberfest attire, and there will be games, a Bavarian food menu, nightly stein holding contests, live music and, of course, beer. Special commemorative CraftHaus 10! half-liter steins are available for purchase, which can be filled all week long at a discounted price.
Read this entire Crafthaus news at VegasPrime.com.
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 verymuch-missed colleague, mentor and friend.
VEGAS PRIME WHISPERS
Which magazine publisher wed over the weekend of Aug. 9? Boop, boop, boop, boop!
Which headliner is using a promotional photograph from years – and a few pounds – ago? (I mean we all do it, right?)
A singer recently sang the praises of working with Barry Manilow: “He’s the absolute sweetest man.” No surprise there.
Which whiskey entrepreneur has been praised for going all-in in promoting his new brown spirit?
Email your Vegas Prime Whispers to editorial@vegasprime.com.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
Who accompanied Morgan Wallen to the stage during Night 1 of his recent two-night stand at Allegiant Stadium? Two athletes named Tom Brady and Mike Tyson? Know ’em? Fortunately, no ears were bitten, chairs thrown and footballs deflated.
Patti LaBelle stopped in at the buffet, which launched a champagne brunch Aug. 11, at Buffalo Bill’s in Primm
the morning after her concert in the casino near the Nevada-California border.
Carrot Top recently had a late lunch at Honey Salt in Summerlin, and owner Elizabeth Blau stopped by his table to say hello.
Pia Zadora dined at Harlo Steakhouse in Summerlin twice in recent weeks.
