By JONATHAN SCOTT & MELISSA REDFORD
“Change is the essence of nature” and Las Vegas is always changing. We always get a kick out of friends who say they haven’t visited in a few years and ask us what’s new in Vegas and expect a full report. Today? From hotels to casinos to stadiums, restaurants and shows Las Vegas is in a constant change reinventing itself every day.
We are thankful for never being bored. Here are a few recent restaurants, show openings and special events that we were lucky to attend along with some enjoyable established fun eateries, attractions and shows that we recommend.
THE BRUNCH BUNCH
The change that we see in enjoying a weekend brunch is the vast number of choices available between serious Mimosa and Caviar high end romance, some classic R&B or a fun and silly drag brunch here are some of our recommendations on and off the strip.
Café Breizh on Ft. Apache is a casual French styled pastry and bakery with specialty coffee and delicious desserts. We share the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madam with a side pastry and share a lemon sugar crepe. Yum.
When we have a reason to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or a win at video poker we treat ourselves to either Tableau or The Terrace Café at The Wynn overlooking the pool.
The Motown Brunch at the Ahern is a groovy way to start the day with some Supremes, Shirelles, Jackson 5 and some scrambled eggs and ham served buffet style in the showroom.
The Diva Royale Restaurant at Neonopolis offers pre-packaged brunch packages with an up close and personal performances by drag queen divas portraying Madonna, Dolly, Celine, Liza, Brittney, Beyonce and many other celebrity impersonations. Brunch on Sunday and fabulous dinner shows the rest of the week.
Las Vegas premiere drag queen, Frank Marino has a new show at the Virgin Hotel. It ain’t no brunch and he ain’t no lady but loads of laughs. Frank Marino is a Vegas gem and if you’ve never seen his Joan Rivers honey, “Oh Grow Up”. You gotta go!
LATE NIGHT DINING
THE PEPPERMILL on LVB is one of our favorite late-night spots to chill for a hamburger or an all-night breakfast. Have you been to the firepit back room? Its’ comfy, sexy and check out their 4pm-6pm Happy Hour. Amazing value and free parking on the Strip. For a huge laugh check out Jerry Seinfeld at the Peppermill with our friend Comedian George Wallace at the Peppermill on Comedians in Cars getting Coffee. It’s comedy gold!
HERBS & RYE was our first date, and it hasn’t changed its great happy hour from 5pm to 3am. You can still get a flat iron steak for $24 bucks and plenty of drinks for 50% off.
THE SAND DOLLAR on Polaris and Spring Mountain is the premiere Blues Club in town as close as you’re going to get to the real thang. The pizza is primo with the same sauce and recipes from your local favorites. Pizza, Blues, Free Parking and yes, Video Poker!
NEW SHOW IN TOWN
THE EMPIRE “STRIPS” BACK had its Grand Opening at The Rio Hotel Casino. Only in Las Vegas can Jabba the Hut get a lap dance from Princess Leia. The show’s opening credits promises to take you to a sexy galaxy, far, far away. The show is a burlesque parody with cheeky humor delivered by a Master of Ceremonies with iconic characters stripping their familiar costumes in this highly entertaining show. Perfect for the horny Star Wars fan in your house.
COMEDY IS KING
What’s changed in Las Vegas comedy? There are some new residencies at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club with the hilarious Vicki Barbolak appearing every Tuesday night with her Trailer Park humor. Vicki is now a Las Vegas resident with her own mobile home at Las Vegas Estates Trailer Park. Vicki still hasn’t found the Estate in the Trailer Park. Just lots of crushed beer cans.
Comedienne Luenell is killing it with her unique blend of stand-up comedy. Jimmy Kimmels Comedy Club also presents national headliners and popular podcasters Carlos Mencia and Adam Carolla. Check the websites for dates and times as these comics all travel the world but, call LV their home.
DTLV – DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS
Look for some amazing changes on 3rd street promenade at The Downtown Grand with free summer street parties, car shows, cigars, tequila, live music and dj’s. A little birdie told us that a rebranding will be coming soon adding outdoor stages and world class headline entertainment worthy of magazine covers.
RICK NIELSEN’S ROCK’N VODKA AIN’T NO CHEAP TRICK
Occasionally, we experience what we refer to as “just another day in Vegas”. We spent the afternoon interviewing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and owner of ROCK’N VODKA, Rick Nielsen, songwriter and celebrated guitarist at The Composers Room on East Sahara where we host our INSOMNIAC TELEVISION viewing parties. Rick Nielsen shared stories of his opera singing minister parents from Rockford, Illinois and his amazing musical career performing with John Lennon on his Double Fantasy album to playing a Cheap Trick live version of The Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with Apple Records Producer Geoff Emerick at the old Las Vegas Hilton. The Composers Room presents some of our favorite Las Vegas talent including both Kelly Clinton-Holmes and Kelly Vohnn, Keith Thompson’s Piano Party and Julian Miranda’s Vocal Jam on alternating Tuesday nights. city! Rick Nielsen’s Rock’N Vodka specialty drinks are available at The Composer’s Room and at Lee’s Liquors.
Same day we scurried home to change for a birthday celebration 7-course 7-wines 7- chefs dinner with our dear friend Richard Femenella owner of MAE DALY’S STEAKS & WHISKEYS across from The Strat. Our table mates were Food & Loathing journalists Al & Sue Mancini who patiently explained what “buzz buttons” were in our intermezzo palate cleansing dish. Because we’re kind of visible around town it wasn’t a big surprise to pose for pictures with our new Mayor Shelley Berkley and her husband Dr. Lawrence Lehrner. Mayor Berkley told us that being our mayor is “the best job that I’ve ever had!” We love our city!
ENTERTAINMENT
Mark O’Toole’s Variety Show is a great matinee show that plays to a full house every other Wednesday afternoon at Freedom Hall in Anthem. The Variety Show is a great way to see a little taste of a half dozen entertainers. And that little taste might want you to see their whole show. The week we went we saw the dynamic vocalist Daniel Emmet who is on the road with “The Hitmaker” David Foster. We first saw Daniel Emmet at The Composer’s Showcase at The Smith Center and at the Barge in “Cocktail Cabaret”.
Mark O’Toole does a fantastic job of promoting almost every local entertainer in Las Vegas but, the show does sell out every seat. It’s a bargain at only $10 bucks for those of you who can take an afternoon off mid-week.
SPORTS
Change is certainly happening with the addition of the new Athletics baseball field conveniently located at the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd. The construction has started, and the Boys of Summer will be playing baseball in a few short years. We can’t wait to have Major League Baseball in Las Vegas. WooHoo!
NBA Summer League is consistent for now providing great family entertainment at reasonable ticket prices and a chance to see young players tryout for all 30 NBA teams. Bronny James was the main attraction with his All-Star Dad, LeBron James in the stands. You might catch us courtside with our friends Brad Garrett, Clint Holmes participating in the tip off and half-time entertainment. We are proud to participate in NBA SL providing young talent an opportunity to sing our National Anthem on national television and showcasing our Las Vegas amazing singers and dancers. NBA Summer League is great for the Las Vegas community with special nights for our veterans, first responders and business leaders. Change is coming with NBA Commissioner recommending a new expansion team for our town. Maybe they can build new basketball courts on Flamingo and LVB because there’s not enough open land South of Blue Diamond.
NAUGHTY BITS
PLAYERS GENTLEMEN’S CLUB
What was once Club Paradise across from the Hard Rock Hotel is now Players Club across from the Virgin Hotel. Clothes on. Clothes off. Somethings never change!
Look for our interview with Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, comedy, original music, food & beverage on INSOMNIAC TELEVISION, the only late-night entertainment talk show in Las Vegas after Saturday Night Live (SNL) on NBC Ch.3, Las Vegas or on our website at insomniactelevision.com
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