Vegas Weekend Update

Vegas Weekend Update

What happens in Las Vegas…

TIGER SHARKS NOW LURK AT MANDALAY BAY: Species Ranked Second Deadliest to Great White Shark. Two female tiger sharks now rule the waters of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. The only tiger sharks available for viewing in the U.S., these exciting new additions can be identified by their distinct tiger-striped markings in the 1.6-million-gallon aquarium. Attributing to the tiger sharks’ impressive reputation are their sharp, serrated teeth, powerful jaw and insatiable, non-discriminating appetite. These sharks have been known to consume unusual items such as license plates, tires, baseballs and other debris – earning them the moniker “garbage cans of the sea.” Currently, Shark Reef’s two tiger sharks are more than six feet in length, and the species can reach up to 14 feet in length. The scavengers lurk in shallow, coastal waters in tropical and temperate regions such as Hawaii and Australia.For more information, visit www.mandalaybay.com, www.sharkreef.com or call (702) 632-4555.

Encore at Wynn Las Vegas to Open in December
Encore, the new signature resort in the Wynn collection, is located next door to flagship property Wynn Las Vegas. Encore, set to open in December, is a distinct resort destination with its own repertoire of accommodations, culinary offerings and leisure activities including 11 retail outlets, seven cozy bars and lounges, five restaurants, one ultra-chic nightclub and an opulent spa and salon. The Encore experience includes a landscape of foliage and shimmering pools of water. Butterflies, vibrant carpets, mosaic tiles and textured walls draw you into juxtaposition between indoors and out. For more information, contact Jennifer Dunne, Wynn Las Vegas, jennifer.dunne@wynnlasvegas.com.

Michelin Selects 2009 Restaurant and Hotel Selections for Las Vegas
The world’s most discriminating restaurant and lodging guidebook – the prestigious, 107-year-old Michelin Guide from France – recently released its 2009 edition to showcase Las Vegas’ offerings. The Michelin Guide Las Vegas 2009 features 140 restaurants and 32 hotels. Among Las Vegas restaurants receiving coveted starred ratings: Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand (three stars – the guidebook’s top rating); Picasso at Bellagio, Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace and Alex at Wynn Las Vegas (two stars); and Alizé at the Palms, André’s Downtown, Aureole at Mandalay Bay, Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace, Daniel Boulud Brasserie at Wynn Las Vegas, DJT at Trump International, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, Michael Mina at Bellagio, miX at Mandalay Bay, Nobu at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Restaurant Charlie at Palazzo and Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas (one star). One star means a very good restaurant in its category. Two stars mean excellent cooking, worth a detour. Three stars mean exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. For more information, contact Ceci De La Montanya, Allison & Partners, ceci@allisonpr.com.

AAA Announces 2009 Five Diamond Award Recipients
AAA recently announced the hotels and restaurants that achieved Five Diamond status, the travel authority’s highest rating. For 2009, Las Vegas AAA Five Diamond-rated hotels include Bellagio (eighth consecutive year), Four Seasons Las Vegas (tenth consecutive year), Skylofts at MGM Grand (third consecutive year), Wynn Las Vegas (third consecutive year) and The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino (second consecutive year). Las Vegas AAA Five Diamond-rated restaurants include Alex at Wynn Las Vegas (fourth consecutive year), Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand (third consecutive year), Le Cirque at Bellagio (sixth consecutive year), Picasso at Bellagio (eighth consecutive year) and first-time winner Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace. AAA rates nearly 60,000 restaurants and lodgings each year throughout all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, providing the broadest coverage of any U.S. rating system, both geographically and by number of properties rated. Of those, only 103 resorts and 59 restaurants earned the highly coveted AAA Five Diamond rating for 2009. For more information, contact Heather Hunter, AAA, hhunter@national.aaa.com.

Las Vegas Art Museum Presents L.A. Now
The Las Vegas Art Museum is pleased to present L.A. Now, curated by David Pagel. The exhibit displays 20 emerging and established artists who are currently living and working in Los Angeles. The artists work in a wide variety of styles and media; each has gained national or international recognition for artistic achievement. Mr. Pagel is an art critic for the LA Times and a professor at Claremont Graduate School. The exhibition opens for regular viewing on Dec. 12, and remains on view through March 8, 2009. For more information, contact Anne Kellogg, Las Vegas Art Museum, akellogg@lasvegasartmuseum.org.

NOBHILL TAVERN (Formerly NOBHILL) Debuts at MGM Grand
NOBHILL TAVERN by Michael Mina infuses a new concept into the
ever-evolving Las Vegas dining transformation. Tavern cuisine, an innovative drink menu that pays homage to classic cocktails, and an expansive lounge area where guests can relax while listening to a music selection of popular songs from a variety of genres make up the NOBHILL TAVERN experience. The menu affords guests the opportunity to enjoy Michael Mina’s signature trio concept. For more information, contact Michael McKiski, MGM MIRAGE, at mmckiski@mgmmirage.com.

Pianist Philip Fortenberry of “Jersey Boys” Debuts “Liberace and Me”
Philip Fortenberry, a solo pianist, improvisational composer and cast member of “Jersey Boys,” has debuted his new acoustic cabaret-style piano performance “Liberace and Me” for a six-month limited engagement through March 23 at the Liberace Museum. As a tribute to the legacy of Liberace, the 45-minute, afternoon show features original compositions, selections from the classic repertoire and Broadway music in the 75-seat Cabaret Showroom. For more information, contact Shelley Mansholt, Mansholt PR, at Shelley@mansholtpr.com.

Bar Louie Opens at Town Square
Bar Louie, a casual neighborhood restaurant and bar, has opened a location at Town Square. The popular Chicago-based chain is known for its signature sandwiches, uniquely prepared appetizers, inventive pizzas and specialty cocktails. The 6,500-square-foot space seats more than 200 and features design elements characteristic of all Bar Louie locations. The venue, which is the 49th in the nation, is open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining. For more information, contact Amy Weisenburger, Bar Louie America, at amyw@restaurants-america.com.

The Holidays Arrive at Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens will welcome winter with a holiday display rich in nostalgia. The display will feature flying reindeer made of whole pecans, a charming snowman family created with white carnations and an oversized wreath adorned with pine cones and a golden bow. The centerpiece is a 32-foot Shasta Fir tree featuring more than 12,000 holiday lights. The holiday display is available for guests to enjoy December 7, 2008 through January 3, 2009. For more information, contact Rebecca Ingram Frisch, MGM MIRAGE, at ringram@mgmmirage.com.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Celebrates 50 Years with Big-Name Entertainment
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), considered the world’s premier rodeo, features 10 straight days of the best in rodeo competition, with a total of 120 contestants competing every night in seven events. Each December, the top 15 contestants, based on the 2008 Crusher Rentals PRCA World Standings, in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. Some of the biggest names in country music will take the stage at Thomas & Mack Center Dec. 4-13 each day to open the event. Entertainers include Trailer Choir, Jake Owen, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Crystal Shawanda, Red Steagall, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels, Jewel, Jack Ingram and Matt Lewis as Elvis. For more information, contact Michael Mack, Las Vegas Events, michael@lasvegasevents.com.

Ethel M Chocolates Creates Its Annual Chocolate Wonderland
Located adjacent to its Henderson factory, Ethel M Chocolates has transformed its three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden into a Chocolate Wonderland complete with thousands of sparkling lights, opportunities to visit Santa, and appearances by local choirs. Visitors can wander down the garden’s illuminated cacti pathways and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week excluding Christmas Day. The attraction is free of charge and open to the public through Jan. 1, 2009. For more information, contact Katie Knoch, SK+G, katie.knoch@skgadv.com.

The Springs Preserve Presents Its Second Annual Winter Lights Festival
The Springs Preserve proudly presents its second annual Winter Lights Festival. The lights display in the eight-acre garden and throughout the Preserve is created from half a million LED lights illuminated by solar power, a leading example of a sustainable holiday celebration. Guests enjoy entertainment from roaming performance groups, carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus and Theater Las Vegas’ original puppet show “Dickens Done Over.” Holiday inspired treats and green gift options are available throughout the Preserve. The festival runs 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday through Dec. 21, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Dec. 22-24 and Dec. 26. For more information, please Dawn Barraclough, Springs Preserve, dawn.barraclough@springspreserve.org.

Las Vegas Monorail to Operate on New Year’s Eve with Special Fare
With approximately 300,000 revelers descending upon the Strip on New Year’s Eve, the Las Vegas Monorail will continue to operate even when the Strip closes to vehicles and buses – providing a convenient transportation option for visitors looking to get to the city’s hottest spots safely, quickly and efficiently. The Monorail will be open from 7 a.m. Dec. 31 to 3 a.m. Jan. 1 to transport people throughout the night. The Las Vegas Monorail Company will offer an Unlimited Ride Day Pass for $12. For more information, contact Kristen Hansen, Las Vegas Monorail, kristen@lvmonorail.com.

America’s Party to Bring Fireworks Closer to the Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will once again partner with Fireworks by Grucci for its annual midnight fireworks display to be launched from nine locations along the Strip. Las Vegas’ famed Fremont Street Experience will host a New Year’s Eve celebration called “TributePalooza.” The world’s best tribute bands will perform 14 hours of live music from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. on two stages, and will include tribute bands such as Billy Joel, Eagles, David Bowie, KISS, The Rolling Stones, U2, Queen and Aerosmith. The five blocks of the Fremont Street Experience, home to 10 legendary casinos, will be transformed into the biggest private party in town. For more information, contact Michael Mack, Las Vegas Events, michael@lasvegasevents.com.

JW Marriott Las Vegas Celebrates New Year’s Eve
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa will offer two great ways to ring in the New Year. J. C. Wolloughan’s Irish Pub will offer an all-inclusive, three-course dinner complete with party favors and a champagne toast. The culinary team at Ceres has prepared a four-course dinner menu and champagne reception. Join in the countdown with entertainment provided by DJ Kayle Stevens. For more information, contact Lisa Roughley, Roughley Speaking PR, at lisa@roughleyspeakingpr.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas Offers Ways to Ring in the New Year
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas will offer a four- and five-course gourmet dinner menus at Medici Café & Terrace complemented by party favors, champagne, dancing and live entertainment. Or, guests can join the party in the Firenze Lobby Lounge for dancing, a selection of fine libations and light dining fare. For more information, contact Bonnie Crail, Crail Communications, at bcrail@crailcommunications.com.

BELLAGIO PRESENTS ‘CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY: LICHTENSTEIN, WARHOL & FRIENDS’ New Exhibition in Partnership with Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Debuts January 23, 2009. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) is pleased to announce the debut of “Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends. Organized in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), the exhibition will feature important paintings and sculpture by major contemporary artists with a focus on the 1960s and ’70s. The exhibit will include many of the major works in MCASD’s collection, primarily large-scale paintings along with sculpture and works on paper. The iconic artists to be featured were the leaders of their generation – Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol LeWitt and Ed Ruscha, among others. Their innovative use of material and imagery was at the forefront of Pop Art and Minimalism worldwide. See www.bellagio.com or www.ticketweb.com.

A little blogging music Maestro… “Viva Las Vegas” sung by Elvis.

Dr. Forgot

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