Downtown ZEN Feb/Mar 2014

FEB/MAR 2014

Femme Fatale V-Day Fashion Guide Page 25

Seth Schorr Spills it in

‘Serendipitous’ Housing:

McNeil Estates

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Bin 702 Pinches Tacos The Boozery … And the Most Sought-After Painter Outside the Arts District

Now that January’s in the rear view mirror (thankfully!), we’re putting the pedal to the metal as we go full steam ahead into the short yet delectably sweet month of February.

With St. Valentine’s Day soon approaching, this month’s theme of love is ever abundant throughout our pages as we shed light on a 5-year-old kindergartner who doubles as a professional painter, sit down with Cupkates co-owners Kate and Will Thompson to learn the secret behind their better tasting cupcakes, go shopping inside Downtown Container Park’s boutique stores in search of that perfect and well-deserved Valentine’s gift, and finally, track down some of downtown’s better tasting and healthier postdinner dessert options with your sweetheart. But wait! We realize that for some, V-Day is more like D-Day, so we’ve also included additional features to keep your mind off of oh, what’s his name, such as the continuation of “The Letter,” part two of Descriptive Downtown, an in-depth look at the prominence of the El Cortez, and much, much more. So go ahead, flip through, and read to your heart’s content.

- The Downtown ZEN Team Cover: Editor-in-Chief Concept Loren Becker Contact Us: Mandy Crispin Email: DowntownZEN@zappos.com Managing Editors Like: facebook.com/ZapposDowntownHappenings Production and Direction Michael Boley, Mandy Crispin Follow: #dtzen Matt Wong, Mandy Crispin, Michael Boley Contributing Writers Front Cover Model Brian Paco Alvarez, Michael Boley, Megan Petrini Temple Brathwaite, Mandy Crispin, Matthew Dunsmoor, Angelina Fadool, Tony Ferrara, Karina Giraldo, Joanna Mueller, Makeup Artist Jules Zamora Shannon Sneade, Shawn Zahnow Serial Artist April Teixeira

Costume Designer bridgetdickey, Peter Koryzno

Calendar & Events Mikela Lee-Manaois

Costume Design Assistant Temple Brathwaite

Photography Matt Wong, Karina Giraldo, Las Vegas News Bureau, Downtown ZEN Team

Typography Layout Nina Thomasian Logo Design Fernando Cabestany

Art Director Ryan Brekke (BullFish Media) Graphic Designer Crystal Torres (BullFish Media) Web Design Michael Boley

Read Online: www.dtZEN.com

Downtown ZEN

*Special thanks to Downtown Container Park* Printer: Jackpot Printing 702.873.1902 | www.jackpotprinting.com

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ISSUE 23

table of

CONTENTS

33

FEATURES 03 | Cupkates: Cupcakes by Kate 09 | Stitch Factory Featuring D’Wayne Edwards 13 | History of the El Cortez PHILOSOPHY ‘N’ FLUFF 18 | Serial: The Letter 21 | Recipe 22 | Serendipitous Spotlight 23 | Education 24 | Fashion 27 | Descriptive Essay 29 | History 31 | Health & Wellness 33 | Housing Guide 35 | Astrology EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT 37 | Arts & Ents 40 | Smith Center 41 | He Said, She Said 43 | Restaurant Review 45 | Bar Review

24 43

31 41 13

February Newsletter About the Cover “My love, won’t you take me out tonight?” This month’s cover is inspired by “my love” — music!

Other music lovers may spot the influence of American indie pop band The Bird and the Bee and references to perhaps the most iconic anthophila of all time, the cover girl of Blind Melon’s self-titled album from 1992. Birds and bees should fly to the Downtown Container Park this month to shop, eat, stroll and play.

TECH JOBS www.about.zappos.com/jobs

FEATURES

Cupkates • Stitch Factory • El Cortez

Cupkates

by Kate

Distant Dreams to Decadent Desserts

By Michael Boley

E

ntrepreneurial-minded brother-sister combo Will and Kate Thompson are co-owners of the most coveted cupcakes in Las Vegas. This hometown duo has made quite a name for themselves since preheating their oven in 2012 when they opened up their first gourmet cupcake bakery on the far west side of town inside Tivoli Village, and now they're doing it again— but this time within the small-business sponsored, boutique-styled quarters of Downtown Container Park.

Cupcake Confessional

Kate is a 27-year-old business marketing graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, and Will, 24, earned his UNR degree, ironically enough, in biological and nutritional sciences.

Both, for the record, have had no prior professional baking or business experience upon opening Cupkates. In fact, their roles within this venture are completely reversed from their collegiate degrees, as Kate’s the food guru baker and Will’s the brand strategist and marketer. But when two siblings can cooperatively run a business with interchangeable strengths, why change the recipe when success tastes so sweet?

Sprinkle-topped success, however, has not come easy for the Thompson family as they were hit hard by the still-rebounding recession that took place in the late 2000s. In December 2008, during an economic meltdown, Kate’s untimely college graduation meant jobs would be far and few between, especially in Vegas where professional growth was essentially paralyzed.

“I was a dean’s list, straight A’s, great student, so I thought that that automatically meant I would get a good job with a corner office in Las Vegas during the worst economic times, and obviously that plan did not come to fruition,” said Kate.

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Upon receiving limited callbacks from prospective employers, Kate decided to fall back on her pleasure of baking. At the same time, Kate’s father was also going through employment troubles of his own, having gotten laid off from a well-paying construction gig that was at the height of success just a few years prior. However, it was in those waning winter months that the father-daughter pair jointly invested in the idea of upstarting Cupkates as a cater-only business, with Kate’s name distinguishing the brand.

In July 2012, when Cupkates expanded into a storefront bakery at Tivoli, Will had just completed his bachelor’s degree and decided to play a small role within the business while also applying for graduate school in the fall; however, the intermingled scent of entrepreneurialism and cupcakes has kept him working alongside his sister ever since.

“The more we got into it, the more I got that entrepreneurial spirit. It got pretty addicting,” said Will. “I was like ‘let’s build this thing into something amazing, let’s go nationwide with this, let’s show the brand to everybody,’ and I know our family, in itself, when we pool our resources we can do something pretty special, and that’s definitely happening. So it’s kind of cool. I feel like I definitely made the right choice.”

Cupcake Love

Kate’s love for baking was spurred at a young age, catalyzed by a pink KitchenAid hand mixer, that she still has to this day, and her childhood nana, a southern belle known for her exquisite cake recipes. Throughout her college career, Kate was a habitual baker and created taste test sessions with friends and family to critique her creations, helping to transform nana’s old recipe into one of her own.

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“What makes the container park great is that it is highly conducive to all kinds of demographics. During the day you get business professionals who live and work downtown who come here for lunch. Later in the day you get families down here … and then as the night goes on it becomes a more adult-friendly place. All demographics, as we’ve found out, really love cupcakes.”

– Will Thompson

F

or those who have yet to visit Cupkates, Kate’s menu is untraditionally unique, featuring a range of cupcake sizes from mini and large to even oversize. But due to popular demand, Cupkates’ bite-sized miniatures are the first to sell out.

Each morning, Kate and her two bakers arise before the break of dawn, mixing, cooking, and frosting more than 250 cupcake minis. Although not sold individually, with a variety of flavors and fun names, such as the Hipity Hop (carrot cake), Banana Bo Fana (banana cake), Sticky Fingers (caramel cake), Mellow Yellow (yellow cake), and many more, customers can get an assorted dozen featuring a multitude of delicious flavors for only $12.

As previously mentioned, Cupkates does sell its regular-sized large cupcakes consisting of the same artistic flavors for $2 each. However, if you’re in need of something resembling a mountainside, Kate’s customizable cupcake cakes (available in Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Lab, Red Velvet, and Snickerdoodle) are the perfect party idea for a cake smash or to stuff the cheeks of a small army.

One noticeable difference cupcake connoisseurs will see between Cupkates and other grocers and chained bakeries across the valley is their use of frosting. According to Kate, her bakery gratifyingly uses only four main ingredients (one of which is a hint of mayo … yes, mayonnaise) to combine a light, airy buttercream which is used to accent the actual cake, unlike her

competitors who prefer to pile on a rich and heavy processed frosting that outweighs and outmeasures hers in size, but underperforms in taste.

“We pride ourselves on moist cupcakes. I feel that a lot of times if you pile a whole bunch of frosting on top of a cupcake, you are trying to hide the flavor of your cake, or the cake may not be as moist. So, if you’ll notice with our cupcakes, they’re not overloaded with frosting, and it’s because we really focus on the actual cake.”

In addition to cupcakes, other specialty items offered at Cupkates includes cake pops and dipped marshmallows. And as a bonus just in time for St. Valentine’s Day, the shop is also selling heartshaped Rice Krispies treats, light pink-dipped apples topped with mini marshmallows, dipped strawberries, and the most beautiful and photogenic dessert of them all: cupcake bouquets. Utilizing an Edible Arrangements presentation style, cupcake bouquets are an intricately designed dessert arrangement consisting of six large cupcakes, five mini cupcakes, and four chocolate-covered strawberries.

And if the aroma escaping Cupkates has yet to lure you through their doors, the interior design alone will make you appreciative of Kate’s sense of style. From the colorful pin-up style aprons that drape along the soft colored striped walls to the fine china plating and white wrought iron cupcake stand, it’s a place that would disgrace Alice’s wonderland and even make the Mad Hatter lose his wits.

“I want people to get a whimsical, vintage, classic feel that takes them back to the days of tea and crumpets,” said Kate. “It was very important to me to have a shabby chic look. The mint green and cream-striped walls are a huge part of our branding. We want our customers to think ‘Cupkates’ when they see the stripes on our walls, bags, and business cards.”

Serving as an extension to Cupkates’ main business model, Kate has also created two completely customizable and themed children’s cupcake tea parties that she hosts and caters. For those wanting to partake in an atypical birthday celebration or gathering, choices include a 90-minute “Drop in Tea” or “Three Course Tea” event, offering a variety of activities, including but not limited to antique décor, cupcake decorating, crafts, dress up, princess hair, and Kate’s personal favorite, table manners.

“Table manners and etiquette was huge in our family,” said Kate.

“Even when we were 3 [it was] ‘may we please be excused from the table?’ Unfortunately, right now in our society, especially in

Las Vegas, that art is being lost with table manners and etiquette, so I figured let’s get these little kids in a fun atmosphere where they can feel fancy while still learning things without knowing they’re learning something.”

It’s now been six years since the upstart of Cupkates, and not an iota of a second has gone by where the Thompson’s haven’t expressed their gratitude towards its shop local customers. Will and Kate’s customer-centric business approach has, and will always be, built on the idea of providing quality food while using only the finest of ingredients. And in the years ahead as they plan to expand Cupkates to a third location, they are excited to pay their success forward by driving and strengthening the local economy to create additional jobs.

“The further support we can get, the more kids we can hire for after-school work,” said Will. “We’re highly motivated by creating jobs. We probably pay way more into payroll than a company of our size should, but it’s important to us to provide opportunity for people to have a chance to get into the working world.”

So the next time you find yourself making a purchase at Cupkates, not only are you benefiting small business, but also the community in which we all live. And that … well, that’s the true icing on the cake.

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The entire team at the DowntownZEN wants to thank all our community supporters for letting us set up magazine racks in your businesses. We appreciate all the love and exposure. downtown Container Park 707 Fremont St. 702.637.4244 www.downtowncontainerpark.com

El Cortez Hotel

eat

Viva Las Arepas

707 Carson Ave. 702.534.1515 www.eatdowntownlv.com

1616 S. Las Vegas Blvd. #120 702-336-9696 www.vivalasarepas.com

Resnick’s

Radio City Pizza

600 Fremont St. 800.634.6703 www.elcortezhotelcasino.com

900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.982.2999 www.resnicksgrocery.com

508 Fremont St. 702.982.5055 www.radiocitypizza.com

Downtown Grand Las Vegas

White Cross Market

the center (LGBTQ Community Center)

206 N. Third St. 702.719.5202 www.downtowngrand.com

The BEAT

520 Fremont Street 702-385-2328 www.thebeatlv.com

Atomic Liquors

917 Fremont St. 702.349.2283 www.atomiclasvegas.com

Cōteriē

1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702-382.3382 www.whitecrossmarket.com

Vaguard Lounge 516 Fremont St. 702.868.7800 www.vanguardlv.com

Gold Spike

217 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.384.8444 www.goldspike.com

MTO Café

515 Fremont St. 702.685.7741 www.coteriedowntown.com

500 S. Main St. 702.380.8229 www.mtocafe.com

Downtown Rangers

Real Results

DTP Consrtuction Zone Trailer 702.900.3274 www.facebook.com/DowntownRangers

1201 S. Commerce St. 702.331.3172 www.realresultsfitness.com

International Eatery

Las Vegas Hostel

450 Fremont St (Neonopolis) 702.776.8510

Stitch Factory

300 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120 702-476-5552 www.stitchfactory.com

Ogden

150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702-685-0300 www.ogdenlv.com

Rachel's Kitchen

1322 Fremont St. 702.385.1150 www.lasvegashostel.net

Work In Progress 317 S. Sixth Street 702-534-3804 www.workinprogress.lv

Nacho Daddy

113 N. Fourth St. 702.778.7800 www.nachodaddy.com

150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.778.8800 www.rachelskitchen.com

City Centre Café'

SWAG Antiques

Gargano Italian Bistro

630 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.464.3299 www.swagantique.com

375 Lewis Ave. 702-383-4055

321 S. Casino Center Blvd.

702.366-0665 www.garganobistro.com

401 S. Maryland Pkwy.

702.733.9800 www.thecenterlv.org

Inspire Theater

501 Fremont St. www.facebook.com/inspiretheaterlv

JUHL Lofts

353 E. Bonneville Ave. 702-754-6300 www.juhlst.com

SOHO Lofts

900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702-383-0979

Hogs & Heifers Saloon 201 N. Third St., Suite #130 702.676.1457 www.hogsandheifers.com

Downtown Cocktail Room 111 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.880.3696 www.thedowntownlv.com

Le Thai

523 Fremont St. 702-778-0888 www.lethaivegas.com

Art of Flavors GELATO 1616 S. Las Vegas Blvd. #130 702.569.3636 www.lethaivegas.com

Turn Table Health

701 Bridger Ave, Suite 150 702.479.1515 www.turntablehealth.com

The Lady Silvia

900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.405.0816 www.theladysilvia.com

DOWNTOWN MAKES YOU SMARTER: footwear designer D’Wayne Edwards makes it work at Stitch Factory

DREAM BIG. MAKE IT WORK. PAY IT FORWARD. D’Wayne Edwards is the founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy. PENSOLE offers design classes to aspiring footwear designers and is located in Portland, Ore. D’Wayne met Meghan Mossler, co-owner and cofounder of Stitch Factory, through a mutual friend when she travelled to Portland, and for the past year they’ve been waiting for the opportunity to combine forces.

FN Platform, part of MAGIC, the yearly international market 09

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week for men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and footwear, wanted to have its own design challenge this year and contacted D’Wayne to lead the charge. When this opportunity came up, D’Wayne emailed Meghan, and they agreed, the shoe just fit. The challenge would be presented to students as a master class and be taught at Stitch Factory.

D’Wayne’s students came to downtown Las Vegas from a variety of countries and states: Bolivia, Haiti, Ecuador, Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, North Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia. They were asked to cultivate their designs

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By Mandy Crispin in athletic (Merrell), casual women’s and kids’ (Skechers), and men’s and women’s dress shoes (Johnston & Murphy and Nina, respectively) categories. Throughout the process these students benefitted from a special, accelerated curriculum at Stitch over 11 days (and late nights).

The focus of PENSOLE is to give an all-encompassing lesson in the professional world of design from the early process of how to prepare to sketch, doing research, and even guides professional development (e.g. resume, portfolio, branding, interviewing techniques). The work they completed in the short challenge/master class is the equivalent to a 16-week course at a university, but by focusing on his experience doing the job, D’Wayne conveys his technical and career education to his students so they are prepared to enter the field and actually work.

Probably the most important to D’Wayne, of all facets, is that he doesn’t just teach “design” in terms of making things look pretty. He’s adamant about making a product that works, and that means the students in this class learn to sketch on paper and “make it pretty” later. The designs have to become worthy of color, not the other way around.

He said, “What ends up happening for most kids in college is they really don’t learn how to make things, they just know how to make things look pretty. That’s why we [at PENSOLE] do everything by hand.

Art is subjective. Design is not. Because it’s a physical thing. There are results associated with it, and it’s usually if it works or it doesn’t. There’s no middle.

Either it is, or it isn’t.

We don’t [set out to] make anything look pretty.

Pretty is a subjective term.

We build things to work.

Work is a fact.

Either it works, or it doesn’t.

It just so happens if you create something that works and it looks good … that’s the magic. What I want to instill in the students is to make it work, first. Your job as a designer is to make things better. When you’re a designer, that’s what your obligation is, to create things that work and make people’s lives easier and/or better. If you don’t have that intent as a designer then you shouldn’t be doing that skill.

We do everything by hand because it forces you to focus on the one thing that matters, which is making it work!”

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Q & A: What did you think of Stitch Factory when you first heard of it?

Loved it. There are these kind of maker studios popping up, but they’re mainly focused on woodworking, and 3-D modeling, and sculpting, but nothing for apparel, which I thought, one, was a unique position, but also something that was sorely needed. I grew up in LA, so there was a big apparel market there, and you would always get people wanting to start their own brand or line, and they just didn’t know where to turn or where to go. This was in the ‘80s. Fast forward to the 2000s, and there’s still the same problem. I thought it was really innovative in the sense that it’s given people an outlet to test the waters before they spend a ton of money trying to do something they aren’t sure they want to do. I think with the birth of shows like Project Runway and Fashion Star, things like that, the average person is getting a glimpse of what it takes to make something, and now to have a place where you can actually go do that? That’s huge.

Did you know about downtown Vegas before?

I started in this industry when I was 19, so I have been coming to Vegas for trade shows for the last 24 years. I had only been to the strip, so out of a couple of decades, the first time I came down here was to see down here. Since I’ve [first been downtown], I’ve had to, ironically, come to Vegas every three months for something, and every time I am blown away by how quickly things are going up down here. It’s insane. I think it’s got to be a record for any building of anything in the United States, so whatever you guys are doing down here, you need to sell those plans to other places.”

D’Wayne showed his talents early as he won a design contest put on by Reebok and shocked everyone when his 17 year-old self showed up to collect the prize: a job. “You are too young,” they said. Through circumstance, a couple years later, he ended up filing paperwork at LA GEAR, a top brand at the time. He submitted over 180 drawings into a suggestion box, which landed his designs on a toptier exec’s desk who made D’Wayne a Jr. designer. From there, D’Wayne worked his craft for two decades in the professional footwear industry among the top brands of all time.

The one and only thing he cares about is staying true to the promise he made when he got his first and unlikely shot: to help someone the way he got helped. He said, “I would say that my life has been filled with lots of reminders that I’m on the right path and doing what I’m supposed to be doing, and I think I was chosen do what I do so I could do what I’m doing right now, which is returning everything that was given to me.”

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FOR MORE INFO, CHECK OUT ELCORTEZHOTELCASINO.COM/ZAPPOS 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 | 800.634.6703 | 702.385.5200

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el cortez

"If it’s good for downtown, it’s good for the El Cortez.”

The El Cortez Hotel and Casino has been a downtown institution since it was built over 70 years ago. At the time the resort was built in 1941, the general public and insider opinion was that it was too far out of the center of downtown to be a viable player in the casino industry. The years since have proven that notion to be incorrect.

Over the years, there has been a long list of owners and partners of the property, including some infamous mob figures such as Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Meyer Lansky.

But the El Cortez owner with the most longevity and the one who ultimately made the property very successful is Jackie Gaughan, who bought the El Cortez in 1963. He immediately undertook a hotel and casino renovation and expansion adding 50 Pavilion rooms over the parking garage. In 1980, he built the 15 story high-rise hotel tower in which he currently resides.

The El Cortez became a place “where locals come to play,” as Jackie Gaughan was very innovative with promotions, specials and “Funbooks” that attracted locals wary of playing where the tourists played. Its authentic and relaxed atmosphere is due in large part to the fact that it has always been family owned and operated.

The El Cortez is the longest continuously operating hotel and casino in Las Vegas. In February 2013, the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only functioning casino to be listed on this prestigious registry.

In 2008, Jackie Gaughan sold the El Cortez to Kenny Epstein and a group of family members and longtime executives.

Since then, the property has gone through a major renovation including the casino, the hotel rooms, the lounge and the restaurants, while the exterior still retains its original 1941 appearance.

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by Tony Ferrara

An interesting part of the renovation of the tower was the “Design a Suite” competition completed in 2011. Designers from across the state were invited to submit designs for a suite, limited by a $22,000 per suite budget. There were four semifinalists chosen, but the winner of the contest was Urban Design Studio from Reno. Their winning entry was a Mob themed suite called “The Big Sleep.” One of the awards for the winning design was that they were contracted to design six additional suites. All of the suites that were designed and built as part of the competition are still available to stay in today.

In 2009, the new management team completed the transformation of the Ogden House on Sixth and Ogden Streets, to the Cabana Suites, a 64-room boutique hotel featuring all of the upscale and high-tech amenities that you would expect to find in a suite in uptown Manhattan at a remarkable value, averaging $65 per night.

Other recent renovation projects at the El Cortez have included the Parlour Bar, completed in 2012. This comfortable lounge features an Elvis impersonator and karaoke, a great selection of martinis, and “Champagne Thursdays” where Champagne starts at $5. It also has its very own food menu featuring “small bite” dishes.

The El Cortez features other dining options for its customers.

The Flame Steakhouse is a fine dining restaurant in the heart of the casino and was formerly known as Roberta’s, named after Jackie Gaughan’s late wife. It features a great fresh stone crab special for $28, available Friday and Saturday nights from October to May, among many other fine dining selections.

Café Cortez is a 24-hour casual dining restaurant with a very reasonably priced menu featuring a prime rib dinner special for only $9.95. Another great Café Cortez special is the $5 burger and beer special. Room service is available for those hotel guests who prefer to dine in-room.

The El Cortez has become an anchor and strong supporter of the Fremont East District. The owners and executives have partnered with Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project on many events and projects. They also own the Emergency Arts building right across the street and partnered with Jennifer and Michael Cornthwaite to transform the building from a medical center into the multicultural downtown hub that it is today.

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The El Cortez is a major supporter of First Friday, and developed and hosted Sessions, a First Friday musical showcase. Another event that they helped develop and hosted for the last three years is Vegas StrEATS on Jackie Gaughan Plaza. This event showcased the best food trucks in town, live music and many local vendors.

Vegas StrEATS and Sessions are both on hold during the winter months, but keep an eye out for them to be reinvented soon.

The El Cortez was also a major sponsor for the wildly popular Life is Beautiful Festival. The casino became a major gathering spot and centerpiece for the festival, which is planned to occur annually. They are looking forward to next year’s festival and continue to be a major sponsor.

Downtown Cares is a philanthropic project founded by El Cortez Executive Vice President Alex Epstein in coordination with the Moonridge Group. This semiannual event sponsored by Zappos and others, is aimed towards assisting the downtown community with various efforts to beautify the community. For instance, the last event in November 2012 focused attention on Veterans Village, helping with a major sprucing up of the facility near Charleston and Las Vegas boulevards.

The casino has many innovative programs and promotions for their patrons. How about the Gambling Gourmet? If you’re playing anywhere in the casino, you can order tasty munchies from a 24-hour food cart that will come right to your table or slot machine to assist you with satisfying your appetite.

Cash is King is a quarterly promotion geared toward casino players. For every 5,000 points earned, a player gets one entry.

The drawing determines the grand prize winner of $5,000 in cash. There are also many other cash awards totaling a whopping $25,000.

Zappos employees are welcomed to the El Cortez through generous discount programs. Show your badge and receive a 20percent discount in restaurants (up to a party of four), and two-for-one drinks at The Parlour Bar. During “Gift Card Giveaway” months, if you’re lucky enough to hit a $200 jackpot in the casino, you’ll receive a $10 Zappos Gift Card. Also, Zappos has its own landing page (and secret menu!) found at elcortezhotelcasino.com/zappos. Check it out for the most recent offers for Zappos employees.

The El Cortez management’s involvement in the downtown community is guided by its patriarch Jackie Gaughan’s mantra “if it’s good for downtown, it’s good for the El Cortez.” This guiding principal has helped it to become integral to the downtown renaissance that we are in the midst of. The El Cortez community outreach efforts, guided by Alex and her sister Katie Epstein, will continue to be a force in downtown redevelopment. If you haven’t visited the El Cortez recently, stop by sometime — they’ll be glad to see you!

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oPeN daiLY

Breakfast Burritos, Burgers, salads & MorE

startINg at $5

$4 HaPPY HoUr 4-7PM

DOWNTOWNGRAND.COM 2 0 6 N . 3 R D S T R E E T, L A S V E GA S , N V 8 9 1 0 1 Located on 3rd Street between Stewart Ave. & Ogden Ave. Downtown ZEN

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Philosophy ‘N’ Phluff

The Letter • Recipe • Serendipitous Spotlight • Education • Fashion • Descriptive Downtown • History • Health & Wellness • Housing Guide • Astrology

Chapter 5 A Serial Story by Matthew Dunsmoor Illustrations by April Teixeira

"Sleep would not come easy that night, but with tomorrow set before me and my letter now complete I could pull a small amount of satisfaction from the day."

Despite just having my apartment ransacked by what I assumed to be the shadowy figure that appeared to still be keeping tabs on me from the street, I awoke with a renewed sense of vigor. The time that it took me to get dressed and ready felt like nothing at all. Heck, even the Spirit seemed to be moving faster as I drove to my destination — the Lied Library on the campus of UNLV. If there was anywhere that I might be able to find some information on unknown ancient symbols, it would be at a college that offered Ph.D. and Master’s options within the history program.

After nosing through countless "Egyptian History" books in search of the symbol, I came up empty. I walked up to the preoccupied student at the circulation desk. "Excuse me, sir? Do you know if there are any other places in the library that might have Egyptian history or mythology?"

"You can always check the Special Collections area upstairs. I think they have an Egyptian collection right now in honor of some celebration," he replied, in a half-interested tone, as he continued to reshuffle the books around him.

"Thanks!" I dashed up the stairs and followed the signs to the Special Collections room, where another receptionist sat just outside the door. "Can I help you?" she asked, in an enthusiastic tone — a stark contrast to her street-level counterpart. As I explained my search, I could see her face slowly forming into the "I have some bad news for you" face.

"Unfortunately, that collection has largely been moved. They're doing an exhibition at the Plaza in a couple weeks, and wanted those books available for it. There are a few pieces that are left in the Las Vegas History collection room, but they're just sitting there until the man comes to pick them up later today. You can browse them if you like, but you won't be able to take any of them home. Will that work?" she squeezed apologetically.

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"I'll take what I can get at this point. Thank you." She showed me into the room, which was filled with books, maps, catalogues, pamphlets, brochures, letters, and artwork from times even before the birth of Las Vegas up until now. It was really something to behold.

Across one of the work tables sat five separate Egyptian texts that were stacked neatly for pickup. I sat down and furiously started combing through each.

The first was about modern history — recent events since the ‘90s. Useless. The second and third were about Egyptian political policy since the 1900s. Equally useless. The fourth was a little more exciting — a guide to Egyptian landmarks.

I crept through the pages slowly, analyzing each image and looking for key phrases to pop out of the accompanying text. Surprisingly few images included any hieroglyphics; of those that did, none resembled the vulture-like glyph I'd encountered twice now. I had low hopes for the last book . . . that is, until I picked it up. This book was a heavy, old, leather-bound edition with gold embossment scrolling across the front. The title read, "Gods & Goddesses. A Study of Egyptian Religion." I folded back the cover and first couple pages and heard that familiar crackle of a well-worn leather spine that hadn't been bent in a while. I made it about two-thirds of the way into the book before stumbling across a passage that mentioned a goddess that I had never heard of before.

Nekhbet- nεk bεt- A goddess in Egyptian mythology who was the patron of the city of Nekheb, ultimately becoming the patron of Upper Egypt and one of the two patron deities for all of Ancient Egypt when it was unified. In art, Nekhbet was depicted as a vulture, appearing on the front of pharaoh’s double crown along with Wadjet. In some late texts of the Book of the Dead, Nekhbet is referred to as Father of Fathers, Mother of Mothers, who hath existed from the Beginning, and is Creatrix of this World.

While there was a catalogue of accompanying images for this goddess, none of them seemed to be what I needed. I was certain this had to be the point of reference for the symbol. But what did the symbol actually mean? Just then, the receptionist who had apparently crept into the room behind me while I was reading, in order to check on me (or more likely, to make sure I wasn't stealing books), spoke up. "You doing OK? You finding what you need?"

I turned my head, startled, "Yeah, I think I may have what I need. Or at least a piece of it." She moved closer and peeked over my shoulder at the text. "Is the man here for the books?"

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"Yes, unfortunately." She pointed to the section on Nekhbet. "Is that the part you're looking for?" I nodded.

"Well you may just be in luck! There's a book in the Las Vegas History collection that talks about that very thing. It's pretty unique subject matter, so it's easy to spot."

"Can you show me that book?" My excitement was likely visible at this point. She smiled and walked across the room, inspecting the labels at the end of each row until she found what she was looking for, and disappeared between two shelves. She emerged with a small text in her right hand and walked back to me with a smile. "Here you go, hun."

As she handed it to me, I read to title aloud. "‘The Khruat: The Search for Divinity’ … What is this? And why is it in the Las Vegas collection?"

"As I recall, it's about some religion or something. It's in this collection for two reasons: 1. I believe it plays into Vegas's own history, and 2. It's by a local author."

"A local auth — " I stopped cold when my eyes reached the name at the bottom of the cover. "… sir?"

I stared blankly at the book, as if I were looking through it while my mind was swimming with thoughts.

"Excuse me, mist — " "Thank you," I cut her off. "You've been exceptionally helpful. If you don't mind I'd like to check out this book out."

"Of course," she replied as she took the book from my hand. We walked to her desk, and she scanned the book. As I handed her my card, she asked the question that I was asking myself.

"Do you know him? Do you know mister … Edson?"

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Maple Glazed Root Veggies

Winter vegetables and root vegetables including sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips create the base of this simple yet elegant vegetarian and vegan vegetable side dish. If you like traditional glazed carrots, you'll like these glazed winter vegetables and root vegetables. This also works with celery root, scarlet turnips and rutabaga!

Ingredients:

• • • • • • • • •

1/4 cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 sweet potatoes, chopped approx. 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots approx. 1 1/2 cups chopped parsnips

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 F. Coat parstnips, potatoes and carrots with the olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking pan. Roast in oven for 15 minutes, then remove and retoss on baking sheet. Cook 15 minutes more until all the veggies and potatoes are soft.

Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard and garlic powder in a small bowl. Drizzle the maple mixture over potatoes and veggies and mix to coat well.

Serve and enjoy!

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Serendipitous Spotlight Q&A w/Downtown Grand CEO Seth Schorr

Hello Seth! Good seeing you since the opening of Downtown Grand. What have you been up to since?

We have been working on enhancing the guest experience in every way possible. Within a few weeks of opening we found an opportunity to dramatically improve our culinary experience by bringing in a few of Las Vegas’ best chefs, Charles Wilson and Todd Harrington. We also opened The Commissary with Richard Sandoval and are just thrilled with the food offering at Downtown3rd.

The Grand is a beaut. Taking a step back, what are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the team. The design of the building is unique and the programming was thoughtfully engineered, but the building of the team has been an organic process. Finding people who are the right fit for our company, our project, and for downtown Las Vegas has been an interesting exercise in targeted recruitment, and I am proud of our efforts and successes.

How have Downtown3rd and the Grand enhanced downtown?

The philosophy of integration with the city and focusing on being a part of a community is one that we embraced from day one and believe makes our project a great addition to our evolving downtown landscape. We have added a great room product to complement the many other hotels downtown, and I think our best attraction is yet to come … Picnic: The Urban Rooftop Pool Retreat (I know that is a mouthful; but it is just so much more than a pool!)

What’s next for the Downtown3rd district?

There are many great things to come at DT3! The retail project is justone of the many things we are working on (located at the old bus transit center). We have been talking to some major performers about block parties on Third Street, enhancing the Downtown3rd Farmers Market, and we have a retail location on Third between Ogden Avenue and Fremont Street that will be activated very soon!

You and casino mogul Steve Wynn are quite close. What’s the greatest thing he's taught you?

I’m lucky to have had a front row seat watching Mr. Wynn change the face of Las Vegas. I was only a fly on the wall but learned much about development and creating a facility that flows well and makes the guest feel comfortable.

What do you want your Las Vegas legacy to be?

I truly care about Las Vegas. It is where I grew up. It is where my kids were born and will be raised. I hope to make the community a better place to live. I am proud to be on the board of the Las Vegas History Museum and the Advisory Board of the Smith Center. Over the past 10 years I have been heavily focused on my career and more recently my own family. I think the next chapter is going to be even more interesting.

You have a max of four words to end this interview. Go! Oh no you didn’t.

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Academy Art Students Tour NYC Museums &Colleges

By Shannon Sneade Guggenheim. Metropolitan Museum. Empire State Building.

All-in-one trip. Visiting these tourist attractions would only be possible in one city, and it became a reality for one group of Las Vegas Academy art students who took on the Big Apple.

colleges and do some sightseeing as a reward for their hard work. The academy art teachers chose to go to New York City to show the students one of the most artistic and creative places in the country.

“In New York, we weren’t tourists at all,” said senior photography major Alex Silva. “We rode the subway, walked everywhere, and didn’t visit the Statue of Liberty. It was a homey feeling being there.” Alex said he is looking forward to possibly returning to New York City to further his education within the arts.

As time tends to fly when it’s all in good fun, the students said they wished the trip had been longer. “It seemed like we had the longest days,” said Claire of the endless jam-packed activities.

“Oh yeah,” agreed Alex. “By the end of the day, our feet were dragging, and we were walking super slowly from location to location.”

At the same time, though, both students agreed that, despite the long, intensive days, it felt like a short trip.

Many students returned with a greater, deeper knowledge and reflection of the art world, motivated and encouraged to prepare pieces for their upcoming visual arts shows that will be happening throughout the month of February. And who knows, maybe someday one of their pieces will hang inside NYC’s Museum of Modern Art.

Twenty-seven students, made up of seniors in advanced placement two-dimensional drawing and photography, as well as a few lucky juniors in advanced placement drawing, embarked to New York City from Jan. 17 through Jan. 22. This six-day trip was an opportunity for students and upcoming 2014 graduates to tour art institutes like the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Some students were even given the chance to have college faculty review their portfolios for fall admission.

The art department also took the occasion to explore multiple aspects of the art world, encompassing both the creation and administration processes. Students and art teachers had even set up a meeting with an art director to discuss future careers in the field.

Junior Claire Nichols fell in love with one of the many colleges they visited. “The School of Visual Arts is what really impressed me,” she said. “I’ve visited a few colleges before, but this one really just clicked in my brain. We got to see the students there actually creating artwork.”

Like many other majors, the art department travels to different parts of the country each year to explore various 23

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Your Go-To V-Day Gift Guide

by Temple Brathwaite

Winky Wu Designs: Winky Wu, as unusual as the name may be, is the concept behind this unique and affordable watch boutique nestled in the heart of Downtown Container Park. Designer Winky saw a middle market to create chic timepieces that were fashionable and didn’t burn a hole in the consumer’s pocket. Mainly a wholesale business, these fashion pieces are manufactured overseas but are hand selected by the owner herself. Watch faces are made of Japanese Quartz, and slap watches and belts are all made of recyclable materials. That’s right — even down to the packaging! Slap watches come in fun, eye-popping colors, and the concept behind the belts was astonishing to say the least. If you’re a frequent traveler, get ready to be Wu’ed as these custom-cut belts are made entirely of plastic. Simply try it on, cut to fit, and rock your new funky fashion past the security bins and all the way to your gate.

Bright colors are not your thing? Indulge your sweetheart in delicious on the rocks drinks, or drift off to the sweet dreams of decadent desserts.

While it all sounds appetizing, I assure you there is no meal to be had.

The On the Rocks watches consist of double-shot stones like White Jade, amethyst and African turquoise, while the Sweet Dreams collection boasts freshwater pearls in creamy, soft colors similar to your favorite desserts.

So while a traditional seven-layer cake may excite your loved one’s taste buds, opt for a lifelong treat in the Red Velvet timepiece.

Artbox Designs: Q&A How are your items made?

“All of our jewelry is handmade by local artists right here in the Las Vegas area. Materials used range from glass pieces to copper, sterling, and other mixed metals. The metal hearts are done by artist Allison Lundahl, an accomplished silversmith who has a great eye for chic looks. Allison mixes metals like those mentioned above to create great contrast and texture all in one piece.

We even feature our own collection of glass-infused artwork done by my wife, Kellie Kroplinski. A fan of the UNcontrollable, Kellie became fascinated with glasswork simply for the fact that the end product was not 100 percent predictable. Developing her own techniques through the years, Kellie devotes over 20 hours to creating a piece. The process starts with about two to three hours of cutting glass; Kellie then puts those pieces together to create a vibrant color palette. After being placed in the kiln, the fragments are heated to 1,700 degrees for about 15 hours. The result, while surprising at times, since no two pieces are alike, are then drilled down to make rings, bracelets and even platters.”

Do you customize pieces?

“Yes. As part of the agreement between us and the 31 vendors we work with, we do ask that they accommodate our customers by creating custom pieces. Depending on the complexity of the product, a piece can take anywhere from two days to two weeks.”

So the next time you venture into a big-time jewelry store searching for that perfect look for your lady, think more one-of-a-kind and get a piece that is made just for her.

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Gaby Olivia: Looking for a custom look, Gaby Olivia boutique is your one-stop shop.

With each designer having his or her own aesthetic, you are guaranteed to find everything from a vintage flair to an edgier appeal. Founded at First Friday, Jammie Hsu, the owner of the boutique, developed a love for the edgy flair of HEX’D designs. Created in the heart of downtown by residents and local entrepreneurs, Shanon and Margaret Davis started experimenting with beading. Hex nuts bracelets are created from an assortment of hardware store nuts as well as powder-coated pieces done locally by expert Dwayne Sanchez. Each bracelet is handcrafted one nut at a time using a fishing line slack of 14 or 20 pounds, which allows for flexibility yet provides a durable finish to each piece. Bracelets are not complete without a magnetic clasp that allows for easy on and off and is nestled in its own “nut case” for the complete packaged look. With an extensive selection boasting different colors and sizes, the Davis family is ready for lovers to get their HEX on.

If powdered hex nuts are not your gift of choice, surprise your honey with a taste of vintage treat. Owner of MJP Designs: Art and Fashion, Mixsi Paredes showcases her talent in design coupled with her love for vintage apparel to create a classic look for any occasion. A one-woman operation, most of the materials here are from vintage dead stock that are then upcycled with a trendy twist to create a Mixsi-inspired piece for customers of all ages.

702DTLV: Created by downtown for downtown, this chic boutique wanted to establish a memory for the Las Vegas area thinking store-branded jewelry would be a great souvenir for tourists. Shaped by store owners Brandi Allen and Melissa Lemon, metal dome plates are stamped with the 702 area code or DTLV logo. Paired with a dog chain necklace, these simple pieces are store staples that set their boutique apart with one-of-a-kind jewelry. Yet domes are not their only claim to fame. These ladies put a stamp on everything from forks and spoons to inspiring motivational artwork that is perfect for decorating around the home.

Like a shot to the heart, MV Procs also adds a peculiar yet bold fashion taste with their bullet-inspired designs to the shop. Rusticknitt Bullet Accessories incorporates bullets that have already been fired and turns them into miraculous works of art. The artist incorporates the bullets with other pieces found locally at antique malls and has even set their sights to inspiration worldwide. The design process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on when the light bulb goes off on creating the next look. Actual construction of the item, once the design has been thought of, can take a few hours depending on its complexity.

Going from simple dog chains to working with Swarovski crystals, MV Procs has set their visions high in taking Rusticknitt to the next level.

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Demolish or Re Las Vegas

Part 2 : Sec sking the locals around town about the building located on Las Vegas Boulevard just north of Bonneville on the east side of the street, I get varied answers as to what purpose the second floor of the building served. Some say that at one time it was a hotel, and others say it was used as the home of the business owner below.

Spanning around two thousand square feet and only covering one half of the north side of the building I envision the space to have once been lodging for the guests that came from afar.

The entrance to the second floor is located on the exterior front of the building. Unable to get a tour when I visited the property, I am left imagining how I would envision the stairway to the second floor as well as the use of the space above.

As I open the door I walk up a deep-stretching wooden staircase. It’s the same hickory smokehouse finish that covers the first floor. The wood banister arcs, meeting a very intricately carved base depicting vines climbing up the stretching staircase, matching those that are used on the forged iron door handles of the first floor bathroom doors.

The interior left wall of the staircase has exposed brick and mortar. The adjacent wall is covered with a warm velvet crimson-colored stocky finch bird design that gives the illusion of their flight to the second floor.

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From the ceiling of the stairwell drape leaf-lit chandeliers.

Hundreds of tiny gold-flaked leaves hang off the branches of the weeping willow arms, delicately lighting the forest-like entry to the second floor. My breathing feels light as I walk up the stairs, almost as if there is a magical force carrying me to the second floor.

As I get close to the top of the stairs, I notice the wall at the top of the landing. The same crimson velvet spans the wall from ceiling to floor without design, just the warmth of the velvet. I step to the landing and see a long corridor to the left.

To the right the room opens up into a parlor where guests are received. This is the most elaborately decorated room on the second floor.

The east wall of the parlor is covered by embellished wooden bookshelves that almost reach the height of the ceiling, the tops of which are enswathed by exotic plants that crawl in every direction: up the wall to the ceiling, around the ornately carved frame of the shelves and down the other side. The creeping vines look as if they are getting their nutrients from the hundreds of books aligning the shelves.

Both north and south walls are covered using a technique used mainly in the 19th century described as “leather paper.�

This heavy wallpaper is guiled with flowers so rich in color they look as if they are growing right out of the walls. Against the south wall sit two sets of bergere chairs covered in a rich emerald silk fabric. Between the sets of chairs is a demilune table that rests flush against the wall and then curves outward like a half-moon. Atop the table rests a sterling sliver oval tray

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eclaim a Piece of s History

cond Floor

By Shawn Zahnow Guests are greeted in the morning with a spread of pastries and jams and in the evening with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails upon the pedestal table. The parlor offers a unique experience for guests to share where they have traveled from as well as quaint conversation about their lives’ adventures.

Down the long corridor leads to the guests’ retreats where each room is decorated differently using furniture from many different periods. Each of the rooms share the same wooden floors and vine-carved crown molding that carries through from the parlor.

with four leaded crystal decanters surrounded by matching lead crystal glasses. The north wall of the parlor mirrors the south wall with the exception of the golden oval gueridon French table that sits in between the two sets of chairs.

A large pedestal table with castors at the bottom of each of the four legs occupies the center of the room. From the ceiling above the table is the most delicate lighting fixture in the entire building. The style reflects the theme of the staircase as well as the parlor with its large delicate golden leaves. The branches of these leaves look as though they are growing into the wooden ceiling almost spanning the entire width and length of the room just before reaching the vinecarved crown molding.

Centering the floor is an exceptional Agra rug. The extreme craftsmanship displays a woven garden design. Crimson, chestnut, flourishing green and bronze come together to create a grandiose elegance softening the wooden floor.

Last, but most definitely not least, the west wall, covered completely by lead-paned stained glass windows. Keeping true to the flow of the building’s first floor, similar but more exquisite flowers frame the enormous window. Large crimson amaryllis is the flower traditionally used as one of the most splendid symbols of beauty, and they easily convey that meaning here. Purple irises, white poppies and yellow jasmine, all woven with Boston ivy cradle them. Guests would have a grand view of the west valley and Fifth Street, which is now Las Vegas Boulevard.

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Some of the rooms have tester beds that have four posts and adjoin a wooden canopy encasing the entire bed. Oftentimes these beds have heavy velvet that drapes from the top of the canopy to the floor, giving the guests warm privacy. Only the finest linens are used, made of silks brought in from India. Other rooms have French silver-plate bronze ornate beds as well as the common waterfall bedroom sets. Each room is carefully decorated so that no one room is like any of the others in the building. This includes the wardrobes, washbasins, chairs and secretary desks. The walls are also embellished with the most pleasant wallpaper or tapestries.

Guests are left feeling as though they were treated with eminence and nobility.

Although the way I imagine the building might not be even close to what it looked liked in its prime day, I can only hope that whoever the new owner may be has some vision. I would hate to see another one of the oldest buildings in Las Vegas destroyed for another boring concrete building.

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A historical look at the 18b Arts District

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The Charleston Boulevard and Main Street Corridor in 1962 Image provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau

Historically speaking, one could say that the corridor along Charleston Boulevard, between Main Street and Las Vegas Boulevard, has always been a focus for the arts in downtown. And with the help of a few early pioneering businesses, this would later set the stage to what is now known as the arts district.

art anchors in the neighborhood. The CAC would open their new gallery with the locally acclaimed Mona-MonaMona juried art exhibition. According to Jim Stanford, the CAC vice president at the time, hundreds would appear at the show’s reception.

In 1957, Desert Art Supplies opened its first store on Main Street before moving to the current location on Charleston Boulevard and Eastern Avenue. During the same period, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce had headquarters located on the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Third Street. The chamber was a very significant tenant in the area because they ran the world renowned Las Vegas News Bureau — a promotional arm for the city. With a vast archive of images, a full contingency of photographers would take photos of everything that happened in Las Vegas, promoting the city as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

The city's first major attempt to redevelop the area happened in 1959 and 1960 when the City Commission (city council) renamed Second Street to Casino Center Boulevard. This project began a major push for "modernizing" downtown, which included road improvements, new street lamps and updating the façades of historic hotels lining Fremont Street. Casino Center Boulevard would be the city's attempt to redirect traffic from Las Vegas Boulevard to Fremont Street, funneling vehicles to drive past casinos.

In 1962, the Las Vegas Art League, the founding organization of the Las Vegas Art Museum, opened up their first art gallery at 921 S. Las Vegas Boulevard just a few feet north of Charleston Boulevard. The 1970s and ‘80s saw the opening of several antique shops along Charleston Boulevard, and Main Street also saw an influx of furniture stores set up shop. In 1991, Wes Myles would bring his photo studio to the very building he would later acquire, renaming it the Arts Factory.

By 1993, a paradigm shift would happen as downtown saw its first bohemian coffee shop open in more than a generation. Founded by the late Julie Brewer and later taken over by Lenadams Dorris, the Enigma Garden Café, curiously located at 918 & 1/2 Fourth Street, would be an amazing little corner of art, culture, music and poetry. This little café would leave an indelible mark on the psyche of Las Vegas' fledgling arts scene.

Though Café Enigma no longer exists, it is hard to find anyone who has been part of "the scene" not remember this amazing and important space.

By now the artistic seeds were sewn in the neighborhood, which caught the attention of the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs. This was actually no surprise considering many of the staff had been intimately involved in Las Vegas' young art scene and many were graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Art Department.

The first real push to create a cohesive arts neighborhood, or proto-arts district, did not take place until 1997 when Cultural Affairs helped create the GAME festival (Gateway Arts and Music Experience). GAME was the city's first major attempt at bringing an arts festival downtown. Besides creating a yearly festival, the city commissioned a series of murals that were painted in and around the area of East Charleston and Casino Center boulevards. Though the last GAME festival occurred in 2001, its mark would have a profound effect in what would eventually blossom into First Friday and the creation of the 18b Arts District.

Founded in October 2002 by Cindy Funkhouser, Julie Brewer and Naomi Arin, First Friday Las Vegas would not be a yearly event like its predecessor, but rather a monthly event: a very brave move considering that the GAME festival could barely survive as it was. The very first First Friday had an estimated 300 people attend.

Located in just two locations, the Arts Factory and the Funkhouse Antique Shop First Friday was definitely a simple affair. Cindy Funkhouser and crew went as far as to paint a trail of orange sneaker prints between the Arts Factory and the Funkhouse so people would know where to go. Back then, the walk between the two locations was not as easy as it is today with limited sidewalks and very few streetlamps. The days of "modernizing" downtown had definitely befallen on hard times.

Today, one can only stand in awe of how far the neighborhood has come since those pioneering artsy days of the 1990s and early 2000s. Who would have thought that a couple dozen people would lead the way, bringing about thousands of participants to an art scene that many would argue couldn’t happen in a city like Las Vegas.

After being unceremoniously kicked out of their previous gallery on Maryland Parkway, the Contemporary Arts Collective (or CAC) would move to Charleston Boulevard in 1996, making it one of the most important

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The Slimming Side of St. Valentine Sweets

By Temple Brathwaite

Dark Chocolate Ganache

Would you believe it if I told you that blended avocado, banana, raw chocolate and a little sweetener make the perfect chocolaty treat? It sure does! These easy ingredients found at Downtown3rd’s farmers market or, better yet, blended to perfection at Simply Pure inside the Downtown Container Park are the perfect way to put a nightcap on your romantic dinner.

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Almond Agave Truffles

Almonds, raisins, a little agave sweetener and you’ve got the perfect bite-sized truffle. If truffles are your favorite go-to dessert, then this is the perfect way to lightly indulge without feeling so guilty. Prefer being a little bit more naughty? Try dipping these in a little dark chocolate for that allover euphoric, satisfied feeling.

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Vegan Chocolate and Almond Fudge

With each of these ingredients found at the Downtown3rd farmers market, this easy combo requires only five minutes of your time and five simple ingredients: one cup each of coconut oil, almond butter, raw cacao, pitted date, and a pinch or two of sea salt.

(Don’t forget to throw one over your shoulder for good luck!) Place in the refrigerator for about an hour and voilà. Indulge in this decadent treat while simultaneously tantalizing your taste buds!

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G

ive the gift of sweetness minus the extra calories this Valentine’s season. Of course your loved one will want a decadent chocolate or even a smidgen of sorbet, so see below for quick fixes all across DTLV to curb your sweet tooth cravings without that guilty feeling and longtime regret to your waistline.

Key Lime Mousse

This little treat took me by surprise with the ingredients used, but a couple ripe avocados, some lemon zest and lime juice creates the smooth signature of this mousse dessert. This one will have you licking the spoon over and over … and over again!

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Sorbetto

Joe at Chill Spot packs a healthy punch with his all-natural fruit blend that is sure to knock the socks off of your Valentine’s Day date. While watching your taut figure may seem worth the investment, depriving your taste buds surely is not. Using pureed fruit, water, cane sugar and a little trick up Joe’s sleeve, within seconds you can enjoy decadent sorbets that are less than 200 calories a cup.

Yummy!

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Gluten-Free Desserts

The black sheep of the group, the ladies over at WILD offer an array of gluten-free and clean desserts. While the vegan apple pie is short of “guilt-free,” ingredients like potato starch, brown rice and sorghum flour ensure that each pastry is made GMO-free. So, on this lovey-dovey night, step out of your comfort zone and try a vegan chocolate cupcake or other pastries chef Tatiana Lewis provides.

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HOUSING GUIDE

BY KARINA GIRALDO

McNeil Estates

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Karina Giraldo Residential Specialist

karina@theagencyre.com T: 702.566.7222 M: 702.480.9131 F: 702.853.4470

McNeil is my favorite downtown neighborhood, and the one I call home. Rich in history and a visual delight, McNeil has the sophistication of Scotch 80’s mixed with the amiable neighbors of Paradise Palms.

Sometimes referred to as McNeil Estates, McNeil Tract, or McNeil Manor, this custom home neighborhood sits between Charleston and Oakey boulevards to the north and south and between Rancho to Cashman drives to the east and west. The majority of the community’s development was constructed between 1947 and 1978; however, most of the 513 homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s.

The neighborhood, once a hidden gem, is gaining in popularity from those seeking an alternative to the stucco homes of Summerlin and Green Valley. McNeil offers a variety of single story, mid-century modern and ranch-style homes approximately 1,200 to 6,500 square feet in size, with some structures featuring desert modern touches. Details you can find here include tongue and groove vaulted ceilings in solid birch and floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to a spacious backyard and sparkling 10-foot deep pool.

McNeil’s main attraction is its oversized lots, many at least one-quarter acre in size — in some cases, specifically on Ashby Avenue, lot sizes can range from one-third acre to over two acres. Once home to many horses, Ashby is one of the more unique residential streets in Las Vegas undecorated by sidewalks and streetlights. In fact, up until only a few years ago, you could still see an owner and its horse walking up and down the road.

McNeil does not have a formal association, but there is a group of dedicated homeowners who have worked together to create a neighborhood watch program and an online forum improving communication and keeping residents of any issues informed affecting the neighborhood, such as crime prevention, traffic, non-conforming building. Residents are also kept informed via email and at neighborhood meetings held every other month.

Homes listed for sale in McNeil range from about $285,000 to $595,000. In the past three months, the average sales price for a home was $282,000. The following is a list of the current available homes for sale: Address List Price Style Bedrooms Baths Sqft Garage Pool Spa Year Built Lot Size

1220 Strong Dr. 329,888 1 story 3 2 2,485 2 Yes No 1958 14,810

2908 W Oakey Bl 319,999 2 story 4 3 2,791 3 No Yes 1978 9,148

2617 Gilmary Av 299,000 1 story 3 2 2,130 2 Yes No 1964 9,148

2913 Gilmary Av 284,900 1 story 3 2 2,194 2 Yes No 1970 9,148

2606 Strong Av $275,000 1 story 4 3 1,981 0 Yes No 1959 13,068

2731 Bryant Av $425,000 1 story 3 3.5 2,525 0 No No 1961 11,326

As for the rental market, rent ranges from as low as $1,400 and upwards of $2,400. Currently there are three rentals available: Address List price Bedrooms Baths Spft Pool Spa Year Built Lot Size

1260 Strong Dr 1,525 4 3 2,362 No No 1961 10,454

2712 Bryant Av 1,500 4 3 2,232 Yes No 1960 9,583

2411 Mason Av 1,500 3 2 1942 Yes No 1957 10,890

With rising gas price, long commutes, and the desire for a genuine urban lifestyle, living closer to the city is on the wish list of many homebuyers. If you’re thinking about moving near downtown, I believe McNeil is one of the finest neighborhoods in the city, mostly thanks to the people who live there. These half-century old homes, distinguished by mulberry trees, grassy lawns with white picket fences, and neighbors who always wave is definitely worth a look, no matter if you choose to buy or rent.

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Each year, it is believed Punxsutawney Phil's shadow (or non-shadow) on February 2 will set the tone for the rest of spring. Hogwash.

Unchain and release yourself from the myths of today by digging yourself through the muddled muck of your life as rays of sunlight hit your eye and cascade a future of hope.

Be wary, however, of possible grey clouds overhead that will, in fact, postpone happiness for an additional six weeks.

For a chance at reversing your fortunes, preset your alarm for 6 a.m. the next morning for a complete do-over.

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Thinspirational Thinking You’re in month two of your daily calisthenics routine consisting of lunges, round kicks, and the single-leg circles; however, that thigh gap of yours ain’t getting any wider. Generate the results you want by riding horseback until March to give you that bow-legged, yet sexy leg separation you’ve always imagined.

Trash Man Each morning, your live-in lover will make you a room service-styled breakfast. In exchange for this convenient “delicacy,” you happily opt to take out the trash upon leaving for work, mainly so you can comfortably and freely regurgitate that morning’s burnt eggs. Unfortunately, your apartment’s garbage dump is in plain view of the kitchen window where she stands and waves you goodbye ... this time for good.

Extreme Grouponing Now that the onslaught of pre and post-holiday engagements are over, it’s your turn to pop the question. However, your sweetie always wanted to keep St. Valentine’s Day it’s own “celebration,” so you’ll have to do double the gifts, leaving you a little strapped for cash. Purchasing that cubic zirconia Groupon for $19.99 to make her love you long time.

Where’s the Beef?

Your body’s meat to fat ratio is comparable to Walmart’s $2 chuck beef special, which is essentially 1:1. To build up dem guns, you sign up for highoctane kickboxing classes. Unfortunately, your playful practice sessions with the boyfriend come at a cost as your shaky uppercuts leave him more battered and bloodied than your aforementioned high-protein dinner.

Size Matters With age, you’ve realized that size really does matter.

As a teen you didn’t know better and were satisfied getting it in with 5 inches. In college, you read bigger was better, so you upgraded to 6 inches and more width. Unfortunately, in the workforce your appetite wouldn’t be fulfilled until your hand slid across10 powerful inches. Any larger and you’d have to upgrade from tablet to laptop, you filthy animal.

Snow Bunnies Sochi’s Winter Olympic games are giving you cabin fever, and you’re just itching to hit the slopes. A new scantily clad outfit will pair well the skis you’ve yet to use from last season, turning the warming house into a full-on sexy sauna. Unfortunately, the hearts you hope to melt will soon turn ice cold as your upclose facial features display more makeup powder than last night’s snow accumulation.

Super Flush Once a year you wait for this very moment: a moment that could change the riches in your life purely based on data, strategy, and a little bit of luck.

But unlucky for you, the over/under bet you placed before the Super Bowl favored the wrong team, leaving you in sizable debit and pleading for student loan forbearance.

Nonverbal Communication Nothing speaks higher volume to the person you love than complete honesty. Unfortunately, that also holds a hefty emotional price tag — especially when you give a slight mention of the old lady whiskers that graze upon your woman’s chin and cheeks. Oh, and offering to shave them off won’t help matters.

Parking Paralysis For each of the next 28 days, you’ll forget wherever you last parked.

O, O, O’Reilly’s Up until recently, you’ve believed your sex life was on point with the bevy of add-on positions.

However, you suspect your partner is cheating on you as she whispers out the name of her adulterer during intercourse. But unbeknownst to you, she just has the O’Reilly’s auto parts commercial stuck in her head.

Juicy Juice Like the surface of Mother Earth, the human body is made up of nearly 70 percent water — most of which bubbles up to your hypersensitive peepers, creating that unflattering squishy sound when rubbing your eyelids. Instead of pushing inwards, a simple crossways swipe will suffice just fine.

Fun Hole This year you don’t have an “official” date for Valentine’s Day. So, instead, you go clubbing with the girls drinking and dancing through the night.

In the morning, the only walk of shame you’ll experience is your big toe poking through your new nylon sock.

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EVENTS &

ENTERTAINMENT

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Arts N Ents • Smith Center • He Said, She Said • Restaurant Review • Bar Review • Calendar

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Warming the Heart Through Art Kindergartener’s artwork paints colorful community picture

By Michael Boley

Take a moment and reflect back to when you were young. Can you recount what and who you wanted to be when grown up? An astronaut who traveled in orbit? Perhaps a major league baseball player who won the Cy Young? Or maybe an Oscar-winning actor, a veterinarian that helped wounded animals, or even a world-class musician that sold out concerts within minutes? When you were young, the world was your oyster, and you dreamt big. But chances are that’s all your childhood dreams ever were: just dreams.

Bella Castellarin is an anomaly. She’s cute, enthusiastic, inquisitive, and like any other typical 5-year-old, quite imaginative. But a mere dreamer she is not; a doer she is. Bella is a student at 9th Bridge School in downtown Las Vegas, a school that’s as nontraditional as it is innovative in its handson, community-centric approach to learning. Each morning, Bella grabs her backpack and leaves home on her bike, escorted by her parents, and pedals a few blocks through downtown’s side streets to school.

To you, she may look like a regular kindergartner. In reality, she’s masked as downtown’s most sought-after artist.

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Bella, her parents Krista and Dwayne, and her younger sister relocated to Las Vegas in 2012 upon catching wind of the area’s reinvestment to small business, community,

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and education. “We loved the idea of the downtown Las Vegas community as a start up. The spirit of entrepreneurism is apparent in everything from the tech companies to the curriculum at the 9th Bridge School.”

Late last year, as part of 9th Bridge’s program of interdisciplinary learning which includes art, music, and dramatic play, Bella’s classroom welcomed a group of special guest artists who taught and demonstrated basic painting principles, such as combining colors and creating compositions. To say the least, from that moment on Bella was inspired to become a professional painter.

“My husband and I are not artists — we don't paint, draw, or know anything about oil, acrylic, or watercolor paint at all — but we reached out to people who could help make Bella's dream come true.”

Throughout the days and weeks that followed, Bella continued to practice outlining her shapes while also trying to master the strokes of her paintbrush. In December, as Bella’s pieces continued to pile up, her parents simultaneously reached out to First Friday Foundation member and family relative Charles Ressler to pitch the idea of having Bella procure her very own booth at an upcoming First Friday.

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Upon filling out paperwork and securing a $100 booth, Bella was well on her way of making her fantasy a reality. On Jan. 3, Bella unveiled her very first collection, titled “Start,” consisting of 40 mixed-variety canvas paintings with a price-point proposal of “people [can] pay what they think it is worth.” Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for Bella to make her first sale … and another … and another … and another, and throughout the night the community’s response was nothing short of overwhelming as Bella sold her pieces ranging from $1 to $100. By 10 p.m., Bella sold out her entire collection, earning an astonishing $380.

“As a mom I really wanted this to be her venture, so my husband and I were just there as adult supervision.

I held my breath and just hoped that people would be nice. It didn't matter to me if she sold one or made $1, but I just didn't want her little heart to be broken if no one bought anything or if they said something mean,” said Krista. “Instead, the general public and the arts community embraced Bella with compliments, hugs, and so much enthusiasm that it overcame any fears I had that this wasn't going to work out.”

“It is important to encourage and support your child's passions, no matter how silly you might think they are. Children see possibility and opportunity where adults tend to see obstacles and difficulty.”

– Krista Castellarin However, Bella’s early life successes of entrepreneurship didn’t end here. Krista used this project as an educational opportunity to have Bella open her own savings account, teaching her the value of a dollar.

According to Krista, only 20 percent of her earnings could be spent freely while 30 percent went towards paying back art supplies and the final 50 percent went into the account.

So what’s next for Bella? Well, she’s at it again already painting her next collection, “Love is Nice.” Just in time for Valentine’s Day, these paintings are focused on love and sweets by infusing her favorite colors of red, pink, and white to create an array of hearts, lips, and delicious looking cupcakes throughout.

“I am bursting with pride at how Bella has been able to thrive in this community and how she has grown to understand sales, customer service, marketing, teamwork, and business as a result of this venture,” said Krista. “I feel Bella's artwork is representative of the hope that is alive and well in the downtown community.

It is the hope that everything that we are building here in downtown will last for generations to come because we made a mark on children like her.”

To learn more about Bella and her artwork, follow and like her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BellaCastellarin or visit her website at www.bellacastellarin.com.

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Reynolds Hall Zeppelin USA - An American Tribute to Led Zeppelin Feb. 7, 8 p.m.

Zeppelin USA brings an over-the-top production show to the Smith Center, featuring a full performance of the Led Zeppelin IV album, plus a bonus set of various hits which will include special guest performers and a state-of-the-art lighting, laser and special effects display.

Bela Fleck & Brooklyn Rider Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.

An evening celebrating the collaboration of legendary banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck and the endlessly versatile string quartet Brooklyn Rider. Moving seamlessly between their diverse worlds, these five musicians unveil a rich range of possibilities for this untapped combination.

An Intimate Evening with Clint Black Acoustic Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Critics from coast to coast are calling Clint Black shows the ones to remember.

From “Killin’ Time” to “Taillights,” Clint Black is part of the sound track of Country music.

Las Vegas Philharmonic: Pops Series III “Love On the Big Screen: Casablanca” Feb. 15, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

A special Valentine’s weekend presentation featuring one of cinema’s most iconic love stories, “Casablanca,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The Las Vegas Philharmonic will perform Max Steiner’s stirring score live on stage with the film and dialogue playing on the big screen.

TAO: Phoenix Rising Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography in a show that has critics waxing lyrical about TAO’s extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina.

The Ten Tenors Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.

The producers of The Ten Tenors have put together a special treat for Broadway fans for the 2014 season. This will be a limited run opportunity to present a wonderful collection of Broadway’s greatest hits sung by ten of Australia’s hottest tenors.

Shen Yun 2014 Feb. 21 & 22, 7:30 p.m.; Feb 22 & 23, 2 p.m.

Shen Yun brings to life 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through classical Chinese dance and music. Tremendous athleticism, thunderous battle drums, and masterful vocalists are all set to animated backdrops that transport you to another world. It is a grand production with some 400 costumes and the only orchestra in the world featuring both classical Western and Chinese instruments.

Pat Metheny Unity Group Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Twenty time Grammy® Award winner Pat Metheny and his stellar Unity Group featuring Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez, Ben Williams, and Giulio Carmassi make their first Smith Center appearance.

Amos Lee – “Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song” Tour Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.

For his fifth album, “Mountains Of Sorrow, Rivers Of Song,” Amos Lee took a different path for the recording, working in a new city with a new producer, while, for the first time, he brought his touring band into the studio with him.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers - 40 Years Strong Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.

With hits like “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Move It On Over,” “Who Do You Love,” “Bad To The Bone” and “I Drink Alone,” the band rocks out to its classic hits.

Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating Ray Charles Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.

In honor of Black History Month, an all-star cast of performers will celebrate Ray Charles’ life, music and undeniable spirit. You’ll see 10-time Grammy® winners Take 6, Clint Holmes, Vocalist of the Year Nnenna Freelon, Grammy®winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, music director Shelly Berg, and UNLV Singers and Orchestra conducted by David Loeb as they honor the beloved genius from Georgia.

Cabaret Jazz Kristen Hertzenberg Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

Kristen Hertzenberg is a classically trained singer best known for starring in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s reconceived production of “Phantom of the Opera” in Las Vegas. Her new solo show is a glimpse into the influences outside of theater and opera that have shaped her musical experience.

Clint Holmes - "Stop This Train" Feb. 7 & 8, 8:30 p.m.; Feb. 9, 2 p.m.

With carefully arranged compositions inspired by his early family life, Clint showcases varying moods, styles and tempos, captivating the audience the whole way through. Titled with the desire of stopping the train of time in its tracks to remain young forever,” Stop This Train” is about all of the stops, high and low, between the stations of life.

The Honorifics Feb. 13 & 14, 7 p.m.

How do you describe the indescribable? The Honorifics are a Las Vegas based rock ‘n’ roll group that puts the fun back into music. Their unique sound is fresh, fun and catchy! With special guest Andy Martello and surprises, this is a spectacular event you won’t want to miss!

An Evening with John Pizarelli Feb. 15 & 16, 7 p.m.; Feb. 16, 3 p.m.

An evening with John Pizzarelli features music from the Great American Songbook and beyond. It is a variety of songs from the 20 solo records he has made featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, and most currently, selections from Double Exposure.

Michael Cavanaugh: Greatest Hits of the American Rock and Roll Songbook Feb. 21 & 22, 7 p.m.; Feb. 22, 3 p.m.

Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in title role and evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man. A charismatic performer, musician and actor made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway Musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh is the new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook.

Danny Wright - Real Romance Feb. 23, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Love is in the air this time of year, and Danny Wright creates an evening of romance and remembrance in his cabaret-style piano concert, Real Romance.

Lainie Kazan Feb. 28, 7 p.m.

Tony and Golden Globe nominee Lainie Kazan is the embodiment of the word entertainer. Her acclaimed cabaret show, for which the New York Times labeled her “The Torch Song Diva,” takes audiences on a journey through her nearly five decades-long career.

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HESAID

By Guest Reviewer and Angelina Fadool

ATMOSPHERE: Located in the DT Container Park, this eatery is easily walkable. Bin 702's proximity to the entertaining stage and play area is ideal for moms on playdates who are looking to relax with some music and wine while their kids terrorize the tree house. The interior of Bin 702 is about what you would expect from a new Downtown Project property — trendy decor, intimate in size, dimly lit, a little eclectic, and, to quote Ron Burgundy, it smells of rich mahoganies. I didn't actually mind the small space, aside from the fact that the edge of the counter lines up perfectly with the wall beneath it, so there is no tabletop overhang.

Translation: If you eat at the bar, you'll either be sitting sideways or doing the splits the entire time.

DRINKS: I was surprised and impressed by the variety of drinks available at Bin 702. My preconception was that this would be a wine & champagne-heavy menu with about two beers on tap, three more available in bottles. I was met with a fairly balanced menu that included a nice selection of all the above. The prices were mostly on the high end, typically between $9-$15 (though there were several bottled beers at $7, as well as Bud Light and the non-alcoholic Kaliber at $4). They also offer Old Scout Bourbon & High West Rye Whiskey, “to get you healthy-er,” says Bin 702’s Facebook page, but I went with something new to me that sounded like a sure thing: a Stella Cidre. Described on their menu as a "gluten-free, crisp, dry and refreshing European-style apple cider" this tasty treat from Leuven, Belgium was one of the cheaper options at $7 — a price I was happy to pay, as Stella Cidre is a rarity in these parts. I was very happy with my selection.

DINING: If you've been reading this column for any length of time, you know my palate by now; so you should be unsurprised by my lack of enthusiasm for the menu at Bin 702. As a stereotypical Midwestern diner, nothing deters me more than a menu where I feel like a restaurant is sacrificing flavor for the sake of listing exotic-sounding ingredients, and that's how this felt to me. I finally settled on the turkey and Brie panini, as it had the highest ratio of identifiable-tomysterious ingredients. I found myself enjoying the sandwich that Angelina ordered (the caprese panini, a meager $11 in comparison to my $13) more than my own, so I ended up trading for that. What luck that she felt the same!

OVERALL RATING: I was slightly underwhelmed. I didn't have a poor experience at Bin 702, and in fact, the service was fantastic, and I didn't mind the live music drifting in with each person entering and exiting. The menu selection just isn't for me. If you're anything like me, (i.e. unless you enjoy the art of pairing the right meat and the right cheese with your drink) you'll feel like you would otherwise prefer to maximize your budget.

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ATMOSPHERE: I like the rustic, low-lit vibe at Bin 702, but understand that the availability of space inside might not be everyone’s glass of vino. Since our visit occurred on a cold night, our spot at the bar had us up against the closed glass doors and in the middle of the road for patrons trying to make their way around. Hopefully this won’t be a problem once the weather improves.

DRINKS: Open at 11 a.m. every day, Bin 702 is unique in that it offers a selection of 12 “wines on tap” that are available by the glass (all in the $8-$13 range). I loved that that our bartender quickly figured out that neither of us knows a thing about wine, provided suggestions, and offered samples. I finally settled on the ‘bin-mosa — a combination of natural juice elixir and sparkling wine. It fit the bill just fine.

DINING: I enjoyed the ciabatta bread of my caprese panini, but the balsamic reduction didn’t really do it for me. In fact, I ended up liking my companion's sandwich. Gracious dinner companion that he is, he let me trade. Sandwiches, salads, and appetizers here are designed specifically with wine in mind, so you may want to wait until you have an adult beverage or artisanal soda in hand to make your selection.

OVERALL RATING: I enjoyed my drink and received excellent service. The cost for two sandwiches and two adult beverages was over $45 once the tip was on the table, but I enjoyed my purloined Brie Panini. The bread was crispy, and the cheese was of good quality. Perfect for a cold night. When Bin holds “WineDown Wednesday,” a happy hour of sorts from 4 to 6 p.m., they serve Remix Albarino, El Rede Malbec and Bin cheese plates for $7. Otherwise, they regularly offer a Charcuterie and cheese platter aka "The Bin" for $17; you can have both meat and cheese with your whine. If you’re into “wining” with a partner, Bin recently introduced a new prix fixe menu for couples. For $40 the new dish includes Echo and Rig Charcuterie and regional cheeses, paired with Lucien Albrecht Cremant sparkling rose.

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DOWNTOWN

restaurant RE V IEW

By Joanna Mueller

T

he hubs and I headed to the Downtown Container Park on a balmy January night to check out the scene. I have been wanting to see the space since it opened. We got there at around 6 p.m. on a Friday night. It wasn’t too busy, which was nice. The weather was beautiful, and I convinced the Mr. that it was warm enough to be outside. The container park is a comfortable environment. There are a few different food choices, but for this specific night, we wanted Mexican food. I had been craving something spicy for a while.

The décor at Pinches is buoyant and welcoming. The menu is a ginormous and colorful chalkboard, the walls bright. The place smelled delightful. I had a hard time deciding what to get! The menu itself was so fun to look at, and I had a tough time making a choice. Ultimately, I decided on the taco plate. I mean, the place has tacos right there in the name, why mess with that? Three chicken tacos, a side of rice, beans, and chips for $8.95 ... The price was definitely right. My husband ordered the nacho plate, and we both got bottles of water to drink. The whole dinner was less than 30 bucks, including tip.

A squeeze of fresh lime really mellowed out the kick. The rice, beans, and chips were what really stood out for me. The nacho plate was piled high with chicken, guacamole, and cheese.

There was plenty of food, but not epic portions, which is a good thing.

Normally, I’m a sit-and-get-waited-on kind of gal. I enjoy sitting down to a nice meal after a long week. I like engaging with the people serving and having quiet time with my partner. If anything is lacking here, it's a finer-dining restuarant, but I realize the space doesn't work for that.

Since the weather was so brilliant (gotta love Vegas in January), there was a lot to take in by sitting outside. There were outdoor heaters which made the environment all the more welcoming.

There was a band playing mostly cover tunes, but with their own twist. There were lights twinkling all around … It’s a pretty romantical place for sure.

We finished our meal and proceeded to check out the rest of the park. Live music continued to play, and there was lots of We placed our order and instead of a standard number, we were activity everywhere. The Mantis breathing fire was very cool, given a tarot card. I liked that little touch. Subtle things like that and every time it went off we both jumped. We stopped at the are what make a place special.

Sweet Spot Candy Shop for an after dinner treat and checked out the other cool shops that offer both unique and affordable Our food came out promptly and was quite delicious. My merchandise. The Downtown Container Park is a great spot, and three chicken tacos came in small corn tortillas. They were we'll definitely be going back!! prettygood; however, the tacos were a tad too spicy for me.

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DOWNTOWN

bar

RE V IEW

By Angelina Fadool

Located in the Downtown Container Park at 707 Fremont St., The Boozery offers local and handcrafted libations in an intimate, open-air setting.

PRICE POINT: The Boozery is Downtown Cocktail Room’s little brother, so the small seasonal cocktail menu here seemed oddly familiar to me. Cocktails here — some featuring spirits from local up-and-comer Las Vegas Distillery — are in the $8-10 range. There is a small wine selection and craft beers on tap are priced from $5-6.

AMBIANCE: It was pretty cold on my most recent visit, but outdoor heaters kept me plenty toasty. Just be aware that drinks here are served in plastic cups due to space and liquor license restraints. Our bartender confirmed that the Irish coffee served here uses the same recipe as DCR, but just doesn’t taste the same from a paper cup. On the upside, you are free to roam the Container Park with beer and wine. Sadly, cocktails can only be imbibed inside or on the patio.

SERVICE: Some of my friends have had trouble elbowing their way up to the bar on a busy night, but that hasn’t been my experience. Our bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, and he was just as happy to talk about beverages as he was to discuss downtown and the unique location.

POTENTIAL PITFALLS: Since this bar is located inside a shipping container, it should come as no surprise that seating is limited to just a handful of barstools and some outdoor seating. On a positive note, the open design lets the heat or cool air in depending on the season, and ensures you will hear any band playing on the nearby stage — depending on your music taste, this may enhance or detract from your experience.

Scant seating and the vagaries of Las Vegas weather may be challenges on some nights, but don’t let them drive you away entirely. Open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at noon Friday through Sunday, The Boozery is a great place to start your night or grab a drink after the Speaker Series.

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events calendar February 2 Sunday SUNDAY RESET | 8am

Dedicated to creating a healthier community in Las Vegas by resetting the mind, body and spirit. Join our signature event the Sunday Reset Project.

Amanda Harris Gallery 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd #150 Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: www.theresetprojectlv.com Groundhog’s Day

February 7 Friday FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21, 28 DOWNTOWN3RD FARMERS MARKET | 9am - 3pm

The Downtown3rd Farmers Market has become an integral part of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest indoor farmers market showcases local Las Vegas farmers as well as including lots of fresh produce from California.

300 N. Casino Center Blvd.

(In the old Transit Center) Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: www.downtown3rd.com/lasvegas-farmers-market

February 4 Tuesday DOWNTOWN LOWDOWN | 5pm Want the inside scoop on all of the good things happening with Downtown Project? Then you won’t want to miss the Downtown Lowdown, a monthly event that brings the community together for updates from members of Downtown Project to update their team members and the community on their efforts.

The Learning Village 715 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: www.downtownproject.com

VEGAS STREATS | 6pm - 1am Vegas StrEATS is a street food and culture festival hosted every second Saturday in downtown Las Vegas showcasing the valley’s hottest local food trucks, artists, musicians, and fashion. StrEATS is presented by Slidin’ Thru in partnership with El Cortez and Insert Coin(s).

Jackie Gaughan Plaza 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: www.vegasstreats.com www.facebook.com/VegasStrEATS FIRST FRIDAY | 6pm - 11pm

February 5 Wednesday FEB. 5-9 CREATIV WEEK Creativ Week is produced and curated by CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the first week of every month.

Creativ Week is a monthly celebration in downtown Vegas that showcases the most exciting arts, culture and entertainment throughout downtown.

contact: Staci Perkins: staci@catalystcreativ. com Yoga at Fremont East Studios | 7pm - 8:30pm February 6 Thursday Creativ Week

First Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas and celebrates young and established local artists.

Casino Center Boulevard & Colorado Street

CYN Desert Festival | 5pm DJ Ultra at Mob Bar | 9pm - 1am February 8 Saturday THE 2014 NEVADA REGIONAL YOGA ASANA CHAMPIONSHIP | 2pm - 5 pm Yoga is now bringing this spirit of healthy competition to the United States, where, according to the most recent study by SGMA, more than 22 million people practice yoga in the US today.

The Learning Village 715 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: www.usayoga.org Creativ Week CYN Desert Festival Winter American Craft Distillers Festival at Golden Nugget | 2pm - 6pm February 9 Sunday Creativ Week

FEBRUARY 7-9 WINTER AMERICAN CRAFT DISTILLERS FESTIVAL AT GOLDEN NUGGET

CYN Desert Festival

Partake in sample tastings of artisan whiskies and barrel aged barley beers. Tickers include: mixology classes, pot still demonstrations, educational seminars, culinary delights and live entertainment.

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino 129 Fremont Street Experience Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: hwww.goldennugget.com/ lasvegas/whiskeyfest.asp

The Las Vegas Spring Festival: Chinese New Year in the Desert will host a series of Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultural celebrations Feb. 8-10 throughout the Fremont Street Experience (FSE), a five-block entertainment complex located at the historic downtown Las Vegas, which features Viva Vision.

Downtown ZEN

more info: www.cnyinthedesert.com/springfestiva

more info: www.firstfridaylasvegas.com www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas

CYN IN THE DESERT LAS VEGAS SPRING FESTIVAL

47

The Learning Village 715 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

dtZEN.com

Winter American Craft Distillers Festival at Golden Nugget | 6pm February 11 Tuesday TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BEAT | 7pm Come with a team or find one at The Beat. Every second Tuesday you can test your knowledge and flex your brain in a cerebral competition. There will be prizes and beer specials, and most likely a little more beer than brains.

The Beat Coffeehouse 520 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: www.facebook.com/ DowntownTriviaNight www.thebeatlv.com contact: Augusta Scott: ascott@zappos.com

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

ISSUE 23

TBD CATALYST WEEK Catalyst Week is produced and curated by CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the fourth week of every month.

Catalyst Week profiles thought-leaders from fields ranging from filmmaking to social entrepreneurship, and corporate brand management to nonprofits.

The Learning Village 727 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

February 19 Wednesday Stitch Factory Fashion Speaker Series Yoga at Fremont East Studios | 7pm - 8:30pm February 20 Thursday Stitch Factory Fashion Speaker Series

more info: www.catalystcreativ.com/ downtown-project

February 21 Friday FEBRUARY 21-23 TRANS * H4CK

Trivia at the Beat | 7:30pm - 9:30pm

In the past year, Nevada has made significant progress in advancing transgender rights, and at the same time it has seen unprecedented entrepreneurial growth through the flourishing startup community, making Las Vegas the perfect city to host Trans*H4CK! Join us for a weekend of networking in the #VegasTech community, talks from trans and queer tech entrepreneurs, gourmet food, and swag as we code for social good!

The Center 401 S. Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89101

February 12 Wednesday Yoga at Fremont East Studios | 7pm - 8:30pm February 13 Thursday TECH COCKTAIL WEEK: MIXER & STARTUP SHOWCASE | 6pm - 9pm Tech Cocktail is a media company and events organization for startups, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts. Since 2006, its goal has been to amplify local tech communities and give entrepreneurs a place to get informed, get connected, and get inspired. Tech Cocktail dedicates itself to covering news, how-to’s, upand-coming startups, and industry trends online, and hosting events in over 20 cities in the US and abroad.

TBD

more: www.tech.co/event/tech-cocktailweek-sessions February 14 Friday Valentine’s Day 3rd Street Farmers Market | 9am - 3pm DJ Ultra at Mob Bar | 9pm - 1am February 15 Saturday After-Valentine’s Day Party at Nacho Daddy | 9pm - 2am

February 23 Sunday Taste and Sounds of Soul Trans *H4CK Hackathon and Speaker Series February 26 Wednesday Catalyst Week Yoga at Fremont East Studios | 7pm - 8:30pm February 27 Thursday Catalyst Week February 28 Friday Catalyst Week 3rd Street Farmers Market | 9am - 3pm DJ Ultra at Mob Bar | 9pm - 1am

more info: www.transhack.org Stitch Factory Fashion Speaker Series 3rd Street Farmers Market | 9am - 3pm DJ Ultra at Mob Bar | 9pm - 1am February 22 Saturday FEBRUARY 22-23 TASTE AND SOUNDS OF SOUL

TBD STITCH FACTORY FASHION SPEAKER SERIES Stitch Factory, in partnership with Downtown Project, presents Behind the Seams, a monthly speaker series designed to bring together passionate individuals to share ideas, network, and inspire.

The Learning Village 727 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101

more info: www.stitchfactory. com/#!speakerseries/c2fo

The Taste and Sounds is the largest event in the state in celebration of Black History Month. This music and food festival, which includes the best barbecue in Las Vegas, will feature artists and cultural vendors from across the country.

Fremont Street Experience Third Street & Ogden Avenue

more info: cdalasvegas@gmail.com Trans *H4CK Hackathon and Speaker Series Color Run 5K | 9am

February 17 Monday President’s Day

ISSUE 23

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

dtZEN.com

Downtown ZEN

48

March 1 Saturday Corporate Challenge Opening Ceremony | 3:30pm - 8:30pm For 29 years, Corporate Challenge has been a healthy way for local companies and their employees to stay active in the community while adding a social component for those that want to sit on the sidelines and cheer on their colleagues.

Opening Ceremonies will be held at the Container Park with an Executive Relay, Parade of Banners, Opening Ceremonies and fun for the family.

Container Park

more info: lasvegasnevada.gov Mardi Gras at Springs Preserve | 4:00pm - 8:00pm Featuring live music from local Dixieland jazz band Mardi Gras Mambo, food from local Southern eateries, a beer garden for the adults and activities including kids' crafts, fortune tellers and palm readers, the family-friendly Mardi Gras Vegas will bring the tastes and sounds of the Louisiana bayou and the colors and fun of Mardi Gras to the heart of the Southern Nevada desert.

Springs Preserve

First Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas and celebrates young and established local artists.

The Art’s District

more info: Firstfridaylasvegas.com Creativ Week | 9:00am- 2:00pm 3rd Street Farmers Market The Downtown3rd Farmers Market has become an integral part of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest indoor farmers market showcases local Las Vegas farmers as well as including lots of fresh produce from California.

95 & Casino Center Drive

more info: downtown3rdfarmersmarket.com

more info: theresetprojectlv.com March 4 Tuesday Mardi Gras March 5 Wednesday March 5- 9 Creativ Week Creativ Week is produced and curated by CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the first week of every month.

Creativ Week is a monthly celebration in Downtown Vegas that showcases the most exciting arts, culture and entertainment in Downtown.

more info: catalystcreativ.com March 6 thursday creative week

Stitch Factory, in partnership with Downtown Project, presents Behind the Seams, a monthly speaker series designed to bring together passionate individuals to share ideas, network, and inspire.

The Learning Village

more info: stitchfactory.com

more info: www.usvetsinc.org/lasvegas

Come with a team or find one at The Beat. Every second Tuesday you can test your knowledge and flex your brain in a cerebral competition. There will be prizes and beer specials, and most likely a little more beer than brains.

The Beat Coffeehouse

Dedicated to creating a healthier community in Las Vegas by resetting the mind, body and spirit. Join our signature event the Sunday Reset Project.

Amanda Harris Gallery

march 19 Wednesday Stitch Factory Fashion Speaker Series | 5:30pm

March 9 Sunday Daylight Savings Time Begins

Tap N Run 4K | 1:00PM

MARCH 2 SUNDAY Sunday Reset Project | 8:00am

Every third Tuesday, Rachel’s Kitchen will be holding a Karaoke contest. The winner will receive a prize and entered to win a Grand Prize on Sept. 16.

Rachel’s Kitchen in the Ogden

Veterans Stand Down | 8:30am - 4:30pm

march 11 tuesday Trivia at the Beat | 7pm

more info: tapnrun.com

march 18 Tuesday Karaoke at the Kitchen | 5:00pm - 7:00pm

march 8 saturday creativ week

more info: springspreserve.org Tap 'N' Run combines a ridiculous running race - a 4k with 3 beer chug stations* along the race course, a full beer at the Finish Line, crazy costumes, great times with friends, and overall ridiculousness. (*chug stations = 5 oz. of beer per) 500 Fremont St.

49

March 7 Friday First Friday | 6:00pm - 11:00pm

march 13 Thursday MARCH 13TH AND 14TH Mint 400 | 6:00am - 10:00pm The Mint 400 is an annual desert off road race.

Registration and technical inspection of all race cars will happen downtown.

Fremont East District

more info: Themint400.com march 14 Friday Mint 400 | 6:00am- 10:00pm march 15 Saturday Run Away with Cirque du Soleil | 7:00am-12:00pm Join dozens of artists from Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas shows and more than 1,000 community members for Run Away with Cirque du Soleil at the Springs Preserve.

Springs Preserve

more info: Springspreserve.com Color Vibe 5K | 7:00am-12:00pm You can come and experience the fun of having colored chalk sprayed ALL over you during one of our 5k races!

Downtown Las Vegas

more info: Colorvibe.com

Show your support by donating to the U.S. Vets.

Cashman Center

march 20 Thursday Stitch Factory Fashion Speaker Series | 5:30pm Veterans Stand Down | 8:30a - 4:30pm march 21 Friday Burning of Life Cube Installation | 7:30p - 10:30pm Impacting people's lives by helping people realize their goals, dreams, wishes, and ambitions. Change the world by helping one person at a time.

more info: Thelifecubeproject.com march 26 Wednesday MARCH 26TH- 29TH Catalyst Week Catalyst Week is produced and curated by CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the fourth week of every month.

Catalyst Week profiles thought-leaders from fields ranging from filmmaking to social entrepreneurship, and corporate brand management to nonprofits.

The Learning Village march 27 Thursday Catalyst Week march 28 Friday Catalyst Week | 9am - 2 pm 3rd Street Farmers Market

march 29 Saturday Catalyst Week

SPECIALIZING IN PIECES MADE IN AMERICA

Store hours are Mon-Sun 10 - 5 and private viewing by appointment

We buy and sell Retro, Vintage, Antique and anything old and funky!

630 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 464-3299 Show your Zappos ID or Local ID and receive a discount

SwagAntique.com facebook.com/SwagAntiques

Scan me for the digital copy

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS 100 The Beat Coffeehouse G5 520 Fremont St. 702.385.2328 101 Le Thai G5 523 Fremont St. 702.778.0888 102 Triple George Grill F4 201 N. Third St. 702.384.2761

103 Tacos El Gordo J8 1724 E. Charleston Blvd.

702.251.8226

104 Chicago Joe’s E7 820 S. Fourth St.

702.382.5637 www.chicagojoesrestaurant.com

105 Bar+Bistro D8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #155 702.202.6060

106 Mundo – A Culinary Haute Spot C5 495 S. Grand Central Pkwy.

702.270-4400

107 Courthouse Bar & Grill E5 330 S. Third St. 702.388-8222

108 City Centre Café F6 375 Lewis Ave. 702.383.4055

109 El Gaucho Luca’s Café & Deli F5 231 S. Third St., Suite #110 702.384.3115 www.elgaucholucascafe.com 110 Viva Las Arepas D10 1616 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #120 702.336.9696

111 Subway G5 600 Fremont St. 702.302.5020 113 Jason’s Deli D3 100 City Pkwy.

702.366.0130

114 The Verdicts Inn E7 801 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.837.3428

127 Rachel’s Kitchen G5 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

211 Backstage Bar & Billiards G5 601 Fremont St.

414 Hillary Salon C8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #250

128 Radio City Pizza G5 508 Fremont St.

212 H6

415 Inside Style C8 1119 S. Main St.

129 Park on Fremont G5 506 Fremont St.

213 G5

(Inside Retail Space at Ogden) www.rachelskitchen.com

702.982.5055 www.radiocitypizza.com

702.798.7000 www.parkonfremont.com

130 Anthony’s Pizza & Deli E5 321 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite #125 702.896.0353

131 La Comida G5 100 Sixth St.

702.463.9900 www.facebook.com/LaComidaLV

132 Doña Maria's Tamales D8 910 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

133 Mingo Kitchen and Lounge C8 1017 First St., Suite #180 134 F6

702.685.0328 City Center Quiznos 365 Lewis Ave. 702.380.0900 www.quiznos.com

119 Du-Par’s F5 Restaurant & Bakery 1 Fremont St. (Inside Golden Gate) 702.385.1906

120 Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop E5 Regional Justice Center 200 Lewis Ave. 702.631.1112 www.capriottis.com

121 El Sombrero Café D7 807 S. Main St. 702.382.9234

122 Kabob Corner G5 507 Fremont St. 702.384.7722

123 Uncle Joe’s Pizza G5 505 Fremont St. 702.385.2162

124 Big Ern’s BBQ G5 707 Fremont St. (Container Park) 702.834.7845 www.bigernsbbq.com

125 Pop Up Pizza E4 1 Main St. 126 F4

702.366.0049 www.popuppizzalv.com Denny’s 450 Fremont St. (Inside Neonopolis) 702.471.0056 www.dennys.com

216 G5

ZAPPOS CAMPUSES 301 G4 302 G4

135 Pura Vida B9 1236 Western Ave.

702.722.0108 www.puravidavegas.com 136 Tiffany'sCafé C10 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd 702.444.4459 www.tiffanyscafelv.com

137 Bronze Café inside The Center H7 401 S Maryland Pkwy 138 Wild G4 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120 702.527.7717 www.eatdrinkwild.com

304 Carson Office G6 Parking Garage

304 E. Carson Ave. Enter via Fourth Street

RETAIL SHOPS, BOUTIQUES & SALONS 400 Coterie G5 515 Fremont St.

702.685.7741 www.facebook.com Search “Coterie Downtown”

401 Globe Salon E7 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #130

BARS, LOUNGES & NIGHTCLUBS 200 Downtown Cocktail Room (DCR) G5 111 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

201 E8 202 D8 105 D8 203 G5 204 D10 205 F4 206 G5 207 F4 208 G5 209 G5 210 G5

702.880.3696 Lady Silvia 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. www.theladysilvia.com Artifice 1025 S. First St. 702.489.6339 Bar+Bistro 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #155 702.202.6060 Beauty Bar 517 Fremont St., Suite #A 702.598.1965 www.thebeautybar.com/las_vegas Dino’s Lounge 1516 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.382.3894 Drink & Drag 450 Fremont St., Suite #250 702.522.8488 www.drinkanddrag.com The Griffin 511 Fremont St. 702.382.0577 Hogs & Heifers Saloon 201 N. 3rd St., Suite #130 702.676.1457 www.hogsandheifers.com Insert Coin(s) 512 Fremont St. 702.447.2525 www.insertcoinslv.com Vanguard Lounge 516 Fremont St. 702.868.7800 www.vanguardlv.com Commonwealth 525 Fremont St. 702.798.7000 www.commonwealthlv.com

Zappos Stewart Campus Parking 260 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

Located directly south of 400 Stewart Building Enter via Fourth Street.

6th Floor 702.943.7777 #8530

139 Nacho Daddy G5 113 N. 4th St.

702.778.7800 www.nachodaddy.com

Zappos Stewart Campus 400 Stewart Ave.

303 Zappos Carson Office G5 302 E. Carson Ave.

702.202.3100

702.384.6452

241 W. Charleston Blvd. #101 702.227.5652 117 Casa Don Juan Restaurant C8 1204 S. Main St. 702.384.8070 www.casadonjuanlv.com 118 eat.

707 Carson Ave. G5 702.534.1515 www.eatdowntownlv.com

215 C9

702.382.6538

115 Luv It Frozen Custard D10 505 E. Oakey Blvd.

116 Lola’s: B8 A Louisiana Kitchen

214 H5

702.382.2223 www.backstagebarandbilliards.com Bunkhouse 124 S. 11th St. 702.384.4536 www.bunkhouselv.com Don’t Tell Mama 517 Fremont St. 702.207.0788 Atomic Liquors 917 Fremont St. 702.349.2283 www.atomiclasvegas.com Velveteen Rabbit 1218 S. Main St. (702) 685-9645 Gold Spike 217 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.384.8444 www.goldspike.com

502 D9 403 C9 404 C8 405 E7 406 D8

702.938.4247 www.globesalon.com Patina Décor 1211 S. Main St. 702.776.6222 www.patindecorlv.com Vintage Vegas Antiques 1411 S. Main St. 702.539.0799 Vexed By Design 1017 First St., Suite #185 702.275.7141 www.vexedlv.com Sweet Spot Candy Shop 616 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.815.1277 www.facebook.com/SweetSpotCandyShop Josephine Skaught Hairdressing 1025 S. First St. Suite 165 702.431.8071 josephineskaught@yahoo.com

407 Cowtown Guitars D7 1009 S. Main St.

702.525.1053

702.399.1100 416 Nature’s Element D7 817 S. Main St. 702.521.0725

417 Photo Bang Bang C10 224 E. Imperial Ave.

702.518.7427 418 Skin City Body Painting C8 1209 S. Main St. 702.431.7546

419 Williams Costume Co. D9 1226 S. Third St. 702.384.1384

420 The Town Bike E6 353 East Bonneville Ave. Suite 179

702.471.6236

409 Creative Space C10 1421 S. Commerce St. 702.439.3923

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D

E

F

702.998.9490

422 Rogue Toys E7 616 Las Vegas Blvd S.

702.330.3945 www.roguetoys.com 423 Don Vicente Cigars Intl.

E7 624 Las Vegas Blvd S. 702.526.3922

424 Downtown Tattoo E7 1106 Fremont St.

702.541.8282 www.Downtowntattoolasvegas.com

C9

1201 S. Commerce St. 702.331.3172 www.realresultsfitness.com

701 24hr Fitness E3

100 City Pkwy., Suite #160 702.824.9614 727 S. Main St. 702.685.5070 www.freestylecrossfit.com

1 2

1505

2

702.468.3232

3

113

3

701 1301 1501

804

4

125

102

119

303 304

1400

5

130 900

400

209 206

203

101

127 1000

111

4

208 100 213

210 131 211

800

200

5

124

500

107

214

118

108 132

120

702.516.3432

702.269.6036 Amanda.nelle@gmail.com

600 Fremont St. 800.634.6703

1203 Art Square C7 1025 S. First St.

F4

301 Fremont St. 702.388.2400 www.thed.com

Las Vegas, NV 89101 www.artsquarelv.com 1204 Gainsburg Studio, Inc. C7 1039 S. Main St. 702.249.3200 www.gainsburgstudio.com

803 Golden Nugget F4

129 Fremont St. 702.385.7111 www.goldennugget.com

1205 Open Air Printers C7 1039 S. Main St., Suite #150

212

6

423

134 1100

420

702

422

518

1002

405

121

7

104 407

413

500 1212 1216

7 103

132

600

700 117

501 418

502

135

9

1300

503

504 505

512

601

509 510

1001

511

506

507

409

1O

514 417

9

401

1202

HUMAN SERVICES 495 S. Main St. 702.229.6011 901 Veteran’s Village D5 1150 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.624.5792 www.vvlv.org1 D5

136

1O

110 204

603

115

11 C

D

702.592.2164

1214 Ryan Williams Art Gallery C8 1025 S. First St.

321.258.9032

1003 Newport Lofts D7 200 Hoover Ave.

1215 Sin City Gallery C8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #100

702.387.0093

702.608.2461

1216 Trifecta C8 135 E. Charleston Blvd.

1100 Las Vegas Academy G6 315 S. 7th St.

702.366.7001

800.585.3737

1101 9th Bridge Early Development I5 310 S. Ninth St.

RE-OCURRING EVENTS

702.724.1436 www.9thbridgeschool.com

1300 First Friday Main Hub C9 Casino Center Boulevard

Between Colorado Street & California Street

E

F

1301 Downtown 3rd Farmers Market 300 Block of North Main Street F4

520 Fremont St. 702.385.2328

Directly Next To The Mob Museum

101 Work In Progress G6

6th Street Workspace 317 S. Sixth St. 702.534.3804 www.workinprogress.lv

G5

ENTERTAINMENT 1400 The Smith Center 361 Symphony Park Ave. C5

The Las Vegas HackerSpace 117 N. Fourth St. www.synshop.org

103 Fremont East Studios G4

221 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.463.9029 www.fremonteaststudios.com

G4

300 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

Suite 120 702.476.5552 www.stitchfactory.com

ART STUDIOS 100 Emergency Arts

11 B

1213 RTZ Vegas C8 1017 S. First St., Suite #195

702.754.6300 www.juhlst.com

520 Fremont St. 702.385.328 1201 Arts Factory C7 107 E. Charleston Blvd.

702.383.3133

G5

A

702.302.7878

1002 Juhl Lofts E7 353 E. Bonneville Ave.

G5

G

H

I

J

509 Glam Factory Vintage D9 211 E. Colorado Ave. 702.443.0131

1212 Pinup Pointe Art Gallery C8 4 E. Charleston Blvd.

702.685.0300

E8

506 One Man’s Trash C9 1300 S. Main St., Suite #140 702.7778.7988

1211 Downtown Contemporary Gallery C8 at artSquare

1025 First St., Suite #145 702.358.7022

1001 Soho Lofts E7 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

505 Desert Buddha C9 1300 S. Main St., Suite #120 702.383.1008

1210 Contemporary Art Center (CAC) C8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #120

702.382.3886

HIGH-RISE LIVING

ANTIQUE ALLEY 500 Retro Vegas C8 1131 S. Main St. 702.384.2700 501 Corner Store Furniture Company C8 1201 S. Main St. 702.331.6009 502 Patina Decor C8 1211 S. Main St. 702.776.6222 503 Armstrong’s Emporium C9 1228 S. Main St. 702.366.1995 504 Medusa’s Antiques C9 1300 S. Main St., Suite #110 702.331.4660

507 JJC Clocks & Antiques C9 1310 S. Main St. 702.384.8463 508 The Funk House D9 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd.

702.678.6278

702.409.7549

1000 The Ogden G4 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

104 Stitch Factory

1206

702.433.4433

1209 City of the World C9 1229 S. Casino Center Blvd.

900 Las Vegas City Hall

1402

403 411

1208 Brett Wesley Gallery C8 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd.

102 SYN SHOP

201

516 515

519

8

419

1209

508 402

206 N. Third St. 855.384.7263 www.downtowngrand.com

100 /usr/lib (Tech Library)

000

901

F4

702.782.0319 www.blackbirdstudioslv.com

COMMUNITY SPACES

112

412 133 404

1206 Blackbird Studios C10 1551 S. Commerce St., Suite #A

805 Downtown Grand Las Vegas

114

410

415 1208

408

1600

201

1204 1213 1205 1214 202 1211 1203 406 1210 414 12151401 1201105

513

1207

1001

1003

116

421

702.870.9946 www.goldwellmuseum.org

1 S. Main St. 800.634.6575 www.plazahotelcasino.com

SCHOOLS

137

416

8

517

E4

702.383.0979

602 101

6

122

129

216

126 205

127

109

128 424

104 104 138

301 302 103

803 802

106

123

139 207 102 805

702.997.0222

413 Happy Panda Toys C8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #105A

1202 Amanda Harris Gallery 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #150 E7

804 Plaza Hotel & Casino

702.776.7766

412 Gaia Flowers C8 6 E. Charleston Blvd.

HOTEL & CASINOS 800 El Cortez

802 The D Las Vegas

1504

410 Electric Lemonade D8 220 E. Charleston Blvd.

411 Freddie Ramon C10 1411 S. Main St.

LAS VEGAS, NV

J G5

702 FreeStyle CrossFit D6

I

1503

FITNESS 700 Real Results Gym

H 1502

702.600.4850 www.thetownbike.com

421 Let Me Nail You F7 514 Bonneville Ave.

G

1

702.866.2600 www.cowtownguitars.com

408 Better Than New C8 1216 S. Main St.

B

A

510 Gypsy Den D9 213 E. Colorado Ave. 702.684.1628 511 Western Gypsy in the Kangaroo Court D9 1306 S. Third St. 702.868.3302 512 Gypsy Caravan D8 1214 S. Third St. 702.868.3302 513 Rick’s Restorations C8 1112 S. Commerce St. 702.366.7030 514 Sin City Pickers C10 10 W. Wyoming Ave. 702.366.9166 515 Vintage Vegas Antiques C9 1411 S. Main St. 702.539.0799 516 Alex Presley’s Unique Boutique D9 1304 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.300.2476 517 Lost Vegas Antiques F7 625 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.382-1882 518 Swag Antiques F7 630 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.464.3299 519 Not Just Antiques B9 1422 Western Ave. 702.384.4922

LEGAL SERVICES

702.749.2000 1401 Art Square Theater 1025 S. First St. C8 702.308.8087 info@artsquarelv.com

1600 Craig P. Kenny & Associates G7 501 S. Eight St.

1402 Theater 7 D9 1406 S. Third St.

1700 Dr. Azimi DDS E8 820 S. Seventh St.

702.380.2800 www.cpklaw.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS 702.759.0005

702.568.9663

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS 1501 The Mob Museum 300 Stewart Ave. F4

702.229.2732

1502 Old Las Vegas Fort H1 500 E. Washington Ave.

702.486.3511

1503 Lied Discovery Children’s B7 Museum

833 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.382.3445

1504 Natural History Museum H2 900 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.384.3466

1505 The Neon Museum H2 770 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.387.6366 www.neonmuseum.org

COFFEE SPOTS 100 The Beat Coffeehouse 520 Fremont St. G5 702.385.2328 500 Starbucks F5

300 S. Fourth St. #7 702.759.3426

GROCERY 600 Albertsons Grocery

1760 E. Charleston Blvd.

702.366.1550 601 Resnick’s Grocery 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.982.2999 602 Cake World Bakery 220 N. Maryland Pkwy.

I5 702.471.7111 603 White Cross Market C10 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

(702) 382.3382 J8