SPOTLIGHT

Fun That’s Off the Wall

One of the Strip’s most beloved tribute acts has moonwalked to a new property! MJ Live relocated from The STRAT to Tropicana Las Vegas earlier this month, and all the elements that made that show an instant classic are back: a live band, backup dancers, impeccable, rotating Michael Jackson impersonators, and a slew of some of the best pop songs ever written.

You’ll really think you’re seeing the real thing while rocking to classics like “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” and “Beat It” (getting up and dancing is highly encouraged!), and for some real nostalgia, there’s a Jackson 5 segment that takes you back to the icon’s younger days. You’ll likely be singing right along when the band launches into “ABC” and “I’ll Be There”; you might find yourself getting a bit emotional, too. –Ken Miller

Tropicana Las Vegas, 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

A World of Flavor

Aria restaurant redefines Taiwanese cuisine

When you waltz up to Din Tai Fung, the first thing you may see is the chef with a dumpling for a head—he’s kind of hard to miss. The cheerful greeting from the Taiwanese dumpling house mascot puts you in an upbeat frame of mind, and when you pause at the glassed-in display kitchen where dumplings of all sorts are being created by hand, that happy feeling is sure to continue until you are seated at your table.

Choose appetizers like the wood ear mushrooms or baby back ribs, then follow up with the main event. Ordering here is on a checklist-style system, where you choose the dumplings and buns you want to share (or hoard for yourself; it’s all good). Good choices are the shrimp and kurobuta pork shao mai; Jidori chicken; and vegan dumplings, the latter stuffed with shitake and wood ear mushrooms, glass noodles and bean curd—but it’s the color that’s truly amazing. Spinach juice lends the wrappers a verdant hue. The plump buns come in several options, like kurobuta pork, Jidori chicken and oyster mushroom buns, and a vegan version stuffed with the same mix you’ll find in the dumplings. Get wontons and xiao long bao varieties, too. It seems like the choices are endless. You’ll mix dipping sauces to your personal preference. And once the baskets of dumplings start issuing from the kitchen, you may be hard-pressed to keep up with the flow. Be prepared!

If you’d prefer, choose soups, noodles or entrées instead of dumplings only. The vegan wonton soup is light in kombu broth. A little sesame drizzle is perfect here. The hot sour pork soup is packed with tons of ingredients. There are also noodles with different types of toppings, from pickled mustard greens and shredded kurobata pork to diced beef and Szechuan peppers. Wok specialties include shrimp fried rice, fried rice with a pork chop; veggie and mushroom fried rice; noodle dishes; and rice cakes. –Nina King

Aria, 702.590.8650

Clothes Call

When Lea Kyle first took the stage at America’s Got Talent in season 16, it was obvious she had a connection with judge Heidi Klum—both women are obviously huge fans of fashion. But when Kyle launched into her act—changing outfits instantly as if by magic—Klum couldn’t contain herself, giving Kyle the Golden Buzzer and making her an instant star.

Kyle brings that quick-change brilliance to Luxor as part of America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Live, a variety show unlike any other on the Strip. The cast consists of past AGT contestants (some of whom won the million-dollar prize), all hosted by comedian Preacher Lawson and bearing the production elements that make Simon Cowell’s show so entertaining.

Joining Kyle are season 14 winner musician Kodi Lee, an incredible musical talent; season 16 winner Dustin Tavella, a magician; acrobatic husband-and-wife team Duo Transcend; singer Jimmy Herrod; mentalist duo The Clairvoyants; and dance group Light Balance, who combine great moves with state-of-the-art technology. This show truly has it all—excitement, emotion, humor and even a few scares. It’s also one of the most family-friendly shows you’ll find in town. –Ken Miller

Luxor, 702.262.4400

Classic Experience

Opulent and luxurious, yet inviting, Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge is more than a center-bar lounge—its décor and space make it a nightlife hot spot where eye-catching cocktails pair with live DJs. The sheer curtains close and wrap the lounge in semi-privacy on the weekends, turning Gatsby’s into an over-the-top party spot. With tequila all the rage, start the evening with the Hibiscus Paloma, Gatsby’s take on the classic Paloma made with Casamigos blanco tequila, Fever Tree grapefruit soda, house-made hibiscus rose syrup, touch of lime and a hibiscus sugar and salt rim. –Kiko Miyasato

Resorts World Las Vegas, 702.676.7000

Food With a View

At Top of the World, a whole slew of dishes have brightened up the traditional steakhouse fare at this lush, plush environment with the most unique views in Vegas (since they change throughout your meal).

Order a cocktail like the Honey Bumblebee with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit vodka. Delicious! And then dive into appetizers like oysters on the half shell, or the seafood tower (featuring Maine lobster, poached shrimp, king crab and oysters).

Other excellent options for the seafood lover include the stuffed roasted lobster tail (with king crab) and the seared seabass, simply served with garlic, lemon and brown butter.

For a hearty entrée, take advantage of the half a chicken with crispy skin if your appetite is large; and vegans will appreciate the stuffed poblano with quinoa asparagus and chipotle tomato sauce. –Nina King

The STRAT, 702.380.7711

Impossibly Fun Westgate magician excels at audience connection

If enthusiasm could be transformed into pure energy, Jen Kramer could generate enough from one performance to power a small village. The illusionist, a Yale graduate who’s appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us as well as Masters of Illusion and NBC’s Today, wins audiences over with three things: A smile that just won’t quit; corny jokes that will have you rolling your eyes but laughing all the same; and making the impossible possible. We almost guarantee you’ll be shaking your head numerous times during The Magic of Jen Kramer, trying to process what you’ve seen. But don’t linger too long; another mind-bending achievement is on the way.

Some of our particularly favorite moments: • A seemingly ordinary video Kramer shows the audience of her card-handling skills, one which later turns out to be strangely prophetic at the conclusion of a subsequent card trick; • Two wine glasses, two sets of cards and a “magic scarf” (cue the “oohs” and “aahs” Kramer has the audience say as she displays it) that helps create an instantaneous transformation; • Four different drinks, a blindfold, a lemon slice and an audience volunteer’s tastebuds; • Kramer’s version of a game show, complete with three mystery doors, a volunteer, a hundred-dollar bill and lots of audience participation;

• Three beach balls, a fake Facebook profile and a box that hangs from the ceiling. (For those who think magicians use plants, heads up: Yours truly got picked for this, and speaking as a nonplant, I was completely floored by the result.)

Kramer’s connection with audiences is undeniable. In a very pleasing segment, Kramer shows a video that demonstrates her commitment to spreading the joy of magic to other countries. The looks on children’s faces is a joy to watch, and is a reminder that magic really is a universal language. –Ken Miller

Westgate Las Vegas, 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

Gliding Away

Hop aboard a gondola at The Venetian to get a feel for what those tourists in Italy experience. The gondolas travel two routes along the Grand Canal, but both indoor and outdoor rides feature costumed gondoliers who serenade passengers. Glide under bridges, pass cafés and shops on your romantic voyage. You can even pop the family aboard for a little cultural education. And for a little extra, check out the Gondolier March, where parades of gondoliers sing as they wind their way to their boats (at 9:50 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.) –Nina King

The Venetian, 702.414.4300

Caesars Palace, 702.731.7410

Brit Hit

Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill is a mix of comfortable and lively, as the restaurant is located right in the heart of the casino-floor action. A blend of eatery and lounge, guests can opt to hang in the bar area, with a more laid-back vibe, or in the main dining room, with a patio-type area perfect for people watching and engaging conversation.

Food here is the main attraction, though, and, of course, guests can consume Ramsay’s signature dish—the roasted beef Wellington. But try the master chef’s pub-inspired creations like the popular fish and chips, onion and ale soup, crispy chicken paillard and the grilled pub burger made with English sharp cheddar and applewood smoked bacon.

It’s a starter, but deserves the entrée spotlight— the short rib kettle chip nachos are served with English cheddar sauce, pickled peppers and sour cream. This is one British dish that gives the Mexican-food favorite a run for its money. End the meal, if your tummy can take it, with Ramsay’s classic sticky toffee pudding. –Nina King

High-Energy Laughs

Carrot Top, aka Scott Thompson, has a lot to be happy about right now: 1.) He just celebrated his 16th year as a Luxor headliner; 2.) He has ardent supporters in the comedy community, including Brad Garrett, who was recently seen howling at a performance; 3.) The prop comic’s show continues to evolve, including the introduction of several new props at a recent performance. (Like a new device that could prevent motorists from driving at high rates of speed—so twisted, but so right!)

And it’s not just prop comedy that will have you entertained. Top also has plenty of observational comedy, including dissections of how popular music can be absurd. But it’s all done lovingly—he’s a huge music fan, which he demonstrates at the end with a high-energy dance routine. –Ken Miller

Luxor, 16+, 702.262.4400

Fresh Flavors

When you dine at Harvest at Bellagio, you’ll find a veritable farm has found its way to your plate. In appetizers, you’ll find naan, with accompaniments of smokey eggplant, red pepper hummus, and Meyer lemon yogurt; an artisanal cheese board; shrimp cocktail; and saltand-pepper fried shrimp.

Choose from the vegetable area of the menu, stuffed with ingredients like baby kale salad, with maple-roasted delicata squash; mizuna and poached pear salad with toasted goat cheese and baby beets; and roasted parsnip with maple-candied walnuts. Entrées include filet mignon and grilled ribeye; Wild Isle salmon with honey-nut squash purée; and roasted half chicken.

Side dishes vary depending on season, too, with roasted Brussels sprouts; crushed butterball potatoes; locally sourced mushrooms with sherry cream and caramelized onions; and farmer’s market vegetables, with delicata squash, cauliflower, radish, and turmeric. And since the ingredients at Harvest do change seasonally, finding a dish on the menu that you didn’t expect can be a wonderful surprise. –Nina King

Dance Sensations

It’s one of the longest-running production shows on the Strip—and also one of the most fun for adults. “X” Burlesque continues to delight audiences with its combination of hot music tracks, a wide range of choreography, and some of the most beautiful, athletic women you’ve ever seen. It’s even got a comedic sensibility, including a “half-time” stand-up performance.

There’s so much to appreciate here, from the siren dance to Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and Confused” to the country stomp during Travis Tritt’s “Girls Gone Wild” and the sexy come-hither looks to the audience during Touch & Go’s “Would You.” And one lucky audience member will be brought onstage as part of the “Mile High Club” segment, scored to Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away.”

When you imagine ideal Las Vegas entertainment, odds are it looks exactly like “X” Burlesque. –Ken Miller

Flamingo, 18+, 702.777.2782

Bellagio, 702.693.8865

Stick to Your Guns

If you’ve been longing to let off a little steam in a safe spot, head to Range 702. This indoor shooting range offers a variety of experiences, like the quick Winter Special, where you’ll shoot 20 rounds from an M4 and from an M5. The Couples Therapy package will really let you get rid of some stress (no matter who’s causing it), where you’ll shoot seven different guns. The Quadzilla Experience lets you shoot a monster of a firearm, a multibarrel machine gun. And the All In Experience lets you work your way through 13 of the most powerful firearms the range offers. Whoa, Nelly! –Nina King

5999 Dean Martin Drive, 702.425.5312

The Mirage, 702.792.7777

Still Fab

Cirque production brings classic music to life

It was a little more than 20 years ago that George Harrison had a conversation with Cirque du Soleil co-founder Guy Laliberté about a synthesis of Beatles music and Cirque spectacle. Harrison, who by then had worked extensively as a film producer, could envision a workable stage show—although he would pass away before development and design. The result was The Beatles LOVE, which premiered at The Mirage on June 30, 2006.

It was the Martins’ musical mentorship that made it possible for The Beatles LOVE to become a reality, with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Harrison’s wife Olivia and Yoko Ono on hand for the debut. The Martins created song segues for the soundtrack, used an alternate version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” that’s even more melancholy than the original, backward-masked “Sun King” and drew on snippets of studio banter to create ambience.

From there, it was up to the producers and performers who transformed live entertainment to create the ultimate tribute to the band that transformed pop music. Cirque brought characters from lyrics to life, with some such as Sgt. Pepper and Father McKenzie easily discernible. Doctor Robert, Lady Madonna and The Fool feature prominently, as do Groupies, Kids of Liverpool and Sailors symbolizing the trans-Atlantic seamen who brought rock ’n’ roll records to the port city where the Beatles formed, and the band members were born.

John Lennon sang there was nothing you could do that can’t be done. Cirque du Soleil took that advice to heart as it created choreography and costumes, incorporated aerial artists and skate ramps, and evoked the spirit of yesterday with the talents and technology of today to create one of the most uplifting, elevating experiences on the Las Vegas Strip. Beatles fans in search of a day in the life that will get them back to where they once belonged may find all they need is to witness The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. It’s just what Doctor Robert would order. –Matt Kelemen

Relax and Recharge

Barry’s Downtown Prime offers all your favorite staples, all with that special Dakake touch, and the service and atmosphere that made his Palms restaurant N9NE Steakhouse such a classic. Its interior has plenty of distinctive touches, a combination of retro and modern with dark woods and carpeting and soft lighting.

The specialty cocktails here are all created with maximum fun in mind, right down to their names: Pretty Rye for a Chi Guy is made with Russell’s Reserve 6-year rye, orgeat, falernum, lime and mint and Make Me Sway is a delicious blend of 400 Conejos joven mezcal, mango, ginger, lime juice, rose water and Tajin.

Dakake’s wheelhouse has always been steaks, and you’ll probably be hard-pressed to decide from a variety of both wet- and dry-aged options, from a 24-ounce bone-in ribeye from Creekstone Farms in Arkansas to an 8-ounce bison filet from Grass Run Farms in Greeley, Colo. And there are many wonderful ways to accent your steak, from fresh truffles shaved tableside to sauces like creamy horseradish, chimichurri and au poivre. –Ken Miller

Circa Resort & Casino, 702.726.5504

Sounding Off

For years, Gordie Brown has been making audiences laugh with uncanny impersonations of some of the world’s most famous people. The Canadian native also shows off his singing impersonations—hitting the perfect pitch of stars like Ozzy Osbourne and Ray Charles. But Brown is far more than just an impersonator; he’s also a versatile comedian who puts his various voices into some strange situations—it’s one thing to impersonate Jack Nicholson, but when you have him talking about a golf swing, that’s taking serious talent to the next level. –Ken Miller

Golden Nugget, 866.946.5336

It’s So ...

Money, Baby! stretches across 15,000 square feet and is filled with über-cool design touches incorporating awesome graphics, graffiti and artwork, all with a playful, fun spin. More than 200 TVs are set around the venue for optimal sports viewing, and guests can even place bets at the in-venue sportsbook.

The impressive menu is not your typical sports bar fare; instead, it’s packed with standouts like 18-inch, all-beef hot dogs you can get in four different recipes, black truffle pizza, miso-glazed salmon, 16-ounce New York Strip, Beyond burger, Southern fried chicken sandwich and much more.

And let’s talk cocktails. There are three different bars, all with seating, so you can enjoy a menu with a dozen specialty cocktails. Like chai tea? Try the Aces High with Hendrick’s gin and a Japanese butterfly tea reduction. –Kiko Miyasato

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, 702.693.5000

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