8 minute read
cy (“Larger Than Country,”
Resorts World Las Vegas, axs.com
Larger Than Country
Resorts World Las Vegas has quickly become one of the entertainment hot spots on the Las Vegas Strip, and Carrie Underwood’s residency there is a huge part of that. The country superstar wasted no time in establishing her new show, Reflection, as one of the coolest productions in town, with all the elements you might expect in a Vegas show.
You’ll hear all the hits, from “Drinking Alone” and “Before He Cheats” to “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “Last Name,” but Underwood isn’t content to stop there—she also belts out an amazing version of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Throughout all this, you’ll get pyrotechnic and water effects, not to mention backup dancers and multiple costume changes. She’ll perform May 18 and May 20-21. –Ken Miller
Caesars Palace, 702.731.7410
Spend Some Time English pub gets the Gordon Ramsay twist
The English pub experience is instantly comforting; what could be better than a pint of your favorite ale, stout or cider while noshing on fish and chips? And Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill takes that experience and elevates it, adding the Ramsay touch from top to bottom.
The space itself is prime real estate within Caesars Palace. It’s directly across from the Colosseum, so people-watching here is not only plentiful, it’s downright mandatory. There’s plenty of seating, which means you’ll almost never have difficulty securing a table. And your waitstaff are very attentive and friendly. You’ll look forward to hanging out.
Start your experience here with a signature cocktail like the Goodbye Blue Sky, featuring Stoli Bluberi, blackberry purée and sparkling wine, or the Belgian margarita, a delicious blend of Patron anejo, agave nectar and Lindeman’s cassis lambic.
Starters all have Ramsay’s signature touch. Spinach and artichoke dip gets the truffle treatment for an extra burst of flavor, coupled with Havarti cheese. Nachos here are made with kettle chips and topped with short ribs, English cheddar sauce, pickled peppers and sour cream. And shrimp cocktail is poached and served with lemon vinaigrette and horseradish.
In addition to the classic fish and chips, made with beer-battered cod and served with malt vinegar, aioli and mushy peas, Ramsay has loaded his menu with items that fans of his shows will recognize instantly. For the true experience, opt for Gordon’s three-course dinner. For one price, you get your choice of a starter (classic Caesar or onion and ale soup), an entrée of Ramsay’s most popular item, beef Wellington (accompanied by mashed Yukon gold potatoes, root vegetables and red wine demi-glace), and another Ramsay favorite, sticky toffee pudding. This package comes complete with wine pairings to put it completely over the top. –Ken Miller
Flash Dance
It’s a mix of music, art and dance in simply one of the coolest, most visual shows on the Las Vegas Strip. In a completely dark showroom, iLuminate lights up the stage with a troupe of dancers that wear customized LED suits rigged with wireless lighting programs. The show uses quirky comedy and creative set designs, and the visuals created by the kaleidoscope of LED programming on each dancer’s suit creates some pretty cool illusions. –Kiko Miyasato
The STRAT, 702.380.7777
The Venetian, 702.862.7800
Action Figure
Dwayne Johnson is currently appearing in Las Vegas—sort of. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas unveiled his wax figure at its Strip location. The figure, which was also simultaneously unveiled in other iterations at Madame Tussauds across the country, welcomes you to a new Teremana tequila-themed bar (Johnson’s tequila brand). Johnson’s figure is wearing attire re-created from his Voss Water campaign of 2019.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dwayne Johnson’s four new amazing figures to Madame Tussauds New York, Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Orlando,” said Matthew Clarkson, head of marketing for Madame Tussauds, in a statement. “He’s a humble icon, and a figure that has been highly requested by our fans. We’re honored to have had the opportunity to represent him at the world’s greatest wax museum.”
While there, make sure to take in the rest of what Madame Tussauds Las Vegas has to offer, including Miley Cyrus (and her life-size wrecking ball from the song of the same name), Snoop Dogg, complete with 7-foot joint, and the entire Marvel superhero ensemble (complete with 4-D movie experience). There’s also a bar dedicated to the 2009 Las Vegas-set classic The Hangover. –Ken Miller
Cuts and Caviar
When a steakhouse has a 150-year legacy, you know you’re in for something special. The original Old Homestead Steakhouse in New York City dates back to 1868, and all that experience and knowledge is brought to bear at the Las Vegas outpost.
Whether you opt for surf (Petrossian caviar with a blini accompaniment or yellowtail tartare with cucumber, chili and garlic oil) or turf (8-ounce American wagyu rib cap or 24-ounce bone-in “Gotham” ribeye), you’ll be doing so in ultimate comfort with an attentive waitstaff and a serene ambience that begs you to stay awhile.
For a meal to remember, order the Ultimate Dinner for Two, where sharing is the focus. It includes a succulent and juicy, 34-ounce bone-in porterhouse, chopped salad and your choice of sides and dessert (we recommend the Big Fat Chocolate Cake!). –Ken Miller
Caesars Palace, 702.731.7560
Making Waves Iconic production has a huge talent pool
Often described as surreal and ethereal, Cirque du Soleil’s landmark production “O” is more than the Montreal-based entertainment giant’s most successful show around the world. It’s one of the most technically advanced theatrical presentations anywhere, arguably equally iconic in Las Vegas as the wondrous dancing fountains that front the hotel at the heart of the Strip.
The water is perhaps the most celebrated element of “O,” the 1.5-million-gallon pool that serves as the diffuse foundation of one of the Strip’s all-time greatest venues. No matter how many times one has visited this theater inspired by a 14th-century European operahouse, the way that water is used so masterfully to convey the idea of infinity and other otherworldly themes continues to astound.
It’s been 23 years since “O” arrived at Bellagio, and Las Vegas has never been the same. Without a doubt, it is recognized as one of the most influential pieces of entertainment in the city that built a reputation for doing just that.
Different styles of dance are represented, as are unique, age-old circus performances, all powered by a full live band and vocalists injecting unlimited energy into the theater from their two studio rooms perched above both ends of the stage. Be careful with how long you allow these amazing musicians to attract your attention, because at any moment a skeletal ghost ship might appear above the water for its acrobatic voyage.
Of course, everyone has their favorite acts and scenes from “O”: perhaps the joyous celebration when the acrobats emerge to play on the powerful Russian swing; or the inside-joke, blinkand-you’ll-miss-it moment when the show’s underwater scuba crew quickly surfaces like a squadron of beached seals. There are times to laugh and cheer and times to sit quietly, stunned at the artistry and befuddled at the creativity behind this masterpiece. –Brock Radke
Bellagio, 888.488.7111
Seeing Yellow
No matter how many times you’ve viewed Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces “The Starry Night,” “Café Terrace at Night” and “Irises,” you’ll feel like you’re seeing them for the first time at The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. This multimedia presentation projects the famous artist’s works across four walls, on the ceiling and on the floor, all set to music. The overall effect is powerful, hypnotic and mesmerizing. –Ken Miller
The Shops at Crystals, VanGoghVegas.com
FSLV— Fashion Show Las Vegas, 702.602.0384
Eat, Sip and Learn
Brazilian steakhouses are a carnivore’s dream come true— just keep showing your green flag on your table, and your servers will keep bringing you different cuts (the red flag means you need a break). For one of the best examples of this unique experience, head to Galpão Gaucho, where the cultural aspect is as satisfying as the cuisine.
There are two things you can be sure of when you dine here: You’ll have about as authentic an experience as you could imagine; and you’ll not leave hungry. You’ll certainly experience as many meats as you could imagine, including rib-eye, lamb chops, chicken, grilled salmon, filet mignon … all soooo good. Along the way, you’ll want to cleanse your palate with caramelized bananas and rehydrate with cocktails like a barrel-aged Manhattan.
Everything at Galpão Gaucho is prepared according to cultural standards, and your servers will be more than happy to stay awhile and educate you on the history of churrascarias. If your party includes any vegetarians, don’t worry—there’s a plentiful salad bar, featuring deviled eggs, salads, fresh fruit, soups and much more. And you can go back as many times as you want. –Ken Miller
Go Crazy
Are you a Prince fan? No? I don’t believe you. Really? Well, attend just one performance of Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show, and you’re sure to be among the converted. Tribute artist Jason Tenner, a pair of dancers and an incredible band give an inspired show, with Tenner ably evoking Prince’s persona, wearing signature outfits and makeup and playing the guitar. (Tenner is bigger than Prince was, but somehow seems mostly the same size; it’s wild).
You’ll hear Prince’s biggest hits, of course, like “Raspberry Beret” and “Purple Rain,” but you’ll be surprised to learn there are some more obscure songs like risqué “Darling Nikki,” which is somehow as hot here as the artist himself intended it.
A Morris Day and the Time tribute act adds some comedic respite, so you’ll have a moment to catch your breath before the music takes it away again. –Nina King
