16 minute read

Pictures,”

Moving Pictures

In the new exhibition Rarely Seen, you’ll find that simple photographs are not so simple after all. Based on the book National Geographic Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary, this immersive experience from Imagine Exhibitions showcases the amazing variety of life and landscape on planet Earth. There are 50 photos featured in the exhibit, and the large prints on the walls allow for close inspection and encourage an appreciation of detail.

And the addition of multimedia aspects of sound and light projection means an emotional connection to the displays—you’ll be awestruck by a seeming ocean of penguins and enchanted with the beauty of a dark night illuminated by the fairy lights of fireflies. There are photos of humans, too, like the pope taking a selfie with a young admirer.

Near the end, you’ll find one room dedicated to the release of lanterns into the sky. It’s a great image that not only captures the moment that the lanterns rise, but make you feel almost as if you were there, and really seeing what the photographer intended. –Nina King

Bally’s, ixvegas.com

Hard-Hitting Hilarity

Faithful viewers of Bill Maher’s HBO Series Real Time know one thing for certain: The stand-up comedian is not shy about speaking his mind. He takes both Democrats and Republicans to serious task in getting to the bottom of what is right and wrong with America (lately, his balance sheet has skewed highly into the wrong area).

That philosophy extends to his stand-up routine—attending one of his shows is like reading the newspaper, only instead of getting depressed, you’re laughing and realizing how absurd it all is. His takes all hit their mark, from cancel culture to white supremacy. It’s a scary time to be speaking your mind, but Maher refuses to compromise, and it’s made him vital viewing for millions of viewers. He’ll bring that fearlessness (always with a sly, boyish grin) to his sets at The Mirage as part of the Aces of Comedy series. –Ken Miller

The Mirage, 16+, 702.792.7777

High Class, Literally

Head up to Legacy Club, Circa’s beautiful and sleek rooftop lounge with amazing views of the city from the patio and a seriously old-school vibe that pays homage to Sin City’s history. New to the calendar is Legacy’s Elevated Spirits Craft Cocktail Course, happening every Thursday through Saturday from 2-4 p.m. Guests will learn all about proper drink-making techniques, history of spirits and cocktails and how to create your own cocktail recipes. –Kiko Miyasato

Circa Resort & Casino, 702.247.2258

Flamingo, 13+, 702.777.2782

Flying High Sleight-of-hand meets silliness

Nonsense reigns supreme during a performance of Piff the Magic Dragon. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of the proceedings; the point is to just have fun and laugh as much as possible. Whether it’s a bit of shrubbery producing strange fruit, a fortune cookie that reveals all the intimate details of an audience member’s marriage, or a volunteer producing a card from an unexpected part of their body, this is a show to make you just shrug your shoulders and get lost in the rambling, ridiculous and riotous world it creates.

Piff himself is actually an accomplished magician, garnering the respect of such heavyweights as Penn Jillette (who appears, hilariously, in a fake movie preview that introduces the show). But he never draws your attention to it; rather, he’s content to keep you continually off-balance with his mix of audience participation and non sequiturs, most of them courtesy of his “squire,” who operates one of the cameras (when he’s not bringing Piff dispatches from the audience and prancing around), and Jade Simone, Piff’s real-life wife, who’s constantly in motion—and occasionally very expressive!

The process of finding volunteers is a big part of the show’s entertainment value—Piff grabs a large flashlight and points it into the audience, often singling out individuals whom he continues to harass throughout the show. He goes out into the audience by way of an extended stage, at the end of which he’s positioned a microphone. Those called onstage truly get their 15 minutes of fame—and a chance to get something from a huge toy capsule vending machine.

In perhaps the show’s most delightful bit, Piff becomes a magical therapist, helping a couple “fix” their relationship, complete with literal olive branches (with rubber gloves on the ends), the aforementioned piece of shrubbery, his dog Mr. Piffles and some music by Enya. It’s hard to imagine anyone watching this unfold and keeping a straight face. Even Piff occasionally lets loose with a laugh over how outrageous this all is.

But Piff can’t let the show end without demonstrating some serious magic skills. He may call himself “The Loser of America’s Got Talent,” but as a Strip performer, Piff is a winner in every department. –Ken Miller

All-Terrain Adventure

It might be hot out, but who cares when you’re whipping through the desert on a wickedly fun ATV? Vegas ATV Adventures puts you behind the controls of your very own Can-Am ATV or Polaris ATV. Book the Yellow Pine one-hour ATV tour, where you’ll go on an off-road adventure through the historic (and haunted?) mining town of Goodsprings. The rugged, natural beauty of the desert, Joshua trees and sprawling canyons provide the perfect backdrop for your ride, during which you might also encounter desert creatures like jackrabbits, roadrunners, wild mustangs and quail. –Kiko Miyasato

For reservations, call 702.254.0770

Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7200

Fun at Every Turn

In 2016, star chef Shawn McClain and world-renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim joined creative forces and opened Libertine Social. “It was truly a collaboration throughout,” Abou-Ganim told Las Vegas Magazine. “I met Shawn when we did Iron Chef America together and we’ve been friends ever since ... and we always talked about collaborating. And he came to me one day and said he has a potential venue at Mandalay Bay; that’s how it all started. Libertine Social—it’s all in the name. It’s a place that’s social, fun, something for everyone.”

On the cocktail side, guests can sip through a specially created collection of swizzles, fizzes, barrel-aged, bottled and classic craft cocktails. On the food side, a not-to-miss appetizer, and one that has become a signature, is the caviar fried egg with slices of brioche toast for dipping. The house-baked pretzel with a beer cheddar fondue and the delish cheese board are also great starters. Bone-in rib-eye, skirt steak and some fish options are all impressive land-and-sea choices, but don’t miss the shrimp and grits, the Libertine cheeseburger or the fried chicken sandwich. –Kiko Miyasato

Where It All Began

Have you ever wanted to step into the mind of Criss Angel? His childhood? The beginnings of his career? His deepest, darkest thoughts? The all-new AMYSTIKA—The Secret Revealed lets audiences’ journey through it all while encasing them in a world of wonder, magic, and down-therabbit-hole vignettes.

Angel’s new show celebrates his journey to stardom while showcasing his grand illusions. Big moments include a mock-tornado that rips through the theater, a winter wonderland complete with falling snow, and re-creations of Angel’s childhood home and bedroom where the strange and scary come out to play. Guest magicians popular in the art of sleight-of-hand and comedy also take the stage, and there’s inspirational moments of love and then terrifying nightmares come to life. –Kiko Miyasato

Planet Hollywood Resort, ticketmaster.com

SCAN CODE FOR TICKETS

• Experiences • Maverick Tours

If you want to catch a ride with Olson to Electric Daisy Carnival (May 20-22), Maverick Helicopters is offering both one-way and round-trip flights. Individual rates start at $550 one way and $850 round trip. Once on board, guests use voice-activated headsets to talk with the pilots, listen to music and get amazing, bird’s-eye views of the Strip and the Speedway. Maverick also offers tours to the Grand Canyon, where guests will be dropped off at Maverick’s own private bluff deep inside the canyon. Other tours include trips over the Strip, trips to Grand Canyon’s Skywalk, flights over the Hoover Dam and more.

Benefit

When booking the Neon & Nature package, make sure to ask about the sunset flight option.

Matthew Olson

Pilot’s career continues to soar

This is Maverick Helicopters pilot and instructor Matthew Olson’s favorite week. “If you ever walk into this place during Electric Daisy Carnival, you would have no idea that we go to the Grand Canyon,” he says, laughing. “It’s transformed to look like the Speedway. I’ve flown EDC—this’ll be No. 7. You see the artists that come up that play at 7 or 8 o’clock at night, then next year, they’re playing at 11 and then the next year, they’re headlining the main stage. Martin Garrix, Zedd, Tiësto, Calvin Harris, Armin van Burren, Paul Oakenfold, Marshmello, DJ Snake—I’ve got to fly all those guys out there.”

It would make sense that EDC week is Olson’s favorite. The California native grew up studying music, specifically classical drumming, even getting his BA in music. But after college he decided to change directions and go after a lifelong passion. “Deep down, I always wanted to be a pilot,” he says. He enrolled in flight school in Colorado, realized he loved flying helicopters instead of planes, built up his flight hours (Olson has roughly 4,400), and in 2014, he joined Maverick as a pilot; by 2018, he added instructor to his title.

“I’ve met people from all around the world—from countries that I didn’t even know I’d ever meet anyone from: Mongolia, Tahiti, Ivory Coast,” he says. “It shows that Vegas is attracting people from all over the world. You are now part of their vacation, their bucket-listcrossing-off-moments, if you will. You definitely have an impact ... They’re going to remember the Strip—the activities you do in the city that really fortify your vacation here, and that’s this company and what we do.”

And EDC week is no exception. “With the vibe that’s happening here, the vibe at the (Speedway)—you’re involved with something completely different and you’re now part of one of the biggest music festivals of the year,” Olson says.” –Kiko Miyasato

Élia Beach Club Hakkasan

Omnia

All the Rave

EDC headliners also performing in city’s clubs

From sundown to sunrise, EDM party people will fill the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the annual Electric Daisy Carnival from May 20-22, and hundreds of DJs will perform across multiple stages. But if that still doesn’t complete your need to party, don’t fret—many of the nightclubs, dayclubs and other venues in the city welcome the festival’s headliners to play their place, too.

Omnia at Caesars Palace invites revelers to party under its huge kinetic chandelier in the main room as the following DJs break out their sets: Illenium with William Black (May 19), Martin Garrix with Justin Mylo (May 20) and Armin van Buuren (May 21).

Hakkasan at MGM Grand has been a longtime hub for the world’s biggest DJs to perform, and this week the main room welcomes Alesso (May 19) and Loud Luxury with Cheyenne Giles (May 21). At Resorts World Las Vegas, the Strip’s newest hot spot Zouk Nightclub welcomes two of the biggest names in music to its stage: Tiësto (May 19; see feature on p. 30) and Deadmau5 (May 20).

Think of it as a mini-rave over at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. The massive outdoor venue hosts the Factory 93 Rave party on May 19 with Boris Brejcha, Ann Clue and Moritz Hofbauer.

Since EDC ends in the morning, you still might be in party mode as you return to your hotel. Well, the city has got you covered. Continue to wear those dancing shoes but throw on a bathing suit and head to the following dayclubs for some fun under the sun. Wet Republic at MGM Grand stacks its roster with Porter Robinson (May 19), Kaskade (May 20), Martin Garrix with Justin Mylo (May 21) and Steve Aoki (May 22). Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay welcomes Bassrush (May 19) and Soxxi (May 20).

The newest daylife venue, Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World, taps DJ Snake (May 20) and Tiësto (May 21) to hype the daytime crowds poolside. And over at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Élia Beach Club invites partiers to dip their toes in its actual sandy beach and move to the grooves of Jauz (May 20), Flosstradamus, GTA, TroyBoi and Yellow Claw (May 21) and Tchami and Tinlicker (May 22). –Kiko Miyasato

Shrimp head

Photos courtesy of Lost Spirits

Lost Spirits Distillery’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea dinner is a deep, delicious dive

By itself, Lost Spirits Distillery is already one of the must-visit destinations in the Las Vegas Valley.

Its combination of otherworldly design and creatively designed spirits—all under the watchful eye of co-founder and CEO Bryan Davis—provide an unforgettable experience. But there’s now a new reason to visit, one that enhances the attraction’s overall effect: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a 16-course dinner that uses plenty of the alcoholic beverages Lost Spirits is world-famous for.

Once you are guided to your dining room (a memorable experience in itself, as you board a simulated submarine that takes you to a tasting room where chandeliers sway and fish swim outside the portholes, creating an underwater effect), you’re seated along with 11 other guests at a long, wooden table, with actual candles burning in large candelabras. Above you, Vietnamese silk lanterns seem to swarm. You half expect Captain Nemo to appear at any moment!

Social interaction is highly encouraged at this dinner, and Lost Spirits has come up with the perfect lubrication for that: Sparkling rum, a special creation that’s only available at this dinner. It’s wonderfully smooth, and refilled every time your cup gets remotely shallow. As a soundtrack dominated by Leonard Cohen surrounds you, you can get to know your “submarine mates” before the first course even arrives. And what a menu! In keeping with the Jules Verne theme, this meal focuses on sea and land, with alcohol used liberally in many of the bites. You get a clear idea of what you’re in for when you bite into the “macaron cocktail,” small versions of the confection infused with plenty of yummy rum. (I’ve been saying for years that I love starting a meal with something sweet. This was just what I was talking about!)

Along the way, this dinner continually surprises, both with unconventional flavor profiles (Otoro tuna combined with baklava? Oh hell yes it works!) and mind-blowing presentations. (Just wait until you see how the uni is presented—and how you eat it. Trust us, your reaction to this dish is half the fun!)

Davis’ blueprint is all over this dinner from start to finish, from the soundtrack, which changes depending on what is being served (The Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” while dining on, of course octopus, complete with a tiny sword with which to spear the delicacy), to some of the menu descriptions—“Whale” is featured on the menu with an asterisk; if you go to the bottom of the page, you’ll read in small type, “If whale is not legally available, A5 Kobe beef may be substituted.”

There’s also plenty of theater to enjoy here, such as the “Pig Head” course, during which a swine is brought to a staging area upon a litter and carved—with great relish—by chef Taylor Persh, who previously worked under chef José Andrés. You can feel her pride when introducing each course; no detail is left unattended here, much like the entire Lost Spirits experience.

Wally’s Wine & Spirits

Uncorking Happiness Vegas’ dining scene offers wine of all types

You don’t have to be an educated diner to know that Las Vegas is one of the best places on the planet to enjoy wine. The sheer volume of fine dining destinations on the Strip mandates that an elite selection of labels and varietals will always be on hand. But which restaurants have the perfect combination of a stellar list and exemplary food to go with it? Many of the answers to this question will take you off the Strip, a fact you may find surprising.

At Tivoli Village on the west side of the Vegas Valley, Ada’s Wine Bar (702.462.2795) is satisfying locals with an exciting, versatile, ever-changing wine list available by the glass or bottle, a socially inclined eatery where the folks behind the bar are ready to guide you through your next wine adventure. And you will find that the food menu is just as energetic and innovative, leaning a bit into Spanish flavors and favoring small plates perfect for sampling. Try the harissa-infused olives, Iberico chorizo croquetas, blue corn tamales or the cheese and charcuterie plates that will complement your next beverage selection.

On the other side of town at The District at Green Valley Ranch, The Local (702.665.6050) operates under the belief that great wine is for everyone, and the friendly staff is dedicated to helping visitors find new favorite flavors. Sixty different wines including sparkling and champagne, reds and whites, rosés, and dessert wines from around the world spark curiosity, and tasty snacks like bacon-wrapped dates, an Italian sandwich with prosciutto and mozzarella, and vanilla bean gelato satisfy your growing appetite as your work your way through the evening.

Back in the heart of the city on the Strip, Julian Serrano’s fine-dining institution Picasso (702.693.8105) at Bellagio has long been one of Las Vegas’ premier destinations for an expertly curated tasting menu complete with wine pairing, featuring food and beverage with French and Spanish undertones. The massive, high-quality wine list stretches to nearly 1,600 options at Picasso, but don’t fret, the veteran sommelier staff will help you choose while you enjoy pan-seared scallops, sautéed Chilean sea bass with asparagus and Hollandaise, butter-poached lobster, and big eye tuna carpaccio.

Another long-beloved destination for such an experience, Estiatorio Milos (702.414.1270), has settled into its new digs at The Venetian and recently launched a monthly Winemaker’s Table dinner series that beautifully explores fine wines from Greece and the Mediterranean alongside its acclaimed cuisine. Ask about it when you call for a reservation, but even if your trip isn’t perfectly timed, you can always enjoy the fruits of some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world at Milos with its trademark fresh seafood dishes and ingredient-driven creativity.

Of course, the newest wine-centric destination making noise on the Strip is at Resorts World, the Las Vegas outpost of Southern California favorite Wally’s Wine & Spirits (702.676.6966). More than 8,000 labels surround diners in this chic space, which extended its offerings earlier this month by hosting its first tequila and mezcal festival. Spirits are fun, but there’s nothing like relaxing with your best bottle with your best friends and sharing steak tartare, grilled California lamb chops, truffle pommes frites and a prosciutto di Parma-topped pizzetta. –Brock Radke

Picasso

Ada’s Wine Bar Estiatorio Milos

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