SPOTLIGHT

MGM Grand, 866.740.7111

Magic in Memories

David Copperfi eld is entering his fi fth decade of amazing audiences with his largerthan-life illusions. And he’s entering his third decade as one of the Las Vegas Strip’s most iconic entertainers. In a town where longevity can be a challenge, that’s pretty ... magical.

A huge part of what makes an act successful in Las Vegas is its ties to the past. The memories we grow up with strongly determine what sells tickets today. And no matter your opinions of magic (it appears to divide most groups straight down the middle), odds are you have fond memories of at least one of Copperfi eld’s feats throughout the years—walking through the Great Wall of China in 1986, escaping from Alcatraz prison in 1987, and surviving a fall over Niagara Falls in 1990, just for starters. –Ken Miller

MGM Grand, 702.891.7318

Stay Awhile Celebrity chef’s eatery is a long-running smash

Fans of Top Chef are no doubt very familiar with head judge Tom Colicchio, a James Beard Award winner who’s not afraid to speak his mind and expect the very best from those who compete on the Bravo reality show. His standards are also apparent at his Las Vegas restaurants, including his eponymous Craftsteak, a Strip favorite that’s been going strong for nearly 20 years.

It’s nestled snugly along MGM Grand’s restaurant row, and its entrance beckons you to enter with its bar area and enormous spirit and wine collection. The dining room itself is spacious and cozy at the same time, with soft lighting contrasting with warm tones. It’s the perfect environment to kick back and enjoy some quality time with friends and family. And cocktails certainly help, especially the aged in-house Two Smoking Barrels, featuring High West Campfi re whiskey, Luxardo, Antica Carpano and peach bitters, and In Love With the Coco, a blend of Ciroc Coconut, lime, basil, mint and soda.

As its name would suggest, meat is king here, from the hand-cut wagyu tartare and prosciutto San Daniele on the starters menu to the wide selection of steaks, everything from fi let mignon and New York strip to A5 wagyu rib-eye from Japan. If you’re having trouble deciding, go with the Chef’s Beef Selection section, which o ers a three-course menu for you and your party. Side dishes include white corn grits smothered in Gruyère, fi ngerling potatoes with garlic and thyme and Brussels sprouts cooked with bacon and bordelaise.

There are also plenty of seafood options on Colicchio’s menu. Braised lobster with tarragon is a star here, as is ahi tuna with spinach and red onion relish, and diver sea scallops with shaved fennel.

The dessert section is simple but wonderful, highlighted by cinnamon monkey bread covered with a pecan to ee. You can also enjoy crème brûlée or ice cream and sorbets. –Ken Miller

High-Up History

Head up to Legacy Club, Circa’s beautiful and sleek rooftop lounge (all the way up on the 60th floor) 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 learn all about proper drink-making techniques, the history of spirits and cocktails and how to create your own cocktail recipes. The class also includes three cocktails to enjoy. –Kiko Miyasato

Circa Hotel & Casino, 702.247.2258

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, 702.693.5000

Bueno Brunch

The rebranding of Hard Rock Hotel to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas brought with it plenty of new restaurants, and one of its best just got a whole lot better with an excellent La Manana Brunch menu. Casa Calavera satisfies you on every level, with tasty cocktails and sweet and savory dishes aplenty.

Start with a classic like a tequila sunrise with Casamigos blanco, orange juice and grenadine, then work your way to the decadent Juanito Cakes stack, five yellow corn cakes topped with maple syrup, chocolate sauce and berry compote. Yum!

All your Mexican favorites are here, from Baja fish tacos and huevos rancheros to breakfast burritos and pork carnitas. But there’s more to tempt you, including short rib Benedict with cheese pupusas and chipotle hollandaise sauce; Catrina avocado toast with egg, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa, pickled red onion and pomegranate; and huevos a la Mexicana, scrambled eggs with Oaxacan cheese and poblano-onion potatoes. Make sure to add a side of yucca fries, firm and crispy, served with poblano ranch. –Ken Miller

Surreal Supermarket

There may be shortages in some sectors of retail, but the shelves are as full at Omega Mart today as they were when the experiential art destination opened at AREA15. Cans of Camel’s Dream of Mushroom and Barely Barley meal substitute “sops” are abundant, as are bottles of home freshener spray Who Told You This Was Butter?

There is no shortage of visitors, with reactions to Meow Wolf’s off-Strip maximalist satire of consumerism expressed in a variety of languages by “shoppers” perusing the aisles. Like a wardrobe enabling children to enter Narnia, Omega Mart has passageways hidden in plain sight that allow explorers into a world of pure imagination.

Taking in the sights and sounds while exploring every twist of Omega Mart’s four giant themed areas is satisfying on its own, but unraveling the enigma behind Omega Mart is a deep dive. –Matt Kelemen

AREA15, meow.wf/lvm

Liquid Plaza

Red Rock Resort

Light Up the Night Independence Day celebrations abound

The entire Las Vegas Valley lights up, both fi guratively and literally, for Fourth of July week.

Downtown’s Circa Resort & Casino hosts a party to remember at its Legacy Club on the 60th fl oor, beginning at 8 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. During that time, you and your friends can enjoy standing-room-only, 360-degree sightlines as fi reworks pop all over town while enjoying beer, wine, champagne and signature cocktails. For an additional price, you can book tables for parties from 6 to 12 people, either indoors or outdoors. Also downtown, the Plaza sets o its own fi reworks at 9 p.m.

Across the valley, Station Casinos gets in on the fun with Fireworks by Grucci at 9 p.m. at six properties—Green Valley Ranch, Red Rock Resort, Palace Station, Sunset Station, Boulder Station and Santa Fe Station. All properties are hosting live entertainment, and Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Resort host viewing parties. Both begin at 7:30, with tickets from $10 for those 2-11 and $25 for those 12 and older.

Tao Group Hospitality keeps things rocking throughout the festivities at its various venues across the Las Vegas Strip. Nightclub performances include Above & Beyond on July 3 and Party Favor performing July 5 at Omnia nightclub at Caesars Palace July 5; Drenched After Dark with Eric D-Lux July 3 at Marquee nightclub at The Cosmopolitan; and Lil Jon performing a DJ set for Flawless Monday July 4 at Jewel nightclub at Aria. Dayclub performances include Sofi Tukker on July 3 and Escobar on July 4 at Tao Beach Dayclub at The Venetian; Afrojack on July 3 and DJ Shift on July 4 at Wet Republic at MGM Grand; Full Bloom with Bob Moses on July 3 and Mike Attack on July 4 at Marquee Dayclub; and DJ Nova on July 3 at Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria. –Ken Miller

Resorts World, 702.676.6968

Shooting Star

If you’ve been longing to let off a little steam in a safe spot, head to The Range 702. This indoor shooting range offers a variety of experiences, like the Couples Therapy package 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

Sweet Summer Hang

Agave Bar & Grill at Resorts World is poolside bliss with delish cuisine and cocktails. The venue overlooks the main pool, and gives off beachy, tropical vibes.

The menu here is mostly Mexican-inspired with both classic options and yummy twists. Morning people can enjoy breakfast starting at 9 a.m. Order freshly brewed coffee and pair it with the red velvet pancakes served with chocolate syrup, cream cheese frosting and berries. Or go traditional with jugo de sandia (watermelon juice) and an order of chilaquiles. For a real twist, order the boba mimosa—your choice of lychee, mango or strawberry boba and cold-pressed orange juice.

At lunch, we suggest trying the Cubano burger, a beef patty piled with smoked pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard aioli. Agave shrimp tacos are a must, served with chipotle lime mayo and slaw. Vegetarian? Options include buffalo cauliflower bites, Impossible burger, grilled elote and a burrito bowl. Cool down with an order of paleta, a strawberry-mango ice cream bar that you can have dipped in milk chocolate and coconut flakes. –Kiko Miyasato

Watch and Wonder

Mystère never disappoints in the fun factor department, from the oversized baby looking for his “Papa” (he finds him, by the way, and you could be “Papa” depending on where you’re sitting) to the reappearance of the clown throughout the performance, performing magic tricks and generally messing around with the other performers.

It’s a very loose framework around which Cirque has assembled some of the greatest athletes in the world, performing feats that will have you rethinking that Crossfit program: You’ll wonder if acrobats are defying gravity as they ascend poles effortlessly, then slide down, stopping themselves just before they hit the ground; and as two strongmen hoist each other into impossible positions while slowly spinning on a raised stage, you’ll be holding your breath, as if your concentration will give them that bit of extra strength. –Ken Miller

Treasure Island, 702.894.7722

Quintessential Cuisine

Longtime Las Vegas visitors may know the name Barry S. Dakake. In the heyday of the Palms, signing his door after dinner was a sign you really were a celeb. Nowadays, you can fi nd the chef at Barry’s Downtown Prime at Circa Resort & Casino, where you’ll fi nd a chill environment that channels the welcoming nature of an old-school steak joint, combining in modern sensibilities.

At Barry’s, the beef is sourced from a variety of suppliers, including Creekstone Farms; fi let mignon and New York sirloin come from family-owned brand Revier Cattle Company. Accent those cuts with shrimp, crab, lobster, tru es or a variety of sauces. Surf & turf consists of fi let medallions and Maine lobster in a red wine sauce. For a total surprise, look to the vegan menu. From the portobello mushroom served with asparagus risotto, braised leeks and tru e vinaigrette to vegetable meatloaf, made with grilled summer squash and zucchini, vegans will dine well.

Desserts range from luscious carrot cake to crème brûlée, but to cap o that steakhouse meal, go for a baked Alaska. No matter how many times you’ve had a dish where fi re is a main component, it’s always impressive ! –Nina King

Five-Star Revue

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

Circa Resort & Casino, 702.726.5504

Wax to the Max

Whatever you might be a fan of in popular culture, you’re bound to fi nd yourself really geeking out at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. No one does wax fi gures better than this company, down to the smallest details. But this attraction is so much more than that. Madame Tussauds now has a 4-D movie experience! Marvel Universe 4-D uses state-of-the-art technology—motion seats and environmental e ects, including water and wind—to make you feel like you’re part of the movie. Plus, you can get married here, and have a real (wax) celebrity attend. –Ken Miller

The Venetian, 702.862.7800

A La Carte

Steakhouse adds to an already strong menu

To walk through the doors of Jean Georges Steakhouse is to enter a world of elegance, a place that feels entirely unique on the Strip, a restaurant where carnivores feel pampered from beginning to end.

The large, welcoming space has ambience for days, with soft curves connecting each area effortlessly. It’s the perfect space to enjoy a cocktail like a lychee raspberry Bellini, made with prosecco, lychee and raspberry, and a JG Vesper, a blend of Grey Goose vodka, Bombay gin, aperitif and lemon. Pair one with a raw bar treat; we recommend the rice cracker-crusted tuna, chunky, delicious pieces of toro served with scallions and sriracha. Or try a starter like warm white Provencal asparagus, a taste revelation served with a mustard emulsion and herbs.

Chef/owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten has added a few pleasant surprises to an already sturdy menu. Longtime fans will be thrilled to see the return of swordfish Milanese, a dish Vongerichten made famous in the 1980s. It’s a delightful twist on chicken Milanese, with the sumptuous, thick swordfish blending spendidly with the breading, served with grilled lettuce hearts, capers and brown butter.

Other new highlights include slowcooked sea trout, packed with flavor and served with fava beans, preserved lemon and pistachios, and fragrant spiced lamb chops, arranged like a delicious work of art and accompanied by cucumber yogurt and crunchy garnishes. Pair any of these with delights like crunchy potatoes, one of the best versions of this standby we’ve had on the Strip, served with chili yogurt and herbs, or maitake mushrooms, saison battered and served with chili honey.

For dessert, the warm Valrhona chocolate cake and New York-style cheesecake are both strong contenders, but if you want something lighter, there’s a market citrus plate with yuzu cream, white chocolate, passion fruit and mango. –Ken Miller

Aria, 702.590.8660

The Venetian, 702.414.9000

He’s Got Moves

In what has to be one of the most high-energy shows to ever hit the Las Vegas Strip, Derek Hough: No Limit features a stunningly talented cast performing a variety of dance styles to music that spans the ages, with the dancer/actor/singer at its center.

Hough, known to millions for Dancing With the Stars, has assembled a cast of dancers whose moves rival his own (and that’s truly saying something). He’s joined by three men and four women, all of whom vault through the air, pirouette, strut, twist, salsa and much more throughout the 90-minute show. In addition to the athleticism he makes look easy, Hough occasionally picks up the mic to belt out a song, or picks up a guitar to play a lick from “Hotel California.”

In the spirit of Sammy Davis Jr. and Donny Osmond, Hough really does it all in this show. When he does take a breath (which isn’t often), he even shows a sense of humor with dancing partner Hayley Erbert (in one clever bit, he kneels down as if to propose, only to tie his shoelace). He also pays homage to the past, including several numbers from Singin’ in the Rain. –Ken Miller

Let It Mellow

It’s one of the biggest venues fronting the Las Vegas Strip, and also one of the funnest: Margaritaville is your beachy headquarters for kicking back, ordering a tall, cold drink and forgetting the cares of the day. And with 12,000 square feet spread across three levels, plus a volcano, there’s never going to be a problem fi nding a table or a seat at one of the six bars. If you don’t have the time of your life here, it just might be your fault. –Ken Miller

Flamingo, 702.733.3302

Wonders of the Wild

At Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, you’ll be immersed in a lush oasis fi lled with exotic animals such as white tigers, white lions and dolphins.

Since its opening in 1990, this enchanting habitat has not only served as a sanctuary for some very big cats (some of whom once performed in the Siegfried & Roy magic show) and sea creatures, but it also focuses on scientifi c research, education and conservation outreach. With the Secret Garden’s guided educational programs, it’s the perfect place for parents to take their curious, animal-loving kids .

Once you move into the Dolphin Habitat, you’ll see those incredible aquatic creatures swim and splash around in their pools. If you’re lucky, you might catch the trainers working with the dolphins, and you’ll witness the tricks and aerial feats they’re capable of. –Las Vegas Magazine Sta

The Mirage, 702.791.7188

‘RARELY SEEN’ OFFERS A GLIMPSE ACROSS THE GLOBE

Travel to some of the most exotic

locales in the world or simply slow down

and see things from a vantage that few

can explore in person at National Geo-

graphic’s Rarely Seen, Photographs of

the Extraordinary, Imagine Exhibitions’

immersive experience at Bally’s.

Inside the exhilarating exhibit, you’ll

first find an introduction by Stephen Alvarez, a veteran photographer with

National Geographic, which will give

you a view into what motivates photog-

raphers and how the effort pays off for

those looking at the image.

Check out the pope taking a selfie

in Vatican City, or a hummingbird

hovering in front of a pit viper. A simple

shot of the dusting of a bighorn sheep museum exhibit leaves you wondering

just what’s real. Innovative lighting

technology allows many of those visual

wonders to become even more impres-

sive, as they are projected on the walls

and wrap around you.

The entire experience leaves you with

an emotional reaction, and a feeling of

connection to the globe we live on.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRESENTS AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE AT BALLYS

Among the photographs you’ll see:

A supercell storm, with lightning crack-

ing down all around;

A beach with thousands of penguins;

The beauty of the release of thousands

of floating lanterns;

The enormous, perfectly spherical Moer-

aki Boulders of New Zealand;

A close-up look at a Siberian tiger;

A monk standing in the ruins of a Cam-

bodian temple.