Downtown ZEN - Jan. 2014

dtZEN.com

JAN 2014

MERRYMAKING MOONSHINE Popping the bubbly at the Grand’s all new Mob Bar

GINA QUARANTO: Human bridge, human being FLOWER POWER:

VEGAN DELIGHT

Gone Wild

Gaia flowers, gifts, and art

The Vapor Loft

sets e-cigarette trend ablaze

Thrilling Serial Story

‘THE LETTER’ Continues in Chapter 4

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Editor-in-Chief Loren Becker

Managing Editors

Michael Boley, Mandy Crispin Brian Paco Alvarez, Michael Boley, Temple Brathwaite, downtown, long before the recent wave of renovated experiences.

Between them they represent an impassioned, stalwart arts-scene

Shannon Sneade, Shawn Zahnow

Photography Art Director

Michael Boley

Downtown Team in a history formed by her mind. Two roads diverge in a yellow wood.

Cover: Concept

Michael Boley

Michael Boley, Mandy Crispin

Contact Us: Email: DowntownZEN@zappos.com Like: www.facebook.com/ZapposDowntownHappenings Follow: #dtzen

Front Cover Models Back Cover Models

Natasha Arellano, Nelly Arias, Robert Greeley,

Read Online: www.dtZEN.com

Cover Design Layout Logo Design

Fernando Cabestany

Printer:

03 07 15 20

The Vapor Loft Blackbird Studios Gaia Downtown Wi-Fi

PHILOSOPHY ‘N’ PHLUFF 22 24 25 26 27 30 31 33 35 37

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

The Vapor Loft

03

Gaia Flower Shop

15

Descriptive, Downtown

31

Restaurant Review

39

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT 39 41 43 46 49

Restaurant Review Restaurant Review: VEGAN Bar Review Upcoming Events Calendar

ABOUT THE COVER

New Year’s Eve is a night to release your inhibitions and celebrate the year to come … so we did, as this month’s cover was taken inside the luxuriously decorated, Roaring 20s-inspired speakeasy of Mob Bar within the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino. Featuring live weekend entertainment, dueling pianos, and handcrafted cocktails, this is a place where you can throw back a few suds, relax, and rejoice in the expulsion of the prohibition era.

TECH JOBS www.about.zappos.com/jobs ISSUE 21

JANUARY 2014

dtZEN.com

Downtown ZEN

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fEATuREs

THE VAPOR LOFT

Big Name Tobacco’s Greatest Fear

By Michael Boley Where there’s smoke doesn’t always mean there’s fire. In fact, if you happen to be strolling inside downtown’s newest dining and shopping quarter, the Downtown Container Park, chances are what you’re seeing billowing above and smelling from passersby isn’t smoke at all, but, instead, water-based vapor fumes putting out the blaze.

On the second level, towards the far end of the park is The Vapor Loft — an electronic cigarette retailer that sells anything and everything that one would need to kick the nasty habit, feel unchained to the hindrances of tobacco use, and become liberatingly smoke-free.

the more primitive versions of e-cigs on the market, where the model so closely resembled a tobacco cigarette, the end glowed like a burning butt. Within two weeks of use, Davey went from smoking to vaping.

The e-cigarette was initially developed in China by pharmacist Hon Lik — a three-pack-a-day smoker whose father died of lung cancer. Smoking in China isn’t rare, as the nation has an estimated 300 million smokers; however, Lik was determined to create an alternative device that would reduce the risk of cancer and save the lives of millions each year.

“When you smoke a cigarette, the nicotine actually sits in the tar. With this, as soon as you exhale, it’s not sitting, absorbing into your lungs.”

The Vapor Loft is a partnership between Rich Belsky, Billy Wilson, and is founded and owned by Paul Davey, an Orange County, Calif. native who opened up the first of his now two lounges in October 2012, a time when the e-cig industry was first gaining traction, but had yet boomed mainstream.

Not just any entrepreneur, Davey, a habitual smoker for 27 years and in the pharmaceutical field and medical device manufacturing industry for the better part of a dozen, grew tired of the constant coughing and hacking that came with the lung-filling drags of tobacco smoke. Looking to quit, three years ago Davey had tried one of

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Similar to Lik and many renowned scientists, Davey echoes the same sentiments that nicotine, in and of itself, is not what causes cancer. Although nicotine is highly addictive, similar to the effects of caffeine, it’s the toxic chemicals of tobacco and filler products within the cigarette that, when lit, combust and burn, causing lung deterioration upon inhale. The e-cigarette, instead, according to Davey, uses a small battery that sends voltage to heat up and atomize a flavored pure liquid solution, or “tank,” comprised of nicotine e-liquid which, in turn, creates a water-based vapor cloud upon exhale.

“The really big difference in the nicotine intake on these is when you smoke a cigarette, you’re getting that tar, right?

hether your dog goes bark bark, bow wow, yip yip, or woof woof, just know that they’re trying to tell you something; and that something is the long awaited grand opening of the Hydrant Club — and they want you to sign them up, leash them up, and take them there!

would soon, unbeknownst to her, handsomely pay out.

In August 2012, Cathy visited Vegas for 10 days and brought her fellow four-legged companion Truman, a silver Labradoodle, in tow.

While touring with Downtown Project as well as engaging in casual conversation with Ogden residents, the mention of creating a downtown dog park and/or doggy daycare was inherently present. As Cathy began Located at the corner of Ninth and Fremont streets, only one block east listening and examining her surroundings, she noticed two fundamental of the Container Park, is Cathy Brooks’ dream come true: a dream that, problems at play: 1) nowhere in downtown was there a safe, clean place literally, has brought her to tears time and time again after months of to allow dogs to run free of their leashes. Instead, there was only an planning, drafting, collaborating, scouting, implementing, and now overabundance of gravel lots, hot black asphalt, and broken shards of finally planting the final seeds of grass at her very own doggone, no glass, and 2) overly aggressive or sensitive and cowering dogs with a bones about it business. lack in social skills that made them either lunge at their leashes or bark at other dogs. Additionally, their owners possessed little to no handling The Hydrant Club, in association with Downtown Project, is more skills.

So, actually sitsa in the tar, so you’ll continue to academy Additionally, e-cigarettes thanthe justnicotine a dog park: It is canine social club and training absorb that to nicotine long after you the smoke that cigarette, are to unregulated in that’s the interesting. They’re talking about creating this that caters dog owners across valley, but more” said specifically “I thought, ‘well Davey.

“With this, you inhale, as soon as you exhale, United States by populated, the Food and Drugurban downtown experience. People will members of the downtown community.

The new spaceyou’re will implement densely walkable only absorbing facility, what you’ve inhaled; soon as and you outdoor exhale, it’s which lawsdon’t know how to behave and those an educational boarding andasdaycare, play Administration space. come (FDA), with dogs, andmeans if theno dogs not sitting, absorbing into your lungs.” require manufacturers tell how you towhat you’re humans don’tto know handle them, you will have, in .02 seconds, actually making American said LungCathy.

Cathy, a former conference curator and consultant for more than 20 inhaling, a shit show of majorthe proportions,’” Not are today’s e-cigarette models more visually Association skittish regarding its potential long-term years only and longtime dog maven and conversationalist, moved 560 miles appealing Davey’s firstVegas hit (looking more pens orjourney effects. one scientific university research from San since Francisco to Las to begin her like illustrious allHowever, As further talks developed and given study Cathy’s undisputed wealth of thumb cigarettes), but places like The Vapor Loft already debunks this of theory, concluding that none of its becausedrives of onethan word: serendipity. knowledge dogs and well-formulated ideas of planning and execution, have an increased assortment of e-liquids, varying between data indicated or suggested suggested that “exposures to vapors from it was to her that she head the development of the dog park.

80 different from cran feeling ch’i pomegranate to root beer, electronic warrant any concern. ” In the springflavors of 2012, already tired and uninspired by hercontaminants work, Andinwith that, socigarettes began the framework to construct the Hydrant Club all of which areapurchased and distributed Cathy attended tech conference where shebyranhigh intoquality Zappos defined by the United States manufacturers.

CEO Tony Hsieh.

Confiding in and explaining to him that she following four legs had wanted to make shift in her life, but was unsure exactly on which it would According to to Davey, theTony ingredients that make theof e-liquid what or how begin, had mentioned theup idea visiting stand: juices — propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and downtown Las Vegas. nicotine — vary by company which determines the strength in flavor.

Generally speaking, the propylene “He looked at me and smiled the andhigher said, ‘You know, youglycol should ingredient, vapors produced resulting in Ialaughed harsherat him Davey really comefewer and visit us inare Las Vegas this summer.’ andsays he’s on board with having e-cigarettes being throat hit, commonly bytoheavier On and the second regulated, it must be done to a limited degree. said, ‘First of all, I’m preferred not coming Vegas smokers. on purpose, of but In 2001, Cathy testified in a trial in which a fatal incident was committed contrary, forgoing juicesthere higher glycerin, the juice all I’m not in in thevegetable summer,’” said Cathy.

“Hewill said ‘no, no, by two vicious dogs that the owners knew were dangerous. It became create morethis vapor with a smoother inhale.maybe In addition to the to get regulated. I’ll say it needs to be regulated to no there’s thing called First Friday, you can give a“It’s talkgoing to evident to her that educating people on how to better understand vast amounts of flavors, canAll choose a certain Right now you can probably go out and buy the entrepreneurs […] thenformer there’ssmokers the Zappos Handstheir meeting, and, extent. their dogs is a crucial element of living in a densely populated, urban nicotine intake through five — 24 mg, 18at him, off the or go online and buy the ingredients to make in between, serendipity will different be your strengths guide.’ I just looked and shelf environment. Over the past several years, Cathy has worked with mg, 12 mg, 6 to mg, and 0 that’s mg. According to Davey, thing The Vapor juice; it’s really simple to make,” said Davey. “That’s why I’m thinking myself the most ludicrous I’ve everthis heard dozens of owners to help them better understand their dogs’ psyches Loft’s toplife. selling 6 mg, low enough be non- the juices we have have gone through this interview process of in my I’mstrength trying toisplan myjust career path, andtoserendipity doesn’t through education as well as learn how to diffuse a potentially volatile addictive. to find out what they’re doing to make sure this stuff is not really sound like a practical way to do that.” situation between other dogs they encounter. At the Hydrant Club, all being made in an uncleanly fashion and somewhat regulated dogs must go through a 30-minute behavioral placement evaluation.

Proponents of e-cigarettes say these devices are great Later that night, with Tony’s words still heavy onbecause her mind,fashion.

Cathy ” Some dogs will be fit for safe transition to off-leash play without any not onlyupdothe theword’s tastefuldefinition. e-liquids “Serendipity: have a gradualanprogression looked aptitude for making problem. Others may be offered “optional” training to help address to help them get weaned off of nicotine, but it’sthe low-cost ongoing controversy, e-cigarette purchases desirable discoveries by accident.”

Upon parceling words andDespite siding its low-level issues, while some will be required to go through training to hardware andCathy extended battery life the technology to oncontinue with reason, decided to roll dice andhas takeproven a gamble a city to skyrocket, according to the Tobacco Vapor be more cost effective than purchasing a carton of cigs and less Electronic Cigarette Association, where sales were expected “cold turkey” than NicoDerm’s patches or Nicorette’s limited to reach nearly $2 billion in 2013, with up to 14 percent of the gum selection. The Vapor Loft’s starter kits are sold anywhere nearly 44 million U.S. tobacco users saying they have tried between $50 and $75, with varied options according to price, and/or use e-cigarettes. which includes one battery, one tank, one charger unit, and one 15 mL e-liquid bottle, which can last up to two weeks. In a city where smoke-filled gambling halls are the norm, for Compare that to NicoDerm’s Step 1, 2, and 3 patches sold at Davey and his partners, The Vapor Loft is all about promoting $40 each. awareness and alternatives while showing smokers a new light without striking another match.

Adversaries argue that e-cigarettes are a gateway drug to minors because it could encourage kids to develop a “We’re here to try to promote a healthier lifestyle,” said Davey. lifelong nicotine addiction through its kid-friendly e-liquids. “That’s what it’s all about — helping the community.”

The sales of e-cigarettes to minors are banned in only 25 states to date, including Nevada, but are also sold online.

“It’s going to get regulated. I’ll say it needs to be regulated to a certain extent.”

Education & Training

ISSUE 21

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Vapor Loft employee Justin Altneu, pictured above, blows out a water-based vapor cloud onto the store’s countertop in an attempt to create a tornado-like spiral. The exhaled nontoxic fume cloud, like the one shown, is one of the many tricks performed by e-cig users.

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BLACKBIRD STUDIOS Gina Quaranto Bridges the Gap

by Bringing Blackbird Studios Extension Gallery to Downtown Container Park

By Mandy Crispin

“We’re never more than one or

two degrees apart here in our arts scene. It’s small. It’s small but mighty.” – Gina Quaranto 07

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ome people complain and leave, and some people stay and do. Gina Quaranto made the choice to stay and do. The arts scene in Las Vegas is still in its infancy, Gina says. But why? Where there are people, isn’t there art?

Gina explained, with the excitement and rapidity of her native New York City accent (she came here with her family in the 1980s), and with a passion that flowed like bubbly hot lava, the deficit of a real art scene in Las Vegas in terms of a “kingdom.”

“It’s a very transient city. If you go back even one generation people have just moved here.

This city for so many years had the mindset that we were built for taking care of other people: that this was a hospitality place. All we did was we worked. It’s like clockwork. It’s all mechanics. Sort of like a kingdom. The Strip is the castle, and everybody all around is working to keep the kingdom happy. It doesn’t matter whether or not the peasants are eating well, or taking good care of themselves, or their kids are in good schools. It’s the fact that they show up to work. And they clean the rooms. And they bus the tables. And they are taking care and being hospitable to the people who are keeping us going. Which, why bother keeping us going if we’re not going to have a standard of living like other people who are coming here to visit. I’m so happy that people get to come here from all over the country and all over the world and have a vacation and be happy and do crazy things for a week or two in their entire lives. I think that’s awesome. But I also think that the butlers, and the chauffeurs, and the taxi cab drivers, and the people who hold the doors for people, and the waiters and the waitresses should have a fulfilling and sustainable life here in Las Vegas so that they can have a life in Las Vegas and want to stay for their entire lives and have kids here. And with that comes art. Art is very, very important. Music is important, theater is important: that’s culture. That is something that transcends generations. That is something that we all have in common in every single country in all of our lives. As different as we are, we all have art. I don’t think it was important in Las Vegas until people said, ‘Hey you know, we’re gonna stay here. So let’s make this the way we want it to be instead of complaining that there’s nothing here. Let’s just figure it out, and do it.”

Her last statement fell with the conviction of her fist pounding the table. When Gina saw her generation of friends seek out arts scenes in cities more established, she began to argue vehemently that the people in this city were entitled to enrichment in the arts; in fact, she conveys the notion with such vehemence that living richly begins to look like a basic human right. She was ready to starve to make it happen.

In 2011 she opened Blackbird Studios, a cooperative art studio and exhibition space located on South Commerce Street, with two partners and a meager $14 in the bank. Oftentimes there was literally under a dollar left, but she continued to persevere for the firm belief she started out with.

“There are good reasons why we never had an artist community here, but now there aren’t.”

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ocal artist Stacy Rink opened her first solo show entitled Shadow on the Gallows at the Downtown Container Park Blackbird satellite Gallery Dec. 5, 2013.

“It’s all deliberate. Every single thing she does is deliberate. I like her in particular because it’s not just cool contemporary images put together because she thinks people our age would like that kind of thing and it’ll look cool in their [high-rise] apartments. She does all of these things that symbolize something to her or to other people, and everything is purposeful. Just like in the old, old paintings, like the paintings depicting Catholicism, where every single thing was meant to be a symbol. It’s not just cool-looking pictures: I think she needs to do these things.”

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JANUARY 2014

ISSUE 22

Switzerland

park. It’s beautiful.”

“We chose five or six years ago to move downtown and open businesses. In a recession. We were crazy people because we thought it was important.”

There is no argument about the fact that downtown was seriously blighted at one point, so I wondered why Gina and her partners would have even chose downtown in the first place. What her answer revealed was even more illustrative of her above point. With little to no resources, Gina and her close friends experienced something of a religion through a self-sacrifice and noseto-the-grind-stone, hang-on-to-the-seat-ofyour-pants dedication to their mission of making Las Vegas a sustainable community.

It was never safe. They never “made it.”

They never kicked back and relaxed. They just kept plugging away. And then they lost something that was so dear to them.

Gina has been called a “Switzerland” of the arts in downtown Las Vegas, so if you are curious as to why there would be a Switzerland when you weren’t aware that there was a war, there have been undercurrents of tension among previously long-established arts venues and recently rearticulated ones. Again passionate in her delivery, Gina helped me to understand, for the first time, why some community members may be shaken up by changes happening in downtown LV. “Here’s the thing. We’ve been down here for years. We were on the cusp of this very amazing, not just art scene but, culture

scene, in general, in Las Vegas. And we’ve been working on it for years because 10-12 years ago we had nothing down here. And I don’t mean just artwork. We had nothing here. And I don’t believe that just because this is a city where other people go for their entertainment, that our own people who are used for the entertainment, who are basically like the servants in the kingdom shouldn’t have a full, purposeful life. That involves creative things where you can bring your kids or you can go and see artwork … go to museums. Everybody should live that way. We’ve been working really hard to put in these mainstays with no money.

Nothing. No help, and no money. We’ve been doing it on our own. […] I know that I am being used as a bridge builder between here [read: Downtown Project] and 18b.

I think that arguing and negativity never help anyone. I’m happy to be here. I think is a great place, and I hope it works out for everyone involved. It’s a beautiful container ISSUE 21

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“The Arts Factory and The Funk House were already here 12 years ago. At the very first First Friday is when I started showing artwork. That was 2002. It changed a lot

of people. It changed a lot of people’s lives and attitudes. So we thought, ‘we all have to be in the same area.’ We should all be in one artist community. In other cities the artists clump together because it makes it easy for them and easy for people who want to patronize art. What better place than downtown? It’s inspirational. You have the most highs and lows, there was affordable housing, there were empty buildings that needed to be filled. It just seemed right: First Friday being our beacon of light to celebrate every single month that we made it one more month. [We said,] ‘Guess what?

In the hardest of times in the hardest of businesses, guess what? We made it. Let’s celebrate. Let’s have Frist Friday and invite the rest of Las Vegas to support us and maybe spend $10 on something to help us make it.”

First Friday as it used to be was put on hold in November of 2011 due to funding

issues. First Friday was brought back by different organizers in 2012. Under its new ownership, it has changed in meaning for some who held it as their sacred rite of passage every month.

Although the face of First Friday has changed, it seems the years of hard work in developing the overall venue for art in Las Vegas warrants not only celebration but respect and reverence for both the efforts and the heart our people have for the art of living richly. When I spoke with her, she had opened five shows and the gallery space in the Downtown Container Park within the past month (as of the date of interview), but it is also her jovial, welcoming and nurturing nature that make her an inspiration.

Gina has been in the Las Vegas arts for about 15 years. Her last show was almost three years ago and was a sellout. Throughout

her time as a working artist and curator, her charity work has been extensive. She said, “You know what it’s like to be poor and not have anything.” Something she’s learned through experience she says is “to be careful with my work and careful with my artists’ work, and to be careful with my time. A few years ago, when her power was shut off and she realized she had just donated in the tens of thousands of dollars in artwork, she decided to do three a year and “scrape it off” when it’s a massively scaled institution.

She said, “If it is an artist in need, I will give whatever is on my back, and I always donate if it’s an independent charity. Like Studio 8 Ten. […] I see those people in my life because they’re on Las Vegas Boulevard.”

Gina’s animation wound her up into hot lava of mannerisms and LOUD verbal expression. “I could never say no because I was like, [banging her fists on the table she reeled into a fever pitch]: 10

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‘‘It’s for the kids! It’s for the kids!”

In the trenches and still going strong, harboring a sense of humor as big as her undying energy, she’s the kind of person who one looks right in the eye and says, “Thank you.”

Gina will be changing out the Downtown Container Park space every four to five weeks with a new featured artist, and the gift area will offer items from a range of other artists at lower prices. She will also be working cooperatively with other container park businesses. Currently, the studio location at 1551 S. Commerce Street is showing Dr. Seuss, A Tribute, which includes local, interstate and international artists’ interpretations of Dr. Seuss artwork. The show will run through Jan. 24, 2014. It’s bound to be an experiential wonder.

“When we do group shows we install sculptures, we change the gallery around, we paint things, and we make things to coincide with the theme of whatever it is that we’re doing for all the senses. I don’t want people to just walk in and look at artwork. I want people to be able to feel it and to smell it. To listen to it. To feel it. So we transform the gallery.”

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14

GAIA FLOWERS

GIFTS&ART: Sustainability for our planet and sustainability for our community

By Mandy Crispin Peter Frigeri opened Gaia Flowers, Gifts and Art downtown on East Charleston Boulevard in 2009 before the most recent wave of revitalization efforts were underway. When asked why, his answer reveals the fertile ground that downtown was before newly planted seeds sprung up.

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An “honorary native,” Peter has been living in Las Vegas for over 20 years. He’s planted roots in different locations across the valley, but when he moved to the John S. Park neighborhood downtown, he says he found a true community and home.

Peter: We rented a house for a little under a year and then bought a house on the same street. We pretty much just never left. We always loved it. The irony now is we would be hesitant to say it, if you lived here, years ago, because people would be like ‘oh you live in the ghetto,’ which was always so derogatory and wrong, and now it’s like ‘Really? How did you get in?’

I’ve always loved the neighborhood. It’s always been great. We’ve lived in small houses and big houses […] it’s just been really cool. I’ve made really good friends. [Referencing a mutual acquaintance] Greg Brown is one of our neighbors. You would have known Heidi Swank. She’s in the neighborhood.

She founded the Flamingo Club, which was the first real neighborhood club. We know our neighbors, our friends are within walking distance, and it’s getting better all the time. What’s happening, like the restaurants that are popping up, the things to do … there’s more in the neighborhood …

White Cross, the gelato place, it’s just been great. It’s all biking distance and walking distance.”

Having a deep respect for the enriching quality that plants and flowers bring to everyday life, Peter decided to open Gaia, but he also made a deliberate move to make a unique contribution to the commercial landscape:

a flower shop based on sustainability.

If sustainability for a flower shop seems a little strange, since everything is green and growing and flowery already, because, it seems as though the concept would be a naturally occurring theme, there are some really pressing issues within the cut-flower and plant gift-giving industry, one issue being for the workers procuring the beautiful buds.

When Colombia crosses people’s minds, exports with a strong connection are most likely, first, coffee beans. However, the United States cut-flower industry, the business that allows people to send their well-wishes, sympathies, just-because-you-are-yous, and holiday brightening deliveries, gets over half of its stock from Colombia.

The “Colombia Reports” news source reported on May 14, 2012 that, “Approximately 80 percent of U.S. flower imports come from Colombia, with sales reaching $1.25 billion in 2011. Colombia exports flowers to 88 different countries, although the majority (76 percent) goes to the United States. The flower sector generates 150,000 jobs in Colombia.”

Flowers that arrive looking fresh and beautiful undergo several processes to keep them looking that way, and free of bugs, not to mention their growing plentiful and robustly in the first place. Some are farmed in conditions that are unsafe due to pesticides, and the descriptions of ailments incurred by workers are, quite frankly, horrifying: mouth sores, rashes, and hospitalization to name a few.

The situation is improving, but the industry continuing to improve is contingent on consumer awareness and having options. Gaia is offering those options by selling Veriflora or Ecoflora Agro compliant arrangements.

These plants and flowers are grown in ways that reduce the carbon footprint made by the business of growing on a large scale and the workers’ health is taken into consideration.

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Ecoflora Agro is a leader and pioneer in the development of plant (botanical) extracts for effective and sustainable crop protection.

It is a joint venture with global reach, created in 2011, which combines the innovation capabilities developed by Ecoflora since 1998 with the experience of more than 50 years of the Gowan Company, in the registration, development and marketing of solutions for integrated pest and disease management, around the world.

Besides the ecological benefits and fair treatment of fellow humans, Gaia is about the sustainability of our local economy and community. Although it seems a lot of national floral services are also Veriflora or Ecoflora Agro compliant, the added benefit to supporting a small store is that shopping local supports our local economy. It then follows that the residents who live within this economy are able to enjoy a healthy environment instead of facing a lost and degraded one. The almighty dollar being almighty means that every consumer has the power to shape his surroundings through his contribution. If you’re going to buy it anyway, why not help out your neighbor?

Like Karma, it’ll come back to you in the form of that neighbor having the power to offer you more items to your liking without negatively impacting people whether it be locally or in other parts of the world.

“By sourcing as many of our baskets, gift products and pottery locally as we can, we make a smaller carbon footprint than most flower and gift shops. Some customers still can't afford or don't like arrangements in our handmade pots and vases by local artists, so we do keep a supply of less expensive, imported containers. However, it is our goal to spread awareness of and support the local pottery industry to the extent that we will someday be able to use mainly (or only!) locally made containers.”

The prices aren’t outrageous and deterring either. For example, the nondescript, imported glass vase available at a grocery store in the floral department for $9 can be supplanted by a quite impressive, locally made, handcrafted, artist-kilned clay vase, with accents, of the same size … for the same $9. A gift in these handmade containers delivers a lot more wow than something that can be picked up just anywhere. Plus, when flowers are long gone, there will be a piece of art that won’t end up under the kitchen sink or relegated to the highest cupboard, stored out of sight, out of reach, and collecting dust. These containers are so unique and pretty, they can be repurposed into an item that stands alone.

Outside of unique containers, there are a plethora of gift items made by local artists Robert Arnold, Pier March and others, such as handmade greeting cards and even Christmas tree ornaments and jewelry.

As an extension of the value in carrying locally made wares, Peter walks the walk when it comes to community sustainability in other ways. Gaia recently partnered with Selah: An Art Salon (see the April 2012 issue of the Downtown ZEN) to combine the forces of art, community and flowers in the form of a workshop, and he supports local charities and community events such as First Friday.

Value Proposition of Ecoflora Agro UÊÊ V y À>Ê }À Ê i>`ÃÊÌ iÊVÀ «Ê«À ÌiVÌ Ê `ÕÃÌÀÞÊ in its quest to increase sustainability in agricultural production, offering high value products supported in science, technology, and innovation.

UÊÊ Ê V y À>Ê }À ÊÜiÊÃÌÀ ÛiÊÌ ÊLiÊÌ iÊÜ À `Ê leader in the development of plant extracts for the sustainable management of agricultural pests and diseases.

UÊÊ V y À>Ê }À Ê i «ÃÊv>À iÀÃÊ> `ÊV ÃÕ iÀÃ]Ê by offering clean, nontoxic products for crop protection, contributing to a better world for future generations.

UÊÊ V y À>Ê }À Ê >ÃÊ>Ê`ii«ÊÕ `iÀÃÌ> ` }Ê vÊ pest and disease complexes and offers farmers solutions to manage these with green alternatives, so that the crop and the land will approach its maximum potential. www.ecofloragro.com/en Being Veriflora Certified means that that organization’s three major focal points have been met in the production and distribution of the flowers and greenery of the arrangements.

Quality: Supporting handling practices from seed to store that allow you to enjoy flowers and plants that look beautiful and last longer.

Environment: Encouraging farming practices that build soil, conserve water and support healthy ecosystems.

People: Promoting a healthy, equitable workplace that supports farmers, workers, their families and the community. www.veriflora.com

Store hours are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. order any time at www.gaiaflowers.com.

6 E. Charleston Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89104 702.997.0222 19

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City, LV.Net

Partner to Provide

Free Wi-Fi

for Downtowners

By Michael Boley Downtown just got more bars — and we’re not referencing places of libation. We’re talking about the bars on your wireless devices, people! Yup, that’s right. Las Vegas has implemented free Wi-Fi services throughout the downtown corridor, stretching in a square-mile radius around the Fremont Street Experience. This completely free amenity is powered by LV.Net, one of the country’s largest free Wi-Fi networks, and is operating its services via 90 transmitters through microwave radio broadcast, Wi-Fi devices, and fiber networks. Connectivity is available via tablets, laptops, and smartphones, with speeds limited to about 1 Mbps (which, to give you an idea, is quicker than typical mobile 3G service, but slower than 4G mobile or wired services.) However, within the next year, LV.Net plans to increase its speeds upwards of 10 Mbps as well as expand its connectivity area to a three-square-mile radius.

Worried about a secure connection? No need to worry. LV.Net monitors its network around the clock to detect rogue access and other security breaches to keep you and your devices out of harm’s way. So, the next time you’re wandering around downtown and don’t want to use your data plan to Yelp the best dinnertime menu or to check in on Facebook, connect to LV.Net for quick, easy, and free Wi-Fi.

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Want to learn more info about the city’s partnership with LV.Net’s free Wi-Fi program?

Read our candid interview with Las Vegas City Manager Betsy Fretwell.

When did talks begin about getting free downtown Wi-Fi?

How often will network upgrades/equipment occur?

Discussion about free Wi-Fi downtown started in the summer of 2012.

We spent the first six months getting our arms around what it would take, looking at costs and models, and evaluating who we might partner with.

Over the next 11 months of 2013, we implemented two Wi-Fi systems in the downtown Las Vegas area.

The city is looking into just about every opportunity to expand. Primarily, what is regulating expanding free Wi-Fi in the downtown area is the purchase of outdoor Wi-Fi transmitters. They run about $3,000 each.

They are commercial grade and able to reliably withstand the extreme weather while providing the level of service we expect.

The first Wi-Fi system was launched in the summer of 2013 using surplus equipment, which targeted servicing laptops and tablets. This system covered the outdoor areas of downtown from Charleston Boulevard, Sixth Street, Bonanza Road, and Grand Central Parkway.

As we reach out to those who are able to partner and contribute to the cost of purchasing those radios/transmitters, downtown WiFi will expand. LV.Net has offered to provide installation, support, administration, and bandwidth to service those radios.

The “enhanced” Wi-Fi system was launched December of 2013 and uses the latest in technology and is specifically optimized to work with the newest mobile devices and phones. The outdoor coverage of this area is focused on the developing Downtown Project area and will grow.

How will this impact local businesses that allow customers to join their private network?

What was the initial need for getting this service?

What’s the reasoning behind getting this service now?

The city performed a study on municipal Wi-Fi about six years ago and found at that time that it was too costly to set up and was not practical.

As we’ve seen over the past several years, many municipal Wi-Fi efforts have been tried and not met much success. Today, with the Downtown Project located downtown, the timing is perfect. Downtown Las Vegas has become a high-tech center for large businesses and entrepreneurs. And we’ve learned from other experiences how to offer free Wi-Fi in the most effective way.

Who funded/is funding the Wi-Fi network and installations?

The city allows LV.Net to use city right-of-way light poles in exchange for providing free public Wi-Fi.

Why was LV.Net chosen as the network provider?

The city contacted internet service providers in the Las Vegas area who were currently providing internet services, and who were qualified and experienced in implementing a system we were looking for. LV.Net was the only provider that offered to partner with the city. They are based in the downtown area and are already providing commercial Wi-Fi in the area. LV.Net offered to partner with the city to maintain and operate the system as well as provide the level of service and reliability we were expecting.

How long is the city’s contract with LV.Net?

The contract with LV.Net is for three years with an option to extend an additional two years. We are still looking to partner with other organizations on downtown Wi-Fi. There is still a lot of work to do, and opportunities for the community to participate continue to grow.

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This service is for outdoor access only, so we don’t believe there will be conflict with free Wi-Fi that is offered inside buildings. This service is designed to enhance the experience, so people who may visit local businesses can take their Internet experience with them for free if they’re outside the business.

Will this have an impact on sales for commercial internet providers?

I don’t think so. This Wi-Fi system is designed to be accessible outside in open public areas rather than indoors. The only outdoor commercial Wi-Fi provider in downtown Las Vegas is LV.Net. What we do expect is an increase in business activity through bringing more people into downtown to enjoy free internet access, as well as allowing the community and enterprises in the downtown area to promote their activities and business through the new service.

In what ways will this benefit downtown residents and visitors?

Visitors to downtown will now be able to work, shop, play, search, and check e-mail for free in any outdoor space, all without ever having to leave downtown. The Wi-Fi landing page will also give information on downtown events and activities. We’re bringing the downtown experience to the citizen, through their mobile device. We’re also supporting the local tech community by promoting accessibility to locally developed apps that support the downtown community through the free Wi-Fi landing page. I imagine that it is an expectation of any visitor to a world-class downtown community that free broadband Wi-Fi would be available in the open air right-of-way.

PhilosoPhy ‘N’ Phluff

Chapter 4

the door to the box. I could not believe what I saw."

“Could this be it? Could this be the thing that sent me on my wild journey?”

36.1 115

"718° N .1465° W" ISSUE 22

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Yukon Gold Mascarpone Gratin Ingredients

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Serendipitous Spotlight

Q & A w / G o l d e n N u g g e t S p a D i r e c t o r C o u r t n e y Ta y l o r

i started in the spa as a receptionist in college back in 2000. i back. i am a lucky girl. The Golden Nugget has been my home for almost six years.

let’s face it — the Golden Nugget has been cool for

but facials are ridiculously relaxing.

ACADEMY STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ‘PARK’ Art

V

ISSUE 22

JANUARY 2014

BY SHANNON SNEADE

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702 DTLV:

FASHION

by Temple Brathwaite

With a store name personified in the heart of the city it resides, 702 DTLV strives to be a unique specialty shop within the unique city that is Las Vegas. With goals to be a local favorite, this boutique features an array of fun fashion and adorable jewelry. 702 DTLV also carries its own clothing and accessories line with the addition of handmade collections from local artists.

Redstich:

REDSTICH carries chic handbags, jewelry and accessories. Their boutique style collection offers exquisite one-of-a-kind items that will take you from the office by day to the party at night. Be sure to stop by often to check out new arrivals that feature animal prints, studs, snakeskin and eco-friendly handbags.

Boutiqueaholics: Jessica Galindo, Leather Couture:

Previously a Zappos Emerging Designer, Jessica Galindo has made her mark on the downtown community with her first brick and mortar store. Both her abstract art and leather pieces are featured, however the space focuses heavily on her handmade luxury accessories line, Leather Couture.

Jessica handpicks the leather herself and adds artful embellishments and painted designs. She also offers in-store customization as she creates some of her line in the store. From scarves and handbags to cuffs and rings, everything is made in downtown Las Vegas and her emporium provides customers the perfect leather satisfaction.

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A boutique within a boutique, this unique setup features collections from artists as close as LA to as far away as Japan.

Selling clothing as well as accessories, Boutiqueaholics caters to a young contemporary audience that always stays on trend.

American Vagabond:

The bad boy of the group, this chic boutique offers the perfect combination of style that is rebellious and stylish. The name American Vagabond is one the owner, Daniella Capitano was given due to her constant travel and eclectic sense of style influence. From that nickname grew the brand that is now a small retail shop inside Downtown Container Park and online.

Focused right now on women’s clothing, Daniella hopes to soon bring menswear into the mix.

JANUARY 2014

ISSUE 22

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LEATHER PORTFOLIO AND COMPUTER CASE: 1.This holiday gift essential is sure to be your favorite all year long.

Perfect for storing paper and even your laptop, your busy workweek is not complete until this baby is yours.

(SKU 7849513)

WALKING TALL:

OH, PROFESSOR:

2.You stand tall above the rest in these killer heels. Paired with skinny jeans and your biker chic jacket, you’ll win the scene with this powerful look.

(SKU 8211207)

3.Nothing says fall fashion like a cozy sweater. What better way to spice things up than with professor patches, but not just any professor patches.

Sparkly ones! (SKU 8037509)

8 ZAPPOS.COM FALL/ WINTER

MUST-HAVES

FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION: 4&5.Steal the night away in your next glam look. Modest cut and elegant lace detail, this dress exudes sophisticated beauty. Now with a look that good, take things to the next level with these heel-raising twinkle toes.

(SKU 8150007) and (SKU 8219048) 29

TO INFINITY:

I WORKOUT: :

6.Sometimes the perfect accessories are as simple as a cute infinity scarf.

The styling possibilities are endless.

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7&8.Worn separate or together, you’re ready for a healthier lifestyle!

With full-length coverage with fun tiedye print, you are the focus of Pilates class in this retro Alejandra Sky duo.

(SKU 8193098) and (SKU 8193066)

**For the Fashion Must-Haves, the images are the Private Label brands that are currently on the site.

JANUARY 2014

ISSUE 22

Happy New Year!

December 31.

ISSUE 22

JANUARY 2014

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, e v i t p i r c n s w e o D ownt art 1 P D

Demolish or Reclaim a Piece of Las Vegas History A

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3

New Year,

New You

By Temple Brathwaite

Let’s face it, working out is hard! Yet every year, like clockwork, waves of people pour into gyms everywhere prepared to face the daunting task of losing weight and trying to stay fit.

Taking the scenic route:

Traffic in the Vegas area can sometimes be hectic. Bypass bumper-to-bumper lanes and rear-end accidents by biking or walking to work if you can, especially if you live in one of the downtown high rises and neighborhoods, where office buildings and co-working spaces are condensed and easily accessible.

However, within a few months the waves recede. There is no longer a fight for the last Spin bike, and arriving to yoga class minutes before to lay down your mat isn’t an issue. What happens? Life. People get busy and oftentimes aren’t motivated enough to stick with the burst of energy they first had with their newfound workout routine.

Like I said, working out is hard, but most importantly, working out is doable. This year’s New Year’s resolution should be about finding a healthy goal that you can maintain and stay motivated with for 12 months straight. The key is to start off slow and easy.

The commitment of a gym membership may be overwhelming, so here are some easy alternatives to ease your way into a healthier lifestyle.

1

Going up? That’s OK. I’ll take the stairs: Who needs a fancy stair climber when you can utilize the stairs in your office building? Spending 5 to 10 minutes on your lunch break climbing stairs is not only a good way to get in leg-toning exercise, but it also adds a great boost of energy to your day.

2 33

A brisk walk:

Working out in the morning is a challenge in and of itself. As if getting out of bed weren’t hard enough, you have to get dressed and drive to the gym too? How about taking a brisk walk as you get your morning paper? Walking down a few blocks and back has the power to get the body moving even before you’ve had your first cup of coffee.

4 5

Hold it for the red light: Depending on the

intersection, a red light can seem like it lasts for hours.

Make the time worthwhile by strengthening your core while you wait. Drawing in your belly button contracts abdominal muscles for an easy ab crunch exercise.

I’ll have water, please:

For all you soda addicts, I understand leaving this carbonated drink cold turkey is easier said than done. Try replacing a can with a glass of water or Crystal Light.

Over time, increase your intake by substituting two cans! Within a few weeks you can quit this highsugar indulgence for a much healthier option full time.

6

Commercial wall sits: Next time the Vonage commercial advertises for the thousandth time, forego fast forwarding the DVR and get active with wall sits.

Feel the burn as food commercials flash by. You’ll have the last laugh with thighs of steel.

7 8

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Bad dog: Catching your dog peeing on the furniture is a big no-no, but raising your leg is a good thing. Tone those glutes and thighs by imitating this fire hydrant leg move for a firmer behind.

Where did I park?: Do you really score

when you find that parking spot closet to the store or your office building? Probably not. Think of the greater reward when you burn those extra calories parking farther away from your destination.

Your ABCs: Everyone knows their ABCs, but did you know they are a great way to exercise? Either lying on your back or with a ball in hand, write the ABCs in the air. This is fun and a great challenge to see how far you will get.

10

Dance your butt off: The office party is a great time to socialize, but you stand by the sidelines sipping drink after drink.

Make party time worth your while by getting out on the dance floor.

Not only will everyone notice your sweet dance moves, but over time they will definitely recognize your toned bod.

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HOUSING GUIDE Karina Giraldo

35

karina@theagencyre.com

JANUARY 2014

ISSUE 22

home.

ISSUE 22

JANUARY 2014

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A new year means a new

you. For 2014, it is the year of the Horse — Horses are proud yet sweetnatured, arrogant yet oddly modest in their approach to love, envious but tolerant, conceited yet humble. Essentially, these people are a walking contradiction and should be avoided at all costs. For people not within this zodiac realm, the year ahead will be a guide to more prosperous days, especially in January, where new life, both personally and professionally, will incubate and flourish in the coming weeks. Beware, however, of Venus’ retrograde which may hamper scattered pre-planned, long-term goals.

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JANUARY 2014

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ISSUE 21

Congrats! You just got the keys to your new abode and have worked tirelessly for weeks buying home goods and decorating to match your luxe style. Upon final prep, you’ll send out an evite to close friends notifying of your soft opening. Fingers crossed no one gets sick off of the room temp deviled eggs that have been sitting out for hours.

Tasteless, sugarless cereal is the way of your world going forward. With inconsistent bowel movements, your physician will recommend a high fiber diet, including brands such as Nature Valley fruit granola, Fiber One flakes, and unfrosted Mini-Wheats.

Ah, what it was like to be young and regular.

Sh*t hit the fan hard for you last year and made you rough around the edges. However, to begin the New Year on the right foot, you look to others for help and guidance; namely Drake, as you wish to follow in his footsteps of becoming more sensitive and one with the world.

No New Year’s resolutions for you. Not no way, not no how, because you know exactly how far off the wagon you’ll roll (pun intended, because you’ll literally become a fatty McButterpants and gain an additional 15 pounds) come mid-month.

Although the mad dash of the holiday season is over, the bumping, elbowing, and hair pulling has prepared you for everything up to this moment. You may have lost out on a gift your child wanted for Christmas, but you’ll be damned if they walk out of McDonald’s with another “sad meal” instead of the grotesquely limited yet tasteful McRib.

The stylish clothes on your back mean nothing to you if your haircut isn’t on point.

A simple trim goes a long way, making you go from hippie to hipster within minutes.

However, one vibrating text and knee-jerk reaction later will have you sheared from temple to temporal lobe, making you look like Britney, betch.

The bitter disappointment of this year’s Christmas gifts have left you pissed. Hoping for an Xbox One, you, instead, got the first “one” that came out in 2001. But to be fair, how the f@*% was your 91 year old granny s’posed to know? It’s not like she was thoroughly impressed with your $5 Subway sandwich gift card.

Looking for a new workout regimen to build muscle as well as a self-defense strategy, you sign up for kickboxing lessons. Between the CrossFit-like workout, bag punching uppercuts and pink-dyed mace in your man purse, no one will dare mess with your Mayweather maneuvers.

Winter’s cold, dead air will get the best of you come mid-January. Dry hands and a runny nose have your bedside nightstand besieged by lotions and crumpled, crusted tissues.

Let’s just hope your lady friend doesn’t get the wrong idea of what you do alone while she’s at work.

The frigid outdoor temperatures will trickle into your bedroom and between your no heat sheets. It’s not as if your partner isn’t attracted to you, but if your icicle legs don’t begin to melt even in the slightest, you can forget about his chestnuts roasting on the open fire of your loins.

Due to your limited attention span in grade school, your Spanish is no bueno. However, to make up for your academic negligence, you attempt to impress (and unintentionally offend) your in-laws by using such phrases as dale llama, con queso-dor, and burro-ito. ¡Ay no!

Snapchatting is all the craze as users can take photos and record videos to recipients before their self-destruction — essentially, the upgraded version of Inspector Gadget’s ‘80s-combusting letters. What’s next? A roundtable FaceTime app of “Are You Afraid of the Dark?”

JANUARY 2014

38

EVENTs &

ENTERTAiNMENT

By Joanna Mueller

The Downtown Grand is beautiful. I am born and raised in this city, and I can be somewhat of a cynic when it comes to a new casino opening. The Grand is special, and it's only going to get better.

On a cold December day, a coworker and I decided to check out the new spot downtown, the MTO Café.

MTO is a cute little breakfast/brunch spot that just opened near the new city hall. One thing that really struck me right away were the windows. I love windows. I love looking out the window and seeing the world.

Getting there was easy enough if you know your way downtown.

The MTO Café parking is just on the street or in the garage (on Main Street). Parking was a bit of a hassle. I say that, but I’m from Vegas.

I’ve never had to deal with parking or paying for parking or any of that business. What was a hassle to me (parking in the City Hall garage and using a pay station on the way out) may not be an issue for anyone else.

MTO’s menu is rather eclectic, and it was super hard for me to make a choice. I’m trying to lose my spare tire and make some healthy 39

changes in my life, so I am a little more limited than I used to be as far as food choices go. I decided on an avocado breakfast wrap — it was yummy and filling: eggs, avocado and jack cheese (I skipped the poblano peppers). The menu says it comes with tomatillo sauce, cilantro, and red onions, but I didn’t taste any of that in my wrap. I also forgot about it because I was enjoying my lunch convo.

They have grape Kool-Aid there for those of us who drink the KoolAid, and I think that’s quite cheeky and cute. I did not drink the KoolAid on this particular day because I ended up having a cup of black coffee. Our server brought it in a mug that looked like it belonged at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. I loved it.

There are also vegan and vegetarian options here, and the menu conveys exactly what they market themselves to be, “fresh comfort JANUARY 2014

ISSUE 22

food.” They use ingredients straight from our local farmers market; “third street farmers market veggies” are available as a lunch side for $5.

The mac and cheese, Thanksgiving burger, and selection of homey and delicious soups made a perfect mouthwatering and soothing match to the cold weather outside that day.

Aside from straight-up “comfort food,” they serve a lot of their familiar basics with an upgrade. A “tree hugger” burger is a patty topped with quinoa, corn, red pepper, spinach, onions, mushrooms and chipotle aioli. Or there is this twist on a staple: a grilled cheese is made with local honey, brie and toasted walnuts on brioche. The more health-conscious eater can choose the “celery sucker” (collard greens, quinoa, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, tomatoes and cucumbers) or the “Skuna Bay salmon

filet” horseradish crème fraiche, dill, cucumber and lemon aioli). For those who can’t decide whether to have breakfast or lunch, and prefer a little grease on the wheels, the “hangover burger” comes with bacon fried egg on it. Aaaand they use Tillamook cheese.

MTO is perfect for a power lunch, a quick breakfast or a nice Sunday spot to read the paper and watch the world go by.

The MTO café also delivers, and their delivery is completely free of charge. I definitely recommend this spot!

Pictured are two delicious pancakes and a breakfast desert available at MTO: lemon poppy seed pancakes, and Vegas carrot coconut pancakes, and MTO mini doughnuts.

MTO Café 500 S. Main St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.380.8229 Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

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By Hannah Espina WILD at the Ogden The words “pizza” and “healthy” don’t often coincide for most people. But when author and entrepreneur Miki Agrawal opened WILD in NYC’s West Village back in 2005, she aimed to shatter preconceived notions about pizza (as well as pastas and other fare deemed as “comfort foods”).

Although the terms “gluten-free,” “organic” and “hormone-free” might be at the brink of being relegated as mere buzz words in the food industry, I was still really thrilled to find out that WILD was opening its third location here in downtown Las Vegas.

After all, if anyone can make better-for-you versions of pizza, how could you not get behind it?

Located inside the first floor of The Ogden, WILD opened its doors this fall, contributing to the exciting growth of variety in the DTLV food scene. Offering a fresh selection of pizzas, salads, soups & pastas using fresh, local (whenever possible), organic and seasonal ingredients, WILD is certainly poised to be a hip go-to lunch spot in the midst of the exploding downtown scene.

The décor at WILD is inviting, slightly rustic and a total breath of fresh air for Las Vegas — something worth noting if you’re one of those who take ambiance into consideration. From the interactive hanging quotes wall to the charming use of mason jars, this place definitely won me over with its simple and cohesive aesthetic.

But moving on to the best part: the food!

I first visited WILD during their soft launch earlier this fall. I had the quinoa (one of my favorite grains) with kale, coconut milk, curry sauce and chick peas, and I was definitely impressed with the presentation and the combination of flavors. My 41

lunchmates ordered two pizzas — the Spicy Prosciutto and the Chicken Tikka Masala, and although I didn’t try any (I don’t eat meat and avoid dairy as much as possible), they were very impressed.

During my second visit, I finally decided to try the pizza — the Roasted Seasonal Veggie with nondairy cheese to be exact.

The thin, crispy gluten-free crust was great, and the veggies were very fresh and flavorful. I wish I had gotten it with marinara sauce, however. That was the only thing I felt it was lacking. Otherwise, it was excellent — and yes, dare I say, healthy! One of my friends ordered the Spicy Prosciutto and added goat cheese.

Again, I didn’t try it because of the dairy, but she did say it was one of the best pizzas she’s had in a long time!

My other friend ordered one of the best comfort food combos for a cold winter day, grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup — but the vegan version. I tried some of it, and it was amazing! The bread was fresh, and the vegan tomato soup was delicious and very well balanced.

I always appreciate it when restaurants serve vegan versions of classic comfort foods that I enjoyed growing up. It’s definitely a hopeful sign in Las Vegas for those who are aiming to move towards a plant-based diet.

If you’re looking for a cool new spot for brunch, lunch or just to grab a fresh juice or smoothie (yes, they also have a juice bar, which I have yet to try), head on over to The Ogden and give WILD a shot. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that Las Vegas definitely needs more places like this!

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Wild 150 Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.685.0300 eatdrinkwild.com

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By Angelina Fadool

Price Point: Big Time

Ambiance: Get your Glad Rags on

but it’s not really my preference.

43

Mob Bar 206 N. Third st.

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GETTING SETTLED IN? GOOD. Now that you’ve had a chance to look around, we hope you’re enjoying all of the great things Downtown has to offer.

El Cortez is proud to have a hand in shaping Downtown into the cultural icon it is. We helped create Emergency Arts, an artistic co-op that has everything from The Beat Coffee Shop to a Burlesque Hall of Fame. Twice a year we host the Neon Bazaar, and every month we host the Vegas StrEATS food and art festival. And when we go big, we go BIG, like being an official sponsor of the 15-block-spanning Life is Beautiful Festival. Come check out some of the great things we’re doing for your new neighborhood.

We’ve got a couple more secret menu items for you to enjoy.

THE GLEN | $5.OO Glenfiddich. On the rocks, neat, splash of water? However you like it, it’s still $5.

THE ROSCOE | $8.5O Perfectly cooked Fried Chicken & Waffles.

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

Tech Cocktail Week: sessions

PandoMonthly:

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Time Time More info

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first friday strip Poker Run

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sunday Reset

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CAlENDAR

1 8am

5pm

6pm

6pm-9pm

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SNEAK PEEK ,

9am-6pm 9pm-1am 5pm-12am

,

2

3

4

FEBRUARY 1 Saturday 2 Sunday

5pm-9pm

9am-3pm

,

9pm-1am

8pm

6pm

4 Tuesday 9pm

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11 6 Thursday

,

9am-3pm

7 Friday

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9pm-1am

9 am-6 pm

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9am-6pm 9am-3pm 9pm-1am

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DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS 100 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

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 D8 910 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

109 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

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

135 Pura Vida B9 1236 Western Ave.

702.722.0108 www.puravidavegas.com

136 C10 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd 702.444.4459

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

137 H7 401 S Maryland Pkwy 702.202.3100

138 Wild G4 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120 702.527.7717 www.eatdrinkwild.com

139 Nacho Daddy G5 113 N. 4th St.

702.778.7800 www.nachodaddy.com

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

702.384.6452

116 Lola’s: B8 A Louisiana Kitchen

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

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

120 E5

200 Lewis Ave. 702.631.1112

121 D7 807 S. Main St. 702.382.9234

122 Kabob Corner G5 507 Fremont St. 123 G5

702.384.7722 Uncle Joe’s Pizza 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

215 C9 216 G5

702.382.6538

108 F6 375 Lewis Ave. 702.383.4055

214 H5

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

702.880.3696 201 Lady Silvia E8 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. www.theladysilvia.com

202 D8 1025 S. First St. 105 D8 203 G5 204 D10 205 F4

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

206 G5 511 Fremont St. 207 F4 208 G5 209 G5 210 G5

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

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

ZAPPOS CAMPUSES 301 G4 302 G4

Zappos Stewart Campus 400 Stewart Ave. Zappos Stewart Campus Parking 260 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

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

303 G5 302 E. Carson Ave.

6th Floor 702.943.7777 #8530

304 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 #130 702.938.4247 www.globesalon.com

502 D9 1211 S. Main St. 702.776.6222

B

A 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.

C

702.539.0799

702.275.7141 www.vexedlv.com 405 Sweet Spot Candy Shop E7 616 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.815.1277 www.facebook.com/SweetSpotCandyShop 406 Josephine Skaught Hairdressing D8 1025 S. First St. Suite 165 702.431.8071 josephineskaught@yahoo.com

407 Cowtown Guitars D7 1009 S. Main St.

702.471.6236

409 C10 1421 S. Commerce St. 702.439.3923

F

G

H

I

1

2

2

1505

702.468.3232

418 C8 1209 S. Main St. 419 Williams Costume Co. D9 1226 S. Third St. 702.384.1384

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

3

113

1301 1501

702.600.4850 www.thetownbike.com

421 Let Me Nail You F7 514 Bonneville Ave. 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 E7 1106 Fremont St. 702.541.8282

4

125

1400

5

900

C9

1201 S. Commerce St. 702.331.3172

701 24hr Fitness E3

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

203 100

111

210 131 211

800

5

200 124

214

118

108 132

120

212

6

423

134 1100

420

702

702.516.3432

F4

518

405

121

7

517

104 407

8

116

500 1212 1216

7

E4

000

901

103

132

600

700 117

501 418

1300

F4

512

601

504 505

509 510

506

511

1001

503

135

9

1209

507

409

1O

514 417

8 9

201 1202

136

1O

110 204

603

115

11

11 A

B

C

D

702.782.0319 www.blackbirdstudioslv.com

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

1208 C8 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd.

702.433.4433

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

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

702.624.5792 www.vvlv.org1 D5

702.409.7549

HIGH-RISE LIVING

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

702.592.2164

702.754.6300 www.juhlst.com

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

321.258.9032

1003 D7 200 Hoover Ave.

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

702.387.0093

702.608.2461

1100 Las Vegas Academy G6 315 S. 7th St. 1101 9th Bridge Early Development I5 310 S. Ninth St.

E

F

Directly Next To The Mob Museum

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

ENTERTAINMENT 1400 The Smith Center 361 Symphony Park Ave. C5 702.749.2000 1401 Art Square Theater 1025 S. First St. C8 702.308.8087 info@artsquarelv.com

G

H

I

J

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

G4

221 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.463.9029 www.fremonteaststudios.com 300 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

Suite 120 702.476.5552

ART STUDIOS 100 Emergency Arts G5 520 Fremont St. 702.385.328 1201 Arts Factory C7 107 E. Charleston Blvd.

702.383.3133

E8

1310 S. Main St. 702.384.8463

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 C8

1402 Theater 7 D9 1406 S. Third St.

C9

517 F7

518 F7

519 B9

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

1411 S. Main St. 702.539.0799 1304 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.300.2476 625 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.382-1882 630 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

702.464.3299 1422 Western Ave. 702.384.4922

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

702.380.2800 www.cpklaw.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS 1700 Dr. Azimi DDS E8 820 S. Seventh St.

702.759.0005

702.568.9663

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

1112 S. Commerce St. 702.366.7030

514 Sin City Pickers C10 10 W. Wyoming Ave. 702.366.9166

516

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

520 Fremont St. 702.385.2328

103 Fremont East Studios G4

C9

RE-OCURRING EVENTS

Between Colorado Street & California Street

101 Work In Progress -

G5

507

515

1300 First Friday Main Hub C9 Casino Center Boulevard

100 /usr/lib (Tech Library)

G6

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

D9

702.724.1436 www.9thbridgeschool.com

G5

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

1216 Trifecta C8 135 E. Charleston Blvd.

702.366.7001

800.585.3737

1300 S. Main St., Suite #110 702.331.4660

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

702.302.7878

1002 E7 353 E. Bonneville Ave.

C9

1211 Downtown Contemporary Gallery C8 at artSquare

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

702.685.0300

504

508 The Funk House D9 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd.

702.678.6278

1025 First St., Suite #145 702.358.7022

1001 E7 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

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 C8 1211 S. Main St. 702.776.6222 503 Armstrong’s Emporium C9 1228 S. Main St. 702.366.1995

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

702.382.3886

1000 The Ogden G4 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.

104

1206

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

HUMAN SERVICES

1402

403 411

702.870.9946 www.goldwellmuseum.org

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

102 SYN SHOP 401

516 515

519

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

900 Las Vegas City Hall

419

502

508 402

129 Fremont St. 702.385.7111 www.goldennugget.com

COMMUNITY SPACES

112

412 133 404

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

805 Downtown Grand Las Vegas

114

410

415 1208

408

1600

201

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

413

1207

1001

1003

301 Fremont St. 702.388.2400 www.thed.com

SCHOOLS

137

416

513

421

1203 Art Square C7 1025 S. First St.

804 Plaza Hotel & Casino

422 1002

600 Fremont St. 800.634.6703

702.383.0979

602 101

702 FreeStyle CrossFit D6

208

101

1000

4

209 206

500

107

6

400

213

127

109

130

122

127

119

303 304

129

216

126 205

102

702.269.6036 Amanda.nelle@gmail.com

803 Golden Nugget

128 424

104 104 138

301 302 103

803 802

106

123

139 207 102 805

804

FITNESS 700 Real Results Gym

3

701

702.997.0222

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

F4

702.518.7427 702.431.7546

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

802 The D Las Vegas

1504

702.776.7766

412 Gaia Flowers C8 6 E. Charleston Blvd.

HOTEL & CASINOS 800 El Cortez G5

1503

410 Electric Lemonade D8 220 E. Charleston Blvd.

411 Freddie Ramon C10 1411 S. Main St.

LAS VEGAS, NV

J

1502

702.866.2600 www.cowtownguitars.com

408 C8 1216 S. Main St.

E

1

403 C9 1411 S. Main St. 404 Vexed By Design C8 1017 First St., Suite #185

D

COFFEE SPOTS 100 G5

520 Fremont St. 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