SOPHIA BUSH Talks strong women, voting for the earth, her perfect Vegas weekend
Far-Out Fashion ’70s style is stayin’ alive in Las Vegas
Earth Day from climate change to eco chic, we’re talking about it!
Plus vegasmagazine.com
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contents
Late spring 2015
8 // front runner 22 // from the
editor-in-Chief
24 // from the
publisher
26 // ... Without Whom
this issue Would not have been possible
28 // the list 55 // invited
style 31 // fashion
With purpose
Celebrated fashion designer Naeem Khan comes to Vegas to support a cause close to his heart.
34 // on pointe Ballet-inspired pieces take center stage in Vegas this season.
78
Silk coat, Dior ($6,600). Via Bellagio, 702-731-1334; dior.com. Clarice top ($1,095) and Siska skirt ($2,170), Dries Van Noten. Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-7313636; neimanmarcus.com. Sandals, Emilio Pucci ($1,325). The Shops at Crystals, 702-262-9671; emiliopucci.com
10 vegasmagazine.com
Make a V Line for Louis Vuitton’s new men’s leather collection; Hermès gives us Mors (de Bride, that is); Tom Ford throws some shade; Giorgio Armani and Alexis Bittar both open at The Forum Shops at Caesars; and new novelty bags to have and hold.
38 // the poWer of gold Modern watchmakers are crafting unique timepieces using mankind’s most ancient obsession, gold. Plus: Chopard embraces ethical, sustainable luxury in its use of Fairmined gold.
photography by rene & radka
36 // style spotlight
INSTANT PERFECTION The NEW Reparative SkinTint SPF 30
The weight is over – La Mer’s reparative benefits in light-as-air tints. Translucent color technology instantly perfects the skin. Miracle Broth™ empowers skin’s natural repair process as antioxidants and SPF 30 protect from future damage. Available in a spectrum of shades. shades LaMer.com
NEIMAN MARCUS
•
S A K S F I F T H AV E N U E
Late spring 2015
50
46
Nicole Kaplan and Graham Fenton, photographed in Tivoli Village, are turning talent (and luck) into Vegas stardom.
48
Simon Keith beat the odds, and now the Vegas businessman is inspiring others who face similar health challenges.
The Swarovski Crystal Starburst shines over the Strip’s new Grand Bazaar Shops.
culture
people
40 // Ready to Rock
48 // once MoRe,
One of the biggest music festivals in the world is setting up shop on US soil for the frst time, and Vegas is its perfect stage.
42 // the oRiginal diva RetuRns
The incomparable Diana Ross lands at the Venetian Theatre for an intimate nine-show residency.
44 // cultuRe spotlight Fleetwood Mac’s core lineup reunites; Amy Schumer at The Chelsea; Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Smith Center; Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree at Cosmopolitan.
46 // one thousand
(plus) points of light
The newest landmark on the Strip adds another layer of sparkle—and then some.
12 vegasmagazine.com
With heaRt
Former pro soccer player Simon Keith is one of the world’s longest-living heart transplant recipients, and soon the Vegas resident will be spreading the word about organ donation on ESPN.
50 // dRaMa teaM Husband-and-wife team Graham Fenton and Nicole Kaplan are singing and dancing their way into Vegas showbiz history.
52 // the accidental agRonoMists
Ciara Byrne and Kim MacQuarrie are planting the seeds of conservation by funding dozens of Clark County school gardens through Green Our Planet.
photography by Jana Cruder (Fenton and kaplan); IsaaC brekken For swarovskI (swarovskI); brad swonetz (keIth)
contents
CALIBER RM 07-01
contents
Late spring 2015
66
Kumi’s Blackberry Bliss was inspired by the season’s bounty.
60
Rick Moonen’s head mixologist at Rx Boiler Room, Eric Smith, pours potions worthy of the name.
taste 60 // What a CatCh
62 // Glamour in Green Some of Las Vegas’s most luxurious dining experiences are also its most eco-friendly.
64 // taste spotliGht The return of Alex Stratta; nice ice at Yardbird; foodie festivals galore; and extra-splurgin’ olive oils.
66 // earthly DeliGhts Spring cocktails feature a cornucopia of fresh herbs, greens, and fruits.
62
Nobu’s sustainably sourced yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño gelée.
14 vegasmagazine.com
68 // neW takes on an anCient Grain
Unsure where to stand on the quinoa controversy? Try an even older supergrain, farro, in fve of the newest dishes to hit the Strip.
photography by Sabin orr (Smith); Jenna DoSch (Kumi); courteSy of caeSarS (nobu)
The steampunk-themed upstairs at RM Seafood, Rx Boiler Room, is as playful as it is responsible.
contents
Late spring 2015
72
Sophia Bush’s character on Chicago P.D. wants to fix the world—and the actress is doing her share to make it happen. White lace dress, Dolce & Gabbana ($3,345). The Shops at Crystals, 702-431-6614; dolcegabbana.com. Diamond long stud earring ($38) and diamond stud earring ($38), Makko. makkojewelry.com. Ruthenium cuff with floating blue sapphire crystal pyrite doublets, Alexis Bittar ($295). Decorazzi, Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3588; alexisbittar. com. Vanilla ring, Swarovski ($62.50). Fashion Show, 702-732-8161; swarovski.com
features 72 // Wonder Woman Environmentalist and Chicago P.D. star Sophia Bush talks to her friend and costar Mariska Hargitay and Vegas magazine about raising her voice to build a better world. Photography by Rene & Radka Styling by Giolliosa & Natalie Fuller
78 // retro Fitting Disco fever is alive and well as the most stylish fashions of the ’70s come dancing down the runways. Photography by Rene & Radka Styling by Martina Nilsson
The world’s growing population and the impact of climate change are putting nature’s ability to provide for all of us at risk. Are we paying enough attention to this looming threat? By Jill Sigal
16 vegasmagazine.com
photography by rene & radka
86 // nature in the eye oF the Storm
contents 98
A sky-high balconyed condo at The Martin is one of the many varieties of luxury in Las Vegas.
Late spring 2015
Haute property 95 // Personal ProPerty
They’ve renovated and sold strangers’ homes, and now the Property Brothers’ own Las Vegas abode takes center stage.
98 // let’s Buy a Dynasty From a $28 million estate with a world of infuences to a colossal Strip-side penthouse to privileged communal living, the newest Vegas listings refect the many meanings of luxury.
tHe guide 101 // Puck fare Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, the chef’s frst venture into suburbia, is worth leaving the Strip for (or not leaving your neighborhood).
102 // excite: great aDventures 103 // relax: Massages
parting sHot 108 // Bless you!
on tHe cover:
Sophia Bush Photography by Rene & Radka Styling by Giolliosa & Natalie Fuller Dress, Valentino ($13,500). The Shops at Crystals, 702-737-7603; valentino.com. Brief earrings, Swarovski ($79). Fashion Show, 702-732-8161; swarovski.com. Diamond long stud earrings ($38) and diamond stud earrings ($38), Makko. makkojewelry.com. Naja cuff in rose gold ($199) and bondage bangle in rose gold ($199), Pushmataaha. pushmataaha.com
18 vegasmagazine.com
photography by Fraser almeida–luxury homes photography (the martin)
Welcome to the unkindest month in Las Vegas for allergy sufferers. Don’t blame Mother Nature.
ALTERNATE BLENDING. ALTERNATE ENDING. Introducing Dual-Intensity Blush, worn by Tilda Swinton. Portrait by François Nars. NARS Boutique—The Forum Shops at Caesars narscosmetics.com
ANDREA BENNETT Editor-in-Chief Senior Managing Editor KAREN ROSE Art Director ALLISON FLEMING Photo Editor SETH OLENICK Associate Editor TESS EYRICH Fashion Editor FAYE POWER Copy Editor DAVID FAIRHURST Research Editor JUDY DEYOUNG
JOSEF VANN Publisher and Vice President of Sales Account Director JESSICA ZIVKOVITCH Account Executives VINCE DUROCHER, IRENA HALL Director of Event Marketing HALEE HARCZYNSKI Distribution Relations Manager JENNIFER PALMER Sales Assistant RUE MCBRIDE
NICHE MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC Senior Vice President and Editorial Director MANDI NORWOOD Vice President of Creative and Fashion ANN SONG Creative Director NICOLE A. WOLFSON NADBOY Executive Fashion Director SAMANTHA YANKS ART AND PHOTO
Senior Art Director FRYDA LIDOR Associate Art Directors ANASTASIA TSIOUTAS CASALIGGI, JUAN PARRA, JESSICA SARRO Senior Designer NATALI SUASNAVAS Designers AARON BELANDRES, SARAH LITZ Photo Director LISA ROSENTHAL BADER Photo Editors JODIE LOVE, JENNIFER PAGAN, REBECCA SAHN Senior Staff Photographer JEFFREY CRAWFORD Senior Digital Imaging Specialist JEFFREY SPITERY Digital Imaging Specialist JEREMY DEVERATURDA Digital Imaging Assistant HTET SAN FASHION
Fashion Assistants CONNOR CHILDERS, LISA FERRANDINO Entertainment and Bookings Editor JULIET IZON COPY AND RESEARCH
Copy and Research Manager WENDIE PECHARSKY Copy Editors JOHANNA MATTSSON, JULIA STEINER Research Editors LESLIE ALEXANDER, JAMES BUSS, KAREN MCCREE, AVA WILLIAMS EDITORIAL OPERATIONS
Director of Editorial Operations DEBORAH L. MARTIN Director of Editorial Relations MATTHEW STEWART Editorial Assistant CHRISTINA CLEMENTE Online Executive Editor CAITLIN ROHAN Online Editors ANNA BEN YEHUDA, TRICIA CARR Online Editorial Assistant CATHERINE PARK Senior Managing Editors DANINE ALATI, JILL SIERACKI Managing Editors JENNIFER DEMERITT, MURAT OZTASKIN, OUSSAMA ZAHR Shelter and Design Editor SUE HOSTETLER Timepiece Editor ROBERTA NAAS ADVERTISING SALES
Account Directors SUSAN ABRAMS, MICHELE ADDISON, CLAIRE CARLIN, MICHELLE CHALA, KATHLEEN FLEMING, VICTORIA HENRY, KAREN LEVINE, MEREDITH MERRILL, NORMA MONTALVO, JEFFREY NICHOLSON, SHANNON PASTUSZAK, MIA PIERRE-JACQUES, VALERIE ROBLES, JIM SMITH Account Executives SUSANA ARAGON, KRISTIN BARNES, LAUREN BROGNA, MORGAN CLIFFORD, JANELLE DRISCOLL, SAMANTHA HARRIS, SARAH HECKLER, CATHERINE KUCHAR, JULIA MAZUR, FENDY MESY, MARY RUEGG, ERIN SALINS, JACKIE VAN METER Advertising Business Manager RICHARD YONG Sales Support and Development EMMA BEHRINGER, ANA BLAGOJEVIC, BRITTANY CORBETT, DARA HIRSH, KARA KEARNS, MICHELLE MASS, NICHOLE MAURER, ELIZABETH MITCHELL, STEPHEN OSTROWSKI, MICHELLE PETRILLO, ALEXANDRA WINTER MARKETING, PROMOTIONS, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations LANA BERNSTEIN Senior Director of Brand Development ROBIN KEARSE Director of Brand Development JOANNA TUCKER Brand Development Manager JIMMY KONTOMANOLIS Director of Creative Services SCOTT ROBSON Promotions Art Designers KAITLYN RICHERT, CARLY RUSSELL Event Marketing Directors AMY FISCHER, LAURA MULLEN, KIMMY WILSON Event Marketing Managers KELSEY MARRUJO, CRISTINA PARRA, ASHLEY VEHSLAGE Event Marketing Coordinator BROOKE BIDDLE Event Marketing Assistant SHANA KAUFMAN ADVERTISING PRODUCTION
Director of Positioning and Planning SALLY LYON Positioning and Planning Manager TARA MCCRILLIS Director of Production PAUL HUNTSBERRY Production Manager BLUE UYEDA Production Artists MARISSA MAHERAS, DARA RICCI, ALISHA SMITH Distribution Manager MATT HEMMERLING Fulfillment Manager DORIS HOLLIFIELD Traffic Supervisor ESTEE WRIGHT Traffic Coordinators JEANNE GLEESON, MALLORIE SOMMERS Manufacturing Coordinator KIMBERLY CHANG Circulation Research Specialist CHAD HARWOOD FINANCE
Controller DANIELLE BIXLER Finance Directors AUDREY CADY, LISA VASSEUR-MODICA Director of Credit and Collections CHRISTOPHER BEST Senior Credit and Collections Analyst MYRNA ROSADO Senior Billing Coordinator CHARLES CAGLE Senior Accountant LILY WU Junior Accountants KATHY SABAROVA, NEIL SHAH, NATASHA WARREN Accounts Payable Coordinator NADINE DEODATT ADMINISTRATION, DIGITAL, AND OPERATIONS
Director of Operations MICHAEL CAPACE Director of Human Resources STEPHANIE MITCHELL Digital Producer ANTHONY PEARSON Facilities Coordinator JOUBERT GUILLAUME Chief Technology Officer JESSE TAYLOR Desktop Administrators ZACHARY CUMMO, EDGAR ROCHE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
J.P. ANDERSON (Michigan Avenue), SPENCER BECK ( Los Angeles Confidential), KATHY BLACKWELL (Austin Way), KRISTIN DETTERLINE (Philadelphia Style), LISA PIERPONT (Boston Common), CATHERINE SABINO (Gotham), JARED SHAPIRO (Ocean Drive), ELIZABETH E. THORP (Capitol File), DAMIEN WILLIAMSON (Executive Editor, Aspen Peak), SAMANTHA YANKS (Hamptons) PUBLISHERS
JOHN M. COLABELLI (Philadelphia Style), LOUIS F. DELONE (Austin Way), DAWN DUBOIS (Gotham), ALEXANDRA HALPERIN (Aspen Peak), DEBRA HALPERT (Hamptons), SUZY JACOBS (Capitol File), GLEN KELLEY (Boston Common), COURTLAND LANTAFF (Ocean Drive), ALISON MILLER (Los Angeles Confidential), DAN USLAN (Michigan Avenue)
Managing Partner JANE GALE Chairman and Director of Photography JEFF GALE Chief Operating Officer MARIA BLONDEAUX Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer JOHN P. KUSHNIR Chief Executive Officer KATHERINE NICHOLLS Copyright 2015 by Niche Media Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. Vegas magazine is published eight times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material, and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Vegas magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs, and drawings. To order a subscription, please call 866-891-3144. For customer service, please inquire at vegas@pubservice.com. To distribute Vegas at your business, please e-mail magazinerequest@nichemedia.net. Vegas magazine is published by Niche Media Holdings, LLC., a division of Greengale Publishing, LLC. vegas: 608 South 7th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 T: 702-990-2500 F: 702-990-2530 niche media holdings: 711 Third Avenue, Suite 501, New York, NY 10017 T: 646-835-5200 F: 212-780-0003
20 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM
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4 YRS / 50K MILES1
LETTER from the Editor-in-Chief LEFT:
My husband, Reid Gardner, joined me in honoring entertainment icon Debbie Allen and watching the incredible dance performances at Nevada Ballet Theatre’s star-studded Black & White Ball at Aria. Special thanks to Mulberry, which dressed me in this exclusive-to-Vegas, Swarovski crystal–studded dress and bag, and to Platinum Entourage, for my hair and makeup. RIGHT: With Elizabeth Blau and chef Kim Canteenwalla at the opening of their terrific new Andiron Steak & Sea in Downtown Summerlin.
// this issue //
ON MY RADAR
1
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especially when it is lovingly rendered—or just really funny. It shouldn’t surprise you that, as one of the city’s official cheerleaders, I enjoy this kind of thing. After all, most Las Vegans don’t actually believe we’re strolling St. Mark’s Square or dining in the Eiffel Tower. Although I do sometimes wonder why we placed that cool decorative dam so far away from the Strip. One of my favorites is from a book by the city of West Hollywood’s late urban designer John Chase. In his Glitter Stucco & Dumpster Diving: Reflections on Building Production in the Vernacular City, from 2000, he included a 1997 study of Las Vegas architecture and urbanism that he wrote with Frances Anderton. “While [the] Caesars casino/ hotel complex looks like a women’s prison in Tehran from outside by daylight, inside it is the ultimate Vegas casino…. Hotelman Jay Sarno’s Caesars was and is, in the best 1960s sense of the word, a camp masterpiece, a knowing parodic send-up of the impossibility of really theming a modern hotel on ancient classic lines,” they wrote. “The irony is that spiritually, of all the Vegas
hotels, it probably really is the hotel that a licentious Roman of imperial vintage would feel right at home in.” Las Vegas offers some advantages that other cities can’t—like respite from the burden of your earnest endeavors for a weekend. Leave your composting to its own devices. For heaven’s sake, go watch a raunchy sock-puppet show in a Spiegeltent or something. Of course, I’m happiest when I read fantastic mockeries that are really out of date. For instance, the windowless, low-ceilinged casinos with no clocks and obscured exits in Chase’s book predate the brightly skylit windows at Wynn and even the lush conservatory of Bellagio, which opened a year after their piece was published. And as you’ll see in the pages of this issue, between growing kitchen gardens for elementary schools and saving sophisticated palates from unsustainable fish, we’re involved in plenty of earnest endeavors of our own. Just don’t ask us to remove our new wax figure of Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball. Some things are sacred.
ANDREA BENNETT Follow me on Twitter at @andreabennett1 and on vegasmagazine.com.
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VEGASMAGAZINE.COM
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1. Ever wonder what Vegas would look like after the apocalypse? As interpreted by Smith & Cult, it’s a wearable nail shade of holographic lavender glitter. squaresalon.com 2. I’ve been betrayed by the recipe-changing Cadbury, so I’m jumping ship to these Melt Away Eggs by local Sweet Ruby Jane Confections. sweetrubyjane.com 3. Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh described my friend Charles Ressler as “a unicorn and a flying monkey... underneath a rainbow of energy.” I won’t miss his one-night show, Brave, at the Smith Center on April 2. smithcenter.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD SWONETZ (RESSLER)
I LOVE A WITTY LAS VEGAS TAKEDOWN,
www.carmensteffens.com
Exclusive Handcrafted Shoes, Handbags and Accessories Buenos Aires Cannes Hollywood Las Vegas Nice Orlando Rio de Janeiro S達o Paulo 505 Stores - 18 Countries Fashion Show Mall - 3200 Las Vegas Blvd S. | Las Vegas, Nevada 89109-2692 | (702) 462-5408
LETTER from the Publisher 1 FROM LEFT:
Meeting with my esteemed partner Mari Landers to discuss Vegas Dozen 2015; when Johnnie-O (aka John O’Donnell, bar master general at Crush at MGM Grand) texts that he has VIP tickets to the Pac-12 finals at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena for you and your wife to see your alma mater, you run down to Crush.
3
WELCOME TO SPRING IN LAS VEGAS! Our weather isn’t the only thing heat-
ing up nicely. For starters, Hakkasan Group has just opened its extravagant nightclub Omnia, occupying Pure’s former space at Caesars Palace. But the excitement doesn’t end there. Hotel casinos are opening up their dayclubs, and some of the city’s biggest conventions are getting under way. The Nightclub & Bar Show takes place from March 30 to April 1, attracting 40,000 attendees; 100,000 conventioneers will descend upon the city from April 11 to 16 for the National Association of Broadcasters Show; and the ever-popular CinemaCon arrives on April 20. On the performance circuit, we welcome Diana Ross to Venetian, celebrate Elton John’s return to the Colosseum at Caesars, and look forward to the first-ever Rock in Rio festival in Vegas, starting May 8. On the 28th of April, our very own magazine celebrates the dozenth anniversary of Vegas Dozen, in which, together with our wonderful partners at Saks Fifth Avenue and Keep Memory Alive, we get to honor a new class of 12 philanthropic gentlemen. Of course, the most attention-grabbing event of the season is undoubtedly Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s square-off against Manny Pacquiao in MGM’s Grand Garden Arena for the welterweight unification fight on May 2. This will be the richest boxing match in the world, expected to shatter pay-per-view records and guaranteeing purses of $120 million for Mayweather and $80 million for Pacquiao. And those tickets? They’ll be as pricey as $250,000. Enjoy a fantastic spring season and our Late Spring issue of Vegas magazine.
JOSEF VANN Follow me on Twitter at @josefvann and on vegasmagazine.com.
24 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM
// this issue //
ON MY RADAR 1. A huge congratulations to Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla on the opening of Andiron Steak & Sea in Summerlin. What separates the chic bar from the gorgeous restaurant? An andiron, of course! 2. Having been born and raised in Mexico City makes me a Mexican-food connoisseur, and El Dorado Cantina Restaurant & Bar’s three types of mole and street-style tacos and tortas get two dedos (thumbs) up. 3. I had the distinct pleasure of being a guest at Twist by Pierre Gagnaire at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas for an eight-course Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whisky–paired extravaganza.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL MILNE (ANDIRON); COURTESY OF EL DORADO CANTINA RESTAURANT & BAR (EL DORADO); COURTESY OF MANDARIN ORIENTAL, LAS VEGAS (TWIST);
2
Do Vegas Differently. Escape to ESPA’s world-renowned spa experience at our all-suite, non-gaming, smoke-free, eco-friendly boutique retreat. Vdara.com
Live the M life at this MGM Resorts InternationalÂŽ Destination.
Amy Westervelt environmental writer Amy Westervelt is an award-winning journalist who writes about the environment, business, and health for The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian UK, among other publications. She is a cofounder of the online environmental journal The Boxwood Bureau. For this issue, she wrote our Spirit of Generosity story on Green Our Planet. What were your impressions of Green Our Planet’s Ciara Byrne and Kim MacQuarrie? They’re both so energized about the work they’re doing, it’s really inspiring. With their documentary work, they have devoted their lives and their talents to getting important stories out there and improving the world. Why are their Outdoor Garden Classroom Program and Green Our Planet so important? It goes so far beyond just building gardens at schools. They’re providing a space to teach kids about everything from biology to nutrition, they’re getting them outside and moving around more, they’re teaching them about where food comes from, and they’re even teaching them about the food business. Are you a greenie yourself? I am! I use little to no plastic, buy mostly secondhand things, walk or bike when I can, and so forth. And I try to conserve energy and water as much as possible—we don’t water our lawn, I keep showers under three minutes, etc.
26 vegasmagazine.com
// late spring 2015
mArisA Finetti food writer
Andy WAng real estate writer
Jill sigAl feature writer
Marisa Finetti, who penned our CuiScene story on eco-friendly yet luxe local eateries, was born in Tokyo and raised in California. She has worked as a Hollywood publicist and grown Zinfandel grapes. Going on 10 years in Las Vegas as a magazine writer, she has written for Desert Companion and Nevada Magazine, among other publications, as well as The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas.
Andy Wang has covered Las Vegas for more than a decade—primarily for the New York Post, where he edited the residential real estate and travel sections and launched Alexa Luxe Living, a broadsheet pullout devoted to high-end property. He is a contributing editor at Los Angeles magazine and a columnist for Las Vegas Weekly, and his writing has also appeared in The New York Times and Ocean Drive and on MSNBC.com.
Jill Sigal is vice president of US government policy at Conservation International and also serves as chief of staff to the organization’s chairman and CEO, Peter Seligmann. As the assistant secretary of energy for Congressional and intergovernmental affairs during the George W. Bush administration, she led the effort to pass the Energy Policy Act of 2005. For this issue, she wrote “Nature in the Eye of the Storm,” about the drastic effects of our changing climate.
Any favorite restaurants? Favorite restaurants bring me back to treasured places. I-Naba takes me to the hot springs at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, where I spent my early childhood. Estiatorio Milos brings me straight to the salty air of a seaside vacation, and Honey Salt reminds me of the California wine country lifestyle. I’m inspired by these chefs who are so passionate about their conscious efforts toward responsible sourcing and bringing only the freshest, most delicious ingredients to their guests. Their farm-to-table approach and fierce sustainable-dining initiatives only heighten our city’s reputation for worldclass dining experiences.
It looks like you got to witness firsthand the Property Brothers’ verbal sparring. Obviously the Property Brothers know that taking verbal shots at each other gets them attention. But this also seems to be a story about a family that loves one another and wants to spend more time together. The fact that they bought a foreclosure that they’ve turned into a dream home says a lot about the Vegas market: The high end is back, and so is the desire to customize fantastic houses.
What inspired you to write this piece? For my entire life, I have loved being surrounded by nature—hiking, rock climbing, biking. In nature I find a sense of peace that I don’t find in the fast-paced world we live in. I was motivated to write this piece to help raise awareness of the importance of nature in our daily lives and to inspire people to get involved and take action to sustain nature for generations to come. What is your proudest career moment? Serving my country during my tenure as a presidential appointee at the US Department of Energy.
photography by jeff gale (sigal); silent a photography (Westervelt)
...Without Whom this issue would not have been possible
Brunch chic. Saturday and Sunday.
Aria.com
the list late spring 2015
Stevie Nicks
Whitney Bansin
Karan Feder
Phillip Hernandez
Andrea Dempsey
Nick Jonas
Adrian Selby
Andrew Hozier-Byrne
Thomas Torres
Gina Baker
Brian Malarkey
Mark Rowland
Alexandra Ciobota
Alex Cordova
Holly Silvestri
Adele Mares
Tinashe
Michelle Steinberg
Matteo Bruno Lunelli
Lucky DeBellevue
Kara Rutkin
Keith Scism
Stephanie Hirsch
Tom Ryan
Sandi Miller
Joey Fatone
Mercy Guzman
Tom McMahon
Paul Banks
Hon. Richard F. Boulware
Darin Feinstein
Chris Manak
Hon. Gloria M. Navarro
Gavin Maloof
Pat Benatar
Evelyn Herrera
Kenny Chesney
Nick Offerman
Michael Mina
Erica Johnson-McElroy
Megan Mullally
Cari Marshall
Ross Miller
Stacey Myers
Dana Marshall-Bernstein
A.J. Song
Geoff Freeman
Ed Bernstein
Jamie Chilberg
Martyn Ravenhill
Michael Heizer
28  vegasmagazine.com
style, taste and Venice on a grand scale
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STYLE Tastemaker Naeem Khan in his New York City showroom, surrounded by some of the elaborately beaded gowns that have won him fans from Beyoncé to First Lady Michelle Obama.
FASHION WITH PURPOSE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGG DELMAN
CELEBRATED FASHION DESIGNER NAEEM HAN COMES TO VEGAS TO SUPPORT A CAUSE CLOSE TO HIS HEART. BY JULIET IZON “I come from a country where it was very important to give back,” says fashion designer Naeem Khan, who was born in Mumbai, India. “It was instilled in me as a child that whatever you make belongs to you—you can enjoy it—but you have to give back to the world. I grew up with that philosophy, so giving back is a big part of life.” Khan clearly manifests the values he was taught, helping to raise money for a range of charities around the globe, including the Alzheimer’s Association and Unicef. But on April 8, he’ll be in Vegas as the featured designer at the Flair for Care Fashion Show, the Nathan Adelson Hospice’s annual fundraiser at Wynn Las Vegas, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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STYLE Tastemaker “It was InstIlled In me as a chIld that... you have to gIve back to the world.” —naeem khan
Two looks from Naeem Khan at New York Fashion Week in February; behind the scenes at a Khan runway show.
offers Khan’s designs at its chic boutique Outfit. “I’m looking forward to it,” Khan said when we caught up with him backstage at his runway show during New York Fashion Week. “I want to make sure the show is amazing, so that we raise a lot of money for the hospice.” By enlisting a globally admired designer like Khan, the event is sure to attract not only the city’s most generous philanthropists, but also its fashion cognoscenti. “The goal is to raise $1 million,” says Hedy Woodrow, Wynn’s senior vice president of retail, who is instrumental in organizing the show every year. “The funds support the hospice’s Uncompensated Care Program. All patients, regardless of their ability to
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pay, are cared for, ensuring that no one ends the journey of life alone, afraid, or in pain.” Aiding those who need end-of-life care is particularly important to Khan. “I’ve had friends who, from Alzheimer’s or from cancer, have been through so much,” he says. “Hospice is such a big part of life, so we have to support it.” The event begins with a cocktail reception for more than 600 people, during which guests can enter drawings or auctions for the many donated items, including a trip to Geneva and a tour of the JaegerLeCoultre watch factory, tickets to a Formula One auto race in Montreal, and clothing and accessories by top designers like Givenchy,
Tom Ford, and Manolo Blahnik. The fashion show, emceed this year by comedian Brad Garrett, will follow, along with a seated luncheon. As for how Khan was chosen, Woodrow notes that his method of working in many ways mirrors the extraordinary care provided by the Nathan Adelson Hospice. “Naeem is such a gentleman and an extremely talented individual,” she says. “The attention to detail that he has on his garments is the same attention to detail that everyone at the hospice takes with each patient.” Khan’s focus and precision are one reason that redcarpet staples like Beyoncé, Allison Williams, and even Michelle Obama have been
snapped in his designs, as have international symbols of glamour such as Queen Noor of Jordan. Since his first collection appeared in department stores in 2003, his brand has grown to include bridal gowns as well as Timeless by Naeem Khan, a wildly successful diffusion line for HSN. For Flair for Care, Khan will show his Fall 2015 collection, which debuted in February at New York’s Lincoln Center during Fashion Week. The color palette includes emeralds, gunmetal grays, and ochers, while the couture fabrics for which the designer is known feature intricate beading and embroidery. Many of the evening gowns have full, sweeping skirts—a theatrical
element that should be right at home in Las Vegas. “The journey has been not only about the beautiful clothes,” Khan wrote in his program notes for the collection, “but also about the people that have become an integral part of this art, from traditional artisans in India to luxury European fabric makers.” Indeed, it is Khan’s commitment to people—whether his customers, his employees, or strangers in need—that makes him such a singular force in the fashion industry. Outfit, Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3465; wynnlas vegas.com; naeemkhan.com. The Nathan Adelson Hospice’s Flair for Care Fashion Show will take place April 8 at Wynn Las Vegas. nah.org V
photography by dan lecca (looks)
from left:
ESCAPE FROM THE ORDINARY at
11 AM to 6 PM Friday through Sunday /azurepool #
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/azurevegas 7 0 2
Must be 21 or older with valid picture I.D. Management reserves all rights.
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STYLE Accessories EthErEal Extras Dance-worthy wares create a freshly feminine feeling for spring.
On POinte
Ballet-inspired pieces take center stage this season. PhotograPhy by Jeff Crawford styling by faye Power
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ProP styling by sharon ryan for halley resources hair and makeuP by griselle rosario using dior addict/tata harPer skin care and amika hair tools at factory downtown manicure by casandra lamar using dior Vernis/eos hand lotion at factory downtown
Jumpsuit ($5,290) and skirt ($4,500), Valentino. The Shops at Crystals, 702-737-7603; valentino.com. Gem clutch, Rauwolf ($990). Barneys New York, Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian and Palazzo, 702-629-4200; barneys.com. Kallie flats, Michael Kors ($550). The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-869-0010; michaelkors.com
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1 Soft SophiStication
poiSED pREciSion
Delicate and dainty designs step into the spotlight.
perfect pinks add a touch of playfulness to this season’s styles.
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cuRtain call
RaiSing thE BaRRE
posh pirouettes take their form from these spring staples.
Softly elegant extras up the season’s ante.
1. Headdress, Jenny Packham ($347). Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show, 702-733-8300; saks.com. Zoe envelope clutch, Max Mara ($425). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above. Mariposa flat, Alejandro Ingelmo ($625). Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-731-3636; neimanmarcus.com. 2. Patent pumps, Brian Atwood ($855). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above. Crystal headdress, Jenny Packham ($733). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above. Specchio resin clutch, Judith Leiber Couture ($1,495). Bags Belts & Baubles, Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3555; judithleiber.com. 3. Monili wallet, Brunello Cucinelli ($955). The Shops at Crystals, 702-527-7766; brunellocucinelli.com. Lana pump, Bionda Castana ($805). biondacastana.com. Comb, Jenny Packham ($376). Saks Fifth Avenue, see above. 4. Lyssa flat, Jimmy Choo ($795). The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-691-2097; jimmychoo.com. Crown Goa clutch, Oscar de la Renta ($2,250). Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3487; oscardelarenta.com. Tribal earrings, Dior (price on request). Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3496; dior.com
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style Spotlight The Pulse backpack from Louis Vuitton.
// out to launch //
what’s in store
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riding high For the last 14 years, Pierre Hardy has been reinterpreting Hermès’s iconic jewelry designs. His latest effort is the Mors de Bride (“horse bridle”) line of fine jewelry. Inspired by the equestrian world, it features necklaces, bracelets, and earrings with a mixture of curb, cable, and round forçat chains as well as natural, untreated brown diamonds set in silver. Via Bellagio, 702866-2629; hermes.com
A taste of italy
smart style Is in the bag
LOUIS VUITTON BRINGS A TRAVELER’S EYE TO LEATHER GOODS. BY LISA FERRANDINO While Kim Jones’s tenure as men’s style director at Louis Vuitton is distinguished for countless reasons, it’s his latest collection that transports menswear from predictable to extraordinary with practical luxury. And his new V-Line collection takes the idea even further with a set of multipurpose bags for the day-to-night traveler. Featuring an innovative new supple leather that’s perfect for waterproof carryalls, the collection is as versatile as it is contemporary, offering three silhouettes—the Pulse backpack, the Move fold-over tote, and the Start hold-all—ranging in price from $3,000 to $3,600. The Shops at Crystals, 702-262-6189; louisvuitton.com
// arm candy//
POP CITY
Kate Spade New York ($298). Fashion Show, 702-691-9968; katespade.com
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Giorgio Armani expands his empire with the longawaited addition of a boutique in The Forum Shops. The Spring/Summer collection brings Armani’s modern aesthetic to a shop whose interior—with its silk georgette flooring and pearl-gray plaster walls— is the perfect setting for the line’s monochromatic tones and earthy opulence. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-904-7741; armani.com—lf
“Mors de Bride” Bracelet in Silver ($4,375).
color us wild Tom Ford’s Spring women’s collection was influenced by ’70s rock ’n’ roll, and now he’s bringing the same inspiration to his cosmetics line. By introducing three new shades to his lauded Eye Color Duo series, Ford creates a sultry yet sophisticated look that screams Las Vegas. The Shops at Crystals, 702-740-2940; tomford.com
Eye Color Duo in Raw Jade, Tom Ford ($60).
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All about the jewels
The Forum Shops at Caesars welcomes Alexis Bittar’s first stand-alone Vegas boutique, which combines the jewelry designer’s arty and playful aesthetic with his fashion jewelry collections, such as Lucite and Miss Havisham; his fine jewelry; and a line of vintage pieces he has collected in his travels. The Forum Shops at Caesars; alexisbittar.com—lf
Let your novelty bag do the talking for you this spring.
Chanel ($9,700). Via Bellagio, 702-765-5505; chanel.com
Kotur ($495). Fred Segal, SLS Las Vegas, 702-761-7182; slslasvegas.com
Edie Parker ($1,595). Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-731-3636; neimanmarcus.com
Prada ($2,150). Via Bellagio, 702-866-6886; prada.com
| @ honolulucookie
STYLE Time Honored
The Power of Gold
Modern watchMakers are crafting unique tiMepieces using Mankind’s Most ancient obsession, gold.
All gold is not created equal. The nearly 70 percent of the world’s gold that is used to forge fine watches and jewelry is predominantly 18k. Karats are a measure of gold’s purity, determined by multiplying the ratio of pure mass to total mass by 24, so that 18k gold is about 75 percent pure, while 24k gold is almost completely pure—no less than 99.95 percent. Gold has been considered the ultimate yardstick of wealth since the dawn of civilization. As far back as 3600 BC, gold was mentioned in Egyptian hieroglyphics, and the people of ancient Mesopotamia were among the first to craft gold jewelry. Over time, gold became a type of currency, an artistic medium, and a universal symbol of love in the form of wedding bands. The 16th century saw the creation of the first pocket watches, the earliest personal timepieces, with watchmakers naturally turning to gold to satisfy their affluent clients, thus beginning a rewarding partnership between gold and timekeeping. In its purest form, gold is soft and malleable—much too soft, in fact, to be crafted into a watch case capable of protecting the intricate movement within. Most fine watches are therefore fashioned from 18k gold, with
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styling by terry lewis
by roberta naas photography by jeff crawford
Chopard’s L.U.C Tourbillon QF Fairmined watch ($144,570) is made using Fairminedcertified gold from South America. The brand’s top-notch movement powers it with L.U.C Quattro technology. Wynn Las Vegas, 702-862-4522; chopard.com
gold became a type of currency, an artistic medium, and a universal symbol of love. 25 percent of the case consisting of other metals or alloys—materials that make the watch stronger. The materials added to the original yellow gold ingot during the melting process can also lend the watch a particular hue. In precious timepieces today, the most popular colors are white gold and several hues of pink or rose gold, with yellow gold, although still used consistently, in less demand. White gold is created by mixing the gold with white metals, such as palladium or nickel. Adding copper to the mix produces pink, rose, and even red hues, with the more copper added, the richer and deeper the color. Typically, values of 3N and 4N are assigned to pink and rose gold, while 5N indicates a deeper hue. (Some watch brands refer to their 5N pink gold as red gold.) In addition, some companies develop their own gold hues—green, orange, honey, brown, gray, even purple—by introducing various alloys. Others add special materials not only to achieve a proprietary color, but also to slow or stop the fading of the color or to aid in preventing scratches. To create certain unique shades, such as black, alloys are not part of the coloration process; instead the color is achieved with an external coating by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition, or controlled oxidation. For more watch features and expanded coverage, go to vegasmagazine.com/watches. V
Fairmined masterpiece
masterful watch and jewelry maker chopard embraces ethical, sustainable luxury in its use of Fairmined gold. The watch and jewelry industry can be fraught with ethical and environmental issues, especially when it comes to the mining of diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals. The 2006 flm Blood Diamond brought that reality home— and spurred reform—with its depiction of the criminal activities associated with diamond mining. Now similar reforms are taking place with respect to gold mining, and the luxury watch and jewelry brand Chopard is playing a leading role. In 2013, the company launched its Journey to Sustainable Luxury project, a multiyear commitment to sustainable and ethical practices (developed with the consulting frm Eco-Age). Chopard has partnered with the Alliance for Responsible Mining—the nonproft, nongovernmental organization behind the strict Fairmined standards for the
clockwise from top left:
From Rolex, this Oyster Perpetual Datejust ($31,300) is crafted in the brand’s proprietary 18k Everose gold—which has a dark rose hue that won’t fade—and is fitted with an Everose President bracelet. Tourneau Time Dome, The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-732-8463; rolex.com Bulgari offers this stunning Serpenti watch ($59,000), featuring 18k white gold and a supple white-gold bracelet designed to emulate the look of a serpent, right down to the tapered tail. Bellusso Jewelers, Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian and Palazzo, 702-650-2988; bulgari.com
From Omega, this 34mm Ladymatic Co-Axial watch ($38,500), fashioned from 18k yellow gold and featuring a yellow-gold bracelet, houses a self-winding movement with a coaxial escapement for greater stability and precision. Bellagio Las Vegas, 702-733-4004; omegawatches.com This Ulysse Nardin Classico Lady watch ($29,100) has an 18k rose-gold case and a rose-gold bracelet and is powered by the UN-810 self-winding movement. Horologio, Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian and Palazzo, 702-733-0016; ulysse-nardin.com
mining of artisanal gold—and has pledged to purchase a substantial portion of the gold certifed as Fairmined for use in its jewelry. “It is a bold commitment, but one that we must pursue if we are to make a difference to the lives of people who make our business possible,” says Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, a copresident of Chopard. Going a step further, about a year ago Chopard unveiled the world’s frst watch made of Fairmined gold from South America, adding timepieces to the ranks of ethically sourced luxury items. The case, caseback, and bezel of the L.U.C Tourbillon QF Fairmined watch ($144,570) are made entirely with Fairmined gold—a certifcation that guarantees the metal was extracted in a responsible manner and that its miners have been paid fairly. The 18k rose-gold watch is powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement with a tourbillon escapement and features nine days of power reserve thanks to its L.U.C Quattro technology, which employs two sets of two stacked barrels for consistent, long-lasting energy. A 43mm COSC-certifed chronometer, the watch is also certifed by the Fleurier Quality Foundation for its precision and durability. Just 25 pieces will be built, although Chopard plans further Fairmined watch releases. Wynn Las Vegas, 702-862-4522; chopard.com
vegasmagazine.com 39
CULTURE Hottest Ticket Gwen Stefani’s band No Doubt was among the first acts announced for Rock in Rio’s US debut, and they’ll perform on the fest’s first day, May 8.
One Of the biggest music festivals in the wOrld is setting up shOp On us sOil fOr the first time, and vegas is its perfect stage. by michael ventre Today, Roberta Medina is the executive vice president of Rock in Rio, one of the world’s largest music festivals, which is about to transform a prodigious chunk of the Strip into a musical version of Oz. But back in 1997, she was a student at UCLA, working on a group project for a marketing course, when one of her classmates suggested that perhaps Las Vegas would someday make a good home for Rock in Rio. “I remember saying, ‘Ah, that’s crazy!’” she recalls with a laugh. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to crazy. Created in 1985 by Medina’s father, Brazilian businessman Roberto Medina, Rock in Rio has
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photography by Kevin Mazur/getty iMages for global Citizen festival; opposite page: C flanigan/filMMagiC (Mars); astrid stawiarz/getty iMages for MoËt & Chandon (swift)
Ready to Rock
In a weekend of chart toppers, Bruno Mars (left), Sam Smith, and John Legend will perform on May 16, with Taylor Swift (right), Ed Sheeran, and Jessie J on May 15.
been staged in Lisbon, Madrid, and of course Rio de Janeiro, where it has drawn crowds of up to 1.5 million. But now, for the first time, the festival will take place in North America, and the booming international brand and Las Vegas are enjoying the heady early days of a love affair. “My father decided eventually he wanted to go abroad and make Rock in Rio a global brand,” Medina explains. “When we thought about where to go, Las Vegas was the perfect place because it’s the heart of entertainment.” Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Rock in Rio will take place over two weekends, May 8 – 9 (featuring rock acts) and May 15–16 (showcasing pop), on a roughly 40-acre parcel of land at Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue. The headliners include recent multiple Grammy winner Sam Smith, No Doubt, Metallica, Taylor Swift, Joss Stone, and Bruno Mars. The festival’s main open-air venue is dubbed the City of Rock, with a Rock Street offering sections devoted to Brazil, the UK, and the US—not to mention a circuslike atmosphere, with a zip line, a Ferris wheel, and street artists and performers. Which is fitting, given that a certain globally renowned, locally celebrated circus troupe is partly
responsible for Rock in Rio landing in Vegas. “Our partner Cirque du Soleil had been doing business in Brazil,” notes Chris Baldizan, senior vice president of entertainment for MGM Resorts International, which is now also partnered with Rock in Rio. “They talked to Roberto, who said he had always wanted to move the event to North America. Fortunately, our partners said, ‘Before you explore North America, your first meeting should be with MGM Resorts.’” As a result, Rock in Rio committed to Vegas for 2015, as well as 2017 and 2019. “There are some great festivals in this country,” Baldizan says, “but there’s none where you’re walking across the street from your hotel room or hopping in a cab and taking a five-minute ride to this amazing site that we’re spending $20 million on.” Rock in Rio can accommodate up to 85,000 music lovers per day, and its promoters hope to build its name recognition in the US to rival megafestivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo. “Our idea is once we’re here, we don’t want to leave,” Medina says. “We’ve been doing this in Portugal for 10 years. What do I want to see in 10 years? Kids born around Rock in Rio in Vegas and this becoming part of their life.” rockinrio.com V
don’t miss:
Our picks for Rock in Rio’s most must-see sets The headline artists are scheduled to play full sets with no overlap, so you’ll never have to worry about racing back and forth between the Main and Sunset stages. Be sure not to miss our 12 must-see performers: Foster the People Sunset Stage, May 8
Taylor Swift Main Stage, May 15
Gary Clark Jr. Sunset Stage, May 8
Bruno Mars Main Stage, May 16
No Doubt Main Stage, May 8
John Legend Sunset Stage, May 16
Linkin Park Main Stage, May 9
Joss Stone Sunset Stage, May 16
Metallica Main Stage, May 9 Ed Sheeran Main Stage, May 15 Jessie J Sunset Stage, May 15
Sam Smith Main Stage, May 16 Plus, catch the hottest dance music on the EDM stage.
vegasmagazine.com 41
Culture Don’t Miss
The Original Diva reTurns the incomparable Diana Ross lands at the Venetian theatre for an intimate nine-show residency. by tess eyrich
With five decades’ worth of hits to choose from (and nearly as many dazzling outfits), Diana Ross is tailoring her shows specifically for Venetian.
Las Vegans will be hard-pressed to avoid the sartorial speculation that’s inevitable when Ross arrives this month for a nine-show residency at the Venetian Theatre. The Essential Diana Ross: Some Memories Never Fade has been tailored for Venetian to ref lect the original diva’s signature sparkle-and-shine
aesthetic. “Ms. Ross has complete control of the show, from the set list to the visual components,” says Bobby Reynolds, vice president of booking at AEG Live Las Vegas, “and we trust that she will deliver a world-class performance like she has in the past.” Ross is no stranger to Vegas audiences, having performed her final show with the Supremes’ Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong at the former New Frontier Hotel in 1970. Four years later she released Live at Caesars Palace, an album recorded during one of her multiple appearances at the resort throughout the 1970s and ’80s. This time around, though, her Las Vegas performances will benefit from the intimacy of the Venetian Theatre, whose capacity is capped at a little over 1,800 seats (for reference, Caesars Palace’s Colosseum and The Axis at Planet Hollywood can each hold more than 4,000 people). The theater “is one of the best in terms of acoustics as well,” says Neil Miller, executive director of entertainment at Venetian, making it an ideal place to hear Ross belt out her milestone hits, from “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to “I’m Coming Out” and “Endless Love.” “When you look at the history of Las Vegas, live music shows have been an important part of our identity, part of the experience,” Miller adds. “There’s something special about seeing a performer in Vegas. These aren’t just concerts. It’s a point of pride to be able to say, ‘I saw Diana Ross at the Venetian.’” Diana Ross performs April 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, and 18. venetian.com V
“There’s someThing special abouT seeing a performer in Vegas. These aren’T jusT concerTs.” —neil miller
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photography by tim mosenfelder/getty images
From a formfitting red gown with a tulle mermaid tail to a sheer bodysuit studded with strategically placed rhinestones, Diana Ross has worn it all in a career that has spanned an astonishing five decades. And while the clothes don’t necessarily make the woman—especially if you’re this particular woman—it’s safe to say that
CuLture Spotlight
// on exhibit //
A PlAce to HAng Your HoPes
Before MidnigHt
The Rumours Are True Fleetwood mac’s core lineup lands in vegas for the first time in 17 years. by tess eyrich
Over the course of nearly 50 years in the spotlight, Fleetwood Mac has been plagued by the afflictions endured by most bestselling bands of the 1970s and ’80s—bitter arguments, lineup changes, dramatic breakups—all followed inevitably by a reunion tour of some sort. This past year, however, has seen the group’s best-known and most successful lineup come together for the first time since 1998, when keyboardist Christine McVie announced her departure from the band in favor of a bucolic life in England. In September, singer Stevie Nicks, guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and bassist John McVie embarked upon their On With the Show World Tour, this time with their keyboardist in tow (a feat Nicks described in 2012 as less plausible than an asteroid hitting the Earth). For one night only, they’ll touch down in Vegas for an evening of old hits and new songs from their forthcoming album—the first they’ve recorded together since 1987’s Tango in the Night. April 11. MGM Grand Garden Arena, 800-745-3000; mgmgrand.com
// for laughs //
Sure, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1957 version of Cinderella, which starred a young Julie Andrews, may have been written for the small screen, but that hasn’t stopped it from evolving into a big hit on Broadway. This month, the Tony Award–winning musical comes to life onstage at the Smith Center for a one-week engagement that promises to deliver all the excitement, romance, and suspense of the classic fairy tale. The touring cast, including star Paige Faure, who originated the title role on Broadway in 2013, has been earning raves nationwide. April 28– May 3 is our chance to join the chorus.
Reynolds Hall, Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 702-749-2000; thesmithcenter.com
Funny Lady
New York–born comedian Amy Schumer is having a good year. She landed a plum role in Judd Apatow’s newest ensemble comedy, Trainwreck (also starring Bill Hader and Tilda Swinton), which arrives in theaters this summer. And now, three days after the premiere of the third season of her Comedy Central sketch series, Inside Amy Schumer, the phenom—who once likened packs of club-going women in Vegas to “chain gangs… carrying their heels and crying their makeup off”—will return to town for an evening of boundary-testing musings on sex, relationships, and life’s little eccentricities. April 24. The Chelsea, Cosmopolitan, 800-745-3000; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
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photography by peter Kramer/NbC/NbC Newswire (Fleetwood maC); eriK KabiK (Wish Tree); meredith JeNKs (sChumer); mega pixel (glass slipper)
on stage
Las Vegas joins cities like New York and Washington, DC, in hosting one of Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree installations. The artist’s interactive display, on view at Cosmopolitan through spring, invites guests to write their wishes on slips of paper that are hung from the tree’s branches. Over the next few months, the slips will be sent to Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland, where more than a million wishes have already been collected from trees around the globe. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 702-698-7000; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
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culture Art Full
The Strip’s latest retail kingdom deserved nothing less than a radiant crown of crystal spheres, courtesy of Swarovski.
One ThOusand (Plus) POinTs Of lighT
There’s never been such a thing as “too much” on the Las Vegas Strip. Add another bit of sparkle and still there’s room for more. So when it came to creating the Grand Bazaar Shops outside Bally’s this year, there was no question about topping the freestanding Swarovski boutique with a towering LED-lit crystal starburst, 14 feet in diameter and equipped with more than 1,800 points of light. Call it a radiant crown of sorts for this new open-air retail kingdom, a glittering globe comprising 924 custom-cut Swarovski crystal spheres. To make it happen, the Austrian-based Swarovski company joined forces with the Young Electric Sign Company, the longtime darlings of innovative signage in Las Vegas—a pairing that seemed inevitable given their mutual expertise in well-designed ostentation. “It’s a one-of-a-kind art piece, a tribute to Las Vegas,” says Mitch Olorenshaw, account executive project director at YESCO, who was involved with the fabrication of the starburst from the beginning and was up for the challenge of working with crystal. “There are multiple layers of lighting within it. Some of
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by kristen peterson
it is a reflecting, refracting light, and then you have each of the crystals lit.” Although the piece is unique, works of this kind are nothing new for Swarovski, long associated with jewelry and fashion accessories. The company has extensive experience with sculptural projects, even commissioning artists to create works shown at the global art fair Art Basel in Miami Beach and producing items for movie sets. Swarovski is also well-known for the nine-and-a-half-foot-wide star it fashioned for the top of the Christmas tree in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, but the Vegas starburst is more playful, featuring a modern design and emitting a full rainbow of colors, says Swarovski spokeswoman Jennifer Hinkle. “This is the only Swarovski boutique in the US that features a completely unique faceted design and a large-scale custom exterior lighting element,” she adds. “Crystal loves light. Seeing light pass through the crystals enhances the sparkle and creates amazing light effects.” And if there’s one thing Vegas loves—especially at night—it’s glittering, shimmering light. grandbazaarshops.com; swarovski.com V
photography by erik kabik for swarovski
The newesT landmark on The sTrip adds anoTher layer of sparkle—and Then some.
We’re Living Proof Bailey Stevens Former Spring Valley Hospital NICU patient
Jaycee Whipple Former Children’s Medical Center at Summerlin Hospital patient
Ron O’Neal Former Valley Hospital rehabilitation patient Kristina Moore Former Centennial Hills Hospital patient Carrie Unck Former Desert Springs Hospital cardiac patient
Living Proof The Valley Health System is here for you. Five hospitals. One passion. Quality care. The Valley Health System is fve hospitals, conveniently located throughout Las Vegas. Providing comprehensive care is our specialty. • Emergency care – where ER just got easier with ER wait times online and ER Reserve available online*
Learn more about The Valley Health System hospitals, programs and services and read these Living Proof patient stories at www.valleyhealthsystemlv.com
• Maternity care and neonatal intensive care units • Children’s Medical Center • Specialized rehabilitation care • Advanced cardiac care • Wound care programs • Surgical weight loss
*ER Wait Time is an average provided for informational purposes only. ER Reserve should be used only if you decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need immediate care since delays may complicate your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, then please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Some insurance plans may not cover an ER visit if it is deemed urgent care or may apply a different copay. Please check your covered benefts with your insurance provider for details. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of The Valley Health System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
PeoPle Power Strip Simon Keith got a second chance at life, and now he’s paying it forward with the Nevada Donor Network and his own foundation.
Once MOre, With heart
ESPN knows a great story when it sees one. This spring, an episode of its newsmagazine show E:60 will feature Simon Keith, the former professional soccer player and charismatic Las Vegas businessman who heads the Nevada Donor Network. Keith’s sports career may not seem particularly compelling—he competed for the UNLV Rebels and for a few years as a pro—but that’s not why ESPN wanted to profile him. It’s because he was the first person to play professional sports after a heart transplant. The story begins in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1984, when Keith, at 19, was diagnosed with myocarditis, a heart ailment that can lead to sudden cardiac death. He stubbornly continued playing soccer, gradually his condition worsened, and two years later his parents were told he had only weeks to live. The search for a donor heart led Keith and his parents to England, where he was born and where he would be given a second chance at life with a transplant at age 21. Back then, life expectancy for a heart-transplant recipient was seven years. Amazingly, Keith returned to being a hard-charging forward on the field, and in 1987 he moved to Las Vegas and joined his brother Adam on the UNLV soccer team. Two years later he was the number-one draft pick in the
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photography by brad swonetz; opposite page: courtesy of simon Keith
Former ProFessional soccer Player Simon eith is one oF the world’s longest-living heart transPlant reciPients, and soon the vegas resident will be sPreading the word about organ donation on esPn. by barbara peck
Major Indoor Soccer League and went on to play for the Cleveland Crunch and teams in the Canadian Soccer League. Keith retired from soccer in 1992 and finished his degree in education and sports management at UNLV. “My instincts told me I needed to be in Las Vegas,” he says. “It’s really a place where opportunity abounds.” A born entrepreneur, he began launching and selling companies—financial and sports management, staffing, promotional products, and more—in quick succession. At first he kept his transplant story private. But he came to realize that if he opened up about his surgery, he could help other transplant recipients and patients waiting for donor organs. Keith now focuses on “bringing the entrepreneurial spirit into the organ donation space,” he says. In 2011 he established the Simon Keith Foundation, which aims to increase awareness about organ donation and help transplant recipients and their families. He also became the COO of the Nevada Donor Network, an organ procurement organization. As a motivational speaker, he addresses corporate and medical groups about being prepared for success and uses the proceeds to provide athletic training to transplant recipients who want to return to an active lifestyle. Revenue from sales of Keith’s 2012 book, Heart for the Game, also goes to the foundation. It was the book’s coauthor Jason Cole who encouraged him to close the loop on his story by learning about his heart donor. In 2011, Keith traveled to the UK with his wife, Kelly; their two daughters; and their son. “Meeting [the donor’s father] Roger was an overwhelming experience,” Keith says. “Think of it: Twentyfive years later, his son’s heart is beating inside my body.” As one of the world’s longest-living heart transplant recipients, Keith has plenty to celebrate on his 50th birthday in May. “I live life to the fullest,” he says, which means not denying himself the occasional heart-unfriendly indulgence. “I stay fit—but not because of the transplant. It’s just who I am.” Asked about pro soccer’s future, Keith says he’s “bullish,” adding, “I believe I’ll see the US take the World Cup in my lifetime.” A bold prediction for a team that’s never finished better than third, but Simon Keith knows all about exceeding expectations. thesimonkeithfoundation.com V
Simon Keith competing with the UNLV Rebels, his team from 1987 to 1989.
“MEETING ROGER wAS AN OVERwHElMING ExPERIENCE. THINk OF IT: TwENTy-FIVE yEARS lATER, HIS SON’S HEART IS BEATING INSIdE My BOdy.” —simon keith Keith coaches a youth soccer team after his surgery.
View From the top Favorite place to hike: “I love Red Rock, but even better is the
area behind my house in Southern Highlands, with 20 miles of uninterrupted trails.” Favorite way to relax: “I do love to play golf with a beer in one hand and a cigar in the other. For years I kept it a dirty secret. Then I fgured, why hide it?” las vegas haunts: “My favorite restaurant is Triple George Grill, an
old-school steakhouse downtown. Their porcini-crusted rib eye is unbelievable. But my all-time favorite meal is steak and eggs at the Peppermill at 3 am. As for bars, it’s the FireSide Restaurant & Tavern on East Cactus Avenue—a clunky little spot that only locals go to.” the one attraction that visitors shouldn’t miss?
“I recommend seeing a world heavyweight boxing match. I don’t even follow the sport, but seeing a fght in Vegas is just electric.” how oFten do you get to a rebels game? “Not as much
as I’d like. But as the saying goes, ‘Once a Rebel, always a Rebel.’”
Keith poses on the field in his days as a pro.
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PEOPLE Power Duo “I would sometImes mIss cues because I was starIng at her. It was Instant InfatuatIon.” —graham fenton
Drama Team
Husband-and-wife duo Graham Fenton and nicole aplan are singing and dancing tHeir way into Vegas sHowbiz History. by john katsilometes It was a memorable night in Las Vegas. At Don’t Tell Mama, a piano bar in the city’s Fremont East entertainment district, a talented singer in the audience was persuaded to get up onstage and perform Lorde’s hit song “Royals”—a rendition that thrilled the packed crowd. Minutes later, a man entertained the saloon by singing Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” directing the audience to fill in the song’s horn parts. As patrons rose to cheer, one remarked, “Wow, is he good.” He should be. His full-time job is portraying Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys at Paris Las Vegas. And the woman who preceded him? That’s his wife, who now stars in Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers. Perhaps not a typical night on the town, but magical moments like this tend
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to happen to Graham Fenton and Nicole Kaplan. As their careers have sent them crisscrossing the country, they’ve been touched by serendipity. The two met in Pittsburgh in 2001, while students at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music, when they were cast in a production of The Most Happy Fella. “I would sometimes miss cues because I was staring at her,” Fenton says, laughing. “It was instant infatuation.” Eventually they began dating, and after graduation, when Kaplan won the starring role of Dory in the production of Finding Nemo at Walt Disney World, Fenton followed her to Florida. While there, he answered an audition call for the part of Valli in the national tour of Jersey Boys. “If I weren’t performing in Orlando at the time, he wouldn’t have taken that audition,” she says. “It was amazing timing.” He, of course, won the role and went out on tour. In 2008, back in Pittsburgh, they were married—with Fenton serenading his bride with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” But soon he was off to Vegas to perform in Jersey Boys on the Strip. This time Kaplan was the one to follow, unsure that her classical training was suited for the city’s flashy productions. Her gigs included singing on tour with Terry Bradshaw’s autobiographical show. She was in Vegas when that tour ended in late 2014—just in time to receive a call from Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers, which needed to fill a role that had opened among its six principal singers. “If I’d been on tour with Terry, I wouldn’t have been able to make the audition,” says Kaplan. “I walked in, and Steve Wynn is there, ready to make a decision.” When they asked her to stick around and be fitted for costumes, “I thought, Wow, this is happening, right on the spot.” Fenton remembers the call from his wife when she realized she was joining him as a star of a production show on the Strip: “She says, ‘I got the job, and I’m in rehearsals now!’ And I was like, ‘Oh, my God. Are you sure?’” Fenton adds, “This never happens, trust me. It never happens this way.” Except, for these two, it sometimes does. V
photography by jana cruder. location courtesy of tivoli village
There’s no more perfect home than Las Vegas for Nicole Kaplan and her husband, Graham Fenton, performers seemingly blessed by Lady Luck.
FABERGÉ Revealed Jeweler to the Czars
November 14, 2014 – May 25, 2015
Tickets and information 702.693.7871 • bellagio.com/bgfa
Imperial Tsesarevich Easter Egg, 1912. Lapis lazuli, gold, diamonds. 4 7/8” H x 3 9/16” dia. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Bequest of Lillian Thomas Pratt. Photo: Katherine Wetzel ©Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
PEOPLE Spirit of Generosity Raising eco-awareness through their films wasn’t enough for Kim MacQuarrie and Ciara Byrne; they needed to take action at the grass roots.
The AccidenTAl AgronomisTs
At the Las Vegas schools that Kim MacQuarrie attended while growing up in the city, agriculture wasn’t exactly part of the curriculum. He and his partner, Ciara Byrne, originally from Dublin, Ireland, have spent the last two years trying to change that, although neither set out to be an evangelist for school gardens. MacQuarrie and Byrne had successful careers shooting documentary films, often about the natural world—he as director (with four Emmys to his credit) and she as producer—but their shared passion for conservation frequently had them talking about how they could effect environmental change more directly. “We’ve always sort of known that film could help with conservation in general, with raising awareness and inspiring people,” Byrne says, “but we wanted to find a way to empower people to do something, too.” In 2010, she picked up a book that MacQuarrie had been recommending for years, The Sixth Extinction, by the eminent paleoanthropologist Dr. Richard Leakey. “Ciara read it and said, ‘Wow, we’ve got to contact this guy,’” MacQuarrie recalls. “She found his e-mail, sent him a note, and within 24 hours we had talked to him and decided to go to Kenya to meet him.” Leakey is also an ardent conservationist. As an official with the Kenyan government in 1989, he cracked down on the illegal ivory trade by creating
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armed antipoaching units in the country’s national parks, ending the killing of elephants there. He also cofounded WildlifeDirect, an organization that works with wildlife-focused nonprofits across Africa to protect the continent’s species. During one of his conversations with MacQuarrie and Byrne, Leakey expressed his frustration at how difficult it was to raise the $25,000 to $30,000 a year that most of the nonprofits needed to continue doing their work. “That was something we’d been thinking about, too,” says Byrne. “How do you empower people to give fairly small amounts of money that make a big difference?” After the pair returned from Kenya, MacQuarrie set off on a trek through the Andes (documented in his forthcoming book Adventures in the Andes: On the Trail of Bandits, Heroes, and Revolutionaries), while Byrne stayed in Las Vegas, where she spent time with various people involved in the Downtown Project. “I was so inspired by how many projects Kickstarter had helped to get off the ground,” she says. “So when I went to meet Kim in Argentina, I said, ‘Why don’t we do a sort of green Kickstarter?’” The two knew nothing about creating websites, but they knew people who did, including their friend Jeff Newburn, a software engineer at Zappos. He offered to build them a site, and by March 2013, MacQuarrie and Byrne had
photography by jeff gale; opposite page: courtesy of green our planet
Ciara Byrne and m maCquarrie are planting the seeds of conservation by funding dozens of clark county school gardens through green our planet. by amy westervelt
launched Green Our Planet. Although their aim was to eventually provide an international platform to crowdfund all manner of eco-minded projects (and anyone can now use the site to do just that), the pair wanted to start locally. “Then Bryan [Vellinga] at Garden Farms came to us and said, ‘Hey, I heard you have this green crowdfunding platform and you’re looking for projects, and I have school principals who want gardens but have no money,’” Byrne says. So they went to the Shirley and Bill Wallin Elementary School in Henderson with Vellinga and made a short film about the benefits a garden can provide. School gardens have been linked to improved behavior and test scores and offer an excellent way to teach subjects like science and nutrition, all while giving students access to natural light and daily exercise. Within five weeks, they had raised $7,500, and Vellinga got to work on building the first of their gardens. “Then our fifth garden, at Myrtle Tate Elementary School, raised no money at all and we didn’t know why,” Byrne says. “The principal explained that more than 80 percent of her students were lowincome and that their parents probably didn’t have computers. Kim and I thought, That’s not fair. These kids deserve a garden just as much.” They discovered that more than 60 percent of schools in the Clark County School District, including Myrtle Tate, are designated Title I—institutions with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged
students—and decided they needed to find financial sponsors for those schools. For Myrtle Tate, they enlisted NV Energy. Since then, Green Our Planet has helped 57 schools in and around Las Vegas raise money for gardens (with eight more fundraising campaigns currently under way). Their dozens of corporate partners now include Whole Foods Market, Lowe’s, Cosmopolitan, Wynn Resorts, and Honda. Chefs from Vegas resorts work with the students to help them put their harvests to good use, and Byrne and MacQuarrie have worked with teachers to draft state-approved curricula that include experiential science and running a farmers market. Although they didn’t set out to bring school gardens to the area, MacQuarrie describes their efforts using the same term that Las Vegas’s Mayor Carolyn Goodman often employs in discussing the achievements of Downtown Project: “collective impact.” “We are the accidental collective-impact proponents,” he says. “We decided we wanted to have a platform, so then we had to find a Web person, and then we realized you can’t just build a garden, you need curricula, so we found those guys. Then we needed chefs and found them. And then Switch gave us office space. So before you know it, we’ve harnessed all these different resources that always existed in Vegas and channeled them toward a collective impact on this issue. We’re not creating these resources, but when you start connecting them, suddenly there’s this miraculous result.” greenourplanet.org V
“We are the accidental collectiveimpact proponents.” —kim macquarrie
Charity register Opportunities to give. LAS VEGAS HEART BALL This year’s Las Vegas Heart Ball pays tribute to 25 years of life-saving work in Clark County by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. Proceeds from the event—featuring gourmet food, music, and an auction—will help fund research seeking advances in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke, expand community education initiatives, and raise awareness about the effects of childhood obesity. When: Saturday, April 11, at 5:30 pm Where: Four Seasons Hotel Contact: 702-367-1366; lvheartball.org
AIDS WALK LAS VEGAS Hosted by grand marshals Penn Jillette and Teller, this annual philanthropic walk benefts the far-reaching efforts of Aid for AIDS of Nevada, whose programs run the gamut from preventive education and community outreach to client social services, counseling, and rent and transportation assistance. After the walk, enjoy a picnic with the thousands of participants who turn out to lend their support. When: Sunday, April 19, at 8 am Where: Town Square Contact: 702-382-2326; afanlv.org
BEST IN SHOW At the Animal Foundation’s one-of-a-kind arena event, more than 50 lost or abandoned dogs compete for the title of “best in show.” The best part of all? All of the dogs are adoptable, and proceeds from the event beneft the shelter in its mission to rescue and fnd homes for lost, unwanted, and abandoned local pets. A VIP brunch, silent auction, and vendor fair complete the festivities. When: Sunday, April 26, at 11 am Where: Orleans Arena Contact: 702-384-3333; animalfoundation.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE Celebrating its 20th year in Southern Nevada, the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure remains one of the breast cancer community’s leading fundraising events—not to mention the largest nonproft footrace in all of Nevada. Expect live entertainment, public speakers, games, and kid-friendly activities in addition to the race, which raises funds for cancer research, education, screenings, and treatment programs. left: Byrne at the Bracken Elementary School Art Fair & Farmers Market. right: Two students enjoy the farmers market at John S. Park Elementary.
When: Saturday, May 2, at 8:15 am Where: Downtown Las Vegas Contact: 702-822-2324; komensouthernnevada.org
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InvIted
HOMEGROWN HEROES photography courtesy of getty images for target/ethan miller
All the world’s A stAge, but for chArttopping rockers ImagIne Dragons, no plAce quite compAres to VegAs.
Dan Reynolds and Ben McKee of Imagine Dragons.
The Grammys may be handed out in Los Angeles every year, but on the music industry’s biggest night, Imagine Dragons instead returned to their pre-fame stomping ground: Downtown Las Vegas. In partnership with Target, the local rockers– turned–global superstars took to a stage on Fremont Street for a four-minute live concert that aired between segments of the awards show telecast—the first-ever commercial break of its kind—and to tease their latest single, “Shots,” from their new album Smoke + Mirrors. Fronted by lead singer Dan Reynolds, the band played to screaming fans from atop a circular stage, while also reassuring the crowd that despite the massive spotlights and confetti showers, they’re still the same guys who cut their teeth at steps-away haunts like Hennessey’s Tavern and Beauty Bar just a few years ago.
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INVITED
Sheryl Goldstein and Lynn Weidner
Debbie Allen and Nancy Houssels
Beth Barbre and Chet Buchanan
Mariam Afshai and Farid Matraki
Liz and Tom Kaplan Diana Bennett, Tami Conn, and Marlee Palermo
BLACK & WHITE BALL
Sherry and Berry Gordy
NEVADA BALLET THEATRE PRESENTED its annual Black & White Ball at Aria, drawing more than 500 Vegas notables for an evening of drinks, dinner, and live performances in support of one of the city’s most prominent arts organizations. The black-tie event also honored two longtime NBT supporters: three-time Emmy Award winner Debbie Allen, a Broadway dancer and actress who went on to become an acclaimed choreographer and director, and philanthropist Diana Bennett.
Bill Weidner and Rob Goldstein
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Audra Baldwin and Michael Shulman
Julie Sirianni, Judy Stone, and Wendy Plaster
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CASHMAN PHOTO ENTERPRISES OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF SAEED RAHBARAN
Carlo Farina and Oksana Baiul Farina
Mel Murray with Doug and Monika Gold
Jean and Brian Brannman
Michael and Robin Feder with Mike and Beverly Bolognini
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER GALA CELEBRATING DONATO CABRERA’S
inaugural season as music director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the organization staged its annual Diamonds Are Forever Gala at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The evening began in the center’s Art Deco–style Grand Lobby, with attendees browsing the impressive items placed up for auction by generous brands such as Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahnik, followed by an elegant dinner onstage in Reynolds Hall.
Jacquelyn and Byron Brown Silent auction items.
Tariq Shaukat and Tony Clapsis
Kate Szafran and Brock Rice
Rick Crawford, Dorothy Flagler, and Teresa Cookson
Monica Fuller, Phyllis Haley, and Sondra Lynch
Judge Angel and Mike Faust
VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 57
INVITED Alexandria von Mohr and Aily Rodriguez
Rhea Bowen, Erin Hoenemeyer, and Nicole Nejezch
Melissa Arias, Veronica Bonazza, and Sophia Athen
Rhonda Robinson, Karen Knox, Katlen Willens, and Dolores Campuzano
Steve Smith and Jason Shkorupa A.J. Song and David Sedillo
Sean and Audrey DiCicco
MENTORSHIP MATTERS DINNER
EPICUREAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION HOSTED its
annual Mentorship Matters dinner at the restaurant Crossroads, inside Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues. Guests enjoyed drinks and dinner as several of ECF’s most loyal donors were recognized for their efforts in expanding the foundation’s mentorship and scholarship initiatives, which provide valuable career opportunities to local students interested in hospitality and the culinary arts. Michael Kennedy and David Hoenemeyer
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Cynthia Cameron and Jim O’Connor
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CASHMAN PHOTO ENTERPRISES
Kelley Jones, Nachely Martinez, Claudia Soler, and Adam Odegard
Randy Char, MBA President and Broker
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One Queensridge Place is the perfect choice for discerning homebuyers seeking the ultimate carefree lifestyle. CHAR LUXURY REAL ESTATE - THE PINNACLE OF LAS VEGAS LUXURY WWW.CHARLUXURY.COM | 702-750-1092 | WWW.ONEQRP.COM
Prices, plans, elevations and specifcations are subject to change without notice. Photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. Square footage shown is approximate. See Sales Counselor for details. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, this is not a solicitation for your business, please disregard this ad. Š 2014 Queensridge Properties, LLC.
TasTe This Issue: sustainable Desert Dining
What a CatCh
The sTeampunk-Themed upsTairs aT rm seafood, Rx BoileR Room, is as playful as iT is responsible. by al mancini photography by sabin orr
Sitting down with Rick Moonen in his Rx Boiler Room, I find it hard to believe it’s been 10 years since he and I first met in this space. The lush, funky room, decorated in Victorian sci-fi chic—a style known as steampunk—bears little resemblance to the formal, yachtlike dining space it was at the time. The menu today is packed with playfully creative shareable dishes, a far cry from the haute cuisine offered at what was then called RM Upstairs. And the corseted waitresses would have been scandalous to some of that restaurant’s stuffier patrons. While Moonen is known for his fine-dining chops and his steadfast dedication to preserving the world’s oceans, Rx Boiler Room shows off his sense of fun. Moonen is the most visible face of the sustainableseafood movement. Both Rx Boiler Room and his downstairs flagship, RM Seafood, use only species
Sustainably sourced True North salmon done paella-style, with mussels, littleneck clams, Pacific prawns, red quinoa, crispy chorizo, and lemon butter.
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A LittLe Smoke, A LittLe HeAt To complement the Rx Boiler Room vibe, Rick Moonen and his lead barman, Eric Smith, have created a cocktail counter that looks more like an alchemist’s laboclockwise from far left: A table
in the dining room at Rx Boiler Room; the reception area; New Bedford jumbo scallops with cauliflower mousse, Romanesco, and crispy prosciutto.
ratory than a bar. Liquids bubble, burners fame, dry ice vaporizes, and smoke infuses spirits. The “Libation Chart” includes the Luna Rossa, made with gin, goji berry liqueur, and cayenne pepper, among other things. The Fleur de Lis contains lavender-infused
harvested in eco-friendly ways. (Ask about the sustainable catch of the day, a program highlighting uncelebrated but plentiful fishes.) He began campaigning tirelessly for sustainability in the ’90s, when he spearheaded Give Swordfish a Break, an initiative that helped repopulate swordfish fisheries in the North Atlantic, and sustainability has remained close to his heart ever since. “It’s been more than a two-decade quest to get people to realize the importance of their food selection and how it affects their environment,” Moonen says. “I think we’ve hit a point where we’re realizing the embrace that I desired.” Given that Mayor Carolyn Goodman has declared April 1st “Rick Moonen Day” in his honor, it appears he’s right. Rx Boiler Room opened in 2013, and Moonen admits that the decision to abandon fine dining, even partially,
was difficult at first. “But I’d watched too many chefs that I’d worked for in my career, French chefs, stick by their guns and go out of business. So I knew that I had to do something about it.” As he accepted the need for change, he resolved to do something new and exciting: “The idea was to not use the word ‘gastropub,’ because that’s been overused.” So he took the gastropub ideal of comfort food and redefined it. The setting would be a fantasy version of industrialized Western civilization in the 19th century, inspired by the works of Jules Verne and decorated with clock gears, diving helmets, plush drapery, and bubbling test tubes. The menu, labeled a “Nourishment Chart,” would include playful dishes like bacon-wrapped bacon and quail egg, chicken pot pie nuggets, and a Tater Tot –based duck confit poutine. The result is one
“It’s been more than a two-decade quest to get people to realIze how theIr food selectIon affects theIr envIronment.” —rick moonen
of Vegas’s most original dining experiences. Rx Boiler Room’s initial menu took Moonen away from his signature seafood dishes because, he says, “comfort food doesn’t mean seafood in America.” But his fans weren’t buying it, and he recently added several seafood dishes to the lineup, including surf-and-turf sliders made with filet mignon and lobster tail, New Bedford jumbo scallops, and paellastyle sustainable salmon. The chef celebrated his 10th anniversary in Las
Vegas in February by revisiting favorite menu items from the past decade, but Moonen is still looking forward. He recently took an ownership interest in a sustainable farm in Pahrump, and he’s considering taking a more active role in the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation. “I’m not the kid anymore,” he concedes. “But I’m still as excited about food as I’ve ever been. In my head, I think I’m 24.” Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7200; rxboilerroom.com V
Absolut Elyx, Hellfre habañero shrub bitters, and cucumber soda. And smoked cherrywood chips garnish the Smoked Whiskey & Cola. Other tricks up Smith’s sleeve include custom Italian sodas, barrel-aged cocktails, house-made birch beer, dozens of bitters, Colonial punches, and recipes dating back to medieval times. “We have this new juxtaposition of both science fction and classic,” Smith says of his offerings, “melding them together and seeing what shakes out.”
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taste Cuiscene
from left:
Glamour in Green
Some of laS VegaS’S moSt luxuriouS dining experienceS are alSo itS moSt eco-friendly. by marisa finetti Gone are the days when partaking of some impossibly rare delicacy sourced at great expense from an endangered corner of the globe signified the height of luxury dining. While it’s true that Las Vegas is still one of the best places on the planet to conspicuously consume the ingredients that make conservationists weep, more and more of the city’s finest restaurants are introducing their guests to locally sourced, sustainably produced foods in eco-friendly environments.
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Take the team of Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, whose restaurants—including the critically acclaimed Carnevino Italian Steakhouse (Palazzo, 702-789-4141; carnevino.com), B&B Ristorante (Venetian, 702-266-9977; bandb ristorante.com), Otto Pizzeria (Venetian, 702-677-3390; lasvegas.ottopizzeria.com), and B&B Burger & Beer (Venetian, 702-414-2220; bandbburgerandbeer.com)—are all making impressive strides in reducing their environ-
mental impact. These are the only restaurants in Las Vegas to boast the Certified Green stamp from the Green Restaurant Association, and their efforts range from using energy-efficient lighting and kitchen equipment to implementing full-scale recycling and composting programs. “One of the ways we eliminate waste before it even happens is we don’t offer a straw with water, unless requested,” says chef Jason Neve, the hospitality group’s culinary director.
Triple carbon filtering lets the restaurants serve their own chilled sparkling or still water in reusable bottles, and their meats come from humanely raised, genetically sound animals that have not been treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Adds Neve, “We also source from local farms, reducing our carbon footprint and helping our community.” Chef Shawn McClain of Sage (Aria, 877-230-2742; aria.com) works with Kerry Clasby, known as the “Intuitive Forager,” who brings to McClain’s kitchen an incredible variety of specialty produce, such as Buddha’s hand, minutina greens, chickweed, and limequats. She seeks out these unusual
edibles in California and at Nevada farms in Overton, Caliente, and Pahrump, and she sells them at local farmers markets, too, so everyone can enjoy them. McClain’s partnership with Clasby allows him to change his menu often to ensure that his dishes offer the freshest ingredients with the purest flavors. “No GMOs and no unnatural additives,” he says, “will ultimately leave an ingredient—either vegetable-based or meat—a more pure food that contains more natural flavor and heirloom characteristics.” At Nobu (Caesars Palace, 702-785-6628; caesars.com), 95 percent of the menu items are sustainably sourced, according to chef Christopher Shane Chan Yai Ching. “Every
photography by biondo photo (sage); kelly campbell (carnevino); sabin orr (nobu); opposite page: kelly campbell (b&b); kevin mccullough (beets); Joshua resnick (curry); abc7 (ramen)
Shelton’s Farm organic chicken at Sage; Carnevino’s main dining room; the sushi bar at Nobu.
FRESH BITES Don’t miss these fun and fabulous new restaurants.
B&B Burger & Beer.
below, from left: Guy Savoy’s crispy sea bass;
yellowtail at Nobu.
opportunity we take to look for a source that’s sustainable is not just a commitment to our environment, but also an attempt to find a high-quality product,” he says. “Meats such as Wagyu from Japan and Rosewood Wagyu from Texas are naturally raised in an environmentally sensible way with 100 years’ experience and commitment to the beef industry.” Culinary magic impresses the gourmands at Restaurant Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace, 702-7317286; caesars.com), where the ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible and international products are selected so that “each ingredient of every dish is traceable,” says chef Mathieu Chartron. “It’s important for us and our customers to know where each ingredient comes from.” The duck and guinea hen are from California, th e quail is from Texas, and the salmon is from an organic farm in Scotland, while the restaurant has eliminated bluefin tuna from its menu due to overfishing. Specializing in fresh, modern Mexican fare, Border Grill (Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7403; The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-854-6700; border grill.com) has been committed to fighting
overfishing and marine endangerment for 15 years. Adhering to the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, which recommends species to avoid, the restaurant (including its recently opened second location, inside The Forum Shops) serves only seafood that is sustainably sourced. Chef-owner Mary Sue Milliken is resolved to introduce her guests to choices like mussels and squid. “Our ceviche bar at Forum Shops offers a variety of dishes that feature these delicious bottom-feeders,” she says. “I feel I can make them really irresistible to guests.” The concept at Della’s Kitchen (Delano, 702-6329444; delanolasvegas.com) is “desert sustainable,” focusing on products produced in the state. Susan Wolfla, Mandalay Bay’s executive chef, says Della’s has a Nevada beef program and its own greenhouse and uses glasses made from reclaimed wine bottles. “We also use seasonal vegetables from Northern Nevada and a hydroponic farm in Pahrump.” These days, some of the most opulent dining spots on the Strip allow you to satisfy your conscience as well as your stomach. V
Andiron SteA
A
Elizabeth Blau and chef Kim Canteenwalla, the power couple behind Honey Salt and Made L.V., take an apricot wood–burning grill and blow open the traditional steakhouse. Downtown Summerlin, 702-685-4015; andironsteak.com
BArdot BrASSerie Chef Michael Mina has transformed his old space in Aria into a beautifully elevated Parisian brasserie. Aria Las Vegas, 702-5908638; michaelmina.net
itSy BitSy: rAmen And WhiS Restaurateur Marten Koleff allows patrons to custom-create their ramen bowl and choose from an impressive array of sakes and Japanese whiskeys. 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd.; 877-712-2104
riBS & BurgerS The beloved Aussie brand delights Las Vegas with its succulent burgers and eight-hour slow-cooked ribs. Downtown Summerlin, 702-848-1588; ribsandburgers.com.au
urBAn turBAn Importing flavors direct from Mumbai, Urban Turban dishes up contemporary Indian bites, shared plates, curries, and more. 3900 Paradise Road, 702-826-3217; urbanturbanlv.com
VegenAtion This green-rated, eco-conscious Downtown stop serves street foods (vegan sushi, vindaloo spiced spaghetti squash turnovers) along with beer from Vegas brewers. 618 E. Carson Ave., 702-550-4998; vegenationlv.com clockwise from top left: Andiron’s sea urchin toast; DIY ramen at Itsy Bitsy; Bardot’s warm beet salad; tikka masala at Urban Turban.
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TASTE Spotlight cook stuff
TRY, TRY AGAIN
star chef
ALEX STRATTA MAKES HIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN. The long-awaited Tapas by Alex Stratta finally opens this month at Tivoli Village, bolstering the mixed-use, Europeanstyle development’s status as a fine-dining destination. Stratta—a two-Michelin-starred chef, formerly of Alex and Stratta at Wynn—is already renowned for his regional French and rustic Italian cuisine, but he returns to the scene with a little Spanish flavor, in dishes like a luscious, vibrant seafood paella, fried Padrón peppers, and shrimp al mojo de ajo—plus special Mediterranean-style small plates, such as curry lamb kebabs with mechoui relish and mint-almond yogurt. Stay tuned for more dining concepts from the chef popping up in town later this year. 440 S. Rampart Blvd., #180, 702-483-3555; alexstrattagroup.com
Vom Fass’s oils, casked and ready to taste and bottle.
// cool stuff //
GET HUNGRY!
Vegas itself is of course one giant festival, but there are times when that’s more true than others—such as now, thanks to three spectacular food and beverage events. April 11 marks the fifth annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer (greatvegasbeer.com), bringing Downtown more than 300 brews from over 100 breweries. UNLVino (unlv tickets.com) spans three nights, kicking off on April 16 with a celebration of sparkling wines at Venetian and concluding on April 18 with the Grand Tasting at Paris Las Vegas. (The delicious festival benefits UNLV’s hospitality school.) And the granddaddy of them all, Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit (vegas uncorked.com), returns April 23–26 to Aria, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and MGM Grand. Emeril Lagasse, Guy Savoy, François Payard, Julian Serrano, and dozens of other kitchen luminaries will take part, and so should you. ABOVE, FROM TOP: UNLVino; Great Vegas Festival of Beer; Vegas Uncork’d.
SAY FREEZE
At Yardbird (Venetian, 702-297-6541; venetian.com/yardbird), lead mixologist Rob Ortenzio’s ice program goes far beyond its very impressive selection of hand-cut ice. Here, ice can be considered a primary ingredient, adding flavor as it melts, such as in the YBG&T, the house gin and tonic, made with a tonic syrup ice cube and your choice of a cucumber or a watermelon ice cube. Also not to miss: the Pork Chop, made with Ridgemont Reserve 1972 bourbon, apple cider, Dijon syrup, and yuzu juice—plus a brightyellow Dijon-and-thyme-infused ice cube. Want a little less mustardy goodness? Drink faster. —CHRIS STAVE
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF UNLVINO (UNLVINO); VOM FASS (VOM FASS); BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS (CHEF); 50 EGGS, INC. (PREMIUM ICE); FRED MORLEDGE (FESTIVAL OF BEER); ISAAC BREKKEN FOR BON APPETITE (UNCORK’D)
Comeback Kitchen
Foodie trend alert! Two new Vegas retailers are offering guests a chance to sample a wide selection of premium, infused, and other specialty oils and vinegars: Henderson’s Totally Olive (10271 S. Eastern Ave., 702-492-9292; totallyolive.com) and Venetian’s Vom Fass (702-388-2022; vom fasslasvegas.com), which as an added bonus also offers tastings of casked whiskeys, cognacs, brandies, and liqueurs for a nominal fee. Both boutiques allow you to taste and then bottle your choice to go in a variety of sizes. Now that’s bottle service. —LYNSAY WHITNEY
PRIME CHOICE. T I M E S T WO.
TBONES
R E S E RVATI O N S 702 . 797. 7576
HANK’S
R E S E RVATI O N S 702 . 6 17. 7075
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tAste Cheers
Michael Monrreal mixes up a Blackberry Bliss at Kumi Japanese Restaurant + Bar.
Earthly DElights
Spring’S moSt innovative cocktailS are not your garden-variety Bloody maryS. In Las Vegas, where a warmer-than-usual winter resulted in an earlierthan-usual spring harvest, bartenders are taking advantage of the bounty by welcoming sunnier days with fruits, herbs, and garden greens. At Cosmopolitan (702-698-7000; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com), chief mixologist Mariena Mercer’s Kind of a Big Dill features Stoli Elit vodka, saffron liqueur, and yellow Chartreuse, but also fresh lemon juice, arugula juice, and cucumber juice, plus a purée of fresh calamansi (a Philippine lime), topped with a bit of dill oil flavored with sandalwood, frankincense, and edible gold. “The dill oil adds a great aroma that floats atop the cocktail,” Mercer says, “while the arugula adds a bit of pepper. The cucumber juice is the cooling layer that coalesces all of the botanicals found in the yellow Chartreuse.” Adding even a bit of fresh produce can liven up a drink and banish winter’s doldrums. At the ultracontemporary Kumi Japanese Restaurant + Bar (Mandalay Bay, 702-632-9100; kumilasvegas.com), a classic bramble is updated in the Blackberry Bliss, created by Light Group lead mixologist Michael Monrreal. “A fresh fruit shrub gives you a nice solid base,” says Monrreal, who makes the inventive shrub by macerating fresh blackberries with sugar and rice vinegar; adding Stoli Elit vodka, fresh lime juice, and
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fresh ginger beer to round it out; then garnishing with mint sprigs. Speaking of updates, Fix (Bellagio, 702-693-8400; fixlasvegas.com) is pouring its tribute to the bar The Lonsdale in London’s Notting Hill. The interpretation at Bellagio’s contemporary steakhouse involves Bombay Sapphire East gin, Belle Paire pear liqueur, apple and lemon juices, cardamom honey, and muddled basil. The result is sweet, herbaceous, and briskly refreshing all at once. At The District in Henderson’s Green Valley Ranch, two neighboring 24-hour joints also offer garden-inspired drinks. At Whist Stove and Spirits (702-307-2694; whiststove.com), an actual garden provides atmosphere while you sip a Rosemary’s Baby, with rosemary-infused Tito’s Handmade vodka, or a Lipstick Collar, featuring basil-infused Caña Brava rum. Next door at the 19th century – influenced Due & Proper (702-3072714; dueandproperbar.com), try The Dead Rabbit (named for a notorious Gangs of New York –era street gang). You’ll savor its combination of Teeling Irish whiskey, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, lemon juice, spiced Sirop de Canne, carrot juice, and a fresh carrot as garnish. If you haven’t been persuaded to join the juice movement yet, now you can claim you have. V
photography by Jenna Dosch
by robert haynes-peterson
The Mesa Park
No other community in Las Vegas offers more options for living, and loving every minute of it. Everything comes together perfectly here—from hundreds of miles of breathtaking parks and trails to bustling city blocks of fashion, dining and entertainment. Only Summerlin has a stylish new Downtown to complement all that has made this community the model of sophisticated living. It’s more than a place to live. It’s a way of life.
NEW HOMES NOW SELLING 702.791.4000 | SUMMERLIN.COM Woodside Homes | William Lyon Homes | Toll Brothers | Ryland Homes | Pulte Homes Lennar | Richmond American Homes | KB Home | Christopher Homes ©2015 The Howard Hughes Corporation. All rights reserved.
taste the Dish Farro predates other supergrains as a source oF human sustenance... and until you hear otherwise, consider it conFlict-Free.
New Takes oN aN aNcieNT GraiN
UnsUre where to stand on the qUinoa controversy? try an even older sUpergrain, farro, in some of the newest dishes to hit the strip. by jim begley With the rise in gluten-free diets and the rediscovery of ancient “supergrains,” alternatives to wheat are sprouting on menus throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Among them is quinoa, the voguish grain of recent years. But quinoa has its detractors: Its surge in popularity has been blamed for the increasingly unsustainable practices of farmers trying to boost their yields in the grain’s native Andes. There’s a new option, however—a supergrain that actually predates them all as a source of human sustenance: farro, which filled the stomachs of ancient
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Egyptians on a daily basis as one of the first grains to be cultivated. And until you hear otherwise, consider it conflict-free. Nouveau or vieux, it’s the star of some great dishes around town.
1. Old-World Style Farro is nothing new at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar (4480 Paradise Road, 702-3645300; ferraroslasvegas.com), where chef Mimmo Ferraro has been pairing saffroninfused farro with the family’s famous osso buco for more than a decade. In the old days, when it was located near Flamingo and Jones, the
restaurant catered to locals and a smattering of tourists venturing off-Strip. After moving across the street from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino five years ago, Ferraro began seeing a new clientele, whose desire for healthy dishes prompted him to offer more vegan and vegetarian options. His vegan farro Milanese combines roasted vegetables and sautéed greens, including braised radicchio, rapini, escarole, fennel, and beans, tossed with a touch of house marinara and finished with extra-virgin olive oil, resulting in a myriad of flavors and textures with each bite. You won’t even miss the protein.
2. Dirty Little Secret
4. All Puffed Up
At the new ode to Southern cuisine in Venetian, Yardbird (702-297-6541; venetian.com/yardbird), Executive Chef Todd Harrington takes the normally healthy farro to spectacularly unhealthy levels in his Dirty Little Farro. The robust grain holds up under the onslaught of a duck fat, chicken liver mousse, and house-cured bacon and sausage quartet, delivering a dish that’s hearty enough to serve as a main and pairs well with a selection from the restaurant’s substantial bourbon collection.
At Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar (Red Rock Casino, 702-478-5118; hearthstone lv.com), puffed farro adds a nutty consistency to the Market Salad, featuring shaved vegetables and arugula tossed with a light tarragon vinaigrette. The salad exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to fresh sourcing, with the farro serving as what Executive Chef Jordan Hoffman calls the dish’s “alternate crouton.” Boiled, dehydrated, then fried, the grain blows up like a puffer fish and supplies a welcome textural contrast to the salad’s mélange of vegetables.
3. Farro as Foil Even in Scott Conant’s empire built on pasta, farro has a role, serving as a backdrop to the star proteins. For his braised short ribs at Scarpetta (Cosmopolitan, 702-698-7960; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com), chef de cuisine Todd Sugimoto layers Parmesan cheese and red wine–braised short ribs atop farro strewn with seasonal vegetables, such as a trio of carrots, zucchini, and yellow squash or peas. Sugimoto prefers farro as an alternative to “your typical go-to starches, like rice and potatoes,” he says, adding that it’s the perfect foil to the rich meat of his short ribs.
5. Salad Star Farro is on the minds of chefs even outside the large casino kitchens. Presto Café (4950 S. Rainbow Blvd., #130, 702293-3332; 19 S. Stephanie St., #140, Henderson, 702914-2333; prestocafelv.com) offers a variety of healthy items, including a rotating salad bar where farro is the highlight of its own salad. Mixed with asparagus, spring onion, nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, and spicy arugula, this sharp dish is as delicious as it is nutritious. And there’s nothing old-fashioned about that. V
photography courtesy of ferraro’s ItalIan restaurant & WIne Bar
At Ferraro’s, the vegan farro Milanese combines roasted vegetables and sautéed greens for a myriad of flavors and textures in every bite.
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NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS • HAPPENINGS • PROMOTIONS
WEEKEND BRUNCH AT SAMMY’S Sammy’s Restaurant & Bar in Green Valley offers brunch served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Tasty selections include brioche French toast, bacon & mushroom pizza, breakfast tacos, Scottish smoked salmon and more along with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Visit SammysGreenValley.com for more information.
APRIL 29: VEGAS DOZEN AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Join Saks Fifth Avenue for the 12th Annual VEGAS Dozen: The Men We Love And Why We Love Them, Wednesday, April 29th from 6pm to 8pm. The Vegas Dozen award will honor twelve men from an array of professions who display great professional and personal commitment to the Vegas community and will benefit Keep Memory Alive. Visit KeepMemoryAlive.org
CHAR LUXURY REAL ESTATE With over 20 years of experience, Randy Char sits as President of the newly formed boutique luxury real estate firm Char Luxury Real Estate. Char Luxury is focused on delivering a highly personal, expert team-delivered experience for clients in the high- end market. The brokerage collaborates with luxury brands as well provides charitable contributions in the Vegas community with each sale. 702.750.1092 CharLuxury.com
Wonder Woman
EnvironmEntalist and ChiCago P.D. star Sophia BuSh talks to hEr friEnd and costar MariS a hargitay and Vegas magazinE about raising hEr voicE to build a bEttEr world. photography by rene & radka
Pasadena, California, native Sophia Bush first wrote herself into America’s pop-culture lexicon by playing cheerleader-turned-fashion designer Brooke Davis on the popular TV drama One Tree Hill for nearly a decade. Now Bush is garnering acclaim as Detective Erin Lindsay on NBC’s hit police procedural Chicago P.D., recently renewed for a third season. The analytical, no-nonsense detective is not unlike the actress who plays her in her vocal advocacy for causes such as the environment and education. In a spirited conversation with friend and colleague Mariska Hargitay, Bush recently talked about the changing face of TV storytelling, her ideal Vegas weekend, and how she’s working every day for a brighter future. Mariska Hargitay: Honey, how are you? Sophia Bush: I just got home and I feel like I’ve won the lottery. MH: “Home” home, like LA home? SB: Yeah. MH: Good for you! So, sweet Sophia, let’s start at the beginning: Tell me when you first knew that you wanted to become an actor. SB: It was honestly an accident. My junior high and high school had a series of arts requirements, and I put off my theater requirement until the last semester. I knew it would interfere with all my extracurricular activities. The second semester of my eighth-grade year, they said, “You have to take a theater class,” and I protested because I was on the volleyball team, and they said, “It doesn’t matter. You could have done this last semester, but you waited and now you have to do it.” We did a production of Our Town— MH: Oh! SB: Something just clicked, and I realized that my passion for English and my love of literature could be put into action. It rocked my world and I just thought, I get this. MH: I have a similar story. I was an athlete. I met somebody and he was like, “You should go on auditions,” and I was like, “Nope, I’ve got a volleyball game; I’ve got a cross-country game.” It wasn’t until I did a play that I went, Hey, wait a minute. I like this. Doing sports as a young girl really teaches us how to strive for something. In so many ways, too, it makes you a better actor. SB: Absolutely, because you have some understanding of the need to persevere. I get this question all the time about our schedules—people say, “What happens when you’re sick?” MH: And you say, “Nobody cares.” [Laughs] SB: If you’re sick, you come to work with a bucket and you deal with it. MH: Speaking of work, tell me what you think it is about Chicago P.D. that the audiences connect to. SB: First of all, we’re so lucky to be part of this larger wheelhouse that you’ve influenced and that Dick [Wolf] has been growing for so many years. Television has grown as an industry. When I was a little kid, there were only a handful of channels, and now there’s a thousand to choose from. That has widened avenues that we have for storytelling, because
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we’re not looking at shows the way we used to. I grew up watching reruns of Dragnet on Nick at Nite. There was a crime and then they solved it, and that was that. Now we’ve been given permission on the show to allow our heroes to be flawed. Are they bending the rules to service the law? Are they breaking the law? Do we root for them? Are we afraid of them? Nobody’s always playing perfect. MH: What’s your favorite thing about playing Detective Lindsay? SB: She’s not one of those bleeding hearts that sees the world and wants to fix it. She wants to fix the world because she was taken advantage of as a child, because she was recruited to work in a gang environment, because she was a drug addict, because she’s been at the lowest point and seen what one person who cares about you can do for you, and now she wants to give that to other people. MH: And what initially drew you to it? SB: I’d been on location doing [One Tree Hill] for nine years, and then I worked a season on a show in LA and was so excited to be home. I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do next, but I always wanted to work for Dick, and I always wanted to work with you. I get this call, and my agent said, “Dick Wolf is doing this show, and they really want to see you for the lead female, and it shoots in Chicago,” and I’m like, “No way. Chicago’s so cold, it’s so far away, I don’t know anybody there.... I’m not going.” MH: [Laughs] But Dick Wolf has a pretty good record. SB: I know. And they were like, “But Sophia, it’s literally two of the three criteria for a job you’ve ever wanted. You could just read it.” And I said, “All right.” I was protesting, but not much, because in the back of my head I was so excited. And you know what that feeling is like, when you read a script and from the first moment it gets its hooks in you? I just went, “Uh-oh.” [Laughs] I knew I was in trouble. MH: You’ve said that Law & Order: SVU, which you starred in, obviously, in the crossovers, is your favorite show. What was that experience like? I want you to be honest. [Laughs] SB: For so long, I talked about how all I would do on a day off was bingewatch SVU marathons and how Mariska Hargitay was just the coolest woman on TV. I was this shameless gusher. I was doing this as an actor on a show, so these words were being printed—it wasn’t, like, on my private Tumblr page. Then six or seven years ago, I was walking down the street in Soho, and I looked up, and it was like all the lights on Broadway started shining in my face—it became a weird sort of Wes Anderson film—and there you were, and I just blacked out. I know that I went up to you and that I probably babbled. I think you knew my brain was short-circuiting, and you touched my arm and said, “It’s so nice to meet you. I think your show is just great. Want to take a walk with me?” And I was like, “Sure.” What? And we just talked for 20 minutes, and it’s weird because now we text, we e-mail, we chat, we send each other stupid pictures, but I remember that day not understanding how to compute just how genuinely lovely you were. MH: That’s so gracious, but it’s been such a pleasure getting to know
Sweater, Max Mara ($545). Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show, 702-733-8300; saks.com. Diamond long stud earrings ($38) and bar chain finger bracelet ($22), Makko. makkojewelry.com. Diamond stud earrings, Sophia’s own
you, working with you, and having you teach me how to tweet and Instagram. And your photos are amazing. This is a fun fact about Sophia Bush: She is such a great photographer. You wouldn’t even know she’s an actor, and she’s like, “Okay, stand over here.” SB: Taking photos together now, it’s like, “Wow, I basically accosted this woman on the street in Soho, and now we’re working together—” MH: And now you’re telling me where to stand for photos. [Laughs] But let’s talk about support: The environment is something that means a lot to you—you’ve done beach cleanups, marathons to benefit The Nature Conservancy. Tell me about conservation and why it’s so dear to you. SB: I honestly think it’s a no-brainer, and some of that comes from growing up in Southern California—spending all my time as a kid exploring beaches and the sea and the mountains, and just realizing that we’re such a small part of this giant planet, yet we wreak the most havoc on it. When the president of the United States is saying that climate change poses a greater threat to American citizens than terrorism, people are finally opening their eyes and realizing that the world doesn’t exist for us to trample and use. I really hope that citizens will start to demand change both from the companies where they spend their money and the governments they elect to represent them. MH: What are a couple of things you’d suggest to readers who want to protect the environment? SB: It’s important to realize that every dollar you spend casts a vote. When you have to spend money, look at where it’s going. There’s actually a company that a friend of mine helped start called Conscious Commerce, where you can look up all kinds of conscious beauty products, gift items, fashion items. I switched over to a clean diesel [car] a couple of years ago, and it’s made a great impact on my life and saved me a ton of money in the process. I don’t use plastic bags anymore; I take my own bags to the grocery store. I try to drink bottled water that I bring from home in a glass bottle, but if I have to use plastic, I make sure I’m recycling. Buying my groceries at the farmers market on the weekend instead of buying produce that’s shipped using pesticides to stay fresh…. In the minutiae of our everyday, we have the chance to create change. MH: It’s been beautiful to see how you’ve used your social media to get the message out there, and it says on your social media that you call yourself a “storyteller” and an “activist,” and “I believe a pencil can change the world.” How do you want to change the world? SB: The notion of a pencil changing the world to me comes from all of my work with Pencils of
opposite page: White lace dress,
Dolce & Gabbana ($3,345). The Shops at Crystals, 702-431-6614; dolcegabbana.com. Diamond long stud earring ($38) and diamond stud earring ($38), Makko. makkojewelry.com. Ruthenium angular cuff with floating blue sapphire crystal pyrite doublets, Alexis Bittar ($295). Decorazzi, Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3588; alexisbittar.com. Vanilla ring, Swarovski ($62.50). Fashion Show, 702-732-8161; swarovski.com
this page: Top, Burberry Prorsum ($1,150). The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-731-0650; us.burberry.com. High-waist trousers, Max Mara ($650). Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show, 702-733-8300; saks.com. Belt, Donna Karan New York ($350). The Shops at Crystals, 702-207-2420; donnakaran.com. Diamond long stud earring ($38), diamond stud earring ($38), bar chain necklace ($68), bar chain finger bracelet ($22), and small rose-gold curl ring (price on request), Makko. makkojewelry.com.
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Promise and really seeing that we have the capability to change the world by educating its children. I’d like to see us investing in education, in the environment. I’d like to see us treating one another like we’re all in this together. If every one of us really embraces that and says, “I should start with myself, then I can have a ripple effect in my universe,” that’s it. Vegas: Local car dealers talk about how you wrote a Huffington Post op-ed in 2013 about the benefits of buying a diesel vehicle. What inspired that article? SB: I would love for clean-diesel vehicles to be a huge thing everywhere. It all ties back to being passionate about the environment and looking at ways to lower our fossil fuel consumption, looking at ways to create cleaner vehicles. Even when I was just looking for a car a couple of years ago, doing all the research and being able to sort of compare a regular gas option, a hybrid option, and a TDI—a clean diesel vehicle, and clean diesel won far and away—I just think it’s something we can do so easily, and I really wish that people were being given more options. This isn’t the kind of thing that we can wait on, taking care of the environment. MH: Now, hold on—I heard you were at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Vegas last September? I was there, and I did not know that you were there. [Laughs] Tell me about that, and how was your experience in Vegas? SB: Oh, it was so much fun. MH: How great is that city? Unlike any other place on the planet. SB: It is. It’s so wild—kind of like Disneyland for grown-ups. MH: I feel like it’s another planet. [Laughs] SB: It is. [Laughs] I’ve only ever really been in Vegas for a weekend, and it’s usually to celebrate—we’ll do a bachelorette party, or a birthday.... We always just have a great time. Tao has always been lovely; Light has always been lovely.... Usually my MO in Vegas is, if I’m going for the weekend, I love to go out with my friends one night, and then love to hit the pool the next day, have a great meal, and see a show, and then head home on Sunday. I think that’s kind of the perfect mix. I’m not one of those people who can have a crazy night out two nights in a row. [Laughs] MH: Yes, exactly. SB: Two of my best friends and I, we flew in on Saturday morning. We spent a day lying by the pool and drinking smoothies and catching up. We saw so many of our favorite musicians play. I got to present Lorde, which was awesome ’cause I think she’s the coolest, and I was backstage with her before I went out to present her performance, and I’m watching her warm up, and I sort of forgot that she’s only 17. And then she gets out onstage, and she’s such a force, and it was really cool. I thought, We’re lucky we’ve got another really amazing generation of strong and incredible women who really have something to say and really care about their art. MH: That’s exciting to watch. I feel like the younger generations are so much more self-possessed than we were. I remember thinking that even when I met you—I was like, God, if I knew what you knew when I was your age, I’d be a lot further along in the game, ’cause it’s exciting to see young women go after what we want and not have any sort of trepidation about it, but just be like: This is what I want, this is what I do, this is what I’m capable of, and I know I can do it, and I’m going to go after it. It’s fun to see people put sort of self-doubt and limitation behind them. SB: I think it’s taken me forever to learn that. I feel like something sort of magical happens to women in their 30s, where suddenly you go, Oh! All the things that people told me—stop worrying and don’t doubt yourself and you’re doing great—oh, I see why they said that. And then I was looking at this girl and I was thinking, Look at how much she knows about everything. MH: Already! [Laughs] SB: Yeah, and it’s just going to get better for them. V
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Dress, Phillip Lim ($850). Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-731-3636; neiman marcus.com. Diamond long stud earrings ($38), diamond stud earrings ($38), and hexagon gold ring (price on request), Makko. makkojewelry.com beautĂŠ: Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation in Sf03 and Sf05 ($65 each), The Creamy Glow in Isadore ($26), The Celestial Bronzing Veil in Tropical Nights ($48), The Celestial Powder in Candlelight ($44), The Precision Brow Pencil in Brunette ($26), The Essential Eyeshadow Set in Palette #1 ($58), The Curling Mascara in Rich Pitch Black ($28), and The Expert Lip Color in Dantrice ($35). Neiman
Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-731-3636; neiman marcus.com. Wella Oil Reflections Anti-Oxidant Smoothing Oil ($40) and Ocean Spritz Beach Texture Hairspray ($17). Ulta, 2186 N. Rainbow Blvd., 702-631-3668; ulta.com. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Secret ($27). Neiman Marcus, see above
Manicure by Whitney Gibson using Chanel for Nailing Hollywood Video by Nardeep Khurmi
Photography by Rene & Radka/Art Department Styling by Giolliosa & Natalie Fuller/sisterstyling.com Hair by Sascha Breuer/ Starworks using Wella Professionals Makeup by Elaine Offers for Exclusive Artists Management using Kevyn Aucoin Hair by Sascha Breuer for Wella Professionals
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows boasts suites designed by Lynda Murray, seasonal cuisine at FIG Restaurant, fitness by Exhale mind-body spa, and The Bungalow by Brent Bolthouse. A freestanding Baja-style cottage on the grounds of the hotel, The Bungalow features expansive ocean views, lush gardens, sweeping decks, and rustic interior designs.
Shot on location at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and The Bungalow Santa Monica, 101 Wilshire Blvd., 310-576-7777; fairmont.com/santa-monica
this page: Marron glacé suede trench ($4,300) and sandstorm fantasy horse print carré ($230), Gucci. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-369-7333; gucci.com. Ring, model’s own opposite page: Silk coat, Dior ($6,600). Via Bellagio, 702-731-1334; dior.com. Clarice top ($1,095) and Siska skirt ($2,170), Dries Van Noten. Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-731-3636; neimanmarcus.com. Sandals, Emilio Pucci ($1,325). The Shops at Crystals, 702-262-9671; emiliopucci.com
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RetRo Fitting disco fever is alive and well in las vegas as The mosT sTylish fashions of The ’70s come dancing down The runways. photography by rene & radka styling by martina nilsson
opposite page: Ulbino tunic ($795)
and Cinque pants ($450), Max Mara. Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show, 702-733-8300; saksfifthavenue.com. Scarf, Tory Burch ($175). The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-369-3459; toryburch.com. Agate belt, Hanley Mellon ($450). hanleymellon.com. Woven fringe handbag, Salvatore Ferragamo ($5,800). The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-933-9333; ferragamo.com this page: Henley ($695), skirt
($1,695), and belt ($425), Bally. Fashion Show, 702-737-1968; bally.com. 18k yellow-gold Cable Classics diamond bracelet ($4,800) and 18k yellow-gold X diamond bracelet ($3,600), David Yurman. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-794-4545; davidyurman.com. High-heel sandals, Gucci ($1,100). The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-369-7333; gucci.com
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on her: Fluid viscose linen jacket ($2,250), fluid viscose linen pants ($950), and scarf (price on request), Emilio Pucci. The Shops at Crystals, 702-262-9671; emiliopucci.com. Bracelet, Chanel ($1,475). Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3532; chanel.com on him: Kid mohair jacket ($3,060) and pants ($1,330), Prada. Via Bellagio, 702-866-6886; prada.com. Cashmere turtleneck, Ermenegildo Zegna ($895). The Shops at Crystals, 702-560-5837; zegna.com
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opposite page: Suede blouse ($4,050)
and brass ring–embellished suede shorts ($1,895), Chloé. Wynn Las Vegas, 702-770-3450; chloe.com. Scarf (worn as top) ($270) and bangles ($250–$300 each), Missoni. Barneys New York, Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian and Palazzo, 702-629-4200; barneys.com this page: Knit top (price on request),
silk crepe bra (price on request), overstitched denim pants (price on request), light denim PM Epi Twist bag ($3,600), and monogram flower heel ankle boots ($1,390), Louis Vuitton. The Shops at Crystals, 702-262-6262; louisvuitton.com beauté: Number 4 Blow Dry Lotion
($32), Non-Aerosol Hair Spray ($30), and Support Solution ($30). number4hair.com. Dior Diorskin Star Foundation ($50), Diorskin Star Concealer ($36), Diorskin Nude Shimmer in Amber ($56), Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows in Nude and Panama ($30 each), Diorshow Liner Waterproof in Chestnut ($29), Dior Addict IT Lash mascara in IT-Black ($28), Sourcils Poudre eyebrow pencil in Blonde ($29), and Rouge Dior Lipstick in Trompe L’œil ($35). Dior, The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-369-6072; dior.com Photography by Rene & Radka at Art Department Styling by Martina Nilsson for Opus Beauty Hair by Dimitris Giannetos at Opus Beauty using Number 4 Hair Care Makeup by Allan Avendaño at Opus Beauty using Dior Models: Ellinore Erichsen at NEXT Los Angeles and Niclas Gillis at LA Models Produced by Art Department Producer on set: Tony Milano Photo assistant: Adam Rondou vegasmagazine.com 85
NATUR E
I N T H E E Y E of T H E S T O R M The world’s growing population and the impact of the changing climate are putting nature’s ability to provide for all of us at risk. Are we paying enough attention to this looming threat?
PhotograPhy by Kurt MarKus/trunK archive; oPPosite Page: JaMes WoJciK/trunK archive
By Jill Sigal
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When you see the abundance of food at the local supermarket—the bins of fruits and vegetables, the seafood on ice, the water bottles on the shelves—you may not always think about where it all comes from or what would happen if nature could no longer provide for us. Currently there are 7.3 billion people on the planet. According to a report by the United Nations, the world’s population is expected to grow to 9.6 billion by the year 2050. Global demand for food, water, and energy is predicted to increase by 35 percent, 40 percent, and 50 percent, respectively, by 2030. This will further test nature’s ability to provide for us, as will the expanding middle class around the world. The unprecedented consumption of critical natural resources poses enormous challenges for the entire planet. Some countries are already feeling the effects, with depleted fisheries and diminished food stocks resulting from the inability of agricultural production to keep pace with demand. In recent years, more food was consumed around the world than was produced. The changing climate compounds these trends, as the increasing number and severity of storms (like Hurricane Sandy, which battered the East Coast in 2012), floods, and droughts threaten global food and water supplies. Competition for increasingly scarce resources can lead to social and political instability, conflict, radicalization, and possibly even failed nations. According to the US National Intelligence Council, “[Resource] scarcities are likely to hit hardest on poorer states, leading in the worst case to internal or interstate conflict and spillover to regional destabilization.” Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, the country’s premier foreign-policy think tank, agrees. “Resources are linked to both the stability of countries and to the stability of regions,” he says. Resource shortages and competition need to be on “the list of possible sources of friction or conflict” and are “potentially a contributing cause of instability within countries and conceivably a source of instability between countries.” But resource scarcity is not just a problem for other countries; it is also a threat to the United States’ economic interests and national security.
is there hope? Given the stress on nature’s ability to provide for the growing population due to increasing demand and the serious impact of the changing climate, are we doomed, or is there still hope? According to Peter Seligmann, a leading conservationist and the founder, chairman, and CEO of Conservation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting nature for the well-being of people, there is reason to be hopeful. “Many governments, busi-
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nesses, and local communities are realizing the importance of nature to the global economy, livelihoods, and security,” he says. “They are not standing on the sidelines watching as nature is depleted. They are engaging and taking actions to ensure nature is sustainable.” Seligmann cites the example of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, which is leading the charge for sustainability among corporations with its three goals: to sell products that sustain both people and the environment, to create zero waste, and to run on 100 percent renewable energy. Due to its vast size, Walmart can have a significant impact on sustainability up and down its supply chain. “Walmart executives see that their supplies of fish and food depend upon the health of ecosystems,” Seligmann explains, “and they see that ecosystems are being stressed out by shifts in climate. That affects their supply. They’re thinking long-term.” According to Rob Walton, the company’s chairman and the eldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, “For Walmart, it’s about our responsibility as a business, but partly about how many of our sustainability efforts allow us to be more efficient and to continue to pass those savings on to our customers.” Ensuring a sustainable supply chain so that its shelves are always fully stocked is critical to the company’s business. If you’ve noticed a difference in the size of laundry detergent bottles in the last decade, you have Walmart to thank. The company has single-handedly driven the industry to embrace more eco-friendly packaging. And at Walmart’s 2014 Sustainability Product Expo, it introduced an initiative challenging manufacturers to reduce by 25 percent the amount of water in every dose of detergent in North America by 2018. Also announced at the Expo was a new initiative to increase recycling rates in the US by providing low-interest loans to municipalities for recycling projects. Increasingly, companies—including Disney, Starbucks, and Marriott—are realizing that environmental sustainability is not only in their economic self-interest; it is also in the interest of their customers and the communities in which they operate. For example, The Walt Disney Company is implementing major changes designed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, improve its energy efficiency, reduce its water consumption, minimize waste, protect natural ecosystems, and inspire action on environmental health. The company is also funding a flagship project in the Peruvian Amazon to address the main causes of deforestation. Many are aware of Whole Foods’ eco-friendly policies, which include supporting sustainable agriculture and sound environmental practices. The company has also designed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)–certified stores and initiated recycling programs, and it offsets 100
PhotograPhy by XoNoVEtS
ake a look around and it becomes clear that nearly everything surrounding us—the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, the butcher-block table in your kitchen, the paper used for this magazine—comes from nature. The simple truth is that humanity cannot survive without nature: for our food, fresh water, lifesaving medicines, and so much more.
The unprecedented consumption of natural resources
poses enormous challenges for the entire planet.
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“Protecting nature is not an option— it is essential for the well-being of people.
it is not someone else’s problem. We are all in this together.”
PhotograPhy by montree hanlue
—Peter Seligmann
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percent of its energy consumption with renewable-energy credits. And through its sustainable coffee-sourcing program, known as CAFE (Coffee and Farmer Equity) Practices, Starbucks is maintaining the quality of its brews while encouraging higher environmental, social, and economic standards. The initiative has had a significant positive impact on forest conservation and coffee-farming communities, and the company is expected to meet its goal of serving 100 percent ethically sourced coffee this year. (See sidebar for a list of other eco-conscious companies.)
how is the changing climate affecting us now? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an international body that reviews scientific research on the changing climate, stated in a recent report that it is “unequivocal” that the global climate is warming: “The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen.” The IPCC notes that concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased and projects that if the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions continues, the climate and oceans will continue to warm during the 21st century. That could result in sea levels rising anywhere from 21 inches to three feet by 2100, endangering cities worldwide, from New York and Miami to London and Sydney. Coastal flooding and erosion are expected to increase with rising sea levels. The panel also found evidence that human health, agriculture, water supplies, and in some cases people’s livelihoods have already been impacted by climate change. Increased acidification of the oceans (from the absorption of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere) has harmed marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and fisheries, potentially threatening our food security. The IPCC predicts that climate change will impact the availability of fresh water and increase water scarcity, which could result in competition for that resource. The production of crops like wheat and rice is also projected to be negatively impacted by the changing climate. Risks to human health may rise due to stronger heat waves, decreased food production, and a greater prevalence of disease, according to the panel. One place already feeling the impact of the changing climate is the remote nation of Kiribati, which sits just a few feet above sea level in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, more than 1,000 miles south of Hawaii. Kiribati consists of 33 tiny islands and has a population of just over 100,000. If sea levels continue to rise, this republic, which is directly in the eye of the storm, could literally be swallowed up by the sea. According to the country’s president, Anote Tong, rising tides have damaged property and infrastructure, and sea water is intruding on freshwater plants and damaging food crops. “The future is a very real concern,” he says. “My grandchildren will have a very difficult future. We really have to do a lot of work. We need resources to be able to build up the islands in order to be resilient to the impacts that will come in the future.” Although people living thousands of miles from Kiribati may not yet feel the effects of climate change directly, eventually they will, he adds, and the world should act now, before it’s too late. “It is better not to look back and say, ‘Oh no, we should have done something,’” says Tong. He sees this issue as “the most serious moral challenge for humanity,” adding that “humanity will, at some point in time, see the need and the obligation to respond to what is happening. If it’s later, we will go down the drain, but hopefully it will be a lesson. I hope that lesson is well learned to ensure that whatever further damage would be caused will not happen.” Here at home, the third National Climate Assessment, published last year, reports that people across the United States—from corn growers in Iowa to oyster farmers in Washington State—are already feeling the impact of our changing climate, and that impact is growing. The first decade of the 21st century was the world’s hottest on record, and 2012 was the warmest year recorded in the continental United States. According to the report, temperatures in most areas of the country are expected to rise by as much as four degrees Fahrenheit in the coming decades, which threatens US agricultural production, worth about $330 billion annually. The US defense and intelligence communities are increasingly focusing on the impact of climate change on resource scarcity, food security, and stability within and among nations. The US Department of Defense’s 2014 Quadrennial Defense
Making a
Difference
These global brands are leading the way in environmentally responsible practices.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has made a commitment to “Food with Integrity” by serving organic, locally grown, and family-farmed foods. The company has also pledged to offer sustainably produced food and dairy products without synthetic hormones. The Coca-Cola Company is working to achieve its 2020 environmental goals, which include improving water efficiency by 25 percent, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent, raising the recovery rate of its cans and bottles to 75 percent in developed markets, and sustainably sourcing key ingredients. The company has also participated in hundreds of Community Water Partnership projects, providing access to safe water in countries around the world. Hewlett-Packard, through its Living Progress program, employs its technological expertise to help build a sustainable world. As part of the program, the Earth Insights project uses a groundbreaking early-warning system that allows scientists to monitor endangered species in tropical ecosystems in almost real time. Marriott International is implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy that includes commitments to reduce energy and water consumption, green its supply chain, and inspire its guests and associates to conserve natural resources. The company has also provided support to forest and water conservation projects in Brazil and China. Omega partnered with the GoodPlanet Foundation in 2011, and within a year the company showcased the beauty of the world’s oceans in the documentary Planet Ocean, examined the stresses on its ecosystems, and offered solutions. To further foster conservation, Omega designed a special timepiece, the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GMT GoodPlanet, a portion of whose sales proceeds fully fund a project to preserve mangroves, sea grasses, and coral reefs in the seas of Southeast Asia. Starwood Hotels & Resorts is committed to sustainable practices while continuing to offer a great experience for its guests. The company has set a target of 2020 to decrease energy and water consumption by 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively, and to reduce emissions and waste. Stella McCartney’s line features an array of environmentally friendly products, such as eyewear produced with materials like castor oil seeds and citric acid; shoes with soles made from a bio-plastic called APINAT, which degrades when placed in a compost pile; and a faux-leather line created with more than 50 percent vegetable oil, which allows the company to use less petroleum in its products. Tiffany & Co. employs only paper suppliers that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for the brand’s famous blue boxes and bags. Unilever has established the goal of sourcing 100 percent of its agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020. In the same time period, the company has also committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions, per-customer water use, and waste.
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changes that have already occurred and preparing for those to come. Ecosystembased approaches, such as conserving and restoring forests and coastal mangrove swamps, as well as building seawalls to protect against rising oceans, are adaptive measures that can reduce the impact of climate change by increasing a locality’s resilience. “Those actions require a change in our behavior,” he says. “Those actions require a change in how we supply our energy. Those actions require an increased recognition of the importance of securing ecosystems and their health.” What can individuals do to make a difference? “There is much we can do, in terms of whom we vote for and in terms of making good choices with our dollars to make sure we purchase things that are manufactured by companies that are really helping to find solutions rather than exacerbating the problem,” Seligmann says. “Protecting nature is not an option. It is essential for the well-being of people. It is not someone else’s problem. We are all in this together.” No one can predict the future with 100 percent accuracy, so we cannot know for sure how the changing climate will alter nature’s ability to provide for the world’s growing population. Nor can we be certain of the long-term impact that resource scarcity will have on the global economy, security, and people’s livelihoods. But what we can see are the consequences of the changing climate today. We can either take action now to ensure the health of our natural world, or we can wait and see whether the predictions come true and hope we don’t end up looking back and saying, “Oh no, we should have done something.” Nature and all it provides for us—fresh water, fertile soil, food, and so much more—is the lifeblood of human well-being. The pressures on its ecosystems have never been greater. The stakes have never been higher. Protecting nature from the changing climate and ensuring its health is of strategic importance to our economy, our security, and our survival. The planet will endure, with or without us. As Harrison Ford, vice chair of Conservation International, says, “Nature doesn’t need people. People need nature.” V
PhotograPhy by Jan Mika; oPPosite Page: courtesy of MgM resorts international (bellagio, aria); by Dr aJay kuMar singh (Plants)
Review characterizes climate change as a significant global challenge. “The pressures caused by climate change will influence resource competition while placing additional burdens on economies, societies, and governance institutions around the world,” the report states. “These effects are threat multipliers that will aggravate stressors abroad such as poverty, environmental degradation, political instability, and social tensions—conditions that can enable terrorist activity and other forms of violence.” In a 2013 speech, Chuck Hagel, then the US secretary of defense, spoke about how climate change can “significantly add to the challenges of global instability, hunger, poverty, and conflict. Food and water shortages, pandemic disease, disputes over refugees and resources, and more severe natural disasters all place additional burdens on economies, societies, and institutions around the world.” Richard Haass of the Council on Foreign Relations agrees that the changing climate is potentially a source of social instability, possibly resulting in large-scale population movements and a humanitarian nightmare as well as political destabilization. The changing climate raises real questions of economic viability, he says, and if it leads to failed states, “that can create breeding grounds for terrorism or other forms of behaviors that we do not want to see.” Despite the concerns expressed by scientists and world leaders, Americans rank addressing global warming near the bottom of their policy priorities. In a poll last year by the Pew Research Center, global warming came in 19th among 20 policy concerns, with the economy, jobs, and defending the country from terrorism being respondents’ top priorities. Yet, according to Conservation International’s Peter Seligmann, the changing climate could be devastating in all of those areas—threatening our food and water supply, our economic stability, and ultimately our security—and he believes that something must be done now. Nations and communities need to take measures to mitigate climate change by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, Seligmann says, while adapting to the
clockwise from far left:
The water for the famous Bellagio fountains comes not from the municipal water supply but from a privately owned 8.5-acre lake; watering restrictions—and an eco-conscience—require desert landscaping with droughtresistant plants; greeting guests at the LEED Gold–certified Aria at CityCenter is this 87-foot sculpture of the Colorado River, made entirely from reclaimed silver by artist Maya Lin, a conservationist who also designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
Dry times
A long-term drought puts a spotlight on water conservation. by karen rose
“Last year was horrifc,” says former Southern Nevada water czar Pat Mulroy. General manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Las Vegas Valley Water District until retiring last year, and currently a senior fellow for climate adaptation and environmental policy at UNLV’s Brookings Mountain West, Mulroy is referring to the 15-year drought affecting the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the reservoir that provides water for much of the Southwest, including Southern Nevada. “Lake Mead plummeted signifcantly last year, and this year it will continue to go down,” she says. “In all likelihood, by 2016 or 2017 we will be in shortage conditions.” The drought has many causes, but Mulroy cites one in particular: “As far as I’m concerned, this is a manifestation of the onset of the effects of climate change.” One of the nation’s driest cities, Las Vegas also uses more water than most urban areas—212 gallons per person every day. That’s down from 314 gallons in 2002, when conservation efforts began in earnest. “The strategy was: Conserve early,” says Mulroy. “And despite the fact that we were growing over the next six years, increasing our population by 400,000, Southern Nevadans cut water use by a third.” The current goal is to get that down to 199 gallons per capita by 2035, and we’re well on our way.
One key initiative? Bribery. “The water authority began to pay its customers to take their grass out and replace it with desert landscaping in 1999,” she explains. As well, newly constructed houses cannot have front lawns, and backyards may contain no more than 50 percent turf. “And the program has been hugely successful. As a result, when the river does go into shortages, Southern Nevada has already conserved it. That’s the beauty of taking early measures.” Mulroy adds that Las Vegas’s big resorts account for only 3 percent of the area’s water usage. “The big water user is the individual homeowner,” she says, but the business community has led the way in reducing water use. “They were a great role model—they invested heavily. Golf courses took out acres of nonplaying turf. The hotels took out decorative grass and put in artifcial turf. They spent huge amounts to upgrade their evaporative coolers. So the business community can’t be faulted for nonresponse.” Southern Nevada recycles 93 percent of its wastewater. But water used outside often can’t be recycled, so that’s where conservation efforts are focused. “We wanted permanent conservation,” says Mulroy, “not just a temporary response to a temporary drought measure. We wanted to permanently change the way Southern Nevada uses water. And that’s a journey; that’s not an event.”
WhAt residents cAn do to help conserve WAter • Follow the rules set by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (snwa. com/consv/restrictions. html), including restrictions on the amount of water that residents can use for landscaping, as well as the time of day.
a coupon for up to $200 off the purchase price of a permanent mechanical pool cover. Rebate coupons are also available for smart irrigation controllers and rain sensors for more effcient watering.
• If you haven’t yet replaced your lawn with desert landscaping, now is the time. Through its Water Smart Landscapes program, the SNWA rebates customers $1.50 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping (after the frst 5,000 square feet, it’s $1 per square foot).
• Check for leaks in your sprinkler system, water softener, pool, and main service line. If you notice that your water bill is exceptionally high and then fx a leak, you can qualify for an adjustment.
• Get a pool cover—they can save thousands of gallons of water each year. The SNWA offers
• Use a drive-through car wash, which employs less water than washing with a hose. The SNWA website has a list of car washes that recycle water on-site or send it to be treated and returned to Lake Mead.
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THE NEW LAS VEGAS HAS ARRIVED And so has the low down payment
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150 N. Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas Nevada 89101
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© DK Ogden LLC Unauthorized use of the images, artist renderings, plans or other depictions of the project or units is strictly prohibited. Offer subject to change without notice. See agent for details.
Haute ProPerty
Personal ProPerty
They’ve renovaTed and sold sTrangers’ homes, and now the ProPerty Brothers’ own las vegas abode Takes cenTer sTage. by andy wang
photography by larry hanna
Reality TV can get intense when there are hammers involved. Renovating your home is a huge undertaking, both financially and emotionally. It’s one of the most anxiety-producing things you’ll ever do—because you’ll literally have to live with the consequences, and bad decisions can lower the home’s resale value and thus your net worth. So imagine renovating your home with the added stress of doing it alongside your strong-willed identical twin brother, who also happens to be your business partner. And imagine the whole process being filmed for a national audience. “We’re used to giving people their dream homes all the time,” says Jonathan Scott, one half of HGTV’s breakout stars the Property Brothers. “It can be hard when the camera is turned back on you. We made a rule that we would never turn off the cameras.”
He’s referring to the massive renovation that he and brother Drew completed on their own Las Vegas home last year, a five-month process that was filmed for the series Property Brothers: At Home. The Scotts quickly realized that working on their own home would be much more difficult than any of the hundreds of properties they had made over for clients. With a 5,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom main house and a 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath guesthouse, all on a half-acre Spring Valley lot, there was a lot to plan. This renovation was something that had been swirling in the brothers’ minds for years. They purchased the property out of foreclosure in late 2010 and had been living in it as-is when they weren’t busy filming. The fact that their own home didn’t live up to their standards continued on PAge 96
For their own home, the Property Brothers pulled out all the stops, including an infinity pool and an attached pool house.
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Haute ProPerty
top:
Jonathan and Drew Scott at home. left: The backyard basketball court and water slide. right: The living room brings the outdoors inside and vice versa.
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dining area that provides the ideal amount of shade in the late afternoon. “Dinner parties are great here because we usually have big family dinners,” says Jonathan. “Delicious food, lots of laughs—that’s how we grew up.” “This whole house was built for entertaining,” Drew adds. “I have friends and family who spend more time here than me.” But their newly renovated home has the brothers planning to spend as much time as they can in Vegas when they’re not off filming. And even when they’re not here, they’re still keeping an eye on things. “We also put in a security system,” Jonathan says, “so we can catch anybody who hops the fence to use our pool.” These are the Property Brothers, after all. They never turn off the cameras. Property Brothers: At Home airs Wednesdays at 9 pm. V
Re: SouRceS The Property Brothers kept it local when they furnished their Vegas home. They bought outdoor furniture, like the custom-made sectional by the backyard movie screen and infnity pool, from Somers Furniture (6330 Polaris Ave., 702-8371717; somersfurniture.com). Their indoor furniture includes many stylish pieces from Urban Chic (4845 Nevso Dr., 702-364-2442; urbanchic furniture.com) and selections from Colleen’s Classic Consignment (four locations; 702247-7602; cccfurnishings.com), which sells both new and old items. And they had fun picking out vintage arcade games, pinball machines, and a pool table at Billiard Factory (375 N. Stephanie St., Henderson, 702-509-6876; billiardfactory.com). “It’s not exactly a work day when you go there and play all the games,” says Jonathan.
photography by larry hanna
irked them. Another problem was that they have vastly different standards. “Jonathan had quite a few diva moments,” says Drew. Jonathan scoffs at this. In a New York Times interview, Drew described the aesthetic of his brother’s master bathroom as “designer loneliness.” But the bickering brothers, who are socialmedia stars as well as TV personalities, know that tweaking and needling each other is good for ratings and for business. After dividing up responsibilities for this renovation, they managed to avoid using chainsaws on each other. “Drew did his courtyard, basketball court, putting green, and garage,” says Jonathan. “Drew’s bedroom has gold and blues. My bedroom is a little softer.” Drew interrupts: “He’s a
little more of a softie. I have a courtyard space that’s just outside my bedroom, and I’ve told Jonathan he and his dogs aren’t allowed there. It’s just for me and my girlfriend.” It turns out, however, that the two agreed on quite a bit and wound up creating a home they both love and believe could easily fetch $2 million on the open market—if they ever decide to sell. They both wanted a residence designed for entertaining, with a guesthouse for their parents, and both wanted smart-home technology and eco-friendly flourishes. The lighting, the heating, and much more can be controlled remotely and programmed to be as efficient as possible. The brothers also put Sunrun solar panels on the roof. The most showstopping part of the house, though, is the enormous commercial-grade water slide. “The water slide is what I fought for the most, and Drew didn’t want to do it,” Jonathan says. “It’s the very first one like this in Vegas. The city didn’t even have code for it, and they originally denied it.” But now it’s “the first thing everyone comments on when they visit the house.” The slide is valued at $250,000, and they got a break on the price from the manufacturer, which no doubt realized that the sale would provide good exposure. “The water slide is made by SplashTacular,” Jonathan says. “They do the biggest water parks in the world.” He asked the company if it could get him the slide’s plans in a relatively short time. “The funny thing is, this is as huge a feature as I’ve ever done, [but] the next morning they got us the plans. For them, this was a small project.” The brothers use their outdoor space yearround, thanks to an overhang at the back of the house and a pergola over their outdoor
GUESS?Š2015
#DENIMDAY There is no excuse and never an invitation to rape .
haute property tall Stories
Let’s Buy a Dynasty
From a $28 million estate with a world oF inFluences to a colossal strip-side penthouse to privileged communal living, the newest vegas listings reFlect the many meanings oF luxury. Let’s go back to the start. Way, way back. The Rameses Estate, the jawdropping $28 million property at 1717 Enclave Court, listed by broker Kristen Routh-Silberman of Synergy Sotheby’s International Realty (vegas luxuryrealestate.com), is named for the line of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. It’s about “creating a foundation for your home and your life and building it into a dynasty,” says Routh-Silberman. For aspiring dynasty builders, it doesn’t hurt that the European-style estate, with rose gardens and mature trees, is located in Country Club Hills on the private TPC at Summerlin golf course. Or that it features a 13,200square-foot house with six bedroom suites, nine bathrooms, a screening room, a billiards room, an art room, a dining room seating 30, a kitchen suitable for huge parties, Venetian-plaster walls, marble floors, custom- designed light fixtures, and a four-car garage. Or that the master bedroom suite, with its silk-paneled walls, is modeled after the famous Coco Chanel suite at the Ritz Paris. Or that the guest suites include rooms inspired by Chanel, Hermès, and Versace. (For some, no doubt, fashion is a home’s foundation.) The biggest selling point, though, could be its address. The 1.5-acre estate is on “simply the most prestigious street in Las Vegas,” says Routh-Silberman, where moguls spend tens of millions creating their dream homes. Enclave Court has only seven properties—two owned by the billionaire Fertitta family—so its palatial residences rarely go on the market. “It’s the most expensive street. You can’t get more exclusive.” Broker Kamran Zand, founder and owner of Luxury Estates International (luxuryestates.com), isn’t one to dawdle. He took over sales and marketing for
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The Martin’s remaining units in January, and by February he’d found buyers for four of them, including a 42nd-floor, 1,111-square-foot twobedroom condo listed for $391,500. As of mid-February, Zand still had some gargantuan apartments for sale at The Martin, including the top-floor gray-shell penthouse, a 12,940-squarefoot colossus. The developer has added electrical and water systems, as well as waste lines, so the buyer won’t be starting completely from scratch. The residence was previously listed at upwards of $500 per square foot, but Zand is working on “more attractive pricing” for it, as well as for four grayshell penthouses on the two floors beneath, ranging from 3,600 to 5,200 square feet. “The Martin is one of the few towers that has balconies,” Zand says. “It’s also 585 steps away from CityCenter. You’re not on the Strip with the cars and the lights, but you have access to it via a short walk.” Also at CityCenter, Zand recently listed a $2.167 million, 2,167-squarefoot unit on the 43rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental, and it’s now in contract for more than $1,000 per square foot. But the luxury high-rise condo market isn’t just about the Strip, where buyers are often looking for a second or third home. Over at One Queensridge Place, where many owners have their primary residence, Zand has listed a 4,826-square-foot condo for $2.395 million. Instead of the international jet set relaxing at their vacation homes, you’ll find local doctors and lawyers. Vegas luxury is all about options. Want to make friends with your neighbors? The Lennox (thelennox lv.com), a boutique luxury rental complex where one-bedrooms start at $1,350 per month, is ready
from top:
The grand living room of the Rameses Estate; an apartment at The Lennox, a boutique luxury rental complex; a condo at The Martin offering a kitchen with a skyline view.
to welcome occupants to its mix of stylish apartments with deluxe amenities, like spin bikes by the pool, cabanas with flat-screen TVs, a clubhouse with a coffee bar, a pet park, and three lounges where residents can watch games and movies. The four-story, 200,000-square-foot East Cactus Avenue complex, where
move-ins started in January, has 100 units, ranging from 930-square-foot one-bedrooms to 1,900-square-foot three-bedrooms. The sleek design includes granite and stainless-steel open kitchens with illuminated bars, and bathrooms with quartz counters and frameless shower doors. Welcome to the club. V
photography by JpM StudioS (1717 EnclavE); Eric JaMiSon/Studio J (thE lEnnox); FraSEr alMEida/luxury hoMES photography (thE Martin)
by andy wang
You’re invited to Las Vegas’ premier dog show benefiting the Valley’s lost and abandoned animals.
Sunday, April 26 · Orleans Arena Featuring more than 50 fabulous shelter dogs from The Animal Foundation, available for adoption at the conclusion of the show.
VIP Brunch and Silent Auction General Admission Doors Open Show begins
Visit animalfoundation.com/show/ for sponsorship, advertising, and vendor opportunities or to purchase general admission tickets.
Mark Harmon, Stand Up To Cancer Ambassador
I AM MY OWN
SECRET WEAPON. The battle against cancer is hard fought and hard won, and often treatments are as debilitating as the disease itself. But inside each of us is the power to fight cancer: our immune system. Stand Up To Cancer and the Cancer Research Institute have joined forces in one of the most promising new research areas, using the science of immunology to get our bodies’ own natural defenses to fight the disease. Immunotherapy has the potential to significantly change the treatment of cancer as we know it. Stand Up with us. Together, we can impact millions of lives.
Stand Up To Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Photo by Kevin Lynch
To learn more go to StandUp2Cancer.org or CancerResearch.org/Dream-Team
The Guide
puck fare
ar & grill, the chef’s Wolfgang Puc first venture into suburbia, is worth leaving the strip for (or not leaving your neighborhood). by andrea bennett
photography by heather gill
Wolfgang Puck doesn’t really need a neighborhood to create a community restaurant. He opened Spago under the trompe l’oeil sky of a faux ancient Roman street, and it remains the cafeteria of Vegas socialites 23 years later. But imagine how the Puck sensibility— comforting, beautifully executed, just exotic enough—shines when it’s given a real neighborhood. In just a few short months Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill has become the date-night escape of Summerlin parents, an after-work decompression zone, and a kid-friendly brunch spot. The room’s rustic design is warm but elevated enough for a romantic date or lounging outside on the patio (below an actual sky). My go-tos have become the grilled Spanish octopus with romesco and the DTS chopped salad: With market vegetables and crunchy quinoa, it’s a sunny day in the garden—with a Champagne vinaigrette. Crunchy-chewy pizzas bubble over to your table (a favorite: the potato and leek—earthy, sweet, and smoky, with goat cheese and prosciutto). The slightly smoky wood oven– roasted sea bass with garlic spinach would be a smash hit anywhere on the Strip, and the juicy mesquite-grilled burger with aged cheddar and red onion marmalade reminds you you’re in a neighborhood joint. Brunch means even more opportunity to run into your neighbors over goat cheese omelets and açai berry smoothies on the patio that looks out toward Red Rock Canyon. 10955 Oval Park Dr., 702-202-6300; wolfgangpuck.com V
Wolfgang Puck’s tempting DTS chopped salad, with market vegetables, quinoa, and a Champagne vinaigrette.
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the guide excite
Mountain Biking
Adventure Time
As temperAtures rise in vegAs, reAcquAint Yourself with nAture with these unforgettAble outdoor Activities. Auto Racing The Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Dream Racing program puts you in control of exotic sports cars whose speeds top 200 miles per hour. The spectacular selection includes models from Porsche, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi— not to mention state-of-theart Ferrari and Lamborghini racecars—that can be booked for up to 40 laps around the speedway’s course. 7000 N. Las Vegas Blvd., 702-599-5199; dreamracing.com
Balloon Ride Las Vegas Balloon Rides makes it possible to see Sin City from an entirely new perspective—hovering over the valley at 4,000 feet, to be exact. Ninety-minute hot-air balloon flights lift off every morning and include a full sit-down breakfast and
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Champagne, meaning you’ll receive five-star treatment the entire time you’re floating over Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountains. 9310 W. Tropicana Ave., 702-248-7609; hotairballoonlv.com
Four-Wheeling Get up close and personal with Nevada’s oldest and largest state park from an open-air two- or four-door Jeep. The hook? You’ll be in the driver’s seat—or, for those who’d rather relinquish control, sitting beside one of the Rock Crawlers’ seasoned guides. The Valley of Fire tour blazes through 150 million-year-old sandstone formations and dunes and a canyon marked by prehistoric rock writings. 4610 Arville St., 702-376-6214; lasvegasrockcrawlers.com
Horse Riding Cowboy Trail Rides’ Way Out West Ride departs from a Red Rock Canyon base camp and continues along a narrow passage flanked by Joshua trees, cacti, and other wildlife emblematic of the American Southwest. You’ll break for lunch for roughly an hour—just enough time to soak in the views that stretch all the way from central Las Vegas and Lake Mead to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. 702-387-2457; cowboytrailrides.com
Kayaking Evolution Expeditions’ seven-hour kayaking excursion introduces you to some of the Hoover Dam’s most eye-catching natural and man-made sights. Cruising down the Colorado River from the base of the dam, you’ll paddle through the smooth waters of Black
Escape Adventures offers high-octane mountain biking tours that will have you either clutching your handlebar or raising your arms in ecstasy. The ride through Red Rock’s Cottonwood Valley features a medley of steep climbs, rip-roaring descents, and switchbacks, culminating in a scenic jaunt through the valley’s much-loved 3-Mile Smile. 10575 Discovery Dr., 702-596-2953; escapeadventures.com
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Dip your toes in Lake Las Vegas with one of Paddle to the Core’s classes, which combine beginner-friendly stand-up paddleboarding moves with yoga, Pilates, and meditation basics. The workout is equivalent to a personal training session. 101 Montelago Blvd., 702-567-2187; suplv.com
Zip-Lining Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Mojave on Flightlinez’s zip-line course, which crisscrosses roughly 8,000 feet of terrain in historic Bootleg Canyon. You’ll have close encounters with desert flora and fauna and unmatched mountaintop panoramas as you careen down the course’s four massive lines at more than 60 miles per hour. 1644 Nevada Hwy., 702-293-6885; flightlinezbootleg.com V
Outward BOund David Bert of Cowboy Trail Rides takes us into the wild. What are some of your more popular rides? Our two most popular rides are the Morning Canyon Rim Ride and the Sunset BBQ Ride. The views are breathtaking, with the rising sun setting fre to the majestic Wilson Cliffs, and after the sunset ride you’re treated to a steak dinner, entertainment, and s’mores around the campfre. What if we’re relatively new to riding? Because we have welltrained, well-mannered horses, frst-time riders love riding with us. We recommend the Sunset BBQ Ride for everyone: It’s not just a horseback ride; it’s a little slice of cowboy adventure they’ll remember forever. What kind of sights can we expect to see? It’s quintessential Southwestern high-desert terrain—the stuff old Western movies were made of. Expect nothing short of John Wayne coming around the bend.
photography courtesy of flightlinez Bootleg canyon (zip-lines); cowBoy trail rides (cowBoys)
Canyon and explore caves, geothermal spring pools, and pre-dam irrigation and construction sites left over from the 1920s and ’30s. 10300 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-259-5292; evolutionexpeditions.com
Flightlinez’s zip-lines will send you soaring over more than a mile and a half of breathtaking desert terrain.
the guide relax
Balancing Act
chi out of BALANcE? dEcomprEss ANd dEstrEss with oNE of thEsE must-try mAssAgEs At vEgAs spAs. Bathhouse Spa The most popular massage at the recently revamped Bathhouse Spa is the Thai Fusion, a hard-core treatment that incorporates intensive techniques like Thai touch and shiatsu. The spa switches up the routine by adding qi sticks, thin wooden rods that therapists roll over muscles to target deep-tissue tension. In addition to their superficial benefits—the kneading eliminates muscle soreness—the sticks also stimulate blood flow and cell metabolism. Delano Las Vegas, 877-6329636; delanolasvegas.com
Costa del Sur Spa A hidden gem, Costa del Sur Spa is one of only a handful of spas in Vegas to offer two controversial alternative therapies: Craniosacral massage focuses on balancing fluids and energy levels
by touching points on the skull, face, spine, and pelvis, while myofascial release is a full-body treatment that involves applying pressure to the body’s fascia, or connective tissue, to reduce pain and inflammation. South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, 702-797-8030; spacostadelsur.com
Drift Spa & Hammam In Drift Spa’s ashiatsu massage, therapists relieve pressure using only their lightly oiled feet while suspended from bars built into the ceiling (let’s hope you’re not podophobic). Practitioners focus their movements on clients’ necks, shoulders, and spines, meaning that anyone who’s ever asked a loved one to walk on his or her back in a moment of desperation can now sign up to have the
service performed by trained professionals. Palms Casino Resort, 702-944-3219; palms.com
Qua Baths & Spa Tear yourself away from the opulent baths at Qua long enough to unwind with a Hawaiian lomilomi massage, a treatment that can be performed only by trained practitioners versed in the ancient Polynesian healing system. Take comfort in the fact that the spa’s therapists have been well-schooled by Kauai-based expert Dr. Maka’ala Yates, a specialist in the slower-paced (yet still quite rigorous) technique that defines this particular brand of massage. Caesars Palace, 866-7820655; caesars.com
The Spa at Aria A multisensory experience is waiting for you at The Spa at
Aria, where the Thai poultice massage incorporates aspects of both massage and aromatherapy. Instead of using only their hands, the spa’s therapists rhythmically press warm poultices—gauze-wrapped packets of herbs and essential oils—into clients’ muscles, providing deep relief as the steam-heated poultices release naturally mood-boosting aromas. Aria Resort & Casino, 702-590-9600; aria.com
photography courtesy of aria (spa); palms las vegas (massage)
Spa director Brandy Ashford previews the revamped treatment selection at Palms Casino Resort’s Drift Spa & Hammam.
The Spa at Red Rock The Shirodhara Hot Stone massage at The Spa at Red Rock combines elements of multiple treatments offered by this award-winning spa. Kicking off the experience, clients enjoy a full-body massage with oil and hot stones to combat muscle tightness. The process continues with therapists pouring warm oil down the forehead and into the spiritual third eye, then they finish it all off with a sleepinducing scalp massage. Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, 702-797-7878; redrock.sclv.com
The Spa at Wynn Designed with relaxation in mind, The Spa at Aria features Aji stone walls, meditative lighting, and soothing salt-infused air.
Sweet Serenity
Inarguably the Spa at Wynn’s most extravagant massage treatment, its four-hands massage harnesses the power of two therapists, who work in synchrony to get you relaxed, moisturized, and deknotted in just under an hour (or more, depending on how knotted you are). The massage can be performed bedside in Wynn’s guest rooms for those staying at the resort or inside one of the spa’s Roger Thomas–designed treatment spaces. Wynn Las Vegas, 702-7703900; wynnlasvegas.com V
Which treatments do you recommend to prepare for summer—and endless pool parties? Our new Drift Away Ritual is a great way to hydrate and prepare your skin for bathing suit season—an intensively hydrating treatment from head to toe. It includes an invigorating argan oil scrub blended with exfoliating orange peel, sesame, and sweet almond oils; a warm hydrating wrap; a deep moisturizing hair mask; and a whipped shea butter application. Our oxygenating facial is great for our guests who are looking for a pick-meup after a long night of partying. It uses pure oxygen, which unclogs pores, promotes circulation, and reduces puffness. Our goal is for our guests to leave healthier and happier than they were when they entered our doors.
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INVITED Matthias Merges and Shawn McClain
Lindsey Hornbuckle and Audrey Monti
Wendy and Brian Howard with Corey Nyman and Christina Hernandez
Michael Mina and Josh Smith
Craig Schoettler, Ari Kastrati, Anthony Amoroso, and Kim Wood
Larry Ruvo and Bobby Baldwin Signature cocktails
Live jazz music
BARDOT BRASSERIE GRAND OPENING
Carl Cohen, Mary Giuliano, and Farid Matraki with Bardot Brasserie’s red-carpet model
opening of his latest fine-dining establishment at Aria, Bardot Brasserie, with a live jazz band, caricaturists, mimes, and a coterie of beretsporting models. Bringing together some of the city’s most prominent chefs, the evening offered guests the opportunity to sample a few of Mina’s elevated takes on French brasserie favorites, including escargots with warm hazelnuts and croque madames. Morgan Hutchinson and Alex Lourdes
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF RAY ALAMO
CHEF MICHAEL MINA TOASTED the grand
Art meets fashion
Robin Leach, Jade Kelsall, and Tory Kooyman
Emily Ellis-Santana, Tony Hsieh, and Lauren Randall
ARTLIVE AT THE SMITH CENTER THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS was the site of the Las Vegas Fashion Council’s
John Madole and Michele ArcherMadole
Geovanna Hilton
Artlive, a celebration of art and fashion benefiting Downtown’s future museum of contemporary art, The Modern. The evening featured live and silent auctions, a fashion show, and visual presentations assembled by local artists, designers, and performers representing organizations such as Cirque du Soleil and Nevada Ballet Theatre. In addition, the event paid tribute to two Vegas-based visionaries, artist Tim Bavington and the online retailer Zappos.
Cory Bradley and Ermelinda Manos
Unico Clemente and Jerry Metellus
Brett Robillard, Daniel Seeley, and Brett Sperry
Carolyn Wagner, Jane Engs, and Lee Medick
Heather Caravella and Aprilyn Villafana
Tim Molyneux and Niki Reid
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INVITED
Andrew Tierney, Toby Allen, Tiffany Engen, Phil Burton, and Michael Tierney Maren Wade
PREMIERE WEEKEND AT VENETIAN AND PALAZZO VENETIAN AND PALAZZO TOASTED
the debuts of their two latest additions, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar and Frank: The Man. The Music. The festivities kicked off with a cocktail party at Yardbird, where guests, including actors Johnny Galecki, Cote de Pablo, and Alison
Sweeney, sampled a selection of the restaurant’s Southern comfort foods while enjoying music from DJ Questlove. The celebration continued with the premiere of acclaimed impressionist Bob Anderson’s new Sinatra-themed production at the Palazzo Theatre. Bob Anderson
Questlove
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VENETIAN AND PALAZZO. OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF RAY ALAMO
Alison Sweeney
Johnny Galecki and Cote de Pablo
Melissa McCain, Darin Marques, and Nikki Bonifatto
Jeff Ng, Rob Kinas, Erin Elliott, and Devin Luzod
Lance Robbins and Cary Vogel
CHAR LUXURY REAL ESTATE GR AND OPENING
Mike Gould, Michelle Pistone, and Dan Lorenger
LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE BROKER Randy Char and Mike Gould of the Private Bank by Nevada State Bank celebrated the grand opening of Char Luxury Real Estate in Tivoli Village, the city’s first boutique real estate lounge, by hosting a series of intimate cocktail receptions. Investors and local influencers gathered to sip 18-year-old Scotch whisky by The Glenlivet, enjoy cocktails made with Absolut Elyx, and sample light bites from the nearby restaurants Echo & Rig and Made L.V.
Randy Char and Sebastien Silvestri
Parting shot
Welcome to the unkindest month in las Vegas for allergy sufferers. don’t blame mother nature. by scott dickensheets
Hang on to your sinuses, people. Now that we’ve concluded our cherished winter ritual—trying to feel bad for snowbound Easterners as we ride out February in shirtsleeves—it’s time for the inevitable karmic boomerang: spring allergies. You know the routine: The blocked nasal passages and snuffling. The uptick in tissue expenses. The renewed appreciation for sneeze guards at local buffets. It’s just nature’s way of reminding us that there’s no free lunch. Because it turns out that the unseasonable warmth and dryness that make Las Vegas the envy of our polar-vortexed friends now comes back to bite us in the nose. With no killing frosts or pollen-dampening layers of snow, our trees, grasses, and weeds can, early and often, get right down to the floral equivalent of making whoopee—that is, spewing allergens into the air. The desert helpfully kicks in some dust, maybe a few mold spores, and voilà: peak sneeze, every April. By the way, the proper spelling is “gesundheit.” But hold on a minute. Even though nature exhales pollens by the ton, we can’t blame her entirely. It takes human tomfoolery to turn the cool, green business of plant reproduction into a medical nuisance. Time was, the raw desert was an excellent place for the respiratorily challenged. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was
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where allergy sufferers, asthmatics, and tuberculosis victims from the cold, damp Northeast would flock to clear their heads and chests. So many thousands, in fact, that the Southwest became “the nation’s sanatorium”—a slogan that one New Mexico territorial governor thought would be a nifty motto for his state. Luxury health resorts in Arizona catered to the wheezing scions of Industrial Age wealth, while penniless “lungers” camped in tent cities. Too new to really cash in on this early medical tourism, Las Vegas nonetheless gained a reputation as a good place to dry your clogged bronchia. The magic of hot, clean air. But that was, what, 1.5 million people ago? The magic has vanished. Because doing what we shouldn’t do is pretty much the mission statement of Las Vegas, for years its residents planted trees and grasses that couldn’t thrive here without the area’s modern water infrastructure. Eventually pollen counts rose, and the desert’s advantage became what one local allergist now calls a “honeymoon period”: Newcomers breathe easy for a few years, and then the sneezing sets in. Sure, some of the worst allergy triggers—your fruitless mulberry and olive trees—were banned decades ago, and xeriscaping has become the new suburban norm. But thanks to the bonkers growth of the ’90s and aughts and
the lavish amounts of water we gushed onto our lawns, we’ve still managed to carpet the valley with plenty of fresh pollen sources. (Ash trees and golf-course grass, we’re looking at you.) Such ecological mischief has turned one of the best places to ward off hay fever into a hay-fever party, millions of spores spring-breaking in your sinuses for the March–June allergy season. So next time you interrupt an important client meeting with a five-sneeze spectacular, don’t blame Mother Nature. Las Vegas did this to itself. V
illustration by daniel o’leary
Bless You!
“Ecological mischiEf has turnEd onE of thE bEst placEs to ward off hay fEvEr into a hay-fEvEr party.”
C A R A D E L E V I N G N E B AG T H E F O R U M S H O P S AT C A E S A R S , 7 0 2 - 3 8 2 - 0 4 9 6 M U L B E R RY. CO M