Vegas Player Magazine Spring/Summer 2012 by Onboard Media

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

VEGAS

V E G A S P l ay e r

T H E L A S V E G A S L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E O F C A E S A R S E N T E R TA I N M E N T

GORDON RAMSAY Cutting-Edge Cuisine

T h e Las V egas L i f est y l e M aga z i n e o f c aesa r s E n te r ta i n me n t S P RIN G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 12VP A-CVR FINAL Gordon MECH.indd 1

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C R Y S TA L S 7 0 2 2 6 2 5 6 3 8

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TH E B R E M O NT M BI I

TH E B R E M O NT M BI I The Bremont MBII was designed and built with the aim of becoming the definitive aviation chronometer in the marketplace. Tested and designed in conjunction with the iconic British aviation company Martin-Baker, who are responsible for supplying 70% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air-forces with fighter ejection-seat technology, the watch had to withstand the same rigorous testing as the seats themselves. These tests include shock, vibration, temperature extremes, and sea-fog tests amongst others. Bremontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique rubberised anti-vibration mount absorbs extreme shocks and the Faraday cage protects the movement against magnetic forces. This is the only watch ever to have been subjected to a live ejection testing program.

For full testing program go to www.bremont.com /video.php

MBII/OR

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Watch Brand of the Year

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160 SPECIALTY SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS INCLUDING BACCARAT, BALENCIAGA, BURBERRY, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, DAVID YURMAN, DEBEERS, DIOR BEAUTY, DKNY, DOLCE & GABBANA, EMPORIO ARMANI, ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA, FENDI, GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI, GUCCI, HUBLOT, HUGO BOSS, INGLOT, JIMMY CHOO, JUDITH RIPKA, LA PERLA, LOUIS VUITTON, MICHAEL KORS, MONTBLANC, PUCCI, ROMAN TIMES, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, THOMAS PINK, TIFFANY & CO., TOURNEAU TIME DOME, VALENTINO, VERSACE. SHOPPING LINE速 702.893.4800. FORUMSHOPS.COM. FACEBOOK.COM/FORUMSHOPS TWITTER.COM/THE_FORUM_SHOPS

YEAR S

WONDER

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contents

FEATURES

IN THE KNOW 34

Lay of the Land America the beautiful. Nature photographer Peter Lik discusses how he captured some of his favorite images.

COMPLIMENTS OF THE CHEF 36

Spring Fling Written by Jacquelynn D. Powers Five chefs. Five restaurants. And five delicious spring dishes.

SPLURGE 38

Style Watch Compiled by Christie Moeller and Danielle Cohen The Forum Shops at Caesars turns 20. Fendi finds inspiration in the 1960s. Ben Sherman’s Mod fashion marches on. And our tribute to rock ‘n’ roll: a lyrical look at the season’s hottest styles and accessories.

LAVISH ADORNMENTS 58

La Bella Vita Photographed by Robert John Kley A celebration of two decades of style— finds from The Forum Shops at Caesars.

FASHION FORWARD 68

Artistic Encounter Photographed by Jerry Metellus A revealing look at spring’s sexiest lingerie.

CELEBRITY PORTRAIT 78

Pressure Cooker Written by Shep Morgan Star chef Gordon Ramsay thrives on stress and pressure, which has helped him to conquer the restaurant scene in London, Los Angeles and New York City and the foodie world of American TV. Now, he sets his sights on Las Vegas.

COCKTAIL CULTURE 84

Champagne Wishes That “Pop!” you hear is the bubbly being poured at the Seahorse Lounge at Caesars Palace, where chic champagne cocktails deliver an extra kick.

Lingerie: Tonight cami/short sleepwear set ($54); In Bloom by Jonquil/La Vogue, Paris Las Vegas. Beauty products: Topshop highlighter in Sunrise ($16); Topshop/Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

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Photo by Jerry Metellus

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Cable Wrap Collection

THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS 702 794 4545

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contents

Jewelry: Golden South Sea Pearls necklace and Labradorite ring with .50 carats of diamonds set in rose gold (prices upon request); Vicci/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Clothing: Tank dress with pleated hem ($895); Marc Jacobs/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Beauty products: La Boheme eye-shadow palette ($39); Make Up For Ever/Sephora, The Forum Shops at Caesars. DiorBlush in Peachy Keen ($42); Dior Beauty/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

DEPARTMENTS

OPENING ACT 18 Bienvenue (Welcome) to Las Vegas! Take a table as James Beard Award-winner Michel Richard tells you what’s special about Las Vegas dining. 20 PULSE OF VEGAS Travis Cloer of Jersey Boys on what it’s like to sing with Frankie Valli watching. In honor of Jeffrey Katzenberg’s CinemaCon honor, some Shrek trivia. ABSINTHE’s Angel Porrino “pops in.” Plus, Vegas Uncork’d and the World Series of Poker return; a spa treatment you create; and dressing for success at your wedding. 30 32 86 88 90 96 97 136

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LIVE WELL

He’s the trainer to the stars. Follow Gunnar Peterson’s killer cardio program.

OUTTAKES

Snow White and the Huntman’s evil queen Charlize Theron on why beauty is only skin-deep.

best bets

Tips to use in handicapping the NBA playoffs.

Happenings

News & Notes: the odds and ends of Las Vegas.

Scene + Heard

Starcatcher: celebrity sightings from all across town.

SHOWBIZ

Meet the new Pussycat Dolls!

Around Town

Your dining and entertainment guide to Las Vegas.

wild card

A peek in on PEEPSHOW with Josh Strickland.

Photo by Robert John Kley

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CONTRIBUTORS Who, What and Why

Robert John Kley | Photographer | “La Bella Vita” Life is indeed beautiful, as are the photographs Robert John Kley captured for our spread, “La Bella Vita.”

Robert has photographed in The Forum Shops at Caesars numerous times, but says he “wanted to show this iconic location in a new way, with a fresh eye.”

Robert used cinematic lighting “to create a moody, sophisticated feel” worthy of this big-screen location. See more of Robert’s work on his Web site: rjkphoto.com.

Jerry Metellus | Photographer | “Artistic Encounter” Photographer Jerry Metellus had high praise for Sviatlana, our model featured in “Artistic Encounter,” calling her “phenomenal and so easy to work with.” The results were as stunning as the location itself: Gallery Nightclub. “The visuals were amazing. Everywhere you

turned, there was detail or color or some backdrop that caught your eye, and it popped on film.”

john reed

To check out what else Jerry’s been up to, visit jerrymetellus.com.

Christie Moeller | Stylist |“Artistic Encounter” and “La Bella Vita”

RJ K P h o t o

For “Artistic Encounter,” stylist Christie Moeller “wanted to tap into spring’s sexy side” and show off the season’s most seductive lingerie trends. “Lace detailing, retro-sensibility and form-fitting shape-wear is the way to go.” We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of The Forum Shops at Caesars with a lavish photo shoot. The good news is, almost everything—from the clothing and jewels to the model’s makeup—is available there. View Christie’s fashion blog at icanstyleu.com/blog.

Shep Morgan | Writer | “Pressure Cooker” Celebrity interviewer Shep Morgan asked famed chef Gordon Ramsay the hard question: What do you really think of airline food? And Ramsay bit, confiding, “The worst thing is when I’m the last one to get the menu and they come to me shaking and quivering because they think I’m going to get nasty if I can’t get my first choice,” Ramsay jokes. The truth? “What I’ll do is take a little packed lunch, a little something to go, or have a little meal at the airport before I fly,” the chef says.

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Spring/Summer 2012

VEGAS

v e g a s p l ay e r m a g a z i n e . c o m

T h e L a s V e g a s L i f e styl e M a g a z i n e o f Ca e s a r s E n t e r ta i n m e n t Created exclusively for the guests of Bally’s Las Vegas, Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, Caesars Palace, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Imperial Palace, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Vegas Player is published by Onboard Media three times a year and is distributed in every room and suite. Caesars Entertainment Corporation

Gary Loveman Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Caesars Entertainment Corporation

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Ed Murzyn Creative Director Caesars Entertainment Corporation

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Gail Abrams publishing director beth wood PROJECT ART DIRECTOR

©2012 onboard media. no claim to original works of Caesars Entertainment Corporation or advertisers. All rights reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. printed in the united states of america.

TRACY STEIN art director ruben Carballo Graphic Designer Dayana Ramirez Graphic Designer Juan iturriza production manager

contributing writers Grace Bascos, Danielle Cohen, Mia McNiece, Christie Moeller, Shep Morgan, Jacquelynn Powers and Marsala Rypka. Contributing Photographers/ Illustrators and Producer Bryan Adams, David Becker, Danny Inglewood, Erik Kabik, Robert John Kley, Devin Lloyd, Jerry Metellus, Ethan Miller, Michael Muller, Joseph Sanders, Bryan Steffy, Cassi Thomas, Denise Truscello and John Ulmanis.

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On the Cover:

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Chef G ordon R am say br i ngs his cutting- edge cui si ne to Par i s L as Vegas. Photograph by M ichael Muller/CPi Syndication

Las Vegas Office 3355 Spring Mountain Road Suite 13 Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel: 702.212.5690 Fax: 702.212.4960 South Beach Office 1691 Michigan Avenue Suite 600 Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel: 305.673.0400 Fax: 305.674.9396

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Opening Act Our Celebrity Welcome

Welcome

Bienvenue! Welcome

Chef Michel Richard will seat you now Although Chef Michel Richard says he’s “not making unusual dishes,” his menu says otherwise: Lobster burger, cheese puffs and onion carbonara are among the “usual” items.

Where does Las Vegas rank in the echelon of food cities? Las Vegas is one of the top cities for cuisine. I love being in Las Vegas. So many of my friends and fellow chefs have restaurants here too.

The James Beard Award-winning chef founded Central (pronounced “sen-TRAHL”) in Washington, D.C., and recently opened Central Michel Richard in Caesars Palace. He calls it “an American bistro but with my French accent.”

You brought Central from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas. How does the restaurant and crowd differ? Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas are naturally very different but the same. Both cities welcome visitors from around the world, and both have visitors and locals who love and appreciate good food. But the energy in Las Vegas is like no other city.

“I am not trying to change the world,” he says with a chuckle. “I just want your mouth to dance with pleasure when you eat my food.”

What’s your favorite thing about Las Vegas? I love the energy and pace of the city. To keep up, we have to go, go, go. And I get to feed a puzzle of people from all over the world.

Here, Richard shares his thoughts on dining and other pleasures of Las Vegas.

What makes this city unique when it comes to dining? It’s a twenty-four-hour town, so it only makes sense to make my food available around the clock. It’s fun food at any hour.

Everyone raves about it, so tell us about your fried chicken. I’m in love with the chicken: crisp, crunch! I love the grand crunch. We use larger bits of bread, like plump snowflakes, and this creates a larger surface area that crisps as it cooks. Best food cure for a hangover? My fried chicken…cold.

Who is your favorite entertainer in Las Vegas? Elton John and Céline Dion. How do you spend your free time in Las Vegas? I love seeing the sights on the Strip. Best place to catch a drink after a hard day’s work? I know it sounds self-promotional—but Central is a great place to grab a cocktail and people watch. Our gorgeous bar is RIGHT THERE in the busy main lobby at Caesars Palace. It’s in the middle of all the action. VP

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190 YEARS AGO

A MAN BET ON HORSES AND CHANGED WATCHMAKING FOREVER .

In 1821, at a horse race in Paris, Nicolas Rieussec successfully tested his revolutionary invention that allowed time to be recorded to an accuracy of a fifth of a second. The chronograph was born. A tribute to a visionary man, the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic is centred on the essence of his invention, the rotating disc technique. Monopusher chronograph, self-winding manufacture movement, second time zone, 30 min. and 60 sec. rotating disc counters.Crafted in the Montblanc Manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland.

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PULSE OF VEGAS Highlights of the Center Strip Becoming Frankie Valli With the arrival of Jersey Boys to Paris Las Vegas, it only makes sense to introduce Travis Cloer, who plays the original Jersey Boy, Frankie Valli. For Cloer, who has been playing Valli for the past five years, first on Broadway before coming to Vegas, learning to play a character who is a real person has been a pleasure— and a challenge. “Frankie is the most iconic voice in pop-music history,” says Cloer. “Everyone knows his sound. [In the show], he’s driven by the need to succeed and [by] the music onstage. He cares most about the music and getting that out there. And a lot of times, it hurts his personal relationship with his family.” But becoming Valli every night entails more than just warming up vocally; it means getting pointers from the man himself. “He’s a great guy, very supportive, very free with information,” Cloer says of Valli. “If we have any questions about his life, he shares ultimately how he wants to be portrayed. It’s great—but weird at the same time to play someone who’s sitting in the audience watching you play him. It can be a little freaky sometimes.””VP

It’s a Jersey Thing Travis Cloer Sings Like by Grace Bascos

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the Man in Jersey Boys

A l l P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f C a e s a r s E n t e r ta i n m e n t C o r p o r at i o n , u n l e s s s p e c i f i e d . P h o t o o f T r a v i s C l o e r b y R o b e r t J o h n K l e y. P h o t o g r ap h e d a t Nap o l e o n ’ s D u e l i n g P i a n o Ba r , P a r i s La s V e g a s .

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Animation Domination DreamWorks Chief Honored at CinemaCon

When it comes to animated films—one man is king. And that man is Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks. Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation presents its 2012 “Pioneer of the Year” Award to Katzenberg at Caesars Palace in April at CinemaCon—the film industry’s largest gathering of cinema owners and operators.

Sweet Tease Absinthe’s Pop Star, Angel Porrino, Flirts Her Way to Fame Under the ABSINTHE tent, audiences are treated to death-defying athleticism, raucous humor and even a little bit of vaudeville. Viewers may recognize Angel Porrino from the reality E! series Holly’s World, but until she takes the stage, they ain’t seen nothin’ yet! Porrino appears in ABSINTHE as the Weather Girl, and though we won’t give it all away, it definitely involves a balloon. And Porrino tap dancing. She has been tap dancing since she was two years old, and her youthfulness shines onstage during her risqué, yet decidedly cute, number. “It’s flirty and sassy; a little bit sweet and innocent, and a little bit of a tease. So it’s not too far from who I really am,” Porrino says, and then giggles. “I channel my inner Bubble Girl.”

While at Walt Disney Pictures, Katzenberg helped create some of the company’s most-acclaimed and highest-grossing features, including The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. Katzenberg left to join forces with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen to create DreamWorks Studios, where he is responsible for the Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda franchises. To honor Katzenberg, and America’s favorite green ogre, here are a few facts from the franchise you may, or may not, have known: • Computer animation on the first Shrek film took more than four and a half years to complete. • Chris Farley was originally cast as Shrek and recorded part of the dialogue. After Farley’s death, Mike Myers took the role. Shrek’s “air quotes” in the film are an homage to Farley and his Saturday Night Live character Bennett Brauer, who provided commentary on Weekend Update.

Did You Know? Elton John’s handcrafted Yamaha “Million Dollar Piano” actually cost $1.34 million to construct.

First Lady of Magic

by Marsala Rypka

Melinda Saxe Reappears in V The Ultimate Variety Show “Melinda – The First Lady of Magic” is back, mystifying audiences in V The Ultimate Variety Show at the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

• When Shrek wakes up in the barn surrounded by women in Shrek 2, one of the ladies tells him she fetched him a pail of water. She introduces herself as “Jill.”

Born into Vegas show business—her mother was a dancer in Les Folies Bergere and her father was a band leader for The Rat Pack— Melinda Saxe began her career as a dancer in the Siegfried & Roy show. She soon decided magic was her true passion and broke into the industry despite it being dominated by men, rising to fame at an early age and appearing on Oprah, The Tonight Show and in her own Disney-televised special.

• Pinocchio’s solo on the dance floor during the ball scene closely resembles Michael Jackson’s famous “Bad” routine.

Now the illusionist returns to the stage with four female dancers. “My message is about empowerment,” she says. “Women can do whatever they believe they can.”

• Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy never met each other during production. All read their parts separately.

P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f j e f f r e y ka t z e n b e r g

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P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f ( A n g e l P o r r i n o ) K i r v i n D o ak C o m m u n i ca t i o n s / E r i k K a b i k / RETN A ; ( E l t o n J o h n ) C a e s a r s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C o r p. / D e n i s e T r u s c e l l o / W i r e I m a g e . c o m ; ( M e l i n da Sa x e ) D a v i d Sa v e P r o d u c t i o n s .

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PULSE OF VEGAS Treat Yourself

TASTY TIMES: 60 restaurants, 50 chefs, 30 sommeliers and 30 events in just four extraordinary days. The sixth annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit is bursting with more culinary star power than ever before. Better unbuckle that belt. Vegas Uncork’d will be held May 10–13. To purchase tickets or to learn more about this year’s event lineup, visit vegasuncorked.com.

Qua’s Hourglass Treatment Offers Mix-and-Match Options

Spa

Time to Indulge

Cocktail Spotlight

If you can’t decide which of the three dozen or so treatments to try on your next visit to Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace, why even try? Let Qua’s therapists create your personal Hourglass treatment: a unique combination of facials, body treatments, hot stones, aromatherapy, chakra balancing and energy work in a single one-, two- or threehour session in one treatment room. “Here you can mix and match different modalities and healing techniques,” explains Shannon Stringert, Qua’s spa director. “It’s a great way to experience as much of

our treatment menu as possible in one visit.”

Based on the votes of spa-goers and travel agents, the Hourglass treatment at Qua was recently named Favorite Spa Treatment by SpaFinder.com.

Tequila with a Twist

Want a refreshing twist on the classic margarita? Try the Paloma. The most popular libation in Mexico is infused with agave azul tequila and contains grapefruit soda and fresh lemon juice—a cool combo for warm-weather sipping. Carlos’n Charlie’s inside Flamingo Las Vegas serves its Paloma in a tall ice-filled, salt-rimmed glass. And just in case “one gets thirsty,” says Genaro Dispa, the restaurant’s brand manager, the drink is available in sizes up to 32 ounces. 22

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Green Day: New York, NY Photographed by Danny Clinch, 2012 THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS, LV COSTA MESA

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PULSE OF VEGAS Happily Ever After

Vegas Vows

Three Spots to Tie the Knot

Wedding Wows The Season’s Hottest Gowns

This season, feel like a princess in Royal Wedding-inspired gowns with lace accents, illusion necklines and colors other than the traditional white. Here are three wedding-gown trends to begin your Happily Ever After. Blush Gowns Blush and pink shades will rule the aisles as the “it” hues of the wedding season.

Location. Location. Location. Prepping for the big day means finding the perfect place to say “I Do.” Here are three stunning settings. Caesars PalacE: At Caesars Palace, choose from three indoor chapels or two lush garden settings like the Venus Garden (above), which features a Roman-style rotunda, fountain and stone-tiled aisle. Flamingo Las Vegas: Indoors or out? Brides can walk down an aisle sprinkled with rose petals in a Garden Chapel ceremony or choose from four dramatic outdoor settings. Paris Las Vegas: With shades of light gray and silver accents and a royalblue dome with a crystal chandelier hanging above the altar, the intimate and romantic Chapelle du Jardin at Paris Las Vegas has a sophisticated appeal, with seating for up to 30 guests.

Lace Sleeves From three-quarters to full, delicate to embellished, lace sleeves are making a huge comeback, giving gowns a classic, elegant, vintage Grace Kelly-like feel. Illusion Necklines A sheer, delicate and often embellished layer of fabric veils skin that would otherwise be exposed, giving the illusion of a strapless gown and highlighting the décolletage. Illusion necklines create the perfect balance of femininity and sexy sophistication. Top to bottom: From Vera Wang’s 2012 collection: a Flora gown in blush; a custom creation for Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen; from Collette Dinnigan’s True Romance Collection, the Lattice Pearls dress.

BACHELORETTE FYI: Each year, Chippendales dancers will tear away 12,243 white Fruit of the Loom tank tops while performing. The Chippendales are celebrating their 10-year anniversary at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in 2012.

Attention All Wolfpacks & Bridesmaids: Book a Hangover Stay (Tiger Not Included) GROOMSMEN: Start your night knowing where you are going. After check-in, drop your bags in the room and get ready for a night out. Try your luck at the craps table; feel like Sinatra at Matt Goss; see the scene at PURE Nightclub; then grab an early-morning bite at Central Michel Richard (he recommends the fried chicken). C u s t o m i z a b l e pa c k a g e s b o o k a b l e v i a T o ta l E x p e r i e n c e s ( t o ta l e x p e r i e n c e s . c o m )

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BRIDESMAIDS: First stop—The Forum Shops at Caesars to pick out an outfit. Then make a beeline to Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas for a sweet treat or two. Don’t feel guilty about breaking your diet; you’ll work it off dancing in Gallery Nightclub. Feeling so-so, the morning after? You’ll be glad you planned ahead to pre-book a treatment and mani-pedi at Qua Baths & Spa.

p h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f ( B o u q u e t , B o w t i e ) S h u t t e r s t o ck , i n c . ; ( R o y a l w e d d i n g ) d u t o u r d u m o n d e / S h u t t e r s t o ck , i n c . ; ( t h e H a n g o v e r 2 ) © 2 0 1 1 W a r n e r B r o s . E n t e r t a i n m e n t I n c . a n d L e g e n d a r y P i c t u r e s ; ( B r i d e s m a i d s ) S u z a n n e Ha n o v e r / 2 0 1 1 U n i v e r s a l P i c t u r e s .

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PULSE OF VEGAS For Those on the Go

Leave the Luggage to the Experts Everyone has baggage. Now you can unload yours before heading out to the airport. With Bags To Go’s Off-Airport check-in service, available at Harrah’s Las Vegas, you can check your luggage through to your final destination up to 12 hours prior to your departure. The $10 per bag fee is in addition to standard airline baggage fees.

TECHNOLOGY Spotlight

Check Your App-titude Caesars Palace at Your Fingertips Maneuvering through Caesars Palace just got easier. With the resort’s new iPhone® and Android™ app, guests can scope out casino, shopping, nightlife and dining options with interactive data-modeled NAVTEQ Destination Maps. The app facilitates dining reservations, concierge services, even entertainment bookings, and users can view menus, restaurant operating hours and show times.

View Vegas in an Instant Sin City may only cover 135 square miles, but it’s an entire world unto itself. Navigate through it with the Total Vegas Mobile app, which puts all 10 of the Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas destinations in the palm of your hand. iPhone and Android™ users can download the GPS-enabled app for free and access real-time content, while taking advantage of exclusive money-saving opportunities. Book a room, purchase show tickets, view a menu, review table-game tutorials, check your Total Rewards balance, or see tournament schedules. It’s all there.

Million-Dollar Game You Could Become Poker’s Next Superstar

Ever since a man by the name of Moneymaker snuck up on the poker world to beat 839 players to win its ultimate prize in 2003, the World Series of Poker has skyrocketed in popularity. Today, more than 6,000 players annually enter the $10,000 no-limit hold ’em Main Event at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. This past year, 22-year-old Pius Heinz from Cologne, Germany, beat a field of 6,865 to capture the title, its coveted WSOP gold bracelet and the $8.7 million prize. The 43rd annual World Series of Poker returns with 61 coveted WSOP gold bracelets up for grabs from May 27 through July 16. wsop.com 26

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P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f ( L u g g a g e ) T u m i ; ( W SO P b r ac e l e t ) W SO P.

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LIVE WELL

Get Fit

Calorie Burners High-endurance exercises can have a high impact on your overall health, says Gunnar Peterson, celebrity fitness trainer. Peterson has toned some of the most fabulous bodies in Hollywood—including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian—and says doing a high-endurance exercise for 30 minutes three times a week will lead to “a reduction in body fat, improved skin tone, better sleep and an overall improvement in your mood.” To get started, Peterson suggests jumping rope, running or in-line skating. These activities increase your heart rate and maintain it at an elevated state, all while working the biggest muscle groups in the body. Just how many calories these exercises burn depends on many factors like weight and age but Peterson is quick to point out that any of the three mentioned above will “burn more than you would on an elliptical machine.”

by Mia McNiece

High-Endurance Exercises to Get in Shape for Summer If you are just starting a fitness routine, it’s best to begin working out two to three times a week. As you get more comfortable with the exercises, increase your workouts to four to five times a week. Within three weeks, you will see some of those amazing results. But Peterson says one of the most important words to remember when getting in shape is “change.” To avoid boredom and opting out of your workout, he suggests changing your routine. “Vary your workouts, your duration, the intensity and the music,” Peterson advises. So, with such a short amount of time required, there is really no excuse not to get up, get out and get in shape. As Peterson says, “It’s only thirty minutes!” VP

Get Fit Now

Being on vacation in Vegas for a few days is no reason to skip your workout. Qua’s 5,500-square-foot facility at Caesars Palace (left) gives you plenty of ways to burn off those buffet calories.

Workouts that work. Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Halle Berry show off their curves.

“Behind almost every Hollywood hardbody is a great trainer—and it’s usually Gunnar Peterson.” —US Weekly

Star Workout Get Your Dream Bod So how does your favorite celebrity get, and keep, that fabulous figure? Here, Gunnar Peterson reveals his ideal 30-minute workout. “I like a warm-up of five to ten minutes and then a mixture of strength moves alternating between upper body and lower body,” Peterson says. “Then I mix in core, cardio intervals and full body components.”

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Shapely Shape-Up Peterson’s basic workout: 20 push-ups 20 body-weight squats 50 crunches Jump rope for 50-100 skips Repeat, in order, three to five times, depending on various factors such as your fitness level, your goals and the time available.

Pussycat Dolls Workout DVD Has All the Right Moves They usually raise heart rates onstage. But now the Pussycat Dolls are doing it on DVD. The 57-minute workout DVD, Pussycat Dolls: Dancer’s Body Workout, features sexy moves to groove to while listening to the Dolls’ hit songs, including “When I Grow Up” and “Wait a Minute.” Try the burlesque-style chair dance and The Purrfect 4-Minute Workout, and you’ll be on your way to a toned dancer’s body. Available in the Pussycat Dolls Lounge retail area at Caesars Palace, ($14.98).

PhoTO courtesy of (Gunnar Peterson) gunnar peterson; (Jennifer lopez) Joe Seer, ( k i m k a r d a s h i a n ) K e v o r k D j a n s e z i a n , ( h a l l e b e r r y ) F e a t u r e f l a s h / S h u tt e r s t o c k . c o m .

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OUTTAKES Actor’s Studio

CHARLIZE THERON

Wicked Good Charlize Theron Keeps Her Beauty Skin-Deep as Arch-Villain of Snow White by Shep Morgan Charlize Theron flipped her glamorous image once again to earn Golden Globe and SAG nominations for her devastatingly real portrayal of a blowsy, psychotic, binge-drinking writer of teen romances in Jason Reitman’s dark indie comedy Young Adult.

In her next movie, she’s back to flaunting her stunning beauty as the iconic Evil Queen in Snow White and the Huntsman. Of course, the wicked monarch is bent on destroying the fair princess played by Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame. The tall, willowy, vivacious blonde admits that the royal wardrobe of ornate gowns made her feel queenly, but also a little trapped. “I could barely move in some of the costumes because they were so heavy, not to mention the corsets I had to wear,” she remembers. And then there was that crown. “It was intimidating,” she says with a grin. “You had to be careful of the sharp points. I realized that if I bent down, I could poke somebody’s eyes out with it.” The toughest challenge came on Theron’s first day of filming. “I had to say those words that everyone in the world knows,” she says. “‘Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?’ But I got through it, and then it was on to torturing little birds and eating their tiny hearts out. And I can’t tell you what I do to poor Kristen Stewart.” After deliberately playing a string of plain or downright ugly women, getting royally glammed up is a change of pace for Theron. Her portrayal of physically and emotionally scarred prostitute Aileen Wuornos, the murderous subject of Monster, earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. Looking back, she reveals that playing unattractive roles was part of her game plan to make a mark in Hollywood. “When the emphasis is on your physical assets, you can get typecast as a sexpot,” she says, “and then people have a hard time seeing you as anything else. I am who I am. I can tell you right now, on my top 200 list of what’s important in my life, beauty doesn’t make it.” VP

From glum to glam: Charlize Theron gets dolled up in elaborate costumes as the Evil Queen in her summer release, Snow White and the Huntsman (left). Quite the contrast to her drab character in Young Adult (above).

Photos Courtesy of (Charlize Theron) Joe Seer/Shutterstock.com; (Snow White and the Huntsman) Alex Bailey/Rankin/©2011 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved; ( Y o u n g A d u l t ) P h i l l i p V. C a r u s o / © 2 0 1 1 P a r a m o u n t P i c t u r e s a n d M e r c u r y P r o d u c t i o n s , LL C . A l l R i g h t s R e s e r v e d .

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IN THE KNOW Exposing Nature

Photographer Peter Lik Surveys the American Landscape

Lay of the Land

Peter Lik’s first photograph was of a spider web covered in dew, taken with a Kodak Brownie camera he received from his parents when he was eight years old. Today, the self-taught photographer from Melbourne, Australia, is one of the most acclaimed panoramic-landscape photographers in the world. And with the exposure of his television show, From the Edge with Peter Lik, he’s one of the most well-known. “Every morning, I just want to jump out of bed and photograph nature,” he says. “There is so much to see in the world.” In words almost as evocative as his images, Lik describes the photographs seen here.

“Heaven on Earth”

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Grand Canyon has to be one of the most photographed places on Earth. I was compelled to capture the grandeur of such an epic place. After doing a heap of research, I found a remote four-wheel-drive track to the North Rim and decided to take the chance. The drive in was brutal. Four hours later, I arrived at the North Rim. Late afternoon light blasted the cliffs, and the stormy skies added a magical touch. I stood on the edge and shot roll after roll until it was completely dark. No one else was around. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

“I want viewers to feel like they can walk right into the shot.”

“Inner Peace” Oregon, USA

Peter Lik has several galleries in Las Vegas including The Forum Shops at Caesars. 34

Standing beneath the canopy of this Japanese maple tree was an incredible feeling. I was in awe as the late afternoon light backlit the delicate leaves. Every branch told its own story. I used a really wide-angle lens to reach out to as much of the tree as possible. I put my camera on the ground to give me a strong perspective to shoot up into the skies. As the sun sank toward the horizon, the tree came to life with an incredible display of color, shape and texture, its rays burst into a star within the tree.

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“Eternal Beauty” Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Nature is so beautiful in so many ways. Deep in the walls of this canyon, I felt an amazing presence. I was well underground, close to nature’s heart and soul, staring up at the most beautiful sculpture I have ever seen in my life, carved entirely by nature’s hands of time. The red rocks provided an incredible red reflector, highlighting this phenomenal piece.

“Mother Nature only gives you one chance to get that image. You can lose the shot by a second.”

“Sacred Sunrise”

Canyonlands National Park, Utah Timing is critical. I knew that in early spring, the sun would rise in the exact perfect location behind this arch—all I needed was the weather to cooperate. I had made several pilgrimages to the arch, only to be greeted by clear, bland skies—my biggest fear. On the fifth morning, things finally changed. I set up my camera in the crucial spot, and waited with my heart racing. The skies lightened as the sun cracked the horizon. The moment was perfect. The arch lit up with an amazing glow, and it felt good to finally capture what I was chasing. VP

photos courtesy of peter lik galleries

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COMPLIMENTS OF THE CHEF Food Favorites

Spring Fling

A Love Affair with Seasonal Ingredients by Jacquelynn D. Powers

Chef François Payard

Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro

Caesars Palace

Spring is here—and with it comes a bounty of tender, fresh produce. Think peas, asparagus,

The Dish: Strawberry

squash blossoms, yellow peppers, morel mushrooms, ruby-red grapefruit and luscious straw-

“Strawberries are one of our most popular items to use in spring, as well as summer, because that is when they are at their best,” says Payard. “The strawberry cheesecake napoleon is a great combination of a seasonal fruit with a smooth cheesecake and flaky layers of puff pastry.”

berries. Las Vegas’ celebrated chefs are using this treasure trove of seasonal crops in creative dishes; and with the freshest ingredients, the flavors literally burst off the plate. This is the tastiest time of the year to dine. 36

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Cheesecake Napoleon

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Chef Wolfgang Puck

Spago

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” —Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

The Forum Shops at Caesars The Dish: Asparagus with brown butter breadcrumbs

“My favorite vegetable is asparagus— both the large green variety and the white ones, which we import from Austria,” says Puck. “They’re so versatile for soups and salads, or just simply to serve warm or cold. Nothing says spring quite like the first harvest of asparagus, and I love this classic Austrian-style dish because it’s so easy to make. I blanch the asparagus for a few minutes in boiling water, then immediately transfer the spears to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. This is a great technique for bringing out the bright colors of any vegetable and bringing both the taste and texture close to the peak before the final few moments of cooking.”

Chef Michael Wolf

Serendipity 3

Caesars Palace

The Dish: Crab-Cake Salad “Our crab-cake salad shows off the quality of the crab itself. There is no filler and hardly any binder, just luscious lump crab,” Wolf says. “The jumbo lump crab literally comes apart on your fork with each bite. The salad shows off the lush red color of Texas ruby-red grapefruit at its seasonal peak. The classic herb vinaigrette is made with the spring season’s freshest herbs. All together, the sweetness of the crab and early season yellow corn combined with the tanginess of freshly harvested frisée and mâche make this the perfect spring salad.”

Chef Paul Del Favero

Mesa Grill

Caesars Palace

The Dish: Fried Squash Blossoms

Chef Mathieu Chartron

Restaurant Guy Savoy

Caesars Palace

The Dish: Peas All Around “This dish is a perfect start to the meal. It’s light and you can taste the peas under many different textures,” explains Chartron. “It’s a refreshing dish for springtime. With the coming of spring, it’s time to use green vegetables. I like using morels and asparagus for the spring season. And it’s best to keep dishes light and simple.”

with Ricotta, Roasted Corn, and Sweet and Hot Yellow Pepper Sauce

“When squash blossoms are in season, this dish is a must-make because the squash blossom is a sign of spring,” says Del Favero. “Pretty simple but completely impressive, it’s a play on an Italian classic. The roasted corn and the yellow-pepper sauce give the blossoms a Southwestern kick. We keep the batter thin—you want it translucent so that you can see the veins of the delicate squash blossoms.” VP VEGAS Player

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Splurge Las Vegas’ Shopping Destination

“We have become such a renowned shopping icon, some customers wait to conquer their shopping desires here,” —Maureen Crampton, Director of Marketing for The Forum Shops at Caesars

PLATINUM Purchases Today, The Forum Shops houses 145 specialty stores and 15 restaurants. 38

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The Forum Shops at Caesars CELEBRATES ITS

by Christie Moeller

Anniversary p h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f T h e f o r u m s h o p s at c a e s a r s

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twenty years ago, the opening of The Forum Shops at Caesars forever changed the face of shopping in Las Vegas. Launching to a fanfare of praise from both critics and consumers, The Forum Shops at Caesars brought to life the idea that shopping should be an experience for all the senses. Exclusive designer boutiques were paired with unique design elements: an indoor sky with lighting that evolves from dusk ’til dawn over the course of an hour; a cobblestone streetscape; “living statues”; elaborate architecture; ornate fountains. It even became home to Las Vegas’ first celebrity-chef restaurant, Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, which blazed the way for other chefs and restaurateurs to follow.

Simon Property Group, Inc., the nation’s largest public real-estate company, opened The Forum Shops at Caesars on May 11, 1992, unveiling 70 opulent stores in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Just as fashion is ever-changing, so is this shopping haven. In 1997, an expansion added 35 new shops and two restaurants, plus a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. In 2004, the Phase III addition brought in 60 more stores and restaurants, a reflecting pool and the first three-level, freestanding spiral escalator in the United States. “Las Vegas has truly undergone an impressive transformation with the retail experience,” says Maureen Crampton, the shop’s director of marketing. “More than showcases for clothing, shoes, cosmetics and gadgets, the city’s shopping centers have become theater spaces and attractions themselves. The Forum Shops was instrumental in changing the shopping dynamic of the city.” The iconic retail venue has continued to evolve and thrive, becoming a mustshop destination for celebrities and both international and domestic fashion lovers alike. “We have become such a renowned shopping icon, some customers wait to conquer their shopping desires here,” Crampton says. VP

Tony Bennett performed at the 1997 expansion celebration, and Jessica Simpson sang at the grand opening of Phase III in 2004.

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Splurge Perfect Timing

The Tourneau Time Dome is the world’s largest watch store, as certified by Guinness World Records.

Cartier

BREGUET

breitling

BrEMONT

IWC

LONGINES

OMEGA

Once Upon a Time The Watch Store That Tourneau Built There is certainly one place in Las Vegas where you always know the time: The Tourneau Time Dome in The Forum Shops at Caesars. The world’s largest watch store, as certified by Guinness World Records, it is a sprawling 17,700-square-foot space carrying approximately 60 luxury-watch brands and more than 7,000 individual timepieces. So whether you’re a first-time buyer or a true watch aficionado, Tourneau is sure to have the watch for you. 40

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all products courtesy of Tourneau

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“Our Las Vegas location is a cornerstone in our Tourneau retail fleet,” says Jim Seuss, CEO of Tourneau. “We continue to make strides in offering the Las Vegas consumer an unparalleled selection of the finest timepieces and a uniquely curated experience. We want to help people discover the world of watches.” Before making its way into the record books, Tourneau started as a small family business at the turn of the 20th century selling watches in Western Europe. In 1924, after migrating to New York City, Peter Tourneau opened a small dressmaking shop, with a watch counter, in the Berkshire Hotel. By the 1940s, Tourneau was recognized as an industry innovator, developing timepieces and popularizing many new models.

Rolex

PANERAI

“Don’t count every hour in the day; make every hour in the day count.” —Anonymous

Tag Heuer

Vacheron Constantin

Patek Philippe

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So now with 112 years of experience under its belt, Tourneau has positioned itself as an industry leader. Tourneau has 38 stores throughout the United States, giving the company an unrivaled presence in the luxury-watch retail market. Seuss says it’s the company’s expert knowledge and commitment to bringing the highest-quality, most-sought-after watches to the display counter that keep customers coming back. VP VEGAS Player

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Splurge Brand Spotlight

DESIGNER PROFILE

Sixties Chic

by Danielle Cohen

Fendi’s Latest Collection Brings the Past into the Present Legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld is going back in time with a quirky collection that’s a throwback to the 1960s. Fendi’s spring/ summer 2012 collection includes a bevy of unique geometric cuts and stripes, and even features a selection of sunglasses reminiscent of lab goggles. The longtime innovator of fine-leather goods has more big news to share. With the recent opening of its freestanding boutique in The Forum Shops at Caesars, Fendi unveiled the U.S. debut of its exclusive stand-alone Shoe Salon. While the décor of the shoe haven blends seamlessly with the rest of the 3,000-square-foot shop, it has its own nook with footwear priced between $200 and $1,000. Since its founding in 1925, Fendi has not ceased to amaze, and its new Vegas boutique is no exception. The shop’s pièce de résistance is its perfectly symmetrical coffered ceiling: a replica of the dome of the Pantheon. The original Italian architectural masterpiece was constructed in 27 b.c.; Fendi’s reproduction was built in Rome by skilled artisans using the finest materials, then exported to Vegas. Its oculus, a round skylight at the top of the dome, was engineered so that light moves throughout the retail floor as the Earth rotates. Silvia Venturini Fendi, Director of Accessories

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On the illuminated sales floor, Fendi will carry an extended collection of women’s accessories and shoes, as well as men’s accessories and casual wear. VP

All P r o d u c t I m a g e s C o u r t e s y o f r e s p e c t iv e b r a n d s

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Vegas Player Magazine, Spring 2012

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Splurge Boutiques in the Limelight

La Perla

Nothing packs a female-power punch quite like a delicate little lacy number. La Perla—the Italian luxury designer of intimate apparel, swimwear and prêt-à-porter—has channeled the classic beauty of the Hollywood starlets of the 1960s for its spring/summer 2012 line. The allure, sensuality and sophistication epitomized by silver-screen sirens Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve and Anita Ekberg have inspired the design of La Perla’s Via delle Rose, Belle de Jour and La Dolce collections, respectively. With its deep red and black curved walls, the sultry La Perla boutique in The Forum Shops at Caesars offers personal fitting appointments and a range of items starting at $20 to upward of $3,000, including pieces from its special Jean Paul Gaultier La Perla Collection, Createur.

Shopping Trifecta

Three MustSee Stores The Forum Shops at Caesars continues to be the premier shopping destination in Las Vegas. So whether you’re an art lover on a quest to take home an original work from Picasso or Warhol, a man looking to ramp up your style with a finely tailored suit from Pal Zileri, or just searching for some intimate apparel, these stores have you covered. by Danielle Cohen 44

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Martin Lawrence Galleries

Eighty-foot-high ceilings skyrocket upward in a space where a gargantuan 20-foottall neon “ART” sign glows, and motorized “guillotine” walls raise and lower to showcase art at varying heights. The 26,000-square-foot flagship Martin Lawrence Galleries in The Forum Shops at Caesars is a “destination [where we] went all out,” says gallery director Stacie Goulet. With close to 1,000 works of art beckoning eyes and wallets alike, the expansive gallery, exhibition and event space is home to masters, and contemporary and pop art, including original pieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, Chagall, Warhol, Erté and Bertho, among others. Priced from $500 to several million dollars, these works impress. “People thought they could only see this kind of art in museums, but now they can actually own it,” Goulet adds.

Pal Zileri

Priding itself on its fusing of classic Italian tailoring and contemporary style since its introduction in the 1980s, luxury menswear brand Pal Zileri is among the distinctive retailers at The Forum Shops at Caesars offering impeccable quality. At 2,700 square feet, the sleek, modern store carries a variety of sophisticated suits, jackets and overcoats, shirts, knitwear, accessories, perfumes and leather goods. Offering both high-quality leisure wear and more formal attire—its Sartoriale line features cashmere, guanaco, vicuna and pure Super 200’s wool—Pal Zileri also provides “Abito Privato,” a custom made-to-order apparel service for those seeking bespoke tailored suits. Pal Zileri manufactures its collections utilizing approximately 1,000 different fabric patterns sourced from the highest-quality wool textile manufacturers. A classic Pal Zileri suit requires more than six hours to complete. VP VEGAS Player

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Splurge

Fashion Spotlight:

British Invasion

by Christie Moeller

Ben Sherman’s Mark Maidment Talks About Making the Clothes That Make the Man The British Royal Air Force Roundel (Mod Target) brings to mind two things: the mod subculture of the 1960s–70s and Ben Sherman.

Mark Maidment, creative director for Ben Sherman

Arthur Bernard Sugarman, aka Ben Sherman, created his legendary clothing brand in 1963 to bring American-style button-down Oxford shirts to London-based jazz fans. The clothes became popular among the mod and ska subcultures and today have been adopted by men around the world who love the “effortless cool” look of Ben Sherman designs. For Mark Maidment, creative director for Ben Sherman, joining the company in the early 2000s was a dream job. “This was a brand I wore when I was in my early teens, and I was into ska,” he said, mentioning how the clothes have been “relevant to fashion and youth culture for five decades.”

Gingham and floral shirts, as well as chino shorts are all part of Ben Sherman’s Plectrum collection.

CELEBRITY-SPOTTING:

Ice-T

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Who is the Ben Sherman man? He’s a modernist—a man who loves heritage and provenance, but also demands newness, innovation, quality and attention to detail in his product. He embraces new technology, modern thinking, and is excited by the future while respecting and admiring the past. What key pieces should every gentleman own this spring? A chino blazer that is completely destructed—no shoulder padding at all. Textured sweaters. It’s about interesting knit techniques on sweaters. Slimmer, shorter chino shorts in pastel colors: Pink, light blue and salmon are good. Was it daunting to come aboard such a historic and iconic brand with the responsibility of giving it a fresh new direction? Actually it wasn’t. The brand has a great history, but its ethos from Day One was about modernism. Hence, we have our new brand directive, “A heritage of modernism”—this inspires us not to live in the past, but to respect it, value it and use it, to drive forward with new ideas. Ben Sherman recently launched the widely celebrated Plectrum line for spring. Explain what we’ll see. For spring ’12, we wanted to bring a real sense of the wider global world and its influences. We took our “modernist” consumer on a journey from Brighton, England (the birth place of the brand), to Japan (a great creative and cultural hub). This journey is “sun-soaked,” meaning we used really wearable pastels, Japanese-influenced prints and styling, whilst mixing in candy stripes derived from deck chairs on Brighton Beach. It’s a really modern global twist on the Ben Sherman aesthetic What’s the one thing a gentleman should never leave the house without? House keys. VP

Shopping with the Stars Las Vegas’ original celebrity chef is still reeling them in. Wolfgang Puck opened his star magnet Spago restaurant in The Forum Shops at Caesars in 1992, and the who’s who of Hollywood continue to pay homage to the famed eatery. Among the multitude of stars to dine at Spago recently: New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, having a chopped salad with shrimp; Rod Stewart, who tried the braised short ribs and pasta with Alba white truffles; Jerry Springer, enjoying the short ribs with corn soup; and Nicki Minaj, who ordered the grilled sea bass. Spago Executive Chef Eric Klein prepared paella for Eva Longoria and her group of friends, while Brandon Flowers, Sharon Osbourne and Nancy Pelosi also dined at the Puck restaurant on separate occasions. Former President Bill Clinton spent part of an afternoon in The Forum Shops as well, dining at Il Mulino New York and shopping at Hublot and Tod’s. Superstar NBA center Dwight Howard and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard ate

at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on different days, while the sports memorabilia store Field of Dreams scored separate visits from three legends: hockey great Wayne Gretzky, former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson and NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Comedian Brad Garrett visited the Donald J Pliner boutique. Caesars Palace headliner Matt Goss was at John Varvatos; while on their trips to Vegas, Shaquille O’Neal browsed at Brooks Brothers, and Debbie Gibson and Kris Jenner popped into Boutique Talulah. Other celebrity sightings, all spotted separately: Kelsey Grammer and Nigel Lythgoe at UGG Australia; Chris Tucker and Cedric the Entertainer at Chrome Hearts; Ice-T and Ke$ha at Ted Baker London; Alice Cooper at Shanghai Tang and John Varvatos; Jenny McCarthy at The Palm Las Vegas; Frank Mir at TUMI; and Vivica A. Fox at Trevi Italian Restaurant. VP

Photos Courtesy of (Mark Maidment) Ben Sherman, ( Ic e - T ) A n g e l M a n a g e m e n t G r o u p / E r i k K a b i k / RETNA .

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Splurge Perfume Perfect

Miss Dior Eau Fraîche

Diane by Diane Von Furstenberg

Notes: Fruity Citrus, Bergamot, Gardenia and Musk.

Notes: Frangipani Blossom, Violet, Patchouli, Myrrh and Musk.

ROCK’S Golden Age

Style: Fresh Parisian charm.

The 1960s and ‘70s were a time for

Available at: Christian Dior ($102); The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Style: Feminine. Powerful. Seductive.

larger-than-life people, when music makers were evolutionaries and their songs defined a generation. Tune in and turn it up, while Vegas Player takes you on a musical journey through the season’s most rockin’ trends.

John Varvatos Star USA

Amber Oud by Kilian

Notes: Red Ginger, Juniper Berries, Blue Spruce, Cardamom, Osmanthus and Tonka Bean.

Notes: Amber, Oud, Bay Leaf, Cedarwood and Vanilla.

Style: Fresh. Relaxed. Elegant. Available at: John Varvatos ($70); The Forum Shops at Caesars.

“That Smell”

—Lynyrd Skynyrd (1977)

Ooh, ooh that smell. Can you smell that smell? Here are this season’s most seductive scents.

Available at: Sephora ($110); Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Kat Von D Poetica Notes: Rose, Passion Fruit, White Orchid, Cherry, Jasmine, Musk, Praline and Amber.

Style: Soft. Warm. Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue ($395); Fashion Show.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Notes: Tunisian Neroli, Bergamot and Orange.

Style: Poetic. Sexy. Daring.

Style: Cool. Fresh.

Available at: Sephora ($58); Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Available at: Neiman Marcus ($465); Fashion Show.

I feel like I just got a pay raise.”

TOPMAN No. 27

HELLO KITTY

—Carolynne Bodine

Notes: Clary Sage, Vetiver, Cedarwood and Musk.

Notes: Cassis Sorbet, Italian Mandarin, Apple, Magnolia Blossom, Freesia, Orange Flower, Tonka Bean, Vanilla and Musk.

“When I spray this [Inspirations by Payard, the Pistachio scent],

American Airlines flight attendant for 25 years

Style: Warm. Confident.

Inspirations by Payard Pistachio Ganache

Available at: Topman ($20); Fashion Show and us.topman.com.

Notes: Honey, Lavender, Pistachio and Egyptian Jasmine. Style: Romantic. Mysterious.

Twirl by Kate Spade

Available at: Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace.

Notes: Mandarin, Bergamot, Baies Rose, Pink Watermelon, White Peach, Red Currant, Blackberry, Star Jasmine, Magnolia, Orange Blossom and Amber. Style: Sparkling. Joyful. Fruity-Floral.

Style: Sweet. Sparkling. Pretty. Available at: Sephora ($58); Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Thymes Bergamot Vert Cologne Notes: Bergamot, Citrus, Cypress, Jasmine and White Musk. Style: Fresh. Sweet. Available at: thymes.com ($32).

Available at: Kate Spade ($80); The Forum Shops at Caesars. 48

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Jumpsuit provided by Stella McCartney. Jewelry provided by de Grisogono.

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Splurge Party Rock-Wear Turn it up with the Pignose Legendary 7100 Amp ($90); Urban Outfitters/ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and urbanoutfitters.com.

Show your rock moves with designer Allison Hourcade’s RockLove collection in sterling silver: The London Crown military button necklace ($50), African Lion military button on a garnet-gemstone chain ($114) and the Rampant Lion necklace ($82); Club Tattoo/Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Get ready to rock in True Religion Brand Jeans black leather Moto Jacket ($719) or Fringe Vest ($436); True Religion Brand Jeans/Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

“Wild Child”—The Doors (1969) Be Screamin’ Wild in these pieces fit for a Rock Star.

The Christian Louboutin Lady Max gold-metallic sandal with ankle straps and spikes will have them whispering, she’s so good with her stiletto ($1,495); Christian Louboutin/ The Forum Shops at Caesars.

You can go hard or you can go home with the King Baby Day of the Dead skull pendant ($760) and revolver pendant ($335); King Baby/Caesars Exclusively/Caesars Palace or kingbabystudio.com.

In Guess Swimwear, you’ll be saying, I’m sexy and I know it, when you hit the beach in the Cativity halter bra ($69) and Brazilian pant ($51); Guess/ The Forum Shops at Ceasars.

Get ready to move to the groove with the Vosges chocolate and music experience. The Groove Collection features a CD with artists including Otis Redding and Grandmaster Flash, plus a story book, vintage record and 36 chocolate truffles ($125); Vosges/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Get a grip on the Alexander McQueen De-Manta studded clutch ($795); Neiman Marcus/Fashion Show.

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You’ll be shining in the sunlight in the silver Eddie Borgo pyramid choker necklace ($365); Neiman Marcus/Fashion Show.

2/27/12 10:46 AM

ndeniaBle conFidence For those dedicated to Fashion. Fendi chloĂŠ BurBerry michael kors

barneys new york canali 7 For all mankind tory Burch Bottega Veneta christian louBoutin diane Von FurstenBerg salVatore Ferragamo

Jacket | shoes: chloĂŠ

on the strip in the Palazzo - 2nd Level located adjacent to the Venetian 702.414.4500 theshoppesatthepalazzo.com

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Splurge Flower Power

Bring flowers with the Betsey Johnson floral necklace ($165); Betsey Johnson/ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Brighten up your life with a French Connection Fast Gwendoline Flower Dress ($198); French Connection/ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Go walking in the sunshine in a Topshop Pacific multicolor cotton cropped top ($65); Topshop/Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

Get ready for the sun in the Ted Baker London Chora dress ($220); Ted Baker London/ The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Put a ring on it. H.Stern Boboli rings in 18-karat yellow gold ($1,600 to $4,300); H.Stern/Crystals at CityCenter.

“Sugar Magnolia”—Grateful Dead (1970) Blossoms Bloomin’ this season with colorful floral prints

Turn heads in Paul Smith Swimwear’s floral bikini top ($130) and bottom ($115); Paul Smith/Crystals at CityCenter.

You’ll be the it girl in United Colors of Benetton cotton striped cardigan ($79) and cotton floral dress ($119); United Colors of Benetton/ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

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Strike a pose in CH Carolina Herrera’s asymmetric, flower-print silk evening dress ($1,215); CH Carolina Herrera/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Be noticed with every step you take dressed in DKNY floral-print oversized tee ($195), skinny jean ($225), hat ($125), canvas wedge ($275) and shopper bag ($445); DKNY/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

2/27/12 10:46 AM

Featuring Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s Home, Forever 21 and over 200 stores and eateries, including our newest arrivals Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Free People.

On The Strip across from The Palazzo, Wynn and TI | 702.369.8382 | thefashionshow.com

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Splurge Seasons in the Sun

Relax, take it easy poolside in a Tommy Bahama Pearl Solids shirred bodice one-piece ($128) and ribbon hat ($58); Tommy Bahama/ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Onlookers will say, girl look at that body, when wearing a Le Doux Glitz in Gold bikini ($286); Le Doux/ledouxswimwear.com.

Lay your head on my Thomas Paul lobster print linen 22-inch pillow ($110); Thomas Paul/thomaspaul.com. Like Rita Hayworth, you’ll give good face with Kate Somerville 360 Face Self-Tanning Pads ($45); Neiman Marcus/Fashion Show and katesomerville.com. Let Pal Zileri make a man out of you in a suede blouson ($2,595), cotton cords ($395) and knit sweater ($450); Pal Zileri/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

You’ll have that peaceful easy feeling decked out in Original Penguin’s floral short-sleeve shirt ($89) and Rogue dark denim ($98), or its striped tank ($39) with leather suspenders ($49) and Goldenrod denim ($98); Original Penguin/ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Take a walk on the wild side in a Vilebrequin Aqua Bengal Tiger Trunk in men’s ($240) or junior’s ($130-$150); Vilebrequin/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

“Here Comes the Sun”

—The Beatles (1969)

Doo doo doo doo slip into the hottest beach styles, it’s all right!

Feel comfortable, step by step, in a Devi Kroell mule flat sandal ($590); Devi Kroell/The Forum Shops at Caesars. 54

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2/29/12 10:25 AM

Window Shopping by Gondola Roving Entertainment Fine Dining

enjoy over 80 fine shoppes and world-class restaurants, including • taO asian Bistro and nightclub • Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio Bar & grill Canaletto Dooney & Bourke • Peter Lik gallery • Madame tussauds • Sephora • Kenneth Cole 24-Hour Shopping Line: 702.414.4500 • thegrandcanalshoppes.com

featuring BarneYS neW YOrK

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Splurge Colors That Rock On

“Yellow Submarine”

—The Beatles (1966)

Our friends are all aboard with this season’s hottest color, yellow.

Attract glances with something beautiful from Piazza Sempione, a leather bicolor cuff ($270); Piazza Sempione/ The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

Bauman Rare Books carries The Yellow Book, a complete run of Aubrey Beardsley’s celebrated Art Nouveau quarterly (1894–97), a true work of art ($3,200); Bauman Rare Books/The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

We’ll see your true colors shining through in the Billionaire Italian Couture Flavio multicolored shirt ($950); Billionaire Italian Couture/The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

Carry sunshine, in a bag with the Chloé large Angie handbag ($2,295); Chloé/The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

Get your sparkle on with the Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Locks narrow bangle with diamonds in 18-karat gold ($3,800); Tiffany & Co./Fashion Show.

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With Guerlain Kiss Kiss Gloss, your lips will say silver moon’s sparkling, kiss me ($32); Guerlain/The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

This John Hardy bracelet will have you believing in the magic ($4,995); Neiman Marcus/Fashion Show.

Let your light shine with a Piaget Limelight Cocktail Party, Blueberry Daiquiri Inspiration ring in 18-carat white gold set with 121 brilliant-cut diamonds, one cushion-cut amethyst, 30 brilliant-cut pink sapphires and 1 cabochon-cut ruby ($13,600); Piaget/ The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

Keep warm in the deep, dark night with a Canali pure linen sweater with embroidered collar ($450); Canali/The Shoppes at The Palazzo.

You’ll be standing out in a crowd, where the spotlight finds you in this Nanette Lepore dress ($448); Saks Fifth Avenue/ Fashion Show.

“Purple Haze” —Jimi Hendrix (1967)

’Scuse me while I kiss the sky in the color of Rock ‘n’ Roll royalty, purple.

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LAVISH ADORNMENTS

Power Lunch

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L BELLA

Looks inspired by Cinema Italiano. A neutral palette of colors with stunning gems creates a style worthy of the big screen.

On Colleen: Beaded necklace set with aquamarine in 18-karat gold ($4,800) and Cushion on Point ring set with smokey quartz and 0.12 carat of diamonds in 18-karat gold ($3,600); David Yurman/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Janetta dress ($550), Beverly low-heel pump ($323), Robinson logo clutch in Sky Blue ($395); Tory Burch/The Forum Shops at Caesars. On Roya: Tan-stripe bangle and white with pink-and-blue dot bangle (set, $655), gray-and-white stripe top ($2,090), red-and-white stripe skirt ($870), red-and-white stripe sandal ($760); Fendi/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

photographs by Robert John Kley Fa s h i o n D i r e c to r / S t y l i s t: C h r i s t i e M o e l l e r H a i r / M a k e u p: Zee Clemente M a n i c u r i s t: Tricia Mesa, using Dior Vernis “ I n co g n i to ” a n d “ F o r g e t - M e - N ot ” S t y l i s t A s s i s ta n t: Am b e r L i g g o n M o d e l s : R oya / E n v y M o d e l s & Ta l e n t a n d Co l l e e n / B e s t Ag e n c y

P h oto g r a p h e d o n lo c at i o n i n T h e F o r u m S h o p s at C a e s a r s F o o d p r e pa r e d by E x e c u t i v e C h e f E r i c K l e i n o f Spag o, T h e F o r u m S h o p s at C a e s a r s

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LAVISH ADORNMENTS On Colleen: Metro ring set with bombayed white-agate stone in 18-karat gold ($3,900), Mobile necklace set with white-agate stone in 18-karat gold ($5,500), Oval Link bracelet with white ceramic links set in 18-karat gold ($6,900); David Yurman/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Floral texture dress ($670); CH Carolina Herrera/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Rouge Dior lip color in Blazing Red ($30); Dior Beauty/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

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On Roya: Leaves ring set with diamonds in 18-karat white, yellow and rose gold ($9,250); Frank Gehry/Tiffany & Co., The Forum Shops at Caesars. Garden Petals pendant set with a diamond in 18-karat white gold ($2,375); Tiffany brand/Tiffany & Co., The Forum Shops at Caesars. Wave 3-Row bracelet in sterling silver ($575); Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co./Tiffany & Co., The Forum Shops at Caesars. Addis dress ($325); Tory Burch/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Rouge Dior lip color in Favori Red ($30); Dior Beauty/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Food: Kobe sliders and prosciutto pizza; Spago/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

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LAVISH ADORNMENTS

Jewelry: Lily earrings set with 1.23 carats of diamonds in 18-karat white gold ($8,950) and necklace set with 19.19 carats of diamonds in 18-karat gold (price upon request); De Beers/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Clothing: Lockly mid-sleeve pleated-front dress ($255); Ted Baker London/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Food: Parmesan wafers with goat cheese, tangerine apple salad; Spago/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

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Jewelry: Necklace set with 45-carat green amethyst and 20 carats of sapphires set in 22-karat gold ($10,895); Nan Fusco/ Caesars Exclusively, Caesars Palace. Clothing: Duchess satin scoop-neck tank ($1,200), tiered draped skirt (price upon request); Marc Jacobs/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Beauty products: 5 Couleurs all-in-one artistry palette in Smoky Design ($59); Dior Beauty/The Forum Shops at Caesars. La Boheme Aqua Eyes ($18); Make Up For Ever/Sephora, The Forum Shops at Caesars. Food: Banana-bread pudding; Spago/ The Forum Shops at Caesars.

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LAVISH ADORNMENTS Jewelry: Band set with 1 carat of yellow and white diamonds in two-tone 18-karat gold ($3,209); multiple bands of 18-karat white and yellow gold set with round diamonds, and a center of four princess-cut diamonds totaling 0.34 carat invisibly set in a bezel of 18-karat white gold ($3,989); floral-motif bangle bracelet set with 0.64 carat of round diamonds in 18-karat two-tone gold ($2,332); bracelet set with yellow diamonds in 18-karat gold ($9,749). All by Ultra Diamonds/Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Beauty products: La Boheme Rouge Artist Natural in Folk ($19); Make Up For Ever/Sephora, The Forum Shops at Caesars. Food: Salmon poppers and apple crisps; Spago/The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Clothing: Friday dress ($3,400); Christian Dior/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Mini wooden clutch ($1,750); Devi Kroell/ The Forum Shops at Caesars.

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Jewelry: Estate chain ($275), clip-on pendant ($875), cuffs (small, $1,150; large, $1,450), and ring ($750), set with white sapphires and canary crystal in sterling silver and 18-karat yellow gold; Judith Ripka/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Clothing: Nude/pink stretch sequin dress ($345); DKNY/ The Forum Shops at Caesars. Beauty products: DiorBlush in Peachy Keen ($42); Dior Beauty/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Lush Flush lip stain in Merlot ($12); Sephora Collection/Sephora, The Forum Shops at Caesars. Food: Breadsticks; Spago/The Forum Shops at Caesars. VP

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Boccia Titanium can be purchased at TeNo Stores TeNo The Shoppes at Mandalay Place Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino 702-259-0565

TeNo Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 702-735-8366

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shop online at boccia.com

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FASHION FORWARD An Intimate Night Out

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Artistic Encounter A REVEALING LOOK AT SPRINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S sexiest lingerie

Lingerie: Marilyn contouring slip ($169); ResultWear/Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. Beauty products: Topshop Matte Eyes in Tarnish ($14) and Chunky Crayon Eyes in Satchel ($10); Topshop/Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

Photographs by Jerry Metellus Fa sh i o n D i recto r / S t y l i st: Ch r i s t i e M o e l l e r

H a i r / M a k e u p: K r ys t l e R a n d a l l M o d e l : S v i at l a n a / ENVY M o d e l s Ph oto Ass i sta nts : M i k e M c N u lt y a n d U n i co C l e m e n t e S t y l i st Ass i sta nt S : D e v i n H o w e l l , Am b e r L i g g o n a n d S a r a h M u r z y n

P h oto g r a ph e d o n lo c at i o n at G a l l e r y NIG H TCLUB, P l a n e t H o l ly w o o d R e s o r t & C a s i n o

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FASHION FORWARD

Lingerie: “Darling” babydoll nighty ($68) and Deco lace short wrap robe ($68); In Bloom by Jonquil/La Vogue, Paris Las Vegas, and shopinbloombyjonquil.com. Off-white pleated chiffon platform open-toe pump ($750); Giuseppe Zanotti Design/ The Forum Shops at Caesars. Beauty products: Topshop Cheeks in Prism ($20), Lips in Desert ($16), and Eyes in Silver Sand ($14); Topshop/ Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

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Lingerie: Layered Luxe Lace bra ($42) and thong ($20); OnGossamer/ongossamer.com. Black heel ($905); Charlotte Olympia/Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. Beauty products: Eye Color Quad in Cobalt Rush ($75); Tom Ford Beauty/Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. Skin Tight body lotion ($36); Prtty Peaushun/prttypeaushun.com. Topshop Glaze lipgloss in Laid Back ($12); Topshop/Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

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FASHION FORWARD

Lingerie: Grace corset ($720); Ender Legard/Barneys New York, The Shoppes at The Palazzo, and net-a-porter.com. Beauty products: 5 Couleurs eyeshadow palette in Mystic Smokys ($59); Dior Beauty/ The Forum Shops at Caesars. Topshop Lips in Ohh La La ($16); Topshop/ Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

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Lingerie: Rebel Rose Bump Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Up bra ($42); Betsey Johnson/ Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and Nordstrom, Fashion Show. Topshop blush in Flush ($12); Topshop/Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

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FASHION FORWARD

Lingerie: Slimmers thong ($38); OnGossamer/ ongossamer.com. Via delle Rose balconette bra ($409); La Perla/ The Forum Shops at Caesars. Beauty products: DiorBlush in Sunkissed Cinnamon ($42); Dior Beauty/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Topshop Glaze lipgloss in Antique ($12); Topshop/Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

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Lingerie: Thea wireless bra ($64) and hotpant ($37.50); Cosabella/ shop.cosabella.com. Beauty Products: 3 Couleurs ready-to-wear smoky-eyes palette in Smoky Black ($48); Dior Beauty/The Forum Shops at Caesars. Topshop bronzer in Holidaze ($16); Topshop/ Fashion Show and us.topshop.com.

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FASHION FORWARD

Lingerie: Topshop black caged bralet with strap details ($36) and blue strappy lace knickers ($20); Topshop/Fashion Show and us.topshop.com. Black heel ($905); Charlotte Olympia/ Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show. Beauty products: Skin Tight body lotion ($36); Prtty Peaushun/ prttypeaushun.com. Eye Color Quad in Crushed Amethyst ($75); Tom Ford Beauty/ Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show.

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High-tech manufacture. Solid craftsmanship. Filled with emotion. TeNo The Shoppes at Mandalay Place Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino 702-259-0565

TeNo Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 702-735-8366

The TitanFactory Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino 702-735-1693

shop online at teno.com

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Star chef Gordon Ramsay refuses to wilt when the stress level threatens to boil overâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in fact, the hotter it gets, the better he likes it.

hen others canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand the heat gordon ramsay stays in the kitchen And the better we like what comes out of the kitchen of this

multiple-Michelin Award winner, whose salty tongue and spicy temper are forgotten in the sweetness of his cuisine.

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CELEBRITY PORTRAIT

‘People don’t complain enough. I always ask my customers to be honest, because we can’t get better unless they are telling us what they like and don’t like. I quite like brutal honesty.’ Chef Gordon Ramsay (right) traveled to Montclair, New Jersey, to help struggling Leone’s restaurant in an episode of Kitchen Nightmares, airing on FOX.

Gordon Ramsay is one of the world’s great chefs, but his award-winning cuisine is only part of what’s made him famous. The salty-tongued Scot, who’s known for losing his temper in the kitchen when things don’t go well, has built an international food empire that counts a string of successful restaurants honored with multiple coveted Michelin stars; three popular Fox TV series—with another on the way—and 18 books. It’s all driven by a pursuit of perfection, he says. At 45, Ramsay thrives on being at the top. “I don’t wake up and worry,” he says. “Chefs are competitive. We want pressure. I’ve likened it to being a sports star or playing in a rock band. I love that unsafe scenario where I walk into situations that are packed with jeopardy. I’m definitely a pressure junkie. It only gets stressful when you can’t handle it. If I relaxed too much, I’d probably die.” Vegas: A New Frontier After conquering New York and London, Ramsay is about to unleash a culinary assault on Sin City with his newest restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak, at Paris Las Vegas. “First, I had to prove myself in the Big Apple,” he says. “It’s true that if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere, and I did with my place at the London Hotel. We won two Michelin Stars in six months. Now I’m ready for Vegas, where it seems nearly every top chef in the world has a restaurant. I get excited when I think of the thousands of guests we’re going to cook for. You’ll experience London in Vegas with a bit of Parisian chic thrown in. My steakhouse is an eclectic, modern European-style restaurant.” Ramsay knows that Vegas is the place where fun begins. “I really love the shows. My first was seeing Céline Dion at Caesars. I went there with an attitude like, ‘OK, this is not going to be like watching Coldplay,’ but I was blown away.” Ramsay knows times have been tough in Las Vegas, like they are everywhere else. “It’s been a #^@* time for everybody the last couple of years. Now, we’re sort of navigating our way out of this recession. I’m just glad to see Vegas bouncing back. The city represents that feel-good pick-meup destination where you can go and completely relax whether you’re gambling or having a bloody-good dinner.” Ramsay with his executive chef, Andi Van Willigan

‘Now, when a young chef comes to work for me, I never begin by teaching them how to cook. First, they need to learn to taste. How can they expect to cook a dish perfectly if they don’t know exactly how it should taste?’ Ramsay (left) gets a grateful hug at Blackberry’s restaurant in Plainfield, New Jersey, featured in the Season Four premiere of FOX’s Kitchen Nightmares. 80

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P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f © 2 0 1 1 F o x B r o a d c a s t i n g C o . : ( R a m s ay at L e o n e ’ s ; R a m s ay a n d V a n W i ll i g a n ) J e f f r e y N e i r a / FOX ; ( R a m s a y a t B l a c k b e r r y ’ s ) D a v i d L a n g / FOX .

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BRINGING IT TO VEGAS You’ve seen his shows. Now taste his food. Gordon Ramsay Holdings runs restaurants worldwide, stretching from London to Los Angeles, Ireland to Italy, and the Middle East to the Far East. Ramsay’s latest venture is located inside Paris Las Vegas. Gordon Ramsay Steak The “edgy, exciting and bold” design of his 274-seat steakhouse bridges the resort’s Parisian theme with Ramsay’s British heritage. “The space is really innovative, and we’ve put together a great team and created a contemporary, quality menu,” Ramsay says. The team includes Andi Van Willigan, one of the talented chefs Ramsay has trained and mentored. She works as his sous chef on Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares. In addition, Van Willigan is his corporate executive U.S. chef, overseeing all his new U.S. restaurants. In Las Vegas, guests get a peek at the exclusive beef-aging program created by Ramsay and his culinary team. In addition to fine cuts of beef, the steakhouse serves Ramsay’s signature fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and French-influenced sides.

Bread Street Kitchen, London

A Lifelong Love Ramsay, who had his heart set on being a professional soccer player before he was permanently sidelined by a knee injury, credits his mum with igniting his love affair with food. “She was an amazing cook in a little bistro in Stratford-uponAvon right next to William Shakespeare’s theater,” he remembers. “I would drop in after soccer practice and go, ‘Can I lick the spoon?’ My talent for cooking came from my love of eating. It helped me identify what was good and what was bad.” He continues, “Now, when a young chef comes to work for me, I never begin by teaching them how to cook. First, they need to learn to taste. How can they expect to cook a dish perfectly if they don’t know exactly how it should taste? So I blindfold them—which is a little bit ridiculous, I admit— and bring a plate and have them try to identify everything on it. You have to train your palate.” Audiences are entertained by his top-rated TV shows, from Hell’s Kitchen to MasterChef and Kitchen Nightmares— especially when he directs a profanity-laden outburst at some unfortunate contestant. But Ramsay, who hosts and is executive producer, hopes the shows encourage audiences to explore cooking in their own kitchens. “What we’re doing is inspiring you not to be intimidated by ingredients and complicated recipes,” he says. “We need to change the whole mentality of what America is cooking at home. Your kids shouldn’t eat fast food. Take them to the market, pick up some asparagus, and make something delicious. Start with a young child who doesn’t want to eat those things and expand his horizons.” Then he admits with a laugh that his own daily diet is hardly haute cuisine. “I love a peanut-butter sandwich, honestly I do,” he says. “At home, I might do beans on toast. My wife hates it because I’ll #^@* around and add Tabasco sauce and maybe an egg fried in goose fat. She’ll say, ‘Look, just give me beans on toast.’ It’s a reminder that sometimes simple can be best.”

Home Cooking Traveling to London? It’s Ramsay’s hometown. Try the award-winning fare at his four restaurants there: The Savoy Grill Ramsay created one of London’s most iconic restaurants, where classic British and French dishes are served in an environment inspired by the Art Deco era: Swarovski chandeliers, antique mirrors, luxurious mohair-velvet coverings and gold-leafbacked tortoiseshell Lucite walls.

N o C u r s i n g All o w e d At one point, Ramsay pauses to consider his TV image: the tough and often testy taskmaster who won’t tolerate mediocrity. “Hell’s Kitchen is a competition, and I’ve got to weed out the #^@* from the talent,” he explains. “I’ve been through it. When I worked under the top chefs in Paris, I got a few plates to the head and scraped some cabbage out of my ears when I screwed up. But, at the end of the day, I never started crying to my mum. The chefs were teaching me magic. That’s when I learned there are no shortcuts in cooking.” As for his swearing, Ramsay shrugs, “If I put a microphone on an NFL football player during a game, I guarantee you would not quite believe the curses. It’s no different in the kitchen, but every time I curse, it’s bleeped [out].” “But I won’t allow it at home,” he adds. “My kids know damn well ‘#^@*’ is a bad word and they don’t go around telling their teachers to ‘#^@* off.’ I keep it real with them. We fine them a month of pocket money if I hear any bad words.” Ramsay wouldn’t mind if his customers raised their voices just as he does on TV. “People don’t complain enough,” he says. “I always ask my customers to be honest because we can’t get better unless they are telling us what they like and don’t like. I quite like brutal honesty.” Ramsay’s next challenge is his new TV series, Hotel Hell, from his production company, One Potato Two Potato. “Everyone has stayed in a hotel and gotten taken for granted,” he says. “You see this glossy brochure; you get excited when you look at the website; and you think, ‘Wow, it’s amazing.’ But it’s a big false sense of security. We’re going to blow the lid off some of these places because I’m fed up with the way they’re taking advantage of customers.” Looking back at his enviable 11 Michelin Stars, Ramsay says, “They’re like the Academy Award® for best movie. They are sort of confirming perfection. That’s something I swear by because I’m a bit of a control freak. Whether you’re running a 100-meter sprint or cooking a three-Michelin Star dinner, the training and the pain and the excruciating determination you go through in order to get there is worth it if you’ve done something people will never forget.” VP

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay Combining contemporary elegance, exquisite cuisine and unparalleled service, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which opened in 1998, is one of only four restaurants in England with three Michelin stars. Maze The menu here changes daily, and dishes—many of which are cooked on a charcoal robata grill, wood oven or plancha—combine French and Asian influences. The tasting menu lets guests experience a wide range of flavors and textures. Bread Street Kitchen A raw bar, wood-burning oven and lively open kitchen add to the relaxed atmosphere here. The extensive cocktail menu and wine list bring diners in at all hours.

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Ramsay gives both teams a pep talk before dinner service on a recent episode of Hell’s Kitchen on FOX.

Ramsay, Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich announce the chicken challenge on MasterChef, airing on FOX.

‘I’m Definitely A Pressure Junkie. It Only Gets Stressful When You Can’t Handle It.’

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Eat. Drink. And be Family.

702.731.7731 | Group Dining 866.733.5827 | CaesarsPalace.com Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC.

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2/24/12 9:29 AM

COCKTAIL CULTURE Raise Your Glass “The effervescence of the bubbles adds a sparkle and takes the cocktail to a whole other level.” —Mixologist Eddie Perales

Blueberry 75 “This one is for the gin connoisseur,” Perales says of this cocktail using Plymouth Gin, Moët & Chandon Impérial, muddled blueberries, agave nectar and a squeeze of lime. “The blueberry adds a sweet freshness to the drink.”

Pink Coral For his take on a classic strawberry-and-champagne pairing, Perales mixes strawberries, Belvedere Pink Grapefruit and Monin Ruby Red Grapefruit syrup with champagne for a “citrus, flowery cocktail.”

Champagne Wishes Mimosas and Bellinis are mere child’s play when it comes to champagne cocktail construction. Eddie Perales has elevated the art of champagne concoctions, creating a collection of unique sippers for the Seahorse Lounge at Caesars Palace. Perales uses everything from watermelon syrup and agave nectar to muddled blueberries in his quest to up the taste quotient of these Moët & Chandon Impérial signature drinks. “I wanted to create a destination where people can come and enjoy champagne with a whole portfolio of flavors,” says Perales, director of beverage for Caesars Palace. “The effervescence of the bubbles adds a sparkle and takes the cocktail to a whole other level. You add a little nectar or syrup and it makes that cocktail pop.” VP 84

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At Seahorse, Fruit-Infused Bubbly Goes POP

C o c k t a i l P h o t o S B Y D A N N Y I N G L E W OO D

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2/23/12 11:33 AM

BEST BETS Inside the Sports Book

“In a shortened season, it’s going to be almost a war of attrition,” explains Todd Fuhrman, Caesars Entertainment senior race and sports analyst, of this year’s 66-game NBA season. “It will be a sprint to the finish.”

Hoop Hysteria Handicapping the NBA Playoffs

And with more games per week and fewer off days, the season “could take a [physical] toll on veteran teams,” says Fuhrman, but he warns that those who do survive could be dangerous in the playoffs. “They’re not going to have the same condensed schedule in the playoffs, so you can throw out some of the things you’ve seen in the regular season.” Fuhrman offers these handicapping fundamentals to consider before stepping up to the window at the sports book.

Bench Depth Sure, star power helps, but “they can’t do it alone.” Look for a team with “good, steady guard play and bench depth,” he says, adding that “if a team’s second unit isn’t there, they will give back leads,” putting pressure on the starters to perform flawlessly. Free-Throw Shooting When betting favorites, Fuhrman says, put your money on a good free-throw-shooting team; they are more likely to cover the spread late in the game. “The difference between laying four points and a game going three or five is going to be a couple of made or missed free throws.” Buckle-Down Defense “You always want to look at defensive efficiency as much as anything else—to see which teams can get stops when a game is going down to the wire. If a team can’t keep the other team from scoring in crunch time, it’s not going to be a good betting scenario.”

LeBron James (below) and the Miami Heat are favorites to return to the NBA Finals, but can they take home the title this time?

Inside Play vs. Long-Range Shooters “Look for teams that can score in the paint because a team’s shooting percentage from inside six to eight feet will be a heck of a lot higher than if they’re settling for 18- to 20-foot jump shots on a routine basis.” Are Seedings Overrated? ”Don’t get caught up with playoff seedings” this year, Fuhrman says, and he points to the shortened 1998–99 season as an example. That year, the New York Knicks were an eight seed and beat the top-seeded Miami Heat in the first round. It could happen again. “Over a 66-game schedule [this year] it may take some teams a little longer to hit their stride. So teams that finish fifth or sixth may be the third-best team in the conference. It’s a different game.” VP 86

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P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f ( p l ay e r w i t h b a s k e t b a l l ) B a l a z s T o t h ; ( N BA g a m e ) D o m e n i c G a r e r i / S h u t t e r s t o c k . c o m .

2/27/12 10:06 AM

Play in Paradise... No Passport Required

Located next to the Margaritaville Restaurant On the Strip at the Flamingo, 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 • Restaurant 702-733-3302 MARGARITAVILLELASVEGAS.COM Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC.

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HAPPENINGS The Center Strip

News &Notes New places to eat, stay and play, plus more Vegas vignettes.

George Lucas dined at Serendipity 3

1 Annabelle Makes Her Moo-ve For six decades, Annabelle kept watch over Old Homestead Steakhouse in New York’s Meatpacking District. The life-size statue— a star in her own right, having appeared on Seinfeld and The Sopranos—made a cross-country trek to Caesars Palace, where she was unveiled at the grand opening by restaurant co-owners Greg and Marc Sherry, and Regional President of Caesars Palace and Las Vegas Operations Gary Selesner (center). 88

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2 Octavius Tower Opens Céline Dion hosted the grand opening of Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace. Dion participated in the customary lion-dance parade, which coincides with the Lunar New Year ringing in the Year of the Dragon. The 668-room Octavius Tower, the sixth hotel tower at Caesars Palace, is a hotel-within-a-hotel experience, with a private valet entrance, a separate hotel lobby and innovative in-room technology.

3 Ready, Set, Sign! Four-time Super Bowl champ and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana recently signed autographs for fans at Memorabilia International, inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Boxers Leon Spinks (pictured with Montana) and Ken Norton were among those who stopped by.

4 Lost Shaker of Salt? Jimmy Buffett surprised fans at the grand-opening party for the Margaritaville Casino at Flamingo Las Vegas with a margarita in hand. But this was no ordinary cocktail. It was a glass of Lucky Rita, a colossal 8,500-gallon Guinness World Record-breaking beverage. That’s a lot of limes: 22,267, to be exact.

P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f ( O l d H o m e s t e a d ; C é l i n e D i o n ) D e n i s e T r u s c e l l o / W i r e i m a g e . c o m / C a e s a r s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C o r p. ; ( J o e M o n t a n a ) K i r v i n D o a k C o m m u n i c a t i o n s ; ( G e o r g e L u c a s ) C a e s a r s P a l a c e ; ( J i m m y B u f f e t t ) C a e s a r s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C o r p.

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Flavor Flav signed autographs at Art of Music

Chefs Guy Savoy and Kerry Simon at Eating Las Vegas book-release party

James Gandolfini attended magician Nathan Burton’s show

6 5 Pageant Princesses The 2012 Miss America

6 Charity Golf Tournament The Champions Tour

Pageant returned to the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for the seventh consecutive year. Laura Kaeppeler from Wisconsin— pictured above at the annual arrival ceremony with all 53 contestants—was crowned this year’s Miss America.

team of Mark Calcavecchia, Jay Haas and Kenny Perry took first place in this year’s Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge. Held at Rio Secco Golf Club, three teams of professional golfers— featuring players from the LPGA Tour, Champions Tour and PGA TOUR—battled in the best-ball match. The tournament raised $4,024,000 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

7 7 A Night at The Improv A half-century of history and two-dozen comedy clubs produce a lot of laughs. Over the years, legendary comics Billy Crystal, Lily Tomlin, Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen DeGeneres have graced the stages of the Budd Friedman-founded Improv Comedy Clubs. Today, The Improv at Harrah’s Las Vegas plays host to weekly acts with a trio of comics performing nightly. Dat Phan, the original winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, performs July 3-8.

8 Party People Blonde bombshell Holly Madison poses with singer Josh Strickland at a party celebrating PEEPSHOW’s 1,000th performance. The cast toasted the milestone with champagne and snacked on a PEEPSHOW-inspired cupcake centerpiece provided by Retro Bakery.

P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f ( F l a v o r F l a v ) J u d y E d d y / E d d y P h o t o g r a p h y; ( D a t P h a n ) K e l s e y E d w a r d s / C a t c h l i g h t S t u d i o s ; ( J a m e s G a n d o l f i n i ) C a e s a r s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C o r p. ; ( M i s s A m e r i c a ) M i s s A m e r i c a O r g a n i z a t i o n ; ( W e n d y ’ s 3 - T o u r C h a l l e n g e ) W e n d y ’ s 3 - T o u r C h a l l e n g e ; ( G u y S a v o y a n d K e r r y S i m o n ) B r y a n A d a m s / F l a s h P h o t o g r a p h y; ( P E E P S H O W ) D e n i s e T r u s c e l l o / W i r e i m a g e . c o m / C a e s a r s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C o r p.

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2/27/12 10:20 AM

Maria Menounos at Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon

SCENE & HEARD Celebrity Scenesters

Nelly on the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub

Bow Wow at Chateau Nightclub

Starcatcher

Snoop Dogg on the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub

Where the Celebrities Come to Play

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick on the Chateau Gardens rooftop

Britney Spears and Jason Trawick at Chateau Nightclub

Sugar Factory American Brasserie, Gallery Nightclub, Chateau Nightclub & Gardens and Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon

Jenny McCarthy at Chateau Gardens Danielle and Kevin Jonas at Sugar Factory American Brasserie

Adrian Grenier at Sugar Factory American Brasserie 90

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LL Cool J performs at Chateau Nightclub A l l P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f W i c k e d C r e a t i v e : ( N e l l y ) B r y an S t e f f y / W i r e I m a g e . c o m ; ( B o w W o w ; K o u r t n e y Ka r d a s h i an an d Sc o t t D i s i c k ; A d r i an G r e n i e r ) Da v i d B e c k e r / W i r e I m a g e . c o m ; ( Ma r i a M e n o u n o s ; B r i t n e y Sp e a r s an d J a s o n T r aw i c k ; J e nn y Mc C a r t h y ; LL C o o l J ; Dan i e l l e an d K e v i n J o na s ) D e n i s e T r u s c e l l o / W i r e I m a g e . c o m .

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Miss America 2012 at Planet Hollywood

Laura Kaeppelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip to Las Vegas was a memorable one. The pageant contestant from Wisconsin won the 2012 Miss America Pageant, which was held in the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Josh Strickland with Miss Nevada, Alana Lee A l l P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f ÂŠ 2 0 1 2 M i s s A m e r i ca O r g an i z a t i o n . A l l R i g h t s R e s e r v e d .

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2/27/12 10:32 AM

SCENE & HEARD Celebrity Scenesters Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk

Audrina Patridge

A Little More Face Time

Chris Brown

PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace Kellan Lutz

Coco and Ice-T

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A l l P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f A n g e l Mana g e m e n t G r o u p : ( B r y an G r e e nb e r g an d V i c t o r Ra s u k ) I s s ac B r e k k e n / W i r e I m a g e . c o m ; ( C h r i s B r o wn ) C a s s i T h o m a s / RET N A ; ( A u d r i na P a t r i d g e ; Ic e - T an d C o c o ; K e l l an L u t z ) E r i k Kab i k / RET N A ; ( A s h l e y T i s d a l e ) D e n i s e T r u s c e l l o / W i r e I m a g e . c o m .

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Angie Melwani, Giuseppe Zanotti and Maureen Crampton at Zanottiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store in The Forum Shops at Caesars

SCENE & HEARD Celebrations and VIPs

Holly Madison at Sephora grand opening in The Forum Shops at Caesars

Grand Openings and Appearances

Famous Faces in Prominent Places

From ribbon cuttings and parties to star-studded appearances, here are some of the designers, artists and others who stopped by the boutiques at The Forum Shops at Caesars and Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Artist Robert Deyber at Martin Lawrence Galleries in The Forum Shops at Caesars

Lisa Pliner at Donald J Pliner boutique in The Forum Shops at Caesars 94

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Sammy Hagar at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Mike Tyson signs autographs at Painted with Oil in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f C a s h m an P r o f e s s i o na l S e r v i c e s : ( H o l l y Ma d i s o n ) D e v i n L l o y d ; ( G i u s e pp e Zan o t t i ; R o b e r t D e y b e r ) J o h n U l m an i s ; ( L i s a P l i n e r ) C h r i s P o o r e ; ( Sa m m y Ha g a r ) W i c k e d C r e a t i v e . P h o t o o f M i k e T y s o n c o u r t e s y o f M i r ac l e M i l e S h o p s / E r i k Kab i k / RET N A .

2/27/12 10:33 AM

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SHOWBIZ The Business of Being Sexy

A Doll’s Life Next Pussycat Dolls: Purr-fectly Cast

Robin Antin is at it again. A new Pussycat Dolls recording group is on the way. And these sexy singers have some big stilettos to fill. The girls are replacing the five original members, who had hits with songs such as “Don’t Cha,” “Buttons,” “Stickwitu” and “When I Grow Up,” but have all left the group over the past few years. Antin, who founded the Pussycat Dolls as a burlesque troupe in 1995, understands their departure. “It’s a platform,” Antin says. “As much as the other girls, especially [former lead singer] Nicole [Scherzinger], were the face of the Pussycat Dolls, I have to let them go and live their dreams so they can find what their destiny is. Now it’s time to do it again.”

‘The Pussycat Dolls are sexy and gorgeous, and the music is fun and has an urban pop vibe. It’s going to fit the same mold.’ —Pussycat Dolls Founder Robin Antin So meet the new Dolls. Antin recruited Lauren Bennett from Paradiso Girls, who will share vocals with Girlicious’ Chrystina Sayers. Rounding out the group is former Los Angeles Lakers Girl Vanessa Curry, Paula Van Oppen from So You Think You Can Dance and ex-Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Erica Jenkins. Antin calls the two-year selection process “Pussycat Dolls boot camp” and adds, “I have five very special, incredibly beautiful and talented girls.” Bennett, who was featured on LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” and Cee Lo Green’s “Love Gun” track, has a voice that, Antin says, is a “cross between Aretha Franklin and Adele”— plus, “she can dance. She has such swagger.” Meanwhile, Antin compares Sayers’ “big, belty, pop sound” to that of Rihanna, and says Van Oppen will likely rap on the album, which she expects will be released by the end of the year.

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As for the Dolls’ new sound, “My motto is, don’t fix what isn’t broken. The Pussycat Dolls are sexy and gorgeous, and the music is fun and has an urban pop vibe. It’s going to fit the same mold.” And as if that’s not enough, Antin is teaming up with Nigel Lythgoe and Kim Kardashian, who will work as an executive producer, on a reality show that will follow the launch of the band. But will a Pussycat Dolls reincarnation work? “When people see the girls in action and hear our music, everyone is going to fall in love with them. People will be blown away. It’s the exact right recipe for the new Pussycat Dolls.” VP Below: The new Pussycat Dolls—Erica Jenkins, Vanessa Curry, Lauren Bennett, Paula Van Oppen and Chrystina Sayers

Dream GIRLS Through the years, celebrities such as Christina Aguilera and Carmen Electra have performed as guest Dolls in nightclubs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. So who is Antin eyeing next to tease the crowd at her Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino? “I would love to have Lindsay Lohan,” Antin reveals. “She is really talented. Even though she has had some trouble, she can really perform. I’d love to be the one to make it happen so she can show everybody ‘I’ve been through a lot of stuff in my life, but I still got it.’” Others she’d like to see: “Jennifer Lopez, of course,” Antin gushes and adds, “Penélope Cruz has a ballet background and would be perfect.”

The Doll maker

In Step with Robin Antin Robin Antin is a highly respected choreographer on today’s music scene. In 1995, she founded The Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Revue and in 2003 she turned the brand into a recording group that featured five hit songs off their debut album, PCD. Antin also oversees the Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Christina Aguilera

P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f ( r o b i n a n t i n ) W i c k e d C r e at i v e / L a u r e n B e n n e t t; ( C h r i s t i n a A g u i l e r a ) W i c k e d C r e at i v e / C h r i s t i n a R a d i s h / W i r e i m a g e . c o m ; ( P u s s y c a t D o ll s R e c o r d i n g G r o u p ) P h o t o b y M u s a s h i O n o , m a k e u p b y P r i s c i ll a O n o a n d l i n g e r i e b y R o b i n A n t i n .

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A n e x p lo r e r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e to t h e S t r i p

AROUND TOWN

Lingerie: Bullseye bra ($193) and panty (price upon request); Good Night Gilda/goodnightgilda.com.

Photo by Jerry Metellus

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2/27/12 9:58 AM

AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip

RESTAURANTS American All-American Bar & Grille Enjoy “Rio Dry Aged” Angus steaks, plus salads, sandwiches and seafood in a contemporary atmosphere with fireplaces, waterfalls and a sports bar with plasma TVs. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7767. BETTY’S DINER Casual cyber café offers fee-based Internet access to go along with its value-priced specialty coffees, baked goods, sandwiches and soups. Also serves ice cream, shakes, malts and sundaes. Imperial Palace, (702) 731-3311. BRADLEY OGDEN Award-winning Chef Bradley Ogden has crafted a terrific menu. His take on American cuisine includes dishes such as Duroc pork loin, roasted free-range chicken and oak-grilled rib eye. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530.

EARL OF SANDWICH Sink your teeth into “The World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich” at this upscale deli, started by descendants of the man who first put meat between two slices of bread in 1762. Those needing a quick, satisfying bite will not be disappointed. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 785-5555.

HASH HOUSE A GO GO Famous for its creative “twisted farm food” menu offerings and jumbo portions, this restaurant serves filling meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Imperial Palace, (702) 254-4646. Ice Pan Ice-cream lovers can finally enjoy a healthy, all-natural ice cream with no chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors or colors. Everything is made from scratch right in front of the customer, putting a healthy spin on the classic dessert. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 736-6684. KGB: KERRY’S GOURMET BURGERS

BURGER PALACE This fast-food find is home to the half-pound burger and other comfortfood delights. Imperial Palace, (702) 731-3311.

Celebrated Chef Kerry Simon offers the ultimate in burger selections, shakes, sides, snacks and his Iron Chef-winning sliders. The restaurant boasts an upbeat nightlife scene and a comfortable atmosphere designed as a James Bond-inspired send-up of Soviet-era Russia. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 369-5065.

CAFÉ AT HARRAH’S This casual café serves

LE CAFE ÎLE ST. LOUIS Whether it’s a late-

American comfort food during the day and features Italian Nights, offering pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites each evening. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 369-5000.

night snack or an early morning grab you’re after, this 24-hour café is a convenient destination for specialty coffee drinks. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-4364.

Central Michel Richard James Beard award-winning Chef Michel Richard brings his popular Washington, D.C., restaurant to Las Vegas with a 24-hour café featuring American favorites with a French accent. The menu includes all his signature dishes, including 72-hour short ribs, fried chicken and razor clam chowder. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530.

MARGARITAVILLE Jimmy Buffett’s multilevel Caribbean-themed entertainment venue has two patios overlooking the Strip, a nautical-themed restaurant, five bars, live entertainment nightly and a retail store. Flamingo Las Vegas, (702) 733-3302.

DICK’S LAST RESORT Sassy servers run this rowdy restaurant and pub, which prides itself as being “The Shame O’ The Strip.” Excalibur Hotel Casino, (702) 597-7991.

Central Michel Richard at Caesars Palace

Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace

MESA GRILL Bold and innovative flavors of the Southwest can be found in all of Chef Bobby Flay’s dishes such as the New Mexican spicerubbed pork tenderloin with bourbon-ancho chili sauce. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530. MUNCHBAR Quick-bite eatery near the Caesars Palace Race & Sports Book serves jumbo-size burgers and unique eats such as tiny grilled-cheese sandwiches served with a tomato dipping sauce. Caesars Palace, (702) 731-7544.

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RESTAURANTS American NOSH Quick-bite eatery serves breakfast sandwiches and pastries as well as Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, salads and desserts. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 739-4111. PINK’S HOT DOGS For 70 years, these gourmet franks—many named after their celebrity creators—have been sating the appetites of stars at the City of Angels hot spot. Now, dozens of the legendary hot-dog combinations are available here. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 405-4711.

SPORTS DELI Race and sports fans who don’t want to miss any of the action don’t have to. Menu options range from bratwursts to burgers, from wood-fired pizza to homemade sandwiches. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7777. STRIPBURGER An outdoor restaurant and bar serving 100-percent all-natural beef burgers, hand-cut fries, creamy milk shakes along with delicious baby cakes. Fashion Show, (702) 737-8747. SUGAR FACTORY AMERICAN BRASSERIE This restaurant, retail store and Chocolate Lounge is the sweetest spot on the Strip, serving up delicious cuisine 24 hours a day. Guests can devour delectable menu items, shop for scrumptious sweets and indulge in decadent chocolates from around the world. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 331-5100.

P.J. Clarke’s Las Vegas A saloon with attitude. Deftly skilled shuckers ply their trade with the freshest clams and oysters at a marble-topped raw bar while family and friends dine on fine American cuisine including succulent seafood, jumbo-size steaks and big burgers. The Forum Shops at Caesars, (702) 434-7900.

Texas-size portions and barbecue favorites served in a down-home atmosphere, where the walls are decorated with the country crooner’s memorabilia. Enjoy live music nightly. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 693-6111.

PLANET DAILIES This 24-hour coffee shop

TROPICAL BREEZE CAFÉ Casual café that

and café offers eclectic cuisine. The unique and lengthy menu includes dishes inspired by destinations around the world, including Kobe beef sliders and Hawaiian rib eye, and also offers smoothies and a wine selection. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 732-1222.

serves American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Flamingo Las Vegas, (702) 733-3111.

SÃO PAULO CAFÉ This great breakfast spot offers classic breakfast items such as French toast, buttermilk pancakes and eggs Benedict. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7777. SERENDIPITY 3 A New York favorite, Serendipity 3 has brought all its gooey goodness to the Strip. Enjoy savory and sweet items such as Rowen’s foot-long hot dogs and the famous Frrrozen hot chocolate, a blend of 20 different types of chocolate. Caesars Palace, (702) 731-7373. SIDEWALK CAFÉ A traditional café serving American favorites for breakfast and lunch daily. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 967-4111.

P.J. Clarke’s Las Vegas at The Forum Shops at Caesars

TOBY KEITH’S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL

P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f P. J . C l a r k e ’ s La s v e g a s

Spago at The Forum Shops at Caesars

THE VICTORIAN CAFÉ Round-the-clock diner features a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties, including Chinese cuisine, prime rib and graveyard specials. Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, (702) 737-2100. THE WINE CELLAR & TASTING ROOM Sin City’s most famous wine bar and retail shop offers more than 100 wines by the glass and showcases about 10,000 bottles, many of them highly collectible. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7962.

Whopper® Bar The first location on the West Coast, it offers guests the opportunity to build their own burger, with a choice of more than 30 different toppings, and the option to enjoy it with an ice-cold beer. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7777. WOLFGANG PUCK FINE DINING GROUP

SIN CITY BREWING COMPANY Sip an icecold draft beer at this hot spot overlooking the Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat. Flamingo Las Vegas, (702) 733-3111.

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In Las Vegas, the group owns and operates Spago, Trattoria del Lupo, Postrio, CUT, Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Spago/The Forum Shops at Caesars, (702) 369-6300. wolfgangpuck.com

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip Sushi Roku at The Forum Shops at Caesars

P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f SUSHI RO K U

RESTAURANTS Asian BEIJING NOODLE NO. 9 Giant fish tanks mark the entrance of this casual noodle house. The menu is full of mouthwatering soups, dim sum and noodle dishes. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530. Empress Court Dine on authentic Cantonese seafood delicacies such as abalone, Golden Santa Barbara spotted prawns or wok-fried black-pepper Dungeness crab, while seated on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Garden of the Gods. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530.

GINSENG 3 Food from the Far East is served at this 24-hour restaurant that specializes in Korean, Japanese and Chinese dishes. Imperial Palace, (702) 567-8282. HAMADA OF JAPAN Japanese teppanyakistyle tableside cooking, fresh sushi and an exotic Japanese menu make this restaurant a Vegas favorite. Flamingo Las Vegas, (702) 733-3455.

Ichiban Sushi Indulge in the wide assortment of sushi offered or order an authentic Japanese dish such as tempura or soba noodles. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 891-8626.

P.F. CHANG’S Modern Chinese bistro has an extensive menu packed with family-style dishes. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 836-0955.

KJ Dim Sum & Seafood Traditional Chinese cuisine with an extensive seafood menu containing shrimp, lobster and crab, KJ also offers diners a dim-sum experience that allows guests to select their dishes from a tableside cart. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7777.

SEA: The Thai Experience Enjoy exotic Thai fusion cuisine in a sleek modern design that includes a serene pond centered in the restaurant. Specialty dishes include grilled lemongrass chicken, Tamarind whole fish and pineapple curry duck. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 967-3888.

KOI LAS VEGAS A sensation from coast to coast, this celeb fave keeps its Vegas, L.A. and N.Y.C. locations in sync: Asian decor, cool Hollywood vibe and tantalizing Japaneseinspired menu. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 454-4555.

SUSHI ROKU Innovative Japanese cuisine. Highlights on the new 2.0 menu include salmon sashimi carpaccio with black truffles shaved tableside, Kobe meatballs in lettuce cups, and Albacore tacos. The Forum Shops at Caesars, (702) 733-7373.

MING’S TABLE This Asian restaurant offers a menu stocked with noodle dishes and Chinese and American-Chinese favorites. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 369-5000.

HYAKUMI Japanese restaurant and sushi bar with teppanyaki-style cooking and Japanese à la carte dining. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530.

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip Carnival World Buffet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

RESTAURANTS Buffet CARNIVAL WORLD BUFFET Seven live stations, including a teppanyaki grill, serve more than 300 dishes prepared fresh daily, from pizza to omelettes to 70 varieties of homemade pies. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7757. EMPEROR’S BUFFET The affordable buffet has a breakfast bar with a live omelette cooking station and serves American and international cuisine. Imperial Palace, (702) 731-3311. FLAVORS, THE BUFFET From Brazilian barbecue to Italian casseroles to fire-roasted rotisserie chicken and fresh seafood, Flavors offers selections spanning the globe. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 369-5000.

LE VILLAGE BUFFET This buffet features liveaction cooking stations themed after seven French provinces. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-4930. PARADISE GARDEN BUFFET This buffet offers prime rib, carved fresh turkey, steamed mussels and littleneck clams with saffron cream sauce, and much more. Flamingo Las Vegas, (702) 733-3111. SPICE MARKET BUFFET This sensory smorgasbord has tastes from around the globe. In addition to ethnic entrées, the usual suspects—salads, carving stations and desserts—have made this one of the best buffets in Vegas. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 785-9005.

Grand Feast

STERLING BRUNCH A Sunday brunch like no other. Champagne, sturgeon caviar, beef tenderloin and lobster top the menu. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 967-7999. TODAI RESTAURANT Sushi and seafood buffet offers a wide selection of signature dishes including a seaweed salad, poached salmon, snow-crab legs and shrimp. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 892-0021. THE VILLAGE SEAFOOD BUFFET Serves all-you-can-eat favorites of lobster, snowcrab legs, shrimp, oysters and sushi, as well as beef and chicken dishes. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7943.

This is one all-you-can-eat smorgasbord that’s worthy of the name.

The Buffet of Buffets is a 24-hour ticket to dine at six different participating buffets.

Participating Buffets Carnival World Buffet at the Rio

Starting at $44.99 for Total Rewards members, it lets you eat your way around Las Vegas with unlimited in-and-out access to the buffets of your choice until your 24-hour window expires.

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So if you can’t decide between the misoglazed duck at Paradise Garden, the Brazilian barbecue at Flavors or the Alaskan king crab at Spice Market, why try to choose? Have it all!

Emperor’s Buffet at Imperial Palace Flavors, The Buffet at Harrah’s Le Village Buffet at Paris Las Vegas Paradise Garden Buffet at Flamingo Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio (additional $15)

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RESTAURANTS French CAFÉ BELLE MADELEINE From morning ’til night, this pâtisserie fulfills your cravings for something sweet. Start with a croissant, Danish or turnover, or try an éclair, tiramisu or peach tart. Salads, fresh fruit and non-fat frozen yogurt also are available. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-7000. CHATEAU BEER GARDEN Located on the Strip-side terrace at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens, Beer Garden accommodates both thirsts and appetites. Open daily at 10 a.m., the restaurant and bar offer a selection of 20 draft beers, with specialty cocktails and a French café menu serving an array of pizzas, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 776-7770. EIFFEL TOWER RESTAURANT Dine on the classic French cuisine of world-renowned Chef Jean Joho at this romantic spot more than 100 feet above the Las Vegas Strip in the replica tower. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 948-6937. JJ’S BOULANGERIE Start the day with a croissant and a cup of coffee or visit for a light lunch. This bakery produces perfect pastries, pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-7000.

LA CRÊPERIE Reminiscent of the sidewalk cafés in Paris, this walk-up bistro serves a variety of crêpes, perfect for a light breakfast, lunch or dinner snack. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-7000. LE BURGER BRASSERIE A French interpretation of an American classic: a lively meatand-potatoes Sports Grille featuring gourmet burgers, from the classic beef to chicken, salmon, lamb and veggie creations. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-4346. LE PROVENÇAL The walls are covered with murals of the French countryside, and the wait staff dresses in French peasant garb and performs songs as diners dig into the FrenchItalian cuisine. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-7000.

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MON AMI GABI Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner inside Paris Las Vegas, the restaurant serves classic bistro cuisine, including crêpes, quiches, French onion soup and its signature steak frites. Its hip, trendy scene comes with an amazing patio for dining alfresco. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 944-4224.

Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace

PAYARD PÂTISSERIE & BISTRO Pastry shop and bistro from award-winning French Chef François Payard. It offers guests three distinct experiences, including a chocolate shop, pastry shop with made-to-order crêpes and sandwiches, and an intimate full-service dining room offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530. RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY Gourmet dining from French Master Chef Guy Savoy. The 10-course Menu Prestige is the restaurant’s crown jewel featuring signature dishes like the silky Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup and the decadent Colors of Caviar. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530.

I ta l i a n IL MULINO NEW YORK Owned by brothers Gino and Fernando Masci, the restaurant focuses on the hearty, rustic cuisine of the Abruzzo region—where the brothers were raised—and is known for its veal and shellfish. The Forum Shops at Caesars, (702) 492-6000.

Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas

MARTORANO’S Diverse menu includes homemade Italian-American favorites such as the eggplant stack, fresh mozzarella and Steve Martorano’s world-famous meatballs. The restaurant offers a unique atmosphere that combines exceptional food with film and extraordinary music. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 862-3530. PIZZA PALACE Restaurant serving a wide variety of value-priced pizza, pasta and other traditional Italian dishes. Imperial Palace, (702) 731-3311. RAO’S Legendary East Harlem restaurant with 115 years of history brings its home-style Italian food and its famous lemon chicken to Las Vegas. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530. TREVI Gelato Master Hank Sbraccia’s Spaghetti Ice is a “pasta bowl” with vanilla gelato strands acting as the spaghetti, chocolate gelato scoops as the meatballs, strawberry sauce as the marinara and shaved white chocolate as the parmesan. The Forum Shops at Caesars, (702) 735-4663.

P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f M o n A m i Ga b i

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip El Segundo Sol at Fashion Show

RESTAURANTS Mexican Cabo Wabo Cantina Offering a blend of live music, coastal Mexican fare and premium tequila, Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina serves up an all-day and all-night party in a 15,000-square-foot restaurant with Strip-side patio seating. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 385-2226. Carlos’n Charlie’s Unwind with a margarita or some sangría at this laid-back Mexican restaurant overlooking the Flamingo pool and gardens. The menu offers a variety of authentic Mexican meals. Flamingo Las Vegas, (702) 862-3530. EL SEGUNDO SOL The menu at the Stripside Mexican taquería and margarita bar consists of signature tastes including a variety of tacos and guacamole made tableside. Try some specialty tequila, homemade sangría or margarita. Fashion Show, (720) 737-8747.

Photo Courtesy of El Segundo Sol

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab at The Forum Shops at Caesars

QUESADILLA Mexican comfort food consisting of south-of-the-border favorites such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas are served here, along with thirst-quenching margaritas, mojitos and sangría. Imperial Palace, (702) 731-3311. TEQUILA BAR & GRILL This Mexican cantina serves a variety of tequilas, margaritas and specialty drinks, along with a full menu featuring items including traditional Mexican fare and American favorites. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 967-4111. YOLÖS MEXICAN GRILL Get the fiesta started. Spicing up this eatery are more than 60 tequilas, a fresh-fruit margarita bar and guacamole prepared right on the spot. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 785-5555.

Seafood BÚZIOS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Gaze out over the Rio’s VooDoo Beach and sparkling swimming pools while dining on the freshest seafood. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 862-3530. JOE’S SEAFOOD, PRIME STEAK & STONE CRAB The Joe’s tradition began in 1921 in Miami Beach. Crack some claws or dive into other fresh seafood dishes, such as the jumbo crab cakes and oysters Rockefeller. The Forum Shops at Caesars, (702) 792-9222.

OYSTER BAR Enjoy seafood favorites such as oysters, shrimp, lobster, crab, calamari or a squid salad. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 369-5000. 108

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Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace

P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f O l d H o m e s t e a d S t e ak h o u s e

RESTAURANTS Steakhouse BALLY’S STEAKHOUSE Generous portions of favorites like slow-roasted, aged prime rib, bone-in sirloin steak and Chilean sea bass are served in the atmosphere of a classic steakhouse. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 862-3530. EMBERS Intimate steakhouse serves affordable, succulent steaks and chops, while offering tableside salad and dessert preparation. Imperial Palace, (702) 794-3311. Gordon Ramsay Steak Acclaimed Chef Gordon Ramsay, of Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef and Kitchen Nightmares fame, serves seafood, mouth-watering cuts of beef and French-influenced side dishes at his bold and innovative 274-seat steakhouse. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 677-3200. Old Homestead Steakhouse One of New York City’s most historic restaurants comes to the Strip, serving many of its classic signatures such as colossal crab cake and 32-ounce Gotham Rib-Eye Steak. There is also a wine program that boasts over 15,000 bottles. Caesars Palace, (702) 862-3530.

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Pampas Churrascaria Get skewered. This Brazilian steakhouse specializes in roasted meats—everything from sirloin to pork to chicken, cooked rotisserie-style, and delivered on skewers, then carved tableside. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 737-4748. THE RANGE STEAKHOUSE In an intimate

VOODOO STEAK You’ll be spellbound by the view from the 50th floor at this intimate steak house. Menu features Tomahawk Rib Eye and fresh seafood selections with a French-Creole flair. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 862-3530. Red Velvet Café

dining room overlooking views of the Las Vegas Strip, dine on succulent steaks, prime rib, seafood and poultry entrées. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 862-3530.

STEAKHOUSE AT BILL’S Recipient of the AAA Three Diamond rating, this restaurant is a hidden gem offering intimate dining in a vintage Vegas setting of dark woods and deep reds. Bill’s specializes in tableside preparations and classic steaks, seafood and chops. Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, (702) 737-2100.

V e g e ta r i a n / V e g a n

STRIP HOUSE This steakhouse serves up savory fare in a sensuous David Rockwelldesigned environment. Order charred prime cuts of beef to accompany signature sides such as black-truffle creamed spinach and goose-fat potatoes. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 737-5200.

Red Velvet Café Where health comes first and hand-crafted low-fat, low-calorie gourmet creations come to life. Fresh, organic health food and bakery for every lifestyle: vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Fashion Show, (702) 998-9799, and 7875 W. Sahara Ave., (702) 360-1972.

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OVER 70 DELICIOUS DINING DESTINATIONS INCLUDING WOLFGANG PUCK’S POSTRIO BAR + GRILL MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY THE CAPITAL GRILLE FIRST FOOD + BAR TAO ASIAN BISTRO & NIGHTCLUB TINTORETTO BAKERY CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK PUBLIC HOUSE + GASTROPUB GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA GRAND LUX CAFÉ EMERIL LAGASSE’S TABLE 10 SUSHISAMBA & SUGARCANE LOUNGE EMERIL LAGASSE’S DELMONICO STEAKHOUSE

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip

Now That’s Entertainment!

Maverick Helicopters

48 hours of performances

Your time starts now How many shows and experiences can you pack into 48 hours? With the Caesars Entertainment All Stage Pass ($99 for Total Rewards members), it’s up to you. This ticket of all tickets offers access to more than 20 shows and experiences, from Absinthe and Chippendales to Mac King and Matt Goss. After purchasing an All Stage Pass, simply visit the box office at the resort where the show is playing and present your pass for one ticket.

Bally’s Las Vegas: Donn Arden’s Jubilee! Caesars Palace: Absinthe

Photo Courtesy of maverick helicopters

Entertainment At t r a c t i o n s

G o l f Co u r s e s

Co m e dy

THE AUTO COLLECTIONS Get a peek at the more than 250 antique and historic automobiles at the world’s largest and finest classiccar showroom. Imperial Palace. Tickets: (702) 794-3174.

CASCATA Designed by renowned golf-course architect Rees Jones, Cascata is celebrated as one of the finest designs in the world and offers the ultimate in quality and service. One Cascata Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005. (702) 294-2005. golfcascata.com

ANTHONY COOLS In this adults-only show, comedic hypnotist Anthony Cools taps into the subconscious naughtiness of audience volunteers with hilarious results. Paris Las Vegas. Tickets: (877) 374-7469.

Matt Goss Flamingo Las Vegas: Nathan Burton

Vinnie Favorito “X” Burlesque Harrah’s Las Vegas: Mac King

The Improv Comedy Club Legends in Concert Defending the Caveman Imperial Palace: Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas

Human Nature “Name That Tune Live!” The Auto Collections O’Sheas: Dirk Arthur Wild Magic Paris Las Vegas: Anthony Cools

The Eiffel Tower Experience Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino: Chippendales

Platters, Coasters and Marvelettes Crown Comedy Jam “Show in the Sky” Additionally, All Stage Pass holders receive preferred pricing of just $40 (plus tax) per ticket for premium shows including Donny & Marie and Penn & Teller. Tickets may not always be available to all shows.

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EIFFEL TOWER EXPERIENCE Take romance to new heights. The Eiffel Tower is a half-scale reproduction of the Paris landmark. The observation deck—460 feet above the Strip—has a breathtaking, panoramic view. Paris Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 946-4350. MAVERICK HELICOPTER TOURS Ascend to the skies with the only VIP-level helicopter company in Las Vegas. First-class excursions above the Strip, Grand Canyon, Colorado River and more are enhanced by the narration of experienced pilots. Indulge in the plush interior of the ECO-Star helicopter’s larger cabin and stadium-style seating for better visibility. Tickets: (702) 261-0007 or (888) 261-4414. WILDLIFE HABITAT AT THE FLAMINGO Poolside paradise is home to Chilean flamingos, swans, ducks, koi and turtles. Flamingo Las Vegas, (702) 733-3111.

RIO SECCO GOLF CLUB Located in the foothills of the Black Mountains, and home of the Butch Harmon School of Golf, this challenging Rees Jones-designed course features holes running through steep canyons with others on plateaus overlooking the city. Address: 2851 Grand Hills Dr., Henderson, NV 89052. Phone: (702) 777-2400. riosecco.net

Cascata Golf Course

Empire Comedy Producer Cort McCown has moved his comedy show to Napoleon’s Lounge at Paris Las Vegas. This new live comedy show boasts some of the most noteworthy talent in the world of comedy for a night of funny, and always entertaining, standup. Paris Las Vegas. Tickets (877) 374-7469. GEORGE WALLACE Funnyman George Wallace started his comedy career as a writer for The Redd Foxx Show. Now he has audiences rolling in the aisles in The Flamingo Showroom with a stand-up routine that is different night after night. Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 733-3333. JERRY SEINFELD Best-selling author, standup legend and sitcom superstar Jerry Seinfeld brings his take on life to The Colosseum’s stage. Caesars Palace. Tickets: (800) 745-3000. The Improv Comedy Club Comics have been making audiences laugh at this Improv location since 1995. Harrah’s Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 369-5223. VINNIE FAVORITO Wise-guy Vinnie Favorito is famous for his off-the-cuff comments and unscripted humor. The comedian, who is known for “roasting” celebrities, will work the room to find his next hit. Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 733-3333.

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip Elton John at Caesars Palace

Céline Dion at Caesars Palace

Entertainment Ma g i c

CÉLINE DION The singer’s show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace features a full orchestra and band and is set to a visually stunning presentation designed exclusively for the 4,300-seat, state-of-the-art venue. Caesars Palace. Tickets: (877) 423-5463.

DIRK ARTHUR’S WILD MAGIC Get up close and personal with magician Dirk Arthur’s assortment of exotic cats, featuring snow tigers, Bengal tigers, spotted leopards and black panthers. The hour-long show casts the cats in a variety of illusions. O’Sheas Casino. Tickets: (702) 733-3333.

Rod Stewart Ready to rock? Rod Stewart certainly is. In his newly launched show, Rod Stewart: The Hits, he performs the rock and R&B favorites that have defined his career including “Maggie May,”“You Wear It Well” and “Some Guys Have All the Luck.” Caesars Palace. Tickets: (800) 745-3000.

DONNY & MARIE The singing siblings perform a 90-minute show at Flamingo Las Vegas where their greatest hits—“a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n‘ roll”—unfold as a multimedia spectacle on a custom-designed stage. Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 733-3333. matt goss Backed by a nine-piece band, the British crooner—who has sold 17 million albums worldwide—is a throwback to old Vegas, singing original songs and popular covers such as Frank Sinatra’s “Luck Be a Lady.” Caesars Palace. Tickets: (800) 745-3000.

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Matt Goss at Caesars Palace

Headliners

Elton John Sir Elton John recently returned for a second run at The Colosseum with a brand-new show “The Million Dollar Piano.” Caesars Palace. Tickets: (800) 745-3000.

Rod Stewart at Caesars Palace

The Mac King Comedy Magic Show Everyone loves the mad plaid magician. Mac King’s act combines quirky humor, visual gags and sleight-of-hand tricks. Harrah’s Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 369-5111.

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Penn & Teller at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Michael Turco’s Magic & Mayhem Illusionist Michael Turco from NBC’s America’s Got Talent and choreographer Lacey Schwimmer of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars have created an all-ages afternoon show full of awe-inspiring illusions and high-energy dance numbers. Saxe Theater in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Tickets: (866) 932-1818.

NATHAN BURTON COMEDY MAGIC Nathan Burton, who shot to fame on America’s Got Talent and The Entertainer, combines comedy and magic in his hilarious, fast-paced afternoon show. Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 733-3333.

PENN & TELLER The “Bad Boys of Magic” put on an edgy act mixing comedy and magic that involves knives, guns, fire and more. Rio AllSuite Hotel & Casino. Tickets: (702) 777-7776.

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MATT GOSS LIVE FROM CAESARS PALACE

“Britain’s answer to Frank Sinatra.” -The Sun (UK)

“An Amazing Entertainer” -Dick Clark

-The Sun (UK)

“Matt’s voice is -Kenny Ortegaon today’s unmatched music scene.” -Kenny OrtegaOrtega -Kenny -London Evening Standard

Photo by Denise Truscello

-London Evening Standard

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TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE COLOSSEUM® BOX OFFICE TICKETMASTER.COM • 800-745-3000

CAESARSPALACE.COM PRODUCED BY ROBIN ANTIN

®2012, Caesars License Company, LLC

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip

Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Entertainment Nightlife BILL’S LOUNGE Rock out to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with Elvis impersonator Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee; complimentary one-hour show, Monday through Friday, at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, (702) 737-2100. CARNAVAL COURT This party spot is home of the world’s top flair bartenders and live daily entertainment. Open until 4 a.m. Harrah’s Las Vegas, (702) 693-6143. CHATEAU NIGHTCLUB Stimulating club goers with three separate nightlife experiences: a high-energy nightclub, magnificent Strip-side Chateau Terrace and blossoming Chateau Gardens. The only nightclub located directly on the Strip. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 776-7777. chateaunightclublv.com CLEOPATRA’S BARGE Originally opened in 1970, Cleopatra’s Barge was recently renovated and has a vintage Vegas feel. The venue transforms into The Gossy Room every Friday and Saturday night with entertainment by Matt Goss. Caesars Palace, (702) 791-7110.

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COYOTE UGLY Wild watering hole and saloon where female bartenders entertain by dancing on the bar tops. New York-New York Hotel & Casino, (702) 740-6336.

FLIRT LOUNGE Flirt is a haven where women gather after seeing the Chippendales show, one of the steamiest male revues in Vegas. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7777.

CROWN THEATER AND NIGHTCLUB

Gallery Nightclub A bit on the voyeuristic side, Gallery’s provocative design includes original photography hanging in oversized frames on the wall, while state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems pump up the crowd. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 818-3700.

Hip nightspot featuring live concerts and events, including a nightly 7 p.m. performance by The Platters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters & The Marvelettes. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (888) 727-6966. thecrownlasvegas.com

DEALERTAINERS The Dealertainers Pit puts impersonators of celebrities such as Alice Cooper, Britney Spears, Dolly Parton, Ricky Martin and Elvis on the casino floor to deal blackjack and perform daily from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Imperial Palace, (702) 731-3311.

HEART BAR The pulse of Planet Hollywood beats throughout the resort’s phenomenal three-acre casino. At the core is Heart, where thirst is quenched around the clock. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 785-5555.

DRAI’S After-hours nightclub for those who don’t want the party to end. Open Thursday through Sunday at 1 a.m. Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, (702) 737-0555.

I-BAR Ultralounge in the heart of the resort features interactive tabletops, DJs and gogo dancers. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7777.

EXTRA LOUNGE At the Sin City headquarters of entertainment news program Extra, kick back with a cocktail and tons of eye candy as the TV show’s correspondents and crew get up-close and personal with Tinseltown’s hotshots. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 785-5555.

INDIGO LOUNGE Enjoy Next Movement’s nightly performances of Top 40 classics in the elegant lounge off the casino floor. Bally’s Las Vegas, (702) 967-4111.

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EXCLUSIVE MEET & GREET WITH HOLLY AVAILABLE AFTER THE SHOW! SEE BOX OFFICE FOR DETAILS

VISIT LASVEGASPEEPSHOW.COM

.COM OR CALL 1-800-745-3000

AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace

Photo Courtesy of Angel Management Group

VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub

Entertainment LAX Nightclub Catering to celebrities and the social jet set, LAX is a two-story nightclub. The upper level serves VIPs who scan the scene from luxury lofts above the dance floor. Luxor Las Vegas, (702) 262-4529.

Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon Unleash your inner Doll in the sultry 4,500-square-foot playground where lingerieclad bartenders pour the drinks and corsetwearing Dolls perform burlesque numbers. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

LE CABARET Charming lounge offers entertainment seven nights a week. Sip cocktails under trees strung with twinkling lights and enjoy the sounds of DJ Sally on weekdays and a variety of different bands on weekends. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-7000.

ROCKHOUSE BAR & NIGHTCLUB Dive bar on the Strip is a party place with daily drink specials, DJs and dancers in bird cages. Imperial Palace, (702) 731-9683.

NAPOLEON’S DUELING PIANO BAR Let the

SEAHORSE LOUNGE Laid-back lounge features a 1,700-gallon aquarium as its focal point. Caesars Palace, (702) 731-7110.

duel begin. Pianists square off nightly to play your requests. Full-service bar and a menu of carefully selected champagnes available. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 946-7000.

THE PLAYING FIELD LOUNGE Planet Hollywood’s very own double-header. Its daytime Race and Sports Book transforms into a nocturnal lounge. The bar has more than 30 plasma-screen televisions and features live karaoke and DJs Fridays and Saturdays. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, (702) 785-5555. PURE NIGHTCLUB Elevate yourself. Take the glass elevator or dramatic, twisting staircase to the enchanting 14,000-square-foot terrace that offers a party under the stars. Caesars Palace, (702) 731-7873.

SHADOW BAR Flair bartenders spin bottles and whip up trendy cocktails as performers dance behind backlit screens. Caesars Palace, (702) 731-7110. Voodoo Rooftop Nightclub Flair bartenders mix up wild concoctions such as the Witch Doctor. Sip a signature cocktail inside on the 51st floor or on the outdoor deck where you can take in the breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7800.

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STARRING

AND A CAST OF CELEBRITY FEMALE IMPERSONATORS

Tickets 702.794.3261 FrankMarinosDivas.com

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip

Absinthe at Caesars Palace

Entertainment Production Shows Absinthe Prepare to be wowed. This vaudeville show, hosted by the hilarious Gazillionaire, has sexy burlesque numbers, comedy bits that will have you gasping for breath, and astonishing acts of skill and strength that amaze. Caesars Palace. Tickets: (800) 745-3000. CHIPPENDALES Experience “The Ultimate Girls Night Out®” when you visit the fast-paced Chippendales® revue, which features 12 chiseled males performing provocative yet tasteful dance routines. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Tickets: (702) 777-7776.

DONN ARDEN’S JUBILEE! Entertaining Las Vegas for more than 30 years, Donn Arden’s lavish stage production with its eye-catching, toe-tapping musical numbers and costumed showgirls continues to delight audiences. Bally’s Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 967-4567.

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FRANK MARINO’S DIVAS LAS VEGAS You won’t believe your eyes—these gals really are guys. This 75-minute energetic show stars Frank Marino and his ever-changing comedic monologue and features a cast of superstar female impersonators. Imperial Palace. Tickets: (888) 777-7664.

Garth Brooks Country superstar Garth Brooks takes audiences on a personal journey through his musical development, discussing his influences as he plays his hits, interacting with the crowd throughout the show. Wynn Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 770-1000.

HUMAN NATURE Celebrate Motown with Human Nature. The Australian quartet has four multi-platinum albums back home and has toured with Céline Dion and Michael Jackson. Imperial Palace. Tickets: (888) 777-7664. Jersey Boys Tony Award®-winning musical tells the story of the rise to fame of boy-collar boys Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Featuring hits such as “Sherry,”“Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” the high-energy show leaves fans wanting more. Paris Las Vegas, (702) 777-7776.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT Superstars of yesterday and today—including Elvis Presley, Madonna and Dolly Parton—are impersonated in this long-running celebrity tribute show. Harrah’s Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 369-5111. LE REVE The aquatic adventure, featuring aerial acrobatics, high dives and synchronized swimming scenes, is housed in a domed theater “of the round” where no seat is farther than 40 feet from the stage. Wynn Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 770-9966. PEEPSHOW Holly Madison headlines this sexy striptease-and-storytelling adult production featuring Broadway veteran Josh Strickland and an ensemble of sizzling PEEPSHOW girls dancers. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Tickets: (702) 785-5555. THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™! Come on down! America’s favorite television game show hits the Vegas stage with the same games— Plinko, Cliffhangers and Punch a Bunch— as contestants play for cash and prizes and battle in the Showcase Showdown. Bally’s Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 967-4567.

SHOW IN THE SKY The best free show in Vegas, it’s Mardi Gras three nights a week in the Rio’s Masquerade Village. Beads fall from floats and singers perform sexy dance routines to today’s hottest hits. Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, (702) 777-7777. V The Ultimate Variety Show There is something for everyone, from aerial acrobats who soar out over the crowd to routines so difficult no other performers have been able to duplicate them. V Theater, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Tickets: (702) 260-7200. Vegas! the Show The best of Las Vegas all in one show. From The Rat Pack to Elvis, it’s the story of the most dynamic entertainers to ever set foot on the Strip. Saxe Theater, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Tickets: (702) 260-7200. “X” Burlesque An adult revue that combines imaginative choreography with outrageous props such as bungees, bathtubs and beds to excite the crowd and leave them eagerly wondering what’s next. Flamingo Las Vegas. Tickets: (702) 733-3111.

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Fresh, Organic Health Food & Bakery For Every Lifestyle VEGAN, VEGETARIAN & NON-VEGETARIAN

Chef Aneesha creates an array of dishes, from Savory to Sweet, prepared with Fresh Organic Ingredients. Careful attention is paid to cutting down the Calories and Fat, without sacrificing the Flavors. Indulge yourself with Chef Aneesha’s Selection of: Organic Coffee and Tea at the Espresso Bar Organic Beer and Sake at the Wine Bar

FASHION SHOW MALL, Las Vegas, NV 89109 TEL : 702 998 9799 • E-mail: rvcfsm@gmail.com

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RED VELVET CAFE DESSERTS Now availiable online at: www.theredvelvetcafe.com

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip

V I P S tatus

Sp e n d m o r e t i m e i n t h e c l u b , n o t i n t h e l i n e .

All Night Pa s s

Bypass the velvet ropes and party from sundown to sunup. The Caesars Entertainment exclusive All Night Pass—priced at $44.99 for Total Rewards members—provides

one night of unlimited access to seven of the Strip’s hottest clubs. The pass gives you the freedom to club hop while skipping the general admission line. This gives you more time to, say, sip a cocktail at Crown, catch a sexy show in the Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon, grab a nightcap at PURE and wrap it up by gazing at the city’s lights from VooDoo’s rooftop. All in a single evening.

Participating Nightclubs

The All Night Pass is valid for unlimited entry to all of the following nightclubs, for one night during each venue’s regular business hours.

Carnaval Court

PURE Nightclub

Crown Nightclub

Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon

Chateau Nightclub & Gardens

VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub

(Harrah’s Las Vegas) (Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino) (Paris Las Vegas)

(Caesars Palace)

(Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino) (Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino)

Gallery Nightclub

(Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino)

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara

Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace

B A LLY ’ S

IM P ERI A L PA L A CE

SPA AT BALLY’S

THE SPA AT IMPERIAL PALACE

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily Appointments: (702) 967-4366

Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily Appointments: (702) 794-3242

Ca e s a r s PA L A CE

PA RIS

COLOR, a Salon by Michael Boychuck at Caesars Palace

Paris Spa By Mandara

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Appointments: (866) 730-7791

SPAS AND SALONS

Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily Appointments: (702) 946-4366

P L A NET HOLLYWOOD PLANET HOLLYWOOD SPA BY MANDARA Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily Appointments: (702) 785-5772

QUA BATHS & SPA

RIO

Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily Appointments: (866) 782-0655

RIO SPA & SALON

FL A MINGO

Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily Appointments: (702) 777-7779

THE SPA AT THE FLAMINGO Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily Appointments: (702) 733-3535

COLOR, a Salon by Michael Boychuck at Caesars Palace

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3pm-6pm EvEry Day

THE DISTRICT 101 s. GrEEn vallEy parkway | 702.361.3065 PaRaDISE & FlamIngo 4165 s. paraDisE roaD | 702.792.2207 SummERlIn 1095 s. rampart BoulEvarD | 702.968.8885 PlanET HollywooD RESoRT & CaSIno on Casino Floor | 702.836.0955 STREET FARE

DIM SUM

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“

THE CROWD” GOES WILD! —The New York Times

Photo: Chris Callis

702-777-7776 • JerseyBoysVegas.com

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AROUND TOWN An Explorer’s Guide to the Strip

The Original Surf and Turf rOdiziO Our famOuS $5.95 STeak and egg BreakfaST full a la CarTe lunCh and dinner menuS BanQueT and PriVaTe rOOmS aVailaBle

The menu at Pampas Brazilian Grille is as diverse as the Brazilian culture. Skewers laden with a seemingly endless array of roasted meats arrive at your table and are carved to order.

Breakfast | 8:00 aM to 11:00 aM Lunch | 11:30 aM to 4:00 PM Dinner | 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM

702.737.4748 | www.PamPaSuSa.COm Steak & Seafood

3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, #610, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Located off of Harmon Ave. inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Voted “one of the Best steakhouses, Las Vegas” in united, Delta and american airlines Magazines 2008 Zagat Guide “Best of Las Vegas” 2009 Michelin travel Guide

BUSINESS HOURS Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Daily) Dinner: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Sun-Th) 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Fri, Sat, Holidays) in MIRACLE MILE SHOPS at PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, #580 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 892-0021 www.todai.com 134

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WILD CARD Peeking in on PEEPSHOW

With his smoldering good looks and powerful voice, Josh Strickland is a force onstage. The South Carolina native first gained exposure on the second season of American Idol, and then starred as Tarzan in the Disney production on Broadway. Now, Strickland has found a home in Vegas as the male lead singer in PEEPSHOW. One of Strickland’s favorite scenes in PEEPSHOW is “Feeling Good”—a sexy and sophisticated take on Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater. “The performance is a beautiful number that is all about how you have to let someone go, but always want them to come back to you.” Strickland treats every night like opening night. So this means prepping his voice with vocal exercises—“singers are always making some kind of sounds to get our voices warm”— and treating and protecting his throat from the dry desert heat with the proven cure: warm tea, Neti pot and water. But once he’s onstage, Strickland connects with the audience, channeling a little of himself into each show. “I am a performer. It’s in my soul, so wherever I go, I find myself wanting to entertain and be fun and outgoing. That’s just who I am.” VP

Caught in the Act by Grace Bascos

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PEEPSHOW Star is “Feeling Good”

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