planet hollywood T h e O f f i c i a l M a g a z i n e o f P l a n e t Ho l ly w oo d r e s o r t & C a s i n o • l a s v e g a s
s u mm e r / fa l l 2 0 0 8
alicia keys
Grand-Opening Edition
comic q & a David Spade Finds the Vegas Vibe
soaring to the top on a high note
ashton & cameron What Happens on the planet hollywood Set . . .
delicious dish Dining Tour of Planet Hollywood
the stars align
Celebrities Flock to PH Grand Opening
Transcend . Trans form . Trust the moment .
? Vanity or Sanity
Elemis Spa-Therapies La ThĂŠrapie Facials Microdermabrasion GoSMILE Tooth Whitening Eyelash Extensions Hair and Nail Treatments Fitness Center
Visit us on the mezzanine level or call 702-785-5-SPA www.mandaraspa.com
08PHA_004.pdf
5/20/08
8:57:28 AM
contents l features
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SOARING HIGHER
From the streets of Hell's Kitchen to the top of the charts, Alicia Keys’ stock is rising. Planet Hollywood catches up with the fastmoving star.
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TOP-NOTCH Privé is changing the way Las Vegas parties. The Opium Group's latest hot spot adds even more sparkle to the city's after-dark scene.
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DIRECTOR'S CHAIR Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher find luck and love in the romantic comedy What Happens in Vegas.
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WISH LIST From Miracle Mile Shops to Hollywood Obsessions, there is no reason to go home empty-handed.
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DRESS TO THRILL
PHOTO BY GUZMAN/CORBIS OUTLINE
Fashion mavericks, rejoice. Whether you prefer the Hollywood glam look, live the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle or just want to shine and be noticed, we have the clothes for you.
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contents l departments
12 OUTTAKES Planet Hollywood opens in grand style; an interview with David Spade; spa treatments to try; PH Towers by Westgate is on the rise; living the suite life; and more.
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STAR SIGHTS Boxers Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe do battle in the PH Ring, attracting one of the largest celebrity turnouts for a boxing match.
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THE DISH No need for hunger pangs. We tour Koi, Strip House, Yolös, the Hawaiian Tropic Zone and Trader Vic’s.
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LINER NOTES Onstage with the Jonas Brothers, David Spade and Wanda Sykes.
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GAMBLER'S GUIDE
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AROUND THE PLANET Red-carpet roundup: photos from the world premieres of Resident Evil: Extinction, Rambo, 21 and 88 Minutes; plus, the stars celebrate the opening of Koi and party at Privé.
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CUTTING-ROOM FLOOR The adventure continues: Harrison Ford returns to the big screen in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
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P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
Feeling lucky? Join the a-List Players Club and hit the tables. Whether you're playing at the Pleasure Pit or the slots, your game awaits. Plus, tips for splitting pairs in blackjack.
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contributors
summer/fall 2008
planet holly hollywood wood Throughout her career, award-winning journalist Danielle Cohen has served as an editor for magazines in the bridal and decoratedapparel industries and has worked as a freelance writer and editor for many publications, including Women’s Wear Daily, ISLANDS, Weddings and Honeymoons and Discover Style. Danielle’s experience covering fashion, entertainment and business led her to start a children’s apparel and gift company, Clothesline Candy, two years ago. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, daughter, son and cocker spaniel.
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZ MAGAZINE Z IN INE E OF O PLAN PL PLANET AN N ET HOLLY HOLLYWOOD Y WOOD R RESORT ESOR ES O T & CA C CASINO S NO SI PLANET LANET ET HO HOLLYWOOD OLL LLY LYWOO W D IS PUBLISHED TWICE A YEAR AND DISTRIBU DISTRIBUTED B TED IN ALLL 22,567 567 ROOMS AND SUITES AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO. THE MAGAZINE IS ALSO DISTRIBUTED IN THE CASINO’S VIP LOUNGES, IN THE RESORT RESTAURANTS AND AT MIRACLE MILE SHOPS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD.
ONBOARD MEDIA MIAMI OFFICE 1691 MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 600 MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 TEL: 305.673.0400 FAX: 305.674.9396 ONBOARD MEDIA LAS VEGAS OFFICE 3355 SPRING MOUNTAIN ROAD, SUITE 13 LAS VEGAS, NV 89102-8632 TEL: 702.212.5690 FAX: 702.212.4960
When looking at his beautiful still-life photography, you’d never guess that Los Angeles native Ed Fernandez’s first camera purchase was not made until he was 25 years old. Today, Ed travels back and forth between his Miami studio—a 1922 Key West-style house that he restored—and New York City, freelancing for clients like Godiva, Dillard’s and Dayton Hudson. When he’s not behind the camera, he’s likely on one of his restoration projects: a 1966 Chevy truck, a 1967 Chevy Impala and a 1968 Camaro. www.edfstudios.com
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ONBOARD MEDIA ROBERT EICHNER ROBIN ROSENBAUM-ANDRAS SARAH BETH RENO MATTHEW SIESEL
PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE PUBLISHING
Jen Karetnick is a Miami-based freelance food-and-travel writer and a poet. She is the features editor for Wine News; the restaurant critic for MIAMI magazine; and the arts and culture expert for VisitFlorida.com. Her poetry has appeared in The North American Review, River Styx and The Greensboro Review, and her first collection of poetry, Necessary Salt, was released by Pudding House Publications. Jen is also coauthor of Raw Food/Real World, Harper Collins, 2005. Her next collaboration, Born Again Vintage, for designer Bridgett Fernandez, will be released by Potter Craft in 2008.
Shep Morgan is an award-winning producer and journalist who has written cover stories and celebrity profiles for some of the country’s top publications and Internet sites. He has interviewed many famous faces, ranging from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Johnny Depp and George Clooney, for outlets including Gotham, Hamptons, Redbook and Los Angeles Confidential magazines, The New York Times Syndicate, TV Guide online, E! online and Parade.com. Shep is executive producer/writer for the nationally syndicated radio series Jeanne Wolf’s Hollywood, which also appears as a weekly column on Movies.com, and has created stories about a host of major stars for Los Angeles TV stations.
Rob Wiser is a native of New York City and a graduate of New York University. Now in Las Vegas, he writes for national magazines including Casino Player, VEGAS, Ocean Drive, FHM and others. He is also a novelist and screenwriter, having published several books and written movies including the urban thriller Snipes. You can read more about Rob and his work at www.robwiser.com.
LAURIE PLATKIN KATE McCLARE RYAN SLATTERY LINDA BROCKMAN STEPHANIE CHATANAY COX SIRENA ANDRAS JUAN ITURRIZA BETH WOOD JULIO ORTEGA TRACY STEIN VIRGINIA C. VALLS MARCUS ALONSO JAMES PERDOMO ROBERT MARENCO GAIL ABRAMS ALICE GABRIELOFF WIEDER VIOLETA MANCO-ROJAS CECILIA VASQUEZ
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER — EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR — PROJECT ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR ADVERTISING DESIGN ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER — PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR SHIPPING & LOGISTICS MANAGER — AD SERVICES MANAGER AD SERVICES COORDINATOR AD SERVICES COORDINATOR AD SERVICES COORDINATOR
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR KAREN RHODES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JAMIE ACEVES, DANIELLE COHEN, KATHLEEN FOLEY, LARK ELLEN GOULD, JEN KARETNICK, BOBBIE KATZ, SHEP MORGAN, JESSICA SHAW, DAVE SURRATT, STEVE WEISER, ROB WISER. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ERIC CHARBONNEAU, TOM DONOGHUE, ED FERNANDEZ, KEN ISREALSON, HEATHER KOWALSKY, ANNIE SINGER, EMILY THOMAS, DENISE TRUSCELLO. COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY CORBIS OUTLINE ADVERTISING SALES ROD MUSUM
CATHY GLOVER
GROUP PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES ROD@ONBOARD.COM INTERNATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR CATHY@ONBOARD.COM
© 2008 ONBOARD MEDIA. NO CLAIM TO ORIGINAL WORKS OF PLANET HOLLWYOOD 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 TRANSMIT TED 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.
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Photo of Mike Mecca to come
Mike Mecca, Avril Lavigne, Sandy Mecca and Deryck Whibley
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
president's letter Let me be the first to welcome you to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. We’re glad you chose to stay with us in the center of the Las Vegas Strip. It’s been an exhilarating ride for us right from the start. Our grand-opening celebration was a tremendous success, attracting some of today’s biggest stars to the property. In addition, several Hollywood studios have already filmed such movies as Knocked Up, 21 and What Happens in Vegas here at Planet Hollywood, and we’ve also hosted a number of world movie premieres, including Resident Evil: Extinction, Rambo, 21 and 88 minutes. If this is your first time here, let Planet Hollywood magazine be your guide. Our official publication recaps the glitz and captures all of the excitement we offer, providing you with all you need to know to begin your own spectacular stay. This issue features GRAMMY® Award-winning singing sensation Alicia Keys on the cover, and profiles many of our great restaurants and other amenities. While you’re here, be sure to dine with us at one of our many fine restaurants. Then, when day turns to night, follow the action to Heart Bar, Extra Lounge, Playing Field Lounge, Privé or Living Room. And, of course, when those muscles start to ache, visit the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara for some pampering. We hope you enjoy this issue of Planet Hollywood and everything our resort has to offer. If there is anything we can do to make your visit more pleasurable, please let us know. Sincerely,
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
Michael V. Mecca President/CEO
MOVIE-POSTER ART COURTESY OF (KNOCKED UP) UNIVERSAL PICTURES; (21) SONY P I C T U R E S E N T E R T A I N M E N T; ( W H A T H A P P E N S I N V E G A S ) 2 0 T H C E N T U R Y F O X .
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KEY WEST
outtakes bits and pieces : news from planet hollywood
THE BIG REVEAL IT WAS A STARRY, STARRY NIGHT ON THE RED CARPET AT THE RESORT’S GRAND-OPENING PARTY.
Robert Earl, owner and co-chairman of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, promised to bring to Las Vegas the biggest party the city had ever seen and he certainly delivered. It was all glitz and glamour as the Hollywood spotlight shone brightly on the property at its official grand-opening weekend, Nov. 16-17, 2007. One of the most star-studded Las Vegas resort openings in recent memory, the event attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest names, who descended on the property to raise a champagne toast and celebrate with Earl and co-chairman Doug Teitelbaum.
The following evening, Planet Hollywood rolled out the red carpet—all 500 feet of it—to welcome dozens of celebrities: from Willis and Sylvester Stallone to Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill from Superbad. Correspondents from the entertainment show Extra interviewed stars as they got out of their limos; the footage was broadcast live on LED screens on the Planet Hollywood façade facing the Strip, and on plasmas throughout the property. Once everyone was inside the Theatre for the Performing Arts, Kevin Pollak opened with a hilarious stand-up routine. Later, in a rare appearance, Barbra Streisand took the stage and performed for 40 minutes, singing seven songs including “The Way We Were,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Evergreen,” “Smile” and “Funny Girl.” Afterward, the crowd moved to the Planet Hollywood Ballroom for performances by Sugar Ray and by Earth, Wind and Fire, which lasted well into the early morning.
SYLVESTER STALLON SY NE AND NE AND B AN BRU RUCE CE WILLI WILLLIS
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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 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
The first night featured entertainment from Jon Stewart in the Planet Hollywood Showroom, followed by performances in the Planet Hollywood Ballroom by Bruce Willis and the Bruce Willis Blues Band, celebrity DJ DMC, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
RED-CARPET AFFAIR
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P H O T O S B Y H E AT H E R K O W A L S K I / C A S H M A N P R O F E S S I O N A L S E R V I C E S
No detail was too small for the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino grand-opening celebration.
P H O T O B Y H E AT H E R K O W A L S K I / C A S H M A N P R O F E S S I O N A L S E R V I C E S
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF PLANET H O L LY W O O D R E S O R T & C A S I N O E X C E P T W H E R E I N D I C AT E D
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outtakes : grand-opening red carpet
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shop the planet
outtakes
A MODEL MOMENT
Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen helped turn Universal Pictures' Knocked Up into the sleeper hit of 2007.
Shhh, Quiet on the Set All right, you can’t shut down a casino to film a movie—so what do you do? Work around it. That’s exactly what directors and producers of Knocked Up, 21 and What Happens in Vegas did when they filmed at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
“It was overwhelming. It’s tough,” admits 21 director Robert Luketic. “This was a fully working, functioning casino we had to work in. It was pretty intense.”
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F S O N Y P I C T U R E S E N T E R TA I N M E N T I N C .
Kate Bosworth and Jim Sturgess (below) star in Columbia 21. Pictures' action/adventure film, 21
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Maria Radeva and Avi Dan-Goor, who won the Las Vegas Review Journal Image Model Search, received the star treatment at the world premiere of the Al Pacino film, 88 Minutes. “This was an experience beyond my wildest dreams,” admitted Radeva. Added Dan-Goor: “Everyone there made us feel like we were a part of the family. I think we were probably the only non-celebrities to walk the red carpet.”
What Happens in Vegas producer Shawn Levy adds: “It’s a really vibrant, dynamic place. But it’s a sound nightmare. You can either pull your hair out or use all those bells and screams as part of your movie’s soundtrack. That’s what we ended up doing.” Then there are all those only-in-Vegas temptations, followed by the early call time. But that didn’t affect movie veteran and 21 star Kevin Spacey. “I didn’t go out much at all when I was here,” Spacey claims. “The kids, they went out. I think Jim [actor Sturgess] lost quite a lot of money. He probably worked for free,” Spacey jokes.
Maria Radeva (above) and Avi Dan-Goor (below) flash their winning smiles at the 88 Minutes premiere.
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 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
AND...ACTION!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES
WINNERS OF THE THIRD ANNUAL IMAGE MODEL SEARCH SHINE ON THE RED CARPET AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO
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For reservations outside the area, visit avis.com or call 1-888-777-AVIS.
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outtakes ‘Vegas is fun because I can do stand-up and incorporate. . .material I can't really take anywhere else’.
So, why open the show with “Runnin’ With the Devil”? We used that in Joe Dirt. I think it’s important to start up with a good song. It’s just fun to bring the energy up like that. Plus, I’ve always loved Van Halen, and that’s probably my favorite song of theirs. What are your thoughts on Las Vegas? Well, I was never a super-Vegas guy, but then I kind of got chucked into it with the rest of America when it really started to blow up five, ten years ago. Actually, when I first started doing stand-up in New York, before Saturday Night Live, I ran into Budd Friedman [founder of the Improv]. He invited me on to the Riviera Comedy Club, and I went from there. What do you prefer: film, television or stand-up? Stand-up is still a lot of fun. It went smoother with Saturday Night Live, because I did [stand-up] seven nights a week. When I was doing Just Shoot Me, I very rarely did any [stand-up], and I always wanted to get into it more. Vegas is fun, because I can do stand-up and incorporate new Vegas stuff into it, material I can’t really take anywhere else. So is that how it works? When you’re not live onstage for a long time, you crave that experience again? Yeah, especially when you see good comics. You get the bug, and you want to do the same thing. A show like Just Shoot Me didn’t allow much in the way of references to current relevant events, which was kind of a drag, because it’s hard not to do a great joke about something current. Stand-up is a challenging way to do that. So many of the best stand-up comics are outraged about so much of what they see in the world. You seem the same way, especially when you talk about celebrities. Are you angry like that? Well, you see comedians who are fake-mad all the time. Maybe they started out mad, but, you know, it’s hard to keep getting ‘re-mad’ about the same thing every night. I mean, I get frustrated, but I’m not like, super-angry comic guy. I just point out stuff that’s funny for all of us—like when I’m talking about bands that don’t sing their hits in concert. It’s more silly-mad than real. You can always hit all the hubcaps on the “Stomp Out Loud” set. Yeah, I like to go back and beat on all the garbage cans.
David Spade performs at the Planet Hollywood Showroom July 25-26, August 30-31, October 10-11, October 24-25 and November 28-29. All shows start at 10 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend.
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DAVID SPADE ROCKS THE PLANET
Saturday Night Live alum David Spade will perform eight weekends this year at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The Rules of Engagement star, who has also been in the films The Benchwarmers, Joe Dirt, Tommy Boy and Black Sheep, recently spoke with Planet Hollywood.
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F 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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BY DAVEE SURRATT
eXTRA! eXTRA!
Heather Mills, the former wife of Beatle Paul McCartney, talks to Extra during a break in the Miss USA pageant. Mills was a pageant judge.
WHEN IT COMES TO COVERING LAS VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT, EXT EXTRA A IS FIRST ON THE SCENE. BY STEVE WEISER, EXTRA EXTRA'S LAS VEGAS BUREAU CHIEF
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 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
ENTERTAINMENT FIRST
What Happens in Vegas is Broadcast on Extra It’s been over a year since Extra set up shop here at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. And my, what a year it has been. From Britney Spears making a latenight club appearance to George Clooney and Brad Pitt promoting Ocean's Thirteen, we have seen and covered it all, right here from our prime position on the Las Vegas Strip. What first seemed like an overwhelming task is now an astonishing reality. I personally have watched this renovation happen, arriving at the hotel as it began the monumental transformation into the beautiful new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. In fact, I remember the very first meeting I had with Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl. The subject: how our two brands, Extra and Planet Hollywood, could cultivate a relationship that no other media outlet and property has been able to manufacture. I had many questions and my first was how Extra could benefit from a partnership with a resort-casino. I began to listen as Mr. Earl talked about his plans and goals for the property. He spoke of Hollywoodstyle press events, world movie premieres with A-list stars, big-budget film shoots, celebrity suites, world-class restaurants, innovative nightclubs—the list went on and on—and in that moment I realized I wasn’t in this room to be convinced. I quickly needed to start doing the convincing. As they say, the rest is history, and in this particular case we made actual history. Extra became the first national entertainment show to set up shop with a full-time bureau in Las Vegas. Along with our offices here at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, we also have the Extra Lounge and the Extra Studio/Suite, and last year alone we reported on more than 150 stories from this ever-expanding city—far more than any other national entertainment news program. It is safe to say this relationship has been a massive success and will continue to be. Look for us on the air and at the resort.
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this is bliss REST, RENEW AND REFRESH BY KAREN RHODES
The fitness, sauna and steam areas of Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara are open daily, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the spa, salon and spa boutique are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (702) 785-5-SPA (5-772) or (866) 935-3647. www.mandaraspa.com
Have an afternoon or even just an hour? Use it to indulge in some pampering and primping. The Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara has a fitness center and offers a complete menu of spa treatments—including wraps, massages and facials—plus a full-service salon for hair and nail care, waxing, makeup application, tooth whitening and more. The fitness center contains state-of-the-art equipment, free weights and 23 cardiovascular machines including treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bicycles. It also offers customized services such as personal training, yoga, metabolism testing and fitness analysis. In the summer and fall, Vegas’ dry climate makes La Thérapie HydraLift Facials and the spa’s exfoliation treatments with custom spray-tanning quite popular, explains Jessica Bartolome, the spa’s Group Sales and Marketing Coordinator.
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Another frequently requested moisturizing treatment, this one for the body, is the Elemis Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap or Float with a choice of massage. “We drizzle hot coconut oil all over your body, and it helps to both lock in natural moisture as well as seal in natural moisture from the oil,” says Bartolome. The float is a signature service in which the client is wrapped in plastic to hold the moisturizing treatments against the skin, then is lowered into a warmed waterbed-type table to produce a feeling of floating, gravityfree, without actually getting wet. Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara isn’t just for women; there are a number of men’s spa and salon services, and even a manicure-and-pedicure treatment for kids. While you're there, check out the full line of spa products and tooth-whitening products available for sale.
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 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
outtakes
outtakes Outtakes Thee Playing Field is the place to cheer on the action while enjoying a cold one.
SPORTS FANS FLOOD THE PLAYING FIELD AT GAME TIME When the big game kicks off, having some money on the line always amplifies the excitement. Whether you’re a casual sports fan or a serious big-money bettor, the most comfortable place in Las Vegas to cheer on the action is The Playing Field Race and Sports Book at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Located near Yolös and across from the Earl of Sandwich, this sleek, ultra-cozy room features twenty-two 65-inch plasma screens, eleven 42-inch plasma screens and a jumbo screen measuring 8 feet by 26 feet, which is capable of showing a single game, two games or 12 games. Guests can relax in one of 50 black leather chairs to keep an eye on all the action. Additional seating is provided inside a roped-off VIP area or at the full-service bar. If you’re hungry for a meal or halftime snack, Yolös, Earl of Sandwich and the Hawaiian Tropic Zone restaurants are just steps away. The array of betting options is vast. “We offer almost everything available,” says Brad Bryant, Director of Race and Sports for the resort. “We have an extensive menu of future wagering on all events from pro football to UFC matches to NASCAR proposition wagers.” Players are welcome to wager either cash or casino chips. Bryant added that The Playing Field prides itself “on keeping a nice, clean and comfortable sports book.” The Playing Field is designed so that the “book” area caters primarily to customers betting the horses, while the bar and lounge area services sports bettors. Thoroughbred action is broadcast from all over the country, and the sound is always turned on for races that are running—even on weekends, when other books will only switch on the audio for sports games.
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BY ROB WISER The Playing Field hosts special parties during the sporting world’s most important events, including college basketball’s March Madness tournament, the Kentucky Derby, the Breeders Cup, and of course the ultimate extravaganza: the Super Bowl. Whether you’ve got a hunch on a horse, some picks for Sunday’s games, or just want to settle in and watch your favorite team, The Playing Field lets you do it in style. And come sundown when the games are over, The Playing Field transforms into a high-energy lounge.
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
get in the game
SPORTS AND REAL ESTATE
‘We are building the Rolls Royce of timeshares.’ —David Siegel, President/CEO of Westgate Resorts Planet Hollywood is developing the project with Westgate Resorts, the largest privately held timeshare company in the world. The new towers will not only contain 1,200 one- to four-bedroom vacation ownership units, but will also feature 28 luxury penthouse condominiums on the top five floors, with prices starting at a cool $4 million.
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F W E S T G AT E R E S O R T S
“We are building the Rolls Royce of timeshares,” says David Siegel, President and CEO of Westgate Resorts. “Our villas will have every conceivable luxury that could be found in the best resorts in the world, including Las Vegas high-roller suites.” The towers will include a 14,000-square-foot lobby and check-in area, 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, 16,000 square feet of dining venues, and a 40,000-square-foot tropical pool area, complete with a sandy beach and private cabanas. The first building is slated for completion next summer.
puttin’ on the ritz
The penthouse condo units, which range in size from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet, will have a separate lobby and elevator, private parking and an exclusive swimming pool on the 46th floor. The view from the penthouse rooms will be spectacular, with vistas up and down the Las Vegas Strip. “They will be perfect for movie stars and celebrities,” says Siegel, who mentioned, without naming names, that several high-profile clients have indeed purchased penthouse condos. As with any real-estate project, it’s all about “location, location, location.” In this case, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is situated right in the middle of the action: in the entertainment capital of the world. PH Towers by Westgate will be the first vacation ownership resort directly connected to a major hotel and casino complex. “It will be a fully self-contained resort environment unavailable anywhere else in the world,” says Siegel.
PH TOWERS BY WESTGATE OFFERS LUXURY LIVING IN THE HEART OF THE STRIP BY KATHLEEN FOLEY
If you ever dreamed of owning a lavish condo on the Las Vegas Strip, here is your chance. The new PH Towers by Westgate, currently rising on the southeast corner of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino property, will be the first of twin 50-story towers, featuring 3.2 million square feet of luxury living at a combined price tag estimated at $1.2 billion.
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outtakes
artistic freedom Frank Sinatra photomosaic (left) by Craig Adams and Terry O'Neill. Muhummad Ali contact sheet (far left, below) by O'Neill, whose celebrity portraits line a wall at Planet Hollywood (above).
FINE ART COVERS THE WALLS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD The walls of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino are lined with stunning photographs and fine art. To the casual observer, they are objects to be viewed and admired, but there is much more to them than meets the eye—especially when looking at the big picture. On its way to showcasing more than 500 works, the resort boasts a rather large collection of photography and fine art, all made available through Millenia Fine Arts Gallery, based in Orlando, Florida. From celebrity portraits by world-renowned photographer Terry O’Neill to paintings by Marc Chagall and Jean Dubuffet, from glass works by Christopher Ries to video and lenticular art, the resort has an eclectic selection that is changing the landscape of the art scene in Las Vegas.
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“Our mission is to create the largest celebritydriven fine art, photography collection in the world at Planet Hollywood,” says Jeffery Hall, owner of Millenia. “I wanted to keep the celebrity, Hollywood aspect that the hotel is known for, but take it to the next level. There is nothing in Las Vegas like Planet Hollywood where its feel, vibe and ultra-contemporary look are concerned. I chose the artwork to complement that.” Two unique works in the alternating collection: a photo mosaic of Frank Sinatra composed of 400 images making up one big picture and the largest collection of lenticular art, a style in which multiple images in one piece move and bring the art to life. All artwork is available for sale; prices range from $500 to $100,000. For more information, call 702-785-9178.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MILLENIA FINE ART IMAGES
BY BOBBIE KATZ
{perfection}
the language of STYLE. So much can be said about our amazing collection of fashion icons. Luckily, the names speak for themselves. HOME TO BARNEYS NEW YORK
chloé diane von furstenberg catherine malandrino michael kors piaget tory burch ralph lauren jimmy choo christian louboutin suit: versace. provided by barneys new york | dress: poleci
ggp.com
On The Strip in The Palazzo Resort•Hotel•Casino, Las Vegas 702.414.4500
outtakes Height of luxury: The neon glow of the Strip, enjoyed from a Panorama Suite
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 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
t
ite life
PERSONAL P ERSONA SONAL B BUTLE BUTLERS. RS. S MARBLE BATHS. S TRIP P VIEW S. IT CAN BE PART OF THE STRIP VIEWS. PLANET HOLLYWOOD PLAN HOLLLYWOOD EXPERIENCE. 26
LIVING THE DREAM
A big-screen TV and cozy seating in a Boulevard Suite; below, a game table adds fun to the finery.
Some suites come with game tables; all offer big-screen TVs and other sumptuous appointments.
Live the life of a celebrity—at least for a couple of nights. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has more than 2,500 chic new rooms and suites, each with Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, high-definition TVs and movie memorabilia displayed right in the room. Luxury abounds in the 450-square-foot Hollywood Hip Rooms, equipped with 42-inch plasmas, and in the 1,250-square-foot Panorama Suites, providing fantastic views of the Las Vegas Strip. Feel like having some fun? The 1,400-square-foot Boulevard Suites are perfect for entertaining. The rooms come with game tables offering bumper pool, ping-pong, air hockey or foosball. Guests can enjoy a wet bar, a lounge-like conversation pit with wrap-around seating and views of the Strip or pool, and a dining area with seating for six. The Apex Suites share the same amenities but are even more spacious, at 1,900 square feet.
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outtakes
Expansive luxury in a Mega Suite, where extravagant details include a sparkling chandelier (left)
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LIVING THE DREAM
Looking to be pampered? Then the Mega Suites are the place for you. The ultra-luxury suites, which start at 2,000 square feet, were designed by renowned architect Jonathan Adler with extravagance in mind. These twoand three-bedroom suites have up to three bathrooms boasting oversize tubs and marble oors. The living room features a giant-screen TV, and there is a separate dining room with a mini-bar. And best of all: The Mega Suites come with a personal butler.
The enormous Apex Suite (here and left) has even more space in which to enjoy the good life.
Stretch out in one of Planet Hollywood's spacious suites.
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top-notch
'Vegas is larger than life, and we designed Privé Las Vegas to accommodate the theatrics of the Strip.'
—ROMAN JONES
THE PEOPLE’S PARTY PRIVÉ KEEPS IT REAL
BY ROB WISER
Las Vegas has evolved into a global mecca for nightlif nightlife. But as its resorts continue to open a never-ending succession of nightclubs, it can be difficult to distinguish one from the next—and even harder to choose where to spend your Friday or Saturday night. 30
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y Z O LT A N
WEEKEND WARRIORS
Privé discourages pretentious attitudes and strives to maintain a high-energy, uninhibited atmosphere. This is why celebrities and scenesters hailed the arrival of Privé Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. This electrifying after-dark destination marks the first West Coast venture outside of Florida for the Opium Group, the impresarios behind some of Miami’s most fabulously stylish clubs—including Opium Garden, Mansion and the original Privé. “Vegas is larger than life, and we designed Privé Las Vegas to accommodate the theatrics of the Strip,” says Roman Jones, one of Opium Group’s owners. Every aspect of Privé is, indeed, theatrical. An escalator whisks guests up to the club, located on the second floor of the casino. A grand ebony archway, adorned with illuminated crystal garlands, sets a tone of decadent glamour. Inside, an elaborate foyer, featuring a giant lamp and cushioned rotunda, leads into a visually stunning 12,000-square-foot main room. THE LOOK Inspired by what a Hollywood mogul’s mansion might have looked like in the 1940s, the interior of Privé Las Vegas features crystal chandeliers, a glass-enclosed fireplace, colorful fabric sofas, and faux elephant tusks adorning the DJ booth (which is rigged with a state-of-the-art sound system, pumping ever-changing “smash ups” of different musical styles).
Robert Earl (second from right) with Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino's Ambassadors of Sport, (L to R) Pete Sampras, Roger Clemens and Ray Leonard.
Banquet-style seating is spread out over three elevated levels, giving every table a view of the oval-shaped dance floor. The club has two bars and club-goers can retreat to a “boutique” seating area surrounding a futuristic glass lift which doubles as a dance platform. Or, if you’re up for spending some extra coin, settle in at one of eight VIP tables on the outdoor terrace—an ideal locale for sipping champagne while soaking up views of the glittering Strip.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIVÉ/ETHAN MILLER
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
Despite its extravagant decor, Privé discourages pretentious attitudes and strives to maintain a high-energy, uninhibited atmosphere. The club has no roped-off areas and provides ample open seating (meaning you don't need to reserve a table and buy a bottle just to sit down), and you're welcome to dance virtually anywhere. “There are no restrictions,” says managing partner Justin Levine. “You can go wherever you want, dance wherever you want.”
Roman Jones SCENE AND BE SEEN This attitude extends to the gatekeepers at the front door. “We’re the guys letting in the kid who spent $200 on a pair of Nikes and has a little style to him, rather than the guy in Kenneth Cole from head to toe,” says Levine. “We want people inside that have a great energy, who can create a party every night.” Since its New Year’s Eve debut, Privé has attracted a constant parade of celebrities. Rapper Jermaine Dupri (accompanied by Janet Jackson) and singer Joel Madden have guest-starred as DJs, while socialite Kim Kardashian, NFL star Reggie Bush, comedian Eddie Murphy and Entourage stars Kevin Connolly and Kevin Dillon have been spotted among the throngs. Rap stars such as Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, Too Short, Flo Rida, Nas and others have even grabbed the mike, blasting the energy level through the roof. “Privé has brought more accessible fun to Vegas nightlife,” says Jones. “This is a place that doesn’t take itself so seriously and encourages people to party.”
Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush Pamela Anderson shares a laugh with Robert Earl. 31
Hours: Pricing:
Daily Noon – Midnight Cover charge waived with Steve Wyrick Real Magic show ticket or Planet Hollywood room key. ...SMOKING ALLOWED...
702-777-9974 for table reservations and information about TRIQ events.
TRIQ SCHEDULE
TRIQ, the signature ultralounge located on the first floor of the Steve Wyrick Theatre Complex in Miracle Mile Shops, is a trendy and contemporary lounge that offers guests of the Steve Wyrick Real Magic show, as well as the general public, a nightly eclectic mix of events. TRIQ is the perfect blend of an intimate, ultralounge, VIP experience with an electrifying twist. TRIQ’s exceptional VIP bottle service includes plush lounge seating with elevated views of the facility. Level 2 and Level 3 of TRIQ contains intimate lounges for VIP retreats. CATCH WES WINTERS PLAYING IN TRIQ ULTRALOUNGE ON VARIOUS NIGHTS - CALL 702-777-9974 FOR DETAILS!
Martinis & Magic Martini & House Drink Specials Sunday-Thursday, 4pm-7pm Karaoke Challenge Tuesday, 6pm-10pm Player’s Club Wednesday Players Club card holders receive drink discounts and free entry in gift drawings. Wednesday, 5pm-10pm Live Entertainment Dueling pianos, jazz trios and soloists perform. Thursday, 5pm-10pm
Friday Fusion Enjoy jazz, art & spoken word while sipping on Absinthe and Martinis. New artist featured every week. Friday, 4pm-10pm Groove Lounge Pre-mixed or live music to dance and get your groove on. Saturday, 4pm-midnight
Las Vegas is a city of “what if”s. What if I win this hand? What if I score that front-row ticket? What if I wait for George Clooney? What if I meet a gorgeous woman, use her quarter at a slot machine, and win $3 million?
Jackpot! WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD HITS THE BIG SCREEN BY JESSICA SHAW
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We’ll leave the Clooney questions to former Vegas waitress Sarah Larson, but that last scenario becomes reality in the film What Happens in Vegas. In the movie, Ashton Kutcher plays Jack, who hits the jackpot with a quarter belonging to Joy, played by Cameron Diaz. Let’s just say plenty of Vegas-style partying ensues (including some steamy R-rated moments) after that windfall. In fact, Jack and Joy get so carried away they end up vowing “. . .’til death do us part.” During a pretty horrifying morning after, the reluctant couple tries to have their impromptu nuptials annulled. The judge denies their request,
Las Vegas is a city of “what ifs.” What if I win this hand? What if I score that front-row ticket? What if I wait for George Clooney? What if I meet a gorgeous woman, use her quarter at a slot machine, and win $3 million?
but also refuses to give half of Jack’s slot-machine winnings to Joy until the newlyweds determine if they can make the marriage work for six months. “The movie is about the aftermath,” says producer Shawn Levy. “What if you made the biggest mistake of your life that turned out to be the best move of your life?” In order to take this fantasy turned romance turned comedy turned heartwarming drama and make it work, Levy had to find two stars who could be both serious and funny with the kind of indescribable
PHOTOS COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 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
director's chair
MOVIE MAGIC
' What if you made the biggest mistake of your life that turned out to be the best move of your life? ' —SHAWN LEVY, PRODUCER, WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS rapport that makes a hit movie. “When we thought of Cameron and Ashton, we thought, ‘Wow. Why has no one ever paired these two yet?’” Levy says. Instead of doing the “chemistry read” in which producers make sure the two actors mesh, Levy simply hired his stars. “We had an instinct that casting these two was a home run paired with this premise,” he says. “We didn’t need to take a test run.” Filming on Location If it’s tough to fake chemistry between actors, it’s even tougher to fake the energy of Las Vegas. Levy and the rest of the team knew they couldn’t capture the essence of Sin City by shooting on a soundstage somewhere in Hollywood. For two weeks, the entire cast and crew moved into Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. They utilized all corners of the hotel, from the reception desk to the restaurants to the casino floors. “It’s such a classic Vegas and pop-culture brand that it manages to be all over our film without really being in the foreground of our film,” Levy explains. “We’ve all seen those movies where a brand is involved but it feels inorganic and forced. Planet Hollywood got exceptional placement in a major summer movie and we got a fabulous location and brand that worked seamlessly.”
Cameron Diaz, who plays Joy in the movie, shows a range of emotion in a series of scenes filmed with co-star Ashton Kutcher on the casino floor at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX
director's chair
But shooting in Vegas comes with its own challenges. You can’t hush everyone on set. And you can’t shut down an entire casino to accommodate the production. “It’s a really vibrant, dynamic place,” says Levy. “But it’s a sound nightmare. You can either pull your hair out or use all those bells and screams as part of your movie’s soundtrack. That’s what we ended up doing. If anyone happened to be in Planet Hollywood while we were there, they just might hear themselves.”
Of course, the cast and crew of What Happens in Vegas were also committed to figuring out what else could happen in Vegas once the cameras were put away for the night. “Frankly, part of the challenge of staying at Planet Hollywood while shooting at Planet Hollywood was figuring out how to get up the next morning,” Levy says. “It was definitely one-stopshopping for fun.” So just how good a time did he, Ashton and Cameron actually have while the cameras weren’t rolling?
The only issues occurred when Vegas visitors spotted the stars. “There were a lot of looky-lous so we definitely needed to create our own crowd around Cameron and Ashton so you wouldn’t see the real crowd that gathered around them in the background,” Levy says. “Cameron and Ashton definitely attract a lot of attention but luckily, for the most part, when people go to Vegas they’re so busy and committed to their own good times, so it all worked out.”
“I’m not much of a gambler,” Levy admits, shying away from dishing further (though he did admit Demi Moore and the kids came to the set and grabbed dinner with Ashton and Cameron). “All I’ll say is that the Planet Hollywood experience was seamless and really enjoyable for all of our actors and crew members.” Um, just how enjoyable? “Between the cast and the crew, who won big and lost big, I would say we left town even.”
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After Kutcher's character, Jack, hits the jackpot with a quarter belonging to Joy, played by Diaz, the two get so carried away they end up vowing “. . .’til death do us part.”
wish list BACK TO THE FUTURE
TRENDY MIRACLE MILE SHOPS IS THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is open Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight. www.miraclemileshopslv.com
AFTER CASHING IN YOUR WINNINGS, DO YOU HAVE THE URGE TO SPLURGE? OR DO YOU JUST WANT TO BUY A FEW TRINKETS FOR THE PEOPLE BACK HOME? EITHER WAY, YOUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. MIRACLE MILE SHOPS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD HAS MORE THAN 170 STORES, 15 RESTAURANTS AND A NUMBER OF ENTERTAINMENT VENUES. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood contains 1.2 miles of retail, dining and entertainment.
With its recent modernization, Miracle Mile Shops has earned a place as one of the premier destinations for food, shopping and entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip. From the mall’s grand north entrance—which features a 40-by-150-foot LED screen with streaming video—to the glittering chandeliers made up of strands containing 2,500 crystal balls suspended above its two entrances, shoppers get a Times Square-like experience when entering the property. Savvy shoppers may even catch the fact that the wall near one entrance has the word “welcome” printed on it in 160 different languages. The interior of Miracle Mile Shops has a new look as well, bringing the mall more in line with the modern design of the resort itself. Many of the storefronts have been streamlined and feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows. “There is
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a seamless transition from the resort to the shopping center. The Miracle Mile is very modern in appearance and keeps with the look of the resort,” says Wendy Albert, the mall’s Senior Director of Marketing. Shops anchoring the ring of retail include Urban Outfitters, H&M, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Quiksilver, bebe and Marciano, while other specialty boutiques such as Sephora and True Religion provide endless options for tireless shoppers. Popular nightlife destinations include Krave—the only alternative-lifestyle club on the Strip—as well as Halo Bar and Triq UltraLounge. “We cater to the Las Vegas visitor who is not looking for the luxury, but instead wants cool, hip and trendy fashion, something they can afford and look great wearing,” Albert adds.
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F M I R A C L E M I L E S H O P S A T P L A N E T H O L LY W O O D
STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE
BY JAMIE ACEVES
wish list
BOUTIQUES IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH MORE THAN 170 STORES, MIRACLE MILE SHOPS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD OFFERS MANY CHOICES. HERE, WE HIGHLIGHT THE THREE B’S: BEN, BETTIE AND BETSEY.
STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE
BY DANIELLE COHEN
BEN SHERMAN Today dubbed the ultimate British lifestyle brand, Ben Sherman had humble beginnings back in 1963, when the now-iconic button-down shirts were first made in a small factory in Brighton, England. The Ben Sherman line is now sold in more than 30 countries around the globe, including at four American stores—one of which is located in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. The 4,600-square-foot Sin City boutique showcases the company’s “Mods in the Mansion” design concept. Fixtures, displays and furniture are an eclectic mix of vintage and antique pieces infused with rock ’n’ roll flair. “The chandeliers and chesterfields look like they may have once been swung on or had their fair share of party cigarettes put out on them,” explains Dana Dynamite, Vice President of Entertainment Marketing. “The rugs look like they have been shuffled around on all night.” A unique feature of the hip Nevada store is The Gallery, a central lounge area with a vaulted ceiling where more than 50 vintage frames display images telling the Ben Sherman story. The shop carries denim, tailored suits, neckwear, eyewear, leather goods and headwear, priced from $39 to $700. Ben Sherman fans include Ashton Kutcher, Josh Duhamel, and Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte. www.bensherman.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEN SHERMAN
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MIRACLE MILE MERCHANTS
BETSEY JOHNSON In the 1960s, Betsey Johnson burst onto the fashion scene with her outlandish and quirky style, paying little attention to trends or norms. Inspired by her love of dance and costumes, she has garnered attention with her eccentricity. So it is quite fitting that her boutique in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood oozes with originality and flair.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETSEY JOHNSON/DAN LECCA
The famed fashion maverick’s lines—a blend of hippieinspired flowing fabrics and whimsical detailing—are displayed in a signature space where pink walls meet a black-and-white checkerboard floor. Betsey’s distinctive artwork joins rose-printed seats and shiny metal fixtures in the 1,000-square-foot retail location. The store is one of more than 50 Betsey Johnson boutiques worldwide that showcase her personality, attention to detail and nonconformist creativity. The store carries Betsey Johnson apparel, footwear, handbags, intimates, swimwear, sunglasses, jewelry, watches, fragrances and Betseyville by Betsey Johnson handbags and footwear, with price tags ranging from $20 to $500. Frequented by those who love the limelight, the Sin City boutique has been visited by Debbie Harry, the Pussycat Dolls, Brooke Hogan, Paris Hilton, The Killers and Rumer Willis. www.betseyjohnson.com
BETTIE PAGE Bettie Page was certainly no stranger to exposure. After all, the legendary pinup was famous for showing off her assets in the 1950s. Today, the iconic model is exposed in a whole new way in Las Vegas—in an art-and-clothing boutique that just happens to feature a classic television set playing a Bettie Page striptease in black and white.
The Bettie Page Las Vegas Boutique features exclusive vintage attire and lingerie designed by the store’s co-owner and general manager, Tatyana Khomyakova. Suits and dresses, pencil skirts and round-collar button-up jackets average about $120. The retro Bettie Page Lingerie is produced under special license by high-end New York-based manufacturer Stocking Girl and is priced from the mid-teens to several hundred dollars for handmade cinchers and corsets. The collection also features boy-short sets, bras, panties and fishnets.
The 1,576-square-foot store plays haven to an exclusive gallery of paintings by Olivia De Berardinis, the acclaimed pinup artist who has painted the siren since 1977. A 12-foot-tall painted headshot of Bettie hangs behind the cash register, and along the length of the right wall are displayed an additional 25 paintings of the temptress, three of which are originals that will set you back $50,000 to $80,000. The store also offers a variety of calendars, memorabilia, T-shirts and men’s dress shirts. www.bettiepageclothing.com
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F B E T T I E PA G E
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wish list
ART WALK
THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR BARE WALLS OR EMPTY SPACES, PARTICULARLY AFTER YOU’VE VISITED THE ART GALLERIES IN THE MIRACLE MILE SHOPS. HERE’S A SAMPLING:
OH MY GODARD
is home to works by Michael Godard, also known as the “Rock Star of the Art World.” His lighthearted paintings feature animated olives, strawberries and grapes in colorful revelry—a series he calls “Don’t Drink and Draw.” Godard says each of his paintings has a subtle message, a play on words derived from his “twisted perspective” on life. “My true inspiration comes from the desire to make people smile,” he says. His advice: “Take all the drama lightly and focus on humor when everything is going wrong.” Celebrity collectors of his work include Ozzy Osbourne, Jay Leno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ringo Starr and 50 Cent. www.michaelgodard.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL GODARD
IMAGES OF NATURE
®
offers wildlife-image prints from Thomas D. Mangelsen, named “One of the 100 Most Important People in Photography” by American Photo Magazine in 2005. Mangelsen’s work has been published in Audubon, National Geographic and more. www.mangelsen.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIAN RIVER GALLERY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THOMAS MANGELSEN
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INDIAN RIVER GALLERY features American Indian art including paintings, bronze sculptures, antique and contemporary jewelry, pottery, Hopi kachinas, Navajo weavings, vintage baskets and beadwork. The gallery carries the work of more than 700 artists. www.indianrivergallery.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIRACLE MILE SHOPS
STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE
wish wish listlist
Photography: Ski Bassham, ocwildphoto.com Models: Kristen Shields, Jeff Beech Hair: Amy Freudenberg, Debra Weite Makeup: Debra Weite
WHAT’S YOUR OBSESSION? COLLECTORS FIND RARE MEMORABILIA IN MUSEUM-LIKE BOUTIQUE BY RYAN SLATTERY 46
EVERY EVERYONE IS OBSESSED WITH SOMETHING. WE ALL HAVE OUR FAVORITE ATHLETES, TELEVISION STARS, FILM ACTORS AND ACTRESSES AND BANDS WE’D LETES DO ANYTHING AN TO SEE. THAT ADMIRATION FOR AN ARTIST, PERFORMER OR OTHER CELEBRITY HAS A TENDENCY TO CONSUME OUR THOUGHTS AND DRIVE OUR CONVERSATIONS C WITH FRIENDS. HOW ELSE DO YOU EXPLAIN THE SATURATION OF SHOW-BIZ NEWS ON TELEVISION, THE STACKS OF TABLOIDS ON RATIO NEWSSTANDS AND THE GROWING NUMBER OF CELEBRITY BLOGS AND THE N GOSSIP WEB SITES? FACE IT, AMERICA, WE ARE HOLLYWOOD-OBSESSED. GOSSI
COLLECTIBLES
Hollywood Obsessions sells artifacts and vintage pieces signed by celebrities and musicians.
Stones fan? Not only can you own a photograph autographed by Rolling Stones band members but you can dress the part too, with a Mick Jagger T-shirt and logo belt.
From Marilyn Monroe to Led Zeppelin, Hollywood Obsessions brings memories alive for the true fan.
has a whip from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; a hat from The Godfather, autographed by Godfather stars Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, James Caan, Diane Keaton and Robert Duvall and by author Mario Puzo and director Francis Ford Coppola; a pistol from Pirates of the Caribbean; and a purse autographed by Marilyn Monroe.
So welcome to Hollywood Obsessions—the store that plays on our infatuations. Katrina Schmidt, the store’s general manager, calls Hollywood Obsessions a “fusion retail celebrity lifestyle boutique” rather than just a memorabilia store. “Everything is celebrity- or music-oriented. We’re selling signed artifacts and vintage pieces,” Schmidt says. Indeed, Hollywood Obsessions is more like a museum than a store. Walking around the 3,500-square-foot space, it’s easy to be impressed. There is a Grateful Deadautographed guitar in a coffin-shaped display case; framed guitars signed by members of the Beatles, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones; a set of Bob Marley autographed bongos; and albums signed by U2, Bob Dylan, The Doors and Elvis Presley, which range in price from $295 to $1,295. Movie fans will find items straight off the set. Hollywood Obsessions
Sports fans will love Hollywood Obsession’s collection of autographed memorabilia: from a Babe Ruth baseball to a Muhammad Ali boxing glove to a Tiger Woods golf glove and a Michael Jordan basketball. Looking for something with a little more meaning? Historical items include a Princess Diana-autographed hat, an Al Capone-autographed $1 bill from 1923 and the ultimate collectible: the Presidential Golf Ball Collection, autographed by U.S. presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. But in addition to memorabilia, Hollywood Obsessions sells fine art including celebrity paintings from Venezuelan caricaturist Jota Leal, photographs by Terry O’Neill and graphic arts from H.R. Giger and Al Hirschfeld.
With more than 200,000 items of memorabilia in stock, Schmidt says she’s in awe of some of the items she sees, admitting she never knows what’s coming. “It’s like Christmas every time we get a shipment. It’s so exciting to see what’s inside that box.”
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MICHAEL E. MINDEN DIAMOND JEWELERS AT FASHION SHOW MALL 702 2535588
THE WATCH BOUTIQUE AT MGM GRAND 702 8913396
THE WATCH SHOPPE AT TREASURE ISLAND 702 8947772
WWW.LASVEGASHOOKBRACELET.COM
THE JEWEL BOX AT EXCALIBUR 702 5977061
wish list TOP IT OFF Warm colors and an airy lightness make the Maple Valley Straw Fedora from Quiksilver ($28) a perfect accessory for this season’s styles. Quiksilver in Miracle Mile Shops. www.quiksilver.com
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F Q U I K S I LV E R
spoiled rotten GREAT BUYS FOR THE GALS AND GUYS WHO GET EVERYTHING THEY WANT P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C E L E S T E C A N I N O / 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
COOL & CASUAL SOMETHING HERS The clean, tailored lines of Thomas Pink’s Slim Fit Stretch women’s shirts ($180) skim the figure and give a long, lean appearance in a variety of vibrant colors. www.thomaspink.com
Whether you choose to button up or not, you will be comfy in this pastel plaid shirt ($24.90), part of H&M’s affordable Luxurious Leisure collection. Available at H&M, in Miracle Mile Shops. www.hm.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS PINK
YOU'RE BLUSHING Day or evening, the Imra heel sandals ($495) and the Anais handbag from Bally ($1,595), both in coralcolor patent calf, will lend a soft, sexy glow. www.bally.com
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B A L LY
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PHOTO COURTESY OF H&M
PARTING GIFTS
SHADY LADY An aviator-style mask front made entirely from injection-molded plastic gives the Ray-Ban ($139.95, top) its sleek look. Wrap temples and flex hinges add to the appeal. The Dolce & Gabbana ($149.95, bottom) pair plays with light and dark color in its shield frame and features wide temples with the D&G logo. Sunglass Hut in Miracle Mile Shops.
BLUSHING CHERRY BLOSSOM Fresh and romantic, the
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNGLASS HUT
newest fragrance from Bath & Body Works ($19 for 1.7 ounces) blends its title flower with jasmine, rose and crisp citrus notes. Miracle Mile Shops.
BLINDED BY THE WHITE White tank top from H&M’s affordable Luxurious Leisure collection ($12.90). H&M in Miracle Mile Shops. www.hm.com
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B AT H & B O D Y W O R K S
NEARLY NAKED What good is a pedicure if no one can see the beautiful results? Show off your pampered skin in a pair of Steve Madden sandals in Seeri white “croco” ($59.95, top) or Sannibel white leather ($49.95, bottom). Steve Madden, in Miracle Mile Shops. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE MADDEN PHOTO COURTESY OF H&M
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wish list
STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE
GEAR UP
PHOTOS BY ED FERNANDEZ
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Want to look your best? The resort’s three stores—PH The Store, Stuff, and This & That—have it all. With apparel that rivals the biggest and bestselling brands, Planet Hollywood is focused on high-quality, active-oriented fashion for the hip and trendy, the stylish and edgy, and the casual and sporty. Planet Hollywood’s logo clothing includes T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts for all ages—toddlers to rock 'n' roll fans. The stores also carry a wide range of souvenirs: Coffee mugs, shot glasses, robes and poker sets are just some of the hundreds of items available in the two mall boutiques and the larger lobby shop. When hunger strikes, a multitude of tasty snacks and satisfying beverages are also available. So be sure to visit PH The Store, Stuff, and This & That— and take home a piece of Hollywood.
dress to thrill For High Rollers, Jet-setters and Celebrities,
FIFTY IS THE PLACE TO PLAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED FERNANDEZ STYLING BY SYLVIA LINKE
Hollywood Glamour Bally: Arwa clutch in light-sand stingray; men’s Chandon double-monk-strap leather brogue in Cuba brown; women’s suede Marieclaire sandal. Caché: Black lacquer bangle; link stretch bracelet; wood-disk-and-chain necklace; golden shorts. Pianegonda: Silver cuff bracelet. Quiksilver: Sub Contract fedora; Baron brown leather watch. Roxy: Gold watch; leopard watch; sunglasses. Steve Madden: Frenchyy platform peep-toe sling-back in gold patent. TAG Heuer: Women’s Monaco watch with mother-of-pearl and diamond dial. TeNo: Stainless-steel wire necklace with one freshwater white pearl and bayonet clasp; stainless-steel tension-set ring with white freshwater pearl; steel SiRa signet ring with matte finish. Yvel: Biwa pearl necklace with four drop pearls.
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Lil’ Jon, nominee Rap Song of the Year for “Lovers & Friends” 2005 Billboard Music Awards - Red Carpet MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada United States
Caché, Quiksilver, Roxy, Steve Madden and TeNo stores in Miracle Mile Shops. Bally: www.bally.com. Pianegonda: www.pianegonda.com. TAG Heuer: www.tagheuer.com. Yvel: www.jrdunn.com.
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dress to thrill
Rock ' N ' Roll
Betsey Johnson: Fringed black hobo bag. Caché: Silver-chain belt; black-stone bag; women’s black patent-leather belt. Glam Rock: Miami Collection white watch. Lucky Brand Jeans: Manchester Guitars T-shirt; men’s Anejo belt; Triumph charm bracelet with double chains and toggle closure; Beatles-charm link bracelet with toggle closure. Monarchy: Rolled T-shirts; jeans with British-flag pocket; zipper-pocket jean skirt. Pianegonda: Silver Lovesick 2 Hearts dangle earrings. Quiksilver: Silver Rubix Metal watch; all-black Bannister watch with leather strap. Steve Madden: Flankk black leather Moto bootie. TeNo: Stainless-steel black Dykon braided leather necklace with ebony wood inlay on steel clasp; stainless-steel Dykon braided leather bracelet with brushed and shiny steel on Ovis clasp; stainlesssteel YuKoN rubber bracelet with stainless-steel, black-horn and brown-snakewood elements surrounded by rubber elements; rubber necklace with bayonet clasp. Vogue: Sunglasses.
Betsey Johnson, Caché, Lucky Brand Jeans, Quiksilver, Steve Madden and TeNo stores in Miracle Mile Shops. Vogue available at Sunglass Hut in Miracle Mile Shops. Glam Rock: www.glamrockwatches.com Pianegonda: www.pianegonda.com Monarchy: www.monarchycollection.com
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Lil’ Jon, nominee Rap Song of the Year for “Lovers & Friends” 2005 Billboard Music Awards - Red Carpet MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada United States
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dress to thrill
Bling Bling
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Aldo: Silver sling-back shoe. bebe: Silver loop necklace; silver-circle dangle earrings; engraved bangles; silver-and-diamond bangles. Betsey Johnson: Strappy silver, gold and pink sandals; bow-shaped watch with pavé-diamond band; flip-top cocktail-ring watch. Caché: Watch with white face and jeweled band. Dolce & Gabbana: White sunglasses with rhinestones. Maxx New York: LeClub-Disco clutch in silver metallic Italian-tile leather; Regatta barrel clutch in white wicker with bronze flower closure. TeNo: Ring with diamond outlined in square of black-ceramic inlay; stainless-steel CreLis hoop earrings with 36 diamonds; stainless-steel mini square De Luxx pendant pavé set with 16 diamonds. Aldo, bebe, Betsey Johnson, Caché, TeNo stores in Miracle Mile Shops. Dolce & Gabbana available at Sunglass Hut in Miracle Mile Shops. Maxx New York: www.maxxnewyork.com
Lil’ Jon, nominee Rap Song of the Year for “Lovers & Friends” 2005 Billboard Music Awards Red Carpet MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada United States
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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. Please show your room key to your server prior to ordering and receive $5 off Lunch and $10 off Dinner (Rodizio only). Can not be used with any other offers. No cash back. Please base gratuity on the pre-discounted amount! Voted “One of the Best Steakhouses, Las Vegas” in United and American Airlines Magazines 2008 Zagat Guide “Best of Las Vegas” 2009 Michelin Travel Guide
702.737.4748 | WWW.PAMPASUSA.COM 3663 Las Vegas Blvd., South #610 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Located off of Harmon Ave. inside the Miracle Mile Shops
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SOARING HIGHER After a meteoric rise to fame, fortune and glamour, singer-songwriter-actress Alicia Keys is determined to stay grounded.
BY SHEP MORGAN
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PHOTO BY ODETTE SUGERMAN/CONTOUR PHOTOS
PHOTO BY GUZMAN/CORBIS OUTLINE
STAR SNAPSHOT
Alicia Keys used her appearance in Las Vegas at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards to debut a sexy, soulful ballad that instantly climbed the charts. That night as she belted out “No One,” the GRAMMY® Award-winning single from her chart-busting album As I Am, the crowd’s reaction to the performance said it all: The song was going to be a surefire hit. “‘No One’ is about not letting anything get in the way of the good thing you have,” Keys says of the song. “Doesn’t it sometimes seem like when you have something good, there is always something or someone trying to break it up or put down this good thing? I feel like that sometimes. That’s why I love the song so much.” Keys, who at 27 has scored as a singer, songwriter, pianist and actress, has not let her recent accolades blind her. “I define success as personal happiness,” she says. “And, I feel that personally I am happiest when I am able to express myself, when I’m able to do things that are my choices. And it’s especially rewarding when people enjoy it as much as I do. So I call that success.”
TOUGH TIMES Keys’ sudden rise to fame began when she burst onto the music scene seven years ago with her multi-platinum album Songs In A Minor. In those days she was a 21-year-old with her hair in corn rows and a gruff no-nonsense edge in her voice. “I used to be the baggy jeans and Timberland boots girl,” she says with a shrug. While her unconventional style attracted attention, it was also a reflection of the lessons about life that Keys learned growing up as Alicia Augello-Cook on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen, a notoriously tough neighborhood in New York City. She doesn’t deny carrying a knife for protection during that time. “I used to walk home seeing pimps, prostitutes and drug dealers,” she recalls. “I had to be ready to defend myself. I got into a few scrapes and I also had a lot of near misses. It could have been a lot worse.”
Alicia Keys’ sudden rise to fame began when she burst onto the music scene seven years ago with her multi-platinum album Songs in A Minor.
Keys only had one parent to keep her focused on life beyond those mean streets. Her Jamaican father, a former flight attendant, was gone by the time she was two, leaving her Irish-Italian mother Terri to raise her while struggling to make ends meet as a part-time actress and paralegal. “My mom is all I’ve ever had,” she explains. “She is the most loyal and caring person in my life. She’s everything to me, and that always helped to keep me grounded.”
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It was her mother who encouraged her to take an interest in playing piano. Keys was picking out Beethoven melodies at age 6, and by the time she was 7 her talent for classical music was unmistakable. Looking back, she says with a laugh, “I didn’t walk around Hell’s Kitchen drawing attention to the fact that I was a musician. It wasn’t the kind of place where you would go, ‘Guess what, guys, I play classical piano!’ But a lot of my close friends knew and they thought it was cool.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF (SMOKIN' ACES) NBC PICTURES
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But it wasn’t just the classics that appealed to Keys. “I’ve loved all kinds of music since I was four,” she remembers. “It meant the world to me and I would risk anything for it. Just being able to play Beethoven or my favorite Chopin wasn’t enough.” After graduating at 16 from the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts, Keys briefly attended Columbia University on a scholarship, but dropped out to take a gamble on making it as a recording artist. She struggled but was undaunted by the challenge of holding her own in a business that was as tough as the neighborhood where she grew up. “I’ve always believed in myself,” Keys says simply. “My whole thing has always been showing other people my stuff and proving to everybody that I could do it.”
HARD WORK REWARDED It was record mogul Clive Davis who mentored the young artist and gave her a shot at stardom with her first album, Songs in A Minor, which sold 10 million records worldwide. The
'I wanted to do something that was going to be a stretch. I wanted to do something that was a challenge for me, and I wanted to do something that was going to blow your mind.' —Alicia Keys on her role in Smokin’ Aces 66
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F M G M , T H E W E I N S T E I N C O M PA N Y
STAR SNAPSHOT
Discography: Albums 2001: Songs in A Minor 2003: The Diary of Alicia Keys 2005: Unplugged 2007: As I Am
Scarlett Johansson and Alicia Keys in The Nanny Diaries meteoric GRAMMY® Award-winning rise that followed included The Diary of Alicia Keys and Unplugged, as well as several books of poetry and entries from the journals she’s always kept. She found new success on the big screen, making her debut as a tough assassin posing as a hooker in the ultra-violent Smokin’ Aces. While some of her fans may have been shocked, Keys had no doubts about accepting the role. “The director, Joe Carnahan, showed me the script and said, ‘Do this. Don’t go for some romantic comedy.’ And I knew he was right. I did not want it to be what you expected. I wanted to do something that was going to be a stretch. I wanted to do something that was a challenge for me, and I wanted to do something that was going to blow your mind.” Keys went on to co-star opposite Scarlett Johansson in The Nanny Diaries and will be seen next year in The Secret Life of Bees, costarring with Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo and Dakota Fanning in the moving drama based on the best seller by Sue Monk Kidd. Along the way, she’s never stopped pushing herself. “I knew that with everything that I do I want to give up my comfort zone,” Keys says. “I don’t want to stay in the same place where I knew myself. I like to get out of that area and challenge myself. I find the best comes from that.”
Filmography Smokin’ Aces (2007) The Nanny Diaries (2007] The Secret Life of Bees (2009)
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PHOTO BY KEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGE.COM
freeze frame ‘I am happiest when I am able to express myself, when I’m able to do things that are my choices. And it’s especially rewarding when people enjoy it as much as I do.’ SELF-GUIDED And she’s always been determined to steer her own career. “I want to know what’s going on with my money, where it’s going, how it is being spent,” she says. “I don’t give a damn if people hate me. I’m never going to be one of those stories you read about someone who had all this and ended up with zero because so many people took advantage of them.” Keys is the first to admit that fame and success can take a toll. She had changed her name to Keys and gradually left behind her hard-edged image as the girl in boots and baggy jeans. But even in designer duds and a trendy hairdo, she felt something was missing.
Keys performing at the 2008 GRAMMY® Awards
She found it on a trip to Egypt and Italy two years ago. “I took my first vacation ever and I was completely alone,” she says. “I saw the Valley of the Kings, swam in the Mediterranean and sailed down the Nile. I was really by myself and I loved it.” Then she adds, “I even took a side trip to Greece and ran my first-ever marathon. My trainer didn’t tell me I would be on one of the toughest courses in the world. But I felt like it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The trip, she says, taught her to be more laidback. “I always thought it was good to be in control. But it’s better to let things happen naturally. I used to drive myself crazy trying to make everything perfect, but now I’m happier to let some things mess up.” She continues, “I’ve learned about who I am as an artist in the sense of as a performer and as a woman, and how much is too much, and how much I can handle. I’m really being honest with myself about that,” she says. “I want to have success, but still stay sane and healthy.”
Alicia Keys poses in the press room with her awards for Best Female R&B Performance and Best R&B Song at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2008. PHOTO BY DAN MACMEDAN/WIREIMAGE.COM
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOGANPHOTOS.COM/GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS
HOPKINS VS CALZAGHE
unbeaten! Boxers Bernard Hopkins (above, left) and Joe Calzaghe (above, right) met face-to-face April 16, 2008, at a pre-fight press conference at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
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JUDGES HAND JOE CALZAGHE SPLIT-DECISION WIN OVER BERNARD HOPKINS IN THE “BATTLE OF THE PLANET” In his first fight in the United States, 36-year-old Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe was greeted in the opening round with a straight right hand from Bernard Hopkins that sent him tumbling to the canvas. But after the knockdown and a couple of shaky rounds early in the match, Calzaghe took control of the fight, winning the later rounds and outlasting the 43-year-old Hopkins for a splitdecision victory that kept Calzaghe’s unbeaten record intact.
P H O T O S B Y D E N I S E T R U S C E L L O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
P H O T O B Y D E N I S E T R U S C E L L O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
star sights
P H O T O S B Y D E N I S E T R U S C E L L O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
FIGHT NIGHT
JIM M BE BELLUSHI HI AND ND N D LUKE KE PER ERR ER RR RYY
“It was one of the toughest fights of my career,” Calzaghe (45-0) said after the fight. “I didn’t box as well as I could have. It’s difficult to look good against someone like Hopkins. But a true champion adapts, and I found a way to win.”
RA J AND RAY ND WHITNE NEYY H HO OUSTO ST N ST
After losing the light-heavyweight match, Hopkins (48-5-1) disagreed with the judges' decision. “I took him to school and made him fight my fight. He really didn’t land any shots. I think I controlled the pace, and I controlled the fight.” But judges Chuck Giampa (116-111) and Ted Gimza (115-112) saw it otherwise, scoring the fight in favor of Calzaghe, while judge Adalaide Byrd (114-113) gave a narrow nod to Hopkins.
CATH C ATH A HE HERIN E ZE ETA-JONES TA-J TTA A JONES O S
"It’s difficult to look good against someone like Hopkins. But a true champion adapts, and I found a way to win." —Joe Calzaghe
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 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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star sights
TOM TO OM M JONE ES A AND RAY RAY J
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ROBERT ROBE RT EARL EARL AND AN CATHERINE ZETAZETA-JONE ES
The fight, dubbed the “Battle of the Planet,” attracted a star-studded crowd of 14,213 to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Celebrities with ringside seats: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Simon Cowell, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Jeremy Piven, Michael J. Fox, Brandy, Chris Tucker, James Belushi, Ray J, Ray Leonard, Joey Fatone, Luke Perry, Mark McGrath, Pete Sampras and boxers Roy Jones, Jr., Marco Antonio Barrera, Winky Wright and Zab Judah.
MICH IIC C AEL J. FOX AND LUKE LUKE PER ERR RRY
SYLVESTER STALLONE, ROBERT EARLL A AN AND ND D GOV GO GOV. OV. ARNOLD OV. OV OL SCHWARZE A NEGGER
It was the first foray into the promotional ring for Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino owner Robert Earl, who has promised to sponsor future megafights. SYLVESTER SYLVESTE SY R STALLO S ALLO LLO ONE NE WITH WITH REPO REP ORTER T JER JERRY RYY PENAC ENACOLI
GOV. ARNOLD L SCHWARZ ZENEGG NEGGER ER AND A D ROBER BERTT PATRIC PATRICK
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ROBE OBE ER RTT EARL A AND A ANDR A NDR D EEW W LLOYD LO WEB LOY WEBBER BER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF STRIP HOUSE
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A PRIME CUT THE SECRETS OF STRIP HOUSE CAN BE FOUND IN THE KITCHEN BY JEN KARETNICK 74
STEAK OUT
Goose-fat potatoes (left) are among the fabulous food and drink choices at Strip House.
Still, it’s somewhat irresistible to try another play on words. So how about this one? If you want to get to the bottom of Strip House, you have to peel off many layers. On closer examination, that might be a rather mixed metaphor but it’s also the truth, especially where the cuisine is concerned. “There’s such a building of flavor in so many of the [signature] dishes here that the sum becomes much greater than the parts,” executive chef John Schenk says. Citysearch and Zagat’s Best of Las Vegas 2008 both named Strip House one of the Top Ten new restaurants in Las Vegas, and other restaurant critics in the city have raved about its perfectly executed bone-in rib eye and New York strip, not to mention its sumptuous seafood.
By combining a sultry and sexy design with a creative menu, Strip House is being noticed as one of the top restaurants in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas site offers itself as the perfect place for groups and larger parties, offering prix-fixe culinary celebrations set within one of the three private dining rooms. Take, for instance, the salad and lobster bisque that start the prix-fixe menu. On the former, mixed greens are served in a formed parmesan cup and accented with a nutty parmesan crisp; on the latter, the buttery shellfish flavors are enhanced by the addition of supple Maine lobster ravioli. The menu ends with a 24-layer chocolate cake with chocolate custard filling and ganache frosting.
Layering, to his mind, also refers to texture. Thus the creamed corn contains some kernels that have been hand-cut from the cob, some that have been mashed, and even some that have been dried, ground and introduced as polenta to bind it together. Mixed with pancetta that’s been rendered with onions and a touch of parmesan, the corn possesses “high culinary tension,” Schenk says. All of this, interestingly, stands in direct contrast to how the prime cuts of meat are treated—which is to say, with as little fanfare as possible. “We season them with salt and pepper and oil, then cook them on Montague broilers, which go from fourteen hundred to sixteen hundred degrees. The surface temperature tends to build quickly and the oil lets the meat develop a nice char, sealing in the juices, and adding dimensions of texture, flavor and moisture,” Schenk notes. “That is the signature more than any other thing. It sounds simple, but it’s hard to duplicate and takes a lot of care.” Which explains why Strip House has become so popular not only at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, but in its eight other locations around the country.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PINK'S
Just one peek into the sultry yet whimsical space that is Strip House, and it’s easy to see the reason for the restaurant's playful name. The David Rockwell-designed room is sleek and sexy—red leather booths are decorated with vintage black-and-white Studio Manasse images over textured red wallpaper. All this gives Strip House an elegant 1920s cabaret-like feel.
and re-seasoned with thyme and rosemary before being deep-fried—again in goose fat—and served with a drizzle of (you got it) goose fat. With the creamed spinach, the truffles are present throughout, entering first in scented butter, then in a similarly perfumed cream and finally in a vegetable stock, as the spinach “is built like a risotto,” Schenk explains. To finish it, he laces the spinach with white truffle oil.
Schenk becomes more specific when he speaks about the technique of Strip House’s renowned trio of side dishes: the goose-fat potatoes, the black truffle creamed spinach and the creamed corn with pancetta. The first dish consists of peeled, medium-size Idaho potatoes simmered in garlicky, herbal-infused goose fat, which are then molded
‘There’s such a building of flavor in so many of the [signature] dishes here that the sum becomes much greater than the parts.’
—EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHN SCHENK 75
the dish
ZEN APPEAL KOI CREATES A TRANQUIL DINING ATMOSPHERE BY JEN KARETNICK 76
ÜBER-TRENDY ON THE STRIP
Koi offers diners a variety of sushi (left) and a wide range of hot or cold plates to choose from, including signature dishes such as Kobe beef (above) and crispy rice topped with spicy tuna (below).
Don’t play coy with Koi: Even if you’ve been lucky enough to dine in all three locations of this übertrendy Japanese restaurant—the L.A. original as well as the siblings in NYC and Bangkok—you haven’t had the ultimate encounter until you’ve hit the fourth, the new Las Vegas incarnation.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KOI GROUP
For starters, Koi Las Vegas is the largest of all the locations and the first designed by a newly installed in-house design team. “[It] features natural materials, earth tones and a feng shui-inspired layout, which means that no matter how busy it gets, or how lively the crowd becomes, there is always a sense of tranquility,” explains Nick Haque, co-owner of Koi Group. “The scene never intrudes on a guest’s dining experience.”
Koi’s main dining room follows the principles of feng-shui design and offers outstanding views of the Strip.
Hand-carved Indonesian doors, guarded by a merry trio of golden Buddhas and flanked by giant copper temple bells, prime diners for a décor that Haque describes as “a seductive harmony of Asian design elements, combining an exotic Eastern aura with a genuine sense of Hollywood energy and style.” And while elements such as spinning prayer wheels and Indonesian onyx-and-marble columns in the lounge are dramatic, separate dining parlors flow into each other like Japanese gardens separated by ma: a balanced use of space, with some areas intimate and quiet and others bustling and vital.
Sinking into the plush circular banquettes to enjoy both the modern California-accented sushi dishes— such as the yellowtail carpaccio with grapeseed oil, ponzu, and wasabi tobiko or the miso bronzed black cod medley of vegetables—guests can not only enjoy the food but be entertained with the peoplewatching, which is generally the order of the day, or evening, in any Koi location. The Vegas venue has a singular atmosphere all its own—which is owed in part to the floor-to-ceiling windows that stare out onto Las Vegas Boulevard. “The mere fact that Koi is in a casino-resort with fantastic views of the Strip makes Koi Las Vegas different from the others. That sort of ambience can’t be replicated elsewhere,” Haque notes. Dipu Haque, co-owner of Koi Group, agrees: “It was important to us to implement the signature elements of Koi in our new location. However, we definitely wanted that Vegas touch. Being on the Strip, in one of the sleekest, newest hotels, definitely completes the experience.” As does a signature cocktail—say, the Taste of Zen, made with Stoli Vanilla, Licor 43, fresh organic chai tea and vanilla bean.
‘No matter how busy it gets, or how lively the crowd becomes, there is always a sense of tranquility.’
—NICK HAQUE
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2 parts Herradura Silver tequila 1 part premium Triple Sec
PRETTY IN PINK YOLÖS USES VIBRANT COLORS TO CREATE A LIVELY SCENE Designer extraordinaire Jeffrey Beers made some bold choices when he created reated the space for Yolös. Inspired by contemporary ry Mexican architecture, Beers filled the room with th vivid i id color l and d lighting li hti that doubles as sculpture, to capture the feel of south-of-the-border culture. A hot-pink beam rises at the entrance, accenting the pink-lit bar and its glowing 13-foot-tall margarita fountain, while a deep-blue lounge ceiling provides a bit of contrasting color. It’s a design—perhaps helped by all that tequila—that keeps the energy level high at Yolös. And the margarita fountain makes one thing perfectly clear: At the bar, tequila’s the star. General manager Chris Waltrip quickly points out that all but two are 100 percent blue agave—the real deal for purists. Guests can enjoy this liquid gift from Jalisco, Mexico, mixed or all on its own. One part of the menu is even reserved for “specialty tequilas,” a showcase for Patrón Gran Platinum, Casa Noble Añejo, Herradura Selección Suprema and others of similar pedigree.
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Bartenders can guide guests in choosing a tequila that matches personal preference, while a tasting, or “flight,” is a great way to sample various types. For most, though, tequila is just too lonesome without those other ingredients that transform it into one of the world’s most celebrated drinks— the margarita—and Yolös pours it with premium ingredients. Another specialty drink combines Ty Ku, an Asian sake-based liqueur, with Don Julio silver tequila and sweet-and-sour for a cocktail called a Mexican Samurai. And what even the savviest sippers may find surprising is that, just like fine wines, tequila and margaritas can be paired with food such as Yolös' signature pumpkin seed-crusted seared ahi tuna. Waltrip explains that the spiciness of some entrees, or the sweetness of certain desserts, for example, match up nicely with particular cocktails. Just ask the staff for a recommendation.
Splash of Amoretti pomegranate syrup 2 parts fresh sweet-and-sour mix Squeeze of lime
Combine all ingredients, shake well, and pour over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRADER VIC'S
YOLÖS POMEGRANATE MARGARITA
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F 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
the dish
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRADER VIC'S
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RUM PUNCH
THE LEGENDARY TRADER VIC'S SURFACES IN VEGAS BY JEN KARETNICK Get a taste of the islands at Trader Vic’s. Share a Scorpion bowl, a fruit-infused signature cocktail meant for two, or a crab cake appetizer (photos above right).
Trader Vic’s Las Vegas is not only carrying on the tradition but taking it to new heights. 80
With vintage fashions showing up on red carpets, retro music blasting from high-tech speakers at nightclubs and classic cocktails making their way back to bar menus, it’s no wonder there has been renewed interest in Trader Vic’s—a culinary pop culture phenomenon dating back to its launch in 1934. And given Las Vegas’ penchant for creating restaurants that are the biggest, the brightest and the best, it’s a given that the latest Trader Vic’s to debut is located in Miracle Mile Shops inside the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, itself a storied brand. “There are very few culinary icons like Trader Vic’s—its legacy in the world is unmatched,” says Doc Wiener, the Las Vegas restaurant’s Lil’ Jon, nomideveloper and the owner of DW Enterprises. The famous nickname nee Rap Song dates back to restaurateur Vic “The Trader” Bergeron, who created ofat thethe Year the Mai-Tai (Tahitian for “the very best”) rum cocktail Trader Vic’s in Oakland, California, in 1944. for “Lovers &
Friends”
“We are seeing a great resurgence in the Trader Vic’s brand,” notes 2005 Billboard Robert L. Davies, president of Trader Vic’s Restaurant Group. “Many Music Awards of our loyal guests grew up with Trader Vic’s and have fond memories of our restaurant, and the Las Vegas location can on the Redcarry Carpet legacy of the Trader as we share it with new and old friends from MGM Grand around the world.”
Las Vegas, Nevada United What’s Old Is New Again States Indeed, Trader Vic’s Las Vegas is not only carrying on the tradition but taking it to new heights. Spread over 15,000 square feet, the
multi-floor restaurant features three separate dining and entertainment venues. On the ground level, there’s a dining room with 40-foot-tall wooden tikis, inlaid bamboo walls and zebrawood fixtures, complemented by a Strip-side patio with a DJ booth, an outdoor bar and a lanai surrounded by palms, thatch and a slanted, shingled roof. Upstairs, in the Tiki Club ultra lounge, patrons are treated to panoramic views. Surely escapism via design is some of Trader Vic’s allure. But just as appealing is Trader Vic’s ability to temporarily transport customers to the tropics, via its island-inspired, award-winning dishes, such as the traditional bongo bongo soup (made of Pacific oysters and glazed with spinach veloute) and Hawaiian pork chop. Executive chef Rick Giffen promises a “whole experience based on quality.” He cites such appetizers as his Kobe beef short ribs with nashi pear salad and miso-orange sea bass entree as some of the newer items to try. Plus, you can always turn to the Mai-Tai, the Rangoon Ruby or the Samoan Fog Cutter. Like the restaurant concept itself, the signature drinks invented by Trader Vic’s will never go out of style.
the dish
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE
THE HOT ZONE HAWAIIAN TROPIC HEATS UP THE NIGHT BY JEN KARETNICK Given the sheer number of restaurants that open in Las Vegas on an annual basis, and the level of glamour and sophistication they ooze, the competition to even be noticed—let alone to rank among the best—is fierce. Yet Hawaiian Tropic Zone, which debuted in late 2007, squarely in the center of the Las Vegas Strip in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, had no problem drawing positive attention as a unique entity. “This is due to our dedication to providing an unparalleled dining and entertainment experience,” says owner Dennis Riese. “Hawaiian Tropic Zone is quickly becoming the hottest destination the Las Vegas Strip has to offer.” That’s because, as general manager John Geng says, “Las Vegas is a natural fit” for this establishment. Diners are captivated on a number of levels, beginning with a bevy of sleek Hawaiian Tropic models—clad in exclusive fuchsia bikinis and sarongs designed by American fashion icon Nicole Miller—who not only serve guests, but sway on the built-in catwalk and compete in nightly beauty pageants. As for the fare, an eclectic menu created by famed culinary master David Burke is matched by a selection of 40 fine wines by the glass, including a “reserved” selection and signature cocktails such as the Espresso Martini, Riese notes.
The menu at Hawaiian Tropic Zone gives diners a taste of island-influenced cuisine.
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Selections range from starters such as crab-cakes bites with horseradish-mango relish or Maui onion soup with tempura onion rings to entrees like soy-honey wild striped bass or Burke’s infamous crackling pork shank with lap chung fried rice and pineapple glaze. “People are blown away by the food,” Geng says. Add in the vibe that Riese describes as high energy, emanating from the 150-seat outdoor patio “where patrons can soak in the bright lights of the famed Las Vegas Strip while surrounded by Olympic-style flame torches,” and it’s clear that what Riese says is true: “Hawaiian Tropic Zone is unlike any other place in Las Vegas.”
DRINKING • DINING • DANCING Cuisine by
CHEF DAVID BURKE
RESTAURANT • BAR • LOUNGE W W W. H AWA I I A N T R O P I C Z O N E . C O M
LAS VEGAS LOCATED IN THE MIRACLE MILE SHOPS AT THE PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT AND CASINO 702.731.4858
NEW YORK 729 SEVENTH AVE. AT 49TH STREET 212.626.7312
COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW. COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW. COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW. COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW. COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW. COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW.
liner notes
LIVE ON STAGE THROUGH THE YEARS THE BIGGEST NAMES IN ENTERTAINMENT HAVE TAKEN CENTER STAGE AT THE THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND PLAYED TO SOLD-OUT CROWDS. IF YOU WEREN’T THERE RECENTLY, HERE'S WHAT YOU MISSED.
THE JONAS BROTHERS A FAMILY AFFAIR
BY JAMIE ACEVES
Mix screaming girls with bushy-haired rockers, and what do you get? Jonas-mania. The Jonas Brothers and their pop-rock sound had teenage girls in a mad frenzy when the band brought its much-anticipated ”Look Me in the Eyes” tour to the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
The Disney-promoted breakout stars have a huge teen following much like Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus. The Jonas Brothers, who have toured with Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Jesse McCartney and the Backstreet Boys, will join punk-rock songstress Avril Lavigne on a European tour this summer.
“TIME FOR ME TO LIVE IT'S TIME FOR ME TO SING TIME FOR ME TO LAY DOWN ALL MY WORRIES AND I'LL SPREAD MY WINGS.” —THE JONAS BROTHERS, “TIME FOR ME TO FLY”
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The Jonas Brothers—Kevin, 20; Joe, 18; and Nick, 15—performed favorites such as ”Mandy,” ”Time for Me to Fly,” ”S.O.S.” and ”When You Look Me in the Eyes,” from the 2006 album It‘s About Time and the self-titled Jonas Brothers, released in 2007. The siblings also played a new song, ”Don’t Take My Heart and Put It on a Shelf” off a third album, set for release this summer, and covered ’80s hit ”Take on Me” from the band a-ha.
liner notes
DAVID SPADE
JUST BEING HIMSELF
BY DAVE SURRATT Arriving at his first gig at the Planet Hollywood Showroom, veteran comic and Saturday Night Live alumnus David Spade strolled to center stage in jeans and a buttoned-up shirt, his dirty-blond hair swept back under a baseball cap, to the tune of Van Halen’s “Runnin’ with the Devil.” Life imitated art, as the Joe Dirt star looked surprisingly like the title character of his 2001 comedic movie, opening his act to Dirt’s favorite song—which happens to be Spade’s favorite song by the band as well. It’s like the advice given to authors: “Write what you know.” The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated funnyman borrowed from Dirt’s persona and dug down deep into his own during his stand-up routine at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. His new material was, in a word, real. Spade shared his thoughts on phenomena like sexy Halloween costumes (“How about a sexy architect? G-string? Pencil?”) and mammoth Vegas hotels (“Yeah, I’m up here in Room 52,312”), and expressed his unbridled disgust with famous bands who don’t play their hits in concert. But the written word can’t capture the reality of his stage presence. The audience felt it, laughing for a solid hour until Spade simply shrugged and walked offstage to the same kicking rock song that had ushered him on.
WANDA SYKES
SHOCK AND LAUGHTER
Looking at her you wouldn’t think it to be true, but Wanda Sykes packs quite a punch with her words. The innocent-appearing Sykes, with her easy gait and wide-eyed stare, delivers her wit with candor and a sharp tongue, arriving at a punch line that truly smacks you in the face. In fact, it’s hard to react with anything but shock and laughter at the wild ideas the Emmy-winning comedienne throws out onstage. Dealing with topics as varied as marriage and body waxing, Sykes held nothing back in her recent show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. In discussing gay marriage, for example, she offered a simple opinion: “If you don’t believe in samesex marriage, then don’t marry someone of the same sex.” Sykes went on to suggest that the biggest threat to marriage is divorce (“It’s what ruined my marriage”) and said that if society wants to preserve marriage, it should ban divorce. That, however, could have other consequences: “Sure, the murder rate might go up,” she joked. “A lot of people would sleep with one eye open.” Unprintable as some of her R-rated comedy can be, the sarcastic Sykes has superb timing and her show was an enjoyable experience—but definitely one requiring an open mind.
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BY JAMIE ACEVES
gambler’s guide
PRESS YOUR LUCK Lights! Action! Roll ’em! Fortune meets fantasy on and off the tables under the hot pink and cool blue LED lights of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. With three acres of gaming, the resort is all flash, starting with the blinding glint of 66,000 hand-strung Swarovski crystals in the form of eight curvaceous floor-to-ceiling lights lining the lobby passage to the casino.
BY LARK ELLEN GOULD
PHOTOS OF FIFTY COURTESY OF NEIL READING
PR.
FROM THE HIGH-LIMIT ROOM TO THE PLEASURE PIT, THERE IS NO REASON TO STAY ON THE SIDELINES.
Fifty’s opulent decor by designer Jeffrey Beers and its private members-only atmosphere attracts stars like Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore and Kim Cattrall.
Inside, the geometric radiance is so dazzling this could be the set of a 1950s sci-fi film awash in shades of electric Technicolor ™. But Planet Hollywood is clearly rooted in the 21st century, judging by the latest technology showcased in thousands of hi-def plasma TVs scattered throughout the property (about 250 on the casino floor), making it hard to miss a favorite sports or entertainment program on the big screen. On the backlot-size casino floor, aisles of seats bump up to the slot machines, while players hit the dozens of table games including blackjack, craps, roulette,
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With three acres of gaming, the casino floor is all flash.
KEYS TO WINNING BIG
blackjack tips: splitting pairs Think of any pair-splitting opportunity at the blackjack table as a high-risk, short-term investment. Smart pair-splitting is important because when you split a pair you are doubling your money on the table when you have an advantage. With the exception of splitting eights versus a dealer’s high cards (which is a “defensive” play you make to cut your losses on that starting total of 16), correct pair splits are indeed moneymakers. Many independent computer simulations have verified the pair-split strategies that win. These strategies come down to a few simple rules on when to split versus the dealer up-cards.
The Pleasure Pit is filled with beautiful women in chic lingerie—some deal blackjack, while others dance on platforms. mini-Baccarat, Let It Ride and Pai Gow Poker. Name your game and the entertainment is packed into it. That is especially true in The Pleasure Pit, where you can have your own party in the center of the casino. Here, the scene includes beautiful women clad in chic lingerie—some dealing blackjack, others dancing on raised platforms.
When Doubling After Splitting Is Allowed Always split A, A and 8, 8 Never split T, T or 5, 5 (T = any 10, J, Q or K) Split 9, 9 vs. dealer 2-9 (but not against 7) Split 7, 7 vs. dealer 2-7 Split 6, 6 vs. dealer 2-6 Split 4, 4 vs. dealer 5 and 6 Split 3, 3 and 2, 2 vs. dealer 2-7
Come up for air at the Heart Bar, where risk meets its reward at the other end of a martini. Brushed aluminum accents and a moodenhancing palate of textures, tones and colors contribute to a forward design that sets the scene for a casual—well, heart-to-heart. A magnetic beacon for celebs and starlets, Planet Hollywood keeps the action churning and the spotlight beaming in other red-carpetworthy nightspots such as the Living Room, Extra Lounge and Privé Las Vegas. So stop staring down on all the high-spirited excitement and get into the action.
BE A-LIST Everyone is familiar with what it means to be A-list in Hollywood. At Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, players can be part of the a-List Players Club and rack up points at the tables or on the machines. Whether you put down your stacks of reds and yellows in the velvet-roped high-limit room—where you will be personally welcomed, shown a seat and set up with your favorite aged Scotch, if you wish—or play in the main casino, membership has its privileges. Players earn points for every wager they make; as points add up, they can be redeemed for show tickets, meals, room nights, spa treatments and even cash. As an a-Lister, you’ll even get invited to exclusive tournaments and events. Membership is free. See the a-List Players Club on the casino floor for details or call ext. 55023.
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starcatcher
AROUND THE PLANET When the stars align on red carpets at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, we’re there to catch all the action.
JEN IFER JENN IFE FER R FLA L VIN N AND ND D SYLV SYYLV VES ESTER ESTE EST S RS ST TALLO ALL NE ALL E
ALI LARTER
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return of the undead Stars Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Oded Fehr, Ashanti and Mike Epps were all on hand for the world premiere of the action zombie thriller Resident Evil: Extinction at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
MIKE MIK M IKE IK E EPP EP PP PS S
PHOTOS BY KEN ISREALSON/CASHMAN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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A ASHA NTI
Introducing the savory side of Desage ™.
Now available at the PH gift shops. To order visit desage.net or call 800.240.0301
Enjoy over 80 fine shoppes and world-class restaurants, including David Burke • TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub • Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio Dooney & Bourke • Peter Lik Gallery • Mikimoto • Movado • Pal Zileri • Kenneth Cole
24-Hour Shopping Line: 702.414.4500 • thegrandcanalshoppes.com
F E AT U R I N G B A R N EY S N E W Y O R K
starcatcher koi opening It was a Saturday Night Live reunion as past and present cast members—David Spade, Chris Kattan, Chris Parnell and Seth Meyers—got together for laughs and sushi at the grand opening of Koi Las Vegas. They were among the dozens of Hollywood stars to attend.
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PHOTOS BY ANNIE SINGER/CASHMAN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AVR AVRI R L LA AV VIIGN VIGN IGNE CHRIS CHR CHRI S KA KATTAN TTAN TTTA TAN AND D SUNS S U SHIN HINE N TTUT UTT
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Located in the Miracle Mile Shops across from the Rain Storm For reservations call 702-696-9080
HAPPY HOUR All Day Every Day
starcatcher it’s the nightlife, baby Rocker Avril Lavigne popped the cork at the New Year’s Eve opening of Privé. Since then, an army of celebrities have partied at the hip nightclub, including Janet Jackson and Joel Madden.
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JO JOEL O MAD A DEN PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRIVÉ AND DENISE TRUSCELLO
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heroes never die California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger came out to support longtime friend Sylvester Stallone at the world premiere of Rambo.
PA ATRICK, CHRISTO AT TOPHER PHER A AN ND D GOV. GOV. ARNOL ARNOL R DS SCHWAR HWA WARZENE WA Z GGER WITH ROBERT EARL AN ND S SYLVES LVE ESTER STA ES STAL ST TA LONE
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CAST T MEM MEMBE MBE BERS B ER RS S TIM TIM KAN NG, JAKE AKE LA A BOTZ, BOTZ OTZ, REY R G GAL ALLLEGO LLEGO LEGOS, S, JU ULL E BENZ, ULIE ULI BEN MATTH AT EW W MARSD ARSDEN AND AR D GRAHA GRAHA RAH M M MCTAVISH TAVI AV SH
20008 20 08 MISS AM AMERI ERIC IC CA CONTESTA NTES E TTA A ANT NTS
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starcatcher crowning achievement In January, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund was crowned Miss America 2008 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The ямБnal night of Miss America Live! was broadcast on TLC. The pageant runner-up was Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash.
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MISS SS S SW WII ONSIN WIS WISC NC CHR RIST ISTTINA TIN INA NA TH NA THO OM MP PS SON
Impress with the best.
Now available at the PH gift shops. To order visit desage.net or call 800.240.0301
starcatcher
J STUR JIM TURGES GES ESS ES SS S S AND KAT KATEE B BOSWOR WORTH TH TH
KEVIN N SPACEY SPACEY A
P H O T O B Y T O M D O N O G H U E , C O U R T E S Y O F 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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P H O T O S B Y T O M D O N O G H U E , C O U R T E S Y O F 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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JOSH GAD AN AND N ROB BERT ER LUK LUKE UKE U KEETIC
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a perfect hand Filmed here on property, 21 made its world premiere at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino during the ShoWest convention. Stars of the film—Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne and Jim Sturgess—attended. The movie is based on Ben Mezrich’s book, Bringing Down the House.
KEVIN KEVI VNS SPACEY A ,A AUTHOR HOR BE BEN MEZZRICH R H, P PR RODUC RODUC O OD ODU ER DA ANA NA A BRUNETTI T
LAURENCE FISHB BU BUR UR RNE E AND AND D GINA G NA TORR TORRES ES
P H O T O S B Y E R I C C H A R B O N N E A U , C O U R T E S Y O F S O N Y P I C T U R E S E X C E P T W H E R E I N D I C AT E D
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Champagne Brunch
wynnlasvegas.com
702.770.7000
starcatcher racing the clock Al Pacino has 88 Minutes to solve his own murder. Pacino and his fellow cast members, Benjamin McKenzie, Leelee Sobieski, Alicia Witt and director Jon Avnet, were among the stars on the red carpet at the Planet Hollywood premiere of the ямБlm.
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BENJ BEN NJJAMI AMIN A IN M MCK CK KENZI ENZI ENZ EN NZIE N SUMM UMMER EER ALTIC CE AND S SHA ANA NA N AW WALL ALLL
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CARM ARM MEN PER PER REZ R EZ AND WILLLIAM FOR FORSYTH SYTHEE
PHOTOS BY JOHN ULMANIS/CASHMAN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
RED CARPET
miss usa AM AMAN MAN MA AN A ND DA A KOZAK OZ A AND DO DONN DO ON ONN NNY OSMOND OND D
DONN NY OSMON MO MOND ON OND ND AN AND A ND MAR MAR RIEE OSMON SM D SM
Hosted by Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond, the 57th Annual Miss USA速 Competition was held at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on April 11, 2008. Crystle Stewart of Texas was crowned Miss USA 2008.
THEE P THE PAGE A ANT T SHO HO OW O WCA CASE AS D AN AN IN INCREDI REDI D BLE ARRA ARR Y OF BEA BE UTY UTY. UTY. UT Y
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RO OBE O BEER RTT EARL A SR., AR S SANDY SR SAN A DY MECCA ECCA, CR RYYSTL YST STTLLE STEWAR W T AN WAR WA ND M MIKE MECCA E
MIKE MECCA, MECCA, MEC CA A CR CR CRY CRYS RYS Y TL TTLE LLE E ST STE STEW TTEW WART WART A AND ROB RO ROBE OBE O OB BERTT EARL BE EARL ARL AR R
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JOEY FATONE AN ND HEATHER MILLS ALICIA ALIC IA JAC JAC ACO CO COB OB BS A AND D DONAL ALLD TRU R MP
ROB SC SCHN HNEIDE EID R
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cutting-room floor
INDY’S NEXT ADVENTURE HARRISON FORD RETURNS AS INDIANA JONES Almost two decades after he last cracked the bullwhip, Harrison Ford teams up again with Indiana Jones creator George Lucas and legendary director Steven Spielberg. Ford stars in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
and leather jacket. "It was always about getting the right script," Ford said of the long search for a story that would equal the character's past adventures.
Even Ford, whose films have earned over $3 billion worldwide, admitted it was never a sure bet that he could repeat his success as the daredevil archaeologist with the brown fedora
"[Indy's] sort of a swashbuckling hero, but more down-to-earth and accessible because he has human frailties and fears," Ford says.
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It's Indy's everyman quality that Ford thinks will draw audiences.
Times may have changed, but Indiana’s indomitable spirit remains the same in the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series. Above: Ford is pictured with actor Shia LaBeouf, who plays Mutt Williams in the film.
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