Desert Dwelling | Vegas Seven | May 4-10, 2017

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Desert Dwelling The Real Estate Issue

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No statement should be relied upon except as expressly set forth in the Nevada Public Off ering Statement. This is neither an off er to sell, nor a solicitation of off ers to buy, any condominium units in those states where such off ers or solicitations cannot be made. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. Pricing and locations of units are subject to change without notice. Views and locations of units within the project are not guaranteed and the buyer is responsible for inspecting the unit and its location before signing any agreement with respect thereto. Any square footage numbers are approximate. Unauthorized use of the images, artist renderings, plans or other depictions of the project or units is strictly prohibited. A DK Las Vegas LLC Community.

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ON THE COVER

Read Vegas Seven right side up and then flip it over and start again with Seven Nights, featuring after-dark entertainment and the week’s nightlife happenings.

THE REAL ESTATE ISSUE “The Conductor vs. the Pioneer”

by SHAWN HUMMEL Desert dwellings and developments from Downtown to the suburbs.

SEVEN NIGHTS Pictured DIPLO So far this year, the Wynn Nightlife resident has stacked up several releases and covered international ground.

Correction to the April 27, 2017 issue: The photo on page 13 was provided by Nevada Ballet Theatre, and is not an image of the UNLV Nevada Conservatory Theatre and the Rainbow Company’s staging of Peter Pan. NBT presents its production of Peter Pan May 13–14 at The Smith Center.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAY 4–10, 2017 TO DO

SPACES & PLACES

13 24/7

37 At Home Under the Sun

What to do around the clock.

BY SHANNON MILLER

14 The Deal

Three plays at the pool.

BY ANTHONY CURTIS

FEATURE

18 Downtown’s

New Development

Housing trailblazer Chris Gonya brings more residences to DTLV.

BY ZONEIL MAHARAJ

22 Minor Modifications

One Eleven Ltd. builds homes with universal appeal.

BY ROB KACHELRIESS PLUS: The

Roomi app, real estate trends TASTE

27 Where There’s Smoke Happy hour takes flight at CRAFTkitchen.

BY TONY CAMBLIN

28 An Atomic History

The evolution of Las Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar.

BY KIMBERLY DE LA CRUZ

29 If You Can Take the Heat

Paradise Palms is part Sinatra, part Jetson and all Las Vegas.

BY LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS

CONVERSATIONS

41 Bevvies With the Brits Our English expat columnist on the U.K.’s Tenors of Rock.

BY CHARLIE STARLING

42 Making a Move

Former nightlife exec Eric White sets a standard for how to step away from the industry.

BY KENDALL RILEY

44 Lucky No. 7

Our dream neighborhoods in Southern Nevada.

BY WENDOH STAFF

SEVEN NIGHTS

What to Do After Dark Concerts, nightclubs, food and experiences.

BY JASON R. LATHAM

BY JASON R. LATHAM

[Drink This] Lightning in a Bottle

Success is sweet for bartender Juyoung Kang.

BY ANGELA BASCO

BY XANIA V. WOODMAN

Sharky’s SoCal vibe, food for change and a toast to Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour.

BY GENEVIE DURANO, DIANA EDELMAN, MARISA FINETTI

SOCIAL INFLUENCE

33 The Vegas Golden

Knights in the Palm of Your Hand Oyo minifigures get fans excited for hockey.

BY JASON R. LATHAM

34 Where Is the Love?

With caucuses and Senator Heller in the mix, it’s easy to hate Nevada politics.

OUR SITES TO SEE

[Hear This] Worldwide Diplo

We’re jealous of the DJ’s accomplishments in 2017.

Get in The Kitchen at Atomic.

30 Small Bites

“The 8th Measurement of Volume” by Shawn Hummel

VegasSeven.com Vegas Uncork’d Recap Foodies got their fill of delicious fare at the 11th annual Vegas Uncork’d. Read our highlights at vegasseven.com/uncorkd11.

DTLV.com Dead Ends and Dumpster Dives Writer Matthew O’Brien explores the city’s alleys, gets himself into a dangerous situation and discovers the unexpected along the way.

RunRebs.com

Marvin Menzies Needs to Find the Wins Dave Rice Couldn’t Menzies can recruit like Rice. Now he has to show he can win with his assembled talent.

SpyOnVegas.com

The Hookup Find upcoming events, see highlights from the hottest parties, meet the DJs and more.

BY MICHAEL GREEN

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

9

Sea Scallops from The Kitchen at Atomic

Ryan T. Doherty | Justin Weniger President Michael Skenandore Chief Financial Officer Sim Salzman Vice President, Marketing and Events Keith White Creative Director Sherwin Yumul Graphic Designer Javon Isaac Technical Director Herbert Akinyele Controller Jane Weigel

VEGAS SEVEN 701 Bridger Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-798-7000 Vegas Seven is distributed each Thursday throughout Southern Nevada. Š 2017 Vegas Seven, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Vegas Seven, LLC is prohibited.

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Letters and Story Ideas Comments@VegasSeven.com Advertising Sales@VegasSeven.com Distribution Distribution@VegasSeven.com

Publisher

Michael Skenandore Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Melinda Sheckells MANAGING EDITOR, DINING

Genevie Durano SENIOR EDITOR, LIFESTYLE

Jessi C. Acuña ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Mark Adams EDITOR AT LARGE

Lissa Townsend Rodgers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Shannon Miller EDITORIAL INTERNS

Daphne-Jayne Corrales, Heather Peterson Senior Contributing Editor Xania V. Woodman (Beverage) Contributing Editors Michael Green (Politics), David G. Schwartz (Gaming/Hospitality) Art CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Benjamin Ward SENIOR DESIGNER

Cierra Pedro STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Krystal Ramirez Online DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT

Zoneil Maharaj EDITOR, DTLV.COM

Jessie O’Brien WEB EDITOR

Amber Sampson CONTRIBUTING WRITER, RUNREBS.COM

Tyler Bischoff Production/Distribution DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION

Marc Barrington ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jimmy Bearse Sales BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Christy Corda DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SALES

Nicole Niazmand ACCOUNT MANAGER

Brittany Quintana, Mimi Tran ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Robyn Weiss DIRECTOR OF SALES, BILLBOARD DIVISION

John Tobin

bush

candy dulfer

FRIDAY JUNE 2

SATURDAY JUNE 17

richard elliot, rick braun & norman brown SATURDAY JULY 8

dave koz & larry graham

brian culbertson

FRIDAY & SATURDAY AUGUST 18 & 19

SATURDAY AUGUST 26

JON LOVITZ & DANA CARVEY R E U N I T E D

MAY 5 & 6

EXCLUSIVE RESIDENCY TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT FOUNDRYLV.COM 2 5 3 5

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P A R K I N G

TO DO

What to do around the clock in Las Vegas

By Shannon Miller

Sense8

THURSDAY 4

FRIDAY 5

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar hosts a private dinner featuring four courses of traditional cuisine, including pistachio tagliatelle with lamb ragu and smoked ricotta cheese, plus pairings from the family-owned Allegrini Winery, which has been producing wine in Veneto, Italy, since the 16th century. 6:30 p.m., $125, 4480 Paradise Rd., ferraroslasvegas.com

Cocho Arbe has recorded with Carlos Santana and appeared on The David Letterman Show. Catch him in a quartet of musicians during a Latin Jazz Patio Concert on today’s Cinco de Mayo holiday. 7–9 p.m., $16, 3130 McLeod Dr., clarkcountynv.gov

PHOTO BY MURRAY CLOSE/NETFLIX

Months of hard work will pay off for kids from 35 Las Vegas elementary schools participating in a Green Our Planet farmers market. Bring cash to buy fresh fruits, veggies and herbs, with all proceeds going to continued support for school gardens. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Zappos Headquarters, 400 Stewart Ave., zappos.com Downtown Grand’s rooftop pool kicks off its Citrus Summer Series with tunes courtesy of KOAS Old School 105.7 FM and live entertainment from Next Movement. 7 p.m., 206 N. Third St., downtowngrand.com May the fourth be with you! Today is a special day for Star

Wars fans all over the world. For local nerds, The Bunkhouse Saloon hosts a party with free appetizers for anyone in costume, Star Wars trivia with prizes and, of course, screenings of the epic saga all evening. 5–9 p.m., 124 S. 11th St., bunkhousedowntown.com

Tim Kasher’s résumé includes lending vocals, guitar, keyboard, organ and accordion to indie-rock groups Cursive and The Good Life. See the multitalented musician tonight at The Bunkhouse Saloon with Allison Weiss and Blair and Chani.

11:30 p.m., $10–$12, 124 S. 11th St., bunkhousedowntown.com

Carnevino Italian Steakhouse, B&B Ristorante, B&B Burger & Beer and Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria serve up the Local Hero, a Kentucky Derby–inspired cocktail with Makers 46, Amaro Montenegro, simple syrup, muddled mint and club soda.

Hours vary, $15, The Palazzo and The Venetian, bandbhg.com If you haven’t yet watched the first season of the Netflix drama Sense8, you better catch up because Season 2 is here!

Eight strangers from around the globe, played by a talented and diverse cast (including Doona Bae and Miguel Ángel Silvestre), discover their bizarre connections to each other, as well as an elusive danger. Netflix.com

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

13

TO DO

24/7

THE DEAL BY ANTHONY CURTIS

Three Plays at the Pool

Visit the historic Pioneer Saloon for live music from Whiskey and Big Willies. Stay late to see if ghosts from the haunt’s storied past show up. 5 p.m., 310 W. Spring St., Goodsprings, pioneersaloon.info

daylife is still going strong. I remember when a pool party meant a cover band and hot dogs out by The Orleans pond—no cover, of course. These days, the scene is so complicated that you have to take inventory every May to know which pools are offering what it is you’re hoping to find.

Category 1 is live blackjack. For years the only poolside game in town was at the Tropicana, and that’s still the coolest setup of them all. But now there are 11 more venues to choose from: Caesars Palace, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Flamingo, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Rampart Casino, Mandalay Bay, Plaza, Planet Hollywood, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa and Wynn Las Vegas.

Category 2 is “toptional,” which means tops are optional for women (some refer to it as “European-style sunbathing”).

Entrance eligibility and costs are all over the layout, but these are this year’s players: Artisan (European Pool), Caesars Palace (Venus European Pool Club), Encore (European Pool), M Resort (DayDream), Mandalay Bay (Moorea Beach Club), The Mirage (Bare Pool Lounge), Sapphire (Pool & Dayclub), Stratosphere (Radius), The Venetian (Tao Beach) and Wynn (European Pool).

All good to know, but most important is Category 3—the pools that locals can get into for free. Understanding that policies seem to change from week to week (you should call ahead to confirm), here’s the list of pools that don’t charge admission for locals 21 and over: Aria’s Liquid Pool Lounge (Thurs.), Artisan (Mon.–Thurs. with a two-drink minimum per person), Caesars Palace’s Venus European Pool Club (Mon.–Wed.), The Cosmopolitan’s Marquee Dayclub (Mon.–Thurs.), Encore Beach Club (Sun. before 1 p.m.), Flamingo’s GO Pool (Sun.–Fri.), M Resort (Tues.), Mandalay Bay’s Daylight Beach Club (Thurs. and Sun. until 2 p.m.), MGM Grand’s Wet Republic (Mon. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.), The Mirage’s Bare Pool Lounge (Mon.) and The Venetian’s Tao Beach (Mon.–Thurs.).

There are rules and restrictions attached to those 11 options. Following are seven more that I have a whole lot more faith in.

These are the ones that told me, unequivocally, that locals are welcome “all day, every day”: Downtown Grand’s Citrus Pool, The Linq, Plaza, Sapphire Pool & Dayclub (if you don’t come in a cab), Silverton, SLS Las Vegas’ Foxtail Pool and Tropicana.

Here’s one more consideration. Every year a few pools make a concerted push.

They don’t always catch on and they rarely catch up to the big guys, but they’re looking for your business, which is a good thing. This year, that group is the Flamingo, Downtown Grand and Plaza. The Flamingo is running an interesting event with DJs and drink specials called Beach Club at Night from 7 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays. Both Downtown Grand and Plaza are trying to capture the Downtown business with new promotions.

These three might be worthy of special consideration if you’re looking for a deal. 7

Looking for more stuff to do?

Go to vegasseven.com/calendar.

Anthony Curtis is the publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor and LasVegasAdvisor.com.

SUNDAY 7

Leela James and Daley, two figures in the R&B and soul genres, perform at House of Blues tonight. 8:30 p.m., $22, inside Mandalay Bay, houseofblues.com/lasvegas

At the Royal Tea event inside Mandarin Oriental, kids and grown-ups can enjoy expertly crafted scones, sandwiches and pastries with live princesses and storybook characters. Hosted

by Discovery Children’s Museum, the event’s proceeds go back to improving the museum’s exhibits. 1–3 p.m., $125–$150, discoverykidslv.org

Henry Cho, formerly of NBC’s Friday Night Videos, brings

his no-less-funny-for-being-clean comedy to the South Point Showroom. 7:30 p.m., $20–$25, at South Point Hotel Casino, southpointcasino.com SATURDAY 6

What’s better than getting pampered? Getting pampered for free! Brands such as MAC Cosmetics set up Beauty Bash at Miracle Mile Shops, with complimentary mini makeovers, styling demonstrations and product booths. Noon–5 p.m., at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, miraclemileshopslv.com. Read more about Beauty Bash at vegasseven.com/beautybash.

Steven Raichlen, host of PBS’s Project Smoke, greets and “meats” with guests over lunch at Pot Liquor Smokehouse BBQ. Get your autographed copy of his book, Barbecue Sauces, Rubs and Marinades, and ask the ’cue connoisseur about his latest recipes. 2–4 p.m., $45, at Town Square, limited seating, make reservations at 702-737-7500

The Wine Spectator Grand Tour hits Vegas, bringing winemakers, a delicious buffet and more than 240 wines under one roof at The Mirage. 7–10 p.m., $275, grandtour. winespectator.com. Find more information on page 30.

Hamlet has been done and redone many times, but you’ve never seen the English translation of Ambroise Thomas’ opera version of the play. Catch its world premiere tonight, performed by UNLV Opera Theater. 7:30–9 p.m., Dr. Arturo Rando-Grillot Recital Hall at UNLV, unlv.edu Cosmic Comics will give away more than 10,000 comic books from 38 sought-after titles on Free Comic Book Day. If you don’t get there early enough, you still

can score Wonder Woman: Rebirth, Secret Empire and The Walking Dead issues just for showing up. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., raffle starts at noon, grand prizes announced at 6 p.m., 3830 E. Flamingo Rd., cosmiccomics.vegas

The Young Philanthropists Society hosts Talk Derby to Me at Commonwealth. Pick your favorite horse and enjoy light bites, mint juleps and live music from The Moonshiners in high Southern style. 2 p.m., GA $20, VIP with Woodford Reserve flight tasting $50, 525 Fremont St., commonwealthlv.com

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May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

ANOTHER SUMMER IS UPON US AND

Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Las Vegas hosts its third annual Picnic by Design event at Symphony Park, with live entertainment and an array of local food trucks.

Picnic baskets crafted by local design industry professionals will be available for silent auction to benefit The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada. 1–4 p.m., $75–$1,500, at Symphony Park, diffa.org/picnic-by-design The Elks Helldorado Art Show has been around since 1965—31 years after the historic Helldorado Days parade and rodeo started. You’ll have a chance to chat over wine and cheese with a diverse group of artists while checking out their creations and bidding during a silent auction.

2–5 p.m., Ne10, 300 Las Vegas Blvd. North, elkshelldorado.com MONDAY 8

“I want to be the President and kill everyone,” says Seepeoples’ lyrics in their song “New American Dream”—the music video is well worth a watch on YouTube, with animated renditions of world leaders. See them with Newsense at Beauty Bar tonight. 8 p.m., 517 Fremont St., beautybarlv.com TUESDAY 9

You might have heard Paula Poundstone on NPR’s Wait Wait ... Don’t Tell Me! Her second book, The Totally

Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness, hits shelves today. $26, algonquin.com Gordie Brown brings his outrageous celebrity impressions to The Cabaret at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in his new extended engagement. 7 p.m., $60–$80, planethollywoodresort.com

See Grace Kelly’s final film, High Society, an adaptation of The Philadelphia Story co-starring Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, at Clark County Library’s main theater. 1–4 p.m., 1401 E. Flamingo Rd., lvccld.org WEDNESDAY 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF PICNIC BY DESIGN

Picnic by Design

Downtown’s New Developer Housing trailblazer chris Gonya brings more residences to dtlv

By Zoneil Maharaj Photography Krystal Ramirez

Where others see dirt and desolation, chris Gonya sees character.

“That was a feral cat dumping ground,” the sharp-shoed 38-yearold developer says, pointing to a half-acre parcel that is now home to The Pioneer, a small complex of eight renovated bungalow-style apartments. Located on 10th Street between Carson and Bridger Avenues, it takes some exploring to find, despite being so close to pedestrian-heavy Fremont Street. “I can explain this address a million times and people won’t get it. Then I say, ‘A block south of Atomic [Liquors], and they say, ‘Oh!’” The property isn’t a shiny guard-gated high-rise with concierge service designed to lure in the upper crust like many of the newer constructions in the area, but it’s a treasure for those with a bohemian streak.

Designed by award-winning architecture firm Bunnyfish Studio, the modest, mostly studio homes needed some serious TLC before opening in 2015. Gonya estimates that he spent around $20,000 on renovations per unit, with the landscaping alone costing $200,000.

He took things further, fully furnishing some of the bluish-gray-and orange-colored dwellings—including art accents, such as a painted mural and a rainbow-colored stained glass room divider. The space features a community garden, barbecue, landscaped courtyard and a hulking, rusted steel sign that reads “The Pioneer” to greet visitors.

Personified, The Pioneer would be a Gold Rush-era frontiersman, like those who inhabited the neighborhood where it sits, Pioneer Heights, in the early days of Las Vegas. In his research, Gonya dug up a 1905 clipping from the Los Angeles Herald advertising a name-your-price auction for land in the area, which “adjoins the new Railroad Townsite of Las Vegas,” and bills it as a “City of Opportunity and Destiny.” It’s that spirit that embodies The Pioneer. And it’s that level of thought, history and personality that goes into all of Gonya’s projects.

Born in Ohio, Gonya studied architecture at Cranbrook, a boarding school just outside of Detroit. While still a high school student, he lined up professional gigs with firms in New York. Though he initially studied at University of Michigan, he quickly dropped out, moving to the Empire State to design bars and restaurants. But developing projects in New York can be taxing, as small undertakings could cost millions. When his wife, a Las Vegas native, became pregnant eight years ago, they decided that Southern Nevada would not only be a better place to raise a child, but might just offer some opportunity for Gonya as well.

Today, Gonya’s one of the leaders of the Downtown Las Vegas revival, though he keeps a low profile. He’s not focused on promoting himself or his projects on social media (instead, he has an Instagram account dedicated solely to his obsession with shoes). Unlike those simply trying to capitalize on the market, Gonya takes a more organic, compassionate—and financially risky— approach. “I’m not going to see money on these for a long time. It’s really daunting,” he says. “But this neighborhood needs love. … I have the wherewithal to make [Downtown Las Vegas] a better place. So why not?”

Opposite page: Chris Gonya. This page, top row: The exterior of The Pioneer and its community garden. Those who inhabit Gonya’s properties are as interesting as the developer himself. Middle row: DJ Edoc, who not only owns the decks at hip-hop shows up and down Fremont Street, is a family man. He also maintains his #BillionDollarBeard; Scott Seeley and Drew Cohen have a quick commute to work—it only takes a few minutes for the proprietors of The Writer’s Block to get to their shop; a porch. Bottom row: After four years with Absinthe, performer Cadence Alexia can now be seen in Cirque du Soleil’s O as a flyer; Gregory Michael Davis is a man of many talents: songwriter, rapper, multiinstrumentalist, mathematician, recreational hockey player and dog dad; The Pioneer courtyard.

Gonya is building an unlikely empire on his tiny stretch of 10th Street.

Just two years ago, the block was barren. Now it’s a creative enclave that’s home to musicians, Strip performers and independent business owners.

Even more are lining up, eagerly anticipating his next projects.

Across the street from The Pioneer is The Double D, a triplex that Gonya recently renovated. It’s named that because two metal cursive Ds graced the small front porch when he purchased it. The home, built in 1942, was painted black and white. Immediately, Gonya thought of Liberace’s piano-themed home and Siegfried & Roy’s majestic compound, using them as inspiration. “You have to have a muse,” he says. “We’re always looking for history and character—it’s here.”

His next undertaking brims with it.

On the same block, just one space removed from The Double D is another eight-unit property called the Desert Cactus. Gonya purchased it in February. As it currently stands, it isn’t too pretty. “It looks like a bomb went off in there,” he says, pointing to a corner unit.

Peering through the ripped blinds, it’s apparent that Gonya’s assessment isn’t entirely hyperbole. There’s mangy brown carpeting, dangling electrical wires and grease-stained walls. Gonya refuses to open the door for the sake of our nostrils.

Originally erected in the 1950s, the small, 650-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment homes are going to need a top-to-bottom overhaul, from the walls and floors to plumbing and electrical. He initially wanted to implement a Betty Willis-themed design in homage to the late artist who created the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. But then Gonya met some of the current tenants, including one young couple who had matching tattoos with the property’s name and sign. “It got me thinking that it was much more important than I assumed,” he says. “There’s history to honor with the Desert Cactus. I have to respect that.”

With his tenants at heart, he quickly switched his concept and found a new muse (“I have more ideas than I have time,” he says.). “The story that I’ve been telling myself is that it’s for young Air Force officers,” Gonya says. The property’s theme will riff off of the F-86 Sabre fighter jet used at Nellis Air Force Base in the late 1940s through the 1950s—the timeframe of when the Desert Cactus was built. The corrugated steel parking structure helped inform the design: “I’m just playing around with the metal since I’ve got this huge metal wing out front that I can’t get around,” he says.

He’s wary of promising a completion date. “None of my stuff is really linear. It’s a work in progress,” he says. “It feels like I’m driving with two feet—brake, gas, brake, gas.”

Simultaneously, Gonya’s finalizing plans for The Benjamin, a new construction—his first in Las Vegas with partners—on the corner of Sixth Street and Bonneville Avenue. Slated to break ground this year, the project will feature 12 townhomes along with commercial spaces. It’s a more luxurious, higher-end development, but one that still reflects Gonya’s inner history buff. The property is named after western explorer, fur trader and rumored spy for the U.S. government Benjamin Bonneville (after whom Bonneville Avenue is named). “It’s gonna be sexier, but I think the other [properties] are way more interesting,” he says.

Gonya acknowledges that his off-Fremont projects aren’t for everyone, just as The Benjamin might not appeal to those looking for something more homey. “[The Pioneer tenants] love that I kept the old tile.

There’s some real patina to those [homes],” he says. 7

the roommate

Hunt Cohabitation may sound like a mumbo-jumbo word for millennials, but the folks behind Roomi, a roommate-matching startup that launched in Las Vegas in February, believe its product is the answer to finding the right fit for harmonious house-sharing. “Everyone should be able to find a roommate who makes their lives better,” says Adam Gleicher, head of growth at Roomi. In other words, a coinhabitant should do more than just save you a few bucks. If you’re new to a city, these are the folks who can ideally help you get to know the place, take you to a yoga class or two and, generally speaking, make you feel at home.

Still, Roomi wants to help you save money. The online and app-based service originally launched in New York in 2015, and is now available in 21 cities. According to Gleicher, they came to Las Vegas because more than 40 percent of locals spend over 35 percent of their income on rent, as noted in the 2015 American Community Survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau. Roomi also cuts out antiquated lease commitments by offering rental duration search options as short as one to three months. “We want to make cities more affordable for people by creating opportunities to live with roommates,” Gleicher says.

The concept is simple: If you are looking for a roommate, you can create a listing from your computer or phone with as few as two photos of your home. Add all the relevant details, including price, duration of stay, amenities and house rules. After identity verification and a review by Roomi’s team, you’re ready to be included in its search database— think Airbnb, which the website resembles quite a bit. If Previous page, clockwise from top: The Double D; Katie Mai and her dogs; the property got its name from the two metal cursive Ds on the porch; the Desert Cactus exterior, and a home that needs a complete overhaul. This page, from top: Renderings of Desert Cactus and The Benjamin.

you’re on the other end looking for a place to stay, search listings by location, price and factors such as whether your cat can come along. Messaging is built into Roomi, making it easy to assess the contenders. And the best part? It is free for everyone, unlike its competitors Easy Roommate, Roomster and Roomiematch. Visit roomiapp.com or download the app from the App Store or Google Play. —Misti Yang

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

19

minor modifications local Couple designs and adapts homes to suit the needs of all

By Rob Kachelriess Photography Mona Shield Payne “we specialize in a field that not many people specialize in‑and that’s universal design.”

Julie Picconi is in the business of remodeling and reconstructing homes to make sure they’re suitable for anyone to live in. “Whether you’re young, you’re old, you have children, you’re a millennial with grandparents, you have Alzheimer’s or any type of ailment, the home will accommodate yourself along with friends and family who visit. There are no limitations.”

Picconi founded One Eleven Ltd. with her boyfriend Eddie Leverett Jr. a little more than a year ago. The pair are experts in not only adding features that help sick, handicapped or elderly people, but also doing it in a manner that retains the beauty and aesthetics of the home or small business.

Common upgrades include widening doorways for wheelchairs, redesigning showers for easy entry (without stepping over an edge), adjusting sink heights, modifying kitchen cabinets, creating accessibility for toilets and making doorknobs easier to grasp. Sometimes it’s important to paint a door and wall the same color to discourage a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia from gravitating toward contrasting colors and wandering off.

The couple first met in high school while taking ceramics summer school back in 1986. They went their separate ways, with Picconi in Las Vegas and Leverett in San Diego, before reconnecting about 13 years later.

With One Eleven, they provide more than a service. They offer compas-

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sion, education and understanding because they’ve personally experienced the frustrations and challenges connected with disabilities.

Leverett, a third-generation contractor, was an avid motorcyclist.

He injured his legs in two separate accidents: one on a racetrack in 1999 and another much more severe crash in 2005 while off-road biking in the desert near California’s Salton Sea. “Me and my friends were out there screwing around,” he says. They came across a challenging jump.

Leverett tried it once and may have “cracked or fractured” his ankles. But that didn’t stop him from revving his engine and picking up speed to try again. “The dirt gave way and right when I felt that, I knew something was going wrong,” he recalls. “I still had well over a hundred feet to go.”

Leverett crash-landed, breaking his legs below the knees. It took about an hour and a half before medical crews could reach the area and transport him to a hospital. “It seemed like forever. I kept going in and out of consciousness.”

He remembers hearing doctors discuss amputation, and was transferred to UC San Diego Health. “They gave me a 3 percent chance of saving my legs. I said as long as you keep everyone around me with a positive attitude and a good mindset, I’ll do everything I can on my end.”

Leverett was determined to be able to live independently. “He had to figure out how to fix his own home from his hospital bed,” Picconi says. “But he had the means—tools, workers, people who could help accommodate him.” Leverett was in a wheelchair for about a year, but worked with a pioneering team of orthopedic doctors who were

the pair are experts in not only adding features that help the sick, handicapped or elderly, but also doing it in a manner that retains the beauty and aesthetics of an everyday home or small business. able to save his legs, reconstructing them with metal plates, more than 50 screws and cadaver bone. This allowed for him to walk unencumbered, though he lost the ability to bend at his ankles making it nearly impossible to run or jump.

Picconi’s journey was different.

She had roots in the food and beverage industry and started working for Kerry Simon’s restaurants in Las Vegas in 2004. She looked to Simon as a mentor and remained close friends with the late celebrity chef as he struggled with MSA, a degenerative neurological disorder.

“It’s like having a baby. You only need to go through it once to know exactly what’s happening,” says Picconi, who helped coordinate caregiving services with Simon’s already established daily living and accessibility needs team. “We would do whatever it took to get things done, whether it be a rickety ramp outside

or a spoon that we could melt and bend to help him eat.”

Picconi eventually enlisted Leverett in spring 2014 to come to Vegas to officially adapt Simon’s home—at the time he was in the process of moving here any ways.

“With Eddie in the mix, he didn’t think the ramps were safe. The shower wasn’t safe. All of these things had safety issues.” Simon’s home was also renovated to suit the chef’s desire to have friends and family over. “His home was nice, and you couldn’t tell [it had been modified]. That’s where universal design comes in. You can’t tell that somebody in a wheelchair lives at the home. It looks like a normal home, just wider, bigger and more accessible.”

The experience of working on Simon’s home brought Picconi and Leverett closer together, allowing their relationship to grow. After Simon passed away in 2015, the cou-

On the

up and up Nearly a decade after the Great recession,

Las Vegas has rebuilt its real estate market, and analysts say we’re in a period of expansion. Here, John Restrepo—principal of local firm RCG Economics— shares his expertise in regional economics and real estate trends.

What shifts are you seeing in the local market?

The trend’s upward. We have a supply-constrained market [a shortage of land relative to demand] here in Southern Nevada, so land prices are getting increasingly more expensive. There’s a large demand for industrial space, particularly warehouse distribution space—or what the e-commerce types call fulfillment centers— and apartment complexes because of the rising cost of housing prices, particularly new home prices.

How does this impact the real estate market? It could price some renters and homebuyers out of the market. The [developers] may not find the land affordable enough to build, so they may go to other markets.

It could potentially have an impact on economic growth and economic development and, ultimately, the cost of development.

ple combined their strengths into a business that serves a need in the community.

“He’s the contractor,” Picconi says.

“I do all the marketing, paperwork and anything that has to do with communication or making the business run.” Leverett also has a degree in architecture, which allows One Eleven to cover a lot of ground, from design to renovation to construction. “You can come to us and we’ll take care of everything,” he says.

The team reaches out to hospitals, rehab centers and medical schools, staying busy with business generated by word of mouth. They also work with the Independent Living Program at Easterseals Nevada, providing safety and accessibility options to low-income families.

Picconi and Leverett have a wheelchair-friendly mobile showroom in the works, where people can pick out furnishings and designs. It’s just one way of expanding the business while staying focused on their mission. According to Leverett, their goal is make sure renovations are safe and effective, while avoiding a medical or institutional look that clashes with the aesthetics of the home.

“We offer a sense of independence, and something to be proud of,” he says. “... and hope,” adds Picconi. 7

The name of the company was inspired by the lyrics “one heart, one hope, one love” from U2’s live version of “With or Without You” in their documentary Rattle and Hum. The “one … one … one” theme became “111” or One Eleven, a number that, as it turns out, is connected to purpose and positive energy.

What does the rising cost of housing mean for the economy? At some point there will be a correction in the market, and the demand for real estate will soften a bit, so price increases will moderate. I’m not sure prices will necessarily drop; just the growth of prices will slow down.

What are we averaging right now for home prices? $325,000 [is the] new [median] home price.

Are apartment rental costs rising as well? The fact that the vacancy rate continues to drop, although it’s dropping a little slower than it was before, indicates that rents are going to continue to moderately increase.

What does this mean for apartment construction? If the economy slows, because we’ve built so many apartment complexes and still others are under construction today, we could have an oversupply situation in the next couple of years. We have to monitor the economy and the ratio between job growth and number of apartment units permitted. If that ratio gets out of whack, then we could have an oversupply in the market.

Where are the prime areas for growth in the residential market? Essentially, the northwest part of the Valley, Summerlin, some of the southwest and Green Valley’s master-planned community in the southeast. That’s where folks prefer to live because of the amenities and services, and the value of those homes.

Retailers follow residents, so there’s this domino effect between residential development [and] commercial development. —Monica Acuna Want to find out what the Raiders coming to Las Vegas means for local real estate? Visit vegasseven.com/realestatetrends for that and more.

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

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Curb appeal Plays a Part Artist Shawn Hummel draws on vintage Vegas to create This week’s cover

By Jason R. Latham Photography Krystal Ramirez

W

here did artist Shawn Hummel go to find inspiration for the cover, “The Conductor vs. The Pioneer,” of Vegas Seven’s real estate issue?

He stepped outside his front door.

“I’m influenced every day by my neighborhood, how people are taking funky old houses and fixing them up,” says Hummel, a resident of John S. Park Historic District, a neighborhood of Colonial Revival, ranch and Tudor-style homes from the 1930s and 50s.

“I like how Vegas is always changing, and I like the history,” he says. “There are always cool things happening [here].”

Hummel has seen a lot of change since moving from San Diego in 1998 to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at UNLV. He arrived during the tenure of renowned art critic Dave Hickey, and says his college experience (he graduated in 2001) changed the way he approached art.

“I started looking at the world and thinking about [art] much differently after that,” Hummel recalls. “My work became more abstract and less figurative.”

Hummel furthered his art education with stints at San Diego’s Museum of Contemporary Art and later at the Guggenheim Heritage Museum in The Venetian.

After the latter closed in 2008, he pursued a freelance career before opening AboveBoard Art Installation, an art-handling company that works

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with private and public collections.

While it’s not his “day job,” Hummel’s art—which has evolved from photography to color-field painting to hand drawings—allows him to “balance the scale after the daily hustle.”

“I’ve been an artist for a long time, and I find that I’m happier when I have a creative outlet,” he says.

For the cover, Hummel walked around Downtown snapping photographs of the famed Morelli House at Bridger Avenue and Ninth Street, as well as the nearby bungalows The Pioneer, at Bridger and 10th Street.

Using those pictures he went to work drawing by hand.

“I try to juxtapose one building against another,” Hummel says. “I like my work, especially these drawings, to be pretty abstract, so sometimes people key into specific icons and sometimes it’s more ambiguous.

“By taking things that I find interesting and layering them, it’s my way of making an abstract composition out of nonabstract influences.”

In addition to Vegas Seven, Hummel’s work can currently be seen in Tilting the Basin, an exhibition running through May 14 at the Nevada Museum of Art. His contributions to the show include drawings that incorporate buildings and signage from Northern and Southern Nevada—“Modernist desert icons,” he explains.

“When I start a drawing, it’s pretty spontaneous. I like that it can change direction and turn out completely different by the time it’s finished.” 7

From top: Artist Shawn Hummel, “Keno 6,” and a work in progress.

This is sponsored content produced by WENDOH Brand Studio, the brand marketing unit of WENDOH Media.

Summerlin in Bloom

as REVERENCE Takes Shape Why homeowners will find this 300-acre village was worth the wait

By LARRY BRAVERMAN

O

n the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley, where homeowners watch the sun set nightly below the Spring Mountains, Summerlin is growing again.

“It’s a really nice, natural setting and the mountains are striking,” Jason Demuth says, describing one view from a future backyard in this burgeoning development known as Reverence.

Demuth, the director of marketing for longtime Las Vegas builder PulteGroup, is fixated on the western view of the mountains. If he looks east from the recreation center, he’ll have a view one rarely gets without standing in the window of a hotel tower.

At 3,200 feet above sea level, you can see almost the whole valley from here.

A COMMUNITY BEGINS TO GROW Development of Reverence started last fall. The site occupies 300 acres west of the 215 Beltway and is bordered by Cheyenne Avenue to the north and Lake Mead Boulevard to the south. The first phase includes a 16,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor elevated recreation center, which will serve as the “hub” for the gated community.

Model parks will open in June, Demuth says, and construction has already started on the rec center, which will be completed by spring 2018.

Pulte Homes, which has built more than 30 neighborhoods in Summerlin and serves as the exclusive builder for Reverence, has planned for about 900 residences, and prospective buyers can choose from more than 20 different styles.

It is a project long in the making, conceived a decade ago and put on hold when the recession slowed Las Vegas’ housing and construction industries to a crawl.

Now, another sign that Southern Nevada is back in business, crews are working again.

“It’s great for jobs and great for the economy,” Demuth says. “People may not realize how much Las Vegas still grows—20,000 households a year—and that’s good for everyone.”

BUILDING A SMARTER HOME Although the wait for Reverence has been long, that may turn out to be a blessing for future homeowners. “[Pulte Homes] is well-known for consumer-inspired plans. We do research and focus groups with homeowners,” Demuth says. “They walk through prototype homes and give us feedback. Floor plans are designed to maximize what homebuyers are looking for.”

And what they look for has changed in the last 10 years. Building standards have evolved, and technology has improved.

Demuth points to examples

BY THE NUMBERS such as low-e glass, a new window  Reverence is a new Summerlin standard that reduces ultraviolet village developed exclusively by rays while retaining natural light.

Pulte Homes Air-conditioning and insulation  Located on 300 elevated acres standards have also evolved, reducing west of the 215 Beltway north of hot and cold imbalances in homes and Lake Mead providing more affordable comfort  Nestled along the base of Red during Las Vegas summers.

Rock Canyon National Conser“It’s like anything else— a car, a vation Area phone,” he says. “A new home has  Two collections of gated the latest and greatest technolohomes ranging from approxigy built into it—you’re getting a mately 1,550 to 2,775 square feet smarter home.”  Four collections of luxury homes behind a guarded gate, LIVING ON THE EDGE ranging from approximately 2,150 to 4,850 square feet Demuth adds that while Summerlin’s  Homes will embody a range of population has boomed to more than transitional and contemporary 100,000 people over the past two designs in 20-plus floorplans decades, Reverence can still offer  16,000-square-foot indoor/ future homeowners something that’s outdoor signature recreation one of a kind. center inside guard gate “Because it borders Red Rock, it  Miles of walking trails and an means there won’t be any building eight-acre park with volleyball, to the west beyond [Reverence],” basketball and tennis courts Demuth says. “It’s nestled into the  Grand opening in June 2017 foothills and protected by the national conservation area.” liveinreverence.com

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

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and WENDOH Brand Studio, the brand marketing unit of WENDOH Media.

tHree StAtement-mAking vignetteS

By melody gAngi, Las Vegas–based blogger and home-decor influencer, myhouseoffour.com Photography by kin lui

My passion lies in creating chic, stunning and—most of all—comfortable living spaces.

In search of spring and summer inspiration, I did a little prep work at Downtown Summerlin and conceived three vignettes that define the season.

A Springtime tAbleScApe An inviting table for your guests should be both high in style and extremely functional.

I have a big crush on blue, so that color is a must. From pale ice blue to deep indigo—it’s not going away anytime soon and always has its moment in my designs.

I also love to mix in new trends with staple pieces. In this tablescape, I used the beautiful white, everyday dinnerware from Macy’s The Cellar collection and added seashell bowls from West Elm. This is just the beginning of the look for this tabletop. Gold flatware for special occasions also gives it an elegant feel.

I put glass vases and hurricanes from West Elm at the center of the table and as the main inspiration.

The powdery-blue hydrangea floral arrangement from Ethan Allen serves as the focal point.

When it comes to dining room seating, I love to mix it up and use benches for a casual and fun look. The neutral tufted chairs from Kirkland’s complement the modern clean lines of the black-and-white-striped Clinton bench from Ethan Allen.

A r efreSHed living room Rugs are great for defining a space while adding warmth and texture. A geometric wool area rug from Ethan Allen adds a splash of deep navy blue on the floor in this vignette.

Lovesac provides a love seat, which was customized with a neutral-colored cotton slipcover.

The pretty blush pink pillows from West Elm and Ethan Allen complement—and the sequined pillow from Kirkland’s adds some glam and texture. The wonderful thing about decor pillows: For a small investment, you can change them up as often as you like.

Blush is one of my favorite ontrend colors. A little goes a long way to create a cozier and more modern look.

An Ethan Allen coffee table pulls the living room together and tells a great visual story.

Finally, the beautiful black and white art photography from Bobby Wheat Gallery creates a great conversation piece and a focal point above the sofa.

A contemporAry entrywAy An entryway gives a first impression of your home’s style and personality. Using a white Parson’s desk from West Elm, I sought to create a contemporary feel, which is enhanced by the piece’s simple lines and lacquered finish.

Adding a single brass industrial desk lamp (also from West Elm), a tray table to drop your mail and keys, and accessories such as books and vases give the area more texture.

Another design trick is to use benches, stools or chairs at an entrance. A set of neutral tufted chairs from Kirkland’s and a fun white pillow with gray Greek-key stitching balances this look but is also functional.

See these vignettes come to life in the video series “Open House” at vegasseven.com/openhouse 24

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

WHERE TO BUY All home decor items available at Downtown Summerlin (for a full list of credits, see online) Bobby Wheat Gallery 702.569.7080; bobbywheat.com. Ethan Allen 702.436.4444; ethanallen.com Kirkland’s 702.869.0548; kirklands.com. Lovesac 702.363.0141; lovesac.com. Macy’s 702.854.6229; macys.com West Elm 702.255.4030; westelm.com

Open HouSe

This is sponsored content produced in partnership between Downtown Summerlin

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May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

27

HISTORY IN A BOTTLE ATOMIC LIQUORS LOOKS TO ITS PAST TO FORGE ITS FUTURE

By Kimberly De La Cruz

THE NEON-LIT “COCKTAILS” sign on the corner of 10th and Fre-

mont Streets stands like a lighthouse, guiding ships full of Las Vegas’ happy, sad, struggling and successful to a place unlike any other where they’ll find family and freedom: Atomic Liquors.

“We always just wanted to have a bar that was appealing to everyone,” general manager Rose Signor says.

But that’s not the way it’s always been. Sixty-five years ago, in a very different Downtown, the building’s rooftop offered the best views of atomic bomb tests in the city. Although the single-story rooftop has never been open to the public, few heeded that warning in the 1950s, when locals would climb to the top to watch the explosions from detonated bombs at the Nevada Test Site 50 miles north.

“It’s kind of hard to believe that story, right?” Signor says. “I wouldn’t have honestly believed it myself if it had not been for the old-timers. … They’d say, ‘Oh, yeah, my parents took me up onto the roof.’”

In 1952, seven years after the building opened as Virginia’s Cafe, the original owners, the Sobchiks, nixed the diner concept for a bar and called it “Atomic” for its vantage-point fame in the atomic culture. The rest could be history, except there is so much in its future.

Still under the Sobchiks’ ownership, the bar started to go downhill in the ’90s.

“At the end of Atomic’s old life, the bar became super rundown. It was a really scary place to be,” Signor says. That stigma remained throughout the neighborhood well into the 2010s.

In 2010 and 2011, the Sobchiks passed away, and after a brief takeover by their son, Atomic closed down in 2011. That same year, Lance Johns came into the picture.

After looking at the bar, Johns and his late brother, Kent, went to the growing part of Fremont Street, closer to Las Vegas Boulevard, for lunch. “We stood there and said, ‘Wow, that’s a long way, but it’s not a long way.’”

The East Fremont pioneers decided it was worth the risk.

“We figured, even if it takes a few years, it’s going to come down here,” Johns says. He was right.

“The biggest thing that’s changed are the things around us,” Signor says, adding that at the time of Atomic’s June 2013 reopening, “We kind of felt like we were on this desert island.”

It was the single business in a two-block radius, Johns says. The only nearby establishments were the Family Food Mart (which he joked is known to Downtowners as “Murder Mart”), a past iteration of The Bunkhouse Saloon and a grocery store. The atmosphere of drugs and violence still loomed.

“You wouldn’t just willy-nilly walk down here back then,” Johns says. The bar had its own reputation: You could come in and get a beer and a Coke or a beer and a sexual favor for $20.

Not long after the reopening, Downtown flourished once again. Businesses

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started popping up all over, some due to organic redevelopment and some in large part because of the Downtown Project, the $350 million brainchild of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh. The changes in Downtown echoed inside Atomic, and in no time, the bar began to attain its sought-after vibe.

“It’s funny to hear people say that we’re this hip bar now,” Signor says. “Back when we reopened, cabs would not even come here to pick people up.”

Now the bar is not only hip with locals and tourists, but it’s also hip with TV and film crews. Only months after Johns’ overhaul, Anthony Bourdain came with CNN to film a portion of the Las Vegas episode of Parts Unknown. Since then, movies such as The Hangover have been filmed at Atomic Liquors, and it was recently featured in The Shins’ music video “Name for You.” With the opening of the Kitchen at Atomic on date April 6, an on-property bar and restaurant (see “If You Can Stand the Heat,” page 29), it’s clear that from Truman to Trump, through Sin City’s mob past, the development of the Strip and the neglect and refocus of Downtown, Las Vegas’ oldest free-standing bar isn’t going anywhere. To keep the good times and people coming back, Signor works with the staff to develop iconic cocktails and a lengthy beer list; chef Josh Horton creates dishes for the kitchen such as steak tartare, scallops and lobster mac ’n’ cheese bites; and Johns focuses on outstanding service in a living room-like atmosphere.

After coming this far, Johns and Signor plan to keep Atomic at the top of its East Fremont bar—and now restaurant—game. 7

TASTE

If You Can Stand the Heat ...

Get in The Kitchen at Atomic

By Angela Bosco

Photography Krystal Ramirez

QUALITY DRUNK MUNCHIES are now just a few staggering

steps away from Atomic Liquors’ back patio. The Kitchen at Atomic, the long-awaited restaurant companion to the bar next door, opened on April 6, offering inventive entrées and a casual atmosphere.

Lance Johns, the owner of both establishments, approached head chef Josh Horton, formerly of Wild Sage and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, to develop the menu.

“Atomic is my favorite bar. With its diversity, craft beer and craft cocktails, it approaches alcohol like I approach food,” Horton says. “Being able to keep that concept for the restaurant, I was excited and wanted to be a part of it.”

Horton has created playful dishes that marry fine dining and bar food.

The ever-changing seasonal menu currently features bar snacks such as the Mama Johns Mac Bites, made with poached lobster, roasted peppers and Gruyère béchamel, and the indulgent Fat Man Fries, made with chili, hot dogs, beer cheese, bacon, onion and peppers.

Entrées include sandwiches such as the BBBLT, made with three types of bacon; protein dishes jazzed up with unconventional sauces and seasonings such as the Ribeye Crown, made with a pink peppercorn–shallot relish that’s served with carrots and “smashed” potatoes; and the sea scallops and Thai eggplant, with salt plum chutney, miso barley crunch and yuzu ponzu. The menu also features a vegetarian-friendly spaghetti squash shakshuka, a tomato stew dish with poached eggs.

Rose Signor, general manager and certified cicerone, led the Kitchen’s cocktail program, keeping in mind its dynamic with the food as well as Atomic Liquors. Signor decided to have the Kitchen’s bar work exclusively with fortified wines including ports, sherries, Madeiras and Marsalas, which are well-suited for the bright and open restaurant.

“The inspiration from grape spirits came from the restaurant’s ambiance,” she says. “Drinking wines fit in with the space. The grape spirits are a refreshing, underrated category that you don’t really see in Vegas right now. I also wanted to make these intimidating products approachable to the guests.”

Just as the bartenders work together to develop the cocktail menu at Atomic Liquors, Signor had them do the same for the Kitchen. The bartenders had an intense amount of training on grape spirits for three months before creating the cocktails. “It’s such a great way to get the bartenders behind what they’re serving. They’re very passionate about it,” she says. The cocktail menu will change twice a year for spring and winter.

Ultimately, Signor would like to continue to embrace the variety Atomic Liquors originally offered and continue to grow and create with both the Atomic and Kitchen team.

“It’s a labor of love between Josh, Lance and myself,” she says.

Hours: Wed., 4–10 p.m. (dining), midnight bar close; Thur.–Sat., 4 p.m.–midnight (dining), 2 a.m. bar close; and Sun. from 4–10 p.m. (dining), midnight bar close

Clockwise from top left: Ribeye Crown, spaghetti squash shakshuka, hamburger with egg, bacon and beer cheese

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

29

SMALL BITES

A Toast to That

SoCal Vibe

Healthy Mexican food is not necessarily a phrase you think of when you eat burritos oozing with cheese or tacos overflowing with toppings. Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill, based in Southern California, has been flipping that script since 1992. Now it’s brought its diverse menu of traditional and contemporary Mexican fare to Summerlin (8975 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 140, sharkys.com), offering tacos, burritos, nachos, enchiladas and salads made with organic, non-GMO, hormone- and preservative-free ingredients. Appealing to carnivores and plant-eaters alike, Sharky’s is a good option for vegans, vegetarians and the gluten-sensitive.

The official opening date is May 8, just in time for its Fiesta de Mayo celebration, when Sharky’s will be offering limited-edition tacos such as slow-roasted pork (with pineapple citrus marinade and house-made jicama, cabbage and carrot slaw), steak and arugula (with grilled Angus steak, Fontina cheese, avocado salsa and cotija cheese), and grilled shrimp (with grilled fresh pineapple and jicama, cabbage and carrot slaw). Go ahead, eat up all the goodness—and none of the guilt. –Genevie Durano

Food for Change

Five chefs. Five plant-based courses presented by The Reset Project. All to benefit Create a Change Now (createachangenow.org), an organization that works to tackle childhood obesity and related diseases. VegeNation (616 E. Carson Ave., vegenationlv.com) hosts the 555 Dinner, which features meals by chef Donald Lemperle, Rick Moonen of RM Seafood and Rx Boiler Room (who is preparing a spicy gazpacho with three-bean chili), UNLV executive chef Mark Sandoval, Hansel Tan from Chow and Eatt’s Vincent Pellerin (who is making candied tomato and tapioca pearl in coconut cream for dessert). $81, May 7, 5:30 p.m., brownpapertickets.com/event/2909474. –Diana Edelman

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May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting hundreds of 90-plus-point wines reviewed by Wine Spectator magazine in one place on one night, then your dream just came true. Wine Spectator’s 2017 Grand Tour of three cities kicks off at The Mirage May 6.

Taste Old World benchmarks such as Château La Mission Haut-Brion’s La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion 2010 and New World rising stars such as Mollydooker’s Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2014, or new classics such as Heitz’s Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Martha’s Vineyard 2005—more than 240 wines in all. And oh, yes, bubbles will be flowing, as the tour features Champagne from Perrier-Jouët and Louis Roederer to Henriot and Besserat de Bellefon.

These award-winning wines are a testimony to the high quality and extraordinary diversity of today’s wine world. The Grand Tour gives oenophiles an opportunity to revisit old favorites, discover new tastes and enjoy delectable nibbles. The Mirage, May 6, 7–10 p.m., grandtour. winespectator.com. –Marisa Finetti

FOOD PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHARKY’S WOODFIRED MEXICAN GRILL; WINE PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINE SPECTATOR; VEGENATION BY KIN LUI

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SOCIAL INFLUENCE

The Vegas Golden Knights in the Palm of Your Hand

The night the Vegas Golden Knights revealed their name and logo to the thousands gathered outside T-Mobile Arena, I watched rabid fans gather up every piece of merchandise available, even if it meant waiting in a twohour line to get inside the team store.

I was rabid too. I admit it. But all I wanted to know was, “How long until we see the Oyo Sports Golden Knights minifigures?”

With the team picking sixth in June’s NHL Expansion Draft, I’m starting to get a little anxious. There’s a just-released LeBron James minifigure on my desk next to a retired Alex Rodriguez—both of them could use some Golden Knights company.

Let me back up a minute, because you’re probably asking, “What’s an Oyo?” Picture your favorite athlete shrunk down to a plastic toy less than 2 inches tall, about the size of a LEGO minifigure, but with more points of articulation.

That’s toy speak, by the way, for better movement. I love LEGO Batman, but all he can do is swing his arms and legs back and forth. My Oyo A-Rod can pose like he’s in a batting stance, or like he just hit No. 697 out to right field at Yankee Stadium.

Oyo Sports Toys rolled out its first line of MLB minifigures in 2011, and has since se-

cured licensing deals to produce toys based on NFL, NBA and NHL players.

Each generation of minifigure has improved upon the last, with the athletes’ likenesses getting more and more detailed.

If a player is recognized for his beard and eye black, such as Las Vegas’ Bryce Harper, those accents are reflected in the figure.

As for the Golden Knights, Oyo has already released a buildable Zamboni and an “Ultimate Fan” figure sporting the team’s logo.

The players will likely debut in the summer.

“We shouldn’t have to wait until the season begins [to create them],” says president of sales Daryl McKay. “As soon as they release the Golden Knights uniforms and roster publicly, we’ll be right behind with product.”

Because the minifigures are produced at Oyo’s Massachusetts headquarters, they can be created and shipped incredibly fast—sometimes in as little as two weeks—in the event a player signs, is traded or, in Las Vegas’ case, drafted to fill out the Golden Knights’ 23-man roster.

“We often find ourselves adding players

They’re not toys, they’re collectibles.

I must have them.

to team rosters that we didn’t originally produce,” McKay says.

Although it’s too soon to know, that could mean some future Golden Knights players might be getting their first Oyo figures ever.

While fans wait for the draft, McKay and his team are at work designing new buildable hockey rinks for their NHL line, and the company just debuted its “OYO Me” series, which allows fans to customize their own figures.

That means I could have a Golden Knights Oyo with my name on the jersey.

Finally. When I get mine, I’m putting it next to A-Rod. 7 The 2017 NHL Expansion Draft will take place during the NHL Awards on June 21 at T-Mobile Arena.

By Jason R. Latham Photography Cierra Pedro

OYO Sports Prices start at $9.99 store.oyosports.com Instagram: @oyosports Vegas Golden Knights nhl.com/goldenknights Instagram: @vegasgoldenknights

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

33

SOCIAL INFLUENCE

POLITICS

By Michael Green

Where Is the Love?

WITH CAUCUSES AND SENATOR HELLER IN THE MIX, IT’S EASY TO HATE NEVADA POLITICS

T

oo many Americans hate politics and politicians. They shouldn’t, because they’re important. But sometimes our elected officials reinforce that view.

Yes, Democrats do it. Two legislative bills in Nevada would have allowed state parties to voluntarily adopt a presidential preference primary in 2020, ending the caucus process. In 2015, Republicans proposed a primary, but the sponsor didn’t coordinate with county registrars of voters, dooming the bill. This time, Democrats did it.

SB 211 paid for a primary by reducing early voting in the June primaries by three days each election cycle, earmarking that money for the presidential primary, to be held at the end of February to keep Nevada’s first-in-the-west status—and including absentee ballots and three days of early voting.

But a Republican sponsored SB 211. Democrats ignored that bill and tried a last-minute solution, AB 293, which had no funding source and required same-day voter registration. To do that, counties need Poll Book technology, which works instantly with the voter registration database. But Democrats didn’t coordinate this with the county registrars, who merely have to make it work, so the bill died.

So Democrats want early voting and easy ballot access but stuck with a caucus that shuts out anyone who can’t participate on that one day—workers, parents with young children and unable to get a sitter, those who physically can’t get to a polling place and people who have to be out of town for any reason. In other words, their constituency, many of whom thought their party was tone-deaf in 2016. Apparently, when it comes to tone-deafness, we ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.

Speaking of which, another way to make people hate politics is to amend a bill without saying anything to the activists involved in promoting the bill in the first place. Native Americans and non-Natives who support them backed changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. Some constituencies think it’s more important to honor Columbus. So the legislators changed the date to August 9, which happens to be International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples anyway, and means they play second fiddle to Columbus. Again.

Next thing you know, the legislature will try to pass a bill saying students can’t graduate unless they take a civics quiz. Oh, wait.

The state senate did, and the assembly is considering it. After all, it isn’t as though K-12 students ever take history or government

classes, or that the stupidity of making teachers “teach to the test” instead of encouraging independent thought is self-evident.

But lest you think Democrats are the only ones giving us reason to hate politics, there’s Sen. Dean Heller. You can always count on him to be someone you can’t count on.

He held a town hall, which he described in a speech for the Keystone Corporation as “one of those boxes you gotta check.” Since his office had asked, as The Nevada Independent reported, to bar the media from the meeting, he presumably felt safe in saying that, and calling the Trump administration “pretty incredible,” adding, “For the first time in 10 years, I’ve heard these two words … and that’s economic growth.”

Now, let’s try to get beyond the lie that the Obama administration never used the words “economic growth” and go to the box he checked, meeting with constituents other than wealthy board members of the Keystone Corporation, which describes itself as “a political action organization for the Nevada conservative.” That would be the town hall where Democratic activist Donna West said funding for Planned Parenthood was important for a lot of reasons.

Heller replied he had no problem with its funding and would protect the organization.

That was unusual, since he had fought Planned Parenthood funding because, you know, abortions. Now he’s fine with supporting a federal budget that includes Yucca Mountain, or was fine with most of the budget at a town hall meeting but not when he spoke to the state legislature a few hours later. But let’s get to the major point: He hadn’t actually changed his mind about Planned Parenthood. The next day, his office stated he still opposed the funding for any of its services because, again, abortions, which account for 3 percent of what Planned Parenthood actually does.

You can agree or disagree with Heller’s views—but that’s not the problem. The problem is that you can agree and disagree with him at the same time, because he agrees and disagrees with himself.

The bigger problem is that his party’s leader has proved that you can say water tastes like chicken and his supporters will say KFC makes great water, so try conveying Heller’s utter lack of principle.

But as the legislative bills demonstrate, Heller doesn’t have a premium on dissembling. It’s just that our legislators seem to do it better. And that is bad for all of us. 7 Michael Green is an associate professor of history at UNLV.

But lest you think Democrats are the only ones giving us reason to hate politics, there’s Sen. Dean Heller. You can always count on him to be someone you can’t count on..

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May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

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SPACES & PLACES

A Home Under the Sun Paradise Palms is part Sinatra, part Jetson and all Las Vegas

By Lissa Townsend Rodgers Photography Ginger Bruner

SPACES & PLACES

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AWAY MESSAGE

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

SPACES & PLACES

W

hen we think of classic, retro Rat Pack Las Vegas, we think of a life lived on gaming floors and showroom stages. Yet some of the most swingin’-est events held in the most sensational settings happened at home. And many of those homes were located in Paradise Palms, a neighborhood of mid-century residences near Downtown that has become increasingly celebrated as both a historical site and a primer on mid-mod style.

The Paradise Palms neighborhood—the first planned community in Clark County—was built in the early 1960s by developer Irwin Molasky, surrounding what was then the Stardust Country Club (now the Las Vegas National Golf Course). The bulk of the buildings are by renowned architects William Krisel and Dan Palmer, who had worked with California’s Alexander Construction Company at about the same time designing thousands of homes in Southern California, most notably in Palm Springs.

An array of angular houses on curving streets, Paradise Palms remains one of the best-preserved neighborhoods and a principal of mid-century style: patterned breeze blocks, textured concrete walls, expanses of plate glass, asymmetrical rooflines, patios and planters. Many feature bright exterior paint jobs in wild combinations—yellow/ gray/aqua/periwinkle or red/blue/black/white—that pull passing eyes and play up exterior details. Some houses look like Frank Sinatra might live in them; others seem more like George Jetson might come rushing out the door at any moment, late for work.

Vivid as their aesthetics might be, neither Frank nor George actually resided in Paradise Palms, although dozens of other notable names have over the years. Famous past residents included Johnny Carson, Phyllis Diller, Shecky Greene and Dionne Warwick. Sonny Liston and Debbie Reynolds lived in the same house, albeit not at the same time. As you can imagine, some seriously swinging parties have happened in Paradise Palms over the years— you can practically hear the cocktail shakers rattling, the laughter at a round of borderline-blue jokes, the splash of someone diving into the pool, possibly fully clothed.

It’s this combination of architectural exceptionalism and name-dropping history that brought Paradise Palms its recent historic designation. In February, the Clark County Commission unanimously voted Paradise Palms as the first historic neighborhood in unincorporated Clark County, a reflection of the neighborhood’s importance to Las Vegas, but also to mid-century design’s increasing importance as a form of local identity and a draw for tourism. The Nevada Preservation Foundation held the third annual Home + Heritage weekend there, which included a cocktail party, among other successful events. In a recent New York Times article on Palm Springs, Stephen Drucker referred to design taking over from golf as the “engine of the economy of the desert.”

Ogling butterfly roofs and cut-out concrete may not take the place of blackjack or nightclubs for Las Vegas tourists, but it does put another choice on the menu. And, for locals, neighborhoods like Paradise Palms evoke memories of our past and inspire pride in the present. 7

With close proximity to the Strip, Paradise Palms is indemand thanks to its position between Downtown and the University District as well as for its rich architecture and historic designation.

May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

39

THE MOST FABULOUS THING

By Charlie Starling

CONVERSATIONS

Photography Krystal Ramirez

Our English expat columnist sits down for a pint with the U.K.’s Tenors of Rock

F

ans of musical theater and hair metal were left with a Fender Flying V-shaped hole in their hearts when Rock of Ages sadly closed January 1, and the lengthy hiatus of Raiding the Rock Vault, another rock-focused musical production, only harshened the blow. So naturally, the announcement of the imminent arrival of the U.K.’s world-touring smash Tenors of Rock, currently running at Harrah’s Las Vegas, was received with much headbanging and raised devil-horn hands.

I saw the show, which features five male singers— some might recognize them from their appearances on The X Factor U.K.—performing classic and contemporary rock hits, back in February. I loved it—and immediately made it my mission to take the lads out for a drink. Bevvies with the Brits, if you will.

I managed to catch an hour with them at Fulton Street Food Hall inside Harrah’s. Incidentally, Fulton is open 24 hours and is the perfect spot for pre- and postgaming the Tenors of Rock show. If you’re lucky, you might see the guys and their dancers, Los Angeles’ Little Miss Nasty burlesque troupe, there.

As you can probably imagine with a tableful of Brits (I hail from England), it didn’t take long for talk to turn into reminiscing about English tea, chocolate and snacks. While, as Brits in Vegas, we’ve come to love the backdrop of the mountains, marvel at the necessity of a “scorpion torch” for late-night dog walks and praise

Bevvies With the Brits

the hell out of whoever invented the drive-thru ATM, it is universally accepted among us transplants that you guys just can’t make chocolate properly. When we’re not entertaining you, we’re crying over Cadbury, holing up with our expat buddies and endlessly chatting about Jaffa Cakes. (And the National Health Service, but I’m not talking politics here.)

Tenors has been open since January, and with the boys having been back and forth to Las Vegas since November, they’re finally starting to settle into life here.

While they may miss the U.K.’s universal health care, it’s unanimous among the boys that waking up to sunshine every day is a joyful thing. The city takes some acclimating to, and the Tenors are gradually cutting their groove and getting used to Vegas’ unique, well, Vegasness. Things like leaving your hotel at 8 p.m., accidentally staying out at the Peppermill all night and returning to see the dealer who was there when you left, while looking more disheveled than you normally do. Seriously, if I could bring something British over here, it would be knighthoods for the overnight casino workers. Those guys and gals are heroes.

As well as drinking, we did chat a little about the show. These boys are legit West End alumni, performing in Billy Elliot, We Will Rock You, Footloose and Les Misérables, among many fantastic hits. Their vocals blew me away. What is different about this show, however, is the autobiographical element: They use their platform to tell their story. It’s rare to find truth onstage—especially in a themed show.

Also, the Little Miss Nasty dancers get my nomination for Vegas’ sexiest showgirls. I’m serious— they’re sexy as hell.

So, that’s that. I had a marvelous time with the lads and highly recommend their show. As soon as they start their rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” you’ll know I’m right. 7

Tenors of Rock Wed.–Mon., 8 p.m., $35–$99, Harrah’s Las Vegas, caesars.com/ harrahs-las-vegas

41

CONVERSATIONS

By Kendall Riley Photography Krystal Ramirez

Making a Move

Former nightlife exec Eric White sets a standard for how to step away from the industry

Nightlife is both a blessing and a curse for the Las Vegans

who choose to work in the industry. While it proves to be a glamorous lifestyle, with the potential to make thousands of dollars every night, it can also be unstable. Age and physical appearance are a precursor to longevity. And those in the trenches may fail to recognize the transience of these jobs.

Eric White, a former nightlife executive, serves as a prime example of how to exit the industry and find a lucrative career elsewhere—in his case, real estate.

White, 38, initially moved to the Valley from Southern California and began his career as a security guard at House of Blues in 1999. “This was back before there was bottle service. There was no VIP host or cocktail servers—it was just nightclubs where you could buy drinks at the bar in disposable cups,” he says.

After about a year, White became the head of the security team at HOB, which eventually evolved into a position as a nightclub manager for the entire resort, Mandalay Bay. This was followed by stints at Drai’s, Studio 54 and Tryst, where White worked in various positions, including promotions manager, VIP host and marketing manager. He finally landed at XS, where he served as the assistant general manager for about eight years.

“I definitely looked at [nightlife] as temporary when I first got into it,” White says. “I didn’t think it was going to last long at all. I thought it was going to be an extended-vacation type of thing. I thought I was doing it just to have fun, but it ended up turning into a great career move.”

The nightclub grind eventually wore out its welcome, and White felt satisfied with what he’d accomplished over 16 years. That’s when he left to become a real estate agent.

He says several different friends tapped him to join their business ventures, including app and tech developments pertaining to the service industry. After careful consideration, he made his choice.

“I’d been keeping my eyes and ears open, doing some research, and I always considered real estate as a possibility I could transition into,” he says. “When I met Kamran Zand, the broker and owner of Luxury Estates International, I hit it off with him and decided to go to real estate school.”

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May 4–10, 2017 vegasseven.com

White’s strong work ethic transferred well to real estate.

Less than half a year in, he became a top producer for the company, earning the No. 1 position for all sales categories for the month of August.

“A lot of the knowledge that I gained operating the nightclubs, dealing with high-end clientele, getting things done, definitely translates into responsible, basic business sense in real estate.” He specifically notes building a vast database, managing a team and presenting the value of high-cost products and experiences as well as knowing how to best present himself.

When it comes to the lure of the nightlife industry on its employees, White points to the pay and perks as the primary reasons people stay in the business as long as possible.

“You try to think of what you’re going to do next, but it’s nearly impossible to figure out a plan to make equal the amount of money. You get spoiled. People come from everywhere to spend thousands of dollars to get a table, do bottle service and have this fun experience. You’re getting that same experience for free, on a constant basis, whether you’re at work or you’re doing group outings on your night off enjoying the other nightclubs and restaurants that Las Vegas has to offer.”

For those trying to leave the industry, White has one piece of advice: “Don’t wait too long, because the sooner you get a jump on your next thing, your next project, the more time and energy you’re going to have to put into your next chapter.” 7

“You try to think of what you’re going to do next, but it’s nearly impossible to figure out a plan to make equal the amount of money.

You get spoiled.”

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CONVERSATIONS

LUCKY NO. 7

We asked the WENDOH Media staff:

What’s your dream neighborhood in Southern Nevada?

“McNeil Estates—particularly on Ashby Avenue with the huge lots— near the Medical District has been at the top of my list for a few years now. However, prices are up again, and I’m just not ready to make that large of a commitment. Instead, my boyfriend and I purchased a house in the Westleigh neighborhood, which is attached to McNeil. We’re practically in the same neighborhood, and I couldn’t be happier.” —Cierra Pedro, senior designer “The Lakes. Being from Florida, I miss the water and would love to have a home on the lake and have a boat.” —Nicole Niazmand, director of digital sales “Downtown, because it’s the one place where you can walk everywhere. And it has everything, like coffee that isn’t Starbucks and bars that aren’t PT’s.”

—Jessie O’Brien, editor, DTLV.com “Paradise Crest because the east side is the best side and Lonnie Hammargren would be my neighbor.” —Krystal Ramirez, staff photographer “I’d love to live in the neighborhood known as ‘Lawyer Row.’ It’s a bunch of retro houses that were converted into law offices around Eighth Street and Clark Avenue.

Exploring the area feels like a stroll through a simpler time.”

—Amber Sampson, web editor “Boulder City. It’s historic, next to Lake Mead and Lake Mojave, and I love the annual Dam Short Film Festival.” —Shannon Miller, editorial assistant “Our new neighborhood, McNeil Estates! We have huge trees, beautiful old architecture and neighbors who bake you pies.

Seems too good to be true?

It's not.” —Brittany Quintana, account manager

Photography Cierra Pedro

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