Vegas Prime Magazine (V1.17) - December 15, 2024 Issue

DEC. 15, 2024

‘The Nutcracker’ | Enchant | Mystic Falls | Ethel M’s

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38

Prime Picks

Celebrate the season – or drink away the

blues – as National Sangria Day is Dec. 20.

Enjoy a few glasses or pitchers of sangria

at some of Vegas Prime Magazine’s favorite

spots in Las Vegas.

Showtime

The entertainment list this two weeks

includes rock icons Heart and “Dancing

With the Stars” champion turned judge

Derek Hough both at BleauLive Theater at

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, as well as more

holiday attractions, including Christmas

shows by Barry Manilow at Westgate and

Terry Fator at The Strat.

30

Cover Feature

All I want for Christmas is … to see

Nevada Ballet Theatre’s fabulous production

of “The Nutcracker,” as well

as the many holiday attractions on

and off the Las Vegas Strip, including

Enchant Christmas, “Tournament of

Kings,” Mystic Falls and many, many

more.

10

12

22

That’s Hot!

Vegas Prime Magazine Editor-in-Chief

Don Chareunsy’s top to-do picks while

you’re in Las Vegas, baby.

Out + About

The second Formula One Heineken Silver

Las Vegas Grand Prix on the Las Vegas

Strip and first Neon City Festival in Downtown

Las Vegas are in the books, and Tix4

opens a location at Fashion Show Las Vegas

with a star-studded event.

Celebrity Takeover

Celebrity magician Murray SawChuck,

who just announced a new residency at The

Strat, shares the long, winding and crazy

story about how he met his beautiful and

lovely showgirl wife Dani Elizabeth.

6

VEGASPRIME.COM | Dec. 15, 2024

52

54

64 Health + Wellness

66

Sport + Activities

The SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl is at

Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 27 in the 32nd

edition of the college football game. Off

the field, Titanic fans can view the artifact

exhibit at The Luxor and buy holiday gifts

at TitanicStore.com.

Time to Dine

The culinary spotlight includes Chef

Adam Sobel’s event at Amari in

UnCommons, new restaurants (Norms,

plus North Italia and Flower Child

locations open in Henderson), the

Sunday Champagne Brunch in Primm

Valley and Brewing News by Bob Barnes.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Las Vegas is

a Spa Capital of the World (check out our

list at VegasPrime.com), and among them

is Oleksandra Spa at T.I. (aka Treasure

Island).

The Last Word

Vegas Prime Whispers, celebrity sightings

and The MSV Report: Movers, Shakers +

Vegas Dealmakers.

VEGASPRIME.COM | Dec. 15, 2024 7

JAMAL M. PARKER

Publisher

DON CHAREUNSY

Editor-in-Chief

ARTURO PERALTA

Art Director

BRIANNA KOURETAS

Senior Account Manager

ANAS BEN AMARA + JASMINE TRAN

Social Media

NOE ALARCON, JEN AVISON SMITH, BOB BARNES,

PATRANYA BHOOLSUWAN, CHRISTIANA CINN,

ED CONDRAN, MARISA FINETTI, STACEY GUALANDI,

EMMY KASTEN, RANDY SCHACHERL + TODD SCHACHERL

Contributors

DARIN FEINSTEIN

Founder/CEO

VEGAS PRIME MAGAZINE

3753 Howard Hughes Parkway, #200, Las Vegas, NV 89169

www.vegasprime.com

Advertising and business inquiries

(702) 479-5022 | info@vegasprime.com

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@vegasprimemagazine | @vegasprimemag

Copyright 2024 by Vegas Prime Magazine. All rights reserved. Vegas Prime Magazine is

published 26 times a year. Reproduction of any materials, images or editorial content

contained in this publication without permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited.

Vegas Prime Magazine, 3753 Howard Hughes Parkway, #200,

Las Vegas, NV 89169, vegasprime.com

8


Editor's

letter

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Vegas Prime Magazine

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since 2008, and my

beloved holiday traditions include Andrea

Bocelli at MGM Grand Garden Arena,

Nevada Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”

at The Smith Center, Chadwick Johnson’s

holiday and birthday concert at Italian

American Club and Opportunity Village,

Enchanted Christmas and Ethel M’s. I’m

truly blessed and so thankful.

While many people travel home for the

holidays – and not to Las Vegas – there is so

much to do if you’re in town during the final

month of the year. For starters at Fontainebleau

Las Vegas, rock legends Heart are at BleauLive

Theater on Dec. 15 and Derek Hough’s “Dance

for the Holidays” is there five nights later. Also,

Azul at FBLV is Navidad Azul for Christmas.

Feliz Navidad!

Also in this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine:

Out + About at the second year of the Formula

One Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix

on the Las Vegas Strip, the inaugural Neon

City Festival in Downtown Las Vegas and

the grand opening of another Tix4 at Fashion

Show Las Vegas, and Prime Picks for fun,

new and favorite brunches and sangria,

as National Sangria Day is Dec. 20.

We have more gifts! There is the monthly

Brewing News by Bob Barnes; Chippendales

moving from The Rio to The Linq Hotel

after 22 years; The Eagles adding four

shows at Sphere; the 2024 SRS Distribution

Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on

Dec. 27; and in the culinary world Chef

Adam Sobel at Amari, Norms, North Italia,

Flower Child and the Sunday Champagne

Brunch in Primm Valley. Now I’m hungry!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

from Vegas Prime Magazine to you and

yours! We wish you the very best during

this season – and all year long.


As the year marches to the end, one of our gifts to you this issue of

Vegas Prime Magazine is six of our Prime Picks – located at VegasPrime.

com (click on Prime Picks in the navigation bar) – as a reminder

of how awesome Las Vegas is today:

STEAKHOUSES

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Las Vegas is a

Steakhouse Capital of the World, and Bavette’s

Steakhouse, Bazaar Meat, Carversteak,

Papi Steak, Scotch 80 Prime and The Steakhouse

at Circus Circus are six of the best in

the city. Our Issue #6 on July 14 features more

than 50 favorite steakhouses in town.

BURGERS

Our staff selections in June for favorite burgers:

The Butcher Burger at Echo & Rig, The

Butter Burger at Carson Kitchen, the no-fuss

Calibombs, The Classic at Leone Café, The

Flying Scotsman at Brewdog, The Mad Maxx

Burger at Raiders Tavern & Grill, Nicco’s 28

Burger at Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish

and the Smoked Brisket Burger at Soul Belly

BBQ. OK, we’re full!

DIM SUM

Our five favorite dim sum restaurants in Las

Vegas were revealed in May in the early weeks

of Vegas Prime Magazine – I could eat dim

sum seven days a week: Din Tai Fung, Hong

Kong Seafood & Dim Sum Café, Palette Tea

Lounge & Dim Sum, Ping Pang Pong and

Washing Potato.

PIZZA

Our staff picks in August for favorite pizza:

00 Pie & Pub in Chinatown, Evel Pie in

Downtown Las Vegas, Good Pie in DTLV

and Henderson (new), Metro Pizza (various

locations), Northside Nathan’s Detroit Pizza

and Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan of Las

Vegas. All pizzas are not created equal.

NACHOS

National Nacho Day is Nov. 6, and our list in

November: El Dorado Cantina, Tailgate Social

Sports Bar, Su Casa, The Beast at Area15,

Borracha Mexican Cantina, Cabo Wabo

Cantina, Ghost Donkey, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown

Sports Kitchen, McMullan’s Irish Pub,

Nacho Daddy, Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant

and PT’s Taverns.

BUFFETS + AYCE

Yes, there are not as many buffets in Las

Vegas as before, but the ones remaining are

still popular and busy. Our list in June: AYCE

Buffet at The Palms, Bacchanal Buffet at

Caesars Palace, The Buffet at Bellagio, Wicked

Spoon at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas,

Wynn Buffet, Makino, Imperial Sushi Seafood

Buffet, Gen and Top for AYCE Korean BBQ

and Top and Its Sushi for sushi.

By Don Chareunsy

Editor-in-Chief

Vegas Prime Magazine

out + about

12


Second Year of F1

Las Vegas Is a Wrap

The second year of the Formula One Heineken

Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix on the Las Vegas

Strip is in the books, and there were many

highlights of the racing event from Nov. 21-23

that attracted 306,000 fans:

MGM Resorts led the charge with exclusive

events and star power, and top drivers, including

Max Verstappen (who won the F1 World

Drivers’ Championship for the fourth consecutive

year), George Russell (who won 2024 F1

Las Vegas) and the legendary Lewis Hamilton

(who finished second at F1 Las Vegas),

took part in experiences.

The sold-out Bellagio Fountain Club was the

ultimate luxury destination for race weekend,

and attendees included Chris Stapleton, Aaron

Paul, Seth Rogen, Coco Jones, Eva Longoria,

Big Boi, Cedric The Entertainer, Canelo Alvarez,

Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy, Jazz

Chisholm, Mark Vientos, Starling Marte,

Dexter Fowler, Francis Tiafoe, Rory Mcllroy,

Eddie Huang and more.

Enhancing the experience was an extraordinary

culinary lineup: Jean-Georges Vongerichten,

Mario Carbone, David Chang, Wolfgang Puck,

Masaharu Morimoto, Yannick Alleno, Alain

Ducasse, Michael Mina, brothers Bryan and

Michael Voltaggio, Akira Back, Bricia Lopez,

T.J. Steele, Nancy Silverton, Christina Tosi,

Olivia Tiedemann and brothers Mark, Donnie

and Paul Wahlberg.

At Aria, the buzz continued with Carlos Sainz’s

Smooth Operator Dance Lounge. Bellagio’s

Shoey Bar returned in a collaboration between

MGM Resorts and Sparco; attendees included

Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy, Eva

Longoria and Big Boi. Also: The Cosmopolitan

of Las Vegas’ Boulevard Experience; a Mercedes

experience at Aria; and a Williams Racing fan

zone on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, John

Legend, Paris Hilton, Paul Mescal, Noah Lyles,

Ashley Graham, Lele Pons, Coco Jones, Jared

Leto and more packed the grid with red carpet

appearances. High-energy performances from

Alesso, Boyz II Men, Dom Dolla, Ludacris,

OneRepublic, Steve Aoki, Snakehips, Big Boi

and Vandelux brought the heat to the Las

Vegas Strip Circuit.

Culinary experiences from Chef Gordon

Ramsay and Papi Steak at Fontainebleau

Las Vegas’ Papi Steak Garage brought

a new level of luxury. Ramsay’s Garage and

the Papi Steak Garage attracted Bradley

Cooper, Seth Rogan, Adele, Kevin Hart,

Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stallone, John Legend,

Paris Hilton, Paul Mescal, Noah Lyles,

Ashley Graham and more.

Fans experienced the race in new ways,

including the addition of 10,000 more ticket

options, along with events like the Ferrari


out + about

Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, the F1 Las Vegas Grand

Prix Fan Experience and immersive attractions

in fan zones.

After revealing on Instagram that Patron is his

go-to tequila, Olympic champion and legendary

and iconic snowboarder Shaun White headed

to F1 Las Vegas for the activation Patron Tequila

GOAT Circuit at Encore Players Club and the

sportsbook and Overlook Lounge at Wynn that

also featured Big Boi on Nov. 22.

Other F1 Las Vegas highlights: glowing exosphere

displays on Sphere; driver appearances on the

Heineken Silver Stage at East Harmon Zone by

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas; couples tying the knot

with Elvis at the Formula 1-themed Paddock Club

wedding chapel; and fans skating on the Las Vegas

Skate Circuit between racing sessions.

As the home base of the BWT Alpine F1 Race Team

– backed by high-profile investors including Travis

Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Ryan Reynolds, Michael

B. Jordan and Rob McElhenney – The Venetian

offered exclusive packages and track-view suites.

The Trackside Hospitality Deck featured Wolfgang

Puck and Tetsuya Wakuda and a quick visit from

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly. East Coast met West

Coast as guests gathered for a preview of Cote

Korean Steakhouse, and attendees included

Reilly Opelka, Soo Joo Park, Hannah Godwin

and Dylan Barbour.

The Venetian headliner magician Shin Lim was

spotted at The Venetian’s Paddock Club. The

Venetian partnered with “Two Girls 1

Formula” creators Kate Byrne and Nicole

Sievers for a sold-out fan meetup at Flipper’s

Roller Boogie Palace at Tao Beach.

As the lights dimmed on the Las Vegas Strip

Circuit, spectators were thrilled by 50 laps of

intense competition across the 3.8-mile track.

Drivers reached speeds over 220 mph, passing

landmarks such as Las Vegas resorts, casinos,

restaurants and businesses. Until next year!

14


THE

VEGAS SHOW

ON TURF.

12.27.24 | 7:30p PT | ALLEGIANT STADIUM | LVBOWL.COM

out + about

Neon Trees + TroyBoi

Kick Off Inaugural

Neon City Festival in DTLV

• Art activations curated by Area15, including

neon-lit artwork by Aliume at Wink World:

Portals Into the Infinite; an immersive activation

by Illuminarium; and a photo opportunity

with an art car creation from Las Vegas artist

Henry Chang.

Guests also received a sneak peek of Area15:

Superplastic’s “Dopeameme: The Dopeameme

Institute for Pleasure Research” and “The John

Wick Experience.”

• Pop-up shops and booths, including Recycled

Propaganda, photographer Tristan Shearer,

Essence Permanent Jewelry, confidence coach

Sara Godbout, Reapers Grip, 6k Industries,

Krystal Kartel, House of Bills, Mooncraft Gifts,

Pinup Ally and more.

• Food vendors, many local, including taco

trucks, empanada carts, sushi stands and the

Omaha Steaks Culinary Experience at DLVEC

with an all-you-can-eat tasting with whiskey-grilled

steaks, filet mignon burgers and

shrimp ceviche.

The first day of Neon City Festival – the firstof-its-kind

music, art and culinary event in

Downtown Las Vegas – took over the city with

headliners Neon Trees and TroyBoi on Friday,

Nov. 22.

The inaugural free-for-all-ages event lit up the

night sky with an electric experience for thousands

of festivalgoers featuring performances,

food and beverage offerings, immersive art

installations, fireworks and more.

Day one of Neon City Festival included:

• Performances alongside Neon Trees and

TroyBoi, including Dr. Fresch, Pepe Orro,

Lovelytheband, American Mile, Charlotte

Sands, Cassadee Pope, 408, No Proof, Bubba

Sparxx, Pertinence, Landon Cube and Kaleido.

And there was a daily fireworks show from the

top of The Plaza. Day two of the festival featured

sets by Seven Lions, The All-American Rejects,

Krewella, Plain White T’s, Lit, 24hrs and more,

and the final day included Allison Wonderland,

The Kruse Brothers, Twista and more.

Created by Downtown Las Vegas casino owner

Derek Stevens – with support from the Las

Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority – and

overseen by appointed Neon City Festival CEO

Jeff Victor, Neon City Festival was conceived

to show appreciation for Las Vegas locals and

visitors.

Neon City Festival’s founders include Stevens

(Circa, Golden Gate, The D Las Vegas, Downtown

Las Vegas Events Center), LVCVA, Steve

Thompson (Boyd Gaming: Fremont, California,

Main Street Station), Terry Caudill (Binion’s

Gambling Hall, 4 Queens), Chris Latil (Golden

Nugget), Jonathan Jossel (Plaza), Blake Sartini

Jr. (The Strat), Andrew Simon (Fremont Street

Experience), Joe Woody (El Cortez) and Eric

Buksa (Downtown Grand).


out + about

Tix4 Opens Newest Location

at Fashion Show Las Vegas

on Nov. 30

18


Tix4, a leading entertainment ticketing

company in Las Vegas, opened its newest

ticket booth at Fashion Show Las Vegas on

the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday, Nov. 30, and

to celebrate the grand opening, the first 100

customers to make a purchase received commemorative

merchandise and the opportunity

to win show tickets.

The morning and afternoon celebration also

included guest appearances by entertainment

legend Eddie Griffin, who headlines in Saxe

Theater at Planet Hollywood, and the lead stars

of “Purple Reign” at V Theater at Planet Hollywood

and “MJ Live,” which recently moved

into its new home at Harrah’s Las Vegas.

Fans happily took photos with the Strip

headliners on Saturday at the shopping

center. The new Tix4 ticket booth at

FSLV will provide personalized

service and support for

ticket purchases and

allow guests access to

special offers and exclusive

promotions for

the Las Vegas headliners

and productions.

Tix4 is dedicated to serving the city’s supplementary

ticketing needs. Their dedicated and

experienced ticketing team is committed to

helping partners offer a wide array of tickets,

from world-class productions to exclusive

deals on last-minute bookings.

In addition to having direct sales capabilities,

Tix4 harnesses the promotional power of

digital and traditional media components,

including print and out-of-home. The prime

Strip locations, cutting-edge technology and

decades of experience position Tix4 as the

optimal choice for engaging and selling to

the 40 million annual visitors in Las Vegas.

Locations along the world-famous Las Vegas

Strip include Fashion Show Las Vegas, Planet

Hollywood, The Showcase Mall, Casino Royale,

The Grand Bazaar Shops and The Linq Hotel

+ Experience. For more information and to

purchase tickets, go to Tix4Vegas.com.

Tix4 inside FSLV is

located at 3200 Las

Vegas Blvd. and is adjacent

to Forever 21 and near Oakley, Jamba Juice

and Starbucks. Since its inception, Tix4 has

sold more than 15 million tickets and has

decades of experience in providing sales

and marketing support to the best shows,

attractions and events.

20


The only place in the world

to see the largest artifact

ever recovered from Titanic!

Scan now for

$5 off TitanicLasVegas.com


celebrity

takeover

Magician Murray

SawChuck:

I didn’t get the show,

but I got the girl

22


Credit: Shane O'Neal | SON Studios

It’s 2003, and I just finished

my run at The Frontier

Hotel, where I opened

Jan. 26, 2002. I’d guest

starred in “La Femme”

(aka “Crazy Horse Paris”)

at MGM Grand and was

looking for my next gig.

Publicist Wayne Bernath and

magician Lance Burton put

in a good word for me at

“Crazy Girls” at The Riviera.

Creator and owner Norbert

Aleman was looking for

a new act since Joe Trammel

went over to David Saxe’s

new show “V: The Variety

Show,” so I auditioned with

an act I performed at “Crazy

Horse Paris” and all over

the world.

They give me a time to

audition, it’s in between

shows at The Riviera, and

they have me do it in The

La Cage Showroom above

the “Crazy Girls” show

room. I come in and set up

along with Douglas “Lefty”

Leferovich, my touring

guest act and stage tech.

I do the audition for

Norbert and one of his

“The Cage Act’s” Jimmy

Emerson. The act was

flawless and probably one

of my strongest auditions

in my life because I was

working so much. They all

seem happy, I feel like I

nailed it, they say we’ll

talk to you soon, three of

four days goes by and …

nothing.

I talk with Wayne. They

hired someone else.

Norbert was worried I might

get involved with one of his

dancers. What?! That was

the reason. I asked, “Who

did he hire?” Wayne replies,

“A blind juggler!” No way?!

He hired Nino Frediani, who

is a great juggler, became a

good friend and is blind.

A big jump to 2017.

I am headlining at Planet

Hollywood for a few years

at this point, The Riviera

closed in 2016, and “Crazy

Girls” moved to Planet

Hollywood in my theater in

the late-night spot. Norbert

and I meet again, and he

takes over the theater and

is now the owner. Here we

go again more than

a decade later!

I was recently divorced,

doing my show and hanging

with my rescue pups

Kahlua, Bailey and Smudge.

Norbert comes up to me

after a show and says in his

wonderful French accent,

“Let’s you and I do dinner

with a few of the girls from

my show. It would be good

for you. Maybe one of them

could be the next Mrs.

SawChuck?”

We meet for dinner at Koi at

Planet Hollywood. I walk in,

shy, I know hard to believe.

I see three girls from his cast

and him. It was Dani, Jo-Jo

and Jenna, and Norbert

tells me to sit next to this

stunning girl named Dani

Elizabeth. We all had a great

time, wonderful dinner and

some great stories. We all

took a photo.

I DM’d on Instagram all

three girls the same thing:

It was nice to meet you,

thanks for hanging, and you

are a guest at my show any

time. They are replied super

sweet and kind and then

Dani, this showgirl from

New York who had danced

in “Jubilee” and “Crazy

Girls,” replied and wanted

to see my show a few days

after.

Dani and I went on dates

and hung out for more than

two months and … nothing

happened. I mean nothing

happened. So after two

months, we were both like,

“What are we doing?” I was

falling in love with the most

amazing girl, Dani Elizabeth,

and it got to the point I

was like, “You know what?

She’s worth losing my show

over!”

A few months later, she

moved in with her cat Kitten

and my three dogs. Four

years later, we got married

at The Plaza in Downtown

Las Vegas in their theater

with 450 friends – and the

rest is history. The man who

didn’t hire me because he

was worried I would have

a relationship with one of

his cast members ended

up introducing me to the

love of my life. Timing is

everything just like good

comedy!

Jump to now, December

2024, and I am thrilled to

be back on the Las Vegas

Strip after a few months

of touring the world. I am

honored to be making my

new home at LA Comedy

Club at The Strat with a fun

new show titled “Hairlarious

Deceptions” at 4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays.

Come hear some more

ridiculous stories and see

some tricks!


Prime

Picks

New, Party + Fun Brunches

in Las Vegas

24


STK at The Cosmopolitan

STKSteakhouse.com

The OG party brunch known for its

Bloody Mary bar, steaks and highenergy

vibe is still going strong at

The Cosmopolitan, and the steakhouse

also boasts a great Happy Hour and

little-known and underrated lunch

service.

El Dorado Cantina

Multiple locations | ElDoradoCantina.com

Who doesn’t love a weekend brunch

with chips, salsa and guacamole, margaritas

and mimosas? And that’s just

for starters at the three restaurants

near the Las Vegas Strip, in Tivoli

Village and in Southwest Las Vegas all

open 24/7.

Cheri Rooftop

at Paris Las Vegas

CheriRooftop.com

One of the newest brunches on the

block, Cheri Rooftop in the former

Chateau Nightclub and above Beer

Park boasts incredible Strip views,

The Bellagio Fountains included, and

hearty and light French-inspired

cuisine.

Mott 32

at The Palazzo

Mott32.com

Already one of the best Asian restaurants

in Las Vegas, Mott 32 at The

Palazzo recently launched weekend

brunches featuring the best-of-menu

items, including dim sum, and inspired

cocktails, as intoxicating as they are

pretty.

Lavo Party Brunch

at The Palazzo

TaoGroup.com

Alongside STK’s party brunch,

another OG party brunch on the Las

Vegas Strip at the Italian restaurant

featuring DJs, confetti cannons,

partygoers dancing on chairs and

tables – oh, and Italian brunch food,

too. Two words: The Meatball.

Palate in

The Arts District

PalateLV.com

A new restaurant in Downtown Las

Vegas with a new weekend brunch,

brilliant and talented Chef Sterling

Buckley’s must-order items include

the fried chicken and housemade

biscuits and jams. We’re already

drooling!

Esther’s Kitchen

in DTLV

EsthersLV.com

James Beard-nominated Chef

James Trees is beloved in Las

Vegas, and his adored Esther’s

Kitchen moved around the corner

to a space that serves three times

as many customers. You still need

a reservation because the food is

that good.

DW Bistro in

Southwest Las Vegas

DWBistro.com

An OG brunch for locals, DW Bistro’s

limitless mimosa Saturdays and

Sundays live on in infamy, but the

creative Jamaican restaurant still

stands out for its flavorful menu

items and super-fun environment

with appealing natural light. DW

has announced its closure next

April after 15 years.

Toasted Gastrobrunch

in Summerlin

ToastedGastrobrunch.com

According to Yelp, this is the top

brunch in the U.S. for 2024, so

this must make our list, right? Full

disclosure: We haven’t made it in

yet, but our expectations will be

especially high. It has limitless

mimosas, so that’s a good start.

Check out the full list of

brunches at VegasPrime.com.

There are so many fantastic

brunches in Las Vegas. For more

options, check out the two lists

“Where to Find the Best Brunch

in Las Vegas” and “The 10 Best

New Brunches to Dig Into in

Las Vegas” from our friends at

Vegas.Eater.com. Bon appetit!


Prime

Picks

NATIONAL

SANGRIA

DAY

is Dec. 20.

Here are a handful

of options. Salud!

El Dorado Cantina

(three locations)

ElDoradoCantina.com

Alexxa’s Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas | AlexxasLasVegas.com

Borracha Mexican Cantina

Green Valley Ranch | BorrachaVegas.com

Cabo Wabo Cantina

Planet Hollywood | CaboWaboCantina.com

Chica Las Vegas

The Venetian | ChicaRestaurant.com

Edo Gastro Tapas and Wine

3400 S. Jones Blvd. | EdoTapas.com

Firefly Tapas & Kitchen Bar

(two locations)

FireflyLV.com

Frankie’s Tiki Room

1712 W. Charleston Blvd. | FrankiesTikiRoom.com

Julian Serrano Tapas

Aria | Aria.com

Mariposa Cocina & Cocktails

2575 S. Decatur Blvd. | @MariposaCocinaLV

Su Casa

Silverton Casino | SilvertonCasino.com

Tailgate Social Sports Bar & Grill

Palace Station | TailgateSocialLV.com

26 VEGASPRIME.COM | Dec. 15, 2024


27

PRIMM VALLEY CASINO RESORTS IS

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

DESTINATION!

BANDA RENOVACION

& VOZ DE MANDO

From the pulse-pounding rhythms of Banda

Renovacion to the dynamic sounds of Voz De

Mando, this is the perfect night out for music

lovers and dance enthusiasts alike!

DECEMBER 28

EL JERRY - GERARDO CORONEL

Experience the passion and energy of Gerardo

Coronel live as he performs his greatest hits

and newest tracks. From heart stirring ballads

to high energy anthems, this is a night that

promises to captivate and thrill!

JANUARY 11

OHIO PLAYERS AND

THE FAMILY STONE

Get Funky and Jam with The Ohio Players

& The Family Stone. The Ohio Players have

pioneered street funk & underground R&B.

The Family Stone broke down barriers with

their psychedelic funk and powerful lyrics.

JANUARY 18

THERESA CAPUTO

For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo—

known worldwide as the Long Island Medium,

and star of the new Lifetime Series Raising Spirits

—has touched the lives of millions of fans.

JANUARY 25

JUST SOUTH

OF VEGAS I-15

28



Get ready to welcome back The

Mouse King and The Sugar

Plum Fairy to the holidays.

The Nevada Ballet Theatre, the state’s

largest dance company, is bringing

back its signature production “The

Nutcracker” for the 2024 winter

season.

The story is well-known to

many. Young Clara receives a

nutcracker on Christmas Eve,

which mysteriously comes

to life and transforms into

a prince. He takes her on a

crusade through a forest and

other ensuing adventures.

NBT Artistic Director

Roy Kaiser says many elements lend to the

legacy, from the intricate costumes to the instantly

recognizable scores associated with Christmas.

Whether heard in elevators or department stores,

ballet goers are likely to recognize the works of

Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

“Tchaikovsky’s music for ‘The Nutcracker’

is, in my opinion, one of the most perfect

compositions ever created,” Kaiser says.

30


“It’s a very familiar,

comforting, beautiful

piece of music that has

something to do with the

holidays.”

Beyond the details, the tale

is timeless. Attending

yearly performances

of “The Nutcracker”

is now a ritual for

not only fans, but also

generations of families

who associate the production

with the holiday season.

“If it weren’t for ‘The Nutcracker,’

I don’t think classical ballet companies

would exist the way they exist today,”

Kaiser says. “Everybody knows the

music, and the music is brilliant.

Many productions have brilliant

choreography to go along with it,

as well. But more important

than any of that, it became

a holiday tradition.”

While many ballet companies perform

“The Nutcracker” across the world, NBT

brings its own spin on the tale in the

form of its one-of-a-kind location.

“The Nutcracker” has a 12-year run

at The Smith Center, the premier

performing arts center in Downtown

Las Vegas.

Elements like the three-story dollhouse

onstage and other touches of whimsy create

an unforgettable display on one of the city’s

signature theater spaces. Kaiser notes that James

Canfield, his predecessor as artistic director,

created this production

of “The Nutcracker” to

coincide with the opening

of The Smith Center.

“The Smith Center is such

a game-changer,” Kaiser

says. “It’s an incredible

facility. They did it right,

every aspect of it. It’s a

wonderful place to work.

It really gave Nevada

Ballet Theatre as a resident

company an iconic

destination home.”

Perhaps its most

important element is the

dance troupe. Nearly 60

dancers across the Nevada

Ballet Theatre professional

company and its affiliated

school are involved with

the production this year,

all with their own unique

styles and creative agency

in the performance.

“The Nutcracker” fans are

in for a treat this year. The

production will continue

after its normal Christmas

Eve conclusion with two

more showtimes on the

Thursday and Friday after

Christmas Day.

More:

NevadaBallet.org +

TheSmithCenter.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN

The Entertainment Capital of the World might

not be thought of as a holiday destination – home

comes to mind first – but there are many options

to get in the season’s spirit in Las Vegas.

NBT’s

“The Nutcracker”

at The Smith Center

Beautiful music,

choreography, costumes and

staging – a Christmas classic.

Dec. 14-27.

NevadaBallet.org +

TheSmithCenter.com

32


Enchant Christmas

at Las Vegas Ballpark

One of the best family-friendly

outdoor Christmas attractions

in Las Vegas.

Nov. 27-Dec. 29.

EnchantChristmas.com +

TheLVBallpark.com

“The Nightmare

Before Christmas”

at Area15

It’s an interactive Jack

Skellington and Sally – with

themed cocktails – for this

Tim Burton classic.

Nov. 27-Dec. 27.

Area15.com

“Tournament of

Kings ’Twas the Night”

at Excalibur

You get to eat with your

hands! Does it get

any better?

Nov. 27-Dec. 25.

Excalibur.MGMResorts.com

Barry Manilow’s

Christmas at Westgate

Fanilows rejoice as Manilow is

at the Westgate … the Westgate

in Las Vegas (to the tune of

“Copacabana”).

Select dates Dec. 5-14.

WestgateResorts.com

Terry Fator’s “A Very Terry

Christmas”

at The Strat

If you love “America’s

Got Talent” champion

Terry Fator, you’ll love his

Christmas show.

Nov. 29-Dec. 24.

TheStrat.com +

TerryFator.com


Derek Hough at

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Derek Hough’s “Dance for

the Holidays” is the popular

“DWTS” star onstage.

Dec. 20.

FontainebleauLasVegas.com

“The Jinkx & DeLa

Holiday Show” at Virgin

Hotels Las Vegas

Two of the most beloved drag

queens in the world celebrate

the holidays. Hooray!

Dec. 15.

VirginHotelsLV.com

Mystic Falls Park

Winter Wonderland

at Sam’s Town

It’s a night out for a laser

show, snow and dinner at the

adjacent The Angry Butcher.

Nov. 27-Jan. 1.

SamsTownLV.

BoydGaming.com

Ethel M’s Holiday

Cactus Garden Lights

in Henderson

The family-friendly and

free Christmas attraction

is a local tradition. Bonus:

The chocolate factory!

Nov. 1-Jan. 4.

EthelM.com

The Jingle Bar

at Foundation Room

Holiday cocktails and festive

cheer on the 63rd floor of

Mandalay Bay. Christmas

with a view.

Dec. 1-29.

HouseofBlues.com

Bad Elf at Silverton

Charcuterie in a martini

glass, s’mores Old

Fashioneds, bowling in

an Airstream trailer and

delicious cookies. Sold!

Nov. 21-Dec. 29.

SilvertonCasino.com

Bellagio’s Conservatory

& Botanical Gardens

A magnificent and free

attraction that changes for

the seasons and holidays.

Dec. 2-Jan. 7.

Bellagio.MGMResorts.com

A Christmas Parlor

at Flanker

Festive décor, bites and

cocktails and nods to “A

Christmas Story” and “The

Nightmare Before Christmas.”

#LovesIt

Ends in early January.

FlankerLV.com

Opportunity Village’s

Magical Forest

The family-friendly

Christmas attraction at

6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

is truly magical.

Nov. 29-Dec. 31.

OpportunityVillage.org

Natividad Azul

at Fontainebleau

Las Vegas

The holidays take over the

intimate bar Azul with live

DJ music. Through Jan. 4.


The Sand Dollar’s Miracle

on Spring Mountain

+ Sippin’ Santa on Main

at The Plaza Hotel

A local tradition: Charming

over-the-top Christmas

decorations, cocktails

and pizza.

Through Dec. 31.

MiracleonSpringMountain.com,

SippinSantaonMain.com

+ TheSandDollarLV.com

Also: Check out ice rinks at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Fontainebleau

Las Vegas, holiday decorations and events at Tivoli Village and Red Rock Resort

in Summerlin and Green Valley Resort in Henderson and many other holiday

attractions at businesses, bars and lounges on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond.

Check out the full list at VegasPrime.com, and Happy Holidays!

36


BEER AND

LIVE MUSIC.

SCAN HERE

FOR RESERVATIONS


showtime

EDITOR’S NOTE: The print deadline

for this issue of Vegas Prime

Magazine was Dec. 4, so the New

Year’s Eve concert listing in the Dec.

29 issue could be longer. The list is

also at VegasPrime.com.

38


CELEBRATING AT

New Year’s Eve

CONCERTS IN LAS VEGAS

JANET JACKSON

DEC. 30-31, JAN. 3-4, MORE DATES; RESORTS WORLD

RWLasVegas.com

DURAN DURAN

Dec. 29-30; Fontainebleau Las Vegas


BRUNO MARS

Dec. 27 and 30-31; Dolby Live at Park MGM

MGMResorts.com

CREED

Dec. 30-31; The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Caesars.com

50 CENT

Dec. 27-28 and Jan. 3-4; PH Live at Planet Hollywood

50Cent.com

IMAGINE DRAGONS

Dec. 31; The Venetian

VenetianLasVegas.com

WAYNE NEWTON

Dec. 28; Flamingo Las Vegas

Caesars.com

ANYMA’S “THE END OF GENESYS”

Dec. 28-31, Jan. 1 and 10-11; Sphere Las Vegas

After.Life/Sphere + TheSphere.com

And of course don’t overlook the superstar DJs at Las Vegas nightclubs, non-music

entertainment options (like David Blaine at Wynn Las Vegas from Dec. 29-31) and fireworks.

More: VegasPrime.com


showtime

‘Heart: Royal Flush Tour

2024’ Is

at Fontainebleau on Dec. 15

40


Legendary Seattle rock band Heart has announced the

extension of their highly anticipated return to the road

after a five-year hiatus with 30 additional dates across

North America this fall, including a Las Vegas stop at

BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

on Sunday, Dec. 15.

With a career spanning nearly five decades, the 2013

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have sold more

than 35 million albums worldwide, with 20 Top 40

singles to their name.

Heart will perform their catalog of global chart-topping

classic hits including “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy

on You,” “These Dreams,” “Alone” and “Nothing at All.”

(Who else remembers Carrie Underwood’s rendition of

“Alone” on her winning season of “American Idol”?)

The current lineup of Heart features Nancy Wilson

(rhythm, lead and acoustic guitar, backing and lead

vocals), Ann Wilson (lead vocals and flute), Ryan

Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars),

Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards and backing vocals),

Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals) and Sean T. Lane

(drums and bike).

“We’re so excited to announce more tour dates,” Ann

Wilson said. “The exceptional talent of the band – Ryan,

Ryan, Paul, Tony and Sean – brings a whole new level

of energy to Heart’s live performance.”

Nancy Wilson said, “I am incredibly proud of the show

that we have crafted and am looking forward to reconnecting

with even more fans. We can’t wait to share

our music with everyone and celebrate the big electric

energy of a completely live on the spot rock show.”


Credit: Criss Cain


showtime

Derek Hough

Brings

‘Dance for

the Holidays’

to Fontainebleau on Dec. 20

When Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert honeymooned

off the coast of the Mediterranean in 2023,

it was a shock to the system for the former. Hough is

like a shark when it comes to work. The iconic dancer

is always in constant motion on or off stage.

“It’s the truth,” Hough said. “My wife and I enjoyed Italy.

We swam in the ocean and ate some great food. But it

was time to come home and burn off those calories.

Toward the end of it, I started to gear up and get ready

for this hurricane of work and creativity.”

Hough, 39, is bringing holiday cheer to BleauLive

Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 20.

The “Dancing With the Stars” champion dancer turned

judge will present Derek Hough’s “Dance for the Holidays.”

The event is a celebration of holiday fun.

Hough’s latest dance show features Hough and an array

of dancers who will deliver holiday tunes through dance.

“This is always a lot of work, but I love what I do,” Hough

said while calling from Los Angeles. It’s been a rigorous

year, but Hough can’t take a break.

The schedule Hough keeps is so demanding that he often

eats dinner while in an ice bath after having physiotherapy.

“I have so much to accomplish,” Hough said. “But

I would rather be busy than sitting idle. The only way to

achieve my goals is to work hard. I have no problem with

that. I’m a glutton for punishment.

“I did 17 seasons as a pro on the show. I want to help the

dancers get better. I look at their level and encourage

them to get to another level each week. I hope to point

them in the right direction so they can experience their

personal best. I’m all about dance whether it’s on my

tour or on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’

“Dancing is my life, and I want to share that with people.”

Hough, who has accomplished so much during his career,

is on his first holiday show tour. Hough was on tour in

2023 for a show titled “Symphony of Dance” that ran

through the holidays, but it wasn’t holiday themed.

The Sandy, Utah, native is crossing holiday show off his

dancing bucket list. What is left for Hough to accomplish?

“I still have so much to do,” Hough said.

“I’m excited about what is on the horizon.”

By Ed Condran

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DEC. 20,

FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS,

2777 S. LAS VEGAS BLVD., LAS VEGAS.

(702) 678-7272;

FONTAINEBLEAULASVEGAS.COM

showtime

After 22 Years,

Chippendales Departs The Rio

for The Linq Hotel in January

Chippendales is bringing the heat to a new home! After

a 22-year run with more than 9,000 performances at The

Rio, the hottest men in Las Vegas will be moving to The

Linq Hotel + Experience on the Las Vegas Strip with an

all-new show.

Performances will begin at The Mat Franco Theater in

The Linq on Jan. 14. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.

com. The muscled men will take The Rio stage for the last

time on Dec. 31. Get ready for all the thrills, chills

and jaw-dropping moves – now with a brand-new

Las Vegas backdrop.

“After a sensational run at The Rio, we’re thrilled to be back

in the Caesars Entertainment family and moving to

our new home on the Strip!” says Katerina Tabakhov,

Chippendales’ Director of Operations.

“The Mat Franco Theater inside The Linq is the perfect stage

for the Chippendales to turn up the heat and give audiences

an all-new show in our new home!”

“The Linq is the perfect place for a party, and we’re certain

the addition of Chippendales to our already diverse entertainment

roster in the center of the Las Vegas Strip will only

make the party that much more exciting for our guests,”

said Dan Walsh, Senior Vice President and General Manager

of The Linq.

“The muscle behind the Chippendales brand is truly

iconic, and we look forward to welcoming the show in

January 2025.”

This new production promises even more thrills with

a fresh lineup of electrifying numbers and a revamped

cast who bring incredible talent and energy to the stage.

For 12 consecutive years, Chippendales has proudly claimed

the title of “Best Male Revue” in the Best of Las Vegas

Awards, a testament to their unwavering dedication to delivering

an unforgettable experience.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Nov. 29, Mayor Carolyn Goodman,

in her last official act as Las Vegas mayor (her final day

in office was Wednesday, Dec. 4), gave Chippendales a

proclamation and a Key to the City of Las Vegas at the start

of their 8 p.m. show for 45 years as entertainers – 22 of

them at The Rio.

Goodman and Chippendales cast members visited Opportunity

Village preshow. Chippendales fun facts in the 22-year

residency at The Rio:

• Performed more than 9,000 shows

• Ripped off more than 275,000 tank tops

• Featured more than 130 cast members

• Sold more than 1 million tickets

• Sold more than 100,000 photos

Chippendales will perform Tuesdays through Sundays

at 9 p.m., with second shows on Fridays and Saturdays

at 11 p.m. at The Linq Hotel.

Chippendales.com | Ticketmaster.com

showtime

‘Eagles: Live in Concert

at Sphere” Adds Four

More Weekend Shows

in Las Vegas

The Eagles have announced four additional shows for the band’s

residency “Eagles: Live in Concert at Sphere” in Las Vegas, now

featuring a total of 32 shows over 16 weekends from Friday, Sept.

20, through Saturday, April 12.

The Sphere residency offers fans the ultimate connection to the

band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only

Sphere can provide. The general on-sale for the four new

weekend shows began Friday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. PT at Eagles.com.

To assist in getting tickets directly into the hands of fans, advance

artist presale registration is available now at Eagles.com powered

by Seated. The artist presale began Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. PT.

Live Nation and SiriusXM presales began Thursday, Dec. 5, at

10 a.m. PT.

Tickets start at $175 and reflect all-in pricing, meaning the ticket

price listed is inclusive of taxes and fees. Limited VIP ticket packages

will be available at Eagles.com and include premium seats,

exclusive merchandise, parking and more.

The remaining dates for “Eagles: Live in Concert at Sphere”

Friday, Dec. 13 | Saturday, Dec. 14

Friday, Jan. 17 | Saturday, Jan. 18 | Friday, Jan. 24

Saturday, Jan. 25

Friday, Feb. 14 | Saturday, Feb. 15 | Friday, Feb. 21

Saturday, Feb. 22

Friday, March 7 | Saturday, March 8 | Friday, March 14

Saturday, March 15

Friday, April 4 | Saturday, April 5 | Friday, April 11

Saturday, April 12

These shows use Sphere’s next-generation technologies, including

the world’s highest-resolution LED display that wraps up, over and

around the audience, creating a fully immersive visual environment.

The venue also features the world’s most-advanced concert-grade

audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by Holoplot,

which delivers audio with unmatched clarity and precision to

every guest.

In the fall of 1971, the Eagles formed, pioneered and personified

a uniquely American musical style blending country, folk, R&B,

rock and pop and would go on to become one of the most

successful bands of all time.

The Eagles have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide,

scored six No. 1 albums and topped the singles charts five times.

They have earned six Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock

& Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, in their very first year of eligibility, and

received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016.

The band’s “Greatest Hits 1971-1977” is the bestselling album in

history, with the RIAA certifying the collection at 38 times platinum.

“Hotel California” is the third bestselling U.S. album in history, certified

26 times platinum. After its release in 1976, it topped the charts

and earned Grammys for “New Kid in Town” and “Hotel California.”


attractions

HOLIDAY GIFTS AWAIT SHOPPERS AT ‘TITANIC:

The Artifact Exhibition’ at The Luxor

“Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at The Luxor invites

shoppers to explore a collection of gifts that capture

the grandeur of “The Ship of Dreams.” The treasures

are ideal for historians of all ages, and there’s never

been a better time to shop for the perfect gift. All

merchandise is available at TheTitanicStore.com.

48


Carefully crafted ornaments

bring a touch of history to

any home while honoring

the iconic ship’s legacy. The

store also offers White Star

Line blankets, inspired by

the comforts provided to

third-class passengers, as

well as plush toys, puzzles

and games that bring the

Titanic’s story to life for

younger enthusiasts.

For those who appreciate the

finer things, the collection includes

exquisite jewelry, such as the

Filigree Necklace, a replica of

an original piece recovered from

the wreck in 1987. The handconstructed

platinum pendant

features intricate wire work and

leaf patterns reflecting the elegant

craftsmanship of European

artisans.

Stunning first-class china replicate

the original dishware used by the

elite on board. The cobalt blue and

gold-trimmed sets mimic the luxury

of first-class dining on the Titanic.

Foxhead Pins, a popular accessory

in 1912, make a stylish gift. Using

a custom wax cast, these showcase

intricate details, including etched fur

and lifelike glass cabochon eyes. Suitable for

adorning suits, ties, hair and more, Foxhead

pins are a striking nod to Edwardian style.

Perhaps the most extraordinary holiday gift is

a piece of authentic Titanic coal, the only

artifact from the wreck that Titanic enthusiasts

can own. Recovered from the ship on the ocean

floor, the sought-after item includes a certificate

of authenticity.

The grand story of the Ship of Dreams is

revived through “Titanic: The Artifact

Exhibition” in Las Vegas and Orlando. With

artifacts on display and room recreations,

guests embark on a journey to feel what it

was like aboard the luxury liner.

Visitors will travel back in time

to experience the wonder and

tragedy. “Titanic: The Artifact

Exhibition” at The Luxor is open

daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with

final admission at 7 p.m.

The only place in the world

to see the largest artifact

ever recovered from Titanic!

TitanicLasVegas.com

or scan the QR code

Scan now for

50


OVER 15 MILLION

TICKETS SOLD!

EST. 2002

BUY ONLINE OR

IN-PERSON AT

ONE OF OUR BOOTHS:

FASHION SHOW MALL

3200 Las Vegas Blvd South

CASINO ROYALE


THE LINQ


GRAND BAZAAR SHOPS


PLANET HOLLYWOOD


SHOWCASE MALL



sports

SRS Distribution

Las Vegas Bowl

Is at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 27

52 VEGASPRIME.COM | Dec. 15, 2024

By Ed Condran

When the Las Vegas Bowl debuted in 1992, the game then

played at Sam Boyd Stadium. It was the new kid in town

in bowl country. Well, that was the take when anyone

compared the Las Vegas Bowl to the venerable Rose

Bowl, which is known as “The Grandaddy of Them All.”

The Las Vegas Bowl has become the 16th oldest of the

42 Bowl Games recognized by the NCAA. The latest edition,

which is slated for Dec. 27 at Allegiant Stadium as the SRS

Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, pits the current/former

Pac-12 conference against a representative from the SEC.

(THE TWO TEAMS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER

OUR PRINT DEADLINE OF DEC. 4. CHECK BACK

AT VEGASPRIME.COM.)

There have been terrific Las Vegas Bowl games. One of

the best was Wyoming’s comeback over UCLA in 2004.

UCLA was led by dynamic running back Maurice Drew,

who propelled the Bruins to a comeback of its own. The

Wyoming Cowboys started hot with a 10-0 lead, but UCLA

hit back with 21 unanswered points.

Wyoming used a trick play to start the comeback.

Wide receiver Jovon Bouknight tossed a touchdown

pass to backup quarterback J.J. Raterink to cut the margin

to 4 points. Wyoming scored another touchdown with

57 seconds left to complete the comeback for its first

bowl victory in 38 years.

Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA Today Sports

The initial Las Vegas Bowl was a classic. The Nevada Wolf

Pack rallied from a 28-3 halftime deficit to take the lead

in the fourth quarter against Bowling Green. However,

The Wolf Pack lost on a 3-yard touchdown pass with 22

seconds remaining.

The 1995 edition of the Las Vegas Bowl has the distinction

of being the first NCAA major college game eligible to be

decided in overtime. The Toledo Rockets’ Waysean Tait

rushed for 185 yards and scored his fourth touchdown

in overtime for the victory.

Future NFL stars Marshawn Lynch and Desean Jackson

led the California Golden Bears to a 35-28 victory over

Brigham Young University in front of the first sellout

crowd in Las Vegas Bowl history in 2005.

Two years later, Brigham Young was on the winning side

of the Las Vega Bowl, edging UCLA 17-16. The Cougars won

by blocking a field goal on the game’s final play. Defensive

lineman Eathym Manumaleuna was the hero as he tipped

the ball as time expired.

The Holy War in Sin City is one of the all-time great Las

Vegas Bowl battles. Utah scored 35 points in the first

quarter courtesy of four Cougars turnovers. The Utes hung

on for the victory 35-28.

Who knows if this year’s contest will stack up to those

memorable games? But if it’s like recent Las Vegas Bowl

games, the tilt will be compelling.


time to dine

Norms,

North Italia

and Flower Child

Are New to the

Dining Scene

Three new offerings in the

Las Vegas Valley feature classic

breakfast items 24 hours daily

and recognizable Italian and

healthy options:

NORMS ON CHARLESTON

Norms Restaurants, a pioneer of classic American dining

born and raised in Southern California, celebrated its

grand opening Nov. 9 at 4605 W. Charleston Blvd. with

a ribbon cutting and the World’s First Hotcake Eating

Championship. This is the 24th outpost for the 24-hour

retro-diner concept and the first outside California.

Also: The hotcakes at Norms are delicious – pass the

maple syrup. | Norms.com

By Don Chareunsy

NORTH ITALIA

IN GREEN

VALLEY

The new North Italia just east of

The District at Green Valley Ranch

in Henderson opened Nov. 13, is

beautifully designed and includes a

large patio. Dinner on the first visit:

calamari fritti, braised short rib

marsala, branzino, brookie sundae

and the cocktails Marco Polo (honey,

lemon) and Turino Old Fashioned

(WhistlePig Whiskey, hazelnut).

Welcome to the Henderson

neighborhood, and bon appetito!

NorthItalia.com

FLOWER CHILD

IN GREEN

VALLEY

The new Flower Child just east of

The District at Green Valley Ranch in

Henderson and next door to North

Italia opened Nov. 12. Dinner on

the first visit: avocado hummus,

salmon with gluten-free mac and

cheese and butternut squash, steak

with red chile-glazed sweet potato

and cauliflower risotto, chocolate

pudding, a chocolate chip cookie

and sangria. Great patio, too.

IAmAFlowerChild.com


time to dine

Amari Italian

Kitchen &

Wine Shop

Announces Event With

CHEF

ADAM

SOBEl

Amari Italian

Kitchen &

Wine Shop at

UnCommons has

unveiled the next

installment in its

dining series The

Gambler Takeover

featuring Chef

Adam Sobel.

For one night only from

5-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16,

Sobel will showcase his new

concept The Gambler with a

dining experience inspired by

the glamour and flavors

of 1970s Las Vegas.

This immersive dining event is

priced at $125 per person, plus

tax and gratuity, with tickets

available for purchase at

SevenRooms.com.

Known for his imaginative

and theatrical approach,

Sobel has earned acclaim for

his experience as the executive

chef of Mina Group’s portfolio

of restaurants, as well as Guy

Savoy, Charlie Trotter and

Bradley Ogden.

In addition to launching his

new hospitality company

Aether Group, Sobel has

appeared on Food Network’s

“Top Chef,” “Chopped” and

“Guy Fieri's Tournament

of Champions.” At Amari,

Sobel will offer guests an

opportunity to savor his

distinctive approach for an

evening of indulgence.

Guests will be transported to

Las Vegas’ golden era with live

music paying tribute to Frank

Sinatra-era classics and holiday

favorites. The evening will

feature a menu highlighting

The Gambler’s signature

dishes, including:

Starters:

Freshly baked “Miami” focaccia, a classic

chopped salad, savory bacon-wrapped scallops,

Bluefin tuna tartare and the signature bloomin’

caviar onion.

Entrées

A choice of Westholme Wagyu prime rib,

Ora King salmon Wellington or a vegetarianfriendly

butternut squash gratin accompanied

by family-style sides such as creamed spinach,

loaded whipped potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Desserts

Family-style indulgences, including chocolatepistachio

molten cake and a chilled Maui Gold

Pineapple cocktail.

Guests can enhance their dining experience with a

curated selection of cocktails, beers and wines from

Amari’s collection of Italian and domestic favorites.

MORE: AmariLV.com.

time to dine

A SUNDAY DRIVE

FOR SUNDAY

CHAMPAGNE

BRUNCH

IN PRIMM

58


My brother Charles, our friends Ben Stone

and Jasmine Trias and I carpooled to Buffalo

Bill’s in Primm for the opening weekend of

the new Sunday Champagne Brunch on Aug.

11. Yes, the Buffalo Bill’s at Exit 1 on I-15, a

convenient stop returning from Southern

California or heading out of Las Vegas.

This Sunday drive ended up being a nice and

relaxing daytime getaway from the hustle-and-bustle

and crowds of the Las Vegas

Strip, things that are part of life as longtime

residents. Buffalo Bill’s reminds

of Frontier Town at Disneyland; it’s rustic,

a step back in time and charming.

If there’s a familiarity to Sunday Champagne

Brunch at the Buffet, it’s because the executive

and culinary team’s resume includes

Station Casinos. The chef even lives onsite

to devote his time to the buffet. Our unanimous

verdict: We enjoyed the Sunday

Champagne Brunch, and we would

make the Sunday drive again.

By Don Chareunsy

Currently, the pricing for Sunday Champagne

Brunch is $29.99 + $10.99 for bottomless

champagne and mimosas, and Sunday

hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. What do you get

for this very reasonable pricing by Las Vegas

standards? Limitless mimosas and freshly

carved prime rib, ham and turkey with all

the fixings.

There’s more: A made-to-order omelet

station, other classic brunch buffet items

and a vast selection of desserts. A highlight:

Seasoned and sautéed crab legs flavored with

a garlic and herb blend. Is this a Wynn, Bellagio

or Caesars Palace buffet? No. Does

it need to be? No. There’s room for everyone

at the table.

Post-brunch, we checked out the cool Mob

artifacts, event center (Patti LaBelle had

headlined that weekend and dined at the

buffet), other restaurants and more. This

Sunday drive for Sunday Champagne Brunch

was just what the doctor ordered, and we’ll

return for the great food, friendly service and

can’t-beat pricing.


60



By Bob Barnes

Ahern Hotel Hosting Super Beer Festival

If you’re wondering what to do the day before the Super

Bowl, Ahern Hotel at 300 W. Sahara Ave. just west of

the Las Vegas Strip has you covered with its Super Beer

pregame event Feb. 8 from 1-5 p.m.

Participating local breweries include Able Baker, Beer

Zombies, Big Dog’s, HUDL, Neon Desert and Tenaya

Creek, and there will also be beer from Sierra Nevada

and Voodoo Brewing.

There will be all-you-can-drink beer, live music, a complimentary

photobooth and a chance to win prizes by

wearing football gear, participating in a free stein-holding

competition or playing in free tailgate games.

GA tickets for admission at 1 p.m. and unlimited beer are

$39.99, and VIP for early access at noon and stadium-inspired

food by Ahern Executive Chef Joel Ott are $74.99.

For tickets and more info, visit BeerFestLV.com.

62


Las Vegas Roving Brewer Juxta Nomad

Photo: Kevin Lingley

In this recurring feature,

we spotlight establishments

that appreciate our local

breweries enough to devote their

beer lists to beer made in Nevada.

Main Street Provisions, one of

the first upscale eateries to

open in The Arts District,

is self-described as

a community-oriented

restaurant serving modern

American comfort food.

That love of community extends

to its beer selection, as there are

a dozen local brews such as

Able Baker

Cran Apple Clink! Clink!,

CraftHaus Silver State Blonde,

HUDL High Hatter Hefe

on Pineapple,

Las Vegas Brewing 1677 Stout

and Tenaya Creek Hop Ride IPA.

1214 S. Main St., Las Vegas. (702)

457-0111; MainStProvisions.com

What do you do if the brewery

at which you have worked your way

up to Director of Brewing Operations

closes in the first months of the

pandemic? If you’re Kyle Weniger,

you become Southern Nevada’s first

and only nomad brewer and create

a one-man operation named

Juxta Nomad.

A nomad brewer is one who

doesn’t have a brewing facility

but instead travels to functioning

breweries to produce their own beer,

which is exactly what Weniger has

been doing since Joseph James, a

production brewery in Henderson,

shut its doors in April 2020.

With a focus on juxtaposition,

Weniger uses interesting ingredients

to brew innovative beers. There is no

shortage of brewpubs and craft beer

bars pouring his unique creations.

He most recently completed

collaboration brews with North 5th,

Beer Zombies, Mojave, Big Dog’s

and Able Baker and has a beer in

planning with the soon-to-open Aces

and Ales/Evolve Brewing.

Weniger has proven himself adept

at designing bold stouts with nontraditional

ingredients, such as the caramel

apple pastry stout with Beer Zombies,

coffee maple porter with Mojave for

Atomic Liquors using coffee from

Toasted and Roasted and an oyster

stout collab, “Shuck Buddies,” with

North 5th and Tinned Fish Club with

charred Vidalia onions, thyme and

oyster shells.

While most nomad brewers make

only one-off beers, Weniger has proven

his beers to be popular enough to entice

several bars and restaurants to have

him brew exclusive house beers to their

specifications, which currently include

both Servehzah locations, Bin702 and

18Bin, Beer Park, 595 Craft and Kitchen

and Red Dwarf, all of which are collaborationsbrewed

at HUDL Brewing.

When asked if he ever thinks

about taking a job at a brewery or

opening his own, Weniger said, “I won’t

say never, but no immediate plans to.

I like the freedom and feeling of community

that comes with working with other

brewers. I think about it every time I’m

offered a brewing job, especially when

bills are due, but I love what I do, and

it’d take a stick of dynamite to push

me in any other direction.”


OLEKSANDRA

SPA & SALON

AT TI IS AN

INTIMATE AND

SERENE HAVEN

By Emmy Kasten

Whether you’re exhausted from a long flight

or too many tequila shots and too little sleep,

then the Oleksandra Spa & Salon at Treasure

Island may offer the respite you need.

In a city loaded with state-of-the-art spas

and cutting-edge treatments, this recently

remodeled oasis has managed to stay under

the radar despite its luxurious amenities and

full menu of offerings to rejuvenate the most

discerning guests.

Just past the spa’s reception desk, the

discreetly located retreat is situated down

64


a private, wood-floored corridor that

instantly puts you at ease with its neutral,

warm tones and textures.

Ahead, monotoned floor-to-ceiling artwork

– a woman to the left, a man to the right –

marks the opposing doors to the men’s and

women’s spas. Except for the salon area, there

are no co-ed spa facilities, so guests can feel

comfortable with the clothing-optional policy

without fear of any accidental crossover.

The male and female facilities are mostly

the same – appointed with lockers, showers,

steam room, sauna and jacuzzi – but the men’s

side has darker decor and an extra jacuzzi.

Both facilities are not large, but they are

masterfully designed for maximum

relaxation and efficiency.

“Designed by Oleksandra Nikolayenko-Ruffin,

the serene spa features sleek and modern

design elements, soothing sounds and invigorating

aromas, channeling a space where

serenity meets luxury,” said Dawn Wolf, VP

Brand Marketing for TI.

There are plenty of places to lounge, so guests

can recline, read or enjoy light snacks and

beverages while they wait for their technician

to lead them to one of 12 treatment rooms.

After working up a sweat and

raising your core body temperature,

the bouquet is tapped,

brushed and pressed onto

your body for about 15 minutes to stimulate

circulation and enable the heat to relax your

muscles. The healing therapy ends with an

invigorating cold shower to seal in the oils by

closing the pores.

For a more traditional relaxation experience,

the O Spa Signature Massage (starting at

$225) is a sure bet. The 80-minute custom

massage includes moisturizing paraffin for

hands and feet and a hot oil scalp massage.

Wolf suggests pairing the Traveler’s Relief

Massage (starting at $150) with any of their

signature facials “to feel fully rejuvenated for

the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.”

No matter what treatment you choose, the

intimate TI escape is a serene haven that

holds its own against the dozens of incredible

spas on the Strip. Wolf added, “Every element

at Oleksandra Spa & Salon is chosen with intention

to deliver an unparalleled experience

to every guest.”

TreasureIsland.com

Although the spa offers a range of facials and

massages, the Russian Banya is not offered

anywhere else on the Las Vegas Strip. As

a well-known fundamental part of Russian

culture, this detoxifying steam bath and

venik experience ($90) can be done

privately or with a small group and takes

place in the sauna.

The therapist slightly raises the humidity by

splashing water on the walls with a “venik” –

a bundle of dried oak or birch leaves – that

has been soaked for hours to release

beneficial essential oils.

Courtesy Photo

the

last word

In honor of the late Robin Leach, Vegas Prime Magazine has reimagined his longtime

Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors as Vegas Prime Whispers – as a tip of the toque to

the very-much-missed colleague, mentor and dear friend.

WHICH LAS VEGAS HEADLINER IS

RECEIVING SCATHING CRITICISM

ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

Which restaurant’s

revamp was described as

both solid and not great?

WHICH LAS VEGAS ENTERTAINER HAS

LEFT HIS HEADLINER SHOW, MUCH TO

THE CHAGRIN OF CAST MEMBERS

AND FANS?

Which attraction’s

chemical smell has

upset attendees?

WHICH YOUTUBE STAR

SUFFERS FROM A

CHRONIC COUGH AND

ALLERGIES AND HAS

TISSUES AT THE READY?

Holiday activations are

popping up left and right

pre-Thanksgiving, and we

love it. Happy Holidays !

These are whispers, so no answers will be provided; you’ll just have to use your

imagination. Email your Vegas Prime Whispers to editorial@vegasprime.com.

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS

A bronze sculpture of Las Vegas Mayor

Carolyn G. Goodman and her husband

former Mayor Oscar B. Goodman was

unveiled at Las Vegas City Hall on Nov. 26

in honor of their 25 years of public service

and leadership.

THE MSV REPORT:

MOVERS, SHAKERS + VEGAS DEALMAKERS

JASMINE PAULE has left her position as Marketing Manager at

AEG to rejoin the Caesars Entertainment team as their Director

of Entertainment Marketing.

NATALIE KRUSKA has been promoted to Vice President

of Marketing – Las Vegas Residencies for Live Nation.

EL DORADO CANTINA recently celebrated 10 years with an

anniversary party at its Tivoli Village location attended by

family and friends, media executives, local performers,

notable dignitaries and many more.

After joining the team at Kirvin Doak Communications back in

April, AMY NAPLES has been promoted to Senior Vice President,

Marketing Division.

ERIN CALHOUN and the entire Sphere Las Vegas team have been

named Billboard Magazine’s Top Venue of the Year.

TIFFANY MILLER (BOSMAN) has left the team at Allegiant

Stadium to join The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as their

Director of Brand Marketing.

“MJ LIVE” recently shifted showrooms from Sahara Las Vegas

to Planet Hollywood.

After 16 years as Kirvin Doak Communications’ Media Director,

LIZ LUNDSTRUM has been promoted to their Vice President of

Paid Media.

Former Chief Marketing Officer of Gordon Ramsay North

America MICHELLE ENGSTROM has been named The Rio

Hotel & Casino Las Vegas’ Vice President of Marketing.

TIX4 recently opened their fifth and sixth locations at

The Linq and Fashion Show Las Vegas, respectively.

The entire team at Vegas Prime Magazine extends

a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to longtime Las Vegas Nightlife,

F&B exec and entrepreneur RYAN LABBE and his fiancée

DREA WILLIAMS on their engagement. Cheers!

66


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Dining

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Vegas Prime Magazine (V1.17) - December 15, 2024 Issue

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