Vegas Prime Magazine (V1.4) - June 16, 2025 Issue

+ Lady Gaga | Father’s Day | Doughnuts, tacos, pizza | Museums

Judi Siegel

THE MOST

POWERFUL

WOMAN

IN LAS VEGAS

36

Cover Feature

Judi Siegel of Siegel’s Bagelmania is one of

the most powerful and influential women in

Las Vegas. Bagelmania is impressive, too.

10

12

14

18

20

That’s Hot!

Vegas Prime Magazine Editor-in-Chief

Don Chareunsy’s top to-do picks while

you’re in Las Vegas.

Our Five Faves

These are our five favorite doughnut

options in Las Vegas right now.

Out + About

Sammy Hagar debuts Sammy’s Island.

Also: Deadmau5, Simp City and

Delmonico's 25th anniversary.

Celebrity Spotlight

"X Burlesque" dancer and Los Angeles

native Monica Lynne has been a lifelong

entertainer.

Showtime

Lady Gaga returns to Dolby Live.

Also: Jason Derulo, Babyface,

“Potted Potter” and Third Eye Blind.

40 Attractions

62

We’re focused on museums: Arte Museum,

Museum of Illusions, Paradox Experience,

The Mob Museum and The Punk

Rock Museum.

Activity

Pole-dancing classes for bachelorette parties

and other groups? Yes. Seriously.

54

66

Time to Dine

Aqua Seafood, Yukon Pizza and dessert

at Lady M, Co-op Frose and Junior’s at

Resorts World.

The Last Word

Vegas Prime Whispers: Celebrity and

Las Vegas gossip and sightings. Ssshhh!

6

VEGASPRIME.COM | June 16, 2024

JAMAL M. PARKER

Publisher

DON CHAREUNSY

Editor-in-Chief

ARTURO PERALTA

Art Director

DANIEL HOWARD

Account Executive

JEN AVISON SMITH, BOB BARNES,

PATRANYA BHOOLSUWAN,

CHRISTIANA CINN, MARISA FINETTI,

STACEY GUALANDI + EMMY KASTEN

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

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 Pkwy, #200,

Las Vegas, NV 89169, vegasprime.com

EDITOR'S LETTER

I could say this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine is all

about guilty pleasures, but why should you feel guilty

about something that gives you pleasure – it makes you

smile, lifts your spirits and makes you happy. To quote

the great Sheryl Crow: “If it makes you happy, it can’t

be that bad-ad-ad.” I hope a traditional deli fare, doughnuts,

tacos and pizza are up your alley because you’re

getting a lot of them this issue.

Judi Siegel of Siegel’s Bagelmania offers delicious sandwiches,

matzo ball soup, bagels and more, and there’s

a Pinkbox Doughnuts inside Bagelmania, too. Bonus!

We also share our favorite places in Las Vegas for tacos

and doughnuts (yes, Pinkbox makes our list), and we

chat with Yukon Pizza founder Alex White, who won

first place in the 40th International Pizza Expo.

Also in this issue of Vegas Prime Magazine: Lady Gaga

is returning to Dolby Live at Park MGM with her “Jazz

& Piano” shows; Out + About with Sammy Hagar, Deadmau5,

Simp City, Delmonico’s 25th anniversary

and 2024 Vegas Unstripped; Jason Derulo, Babyface,

“Potted Potter’s” fifth anniversary and Third Eye Blind,

who headline at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Vegas Prime Magazine loves Las Vegas, so don’t be

petty – Tom Petty, Lori Petty and Petty LuPone. We’re

here to happily help the nearly 800,000 weekly visitors

in Las Vegas have the best time possible. Are you trying

to figure out which headliner is worth your hard-earned

money – Adele, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Barry Manilow

or “Jersey Boys”? Which Cirque du Soleil show to attend?

Which steakhouse to celebrate a special occasion? We’ve

got you.

Friends and family reach out all the time seeking advice

about their next Las Vegas vacation. Please feel free to do

the same at dc@vegasprime.com. Vegas Prime Magazine

is a resource for visitors – residents might find it useful,

as well. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, enjoy your time

in the desert (stay cool as summer approaches), and let’s

start planning your next trip here.

Editor-in-Chief | Vegas Prime Magazine

By Don Chareunsy

| Vegas Prime Magazine

THAT’S HOT!Editor-in-Chief

FATHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day has always seemed like a blowout and

glow-up occasion, while celebrations for dads have

seemed more lowkey. Fathers deserve better, from

dinner and shows to gifts and gadgets – maybe even

jewelry. Check out our Father’s Day guide inside this

Vegas Prime Magazine and at VegasPrime.com.

LADY GAGA

Lady Gaga is returning to

Dolby Live at Park MGM for

her wildly popular “Jazz &

Piano” performances, and Little

Monsters can expect her hits –

“Bad Romance,” “Poker Face,”

“Paparazzi” and more – and the

songs of others jazzified the only

way Lady Gaga can. Select dates

June 19-July 6. ParkMGM.com

Photo by Eugene Dela Cruz

Photo by Kevin Mazur, Getty Images

10 VEGASPRIME.COM | June 16, 2024

BRAMARE

Batch Hospitality’s Evan Glusman (Piero’s) and Constantin Alexander,

who have Table 34, have opened a stylish Italian restaurant,

Bramare, in The Collective at 3900 Paradise Road. Bramare means

“to crave” in Italian. With Alexander (left) and Glusman involved

and if Table 34 is any indication, we are going to love Bramare.

‘POTTED POTTER’

“Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience”

is a parody starring Nicholas Charles and James

Edwards, and it is celebrating its fifth anniversary at

Horseshoe Las Vegas this month. If you’re a fan of

the blockbuster novels and movies, you’ll enjoy this

intimate theatrical performance. PottedPotter.com,

Caesars.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Photo by Denis Truscello

COLIN JOST

Writer, performer, author and beloved

“Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost

(“SNL” just wrapped its 49th season)

is bringing “Colin Jost & Friends” to

Resorts World. The friends have yet

to be announced, but we’re hoping

wife Scarlett Johansson is in the audience.

We love Colin, too. July 20.

RWLasVegas.com

MEGAN THEE STALLION

Three-time Grammy-winning superstar Megan Thee Stallion

is on her “Hot Girl Summer Tour,” a 31-city global trek feature

a Chicas Divertidas VIP section. The international tour makes

a Las Vegas stop at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 22.

MGMResorts.com

Vegas

Prime

Magazine

Our five favorites for

doughnuts in Las Vegas

Carl’s Donuts & Pastries

CarlsDonuts.com

Family-owned and -operated

since 1966, Carl’s Donuts

is a stalwart and OG in Las

Vegas. Along with cake,

raised and fancy doughnuts,

Carl’s menu offerings include

raisin rolls, croissants,

muffins, brownies, cookies

and more, and the family

business is active in the

community.

Gabi Boutique

Donut & Pastry

GabiBoutique.com

Courtesy of Gabi Boutique Donut & Pastry

This Henderson offspring

of Gabi Coffee on Spring

Mountain Road is super

cute and receives high

marks for creativity, with

doughnuts and pastries

incorporating purple ube,

cinnamon and cayenne,

Bavarian lemon curd cream,

Swiss meringue and more.

Also: flower-shaped mochi

doughnuts.

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Pinkbox Doughnuts

PinkboxDoughnuts.com

Pinkbox Doughnuts is

known for its creative,

fun and over-the-top

doughnuts, which is part

of the charm. Favorites

include the various

DoughCros (including

Nutella), El Guzman and

ginormous fritters. Also:

Most of the locations

have 24-hour drive-thru

service. Hooray!

Randy’s Donuts

RandysDonuts.com

There was a case made

that Krispy Kreme

should be included on

this list, and while we

love them, Randy’s Donuts

is the one legendary

franchise that made

the cut. Randy’s stocks

more than 60 varieties of

doughnuts, most priced

at less than $3, alongside

Randy’s Rounds (larger

doughnut holes).

Courtesy of Carl's Donuts

Ronald’s Doughnuts

We love this mom-andpop

establishment in

Chinatown that keeps it

simple with glazed, jelly,

cinnamon twists, maple

bars, custard-filled,

apple fritters, doughnut

holes and cinnamon

rolls. Several, if not

many, selections at

Ronald’s are vegan.

They’re so OG, they’re

found online on Facebook.

They’re worth the

search.

Honorable mentions:

We love Eater Las Vegas

Editor Janna Karel’s list,

so check out

EaterLasVegas.com

Photo by Daniel Howard/Staff

VEGASPRIME.COM | June 16, 2024 13

OUT +

ABOUT

Photos by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

A Rockin’ Start

Sammy Hagar hosts grand opening

for his Sammy’s Island at Palms

In rock star style, Sammy’s Island made a

splashy debut at Palms Casino Resort on

May 17. The music was pumping, and the

beach vibes were booming at the tropical

oasis by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer

Sammy Hagar.

Alongside longtime bandmates Michael

Anthony and Vic Johnson, Hagar arrived

onstage during a set by tribute band Red

Voodoo. Hagar, aka “The Red Rocker,”

belted out hits “Your Love Is Driving Me

Crazy” and “There’s Only One Way to

Rock” to the delight of his loyal fans “The

Redheads.”

The Sammy’s Island stage will host All-

Star Jam performances this summer. The

series includes All-Star Jam: Hosted by

Sixwire on July 20, headlined by Sugar

Ray frontman Mark McGrath, Matt

Scanell of Vertical Horizon, The Rembrandts

and Emerson Hart. More

information and tickets for all events are

at Palms.com.

The Palms Pool has been reimagined and

redesigned with Hagar’s signature Baja

beach vibe imprinted on premium spirits,

food, the live music series and design

elements and fabric patterns in the Red

Rocker Bungalows. Sammy’s Island, 4321

W. Flamingo Road, is open 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. daily through pool season.

Hotel guests of all ages are welcome during

the day. An adult must accompany children

younger than 18, and non-hotel guests and

locals must be 21+. Back by popular demand,

Palms Pool is offering free cabanas

for locals Mondays through Thursdays.

14


Courtesy of AREA15 + E11even Media

Mighty Deadmau5

Acclaimed DJ hosts meet-and-greet

at AREA15 during EDC

World-renowned electronic music producer

and DJ Deadmau5 hosted a meetand-greet

at AREA15 on May 19 during

Electric Daisy Carnival weekend.

The exclusive event attracted a crowd of

more than 800 enthusiastic fans who were

eager to meet the electronic music legend

and get their exclusive merchandise signed.

The event was complemented by a limited-time

pop-up titled The Mau5hop

inside The Wall at AREA15. Fans had an

opportunity to purchase unique Deadmau5

merchandise, including mystery plush

keychains, Mau5-themed Rubik’s cubes,

posters, T-shirts, hoodies and pins.

The weekend also marked the premiere of

the Deadmau5 x Mu5eum Fia5co “Immer5ive

Experience,” which continues daily

through July 11. The eight-week light-andsound

showcase features special-mixed

tracks created by Deadmau5 exclusively

for AREA15.

The experience provides an engaging and

mesmerizing audiovisual journey tailored

to fans of innovative music and art. Tickets

can be purchased for $18 at AREA15.com


OUT +

ABOUT

A Historic Partnership

Simp City announces residency

at Drai’s Beachclub + Nightclub

Simp City, renowned as the “hottest R&B

party in the world,” has announced a residency

at Drai’s Beachclub + Nightclub,

with a debut performance on May 21, the

next date on June 28 and additional dates

to be announced.

This marks the first time Simp City has

established a singular venue residency,

solidifying a permanent home at the

iconic establishment – remember when

Drai’s was in the basement and ruled

as the after-hours hotspot? – located at

the heart of the Las Vegas Strip at The

Cromwell.

“The Drai’s team is honored to welcome

Simp City to the Drai’s family,” said

Dustin Drai, President of Drai’s Management

Group. “It’s truly a full-circle

moment for them to find a permanent

home with us.”

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Founded by Las Vegas residents Jay Esguerra

and Brilan Kelly in December 2018,

Simp City has been a homegrown movement

from its inception. The R&B party

promises to reaffirm the genre’s place in the

Las Vegas nightlife scene while bringing a

taste of local culture to the Strip.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our

partnership with Drai’s,” Kelly said. “Drai’s

long-standing reputation as a haven for

hip-hop and R&B music in Vegas aligns

perfectly with our mission at Simp City. By

uniting people through our love for R&B,

we aim to cultivate a sense of community

and connection.”

Guests can expect appearances by acclaimed

R&B artists, with past performers

including Bryson Tiller, Keyshia Cole,

Mario, DVSN and more. To purchase tickets

and VIP tables, go to DraisGroup.com.

Photos by Eugene Dela Cruz and

Marco Hernando/OneSeven Agency

A Silver Anniversary

Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse

celebrates 25th years at The Venetian

Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse

is one of the only original restaurants

remaining at The Venetian since the

property opened 25 years ago, and Lagasse

and the Delmonico team on May 3 hosted

guests for a cocktail reception to celebrate

the milestone, followed by a wine dinner.

Guests were welcomed by the music of

the Shea Marshall Jazz Trio and a glass of

champagne and were treated to bites and

libations, some of which were inspired by

the opening day menu in 1999, including

Emeril’s BBQ Shrimp and Brandy Cured

Foie Gras. At the center of the room was

a massive steak-shaped cake with a cake

“baked potato” from Carlo’s Bakery by

“Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro.

“This celebration marks 25 years since we

opened the doors to Delmonico Steakhouse

here at The Venetian,” Lagasse said.

“I’m incredibly grateful for our amazing

team. Without their hard work and dedication,

we would not be here. To our loyal

guests, we are proud to have served you for

a quarter century and look forward to continuing

to grow the Delmonico Steakhouse

legacy in Las Vegas.”

Delmonico Steakhouse has received

recognition as one of Gayot’s Top 10 Craft

Cocktail Bars and has maintained Wine

Spectator’s “Grand Award” for its wine

list for more than 15 consecutive years,

featuring an impressive array of 2,300+

selections.

Delmonico will continue celebrating 25

years with anniversary cocktails created

by Lead Mixologist Erik Kluever served in

engraved commemorative glasses. Chef de

Cuisine Ivan Rojas will feature special dishes

throughout the remainder of the year

inspired by the original 1999 menu.

To view the full menu, learn more about

the restaurant and make reservations, go to

EmerilsRestaurants.com.


CELEBRITY TAKEOVER

Courtesy of “X Burlesque”

Monica

Lynne

of ‘X Burlesque’ has been

a lifelong entertainer

18


Growing up just north of Los

Angeles, I was no stranger to

the world of entertainment.

I started dancing at 2 years

old, and it stuck like glue.

I have trained formally in

ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical,

contemporary and tap – tap

being my favorite.

The studio I grew up in

provided me with every

opportunity to perform – at

our yearly competition, community

events such as the

Fourth of July parades and

Halloween and our studio’s

June recital and winter “The

Nutcracker.” I knew from a

very young age there was

no other career I could have

other than performing.

I continued my performance

experience throughout high

school, joining my school’s

nationally acclaimed dance

team, and because of my

proximity to L.A., I was

introduced to the industry’s

top dancers as my teachers

and coaches.

My first professional show

was when I was 15 in Hollywood.

I loved that everything

lit up at night. Seeing a venue

completely change from

daytime rehearsals into a

nighttime performance was

the most exciting thing to

me.

I continued my dance education

at Point Park University

in Pittsburgh before moving

back to L.A. I moved to Las

Vegas in January 2018 after

booking Cirque du Soleil’s

“One Night for One Drop.”

I reconnected with Leah

Moyer, who was one of my

teachers when I was 10 and

co-artistic director of the

2018 production.

This opportunity showed me

what the Las Vegas industry

was and why it was. It

allowed me to work with Las

Vegas icons such as Blue Man

Group and global icons like

Hans Zimmer. I continued

my career post-show on

and off the Strip, expanding

my profile as a dancer and

model and began training in

a new passion: aerial hoop.

The community of dancers

and performers in Las Vegas

is a small family, and we

all support one another by

training together, sharing

audition info and cheering

one another on as audience

members at our shows.

I had a close friend in “X

Burlesque” at Flamingo Las

Vegas, and after I saw her

perform, I knew I wanted to

be a part of the show.

For almost two years now,

I have had the incredible

opportunity to be a part of

the renowned “X Burlesque,”

which has been on the Las

Vegas Strip for 22 years. As a

performer in the show, I am

privileged to take on nearly

all the tracks and solos,

showcasing my skills and

passion for dance.

The cast of “X Burlesque” is

nothing short of phenomenal,

and being surrounded

by such talented and inspirational

women has been one

of the best parts. I have met

some of my best and lifelong

friends because of the show.

What I love about the show

most, however, is how challenging

and rewarding it is.

Every performance pushes

me to my limits, allowing

me to use training from my

upbringing.

It is so fulfilling to get to do

genuinely difficult choreography

night after night.

Some nights, I pinch myself

backstage just to make sure

I am not dreaming and that I

am living my dream. I am so

excited for many more years

with “X Burlesque” and to

see where we go from here.

If You Go

7 and 10 p.m. Wed-Mon.

Dark on Tuesdays

Caesars.com


SHOWTIME

Lady

Gaga's

Back in the House

Eight performances of ‘Jazz & Piano’

are set at Dolby Live through July 6

Are you ready, Little Monsters? Oscar-, Golden

Globe- and Grammy-winning superstar singer-songwriter

Lady Gaga is returning to Dolby Live at Park

MGM with eight performances of “Lady Gaga: Jazz &

Piano” – five in June and three in July.

Presented with MGM Resorts International and Live

Nation, Lady Gaga’s shows celebrate her love of

The Great American Songbook – reminiscent of her

brilliant collaboration with the late Tony Bennett

in an album and on tour – and include some of her

biggest hit songs, as well.

Contrary to her Monster and Chromatica tours, “Jazz

& Piano,” as the title suggests, is a jazz-focused production

where Lady Gaga is covering mostly classic

jazz songs in an elegant, Old Hollywood atmosphere.

She also “jazz-ifies” several of her hits and performs

them in “Jazz & Piano.”

In previous performances, she has performed

“Born This Way,” “Poker Face,” “Paparazzi,” “Bad

Romance” and a surprise duet of “Shallow” with her

“A Star Is Born” co-star Bradley Cooper.


Photo by Kevin Mazur, Getty Images for Park MGM

There is no guarantee that Lady Gaga will include these

songs in her setlist again, but it’s always amazing to

hear her take a pop hit of hers and make it jazzy in her

unique Lady Gaga way.

In anticipation and celebration of Lady Gaga’s return to

Dolby Live, here are 10 songs in the Lady Gaga universe

we hope she’ll perform jazz-ified at Park MGM. We

wouldn’t be upset if Cooper showed up again in Las

Vegas to croon with Lady Gaga, and, in the if it ain’t

broke, don’t fix it category, please feel free to perform

the first five songs on this list again.

‘Born This Way’

Her performance during The Super Bowl LI Halftime

Show was a typically spectacular production by Lady

Gaga, and her inclusion of the full lyrics continued her

steadfast support of her LGBTQ+ fans.

‘Poker Face’

Having heard the beautiful a cappella version by Lea

Michele and her maternal doppelganger Idina Menzel on

“Glee,” a jazzy version by the original singer is natural

and wonderful.

‘Paparazzi’

This song isn’t one of Lady Gaga’s biggest hits, but it’s

a favorite due to its melodic and nostalgic nature. Complement

it with piano and a jazz band, and it’s glorious.

‘Bad Romance’

One of her earliest and biggest mega-hits, a jazzified

“Bad Romance” ends up being a very good romance for

Little Monsters. Rah, rah-ah-ah-ah, Roma, roma-ma,

Gaga, ooh-la-la!

If You Go

June 19-20, 27 and 29-30

and July 3 and 5-6

ParkMGM.MGMResorts.com

‘Shallow’

The impromptu performance with Cooper at Dolby

Live was amazing. The Oscar duet performance was

smoldering. Lady Gaga won a gold statuette. And Cooper

has a great singing voice. Encore!

‘Applause’

A jazzified version of “Applause” would garner applause,

applause, applause at Dolby Live.

‘Just Dance’

An OG hit alongside “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance,”

“Just Dance” is a must, and it would certainly make

the audience just dance – in a more classical way, and

that’s OK.

‘Rain on Me’

It’s tough to decide if Lady Gaga’s up-tempo or lowkey

songs are better – they’re both solid – but she seems to

be more well-known for the dance singles, and “Rain on

Me” is no different. Lady Gaga is at the top of her form

when she’s in celebratory mode.

‘Bloody Mary’

One of Lady Gaga’s most recent singles wasn’t a big hit,

but no matter. It’s campy, over-the-top, operatic and

quintessential Lady Gaga. In other words – #lovesit.

‘Telephone’

We would die, just die, if Beyonce showed up to duet on

this fierce, up-tempo and fabulous dance hit. We can

always hope!

SHOWTIME

It’s Jason Deruuuuulo!

Singer-songwriter, dancer and

actor kicks off residency at Voltaire

By Don Chareunsy

Multiplatinum singer-songwriter, actor and dancer Jason

Derulo kicked off his first Las Vegas residency at Voltaire

at The Venetian over Memorial Day Weekend on May 24

and 25.

For the show, Derulo performed a setlist that included his

hits, as well as material from his latest

album, “Nu King.” The album features

collaborations with Adam Levine,

Meghan Trainor and Michael Bublé,

who sings on his latest single, “Spicy

Margarita.”

“I’m excited to be a part of this modern

era of entertainment in Las Vegas

with my first residency at Voltaire at

The Venetian Resort,” Derulo said. “It’s

such a stunning venue, and it has an

alluring, mysterious vibe.

“It will allow me to take bold risks with

my performance, and I look forward to

bringing my songs to a new audience

in its immersive setting.”

The grand opening weekend was sexy

and fantastic in the fabulous music

venue and nightclub Voltaire: Derulo is a great singer (that

falsetto), dancer and performer, and Voltaire allows for an

intimate and high-energy show.

The dancers (that “male revue”) – including French hip-hop

duo Les Twins – and band (that horn section) were great,

too. Also: The show is posted as starting at 9:30 p.m.,

Derulo hit the stage at 11 p.m., and it ended at 12:30 a.m.

There was no opening act those 90 minutes, DJ aside.

Derulo’s career includes 22 platinum singles and more than

250 million records sold worldwide. Derulo’s hits include

“Wiggle” featuring Snoop Dogg, “Take You Dancing,” “Talk

Dirty” featuring 2 Chainz, “Whatcha Say,” “Swalla” featuring

Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, “Want to Want Me” and

“Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” with Jawsh 685.

Voltaire has already drawn the likes of Rebel Wilson, Sarah

Michelle Gellar, Florence Pugh, Megan Fox, Machine Gun

Kelly, Cara Delevingne and Seth McFarlane to the venue.

T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, attended Derulo on

Saturday night.

Q+A With Jason Derulo

Singer, dancer, actor and author Jason Derulo answered

questions in-person on May 23, the day before the grand

opening of his headliner residency at Voltaire in The

Venetian.

Congratulations on your new Las

Vegas Strip residency. Everyone’s

been saying this to you, so you’re

probably sick of hearing it. Welcome

to Las Vegas.

Thank you! It doesn’t get old, so thank

you.

How do you feel the day before, the

night before your grand opening? Do

you still get nervous?

For this, I am nervous for this. I don’t

get typically nervous for shows

because I know exactly what’s going

to happen. With a show like this, I don’t

know what’s going to happen because

I’ve never done this show before.

I’m going to be out in the audience in

a lot of different areas in the show.

It’s new, it’s foreign. I think any time

there’s uncertainly, there’s nerves because what’s going to

happen? I don’t know.

There is nervousness from that perspective, but everything

that happens onstage, I’m not nervous about that. It’s just I

have no control of this part yet. But as I get to do the show

more and I get to know what to expect, I’m sure those

butterflies will go away.

When you first saw Voltaire, what about this room really

blows you away?

The fact that it’s a kind of place I’ve never seen before. I’ve

performed in hundreds of venues around the world for the

last 15 years, so I’ve been around the block. When I walked

into this room, it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

26


Photos by Carlos Macias

If You Go

June 28-29, July 12-13

and 26-27 and Aug. 9-10

VoltaireLV.com

This room is just one of the best rooms I’ve ever seen. As

soon as I walked in, I was like, “Yes, 100% unequivocally yes,

let’s do it.” I knew exactly what I wanted to do in my mind,

and those same ideas that walked into the room with me,

99% made it into the show.

You said your show is going to be unlike any other. What

can fans and the audience expect?

We have some of the best dancers on Earth, some of the

best movers and shakers and musicians. A horn section –

I’ve never had a horn section before. It’s a celebration of all

my hit songs throughout the years.

You get to really hear me vocally in a way that you might

not have heard me before. It’s a very personal and

emotional experience that I don’t think people have seen

before from me.

So, you’ve been to Las Vegas before?

Many times.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?

I would like to go see more shows. Is there a lot of musical

theater here?

The Smith Center just announced its Broadway season

– it includes “Hamilton,” “Shrek the Musical,” “Mrs.

Doubtfire.” If you haven’t been, I recommend it; it’s a Las

Vegas gem.

Oh, nice! Fantastic! I went to college for musical theater and

have studied classical music my whole life.

Please tell me something your fans would be surprised to

learn about you.

Something fans would be surprised to learn? Hmmm ... I cut

hair pretty well. I’m a pretty good barber. When I was young,

my dad used to cut my hair, and it was the worst thing that

ever happened to me (laughs).

In that process, I learned to cut my hair because I didn’t

want him to cut my hair anymore. Whenever we’re on the

road, I might just cut my own hair.

SHOWTIME

Seeing Him Again

Babyface kicks off multi-night

engagement at Pearl Concert Theater

Thirteen-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter

and producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds debuted

his multi-night engagement at Pearl Concert Theater

at Palms Casino Resort with performances on May 25

and 26.

Babyface took the audience back in time as he performed

his award-winning hits (“Whip Appeal,” “Every

Time I Close My Eyes,” “When Can I See You Again”)

and songs he has written and produced for renowned

artists.

The crowd went wild when he was joined onstage for

surprise performances with Johnny Gill (“My, My, My”)

and Karyn White (“Superwoman”). Babyface returns to

Las Vegas for two more weekends in 2024 – Labor Day

Weekend on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 and Nov. 8 and 9.

All performances are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now at TicketMaster.

com. Babyface is the only producer to win Producer of

the Year four times, three times of which was in consecutive

years (1995-1997), a record he holds to this day.

Babyface is co-founder of LaFace, which launched the

careers of Usher, Toni Braxton, TLC, Outkast and Pink.

Babyface has contributed to more than 800 million

records sold and more than 1 billion records streamed.

He has produced and written more than 125 Top 10 hits,

45 No. 1 R&B hits and 16 No. 1 pop hits.

In addition to winning 13 Grammys, Babyface has been

nominated 83 times. Babyface has won the BMI Pop

Songwriter of the Year trophy seven times, received

a total of 51 BMI Awards, four American Music Awards,

five Soul Train Awards and five NAACP Image Awards.

28


Photo by Denise Truscello

SHOWTIME

Expelliarmus!

‘Potted Potter’ celebrates five years,

1,000+ performances at Horseshoe

“Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience

– A Parody by Dan and Jeff” continues to cast

a spell on Las Vegas, as the hit family-friendly show

celebrated its fifth magical year, with more than 1,000

performances, at The Imagine Showroom in Horseshoe

Las Vegas on June 4.

“Potted Potter” has extended its run at Horseshoe

through January. The current Las Vegas production stars

James Edwards as Harry and Nicholas Charles as all the

other characters. The show is perfect for families, with

performances at 7 p.m. daily and matinees at 2 p.m.

Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Harry Potter fans, no surprise, will love this intimate

theatrical performance, as the two actors commit to

their bits 100%. “Potted Potter” will have you flying off

your seat (or broomstick) with laughter.

It’s the perfect show for muggles, witches and wizards

of all ages, as this rip-roaring production of The Boy Who

Lived’s story combines all seven books into 70 hilarious

minutes. The cleverly curated show includes all your

favorite characters, perfect Potter props and even a live

Quidditch match.

Starvox Entertainment and Potted Productions

introduced “Potted Potter” to North American audiences

in Toronto in 2012, where it received rave reviews. Over

the past several years, the show has completed multiple

tours and sold out theaters across the U.K., Australia,

New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai and Canada.

30


Courtesy of “Potted Potter"

If You Go

PottedPotter.com,

Caesars.com

Ticketmaster.com

SHOWTIME

By Ed Condran

Bring on the Hits

Frontman Stephan Jenkins and Third Eye

Blind are at Fontainebleau on June 22

The fourth edition of Third Eye Blind’s “Summer Gods”

tour, which will stop June 22 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas,

will feature plenty of ’90s hits.

Third Eye Blind has seven albums to draw from, but the

focal point for fans is the Stephan Jenkins’s-led band’s

eponymous debut. The album, which is full of hook-laden

tunes, catapulted the San Francisco-based group to

stardom.

“Semi-Charmed Life” was one of the most ubiquitous

songs of the summer of 1997. “Losing a Whole Year,”

“How’s It Going to Be,” “Jumper” and “Graduate” are

some of the other catchy singles that enabled the album

to become a platinum-plus monster.

Like the iconic Police chart-topper “Every Breath You

Take,” “Semi-Charmed Life” became a misinterpreted

monster smash. The tune is relentlessly upbeat, but

the lyrics are dark.

The debut release isn’t the only reason the group has

sold more than 12 million albums. Third Eye Blind also hit

the charts with “Never Let You Go” and “Deep Inside of

You” from 1999’s “Blue.”

32


2003’s “Out of the Vein” and 2009's “Ursa Major” each

had their moments. Both of those albums are filled with

passionate, urgent and sentimental songs. 2015’s “Dopamine”

is filled with melancholy lyrics, but the music is

bouncy a la the self-titled debut release.

Jenkins, 59, is the lone original member remaining.

There have been several lineup changes. Drummer Brad

Hargreaves has played on each Third Eye Blind album.

Guitarist Kryz Reid is a good foil for Jenkins. Bassist Alex

LeCavalier and keyboardist Colin Creev round out the

lineup.

Jenkins is adept at engaging the crowd. The charismatic

frontman bounces across the stage and enjoys living in

the moment.

Jenkins is that rock rarity, a larger-than-life figure, but

he comes from the era that was filled with characters

such as Oasis’s Liam Gallagher and Blur’s Damon Albarn,

who were unabashed rock stars. Jenkins still has plenty

of swagger as he approaches his senior years.

However, Jenkins, who was involved in several feuds

during the ’90s and the aughts, has matured as he has

aged. The days of the verbal dust ups are over. The focus

is completely on music and performance.

Arrive early to catch opener Yellowcard, who craft

anthemic tunes, with urgent and literate lyrics.

If You Go

Showtime is 5 p.m.

FontainebleauLasVegas.com

34



Photo by Shane O'Neal


Bagelmania and Giving Back:

Getting to Know Judi Siegel

By Jen Avison Smith

Judi Siegel loves

Bagelmania’s burger.

While the owner

of award-winning

Siegel’s Bagelmania

enjoys the entire

menu, she does

switch up her favorites.

Along with her

eponymous Famous Pea

Soup, she’s currently loving

The Goodman, a sandwich loaded

with pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and

Russian dressing on thick slices of double-baked

rye bread.

The Bagelmania menu represents more

than just amazing food. It reflects the

tight-knit culture of Las Vegas, along with

the passion folded into every bite of the

delicatessen’s delights.

The Business of Bagels

Bagelmania’s reach is worldwide. Siegel

notes that the deli welcomes patrons “from

all over the place,” and the customers are

truly what set it apart. While Bagelmania

sees its fair share of celebrity guests, the

company holds first-timers and regulars to

an A-list status.

“We do like to think of every

customer as a celebrity, as

a true VIP,” she says.

Beyond the deli namesake,

guests will see surnames

titling the signature dishes.

Those with their own menu

items are Las Vegas residents,

regarded as local leaders

who remain integral to the

city’s success. Siegel says this

honor belongs to those who give

much of themselves to the community.

“It’s so well-deserved,” she says. “Why not

have something named after you at a deli?”

The rest of the menu features a variety of

bagels – still made with the original 1989

recipe – along with a collection of breakfast

items, salads and classic sandwiches

with a “build-your-own” option.

The bagel recipe isn’t the only thing that

remains unchanged. Many of Bagelmania’s

original staff moved with the company

to its new location. Siegel attributes the

success of Bagelmania to the quality of its

workforce.

“The key is that we have such a great team,”

she says. “When you have such great staff,

and a team that likes to execute, it all comes

into place.”


37

Community at the Center

Judi and her husband Stephen Siegel

moved to Las Vegas in 2004. As real estate

professionals, they planned to stay for one

year to tackle an entire residential apartment

complex flip before returning to Los

Angeles. Naturally, they never left.

Nearly 20 years later, Siegel loves everything

about Las Vegas, from the community

and the people to its restaurants and the

nature surrounding the city.

“Vegas is spectacular,” she says. “Everything’s

always reinventing itself. Any day in

Vegas can be New Year’s Eve.”

The Siegels bought Bagelmania pre-pandemic,

moving it to its current location

on Convention Center Drive. It quickly

became a favorite fixture in the couple’s

business portfolio, along with the popular

Pinkbox Doughnuts chain.

Between her many

commitments,

Siegel loves

taking her

two children

to their

sporting

events and

considers

working out

her “drug of

choice.” She

works with several

nonprofits and is an active

board member for several

Las Vegas organizations, to

provide her insights on how to

improve the community, as her

way of giving back.

The Next Meal Awaits

The Siegel reach extends

beyond its first deli venture.

Bagelmania’s next location

is already in the works in

Summerlin’s Boca Park, along

with 10 more Pinkbox Doughnuts locations

throughout the Valley as well as several additions

nationwide – and even a brand-new

Las Vegas hotel.

Siegel says when you love what you do, it

just comes all together.

“When you have a good team

and a positive mindset and you

love what you do – and you

have good food – no problem is

too big that cannot be solved,”

she says

Bagelmania Menu Highlights

There is so much to enjoy on Bagelmania’s

large menu.

Hollaaaah

French Toast

Three slices of

thick-cut cinnamon

challah French

toast, powdered

sugar and warm

maple syrup. Extra

charge for seasonal

berries and whipped

cream or vanilla, chocolate,

strawberry or coffee ice

cream. “Challah at your server!”

Mish Mosh Soup

Chicken, noodles, kreplach and a matzo

ball. Served in a bowl only, not a cup.

The Goodman

A current choice by Siegel, the sandwich

is loaded with hot pastrami, melted Swiss

cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing

on thick slices of double-baked rye

bread with a big fat pickle on the

side.

The Joe Lombardo

A bagelwich with pastrami,

Swiss, BBQ aioli and an onion

ring stacked with two fried

eggs and a hash brown cake.

“Show Love for Our Gov!”

There are bagels and shmears galore –

and stop by the expansive bakery and

Pinkbox Doughnuts for to-go goodies

on your way out of Bagelmania.

Herb “Frey’s” Chili Cheese

Pastrami Fries

Curly fries covered with nacho cheese,

chili and pastrami and served with coleslaw.

The platter is ginormous.

If You Go

6 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily,

252 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas

24 hours Thurs-Mon, 3:30 a.m.-12 a.m.

Tues and 5 a.m.-12 a.m. Wed

Harry Reid Airport. (702) 369-3322

Siegelsbagelmania.com

Courtesy of Arte Museum

A Triangle Of

Arte Museum, Museum of Illusions and Paradox Experience are in walking distance of one another

Who would have guessed that three

museums, aka immersive and interactive

attractions, would open within a few miles

of one another near Las Vegas Boulevard

and Harmon Avenue in the heart of the

Las Vegas Strip – and within the same few

years?

That happened with the premieres of Arte

Museum Las Vegas near Ocean Prime between

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and

Aria, Museum of Illusions also near Ocean

Prime and Paradox Experience (formerly

Paradox Museum) at Showcase Mall across

Las Vegas Boulevard.

A few things the three attractions have in

common: They’re family-friendly, they’re

fascinating in their own right, and they’re

interactive/immersive. Here’s a quick

breakdown of the terrific trio:

40


Courtesy of Paradox Experience

Arte Museum

Arte Museum is visually mesmerizing. The

immersive digital art venue is a $25 million,

two-story and 30,000-square-foot space in

63 (3716 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). Korean digital

design company d’strict launched Arte Museum

in 2020, and Arte (pronounced “Are-

Tay”) Museum Las Vegas, the first location

in North America, followed venues in five

Asian cities. One word: Instagram-worthy.

†ArteMuseum.com

Courtesy of Museum Of Illusions

Paradox Experience

Paradox Experience offers a daytime

retreat where guests can cool off while

embarking on an exciting adventure.

Featuring 90 colorful, indoor exhibits, each

installation at this arts and entertainment

venue is designed to inspire new perspectives,

encourage exploration and create

photo-worthy moments. Visiting family and

friends loved Paradox. LasVegas.

†ParadoxExperience.com

Museum of Illusions

Paradox and Museum of Illusions share a

few similar exhibits, but the latter is also

visit-worthy. Explore a collection of perspective-changing

rooms and installations

and spellbinding images. The immersive

exhibits exemplify that nothing is ever quite

as it seems – especially in the Museum of

Illusions – so be ready to be mesmerized.

†MOILasVegas.com.

The Mob Museum, that is,

with events, promotions

and The Underground

The Mob Museum in

Downtown Las Vegas has

been a buzz of activity.

The museum, officially

the National Museum

of Organized Crime and

Law Enforcement, announced a

June roster that includes a BOGO

free admission special for locals

before 11 a.m. through June 30,

Frank Calabrese Jr.’s continuing

“Family Secrets” speaking

engagement and the public program

“She Knew Too Much: The

Tragic Story of Jazz Age Con

Woman Vivian Gordon.”

The Underground speakeasy and

distillery invited guests to enjoy

live music and drink specials

for National Moonshine Day on

June 5; the promotion ran June

3-5. While at The Underground,

be certain to ask about the new

secret cocktail menu (the gin tea

cocktail is fantastic) and order

food (the charcuterie is great

and filling). Props to The Mob

Museum for having free parking.

Go to TheMobMuseum.org for

all current and future

promotions, specials and

events.

42


On April 17, The Mob Museum

welcomed its 4 millionth

visitor, marking a milestone

in its history. The 4 millionth

guest, Kathi Bellucci, joined

by husband Glen of Arizona,

received a prize package that

included lifetime admission

to the museum, a ceremonial

key, merchandise, a cake

and a champagne toast in the

museum’s appreciation

for the public’s continued

interest and support.

Hundreds of guests posed for a

photo opportunity throughout

the day with a custom thematic

lineup plaque in front of the

museum’s lineup wall.

The Mob Museum is also active

with podcasts, and The Underground

features cocktails and

live music and weekend jazz

entertainment until midnight

Thursdays through Sundays,

10 a.m. Mondays and

Tuesdays and 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Courtesy of The Mob Museum

If You Go

9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

TheMobMuseum.org

One year later, The Punk Rock

Museum is one of Las Vegas’s

under-heralded gems

When The Punk Rock Museum opened in

April 2023, it set out with the following

proclamation: “The world’s most comprehensive

punk museum to shove history,

culture and the absurdity of rock ’n’ roll’s

bastard stepchild in visitors’ faces.”

Consider the mission accomplished.

The Punk Rock Museum could easily be

an hours-long visit, as it houses one of

the world’s most expansive, inclusive and

intimate display of artifacts, fliers, photographs,

clothing, instruments, handwritten

lyrics, artwork and just about everything

else donated by the people and bands

who were there.

Courtesy of The Punk Rock Museum

The collection at the Downtown Las Vegas

museum is unexpectedly large, vast,

diverse, fascinating and exciting, and the

many photos of penises were a surprise.

So punk!


The museum and tour include a jam room,

tattoo parlor and bar – as well as Kurt

Cobain’s black leather “nodding off” chair,

with a photo of him nodding off on the

wall behind it, as a photo opportunity.

But the highlight was a guided tour by

kickass punk rock legend Alice Bag of

Bags. It shouldn’t be a surprise, considering

the counterculture music genres, but

it was fascinating to learn that women,

minorities and the queer/LGBTQ+ communities

have had integral roles in punk and

new wave.

Bag’s tour highlighted this, as she is an

advocate. What a get to feature tours by

punk rock legends like Bag.

10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays,

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays

12-8 p.m. Wednesdays

ThePunkRockMuseum.com

TREAT THE PATRIARCH LIKE THE

CULINARY KING HE IS IN LAS VEGAS

Momofuku at The

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

CosmopolitanLasVegas.com

Pulling culinary inspiration

from the U.S., Korea,

Philippines and Japan,

Momofuku is offering Bo

Ssäm (slow-roasted pork

shoulder), 5 spice roasted

duck, crispy lamb ribs,

12 oz. Wagyu ribeye and

roasted Jidori chicken.

Courtesy of Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca

Ocean Prime at 63

Ocean-Prime.com

Father’s Day food and

cocktail specials: Woodford

Reserve dry-aged prime

ribeye topped with Woodford

Reserve roasted garlic

butter and an A5 Wagyu

Infused Woodford Reserve

double-oaked Manhattan.

Ocean Prime is open for

regular service, including

Sunday Jazz & Bubble

Brunch and dinner service.

Courtesy of Ocean Prime

Pancho’s in Downtown

Summerlin

PanchosRestaurant.com

Treat Dad to a Papa-rita,

handcrafted with Campo

Azul, house lemon-lime

mix and Triple Sec topped

with a float of Grand Marnier.

Traditional Mexican

cuisine in the beautiful

restaurant includes Carne

a la Ab, a plate of thin,

charbroiled flat iron steak

served with a cheese enchilada,

guacamole and more.


Mr BBQ in Chinatown

MrBBQLasVegas.com

Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca

at Green Valley Ranch Resort

BottigliaLV.com

The Father’s Day menu includes whole

crispy calamari stuffed with a lemon, basil

ricotta mousse and mascarpone tomato

puree; baked rigatoni featuring chicken,

salami, pancetta, mushroom, bell and hot

cherry peppers, mozzarella and burrata;

and prime skirt steak with crispy potatoes.

One Steakhouse at Virgin Hotels

OneSteakhouseLV.com

Courtesy of Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant

Brothers Michael Morton and David

Morton’s stylish steakhouse at Virgin Hotels

will feature a Father’s Day special available

June 14-16: Beef Wellington with porcini

mushroom duxelle, creamed spinach and

bordelaise sauce. The entrée can be paired

with the “Whiskey Business” cocktail crafted

with Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon

Whiskey, fig and cinnamon Demerara and

Angostura bitters.

All fathers who dine at Mr BBQ on June

16 will receive an ice-cold glass of beer,

complementing their Korean barbecue

feast, and each father will receive

a complimentary souvenir photo to

remember the occasion. Additionally,

Mr BBQ will give away 10 grill kits to

fathers who enter the social media contest.

To enter, guests must post a photo

with their dad and tag @MrBBQPAYCE.

Broken Yolk Cafe

TheBrokenYolkCafe.com.

Treat Dad this Father’s Day to breakfast,

brunch or lunch at Broken Yolk Cafe.

When you purchase a $25 gift card to

Broken Yolk Cafe, you will receive a free

short-stack pancake card to be used

at your convenience. To purchase gift

cards or to join the waitlist

Courtesy of Momofuku Las Vegas

Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas

HofbrauhausLasVegas.com

The way to your dad’s heart this Father’s

Day, or Vatertag, is a feast of Bavarian specialties:

Bayerische Gulaschsuppe, Bavarian

goulash soup; Gebackener Torntenbrie, brie

cheese breaded and fried golden brown; a

HB Smokehouse Platter featuring Krainer

sausage, Debreziner sausage and smoked

pork loin served with imported sauerkraut

and more. For dessert: Apfel Brotpudding.

For a longer list of Father’s Day

ideas, go to VegasPrime.com.

Vegas Prime

Magazine

Our Favorite Tacos in Town

Courtesy of Tacos El Gordo

A Vegas Prime Magazine panel of five experts (our

qualification is we like to eat) selected our favorite

tacos in town. Here are our picks and one panelist

didn’t heed the word count. LOL!

BAJAMAR

BajamarStyle.com

Fish, spicy shrimp and octopus

tacos. You can’t go wrong.

Top it off with a Michelada or

Agua Fresca.

EL DORADO CANTINA

ElDoradoCantina.com

Two words: lobster tacos. They

are a customer favorite. It

would be wrong to ignore other

menu highlights: guacamole,

pozole, filet and flan. And

El Dorado Cantina doesn’t

skimp on spice. Lobster tacos,

please.

JAVIER’S

Javiers-Cantina.com/LasVegas

OK, OK, OK, I know. Who goes

to Javier’s to order tacos? Call

me bougie or over the top. If

you’re a true taco connoisseur

and you haven’t tried it, then

shame on you. This elevated

Mexican cuisine and West

Coast multi-award-winning

legend is already one of the

hardest places in Las Vegas to

secure a reservation. Ya know

that the tacos must be BOMB!

Pro tip: Save yourself the

hassle, find a spot at the

bar, and grab yourself an

order of the tacos de camaron,

tacos dorados (beef)

or tacos suaves (one pollo

and one carne) along with

a hand-shaken signature

margarita and a shot of

one of many rare tequilas.

You’re gonna want to sip

that, friend. You’ll thank

me later. Enjoy!

JUAN’S FLAMING FAJITAS

JuansFlamingFajitas.com

I had a couple of soft

tacos that were filled with

shredded beef, pico de

gallo, queso fresco, sour

cream and guacamole.

Seasoned to perfection!

52


LA POPULAR

LaPopularCDMX.com

The third U.S. location of

this Mexican restaurant

boasts three solid tacos:

quesabirra, Campechano

(ribeye, chorizo, chicharrones

and more) and Baja

(prawns). Also: tres leches

cake with dulce de leche

and super-cool cocktails.

MILPA

ToastTab.com/Milpa

Chef DJ Flores’s stone

ground heirloom corn

tortillas are unmatched

in Las Vegas. Ribeye asada

and barbacoa tacos are

standouts. Don’t skip the

Oaxacan Choco Latte or

Guava Horchata.

PANCHO’S

PanchosRestaurant.com

Tacos de pollo asada: A

delicious corn taco filled

with chicken infused with

a citrusy, spicy marinade

topped with onions,

cheese and cilantro. Of

course, I added more

cheese and guacamole.

Yummy!

TACOS EL GORDO

TacosElGordo.com

Always on point! Tijuana-style

tacos. Lengua,

buche and tripas are all

delicious. I love that you can

also get them as quesadillas,

tostadas or fries.

Courtesy of La Popular

THE TACO STAND

LetsTaco.com

Baja/Tijuana style with

homemade tortillas and

excellent al pastor and the

best fish tacos in town.

Great churros and elotes,

as well.

Courtesy of The Taco Stand

Courtesy of Bajamar

A haven for

desserts

Resorts World Las Vegas boasts The Co-Op

Frosé & Eatery, Junior’s Cheesecake and Lady M

If your sweet tooth is craving frosé all day,

cheesecake and shakes and/or Mille Crêpes,

you’re in luck at Resorts World Las Vegas, with

The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery, Junior’s Cheesecake

and Lady M, respectively. Here’s a rundown of

the three decadent dessert outlets:

The Co-Op Frose & Eatery

Frosé all day – really all year with more than

70 rotating flavors! Before Super Bowl LVIII

Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium kicked off

Super Bowl LVIII week in Las Vegas on Feb. 5,

The Co-Op Frose & Eatery celebrated its grand

opening.

The soirée included owners Jess Patterson and

Jason Soss (both in awesome pink footwear),

Co-Op Las Vegas investor and former NFL

quarterback Sam Bradford, former NFL

quarterback Matt Ryan (Matty Ice!), fabulous

frosés and delicious mini sandwiches.

Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery

There’s always room for Junior’s cheesecake!

Seventy-year-old Brooklyn icon Junior’s

Restaurant & Bakery celebrated its official

grand opening on the Las Vegas Strip in

March. Since them, an obsession for the legendary

and delicious cheesecakes has begun.

Courtesy of Resorts World

While it’s available at the venerable The

Steakhouse at Circus Circus, purchasing a box

of plain, strawberry and chocolate Junior’s

mini cheesecakes at Costco is probably more

realistic. This is 70-year-old Brooklyn icon

Junior’s first West Coast location.

54


Photos By Meg Blair/Resorts World Las Vegas

Lady M Cake Boutique

Lady M Cake Boutique is home to its famous

Mille Crêpes – a cake of 20 alternating layers

of soft cream and lacy French crêpes – and

the elegant and beautiful luxury dessertier

celebrated its grand opening at Resorts World

in December.

I loved the white chairs, white tablecloths,

white tables, white walls and white roses — all

trés chic! — patio and of course the signature

and light Mille Crêpes cakes. Lady M CEO Ken

Romaniszyn attended the grand opening with

Veuve Clicquot and special cocktail toasts.

More: RWLasVegas.com


Australian-born Chef Shaun

Hergatt has had a storied

culinary career that includes

owning heralded restaurants

in New York, Atlanta, Miami,

Napa and Las Vegas and

earning multiple awards

including Michelin stars.

Vegas Prime Magazine talked

with the acclaimed chef to

learn of his path to becoming

a chef, the opening of Aqua

Seafood & Caviar at Resorts

World and more.

‘Culinary arts

run deep in

my family’

A Q+A with Shaun Hergatt of Aqua

Seafood & Caviar at Resorts World

By Bob Barnes

Please tell us about your

background and early

influences.

I was born and raised in

Cairns, Queensland, Australia,

a picturesque town

renowned for its stunning

blend of rainforests, mountains

and pristine ocean

waters.

One of the most significant

influences in my life has

been my grandmother. From

a young age, she mentored

me in the art of cooking, and

her mastery of traditional

Finnish cuisine and her


unwavering dedication to

passing down her culinary

expertise have left an indelible

mark on my own cooking

style.

What helped guide you in

your decision to become a

chef, and what restaurants

have you worked at in your

career?

Culinary arts run deep in my

family, with both my father

and uncle being chefs, exposing

me to the vibrant world

of commercial kitchens at

a tender age of 6. My upbringing

in an environment

where I engaged in various

agricultural activities, from

working on my farm to

cultivating my own fruits

and vegetables, offered me

a profound appreciation for

the farm-to-table journey.

It was during high school

that I delved further into the

culinary world, undertaking

a two-week work experience

in a kitchen. This hands-on

experience cemented my

belief that the culinary arts

could indeed be my calling.

I started my journey at

Crystal Twig in Cairns, where

I honed my foundational culinary

skills. Subsequently, at

The Ritz-Carlton in Sydney,

immersing myself in the

world of fine dining, I was

awarded “Best Young Chef,”

which laid the groundwork

for my transition to The

Ritz-Carlton in NYC’s Central

Park, where I refined my

craft and received a James

Beard nomination for “Best

New Restaurant.”

Following my tenure at The

Ritz-Carlton, I embarked on

a new chapter at The Setai in

Miami, earning a three-star

restaurant award “Best New

Restaurant” by Esquire in

2008 and 2009, and the

restaurant placed second

in the world on Conde Nast

Traveler’s Gold List.

In 2009, I opened my own

restaurant in New York,

SHO Shaun Hergatt, where

I showcased my innovative

culinary approach and

garnered two Michelin stars.

In 2013, I opened Juni, a

fine-dining concept that also

received a Michelin Star, and

in 2020, I took on the role

of executive chef and owner

of Vestry in SoHo, where I

continued to push culinary

boundaries and offer a

distinctive gastronomic

experience to guests.

In December 2021, observing

the emergence of a new hotel

in Las Vegas after a significant

period without major

culinary additions, I unveiled

Aqua Seafood & Caviar

Restaurant, originally known

as Caviar Bar, at Resorts

World Las Vegas, marking

my debut on the West Coast

culinary scene with a focus

on premium seafood and

caviar offerings.

What is your philosophy of

cooking and recipe formulation?

I believe in the importance

of exploring new ingredients,

techniques and flavor

combinations to push the

boundaries of traditional culinary

practices. At the core

of my culinary vision is a

commitment to sourcing the

finest ingredients available

and allowing their natural

flavors to shine through.

Ultimately, my goal is to

deliver dishes that not only

showcase a global attitude

toward cooking but also

delight the senses with a

fusion of intense, delightful

and well-balanced flavor

profiles.

What do you think of the

culinary scene in Las Vegas?

The culinary scene in Las

Vegas is a vibrant tapestry

of talent and innovation.

The Strip boasts a wealth of

esteemed and celebrated

chefs, each bringing their

unique flair and creativity to

the dining landscape.


10 Years

in the Loop

CUE THE VIEWS

SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Courtesy of Yukon Pizza

He Is the

Champion

Yukon Pizza owner Alex White wins gold

at 2024 International Pizza Expo

By Jen Avison Smith

Alex White, owner of Downtown Las Vegas pizzeria

Yukon Pizza, recently took home the gold at the 40th

anniversary of the 2024 International Pizza Expo. White

went up against 500 of the world’s best pizza artists

to win the Non-Traditional Pizza category, a complete

surprise to him.

“It’s a nice validation of all of the work we’ve put in [to

Yukon],” he says. “It’s been a wild ride for sure.”

White spent a few months before the competition

perfecting his winning recipe. A mouthwatering mix of

balsamic grilled grapes, fontina cheese, mortadella,

burrata, pistachio and almond crumbles, fresh basil and

mint cinched the win for White.

His recipe was inspired by his love of red grapes

and toasted almonds as a favorite snack, and being

from Northern California, it served as an ode to West

Coast-inspired fare.

The focal point to his creation was the wood-fired

grapes soaked in white wine and balsamic. While he

says they were his biggest challenge, they lend themselves

to the overall flavor profile of the pie. “The whole

pizza is a layered extravaganza of flavor and texture,”

White says.

After breaking into the top five spots – one of which

was occupied by Las Vegas’s own Michael Vakneen from

60


ØØ Pie & Pub – White spent the next couple of days

sourcing his ingredients to compete on the final day.

“Because [I had] no restrictions, [I was] really up

against the creative minds of everyone else,” he

explains. “Everyone kind of has their own avenue to

show off what they do.

“I really wanted to show off how fun Yukon Pizza is …

we do things kind of off-the-wall, and we have fun,

wild pizzas as an extension of the vibe we have at

the pizza shop.”

The brand’s signature sourdough crust served as

the foundation for White’s creation. The family

business uses a 125-year-old heirloom starter to

craft its crusts for favorites like “The Wiseguy” with

sausage and roasted red bell peppers and “The Leon”

featuring garlic confit and red onion.

Prizes included cash winnings and a trophy from the

expo. Now the question remains: Will White return to

the chef’s tables to go for a second win next year?

For now, he’s encouraging his cohorts – and his wife

– to enter the competition next year.

“I really want to see what they can do,” he says. “I

didn’t expect to take the title home the first year

that I competed, but now that I did, I can take a

break for a year and let others get a crack at it.”

THREE QUESTIONS WITH WINNER

What’s the most unconventional pizza

topping you’ve ever seen?

I know people out there are doing things with squid

ink … and putting that in the dough and making a

black dough out of that. There are some really wildly

inventive people out there doing some interesting

things with pizza that make you turn your head.

What’s your personal favorite pizza

topping?

There’s a lot of pizzas that I can eat every day. We

have a pizza on our menu called the Sausage and

Kale, it’s kale and sausage with mozzarella and chipotle

aioli. It’s a combination of crispy and vegetal,

with the flavors of the sausage and the spiciness …

it’s a winning combination for me every time.

The age-old question: Does pineapple

belong on pizza?

I think it does. There’s a time and place for a lot of

things.

Yukon Pizza is open 12-10 p.m. daily

1130 E. Charleston Blvd.

Move

Your

Body

Plan the perfect pole dancing party in Las Vegas

By Jen Avison Smith

Between Chippendales, Thunder From Down Under and

“Magic Mike” showtimes and nightclub bottle service,

Las Vegas bachelorette parties are about dropping

inhibitions and having fun. To lean into the experience,

visiting a strip club is often on the agenda – and the

temptation to channel Jennifer Lopez in “Hustlers”

might be too strong to ignore.

Since amateur nights aren’t allowed at Las Vegas strip

clubs – it’s the law – booking a special event at a pole

dance studio is the next best thing. I’ve danced with

dozens of brides from around the world and have a few

tips and tricks for crushing the experience.

Rock the Right Outfit

Dress for dance success. Slip into short-shorts and

matching “bride tribe” shirts for the party. However,

while high heels are a dancer’s favorite tool, those Steve

Madden stilettos are better suited for the clubs. Stick to

socks or go barefoot, unless your footwear involves an

8-inch heel and clear platform.


This class can be as athletic as desired, so don’t forget

to bring the gym essentials. Water bottles, sweat towels

and even snacks are acceptable – as well as a cheeky

sip of bubbly. Electrolytes are important.

Courtesy of Pole Fitness Studio

Know When to Go

Las Vegas pole dance parties are easy to plan. Most

bookings last about two hours, so squeezing in this

sexy experience between other scheduled activities is

a breeze.

I tell brides to book a pole party before three big Las

Vegas events. Dance before pool days because the sun

zaps all the energy, dinner reservations for obvious

reasons and club visits, before liquor kicks in and

thwarts all other plans.

Make a Playlist

Brides are in control here, and the music is no exception.

Create a bachelorette playlist before the fun begins or

request the group’s favorite songs at time of booking.

Instructors love suggestions and will create a playlist

around the vibe of requests.

Need suggestions? I’m currently loving “Spicy

Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé. “Pony”

by Ginuwine and “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails are classic

picks, and anything from The Weeknd’s discography is

always a crowd favorite.

Keep an Open Mind

Pole dance classes are a liberating experience. A group

of women gathering to share in the fantasies – and get

a solid workout – has all the makings to be the highlight

of a Las Vegas bachelorette. Don’t forget to take photos

and videos, as souvenirs for the bridal party and sexy

surprises for the future spouse.

Choose a Private Event

Las Vegas is a city where money goes to be spent. While

it might be cost-efficient to sign up for a general class

on a studio’s schedule, I recommend booking a private

party.

This guarantees a private room and instructor, control of

the music and space to play. Pole parties are a popular

service in Las Vegas, so reserve at any of these fabulous

studios:

POLE FITNESS STUDIO:

Open 24 hours near Palms Casino Resort

SUNNYS POLE FITNESS:

Located Downtown in Container Park

VERTICA FITNESS:

New Summerlin studio

DEJA VU’S CRASH ACADEMY:

Fun location inside an adult store

STRIPPER 101:

The only pole dance experience on the Las Vegas Strip

POLE KISSES BUNGEE & AERIAL FITNESS:

10 minutes away from Fremont Street

SHINE ALTERNATIVE FITNESS:

Alluring space geared toward athletes

AERIAL ATHLETICA:

Several apparatuses available

1/2 Price Games

on Wednesdays!

20% Off for Military & First Responders with Military I.D.

Located across from Mystère Theatre.

Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

1/2 Price Gam

on Wednesday

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-muchmissed

colleague, mentor and friend.

VEGAS PRIME WHISPERS

Which Strip headliner’s run ended quietly in mid-June?

Which Strip headliner’s show is advertised as starting at

9:30 p.m. but commences 90 minutes later?

Which Strip headliner’s showroom was only about 60% full

30 minutes before showtime?

Which two headliners wore very similar outfits a few days

apart? Hint: a green shirt jack and green shorts.

Which attraction continues to hear complaints about cost

and the long and winding route to enter the venue?

Which dayclub has signs with multiple warnings to be

careful about excrement?

Which headliner has struggled with rescheduling

shows due to conflicting dates with other performers’

productions?

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS

And a fond farewell to Chef Javier Chavez’s Kitchen Table

after 10 terrific years of brunch in Henderson.

Email your Vegas Prime Whispers to

editorial@vegasprime.com.

Resorts World Las Vegas resident headliner Carrie Underwood

was seen dining at nearby Carversteak; previous fellow

resident headliner Luke Bryan also dined at the award-winning

steakhouse. Also spotted at Carversteak: Britney Spears,

taking a break from her TikTok videos.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal

is seen regularly working out

at a gym in Henderson, so it’s

true celebrities sometimes do

activities commoners do.

T.I. and his wife, Tameka

“Tiny” Harris, attended

Jason Derulo’s new show

at The Venetian on May 25.

66


Vegas Prime Magazine (V1.4) - June 16, 2025 Issue

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