BRETT’S VEGAS VIEW

 

Date: Nov. 10, 2019

 

BY: Jackie Brett  

 

HOWIE MANDEL WILL APPEAR AT PARIS

        Comedian and television personality Howie Mandel will headline “An Evening With Howie Mandel,” on Saturday, Nov. 30 in the Paris Theater at Paris. Tickets begin at 

$35.

            Mandel continues to perform as many as 200 standup comedy shows each year and has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. He’s served as a judge for a decade on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and a judge on the global winter edition of the series, “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” Mandel is also executive producer and host of the CNBC game show “Deal or No Deal.” He co-hosts “Animals Doing Things” with his son Alex on Nat Geo Wild. Recently he released his first solo special in 20 years “Howie Mandel Presents Howie Mandel at the Howie Mandel Comedy Club,” which is currently streaming everywhere.

        In 2009, Mandel released his frank, funny and no-holds-barred memoir, “Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me,” which revealed his ongoing struggle with OCD and ADHD, and how it has shaped his life and career.

 

‘KELLY AND RYAN’ PLAN FOUR SHOWS FROM VEGAS

        Television co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest will be broadcasting four live shows from the Paris Hotel airing Nov. 18-21. During their visit they will also be moving around the Strip to show the nightlife and incredible food scene.

 

NIGHTCLUB AND SHOWROOM CLOSURES

            Last week was the shock that without notice KAOS at the Palms closed. The multi-level 73,000-square-foot club opened last April as part of the $690 million remodel of the property and just completed installing a dome. The project with expensive talent like Marshmello and Cardi B was not a money winner.

            Downtown at the D, the showroom will be closing on Jan. 5, 2020, for a major redesign and expansion of the D’s second floor. With this move Ivory Star Productions four boutique shows including “Marriage Can Be Murder,” Adam London’s “Laughternoon,” “FRIENDS! The Musical Parody,” and “Defending the Caveman,” as well Jokesters Comedy Club will be leaving the D Las Vegas. 

 

CRISS ANGEL MINDFREAK® LOBBY EXPERIENCE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

        As a continuation to the overwhelming success the “Criss Angel MINDFREAK® show at Planet Hollywood, Angel has made the Criss Angel Theater Lobby Experience free to the public seven days a week. As Las Vegas’ first high-tech experiential lobby, guests are transported into Angel’s imagination with a crumbling world amidst an alien invasion, massive 3-D holograms, and a wall of talking pictures. Visitors are surrounded by state-of-the-art sound, video, projection, LED and some of Angel’s memorabilia and honors.

            The immersive space offers an exclusive look into Angel’s life, both on and off stage. Additionally, visitors can pose for photos in front of a moving LED backdrop with Angel’s levitation and his famed multi-million-dollar custom motorcycle collection, showcased throughout Planet Hollywood.

            Located on the mezzanine level, the Criss Angel Theater lobby is open 2:30–10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and noon–5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and for ticketed guests until 9 p.m. on show nights. The Criss Angel Magic & Merch store inside the lobby is open 6–9:30 p.m. on show nights only.

 

DIN TAI FUNG EXPANDS SOUP DUMPLING EMPIRE TO ARIA

         Din Tai Fung, a Taiwanese restaurant specializing in Xiao Long Bao, will open its first Las Vegas location at ARIA in mid-to-late 2020. The esteemed Taiwanese dumpling and noodle house, with more than 170 restaurants in 13 countries, will debut in the former ARIA Café space. Din Tai Fung is celebrated from Taipei to Los Angeles for meticulously handcrafted dumplings and noodles served in an approachable setting. Din Tai Fung’s Shanghai-style soup dumplings are filled with the highest quality Kurobuta pork and broth that bursts upon the first bite, fragranced with aromas of fresh ginger and green onion.

 

         Din Tai Fung was originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in 1958 and was reborn as a steamed dumpling and noodle restaurant in 1972. In 1996, the first international location opened in Tokyo. In 2009, the Hong Kong branch was awarded one Michelin star.

 

PLAZA REVEALS RENOVATED WILLIAM HILL RACE & SPORTS BOOK

            The William Hill Race & Sports Book located on the casino floor at the Plaza has revealed a completely remodeled and updated space with Downtown’s largest seamless HD video wall measuring 5-feet tall by 16.5-feet wide. The viewing area is more than 80 square feet. The Race & Sports Book offers guests and bettors access to William Hill’s mobile app, kiosks, and InPlay wagering menu.

        The Plaza’s Race & Sports Book opened at the Plaza in 1975 and William Hill took it over in 2012. The immense HD video wall is now the premier element.

 

TERRY FATOR’S CHRISTMAS SEQUEL WILL BRIGHTEN THE SEASON

            Terry Fator: The Voice of Entertainment will present “A Very Terry Christmas 2, The Sequel,” Friday, Nov. 29 through Monday, Dec. 30 at The Mirage with 7:30 performances and a 9 p.m. show on Monday, Dec. 16. Fator’s holiday-themed shows are a happy tradition with his all-star cast including pre-show entertainer Ben Harris and a multitude of lovable characters especially the most famous Winston, the Impersonating Turtle. Tickets start at $39.95.

 

AVIATION NATION AT NELLIS

            The free Aviation Nation Air and Space Expo hosted at Nellis Air Force Base Saturday-Sunday Nov. 16-17 is returning after a year off with the motto “Salute To Our Veterans.” The massive expo will feature a large static display including F-16 fighters in Russian-style camouflages belonging to the 64th Aggressor Squadron. The day is filled with interesting demonstrations like the F-35 stealth combat aircraft and C-17 cargo plane and culminates with the highlight, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Ground Show and Aerial Performance.

        Hundreds of thousands of guests attend this annual event, so plan accordingly. Buses will run from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway where you need to park for free to the event entrance on the air base beginning at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. The event gates close at 4:30 p.m.

 

‘CELESTIA’ HOSTS ARTISTS’ SQUARE EVERY FRIDAY-SUNDAY

        “Celestia” at The STRAT is transforming its courtyard into the Artists’ Square, where local Las Vegas artists are invited to display their artistic masterpieces at no cost, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 6–7 p.m. and 8–9 p.m. 

            With The STRAT being a gateway to the city’s flourishing Arts District, the Artists’ Square will serve as a complimentary venue for showcasing stationary art installations for up to three months at a time and live artistic performances for one weekend. Interested artists should contact Kim Scott at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   

            “Celestia” has eight performances per week, with 7 p.m. shows Wednesday-Thursday and 7 and 9 p.m. performances Friday-Sunday. Show tickets are available through June 2020.

 

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

        Mariah Carey will bring her Christmas concert series “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for five dates Nov. 22, 23, 27, 29 and 30. This year marks the 25th anniversary for the best-selling female artist’s enduring album. 

            Upcoming as part of the Golden Nugget’s 52 Fridays Concert Series will be American 1960s era pop and rock group Gary Lewis & The Playboys on Nov. 22 and mid to late 60s The Association on Nov. 29 with shows at 8 p.m.

        This is the final week through Nov. 19 to see Frank Marino guest starring in “Legends in Concert” at the Tropicana as Joan Rivers, which is a character he is retiring. It is also the final week for the fall cast of tributes to Freddie Mercury, Lady Gaga, Pat Benatar and Elvis Presley. 

        Stand-up comedian, actor and producer Mike Epps will headline at The Joint at Hard Rock on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 9 p.m. Epps has been a comedy mainstay since breaking onto the scene in 1995. He is best known for starring roles in hit films and TV shows such as “The Hangover” franchise, the “Resident Evil” franchise, “Survivor’s Remorse,” “Open Season 2,” “Hancock,” “Lottery Ticket,” “Dr. Dolittle 2,” “Death Wish” and many more. Tickets start at $39.  

        Bobby Mao’s Chinese Kitchen + Mexican Cantina at the Galleria at Sunset mall held its one-year anniversary last week. Recently live entertainment has been added with local singing celeb Kelly Clinton booking outstanding talent there every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. The Friday regular is popular Mark O’Toole.

        Award-winning Broadway and Las Vegas entertainer Travis Cloer’s new album “Here’s Travis Cloer,” will release on cdbaby, Amazon MP3, Google Play and iTunes on Nov. 22. Cloer is the longest-running actor to play the role of Frankie Valli in the Grammy and Tony-winning hit “Jersey Boys,” with more than 2,200 performances.

 

PLAZA HOSTS THREE-DAY DEMOLITION DERBY

        The Plaza is hosting the Sin City Showdown Demolition Derby at its Core Arena for three days Nov. 14-16. Shows are 3 p.m. Thursday-Friday, and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for the family friendly event are $45 for a single day.

        This November event is featuring 32 four-man teams, which translates to 128 old Detroit iron cars battling it out in an elimination bracket to be the last team standing. On Saturday, a locals’ only heat has been added, featuring drivers just from the Las Vegas area in a 1990s and newer car class.

            The event’s producer Stirrin Dirt Racing, the largest demolition derby promoter in the west, is currently working on a television series set to air this fall featuring the owners and highlighting the Sin City Showdown.

 

‘DISNEY ON ICE’ WILL HAVE MICKEY LEADING A SEARCH PARTY

        The new year will start out bright with “Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party” at the Thomas & Mack Center running Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 9-12. Tickets for the family-friendly show start at $15.

         Mickey Mouse and pals will be following Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. The participatory adventure will deliver compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers and immersive moments taking place on the ice, in the air and in the seats. The quest will encounter the mystical Land of the Dead from “Coco,” Elsa’s wintry world, sail away with Moana, and travel through many more experiences until an all-out celebration ending.

 

PINKBOX CREATES SEASONAL DOUGHNUTS

          Pinkbox Doughnuts® is offering nine new fall doughnuts throughout the autumn season, including seven Thanksgiving doughnuts such as Pooh Turkey, White Thanksgiving Ring, and Nutter Butter Turkey, exclusively from Nov. 20-28.

        The November “Doughnut of the Month” is the white frosted pumpkin cake “Gobble Gobble,” which is available through Saturday, Nov. 30 and starts at $3 per doughnut. 

            “The Pilgrim” is a brand-new vegan doughnut rolling out this month through Tuesday, Dec. 31 exclusively at Pinkbox’s Tropicana location. Price starts at $3 per doughnut.

 

DINING SCENE

        The newest Chick-fil-A restaurant will open inside the Golden Nugget’s Carson Tower on Monday, Dec. 2 and be the first location inside a casino in Las Vegas. With convenience in mind, there will be a counter service layout totaling 1,100 square feet with a shared seating area for 62 guests. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

            The Silverton’s latest culinary venture, Su Casa, is celebrating its one-year anniversary in November. The modern Asian cuisine restaurant is nestled inside Mi Casa Grill and Cantina merging trendy coastal Asian cuisine with the bold culinary traditions of Mexico. Specials include $1 sushi rolls from 5-7 p.m. and the Birthday Bash Bento Boxes for $15.

         Family-owned Freed’s Bakery will celebrate 60 years of sweet treats and creative cakes in Las Vegas with a cupcake happy hour, available from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 22. In honor of 60 years, Freed’s will offer select cupcake flavors for 60 cents at Freed’s Bakery and both Freed’s Dessert Shops. Freed’s was showcased on Food Network’s “Vegas Cakes” in 2017 and 2018.

        Bok Bok Chicken will celebrate National Baklava Day with a free slice of baklava with every meal dining in or taking out on Sunday, Nov. 17 at all Las Vegas locations; limit one per person. Family-owned and operated, Bok Bok Chicken is a new Mediterranean concept serving fresh-casual fare in a comfortable farmhouse setting.

        Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will hold a white truffle celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. The indulgent multi-course menu will spotlight the world’s best truffles. Cost is $250.

        Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant will offer a 10 percent discount on all food items to guests with a same-day receipt from any Downtown Summerlin store on Black Friday, Nov. 29. Limit one receipt per table.

 

SIGHTINGS

        Comedians Adam Carolla and Chris Tucker made surprise appearances at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The LINQ Promenade recently. Carolla did a short set before turning the microphone over to fellow comedienne and “America’s Got Talent” finalist, Vicki Barbolak, for her regularly scheduled Tuesday night engagement. Chris Tucker visited over the weekend and performed a 20-minute set before Tony Rock’s headlining show. 

            Hue Jackson, retired NFL player and former Browns and Raiders head coach, and Derrell Spann, CEO of Grand Leyenda Tequila, recently visit OYO, formerly Hooters. The duo enjoyed tequila poolside at The Porch, eating wings at Hooters Restaurant & Saloon, and watching football at The Underground Lounge.

 

ABOUT TOWN

            Reminder the Annual Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon will transform the Strip into a nighttime closed running track for thousands of attendees Sunday, Nov. 17. In conjunction, the three-day Health & Fitness Expo will run inside the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 14-17 and be open free to the public.

        On Saturday, Nov. 16, some of the most prestigious riders in show jumping both nationally and internationally will compete in the $100,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Las Vegas at the South Point Equestrian Center. Throughout the evening, spectators are invited to enjoy family fun activities. Doors open at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies at 7 p.m., which will include a Parade of Nations and a Parade of Champions. Tickets are $20 with free admission for children under 10 years of age.

        The Vegas Viking Lodge and Sons of Norway are holding their 25th Annual Scandinavian Holiday Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Community Lutheran Church, 3720 E. Tropicana Ave. The public is invited to shop for imported and domestic holiday items. Funds raised will be used for the lodge’s nonprofit work. 

            Beer Park at Paris will host a viewing party on Saturday, Dec. 14 for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 245 fight between Kamaru “Nigerian Nightmare” Usman and Colby “Chaos” Covington starting at 7 p.m.

        Remedy’s Conestoga is celebrating 11 years in Henderson with a totally ’80s Anniversary Party on Saturday, Nov. 16 starting at 7 p.m. with live music, dinner buffet, drink specials and a costume contest. There is no cover; however, guests must be 21 years or older. Break out the spandex, leg warmers, ripped jeans and grab that can of hairspray to win first place during the costume contest. 

        Distill Centennial Hills at 6430 N. Durango Drive will host a Psychedelic ’70s Party on Saturday, Nov. 16 starting at 7 p.m. The party will have live music, festive drink specials and a fun contest for the foxiest ’70s costume of the evening. There is no cover and guests must be 21 years old or older.

        One lucky local won $46,848 at Arizona Charlie’s while playing Charlie’s Double Progressive bingo, a coverall game that can only be won within the posted number of balls, starting at 32 and progressing up to 35 numbers called. She won when ball B-3 was called.