Vegas Magazine

Heraea Redefines the Sports Bar

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:33:00 -0400

Chic environs and gourmet bites make Heraea the ultimate co-ed sports bar

In the successful footsteps of STK at The Cosmopolitan, One Group brings us Heraea, part restaurant, part music lounge, part trendy sports viewing venue. Open for lunch, dinner, and a Saturday and Sunday brunch, Heraea recently released its spring menu, loaded with gourmet sports grub (some of which is even figure-friendly).

The pretzel-wrapped dogs and crispy green beans with sweet chili dipping sauce are musts, as are the wings, loaded potato skins, mushroom spring rolls, and skirt steak salad. There are also more filling offerings such as oysters, sea bass, mini Kobe burgers, and a six-ounce petite filet mignon. Hand crafted cocktails are also a specialty here, including drinks especially made for ladies.

On May 28, Heraea is hosting a special event in celebration of the Vegas-filmed The Hangover: Part III; enjoy dinner and drinks served at 8:30 p.m. before a screening of the movie inside Palms’ Brenden Theatres. Call to reserve a spot. Palms Casino Resort, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, 702-702-0201

BY EMMA TROTTER

Monday Night Movies at Cosmopolitan

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:42:00 -0400

Films like Rocky and The Goonies play at Boulevard Pool every Monday night this summer

Both Las Vegas locals and Cosmopolitan hotel guests can shake off the Monday blues with a relaxing double feature movie night at the hotel’s chic Boulevard Pool. Every Monday throughout the summer, two different films will be broadcast on the hotel’s giant marquee. Unlike 2012’s series, where only one movie was shown, this year has doubled the fun, with showings at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Guests can sprawl out by the pool or book a cabana to enjoy the movies under the stars. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase. Admission for non-hotel guests is $3. Plan your movie Mondays with the schedule below:

May 27: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, The Goonies

June 3: Ghostbusters, The Sixth Sense

June 10: Richie Rich, The Great Gatsby

June 17: The Pursuit of Happiness, To Kill a Mockingbird

June 24: The Sandlot, Moneyball

July 1: Despicable Me, From Here to Eternity

July 8: Little Giants, Friday Night Lights

July 15: The Breakfast Club, Rebel Without a Cause

July 22: Lord of the Flies, Stand By Me

July 29: Karate Kid, Rocky

August 5: When Harry Met Sally, My Fair Lady

August 12: The Little Rascals, Tommy Boy

August 19: Clueless, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

September 2: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Ocean’s Eleven

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd., 702-698-7000

BY EMMA TROTTER

Hublot LaFerrari Watch

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com

While in BaselWorld, ATimelyPerspective.com posted on our Facebook page about the new Hublot LaFerrari watch—created to celebrate the partnership between Hublot and the sleek and stealth Ferrari brand. As those who love cars and watches know, the Ferrari brand has partnered with other watch brands before Hublot: Girard-Perregaux and Panerai are among them.

However, the relationship with Hublot may have been made with the idea in mind by both parties to create as something bold and uniquely different. The LaFerrari being the first example therein—created with input from both the car and watch sides. The question is, does it deliver what car and watch lovers want?

The new watch features a bold case shape that is designed to emulate the look of the stealth car. The materials used are high-tech, as is the technology. This watch holds a thus-far world record in the power reserve field. It offers a massive 50 days of power reserve—not 50 hours like many watches—50 days. Thus, one can wear this watch for just over a month and a half without having to wind it. The indication of power reserve is visible on a cylindrical readout.

The complex movement, which contains 637 pieces, includes 11 spring barrels lined up in the center of the watch and resembling a crank shaft; underscoring the automotive motif. With a full sapphire crystal, much of the movement is visible to the eye. Time (hour and minutes) is displayed on cylinders opposite the power reserve readout. The watch—which also houses a large 14.5mm flying tourbillon escapement—offers seconds on an aluminum cylinder attached to the tourbillon cage.

So, is the verdict in now? Is this what you expected from Hublot genius Jean-Claude Biver? Is this the new generation of Ferrari that everyone was waiting for? It should be noted that this world-first watch (remember 50 days of power reserve) created in a limited edition of 50 pieces retails for $345,000—certainly much less that the million-dollar car, but still a hefty figure.

Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.

Precision Timekeeping Takes Center Stage

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

FROM LEFT: This Hermès Arceau Time Suspended watch ($19,400) is crafted in stainless steel. The time can be continuously displayed on the dial, or the wearer can opt to hide the time display with the push of a button. From Van Cleef & Arpels, this Lady Arpels Ballerine Enchantée ($141,000) is crafted in 18k white gold and features a gold-sculpted and enamel-worked ballerina in the center whose tutu actually comprises the retrograde hands of the watch. With the push of a button the tutu hands rise to show the hours and minutes on either side of the ballerina, transforming her into a butterfly. The automatic Secret Hours watch from Franck Muller ($42,200) features hour and minute hands at 12:00 that indicate the time with the push of a button at 9:00 and then return to 12:00 when the button is released.

Life can be such a whirlwind that sometimes we wish we could somehow slow the pace. Luckily for us, a few timepieces have been developed that give the illusion of doing just that. On the heels of this year’s watch show in Switzerland, this newest crop of complex mechanical wonders are created by master watchmakers who rise creatively to the challenge of stopping the indication of time—or indeed, creating the impression that time itself is suspended.

“We are a house that produces beautiful objects, and the idea is to make people dream,” says Luc Perramond, CEO of La Montre Hermès S.A. “Time for us is a friend; it is not a factor of stress. We wanted to create a watch wherein time can be stopped at the push of a button.” The Hermès Arceau Time Suspended wristwatch, developed by well-known watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, was four years in the making and expresses the label’s concept of time as a dream. The wearer can push a button and stop the tracking of time, making the hour and minute hands rest at around 12:00, and, further, making the date indication disappear. The watch continues to track time internally, but the hands will not move until the wearer pushes the button again. At that point, the hands automatically position themselves to the proper time and continue on their journey. Featuring three retrograde functions, the watch allows the wearer to control whether time is displayed continually or is hidden, delighting watch lovers around the world.

The Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerine Enchantée also allows women the wonder of stopping time while beguiling them with an eye-catching design. Part of the Van Cleef & Arpels “Poetic Complications” collection, this watch drew its inspiration from a quote by Anna Pavlova that echoes the imagery of the maison: “I’ve been dreaming that I was a ballerina, and that I was spending my whole life dancing as lightly as a butterfly.” The timepiece houses a Swiss mechanical movement with a double retrograde time-on-demand module developed for the brand.

It features a guilloché and translucent enamel dial picturing an enchanting ballerina wearing a colorful tutu. The tutu is split in half with each part being one of two retrograde hands that indicate the hours and the minutes. With the push of a button, the tutu comes to life—with each half rising on either side of the ballerina to indicate the time—transforming the spirited dancer into an exquisite butterfly. The hands trace an arc on either side of the graceful figure, pointing to the hours on the left side and the minutes on the right side before returning to their initial position to begin another cycle.

For men, Franck Muller has a similar concept with the Secret Hours Curvex watch: In this bold timepiece, both the hour and the minute hands remain at 12:00, moving only to indicate the time at the push of a button thanks to the intricate design of its 264—yes, 264—components. Because stopping time is impressive, of course it no simple thing to achieve.

Robin Leach Dines with Guy Savoy

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Las Vegas’s reigning fine-dining critic and connoisseur, Robin Leach, first tasted Guy Savoy’s famous French fare in Paris more than 20 years ago. “It was about the time when corner restaurants were becoming gourmet restaurants,” Leach says. “Before then, if you wanted an elegant meal, you went to a hotel.” Since Savoy opened his second eponymous locale, at Caesars Palace in 2006, the men, now friends, have watched the Valley’s haute cuisine scene explode. The two legends of the Vegas culinary world—along with Restaurant Guy Savoy’s executive chef, Mathieu Chartron—sat down over several of the restaurant’s signature dishes, and as the Champagne flowed, they mused about the evolution of fine dining in the desert over the past 10 years.

Robin Leach: [Being served Savoy’s famous Colors of Caviar] Look at the clever way they do this in layers.
Mathieu Chartron: From the bottom to the top, we have a caviar vinaigrette, caviar cream, American caviar, and then a layer of haricot vert purée.

Guy Savoy: Like a lemon, green beans are a little acidic, but not so much acidity that it kills the caviar, like a lemon.

RL: Which makes you wonder why every restaurant in America where you eat caviar brings you slices of Meyer lemons and not haricot vert.

As you dig in, tell me: How would you describe the Guy Savoy dining experience?
RL: You would never think that Las Vegas, which is the home of slabs of beef and shrimp cocktail, would ever welcome people like this. This is a very special restaurant, a high roller’s restaurant. It sets the level that everybody else tries to go to, but they can’t afford the quality of food Guy Savoy buys, the help in the kitchen, the time that’s spent preparing this stuff. That’s where the art is, the six hours of prep before they open the doors.

Chef, how would you describe the artistry of fine dining?
GS: In theater, you play the same for everybody. In restaurant, it’s a different live show for every table. Around the table is like a ballet, a discreet ballet that’s very efficient.
[Another course is served: Savoy’s equally famous Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup.]

RL: There are very few chefs in the world who have a trademark dish that is known around the world, that people make pilgrimages for. If you say “truffle soup,” there is only one man who makes it.

GS: I am a soup seller!

RL: I have never asked this question, but I have always presumed that you created this dish?

GS: A guest of my first restaurant explained to me, “The artichoke soup is you.” Why? Because the artichoke is a very powerful product. Like your family, it’s a symbol. The truffle is your way of excellence, and the brioche is your soul. Five years ago my mother explained that when I was a baby, I ate only artichoke purée. So for me, the artichoke is the foundation of my life.

RL: This is like ice cream for me.

GS: I t’s a very simple dish. The dish without brioche is not good. You have to eat the brioche.

How have you seen fine dining evolve in Las Vegas to allow room for restaurants like Guy Savoy?
RL: A s the competition for celebrity chefs began to ramp up here, you had Bellagio and Venetian—literally at the same time, in 1998 and 1999— bidding for chefs, and nobody went after these guys. They went after the American television chefs. So everybody came to me [at the Food Network] wanting Wolf, Emeril, all of them. So when you think about it, Venetian and Bellagio divided up the top chefs, and Palazzo scooped the rest. Then you were left with these guys: Caesars got Guy, MGM got Joël [Robuchon], Mandalay Bay got Alain [Ducasse], and now Mandarin Oriental got Pierre [Gagnaire].

GS: The first time I came here was in 2003. The first meeting was at [the now closed] Bradley Ogden [at Caesars Palace]. I was very surprised by the quality. It’s incredible. I am very interested by the wine list. Where do you find all this wine? It’s a desert! Of course California, but the best French wine, from Italy, from Spain, from anywhere. It’s better than Paris. I see that this place will become a very important place. There are many fine-dining restaurants, of course, but also a lot of different styles, from everywhere.

RL: I’ve often said, and I still believe, that what got created here in the last 10 years in this kind of fine dining, it beats New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. People will say that’s heresy and stupidity. But when you really think about it, you can’t top what Vegas has.
[Foie-Gras “Bitter Infusion” is served tableside, accompanied by a teapot.]

MC: We have matcha [finely ground] green tea. Here we have beets cooked and raw, and I just poured some duck consommé, and we let it infuse.

GS: This infusion with matcha tea and beet root, it’s a little bit low acidity. The bitter with the fat is a good blend. To accentuate the bitter, there is chicory and endive. The bouillon is very important in this…. When I eat the foie gras, I think, I am sure the green tea and beet root blend will be good for the duck eater.

RL: I pray the day never comes when we lose foie gras in this country. It’s a slice of heaven.

Restaurant Guy Savoy, Caesars Palace, 702-731-7286

Upscale American Classics at PoshBurger

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:06:00 -0400

The Kobe burger at new neighborhood bistro PoshBurger is definitely a Donald Trump-type “burger of all burgers.” This decadent creation—comprised of a brioche bun, Kobe beef, seared foie gras, a fried quail egg, and truffle aioli—is attracting an overflow of diners into this new Summerlin hot spot.

But gourmet burgers aren’t the only items served here. Besides perfectly fried calamari and classic salads on the menu, there’s a “design-your-own” option. You can take your chances and indulge in a burger made of elk, venison, or wild boar and top it off with everything from Asian coleslaw and wasabi aioli to goat cheese and Béarnaise sauce.

The man behind these creations is Conrad Gallagher, PoshBurger’s founder and chef. His menu is served in a casual urban setting with a communal dining vibe, where the food is taken seriously, especially when it comes to ingredients. PoshBurger only buys humanely-raised meats that are grass-fed and free of antibiotics, and the fruits and vegetables are organic and locally sourced when possible.

Still, there are new plans to come. The restaurant plans to push a new 4 to 6 p.m. daily happy hour (with 30 percent off all food and drinks) and make it a thriving nighttime destination this summer when the patio is completed. 9921 West Charleston Blvd., 702-201-1408

The Debut of Art Basel Hong Kong

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

“Hong Kong is the gateway to China,” says renowned local interior designer and architect Todd-Avery Lenahan, explaining why the cosmopolitan city has been anointed the newest host of Art Basel, the most esteemed art fair in the world. “The demographic of buyers is diverse and highly sophisticated, with tremendous interest in Western artists, as much from young collectors as from established ones.” Currently working on the new Wynn Cotai resort in Macau for Steve Wynn, Lenahan is one of many high-level art connoisseurs looking forward to the premiere of Art Basel in Hong Kong. Almost two years after the company behind Art Basel bought a majority stake in Asian Art Fairs Ltd., which founded the Art HK contemporary art fair, the newly rechristened Art Basel in Hong Kong will open May 23 to much international fanfare, boasting work from more than 3,000 artists and 245 of the world’s leading galleries. This expansion into Asia gives the storied fair an unparalleled three-continent, year-round engagement with the art world’s cognoscenti (Art Basel’s other shows are the Switzerland behemoth and its Miami Beach spin-off).

Magnus Renfrew, Art HK’s original fair director and now director Asia of Art Basel, has overseen the transformation. A longtime believer that Hong Kong is a natural home for a major international art fair, he is confident that both attendees and participants will be blown away. “We are geographically positioned at the heart of Asia, and we are the region’s financial center,” Renfrew says. “There is no tax on the import or export of art, and Hong Kong has an increasingly expanding cultural sector and culturally interested population.”

Art Basel’s shows are perhaps most renowned for each selection committee’s unflinching rigor in choosing galleries to participate, as well as for the curation of the fairs’ various sectors. In Hong Kong, more than 170 exhibitors of modern and contemporary art will show work in the main sector, including New York’s Dominique Lévy gallery and 303 Gallery. Many eyes will be on the Insights sector, which will present projects devised specifically for the fair from 47 galleries in Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. The Discoveries sector will likely be the most experimental, with solo and two-person exhibitions by emerging artists and, in an exciting twist, a $25,000 prize.

Special exhibitions and events at local galleries will also be of immense interest, as the arrival of blue-chip international players like Gagosian Gallery and White Cube—joining local stalwarts such as Hanart TZ Gallery and Osage—has invigorated the Hong Kong gallery scene in recent years. The multitude of events and special exhibitions at Hong Kong’s cultural institutions and nonprofits is dizzying, including a parallel program of talks presented by Asia Art Archive. Widely regarded as the most important collection of source material on the recent history of art in Asia, Asia Art Archive has grown from a single bookshelf in 2000 to a trove of more than 35,000 records with thousands of physical and digital items. And the government is getting in on the art act, too, by celebrating the opening of its new Artspace @ Oil Street, a 1908 heritage building that has been converted into space for working artists, curators, and the public.

Not surprisingly, Art Basel in Hong Kong has proved attractive to corporate sponsors looking for a foothold in this fast-growing, significant region. Deutsche Bank has signed on as lead partner, joining associate sponsors such as Davidoff, Audemars Piguet, and Absolut Art Bureau, all of which also support the shows in Switzerland and Miami Beach. In fact, many people have compared today’s Hong Kong art market to the one in Miami Beach 10 years ago. “The market is in a relatively early stage of development here, much like the atmosphere in Miami when we opened there,” Renfrew says. “We want to be part of the cultural surge in this dynamic city, and the show provides the perfect global platform for that.”

DVF's New 'It' Bag

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:01:00 -0400

Head to Diane von Furstenberg at The Forum Shops at Caesars or The Shoppes at the Palazzo and add some new “baggage” to your spring wardrobe. DVF’s 440 small colorblock satchel ($545) puts a spring in your step with its sleek calfskin material and structured shape. The bag’s aesthetic is right in line with both the colorblocking trend and hot coral and apricot colors of the season. Construction-wise, it's got tonal topstitching, two zip pockets, silver hardware with a front clasp, and a shoulder strap that’s both removable and adjustable, for all you cross-body fans. Another fun touch? A hanging leather ID tag features the brand’s logo and signature lip pout decal.

Q&A: Bill Maher's Views on Vegas

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Bill Maher will have new material when he arrives in June, but he prefers his Vegas old-school.

With his lethal wit, his news savvy, and certainly his foul (and funny) mouth, Bill Maher entertains America weekly on his live HBO show, Real Time with Bill Maher. But when he isn’t moderating Real Time’s often-intense discussions among politicians, professors, journalists, and celebrities, the political provocateur is on the road, bringing his signature humor to audiences across the country. Before the launch of his limited Pearl residency at the Palms, Vegas sat down with Maher to discuss stand-up comedy, what Obama should do in his second term, and how Las Vegas is going old-school.

So many people know you from your current HBO show. Will your shows at the Palms follow that format?
Bill Maher: [Laughs] No, no. I’m a stand-up comedian. The HBO show is a hybrid of comedy and serious talk, but no, no, no. Stand-up comedy is all about laughing, constantly and hard, so I take that very seriously. The subject matter is similar—I’m interested in politics and what’s going on in the world. I don’t do trivial stuff about dogs and cats.

How much do you have to change your stand-up routine, since current events dictate your material?
BM: No comedian turns over an entire act in a night. But if you saw me in March and then came back to see me in June, yeah, a lot of new stuff would have happened that I would be commenting on.

Vegas is certainly a unique city. What do you think of it?
BM: I love Vegas. And I love it more now than when I first was here in the ’80s. I remember when I was here opening for Diana Ross, David Brenner said to me, “You know, they still look at me as the newcomer.” Now it’s great, because they know who I am and the crowds could not be better. And I love the fact that Vegas seems to be returning to actual old-school entertainment: people as opposed to f****** dolphins and that kind of stuff. When I was first in Las Vegas, you could see a person at every hotel—Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Buddy Hackett, Shecky Greene. I feel like we’re getting back to humans, human entertainment. I hope it’s a trend.

You’re in town a lot. What do you like to do when you come here?
BM: Last time, my girlfriend and I found a lounge. I was looking for the olds chool lounge with a lounge act, you know? Live entertainment. And everybody kept saying, “Oh, they don’t exist anymore.” Well, we found one. We danced the night away to this little trio playing rock ’n’ roll covers.

What would you like to see Obama do with his final term?
BM: I keep saying, “Second-term Obama: Django Unchained!” I certainly would like him to get serious about the environment before the planet literally melts. I certainly would like to see him cut the defense budget, because at some point somebody has to make the connection between always writing a blank check to the Pentagon and the fact that we have no money. These are all liberal fantasies perhaps.

Bill Maher performs at the Palms June 8 and 9

Q&A: Heather Marianna of Beauty Kitchen

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Heather Marianna

With beauty, brains, and an eye for style, Heather Marianna has quickly made a name for herself in Las Vegas. First spotted on Oxygen’s My Shopping Addiction, Marianna is social media sensation, with hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers and YouTube fans clamoring for her "how-to" videos, in which she makes beauty products using everyday items found in the kitchen. And just recently, in January, Marianna launched Beauty Kitchen, her own line of wine-themed soaps, natural oils, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, and bath soaks. Here, the resourceful cosmetics queen, who will soon be seen on the CW’s Vegas Unlimited, premiering May 23, tells us more about her growing brand.

How do you come up with the recipes for these DIY beauty products?
HEATHER MARIANNA: It’s all about experimenting. I always have to practice and test everything before I blog or make a video about it. The YouTube segments came first and really took off. People kept asking me where they could buy my at-home remedies and that is when I decided to come up with my own 100 percent organic and gluten-free line. One of my favorite collections is the It’s Wine Time Soap Collection. I love wine, so it seemed appropriate.

Do you have any beauty secrets, tips, or tricks to share?
HM: Witch hazel for tired eyes, Irish moss for hair regrowth, and add cayenne pepper drops to any lip balm for instant lip plumper.

Are you going to open a store at any point?
HM: I prefer to give other stores great wholesale deals and sell in retailers. Right now you can find my It’s Wine Time Soap Collection at the Kardashian Khaos store at The Mirage Hotel & Casino. I would love to keep growing Beauty Kitchen [and] add more lines or more products.

Late-Night Eats at Ferraro’s

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:33:00 -0400

Pappardelle Mimmo at Ferraro's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar has a new late-night Mezzanotte menu to satisfy night owls in search of more than just a nosh. Served from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the restaurant's bar and patio, the menu boasts dishes like osso bucco, gnocchi, house-made meatballs, and sausages at half the regular dinner menu price. Our favorite is chef Mimmo Ferraro's Pappardelle Mimmo, tossed with scallops, lobster, , asparagus, butter, sage, and truffle oil. There's also an extensive wine list with 18 options by the glass, as well as specialty cocktails, which during these late-night hours are offered at 25 percent off. 4480 Paradise Road, 702-364-5300

Tissot Celebrates 160 Years with the Powermatic 80

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com

This year marks the 160th anniversary of Swiss watch brand, Tissot. To honor the milestone, the brand has been very busy, and this year unveils multiple new movements and a host of really cool new timepieces that move it to the next level of sophistication.

Among the new pieces is the Powermatic 80—an automatic watch with 80 hours of power reserve. The watch was made possible thanks to the revolutionary new caliber, the Powermatic 80 movement. To achieve this technical prowess, Tissot strongly reduces the consumption of energy of the watch. The oscillation frequency of the Powermatic 80 is therefore brought down from 4 to 3 Hz. A high-performance synthetic material is used in the construction of the escapement to reduce friction. Thanks to a reduction of the diameter of the barrel-arbor’s core, the mainspring is stretched, thereby increasing the power reserve even further. Finally, the precision is increased with a new and innovative balance.

Making the watch even better is the fact that it is a COSC-certified chronometer. It is available in two sizes appropriate for men and women—33mm and 41mm—and is crafted in steel, steel, and gold-plated, and in versions with diamond adornments. The watch, which looks great and offers superb craftsmanship and precision, retails for a wow price of $1,075 to $1,575 depending on the model.

Cocktails Worthy of a King

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

For the rest of the world, a 10th anniversary is traditionally marked by a gift of tin or aluminum. Not so in Vegas. To celebrate a decade of providing readers with an in-depth look at a city where “fabulous” is an everyday experience, we are toasting with Sin City’s priciest cocktails.

“Las Vegas is a prime spot to celebrate,” says Francesco Lafranconi, executive director of mixology and spirits education at Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. “People come from all over the world and are willing to spend money.” Whether it’s a single pour or a cocktail whose price can run into thousands of dollars, there are two reasons the bill can balloon: rare ingredients or an added-value package, often jewelry.

Wynn nightclubs offer both at once. At XS, you’’ll find the Ono, a $10,000 combination of the ultrarare Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl Cognac (which can command $80,000 or more——if you can find one of the fewer than 800 bottles produced), Charles Heidsieck 1961 Champagne Charlie, orange juice, apricot purée, and rose nectar, served in a jewel-encrusted Champagne glass. Oh, and don’’t forget to take home your new Tahitian black pearl necklace and pair of 18k gold Mont Blanc cuff links.

Meanwhile, over at Tryst, enjoy a Ménage à Trois for $3,000. It’’s a blend of Cristal Rosé Champagne, Hennessy Ellipse cognac, Grand Marnier 150, liquid gold syrup, and edible gold flakes——and at the end of the night, guests get to keep the gold-plated straw with a diamond accent.

While nightclub extravagance attracts young high-rollers who want to make a statement, Bellagio’s elegant Lily Bar & Lounge takes a different tack. You’ll find a number of pricey cocktails featuring rare and unusual spirits. Order a 1914 Sidecar ($400) and enjoy Ferrand Cognac Memoire 1914 (almost a century old), Grand Marnier Quintessence ($800 a bottle at the few places that sell it), and lemon juice, all served in a cinnamon-sugar-rimmed martini glass. Or for $450, down Elit by Stolichnaya Pristine Waters Series Himalayan Edition vodka. Limited to 300 bottles worldwide, each costing about $3,000, this unusually silky vodka starts with water from the Langtang National Park in the Himalayas.

Finding upmarket booze isn’t all that hard. Cognacs, vodkas, and tequilas all have high-end variants. Whiskies regularly release rare or vintage single-barrel expressions that sell at auction for tens of thousands of dollars, with new records set practically every season. Even rum is getting into the act: Last year Angostura released what it claims to be the world’s most expensive rum, Legacy by Angostura, at $25,000 a bottle (the custom-made Asprey of London crystal decanter and sterling silver stopper help boost the price).

The Balvenie last year released a special 50-year single malt whisky in honor of its malt master, David Stewart, who has been with the Scottish Speyside distillery for half a century. The whisky was laid down in 1962, when JFK was president, and bottled in 2012. Only 10 bottles were released to the US, and The Talon Club at the Cosmopolitan snapped up the first. For the serious whisky drinker, the opportunity to sample a special release like this could be siren call enough to drop $3,400 for a single pour.

For a more affordable yet still unique whisky experience, head over to Rí Rá, where a dram of Bruichladdich 1964 will set you back $550, a 40-year Glenfiddich sells for $650 a pour, and the lovely Dalmore 1974 goes for $350. Fans of Irish whiskey will find Knappogue Castle Vintage 1951 (from the company’s old distillery) for $350 a serving.

And when you’re ready to go all-out for an unforgettable evening, head to Hyde Bellagio. For $250,000, Fountain Package guests sit center stage at the prime patio table overlooking the Fountains of Bellagio. Enjoy drinks and music throughout the evening, and when the music stops, your server delivers a gold box with a red button inside. After perusing the accompanying song menu, push the button and enjoy a custom Fountain Concert and a 30-liter bottle of Armand de Brignac “Ace of Spades” Champagne.

Summer's Best Beauty Buys

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 -0400

Sportswear at Fashion Show Mall

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Robert Graham’s new store caters to dynamic Vegas men.

Robert Graham’s eclectic classic-meets-contemporary line of American sportswear makes its long-awaited Las Vegas debut this spring with the company opening its sixth freestanding US boutique, at Fashion Show. The focus is on menswear, although the store also sells premium denim and women’s sportswear. The men’s collections include signature separates cast in bold, vibrant prints; university inspired polo shirts; sharp sports coats; and tailored trousers updated with cuffed hemlines, slim fits, lightweight fabrics, and other details. “We create dynamic clothing using unique fabrics and pattern combinations,” says CEO Michael Buckley. “Opening in Las Vegas is ideal because it has such a dynamic and creative mix of gentlemen from all walks of life.” The Spring collection highlights some of this season’s biggest trends, from color blocking and cropped hemlines to bright primary shades. Fashion Show, 702-477-0370

Randy Char: Real Estate King

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

From a balcony at One Queensridge Place, Randy Char sees a bright future for the Vegas real estate market.

Unlike most kids, who dream of becoming firefighters or policemen, Randy Char wanted to be the next Gordon Gekko, the fictional tycoon in Oliver Stone’s 1987 film Wall Street. “I never wanted a salaried job,” he says. “I wanted to be in a performance-based environment.”

His career gamble has paid off. Char moved to Vegas from San Diego in 1995 and sold 29 homes in six weeks, resulting in executive positions with some of Southern Nevada’s biggest builders. Last year he closed on 13 homes, totaling $20 million, at One Queensridge Place. That marked a 1,000 percent annual increase for the dual tower high-rise in Summerlin, a performance that led to Char’s promotion to senior vice president of operations in January. And in the first two months of 2013, he had already sold more than he did in all of 2012.

“Luxury California buyers are looking for Vegas high-rise living right now,” Char says. “These buyers can take advantage of the tax benefits of establishing residency in Nevada and desire an exclusive environment, but don’t want the upkeep of a huge custom home. They want the amenities, such as fitness centers, spas, and pools. And the support, from the concierge to valet, is appealing to people and their busy lifestyles.”

Best Investments
Even though many insiders say the real estate market has bottomed out, Char doesn’t think you should look at investment periods as so black and white: “To get the best deal, you have to look in the rearview mirror, because by the time you realize it’s time to buy, the market has already bounced off the bottom. It could be argued that the best deals were a couple years ago, but that was also a high period of uncertainty. Today the future looks much more stable. Vegas remains arguably the most undervalued market in the country, and therefore there’s a considerable amount of room to grow.”

Bright Future
Char zeroes in on what the modern buyer is searching for—mainly anything but “mega-mansion” living, he says. “Buyers are looking for the right-size home and functionality, not pretentious displays to outshine the neighbor. The days of keeping up with the Joneses are over. They want residences that fit their needs, whether that be for family, entertaining in the kitchen, or specialty spaces in the home. They are considering what school district the home is in, proximity to the airport, to work, or to outdoor activities. Now that the industry is coming back, it’s about fundamentals.”

New-home shoppers like the ones Char caters to are looking to skip the drama that has become synonymous with real estate in Nevada. “They want to select the community, the home, everything down to the details of the finishes,” he says. They also don’t want to worry about the unforeseen expenses that may crop up with resales. “Today’s new-home buyer wants peace of mind.”

Tenth Anniversary Party

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:43:00 -0400

Vegas celebrates ten fabulous years with cover star Heather Graham at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas.

Top Vegas Art Galleries

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Natural Wonders Gallery at tthe Palazzo specializes in fine nature photography.

Brett Wesley Gallery
This Arts District gallery, winner of a 2009 Mayor’s Urban Design Award for its sleek, contemporary building, exhibits internationally renowned artists such as David LaChapelle, Paul Morrison, and Marilyn Minter. 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd., 702-433-4433

Emergency Arts
This collective is the hub for Downtown artists, a haven where they can gather and share work. The former Fremont Medical Building houses the galleries Get Up, TastySpace, 5th Wall, Tanya Watler’s Lil’ Art Bodega, pbth, Counterspace, and others—plus the well-known coffeehouse, record store, and hangout The Beat. 520 Fremont St., 702-686-3164

Jeff Mitchum Gallery
If sunlight had a best friend, it would be Jeff Mitchum. Using natural light, he infuses his panoramic photography with spectacular colors. Mitchum waited years to snag his Bellagio space and uses it to its full potential: His vibrant photos radiate from every wall. The artist also offers handmade eco-furniture. Bellagio, 702-693-4700

Kush Fine Art
Vladimir Kush, a Russian-born artist and the creator of a Surrealistinspired style called “metaphorical realism,” has four galleries in the US—two of them in Vegas. His oilbased works earned him first prize in painting in 2011 at the Artistes du Monde in Cannes. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 702-363-1990; The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-650-3444

Martin Lawrence Galleries
This 27,000-square-foot megagallery, home to more than $50 million worth of art, including works by modern and contemporary masters such as Picasso, Warhol, Chagall, and Haring, opened in 2011 and now offers free individual and group tours. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-991-5990

The Natural Wonders Gallery
Natural Wonders features fine-art photography by Art Wolfe, Robert Park, and Robert Rotella. Wolfe, who received the North American Nature Photography Association’s award for lifetime achievement in March and the Photographic Society of America’s Progress Medal in 2010, hosts Travels to the Edge on public television. The Shoppes at The Palazzo, 702-431-6030

Oh My Godard Gallery
The playful paintings of art’s “rock star,” Michael Godard, bring to life characters such as drunk grapes and rockin’ olives (which grace a popular local casino game) and have fun with our favorite vices: drinking, smoking, and gambling. The UNLV grad will hold meet-and-greets May 25 and 26 to unveil his newest art. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 702-699-9099

Richard MacDonald
“The Art of Richard MacDonald,” presented by Cirque du Soleil Fine Art Gallery, features sculptures by the internationally acclaimed master of human detail. MacDonald has been immortalizing dancers, acrobats, and athletes in exquisite figurative bronzes for 25 years, making this a natural pairing with Cirque’s celebration of the human form. Bellagio, 702-730-3990

Wyland Galleries
A visit to this gallery will make you forget you’re surrounded by desert. Described as the “marine Michelangelo” (and known only by his last name), Wyland, who first found fame in the ’80s with his life-size whale murals, has scoured the world’s waters for inspiration. The celebrated artist, philanthropist, and environmental activist will hold meet-and-greets on May 24 and 26. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, 702-699-5363; Grand Canal Shops at The Venetian, 702-699-7100

Neiman Marcus Raises Money for Charity

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Roland Mouret will appear in person to present his new looks for fall.

Neiman Marcus’s annual fashionable fundraiser, A Flair for Care, ups the ante this year with a personal appearance by French designer Roland Mouret. While the company has always put on a fabulous fashion show to go with its formal gourmet lunch, Mouret’s Fall 2013 collection will be presented on May 13 at Wynn Las Vegas by the designer himself, celebrated for his sophisticated, body-conscious silhouettes. All proceeds benefit Southern Nevada’s Nathan Adelson Hospice, and attendees will have the chance to win designer jewelry, handbags, and shoes in an exclusive drawing. Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-731-3636

New Watch Collection Glows in the Dark

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Tondo by Night, de Grisogono ($9,400– $17,500). Crystals, CityCenter, 702-834-6600

As the glamour-loving women of Las Vegas know, not every timepiece is serious and conservative. Some are downright whimsical, such as the hit Tondo by Night watches from de Grisogono. Unveiled last year, the collection has just begun to make its way into luxury jewelry stores in the last few months. In addition to being mechanical works of art, these timepieces possess an unusual quality in the luxury watch world that begs them to be worn amidst the neon lights of the Strip: They glow in the dark.

Designed by Fawaz Gruosi, the founder and president of de Grisogono, the Tondo by Night is intended to be a capricious, playful timepiece that stores light during the day and then frees it after the sun goes down. The case is created from a pearly photoluminescent fiberglass composite—with pieces of mother-of-pearl blended into the fiberglass for extra shimmer—then further bedecked with color-coordinated gemstones.

“It has such wide appeal because it is fashionable, hefty, and different from everything else on the market,” Gruosi says. “Still, I never dreamed Tondo by Night would be such an amazing success. The demand is much higher than what I produced, which was extremely unexpected.”

Each Tondo by Night watch is equipped with an exclusive in-house mechanical movement, specially developed to display the gem-set oscillating weight on the front side. Built in collaboration with an outside lab, the Tondo by Night timepieces are offered in an array of colors, each with a row of 48 gemstones on the bezel, plus another 60 on the dial (and a black diamond on the crown). The colors include white with white diamonds, yellow with yellow sapphires, pink with pink sapphires, green with tsavorites, purple with amethysts, and orange with orange sapphires. And three new shades were unveiled at the Baselworld show in April: a vivid green case with a tourmaline bezel, a blue case with a blue sapphire bezel, and a coral case with a spinel bezel. The most expensive watch in the collection is currently the white (diamond) version, which retails for $17,500.

“I dedicate this watch to happy summer days and glamorous nightlife,” Gruosi says. “It’s not only a luxury timepiece but also can be worn as a magnificent jewelry piece, with a twist.”