L.A. to Vegas: Lisa Vanderpump is Opening a Hotel and Kendall Jenner Helps Launch Amaya
Kendall Jenner flew to Sin City to help debut Amaya Modern Mexican, the latest dining destination at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. In what is truly an L.A. to Vegas moment, Jenner served drinks made with 818 Tequila, the brand she founded, to delighted guests during the grand opening. The '818' is a tribute to the area code of Calabasas, where she grew up.
Hundreds of guests and creators enjoyed dinner and drinks during the special event. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jason McLeod, Amaya is inspired by the tropical allure and lively energy of Tulum, and serves modern coastal Mexican cuisine in a picturesque atmosphere. Expect to find deejays spinning energetic beats and live fire performers circling the entire restaurant. Signature dishes on the menu include surf and turf, birria short rib, whole grilled angry fish, and lobster enchiladas. The restaurant also offers a collection of aged tequilas and mezcals, celebrating Jalisco's multi-generational heritage.The restaurant's design, crafted by Peter Max Bowden and the team at Petermax Co., features rustic elegance and lush, tree-canopied spaces creating an environment that is equal parts refined and evocative across the 7,180-square-foot restaurant, bar and lounge. Amaya is open daily and reservations are available online. Following the grand opening evening, guests were invited to The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, the hideaway lounge meets rock saloon where live music is played nightly, located just off of The Cosmopolitan's casino floor. Amaya was created by Clique Hospitality for Gen3 Hospitality. The eatery takes over the space formerly occupied by Gen3's Holsteins Shakes & Buns burger restaurant, which operated for nearly 14 years, since The Cosmopolitan's debut. Holsteins is slated to re-open this spring on South Main Street in the Vegas Arts District.
It's Lisa Vanderpump like you've never seen her before! As announced on March 12, Vanderpump is moving into the hotel arena as Caesars Entertainment and the popular TV personality and entrepreneur partner to rebrand The Cromwell at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road into The Vanderpump Hotel in early 2026. The property will undergo a complete renovation and remain open as The Cromwell through the transition. The property is currently home to Giada De Laurentiis' namesake restaurant, GIADA, Drai's Beachclub and Nightclub and Drai's After Hours. Of course, Vanderpump famously operates SUR and TomTom in West Hollywood, while PUMP closed in 2023. 'What an extraordinary opportunity to develop this iconic location into something unique, playful and upscale. Hospitality has always been our passion, and our mission is to create something sumptuous with a unique atmosphere," Vanderpump said. "We can't wait to breathe new life into this property and make it something truly magical.' The collaboration marks her fifth project with Caesars Entertainment, encompassing Vanderpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace, Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas, WOLF by Vanderpump at Harveys Lake Tahoe, and Pinky's by Vanderpump at Flamingo Las Vegas. Longtime Vegas visitors will know The Cromwell location as the former Barbary Coast and Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon.
First announced in October 2023, New York City's members-only social club, Zero Bond, is now accepting applications for its second location, scheduled to open later in 2025 at Wynn Las Vegas. Bond Hospitality is also known for their Italian Restaurant, Sartiano's at The Mercer, as well as Broken Coconut, Rose Lane and Darling in NYC. 'Wynn was the natural choice for Zero Bond's second home. They are the best in the world at delivering unparalleled hospitality, especially in a city like Las Vegas where the standard is already so high," Scott Sartiano, co-founder of Zero Bond, tells LAMag exclusively. "Since announcing memberships, we've seen an incredible response, which is a clear testament to the demand for a new kind of private members experience in Vegas."
Zero Bond at Wynn Las Vegas will offer unique spaces such as a private Members Grill featuring fine-dining menus curated by three-time James Beard Award-winner Alfred Portale. The Salon Privé - the heart and soul of Zero Bond - will provide a versatile space for spirited conversation, cocktails, and connection. Club amenities will also include private cigar humidors and wine lockers, a sculpture garden, and a private valet. The club will reside on a commanding hilltop position overlooking Wynn Golf Club. Zero Bond will reportedly occupy spaces at the resort's one-time country club, including the Chairman's former private villa and the long-shuttered Country Club restaurant. According to the membership website, a Founding Member will pay a $50,000 initiation fee and $7,500 annual dues while a general member will pay a $1,000 initiation fee and $2,750 annual dues.
After 17 years and one of the most iconic names in Las Vegas, WET REPUBLIC is over at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. Palm Tree Crew, the global live entertainment, lifestyle, and hospitality company founded by Kygo and Myles Shear, announced that Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand, in partnership with Tao Group Hospitality, famed for TAO restaurant and nightclub, LAVO Italian restaurant, Hakkasan nightclub, Omnia nightclub, Beauty & Essex and more, will debut on May 2 as an eclectic, vibrant and chic tropical retreat. Kygo, of course, will be Palm Tree's first resident artist, playing select dates throughout the year including the first Saturday, May 3. Spanning nearly 60,000 square feet, the venue will include a ground-level stage, salt water pool, 12 bungalows and 10 cabanas, along with daybeds and chaise lounges all to fit more than 3,000 guests. Other artists to take the stage throughout the season include Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Zedd, Steve Aoki, Alesso, Fisher, Chris Lake, and DJ Pauly D. 'We are grateful for our continued partnership with Tao Group and look forward to our new relationship with Palm Tree Crew as we offer our MGM Grand guests a dynamic, new experience that further enhances our entertainment portfolio," said Ari Kastrati, MGM Resorts' Chief Content, Hospitality & Development Officer. Tickets are available now.
The Backstreet Boys will be the first pop act to take over The Sphere Las Vegas when their 18-show residency kicks off on July 11. In conjunction with the residency, the group, one of the most iconic and best-selling groups of all time, announced they will release Millennium 2.0 via Sony Legacy on July 11, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their chart-topping, 5-time GRAMMY-nominated album, Millennium. The deluxe re-issue will feature 25 tracks, including all 12 remastered originals, live recordings, demos, including 'I Want It That Way,' and B-sides, including the alternate version of 'I Want It That Way.' The album also features a brand new photo shoot recreating the original album artwork.
At Resorts World Las Vegas, country music phenomenon and American Idol judge, Carrie Underwood, will conclude her reign as Resorts World Theatre's first-ever, and longest-running, resident headliner. Underwood will present nine final performances of her critically acclaimed show March 26, 28-29 and April 2, 4-5, 9, 11-12. Carrie Underwood REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency first debuted in December 2021. In other residency news, Alanis Morissette has announced Alanis Morissette: Las Vegas 2025, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, with eight performances scheduled from Oct. 15 to Nov. 2. Also at Caesars, Kelly Clarkson is returning to Las Vegas with a new residency at The Colosseum called Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions - The Las Vegas Residency. Shows will kick off July 4, with 18 performances scheduled through Nov. 15. The new residency follows Clarkson's sold-out Chemistry engagement at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2023 and 2024. Over at The Cosmopolitan, Chelsea Handler will perform her Chelsea at The Chelsea show on March 21 and April 18 at the resort's Chelsea performance venue, and Handler has announced four additional dates for the residency on July 5, Aug. 30, Nov. 1 and Nov. 29.
Ortikia Mediterranean Grill at Green Valley Ranch Resort will host a live fire feast and guest chef event featuring acclaimed chefs Sheldon Simeon, a 'Top Chef' finalist and celebrated chef-owner of Tiffany's Restaurant & Bar in Maui, and Bruce Bromberg, co-founder of the renowned Blue Ribbon Restaurants. The two men will partner for a one-of-a-kind dinner experience on March 28 from 5-9 p.m. They will collaborate on a five-course meal with each dish expertly grilled; showcasing bold flavors, creative techniques, and the art of live-fire cooking. Priced at $95 per person or $145 with a beverage pairing, guests can book reservations online or call (702) 617-7010.
Meanwhile, many have been wondering what will replace BAZAAR Meat at Sahara Las Vegas when the restaurant closes on June 30 for an impending move to The Palazzo tower at The Venetian Resort later this year. Sahara executives have now revealed that chef Kwame Onwuachi of New York's Tatiana and Washington, D.C.'s Dōgon, will debut an original concept at Sahara, which will mark his first restaurant on the West Coast. The opening date has yet to be announced. When the BAZAAR Meat move to The Venetian was announced, José Andrés Group Global CEO Sam Bakhshandehpour commented, "José Andrés Group toasts Sahara Las Vegas and our longstanding partnership, cementing Bazaar Meat as a dining destination on the Strip."
Also at The Venetian, the property has announced the debut of Nomikai, a dining destination inspired by the beloved Japanese tradition of 'Nomikai,' where friends and colleagues come together to enjoy food and drinks in a spirited setting. The sushi and speakeasy concept invites guests to savor exceptional cuisine and craft cocktails in an atmosphere that celebrates moments of connection and indulgence. Nomikai, set to debut in Spring 2025 along The Venetian's Restaurant Row, is the latest addition to the resort's expanded culinary lineup, which coincides with its $1.5 billion reinvestment project.
Liam's Den & Bubble Bar, an elegant champagne bar located steps away from the poker room inside Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, is now open. The vibrant lounge offers an upscale experience, combining the sophistication of premium bottle service and handcrafted cocktails with the charm of a private den. The 1,500-square foot venue accommodates up to 72 guests and features an extensive selection of fine champagnes, world-class bottle service and indulgent specialty cocktails such as the Garden Party Spritz, a refreshing combination of Pinot Gris, vodka, creme de fleur, peach, peach and fresh lemon juice, and the Sweet Redemption, a bold blend of mezcal, rosé vermouth and amaro. To complement the drink offerings, guests can order gourmet tapas such as caviar blinis, chicken skewers and charcuterie. Liam's is open daily from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., with happy hour weekdays Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
To alleviate the line out the door at his Planet Hollywood Resort location, Gordon Ramsay has opened the second Gordon Ramsay Burger on The Strip, this time at Flamingo Las Vegas. Gordon Ramsay Burger at Flamingo is Ramsay's seventh restaurant in Las Vegas with Caesars Entertainment. 'Lucky number seven, can you believe it?," Ramsay said of the new restaurant. 'Las Vegas is like a second home to me, and the Caesars team are like family. The new restaurant looks beautiful and trust me, the burgers are incredible!' Flamingo fans can sip on the new signature Pink Drink, which is made with Champagne, Absolut Vodka, cassis and raspberry gomme and served in a flamingo coupe with a lemon wedge. The 12,000-square-foot space was designed by DEZMOTIF Studios and features a large exhibition kitchen, island-style bar as the restaurant's social hub, expansive storefront windows, multiple dining zones, a nod to Britannia with Union Jack accents and dynamic flame displays throughout. The 300-seat restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to midnight daily. It is a good idea to make a reservation.
NETFLIX BITES Vegas, a one-year culinary residency that invites guests to dig into dishes and drinks that bring the magic of the screen to the table, is now open at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. This unique dining experience offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with each menu item inspired by a hit Netflix show or movie. The menu delivers something for everyone, from hearty sandwiches and burgers to fresh fish, salads, sides, and decadent desserts. Fan-favorite shows and movies that have shaped the menu items include: Emily in Paris, Ginny & Georgia, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, GLOW, Matilda: The Musical, Orange Is the New Black, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Queer Eye, Selling Sunset, Sex Education, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, and WWE RAW as well as culinary creations inspired by Chef's Table and Dinner Time Live with David Chang.
The twelth edition of One Night for One Drop will take place at Hakkasan Nightclub inside MGM Grand on World Water Day, March 22. The gala is curated by former Cirque du Soleil impresario and One Drop Foundation founder, Guy Laliberté. Since its inception in 2013, One Night for One Drop has raised more than $40 million to support its mission to strengthen at-risk communities' access to safe water, in Southern Nevada, and throughout the Foundation's expansive global footprint. This year's event is produced by Live Edge Entertainment, in partnership with Laliberté's art and production company, Maison Frooogs, with dinner curated by Tao Group Hospitality. The evening will also include a VIP wine, champagne and spirits tasting from some of the most celebrated estates in the world, a live auction, and an after party. The event has garnered acclaim for its star-studded lineup of musical performances and celebrity guests, with past show collaborations including Hans Zimmer, John Legend, Leona Lewis, Jewel and Steve Aoki. Tickets to the annual event are available now.
After 22 years at Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the Chippendales have, appropriately, moved their show to The Strip. Voted the 'Best Male Revue' by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 12 consecutive years, the group now performs at The Mat Franco Theater inside The Linq Hotel + Experience. Throughout their 22 years in Sin City, the Chippendales have performed more than 9,000 shows, ripped off more than 275,000 tank tops, featured over 130 cast members, and have sold more than one million tickets and 100,000 photos. 'The LINQ is the perfect place for a party, and we're certain the addition of Chippendales to our already diverse entertainment roster in the center of the Las Vegas Strip will only make the party that much more exciting for our guests,' said Dan Walsh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The LINQ Hotel + Experience. The group performs Tuesday through Sunday, including matinee shows on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Before the matinee, there is now a 'Chipps & Salsa' brunch beginning March 16. The immersive brunch experience kicks off at 1 p.m. at CHAYO Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar at The Linq, where guests can indulge in a specially curated menu paired with sangria, mimosas, margaritas and men before the actual show begins. Brunch pricing is $70 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity, Chippendales show tickets are purchased separately. All guests must be 18+ for the Chippendales show. Guests for CHAYO brunch package must be 21 for alcoholic beverage service. Chippendales show tickets are available online.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Twelve Moons' Debuts First-Look Clip Ahead of Tribeca Premiere, Director Victoria Franco Speaks About Societal Pressures on Women (EXCLUSIVE)
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'There are many people who don't feel that they are part of society but feel societal pressure. And as a woman, there is the added pressure to have a child, have a family, be the perfect woman, and I really admire people who are really authentic and don't give in to these pressures.' Sofia is portrayed with empathy and her alcohol and drug dependency should be seen as a 'disease,' Franco says. It is Sofia's way of relaxing when faced with societal expectations and the pressure to conform – to feel 'normal,' overcome her insecurity, and appear self-confident. Unable to conceive, Sofia's life – both personal and professional – starts to unravel. 'She has no boundaries, so she doesn't know how to separate her professional and personal life, and she takes them both so seriously,' the director says. 'She feels that through her architecture, her feelings can become connected with other people. She tries to work in a way that is parallel to her feelings. 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Speaking about Ana de la Reguera, Franco says: 'Ana has great presence. She has a lovely face. She's a person with a deep, deep soul. And when I talked to her about the script, I felt that she was very connected with the matter of being a woman in her 40s and the social demands that people make. 'And she's an actress who has like 20 years of experience, so I was really amazed when we were talking and playing around, like, 'Imagine the camera is here, and what would you do?,' and she was improvising and doing things that I was amazed by, because sometimes I felt that she had known the character for her entire life, like she has lived with her.' Regarding the cinematography, she comments: 'First of all, I decided that the movie should be black and white, so the spectator had no distractions with the colors, and he could be really connected with the emotions and the state of mind of the character. 'And also, the movie is about architecture as well, so it's very geometrical. 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Chicago Tribune
3 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Northbrook Symphony leans toward classical, with some contemporary, as it celebrates 45 years
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'I tend to stay away from experimental compositions and contemporary, even though we do offer them because we owe it to our audiences to inform them and perform for them what's happening in the world. I try to do this in reasonable doses.' Board President Greene noted that, for the last two seasons, the orchestra's final program has been focused on a particular event, composer or culture. 'At the end of our 22-23 season, we presented a program called 'The Violins of Hope,'' Greene said. That refers to a collection of stringed instruments played by Jewish musicians before and during World War II. Prior to the concerts, there was a presentation of those instruments in the lobby. 'We had tremendous attendance from people very interested in this unique collection of instruments,' Greene said. 'And, for the concert, some of our musicians played on those instruments. It was a very moving experience for a lot of our concertgoers.' At the end of the 2023-24 season, Greene reported, the Orchestra performed 'Fiesta Mexicana,' a celebration of the music culture of Mexico. The Northbrook Symphony played classical Mexican music, folk band Sones de Mexico Ensemble played Mexican folk music, and there was also a mariachi band and a dancer. Clarinetist Ilya Shterenberg and 55 musicians were scheduled for a June 8 concert of Tchaikovsky's 'Symphony No. 4.' Between 45 and 65 musicians perform at each concert. 'It depends on the repertoire,' Zikri explained. 'The string section composes two-thirds of the orchestra. The other third is split between woodwinds, brass and percussions.' Although the Northbrook Symphony began as a community orchestra, Zikri noted, it is now 100% professional. 'I have personally focused on young professionals,' he added. Principal Cellist Daniel Klingler joined the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra 12 years ago at the request of a previous musical director, Lawrence Rapchak. 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Greene said, 'In years past, when we had a general manager, we just provided broad oversight.' Since the general manager left six or seven years ago and wasn't replaced, 'the board has gotten more involved in operational control of the symphony,' Greene said. That has become 'unwieldy' for the board, Greene said, so they are currently planning to hire a general manager or an executive director. Currently, the board spends a lot of time planning events like the upcoming June 19 gala, since fundraising is one of its vital responsibilities. The board hires an outside person to work on grant-writing with them. 'Grants are an essential part of all fundraising,' Greene said. 'Right now, about 25% of our annual revenue is from ticket sales; the rest is from grants and individual donors.' Tickets to the 6 p.m. June 19 gala at Sunset Ridge Country Club, 2100 Sunset Ridge Rd. in Northfield, are $150. Find details at or 847-272-0755. Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.


Boston Globe
4 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Golf comedy ‘Stick' can't get out of the rough
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