Las Vegas Weekly

09.4.08 · 4:10 PM

Celebrations, Strip sightings and tonight’s tease

* Monks from various Buddhist temples throughout the valley planned to gather this morning at the BODIES exhibit in the Luxor resort casino. They are performing an ancient Buddhist benediction blessing on all 13 whole-body specimens in the all-new exhibition because they believe that each body, living or dead, has a spirit. The purpose of it is to inform the spirits that their physical bodies are not being punished, but rather being used for educational purposes and that the modern era allows their bodies to be preserved in a respectful manner.

* Veteran comedian Paul Rodriguez, who for more than 20 years has brought his wit and charm to a wide-ranging fan base through film, television and live stand-up, has gone all-in as the host of The Real Deal, the first live, interactive poker-themed stage show set to debut at The Venetian on Oct. 22 after previews start Oct. 14. Paul joins The Real Deal roster of renowned poker pros as stars of the unique technology-driven show that will run six days a week in The Venetian Showroom and gives the entire audience the opportunity to get in the game with such big names as Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negraneu, Phil Hellmuth and many others.

* Congratulations to Palms hotel tycoon George Maloof on his birthday -- and also to our mutual pal Michael Boychuck from the Amp and Primp Salons there. Michael celebrated his birthday at Postrio in the Venetian with a bevy of blondes, including his Crazy Girl wife Karen Raider, Sunset Tan’s Janelle Perry, makeup princess Rain Andreani, hotelier Toni Fitts, plus musical singing duo Zowie Bowie, Crazy Girls producer Norbert Aleman and yours truly. Siegfried & Roy dined at a nearby table and sent champagne over to add to the fun. Michael told us that Paris Hilton’s best friend, designer Faye Reznick, who decorated his Color’s salon at Caesars Palace, will now also transform his two Palms outlets! Vince Neil has donated one of his guitars to give it a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and Paris, his No. 1 hair color client, is decorating with a series of picture and photo frames that match those in her own home!

* Incidentally, congratulations are also in order for Norbert as he relinquishes his long run as “most eligible bachelor” on the Strip and gets married to knock-out Vegas dancer Jennifer Stowe on Sept. 19. I’ve asked Norbert to ensure his Crazy Girls show up after their Riviera show as the bridesmaids dressed in white!

* Star Surveillance: Illusionist David Copperfield treated a lady friend to a late-night romantic dinner at Social House in Treasure Island, snacking on Kobe sliders and chicken teriyaki in the swanky birdcage lounge of the sushi sensation ... Actor Matt Lillard lounged at the chic Venus Pool club oasis in Caesars Palace cooling off in the pool while sipping pina coladas while Lakers basketball star Lamar Odom took over a deluxe cabana and stuck to Heineken beer ... Celebrating their recent win on MTV’s hit show America’s Best Dance Crew, SuperCrew joined the party fun at the Cathouse ultra-lingerie lounge in the Luxor. Members of Sugarhill Gang were at another table in the unique Kerry Simon restaurant and nightlife hotspot. (PHOTOS)

Tonight's tip:

It’s a rock triple-header at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay with Motorhead and their special guests, Misfits and Airbourne ... With all of TV’s dance shows, it's little wonder that “soft shoe shuffles” have boomed all over again, and if the Latin rhythms of the tango and salsa grab your groove, go watch the best dancers in town perform at the Salsero in the South Point resort, learn their secrets and then go for it yourself!

Tomorrow's tease

Paris Hilton and rocker beaufriend Benji Madden are cuddled up cozily hand-in-hand during their four days out and about in Vegas and we’ve got all the up-close and intimate photos to explain why a lot of people thought they were suddenly about to get married here! Mr. Olympia is returning to town -- and Luxe Life has the advance look at the mighty men of muscle, plus we’ll join the mayor and his showgirls at a restaurant gala and discover a unique new taste treat at the Palms.

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09.4.08 · 3:04 PM

Carnival of Cuisine showcases top chef restaurants, and a first look at new Coca-Cola bottles

How do you get excited over a bottle of Coca-Cola? Well, if it’s the first-ever sneak preview of the never-before-seen aluminum replicas of the famous decades-old bottle! Vegas was selected as the first spot to unveil the surprising new lightweight recyclable bottles -- and they were discreetly on display at the "Carnival o Cuisine" hosted by over 30 restaurants and eight James Beard award winning chefs at the Venetian and Palazzo.

Everybody from Valentino’s chef Luciano Pelligrini, Tao’s star chef Mark Andelbradt and Morel’s executive chef Eric Bauer were on hand for cooking demos and tasting treats in the main Venetian ballroom while other chefs along with fan dancers and mariachi bands entertained at the Palazzo’s main waterfall. Chef Eric had a large fan turnout when he prepared hand-harvested East Coast scallops with summer fava beans, English peas and heirloom tomatoes for the TV cameras -- and then served it up to eating enthusiasts. Eric told me the delightful dish is on the menu at Morels.

Among the celebrity chef restaurants represented were Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio and Cut restaurants, Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico’s Steakhouse, multo Mario Batali’s B&B and Enoteca San Marco restaurants, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and Charlie Palmer’s restaurant and bar. Our photos show the food was fantastic, the menus were mouth-watering and mind-blowing -- and when guests weren’t stuffing with Sushi Samba’s sashimi or Bouchon’s bakery breads, everybody settled for the new Coke bottles -- and snatched-up samples to show-off to their friends.

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09.4.08 · 1:34 PM

Jay-Z’s old 40/40 club reopens tonight as restaurant and sports book

It took just a few days to transform hip-hop mogul Jay-Z's former 40/40 nightclub at the Palazzo into a new restaurant grill and sports book. In fact, last weekend marked its official closing -- and now Luxe Life has just learned that it will reopen tonight.

The Sportsbook Bar & Grill at the Palazzo becomes the newest sports-themed restaurant on the Strip. In a just e-mailed statement, Palazzo officials noted: "Utilizing existing décor including a Strip-view outdoor patio and 70+ flat screen televisions with access to satellite and cable channels to view sporting events from around the world, the 24,000-square-foot restaurant will feature an upbeat and energetic atmosphere for diners to take in their favorite sporting events.

"The gourmet American cuisine menu is comprised of all the sporting fan favorites: sliders, burgers, pizza and nachos. Sample dishes include: Sportsbook Slider made with a choice of chicken or beef featuring cheddar cheese, balsamic onions and shredded lettuce; homemade 12” pizzas with choice of cheese, pepperoni or vegetable; and Turkey Cobb Wrap featuring double smoked bacon, tomatoes, avocado, chopped egg and blue cheese in a roma tomato tortilla".

The Sportsbook Bar & Grill at The Palazzo will be open Monday 11 a.m. to midnight, Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. For guests wanting to place wagers on a game, five sports betting windows are located directly across from the Sportsbook Bar & Grill .. In addition, table games and slot machines will be accessible.

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09.4.08 · 1:30 PM

Charlie Sheen celebrates a birthday, Criss Angel seen with Holly Madison — again — as stars party

The nightlife experts who have propelled Tao at the Venetian into the nation’s largest grossing nightclub and restaurant operation are about to launch their newest amazing entertainment attraction. Lavo will open in the neighboring Palazzo resort on Saturday next week, but already it's been invaded by a slew of celebrities. When I was there for the “soft-opening shakedowns,” I spotted actor Adrian Brody, party actress Tara Reid and gossip blogger Perez Hilton. On my way out, in came Paris Hilton with Benji Madden, Nicky Hilton with David Katzenberg, Wilmer Valderrama with Michelle Rodriguez, singer Katy Perry, actress Christina Milian, nightclub queen Amy Sacco, movie mogul Brett Ratner, rocker Deryck Whibley, comic Marlon Wayans and basketball great Lamar Odem. Now this was an ordinary night and there was no red carpet.

So just imagine what it will be like Sept. 13 when it premieres with the official grand opening! I took a tour with owners Mark Packer and Richard Wolfe, and we’ll have that photo report early next week of the multi-million dollar shopping spree in the “souks” of Morocco, where Richard bought all the furnishings, lighting, glasses and decorations to ship back here to Vegas.

* Birthday celebrations were the order of the night at the Palms -- and KISS guitarist Paul Stanley was in the thick of the party for two consecutive nights with hotel owner George Maloof. George’s sister, Adrienne, and actor Charlie Sheen both were celebrating birthdays. The night before the KISS concert at the Pearl in the Palms it was a quiet tête-à-tête for two with Paul and George, but after the show the entire band joined George and all the stars at N9NE Steakhouse. Outrageous birthday cake platters finished off a gargantuan meal of shellfish platters, rock shrimp, scallops and filets! For the record, Paul stuck to Coca-Cola, plus Snickers for dessert. Charlie brought his newly pregnant wife and his two daughters to the N9NE steakhouse dinner, plus 11 other guests -- and again Coca-Cola with limes was the beverage of choice. They dined on lobster and summer salads. Also at N9NE were Academy Award-winning actor Adrien Brody, choosing sashimi and scallops from the menu with a glass of merlot, comedy king Chris Rock in a black and white track suit, who was in a party of eight that included fellow comic David Spade and UFC head honcho Dana White. All three ordered tuna appetizers followed by baby steaks with lobster tails.

Meantime at the adjoining Rain nightclub, was Hugh Hefner or Criss Angel’s galpal -- depending on which gossip is churning now -- Holly Madison from the Girls Next Door. Party girl Tara Reid of American Pie notoriety was also at Rain after the Paul Oakenfold spin-session, plus hip-hop R 'n' B producer turned D.J., Jazzy Jeff who performed on the Waterbooth Stage until 3:45 a.m. sticking with a mix of orange and cranberry juice! Chelsea Handler’s assistant comic Chewy was at Rain for two consecutive nights partying the first night in his all pink outfit with Allison Waite. He returned the next night but added a race driver’s hat to his clothing ensemble! Upstairs at the Playboy Club, members of the Hinder rock group partied with the bunnies and blackjack before going further up to the Moon rooftop nightclub.

*The unrelated Hiltons literally took over the Venetian hotspot Tao with gossip blogger Perez Hilton hosting one party, and his friends included Jessica Origliasso from the Australian pop-duo The Veronicas, who opened for the Jonas Brothers tour. Also there, Jessica’s on-and-off boyfriend Azaria from the Australian rock group The Follow. Azaria made headlines when he vanished and went missing for a week after the breakup. He was later found in New York and Perez told me that the feuding twosome has reconciled -- at least for now! Next day, Perez had another group at a private cabana at the Tao Beach, which included singer-actress Christina Milian, oil heir Brandon Davis, actor Wilmer Valderrama, Pamela Anderson’s ex-husband Rick Salomon and MTV UK VJ Tim Cash. Later that evening, both Paris Hilton and little sister Nicky Hilton, who have been all over town, arrived at the club’s dance floor owners' table alongside Wilmer and they partied the night away. Famed DJ Erick Morillo was also in the VIP zone.

*Over at the LAX nightclub in the Luxor, all eyes were on new2you couple Cirque du Soileil’s Believe magician Criss Angel entertaining Hugh Hefner’s Girl Next Door Holly Madison right through the night until last call, while Wilmer Valderrama and Eva Longoria Parker from Desperate Housewives hung out in the Noir Bar inner sanctum there. Nicky Hilton checked out her investment in the Company American Bistro before hosting an LAX party night posing for photos with fans. Grammy-nominated singer Keyshia Cole stopped by, along with famed NBA greats Michael Jordan and Charles Oakley. Across the dance floor were more NBA players, including Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers, Antoine Walker of the Memphis Grizzlies, Tyronn Lue and Damon Jones of the Milwaukee Bucks, Tony Allen of the Boston Celtics, Larry Hughes of the Chicago Bulls, Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons, Kelenna David Azubuike of the Golden State Warriors, Nazr Mohammed of the Charlotte Bobcats, Antoine Wright of the Dallas Mavericks and Rashad McCants and Calvin Booth both from the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus former NBA star Howard Eisley. LAX was also celebration central for reality show star Khloe Kardashian, boxer Zab Judah, Shaun Phillips of the San Diego Chargers, and Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs. The high-energy Sugarhill Gang had the celebrity crowd in wild hysteria when they performed their chart-topping hits before unwinding on a VIP stage table with Moet Chandon champagne.

Up at sister club Pure in Caesars Palace, Paris Hilton and sister Nicky won rave applause from the crowd because in between Patron tequila shots and dance sessions they stopped long enough to pose for photos with frenetic fans. Wilmer Valderrama and Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria Parker also joined in the fun. Actress Haylie Duff was part of a fab foursome that included actors Nick Zano and Channing Tatum and his Step Up co-star Jenna Dewan. Sports stars attending included Larry Johnson again, UFC fighter Stephan Bonner, Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies, Jared Dudley of the Charlotte Bobcats, Lamar Odom of the L.A. Lakers, former NBA pro Gary Payton and the Milwaukee Bucks duo of Damon Jones and Tyrone Lue. DJ Jazzy Jeff joined DJ AM for a "battle of the beats" night that brought in Perez Hilton once again with the reconciled Jess Origliasso and Azario.

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09.4.08 · 12 PM

Despite DUI charge, celebrity chef goes ahead with festival cooking demo

Talk about from the frying pan into the fire -- or vice versa. Celebrity chef Marcel Vigneron, who lives here in Vegas, went directly from jail to an "arts festival" for a cooking demonstration and book signing! On the second season of Bravo’s Top Chef, 28-year-old Marcel was runner-up and has since parlayed it into a highly successful freelance chef’s career.

He’d attended the evening Pageant of the Masters gala benefit for the Festival in Laguna Beach, Calif., and was returning to his hotel shortly after midnight. He was pulled over for speeding -- but then after being given a blood test was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. He was whisked off to jail, where bail was set at $2,500. But he posted bail and made it in time for his scheduled appearance for a cooking demonstration of Dungeness crab gazpacho with melon jello.

Hundreds of fans turned up for his entertaining presentation and nobody knew he’d been busted 10 hours earlier. Marcel, who was a master cook at Joel Robuchon’s top three-star, Michelin-rated restaurant at MGM Grand, served up tasty samples of his creation to fans and food fanatics.

Sgt. Jason Kravetz of the Laguna Beach Police Department said that chef Vigneron was still able to drive on his license but had to notify our DMV about the incident before Sept. 24.

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09.4.08 · 11:32 AM

$100 million man, Terry Fator, hits back at lawsuit

No sooner did America’s Got Talent $1 million winner Terry Fator land his new $100 million, five-year contract at the Mirage starting Feb. 14 than "people from the past" hired lawyers in an attempt to snatch away a major part of his earnings! Former fired manager John Raymond wants a piece of the Mirage millions even though he’d been terminated long before and never had a meeting with those hotel executives or the Hilton entertainment officials, where Terry appears monthly.

Terry will be at the Hilton next weekend (Sept. 15-17) and again Oct. 13-15 – and even though Raymond had been let go months earlier, he brazenly demands a staggering percentage of the paychecks! Raymond claims he was hired in 2003 to be Terry’s manager, then four years later, Terry performed his singing impressionist ventriloquist act on America’s Got Talent and hit overnight super-stardom. Raymond, who ran his Encore Entertainment Network showbiz efforts from Montana -- not exactly the center of showbiz -- was fired because of alleged work failures by Terry last November - way before the new Mirage contract was negotiated and signed in May of this year. As a gesture of goodwill, Terry kept Raymond on as a merchandise administrator.

Now the fired employee is demanding a staggering 20 percent share of Terry’s earnings in his lawsuit. He is represented by attorneys Mark Solomon, Alan Freer and Jeffrey Luszeck of Solomon, Dwiggins and Freer of Las Vegas. They filed the case in the 8th Judicial District Court. Raymond claims that as recently as Aug. 20 he was pitching Strip hotels to book Terry -- but as Luxe Life readers know from Terry himself (Click here for that guest column) he was turned down cold. However, Raymond adds that after Terry won America's Got Talent on Aug. 21 he still tried to get more employment opportunities.

Terry, through a spokesman, told Luxe Life that they welcome their day in court to show that Raymond had nothing to do with the Hilton and Mirage engagements and thus his greedy demand for some $20 million is totally without foundation! "His record will speak for itself. Terry is totally the good guy in all of this and that will be easily seen immediately," Terry’s agent, John McEntee, told me.

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09.4.08 · 9 AM

Pregnant and nearly naked Jenna Jameson pleads “safe sex” for pets

Sexy and pregnant former adult-XXX actress Jenna Jameson has stripped down to promote a “safe sex” campaign for the controversial People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization. The Vegas-born blonde bombshell kicked off the new effort to increase spaying and neutering. Jenna says: “Until dogs and cats can go on the pill or wear condoms we need to help them practice safe sex by spaying and neutering. They are so at risk in falling pregnant or catching diseases if they aren’t protected.” Jenna, now living with former UFC champion Tito Ortiz, announced two weeks ago their happy news that she’s become pregnant.

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09.4.08 · 8 AM

Entourage stars launch Sir Richard Branson’s new Virgin America Vegas flights

Entourage

Photo: HBO

British billionaire Sir Richard Branson launches his new direct Virgin America flights between New York and Vegas today -- and he’s got the cast of HBO’s hit show Entourage on the premiere journey. They’ll leave on the inaugural flight, dubbed "Entourage Air" at 1:30 p.m. from Kennedy Airport and arrive here by 4 p.m. to celebrate with a glittering party at the Playboy Club in the Palms. (It’s where Sir Richard parachuted off the roof on his last visit here in a stunt to promote the new airline that went awry because of unexpected high wind gusts!)

Photo: Scott Doctor

Richard Branson

The customized A320 flight and the Entourage tie-in comes as Season 5 of the show premieres on HBO cable -- and flyers get a sneak peek of the debut episode. Expect to see Entourage stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and two-time Emmy winner Jeremy Piven –- all of whom are regular Vegas visitors.

For the first month of the new direct Vegas-East Coast service, additional Entourage episodes will be shown to all regular passengers. They’ll also get an Entourage Bar from Dom Perignon champagne and Entourage taste treats courtesy of Godiva chocolates! My pal, Sir Richard, has promised the new Vegas direct flights will feature signature upscale design, custom designed leather seating and individual touch-screen entertainment systems with movies, videogames and the Entourage shows!

Photo: Courtesy photo

Jeremy Piven and Robin Leach

Photo: Courtesy photo

Kevin Connolly and Ali

Photo: Courtesy photo

Adrian Grenier and Ali

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09.4.08 · 6 AM

The Panic! birthday celebrations continue at the Disco

Panic! parties at the Beatles Revolution lounge.

Photo: Erik Kabik

The dual birthday parties for Spencer Smith and Ryan Ross of Panic! At the Disco continue to rock on. Fellow band member Brendon Urie joined his pals for their ongoing festivities at the Beatles Revolution lounge at the Mirage. They ordered up champagne, but they also ordered up Corona beers for the party!

The three returned to their hometown of Las Vegas to celebrate Spencer and Ryan's birthdays. The guys now all head off to Los Angeles to appear on Sunday's live telecast of the Video Music Awards, where they have been nominated for "Best Pop Video of the Year".

Photo: Erik Kabik

Panic! parties at the Beatles Revolution lounge.

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09.3.08 · 2:10 PM

Scribbles: Britney, a paparazzi invasion and tonight’s tip on the Strip

* Following up briefly on my breaking story yesterday about Britney Spears and her visit to Vegas, I later discovered that both master illusionists Siegfried & Roy went to the Mirage to meet the pop princess. They personally greeted her and gave her the tour of their Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. They showed her the newest additions: a golden tiger and the white-striped baby tiger cubs. Click here for yesterday’s Brit report!

* Is comedy hypnotist Anthony Cools, who closed his Ooh La La adult topless revue at the Paris days ago, planning to move his own "raw and uncensored" show. Whispers are rampant that he’s heavily involved with the transformation of a former "rich boys" auto showroom in the Forum Shops of Caesars Palace that will likely reopen as a theater nightclub with his hypnotic comedy that he describes as "crossing the line."

* There were so many unprofessional photographers, plus a Hollywood paparazzi invasion, chasing Paris Hilton, her younger sister, Nicky, and boyfriend David Katzenberg at the Bellagio that the trio had to duck into the YSL store there and hide out until their limo arrived. These snap-happy amateurs are going to make it tougher for the well-mannered Vegas camera contingent to work properly -- so take action before the invaders get out of hand and everybody suffers. Incidentally, Nicky got herself a quick nail polish change inside Brannon’s Hair Salon at the Hard Rock hotel where she was staying. Beaufriend David Katzenberg sat with her to keep her company during the "trim and shine" process. Afterward, she handled the playing cards with finesse in the resort’s new luxurious Poker Lounge.

*We’re going to have a permanent memory of Motley Crue’s summer tour that wrapped at the weekend. Hometown rocker Vince Neil has a brief break in Vegas before going out on the road again -- and he confirmed that their CrueFest 2008 at Toronto’s Molson Amphitheater in Canada was filmed for a future DVD release. The concert was a daylong affair featuring Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Trapt and band member Nikki Sixx’s new group, Sixx AM. The local Alcohol and Gaming Commission in Ontario suspended the liquor license of the beer company’s stadium to ensure fans didn’t get out of hand for the seven hours of music and filming! Vince has confirmed that as a result of sellout crowds there will be a CrueFest 2009 next year!

* Is it a bird, is it a plane, is it…. ? In fact, it’s a super big-screen flying electronic lightship. The all-new $1 billion M resort spa casino was due to launch its new M Lightship this evening -- one of only three in the world. The unique blimp was to arrive on the southwest section of the Strip late afternoon or early evening after flying in on its maiden voyage from California. You couldn’t have missed it because it features a giant 70-foot by 30-foot TV screen (that’s 2,100 square feet, folks) broadcasting everything from live TV, streaming video, Web sites, static images and, of course, views of the M, which will be completed in March next year. However, at the last minute, the final LED panels failed to be delivered, so the unveiling has been postponed until later this fall. Luxe Life will let you know the rescheduled flight launch as soon as we get the new date!

*We’ve just learned that the new Aliante Station entertainment casino set to open on Nov. 11 will premiere six new restaurants, plus a food court:

- MRKT Sea & Land (pronounced market) is a seafood and steak house with one of the most comprehensive wine collections emphasizing value and a wine-by-the-glass program.

- Pips Cucina & Wine Bar is the first restaurant concept created and owned by my pal, wine and epicurean connoisseur Rino Armeni, formerly of Southern Wine & Spirits. Pips will combine Armeni’s homemade Italian recipes handed down from his grandmother together with many traditional Italian dishes presented in a modern interpretation. Armeni has recruited Gerald Chin to serve as executive chef. Chin has had an impressive culinary career including graduating from the Culinary Institute of America and recently worked as executive chef at the Joël Rubochon restaurant at The Mansion at MGM Grand.

- Camacho’s Cantina will bring one of Southern California’s popular family-owned and operated casual Mexican restaurants for its Nevada debut. The Camacho family, with roots in Sonora, Mexico, will offer more than 100 different premium tequilas; (Camacho’s Mexican restaurants in Southern California include Camacho’s Cantina at Universal City Walk Hollywood, Mariasol Restaurant at the Santa Monica Pier, El Paseo Inn Restaurant at Historic Olivera Street, and Camacho’s Cantina & Grill in downtown L.A. Camacho’s has additional locations inside the Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, the Home Depot Center and the Pepsi Center, as well as airport locations at Los Angeles International and Ontario International.)

- T.G.I. Friday’s, which is one of the first American casual dining restaurant chains, features its signature loaded potato skins, and the popular line of Jack Daniel’s Grill menu items. It's décor that celebrates modern classic icons of the 1970s and 80s such as disco balls, Harley Davidson gear, snowboards and MTV’s Moon Man.

- The Original Pancake House, a second and third generation family business with more than 100 franchises from coast to coast with our Nevada franchise operated by Stephan and Kim Freudenberger.

- Feast Buffet, which features a variety of live cooking stations from around the world, including Asian, Mexican, barbecue, American and Italian.

*Star Surveillance: Lovemates Paris Hilton and Benji Madden made a cute couple when they partied the night away at the Jet nightclub in the Mirage, where Cool Kids and tattooed drummer Travis Barker also made the nightlife scene ... attending the Judas Priest rock show at the Pearl in the Palms were rocker Vinnie Paul, Avril Lavigne’s hubby and Sum 41 front man Deryck Whibley plus members of Boogie Knights and the Spazmatics ... Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, made a rare private appearance out on the town dancing with friends at Steve Wynn’s Blush boutique while attending a pal’s wedding ... Actor Vince Vaughn dined at Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar in the Bellagio with a gorgeous brunette and another couple. They took a quiet corner table overlooking Bellagio’s romantic lake and fountain show sampling celebrity Chef Akira Back’s world-class sushi, king crab dynamite and rock shrimp and two bottles of the 1982 Chateau Haut Brion, a very exclusive and expensive French Bordeaux. The restaurant stayed open an extra hour until 1 a.m. for Vince’s intimate group. Also there was actor and poker player James Woods ... Washington Wizards center Brenden Haywood enjoyed dinner with his girlfriend at the Fix Bar and Restaurant in the Bellagio ... Step Up stars Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum loved Cirque du Soleil’s O aquatic-themed show at the Bellagio -- and went backstage afterward for a full behind-the-scenes tour. They also met individual cast members and told them they want to take in another Cirque show before they leave town! ... Infamous adult movie veteran Ron Jeremy tucked into the menu delights of Mr. Lucky’s at the Hard Rock ... Tony Award winner and star of the hit show Pushing Daisies, Kristin Chenoweth, took in the Jersey Boys musical at The Palazzo ... Spotted at separate tables, Johnny Wright and reality star Kourtney Kardashian dined at Strip House in Planet Hollywood.

Tonight's tip:

It’s the band with the most unusual name in the business -- and just exactly what does it mean? The group “Mr. Lewis and the Funeral 5,” from Austin, Texas, will perform their brand of experimental rock with DJ Beelzebozo at the Double Down Saloon.

Tomorrow's tease:

Delightfully eccentric British billionaire Sir Richard Branson flies in the Entourage stars for his debut daily Vegas-New York flights on his brand new Virgin America airline. Singing ventriloquist Terry Fator fires back at his former manager for suing him over a new $100 million Strip contract. Former porn queen Jenna Jameson may well be pregnant but that doesn’t stop her from stripping down to go nearly nude in a new PETA campaign -- about exploding pet populations! Luxe Life takes a taste treat tour with the chefs of the Venetian and the Palazzo and separately discovers one top TV chef in trouble with the cops!

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