Las Vegas Weekly

October 5, 2009 · 2:32 PM

Photo Galleries: Stars turn out for Tao and Lavo anniversaries

By Robin Leach

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.

Photo: Scott Harrison/Retna/www.harrisonphotos.com

It was an all-star super celebration for the fourth anniversary of Tao in The Venetian and its younger spinoff Lavo celebrating its first anniversary in the Palazzo.

Even before Night 1 festivities kicked off at Lavo, newly single Brandi Cibrian hit Tao Beach with gal pal Jennifer Gimenez of VH1’s Sober House. Brandi split after eight years of marriage and two children from actor Eddie Cibrian after his affair with singer LeAnn Rimes became public fodder -- and even after a reconciliation post-affair. It was only a few months ago that Brandi and Eddie were in Lavo, where he professed his love after denying rumors of an affair with LeAnn.

If you are a Hollywood agent, your cell phone would have fewer names on speed dial than the number of stars who attended Tao and Lavo’s weekend festivities! A bevy of beauties and a cabal of celebrities started out with an Italian dinner at Lavo feasting on such specialties as the Kobe meatball and Oreo Zeppole for dessert.

Since I was away in Los Angeles to emcee the Grand Chefs charity tasting organized by star chef Wolfgang Puck for Meals on Wheels, I am relying on one of our spywitnesses for the on-the-ground report:

“Spotted in the dining room were Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Morrison and boyfriend Amaury Nolasco, Krysten Ritter with boyfriend music video director Scott Culver, Stephen Dorff, Adrien Brody, Emile Hirsch and Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks. Adrien dined with Tao owner and friend Noah Tepperberg. Amanda popped in quickly to wish Lavo a happy one-year anniversary and enjoy Lavo’s classic Kobe meatball. Jason Kennedy from E! News arrived with a group of young Hollywood names including 90210’s Patrick Sebes, Zachary Abel from The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Johanna Brady from ABC Family’s Greek.

“The party continued as guests journeyed upstairs to the nightclub, where DJ Reach was spinning for the packed crowd. Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey were spotted getting cozy in a corner VIP booth. Stunning Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger arrived around 2 a.m. and quickly took over a VIP table with glasses and bottles of champagne, and Patron tequila flowed nonstop. New Peepshow cast member and former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O’Day and separately NFL free agent Melvin Fowler were nearby.

“Before Night 2 blasted off, stars at TAO Beach included Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, Amanda Righetti of The Mentalist and Californication’s Eva Amurri all joining the daytime party. Taking over cabanas were Jennifer Morrison and Amaury Nolasco and Krysten Ritter and Scott Culver. Fans stared in awe at Brandi in a stunning red bikini, and Jennifer Gimenez, who recently dropped 95 pounds, boasted her new svelte figure in a skimpy bikini. Emilie Hirsch smoked from a hookah and ate sushi from a cabana by the pool. Aaron bumped into co-star Krysten; Eva, Susan Sarandon’s daughter, got cozy in her cabana with her boyfriend. The couple, who recently moved in together in Los Angeles, left their not-yet-unpacked boxes in their new apartment and said ‘forget it -- let’s go to Vegas.’ ”

Photo: Scott Harrison/Retna/www.harrisonphotos.com

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy.

The celebration continued into the evening at Tao with rap mogul P. Diddy with pals Tyrese and Ray J. Not far away, Greek star Spencer Grammar dined with Noah and Selita. Amanda Bynes dined inconspicuously in the corner with her friend and old co-star Max Crumm. Entrepreneur and celebrity DJ Brent Bolthouse popped in to wish congratulations to Tao’s owners. Jennifer and Amaury also brought along her brother, who had just turned 21. She said there was no better place to bring him to celebrate than Tao. Adrien and Clifton Collins showed up late to dinner, but not before the party moved upstairs. Amanda Righetti decided to get away from the crowd at Tao and dined at Lavo. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy also enjoyed dinner at Lavo before heading over to Tao for the big celebration.

Photo: Al Powers

Nicole Scherzinger.

“The party continued upstairs at Tao as Diddy took over the mic and treated the crowd to an hourlong performance. Jennifer Love got up on the catwalk to dance and shake her booty. When the balloons dropped in celebration of the anniversary, Jennifer and Jamie playfully bounced a balloon back and forth. The couple were kissing, dancing and being very affectionate throughout the evening. While dancing, Jamie joked that he was waiting for Diddy to give him his cue to join him on the mic (it didn’t happen). Amanda Bynes took off her shoes to dance on the couch at her table until the wee hours of the morning. Upstairs in a skybox, Tiger Woods enjoyed the performance from afar with friends. Rocker Matt Sorum and fighter Floyd Mayweather Jr. each arrived after 2 a.m. but still in plenty of time to celebrate. Chris Willis, known for his collaborations with French deejay David Guetta, rounded out the night with a performance for the crowd. At the end of the night and a weekend of celebration, Jennifer Love admitted, ‘I’ve never had so much fun!’ ”

Photo: Al Powers

Crowds pack Lavo during Tao and Lavo's Anniversary Weekend.

Our regular Vegas DeLuxe reader Richard Corey captured the red carpet and posted his videos on YouTube:

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

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