Las Vegas Weekly

April 14, 2010 · 4:34 PM

Strip Scribbles: Nathan Burton celebrates two milestones tomorrow

By Robin Leach

Flamingo performers George Wallace, Donny Osmond and Nathan Burton during Donny's return to the Flamingo with his champion's mirrored disco ball trophy on Nov. 25, 2009, after his win on ABC's Dancing With the Stars with Kym Johnson on Tuesday night.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Congratulations to Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton, who tomorrow marks his 500th magic illusions show there. It also coincides with his second anniversary at the Harrah’s property, and some surprise guests, including possibly Donny Osmond and George Wallace, are expected to stop by for the celebration.

Nathan also has conjured up an incredible new finale for his show, which fans will see tomorrow night during the anniversary celebrations.

DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL

*The Venetian celebrity chef David Burke faces a unique challenge tonight on Top Chef Masters, as he competes against chefs Marcus Samuelson, Carmen Gonzales, Monica Pope and Thierry Rautureau to prep and plan the menu for actor Mekhi Phifer’s birthday bash. Next Wednesday sees the arrival of Mandalay Bay chef Rick Moonen of RM Seafood as the challenges continue. Last week, Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill chef Susan Feniger won the first round (and both challenges).

*Fox cameras are rolling all week long at the Planet Hollywood theater for its hit dance show So You Think You Can Dance. Speaking of fox, don’t forget that Adam Lambert wraps his Elvis Presley mentoring stint tonight on American Idol with a performance before two contestants are kicked off the show after last weekend’s visit to Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis at Aria in MGM’s CityCenter.

*Comedian and former Las Vegas resident K-Von is featured on Season 2 of MTV’s Disaster Date. The comedy series gives friends a chance to send their single friends on a blind date, but what their friends don’t know is that the date is an over-the-top actor who will bring dating nightmares to life. Each date lasts 60 minutes, and for every minute the friend lasts, $1 is earned. K-Von portrays several characters, with some dates lasting longer than others.

*Our contributing photographer Scott Harrison had a midnight tour of duty when singer Bobby Brown performed at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. Despite rumors of a reunion, there was no sign of ex-wife Whitney Houston, who is currently on tour.

*Attorney and nightclub industry veteran Darin Feinstein is bringing Crown Theater and Crown Nightclub to The Rio this summer, taking over the former 3121 space. The Las Vegas businessman, who purchased The Viper Room in Hollywood from actor Johnny Depp, vows to put the venue back on the Las Vegas map with a mix of concerts and nightlife events.

“We are thrilled to launch a new offering combining the best of live music and late-night entertainment,” said Gary Selesner, president of The Rio. “Crown will appeal to locals and visitors alike, serving as the perfect complement to the diverse roster of Rio resort amenities.” Booking will be led by Joe Rinaldi, whose previous stints include The Viper Room and House of Blues-Live Nation.

*Today is the first time for the public to see the new model homes at The Residences at Mandarin Oriental in MGM’s CityCenter. One of the stunning penthouses there has just sold for $7.6 million! The residential apartments are in addition to the 392 hotel guest suites that debuted in December. The Luxury Collection and the Penthouse Collection are on the upper half of the 47-story tower and include exclusive residences of one-, two- and three-bedroom units as large as 4,000 square feet.

“Our goal for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas was to set a new benchmark for luxury living in one of the world’s most spectacular cities,” said Tony Dennis, executive vice president, CityCenter Residential Division. “Our residents enjoy an elegant urban haven as well as easy access to the wonders of CityCenter and of greater Las Vegas.”

*A list of The 50 Most Beautiful Things on Earth has just been compiled by the MSN Travel experts, and they named Bellagio’s fountains as the world’s most beautiful fountains. MSN compiled the list from surveys, input from art historians and their own staff of writers. With more then 1,000 choreographed fountains around the world enhanced by lighting and music, Bellagio’s recognition is especially noteworthy.

*Thank you to Darrin Bush of Las Vegas News Bureau for this photograph of CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker addressing attendees at the National Association of Broadcasters convention today at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

STAR SURVEILLANCE

Country music singer Jessie James celebrated her birthday at Coyote Ugly in New York-New York as hostess and performed some of her songs. Dressed in a tank top, jean shorts and black cowboy boots, Jessie was presented with a tray of red velvet cupcakes while the Coyote girls sang “Happy Birthday” to her. Newly single Reggie Bush, who is rumored to be her new boyfriend, also was there but left after her show. They were seen together again talking intimately in a cabana at Venus Pool Club in Caesars Palace the next day. Also at Venus and later at Pure in Caesars Palace was Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross celebrating her birthday. It was Marcia’s first visit to Las Vegas, and she celebrated with champagne and happily posed for photographs with fans and when she was presented with a giant birthday cake. Also at Pure were Brooke Hogan, DJ Samantha Ronson and Sidney Rice of the Minnesota Vikings.

*Hip-hop mogul and actor T. Pain was at The Playboy Club in the Palms after a dinner at N9NE Steakhouse. UFC President Dana White, back from UFC fights in Abu Dhabi, went from the airport directly to N9NE Steakhouse for dinner. Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker, back in town for a court case, enjoyed dinner at N9NE with four friends.

TONIGHT’S TIPS

It’s mechanical bull-riding mayhem on Fremont Street. PBR superstar J.B. Mauney will be there, and Angelica Bridges and her Fantasy beauties from the Luxor are leading the parade. If Angelica wins, she earns $1,000 for her charity of choice. The Professional Bull Riding World Cup starts Friday for three days at Thomas & Mack Center. … Taryn Manning is the guest DJ for the new Snitch weekly parties at Ghostbar in the Palms. … Food & Music Nights takes fine dining into nightlife and gets underway with DJ Shoe in the outdoor after-hours lounge with a fire pit at Ferraro’s Italian opposite the Hard Rock Hotel.

TOMORROW’S TEASES

The Academy of Country Music Awards goes digital ahead of the weekend telecasts, and we’ll tell you how to go behind the scenes and sit in on rehearsals, plus our exciting photo gallery of Angelica Bridges as she rides the bucking bronco on Fremont Street to kick off the PBR championship, which we’ll preview tomorrow.

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 at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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