Las Vegas Weekly

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With two restaurants operating on high burner, chef Carla Pellegrino is one of the sexiest girls at the grill in town, and before she “vanished” to take part in six weeks of filming a top-secret reality TV show, photographer Denise Truscello captured her in some high-fashion poses. Vegas DeLuxe has a first look, and you have to admit that the photographs are as sexy as the spices in her spaghetti sauce!

Carla had 250 pounds of pasta delivered to Denise’s studio for the shoot, and Denise’s dog kept trying to eat the pasta while they were working. The photographs will be used as billboards near McCarran Airport and the Tropicana, and, yes, Carla is completely nude in the bathtub. Carla owns Bacio in the Tropicana and Bratalian in Henderson, and both just celebrated their successful first anniversaries.

When she returns to town from filming, Carla will be commuting between Las Vegas and San Diego, where she is opening a restaurant and lounge in the Gaslamp District. Meantime, since she’s not here in town, enjoy the pics!

CONTRACT-EXTENSION CONGRATS: Thanks to increasing ticket sales, legendary comedian and impersonator Rich Little has extended his one-man show “Jimmy Stewart & Friends” through the summer at LVH until at least Aug. 22. “We are excited that Rich has extended his groundbreaking show through the summer,” said LVH Vice President of Entertainment Rick White. “His amazing talent coupled with a unique show presentation has led to great reviews and to standing ovations every night.”

Rich features more than 25 celebrity voices, including Cary Grant, George Burns, Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn and John Wayne in his adventure through the life of the Hollywood legend.

THREE UNIQUE CONTESTS

UFC head honcho Dana White recorded a YouTube invitation to kick off a “Belt the Champ,” online poker tournament he’s created with Ultimate Poker. The winner travels here in September to experience VIP treatment at UFC 151 and place the UFC light-heavyweight belt on the victor of the Jon “Bones” Jones-Dan Henderson championship fight.

There is no entry fee to; it’s a social poker event with no chips or money. “This is undoubtedly the coolest prize we have ever given away,” Dana said.

Four teams of two partners will battle trials and tribulations in a contest while on the Luxor’s “Race Through the Pyramid.” Three teams will be eliminated, with just the one winning partnership standing, and those who aren’t selected can still play along. Submit a standout video before July 23 showcasing why your friend and you should be chosen for the Aug. 13-17 endurance test.

The Luxor is providing airfare, rooms and meals for the competition. Follow the Luxor on Facebook or Twitter to view the submitted videos, then stay tuned to see footage of the contestants in the race.

KISS by Monster Mini Golf opposite the Hard Rock Hotel is searching for the hottest rock-star couple to crown “Mr. and Mrs. Hotter Than Hell.” The best-dressed rock and roll couple will win a chance to profess their love and take their vows in front of a live audience at the 3rd Annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel on Aug. 26.

“We want that rock-star couple who’s ready to take their love center stage .The perfect couple will win the title ‘Mr. and Mrs. Hotter Than Hell’ and will … display their love for each other,” said mini-golf owner Christina Vitagliano. Email photos to kiss@monsterminigolf.com by Aug. 10.

KELLY CLINTON TALKS: Entertainer Clint Holmes’ lovely singer wife Kelly Clinton has become the host of Vegas Video Network’s early evening chat show “Talktails.” She’ll interview Strip celebs and headliners, and doubtless the most revealing of all will be when Clint sits on the couch to be grilled!

Kelly will be in the front row this holiday weekend when Clint continues his monthly residency run with three dates at Cabaret Jazz in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

TONIGHT’S TIPS

“Peepshow” star Holly Madison will slice the first sandwich at the red-ribbon cutting to open the second Las Vegas Earl of Sandwich, this one at the Palms. “The Karate Kid” is the dive-in movie at Boulevard Pool in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Miss Nevada and Miss Outstanding Teen Nevada begin at the Casablanca in Mesquite; 2011 Miss Nevada Alana Lee’s reflection on her reign was posted this morning. Brad Tassell begins his standup comedy run at King’s Club in the Rio.

Jon Manfrellotti, Quinn Dahle, Bobby Henline and Mark Cohen headline Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in MGM Grand through Sunday. And rising DJ Tommy Trash spins at Marquee in the Cosmopolitan.

TOMORROW’S TEASE

We’ll preview the Final Nine at Guy Laliberte’s poker tournament the Big One for One Drop at the Rio, where the winner receives an $18 million-plus prize. Plus, an extraordinary red, white and blue photo gallery by Tom Donoghue to celebrate the Fourth of July with a rundown of all the fireworks.

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.