AccessVegas.com Las Vegas News

Frank Sinatra died 14 years ago while Sammy Davis Jr died 22 years ago. ‘The Rat Pack is Back!‘ plays tributes to late superstars nightly in the Crown Theater.

It seems like yesterday when “The Rat Pack” was playing at the Sands and now the best re-creation of them pay tribute to them nightly in the Crown Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

The Austin American Statesman’s travel writer Helen Anders just called them the show that best reflects “Old Vegas” after experiencing “The Rat Pack is Back!” starring Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean in last Sunday’s travel section.

The anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s death was May 14 and he has been dead for 14 years. Brian Duprey plays Frank Sinatra nightly at the Crown Theater.

Sinatra began to show signs of dementia in his last years. After a heart attack in February of 1997, he made no further public appearances. After suffering another heart attack, he died at 10:50 p.m. on May 14, 1998, at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, with his wife, Barbara, by his side. He was 82 years old. Sinatra’s final words, spoken after Barbara encouraged him to “fight” as attempts were made to stabilize him, were, “I’m losing.” The official cause of death was listed as complications from dementia, heart and kidney disease, and bladder cancer. His death was confirmed by the Sinatra family on their web site with a statement accompanied by a recording of the singer’s version of “Softly As I Leave You.” The next night the lights on the Las Vegas Strip were dimmed for 10 minutes in his honor and the lights on the Empire State Building in New York were turned blue. President Bill Clinton, an amateur saxophonist and musician, led the world’s tributes to Sinatra, saying that after meeting and getting to know the singer as president, he had “come to appreciate on a personal level what millions of people had appreciated from afar.” Elton John stated that Sinatra, “was simply the best – no one else even comes close”.

On May 20, 1998, at the Roman Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills, Sinatra’s funeral was held, with 400 mourners in attendance and hundreds of fans outside. Gregory Peck, Tony Bennett and Frank, Jr., addressed the mourners, among whom were Jill St. John, Tom Selleck, Joey Bishop, Faye Dunaway, Tony Curtis, Liza Minnelli, Kirk Douglas, Robert Wagner, Bob Dylan, Don Rickles, Nancy Reagan, Angie Dickinson, Sophia Loren, Bob Newhart, Mia Farrow and Jack Nicholson. A private ceremony was held later that day at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Palm Springs. Sinatra was buried following the ceremony next to his parents in section B-8 of Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, a quiet cemetery on Ramon Road where Cathedral City meets Rancho Mirage and near his compound, located on Rancho Mirage’s tree-lined Frank Sinatra Drive. His close friends, Jilly Rizzo and Jimmy Van Heusen, are buried nearby in the same cemetery. The words “The Best Is Yet to Come” are imprinted on Sinatra’s grave marker.
Sammy Davis Jr. died on May 16, 1990 and has been deceased for 22 years and his impersonator Kenny James can be seen every night in the Crown Theater in “The Rat Pack is Back!”

Davis died in Beverly Hills of complications from throat cancer. Earlier, when he was told that surgery (laryngectomy) offered him the best chance of survival, Davis replied he would rather keep his voice than have a part of his throat removed; he subsequently was treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. However, a few weeks prior to his death his entire larynx was removed during surgery. He was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California next to his father and Will Mastin.

Davis died on the same day as Sesame Street creator Jim Henson.

On May 18, 1990, two days after Davis’ death, the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip were darkened for ten minutes, as a tribute to him.

Related Links:

Click to Book Now: The Rat Pack is Back

Book Now and Save: Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Comments(0)

The premiere spot on the Las Vegas Strip for bachelorettes to wine and dine before tying the knot, Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, offers exciting party packages for the bride-to-be and her gal-pal posse.

For only $25 each, the bachelorette and her closest friends can indulge in delicious food and receive a complimentary Cabo shot and entry into Chateau Nightclub & Gardens and Gallery Nightclub. Plus, with the purchase of a Cabo Wabo souvenir glass, the party will receive unlimited refills on frozen daiquiris including the signature piña colada and margarita throughout dinner.

An array of appetizers will include chips and salsa, guacamole, chicken taquitos and Cadillac nachos, followed by a choice of any three satisfying entrees: two-item combo plate, chicken Caesar salad or a cheese quesadilla. Additionally, all parties will be treated to a complimentary daiquiri refill in their Cabo Wabo souvenir glass the following day.

Sammy Hagar’s hard rockin’ dining and live music venue Cabo Wabo Cantina combines the laid back beach-town vibe of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip. Blending coastal Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine, the menu offers a tantalizing mix of flavorful food, killer margaritas and an awesome venue where it is never uncommon to catch the red rocker himself jamming out with a live set on stage. Cabo Wabo Cantina opens daily at 11 a.m., with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights from 9:30 p.m. until close. For more information about Cabo Wabo Cantina, visit www.cabowabocantina.com or call 702.385.2226.

Related Links:

Drink and Dine at: Cabo Wabo Cantina

Book Now and Save: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Comments(0)

While National Hamburger Month may not be a Federally recognized holiday, it certainly is one that is gaining notoriety amongst burger lovers. It’s suggested that each American consumes, on average, 3 hamburgers every week. With songs, movies, books and more dedicated to the amazing sandwich, it’s no wonder the American food staple seems to grow in popularity year after year. In honor of National Hamburger Month, Jimmy Buffett’s restaurants nationwide will be celebrating all things burger throughout the month of May.

Margaritaville will offer their guests an array of beefy May specials from weekly specialty burgers created by Margaritaville Chefs across the country to Facebook “Meat-Ups” inviting their Facebook fans to come in for unique offerings and giveaways. In addition to celebrating the beloved sandwich, Margaritaville will show its appreciation and support for US Servicemen and Women throughout May. Starting May 1st, Margaritaville will donate $1 for each specialty burger sold to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. And on May 19th, in observance of “Armed Forces Day,” Margaritaville will donate $1 for EVERY burger and cheeseburger sold in its U.S. restaurants to the Wounded Warrior Project.

“This year, we thought let’s not just celebrate an American favorite, but also our favorite Americans, the servicemen and women who make it possible for us to enjoy this fun tradition.” says Margaritaville’s Tamara Baldanza.

THE SPECIALTY BURGERS:

Each Margaritaville restaurant submitted a new Specialty Burger recipe on Facebook where fans could go online and vote for the most delicious sounding burger. Out of the 14 chef submissions, 5 were chosen by Facebook fans with the voting ending on April 15th. Thousands of votes were cast and the five winning burgers will be featured across Margaritaville restaurants nationwide for one week during the month of May. The Specialty Burgers are:

The Mauna Loa Burger

Offered: May 7th – May 13th

From the Kitchen of Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber in Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Burger features two blackened 4 oz burgers smothered in Jack Cheese, Cajun Remoulade, pickled Jalapeno Rings, Pineapple-Mango Salsa and finally topped with Tomato and Lettuce on a toasted Sesame Seed Bun. Whether you’re coming or going, its Aloha.

The El Diablo Burger

Offered: May 14th – May 20th

From the Kitchen of Margaritaville Glendale the El Diablo Burger is a 7 oz burger topped with Tabasco Fried Onions, roasted Poblano Peppers, Monterey Jack Cheese, Sambal Olek Chili Paste, and Chipotle Ketchup with shredded Lettuce on a toasted Bun. It’s sinfully delicious.

The Deep South Burger

Offered: May 21st – May 27th

From the Kitchen of the Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola, the Deep South Burger features 7 oz of meat brushed with a sweet tea reduction and smothered with seared Peaches, Cheddar Cheese, fried Collard Greens and Chipotle Mayo all of which is served on a toasted Sesame Seed Bun. If you didn’t have a southern twang before the burger, you will afterwards.

The Burger Buffalo Chicken Burger

Offered: May 28th – June 3rd

From the Kitchen of Margaritaville Orlando, The Burger Buffalo Chicken Burger is a 7 oz burger topped with shredded Buffalo Chicken, Blue Cheese Dressing and topped with shredded Lettuce served on a toasted Bun. After this burger, you’ll know why the cow crossed the road.

WHERE:

All US Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville locations, LandShark Bar & Grill, Margaritaville Beach Hotel and Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber

WHEN: Now – June 3rd

Comments(0)

On Thursday, May 24, many of the best restaurants of Las Vegas will unite again poolside at The Palazzo Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair. The event, sponsored by the Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA), gives guests a taste of the gourmet offerings that have elevated the city to an international dining destination.

Hosted by The Palazzo, the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair promises a tantalizing evening of culinary splendor. Guests will savor samplings of cuisine and cocktails from prestigious restaurants and beverage purveyors in a luxurious poolside setting at The Palazzo for a palate pleasing event that is undoubtedly Las Vegas.

“We are excited to partner with NvRA for the third year in a row to host the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair,” said Sebastien Silvestri, vice president of food and beverage for The Palazzo and The Venetian. “This is an amazing culinary event poolside at The Palazzo and we welcome everyone to experience the amenities at both properties.”

“We are thrilled to showcase the incredible restaurants of the city, and are excited to feature new participants as well as returning signature favorites,” said NvRA President and CEO Katherine Jacobi. “The Pools at The Palazzo are the perfect backdrop for this exciting event.”

Past participants at the event have included Bradley Ogden, Carnevino, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Delmonico Steakhouse, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, STK, Nobu Las Vegas, Prime Steakhouse, Table 10, Valentino and many other illustrious restaurants throughout Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair is open to the public and will be held Thursday, May 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Pools at The Palazzo. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 25 at LasVegasEpicureanAffair.com. General admission prices are $100 each and VIP tickets are available for $150 per person, granting early admission at 6 p.m. To complete the evening, private cabanas are also available for purchase. Proceeds from the event benefit NvRA’s educational and scholarship programs.

Related Links:

Book Now and Save: The Palazzo Las Vegas

Comments(0)

Iconic funny man Bill Cosby, who has been making audiences laugh for decades with his keen insight into everyday existence, brings his signature comedy to the Treasure Island Theatre May 25 at 8 p.m.

Cosby has earned respect from critics and adoration from fans for his uncanny ability to connect with people through humor and providing insight into the role of parents, children, family members, men and women,. Without resorting to gimmickry or lowbrow humor, Cosby has been compared to such great American humorists as Charlie Chaplin, Will Rogers, W.C. Fields and Groucho Marx. A testament to his status in the world of comedy, Cosby has earned five Grammy Awards for best comedy album.

Known the world over for “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992 on NBC, Cosby broke racial barriers and sent a powerful message to viewers – that the family unit and raising children matters most. The No. 1 rated sitcom earned six Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes and 10 People’s Choice Awards. It helped set the stage for Cosby’s career as an author, as his book “Fatherhood” remained at No. 1 for more than half of its 54 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller List. Among Cosby’s other titles are “Time Flies,” “Love and Marriage,” “Come On People: On the Path from Victims to Victors” and “Friends of a Feather: One of Life’s Little Fables,” which was illustrated by his daughter.

A champion of youth, Cosby’s dedication to helping children realize their potential is evidenced through his Emmy Award-winning “Little Bill” animated series, which aired on Nickelodeon and CBS. Together with partners Tom Werner and Marcy Carsey, Cosby produced “A Different World” on NBC from 1987 to 1993. His other television and film credits include “Obkb,” “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,” “The Cosby Mysteries,” “Man and Boy” and “Uptown Saturday Night,” where he starred alongside Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. He has written, produced and directed educational television shows and animated specials.

Few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of Cosby, who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philadelphia housing project. After returning from the Navy, Cosby went on to earn a degree at Temple University and later a master’s and doctoral degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts. As philanthropists, Cosby and wife Camille have made substantial gifts in support of education and to various social service and civil rights organizations. His lifelong contributions to American culture were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America’s highest civilian honor, and the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2009.

Related Links:

Book Now and Save: Treasure Island Hotel & Casino

Comments(0)

Sky Combat Ace invites thrill-seekers to experience aerial joyrides high above Nevada desert. Enjoy the adventure-of-a-lifetime with Sky Combat Ace (SCA), as you suit up for a wild aerobatic flight of non-stop spins, barrel rolls, hammerheads and loops high above Las Vegas. With the glittering Strip and desert mountains as a backdrop, SCA is the nation’s ultimate flight experience.

Enjoy the adventure-of-a-lifetime with Sky Combat Ace (SCA), as you
suit up for a wild aerobatic flight of non-stop spins, barrel rolls,
hammerheads and loops high above Las Vegas. With the glittering Strip
and desert mountains as a backdrop, SCA is the nation’s ultimate
flight experience.

Guided by an expert aerobatic pilot, take the controls and live out
your “Iceman” or “Maverick” fantasies with the Top Gun package; or
take on the extreme (and aptly named) Adrenaline Rush, combining
world-class aerobatics with air-to-air dog fights. Not for you? Ditch
the tricks and enjoy a sightseeing adventure in an open-cockpit
biplane for incomparable views of the Hoover Dam and Red Rock
Mountains, or a night flight over the bright city lights.

Pull down your goggles and step into SCA’s brand new Extra 330LC; or
turn back the clock and become a WWII airman in SCA’s authentic T-6
Texan Warbird, or fly like the Red Baron in the Waco Classic YMF-5C
open cockpit biplane.

SCA delivers something for everyone with five types of experiences,
whether for a first-time flight fanatic or advanced aviator:

· Aerobatic Flights – Star in your very own air show! Become
wingman to one of SCA’s 10 professional fighter pilots and learn the
art of basic flight maneuvering. You fly the plane under the
supervision of SCA’s pilots to execute loops, rolls, hammerheads and
spins.

· Aerial Dogfighting – Reenact your favorite “Top Gun” moment
as you chase your opponent through the Nevada skies like a real
fighter pilot. Feel the thrill of “the kill” as you aim and shoot your
adversary using SCA’s special effects. If your aim is good, you’ll get
instantaneous feedback as smoke flows from your opponent’s plane.
Fight’s on!

· Multi-Day Adventures – Can’t choose just one? Indulge your
need for speed and break up your SCA experience over a few days time
span. Or, build your skills by reattempting the same package the next
day!

· Sightseeing Packages – In an open-cockpit biplane fit for two
(plus a pilot), enjoy aerial views of the Mojave Desert while flying
over Las Vegas landmarks such as the Hoover Dam, Red Rock State Park,
and the world-famous Las Vegas Strip (night flight options also
available).

· Spectator Packages – Invite your friends to watch the action
in SCA’s non-aerobatic aircraft, where they can take in your
incredible experience from an unrivaled vantage point only a short
distance away.

Click on the video below to watch the experience first-hand.

SCA Video.jpg

Flying in SCA’s spectacular airplanes is undoubtedly the highlight of
any trip, but we didn’t stop there. Groups also can reserve the Sky
Combat Ace Hangar for events pre- or post-flight to enjoy our
state-of-the-art sound system, flat-screen TVs, foosball, darts, pool
table, a Golden Tee and our Redbird Full Motion Simulator.

All packages include photos before take-off and video captured by one
of four airplane-mounted cameras; specific packages can be found at
www.skycombatace.com.

ABOUT SKY COMBAT ACE:

Sky Combat Ace offers Nevada’s only true aerial dogfighting
experience. Sky Combat Ace pairs you up with actual fighter pilots to
learn the art of basic fighter maneuvering. You can fly with just the
fighter pilot or take on one of your friends and test your skills
against an equally matched adversary. Under the supervision of SCA’s
highly trained fighter pilot instructors, you are the one at the
controls, you are the one squeezing the trigger and you get the
satisfaction of scoring a hit on your opponent. Safety is the top
priority at Sky Combat Ace. SCA pilots have amassed a perfect safety
record with zero accidents or incidents. All of the pilots are chosen
for their experience and unique qualifications that make them the best
in the business.

Sky Combat Ace flies seven days a week, 365 days a year. Sky Combat
Ace is located at 1420 Jet Stream Dr. Henderson, Nevada 89052. For
more information or to book your reservation, visit
www.skycombatace.com, call 888-494-5850

Comments(0)

With the opening, Gordon Ramsay brought his unique style and culinary flair to Las Vegas with the opening Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas, marking the award-winning chef’s first restaurant in Las Vegas. Enjoy sights of the new restaurant and interview clips with Ramsay and others connected with the opening.

(Some parts of this video have sound. Some parts have no sound.)

With the opening, Gordon Ramsay brought his unique style and culinary
flair to Las Vegas with the opening Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las
Vegas, marking the award-winning chef’s first restaurant in Las Vegas.
The two-level steakhouse welcomes guests through a “chunnel” entrance
and then immediately captures their attention with an eye-catching,
restaurant wide Union Jack ceiling mural and custom neon sculpture,
handsomely tailored servers and a menu which incorporates a modern
approach to the classic steakhouse selections.

“I wanted the space to be bold and innovative, and I imagined doing
something new with the steakhouse concept in Las Vegas. To achieve
that, we’ve put together an amazing team who together created a
contemporary, fresh and innovative menu,” says Chef Ramsay. “I am so
excited to be here in Las Vegas, share in the excitement of opening
day and start welcoming guests to my very first Vegas-based
restaurant.”

Additionally, Paris Las Vegas will be featured on Ramsay’s popular
kitchen series, HELL’S KITCHEN which will debut in a two-night season
premiere event on Monday, June 4 and Tuesday, June 5 (8:00-9:00 PM
ET/PT) on FOX. In this hit show, aspiring restaurateurs brave Ramsay
and his fiery command of the kitchen as he puts the competitors
through an intense culinary academy to prove they possess the right
combination of ingredients to win the life-changing grand prize. At
the conclusion of this season the grand prize will be a head chef
position working under Executive Chef Kevin Hee at Gordon Ramsay Steak
at Paris Las Vegas.

Ramsay’s vision for the restaurant is reflected in the dishes on the
modern steakhouse menu. Gordon Ramsay Steak showcases prime beef
dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days and cuts like the 32-ounce Royal
Long-bone Chop for two hand-selected by Pat LaFrieda as well as
American Kobe. With a nod to his British roots, Ramsay has expanded
on the traditional land and sea choices and developed a menu that is
both distinctive and creative:

§ British Ale Onion Soup made with Boddingtons Pub Ale,
caramelized onion broth and Welsh rarebit

§ Smoked Beef Tartare accented with lemon zest, red onion,
capers and Guinness-infused mustard seeds, served with Yokon Gold herb
chips

§ Colorado Lamb Chop complemented by flavors of Shepard’s Pie,
lamb meatballs, peas, carrots and potato puree

§ Calcanoon made with potato-cabbage croquettes and served
with red wine-braised cabbage

§ Sticky Toffee Pudding composed of sweet pudding cake, brown
sugar toffee and a brown butter ice cream

Guests will have the option to choose their libation choice with the
aid of an interactive iPad by ordering their drink directly from the
device. The iPad will contain details about each of the more than 325
labels represented on the wine list as well as photos and components
of the “Perfect Ten,” a collection of Gordon Ramsay Steak’s signature
cocktails:

§ HK Antioxidant: Veev Acai Liqueur, lemon, blueberries

§ Southside: Plymouth Gin, lime, mint, Perrier Jouet Champagne

§ English Garden: Hendricks Gin, lemon, basin, cucumber,
basil-infused rock candy, celery bitters

David Hoenemeyer, president of Paris Las Vegas welcomes Gordon Ramsay
to the resort: “When you walk into this restaurant, you know you have
arrived somewhere very different. It has real energy, and the design
is one-of-a-kind. Ramsay and his team truly created a steakhouse that
is memorable and delicious. I couldn’t be more excited to have Gordon
Ramsay Steak here at Paris.”

Related Links:

Book Now and Save: Paris Las Vegas

Comments(0)

When the plug is pulled at casinos, chapels, restaurants and other businesses, Sin City’s iconic art form – the neon sign – used to get sent to the scrapyard. That was until The Neon Museum, a 501c3 non-profit, began collecting and preserving these timeworn signs, ensuring the treasures won’t be forgotten. Wander around and find dead casino marquees, unlit wedding chapel signs and bygone used car billboards scattered about like noodles in alphabet soup.

Comments(0)

Enjoy this video tour with chef interviews.  First, see what the famed Bellagio buffet offers, how they do it, what you can enjoy, and how much food they serve. Then over to the Gold Coast to find out about one of the best wallet-friendly buffets which caters to locals but it just close enough to The Strip for all to enjoy.

Related Links:

Book Now and Save: Bellagio Hotel & Casino

Book Now and Save: Gold Coast Hotel & Casino

Comments(0)

TAG Heuer Display
May 5 – June 4
Crystals – Second Level (between Todd English P.U.B. and Beso)
TAG Heuer, one of the world’s leading luxury Swiss watch brands, has designed an exclusive installation celebrating the launch of the new LINK Lady collection. Paying homage to TAG Heuer’s most recent ambassador, Cameron Diaz, the exhibit will showcase the brand’s high-fashion timepieces in addition to styles worn by the star in the worldwide advertising campaign.

Rodney Lough, Jr. Wilderness Gallery Display
May 15 – June 15
Crystals – First Level (between Paul Smith and Miu Miu)
Celebrated Master Photographer Rodney Lough, Jr. debuts his 2012 best of show at Crystals during this limited-time display.

Meet the Artist Series: Rodney Lough, Jr.
May 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gallery Row at Crystals – Rodney Lough, Jr. Wilderness Gallery
This edition of the quarterly “Meet the Artist” series offers a rare opportunity to meet award-winning Master Photographer Rodney Lough, Jr. and view his newest release, “Waterfall in the Garden,” in person.

Phat Strad
Every Sunday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Crystals Main Stage (in front of Versace)
Enjoy the classic art form of the string quartet in a beautiful and powerful modern presentation. Born in the nightlife scene of Las Vegas and currently playing concerts and prestigious events across North America, Phat Strad’s classically trained, beautifully talented women deliver a performance that leave audiences in awe.

Comments(0)