Archives for June, 2012

Carnevale Opens at Venetian and Palazzo, Las Vegas

Posted on Jun 12, 2012 under Archives, Las Vegas | No Comment

group inside 42

Last night marked the official opening of Carnevale, the Venetian and Palazzo’s new summer event featuring three months of classic Italian festivities, including new experiences, entertainment, art, music and wine until Sept. 9.

mask 1

A celebration of discovery, taste and fun, Carnevale is themed on the myriad of summer festivals that grace the small villages and towns of Italy throughout summer.

performers

performers

Last night’s grand opening launch at the front plaza of Venetian offered a  preview all facets of the season-long Italian-inspired celebration, including stilt performers,  speed painter Salvador Live!, who created unique and awe-inspiring masterpieces to the beat of music while breakdancing and interacting with the crowd, a  performance by violin trio Alizma,  Carnavale “lighted” characters that mingled with visitors and Carnevale-inspired food and beverage offerings.

Launch of Carnivale

Launch of Carnevale

The event also marked the debut of The Venetian’s spectacular outdoor light show on the iconic clock tower and colorful parade which will now wind its way through the property nightly.

light show on clock tower

light show on clock tower

Each month Carnivale will portray a different theme representing a various aspect of Italy, inviting guests to come back to experience all the new experiences and magic at Palazzo and Venetian.

Throughout June, both resorts will be transformed into an art gallery with 3D chalk artists, glassblowers, potters, living art installations and an interactive Art Walk. All demonstrations will take place in The Palazzo Waterfall Atrium & Gardens daily from 1-6 p.m. and select art work will be available for purchase to take the magic of Carnevale home.

A “Passaporto di Carnevale” will be included with select suite packages offered throughout Carnevale with special discounts and entertainment specials as well as retail offers from The Grand Canal Shoppes and The Shoppes at The Palazzo.   In July Carnevale will focus on music, in August wine and food.  To make reservations, visit www.palazzo.com or www.venetian.com.

The Weekly Dish – June 4, 2012

Posted on Jun 04, 2012 under Archives, The Weekly Dish | No Comment

Here is the dish on what’s happening in LA and Las Vegas this week:

Los Angeles

LA Live

LA Live

LA Live – Hockey fans can attend a variety of Stanley Cup Watch Parties this Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at participating downtown restaurants.  Specials include Rosa Mexicano – purple margaritas and happy hour specials, The Mixing Room – burgers and brews for $15 for Kings away games, Yard House – happy hour prices from 3 to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, Trader Vics and Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill – 15% discount, Lawry’s Carvery – $3 beers, Katsuya – extended happy hour from 5 to 8 pm and ESPN Zone – food and drink specials, games start at 5 pm.

Sadie – Join guest bartender Neyah White at the Parlour at Sadies West Hollywood on Tuesday, June 5 as he hosts a special whiskey presentation including a traditional Japanese ice carving demonstration, 7  to 11 pm, 1628 N. Las Palmas Avenue.

Gay Pride LA

Gay Pride LA

La Boheme – Celebrate Gay Pride at La Boheme’s parade viewing block party on Sunday June 10 from 10am to 3 pm, including a buffet brunch, 2 drinks and elevated parade seating, $30 call 323/848-2360 for reservations.

BierBeisl Sunday Dinners – Beginning in June, every Sunday the Austrian Beverly Hills restaurant is offering a 3 course menu for $55 including a glass of wine or beer, 9669 Santa Monica Boulevard, 310/271-7274.

The Wine House – Sample the wines of Greece and Australia this week on Wednesday (Greece, $59) and Thursday (Australia, $55), as well as regional dishes and cheese, 2311 Cotner Avenue, 310/479-3731.

Las Vegas

Palazzo

Palazzo

Palazzo and Venetian – Carnivale launches this week at the Palazzo and Venetinan.  This 3 month Italian themed summer festival includes wine tastings, cooking classes, nightly laser shows and parades.  3325 and 3335 Las Vegas Boulevard.

Origin India – Origin India restaurant is offering India inspired Tiffin lunch box specials daily from 11:30 am to 3 pm.  For only $9.95 per box, guests can enjoy a selected entree, 2 sides, rice and naan.  Located across from the Hard Rock, 702/734-6342.

Step Up For Charity, Flamingo – Walk, jog or skip for charity at the Flamingo and Miller64 event Monday June 4.  Hop on the Miller64 treadmill at the Southwest Corner Bar at Flamingo from 4 to 8 pm and keep the treadmill ticking in efforts to raise a combined donation of $64,000 to Soles4Soles, a nonprofit providing footwear to those in need, 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard.

Drew Lachey

Drew Lachey

Bally’s – The Price is Right Live at Bally’s welcomes back celebrity host Drew Lachey from June 6 to June 17.  Shows are Wednesday through Sunday at 2:30 pm.  Tickets available at 702/967-4567.

Electric Daisy Carnival – This Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts the Electric Daisy Carnival, a dusk till down dance party with live music, carnival rides and food.  Tickets at www.electricdaisycarnival.com.

Dinner at Eat Drink Americano

Posted on Jun 03, 2012 under Archives | No Comment
Inside Eat Drink Americano

Inside Eat Drink Americano

Eat Drink Americano is the newest addition to Downtown’s Art District.   The restaurant features modern American pub fare in an industrial setting.   Housed in the previous Cafe Metropol space, EDA has high ceilings surrounded by brick and wood walls and both communal and individual seating.   Diners can admire the huge Peter Greco hand sketched 16-foot mural and unique wine bottle chandelier.  Consulting Chef Juan Pablo Torre planned the seasonal eclectic menu with African, Asian, European and Peruvian influences.  Nick and I visited for a tasting last week, here is what we sampled:

charcuterie plate

charcuterie plate

We started with a sensational charcuterie plate, including prosciutto rossa, pastrami, gentile salame, burrata alla panna, and burrata alla panna, blue moody smoked, and toma point reyes cheeses.  Also on the board were some delicious pickled olives.  We loved this combination.

duck and pickles

duck and pickled vegetables

We started with a nice combination of duck and pickled vegetables served on toasty bread.

braised angus ox tail burger

braised angus ox tail burger

Next came a duo of braised Angus ox tail burgers which reminded us of a pulled pork sandwich.  This was Nick’s fave of the night.

angus ox tail burgers

angus ox tail burgers

Next came a nice Niman Pork Cheeck with mushrooms and polenta.

pork cheek

pork cheek

my plate

my plate

me and nick

me and nick

Next time you are Downtown, check out the modern Eat Drink Americano for a taste of their huge selection of wine and beer and unique plates.  Located at 923 East 3rd Street, reservations at 213/620-0781.

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