All this and tasty little slices of gourmet pizza are served up with live acoustic guitar strumming (ever so gently) on the patio of Dolphin Bay’s Lido Restaurant in scenic and serene Shell Beach CA.

Eight bucks gets you all these pleasures every Tuesday starting at 5:30. No tourists here – you need to be a local to know about this quasi-private party. You can even catch the mayor of Pismo Beach enjoying what her constituents have to offer.  Tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. (Mayor Maryann Reiss is seated on right above.)

There’s valet parking and ample self-parking.  Exit 101 at Spyglass and go north a short block on Shell Beach Road.  Driveway entrance on ocean side.

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa – Lido Restaurant
2727 Shell Beach Road
Shell Beach, CA 93449
805.773.4300

http://www.thedolphinbay.com

Open 24 hours

Rebel’s pizza, which opened over the summer, has already become a UNLV hot spot in just a few short months.  Not surprising considering their incredibly cheap deals.  Catering mostly to the UNLV market (obviously named Rebels for a reason), the place always has people in there eating and picking up pizzas, even late at night.

There’s a wall dedicated to UNLV Graduates where you can sign your name. It’s pretty cool looking at all the comments and doodles people have put up…

They have a decent number of tables with fresh grated Parmesan instead of the usual powder  – and salt/pepper mills.

Open 24 hours, they offer a simple menu at incredibly cheap prices. The base cheese pizza is $3.50 plus tax with toppings only 99 cents each. A one topping pizza comes out to $4.80 with tax, which is cheaper than Little Caesars and other similar discount pizza companies.  You can even get an unlimited topping pizza for $7.99.

Not only are they cheaper but better quality too. The pizza tastes better and is always made to order – not sitting in a heater.  Don’t get me wrong – it’s not the best pizza ever. Don’t come here expecting to get a Metro pizza, but for the price, this place is unbeatable  – especially at 3am.

Besides pizza they have a sandwich combo for $5 which includes a sandwich with unlimited veggies, drink and thick cut fries.  I’ve tried 3 of their sandwiches and I have to say I wasn’t very impressed.  Avoid the roast beef;  I thought it was almost inedible. The club wasn’t bad, considering the price.

I pretty much stick to their pizzas. They offer salads and various other sides, but have yet to try them.

Overall Rebel’s Pizza is an incredible deal and  perfect for parties or events.  Get 10 one topping pizzas for $48 and you’re hard pressed to cater an event for less.

I highly recommend trying it out – especially if you’re living on a budget and like, who isn’t these days????  But  remember you get what you pay for.

p.s. Most of their toppings are good except I don’t recommend the mushrooms. They are the canned kind and very soggy.

4440 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV‎
(Maryland and Harmon, across from UNLV)

(702) 982-8181

The bagel with cream cheese, lox, onions and capers was just like it should be.

Judging by the steady flow of customers and sometimes long (but quickly served) queues, the Java Hut is well-known on the northern end of Tahoe to be the place for your morning brew.

Their menu includes hearty breakfast burritos with a multitude of combinations along with sandwiches, bagel combos and healthy salad greens.

Related Quest for the Perfect Cappucinno, reJAVAnate – A Coffee House with Community

How far they have come in these 15 years or so with their hectare upon hectare of vinyards spreading along the old Highway from the airport down the valley in the direction of Arroyo Grande.  Tolosa is a cooperative effort with several local owners with other lives like prominent attorneys and civic leaders – people fulfilling their passion and dreams in a truly magical California way.

On a Saturday morning a small green and red trolley carries an elite group from vinyard to vinyard, with tasting stops along the way among the palatial homes, rolling hills and endless lines of grapes stretching into the azure blue horizon.  There’s not a wind, the day is a perfect 85 degrees and all is well in this peaceful and unspoiled Eden for worshipers of the fermented grape in all its colors, textures and variations. Not overly commercial and over-run like Napa, the area around SLO (San Luis Obispo) retains an authentic, homey flavor typical of everything in this county.

Our tour guide is a Cal Poly grad, well-versed in all the scientific know-how that goes into growing the consistent quality of the California vintage, fielding questions with ease and enthusiasm.  Although her job is to grow the grapes – others produce the actual wine – there doesn’t seem to be much she doesn’t know.  From meticulous measuring of the drip drip of the irrigation to the careful pruning of the sunny side of the arbor, allowing the grapes to mature in favorable sunshine on the one side and shaded from the harsh rays on the other, every baby step is based on scientific research and the latest in enological technology.

The competition to be the most environmentally aware in California is keen.  The Central Coast has developed a voluntary SIP certification (Sustainability in Practice) with a lengthy process of constant improvements in growing techniques to result in a grape cultivation and wine production with the least possible impact on the environment.

A box lunch was served under the shade of a sprawling California oak, accompanied by more of the wine just tasted in the fields.

The Tasting House, designed by Cal Poly architecture students to utilize the working materials of the winery – wood, cork, metal, glass – has a stunning modern effect – a little cold perhaps – reminiscent in style of the new M Casino in Las Vegas.

Wood and Glass Door

View from Private Tasting Room

Related New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis

Buffet 5 out of 10

One good thing the M has going for it is if you sign up for a player’s card, they give you a free buffet coupon or $10 in slot play.

Leaving the bar with no appetizers, we decided we were hungry and went and signed up for the card and got our coupons. The buffet line didn’t look very long but we ended up waiting 45 minutes to get in.

First off, let me say I’ve been to a few buffets around Las Vegas and am not a huge buffet fan, other than the Rio buffet. I am usually disappointed with the mediocre food and high price tag to get in.

But back to the M Casino Buffet, once we got inside I didn’t really like the setup of the place. It’s basically one big room with all the tables scattered about with the food in the middle of the room – making 1 big line. I felt like I was eating inside a cafeteria.

It was a smaller buffet but the food selection was good; they offered a lot of variety and most the things I ate were pretty good. Most important, the food was fairly fresh. I hate when I go to buffets and the food’s been sitting out for an hour and is slimy and gross.

They offered a little bit of everything from American BBQ to Thai and sushi. There is complementary beer and wine, which is a big plus for all the drinkers out there. They even have their own M lager, which I personally thought was terrible. The wine was only white zinfandel and cabernet, but both were actually decent tasting wines and didn’t taste cheap.

Overall this was one of the better buffets I’ve been to out here in Vegas. The free beer and wine defiantly helped but I probably wouldn’t go back unless it was free again. Maybe for lunch since its only $15. But if you’re a buffet person, it’s no Rio – but  way better than a Station Casino or the Hilton and I would recommend the M Casino Buffet with the qualifications I just mentioned.

Related: Be wary of M Casino Happy Hour deals, M Casino 32 Degrees Beer Bar Happy Hour, New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis, Martha Stewart Radio Show from the M

Food vendors peddling cuisine as far ranging as Mediterranean, Italian and Chinese line both sides of street blocked off to cars to create a Thursday evening “walking street.”

Most famous for charcoal broiled ribs, chicken, trip tip and garlic bread, it is a mandatory experience to eat on the curb or find a spot on the steps.

One end of the street fair is a true Farmers Market with a bounty of produce and flowers from the County and surrounds.

Interspersed among the food vendors are booths touting services from temporary tatoos to promotion of local clubs and action committees.

There is the excitement of a medieval fair, complete with musicians for every taste – and puppet shows for children of all ages.

Everywhere you see evidence of the earnestly environmental California mentality.  There’s a special parking lot for bicycles and organic fare is the norm.

From religion to sunflowers – it’s all there.

Rex Reviews

Terzetto 2 out of 10 (would be higher if wasn’t a scam)

Since the beer bar was a failure, (see link below to my post on M Beer Bar Happy Hour), my friends and I decided to see what the rest of the casino had to offer.

A TV screen inside the casino said the Terzetto restaurant had half price martinis, 2 for 1 Mojitos and half price appetizers so we decided to get some drinks and a few appetizers there to lift our spirits. The hostess told us to sit wherever we liked. A waiter promptly came and introduced himself and asked us if we would like to start with any drinks. I ordered a martini and he asked me what type of vodka I would like. He listed a few vodkas, Ketel One and Grey Goose being the two I remember. I asked what the price difference was and he said the Grey Goose was $8.50 right now – a good deal since a normal Goose martini is $12. I was immediately confused because wouldn’t half price be $6?

So decided to get 2 Mojitos and split one with my friend. We ordered a strawberry banana Mojito and my girlfriend ordered a chocolate martini. Our drinks came promptly and were delicious. I highly recommend the 2 for 1 Mojito deal since it was only 6.50 for the 2. The chocolate martini was very good as well and was $8.50.

We decided to order some half price appetizers and the waiter informed us that 1st off, we needed to be sitting in the restaurant, which was ridiculous because we were sitting at a table inside the restaurant.  I guess we needed to be further from the bar or something. Then he says that the Happy Hour is not actually half price appetizers, but when you order an entree (sitting in the “restaurant”), and order an appetizer you get a second one free… I thought this was very lame. I thought very highly of the M the other time I came, but am now very disillusioned.

Be wary of any “deals” or Happy Hours the M casino offers because there always seems to be a catch. I hardly see how 1/2 price appetizers is actually “order a bunch of stuff and get 1 free” – and half price martinis at $8.50 is scandalous. Yes, the chocolate martini was well made and delicious, but I would never ever consider paying the full price of 17 dollars – or was it $12 like the waiter said? – and they really just give you like a 25% discount instead of half off.

Bottom line: Be wary of the M Casinos “deals” and “happy hours” because everything seemed to have a catch or be some kind of scam.

M Casino 32 Degrees Beer Bar Happy Hour

The Bob Jones Bike Trail connects San Luis Obispo (the city) to the coast at Avila Beach and affords the enthusiastic cyclist with miles of protected riding through breathtaking terrain.

If you hankering for succulent crab, sweet and plentiful, go on Tuesdays to either Ciao Bella in Morro Bay or Spyglass Restaurant in Shell Beach (northern Pismo Beach).  Both Central Coast California restaurants have superior water and sunset views:

Ciao Bella located on the Morro Bay Embarcadero looks onto Morro Rock, sail and fishing boats.

Spyglass is perched on the Shell Beach cliffs with vast open waters framed by the headland of Port San Luis and Avila Beach.

www.spyglassinnrestaurant.com

Last Friday I attended the South Point for their dollar drink special.  I arrived around 8pm and the place was already packed, the first bar by the parking garage was full, and there were no tables or spots at the bar.  But waiting for drinks wasn’t really a problem. 

I was skeptical when I first arrived about "every drink one dollar", but as soon as I ordered I quickly found that it was legit.  While sometimes they skimped on the liquor pour for some drinks, overall everything I ordered tasted right and was decently strong. 

For example, I ordered 4 Surfer’s on Acid and the bartender made it with 3 shots instead of 4 – but when the price is only a dollar a piece, who’s complaining?  Literally every kind of booze was a dollar. They will give you well liquor unless you specify, but I was drinking Jack Daniels Single Barrel and Patron as well as some normally expensive shots all for a dollar. 

A bit later we moved over to the sports bar where we managed to find a table.  By about 9pm the sports bar was completely jammed.  I waited 15 to 20 minutes to get a drink. I even started waiting at 9:45 to get a last round and didn’t get served until 10:10. The bartender still gave me the drinks for a dollar since I was in line -  very decent of her.  

Overall I had a really good time, with a crowd of interesting people.  You cannot beat this for the price -  anywhere.  It’s the real deal – no Vegas gimmicks.

The offer is advertised only for the month of June, so unless they extend – Fri Jun 26 is your last chance for a boozer’s dream.

Beer Bar: 3 out of 10 (happy hour)

Earlier I had a posting stating that the 32 Degree beer bar located inside the M Casino has a happy hour during the week from 4pm to 7pm that was all domestics $1 .

Well, I am sorry to report that this isn’t nearly as good of a deal as I originally posted. Despite the fact that on their menu pricing the domestics are considered to be anything brewed inside the US (including micro breweries and premium US beer), the $1 drafts are limited to the standard "domestic" pisswater beers such as Bud light and Coors light.

I was very disappointed when I drove all the way out to the M in order to partake in the happy hour and taste a variety of delicious beers for cheap and found out I basically wasted my time.

I apologize to any readers that may have read my article and did the same thing as I did.

Last time I was at the M, I noticed that their Beer Bar 32 Degrees has a Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 7 with all domestic pints $1. 

This is a better deal than you think because at 32 Degrees, "domestics" aren’t just Bud light and Coors. 

If its brewed here in America, it’s a buck – including Samuel Adams and a wide selection of micro-brews – all draft and served ice cold.

Related: M Beer Bar the best in Vegas

Rex Reviews

Check this out!

Through the month of June the South Point Casino is offering every Friday a happy hour from 4pm to 10pm with any drink $1 – yes Dollar Drinks – at all casino bars.  That’s right -  everything’s one greenback from Patron to beer. 

This being almost too good of a deal to pass up, I hope I see you there. 

Only two Fridays left in June – Let’s Party!

I will post more details after I check it out this Friday. TGIF – almost.

A sample of the M’s sous chef’s braised pork ribs, nibbles of cupcakes from Retro Bakery and tastes of “Vegas” wines were highlighted by a visit from a cutting edge floral designer and a real Vegas-style showgirl.

The radio host Mario Bosquez was upbeat, entertaining and everything you would expect from a representative of a class act like Martha Stewart. Studio B is a brilliant little spot with great seating and a fully-equipped kitchen primed and ready for TV/video viewing.

One of the audience expressed surprise that there was something to “see” on a radio show.  In fact, a radio broadcast in the genre of Martha Stewart’s Living Today is little different from a TV show.  The crew video tapes the guests (audience and interviewees) as well as snaps photos for the blog; it’s a multi-media event.

Your job in the audience is to applaud and be sufficiently boisterous to communicate enthusiasm across radio waves, ask questions, sample good food, be educated and entertained.  Not bad work if you can find it.

Living Today

Weekdays 1 pm – 5 pm ET

Hosted by Mario Bosquez.

http://www.sirius.com/marthastewartlivingradio

Jubilee

Bally’s

The Showgirl, all 6 feet of her, swept her way to the microphone amidst wows and applause.  With a great personality and obvious love of her job, she carried her plumed headdress with confidence and aplomb.  The Jubilee cast of 85 with 9 costume changes each every night and a stage half the size of a football field gives you some idea of the production sophistication of this most Vegas of all Vegas shows.  Jubilee is a must see if you want to experience the real Las Vegas.  p.s. If you have aspirations of joining the show, grow to 6′ (male) or 5′8″ (female) and be prepared for 2 shows a night, rehearsals and carrying anywhere from 10lbs to 40lbs on your head – while wearing 3″ heels – if female.

http://www.lasvegastourism.com/jubilee.htm

Destinations by Design

Allison Hart

According to Allison, designer from DBD, the trend to green is also driving the floral arrangement market.  Allison brought a wheatgrass table arrangement with driftwood “vases,” orchids and moss balls – all requiring very little water and made from recyclable materials.  Earthernware-appearing vases were actually made from newspaper, with metallic cores for holding the flowers.

Check out their website for diverse and innovative travel and meeting planning services of Destinations by Design.

http://www.dbdvegas.com/

Retro Bakery

Kari Haskell

A tight bundle of energy, Kari is so imbued with enthusiasm that she could hardly be contained in the space of Studio B.  Inspired by Dairy Queen from her childhood days in Oregon, she has developed her signature butter cream swirl in so many flavors and variations that it would take days to try them all.  Her husband is the cake master and together they are re-inventing the American standard in home-style gone commercial baking.

http://www.retrobakerylv.com/

http://twitter.com/retrobakery

M Resort

Hostile Grape

Mark Thomas, Director of Beverages

Mark poured two wines from the selection of 160 found at the M’s Hostile Grape.  The two reds were from California, one a husky Syrah and the other akin to Chianti – both reasonably priced in the $10/bottle range.  A third white was from Pahrump NV, but not enough for the audience to sample.  The label Pahrump Valley Winery is a bit misleading.  If you visit, you discover that they mostly blend with grapes from California.  They have produced and released a locally grown Zinfandel – quite a feat for the Mojave Desert . p.s the restaurant there was good, worth the drive. http://www.pahrumpwinery.com/

You can read more about the M Resort at:

New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis

Les’ Wines and Vines is a weekly radio show with a live audience that moves from restaurant to restaurant around the city.

To find out more:

Les’ Wines and Vines Radio Show

Tea Rooms

The Market Tea Room at Antiques at the Market, with its High Tea of fresh scones, devonshire cream and assorted finger sandwiches is a charming retreat from typical Las Vegas.  But don’t think that this is a place for the delicate only; the sandwich and soup choices are hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.

Open Mon-Sat, the Tea Room is tucked at the front corner of the antique mall on Eastern just south of Sunset with access from the mall or directly from the parking lot.

Owner and chef, Carolyn Geiger, moves between kitchen and tea room with bowls of soups, plates of house-specialty sandwiches and elegant 3-tiered serving dishes overflowing with sweet and savory delicacies – all created in house. Gregory helps serve with a broad smile and an eagerness to please that makes you feel immediately at home.

The vegetable soup, with finely chopped ingredients was utterly superb.  With an imaginative combination of spices and herbs, Carolyn used fennel to introduce the delicate flavor of asparagus but let cayenne kick in on the back end for a delightful play on the taste buds.  The balance was just right – soothing and exotic with just a hint of picante.

The chicken salad sandwich on rich grain bread with cranberries and walnuts is a perenniel favorite.  If you’re in the mood for something more “fresh” to the palette, try the veggie sandwich with avocado, cucumber and dill cream cheese.

Hot teas of various types are always served, but the iced tea selection is perfect for Vegas summer months.  If tea isn’t your thing, you can dive into an old-fashioned root beer float.

Please leave room for dessert, or at minimum, one of Carolyn’s scones served with authentic devonshire cream and fruit preserves.  I tasted the best while living in St. Ives, and can say with complete confidence that you will not be disappointed.

Chef/owner Carolyn has a way of retaining authenticity while adding that special touch that makes her cuisine entirely her own.  No weird and strange concoctions for the sake of originality at Market Tea Room – just wholesome, hand-crafted delicious food made with a true love of the art of cooking to please.

This is a delightful spot for little girls in frilly dresses to experience a much-revered British tradition of High Tea that seems almost fairy-tale like in its charm.  Although there is a special appeal for the gentle sex, the diverse menu choices and excellence in quality draw a mixed clientele of all ages and both genders.  We shared the Tearoom on Saturday with a large family celebrating Grandma’s 84th birthday – I want to take my mom too!

Example Pricing:

$6.50  Hearty sandwiches with homemade breads and choice of side
$5.00  Market Fresh Salad
$5.75  Half sandwich and cup of homemade soup
$3.50  Bowl of homemade soup
$14.95-$18.95  High Teas
$7.95  Dessert Tea with assortment of sweets

Everything on the menu is made from scratch.
Reservations recommended for High Tea with larger parties.

Location:  6665 So. Eastern Ave
(Eastern & Sunset at Antiques at the Market)
Phone:     702-362-4832
Open for lunch Mondays – Saturdays.  Closed Sundays.

p.s. Chef Carolyn is working on a cookbook which promises to reveal some delectable secrets.

But on the second visit, in the late afternoon, we sat at the bar and began sampling some of the 71 ice cold brews on tap.  I am ready to tolerate a little slot machine noise in the background for the opportunity to drink domestic microbrewery draft beer for $3.50 (including tax) and imported draft beer for $4.50 (also including tax.)  These are arguably the best prices in town.  I don’t know anywhere else you can get a Chimay for $4.50. 

The service was extremely friendly – as is everywhere we went at the M.  We were offered several generous samples along with the 4 brews we ordered for a grand total of $15.  At those prices, we felt more than comfortable leaving a very generous tip.

It seems the Marnell Family may have achieved the dream – "build it and they will come" – even in a recession."

MY RECOMMENDATION:
32º Draft beer bar at the M is the place to go for beer lovers – excellent air conditioning, elegant surroundings, friendly service, incredible easy on the budget prices and a wide selection of fine brews, domestic and imported.

Related New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis

First thoughts are why such a trendy palace so far from the Strip?  But on second thought, the M lies at the gateway to Las Vegas when traveling on the 15 from California, just off the interstate at the intersection of St Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Blvd South.  It’s also a short drive from Henderson and Anthem – an area recently one of the city’s fastest growing, and sure to be again when the recession ebbs and home sales and building re-commence.

The Marnell family, successful in the actual construction of casinos for others, has learned well from its experience.  The architecture is monumental, the style forward, luxurious but youthful and hip.  It should please anyone, although was definitely intended to attract a more urbane, under 50 crowd.

Citing lack of funds, Anthony Marnell III explained to the Las Vegas Sun that although he knew building a more environmentally smart structure was what he should have done, he declined the Lied formula based on costs.  Who am I to argue with a wildly successful businessman, but one can’t help but wonder if that decision was short-sighted.  It seems to be one that many builders take here in the Valley,  ignoring the harsh reality of looming energy and water crises.

Highlights of the M include a movie set pool area with a surrounding marble campus reminiscent of grand Egyptian temples – plenty of space here for any reception or grand ball. 

They did a reasonable job on the sweeping canopy of the hotel entrance, but the M lacks a grand entrance which says "Here I am and here is exactly how you get to me." Anyone with a sprinkling of feng shui expertise would have spotted that right away. It’s not that hard to take the wrong turn and end up in the outdoor parking area. 

They also need to do something about the valet pick-up. Totally exposed to the elements (wind and sun), someone forgot that many clients use the valet services to avoid the elements.

The lobby has splendid wow power with walls of elegant fresh lilies complemented by soothing cascading water elements.  It’s a pleasure to access restaurants and guest elevators without the obligatory pass through the casino area that haunts most Strip venues.

Baby Cakes
The Baby Cakes pastry and gelato shop serves exquisite sweets for great prices.  A large scoop of gelato in a delicious cone is $2.25 and worth every penny. You can get two scoops for $3!  The pistachio gelato was divine.  The gelato selection is limited, but certainly adequate for anyone, and I would place their flavor and quality on par with the Bellagio.  Don’t miss the croissants!

Hostile Grape
The Hostile Grape wine cellar on the lowest level is worth the drive alone.  With an amazing array of both good sipping wine and higher end vintages, you can either select your own from the myriad of dispensers or be served at the small bar.  Furnished with intimate clusters of low Italian leather sofa sets or high bar stools grouped around tall modernistic cubes, the low lighting and soft music make it the perfect spot to gather, partake and socialize in intimacy.  You take a glass and and using pre-paid tasting cards, select your own wine, 1,3 or 5 oz, from a selection of 160 – and enjoy.  Access to the Grape is by stairs leading down from the lobby or a glass elevator.

32º Draft Beer Bar
I revised my opinion of the 32º Draft beer bar in another post, and was grossly unfair when I panned it for it’s proximity to the slot machines and sports betting.  When you are savoring those incredibly priced ($3.50 domestic, $4.50 imported) and ice cold beers, you forget all else.

Veloce Cibo
We ate at the Tower Restaurant, Veloce Cibo, which did not disappoint in terms of spectacular view of the valley.  The menu was diverse which surely pleases in the way the variety of a buffet will satisfy the palettes of groups with varying tastes.  Much of it is designed to share, adding to the buffet-like advantage – while still being served at table.

Unfortunately, several of the dishes fell short – most notably the sushi which is their flagship. If you can’t make a California roll, you are in trouble.  I cannot recommend it at all. The tuna sashimi, au contraire, was fresh and delicious.  The fried calamari were not light enough, the batter being a little "floury" and lacking delicacy.  The chicken wraps were tasty and well spiced, with excellent lettuce (not iceberg), but not served with the crispy raw veggies that give them crunch and freshness.  The Asian marinated steak was superb and, by far, the best dish of the evening. 

Although the staff tried very hard, there was something generally chaotic about the service and I kept thinking that much more training was needed.  The prices are not for budget-minded.  I am hard pressed to give Veloce Cibo a high recommendation for fine dining.

The M Guest Rooms
The Guest rooms do not disappoint and the selection of suites, especially the 2 story 2400 sqft loft suites with wrap around views of the Valley, are sufficiently extravagant to impress most visitors. Keeping with trends, all rooms offer IPod docking and room safes large enough to accommodate laptops.

Dress
Geared to a younger set, the dress code is casual chic.  Designer jeans and tight T shirts, accented by some Vegas Bling and you are in mode.

MY RECOMMENDATION:

• Visit for architectural experience – don’t miss the pool.
• Don’t miss Hostile Grape if you are wine lover.
• Savor a gelato.

Find out more at their excellent website: www.themresort.com/

or read about the M and the Marnell family in the Las Vegas Sun: www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/01/m-resort-chief-vegas-gaming-industry-survival-mode/

Related: the M beer bar best in Vegas, Martha Stewart Radio Show from the M

The Blue Martini, across from the Rave Movie Experience, at the top of the escalator and to the left, at the west end of Town Square, is pulsating with feverish energy.  Three giant bars anchor this sprawling hot spot, one with outdoor patio, one with live music stage and the last secreted in the far back with cozy alcoves for tête á têes.  With an outdoor terrace that stretches on two sides, there is always quick access to fresh air and open space.  The bathrooms are also buried in the back, which can seem like quite a trek if you don’t plan ahead.

The servers are sweet and sexy in their powder blue bodices, a vague reference to French cancan and Playboy bunny.  The bartenders, handsome young lads, pour genereous martini’s and are well trained to keep customers happy.  In fact, the service everywhere is excellent - friendly and casual without the pretensions of the Strip.

The live music in the middle bar is rock sold dance quality, although there is no dance floor per se.  But who can sit still to Santana, although the average age of the dancers is way older than the sitters.  Do we just get freer as we age, or don’t people know to dance any more?

Happy Hour serves $6 martini’s (regular $12) with beers about half that.  The food menu is diverse and the portions designed to set in the middle of the table and share.

Although most of the crowd is well under 40, you won’t feel ridiculous if you could be their parents. It’s a great spot and one I hate to write about because I’d still like to get a seat at the bar or a table when I go.  But if you are wondering where locals go – “to see and be seen” – it’s Blue Martini.

Related “First Friday” Downtown Arts District, Andre’s First Friday Wine Tasting, First Friday Party Downtown Las Vegas

Venue is the newly-renovated Mandalay Bay Beach - a huge private party over 11-acres grooving to the hip-hop flavored, funky rock sound of Sugar Ray. The evening kicks-off with Jeremy Cornwell followed by San Francisco’s Chris Clouse with Sugar Ray taking the stage at 9:30pm. An after-party at Moorea Beach Club keeps the night going until …..

All tickets are $65 (plus tax). But if you get on the mailing list, special VIP EARLY ENTRY TICKETS are available for the 48 hours prior to tickets going on sale to the public (Friday Sep 20 at noon) – for the same $65 (plus tax) price. These tickets grant VIP EARLY ENTRY access to the Festival in the Moorea Beach Club to taste delicious wines beginning at 7pm. To get on the list go to website rocknrollwine.com, call 702-240-3066 or email chris@rocknrollwine.com.

Related Chris Rock n Roll @ Platinum, Chris Reggae Wine @ Flamingo Pool, Rock n Roll Wines @ Shark Tank Pool, MIX & Chris Rock ‘n Roll Wine

The area is technically part of the Humboldt-Toiyaba National Forest, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA). Before you get too excited over the romantic descriptions of Las Vegas’ own Alpine Village, be prepared that it is not Switzerland by any stretch of the imagination. The forest is a little dried out, although the trees are tall and fairly dense.

At 8,000 ft, the temperature is easily 20-30 degrees cooler than the Valley which feels very nice in August, thank you very much. About half way to the top on Kyle Canyon Road, you will pass the Hotel on Mt. Charleston, a newly remodeled Aspen style hotel, event and conference center with a water element in front and views of the high desert from the bar. It is cooler here than the Valley, but still very distinctly desert terrain. A picturesque church is just across the road, complete with tall white steeple. Soon after you pass the Hotel, you are at the turn to drive over to the winter sports area where you can actually ski in the colder months after Christmas.

There are a couple of camping grounds on your way to the summit, lying just off the road in the very narrow valley that supports all the resident population of the vaguely defined area known as "Mt. Charleston."

As always in the land of dry vegetation, there is signage warning of the level of fire hazard. The fire station located next to the Old Village affords some protection.

Several settlements crawl up the hills and huddle along Kyle Canyon Road snaking its way up the incline. Some are very high-priced ($1 Million +) with fantasy architecture of mountainous style while others are packed into tiny communities like Old Village, complete with its own Lilliputian school and long communal row of mailboxes. Don’t be looking for bargains here. Entry level seems to be about $400K and that is for a fixer-upper on a postage stamp lot. There is a lot of real estate for sale though, so who knows what kind of bargain you could pick up in these distressed times.

At the top of the road is Mt Charleston Lodge with American fare and a decent bar that specializes in exotic coffee drinks. Those are for the winter months when you can actually experience snow, downright cold temperatures and appreciate a crackling fire in the orange, cone-shaped fireplace centered in the dining room. An outside deck surrounding an A-frame lodge welcomes you on warmer days with views stretching down the steep, green gorge to the brown Las Vegas Valley far in the distance. Small tables laden with handicrafts invite your attention as you enter into the which nestle nearby on the edge of a ravine.

There is usually plenty of parking in front, although on any given weekend, the slots can be filled with Harleys. This is not a biker bar, though. We’re talking about that generation of Hog lovers that first developed their affinity back in the 60’s.

The Lodge rents cabins year round. With log siding, green metal roofs and country decor, they are a great place to spend a few days with family and friends, hiking on the adjacent trails, relaxing in the oversized spa-tubs, lazing around the fireplace (gas) or hanging out at the Lodge Bar.

Our family celebrated a downright nippy Thanksgiving with a home-styled meal in the restaurant and long relaxing evening watching silly old videos and sipping hot rum.

Activities in the area include hiking, horseback riding, skiing, camping, "spa"ing, resting, eating, drinking etc.

For more on area trails, check out hikinglasvegas.comtotalescape.com

For more info on SMNRA and recreational possibilities, go to fs.fed.us.

For horsebackriding, go to mountcharlestonridingstables.com.

For ski and snowboarding, go to skilasvegas.com

Hotels: mtcharlestonhotel.com, mtcharlestonlodge.com 

Related White Hot Fusion Networking @ Ghost Bar, Moon Tuesdays Red Bull DJ Party @ Palms

JJ’s features the best jazz trio in Las Vegas with The Cocho Arbe Trio – Cocho Arbe on upright piano, Chris Gordon on upright bass and Boris Shapiro on drums.

line-up:
cocktail hours 5p-8p- Joe Darro, piano & voice with Happy Hour 1/2 price drinks on everything.

Mon – 9pm DJ Jazz Mixes & Service Industry Night – 25% off with ID
Tue 5pm -
Wed – Ladies Night – 1/2 price all night
Thu 5pm-
Fri 10pm – February Fridays with the Cocho Arbe Trio and Ronnie Rose
Sat 10pm – the Cocho Arbe Trio and guests
Sun 8pm- Sunday Swing with Joe Darro Trio

Full Bar. No food. No cover charge , but 2 drink minimum. For more info visit justjazzlv.com. 702-650-0432. Just Jazz 1000 E. Sahara Ste 105 Las Vegas NV

Related Live Music, Jazz & Blues, Live Music Every Day of the Week, Lake Las Vegas “Jazz on the Lake”, Free Jazz Fridays, Jazz Under the Stars, Free Jazz Fest, Genevieve shines @ Just Jazz

Related Sand Dollar Blues is #1, Free Live Music @ House of Blues, Blues Open Mike at BBQ

Related Free Henderson Thurs Night Live! – Hot Lava Hawaiian, Hawaiian Luau Poolside

Related Cine en el Centro, Ballet Folklorico – estilo America Central, Cuentos (tales) de Nuestra America

Schedule for the Festival:
Sat Sep 15 11a-midnite
Sun Sep 16 11a-11p

The location is in the shopping center next to Target and Sears on Flamingo Rd, off the 215. Go west on Flamingo, then turn left on Grand Canyon Dr. Free parking.

Related Annual Greek Food Festival

They are offering nightly events plus fast becoming a gathering place for various meet-ups around town including chess, knitting, astrology and Independent Filmmakers network. Contact them if you are interested in doing your next meet-up at this cozy, convivial locally-owned coffee shop. Email: hercules@rejavanatecoffee.com.

There is so much going on at the reJAVAnate that I couldn’t begin to keep up here. Here’s just a taste:

Sun - 7p-9p - Poetry Night hosted by Hyatt Mason, Blank Verse
Mon- 7p-9p - Meetup Night
Tue – 7p-9p - M&M Poetry Night hosted by Mark Snyder
Wed – 7p-9p - Meetup Night (formerly comedy night hosted by Darrell Keido)
Thur- 6:30p-8:30p - UNLV Jazz Night
Fri – 8p-11p – Open Mike Night (Just stand up and do whatever you want!)
Sat – 7p-11p- Concert Night (formerly karaoke night – Sometimes special guest entertainers)

Email hercules and get on their mailing list is your best bet to keep current. reJAVAnate Coffee Lounge “Serving Humanity One Cup at a Time.” Check out their website rejavanatecoffee.com or call 702-253-7721. 3300 E Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV (NW corner Pecos in Renaissance III Shopping Plaza)

Related reJAVAnate -a Coffee House with Community, Mother & Kids Movie Day , Poetry Nights @ reJAVAnate , Comedy Night @ reJAVAnate, “Ladies Legal Lounge” @ coffee house

Kelly also produces a Sunday evening Celebrity Spotlight Dinner Show at the Bootlegger with dinner at 7pm and show starting at 8pm. It’s over by 9:30p for those who have day jobs on Monday morning.

Related Sky & Las Vegas Tenors for Sunday Blues, Genevieve Sings Golden, Kelly Clinton Dinner Show, Old Style Vegas – Live, Windy @ The Bootlegger, Live Music Every Day of the Week

Mon @10pm is Rock Star Karaoke with a live rock band. Free at the Courtyard.

Wed at 9pm Crossroads: “The Blues, Only the Blues, and Nothing But the Blues.” Free admission.

Thur @ 9pm Michael Soli‘s Unplugged @ Crossroads with live acoustic music. Free admission.

Sun @ 9m Courtyard. Purple Reign, a Prince Tribute Show. WAS Free to locals, others $10 but check first cause the free locals part has disappeared from the website.

Related Rex’s Rants and Raves – Stoney Curtis Band, Free “Unplugged” @ House of Blues, Sand Dollar for the Blues, Chicago Style Blues

Related Windy croons @ Rosy’s

Related “Right Gin” Tasting @ Lee’s, “Lee’s Beer Experience” , World Beer Tasting Benefit

Full Bar. No food. No cover charge. For more info on “JJ’s” visit justjazzlv.com. 702- 650-0432. Just Jazz “JJ’s” 1000 E. Sahara Ste 105 Las Vegas NV

Related Genevieve nominated for American Black Music Awards, “JJ” for Just Jazz

Websites to check out:
1. Whirlygig, non-profit producer of the events, who works closely with host sponsor, the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs: whirlygiglasvegas.org
2. specific info about entertainment, activities, maps etc firstfriday-lasvegas.org.

Related First Friday Party Downtown Las Vegas, Andre’s First Friday Wine Tasting

Another Vegas night spot that is Off the Strip has closed its doors. What a world we live in here in Sin City…..millions upon millions spent on entertainment on the Strip, while nightlife just a couple of blocks to the west or east struggles each day for breath. Elvis was a funky, fun kind of place with an eclectic crowd that had crossed the street when Zinger’s closed. With great dance music by Karin Denise and her group on the weekends, you might see any kind of person there and everyone having a good time. But apparently not enough people to make it happen for Elvis, the owner who dressed like the “King” and even performed a few numbers. A sad sayonara to another possibility for locals who can’t/won’t fight the crowds and pay the big bucks to go out on the weekends on Las Vegas Blvd.

Old website and addresss: elvislv.com. Previously Steve and David’s. 702-262-0001. 545 E. Sahara Las Vegas.

Related Karin Denise at Elvis’

Related A Free Beer Tasting!, “Lee’s Beer Experience” – Extravaganza Beer Tasting!, Montelago Village Wine Tasting Walk

Related: Josette’s Bistro Jazz Cabaret, Josette’s Dinner Cabaret, Valentine a la francaise

Email Les now to get a place and get on his list. Kudos to Les for keeping this show on the air for 8 years! and with great venues each week.

Thank you Les because the opportunity to rotate through some of the city’s best yet affordable eateries is one of the perks of an audience participant – not to mention the wine tasting, low-key wine education and excellent company.

Every Thursday from 7-8 pm, Les Kincaid cablecasts his radio wine show around the world from a roving selection of Las Vegas restaurants. Audience participants are treated to 3 varietals of wine, with accompanying appetizers supplied by the restaurant. Les, long time professor of the grape at UNLV, keeps the discussion of the finer delicacies of wine cultivation low-key and shares the head table with guest vintners, sommaliers and chefs.

Your job in the audience is to drink, eat, be merry and applaud loudly when cued. Tickets must be reserved in advance by invitation via email. To get on the guest list, email les@leskincaid.com. Cost is normally $20 and includes wine, food and a lottery drawing for a bottle of the evening’s wines or featured book. Show is from 7p-8p, but you need to show up by 6:30.

"Remember, wine IS food!" Les has a great email newsletter you can subscribe to to learn about wine, good food and good living.

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Stroll along the New Vista Community Wine Walk at luxurious and beautiful Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas. Savor more than 20 different wines while visiting shops and restaurants from 6p-9p. Raffle at 9:00 pm on the Events Plaza. The tickets are $30 pp or $50 per couple with proceeds going to New Vista Community, a non-profit “supporting the independence of the disabled community.” newvistacommunity.org

Jazz on the Lake Saturday evenings runs summer months at Montelago Village. Check the schedule Free “Jazz on the Lake” @ Lake Las Vegas

Related Easter Weekend at Montelago, Wine Tastings

Related Windy @ Sonny’s Speakeasy, Windy @ The Bootlegger, Windy sings @ La Havana Cigar Bar, Live Music Every Day of the Week

Check their website for up-to-date details on performing artists. Sun & Mon Nights are Open Jam. This is a HOT place to be, especially late. This used-to-be biker bar has gone half-civilized and I find perfectly safe. You’ll see some very expressive dancing, no partners necessary. Ladies, hit the dance floor. It’s hard to sit with this music. NON-smoke free. Cover Charge varies, locals often free. Full bar. Goes on late (2 am or 2:45 am). 702-871-6651n 3344 Spring Mountain Road Las Vegas NV. (enter parking lot from Polaris). www.sanddollarblues.com

Related Live Music Every Day of the Week, Live Music, Jazz & Blues

Related White Hot Fusion Networking @ Ghost Bar, Moon Tuesdays Red Bull DJ Party @ Palms

The Palms has an impressive line-up of special events with regular parties like Ditch Fridays and Moon Tuesdays offered to draw in locals. Email glist@9groupvegas.com or call 702-942-6832. Palms Hotel & Casino 4321 W Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV

Related Moon Tuesdays Red Bull DJ Party @ Palms

Transformations, a Healing Place

This special get together for health-focused singles is from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Casual, welcoming and inspiring. RSVP desired 702-252-3502. Check out their website: transformationsahealingplace.com. Transformations, a Healing Place 1725 S. Rainbow #25 Las Vegas NV.

Related: Acupressure Facelift Workshop, Transformations of the Spirit, Intentional Wellness

Related 2007 Epicurean Affair, 2007 Epicurean Delight Day After

Irish pubs

Related Free Killian’s Angels Celtic Music, Live Music at Fado Irish Pub, A Wild Celtic Night, Slainte! at McMullan’s Irish Pub

Related reJAVAnate – a Coffee House with Community, Mother & Kids Movie Day

Every night is an opportunity for sharing:
Sun - 7p-9p - Poetry Night hosted by Hyatt Mason, Blank Verse
Mon- 7p-9p - Meetup Night
Tue – 7p-9p - M&M Poetry Night hosted by Mark Snyder
Wed – 7p-9p - Meetup Night (formerly comedy night hosted by Darrell Keido)
Thur- 6:30p-8:30p - UNLV Jazz Night
Fri – 8p-11p – Open Mike Night (Just stand up and do whatever you want!)
Sat – 7p-11p- Concert Night (formerly karaoke night – Sometimes special guest entertainers)

Related reJAVAnate – a Coffee House with Community, Jordan Reimer performs @ reJAVAnate, Comedy Night @ reJAVAnate, Mother & Kids Movie Day , Open Mic Poetry Readings, The Poet’s Corner

DIRECTIONS: Self park or Valet at The Hotel @ Mandalay or at The Shops. Enter through the MIX Lounge entrance (not the restaurant entrance through the room elevators). Look for the big MIX sign – dedicated elevators located in walkway between The Hotel tower and main Mandalay tower.

As usual, tickets are $33 prepay/$38 door, all inclusive. to reserve, call 702-240-3066 or email rsvp@rocknrollwine.com.

DO NOT MISS the Wine Event of the Year. See Chris’ Rock n Roll Wine “Event of the Year”

Every night is an opportunity for sharing:
Sun - 7p-9p - Poetry Night hosted by Hyatt Mason, Blank Verse
Mon- 7p-9p - Meetup Night
Tue – 7p-9p - M&M Poetry Night hosted by Mark Snyder
Wed – 7p-9p - Meetup Night (formerly comedy night hosted by Darrell Keido)
Thur- 6:30p-8:30p - Comedy Night
Fri – 8p-11p – Open Mike Night (Just stand up and do whatever you want!)
Sat – 7p-11p- Concert Night (formerly karaoke night – Sometimes special guest entertainers)

Related reJAVAnate – a Coffee House with Community, Jordan Reimer performs @ reJAVAnate, Poetry NIght @ reJAVAnate, Mother & Kids Movie Day