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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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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”

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The Las Vegas Hilton is good to locals. Your red Hilton card will get you the buffet for about $14 and that includes house wine or their keg beer. Play the slots a little and the offers for free tickets and other goodies will start to come. The Illa coffee in the lobby coffee bar also comes with a discount when you present your card. A Nevada driver’s license is all you need.

The Paradise Cafe serves a very decent matzah ball soup along with your standard American fare like hearty soups, fresh salads, thick sandwiches and, of course, burgers. They are open 24 hours and serve breakfast round the clock. Las Vegas Hilton 3000 Paradise Rd Las Vegas NV www.lvhilton.com

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NOTE: We went by Thursday night to check it out and the bartender did not know about the Reverse Happy Hour deal. Sports was playing on the TV. A call to the Hotel on Friday morning assured me that the promotion is indeed happening. Hopefully, the bartender will be informed. Still, we had a great time and met some interesting people at the bar, including “El Blondie” a British professional poker player in town for the World Series of Poker. He likes the Platinum and Stir because it’s Off the Strip but still happenin’. We heard his story over a couple of Laphroaig’s. Now that folks, is the beauty of Las Vegas. You never know what you’re going to find or who you’re going to meet. You just need to get out of the house.

By the way, I attended Chris’ Rock ‘n Roll Wine Event at the Platininum last Friday. The place was packed and I applaud Chris his success. We started with sparkling wines at the rooftop, which has a great view of the Strip from the airport down to the Stratosphere. I was amazed at just how good a view they have. Reds and whites were poured at the pool and restaurant area on the 5th floor which is very chic and has a view of the Strip as well, albeit not as good as the rooftop. Dessert wines were served in the ground floor lounge Stir. I like the decor of the Platinum, it’s modern but still inviting and they did a lot visually with troemps d’oeil (meaning it looks like it cost more than it did.) It’s a clever place, quite intimate. They were a bit overwhelmed at first with the numbers of Chris people, but landed nicely on their feet. As for Chris – what a star! I need to get his story.

Related Chris’ Rock n Roll Wine Event @ Platinum

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The “progressive style” evening will start at 7pm on the rooftop terrace with strip view and sparkling wines. Then it’s on to the middle terrace with indoor/outdoor pool, more strip view and world wines-tasting. The acoustic sound of Jeremy Cornwell will accompany the tasting. Last stop is the Stir Lounge on the 1st floor with a sampling of dessert wines. This is a great chance to get to know the Platinum as a VIP. The hotel is offering special rates of $159 for the Solitaire Suite. Just call the Platinum at 702-365-5000 and mention you are with Rock ‘n Roll Wines.

Tickets are $33 in advance, $38 at the door entry fee covering all wines. Space is limited, so you are guaranteed entry only with prepay. This is a chance to put on your best sparkle and come out for the glamorous side of Vegas nightlife without breaking the bank. Great place for singles looking to connect. RESERVE through website rocknrollwine.com, call 702-240-3066 or email chris@rocknrollwine.com. The Platinum Hotel & Spa 211 E Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV (Flamingo & Koval).

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Fri Jun 15 – Bettye LaVette, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Michael Grimm and Jeneane Marie

Sat Jun 16 – Coco Montoya, Bernard Allison, L.A. Jones & The Blues Messengers and Jeneane Marie

Check out the website for more details or on other entertainment: cannerycasinos.com

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Sat tastings:
West Flamingo 9355 W. Flamingo at Fort Apache 702-364-2600
So. Eastern 10935 S. Eastern at Sunridge Heights 702-658-3800
Rainbow 1780 S. Rainbow at Oakey 702-870-6300
Mesquite 670 W. Pioneer Blvd 702-346-8500

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You get 1 FREE ticket for coming to the party, another for joining the 24 Karat Club – or you can earn as many tickets as you want by playing your favorite slots and tables thru May 30. You must arrive between 7-7:25p for free ticket. Drawing is at 7:30 pm. No cover charge. Must be 21. For more info call 702-385-7111. Casino website @ goldennugget.com. Golden Nugget Las Vegas 129 East Fremont St Las Vegas NV

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For information on his monthly wine parties and get on the email invite list, go to his website:
www.rocknrollwine.com.

His next wine-tasting event is May 18 at 7pm at the lower Flamingo Pool with Reggae music provided by Michael Black and Jah Guide Band from Kingston, Jamaica.

There will be plenty of room at the lower pool to relax and savor more than 40 excellent wines. The cost is $33 prepay/$38 at door.

Call the Rock n Roll office between 9a-5p and ask for Kate:702-240-3066 or email rsvp@rocknrollwine.com. Lower Pool at Flamingo Casino and Resort 3555 Las Vegas Blvd So Las Vegas NV. Chris gives great parking hints: Flamingo valets have set aside a couple hundred spots. Otherwise, Bellagio North Valet, Balley’s, Caesar’s (using the crosswalks.) Also the North Flamingo garage (1st right after Margaritaville.) The Flamingo is a Monorail stop which is a "cool" option.

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The Wines of France

This five week course will cover wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy including their history. Outside reading is highly recommended: The Oxford Companion to Wines, Jancis Robinson and The World Atlas of Wines, Hugh Johnson and Robinson. The class is billed as a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of French wine plus learn how to read and pronounce a French wine label - in preparation for your next trip to France! Norma is already planning one for Spring ‘08.

The class will begin on Thurs May 24, 6p-8:30p and run thru June 28 (no class Jun 7). Cost is $175/pp. Supplies: Students will be assigned wines to bring for tastings. Average cost is $25-50 per bottle (1-2 bottles total.) Bring a three-ring binder and tasting glasses (3 white and 3 red).

Pre-registration is required. Call 702-568-8673 or email professor4wine@yahoo.com University of Nevada Learning Center 4505 Maryland Parkway Las Vegas NV.

Related Les’ Wines & Vines Radio Show, Wine Tastings

California took the most medals with 25, Wisconsin 14, Colorado 12, Washington State 12, Oregon 11 and Illinois 10. Nevada won 4 medals which is not bad considering brewing not something we’re known for. The winners for NV are:

Big Dog’s Brewing Co. (Las Vegas) Gold Medal Red Hydrant Ale Style: English-Style Brown Ale

Brew Brothers Brewery (El Dorado Hotel – Reno) Gold Medal Redhead Amber Ale Style: German-Style Brown Ale / D???sseldorf-Style Altbier
Brew Brothers Brewery (El Dorado Hotel – Reno) Bronze Medal Brew Brothers Barleywine Style: Barley Wine-Style Ale

Chicago Brewing Co. (Las Vegas) Gold Medal C.B.C. Belgian-Style Dubbel Style: Belgian-Style Dubbel

If you are going to Lee’s Beer Experience Sat May 12, you might want to check out the 2006 Winners spreadsheet to see if any of the World Cup winners are represented. The 100 hand-crafted beer tasting event is for USA breweries only. Look for more info on the 2008 competition as well as the 2006 Winners Spreadsheet (.xls 58k) @ beertown.org

What is the World Beer Cup? A panel of beer judges honor the top three beers in 81 beer style categories with gold, silver and bronze awards. It is known as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions” because it’s one of few international beer competitions awarding one gold, silver and bronze in each category.

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Has there ever been such an event in Las Vegas? – just think of it, 100 hand-crafted brews in one place for one fun-filled afternoon. Three cheers for Lee’s who is really stepping up in the local arena of tastings – scotch, tequila, beer-pairing dinners, not to mention their yearly classic of wine, food and spirit tasting.

note: Check out the Sam Adams Beer Pairing Dinner immediately following the Beer Experience, right at the Tuscany.

Lee’s Discount Liquor is hosting this 1st annual event as a benefit for Lee’s Helping Hand, their company charity that helps support several local organizations. The tickets are $25 advance/$30 at door. For info call 702-451-0100 and ask for Scott or Abbi, or stop by any of the Lee’s Discount Liquor stores. Venue is the Main Ballroom at Tuscany Suites & Casino, 225 E. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas NV

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Your job is easy. Come, drink, eat, listen, applaud at the proper moments, and learn. Seats are limited to the first 30. The cost is $15 a person (tip not included), tastings of 3 varietals and hors d’oevres included. As space is always limited (and privileged), reservations are binding and you are responsible for payment if a no-show. 7 pm-8 pm, but arrive 6:30 pm to get a seat before show starts. Giorgio Las Vegas 702-920-2700 3930 Las Vegas Blvd So Las Vegas NV (Mandalay Place.) For reservations email les@leskincaid.com.

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The Central Coast Wine Trip is only $489, and judging from Les’s Wines & Vines radio shows on Thursdays, sure to be replete with enlightening and light-hearted education on the varietals of northern San Luis Obispo. Not to mention that the trip will be, without doubt, a wild ride. May 4-6. Contact Les Kincaid les@leskincaid.com.

There is a pre-trip meeting Mon Apr 30 at 6pm. The motor coach will leave May 4 promptly at 7:30 am. Have you ever read the Magic School Bus series? I think Ms. Frizzle would enjoy this adventure. www.scholastic.com

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Valley Cheese and Wine

Jan 17 Best Buys Under $20 $20
Jan 24 Loire Valley Wines $30
Jan 31 A Tour of Italy $35
Feb 07 A.B.C. (Anything But Chardonnay) $25
Feb 14 Intro to Spain $25
Feb 21 Intro to France $25
Feb 28 World Class Chardonnay $35
Mar 06 Wine and Cheese Pairing $40
Mar 13 Southern Hemisphere $30

Other classes offered in past
A Tour of Spain $25
Treasures of the Rhone $50
Big and Bigger… $50
Thanksgiving Wines $40
Champagne $50

They also offer free wine tastings Fri 4p-7p and Sat 10a-8p. Valley Cheese & Wine 702-341-8191 1770 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy Ste 110 Henderson NV

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Chris’ Rock ‘n Roll Wine Tastings are one of the primo gatherings of the young, vibrant, hip and beautiful of Las Vegas – or those who like to look at the afore-mentioned. No age restriction except over 21.

If you have already purchased your ticket, you can just show up at 7p. If you can’t make it, then your prepaid reservation will be honored at any future event. You can also get a full refund if you email Chris. But WHY would you want to do that? All of Chris’ events are fun. You can’t go wrong. The cost is $33 prepay/$38 at door. Call 702-561-3498 or email chris@rocknrollwine.com. Golden Nugget Las Vegas 129 East Fremont St Las Vegas NV (Fremont & 3rd). Valet or self-park.

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In addition to those classes, which are rich and varied, the UNLV Educational Outreach Program offers a host of possibilities for further education in very practical areas such paralegal certification, medical transcription, banking certification, troubleshooting and maintaining your PC, Adobe Photoshop and much more. There are exciting field trips like the Grand Canyon Railway, fossil hunting weekend, the Utah Shakespeare Festival and a geology-based cruise on Lake Mead on the Forever Earth Boat. There are a host of Food and Wine classes including Tea Etiquette, Sushi, Tequila Tasting and Beers & Brews. Throw in screenwriting courses and How to Plot Novels, Plays or Scripts with Beginning Italian and Canine “Good Citizen” Training and you have a summer of experiences at a very reasonable cost. I have taken a couple of classes and feel I got very good value. The catalogue has been mailed out to most households, but check out the website for more info.

There are several ways to enroll:
online: edoutreach.unlv.edu with credit card
by phone: 702-895-3394 by credit card
by fax: 702-895-4195 by credit card
by mail: Educational Outreach 4505 Maryland Pkwy Box 451019 Las Vegas 89154-1019 by check or money order. NO CASH.
in person: walk-in 851 W. Tropicana (corner Trop & Swenson.) No mail please.

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Thur Apr 12: Start with a poolside party “Bubble-licious” at the Hard Rock Hotel which will serve more than 100 different sparkling wines from all over the world. 7p-10p Cost $75.

Fri Apr 13: is “Auss-some and Then Some!” at the District at Green Valley Ranch. Tasting of great wines from Down Under and South Africa. 7p-10p. Cost $50.

Sat Apr 14: Limited seating for an “Exclusive Tasting with George Riedal” with four wines served in Riedel “Vinum Extreme” glasses. 1p-2p. Paris Las Vegas. Cost $75.

Also Sat Apr 14: at Paris Las Vegas is one of the largest Wine-Tasting events anywhere in the States. 2p-7p. Look for wine auctions, live and silent, which benefit the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Management at UNLV. The silent auction will also include dinner certificates at high-end eateries and golf packages. Cost $75 advance/$100 at the door.

Get your tickets for the above events at UNLVtickets.com, the UNLV Bookstore or around town at certain wine merchants. Designated drivers are also available by calling 702-456-RIDE (7433).

All the galleries are open late and the streets will be teeming with native life. A growing tradition in a lot of towns these days, the First Friday in Las Vegas is indeed special. You’ll find lots of FREE live entertainment at what is fast becoming the monthly place for the young to see and be seen. The bar scene is hopping all over Downtown as the party goes on after hours.

Verge Music Stage (Colorado & Casino Center) features Afro-Cuban Jazz Band, the Uncommon Alliance Las Vegas break dancing group, Roman Beats from Ft. Worth and the LA new soul/experimental group, The Basiqs. The Land Rover Stage presents Las Vegas’s own Pickadillos, followed by XRPM and finishing the evening with Hedwig & the Angry Inch. I saw the Uncommon Alliance at the Verge Grand Opening Party, which was their first gig. I’m thrilled to see them getting some deserved attention.

Event hours are 6pm-10pm, but you need to check the schedule as individual venues vary. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from Official First Friday Vendors ONLY. Be forewarned – You’ll have to throw away any other drinks/beers/etc when you enter the Festival area.

Check out the official website for maps, music and gallery schedules/locations/hours and any other info you need to know. There’s a whole process if you want VIP passes etc. The County provides free parking at the Government Center with Free City Arts trolleys to the party from 6pm-10pm. www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org.

Featured after-parties, restaurants and cafes with special food and drink deals for First Friday:
Dino’s Lounge
Beauty Bar
The Ice House
Andre’s Wine & Cheese Tasting
Island Flavors Cafe
Tinoco’s Bistro
Chicago Joe’s
Casa Don Juan
Florida Cafe

There seems to be some rumbling amongst the galleries that this event has moved way beyond the original “art after dark” idea and has now exploded into a full-fledged street party. Let’s hope the politicos keep this alive, cause a once-a-month pedestrian fest is a shot in the arm to Downtown nightlife, not to mention it’s one more fun thing to do in Vegas Off the Strip.

Related Hogs & Heifers Saloon & Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Great Party for Debut of Verge

This is a joint venture wtih Racket Magazine, SpyOnVegas.com and Area 108 FM. The schedule can and does change, so you need to check before you go. Reminder: The venues are different every week.

Related www.SpyOnVegas.com, Grand Opening @ Brass Lounge

If you hurry you might get a coveted space for Les’ Wines & Vines Radio Show Mar 27. Les is holding his hour-long show at Hannah’s Restaurant 1050 So. Rampart Blvd. Boca Park. 702-932-9399. The food is Asian Fusion. Seats are limited to the first 30. The cost is $15 a person (tip not included), tastings of 3 varietals and hors d’oevres included. As space is always limited (and privileged), reservations are binding and you are responsible for payment if a no-show. 7 pm-8 pm, but arrive 6:30 pm to get a seat before show starts. email les@leskincaid.com

Related Central Coast Wine Trip Filling Up

Big Bad Zero’s Nick Mattera and Dave Meeks will provide acoustic music. The cost is $30 prepay/$35 at door. Because the venue is smaller, you are only guaranteed entrance by prepaying. Call 702-561-3498 or email chris@rocknrollwine.com. Voodoo Lounge at the Rio Casino and Resort 3700 W Flamingo Las Vegas NV.

Related Amplified Wine, Chris’ Rock n Roll Wine Event

Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits. No Charge. 6-8 pm. Casual. Guest servers.

Wed @ 7150 Durango #110 Las Vegas NV. 702-453-WINE (9463).
Thur @ 9915 S. Eastern # 110 Las Vegas NV 702-435-WINE (9463)

Related Toast to Healthy Red Wine Tannin, Les’ Wines & Vines Radio Show, Montelago Village Wine Tasting Walk, Andre’s First Friday Wine Tasting, Wine Classes @ Valley Cheese & Wine, Wine Tasting at Steak, Chris’ Rock n Roll Wine “Event of the Year”, Valley Cheese & Wine “Tasting”