Archive for May, 2010

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC) (“MHG”) today announced the appointment of accomplished senior gaming executive Joseph A. Magliarditi as Executive Vice President, Gaming of MHG and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.  Mr. Magliarditi brings over 16 years of hotel and gaming experience to MHG, serving most recently as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for The M Resort LLC  (“M Resort”) and Marnell Sher Gaming, LLC (“Marnell Sher Gaming”).

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC) (“MHG”) today announced the appointment of accomplished senior gaming executive Joseph A. Magliarditi as Executive Vice President, Gaming of MHG and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.  Mr. Magliarditi brings over 16 years of hotel and gaming experience to MHG, serving most recently as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for The M Resort LLC  (“M Resort”) and Marnell Sher Gaming, LLC (“Marnell Sher Gaming”).  “I’m very pleased to welcome Joe to the Hard Rock team,” said Fred Kleisner, Chief Executive Officer of MHG.  “With his extensive gaming experience and his active commitment to the Las Vegas tourism industry, Joe will be a strong and valuable addition to the leadership of Morgans Hotel Group.”  “I am excited to join the Morgans Hotel Group and Hard Rock teams,” said Mr. Magliarditi.  “Morgans Hotel Group and Hard Rock are two great brands, and I am looking forward to this new opportunity.”   Before joining M Resort and Marnell Sher Gaming, Mr. Magliarditi was the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and a board member of TRIRIGA INC., an enterprise software company, where he was responsible for developing the long and short-term strategic and financial objectives for the company, as well as managing all aspects of the day-to-day operations.  Prior to TRIRIGA INC., Mr. Magliarditi was Vice President of Operations of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.  Mr. Magliarditi earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Marketing at Niagara University and his MBA at Hofstra University, and he successfully completed advanced study programs at Harvard Business School, Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration and the University of California Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management

“L.A.-based producer/manager JOEL DIAMOND has been mentioned more than once as a replacement for Simon Cowell on AMERICAN IDOL; this just in – this week’s A.I. finale may well been Simon’s swan song on the show. Diamond would no doubt bring a sizeable industry cred to the show; what with Paula gone (the only one who ever actually had a hit record out); Simon has been the only actual music-industry fellow. This fellow Diamond produced Engelbert Humperdinck’s signature song, “After The Lovin’” and managed and produced the classical-siblings The 5 Browns. He’s also worked with Gloria Gaynor; David Hasselhoff; Ray J; and, actress/model Robey, who had the memorable hit “One Night In Bangkok.” He’s chalked up 36 Gold and Platinum awards and charted 54 records on the Billboard charts.
He has his own record label, Silver Blue, and before relocating to the West Coast, had a fashionable bachelor pad on New York City’s fashionable Central Park West. He’s also opening an outpost in Vegas later this year. He’
s just released a dance-version of “Moonlight Sonata,” by Athene Noelle that’s blasting up the dance charts. Says Diamond, “The best is yet to come.
I don’t know myself what it is; but, what I do know is that every new undertaking moves me into something bigger and better.”

Il bel far niente is Italian for “the beauty of doing nothing,” meaning that the greatest reward after a lifetime of hard work, or even a long day, is to be able to relax and enjoy life. Valentino Las Vegas invites guests to take part in their own bel far niente at the Vin Bar & Lounge, the latest addition to the award-winning restaurant’s celebrated menu.
“The addition of Vin Bar & Lounge offers guests another option for an extraordinary dining and wine experience at Valentino Las Vegas,” says Executive Chef Luciano Pellegrini. “For guests that don’t have time to sit for a full meal at either The Grill at Valentino or in our fine dining room, they can still take pleasure in the hospitality and cuisine that defines Valentino Las Vegas.”
Located at the front of Valentino Las Vegas and featuring plush couches and flatscreen TVs, the Vin Bar & Lounge is an ideal spot for unwinding with good wine and good company, or simply as a precursor to an elegant meal at Valentino. To accompany wines from the legendary wine list, guests can enjoy bites of Italian antipasti such as prosciutto, speck and sopressata in addition to a selection of formaggi from Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Belgium. Italian crudo, or raw plates, are available for three for $12, six for $24 or a la carte, and includes fresh, flavorful dishes such as blood orange lobster tail with peppery baby arugula, green apple scallop with apple tartare and smoked swordfish carpaccio enhanced with lemon sauce.
Vin Bar & Lounge is perfect for locals and tourists alike with happy hour from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and ladies can drink for half price from 10 p.m. to midnight. Monday through Thursday, Vin Bar & Lounge offers those in the hospitality industry 20% off when they present their business card.

Tivoli Village at Queensridge, a mixed-use urban lifestyle development on the bustling corner of Rampart and Alta, is now leasing more than 370,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, entertainment and office space that will open March 2011. Tivoli is poised to become the premier gathering destination for the western sector of the Las Vegas market, featuring a vibrant mix of national and local retailers, signature restaurant and entertainment options, and Class A office space.

Inspired and designed as an authentic European village, Tivoli will open with 30 to 40 retailers, approximately eight restaurants, several on-the-go eateries, and state-of-the-art Class A office space. The Village will serve as the community’s “family room,” offering a children’s play area and event stage.  Among the distinctive list of tenants who have committed to Tivoli Village are family activities center Kidville,  gourmet Mexican restaurant Cantina Laredo, contemporary Italian restaurant Brio Tuscan Grille, Mark DiMartino’s authentic German eatery Ratskeller and specialty retailer CORSA Collections.

“The tenants who have joined us, align perfectly with our goal to create a high quality dining, retail and office destination within our community. Our restaurants and retailers complement what exists today in what we know is an underserved market,” said Executive Vice President of Tivoli Village Patrick Done. “Tivoli Village is within five miles of more than 395,000 affluent residents looking for a place to gather, eat, shop and do business, making it an incredible opportunity for residents and tenants alike.”

CORSA Collections will offer a wide selection of world-renowned luxury labels at its first location off the Strip. The multi-branded boutique will showcase high-end brands from Fendi to quality, lifestyle collections such as Brighton.

“Tivoli Village is an ideal location for the CORSA Collections concept. Not only is the seasoned demographic right for us, but the location is situated in an area with very little comparable retail space. There are no malls for miles and there is a concentrated consumer base looking for this type of lifestyle shopping. In addition, Tivoli’s solid list of committed restaurants should provide us with a steady flow of OUR customers,” said owner Chris Unick.

Also scheduled to debut at Tivoli Village is Cantina Laredo, a gourmet Mexican restaurant. New to the Las Vegas market, the restaurant boasts fresh, adventurous cuisine. James Snell, vice president of real estate development for Cantina Laredo states that “Las Vegas is a first for us, but the opportunity to expand our brand into this new market-dominate destination was one we could not pass up.”

Serving as Tivoli’s family’s play center, Kidville is a full-service learning and play center for children of all ages. Featuring arts and crafts classes, party spaces, an indoor playground, child-sized fashion boutique and more, Kidville contributes to defining Tivoli Village not only as a shopping and dining district, but as a true gathering place for its customers.

“Like Tivoli, Kidville’s power comes from its ability to create a community among the moms, dads and children it caters to,” said creator Andy Stenzler. “Our decision to lease space inside Tivoli Village is one we made long ago, as soon as the project was announced, and one we are sure will be successful.”

Additional tenants who have committed to leasing space inside Tivoli Village include Pesci’s, a full-service pizzeria concept from actor Joe Pesci, on-the-go Japanese restaurant Sushibar, and Ritual Salon & Spa.

Tivoli Village’s old-world design takes its inspiration from authentic European style and architecture. The urban lifestyle center will feature pedestrian-friendly streets with cobblestone walkways, scenic landscaping design, and convenient amenities such as an integrated below-ground parking structure with direct access to the surrounding shops. Limited above-ground parking and plentiful valet areas will also be available, adding to the center’s metropolitan vibe without disturbing the pedestrian experience.

Tivoli Village is being developed through a partnership with IDB Development Corporation, Ltd. – Israel’s largest diversified business group with total assets of more than $30 billion – and EHB Companies.

Q: What can we expect for the shows at Cannery on the 22nd?

A: All the big numbers are in the show. I feel an obligation to the audience not only to play them, but play them in the same manner they were first recorded. I’ve been privileged to work with some of the finest songwriters around (Carole King, Neil Diamond, Boyce & Hart) and their work is well represented here.

Q: I understand your sister Coco is in your band?

A: Yes. She’s been in the group for quite some time and I’ve always sung with her. In fact, she sang on some of the early-Monkees records. Her version of “Different Drummer,” which Michael Nesmith wrote and Linda Ronstadt had the hit with, is terrific. We’ve always sung together. We also perform some songs that were important to us growing up. Both my parents were in the business, so to speak, so there’s a rich history there.

Q: You’ve had quite a busy year so far, right?

A: Last year I was on the CMT show GONE COUNTRY, where I appeared with Taylor Dane, Sheila E, George Clinton, and, Justin Guarini, among others. It was the first reality-type show I’ve ever done, because I felt this one was real … and, the competition to write a country song was terrific.  My song was called “Country In Me.” The host, John Rich, was just great. I had a great time. Unbeknownst to many people, 90% of the songs I’ve ever written are country songs. And, I’ve never had the opportunity to have them released or exploited because people assume I’m the wacky drummer from an old TV show. On top of that, my mom was from Austin, Texas, and I grew up in California on a ranch. I was riding a horse when I was four, and I’m an expert rider, I’ve done penning and cutting horse and polo and jumping and all the other equestrian activities, and I’m also an expert shot with the rifle or hand gun. Earlier this year, I had a run in the West End production of HAIRSPRAY … playing ‘Wilbur Turnblad.’ That was just terrific.

Q: You must get asked daily whether The Monkees will ever re-group.

A: I do … and, I’ve learned ‘never to say never.’

Q: You’ve done AIDA, PIPPIN, GREASE, and, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. You must love theater?

A: It’s just working out different muscles. The discipline is just fantastic. I‘m looking for another such project right now … I love it.

Q: I also understand that in addition to the shows, you’re working on a very special album project right now.

A: It’s called KING FOR A DAY, and it’s a tribute to the music of Carole King. She wrote some great songs for us and it’s been a debt I’ve waited and wanted to repay. We’ve got some major surprises on the album and, actually one big one that should garner a lot of attention. It’s scheduled for release on August 24. We’ll be doing some special promotions for it too. It’s coming via Gigatone Records.

Jeffrey Foskett, who produced the last album for Brian Wilson, is handling the production. So far, it’s nothing short of terrific.

Q: How are the audiences in Vegas for you?

A: Very receptive … they always make me feel right at home. Young, old … they’re all here. Its great here.

R&B artist and chart-topper Ne-Yo (real name Shaffer Smith) dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort Thursday night. Accompanied by a party of five, Ne-Yo and guests started with the shellfish platter and signature rock shrimp. He had the lemon chicken for his main course.

Last month Cirque du Soleil and the Estate of Michael Jackson announced a partnership to create two shows featuring Michael’s music.  Planned projects include a touring show, expected to launch in 2011, and a resident show in Las Vegas in partnership with MGM MIRAGE, expected to open in late 2012.  Additional lifestyle projects, including a nightclub, are also being developed in conjunction with the Las Vegas production.

ALSO…….

Jackie Jackson, eldest brother of the late Michael Jackson and member of the Jackson 5, attended the 7pm performance of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand tonight, Thursday, May 20th.  Following the performance Jackie, accompanied by his wife, took some time to meet the cast backstage.  Though it was the couple’s first time seeing KÀ, the show has welcomed other members of the Jackson family since opening in 2005, including Michael, sister Janet, and father Joe.

Tuesday night Maroon 5 was spotted at LAVO. Front man Adam Levine serenaded girlfriend model Anne V throughout the night and the entire group danced, took photos and enjoyed Grey Goose cocktails, Coronas and shots of Patron.

Also taking in the night was New York Knick Al Harrington, who stuck to water but danced to the sounds of DJ Five.

Johnny Smalls, the new restaurant by Dolce Group and the Nightlife Group at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,  introduces a new Happy Hour with 2-for-1 specialty cocktails at the bar and select appetizers starting at only $4.

Indulge on small bites such as the mouth-watering Meaty Balls, crispy Tater Fries and scrumptious Mac n Cheese Flatbread just to name a few.  To wash down the appetizers Johnny Smalls specialty cocktails offer a little flair to that ordinary cocktail.   Try the sweet cocktail, Arrested Development that includes crème de banana, Malibu coconut rum, coconut nectar, pineapple juice and a shaved Ghirardelli chocolate or the sour cocktail, Limon Drop which includes absolute citron, lemon sour, lemonade, fresh squeezed lemons with a sugar rimmed  glass.

Happy Hour takes place Wed. –  Sun. from 5 – 7 pm

New hours of operation:

5 – 11 pm Wed., Thurs., Sun.

5 pm – 3:30 am Fri. – Sat., open late

Johnny Smalls takes a no-hassle approach to dining with no reservations, no entrees and no problems.

Johnny Smalls is located inside the HRH Tower at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Convenient parking and access is available at the HRH garage on Harmon Ave.

For additional information visit www.hardrockhotel.com

It hasn’t even been a year since the Las Vegas Sun reported that Metro Police officers made arrests for “prostitution-related activity” at the Rio’s Sapphire Pool which resulted in the hotel-casino’s decision to close the pool.

According to the Sun, the arrests were based on prostitution charges. In addition, arrests were made for the use of several drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The newspaper explained, “The decision to close the pool was made by the Rio.”

The Sapphire Pool was the Rio’s topless pool, where the Sapphire Gentlemen’s Club dancers would appear topless during the day. Opened in summer 2008, the Brazilian style, adult-only Sapphire Pool created and owned by Peter Feinstein through Shac llc. using the namesake of their Vegas gentlemen’s club Sapphire.

The Rio has now brought back the Feinstein’s with Darin Feinstein, Peter’s son and partner in different business ventures.  With the backing of his father and other investors Darin Feinstein has takin over the original “Club Rio” location and with its latest failing inception, ND Fuego’s.  Feinstien will re-brand the spot Crown Theater and Crown Nightclub.

Banking on the Rio’s once nightlife driven clients,  “we’re looking forward to being part of its resurgence.” said Feinstein “you can look forward to a themed venue night hosted by domestic or international DJs”.  This shouldn’t be too hard for Feinstein with a stable of girls available through his father, the managing partner of the Sapphire Gentleman’s Club.