Night Life Guru

[PRESS RELEASE] LAS VEGAS, March 24 /PRNewswire/ — Nightlife and restaurant leader PURE Management Group (PMG) today announced the re-launch of its innovative Pan Asian restaurant, Social House, in Crystals at CityCenter in early summer 2010. The Social House brand was launched in 2006. Since then, it has developed a solid reputation and cult following for its delectable cuisine, unrivaled decor and exuberant vibe.

“PURE Management Group is proud to announce that Social House restaurant will re-launch in Crystals at CityCenter. We are excited that MGM Mirage selected our Social House restaurant to be included in what has become the premier retail and dining destination in Las Vegas,” said Ned Collett, chief executive officer of PURE Management Group.

The new Social House restaurant will be located on the second floor of Crystals with an enclosed dining area, along with an open dining terrace that overlooks the first floor shopping areas.

“The space and design elements of Crystals are extraordinary and will complement the Social House brand. With the Social House brand we strive to capture the attention of each Social House guest by combining amazing taste sensations, a tranquil vibe and creative design elements in order to deliver an unsurpassed dining experience,” said Deborah Krause, chief operating officer of PURE Management Group.

Social House Executive Chef Joe Elevado is tasked with the culinary vision for the new Social House. Chef Elevado studied under the acclaimed and highly influential Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and the “Japanese Iron Chef,” Masaharu Morimoto. Both Nobu and Morimoto inspired Elevado to create his own innovative style that embraces tradition yet is expanded through inspiration drawn from international culinary exploration.

Under Chef Elevado, the Social House menu developed into a masterpiece of Japanese/Southeast Asian cuisine and sushi, relying on an eclectic blend of Asian tastes prepared with the freshest ingredients and a keen eye for presentation.

“Moving Social House to CityCenter is a revelation. The menu will retain the elements that brought us a cult following, while being exposed to a larger, more sophisticated audience will allow us to experiment and push the culinary envelope further with bolder dishes,” said Joe Elevado, Executive Chef for Social House.

The new menu will retain many of the dishes that made the Social House brand. The new menu will also be influenced by Chef Elevado’s extensive travels to places like Jakarta, Indonesia where he experienced a blend of Indian, Malay, Middle Eastern and Filipino culture.

Along with the menu the Social House brand is defined by a warmth and intimacy that is integral to the dining experience. The warmth and intimacy will be reflected in the design and decor of the dining space. The new Social House location will retain many of the iconic elements of the original location along with bold new features.

PMG closed the original Social House at Treasure Island in July 2009 in order to concentrate on opening the Crystals location.

For more information on PMG and its venues, please visit www.purelv.com.

By ANDY WANG

SEXIER, more over-the-top and more accessible than what you’ll find in New York, Los Angeles or Miami, nightlife in Vegas is a party like no other, busted economy or no.

It’s a world where everybody lets loose like they’re on vacation, where nobody (not even the locals) has anywhere to be in the morning — unless you count an after-hours spot that’s still banging well after sunrise.

In Vegas, the hottest clubs are built for volume. They must cater to the masses. Unlike New York, there’s no need to suck up to a goofball promoter or negotiate with paid-to-be-surly tough guys at the door. If you’re willing to wait in line and pay around $20, most Vegas places are happy to have your business. (And vegaspassport.com sells a $120 package that gets you admission into and VIP access to cut the line at many clubs — but not all, so check the list closely.)

You’ll see people all over the Strip handing out cards touting free or reduced cover-charge access to clubs, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the dozens of choices. Don’t be. Here are the top five nightclubs in Las Vegas right now.

1) XS
On a recent visit, we were hanging out with a jet-setting New York restaurant mogul, who summed up the marquee spot at Steve Wynn’s Encore resort with total clarity despite the fact that it was nearly 3 a.m.: “Wow, I’ve been to Ibiza. This is better.” Go for the sheer size (13,000 square feet inside, 27,000 square feet outside, with a gorgeous pool area that sizzles in the summer, 95 VIP tables and 26 cabanas), the arena-worthy sound and lighting systems, the majestic dance floor and the best crowd in town. On one recent weekend, that crowd included Ryan Seacrest, NYC real-estate heavyweights and a group of party gals who had driven from LA straight to XS, changing clothes and doing their makeup in the car, not sure what day they were heading home. Unlike other clubs, XS doesn’t rely on celebrity-hosted nights or lame contests to bring in the throngs. XS itself (which cost nearly $100 million to create and hasn’t lost any of its heat since opening in December 2008) is the attraction. Bonus: The club’s partners, Victor Drai and twin brothers Jesse and Cy Waits, also run the Drai’s after-hours club down the Strip. Visit at 5 a.m. and you’ll find nightlife-industry veterans, world-famous poker players and stunning Vegas newbies like the chatty strippers who had just moved from San Diego we encountered the last time we were there.
Info 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (702-770-0097)

2) HAZE
The Light Group, co-founded by former New Yorker Andrew Sasson, has hot spots all over town (we still like Bellagio’s Bank nightclub), but this new pleasure palace inside CityCenter’s Aria resort is now the jewel of its portfolio. We’ve heard industry folks snipe about how CityCenter is for lame tourists. And nightlife gurus like NYC’s Steve Lewis have somewhat rightfully complained about the design and flow of Haze, which can seem cavernous in spots. But the Light Group’s connections coupled with the elevated stage area will ensure that this place is a big deal for a long while. By all accounts, a recent Drake show (the singer’s first Vegas visit) was totally off-the-hook and brought out enough cuties to cast a hundred music videos. The sound here is great, and on recent visits, we ran into numerous in-the-know locals (hi, friendly blackjack dealers from Planet Hollywood!), all ecstatic to have a fab new place to play.
Info 3730 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (702-693-8300)

3) TAO
Keeping a nightclub relevant for even a couple of years can be a challenge, but the Asian-themed Tao at the Venetian has been dominant since 2005. Partners Jason Strauss and Noah Tepperberg, who run Avenue and Marquee in Manhattan, bring in a steady stream of NYC elite and Hollywood A-listers. (Saturday’s Jay-Z party brought through more than 7,000 people.) And where else could you find Paris Hilton celebrating her birthday on the same weekend that Perez Hilton hosted a tweet-up at Tao’s sister nightclub, Lavo? Sometimes the party is a little much, even for Strauss (who’s at Tao most nights); at 4:30 a.m., on a night when DJ Erick Morillo was spinning, Strauss tweeted: “room still slammed every table not leaving.” At 7 a.m., the crowd was still hanging on.

Info 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (702-388-8588)

4) RAIN
The Palms resort has plenty of venues (the Pearl Concert Theater, Ghostbar, Moon and the Playboy Club) that attract a young crowd who can’t get enough of whatever MTV reality show is bubbling over at the moment. But Rain is the club where world-famous DJ Paul Oakenfold curates a Saturday-night party that brings kids who favor house or trance over rock or hip-hop. This is DJ culture at its finest; don’t go if you don’t like to dance.
Info 4321 West Flamingo Rd.; (702-942-6832)

5) VANITY
Like the Palms, the Hard Rock resort is favored by locals who like its off-the-Strip location. But let’s admit it, the Hard Rock was getting tired in recent years. Enter Vanity, a new girlie nightclub with a “ladies lounge” offering individual vanity stations and a full-length, three-way mirror to ensure you’re primped just right before hitting the dance floor. It’s important to look your best here, given that the club has a chandelier with more than 20,000 crystals that light up and shine down. Avoid Vanity if you can’t stand being in the spotlight.
Info 4455 Paradise Rd.; (702-693-5555)

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/lifestyle/travel/must_hit_clubs_in_vegas_fAzpRz8oXj1Ywph1E6WwUM/1#ixzz0jm05Rjr4

LAS VEGAS, March 26 /PRNewswire/ — 9 Group, renowned for unparalleled dining, nightlife and lifestyle experiences, presents a provocative and innovative dayclub affair known as High Society at Nove Italiano, premiering 1 p.m. Sunday, April 11. Creating a posh atmosphere filled with life’s little luxuries in the middle of the afternoon, High Society offers partygoers a place to mix and mingle among Las Vegas’ nobility while indulging in high-end libations, decadent brunch and vivacious entertainment.

“We are excited to present High Society to Las Vegas and the world,” says managing member and co-founder of 9 Group, Michael Morton. As pioneers in the nightlife and dining industry, 9 Group is committed to always raising the bar by inspiring new ways to entertain. Every element of High Society is crafted to cultivate a particular ambiance and environment, and I know that our patrons, both old and new, are really going to appreciate it.”

Upon entering, Nove Italiano will envelope guests in a complete sensory experience  from sophisticated interior decor, to aromatic food and thirst-quenching beverages, to the incomparable energy created by resident DJs Zen Freeman and Mark Stylz spinning on the turntables. Atop the Palm’s sky-scraping 51st floor, Nove Italiano’s guests will indulge in some of the city’s most spectacular views, and enjoy ever-changing exuberant entertainment, including roaming live musicians and a live painter offering complimentary tableside guest portraits.

A sumptuous feast set out on parade, the brunch menu at High Society combines rich tastes and traditional favorites at various stations including the salad, fresh fruits and fish stations, as well as a build your ownfrittatas station. Fare also includes warm items on the griddle or hot plate such as Italian sausage and pepper hash, crispy pancetta and chicken apple sausage, a variety of poached eggs served with crab cake, spinach and bearnaise sauce, pancetta, ciabatta, drizzled with a Hollandaise sauce or long cooked greens mixed with a fontina cheese and fonduta. Other warm items include a variety of pizzas and Panini sandwiches. Guests can pair brunch with $99 bottles of champagne and half bottles of spirits.

High Society will start at 1 p.m. every Sunday at Nove Italiano. The buffet brunch is $30 per person. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Admission is free and table reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, VIP tables and bottle reservations, visit novelasvegas.com or call 702.942.6800.

Nove Italiano is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. 11 p.m. Â For additional information, please visit www.novelasvegas.com or call 702.942.6800

Friday July 30-Saturday July 31, 2010
Long Marston Airfield – Stratford Upon Avon
United Kingdom

Global Gatherings 10 year anniversary line up has just been announced. For their 10 year anniversary they are pulling out all the stops. The biggest names in House, Trance, D&B and Techno along with live performances by some of the worlds biggest pop stars.

The line up includes:
2 Many DJs (live)
Chase & Status (live)
Armin Van Buuren
Carl Cox
Above & Beyond
Eric Prydz
Steve Angello
John Digweed
Sasha
Booka Shade (live)
Paul Oakenfold
Loco Dice
Sander van Doorn

Many more names to be announced as well as tents hosted by many of the biggest names in dance music. Past hosts include BBC Radio-1, Release Yourself, Defected In The House and many, many more…

Only 5 days left to get your Earlybird and Deposit Tickets so don’t sleep!

Www.GlobalGathering.com

LAS VEGAS, March 23, 2010 – This May, Steve Wynn partners with nightlife impresario Sean Christie and renowned casino marketing veteran Bob Mancari to unveil an expansive entertainment complex certain to set a new standard in Las Vegas and beyond. The Encore Beach Club, Surrender Nightclub and a newly revamped SWITCH restaurant will blend the daytime beach party, upscale restaurant and sexy nightclub into an experience that will transition guests from day to night.

Encore Beach Club will be the premiere destination for the trendsetter seeking the quality party atmosphere usually found in European hot spots. Upon entering the 60,000 square foot venue, guests will be treated to a lush oasis featuring 40-foot palm trees surrounding three tiered pools. The deck offers ample seating provided by chaise lounges, couches and day beds featuring private safes. Guests preferring a cooler spot can choose to lounge on oversized lily pads resting in shallow water or dance under one of the shower poles. Encore Beach Club’s gaming pavilion will beckon those looking to try their luck at blackjack or craps.

A more private Encore Beach Club experience can be had at one of the 26 cabanas outfitted with refrigerators and flat screen televisions. The exclusivity and opulence of the eight two-story bungalows spanning 350 square-feet will set Encore Beach Club apart from its predecessors. Offering views of the Las Vegas Strip and of the pool itself, these VIP enclaves feature individual hot tubs, showers, lavish furnishings and a temperature-controlled cooling and heating system set to each guest’s preferences.

Christie, who opened and operates Blush Boutique Nightclub at Wynn and Society Café at Encore, has created an entertainment platform that will showcase chart-topping acts including world-renowned electronic music artists Kaskade and Steve Aoki. Kaskade will headline the Sunday party at Encore Beach Club with his signature blend of sexy, uplifting house music. With a well-known hit-maker at the helm, “Kaskade Sundays” will attract huge crowds of sun-worshipping dance-music lovers.

As day turns into night the party moves into Surrender Nightclub, trendsetting DJ Steve Aoki will energize the evenings as Friday night resident and music director. A prominent figure in the emerging electro-dance scene, Aoki takes the crowd to the next level with his dynamic live performance set. Surrender will be the chic choice for those seeking an upscale evening soirée. This sensual 5,000 square-foot nightclub will open up to the surrounding outdoor oasis as the seasons allow.

John Lyons Systems, the award-winning lighting and sound firm, has developed a showcase DJ booth and audio system designed to withstand outdoor elements while delivering exceptionally rich, clear sound. Guests will be dazzled by the eclectic décor, expansive bar and glass DJ booth featuring technology that can provide individual soundtracks for the nightclub, Encore Beach Club or an all-encompassing vibe for the entire venue. Through the use of innovative lighting technology from Lyons, the various architectural elements are illuminated, creating a striking, animated effect.

Encore Beach Club will also feature its own grill available to all patrons, while cabana and bungalow guests will also be able to indulge in flavorful fare from executive chef René Lenger of SWITCH restaurant. Lenger has designed a daytime menu of fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, wraps and BBQ items served in the restaurant’s main dining room and on the new 1,200-square foot outdoor patio. The back wall of the restaurant will be removed and replaced with glass, so diners can gaze at the vibrant Surrender Nightclub scene.

Hours of operation
Encore Beach Club: Friday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Monday – Thursday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Surrender Nightclub: Thursday – Saturday, 10 p.m. – closing.

Z-Trip - Photo by Lawton Howell

Due to an unfortunate snowboarding accident Z-Trip has canceled numerous live performance dates. He has also dropped out of the upcoming “A-Team” movie soundtrack. The world-renowned DJ and producer completed successful emergency surgery yesterday to mend a broken clavicle and is recovering nicely.

While the accident occurred Friday, March 12, the extent of injuries and necessary recovery time was not immediately clear and involved a series of medical evaluations. Z-Trip is at this time scheduled to make his triumphant return to the stage at this year’s Coachella Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, April 17 as planned.

As he is currently the Friday night headlining resident DJ at Rain Nightclub at The Palms in Las Vegas, where “Z-Trip’s Revolution” takes place weekly, he will not be at the planned gigs on March 19 or April 2, and has canceled his scheduled headlining appearance at SXSW in Austin on Saturday, March 20 at Red Bull’s “Thre3 Style” event.

Z-TRIP’S CANCELED PERFORMANCES

March 19 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ Rain Nightclub @ Palms
March 20 – Austin, Texas @ SXSW – Red Bull Thre3 Style
March 26 – Dubai, UAE @ Nike International Event
April 2 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ Rain Nightclub @ Palms
April 9 – London, UK @ Private Event

Producer Scott Storch and porn star Tera Patrick get a little closer in Las Vegas.

Shane O’Neal

Is the purpose of your travel business or personal? If you’re heavyweight hip-hop music producer Scott Storch, the answer is both.

Storch blew into town Friday night from LA, where he is currently working on Dr. Dre’s upcoming album; there was a variety of collaborations on his Vegas itinerary, first and foremost being to canoodle with porn star Tera Patrick at N9NE Steakhouse. The pair — now rumored to be dating — flirted, ate and drank late into the night with a small party that included producer/reality TV star David Weintraub (Sons of Hollywood). According to his website, Weintraub is currently producing a documentary on Storch called Bosslife.

Saturday, Storch attended a birthday dinner thrown by Nicky Hilton for her boyfriend, Hollywood agent David Katzenberg (son of DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg), at Rare 120 at the Hard Rock. Following dinner, Storch and Patrick returned to the Palms for cocktails at Ghostbar (tequila shots all around), before Storch finally got down to business.

At Rain, Storch visited on stage with Perfecto Vegas resident DJ/producer Paul Oakenfold. Insiders close to Storch say that the producer is in talks with a small handful of high-profile nightlife companies to make his DJ debut this summer, potentially at a high-end party pool.

For more information please visit www.lasvegasweekly.com

RICHARD BRIAN/STAFF PHOTO.Stephen Eachon of Rabbit in the Moon performs during the Ultra Music Festival at Bicentennial Park on March 27, 2009 in Miami.

Photo: Richard Brian

Vegas vacation! It’s the time of year when Vegastakes a vacation and gets the heck outta town… together.

If nightclubs seem a bit empty next week, it’s because a large chunk of our nightlife industry and electronic music fans are off to Miami for the Winter Music Conference. But with a gazillion parties going on in and around South Beach over the course of a week or so (seriously, we counted!) what should you check out if you’re heading south? Here’s a few of the events we’ll be hitting up.

Wednesday, March 24: DiP iN Pool Party, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the National Hotel.

Hope you remembered to pack your trance pants, because the DiP iN party is touted to be the best (and possibly only) WMC trance pool party. Headliners includeCosmic Gate, Gareth Emery and Menno de Jong.

Thursday, March 25: It’s going to be a looooong day as we gear up for Robbie Rivera’s legendary Juicy Beachparty at Nikki Beach, co sponsored by Vegas’ own Wet Republic. Going from noon to 5 a.m., attendees will catch sets from not only Rivera, but also headliners including Joachim Garraud, Funkagenda, George Acosta, Bart B Moreand Vegas’ Scotty Boy and Tony Arzadon.

We’ll also stumble over to Tantra for the 5th Annual Surreal Miami Unity Party from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. where DJ faces familiar to Las Vegas are spinning. Performers include Chris Garcia, Nathan Scott, Jordan Stevens and Tara Brooks, plus Serge Devant headlining.

Got Red Bull? Somewhere in there we might hit up the Sleaze Records Presents Cedric Gervais & Friends at Mynt from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. as well, featuring sets by not only Gervais, but also Sultan & Ned Shepard, Craig Pettigrew and Vegas’ Tony Arzadon and Nathan Scott, plus a live performance by Mya.

For more information please visit www.lasvegasweekly.com

With the famed Las Vegas pool season about to heat-up into full swing, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is ready to take the summer crown with the inspired new Garden of the Gods pool oasis, which makes its grand debut on Friday, March 19.

Already viewed as one of Las Vegas’ most impressive and iconic swimming pools, the water-filled playground is destined to become this year’s ultimate warm-weather Las Vegas experience.  To be among the first to experience the new Garden of the Gods, go to www.caesarspalace.com/gog to book hotel, pool and dining accommodations. The “Garden of the Gods Pool & Hotel Package” includes a 3-day, 2-night stay, $25 Garden of the Gods pool credit and a pool bag complete with bag, towel and other necessary pool items. Package begins at $110 per night.  Based on availability.  Promotion code: PKGCGOG.

The iconic swimming and lounging oasis has been completely redesigned; creating a destination within a destination and featuring eight distinctive swimming pools with lavish amenities and the city’s most attentive cabana servers.  The new Fortuna pool features an 18-foot waterfall where guests can challenge Lady Luck at the swim-up blackjack tables.

In addition to the extravagant new pools, there are 44 new private cabanas, each with a stocked refrigerator of juice and water, flat-screen TV, DVD player, iPod docking station, wireless Internet access, ceiling fan and plush furniture.  With hundreds of new vibrant blue deck chairs, plush daybeds and loveseat-inspired scoop chairs, guests can even just keep it simple and do nothing else but enjoy a day of sun-worshipping.  Completing the Garden of the Gods additions is an all-new whirlpool retreat and an added garden wedding venue.

Designed by famed hospitality firm Allard & Conversano, the Garden of the Gods is situated on three levels at the heart of Caesars Palace. Replete with classically inspired landscaping, statues and fountains, the Garden of the Gods allows guests to find their own experience; from those looking to socialize and connect at the stylish new Fortuna Bar to those who want to enjoy relaxing with a poolside massage.  Engineers precisely tracked the movement of the sun and expanded south and westward to ensure the area offers vast sunny and shady nooks.

“One of Las Vegas greatest assets is its abundant sunshine,” says Gary Selesner, president, Caesars Palace.  “Guests make trip decisions to escape drab and enjoy warm sunny getaways.  The new Garden of the Gods was created to be the definitive resort swimming retreat – a resort within a resort.  Here, guests have the freedom to find experiences they particularly will enjoy in a five-acre retreat that perfectly complements the exciting nightlife and award-winning restaurants at Caesars Palace.”

THE POOLS
Fortuna
An 18-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of this pool, where guests can enjoy swim-up blackjack.  Guests who wish to socialize and connect gather near the Fortuna (swim-up blackjack) pool, flanked in circular sun lounge couches near the Fortuna Bar, where creative mixologists blend cocktails with freshly squeezed juices.

Apollo
Apollo was the Roman god of light and the sun, so it is only fitting that the pool best suited for sun worshipping is named after this deity.  The Apollo pool is positioned at the southwest corridor of the oasis for maximum sun exposure and features five cabanas and six canopied daybeds as well as chaise lounges perfect for soaking in the Las Vegas sun.

Bacchus
Elevated 18-feet in the area, the two Bacchus pools are framed by two graceful curved staircases and available only to invited guests.  Private, shallow sun chaise pools, an individual whirlpool and VIP cabanas staffed with butlers are some of the area’s special features.

Neptune
Situated near the Fortuna bar, the Neptune pool is the social hub of the Garden of the Gods – the perfect place to mingle, meet and greet.  The Neptune pool features eight cabanas, 10 daybeds (available in three different varieties) and chaise lounge chairs.

Jupiter
The cabana-lined Jupiter pool offers a quiet respite from the social scene.  Designed for lengthy lounging, the Jupiter pool is distinctive for its subdued ambient music and large, custom-designed cabanas equipped to provide relaxing spa services from Qua Baths & Spa.

Temple
The crowning centerpiece of Garden of the Gods, Temple is where shade truly meets sun.  Families enjoy the large round Temple pool, where young swimmers-in-training often splash under the rotunda’s central fountains and play on the steps around its large perimeter.

Venus
Scheduled to open April 1, The Venus Pool Club is the most well-appointed and exclusive pool experience in Las Vegas, a sophisticated and secluded European-style retreat from the people who brought you PURE Nightclub.  Guests age 21 and older are welcomed to the Venus pool.

By Tom Sietsema
Washington Post

Spirits gurus predict that rum is poised to be the next “it” liquor. Rhumbar, a vision in white, is all the evidence I need to toast the forecast. The theme of the slender lounge, as well as its source of inspiration, surface in mostly subtle details: a fancy cigar display to the side and some metal rooster sculptures displayed in glass cases. “Cock-fighting is a big sport in Puerto Rico,” a bartender says, explaining the three-dimensional art.

It would take someone two months of nightly exploration to sip his way through the bar’s 65 rums. The fantasy is fun to think about, but I’ve got only a weekend, so I stick to my options on the cocktail list, almost 20 drinks strong. They’re an elegant and slyly potent bunch. If you think you don’t like rum, the Hemingway daiquiri here will change your mind; lime juice, maraschino liqueur and fresh grapefruit juice can be very persuasive. If you’re already a fan of rum, the spicy Latin Manhattan topped off with Jamaican ginger beer reminds you why. The $49 Scorpion Bowl lives up to its reputation (we’re talking 8 ounces of gin and three types of rums) and requires a two-person minimum. The average cost per cocktail is $12, however, not bad given the craftsmanship.

The bartenders, who come up with two new cocktails using a different rum every month, take few shortcuts. The daiquiri mix is made with freshly squeezed lime juice, and even basil leaves are squeezed for their liquid for another cocktail.

Rhumbar extends to one of the few outdoor patios on the Strip, where overhead misters help keep loungers cool in the heat of the day. But I prefer one of the hubcap-size, marshmallow-soft stools at the bar and the chance to see my mai tai — the real deal, based on a 1944 recipe and flavored with lime, curacao and French orgeat (almond flavoring) — shaken before my eyes.

Details: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S. in the Mirage; 702-792-7615. www.mirage.com/nightlife/rhumbar.aspx. Cocktails $12-$20.