Nightlife

[2009 Nightlife Issue]

The ones who got away: They got out while the getting was good!

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Rosine Frangie, former director of marketing, Blush Boutique Nightclub, and the “man of her dreams.”

They say that if you love someone, you have to set them free, and if they don’t come back to you, you never really had them to begin with. But if they come back, you should love them forever. The nightlife scene has had to let a number of Las Vegans spread their wings and fly (or drive or run) away over the last few years. Since then, they’ve traveled far and wide to discover their paths. Recently, we asked them to send back word of their journeys. What are they up to these days? What’s different in their lives now that they’re left the scene? Are they happy out there? Most importantly, do they miss us, even a little?

Dear Las Vegas,

I’ve missed you so much!

I left Las Vegas in August, 2008, because well, I fell in love. I met the man/beefcake of my dreams, gave away half of my wardrobe, sold a whole townhouse full of furniture (for pesos on the dollar), bought a can of Aqua Net and moved to New Jersey. So essentially, I did it all for the nookie. … I’m now living in Jersey City, New Jersey, working as a budding Pilates instructor and (keeping my fingers crossed) a future New Jersey housewife. … I’m very happy yet anxiety-ridden about my new life, especially since I now have to occasionally take public transportation, wear a pair of flat shoes and resist the urge to wear “nail jewelry”. … These days, I’m spending my free time laughing, loving, rooting for the Yankees/Giants and chasing my puppies around. And waking up at 7:30 a.m. to move my truck so as to not get ticketed for street-cleaning. … I’ve discovered that it’s all about tipping the right people, no matter where you are. … Since I left, I have been keeping abreast of your news. I heard about that thing that happened, with that one club (name rhymes with “Shree-Vay”). … I definitely won’t miss the mass texts for free admission or the sea of bad shark suits on junior hosts. … But … I have to admit, I’ll always miss the way you never left my cocktail glass empty and the smell of dried Veuve on last night’s party dress. And how I considered the people I worked for/with my extended family. … But don’t worry; a part of me is still “Vegas”: I am still calling in table reservations, wearing false lashes/heels at the pool and looking for the video poker machines at the bodegas.

Love,

Rosine Frangie, former director of marketing, Blush Boutique Nightclub

P.S. - Vegas was a blast. I loved it at times and hated it at times. I met the most wonderful people and learned some of life’s biggest lessons in Vegas. For all the times I was sleep-deprived, hung over, irate and cursed my way through a packed nightclub, I always knew I was a part of something that was beyond special, and that will never be duplicated. Viva Las Vegas!

Eryn Korby

Dear Las Vegas,

It’s not you, it’s me.

I left Las Vegas in June, 2009, because this relationship just wasn’t working out. I needed something ... more. And you, my love, just don’t have more to give. … I’m now living in picturesque Morris Plains, New Jersey, and continuing my freelance production work in New York City. I’m also working on producing a musical stage adaptation of an ’80s animated television series, and as we all know, if you want to do anything in the world of theater, you should really be close to Broadway. … I finally have a chance to have an intelligent conversation with pretty much anyone. … I’ve discovered diners! … I don’t care anymore about the silly bottle-service requirements, the fauxhawks or the sad over-embracing of even minor celebrities as demigods in the vapid and hilarious world of Vegas nightlife. … I definitely won’t miss the allergies, the smell of cigarette smoke everywhere or the aggro, energy-drink-fueled, pickup truck-driving, MMA-crazy, Limp Bizkit-listening male populace. … But … I have to admit, I’ll always miss the perplexed way you looked at me when I would use advanced vocabulary, and of course I’ll miss the sweet smell of the Double Down. … In Vegas, “culture” means The Erotic Heritage Museum. In NYC, “culture” means The Museum of Sex. Wait—I guess we’re not so different after all!

Later baby,

Eryn Korby, production chick extraordinaire, Roxy Industries

P.S. - Anyone interested in renting a fabulous condo?

Bo Burroughs

Dear Las Vegas:

It’s not you, it’s me.

I left Las Vegas in November, 2008, because it was time to stop chasing skirts and start chasing dreams. … I’m now living in Hollywood working as a full-time stereotype: I’m an actor (“but, what I really want to do is direct”) and can still be found behind the velvet rope as doorman to the stars for the best venues in town. … I’m very excited about my new life, especially since I now booked my first starring role in a feature film and am writing a screenplay about love, lust and life in Fabulous Las Vegas. … These days, I’m spending my free time waiting for my big break ... eating right and working out, trying to keep it cute. … I’ve discovered yoga, vegetarianism and the horrors of dating actress/models from Eastern Europe! … And did you know they eat their young here?! … I don’t care any more about the fliers, the text messages or all of the e-mail blasts about the party tonight. I won’t be able to make it, Host Team, but thanks for reaching out. … I definitely won’t miss the deodorant-deprived fanny-packed tourists, the Wild Turkey-inspired hangovers or the 11 a.m. walks of shame with what’s-her-name from East Nowhere. … But … I have to admit, I’ll always miss the way you stayed up all night with me and the smell of the urinal-cake-scented air fresheners in the Mandalay Bay. … In Vegas, “culture” means losing your money and inhibitions while celebrating this wonderful life. Here, “culture” means selling your soul while celebrating celebrities. … But don’t worry; a part of me is still “Vegas”: I still make up elaborate lies about who I am, where I’m from and what I do for a living so I can go on amazing adventures with complete strangers and try to have drunken premarital sex with them.

Keep it real,

Bo Burroughs, actor/doorman, The Roosevelt Hotel

(former doorman/VIP host, Tao Beach)

Blake D. Anthony

Dear Las Vegas,

It’s not you, it’s me.

I’m now living in New Brunswick, New Jersey, “on the banks of the old Raritan”. … I left Las Vegas in April, 2009, because I started my own business, The AntSul Group, LLC. We are opening five Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in New Jersey. First one opens November 9 by the Rutgers University campus. … These days, I’m spending my free time wishing I had some. Opening five restaurants is pretty time-consuming. … Since I left, I have not been keeping abreast of your news. I don’t care any more about the rats, the scumbags or all of the thieves (you know who you two guys are). … I definitely won’t miss the creepy 45-year-old nightclub guys, the beat-up strippers who ask me if I want a dance (and then get pissed because I say no) or the valet guys who move my seat (especially when I ask them not to). … But … I have to admit, I’ll always miss the way you made me smile and the smell of the Rhino’s chicken fingers.

See you later,

Blake D. Anthony, founding partner, AntSul Group, LLC. (former senior VIP host, Pure Management Group)

P.S. - “Never rat, and always keep your mouth shut.” –Robert De Niro, Goodfellas

Chad Dallas

Dear Las Vegas:

It’s not me, it’s you.

I left Las Vegas in September, 2009, because I had an amazing opportunity come up for me. … I’m now living in Austin, Texas, and I am a partner in my own business with my dad. … I finally have a chance to relax and live. I could never have a normal life in Las Vegas. I was always working nonstop, and if I was not working that means I was out partying with my friends/working. It is nice to have the option to go out in Austin if and only if I want to go out. … But … I have to admit, I’ll always miss the way you entertained me and the smell of Jack Daniel’s at night. … But don’t worry; a part of me is still “Vegas”: Just like a part of me was still Oklahoma in Vegas! Now I am just a part of Oklahoma and Vegas in Austin. I am the same person and will always stay the same person. Wherever I move will not change that.

Best wishes

Chad Dallas, owner, Dine and Discounts, Texas, (former VIP host, Wasted Space, Hard Rock)

Shane Hennessy-York

Dear Las Vegas,

It’s not you, it’s me.

I’m now living in Newport Beach, California, working as a consultant/vendor to a major wireless telecommunications and broadband provider. … Although I left Las Vegas in February, 2009, I never really left. I have been commuting frequently from Southern California to acquire permissions from local government jurisdictions, planning commissions and city councils to build/install/modify wireless telecommunication towers and facilities in Las Vegas ... Yes, those cell towers that look like palm or pine trees! … I’m very excited about my new life, especially since it’s relatively “normal.” Don’t get me wrong, I miss the energy of the nightclub environment, but I’m happy with my decision to move on to my current occupation! … But … I have to admit, I’ll always miss the way you electrified crowds and the smell of a good coffee-shop breakfast at the wee hours of the morning ... when our night was just ending, but our Midwest visitors in high socks, jean shorts and fanny packs were starting their day! … I’ve discovered that 6:30 a.m. is a good time to start my day ... not end it! … But don’t worry; a part of me is still “Vegas”: I still wear the bow tie for all my public meetings, and any other time I may need to wear a suit!

Respectfully yours,

Shane Hennessy-York, land-use consultant and lobbyist, formerly of Pure Management Group … the guy who always wore the bow tie.

Trevor Thorpe

Dear Las Vegas,

It’s nothing personal. Wait, no, no. It is.

It’s really personal. …

I left Las Vegas for the third time in August, 2009, because you’re a dirty bitch of a town, and it’s time I grew up and found myself a nice city to settle down with. … I’m now living in my hometown of sunny San Diego, California, working as the bar manager and mixologist for The Keating Hotel in the Gaslamp District. … I’m very excited about my new life, especially since I now retain moisture in my skin. … I’ve discovered people are nice here! They ask you how you’re doing and actually want to know! It’s weird, it’s like people here give a shit about more than just themselves. … I finally have a chance to go outside! They have an ocean here! … I definitely won’t miss the traffic, the heat or the general lack of friendliness and excessive rudeness of people in Vegas. … But don’t worry; a part of me is still “Vegas”: I still have the cap in my tooth a dentist gave me there!

Best wishes and sorry about your VD,

Trevor Thorpe, mixologist, The Keating Hotel, former bartender at Noir Bar

P.S. - I kid, I kid. You know I love you. I swear. I really do. Thank you to everyone there who liked my drinks and help me get to where I’m at. Everyone else, piss off! XOXO

Todd Rubin

Dear Las Vegas:

It’s not personal.

I left Las Vegas in October, 2008 because I had an opportunity to return to my home town and build a new bar/restaurant concept in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

I don’t care any more about the pool parties, the going out on Tuesday nights or all of the silly nightclub gossip. But … I have to admit, I’ll always miss the way you pay out 3-2 on blackjack and the smell of the Bellagio lobby. I definitely won’t miss the 114 degree August days, the terrible pizza, or the 2 p.m. afternoons walking out of the Spearmint Rhino. In Vegas, “culture” means Madam Tussaaud’s Wax Museum. Here, “culture” means everybody in my neighborhood speaks two languages. But don’t worry; a part of me is still “Vegas”: I daydream about the Bellagio poker room constantly.

Best wishes,

Todd Rubin, Vice President, Zoom Hubbard, LLC, Chicago, IL, (formerly Director of Marketing and VIP services for Privé/The Opium Group)

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