Thursday, January 12, 11:35 p.m. By definition, a "tryst" is a secret meeting, especially between lovers. After speaking to as much of this abundant Thursday crowd as will sit still for a second, I am prepared to accept that this not-heavily-marketed new club is one of the best-kept secrets the Strip has going.
Someone hit the target. Translating emotion into fabric, the Wynn design and development team and veteran movie producer, club operator and now Co-Managing Partner Victor Drai have covered walls and furnishings in cordovan, chocolate, black leather and mock-croc. Some may wish to publicly make out with the stripper pole in the red Library area or try one the signature cocktails like the Forbidden Kiss or Love Triangle, but I just want our booth made into a pair of boots. "It's very comfortable and sexy. But not cheap-sexy; it's elegant-sexy," Drai points out. Romance, domination, submission, secrecy and all things torrid, demure, refined and playful abound. "It's a good blend between both [Wynn and Drai]," Co-Managing Director Cy Waits observes. "Steve likes everything to be the best, no matter what. And Victor is about things being sexy and beautiful. He's got a really good eye for detail."
Tryst debuted on New Year's Eve, the reincarnated body of what was once called La Bête when Wynn Las Vegas opened in April. Discussing where La Bête went off course, words like "vibe" and "traffic flow" come up frequently. Drai offers up his diagnosis: "It didn't have someone to look after it. It was halfway done. When anything is done halfway, it does not work." Waits adds that locals may not have felt welcome at the old club and his twin brother, Co-Managing Director Jesse Waits, finishes the thought: "We take care of everybody the same." Many of Drai's policies have carried over from his self-named after-hours spot as well, like the rule that tables are fair game until they are sold.
We sweep down the entryway staircase to the Landing Lounge with its multitude of candles and perimeter of black leather couches where anyone can sit bottle-free and enjoy the sounds of DJ Chris Garcia. Ironically, the most striking feature of the nightclub is the one that has been there all along. The 90-foot waterfall remains unchanged, except for the fact that it can now be seen. Nearly all surface traces of the former club are gone. The dance floor has extended 15 feet out over the 6-foot-deep lagoon, and Astroturf and live pine trees wrap a serene wilderness around the pool where red chenille blankets await guests at each outdoor booth. Ladies will soon enjoy new dance platforms next to the waterfall, and in the spring, a submergible runway will span the waters, allowing DJs to spin outside for summer crowds. Some guests, Cy explains, choose to enjoy nature the Vegas way. "It's always the girls that jump in. Fully clothed. And always with their shoes on." He shakes his head.
Inside, resident DJ Justin Hoffman—a DJ AM protégé from Boston—makes the rounds, meeting and greeting, sucking down a Red Bull and some edamame while DJ Pizzo warms the tables up for him. Hoffman spins mash-ups that leave no doubt regarding his professional parentage. Eminem with Human League, Queen with 50 Cent, Madonna with Kelis. Hoffman positively vibrates with energy and energy drinks up in the DJ booth.
By 1 a.m., the place has hit capacity and hovers there. We pose for goofy shots using tabletop items to hide Jenny's sizable breasts, which keep making surprise guest appearances. Come 2 a.m., biceps are being recreationally licked, the bottle of Grey Goose is running on fumes, and the girl next to me is playing grab-ass with a very familiar bottom—mine. Thinking no one is looking, guys lustily sing the Luniz's "I Got 5 on It" in the general direction of girls they probably won't talk to. One gawker is caught and chastened with a mock-reproachful look as the girl in question inches her skirt up to Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out." They appear to know each other—or soon will. "Get a room!" a friend calls out. Or better yet, stay and have a tryst.
Xania Woodman thinks globally and parties locally. And frequently. E-mail her at
[email protected].
Xania's Hot Spots for January 19–25
Thursday, January 19
Tao: La Perla lingerie show
Friday, January 20
Jet: Victoria's Secret models Alessandra and Ana Beatrice
Pure: DJ AM with Papa Roach
Saturday, January 21
Ice: Brian Klimaski's Black Out birthday party
Sunday, January 22
Light: Stuff 2006 calendar release with Leanne Tweede
OPM: D4L
Monday, January 23
Foundation Room: Jewcy CD release with Justin Hoffman and Dean Coleman
Tuesday, January 24
Tabu: Open Decks with guest DJ Eric Forbes
Wednesday, January 25
Tangerine: New monthly resident DJ Mark Ronson
For more Hot Spots and weekly parties visit
www.TheCircuitLV.com and sign up for Xania's free weekly newsletter.