November rain isn't the only thing moving into town. A whole slew of highly anticipated hot spots are popping up. The swanky Teatro lounge has opened at MGM and Pure, the new megaclub at Caesars, is set to open New Year's Eve. And last week, two more venues made their official debuts at Mandalay Bay.
High atop The Hotel, Mix is one stunning club. From the glass elevator ride to the drop-dead-gorgeous Strip view and avant-garde layout and design, everything about Mix screams, "This is a club for the 21st century." It's like something out of Star Trek, which coming from me is a real compliment.
Mix is surprisingly large for a rooftop club, and that was before I found out there is a whole other restaurant area that wasn't open for my visit. Plus, there's an upstairs dance floor and cozy outdoor balcony. And that view ... I thought the Foundation Room was something, but Mix has it beat. I'd even wager that it's a sweeter view than the Stratosphere.
I also was pleased to discover that Adam Webb is Mix's resident DJ. Longtime scenesters will remember his great residencies at SRO, Drai's and Alesium, and I'm happy to report he sounds as good as ever.
Thursday also saw the grand opening of Ivan Kane's 40 Deuce. Where Mix is all about the ultra-modern, 40 Deuce is a throwback to a sexy burlesque past. It looks like the type of back-alley strip joint Frank Sinatra and his cronies might've frequented. And the girls ....
40 Deuce features live burlesque performances from a bevy of shaking beauties, all to a live jazz combo, much like TI's Tangerine (40 Deuce is a much more handsome venue). Naturally, a reality show is in the works for Bravo, Forty Deuce, which follows Kane as he opens and operates the venue.
The week wasn't all about the new. I also stopped by Luxor's Ra for a little rock and hip-hop mash-up action from DJ Muggs and resident Create. Fun stuff. Muggs and Create laid down some pretty impressive mixes—I love that sound and these two jocks played it to perfection. If you're looking to hear some more, be sure to catch Ra's Mash-Up Radio Saturday nights at 11 p.m. on X107.5.
And after stuffing your face silly, be sure to stop by MGM's Tabú Thursday for the first Show Me Your Cans food drive. For every five cans of food you donate, you get a free admission and drink ticket. What a perfect way to balance out the gluttony!
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at
[email protected].