My New Year's Eve was filled with the lunacy that makes the night such an adventure. I can't tell ya too much—after all, this is a family publication. But I can tell you about the debut of Pure at Caesars Palace, hosted by Mariah Carey. Mountains of hype surrounded the opening, and normally when a spot opens with such buzz, there's no way in hell it can live up to it.
Pure is the exception.
The club is gorgeous. I haven't seen a design fit the motif of its home resort better since Ra. I've never been big on clubs with white walls (just ask me about the infamous Utopia remodel), but at Pure, it's perfect. Subtle purple highlights add just the right amount of regal flavor.
The dance floor is spacious and DJ David Christian kept the party bouncing, but for me the party was all about the patio. It's what Vegas scenesters have dreamed about: enormous and comfortable. There are couches, cabanas and a full bar, plus the view of the Strip is fan-friggin-tastic. It's only a few stories off the street, so you feel connected to the action on the boulevard. And having Utopia's old patio guru, Frank Richards, run the turntables is a great idea. Watch as the warmer months roll in: Pure's patio is going to be the spot to party.
The club also has the Red Room Lounge, a nice contrast to the Romanesque vibe of the rest of the club. Plus, the Pussycat Lounge will serve as the Vegas home for the famous Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Revue in February.
The actual party was pretty chaotic. Mariah Carey only showed her lovely self for the countdown, which I missed because I was on the patio watching fireworks. Mariah's people were extremely strict with allowing media in the club. There was one TV crew outside covering the fireworks, my editor and little ol' me. As far as I've heard, that was it.
It's always tough to judge how a club is going to run based on opening night, but from what I saw, I expect great things.
If Pure's groovieness isn't enough for you, no need to leave Caesars. Just head over to OPM in the Forum Shops for AM @ OPM and after-hours fun. It's brought to you by Gino LoPinto and Tony Verdugo. LoPinto was behind Spearmint Rhino's and The Hop's after-hours, and Verdugo helped create Drai's and Seven's after-hours. With them and Scotty Boy on the decks, how can you go wrong? I such had brilliant time, I'd stop by even if Pure didn't exist. With AM, Seven and Drai's within walking distance of each other, there's never been a better time to be an after-hours vampire.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at
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