July 4 at the pyramid will be huge if all goes as planned, but don't go penciling anything on your calendar just yet. Though Pure Management Group is now looking to Independence Day weekend for the highly anticipated opening of its new LA nightlife transplant LAX and the celebrity-backed restaurant Aspen 702, sources at Luxor cite Labor Day weekend for the festivities. The Roxy, which was supposed to open along with LAX and Aspen 702, is now back up on the drawing board for PMG's third space. But it also may be on the chopping block. If it does open in the end, the Roxy would be the only live music venue on-property after the Spotlight Series is handed over.
One surefire sign that things are on track is that the supporting cast is already falling into place. Aurora Lounge just opened, and the new center bar, Liquidity, is already well on its way. Also, we hear an additional lounge is slated to open, going by the name of Flight. Another juicy tidbit our source has thrown us to nibble on is a burlesque-type venue already in the works called Cathouse, and this could be part of the Labor Day fun package as well.
Rainbow looks for another pot of gold
After only holding court at its current location for less than two years, the Rainbow Bar & Grill has already outgrown the Paradise and Harmon strip mall. Shutting its doors on March 25, the popular bar/restaurant/rock 'n' roll venue is pulling up stakes and moving to a new and larger west-side location, one that sources say is a real gem.
Owners Jerry and Bob Greenberg cite the reasoning behind the relocation as the overwhelming success and desire for more space. "We're really looking forward to the next Rainbow being bigger and better," says Jerry. But sources within the staff say it was the seemingly never-ending construction surrounding the frightful intersection that prompted the move. Either way, we'll be excited to see the hip hangout reopen later this summer.
Stack 'em up
The Light Group's fab steak joint Stack will turn a year old on March 26 and has had us begging for the crunchy tuna tacos with mango-wasabi mojo every day since its opening. Also celebrating at the Mirage in conjunction with Stack will be the one-year anniversary of Jet on March 31 (but didn't it open on New Year's Eve 2005?), so happy birthday to the both of ya's. Word is the third restaurant from Light Group is starting to come together and is looking at a September opening. Diablo's Cantina will pump some life back into the Monte Carlo (and also serve as a nice neighbor to all the group's interests in the adjacent City Center), as the two-floor Mexican-themed joint will have a Brian Massie menu and a laid-back and approachable atmosphere.
Mad March
There are several establishments exploiting college basketball's finest during the grand month of hoopolgy. A personal favorite is the free-throw-shooting contest at Sin Nightclub & Cabaret. During all live games you can go to the line 10 times; shooting eight out of 10 lands you $50 off a bottle, nine out of 10 discounts you $100, and if you go 100 percent the bottle is comped.
With the games starting earlier, several choice viewing venues will modify their operating hours to accommodate. Caramel will open Thursday through Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with no cover charge, and both ESPNZone and Dan Marino's open up early, at 10 a.m., to accommodate those who like burgers and beer for breakfast.
Go Rebels.
Cocktail of the Week |
Cucumber Martini
Stack, $15
Ingredients
1.5 oz. Skyy Melon vodka
0.5 oz. Cucumber Essence
0.5 oz. Fresh lime juice
Garnish with a cucumber slice
Bar manager José Zepeda's crisp and clean cocktail is the perfect way to counterbalance the cholesterol in the mini Kobe chili cheese dogs.
Freud would have a field day |
"Mine is just as long, only thicker."
—Bare bartender Dillon Reese, chastising writer Jack Colton for not drinking fast enough and for using the excuse that his glass was long.
DJ Trading Cards |
Xania Woodman |
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