Mash-Up

While we know Las Vegas remains one of the hottest clubbing destinations in the country, the awards committee apparently didn't agree; despite 11 nominations, the city only walked away with that one. Big dog Pure got beat out by Pacha New York in the Best Superclub category; newcomer Cherry gave up Best New to Pacha New York; Chicago's Smart Bar won Best Club, for which Tao was also nominated; and sadly, Tabú was dethroned from its three-year reign as Best Lounge by Opium Group's Privé Miami (the company is still on track to install Privé and Opium Garden at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas). Still, no sour grapes—there's always next year. We should have, like, a hundred new clubs and lounges by then anyway.

No more Prince, way more VooDoo

It was only a matter of time. The Super Bowl halftime was over and done months ago. Rumors abounded that while Prince was always a gentleman, his crew was somewhat hard to work with. Now, Prince is leaving the Rio and taking the 3121 name with him (which is really all that he brought to the décor anyhow). Originally contracted for a limited engagement, the artist formerly known as the Artist Formerly Known As will officially be "formerly in Vegas" after March 31. The space will revert back to Club Rio and be used only for special events—that is, until it changes over to Coco Bongo Show & Disco, a Latin-themed discotheque (ah, memories of Cancun spring break '99) that will capitalize on the already strong Latin influence on the property. Head of nightclub ops Pauly Freedman estimates that the project is still about nine months out.

3121 Jazz Cuisine will also change identities. Formerly Fiore Steakhouse, the first-floor venue will go back to the beef as VooDoo Steak, with the doors reopening on May 1. Also diving into the pool craze, Freedman says his nightlife team has commandeered the Rio's pool area and will transform it into VooDoo Beach. Freedman promises an upscale pool experience that will give his party-happy customers a way to enjoy the daylight as well.

Rock-a-Bettie

Just in time for the 10th annual Viva Las Vegas weekend—aka Rockabilly Weekend—from April 5 through 8, the first-ever official Bettie Page store has opened in the Shops in Desert Passage at the Aladdin. In addition to the four days of car shows, PBR- and martini-soaked soirées, jive dance competitions, and swank tiki happenings, all the hippest kats and kittens can get their next Bettie fix here from the array of Bettie-themed items including an exclusive line of vintage-style dresses created especially for Bettie Page Las Vegas. The store will also function as a gallery for renowned pin-up artist Olivia DeBerardinis, who will greet fans at the store on April 6 and 7 from noon to 8 p.m. "I'm blessed to have so many fans, for without them I would be all but be forgotten," says the legend, Bettie Page herself.

Tailgate with tail

Our beloved Rebels may have been knocked out of the NCAA tournament, but there are still games to be played. And there is no better way to celebrate the big game than with an old-fashioned tailgate party. Moreover, there is no better way to tailgate than with strippers. Men's Club will throw a Championship Game Tailgate party this Monday, April 2, from 3 to 5 p.m., and across the way Sapphire will do the same, offering free hot dogs and hamburgers along with a live remote from ESPN Radio and lots of beautiful girls.

And speaking of beautiful girls ...

One of the original skin parlors, Glitter Gulch, has just reopened on Fremont after $3.5 million in renovations. No offense intended, but let's hope some of the talent has been revamped, as well, as the only time we've ever stumbled in there after one of our many Downtown bar crawls, we can endearingly say the gals onstage looked like members of our mother's book club. Either way, we don't need much of an excuse to head in that direction, so we're excited to see what the face-lift looks like.

Ginger Pomegranate Martini

Z'Tejas Southwestern

Grill, $8.95

Ingredients

2 oz. Gran Centenario

Plata tequila

1 oz. Cointreau

1 oz. Pom Wonderful

pomegranate juice

2 oz. fresh lime juice

Rim a chilled martini

glass with ginger

Add a squeeze of lime (optional)

The health benefits of pomegranate juice are fabulous, but nobody is talking about antioxidants at the bar. It's the flavor that has the popularity of the sweet juice mixes flooding the industry. Add in the mildly spicy aftertaste of the ginger, and getting drunk was never this medically conscious.

"Bouncers only respond to cash and hot chicks. They don't care how friendly you are."

—Rule No. 1 one from the nightlife satire The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down's website. The film celebrated its Vegas premiere with a pre-party at Tao on Wednesday, March 28.

Email
[email protected] for more information!