Stories by Leslie Ventura - Las Vegas Weekly

This 2013 file photo shows an issue of The Rebel Yell, UNLV’s student newspaper.

Intersection

Could cutbacks and indifference doom UNLV's newspaper?

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016

UNLV's student paper could run out of funds as early as next semester, and student reaction to the news is mixed.

Intersection

Turn your political anxiety into participation with these advocacy groups

Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016

Under the Trump administration, these organizations could use your help.

Nightlife

Patrice Caillot watches over everything sweet at Wynn

Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016

The executive pastry chef oversees all facets of Wynn's program.

Noise

Concert on-sales: New Kids on the Block, Bruno Mars, Death Cab for Cutie and more

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016

New Kids on the Block team with Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul, and Ricky Martin leads a long list of Latin artists for Calibash Las Vegas.

Will this be the year German electronic godfathers Kraftwerk get in?

Noise

Rock the vote! Windmill Library Music Club focuses on this year's Hall nominees

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016

Show up to cast your vote for The Cars, Tupac, Pearl Jam and more.

“Every different job I had, every hat I wore, was grooming me for this,” Pettei says.

Nightlife

Play Management partner John Pettei realizes his industry dreams

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016

He's looking forward to a bright future at Light and Daylight.

Features

The secret chefs of Las Vegas

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016

Away from the Strip, local talents are cooking up great food stories.

Dining News

Hard Hat Lounge adds a new menu of food and drinks

Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016

New manager Tony Zanello and chef Daniel Schneider are changing the flavor at the Downtown-area bar.

Bruno brings the magic with his latest hit.

Nightlife

Kay the Riot can’t stop playing Bruno Mars’ new smash

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016

“I fell in love with the track because of its funk influence. It immediately makes you want to dance."

Detroit’s Protomartyr plays the Bunkhouse on November 8.

Noise

Protomartyr frontman Joe Casey talks post-punk favorites and his band’s next album

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016

The Detroit band plays the Bunkhouse on November 8.

Lyft wants you to share your mustache ride.

Intersection

Affordable shared ride service Lyft Line is rolling into town

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016

Succinctly put: Share a Lyft with other passengers and pay much, much less.

Nightlife

Party principle: Kozmoe Alonzo leads SBE’s Las Vegas efforts

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016

"It all comes down to exemplary service and really taking care of the customer."

Hercules the Pug dressed up like a pig waits to take the stage during the Halloween Pet Parade and Costume Contest in Coconut Grove, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001. (AP Photo/Amy E. Conn)

Features

Dress up your furry friend with one of these five pet-approved ideas

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016

Lucky would look great as spaghetti and meatballs.

Benihana’s Brandon Yenglin teaches a newbie chef the ropes.

Features

Learn how to Benihana like a pro with the 'Be the Chef' program

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016

The showy, iconic Japanese restaurant gets you behind the grill.

Taste

The Sugar Cookie has landed

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016

The new shop's surprisingly soft and moist cookies are almost cupcake-ish.

Nightlife

DJ Crykit works toward a fusion of music and fashion

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016

“I used to go to raves all the time in the late ‘90s ... I loved dancing. I really loved the way the DJ held the attention of people and created the vibe.”

Taste

Five vegan restaurants you need to try right now

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016

From burgers to curry, you need these staples in your life.

Lumpia, crispy pata, pancit and more. Fiesta Filipina has it all.

Features

Filipino food across the Valley reflects a deep and diverse cultural identity

Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016

From pancit to adobo, a culinary exploration in Las Vegas builds cultural connections.

Noise

Wild Nothing leader Jack Tatum talks Swedish pop and visual art

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016

Wild Nothing plays with Dark Black and Party Talk at the Bunkhouse on October 19.

Sia performs at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on October 7.

Noise

Concert review: Sia brings her singular artistry to Mandalay Bay

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016

Her music might be suited for the charts, but her work has become more thought-provoking than ever.

Nightlife

Find seasonal stress relief at the Spa at the Linq

Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016

Worries slip away and senses are delighted with the new pumpkin spice and vanilla face and body package.

Harvey Listen’s artwork led us to his music.

Noise

Local Spin: Four fresh songs we can’t get out of our heads

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016

New music from Hassan, Harvey Listen, Hot Spots and Megabolts.

Nightlife

How Branden Powers creates nonstop fun at Golden Tiki

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

“People come here, and they see new things all the time. I’m constantly adding new stuff.”

The Beer Garden at the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015.

Intersection

Downtown Grand and other Fremont area casinos add live music options

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

And the Plaza launches a series with Bad Moon Booking.

Inspired by street vendors and markets, the owners of Chada Thai & Wine ushered in a savory spinoff last year.

Nightlife

Chada Street serves up fresh Thai flavors

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016

Inspired by street vendors and markets, the owners of Chada Thai & Wine ushered in a savory spinoff last year.

Features

Women of Intrigue: Zee Zandi

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016

The "queen of house" has been in the game since she opened a coffee bar next to the Metz back in the ’90s.

Features

Women of Intrigue: Lisa Escobar

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016

Before she was winning awards for her stunning transformations, she was a crucial element within Wynn’s nightlife group.

Noise

Album review: Against Me! continues challenging conventions on ‘Shape Shift With Me’

Friday, Sept. 16, 2016

Laura Jane Grace focuses on the challenges and excitement of forming new relationships and letting go of old ones.

Features

Eggslut founder Alvin Cailan helps your home-cooked eggs taste so much better

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016

Crack the soft-scramble code.

Shayna Mercer’s frosty vocals are front and center on the four-song EP.

Noise

Vegas foursome Shayna Rain retools its sounds on new EP 'Paper Flowers'

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016

Mercer’s sentimental perspective serves as the focal point, with her frosty vocals front and center.

You can get VegeNation delivered via UberEats.

Intersection

How does Uber’s new food delivery app compare to Postmates?

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016

A food delivery service that doesn’t charge a delivery fee? Sounds too good to be true.

Fine Art

The Cube and its 'Fêted' exhibit highlight performance and experience

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016

The inaugural show explores the space between festive and feminine.

Nightlife

David Guetta returns to his Las Vegas residency

Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016

The two-time Grammy winner has surpassed two billion streams on Spotify and won Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Artist award in May.

Intersection

A new Vegan website could be your directory for cruelty-free grub

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016

Viva Las Vegans!

Nightlife

Legendary style: Keeping it real at 12am Run

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016

Nick Sakai is living the dream.

Learn how to recalibrate—without your phone.

Nightlife

Find a better connection during Mandarin Oriental's Digital Detox

Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016

Unplug, relax, repeat.

There’s some heavy psychedelic power behind this five-piece.

Noise

Rock and romance fuel Vegas' Acid Sisters

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016

Catch them on Saturday when they open for Black Sabbitch.

Nightlife

The Barrymore's food and atmosphere offer classic comfort

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016

It's classic Vegas—with a touch of Hollywood.

Mandy Moore is working with the cast of Luxor’s Fantasy for the second time.

Weekly Q&A

Choreographer Mandy Moore on building on ‘Fantasy’ and working with kids on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016

The four-time Emmy-nominated choreographer keeps busy with TV's most popular dance shows.

Taste

How it works: Chubby Cattle’s conveyor-belt hot pot

Friday, Aug. 26, 2016

Choose from broth flavors that include mushroom or “hellishly spicy,” then add raw slices of beef brisket, lamb or free-range chicken to your aromatic bubbling brew.