Royally Flushed

CityCenter's towering Vdara Hotel shines brightly in the Vegas sun.

Like a Broadway debut from the city it’s trying to emulate, CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip is opening…softly. Beginning last week with the December 1st grand opening party at the 1,495-suite Vdara Hotel, project CityCenter continues to open piece by glittering piece with the Crystals retail and dining complex and the new Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas now open as well. All three properties are, however, a prelude to the main act: the 61-floor MGM MIRAGE Aria Resort & Casino featuring over 4,000 rooms, a new Cirque du Soleil show – Viva Elvis – plus eateries from such well-known chefs as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Julian Serrano. Aria will open December 16th.

CityCenter is not just another high-end gaming property opening in Las Vegas. This 67-acre parcel of prime Strip real estate — site of the biggest privately financed construction project in United States history — is now home to a “city within a city,” an urban landscape of shining skyscrapers, public art displays, an elevated train, residential condos and even a “pocket park.”

We visited last week and got a first glimpse of the Vdara Hotel and the Crystals shopping area. Both are striking examples of the city-chic contemporary architecture guiding the entire project. All sharp angles and shimmering surfaces, the thin December sunlight bounced from one building to the next creating an urban canyon of sorts.  And, honestly, having lived in D.C. as well as having spent considerable time in NYC, we have to say that we really did feel like we were in a major metropolitan neighborhood.

We entered CityCenter via the new pedestrian walkway running from the Bellagio into the Vdara Hotel. It is a striking contrast to go from the lush Italianate surroundings of the Bellagio and into the stark yet stunning halls of the ultra-modern Vdara. (Be sure to check out the bar at Silk Road restaurant before continuing on into the hotel’s reception area.)

Bar Vdara is a cozy spot for a cocktail (albeit an expensive cocktail )and affords a great view of the interior courtyard of CityCenter which features a Nancy Rubins sculpture in a starburst design composed of castoff canoes. (Read more about the artist and see a similar sculpture here.)

The Crystals retail and dining area can be accessed from the Strip via a new pedestrian bridge and walkway (across from Planet Hollywood) or by tram (the “elevated train” mentioned earlier) from the neighboring Bellagio. (The tram continues on to the Monte Carlo conveniently linking all three MGM MIRAGE properties: Bellagio, CityCenter and the Monte Carlo.)

At Crystals, we found a lot of construction still underway with only about 40% of the retail area occupied by stores. This is high-end (think nosebleed-level) shopping. From the three-story flagship Louis Vuitton boutique ( a Strip-side LED light show will take place every night from dusk to dawn) to Roberto Cavalli, Mikimoto pearls, Hermes and Prada, this is destination shopping at its finest. BESO, a fine-dining spot from actress Eva Longoria Parker with celeb chef Todd English in charge of the kitchen, is open on the first floor. The spot also features, Eve, a swank nightclub.  Additional restaurants from English, Wolfgang Puck and other top toques will be opening in the future.

Here are some pics from our recent trip PLUS the latest promotion codes and links for getting the best room rates at both Aria and Vdara.  Also, check out the CityCenter website for more information on the project.

The multi-level Crystals shopping and dining area at CityCenter Las Vegas.

Opening December 16, the new Aria Resort & Casino is the crown jewel of CityCenter Las Vegas.

Veer Towers form a background for the new Crystals shopping area at CityCenter Las Vegas.

Bar Vdara at CityCenter is highly-recommended for people-watching.

There's a sculptural feel to the burnished metal portico marking the entrance into the Vdara Hotel.

The CityCenter tram runs past the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas and Veer Towers.

Vdara “Winter Special” Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at Vdara Hotel & Spa at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and Receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10)

ARIA “Winter Special” Rates from $159/nt (2nt Min). *Enjoy this incredible offer at ARIA, MGM MIRAGE’s newest resort-casino at CityCenter – Stay Two Nights at a Special Rate from $159 per night and Receive a $75 Resort Credit (*See site for additional details and restrictions). Dec 17, 2009 – Apr 1, 2010. Promo Code: AR159G75 (Exp 4/1/10)

Have you checked out Amazon.com today and the phenomenal deals available on what is now called Cyber Monday? I’ve got the Amazon “Lightning Deals” page minimized on my desktop while I write a couple of articles I have due for the next issue of Casino Player magazine.  I simply hit on the tab and check out each hour’s deals (Right now I’m waiting to see the price on an upcoming deal: the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 10.1-Inch Netbook.)  This is way more fun than trolling the malls looking for deals plus I’m getting some work done at the same time I’m doing my holiday shopping.

I can't wait to use this pretty red and gold Mikasa Parchment dinnerware on Christmas Eve.

In addition to the hourly deals, there is a whole section of all-day Cyber Monday sales also going on at Amazon.  I picked up this Mikasa Parchment Red 40-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 8 for the holidays for just $130.  That’s 78% off the regular list price of $580!

I’m also getting this Wusthof knife — Wusthof Classic Ikon Santoku. The Santoku is made in such a way that the blade cuts through food with less drag and allows for thinner slicing of almost anything. (Caution: This includes your fingertips!) The lowest price I’ve seen on this particular knife is $89 so this is a fab deal, especially for cooks like me who first became a fan of the brand back in culinary school.

(And, yes, I know this post has nothing to do with Las Vegas or gaming but I just felt that my readers would love getting a good deal(s) as much as I do!)

Cyber Monday is here and we’ve got some cool offers and promo codes we thought our traveling readers might like to take advantage of during this holiday shopping season.

Save on great gifts like laptop bags, handbags and travel items at eBags.com with our links.

The ravishing raspberry hue will make this travel kit stand out in any suitcase.

Here’s an exclusive offer from eBags.com — Use this link and you’ll get to take 25% off on one item this Monday only:   Cyber Monday Super Deal: 25% Off Any 1 Item! Got more shopping to do at eBags?  Do it and you’ll also save 20% off additional items plus get free shipping today. Use link:   Cyber Monday Double Deal: 20% Off + Free Shipping on Orders over $100 at eBags.com. We’d love to see this “pack it flat” travel bag (in raspberry!) under our tree this year and at less than $25 on sale, it’s an affordable gift idea.

From Restaurant.com comes this 80% off deal on their popular $25 restaurant gift certificates. Think stocking-stuffers for friends who love dining out at top restaurants in Las Vegas or in lots of other major U.S. cities. Also, be sure to check out all the new restaurants now participating in the program including several at Las Vegas favorite, Mandalay Bay. 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificates. Use code SAVE and Pay just $2 through 11/30/09.

You have until midnight on Monday to save $25 on a hotel stay when booking at Expedia.com with the travel company’s first-ever Black Friday weekend promotion.  Use promo code BlackFriday25 to get your discount along with this link: Black Friday Special: Get $25 off a hotel booking of $150+. Use Code BlackFriday25 at checkout. – Expires 11/30/09.

Looking for a pre- or post-holiday getaway?  Then check out this deal at the all-new Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter in Las Vegas:

Vdara “Winter Special” Rates from $139/nt (2nt Min). *Stay Two Nights at the new Vdara Hotel & Spa at CityCenter at a Special Introductory Rate from $139 and receive a $50 Resort Credit (*See site for additional detail and restrictions). Dec 1, 2009 – Mar 31, 2010. Promo Code: VRLVCVA (Exp 4/1/10).

Happy shopping!

Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas will host special performances by Garth Brooks beginning in December.

Country superstar Garth Brooks is ending his retirement in a deal with Steve Wynn where the singer will perform a  limited number of engagements at the Encore Theatre in Las Vegas.  The all-acoustic performances begin with a single weekend in December and will continue on select dates throughout the term of the 5-year arrangement.

The price for tickets (said to be a point of discussion between Wynn and Brooks) is a very “reasonable-for-Vegas” $125 plus a $5 service charge and a $13 tax to equal a total of $143 and go on sale this Saturday, October 24 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific (9:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. CT and 11:00 a.m. ET). Tickets are available by calling 702.770.1000 and online at the Wynn Las Vegas box office.

The following weekend dates have been released with all performances happening at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas Resort:

December 2009:  11 – 13

January 2010:  1 – 3 and 22 – 24

February 2010:  12 – 14 and 26 – 28

Performance times are:  Fridays – 8:00pm; Saturdays – 8:00pm & 10:30pm; and Sundays – 8:00pm.

More information about ticketing can be found on the official Garth Brooks website plus there’s lots more info on the deal in a good article on CMT News online:  “NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Garth Brooks Goes Back to Work.”

You can check out room rates here for  Encore at Wynn Las Vegas and for Wynn Las Vegas where we found rates ranging from $235 on up with a $75 resort credit.  There are lots of options nearby including TI – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino ($101 – $139,) or The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino and The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino at the Venetian for $219 per night each plus slot credit of $50 and dining credits as well.

Harrah's will host the "Great Gift Wrap Up" from November 12 - 16, 2009. Another event happens at Caesars Palace in December.

If you’ve been playing Las Vegas this year and using your all-important players club cards, you’ve probably been racking up “gift points” at lots of casinos up and down the Strip.  Now is the time to make plans to cash in those annual points by attending the big “gift-o-rama” events held each year by the various participating casino companies.  Make your room reservations now since you must be there in person to cash in your points and these special shopping days bring in lots of visitors to Vegas.

Here are the dates and venues for this year’s big gift giveaways in Las Vegas:

Harrah’s Entertainment will be hosting their fourth annual “Great Gift Wrap Up” on November 12th – 16th, 2009 at Harrah’s Las Vegas and again from December 3rd – 7th, 2009 at Caesars Palace.  Go to GreatGiftWrapUp.com for details plus a look at this year’s merchandise catalog. You can even get your point total.

MGM Mirage’s popular “Holiday Gift Shoppe Event” will be taking place at participating Las Vegas properties from November 28 – December 13, 2009.  Check out this special event at the company’s PlayersClub.com site and click on the “Holiday Gift Shoppe” logo for gift ideas and a special count-down clock.

Grazie Club members can cash in the points they’ve earned by playing at both the Venetian and Palazzo resorts during the “Grazie Gifts” Holiday Shopping Extravaganza in November.  From November 20 – 29, 2009, players here can choose from such high-end names as Tag Heuer, Ralph Lauren, Coach and more in exchange for their points.  Get the details on this event at Venetian.com and click on the “Grazie” tab then select “Grazie Gifts” as your destination.

The posh pool complex at the M Resort in Las Vegas was featured in a recent episode of Top Chef Las Vegas.

We’ve always been big fans of the Bravo channel’s popular reality show, Top Chef.  We confess –watching some of the contestants’ huge egos positively wilt under head judge Tom Colicchio’s incredulous stare or sharp-as-a-Wusthof criticism is the high point of our Wednesday nights. (No doubt that particular joy comes from our experiences dealing with the many prima donna chefs we encountered during our decade-plus in the restaurant industry.)

So, take one of our favorite guilty-pleasure TV shows, combine it with our favorite guilty-pleasure city in the world then set it within the walls of a swanky new casino resort and… wait, wait, you know it’s coming… you have a recipe (there, we said it!) for a hugely entertaining waste of an hour every week.

This year, filming takes place at the stunning new Henderson-located M Resort Spa Casino. When I interviewed the M’s Anthony Marnell III back in March for Casino Player magazine, the CEO made it very clear that food and the nine dining outlets of the M were going to be the highlights of the new resort. At the time, Mr. Marnell said “We believe food is one of the most, if not the most important reason why guests will visit the property. The restaurants we have developed will introduce a new kind of dining experience that reflects my family’s reputation for great food and great value.” We think that by agreeing to let the show film at his resort, Mr. Marnell further cements the M’s reputation as a “destination-dining” spot in Las Vegas.

Now, back to the show: Last week’s episode offered viewers the chance to get a glimpse of some of the best chefs working not only in Las Vegas but in the world today. The assembled group of top toques was so impressive that even Chef Colicchio admitted to being humbled in the presence of such cooking masters as Joël Robuchon, the man awarded the title “Chef of the Century” by the venerable dining and travel guide, Gault Millau. Chef Robuchon’s Las Vegas restaurants — L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon at The Mansion – are located at the MGM Grand. 5 Diamond Award Winner: Joël Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand.

Last night’s show found the contestants far from the neon lights of the city and cooking over open firepits in the sizzling 100+-degree stark Nevada desert. Their guests (and critics) were a group of real Southwestern cowboys. As always, some dishes stood out for their taste and originality while others were remarkable for their awfulness. Ceviche for cowboys? I don’t think so. With that, Mattin, the French chef (who reminded me of the character Remy from the movie “Ratatouille“) was told to “pack up his knives and go.”

Tips and More Info:

• For a taste of the new M, try the resort’s highly-praised 500-seat buffet restaurant, “Studio B,” where a live-action exhibition kitchen features the restaurant’s chefs preparing signature appetizers, entrées and desserts.

• Check out Top Chef on Bravo TV’s website and you’ll find lots of ideas for hosting viewing parties with a Vegas vibe.  You can also catch up on past shows from this season as well as those from other years.

• Get a glimpse into the world of renowned chef, Joël Robuchon, with a visit to his website where you’ll see pics of his Las Vegas and other restaurants plus read articles on his accomplishments in the culinary field.

"MGM Grand restaurant SeaBlue will be just one of the top dining spots participating in next week's Las Vegas Restaurant Week." Photo/content copyright 2009 RoyallyFlushed.com

Restaurant Week Las Vegas starts just one week from now and brings with it your chance to try some of the city’s best – and we mean absolute BEST – restaurants for a fixed price of $20.09, $30.09 or a high (we think “low”) of $50.09. Running from August 31 through Sept. 6, more than 50 of the city’s top dining establishments will participate in the annual event which benefits Three Square Food Bank, a partner organization of Feeding America. Working to end hunger in Southern Nevada, a portion of all Restaurant Week sales will benefit Three Square.

When we say best, we aren’t kidding. Take a look at just some of the top restaurants (link to a list of all participating restaurants at the end of the post) that will be firing up the stoves for this national charitable event:

Wynn/Encore: Alex, Botero, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Daniel Boulud Brasserie (more…)

The Crystals in Las Vegas will open its doors to shoppers on December 3. (Photo/content property of www.RoyallyFlushed.com)

So much has happened since our January report on the happenings at MGM Mirage’s CityCenter Las Vegas that what we’ve decided to do is post our newest CityCenter photos and then give some highlights of the project along with a list of websites/articles you can go to for more info.

Aria Resort & Casino

Scheduled to open December 16, Aria is taking room reservations now at their new website. Click around the ARIA Home Page and you’ll find photos of the rooms, a section on some of the chefs and restaurants planned plus info on the new “Elvis” show at Aria which, to quote the website, comes from the “creative geniuses at Cirque du Soleil® (who) have created a new show exclusively for ARIA. The production pays tribute to Elvis’ music and life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity, high technology and raw emotion. In short, the show will be in Elvis’ image: powerful, sexy, whimsical and truly unique.”

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Las Vegas

This 47-story non-gaming hotel features 227 residences plus 392 Adam D. Tihany-designed rooms and suites with contemporary decor and “subtle oriental touches.”  The 23rd-floor Sky Lobby is just one of the luxurious design elements guests will encounter when staying at the new hotel.  Check out the Mandarin Oriental Hotel website for artist’s renderings of the rooms, the soaring lobby and an exclusive online brochure.  Opening date is currently scheduled for December 4th and the hotel will begin taking reservations on August 17th. (more…)

We'll be checking out the new "Peepshow" starring Holly Madison at Planet Hollywood while on this trip to Las Vegas.

Leaving in a couple of days for a week in LasVegas and here’s a  “hit” list for some of the stops we’ll be making to check out some new places both on and off the Strip:

- Lunch and a famous “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate” at Serendipty 3 at Caesars Palace.

- Late-night sliders and the “Lucky Onion Soup – $7.77″ at First Food Bar at the Palazzo.

- Dinners with our discount restaurant gift certificates (from Restaurant.com) at Mandalay Bay spots Aureole, Fleur de Lys and Strip Steak.  Since we’ll be spending so much time at Mandalay Bay’s restaurants, we’ll just have to check out the new Mandalay Bay Beach Side Casino. (more…)

Sunset Station is one of the casino resorts taking part in this year's huge "Station's 4th of July Blast" fireworks show. (Click the pic to check on rooms.)

Station Casinos will be hosting the biggest fireworks show in Las Vegas this 4th of July 2009 when each of the Company’s nine properties participate in a huge simultaneous pyrotechnics show to celebrate the holiday.  Called the “Station’s 4th of July Blast,” the monster production will go off at 9:30 pm on Saturday with shows at Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, the new Aliante Station, Santa Fe and Sunset Stations plus the shared location of neighboring properties Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho. (more…)

The Las Vegas landmark, Caesars Palace, features prominently in new comedy, "The Hangover."

What’s the next best thing to being in Las Vegas?  Seeing the city in all its racy, glitzy glory up on the silver screen of course!  Ready for its close-up, Caesars Palace Las Vegas plays a starring role in the new comedy, “The Hangover,” which opens nationwide, tomorrow, June 5th.  The film stars Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper (you may know him from “Nip Tuck” and “Alias” plus lots of big screen flicks,) Ed Helms (we love Andy on “The Office”) and Zach Galifianakis (yeah, spell that 20 times really fast!) as guys out on the town in Las Vegas for a last bachelor party splash.

Things go completely awry when three of the friends wake up in their Caesars Palace suite only to find a tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet and no groom-to-be in sight!  The comedy, directed by Todd Phillips of “Old School” fame, is already garnering good pre-opening reviews including this article at “The Hollywood Reporter” which calls the movie “head-poundingly (in a good way), sidesplittingly funny.”

Look for lots of of great shots of Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, the Strip and other easily-recognizable Vegas landmarks as the boys re-trace their steps while trying to find the missing groom.  It may not be Vegas but it could serve as a “fix” until you can make that next trip out.

Expedia Hotel Sale! 5000+ Deals worldwide, hotels from $24! – Expires 6/30/09

MGM Mirage has some great news for slot club players!  Not only will the wildly popular “Players Club Holiday Gift Shoppe 2009” take place over TWO weeks this year but to sweeten the deal even more, the club is doubling the points earned on slot play beginning June 1 and continuing through August 31.  (Las Vegas properties only.)

Players Club members have been accruing Gift Shoppe points since January 1. Gift Shoppe points are completely free and club members accrue them automatically – no extra sign-ups required.  Plus, these points are in addition to other slot club points and benefits.

Players can redeem Gift Points at the fabulous year-end Players Club Holiday Gift Shoppe 2009 which will take place during the two week event happening November 28 – December 13 where you can get watches, jewelry, electronics, home & sporting goods, Gift Cards, FREEPLAY^® and more!

Check for details at MGM Mirage’s website at playersclub.com or at the players club desk at each casino location.    Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!