The loss of Michael Jackson was like a 9.5 earthquake hitting Los Angeles. Jackson had been rehearsing at his Holmby Hills home for his performance of a 50-night concert tour in England. Apparently, the rigorous rehearsing put a toll on Jackson; it didn’t, however, have anything to do with his death.

For a number of years, Jackson has undergone surgery, which has caused him to take medication, and those medications can be very dangerous. Jackson was found in his home in Holmby Hills not breathing.

At that time, he was likely dead according to TMZ, the Los Angeles based celebrity TV program. Nevertheless, he was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center where the doctors had tried to resuscitate him, once again, after his cardiologist, who was at the scene of the incident, had also tried in vain.

The Los Angeles Times was originally quoted as saying he was in a deep coma. The truth of the matter is that he had a cardiac arrest and was dead when the paramedics had arrived at his home.

I’ve known the Jackson family for quite a few years now, especially Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, who resides in Las Vegas. Needless to say, Joe was in a state of shock.

Recently, when I was talking to Joe about Michael doing concerts and about Vegas, he would always tell me there’s nobody like Michael who could fill a show room every night of the week. In regards to health, Joe himself has had his share of medical problems.

At 79, he has taken a more serious attitude at keeping his body healthy. In fact, when I visited Joe recently, he had given me some vitamins for my health. Approximately two years ago, I had a birthday party which Joe attended (photo at right).

Around that time, I had to go to UCLA for prostate surgery. After the successful operation, I have been able to use this experience to speak out and influence men to get regular checkups to reduce prostate disorders and cancer risks.

In a sense, Joe and I both have had our share of medical issues and could understand how precious life can be. My thoughts and prayers are with him at this time.

REMEMBERING MICHAEL JACKSON

Michael Jackson was one of the first entertainers who went to Moscow after the collapse of communism. He performed all over the region from Berlin to Warsaw to Moscow, performing to sold-out stadiums. He helped to change people’s attitudes from hate to love and inspired people worldwide. This is one of the things that Michael Jackson will be remembered for accomplishing.

According to California-based Alex Ayzin, a producer formerly from Moscow, Jackson was one of his inspirations for producing “The Winds of Freedom,” a symphonic tribute to the best in the human spirit.

This is one of the things that Michael Jackson will be remembered for.

It seems that it was just yesterday when I had attended the party at the Neverland Ranch which was thrown by the Las Vegas Hollywood Magazine’s publisher, Simon Sahouri.

Even at that time, Michael was dressed in disguise; he was very shy for one, and it never seemed that Michael enjoyed his childhood.

But let’s face it, it wasn’t a normal childhood, and it was always work, so Michael grew up fast–real fast. But one thing he will always be remembered as is the King of Pop.

Michael had a magic about him when on stage, and his music covered a wide genre of topics. Probably his biggest album was “Thriller,” which sold around 50 million copies worldwide. And, so we should remember the good things that Michael Jackson has left us with which is his music and his philosophy and songs that he has written.

There are a number of celebrities that offered their condolences to the Jackson family.

Among them were Steven Spielberg, Miley Cyrus, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wyclef Jean, Smokey Robinson, Britney Spears, and many others.

Governor Schwarzenegger stated, “Michael was top phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Although there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned over generations and the globe.”

Michael and four of his brothers performed for years as the Jackson 5, and that was the beginning of the mega star’s love affair with his fans.

I think that one former Jackson 5 member, his brother Jermaine Jackson, stated it best: “My bother the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, passed away on Thursday, June 25 at 2:26 pm. It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home; however, the cause of death is unknown until results of an autopsy are known.

His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother as did the paramedics.

While transporting him to UCLA medical Center, upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors including emergency physicians and cardiologists attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour and were unsuccessful. My family requests that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time. And may all love be with you Michael, always.”

SADDENED FANS SHOW THEIR LOVE AND RESPECT

Upon hearing the news that Michael Jackson was being taken to the hospital, fans began to gather. Then the news of his passing hit fans in the hearts, and they continued to flock to the hospital for a vigil.

One of the celebrities, who waited at the emergency exit of the hospital, was Porscha Coleman (pictured here), former star of the TV series “The Parker’s.”

She and her mother, Betty, stated that they just could not believe that this was happening as she could see the green helicopter taking Michael’s body from the medical center to the LA County coroner’s office.

“I love Michael Jackson. God bless him,” said Wyclef Jean.

“It’s always hard to lose a friend,” Smokey Robinson expressed.

Although Michael is no longer with us, his spirit will live on and his music will be part of our lives.

A public viewing is not yet finalized, plans are changing to accommodate the ever-increasing crowd size anticipated. Wherever it will be, it will be the largest size tribute in history, and it will commemorate the biggest star in world history.

Pete Allman is a Las Vegas-based commentator, broadcast personality and celebrity interviewer. He also produces inspirational messages for television and other media. Contact him at peteonthescene@yahoo.com or (702)265-9099.

The CineVegas Film Festival is honoring Jon Voight with the Marquee Award and Willem Dafoe with the Vanguard Actors Award on Sunday, June 14, at the 11th annual event, which takes place at the Rain Nightclub in the Palms Resort in Las Vegas. George Kuchar and Mike Kuchar will receive the Directors Award, among other honorees.

CineVegas is recognized as one of the most popular film festivals in the West. The festival, which recognizes legendary actors, directors and producers, also gives young and upcoming filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their productions.

CineVegas runs from June 10–15 and it is open to the public. The festival’s series of films are being shown at Brendan Theaters at the Palms. 

Tickets range from one-day film screening passes for $40 up to $500 for an all-access pass.

Honoree Voight received his acclaim in the 1960s Best Picture winner “Midnight Cowboy,” for which he earned an Academy award nomination. Veteran actor Voight enjoyed taking on other challenging roles, such as “Deliverance” and “Coming Home,” the film for which he received an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Voight played Howard Cosell, the real-life sportscaster and journalist, in “Ali,” a role that earned him the fourth Oscar nomination. Voight is a humble and sensitive person who is always giving his time to worthy causes.

He is currently starring in the seventh season of the hit TV drama “24” where he plays the villain Jonas Hodges. As part of the tribute, CineVegas is presenting the newly re-mastered director’s cut of “Lookin’ to Get Out” (1982), which was directed by Hal Ashby. Voight stars and co-wrote the film, which was made in Las Vegas. A Q&A with Voight and guests will follow the screening.

Honoree Willem Dafoe, a two-time Academy Award nominated actor, who has appeared in more than 70 films, is a founding member of the Wooster Group, the New York-based experimental theater.

Among his upcoming film releases are Lars Von Trier’s “Antichrist,” Werner Herzog’s “My Son, My Son” and Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” as well as “Day Breakers” and “Cirque du Freak.” A conversation with Dafoe will be held following the screening of his 1982 film “The Loveless.”

The Kuchar brothers wrote fantastic melodramas and genre stories. Using their Bronx neighborhood and nearby places as staging spots. They used handmade props and costumes and enlisted their neighborhood friends as actors to play big film stars of the 1950s.

The Kuchar’s classic films include “Hold Me While I’m Naked,” “Sins of the Fleshapoids” and “Summer of No Return.” Now in their 60s, they continue to produce videos and have made over 100 productions.

A collection of new shorts by them will be shown as part of their Vanguard Directors Award presentation Sunday evening. In addition, a documentary about the brothers, “It Came from Kuchar,” which was produced by Jennifer Kroot, will play in the Pioneer Documentaries section of the festival.

Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen will be honored with the inaugural Planet Illogica Award for Excellence in New Media. This award is for artists working in the field of video games who have pushed the technological boundaries of storytelling.

Santiago and Chen earned their MFA degrees where they met, at the University of Southern California Interactive Media program housed in the School of Cinematic Arts. Santiago’s research focused on game design, interactive narrative, and physical and gestural interfaces for digital media.

Chen was focusing on interactive animation and video game design when the two collaborated with a student team to develop the game “Cloud.”

It went on to become critically acclaimed, after which the two decided to found their own studio, ThatGameCompany. The company landed a three-game deal with Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. to develop downloadable games for Playstation Network.

Their most recent critically-acclaimed release, “Flower,” explores the tension between urban and nature, as users blow wind and fly petals across dream-like natural landscapes, and has been the top-downloaded game on the PlayStation Network.

To get more information and to buy tickets, go to www.CineVegas.com.

Casino MonteLago at Lake Las Vegas has a new steakhouse. Portofino Italian Steakhouse, as it is appropriately named, is the new addition.

It has a contemporary setting with the old-world charm of Italy.

Upon entering the casino, which has a wine cellar décor, Portofino Italian Steakhouse is on the lower level and overlooks the English Village shopping and special events area in the picturesque MonteLago Village.

The restaurant is headed by Executive Chef Rodney Ignacio. Chef Rodney has been cooking up tantalizing dishes for about a decade in various fine restaurants throughout Las Vegas and on the Strip. I hadn’t seen him for quite a while, and it was a pleasant surprise.

This particular culinary journey on this occasion included several of my guests: Victoria Boone, real estate executive and former professional singer; Jonus Ullman, TV and video producer, and his wife, Fabiana, and their two lovely children.

We started our meal with the chef’s recommended appetizers: Iceberg Wedge Salad topped with crumbled Gorgonzola, bacon bits, dressing, diced tomatoes and chopped eggs; Fresh Maine Lobster Bisque with cognac and chive crème fraîche, and Beggar’s Purse of Escargots in garlic butter with vermouth demi-glace. They were all very good, but the Escargots was like no other I’ve tasted, and the presentation was attractive.

The steakhouse is becoming known for its “40/40” Wine List: patrons can order a bottle of wine selected from many regions — France, Italy, California vineyards and others — and it costs only $40.

The entrées were served family style, and we chose the 24 oz. bone-in Ribeye, along with 1855 Black Angus, a 28-day, wet/dry process aged beef, served with a combination of peppercorn and béarnaise sauces and teriyaki glaze. In addition, we ordered Pasta a la Becco, three homemade, authentic all-you-can-eat pasta dishes, and the Atlantic Salmon.

In America, most of us have a hearty appetite, as did everyone in our party, so we supplemented our main dishes with side dishes.

We tried several: Creamed Spinach au Gratin, Sautéed Broccoli with garlic and extra virgin olive oil, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Button Mushrooms.

Unless you have a hole in your stomach, the side dish portions alone could feed an army. Well, I might be exaggerating a little. But, seriously, the portions are large, and I should add that the side dishes cost only $8. The main entrées range from $19-$38, and the appetizers from $6-$15.

We managed to squeeze in several desserts to top off our journey.

All are freshly made on the premises and cost $7. We had the old-world, Italian-style, Etruscan Cheesecake; the Warm Five-Nut Brownie, served with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge; Crème Brulée, a traditional sugar-crust custard, and Tiramisu, a classic Veneto recipe.

The Portofino Italian Steakhouse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information and reservations, please call (702) 939-8918 and visit the website at www.casinomontelago.com.

CSN rates Portofino Italian Steakhouse a 9.

One of the most prolific entertainers of all times. . .

We will miss you.

In traveling around Los Angeles, one of the hot spots I found for international dining is Café Du Liban. Their menu covers a broad range of dishes with popular Middle Eastern flavors, including many Lebanese specialties.

Located just east of Tampa Avenue at 19223 Ventura Blvd., this cafe is a cozy place for business meetings, a romantic lunch or a quick bite. Unlike chain restaurants, Café Du Liban is family owned and the food is prepared from scratch.

While sitting in a comfortable lounge chair, I couldn’t help but notice the culturally diverse patrons enjoying the delectable foods from around the world. Recently I delighted my taste buds with some of their Mediterranean cuisine.

During a business meeting there, Alex Ayzin, my business partner, and his associate Mike Rayahi ordered an array of dishes.

We started our culinary journey with Lentil Soup, along with some appetizers including Kabbi Naye, freshly ground uncooked lamb mixed with cracked wheat and spices; Stuffed Grape Leaves cooked with vegetables; and Mousaka, a baked casserole of eggplant, garbanzo beans, onions and tomatoes mixed in a light tomato sauce.

Wow, what a great way to enjoy the afternoon with friends or family and good conversation.

Among the dishes served at Café Du Liban are Frog Legs, which are fried and topped with cilantro and lemon juice and Quails marinated and charbroiled.

All these appetizers are between $6 and $9.

Let’s go to the main entrees. I ordered the Grilled Tilapia, filleted fish marinated with lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. The other entrees included Lamb Shanks served with a variety of vegetables, and Chicken and Shrimp Kabab marinated in the chef’s sauce.

These dishes are just superb, and they will make your mouth water. For a quick sandwich or to have Café Du Liban cater your anniversary, wedding, networking event, party or other special event, call (818) 705-3194, and ask for Rosie.

CSN rates Café Du Liban a 9.

You may also visit their web site at www.cafeduliban.com where you will find a photograph gallery representing the beauty and historic sites of Lebanon. A few of them appear on this page.

Recently, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky “Hitman” Hatton of Manchester, England entered the ring at MGM Grand Garden to a packed house of over 14,000. No one knew exactly which way the fight would go, but Pacquiao was favored.

Let’s not forget that Pacquiao has the speed, power and heart, while Hatton has power and heart, but not the speed or maneuverability of Pacquiao.

As the referee Kenny Bayless brought the two fighters together, an overexcited Hatton was too anxious. At the bell, he came out charging towards Pacquiao and managed to tie him up, executing some power punches to his head and midsection. That, however, did not faze Pacquiao, who came back with speed and accuracy.

Within a short time, Hatton was knocked down. Surviving the ten count, a frustrated Hatton just didn’t have the defenses he needed.

When round two came up, Pacquiao waited for an opening and caught Hatton with an overhand left connecting to Hatton’s chin. Hatton went down like a demolished building. It was all she wrote and sleepy time for the former champ. In fact, he was out for ten minutes. It all happened by the middle of round two.

A beaten Hatton has lost his IBO and Ring Magazine titles. Hatton felt so badly that he apologized to his British fans.

“I’m so desperately sorry for you all,” said Hatton. “I thought I would win, but it went wrong. I’m okay, but I’m so upset for the supporters,” he added.

Like a true gentleman, Hatton congratulated Pacquiao and said he was a great fighter.

“I didn’t see the punch coming. It was a great shot,” Hatton concluded.

Floyd Mayweather Sr., who trained Hatton for 12 weeks but was more of a consultant, commented of the defeat: “He should have kept his hands up better. If you want to talk about mistakes, that was the mistake. It’s something I was preaching and preaching about…”

During the red carpet event at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Mayweather had recited poetry claiming that Hatton would win the fight. It was all talk.

Lee Beard, the assistant trainer to Hatton, said that he had left the game plan in the dressing room.

“Hatton had promised a new style under the guidance of Floyd Mayweather Sr., but he turned the fight into a brawl,” said Beard, explaining that Hatton started out okay but then got too excited. “And it just turned into a bit of brawl, basically,” Beard said.

In a special honor for “the world’s best trainer” Freddie Roach, a five-tier trophy was awarded to him after he led four-time world champion “pound-for-pound king” Pacquiao to his victory over Hatton. The trophy’s inscription said: “No. 1 Pound for Pound Best Trainer in the World.”

Every good fighter has a trainer supporting him, and the fight was a contest between Roach and Mayweather Sr., Hatton’s trainer.

Looking ahead, for Hatton it may mean retirement, but Pacquiao only gets better. The next fight coming up for him is in July with Floyd Mayweather Jr. It should be very explosive. Pacquiao and Mayweather are both swift on their feet and very crafty fighters, which makes good for a competitive fight.

Mayweather Jr. keeps in shape and does not seem to be worried about his upcoming fight with Pacquiao. But, rest assured, he has gone back to the drawing board and is taking the fight seriously.

Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on the Strip at Harmon Avenue is one of the more popular spots in town. The popular eatery is owned by Victor Scotto who has over 40 years of experience and has won many awards for his tasty cuisine.

The Scotto family is based in New York City where they attend to their other restaurants, and they travel to Las Vegas frequently where they tend to their local restaurants making sure that their family recipes are kept traditional and the service remains par excellence.

Manager Roy Bristow is very cordial, and he is a true gentleman. He is one of those rare individuals you feel you’ve known all your life. This makes for a great dining experience.

Well, to say the least, Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar is a wonderful place to have a little fun and tantalize one’s tastebuds.

My guest for the evening was veteran media personality Mark Richards, host of his own game show on KNUU 970-AM. Mark has done his fair share of traveling and dining, so he put the Scotto family to his taste test.

Our dining journey began with the Clam Chowder, a family recipe, which Mark raved about. To my surprise, it’s unlike any Manhattan Clam Chowder I’ve ever tasted. Fantastic ingredients and made fresh daily.

May I suggest that when you’re dining you have patience in your experience? Freshly cooked cuisine takes time to prepare, and this is one restaurant that makes everything fresh from the very start. No microwaves are used here and no frozen, re-cooked ingredients—that’s for sure. I know; I went in back to the kitchen and saw how the food was prepared.

The two main entrees served that evening were linguini and Atlantic Salmon. The pasta wasn’t too heavy, as Mark has experienced in the past, and it was made with just the right amount of sauce, he says.

The Salmon was glazed with lemon, surrounded by vegetables in a creamy sauce. It was not too sweet and not too spicy.

Normally, when I have dinner, I order a good glass of wine. That night, I ordered a glass of Brookshire. The Scottos have an excellent selection, especially Italian wines.

I highly suggest for desserts the Tiramisu, Flan and other deliciously sweet home-style recipes.

So, if you’re inclined to have wonderful Italian food in somewhat of a nautical setting with comfortable booths and patio dining, then the Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar is your place for a wonderful evening of dining.

For reservations, call 702-794-2929. CSN rates Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar a 10. You can get more information on the main website for the hotel-casino at www.planethollywood.com.

Otabek Teshabekov, the author of “Christie’s Unmasked,” a memoir about his battle and adventures with the world-famous, international auction house, was in Las Vegas recently.

During his visit, he looked at the investment potential in the area, and he spoke with other antique owners who had experienced similar dissatisfactions with this particular auction house or others.

“Las Vegas is definitely a city of glitz and glamour. It seems that now is a good time to invest in property,” said Teshabekov, the young businessman based in the Republic of Uzbekistan. He came with another businessperson who agreed that the city was more than he imagined it would be and also thought investing here is promising.

Teshabekov enjoys traveling to places where he meets celebrities, political leaders and media personalities while he promotes his book and speaks about his personal adventures with his treasured carpet.

A controversy over the author’s experience with Christie’s Auction House led him to write about it.

Teshabekov, who loves antiques, and because of everything he has learned from the Christie’s controversy, says he may want to open his own business auctioning or dealing in antiques. Several celebrities have read his book and encouraged him.

Otabek’s Odyssey

“Christie’s Unmasked” is a real-life story about a young man’s struggles to get respect and fair treatment as he attempts to sell a 19th century, valuable, Persian carpet.

The book is much like a detective novel, full of intrigue, with a backdrop of a love story, and even includes murder attempts (which Teshabekov is taking seriously because he thinks it is “ironic” that two attempts were made on his life after the book was published).

One was made in his hometown where people followed him and shot at him, and the next incident was in London while boarding a bus, as he describes in his book.

The adventure for Teshabekov started at Christie’s in London, but it has taken him on a journey to several continents and to the USA.

Teshabekov originally wanted to sell the carpet to raise money for his then-fiancée, “his Princess,” in order to buy a home and start a family. He eventually ended up going to Christie’s Auction House in London.

After first sending photographs of his carpet to the auction house, he was told by their representatives that his carpet was valued at about $120,000-$200,000. Not long after that, he was invited to meet with Christie’s representatives in London.

When he took his carpet to them, that’s when the conflict began: They told him it is not authentic Persian, but rather Turkish and not worth nearly as much as a Persian, he says in his book.

He disagreed. He describes his carpet and says others have confirmed it is actually a Persian Tabriz with a Safavid design by Hadji Jalili, a master artist. During that meeting, he was told by Christie’s that the carpet was only valued at $13,000.

He felt that it was an insult and that Christie’s was trying to take advantage of him.

With the help and support of some old and new friends, he then traveled to three continents to speak with other appraisers. One of them was a well-known appraiser in the United States, Allan Baitcher from Atlanta, Georgia.

Baitcher gave him a written appraisal of his carpet valued at $350,000. It was certainly good news to Teshabekov, then in his early thirties. Because of Teshabekov’s principles, his convictions and his sense of honor, he decided to return to London to speak with Christie’s representatives again, only to find that they would not accept Baitcher’s appraisal.

After his dismay with Christie’s, he began to investigate the auction house and the industry, and he has spoken with others who told them they had similar or worse experiences. Through doing this, he was motivated to write his memoir and title it “Christie’s Unmasked.”

He also wanted to create a guidebook for beginners in the antique business and a how-to guide to help antique and rare item owners deal with auction houses.

For more information about the author, visit www.muboraks.com.

Loews Resort – A Getaway with a Sushi Surprise

For locals who want to get away but don’t have enough time to take a long vacation or for visitors to Las Vegas, take a trip to Loews Hotel-Resort at Lake Las Vegas for the perfect getaway setting. It’s certainly a wonderful contrast to the Las Vegas Strip, and it’s set in the mountains overlooking the valley. In addition to the distant view, its lakeside view is stunning. Secluded on 21 acres, Loews is majestic and nestled in the Lake Las Vegas Resort area just 30 minutes from town.

The hotel has 493 guest rooms and suites, along with two restaurants, a 9,000-square-foot spa, and a children’s camp facility. Guests can play golf on either of the two champion courses. This truly is a great family or business destination.

Special Sushi Surprise

One of the two restaurants located in Loews Resort is the Marssa, which features the Japanese-style cuisine popular in Tokyo and Osaka. The menu highlights are sushi and traditional dishes.

Master Sushi Chef Osamu “Fuji” Fujita is the only sushi chef in the United States to have received recognition of achievement by the Japanese Chef’s Association. For guests and visitors, he even teaches classes, which are referred to as clinics, as part of the Loews Culinary Institute’s sushi and sake sessions, which are held every second Saturday of the month in Marssa’s private banquet room.

The clinics are educational, fun and very stimulating, while promoting the art of sushi. The two-hour sessions consist of hands-on instructions and tastings of sushi and sake. The cost is $50 per person, which includes the supplies, and participants may receive a gift chef’s apron. There is also a “Sushi Skool” for kids, which are held during the summer. For more information about the sushi and sake classes go to www.marssalv.com. To find out more about the resort and activities and to make reservations, call (702) 567-6000 or go to www.loewshotels.com.

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Mount Charleston is a Tranquil Retreat

Mount Charleston, one of the great nature spots near Las Vegas, is only 45 minutes from the Strip. It’s a beautiful, tranquil setting for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. It is, perhaps, one of the best kept secrets in Nevada. The mountain is home to a small community of permanent residents, and there is one lodge near the top.

Mount Charleston is approximately 8,000 feet above the desert floor. And it has the grandeur of pine trees and all sorts of wildlife. The most common route is the 95 Freeway north, towards Reno, turning west at the Mount Charleston exit.

The new owner of the Lodge at Mount Charleston, Dan DeArmas, has remodeled the restaurant and revised the menu. There are cabins for rent at the lodge — just right for honeymooners, vacationers, families and business retreats. Call 1-800-955-1314 or visit www.MountCharlestonLodge.com.

This week’s “Tips” covers dining spots at Caesars Palace, one hot night spot and family attractions in Las Vegas: Guy Savoy for French cuisine, Rao’s for real Italian, Beuing Noodle No. 9, Hawaiian Tropic Zone, Liberace Museum’s 30th anniversary, and the Springs Preserve. …

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Guy Savoy, French Cuisine and Friendly Staff

Guy Savoy, a French cuisine dining spot located in Caesars Palace is a family operation named for the father, who lives in France, and managed by son Fronck Savoy. You will find the staff there pleasant and highly accommodating. Fronck has a charming and polite way of talking with patrons about his culinary experiences and life. The interior design is contemporary and it has a view overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. Reservations recommended, so call (702) 731-7447.

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Rao’s, Real Italian from NY to LV

Rao’s, a truly Italian restaurant based in New York City, with its second location at Caesars Palace, has the family tradition that dates back over 30 years. The walls of the local restaurant are filled with signed photos of mega celebrities. The red-tone theme and the true Italian cuisine make this a hot spot. Call (702) 731-7340.

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Beuing Noodle No. 9, Grand Atmosphere

On the Asian side of cuisine, Beuing Noodle No. 9 has an elegant, clean, white-tone contemporary décor with goldfish-filled aquariums arranged at the entrance. It is highly acclaimed for its authentic Chinese cuisine and its atmosphere. Call (702) 731-7996.

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The Heat is on at Hawaiian Tropic Zone

Hawaiian Tropic Zone, located at the entrance of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is one of the hottest places in town. Gorgeous Hawaiian Tropic Girls dance on a second-floor balcony against a huge video wall with rails, which makes it off the top. Amber Smith, one of the hottest Playmates and talk show hosts, recently held the weekly red carpet spotlight, signing autographs and taking photos with guests. Hawaiian Tropic Zone is also the site where many Ultimate Fighting Championship events after parties are held. For info, go to HawaiianTropicZone.com or call (702) 731-4858.

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Liberace Museum and Foundation Celebrates 30 Years

In April 2009, the Liberace Museum and its foundation celebrate 30 years of jewel-studded success as a world-famous attraction and a source for scholarship, promoting music mastery. Liberace was a charismatic and giving man, known the world over for his showmanship and wearing one-of-a-kind outfits that were glittered like the lights of Las Vegas. The pianist’s garments were matched by the ornate styling of his many pianos, many of which are on display at the museum.

The April 15 celebration event will feature a full day of festivities at the museum running from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. with a symbolic 30-cent museum admission donation. There will be free performances by recipients of the Liberace Scholarship, Liberace Piano Competition winners and other entertainers. Call (702) 798-5595 for more information, or visit www.Liberace.org.

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Springs Preserve Teaches and Entertains

One of the latest and popular tourist spots in Las Vegas is the Springs Preserve located on Valley View off I-95/515 Expressway. The educational indoor and outdoor facility is where visitors can gain greater knowledge about desert plants, animals and other desert life through its exhibits and living gardens. The attraction is developed on a historic site and provides hours of entertainment for all ages. The Springs Preserve also has special events and focuses on energy conservation.