Celebrity Scene News Blog

The El Cordova Hotel on Coronado Island in San Diego was built in 1902 by its founder, Elisha Babcock, who wanted a mansion in a Spanish setting.

The boutique hotel has 40 guest rooms. Some are one or two bedroom suites with a full kitchen. Some overlook courtyards. What guests enjoy most about this Spanish-style mansion is the architecture and its informal, relaxed environment, along with its attentive staff.

Just one block from the beach, El Cordova is surrounded by a Spanish shopping village with 12 unique specialty shops and restaurants. In addition to a perfect hideaway for couples, it’s a great place for the business traveler to relax, as well as for families who want to enjoy a vacation home away from home.

For more information, call (800) 229-2032 or visit www.elcordovahotel.com.

It’s a normal working week and weekend for me. I’m walking around town; I’m running and, yes, even jumping. But what I’m mostly doing is driving from place to place, and this time I’m stopping into Sushisamba Strip on the Las Vegas Strip at the Palazzo Shoppes inside the Palazzo Resort on second floor.

When I arrived at Sushi Samba on a Friday night recently, the place was packed for their grand opening. In fact, despite the economic crunch, restaurants are opening all the time in Las Vegas — especially fun spots like this. It’s a blending of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures. Sushisamba is considered a boutique nightclub. The full name Sushisamba Sugarcane Boutique Nightclub.

There were more than 40 geishas, samba dancers and Taiko drummers performing in front of a three-story orange waterfall in the Shoppes area — like an international festival! As I entered the contemporary, colorful restaurant, I checked out their menu while watching the parade of Samba girls in their feathered and jeweled costumes; they walked rhythmically through the restaurant to the pulsating beats of techno music with a Latin flavor.

What a combination! Visitors get all that plus good Japanese Sushi and other dishes. I know because I tasted the Berkshire Pork Belly Roman Soup, $18, but it made a meal.

I decided to go visit the club, called Sugarcane, which is located in the back of the Sushisamba. I squeezed past the crowd where I ran into Carrot Top, the comedic stage performer with gadgets and one-liners that keep crowds in an uproar. The Top is in tip-top shape, so I asked him how I could trim my physique. He said, “Keep on walking and work the weights.”

The great evening at Sugarcane was enhanced by the celebrities who joined in the fun. The cast of HBO’s hit “Entourage” was there, along with the epicurean master Robin Leach. (I just love the way he says, “Hello, Peter,” with a lyrical lilt to it).

Sugarcane is the kind of club that has live musicians, plays real music and displays dancers gyrating their hips, all while people make their own choice of moves. So, check out the club, fascinating rhythms, live musicians, plus their great deejay.

Just about everyone loves movies, especially mobster themes, such as “Goodfellows” and “The Godfather” series. Las Vegas has been depicted in many movies, but few showed the true atmosphere of the good old days. Las Vegas in the 60s and 70s was run by the mob, those colorful characters, and they kept the town pretty safe — unless you tried to cross them, that is. There was little crime, and the casino workers felt they were treated right.

And everyone loved to go to Tony Cosmo’s restaurants to socialize and have homemade Italian cuisine, such as Veal Scaloppini, Stuffed Bell Peppers, and even the spumoni, which was homemade.

Well, last week, I visited with restaurateur Tony Cosmos, the executive chef and owner of Cosmos Ristorante located inside the Royal Resort right off the Las Vegas Strip at 99 Convention Center Drive.
Besides cooking what is perhaps the best Italian food I’ve ever tasted, Tony Cosmo has had an illustrious career. He has owned several restaurants, among them the former disco-era hotspot, Paul Anka’s Jubilation, and Cosmos Underground in downtown Las Vegas.

In fact, Tony could write a book on all the colorful characters who dined in his restaurants over the years. Hey, that’s a great idea, especially since he’s got all the pictures to prove it. The others might have carried “heat,” but Tony carried a mean skillet, pot and chef’s pan and served some of the best food in town. Tony’s places were where people hung out in the great heyday of Vegas.

So what happened to the Old Las Vegas?

Well, some of those mob guys are pushing up daisies, some are in prison, and some are under the Witness Protection Program. Tony is just a great chef who keeps on going.

So, it is with great pleasure that Tony is bringing back the “Old Vegas” flavor.

Tony is planning to have a late-night, after hours gathering spot for those people who get off work in the wee hours of the morning and want to stop by his place and unwind in the outside lounge area.

They can get some of his great Chicago beef sandwiches, enjoy a drink outdoors and stretch out under the shining stars of Las Vegas, while lounging beside the Royal Resort’s Olympic-size pool.
The best part of what Tony is doing is that no one will have to wait in line, and his guests won’t have to buy a table or bottle service, the way it works in the swanky ultra lounges and nightclubs in many Strip resorts. This atmosphere is for late night relaxing and getting together with friends. Tony Cosmo is making the old new again.

For more information, call (702) 369-4179 or visit www.cosmosristorante.com. Tell them Pete Allman sent you.

Grammy award-winner, Mickey Hart, the drummer for The Grateful Dead, is developing some unique beats and tones for the soundtrack that will be used as the music behind the lava-laden explosions of the volcano outside the Mirage Resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

It was announced recently that the Mirage plans to spend mega-millions on an upgrade and renovation of the attraction created by mogul Steve Wynn, which will be re-opened in December with an all-new picturesque, visual performance with light, sound and action. Millions of visitors have walked by or driven past the Mirage just to see the flames shooting high and the mock-volcanic explosions in one of the city’s most unusual attractions.

Hart was probably selected because of his command of rhythmic drumbeats and the successful soundtracks he has created, such as in “Apocalypse Now.” He is the co-creator of a series of culturally rich, global folk sounds centered on rhythmic beats blended with a wide range of instruments.

Hart recently spoke with me about the project and his philosophy on why “rhythm and pulse” is part of life and the Universe. You can check out my exclusive Celebrity Scene News interview with him on YouTube by searching for Pete Allman or use the link to my blog on www.CelebrityScene.com.

Right after I returned from the historic week in the Mile High City of Denver, where Barack Obama was nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate, making history in more ways than one, my birthday celebration was held. Hawaiian Tropic Zone in the Miracle Mile Shops of Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas Strip, on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, was a night to remember.

Among my guests were some of the most spellbinding and audience pleasing entertainers ever to perform on the Las Vegas Strip and national stage. The best part is that they are real down-to-earth people who care about our society, community and the state of the nation.

It’s easy to call so many of them true friends. We talked a little politics, but the night was all about the celebration of life and expanding friendships.

I thoroughly enjoyed the party, along with my special guest, San Dei English-Anderson, Mrs. Las Vegas America 2008, who looked stunning as usual with her grace, countenance and inner and visual beauty, topped by the winner’s tiara. She is a prophet and author, speaking words from Divine inspiration. I’m glad she shares the birth month with me.

She was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Don Anderson, and two stunningly beautiful young women — goddaughter Vavre and her friend Vanessa — who both made the evening more beautiful. Pictures don’t lie, and they were truly lovely with the brightest smiles.

Enjoy the photos thanks to Parker Philpot, a freelance news writer, photographer and editor for CelebritySceneNews.com, for being “on the scene” with her camera. Visit the gallery and take a little time to visit some of my favorite links to find out more about my guests, their activities and several of the most outstanding shows in Las Vegas. Catch some of the action videos on my blog, too. (See the links below).

Before I write about the fun and the fabulous guests who came to support my celebration, I must top my thanks list with my gratitude to Rick Appling of Appling Productions. Rick, thanks for being the person you are. No matter what you had going on in your own life, you kept other people’s needs in your mind and heart. We missed you and thanks for your support. God Bless you.

Let get the party started!

Dixie Dooley, master magician and illusionist who performed Houdini-like escape tricks for my guests, was incredible as he wowed the group with a handcuff and chain escape trick within inches of our table. How did he get his wrists out of that, right before our very eyes?!

Dixie set the tone for the camaraderie and festivity of the night.

Next, a political satire performance amused us. But then, singer-impressionist Larry G. Jones “Man of a Thousand Voices” never fails to amaze everyone with his mastery of more voices and personas than you can count. He headlines his own energetic show at the Royal Hotel and Casino on Convention Center Drive at Las Vegas Blvd. and performs dozens of voices, faces and overall impressions from Willie Nelson to Patti LaBelle. And his personal story of triumph over adversity is a true testimony of his faith in God and his love for life.

The opening act for the “Larry G. Jones Show,” Brian Hoffman, who skillfully delivers “A Tribute to Red Skelton,” also came to my party. He has a physical resemblance to the beloved comedian and fine artist, but Brian’s perfect comedic timing, subtle humor and ability to recreate Clem Kadiddlehopper and other Skelton-fan favorites captivates audiences. I’m grateful they both took time to celebrate with me.

During the course of the evening, T. Fox, along with his veteran performer mother, “Mama Fox,” and his agile dancing wife, Imani Fox, energized the whole room. T. Fox is a terrific singer, dancer, comic and more! His long-running show in Las Vegas recently opened at Trader Vic’s. The show is full of classic songs with a modern flair, skits, dancers and much more.

When T. Fox took the mic to lead the whole room in a birthday song for me, it was clear how he controls a room and pumps up the fun. He knows how to keep an audience in the palm of his hand, and he delivers 100 percent to them.

Jazzy Mama Fox and Imani danced the night away and got my guests and me up on our feet, and we really got down!!! It was as if the Disco Era was reborn but with a modern beat.

Michael Johns, who headlines the longest running Strip show featuring a hypnotist, also attended, along with Terry Stokes Jr., son of magician Terry Stokes. Johns didn’t hypnotize anyone at the party — that I know of, that is — but I’m still entranced that we had so much fun with Terry and Michael. They added to the overall joy for me.

Another great singer and overall entertainer with a huge following, Art Vargas, who recently returned from Branson, Mo., attended with his beautiful companion and did something creative and thoughtful, and I want to say a special thanks to him.

Super entertainers and musical talent was plentiful.

Among my guests were consummate singers and songwriters. Sultry Kristy “Love” Brooks of The Platters and her show “A Tribute to the Divas” was a delightful treat. Sidney Barnes of P. Funk’s George Clinton fame and former lead of the hot 70s group Rotary Connection (with revered songbird Minnie Ripperton) recently relocated to Las Vegas. Greaz Dillon, Sage Melodee, and other members of The Love Band added to the spirit of the party.

T. Fox, a top-flight showman known as the “Spirit of the Strip,” led the birthday song getting the whole room going. He is the best at getting the audience in the palm of his hand, and they are always glad he does.

Other music industry professionals included Kapp Ivory, of Kappland Productions and his lovely wife, Rachel Kapp. There was even an up and coming rap group that filled out the list of great guests having a great time.

Fashion promoter Malcolm McConnell and Carleen Gordon added their style. Advice columnist Dr. Adele Z.Z. Zorn, who offers tips and insight on relationships and love, helped me close out the evening, and I thank her and every single person who came for being a part of the celebration.

I’ll never forget the evening.

View Pete’s Birthday Photo Gallery

When one dreams about a place or a situation, it can become a reality. Le Rêve (French for “the dream”) at the Wynn Las Vegas is that kind of production where dreams can appear to be real as you watch performers floating in the air with dancers below, a sprinkling of comedy, lots of dramatic moments, and some of the finest athletes on the planet.

It is a provocative, powerful, theatrical production, combining aquatics and special effects with visuals to create an intimate entertainment experience. It is truly one of the most spectacular shows of the century.

Created by Franco Dragone, Le Rêve is not like a traditional theatrical show, but surpassed the genre as a surreal theatrical production in the round. Dragone’s innovative flair is the foundation upon which this show rises with its drama, passion and high-tech visual thrills, delighting the audiences. Another outstanding aspect of the show is the seating in the round where ever seat gets a phenomenal view.

Le Rêve opened in April 2005, and the creative, original, magical show has touched people who visit the Las Vegas Strip from around the world. The show has international flavor and appeals to all audiences.

Consider the multicultural, multi-talented lineup of performers: among the 86 artists who perform water acrobatics, gymnastics, contortions and unusual novelty acts in Le Rêve, 12 performers are married to each other.

The technical schematics incorporate over 900 dimmers that fill three floors. Thousands of watts of power are used to bring stunning lighting effects, as well as to create sensuous and various other moods according to the hue and intensity of color.

The audience can sit back in luxury for a more specialized evening by opting for the VIP Indulgence Package, which comes complete with champagne bottle service and closed-circuit monitors that show the behind-the-scenes action. This unique experience allows the audience to enjoy intimate settings and escape reality as their imagination flows with the experience.

And the experience is unlike any that I’ve seen. It takes a number of people to make shows like this successful. One of them is Mark Fisher, world famous architect, who along with Roger Thomas, executive vice president of design for the property, is responsible for the majority of the success of the show. Fisher had to create a theatre that fit the elaborate surroundings of the Wynn; it had to complement the hotel’s modern, stylish décor and intricate designs.

A production of this grand level could not come about without high-caliber professionals, such as the award-winning lighting designers Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer. Because of the strenuous and elaborate movements of the artists, the costumes are a critical area, which is handled splendidly by the top-notch wardrobe department. In addition to the incredible beauty, the fashions must be functional, durable and yet still require frequent modifications or replacements.

Le Rêve is one experience I particularly enjoyed above the other production shows I’ve seen.

One major highlight of the show is Maksim Chmerkovskiy, widely known as Max from the hit TV competition show, “Dancing with the Stars.” He is a choreographer and creates dance experiences that captivate audiences.

Dancers and other performers move across the stage and through the air, which is made possible by the aerial rigging consisting of 60 harnesses for each performance. Twenty-two sets of cast members fly at one time during the show using cables of the same type as those used in aircraft building.

The music styling ranges from delicate tones to dynamic pulsating beats. There are all types of audiovisual effects, but never is it gratuitously used; it’s always just the right touch. And there are clowns, scuba divers and equestrian performances; it’s a little like a circus, a ballet, and a music concert, but Le Rêve is so much more.

It’s a show that sets itself apart from all others. Even the little touches, such as the handouts and decorative cards that are provided to visitors with information and images are elegant and thoughtful. Nothing but the best at the Wynn.

Celebrities Join Pete Allman and Special Guest, Mrs. Las Vegas America 2008

When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008

Time: 9pm-1am

Where: Hawaiian Tropic Zone, Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas

Celebrities join Pete Allman, media personality and Celebrity Scene News veteran interviewer, and his special guest, San Dei English-Anderson, Mrs. Las Vegas America 2008, for a joint birthday celebration on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. at one of Las Vegas Strips hottest dining and social hot spots. It will be held at Hawaiian Tropic Zone in the Miracle Mile Shops at 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, inside Planet Hollywood.

Film and music producer Rick Appling is hosts the event, and the following celebrities are scheduled to attend the birthday celebration:

• Sidney Barnes, recording artist on P-Funk, Motown and Chess labels
• Dixie Dooley, magician illusionist
• Michael Johns, hypnotist
• Allen Fawcett former host of Dick Clark’s “Puttin’ on the Hits” and guest star on “CSI: Las Vegas”
• T. Fox, vocalist-entertainer
• Larry G. Jones, impressionist and vocalist
• Brian Hoffman, “Red Skelton Tribute” comedian

Joe Jackson, Kristy “Love” Brooks of the Platters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, among others, have been invited.

Pete Allman has interviewed more than 30,000 celebrities and newsmakers and now produces TV commercials, emcees events, blogs on CelebritySceneNews.com and provides “Uplifting Moments” plus other content for Christian media.

San Dei (pronounced “Sunday”) English-Anderson is a beauty pageant winner, entrepreneur and has authored several titles and poems. She is a prophet and ordained minister, currently developing God’s Choice Awards.

Trader Vic’s, a restaurant chain created in the mid 1930s, has a rich and unique history. When I went to review the Las Vegas restaurant, located in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood on the Strip, I came away with more than a terrific dining experience. I got a history lesson about the remarkable namesake from Mike Emizawa, who worked with the business for more than 43 years and knew the founder in his early years.

The late Victor Jules Bergeron, who later became known as “Trader Vic,” is a fine example of how a person with a disability can become tops in his field. Bergeron had Tuberculosis and lost a leg in his childhood. But through the inspiration of his father, a French-Canadian who worked at the Fairmont Hotel and owned a grocery store in the San Francisco Bay area, he learned the culinary arts.

Bergeron was verbally teased and taunted and came from a background of modest means. His family could not afford a prosthetic wooden leg for him. Even worse, he was treated without compassion by many in his school and neighborhood.

Through his determination and working from an early age as a gas station attendant, he saved and purchased his own wooden leg.

He continued working a series of jobs around the area, but he always had a fascination for the tropical regions of the world. Combined with his love for foods and the exotic places he wanted to travel, he created a lounge and restaurant called Hinkey Dinks and opened it across from his family’s store. It started when he saw an old shack in Oakland, Calif., and decided to turn it into what became a popular place for drinks and socializing.

Shortly after it started, Bergeron came up with the ingenious idea to create what he called a “happy hour” with free appetizers, which boosted his business tremendously. So, in a way, he was doing a type of trading with his customers, and hence earned the nickname “Trader Vic.” He became so successful in his business that he moved from North Oakland to San Francisco and adopted the Trader Vic name for his restaurant.

He was a true restaurant host and an entertainer. He performed card tricks and small feats of magic. Trader Vic did things differently, unconventionally and with his own trademark style.
For example, he opened his San Francisco restaurant on a side street and the entrance was off and alley way. Many thought he was crazy for opening there. He took something in an industrial, not-so-desirable area and transformed it into a tropical business paradise.

With all this in hand, Bergeron’s was an aggressive businessman, but he had a strong compassion for helping people. He contributed to the veterans and other nonprofit organizations. In fact, he hosted so many veterans, including officers, in the city of Almeida that his location was used as an officers club. It wasn’t long before it became the official one in the San Francisco Bay area.

Trader Vic’s success led him to incorporate and form an alliance with the Hilton Hotel chain in the 1950s. They originally managed his dozens of restaurant franchises that span the globe, including London, Kuwait, Qatar, Beirut, Germany and more opening all the time.

Mike Emizawa, known as the ambassador for Trader Vic’s, has managed several of the chain’s properties, including San Francisco and Emeryville in California, Portland, Ore., and Tokyo, his birthplace.

The Las Vegas franchise is owned by Doc Wainer. This location is two-stories with an all-glass enclosed, a patio above street level and a private VIP room above that overlooking the Bellagio Hotel and Casino water show. The décor is comfortable and contemporary, and there are no grass thatching or strung-up lanterns, but there are trademark carved tiki columns that convey the Polynesian flavor of Trader Vic’s. The mood is ideal for a romantic dinner or makes for a great family outing.

While dining in the VIP under changing hues of warm, colored lights from the ceiling, my guest and I looked at the cocktail menu, complete with the Mai Tai, for which Trader Vic’s is famous.

One of the smooth and refreshing drinks for summer is Trader Vic’s Passion, mixed with gin, passion fruit nectar from down under and lime. Another popular cocktail is the Rum Keg, which serves four and is made with pineapple, light and dark rums, flavored with apricot and passion fruit — and it’s only $22! They have chocolate drinks, such as the Kona Cooler, made with orange, pineapple and cranberry juices, along with passion fruit.

wIn other parts of the country, Trader Vic’s is famous for its Hot Buttered Rum, which is spicy and not overly sweet, perfect for cool nights and winters.

In addition, to the extensive cocktail menu, there are dinner drinks, such as Nut and Berries Frangelico and Chambard Liqueurs that range between $7-10.

Executive Sous Chef Jeff King recommended wonderful selections from the creative menu. We tried Lobster Pot Stickers with pan seared dumplings with soy dipping sauce, along with Spiced Calamari, which was tempura fried and served with wasabi and aioli. Those appetizers and the Crab Rangoon with a smooth cream cheese wrapped in wonton were all excellent and affordably priced from $7-10.
Our main entrées were Mahi Mahi, Swordfish and a classic Filet Mignon. The fish is flown in fresh and it was cooked to flaked perfection. The meat was Omaha Beef and tender enough to cut with a fork.
The dessert, Crème Brulée was flavorful and not too sweet. The fruit desserts were great, too.

The entire meal was presented beautifully and the portions were just the right size.

The restaurant has an area available for private and corporate functions or buyouts. Call (702) 405-4700 or visit the website at www.tradervicslv.com.

CSN rates Trader Vic’s a 9

Montelago Casino, Lake Las Vegas

Where can you go for brunch and find beautiful golf courses and rolling hills beside a sparkling lake? Just one half hour outside Las Vegas, Nev., there is Lake Las Vegas where Casino Montelago is located. Outside the casino is the Montelago Village, a collection of various shops and restaurants that line a cobblestone walkway reminiscent of an old English village.

Every Sunday, the casino hosts a brunch in the Tunata Café, which offers patrons a touch of Italy. In fact, the ambiance of the casino conveys a feeling of a 17th century Northern Italian winery.
The food completes the experience.

“Everything is made from scratch. We make our own sauces using fresh cream and Italian ingredients. We butcher-cut our meat and fly our fish in daily from Santa Monica,” according to chefs Larry Able and Patrick Degan.

The buffet selections include assorted salads, fresh fruit platters, peel-and-eat-shrimp, smoked salmon and fresh berries. The hot breakfast selections include omelets, French toast and pancakes all made-to-order, along with corned beef hash.

I ordered Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce. It has just the right taste with the Canadian bacon underneath the poached egg. Other delectable hot items included Chicken with Pesto Cream, Glazed Asian Salmon and those wonderful Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potatoes. Oh how I loved them!

The prime rib served is Angus beef and the Italian sausage stuffed pork loin is a top palate pleaser. In this culinary journey, I would be remiss if I did not recommend the assorted fresh Danish made onsite. The brunch is open 10-2 p.m. and costs $21.99 per person. Call (702) 939-8888 for more information. CSN rates the Sunday Brunch at Tunata Café an 8.