Las Vegas

Beer Park by Budweiser

Beer Park by Budweiser at Paris Hotel is another reason why there is only one Las Vegas. This “park” becomes the city’s first rooftop bar and grill on a 10,000-square-foot deck overlooking the Strip, with an outdoor grill, picnic tables, 100 beers, and dozens of high-definition televisions.

“Beer Park is inspired by some of the great American pastimes that bring people together, like going to a baseball game or a picnic,” said Matthew Silverman, corporate executive chef of Beer Park. “It’s a treat being outdoors and smelling food cooking on the grill while enjoying the Strip.”

That grill is a custom-made Budweiser Beechwood Grill that imparts the flavor of the beer into burgers, brisket and ribs. Popular sweets are gourmet funnel cakes and a signature ice cream cart.

Modern touches are taps that pour beers at 31 degrees as well as cold “plates” at each seat of the bar to keep beers cool. A retractable awning offers shade in the day, and misters and heaters ensure a climate-controlled atmosphere any time of year.

The Beer Park by Budweiser opens daily at 10 a.m. 702-444-4500. For more information, visit Beer Park’s website by clicking HERE

HOTO

Jim Murren believes Las Vegas visitors seek provocative and unique experiences. With that belief, Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, brought Tatsuo Miyajima to install HOTO in the Shops at Crystals, the 500,000 square-foot shopping mall and entertainment district at CityCenter.

HOTO (treasure pagoda) was formerly on display only in China and Japan. Miyajima, one of Japan’s most influential artists, said he was inspired by Buddhist teachings in creating the thought-provoking art that stimulates interest and energy. The piece combines three Buddhism-inspired concepts: the concept that everything changes, things are connected, and everything continues forever.

Miyajima’s installation is the latest accessory for MGM Resorts International’s Fine Art Collection and joins a substantial display of commissioned and purchased art in the Shops at Crystals and inside the connected ARIA Resort.

View HOTO daily 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 702-590-9299. For more information on the HOTO art installation and artist Tatsuo Miyajima click HERE.

— Diamond Jack Bulavsky

 

Valentine’s Day in Vegas

From the romantic, Valentine’s Day, to the down-to-earth, Groundhog Day, to the head-in-the-clouds President’s Day, there is much to do in Las Vegas in February. Obviously, Valentine’s Day is the most important for sweethearts and honeys, and it falls on a Sunday, so you can enjoy the whole weekend with different outings.

If you are pressed for cash there are a couple of ways to still enjoy Valentine’s weekend. A good start is to go to a movie. Not just a casino with theaters but a night at the drive-in. The West Wind Las Vegas 5 Drive-In on Carey Avenue just east of Rancho Drive can be nice and cozy. (It can also be crazy with families.) But, if you concentrate on your significant other, it can be romantic. It is the only drive-in left in Las Vegas and has 6 screens with a capacity of holding 950 cars. It is closed on Sunday; however,  it is open Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. General admission tickets are only $7.50 each. and sometimes you can see a double feature for that price, which is a true bargain. You can bring in your own food and drinks or purchase at their snack bar, which offers a free refill on popcorn.

You could drive up to Mount Charleston Lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenery and lounge on the deck of the Mt. Charleston Lodge with hot cocoa or other drinks.  Or you could make a reservation for their Valentine’s Day special dinner which starts at 5 p.m. only on 2/14/16.  Sitting inside near the fireplace is sure to make you want to cuddle for a while, and you might even be able to swing an overnight stay in one of their cozy cabins if you contact them quick for a reservation, before they are booked solid.

A step up and a truly romantic place to go for either lunch or dinner is the Top of the World restaurant in the Stratosphere. You can save some money and can dress casually if you go for lunch. You will still be able to get a 360 degree view of the Vegas area. If you decide to go for the “business casual” dinner make sure you make a reservation to dine at sunset. It will make your night more memorable while you spend extra bucks for the meals and drinks.

I know everyone has their favorite restaurant to go for a romantic dinner, and an excellent choice is Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel & Casino. This is a classic French Bistro where you can sit on their patio and enjoy the Bellagio fountains while you dine and people watch. When it’s cooler they have heat lamps to warm you, and in the heat of summer the misters keep you cool. The simple Steak Frites is divine, which is steak with their signature hand-cut fries served with your choice of sauces, such as brandy peppercorn, classic béarnaise and Dijon. Or you can choose their pricier filets, ribeyes or strips with accompanying sauces. They also have beef bourguignonne, grilled chicken and various fish entrees. A word of warning – the prices are not cheaper if you go for lunch; however, you can get burgers and sandwiches at lunchtime which are not available at dinner. Also, ask about their specials. And their brunch, available only on weekends, is absolutely delicious.

— Pauline Cimoch