But wait, there’s more. Las Vegas’ reigning vodka princess, Ketel One’s Dee Dee Kennedy, turned one year younger, celebrating at Tabu Ultra Lounge (MGM Grand) last week, while a princess of another kind (we’re not going there), Andrea Eppolito of Sushi Roku/BOA Steakhouse fame, celebrated her birthday a few days later. Although more of a queen than a princess, Larry “Hot Chocolate” Edwards also started off the new year by celebrating his birthday.  

Speaking of Birthday’s, props to the Light Group who threw an over-the-top bash for birthday boy VP of Customer Development, Marklen Kennedy. From the 4-foot tall birthday cake to ZZ Top rocker Billy Gibbons and boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr., to dozens of dancing girls in “I Know Marklen” wife-beaters, the party was a rocking success. We even got a picture message from one of our L.A. Eye sources of a beautiful blonde wearing the Marklen-beater at a Starbucks in Hollywood later that week! From what we hear, the party was such a success that the Light Group is already planning a six-month, midway marker party for the talented club guy.

A “happy anniversary” is in order for Seamless, the hybrid gentlemen’s club/after-hours facility a few blocks west of the Strip, which celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday night. The party was hosted by curvy Playboy model Lisa Mackay and also included birthday celebrations for DJ Hollywood and DJ Ikon. Of course, the club’s Industry Mondays continues this week with DJ Mikey Swift.

Congratulations to Aussie mate Joseph Hachem, who took home first place at the Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship at the Bellagio last month. The former World Series of Poker champ will take home $2,182,075 for his efforts, as well as a seat at the 2007 World Poker Tour World Championship, taking place in April at the Bellagio.

Body English's stellar VIP Host, and friend to the stars, Cory McCormick was spotted at STACK helping Bronx Bomber, Jason Giambi, celebrate his birthday Monday night. Giambi's been an off-season local since he made the move to the
valley last year.

We know the Christmas season has come and gone, but if you want a chuckle, check out the video of our CEO Michael Politz serving as Naughty Santa at Tao Nightclub a mere week before the calendar turned. Special thanks to Allan Fawcett and the ultimate naughty elf, Wee Matt!
Click here to see the video.

The Excalibur has opened a new “high-energy” lounge named Octane in the property’s Castle Walk. Seemingly taking a page out of Centrifuge’s book (MGM Grand), the bartenders and servers “perform upbeat dance routines throughout the evening” while dressed in leather garb classified as “biker chic.” Insert your own Village People joke here.

How does celebrity agent Mike Esterman find the time!? Last week, he stopped by the “Today Show” to talk about how he keeps all his older “American Idol” contestant clients busy with gigs. Check out his full roster of celebrity clients here.

The Chicago Tribune ran a story about big budget dining in Las Vegas and even sent restaurant critic Phil Vettel to sample some of our best. Vettel split his $3,000 restaurant budget admirably: $2,000 for Joel Robuchon and Guy Savoy, and $1,000 for everybody else! If you want to read the full story, as well Vettel’s critiques of where he ate, please click here.

Fans of rock group Quiet Riot can tune into 97.1 FM on Wednesday night for a special 10 p.m. in-studio, full electric performance with Rock Line Radio and host Bob Coburn. Afterward, the band will be interviewed, and fans are encouraged to call in with questions for band members Kevin DuBrow and Frankie Banali.

One of the most popular alt-metal bands of the new millennium, Incubus, will be playing at The Joint inside The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, Jan. 13.

Last week, MGM Mirage offered the first view of CityCenter’s spectacular 28,970 square-foot Residential Sales Pavilion. The pavilion is now open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and gives visitors the opportunity to showcase full-scale models, unit locations, floor plans and the multitude of interior design options available for their residential developments.

We have to say we’re pretty proud of our sister publication, TheLAEye.com. Not only has it become a buzz of activity for Los Angelinos, but now even Las Vegas journalists have begun to use it as a source of information. You know who you are …

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, the beast known as Pure Nightclub will be hosting the Two-Year Anniversary for Pure Tuesday’s, the self-proclaimed, “Baddest Locals Party in Las Vegas,” with a special set from the acclaimed DJ AM.

This week, from January 11-14, one of the most popular bands of the '70s, Earth, Wind & Fire, will be performing legendary hits each night at 8 p.m. as The Spotlight Series continues at The Luxor Theatre. Tickets are $99, $85, and $70, and can be purchased at the Luxor box office.

There’s no better way to kick-off CES than this spotting: Microsoft czar Bill Gates seen enjoying the nightlife at Light Nightclub on Sunday night. We’re somewhat conflicted, though. The computer nerd in us hopes he left with a bevy of blondes, but the Microsoft Office user in us wishes he caught a virus – and we’re not talking about the infamous Blaster worm!

The ink’s not even dry on this one, but on Saturday, Jan. 13, Moon nightclub will be hosting the birthday party for MTV star Big Black of “Rob & Big” fame. The stars just signed on for a second season of the cult-hit show.

There are LOTS of rumors coming out of the MGM Mirage offices these days, especially those involving the CityCenter project. One of the coolest has the project including a large, outdoor, farmers market-type concept.

Are you ready for the next few months, Las Vegas? CES, AVN, Super Bowl, ASD, MAGIC, All-Star Weekend, NAPTE, Nightclub & Bar, Spring Break and March Madness, just to name a few, are all within the next 70 days. Wow!

Don't forget to tell them "Eye" sent you.
Quick Bites ©The Vegas Eye and reprinted with permission.