On Wednesday, Feb. 7, John Gauntner, the foremost, non-Japanese sake expert, along with Shibuya Sake sommelier Luigi Alberganti will be hosting a private sake tasting at the MGM Grand’s Shibuya. From 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., three premium grades of sake – Junmai, Gingo and Daigingo – will be served, as well as unique appetizers prepared by executive Chef Stephane Chevet and his culinary team. Now is your chance to learn the art of sake! Stay tuned for more information in next week’s Eye.

rumjungle is heating up Mondays with “Spoil U Rotten” ladies’ night. From 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. every Monday, with DJ Big Dee, G0-Minor and a live remote from Hot 97.5, ladies are VIPs and drink free. Also at rumjungle on Friday, Feb. 16, “Sports Illustrated” “Sportsman of the Year” Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat will be hosting an official NBA All-Star party beginning at 10 p.m. The evening will feature live performances by Rich Boy and Slim Thug, and a fashion show by Rasjudah. Log on to www.chinagrillmgt.com for more information.

We wanted to give a quick shout-out to Qvegas kingpin Earl Shelton, who will be hosting a special launch party for the February issue of Qvegas magazine. From 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, the Qvegas magazine team will set up shop at KRAVE nightclub on the Strip and offer hors d’oeuvres, special gifts and an open bar from Smirnoff vodka. There also will be a special guest appearance from the cast of “Zumanity,” who happen to be featured on the cover! If you would like to attend the Qvegas magazine launch party, please RSVP by clicking here.

We want to wish a special “Happy Birthday” to one the town’s hottest club gals, Rachel Uchitel, who helps seamlessly operate Tao’s front door as the venue’s director of VIP operations.

More birthday wishes go out to Eye friend Brian Klimaski. The talented VIP host, who was once voted “Best VIP Host” by the “City Life” readers’ poll, celebrated Sunday night at Light nightclub before a late-night visit to the Men’s Club.

On Friday, Feb. 16, stop into Sephora at The Venetian and celebrate the launch of a special new limited edition Smashbox Collection with famous makeup artist Simone Legno. From 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., Smashbox and Sephora experts will get guests glowing with a makeup consultation and provide them with mini makeovers. No appointment is necessary. For more info, call (702) 735-3896.

“Actor,” “writer,” “producer” and “entrepreneur” are just a few words that describe Artie Lange. One of the most sought-after live comedians, Lange has been a regular on “The Howard Stern Show” for the past five years and, in that time, Lange’s popularity has skyrocketed. Lange will be performing Friday, Feb. 2, and Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Luxor. Fantasma Productions and Eye on Vegas would like to give away a pair of tickets to the show to one lucky reader. The fifth person that clicks (here) will win tickets for the Friday night show!

Elton John’s “The Red Piano” returns to Caesars Palace with January and February performance dates. Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer, Elton John is one of the world’s most successful touring artists and one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. Tickets may be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at (888) 4ELTONJ (435-8665), or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Last week, we told you about the legions of local celebrities and heavyweights who have taken to feasting at JR’s Place, a gaming tavern and Italian restaurant at 215 and South Durango. Within the last week, visitors included: heavyweight comic Jeffrey Beacher and right hand man Chad Weiner; real estate mogul Thomas Love with the infamous John Wayne Bobbitt, who made it nine days in a row with a stop by JR’s; casino honchos Bill and Nick Paulos; and even the staff of the Gucci store at the Bellagio, who were so impressed with the meatballs that they conducted an inpromptu photoshoot! Stop by and see Chef Susan Rispoli. You won’t be disappointed.

Local favorite DJ Scotty Boy has really been making a name for himself, working hard and hitting the road landing gigs from coast-to-coast. That being said, it’ll be nice to have him back home, even if it’s for a short time. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Scotty Boy will be gracing the turntables at Studio 54 for another round of renewed nightlife at Influence.

The Cast Inc. is inviting guests to a private showing of Lena Prima’s artwork along with a gourmet dinner at acclaimed French Restaurant Josette’s Bistro from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Lena Prima is not only an accomplished artist, but an outstanding singer and musician who has performed on stage in Las Vegas and all over the world. Guests have the opportunity to meet with Lena and receive a free gift from the artist! For tickets, call (702) 889-3587.

Steiner’s – A Nevada Style Pub is inviting football fans to join the fun on Sunday as it throws its Super Bowl XLI party, featuring unlimited food and beverage, raffles for cash, Miller Lite merchandise, cheerleaders,and more at all three locations. “We’re providing a fun, exciting environment at Steiner’s for everyone who enjoys watching football,” said Roger Sachs, director of operations. “We plan on making this our best Super Big Game party to hit Las Vegas yet!” Festivities begin at 2:30 pm. To make reservations, call (702) 367-7771.

Kaizen Fusion Roll & Sushi in Henderson and North Las Vegas will play host to a Super Bowl XLI viewing partying this Sunday. From 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., guests can enjoy all-you-can-drink free hot sake and $1 beer while watching the big game on plasma televisions. Call (702) 496-0216 for more info.

We’ve been telling you for three years now that Las Vegas owns Halloween, now more proof. The International Halloween Costume & Party Show has announced that after 23 years in Chicago, the show will move to Las Vegas in 2008. Also making the move, although it traditionally is held in a separate exhibition center, is the 12th annual National Haunt & Attractions show.

Beginning on Feb. 15 and lasting until March 20, “American Idol” finalist and Hawaiian vocalist Jasmine Trias temporarily will be replacing Lani Misalucha at the Society of Seven. Misalucha will be on hiatus promoting her No. 1-selling solo album. To purchase tickets to see Jasmine Trias perform, call the Flamingo Box Office at (702) 733-3333.

The first Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant was opened in California in 1988 by Dan Gordon and Dean Biersch, and ever since, the chain has grown coast to coast and across the Pacific to Honolulu. On Feb. 12, the 20th Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant will open up in Summerlin in Boca Park. The restaurant features a beautiful outdoor patio, a warm and expansive dining room, a spacious comfortable bar and private dining room for special events. For more info, or to secure interviews, please contact Todd Margoluis at (702) 562-9444.

Congratulations to Lisa LeRoux, director of beverage for Caesars Palace, who just received the Property Chairman Award for Excellence in Service! Congrats, Ms. Leroux. It’s funny how things come full circle, isn’t it?

From 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, the public is invited to sample pastries, sweets and chocolates from around the world at a pre-Valentine’s Day tasting at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas. Everything will be made exclusively by renowned chefs and students from the culinary school. The college is located at 1451 Center Crossing Road, behind Bank of America on Town Center Drive.

The Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas is the country’s only authentic, authorized reproduction of the original, centuries-old Hobrauhaus in Munich, Germany, and has been pouring a rare beer that contains 8 percent alcohol and has an ultra smooth taste. The powerful punch, Double Bock, can now be had only as long as the 50 kegs hold out. “Obviously, it is special to get this shipment in now, before the big NFL game,” said Hofbrauhaus LV president Stafan Gastager. “Everyone who loves beer should do themselves a favor and try it before it’s gone.”

A Pure Management Group venue in Los Angeles, huh? Hmmm, sounds interesting, we’ll just have to Watch and see What happens. A more interesting question is Where it might go. Hmm...

Monday, Jan. 29, at JET nightclub is looking to be a super-hot evening. Former Miss Nevada, Katie Rees, is being honored with a special coronation party that is being billed as a “Hail to the Queen” for the former beauty queen who is being anointed Miss JET Las Vegas. Look for Rees to accept a sash and large crown from the JET team. But wait, there’s more, as Rees won’t be the only hottie celebrating a special occasion tonight. Also present will be Eye on Vegas Girl and model Brittany Blasier. The up-and-coming beauty will be celebrating her long-awaited 21st birthday. Happy birthday, BB!

Don't forget to tell them "Eye" sent you.