Congratulations to Tryst Nightclub's ultra-cool keeper of the podium, John Wood, who recently received a promotion to Assistant Director of VIP Services for Tryst Nightclub. Wood, who helped open the club back when it was La Bete, has truly developed into a serious up-and-comer on the nightclub scene under the tutorage of managing partner Jesse Waits. Look for this promotion to continue Woods rise to the top.

This Tuesday, April 3rd from 6 – 8pm, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba will be hosting a Spanish wine tasting outside on their patio. For $30, guests will sample 33 Spanish wines of all styles and price points. Plus tapas and paella! Reservations in advance are required. Call 702.258.1211 today!

Last week we finally got an email we had been waiting for when Simon Kitchen + Bar (Hard Rock Hotel) general manager Chris Wessling wrote to tell us that, finally, Kerry Simon's stellar hard rocking eatery was going back to seven days a week. You may remember that under the old Morton ownership, HRH brass had closed the see-and-be-seen restaurant on Monday and Tuesday nights so that the banquet and event sales team could use the space to sell private parties, which would then be catered by the HRH banquet kitchen? "You no longer have to remember what day of the week it is," Wessling wrote tongue-in-cheek, "beginning Tuesday, April 10th I will be opening the room back to 7 days a week!" Finally! We see a California pizza and dynamite special in our future…

Speaking of the Rock n' Roll chef Kerry Simon, he's days away from opening his newest restaurant venture in New York City, Spotlive Live. The outlet is being done in partnership with Elizabeth Blau and promises guests an opportunity to 'Eat, Drink and Be Famous'. Congrat's chef, we wish you nothing but success!

Whispers have magician Nathan Burton currently developing and producing a television situation comedy entitled "NATHAN!" Set in Las Vegas. Much of the show's material will be drawn from "real life" experiences and people Burton has encountered on his rapid rise to Las Vegas fame. Burton currently performs in his own show at the "V" Theatre at Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort.

The Nevada Restaurant Association has announced that for the second consecutive year, the Epicurean Affair will be hosted at the Flamingo Las Vegas on Thursday, May 31st. This year will be the 17th annual installment of the event that is a staple on the industry social calendar. "Our sprawling pool area is the perfect atmosphere for this prestigious event," said Flamingo President Don 'The Big Flamingo' Marrandino. "We are pleased to team up with the NHLA and NvRA to create a totally distinctive evening that guests won't soon forget." Tickets are now available for $125 per person or $1,000 per pack of ten tickets by calling 702.733.3333.

Congratulations to JET Nightclub who celebrated their one-year anniversary this weekend." This has been one heck of a year for all of us," wrote Light Group's vice president of customer development, Marklen Kennedy in a heartfelt email last week. "So many amazing times and memories, Thank you for your loyal patronage and support." For the full celebrity recap, please see Eye Spy above…

Speaking of Kennedy, the smooth-as-silk nightlife guy had a special birthday surprise for our CEO Michael Politz last week. While enjoying a birthday lunch at Todd English's Bellagio eatery, Olives, Politz was surprised by an early performance of the Bellagio Fountain Show arranged by Kennedy. As they ate on the patio with Edge Group beauty Farrah Smith, Politz was overwhelmed being serenaded by the fountains. Happy birthday big dog!

Mr. Vavoom will be hosting the Vegas Glam Bikini Fashion Party at the Voodoo Lounge on Thursday, April 19th with DJ's Joey Mazzola, L1 and the Voodoo Dolls. Doors open at 10pm with a hosted bar until 11pm. For table reservations, call (702) 777-6875. The scoops just keep coming!

Way back in July of last year (Vegas Eye Archives – 07/25/06) we wrote that downtown watering hole Hennessey's Tavern had plans to build the Brass Lounge on the second story of their Fremont Street location right inside the large neon, faux pint glass that adorned the building coining the promotion 'Party in the Pint'. This weekend, Hennessey's issued a press release noting, "Come party in the pint," while introducing Brass, an ultra-pub and lounge, and an opening party that was complete with live entertainment. Brass is open daily at 5:00P, inside the giant pint glass.

Zero Gravity Corporation, the first and only FAA-approved provider of commercial weightless flights has announced that Sharper Image will exclusively market and sell seats on Zero-G's public flights. The experience offered by Zero-G is the only commercial opportunity on Earth to experience true "weightlessness" without going to space. For current flight schedule, more information or to book a seat, call 1-800-937-6480.

The fabulous Mike Snedegar, author of the popular Glitteratti column, promises that he will have another rousing rendition of Glitteratti for our readers next week. Until then, you can vote for him on Body English's second annual Student Body English Elections where he's up for the 'Most Likely To Steal Your Girlfriend' category. Love it …

Las Vegas comedian Rita Rudner welcomed Jon Lovitz and Bobby Slayton backstage to her show at Harrah's Monday evening. Rudner is currently working on a television project with Lovitz in which they will play a brother and sister, forced to live together in middle-age. Slayton will be headlining at Hooters Casino Hotel beginning April 20th.

Looking for poolside entertainment this summer? Former Beach Boy member Billy Hinsche has been hard at work mentoring a new Beach Boys tribute band named 'Good Vibrations' that is drawing rave reviews from audiences across the country. In fact, they are so highly regarded that both former Beach Boy members Al Jardine and David Marks have given them the thumbs up! For more information email Mr. Hinsche here or check out their myspace page here.

The Tropicana Resort & Casino will reach a milestone this Wednesday, April 4th when it marks its 50th anniversary on the Las Vegas Strip. The casino/resort has seen many changes over its 50 years, but from the legendary Rat Pack era to the neon of today's Las Vegas mega resorts, the Tropicana has maintained its integrity as a classic Las Vegas playground for fun-loving adults. "The Tropicana was one of the first casino/resorts to define true Las Vegas style and entertainment," said Larry Johnson, Tropicana's casino general manager. Last Saturday, invited guests celebrated a celebrity-studded VIP party in the Grand Ballroom in honor of this historic achievement.

Early indications show that the Light Group's BARE Pool at The Mirage is going to have a very strong pool season. Although few of managements marketing initiatives have yet to get off the ground, last Friday showed an impressive impromptu gathering which included Light Group czar Andrew Sasson, poker legend Doyle Brunson, Myspace hero Ted Skillet, former Miss Nevada Katie Rees, JET's marketing director Steve Lockwood, local PR wiz Marc Jay and a bevy of bikini clad beauties.

The Barbary Coast is no more. The property is now officially under Harrah's regime and has been renamed Bill's Gambling Hall and Saloon after company patriarch and founder, Bill Harrah. Don't get any ideas however, the place isn't going anywhere. Proving the point, rumors have after hour czar Victor Drai re-upping the lease on his subterranean late night haunt. In other Bill's news, look for five-star gourmet restaurant Drai's to close for food service, instead opting for a nightlife only structure. Sources indicate that the restaurant will resurface in the future, just at a different property more North on the Strip, hmmm…