January '08 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 1-19-08

Paltrow's doing fine, Batali says

When Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow was hospitalized this week, star chef Mario Batali was on the telephone with her, passing along get-well wishes.

She's fine, Batali told me Thursday during a table visit at the VIP opening of his latest restaurant, Carnevino, at the Palazzo.

Paltrow spent a night in New York's Mount Sinai Hospital on Monday, and her condition was a mystery until Batali spilled the beans.

"Big hype, not a big problem," said Batali, who described Paltrow's problem as "a little gastrointestinal situation."

Paltrow and Batali have two weeks of shooting left in Europe for a PBS show called "On the Road Again in Spain." They'll resume shooting in March in Majorca, Valencia and Madrid, he said.

Batali grew up in Seattle and attended high school in Spain. His four years in Spain "were the best thing that ever happened in my life." At 16, he ran with the bulls in Pamplona, where he returned to shoot restaurant segments.

As one of the founding fathers of the Food Network, his deal with PBS has raised some eyebrows. It comes at a time when the network is losing one of its mainstay shows, "Emeril Live!" starring Emeril Lagasse.

Batali, who reportedly wasn't happy when the Food Network turned down his show with Paltrow, and Lagasse were huddling during a late-night dinner at Carnevino.

Carnevino, a steakhouse concept, is Batali's third Las Vegas restaurant, all on the same block. He and his winemaker business partner Joe Bastianich opened B & B and Enoteca San Marco in The Venetian.

TO THE RESCUE

Happens every year, it seems.

This time it was reigning Miss America Lauren Nelson whose luggage didn't arrive.

She found herself scrambling to find an outfit to wear for the red carpet at Barneys New York at the Palazzo grand opening.

She ran over to Fashion Show mall and picked out a blue dress and silver sandals at BCBG.

By midday Friday, Nelson's luggage still hadn't made it, putting in doubt her Friday photo shoot with the Review-Journal at the Palazzo.

So our Susan Stapleton, editor of the R-J's fashion section, image, dashed over to Saks Fifth Avenue at Fashion Show mall and borrowed five outfits and three pairs of shoes for Nelson.

Nelson picked out a gold Nanette Lepore dress and Jimmy Choo shoes for her image cover shot, which appears next Friday.

Photo: Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson lost her luggage but found time to pick up a dress from BCBG before walking the red carpet at The Shoppes at the Palazzo for the grand opening of Barneys on Thursday. Photo by Duane Prokop/Review-Journal

The Scene And Heard

Diana Ross' performance tonight at the Palazzo's grand opening gala comes almost 38 years to the day of the Supremes' final engagement together. They performed at the Frontier Hotel on Jan. 14, 1970, and recorded "Farewell," their last album. It was Ross' last night with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. Ross' replacement, Jean Terrell, was brought onstage and introduced.

Sunday 01-20-08

Adelson Comments on Building Walls

In the city famous for its perpetual game of one-upmanship, Sheldon Adelson's new 50-story Palazzo is a monument to the rivalry between Adelson and Steve Wynn.

The wall grew higher last week when Adelson, on the eve of unveiling the Palazzo, suggested Wynn's time "has come and gone."

Wynn declined to comment on Adelson's latest tweaking of his competitors in an interview for a USA Today article by Las Vegas freelance writer/podcaster Steve Friess.

But now there's another aggravation for Wynn: The best VIP suites atop Wynn Las Vegas once offered a stunning Strip view. Now, I've learned, the view is blocked by Palazzo, which is located across Spring Mountain Road from the Wynn.

The height of the Palazzo came up in Friess' interview.

Asked whether the Palazzo was taller than the Wynn, Adelson said, "I think so. I know Steve Wynn says we were trying to outbuild him." The subject came up a few years ago, when they were still talking.

"He said, 'You know your building is taller than mine. What are you trying to do?

"It was a big part of the argument why he didn't like us," said Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., which includes The Venetian.

While Wynn isn't responding to Adelson's latest jabs, Wynn made it clear in a recent interview with me that he misses the kinder, gentler days of Las Vegas.

"We never had jealousy and sniping until relatively late in the history of the town. And it came from newcomers, not guys who have grown up in the business," Wynn said.

"That's a Sheldon Adelson thing," he said. "We didn't have it before. It was just the opposite; we all went and gambled at each others' openings. ... There's no animosity there, there's no jealousy. There may be a 'Wow, look at that, there's something to shoot at, let's do better than that.'

"But it's sort of healthy. We've all done well because we've been with each other here, not in spite of each other. The secret of Las Vegas is the fact that we've all been here," Wynn said.

He compared the animosity of today with the day he sold his Mirage Resorts to Kirk Kerkorian's MGM for $6.4 billion.

He and Kerkorian "went out and celebrated when we made our deal," Wynn said.

"He was a customer at the Nugget, played blackjack with me. Came down for bread pudding in the buffet. There's not a speck of jealousy in that man."

KEEPING TABS

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her camp ate a little higher off the hog than her rival Barack Obama during their campaigning in Las Vegas last week.

Both campaigns called N9NE Steakhouse at the Palms minutes apart Friday for a food delivery.

Chef Barry Dakake and Jenna Morton, wife of N9NE co-owner Michael Morton, delivered $200 worth of food, including two Kobe burgers, two organic chicken sandwiches and one order of Dover sole, for the Obama camp to a conference room at the Las Vegas Signature Terminal.

The Clintons' tab came to $1,530 and included entrees of nine steaks, three chicken, three salmon, three Maine scallops and two lobster pappardelle; salads; sashimi; rock shrimp; and side dishes.

The Clintons, who stayed at a Bellagio villa, also ordered a large delivery from N9NE on Monday.

The Scene And Heard

Actor Tate Donovan, who dated Jennifer Aniston and was in 36 episodes of "The O.C.," was in town for the caucuses as documentary producer and Obama supporter. He was at the Wynn on Saturday helping filmmaker Amy Rice on a documentary on Obama. The coolest thing he saw was the costume parade of workers showing up to caucus. "Culinary cooks, cocktail waitresses, nightclub staffers, everybody in their own work clothes." ...

Miley Cyrus' three Hannah Montana shows at the MGM Grand Garden were sellouts, but ticket brokers still got stuck with a lot of tickets. A number of them were offering hotel concierges two-for-one deals on Friday at face value.


Monday 01-21-08

Ross performance at Palazzo in doubt Motown icon Diana Ross, playing before her largest Las Vegas crowd in years, kept us hanging on and wondering: was it live or a masterpiece of music technology? The former Supremes star raised suspicions early during her nine-song performance at Saturday's concert capping the grand opening weekend of the $1.9 billion Palazzo. Ross' voice was spectacular, but there were questions because she not only performed with a sound track that included backup singers and a band, she also requested that she not appear on the jumbo screens on each side of the stage. In an age with so much enhancement technology available, there were doubters. "She had the microphone down and you could still hear her voice," said one of a number of attendees who came away convinced Ross had lip-synched. "If she pulled off the mic," said a longtime audio engineer working at a Strip property, "and level didn't change, science says that's tape." One of Ross' biggest fans, female impersonator and Riviera headliner Frank Marino, insisted it was vintage Ross. "I was right up front and everything coming out of the mic was 100 percent her," said Marino, who has made a career of lip-synching Joan Rivers. "She was using a click track; it's what people use on a corporate gig," he said. "The tracks are laid down for your music and your background vocals are on there. "She stopped twice to tell the sound man 'I can't hear the music, would you make it louder?'" Marino said. "If she were lip-synching, the song she was singing would have continued to play. Being in a show for 22 years that involves lip-synching, I consider myself an expert." While some of the 5,000 show-goers grumbled that Ross' performance had the feel of a corporate show, the $129 ticket for the concert also included performances by Seal, Venetian headliner Wayne Brady, a rousing preview of "Jersey Boys" and five songs by Andy Garcia and his Cineson All-Stars band. "If I could pick up a million dollars by throwing my heels and a cassette tape in my purse, I'd do it, too," Marino said. Ross' diva reputation remains firmly intact. She also requested that no photographers be allowed to shoot her performance -- which didn't stop hundreds from using cell phones -- and she declined to attend a pre-concert VIP meet-and-greet. Ron Reese, corporate vice president of communications for Sands Corp., the parent of The Venetian and Palazzo, said Ross "was singing live." The Scene And Heard Longtime Siegfried and Roy manager Bernie Yuman and Nicole Durr, who produced the short-lived "Havana Nights" at the Stardust, are reportedly working with Hollywood heavyweight publicist Ken Sunshine on an entertainment project for the Palazzo. Sunshine, who represents Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Leonardo DiCaprio, was spotted at the Palazzo concert on Saturday. Miss Colorado, Maggie Ireland, is the tallest of the Miss America contestants at 5-foot-11 and Miss Nevada, Caleche Manos, is a smidge shorter. Nevadans can help Manos reach the finals by casting a vote for her at www.TLC.com/MissAmerica and click on Nevada. An extra finalist is being added through the Internet vote.

Tuesday 01-22-08

Cyrus lifts spirits of kids in hospital

Miley Cyrus made a surprise visit to the children's cancer ward at Sunrise Hospital that left her young fans "more excited than Christmas."

Cyrus, the 15-year-old star of Disney's runaway hit "Hannah Montana" TV show, stunned a room full of kids when she arrived in their play area about 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

"They were really surprised," said Monique Matthews, whose daughter, 12-year-old Tamera, had her picture taken with the entertainment phenom and got to attend Sunday's concert, the last of three at the MGM Grand Garden.

Cyrus spent 90 minutes visiting with stricken children, signing autographs, posing for photographs and chatting.

"She lifted spirits. It's so nice to see famous people help the kids," Matthews said.

"She's really sweet," said Tamera Matthews, who needed a boost after eight months in the ward. "Some kids were too sick so she went to see them."

Cyrus' visit made a difficult weekend more bearable for Tamera's mother.

"I found out Saturday that she has relapsed," said Matthews, who also learned that same day that Tamera had been invited to the concert. Tamera wasn't told about her setback until Monday.

"I didn't want to say anything until afterward," said the mother of three.

When Tamera heard the prognosis from her mother, "she told me, 'At least I got to meet Hannah Montana.' "

The Scene And Heard

Sashay over to Trader Vic's (Planet Hollywood Resort) tonight for a meet-and-greet with 20 former Miss Americas. Open to the public, the event runs from 5-7:30 p.m. ...

"The Sopranos Last Supper" abruptly ends a two-year run tonight at the Empire Ballroom to move to the Riviera. The interactive dinner theater will open Jan. 31 at the Riv, and Steve Schirripa of the real "Sopranos" will be joining the cast on media night, Feb. 12th. ...

Sylvester Stallone, in town for Thursday's world premiere of his final "Rambo" film, still loves a brawl. He's ordered tickets to Wednesday's welterweight UFC tilt between Mike Swick and Josh Burkman. Tickets are still available. ...

Hometown NASCAR hero Kurt Busch will be appearing in Golden Gaming's "My PT's" ad on Super Bowl Sunday. Back in August, moments after winning the Pennsylvania 500, he gave a shout-out to the local tavern chain. He nicknamed his No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge the "PT Cruiser" in honor of his crew chief Pat Tryson. ...

The Las Vegas Gladiators might have done quarterback Shaun King, a disaster in the Arena Football League last season, a favor by cutting him loose after a 1-5 start. He has been doing a solid job as a football analyst on ESPN's "Cold Pizza." He predicted during Monday's show that the Giants will upset the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Wednesday 01-23-08

Super Bowl Ring to Have Company

George Wallace's annual family reunion just added a seventh Super Bowl ring to its collection.

Each year, the extended family gathering in Atlanta prominently features a display of Super Bowl rings won by family members who were on teams that played in the NFL's showcase game.

The latest addition will be courtesy of Wallace's nephew, New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, who won a trip to Phoenix after the Giants beat Green Bay 23-20 in the NFC Championship Game Sunday.

Wallace's brother, Steve, earned three Super Bowl rings in the 1990s as an offensive lineman with the San Francisco 49ers. Cousin Bobby Hamilton has two from his days with the New England Patriots as a defensive end.

All three lasted 12 years in the NFL.

"And my momma's a don't-talk-back," cracked Wallace, the veteran stand-up comedian who headlines at the Flamingo.

Toomer, 33, has become a favorite target of Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Toomer has a ring from the 2001 Super Bowl, when the Giants lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34-7.

The family reunion at Six Flags Over Georgia last summer numbered 665 people, said Wallace, who hosts a comedy night each year, bringing in such special guests as Chris Tucker, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Holliday and Jimmy Walker.

"Instead of just a big picnic in the park, we have a 'Career Day,'" he said, which puts a spotlight on "all the doctors, lawyers, preachers and professionals. We've just got a lot of good people in my family," including a 102-year-old aunt.

Wallace's Super Bowl plans were locked up late Sunday with a call from former roommate Jerry Seinfeld, who performs at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace Feb. 1 and 2, the weekend of the Super Bowl.

"Jerry just called and said, 'Are we going?' We decided we're going to go to New York to watch it at his place. We do it every year. When I walk off the stage on Saturday night, the two of us are flying out on a private plane."

The Scene And Heard

Planet Hollywood Resort is about to climb into the boxing ring. The Telegraph in London is reporting that Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl is promoting an April light heavyweight fight at Thomas & Mack Center between champion Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe of Wales. A news conference is planned this week. ...

Steve Martorano, owner-chef of Café Martorano at the Rio and in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is back in town after a lengthy absence following triple bypass surgery in November. Also back at the eccentric Italian eatery: the original policy that allowed cocktails during dinner, menus in hand and tap water on request. ...

Anybody else heard this? I've received several queries from passers-by who swear they saw Chelsea Clinton standing with others at the scene of a traffic accident at Sahara and Rancho in mid-week last week. ...

Mirage headliner Danny Gans is officially in negotiations with MGM Mirage. He started his 10-year deal in April 2000. ...

Steve Schirripa of "The Sopranos" will be attending the Feb. 12 media night event for "The Sopranos Last Supper" at the Riviera, not joining the cast.

Thursday 01-24-08

Michigan pageant success is in genes

A Michigan family has gone full circle in the Miss America pageant.

Sixty-four years after winning Miss Michigan, 83-year-old Iora Hunt is in town to watch her granddaughter, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund, compete for the Miss America crown.

Hunt won Miss Michigan in 1944, with World War II raging and her husband-to-be fighting the Japanese in the South Pacific.

Her 19-year-old granddaughter, who was named the Lifestyle and Fitness winner Wednesday night in preliminary competition, made sure her grandmother arrived in Las Vegas with a crown.

"They didn't have state crowns back then," said Haglund. "So I got the word to my executive director and we made it happen. We ordered a crown for her."

Haglund grew up reading her grandmother's scrapbook and, upon turning 17, decided to follow in some famous footsteps.

"As soon as I was eligible, I said, 'I just have to try it, just once,' " said Haglund, who not only won the local competition in her first try but also claimed Miss Michigan on her first attempt.

She's taking a year off from the University of Cincinnati's Conservatory of Music, where she is majoring in musical theater, with Broadway as her goal as a singer or dancer.

She will be singing "Over the Rainbow" at the pageant.

In 1944, her grandmother sang "Goodnight, Wherever You Are," a patriotic salute to the troops.

Haglund's platform is raising awareness of eating disorders. She chose it because she has lived it. She had to confront the issue at 16.

COPPERFIELD'S SECRET IS OUT

Las Vegas headliner David Copperfield and a Czech model have had two children, who are being raised in Las Vegas, according to the National Enquirer.

Marie Petlickova's Las Vegas attorney quoted her as saying: "David is a wonderful, loving and caring father. Please respect our privacy."

The acknowledgment comes as a federal grand jury continues to investigate rape allegations made against Copperfield by a Seattle woman.

Petlickova, her mother and the children have lived in a $1.5 million home at a local country club since 2006. The Enquirer reported that property records show the home is owned by David Kotkin LLC, a company controlled by Copperfield. Copperfield's real name is David Kotkin.

MISS NEVADA

Miss Nevada Caleche Manos is among the top three candidates for Miss America's Quality of Life award. The winner will be announced at 11 a.m. today.

It was a given she would stand out this week.

"My 5-inch heels elevate me to a towering 6-3," said the blonde.

Her custom Sherri Hill gown, which she wore Wednesday night, is a peacock blue and "red carpet worthy," she said.

A senior at the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in interior design and communications, she rooms with Caydi Cole, Miss Nevada 2006.

The Scene And Heard

The red carpet for the world premiere of "Rambo" starts at 6:30 tonight on the mezzanine level of Planet Hollywood Resort. Sylvester Stallone and the cast will be joined by the 52 Miss America contestants and other surprise guests. The public is invited. The Miss America preliminaries continue at 8 tonight. Some tickets remain at the box office. ...

Luxor headliner Carrot Top started filming a reality show pilot this week for A&E. He's being followed around by the same producers who helmed "Family Jewels," the reality show featuring KISS frontman Gene Simmons. Another camera crew has been shooting the latest episode of Criss Angel's "Mindfreak" at the Luxor.

Friday 01-25-08

McCain just right for 'Rambo' star

Rambo is ready to cast his vote for Republican John McCain.

Sylvester Stallone, in Las Vegas for the world premiere of his fourth and last "Rambo" film, said Thursday, "Right now, I like McCain," when asked who was his choice to be the next U.S. president.

"It's like casting for a film," Stallone told me. "You want the right person for the right part. And right now, with all this turmoil in the world, we need a man who is a statesman and understands the ramifications of the war."

He added, "This is the worst time for on-the-job training."

California's Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, joined Stallone on the red carpet at Planet Hollywood Resort, along with the "Rambo" cast.

Photo: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, joins actor Sylvester Stallone and Planet Hollywood owner Robert Earl at Thursday night's world premiere of Stallone's "Rambo" at the Las Vegas resort.
Courtesy photo by Denise Truscello

The Scene And Heard

What are the odds? Miss Nebraska Ashley Bauer and Miss Wyoming Jennifer Lee McCafferty are both from Scottsbluff, Neb. They have been competing against each other since the local county fair level and on up through Nebraska's Miss America competition. Scottsbluff has gone from never having had a Miss Nebraska winner to having two Miss America contestants in the same year, Bauer said.

Both even attended the same middle school, although they were two years apart,

A year ago, Bauer was first runner-up in the Miss Nebraska competition and McCafferty, who attends the University of Wyoming, was third runner-up. ...

Hot spots and cool stuff: A Rock 'n' Roll Wine tasting runs from 7-10 p.m. at the Canyon Club, the new downtown music venue at the Four Queens. ...

Dethroned Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees turns over her Miss Jet Las Vegas title tonight to party-girl Miss USA Tara Conner at The Mirage nightspot. Emcee Jeff Beacher is bringing a mini-Donald Trump to the coronation. ...

Tito Ortiz, former UFC champion and a cast member of NBC's hit reality show, "Celebrity Apprentice," celebrates his 33rd birthday with girlfriend Jenna Jameson at CatHouse (Luxor) tonight.

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