"Quick Bites"

- You gotta give Chuck Liddell credit, we thought for sure he was going down after an unorthodox training schedule that included training stops at PURE, Tao and Tryst on a nightly basis, even within the week leading up to the fight. It must be something in the Vegas air as Liddell delivered several knockout blows within the first minute of his fight with Renato Sobral before finishing it up at the 95 second mark. It kind of leaves us wondering if the Iceman would have held up in a prolonged battle. He's the most hard core dude we know...

- With some of the best dressed casino crowds this side of Monte Carlo, the city - not the hotel, it’s no wonder Wynn Las Vegas is getting into the MAGIC groove with several parties that have varying levels of difficulty to gain entrance to. LURE Ultra Lounge continues a strong promotional push with a Double Down Denim party on Tuesday (08/29) and a Fungina Lingerie Party on Wednesday (08/30). Also taking place on Wednesday is the Triple Five Soul clothing line party at Tryst Nightclub.

- If you happen to be at MAGIC, you might want to check out the new line of apparel that the National Basketball Association has just released, celebrating the upcoming All Star game, which will be held Strip-side in 2007. “We have already had unprecedented interest in NBA All-Star merchandise from licensees, retailers and fans,” said Sal LaRocca, NBA executive vice president, Global Merchandising Group. “Our licensees have done a great job of responding to the demand for All-Star products with a broad assortment of apparel and accessories that we will be showcasing between now and the All-Star Game in February.”

- Also unveiled this week in preparation for the NBA All Star game is a branded train car for Las Vegas’ very own Monofail. "The NBA-wrapped Monorail train is a great way to get both visitors and residents excited about this incredible event that is coming to Las Vegas," says Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO, LVCVA. Perhaps the monofail will be a better promotional tool than a transportation aid, at least we have our priorities straight here …

- When you’re opening the Strip’s only traditional Vietnamese restaurant you have to do things a little, well, untraditional. Tomorrow evening the folks at Treasure Island are celebrating the grand opening of Pho with an evening of prize giveaways, good food and karaoke in the TI Ballroom.

- Sure the Vegas Grand Prix isn’t until next April, but it’s never too early for a Web site. You can check out all the official news and happenings leading up to the return of open-wheel racing in Las Vegas and the brand new 2.4 mile, downtown street-course at www.vegasgrandprix.com.

- On September 25th David Scott Peters, an independent restaurant coach and trainer, is hosting a four-day seminar that offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee that promises to help independent restaurant owners, and those planning to open a restaurant, increase profits and take control of their operation. The seminar is taking place at Palace Station.

- We told you we had heard a ton of Vegas entertainment bigwigs were heading out to Los Angeles to check out the magic of Keith Barry. Whispers that have him being the next hot Vegas magician might just be onto something. Checking out his show in L.A. last week was Richard Sturm (MGM Mirage), Randy Philips (Caesars Palace), Bruce Eskowitz (Live Nation) and talent buyers Alix Hartley, Robert Norman and Brett Steinberg.

- Local spinster Farsheed reached out to ask for assistance from the Las Vegas nightlife community last week. We’ll share his plea in his own words,

- “To all my friends and fans, I don’t usually send out personal e-mails, but this is something very important to me because I have worked so hard for this. I am asking for your vote in the DJ Magazine 2006 Poll at www.djmag.com/top100. This is your chance to play a vital role in deciding the outcome of the most important poll in dance music today, recognized by DJs, promoters, and dance music lovers all over the world. I would greatly appreciate your vote and your help to pass the word on to your friends. I truly believe that if EVERY single one of you votes, I will make it in the Top 250 DJs in the world this year, and that would be a dream come true. All you have to do is click on the link and enter “Faarsheed” as well as your e-mail address, that’s it!”

- Do you remember a seemingly non-story ever getting so much press? Yesterday, the United Press released yet another story touting the Vegas relocation of New York City’s venerable CBGB’s and even named a September deadline, which of course is right around the corner. We still haven’t heard anything concrete …

- It’s getting closer! Earlier today Las Vegas Sands CEO and Chairman Sheldon Adelson laid a ceremonial gold brick officially completing construction on The Venetian Macau Resort project in Macau, China. "Just as the Sands Macau changed the landscape in Macau, so will The Venetian Macau," said William Weidner, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. "The Venetian will be Macau’s first truly integrated resort and will offer business and leisure guests an unrivalled experience." The 39-story Venetian Macau will open next summer.

- Clark County Sheriff Bill Young has proposed that surveillance on the Las Vegas Strip be handled by the large-and-in-charge resorts residing on it. The ACLU immediately denounced the notion, calling it a “move in the wrong direction.”

- The Associated Press reports that due to “lagging ticket sales” show times are being juggled for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular.’ Show times are being moved up an hour throughout the weekend and two of the late night 10P midweek performances have been cancelled. 

- The folks at Late Night Empire want you to start Labor Day weekend a day early. On Thursday night, Empire Ballroom will present two local favorites in DJ Scotty Boy and Joey Mazzola giving extra love to the locals with NO cover, $5 drinks and $150 bottles, yowsa!

- Rumors are flying fast and furious at what LVFBM advisory board member Hubert Keller has planned for the second anniversary of his hit French restaurant, Fleur de Lys (Mandalay Bay). Stay tuned for more details in next week’s Eye …

- You know who you are… we didn’t realize that cutting and pasting press releases made you a journalist. At least have the respect to re-write the damn thing.


CHEERS!

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Quick Bites ©Eye On Vegas and used by permission.