Las Vegas Mixtape v26: Tears For Fears “Rule” The Fontainebleau, “Miss Behaving” at the Plaza, and More

1. Track #1: Tears For Fears @BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

On the second of three sold-out shows at the BleauLive Theater at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Tears For Fears—Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith—proved to be as musically and socially relevant as ever. The duo’s finely etched hits and heady insights kept coming on strong in a well-paced show highlighted by “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” “Shout,” and the neo-psychedelic “Sowing The Seeds of Love,” which contains the pointed wake-up-call lyrics: “Time to eat all your words/Swallow your pride/Open your eyes.”

With a kaleidoscopic stage production enhancing the group’s big guitar/synth mix and lush vocal blend, the show celebrated Tears For Fears’ legacy and the strength of four new studio songs. Of these, it was particularly easy to fall for the musically soaring “Emily Said” (about searching for personal transcendence) and the lyrically dark-if-hopeful “Say Goodbye To Mum and Dad,” which advocates opting out of a broken society: “It’s no life, this island of fear/When tomorrow comes/We’ll brave the wild frontier/Get out this place.”

Tears For Fears are already on track to return to the Fontainebleau early next year with four shows: January 31 and February 1, 5, and 7.

2. Track #2: Mi Barrio Kitchen and Cocktails @Arts District

Indie-proud Commerce St in the Arts District is located one block west of the popular Main St and is already home to the nautical-themed bar Stray Pirate, the massive horror collectibles emporium Nightmare Toys, and specialty boutique clothing stores Sin Amor Studio and Alt Rebel.

Now comes Mi Barrio Kitchen and Cocktails on the same street. It’s a bright and airy Mexican brunch spot, open every day from 9am to 4pm, with a bustling bar. Sit outside or inside under a high ceiling and enjoy the spirit-lifting blue and orange interior. You’ll feel like you’re on a sunny and warm vacation far from chilly-right-now-Vegas.

For my first visit, we ordered three selections that instantly brought smiles to our faces: the blissful breakfast-meets-dessert creation, Arroz Con Leche Pancakes; the classic Huevos Rancheros; and a distinctive Custom Sope Benedict with fried masa, beans, poached eggs, chives, and hollandaise sauce (add a choice of meat).

The craft cocktails are smartly conceived, with their names echoing the restaurant’s feel-good atmosphere: Morning Delight, Day Dreaming, and Vamos A La Playa. No wonder Mi Barrio gets its drinks right. Co-owners Jonathan Barbosa and Tony Martinez also have the popular SerVehZah Bottle Shop and Tap Room, a little further down Commerce St, in their portfolio.

3. Track #3: “Miss Behave’s Mavericks” @Plaza Hotel & Casino

“We got you covered,” said Amy Saunders, the British-born ringleader and thrillingly witty comic of “Miss Behave’s Mavericks,” now playing in the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s lovingly restored showroom.

“Covered” indeed—with burlesque, circus-type acts, and extraordinary human feats, soundtracked with songs like Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit,” Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You,” and Sinatra’s “Luck Be A Lady.”

It’s a brilliant, sexy, and madcap 21-and-over variety show with both mainstream and left-of-center appeal.  Where else can you delight in seeing a burlesque dancer striding a replica of Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog sculpture?

On the night I dropped in to see this self-described “ever-changing show,” there was also a human contortionist, hand-balancer, juggler, hula hoop dancer, and an oddball (and very good) lounge singer, plus more. Resident MC and impressive sword swallower Saunders, decked out in her white jumpsuit and headgear, provided cohesion with her trademark funny commentary throughout.

If you’re a Vegas local, there’s an attractive $35 ticket offer (general admission for others starts at $49). Let it also be known there are absolutely no ticket fees, the showroom bar is reasonable, and—drumroll, please— parking’s free. “Miss Behave’s Mavericks” proves there’s life beyond the Strip—it’s a terrific reason to explore downtown. Why not start your “miss behaving” evening at the hotel’s Oscar’s Steakhouse and perhaps end it on the adjacent Fremont Street Experienc?

4. Track #4: Washing Potato @Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Everyone wants to look forever young—and frankly, why not?

That’s one good reason to make a reservation at the Chinese eatery Washing Potato at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas where the dramatic and theatrical black box lighting is extremely sympathetic to its guests. The gorgeous, sprawling dining room is also something to behold, with artful projections moving on the walls. You’ll feel cultured and smart just by sitting there.

The other good reason to go here is for the creative dim sum choices from Michelin-starred Chef Richard Chen. Try the squash and pine nut dumpling and the pan-fried prawn and chive dumpling for starters. We were also impressed by the Singapore Fried Noodles and the perfectly fried, juicy, and seductive Lemon Chicken.

I’m excited to try the Peking Duck Salad and Thai Massaman Curry—two offerings that are loudly calling my name—on a return visit.

5. Track #5: Ciao Vino @Boca Park in Summerlin

There’s another new Italian restaurant in Summerlin—Ciao Vino in the massive Boca Park shopping center in Summerlin. I’m happy to report that it’s instantly a standout in the off-Strip dining scene.

The setting is luxurious, with elegant chandeliers throughout, and the food—by Chef Joel Myers, formerly of Osteria Fiorella, just down the road at Red Rock Casino Resort—is deftly prepared and attractively plated.

Our starter, the classic margarita pizza, was absolutely perfect and obviously made with top-shelf ingredients. The same is true of the dishes that followed: the orecchiette with fennel sausage and the Chicken Francese. Two sides also captivated: the fresh grilled asparagus with lemon oil and the “Brentwood Corn Ribs,” Myers’ play on corn on the cob with Aleppo pepper and whipped yogurt.

Finally, I can’t recommend the Ricotta Zeppola Donuts enough. These little donuts, filled with citrus lemon curd and limoncello, are served with affogato (vanilla ice cream and hot espresso). Honestly, a dreamy dessert like this can improve one’s mental health.

Bonus Track Medley:

America may not have elected its first female president, but I will always believe in the power of women. Walking through the ultra-luxe Crystal Shops in Las Vegas, I spotted this ferocious-looking bag, with the three-finger armor attached, in the window of the Phillip Plein store. I went inside, where saleswoman Lisa Chintel graciously modeled this bold expression of female empowerment. Attention, holiday shoppers: the bag will set you back around $2,000.

If you wake up with an itch that needs to be scratched, go find relief by ordering the Chicken Parm sandwich at the relatively new Parm. That’s the fast casual spin-off of the NYC-originated high-end restaurant Carbone at ARIA’s Proper Eats Food Hall. The sandwich is a divine creation, with a soft freshly baked and seeded Italian roll, crispy chicken cutlet, ample Parmesan, and a little basil leaf. The portion size is satisfyingly big, so you can conceivably have lunch and dinner all at once.