1. Track #1: Vickie’s Diner, at Commercial Center
When the world becomes too much to bear, it’s wise to head to Vickie’s Diner on Sahara Ave. That’s where the waitresses will calm your nerves by soothingly telling you things like, “Are you doing OK babe?” and “Do you need a box to go, love?” Dropping in on a recent Sunday morning to this bustling eatery—which is accented with a pink-and-gray theme, right down to the salt and pepper shakers—the world felt less cruel, less apocalyptic.
Owned by Vickie Kelesis, this blessedly old-school diner opened two years ago in Commercial Center, having moved from the now-defunct landmark White Cross Drugs on Las Vegas Blvd South. Because of its history, Vickie’s bills itself as “the oldest diner in Las Vegas and landmark and a tradition.” Her uncle Pete Kelesis is said to have opened the very first Vegas diner, Tiffany’s, once upon a time.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vickie’s three-egg Greek omelet with feta cheese, home fries, and toast. It was tasty in a down-home way, not like the elegant breakfast choices at the dreamy Sadelle’s at the Bellagio. But that’s OK—sometimes, “simple” gets the job done.
**Early bird alert: Vickie’s Diner opens daily at 6:00 am and closes at 2:00 pm.
2. Track #2: “Ain’t Too Proud,” Reynolds Hall at Smith Center
Amid the neo-art deco splendor of The Smith Center, it was a treat to see “Ain’t Too Proud,” the touring musical that celebrates the music and meaningful history of the Temptations. The former Broadway show, based on surviving member Otis Williams’ 1988 memoir written with Patricia Romanowski, is joyously funky, gritty, and poignant.
With a muscular band backing the performers, the imaginatively staged “Ain’t Too Proud” rolls out the legendary Motown group’s massive hits interspersed with their story of success, intense internal friction, and tragedy (co-lead singer David Ruffin accidentally died from a crack cocaine OD).
Notably, the Temptations managed to successfully move beyond their early ‘60s pop hits like “My Girl” and “I Wish It Would Rain” to sing unflinchingly about world chaos and racism in songs such as “Ball of Confusion” (1970). Catch the musical—an important salute to Black culture—when it inevitably comes back around.
3. Track #3: Lamaii, Chinatown
It’s hard to imagine cultural life in Vegas minus Chinatown, with its 150-plus restaurants (not limited to Asian eateries) and hipster bars crammed into 3-mile around on and around Spring Mountain Rd. One favorite row of restaurants of mine is located in a shopping center that includes the one-two-three punch of Lamaii (Thai), Taru (Sushi Bar & Grill) and Sparrow + Wolf (modern American cuisine). For this mixtape, I wanted to spotlight Lamaii, where I’ve dined five or so times in the last two years.
From its expertly conceived dishes to the seductive design and moody lighting where everyone looks like they’re “worth a million in prizes” (to quote a lyric from Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life”), this is a must-visit spot. There are so many you-can’t-go-wrong choices here, like the Loui Suan starter, which is sautéed ground pork, green leaf, and Thai herbs wrapped in fresh rice paper. It’s light, a little crunchy, and transcendent.
Looking for a meatless wonder? Try their Basil Eggplants stir-fried with fresh basil and garlic. There’s also the beautifully plated Tom Yum Hang—grilled salmon with sautéed bok choy and tom yum sauce. Lamai’s pad Thai with chicken, the “spaghetti and meatballs” of Thai restaurants, is exceptional here; it’s upliftingly sweet and silky.
Bonus: Lamaii just opened an outpost in Henderson—a sign of its growing success.
4. Track #4: Atomic Saloon
The “Atomic Saloon Show” at the Venetian logged its 1500th show this past September, and it’s as gloriously indecent and witty as ever. Having seen the show for a second time in early November, I’m happy to report that it remains a celebration of sin and all-inclusive sexuality with showgirls and showboys, staged in an intimate and impressively designed funhouse resembling an Old West brothel.
The folks at Spiegelworld—who’ve also brought us such equally insane and long-running Vegas shows as “Absinthe” and “OPM”—are masters at overloading your senses. The fast-moving “Atomic Saloon” has in-your-face near-nudity, skits mocking religious conservatism with deliberately corny lines, and virtuosic acrobatic dancers hanging from ropes without a net.
Every character in the revue, including the preacher, is going to hell, and the perfectly chosen music—with such songs as Big & Rich’s “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy),” Britney’s “Work Bitch,” and Jace Everett’s “Bad Things”—amps up the proceedings. “Atomic Saloon” has a lot going for it: campy flair, non-stop energy, hoop dancing, hand balancers, dazzling choreography from the entire cast, and more. Long may it run.
5. Track #5: “Unstripped,” Arts District
There’s good news for those who missed “Vegas Unstripped,” this past October’s outdoor culinary hoedown. Known as Vegas’ “only festival by chefs, about chefs,” the annual event will return earlier than usual next year, on May 18, according to presenter Eric Gladstone and his firm The Feast of Friends.
This year’s “Vegas Unstripped” (the fourth one) underlined how closely knit the off-Strip Vegas culinary community is. It took place on a gorgeous Saturday night in the Arts District, with 1,000 wall-to-wall revelers who sampled an array of food and exchanged hugs.
I learned about restaurants and food trucks I haven’t experienced yet—Yu-or-Mi Sushi, Table 34, and the vegan Yaqui Zen Kitchen, among them.
Comments
0 comment