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Best of Vegas: Mama Rabbit Mezcal + Tequila Bar
For years, the frontier of Las Vegas dining was exclusively populated by enterprising male chefs. Border Grill at Mandalay Bay was one of the first women-led operations, helmed by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Since then, restaurants such as Giada at The Cromwell and Chica at The Venetian have also made their mark. Now Bricia Lopez, of LA’s lauded Guelaguetza, brings a new concept to Park MGM with Mama Rabbit Mezcal +Tequila Bar. Lopez has long been heralded as a mezcal messiah of sorts, bringing this lesser-known Mexican agave-distilled alcohol to the masses. The niche beverage...read the rest here. This piece was written for Best of Vegas. Header image provided by Park MGM.
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Best of Vegas: Choosing the Right Cirque Du Soleil Show
For over twenty years, Cirque Du Soleil has been a fixture of Las Vegas entertainment. In that time, this celebrated institution has created six different spectacular shows. With these many offerings, it can be a challenge to choose the correct one for your personal preferences. Read on to find out exactly which Cirque Du Soleil show is the right experience for you. Mystère – at Treasure Island Cirque Du Soleil’s longest-running show pairs fantastical costumes with unmatched acrobatic athleticism. This Vegas classic also adds a dash of humor in the grand tradition of any big top circus. A great introduction into the world of Cirque performances, this experience can serve as an…
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Best of Vegas: Yayoi Kusama Exhibit Walkthrough at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Art exhibits might not be at the top of your Las Vegas to do list, but the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will convince you otherwise. The gallery has played host to some of the most illustrious names in art, including Warhol and Picasso. Two of Yayoi Kusama’s installations, “Infinity Mirrored Room – Aftermath of Obliteration” and “Narcissus Garden,” comprise the current exhibit. Visit the gallery to find out why Kusama was named to TIME‘s 100 Most Influential People list. Choose Your Own Adventure Showing at the Bellagio from Nov. 17th, 2018 through April 28th, 2019 there is a wide window to visit this immersive experience. Only seventy-five guests are allowed in the…
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DesignerCon 2018 Guide: Must Visit Booths
We are less than a week away from DCon and the excitement is mounting. With 700 vendors and more than 300 artists this year, looking at the map is overwhelming. But have no fear, your friendly neighborhood blogger is here! I’ve gathered some standouts and personal favorites to help you navigate this awesome sea. Standouts Starting with a biggie—Medicom (booth 405). This announcement filled me with many emotions, but the top one was surprise. Medicom doesn’t normally participate in US shows, so this is a momentous occasion that merits celebration. The legendary Japanese company and DCon organizers have anticipated the crowds the booth will draw, and designated a generous 40’X40’…
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DesignerCon 2018 Guide: Getting Ready
It’s November, which means my favorite time of year is approaching. Fall is here, the leaves are brown and a young woman’s mind turns to show exclusives! That’s right, it’s time for DesignerCon. Rich and I have been attending and/or vending at DCon since the beginning. We’ve seen the designer toy convention grow from five aisles of vendors to a sprawling event that can’t be contained by the Pasadena Convention Center. Last year we said good-bye to Pasadena. The lovely city streets, the quiet walk back to the hotel, the sushi restaurant with tiny floating boats in lieu of a conveyer belt. I’ll miss you all! This year is a…
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Banksy Is An Arsonist
In the art world and beyond, the name Banksy holds an indiscernible allure. The mystery artist who has flaunted unwritten rules of the artistic establishment and the actual laws of various countries is a polarizing figure. Some view Banksy as a criminal, others a genius. Although, at this point, his exploits and projects are likely the efforts of a collective rather than one single person. Perhaps Banksy, like the Dread Pirate Roberts has been many men (and women) over the years taking up the mantle of rebel, irreverent artist with a message. This past week, Banksy is making headlines once again. If you haven’t watched the shredded painting video yet,…
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Artist Feature: Joel Spencer and Nova May
In a nondescript warehouse behind the Strip on Harmon Avenue, magic happens. Not the abracadabra kind, but another more exciting sort. Ordinary everyday items are transformed into art. Real, tangible, immersive art. This warehouse is Joel Spencer and Nova May’s home away from home. It’s in this space that the partners in art (and life) create their impressive installations. Conjured from found, discarded, or unwanted materials, the couple conceives and builds fantastical experiences. We’re talking in the office of their commercial endeavor, ArtDepartment.Vegas, where clients can hire the pair to deliver anything from set design to public art, temporary or permanent. They’ve been involved nearly seven years, and have been…
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5 Reasons to Visit The Neon Museum
Before The Neon Museum came along, the Neon Boneyard was just what the name implies– heaps of old neon signs baking in the scorching desert sun. But through the dedication of passionate and resourceful people, it has transformed into a fun, uniquely “Vegas” excursion that adds to the city’s eclectic selection of museums and exhibits. For visitors and locals alike, here are 5 reasons to visit The Neon Museum now. View Vegas History Sin City is not a place known for its appreciation of history. The Strip is littered with new construction planted in the resting place of the many establishments that came before it. This lack of sentimental attachment, luckily...read…
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Why I’m Holding Out for Traditional Publishing
We live in the golden age of accessibility. The democratization of media has reduced barriers to entry in a variety of industries. With the advent of self-publishing, disseminating literary work has never been easier. The twin splintered ends of traditional and self-publishing offer opposing experiences. Each one speaks to different strengths and personalities. It runs contrary to my impatient nature, but I’m holding out for traditional publishing. This is why. Finances An argument I often hear in favor of self-publishing is the larger percentage of sales an author can earn. Yes, it’s true that traditional publishers take a big cut of your sales per book, but self-publishing carries many hidden…
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Reading: Devastating & Delightful
To read Chelsea Hodson’s essay collection, Tonight I’m Somone Else is to take up residence inside the author’s head. She doesn’t so much invite you in, instead, she pushes. And as you go careening forward you can’t help but enjoy the fall. If you’re a woman, you need to read this book. If you’re a writer, you need to read this book. If you’re currently breathing, you need to read this book. You need. To read. This book. Hodson posits we are not the mere sum of our experiences; we are not where we’ve been or what we’ve seen. Our selves are best summarized through our thoughts. The ones that…
