REVOLT IN VEGAS
Reviews by Brian & Leslie Terhorst
On our most recent visit to Sin City the crew from REVOLT IN STYLE had a number of objectives. First was to walk the multiple trade shows end to end. Kiss cheeks, shake hands & re-connect with some top clothing brands, basically, see what the world of fashion is up to in 2014. Second was to review some resorts and ‘Las Vegas’ style experiences. Third, and possibly our favorite objective… to find and sample some of the best food in Las Vegas. From casual to fine dining and everything in between, we want to sample everything from tacos to burgers to steaks.
We reached out to a number of venues and PR firms & were bombarded with offers to come and sample the best of what Vegas has to offer. While we are well aware of the newer hotels such as Aria, Vdara, and Cosmopolitan that have sprouted up on the Strip, we were happy to hear from a few of the more established resorts like The Palms and LUXOR Las Vegas. Both happily offered up some Las Vegas hospitality that we simply could not pass up. Two days later we were strolling down the Las Vegas Strip in the stifling desert heat, sucking down obscenely large, alcohol infused slurpees, plotting our next stop.
God, I love LAS VEGAS!
Now, Las Vegas has been good to the RIS crew over the years. Dana White & company over at the UFC have set us up numerable times ringside for some of the biggest MMA (mixed martial art) fights to ever take place in the Octagon.
Planet Hollywood once provided us their lavish ‘Honeymoon Suite’, after Leslie and I were ‘Married by Elvis’ at Graceland Wedding Chapel.
By day we have beat the heat, lounging poolside at resorts like: Planet Hollywood, Red Rock and Caesars Palace. By night we have crashed our share of parties at the many surreal nightclubs on (and off) the strip. The Act, Tao, Ghost Bar, LAX, and HAKKASAN are just a few of the nightclubs that have allowed us to skirt the long lines and post up in their VIP sections.
Las Vegas is an incessant and most demanding ‘itch’ that must be scratched (usually) a few times a year. We have found out thru trial & error that two days is never enough, and five days are just too many. I have driven and flown home with a World Class hangover, looking death square in the face and vowing: “Never again. And this time, I mean it!”
THE TRADES
Every six months, the trade show circuit kicks into gear, brands gather to display their wares & stores’ buyers line up to make their orders. This fundamental leg of the industry has become so much more than a simple trade show at this point where clothes are displayed, hyped & sold wholesale. The degree to which people attempt to out-do their competition and one-up the booth next door is astonishing.
Where else in the world can see Corporate suits & Gangster rappers rubbing shoulders with laid back surfers & hipster pukes? Celebrities like Pharrell, Travis Barker milled around with uber pop artist Ron English & tattoo Hall Of Famer Tim Hendricks. People watching is unparalleled at the trade shows in Las Vegas.
The granddaddy of all the shows, the ever-evolving Magic Market Place, this year transformed into a 10-show Magic Market Week, held in the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Agenda simultaneously, was located at the Sands Expo in the Venetian. Both shows fractured off into numerous sub tradeshows each with their own flavor & style.
MAGIC – FN Platform, WWDMAGIC, MAGIC Men’s, Project Las Vegas, Project MVMNT, the Tents at Project, Pool Trade Show, WSA @ MAGIC, Sourcing at MAGIC and ENK Vegas, held in the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Shoes and women’s clothing take up most of the space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, while menswear has a home at Mandalay Bay. As for the difference between the many shows, think of Project as the sometimes high-end MAGIC’s edgier cousin: There you’ll see more modern haircuts among the brands that strive to appeal to young urban dwellers. MAGIC Men’s boasts well-known brands, including the O.G. and Ben Davis, while Project MVMNT features streetwear brands such as Sullen, Split and Streetwise Clothing Co.
AGENDA – Agenda, Liberty Fairs, Project and Capsule Trade shows – Agenda Vegas launched in Sin City at the Sands Expo at The Venetian/Palazzo Hotel.
The show took the city by storm with over 9,000 retailers. Definitely leaning well towards the Hipster crowd. Beards, handlebar mustaches and ‘buzz’ cuts, held down with a shit ton of hair product, is the new norm. Everyone has a purpose to hustle and build for the futures of their companies. Every brand rocked their product with pride, attempting to network with any & all possible outlets. Some brands are on their way up, while some brands are just sittin’ pretty at the top of the heap.
“Agenda Las Vegas creates an impressive and effective business experience for both brands and retailers. A very-well curated show,”
Agenda attracted music industry’s heavies and up-and-coming talent. Multi-platinum producer and singer Pharrell Williams represented his collection Ice Cream. Award-winning drummer and producer Travis Barker represented his brand, Famous Stars and Straps. The hip-hop world was in full flux, with co-founders of Cash Money Records, Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams. Musical talents such as Big Sean, Bun B, Travi$ Scott, Jim Jones, and many more came to check out the show.
Though it was the show’s inaugural Las Vegas appearance, Liberty was a big success and by the numbers, there were 300+ brands, 3,000+ retail buyers, and hundreds of press outlets in attendance. Action sports lifestyle brands that exhibited at Liberty such as Raen Optics, Shwood Eyewear, Hex, Deus Ex Machina, Kr3w, Zanerobe and Vanguard may be considered the top tier price point in most core surf shops. Because of the clientele at Liberty, the surf and skate brands stood on the strength of the product’s quality and cool factor. The surf/skate/biking aspect was more about recreation and lifestyle, as opposed to famous athlete names.
Note: We bumped into our old friend and most recent addition to the CHIVE.com creative department, Taylor Robinson. He was a colorful wingman for a few days, both instigating the incredulous parties, initiating numerous introductions and conversations, (he virtually has no ‘off’ switch) showing us how the other half rolls in Austin TX.
STAY
LUXOR LAS VEGAS
3900 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89119
How many times in your life will you be able to say you stayed and played in a pyramid? Luxor features comfortable and spacious accommodations ranging from standard rooms to extravagant suites. Plus, Luxor offers everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel – from fabulous entertainment and dining, to non-stop Las Vegas casino action.
The good people at Wicked Creative arranged our stay at the Luxor Las Vegas. We were set up in one of the Tower Premiere Suites. In comparison to other suites we have experienced in Las Vegas, they are larger (at 1050 square feet) & more luxiurious than most others, they feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a wet bar, separate dining area, and a breakfast nook. Each room provides amazing city views.
The valet & room service was excellent, the food was delivered fast, hot and fresh. Unpretentious, helpful staff everywhere made us feel extremely welcome. Quite the opposite of many Vegas resorts. Hats off.
PLAY
LAX at LUXOR
LAX came under new ownership in late 2010 and immediately benefited from a re-energized vitality to the nightclub’s celebrity and headliner resident DJ schedule. This venue is perfect for the clubgoer looking to catch a glimpse of the nightly celebrity host as you dance in close quarters with others who likely aren’t local.
The huge two-story space is outfitted in red leather and shimmering chandeliers creating a modern and luxurious feel. The VIP area is on the second floor & features seven lofts that are seemingly suspended over the main dance floor (yeah, loaded with complete with amenities fit for a king)
Hours: Opens at 10:30 pm
Wednesday – Saturday
STAY
Palms Casino Resort
4321 W. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
A celebrity following and hipster clientele have turned the Palms Casino Resort into one of Las Vegas’ most infamous destinations. This contemporary resort boasts extraordinary accommodations, legendary nightlife and a diverse mix of award-winning bars and restaurants: the Palms is home to the Ghostbar and Rain, the Michelin star-rated Alizé, celebrity hot spot N9NE Steakhouse, and Little Buddha Sushi Bar & Lounge.
Alex Acuna, director of PR set us up in the new Ivory Tower with a premiere suite. Let’s just say we felt like rockstars as soon as we set foot inside.
Inspired contemporary styling through out the room. Giant wing graphics adorn the walls.Separate living room & a full wet bar. Multiple flat screens, including one that pops up from the foot of the lavish king bed. Which, by-the-way, was one of the most comfortable beds we have ever experienced in our travels. The view of the strip and the pool area below is awesome.
PLAY HARDER
Bottle service is one of those things that even if you don’t normally partake, it can actually make sense here. Bottle service in Las Vegas, like most places, basically gives you VIP treatment with a place to sit, waived cover and quick entry, security, your own waitress, and of course bottles of liquor. If you have a group, it will undoubtably pay for itself. Cocktails run around 12-15 bucks at most strip nightclubs. Give www.bottle-service-vegas.com a call & allow them to hook it up.
If you’re only in town for a few nights on a tight itinerary and just need the best place to get your dose – spend a few minutes online before you head out. Different themes on different nights. Also clubs come and go – make sure your favorite joint is still in play.
For a full line up, check out sites like www.vegas.com. Below we’ve assembled a short list of the top clubs on each night of the week:
Sunday: GHOSTBAR at the Palms (55 stories up with a wicked awesome view) – Vanity at Hard Rock – Gallery at Planet Hollywood.
Monday: XS (guests like Steve Aoki, Nervo and Deadmau5) & Marquee (it’s Party Rock Monday with LMFAO’s Redfoo
Tuesday: Moon (House music and admission to the attached Playboy Club make this a no-brainer), Chateau (Candy Shop Tuesdays)
Wednesday: Lavo, LAX (DJ Sharam spins at LAX on Wednesday nights as part of his new residency
Thursday: Tao (“Worship Thursday” Revolt saw some of the best nightclub events ever here)
Friday: Rain (Acts like Jazzy Jeff & Pauly D) – Haze at Aria
Saturday: Crown (Hip Hop), Chateau (Butterfly combines the traditional nightlife DJ experience with video and entertainers, as well as live performances)
BEST STEAK
TENDER Steak & Seafood
3900 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV
TENDER features classic and American fare by Executive Chef K.C. Fazel, who trained with renowned chef, Tom Colicchio. Featuring the highest quality of meats and seasonal ingredients from small farms, TENDER’s flavorful menu includes main course entrées such as the Certified Black Angus Omaha Beef, Maine Sea Scallops and Range-Fed Silver Farms Ribeye. TENDER Steak & Seafood’s extensive wine list has won the “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence” in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Chef Fazel greeted us personally at our table and walked us through an spectacular evening of fine dining and perfectly paired wine samplings.
1st course American artisanal & farmhouse cheeses with fresh baguettes, honeycomb, fresh honey dates, quince paste & cherry fig chutney paired w/ a 2008 Louis Martini, Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvingnon.
2nd course A charcuterie & deli meats bresaola, finochietta, wild boar sausage, pork coppa, lamb prosciutto & antelope pastrami with Mendocino mustard, paired with a beautiful 2006 Ferrari Carano,Sonoma Merlo.
Next came a trio of soups wild mushroom soup, wagyu Kobe-style beef chili & Maine lobster bisque paired with a 2007 Paso Robles, Zinfandel.
Fourth course A seafood platter with Maine sea scallops, crab tail medallion, Skuna Bay salmon, and Lake Superior whitefish made an appearance and was immediately devoured.
The Main course was an exquisite platter sampling the Filet Mignon (Range fed Silver Fern Farms, New Zealand), the wagyu Kobe-style Rib Eye from the Dixon Ranch in North Dakota and the range-fed bison Top Sirloin from Durham Ranch, Wyoming) – paired with an exceptional 2010 Argentina Melbec.
Dessert included the Dark Chocolate Soufflé with Godiva white chocolate, the Classic Pudding Trio with butterscotch maple & New York style cheesecake.
Each course outdid it’s predecessor and everything was prepared to perfection. Chef Fazel was a most attentive host, visiting our table with each course, his attention to detail & knowledge of every ingredient made for one of our most impressive dinner experiences to date. If you have the opportunity to visit Tender, it comes highly recommended by the REVOLTINSIDER
“I want guests to leave TENDER feeling like they have had one of the best dining experiences of their lives,” said Chef Fazel. “It’s my goal to create a special restaurant memory and it begins with exceptional ingredients. I aim to bring out the best of those flavors with each ingredient working together in perfect harmony.”
Tender is located inside LUXOR
www.luxor.com/restaurants/tender
BEST MEX
TACOS & TEQUILA
3900 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(T&T) is a celebration of Mexican culture and cuisine intermixed with rock-n-roll flair featuring a flavorful menu created by Corporate Executive Chef Saul Ortiz and design by the New York-based design team Alvarez + Brock Design. The highly-stylized 8,000-square-foot Mexican restaurant and bar, the flagship venture for Drive This!
The menu features distinctive presentations of modern and traditional Mexican cuisine. Small plates include shrimp ceviche; marinated beef, chicken, shrimp or vegetarian quesadillas; chicken tamales and tostadas; and beef flautas. Authentic and traditional entrées include cheese, beef or chicken enchiladas, beef and chicken burritos, carne asada and street tacos with a variety of fillings to choose from including alambre, chilorio shrimp, tilapia and more. T&T offers a variety of convenient combo platters including pork carnitas, a chicken tamal and cheese enchilada or a chicken tamal, shaved taco and beef enchilada, both served with sides of refried beans and rice. All entrée and combo selections are accompanied by refried black beans and rice.
T&T is known for its inventive cocktails, featuring an array of hand-crafted margaritas including the T&T Top Shelf, Pineapple Chipotle, Strawberry Agave, Pomegranate Acai and more. T&T also offers an extensive list of more than 100 different tequila selections.
Inside Luxor (2nd level)
www.tacosandtequilalv.com
BEST BURGER
FAT BAR
3763 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89109
In front of the busiest Fatburger in the world on the Las Vegas Boulevard is The Fat Bar a circular retro-looking cocktail lounge where burgers marry booze on the busiest street in the world. Every comfort was afforded, from H2O ‘misters’ to heaters, to over 20 plasma TVs. The 200-seat Fat Bar with Strip frontage was the brainchild of Darin Feinstein who owns the local Fatburger franchises. They have waitresses and cocktail waitresses along with the circular bar where bartenders serve up drinks. They also offer a bar menu with all food including Fatburger’s having servers to your table or barstool. With approximately 50,000 people strolling by on weekdays and 80,000 on weekends it’s the epicentre of people watching places in Las Vegas. It’s directly across from where the Monte Carlo meets City Center. It’s a great place to get out of the hustle and bustle of The Strip and relax while still being close to the action. The Fat Bar is open 24 hours a day seven days a week and has a breakfast menu from 5 a.m. until noon. The drink menu is extensive and offers 12 draft taps to 12 slushies with alcohol. With approximately 50,000 people strolling by on weekdays and 80,000 on weekends it’s the epicentre of people watching places in Las Vegas. It’s directly across from where the Monte Carlo meets City Center. It’s a great place to get out of the hustle and bustle of The Strip and relax while still being close to the action.
(702)736-4733
www.fatbarlasvegas.com
MUST SEE
Fremont Street Experience
Within moments, a visitor to Las Vegas’ historic Fremont Street can easily imagine they’ve been transported back to the time of old-school Vegas. Strolling between the bright neon façades of some of the city’s most famous casinos, enjoying such classic indulgences as the legendary 99-cent shrimp cocktail and free, live entertainment, Fremont Street visitors are treated to the best of Las Vegas—where it all began.
Viva Vision, the LED display canopy rising 90 feet in height and stretching 1,500 feet along the Fremont Street Experience promenade from Main Street to Fourth Street, forms a spectacular foyer for the existing resorts. Stretching the length of nearly five football fields, Viva Vision serves as the showcase for the world’s largest graphic display system. Originally, nearly 2.1 million incandescent lights were housed in the canopy. A $17 million investment in 2004 resulted in 12.5 million LED lamps to illuminate the overhead canopy, creating a never-before-seen color spectrum. Within the canopy itself are 208 speakers capable of producing 550,000 watts of concert-quality sound. The Light & Sound Shows are presented nightly beginning at dusk.
425 Fremont St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 678-5777
www.vegasexperience.com.
The Neon Museum
Consists of historical neon signs, restored and re-lit, which are placed throughout the Fremont Street Experience to celebrate the rich history of Las Vegas. The first sign, the “Hacienda Horse & Rider”, was installed at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street, greeting guests as they travel downtown. Additional neon signs from the earliest chapters of Las Vegas’ storied past, make a visit to the Fremont Street Experience a “walk through history.” Bring your camera & prepare to be blown away.
770 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 387-6366
www.neonmuseum.org
MUST DO
Guns and Ammo Garage
5155 S. Dean Martin Drive,
Las Vegas, NV 89118.
(702) 440-4867
State-of-the-art shooting range located just off the Las Vegas Strip. The 8,100 square foot facility includes a 12-lane range as well as a gun retail area. The range is 20 yards long and offers a variety of targets for shooters of all skill levels. Novices and gun experts alike can choose from shooting packages that include: Thompson Machine Gun, M4, UZI, AK47, FN Scar Semi and many more.
Each person selects a paper or 3-D, zombie-themed target. The professional staff will pick you up from your hotel lobby and walk you through the entire adrenaline filled experience. Groups of all sizes are invited to experience the exhilaration of firing a high-powered weapon.
Guns & Ammo Garage is perfect for team building exercises, corporate challenges, bachelor and bachelorette parties and other group outings.
Guns & Ammo Garage is on Facebook and Twitter at Guns & Ammo Garage and @Guns_AmmoGarage.
www.GunsandAmmoGarage.com.
