By Jorge Labrador

Yoana Baraschi In the Light beaded dress ($416), Diane von Furstenberg Swarovski clutch ($395), Rebecca earrings ($325), John Hardy bracelet ($455), Monica Rich Kosann necklace ($1,150), all available at Capri in Bellagio; crystal ring ($30), available at Scamp & Scoundrel in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort; Brian Atwood Labrea sandals ($350), available at La Scarpa in Bellagio

As you first enter The Bank through the club’s escalator, you might think you’re ascending into nightlife heaven.

That isn’t too far from what you actually get: a two-tier space with VIP booths on both levels, a high-end audiovisual system for its entertainment and, as the name implies, an air of opulence and excess. The club’s décor isn’t merely gold-tinged; it’s drenched in gold, which pops from the otherwise dark tones of the venue’s plush seats and pitch-black tables. The Bank’s bars have ornate golden patterns etched into the rear mirrors. You’ll be seeing a lot of these interlocking gold rectangles, The Bank’s visual trademark, scattered about, whether it’s etched into something or molded into the club’s walls and walkways.

On the lower level, you’ll find that the dance floor is slightly elevated and encased in glass, facing the elevated DJ booth (on the second level) and flanked on all sides by rows of those black-and-gold VIP booths. Up on the second floor, you can hang back in a booth or look over the whole place on the mezzanine-style walkway. Everything is visually appealing, leading one to believe “good enough” must’ve not been in The Light Group’s vocabulary when designing The Bank.

The club experience is magnificent, whether you’re springing for bottle service and a booth or lined up by one of the bars on each end. Service is quick and attentive and drinks are potent and plentiful. Despite today’s more DJ-focused nightlife scene, The Bank actually hosts a wide variety of entertainers. The club’s headliners are just as likely to be big-name DJs as they are to be live performers (Bruno Mars appears on May 19, Wale on May 24 and Sky Blu on May 25), and its long-running industry party is the place to be on Sunday nights.

Bellagio
10:30 p.m. – 4 a.m. Thurs.-Sun., 21+ 702.693.8300

Cat Deeley

One of America’s favorite dance competitions is back for its 10th season. Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance two-part season premiere aired on May 14-15 and from the looks of it, it has the makings of another stellar season. Las Vegas Magazine’s Kiko Miyasato caught up with the show’s host, Cat Deeley, during Las Vegas callbacks at Planet Hollywood Resort. We were able to chat for a few minutes with Deeley before she began filming, and she shared some of her thoughts on the current season of So You Think You Can Dance and whether or not she herself would participate in a dancing competition.

Q: How does it feel to be back hosting the 10th season?
A: It’s really exciting, you know! When I first came to do the show, I never thought we’d be doing 10 seasons. You hope things are going to be successful but you never know.

Q: Do you get more emotional as each season passes and become more attached to the cast and dancers?
A: Well, I’m attached to the dancers, anyway. I definitely think you start to appreciate what you do even more, because you think, “Oh no, what if this is the last one? What if we don’t get to do any more seasons?” We’ve been going 10 seasons now, because people that watch the show love it, and it’s due to them that we’re still going.

Q: What can we look forward to this season of So You Think You Can Dance?
A: Oh my goodness! I think that what the dancers have really wised up to is that they need to do something different. Quite often it’s not just about style, it’s about doing something to a different piece of music. In other words, doing hip-hop to classical music or using a jazz track to do contemporary dance. I think anywhere they can be a little bit creative, imaginative and artistic they’ll be good to go.

Q: Would we ever see you on a dance show like Dancing With the Stars?
A: No way, I don’t think so! That’s not gonna happen, I’ve got two left feet. Don’t get me wrong, I do love to dance. I love to go out and have a dance with my friends… But no, people would get injured, people would bleed out of their eyes watching me. It would be dreadful!

Q: Where can we find you hanging out when you’re in Las Vegas?
A: I’m a big fan of Elton John; I have to go and see his show. Of course, there are all the great shops at Crystals. I really, really like the steakhouse Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort. Lemongrass at Aria, love it. … I always order too much food though; the Vegas portions are huge! It’s like I tell myself, “Oh, I’ll just have a few nibbles,” and then, of course, the food arrives and it’s like a banquet!

The Las Vegas callbacks episode of So You Think You Can Dance, filmed here in April, airs June 10 on Fox.

1. Because the first H&M in Las Vegas opened there in 2007. 2. Because the Toll House Café is perhaps the most tempting bakery on the Strip. Just try to walk by without that fresh-baked cookie smell enticing you to spend all your Weight Watchers points there. 3. Because it’s the only place in town to watch an indoor
rainstorm. (Or any kind of rainstorm, really.) 4. Because Michael Godard’s anthropomorphized olives at Oh My Godard are about as Vegas as artwork gets. 5. Because there are always new and exciting ways to distract your girlfriend from going into Sephora. “Look, Ryan Gosling in a Speedo!” 6. Because Tristar Memorabilia is the only sports collectibles store in the city to host an autograph-signing session with world-renowned diplomat Dennis Rodman. Take that, John Kerry.

7. Because there are only so many theaters where you can watch pets do tricks in the afternoon, hear country tribute artists sing in the evening and see the horror classic Evil Dead become a musical at night. 8. Because, at $25, Sugar Factory’s Couture Pops might be the most sinfully sweet purchase you’ll ever make. 9. Because Vegas resident Nicolas Cage has been spotted more than a few times at Lombardi’s Romagna Mia, and we’re curious if he orders at bottle of uncle Francis Ford Coppola’s wine with his meal. 10. Because the contents of the fountain outside V Theater always go to a good cause. (This month: Dress for Success Southern Nevada.)

11. Because of the “Who’s on first?” scenario that happens every time you ask people where they’re shopping and they say, “Guess.” 12. Because we once interviewed Sammy Hagar prior to the opening of his Cabo Wabo Cantina, and he was cooler than he needed to be. 13. Because Sin City Sindy is a 25-foot “dancer” who lords over Stripper Bar. 14. Because that one night playing beer pong at Blondies was the first of many epic Vegas adventures.

The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel 8:30 p.m. May 24, starting at $49.50 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

For years, classic rock bands have teamed up for tours providing fans with the chance to see several favorites at once. Now that hip-hop has been a vibrant musical force for nearly 40 years, it makes sense that classic artists from the genre have gotten together. The Kings of the Mic Tour features iconic rappers LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Ice Cube and De La Soul, together for a glimpse into hip-hop history.

LL headlines the show with support from dance-music superstar DJ Z-Trip, bridging the classic and the new in club music. Z-Trip also appears on LL’s new album Authentic, alongside guests ranging from Eddie Van Halen to Snoop Dogg. From his 1985 debut Radio, LL has always been crowd pleasing. Fellow Kings embody the range in hip-hop, from gangsta (Ice Cube, an original member of N.W.A. along with Dr. Dre and Eazy-E) to politically conscious (Public Enemy, pictured, whose hits include “Fight the Power”) to alternative (De La Soul, known for incorporating elements of jazz). Together, they show the genre’s staying power, which should be producing tours like this for years to come.

From left, J.Son: Top ($79) and shorts ($69) available at Original Penguin in Miracle Mile Shops, Morgenthal Frederics McQueen 57 ($385) sunglasses at Optica in MGM Grand; Tori: Dolcessa Forbidden Fruit bikini ($192) at Terrene in Aria, bracelet ($14.95) and fedora ($12.95) at H&M in Miracle Mile Shops; Lucy: Dolcessa Cowboy Baby bikini ($184) at Terrene, bangles ($12.95) at H&M

Things started to noticeably change on the Strip for the LGBT community about four years ago. Couples felt more confident about walking through casinos hand-in-hand, events catering to gays and lesbians increased, and tourism entities increased their outreach to gays and lesbians. The Luxor took the bold step of holding a weekly pool party that would become known as Temptation Sundays, which is back again this year for what looks to be its biggest summer ever.

Also back is host of NakedBoyNews.com and MrGayVegas.com. Dedication has been part of Temptation since J.Son (pictured far left) first came onboard to turn an experiment with cabanas and daybeds into an ongoing event. It was so unseasonably cold on the first Temptation of the year that people came bundled up. “People in the community really came out on our first day even though it was freezing,” recalls J.Son. “We had overwhelming support.”

The momentum carries on with the PRIDE-sponsored grand opening (May 19) and the Memorial Day weekend shindig (May 26), which doesn’t need any extra promotion to be an extravaganza. Still, there’s no rest for J.Son during or before pool season, as he works nonstop to make sure no stone is left unturned in getting the word out.

Luxor
Opens at 1 p.m. Sun., $20, $10 hotel guests, 21+. 702.730.5730

MGM Grand 6:30 p.m. doors, May 26, $55-$165 plus tax and fee. 888.762.2263

Last month, Fleetwood Mac released Extended Play, a four-song digital EP featuring the band’s first new music in a decade. It’s the latest in a career that spans nearly 50 years.

Most people know Fleetwood Mac for the classic lineup of Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, which recorded five albums in the ’70s and ’80s, including 1977’s mega-selling Rumours. The current lineup includes all of those members except Christine McVie (who retired from the band in 1998). It was the addition of Buckingham and Nicks in 1974 that propelled the band to superstardom. They brought a more pop-oriented sound to the band while retaining a rock edge. Hits like “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” “The Chain” and “Rhiannon” all came from that classic period, and the five members of that lineup reunited in 1997 for the live album The Dance.

Sixteen years later, Buckingham, Nicks, Fleetwood and John McVie are still performing their hits for fans and still finding new avenues for musical exploration.

By Susan Stapleton
Photography by Christopher DeVargas
Lighting design by Big French
Styling by Nicole Chandler
Hair and makeup by Sarah Barker
Model: Autumn

Studded pants ($49.95), handbag ($14.95), both available at H&M; fuchsia tank ($42), available at True Religion Brand Jeans; Abree jacket ($268), available at BCBGMAXAZRIA; bangles ($18), available at Aldo Accessories; ring ($12), earrings ($12), Laurenza shoes ($100); all available at Aldo, all available in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort

Just as the fashions change, so too does Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, the 1.2-mile shopping complex brimming with 170 specialty stores, 15 restaurants and three live entertainment venues.

Miracle Mile Shops seems to be the place to launch new concepts in Las Vegas. First-to-market retailers include H&M, True Religion Brand Jeans, French Connection and Lucky Brand Jeans, all originally debuting at the center. One-third of the property’s tenants are locally owned and highly profitable, with some operating well-known franchises and others generating more than $1 million in sales per month.

Since January 2012, Miracle Mile Shops has brought in more than 20 new and remodeled stores and restaurants, representing more than 41,000 square feet of retail space. Within the next several months, the complex plans on welcoming several new stores to join the mix.

First up, fashion boutique Francesca’s, a whimsical collection of hand-selected apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts for women. This boutique, which originated in Houston and now has more than 350 stores nationwide, rolls in new merchandise daily, so shoppers always have a fresh collection of baubles to discover.

Aldo just celebrated a grand re-opening, unveiling a larger, refreshed space with even more of its men’s and women’s shoes now available. The shoe boutique has been so successful at Miracle Mile Shops that it’s bringing its concept store Call It Spring to the center in June. Look for a playful and trendy collection of men’s and women’s shoes here as well. The concept store is also found in 500 JC Penney stores nationwide.

Like Aldo, Ultra Diamonds found so much success at Miracle Mile Shops that it brought its spin-off concept Scamp & Scoundrel to the center last December. Here, find accessories, especially dolled up in Swarovski crystals, in the $25 to $500 range.

Marley vest ($139), trouser shorts ($89) and cuff ($38.95) available at bebe, Block Swoop jacket ($168) available at French Connection, watch ($40) and Earlene heels ($100) available at Aldo, necklace ($20) and ring ($12) available at Aldo Accessories, all in Miracle Mile Shops

Men can take an hour out of their day to spruce up at the newest The Art of Shaving, opening this month. This spa for men features a barbershop as well as grooming tools such as shaving products, brushes, razors, skin- and hair-care products. The masculine barbershop is the perfect setting for learning the latest in grooming techniques as well.

Perhaps one of the most innovative new concepts at Miracle Mile Shops lets shoppers see their name in lights. Since 2009, Miracle Mile Shops has amassed more than 11,400 followers on Twitter and more than 11,400 fans on Facebook. On Follow Friday, the shopping center highlights six influential users using the #FF hashtag. Those selected have their handles and photos featured in rotation on the LED screens inside and outside the center throughout the day. Users can even reach out to Miracle Mile Shops directly to be featured on the Follow Friday LED screen. Follow @MiracleMileLV on Twitter.

By Brock Radke
Photos by Big French

Duck breast and duck sausage

Since opening on the Las Vegas Strip in 1996, Andre’s has served as the signature dining experience at the Monte Carlo, wowing all comers with exciting twists on contemporary French cuisine. Although the casino around it continues to change along with its Strip neighbors, Andre’s holds fast and stays fun, offering a world of adventure under one roof.

To begin with, chef and proprietor Andre Rochat—a true pioneer who opened his first cozy Las Vegas restaurant in 1980, well ahead of Sin City’s culinary explosion—is almost always in this kitchen, a rarity along Las Vegas Boulevard, where names you know from TV often grace the menu but don’t visit all that frequently. The regal brown- and blue-accented dining room is preceded by a handsome bar offering thousands of vintage wines, unique barrel-aged cocktails and tantalizing whiskey and scotch flights. Upstairs, in addition to beautiful private dining spaces perfect for any occasion, Andre’s boasts a cigar and cognac lounge, the perfect place to get lost for an evening and perhaps enjoy a rare Armagnac.

Souffle

Andre’s tasting menu, which changes with the seasons, is the best way to experience this near-iconic restaurant, an imaginative sampling of petite dishes with gigantic flavors that will register among your most memorable meals. Spring highlights include bright, chilled asparagus soup, delicate beef carpaccio, roasted piquillo pepper stuffed with savory ratatouille, luscious braised pork belly with a pickled black cherry sauce, and a perfectly caramelized, jumbo sea scallop with sunchoke purée and fava beans. The decadent pairing of pan-seared duck breast and house-made duck sausage is available on the standard dinner menu as well, and don’t forget dessert: a fluffy, Grand Marnier-infused soufflé with creamy vanilla anglaise.

Should you prefer to customize your meal by ordering the regular way, be ready for some tough decisions. Starting dish favorites include chilled lobster salad with avocado and lemon cream, foie gras with toasted pistachio beignets, classic escargot with butter and herbs, or French onion soup with a dollop of Gruyère. On the lighter side—a great pick for the season—the heirloom tomato salad is composed of creamy burrata cheese, ripe melon and pickled golden beets, a dish as beautiful to look at as it is to devour.

Dover sole Véronique is as classic as it gets: fresh fillets of this beloved imported fish sautéed in a warm, rich white wine and butter sauce. Andre’s offers you the choice of this method, or done Grenobloise-style, with browned butter, capers, lemon and parsley, or amandine, decked out in sweet and crunchy almonds.

Lobster thermidor

There are several choices of beef and a wonderful Colorado rack of lamb, but your server may point you in the direction of lobster thermidor, another old-school dish done to a turn by a talented kitchen crew. A fresh Maine lobster gets the luxurious treatment with mushrooms, tarragon and the brandied cream sauce that defines this dish. Sometimes classics are the best way to go, and so it is with Andre’s.

Monte Carlo
5:30-10 p.m. Tues.-Sun. 702.798.7151

By Kiko Miyasato

Angela Case

Angela Case was born in Queens, N.Y., “but not on purpose,” she said. “My mom’s water broke on the airplane, and when the plane landed, I was born at the nearest Catholic hospital.” Case did most of her growing up in Las Vegas and attended UNLV, earning criminal justice and broadcast journalism degrees. (She plans to continue to law school and then practice entertainment law.) After graduation, Case, who had studied dance since a young age, performed in Show in the Sky at Rio, iCandy Burlesque and at the Pussycat Dolls Lounge. While she doesn’t dance now, she still entertains guests as a cocktail server at Venus Pool Club at Caesars Palace.

“It’s an intimate pool club. I love that we can really interact with our guests. … We try to go above and beyond our guests’ needs,” she said. “Whether it’s getting them the newspaper or taking care of their dinner reservations, we try and get it done for them. By the end of the day, they’ve spent so much time with us that we knows their dogs’ names, their kids’ names, (that) their son is getting married in November and (that) their daughter graduated in May.”

Case takes care of up to three cabanas, four daybeds and six lounge chairs at the European-style pool club. And, by the smile on her face, you can tell she loves her job. “You can come here and relax and have an amazing time. I love the girls I work with and I love getting to know my clientele. Venus is just a great place to be.”

Love Goddess

Venus Pool Club has an extensive menu of upscale specialty cocktails, small bites and even bottle service. For a refreshing and sweet summertime treat, try the Love Goddess cocktail. It’s mixed with Malibu Red rum, Ty Ku citrus liqueur, pomegranate juice and sweet and sour mix, and then garnished with a lemon wedge.

Pools have come a long way from the cement ponds of old. You won’t find too many water slides here (except for the Golden Nugget’s standard-bearing Tank pool complex) and there’s nary a diving board to be found. What you get these days is a much more grown-up version of the summertime classic. Adult swim, if you will.

Garden of the Gods (“Open the Temple Doors”) at Caesars Palace brings together seven pools under one metaphorical roof. No longer will a chaise lounge do; not when you have luxury daybeds and cabanas to choose from. Factor in some swim-up blackjack and European-style (the subtle way of saying “topless”) sunbathing, and the whole tenor of a day of fun and sun is redefined.

But it’s not just Caesars Palace that has come out to play this summer. Flamingo’s GO Pool sits upon 15 acres of lush foliage, complete with lagoons and a waterfall. Planet Hollywood’s Pleasure Pools will once again be home to a weekly bikini contest this summer. Rio’s adult-oriented Voo pool boasts go-go dancers and a live DJ.

Of all hotel pools, there’s little question as to which is the most iconic. Sitting on 11 acres, Mandalay Bay Beach brings the coastline to the Strip courtesy of real sand, a wave pool and live concerts all summer long. (“Hanging By a Moment” rockers Lifehouse perform this week.) They’ve even trademarked the word “toptional” at the European-style Moorea Beach Club, where guests can mingle over dipping pools, cushioned chaise lounges and a private pavilion.

Most hotel pools are reserved for the use of hotel guests, so call ahead before trekking a few miles in bathing suit, snorkel and inner tube.

In Las Vegas, the summer is long, and it’s only getting hotter. Now is the best time to make a splash. Just no diving, please.