Diversity is the spice of life, and the five “tracks” here each offer unique experiences—from the swanky Eiffel Tower Restaurant to a hidden gem in a shopping center that serves up heaven-on-earth authentic empanadas. And since it’s the holiday season, how can you pass up a visit to the beautifully illuminated “Enchant Christmas” at the Las Vegas Ballpark?
Track #1: “Above The Race” @Eiffel Tower Restaurant
Everyone has an opinion about the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. City officials say F1 is fabulous economically for Vegas, but there’s no denying the impact on locals who are forced to contend with road closures and traffic, not to mention the various businesses that unfairly endure financial losses.
Since I’m on the fence about this polarizing subject, I accepted, with a certain level of guilt, an invitation to attend an exclusive “Above The Race” bash on F1’s Thursday “Practice Night.” Hosted by the Palms Casino Resort and Southern Cali’s Yamavva Resort and Casino, it was held at the ultra-posh Eiffel Tower Restaurant. From a window-side table, I watched the race cars thrillingly zoom up and down Las Vegas Blvd while Bellagio’s fountains worked their choreographed magic.
The evening was a hassle-free experience for guests. I parked at The Palms and was shuttled in a van to Bellagio, where an escort walked us across the boulevard to the Paris Hotel. One could easily get used to personalized service like this.
Upstairs at the restaurant, roving costumed performers provided eye candy and R&B crooner Mario played a stripped-down set, with the ladies especially swooning to his 2004 mega-hit “Let Me Love You.” Every detail was just right, including the scene-stealing lamb with ratatouille on flatbread and all the rich desserts. Without a doubt, the night’s elevated glamor and abundance made my guilt about attending an F1 party disappear—well, at least for a little while.
Track #2: Roni Lee and “Rock Goddesses of Las Vegas” @Backstage Bar & Billiards
These rock goddesses took no prisoners at Backstage Bar & Billiards. (Image: Vegas 411)
As the end of 2024 draws near, it’s important to remember that people need people, and community is everything. At downtown’s adjoining Fremont Country Club and Backstage Bar & Billiards, co-owners Ava Berman and Carlos Adley foster a strong sense of community among the rock musicians who regularly perform at both venues.
One example is singer, songwriter, and fiery guitarist Roni Lee, who recently staged her loosely formatted “Rock Goddesses of Las Vegas” birthday bash at Backstage. Given her musical background as a member of Venus and the Razorblades, the pioneering L.A. punk band formed under Kim Fowley’s post-Runaways vision in 1976, Roni’s music projected strength and attitude, particularly on the Bif Naked song “Love Myself Today.”
The evening also showcased other female Vegas rockers, including supersonic bassist Betty Vance and the heavy Voxxx, whose set mixed raw power and sexuality (adult performer Victoria Voxxx fronts the band). There were also raucous covers with the evening’s guests all joined together on rocked-up versions of Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” and Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade.”
Catching up with Roni after the show, she told me: “I’ve always been a supporter of women in the rock industry. Mostly dominated by men, we usually have to be twice as good to be considered 1/2 as good. After many decades, I have no malice towards our awesome male counterparts (and how great they used to look in our spandex), but shining a light on women and our love of the genre has always been a passion of mine.”
Look for Roni’s next EP, “Feels Good to Be Bad,” in early 2025. It features her stylized version of the Michael Jackson song “Dirty Diana,” with a video filmed at (where else?) Fremont Country Club.
Track #3: Diner Ross @The LINQ
Diana Ross elegantly holds court at the restaurant named after her. (Image: Vegas 411)
If you have only one night to spend in Las Vegas, may I suggest you head to Diner Ross? It’s the companion restaurant to Spiegelworld’s extravaganza “DISCOSHOW” but also a place that can be experienced separately from the show. Truth to tell, it might be the hippest place in all of Vegas—with an authentic ‘70s feel, visually and musically—paired with, in their words, “finer diner” NYC-inspired food.
As with the “DISCOSHOW ” dance music celebration, you enter Diner Ross via 99 Prince off The LINQ casino floor, a recreation of a NYC train station complete with subway tiles, a bar, a newsstand, and the piped-in sound of rumbling subway trains (every detail counts here).
From there, you walk upstairs to the enormous ‘70s disco-themed Glitterloft bar and lounge before entering the restaurant and another bar where the ‘70s ambiance becomes even stronger. Having spent my younger years during the disco era in my native Bronx, I was thrilled to see Diner Ross infectiously pull off the whole ‘70s NYC vibe.
On the wall, there’s ‘70s memorabilia, like a big painting of Diana Ross (whose namesake inspired the restaurant’s name), a “Serpico”/Al Pacino film poster, and a framed glossy B&W photo of the New York Dolls.
Playing on the sound system is an all-inclusive mix of ‘70s songs by everyone from Captain & Tennille, Mink DeVille and Bowie, to ELO, O’Jays, and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Thanks to Diner Ross for breathing new life into traditional dishes like this mac and cheese. (Image: Vegas 411)
The food here is creative, festive, and mighty tasty. Our party started with craft cocktails before segueing into old-school popovers with salted butter and jam, a platter of ham and cheese, and the yuzu-accented tuna tartare. Next were the steak frites and the mac and cheese, flavored distinctively with caramelized onions.
Dessert? Of course. We went with the “Funfetti” funnel cake, a perfect way to cap off the Diner Ross experience. This is a place where you can easily hang out for hours.
Tracks #4: “Enchant Christmas” @Las Vegas Ballpark
Art and technology are brilliantly fused at “Enchant Christmas.” (Image: Vegas 411)
Looking to hide from the news of the world and lose yourself in the innocence of the holiday season?
Then plan your escape at “Enchant Christmas” through December 29 at Summerlin’s Las Vegas Ballpark, which has been converted into an electrifying wonderland. In what has been billed as the “World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze,” the creators have filled it with huge immersive light sculptures that are colorful and dazzlingly constructed.
Let there be light at Las Vegas Ballpark. (Image: Vegas 411)
It was fun wandering through the maze on a chilly night, although I paid no mind to its “Reindeer Games” theme, as I was too focused on how I should’ve dressed warmer (word to the wise). There’s also a 100-foot illuminated center tree, a big ice-skating rink, and 40 local vendors—selling drinks, food, and original crafts—who deserve everyone’s support this holiday season.
Track #5: Around Town Medley
Take a free ride on the CityCenter tram, where the views are dazzling. (Image: Vegas 411)
Riding the free CityCenter tram connecting Bellagio to the ARIA, Vdara Hotel & Spa, and The Shops at Crystals is always a pleasure. Up on the tram stops, there are striking views of the city’s skyline, including the architecturally hypnotic Veer Towers.
Those are the twin 37-story all-residential condominium towers that tilt (impossibly, to my mind) in opposite directions at a five-degree angle. To the left in this photo are the two majestic towers of the Cosmopolitan.
The house-made dough lifts these empanadas into the stratosphere. (Image: Vegas 411)
You never know what you‘ll discover at shopping plazas in Vegas—as long as you get out of your car and walk around. A true find is the relatively new Fugazzeta Pizza and Empanadas. This fast-casual-but-charming restaurant is located at the shopping center at Sahara and Jones.
It’s easy to fall under the spell of their authentic empanadas—baked or fried, with a glorious house-made dough—“curated in partnership with the popular Argentine restaurant Empanadas de 10.” There are 13 different options encompassing meat, shrimp, and veggies.
Experience the delights of Argentinian pizza on W Sahara Ave. (Image: Vegas 411)
Meanwhile, their delightful pizzas are prepared “the Argentinian way,” topped with oregano and a green olive on each slice. Fugazzeta also offers sandwiches, three Milanesa entrees, and attractively priced $11.00 lunch specials. Now, what are you waiting for?
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