Sunday, June 13, 2010 | 12:05 a.m.
No one likes a snitch - that is, unless there's some Ketel One Oranje involved. The Palms is one of the only properties in Las Vegas to carry the new vodka, which launched in April, and 9 Group mixologist Dave Herlong is already at work incorporating the spirit into cocktails. Ghostbar's signature Wednesday night drink includes the aforementioned vodka, fresh lime juice, triple sec and cranberry juice, just as nature, or perhaps Carrie Bradshaw, intended.
For Australian-born Mike Diamond, the chance to revitalize one of the Palms' towering nightspots was less about furthering his own career and more about giving Las Vegas a unique party night. That night, Snitch Wednesdays, at Ghostbar has become the new centerpiece of the week thanks to Diamond and Bree Cohen, aka DJ 88.
"We changed the music format, and we didn't do what everyone else does on an industry night," said Diamond, who celebrates his birthday at Snitch on June 16. That meant out with top 40 retreads like Lady Gaga and in with old-school hip-hop, mashups and whatever else Olson deigns to mix in.
"The great clubs in New York in L.A. aren't necessarily the best-looking clubs, but it's where the cool people are," he said, recalling previous ventures in New York where he partnered with rockers Scott Weiland, Duff McKagan and Scott Ian.
But music is just where the transition begins. Diamond is in the process of having the furniture replaced and updating the sound system, and he may add some artwork and a flat-screen by the back bar sometime this summer.
"You can teach someone to open and close a venue, but you can't give someone personality," said the man with enough to spare. "I think most people end up in the hospitality business because they don't actually have anywhere else to go. And I think that's a mistake. If you're in the service business, you've got to take care of people."
— Originally published in Las Vegas Magazine
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