CityCenter

By Steve Marcus · May 1, 2009 · 3:50 p.m.

From small westside restaurant to directing a staff at Aria, Michael Shetler drinks it all in: Q&A:; Tuesday, May 22, 2012; By Brock Radke; Michael Shetler — a beer, wine and cocktails expert — was drawn to Las Vegas 13 years ago to work at the newly opened Rosemary’s Restaurant. Ten years later, he left the now-closed restaurant to be the lead sommelier at Sage at Aria, then became the restaurant’s general manager. Today, Shetler is now director of beverage at Aria and enjoys a rare view of the Vegas food and beverage industry.

Diddy performs at 1 OAK in the Mirage on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.

Mayweather Jr.-Cotto fight at MGM Grand draws music superstars: Thursday, May 3, 2012; By Robin Leach; It all starts Friday with Flo Rida doing double duty at Ditch Fridays and Rain Nightclub at the Palms and Chuy Bravo of “Chelsea Lately” hosting ...

Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson at Wet Republic at MGM Grand on Saturday, April 28, 2012.

Photos: Ben Flajnik, Courtney Robertson at Wet Republic, Social House, Pure: Thursday, May 3, 2012; By Don Chareunsy; “The Bachelor” couple Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson had a weekend of food, fun and sun in Las Vegas. Despite rumors that their rocky ...

Bradley Ogden, Jose Andres and Rick Moonen toast before more than 300 chefs and sommeliers attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most bottles of wine uncorked simultaneously at the Bellagio on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The record attempt kicked off the 2012 Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit, which will be held May 10-13.

Counter Intelligence: Jose Andres, Megan Romano, P.J. Clarke’s, Valentino: Wednesday, May 2, 2012; By Robin Leach; Hot off the grill! Business has begun to boom, if quietly, again on the Strip in terms of increasing hotel rates, restaurant and nightclub ...

The Harmon Hotel at CityCenter sits empty and unfinished with the Veer Towers seen in the background Friday, July 29, 2011.

CityCenter called financial ‘black hole’ in lawsuit over stock losses: Thursday, April 19, 2012; By Steve Green; MGM Resorts International shareholders and bondholders have filed an amended class-action lawsuit in hopes of recovering losses from the decline of the Las Vegas company’s stock and bond prices between 2007 and 2009.

Mark Salling hosts at Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria on Saturday, April 7, 2012.

Photos: Mark Salling of ‘Glee’ hosts at Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria: Monday, April 9, 2012; By Don Chareunsy; Actor Mark Salling of Fox’s “Glee” hosted the daytime revelry at Liquid Pool Lounge in Aria dressed head to toe in black -- a black tank top and ...

Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum accept the Vocal Group of the Year award during the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

Star Surveillance: Lady A, LeAnn Rimes, Toby Keith, Lionel and Nicole Richie: Monday, April 9, 2012; By Robin Leach; Little wonder with the 47th Academy of Country Music Awards stars here that the Nashville nomads partied aplenty. Hillary Scott of Lady ...

Brooke Burke-Charvet with husband David Charvet at the Vegas magazine cover party at Gold Lounge in Aria on Friday, March 30, 2012.

Photos: Brooke Burke-Charvet at Gold Lounge; Tristan MacManus’ girlfriend: Thursday, April 5, 2012; By Robin Leach; If there’s an extra spring in the steps of Tristan MacManus, who is partnered with our hometown Empress of Soul Gladys Knight in Season ...

Ne-Yo on the red carpet for the 2012 Keep Memory Alive "Power of Love Gala" tribute to Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.

Ne-Yo on his favorite L.V. vice, fashion sense and what you can expect from his new album: Tuesday, April 3, 2012; By Andrea Domanick; In honor of the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, R&B superstar Ne-Yo paid a visit to his hometown of Las Vegas to treat Jordan and his guests to a private performance.

Jean Paul Gaultier, right, at "Zumanity" at New York-New York.

Star Surveillance: Jean Paul Gaultier, Mike Tyson, Seth Meyers, Tinie Tempah: Tuesday, April 3, 2012; By Robin Leach; The first quarter of 2012 is over, and Las Vegas continues to be the platinum playground where Hollywood, music and sports stars work, party ...

Fergie unveils her wax figure at Madame Tussauds at the Venetian on Sept. 22, 2011.

Celebrity preview: Fergie, ACMs, Michael Jordan, Tiesto, Dev, Tyga, Trey Songz, Perez Hilton: Friday, March 30, 2012; By Robin Leach; It’s the week and the four-day weekend that Vegas Goes Country -- not only because of the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards ...

Marc Garcia, Michael Jordan and Reuben Garcia at the 2011 Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational.

Strip Scribbles: Michael Jordan, celebrity pals at Shadow Creek; Celine turns 44: Thursday, March 29, 2012; By Robin Leach; Michael Jordan was the first to tee off at his four-day Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, and following him were Cedric the Entertainer, ...

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto on the red carpet for the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational welcome party at Haze at Aria on March 30, 2011.

Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational stars are ready to play golf at Shadow Creek: Wednesday, March 28, 2012; By Robin Leach; The stars will be entertaining the stars during Michael Jordan’s four-day visit beginning Thursday. Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo returns home ...

2012 James Beard finalists include Mina, Lagasse, Brombergs, Selvaggio: Monday, March 19, 2012; By Robin Leach; The 2012 James Beard Award finalists were announced today during a luncheon at the Palazzo at the former site of Dos Caminos, and while ...

The Harmon Hotel at CityCenter sits unfinished with the Veer Towers seen in the background on July 29, 2011.

After lengthy hearing, it's clearer than ever that Harmon is doomed to demolition: Sunday, March 18, 2012; By Steve Green; It’s almost certain that the Harmon hotel tower in Las Vegas — which a top CityCenter executive calls a “monument of construction defects” — will be demolished sooner or later in spectacular and unusual fashion. What’s unusual for the Harmon is that it’s a brand-new, almost-completed structure.

A building wrap, starting at the base of the Harmon, points pedestrians to CityCenter and the Crystals mall Monday, Feb. 28, 2011.

Harmon implosion hearing recessed until July: Friday, March 16, 2012; By Steve Green; Four days of hearings this week failed to resolve whether CityCenter can demolish its Harmon hotel tower on the Las Vegas Strip prior to a jury trial on defective work there — and a new round of hearings is now set for July.

The Harmon Hotel at CityCenter, which sits empty and unfinished and now serves as a giant billboard, is seen Friday, July 29, 2011.

Perini lawyer says Harmon is safe; thorny issues compel call for more hearings: Thursday, March 15, 2012; By Steve Green; Don’t look for a quick decision on whether the Harmon hotel tower in Las Vegas can be imploded because of construction defects and safety concerns.

The Harmon at CityCenter in Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011.

Judge in Harmon case refuses to allow attorneys to place blame: Tuesday, March 13, 2012; By Steve Green; A judge Tuesday refused to let attorneys stray into side issues as she weighs whether the Harmon hotel tower on the Las Vegas Strip can be demolished.

A quake could topple the Harmon, engineer testifies in Strip case: MGM Resorts, Perini square off in first day of court clash; Tuesday, March 13, 2012; By Steve Green; A hearing is under way on CityCenter’s request that it be allowed to demolish the never-occupied, $279 million Harmon hotel building on the Las Vegas Strip because of construction defects and safety concerns.

Strip Scribbles: Three L.V. racers finish in Top Five of San Felipe 250: Monday, March 12, 2012; By Robin Leach; Picking up where he left off last season with his third consecutive win in San Felipe, Las Vegas driver Rob MacCachren overpowered a talent-laden field ...

Toby Keith, Ne-Yo, 50 Cent, Lil Jon among Nightclub & Bar stars: Monday, March 12, 2012; By Robin Leach; The figures are staggering: More than 31,000 bar, nightclub and beverage professionals arrive today for the 27th Annual Nightclub & Bar Convention. ...

Photos: Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre discusses new L.V. show ‘Zarkana’: Thursday, March 8, 2012; By Robin Leach; "As much as we are so, so sad for our colleagues at ‘Elvis,’ we are so, so happy that MGM continues to trust us and support us. That was very, very important.”

Cirque du Soleil's 'Zarkana' replacing ‘Viva Elvis’ at Aria: Wednesday, March 7, 2012; By Robin Leach; The King is leaving the building, and instead of the blue suede shoes of “Viva Elvis” at Aria, Vegas DeLuxe bids a warm welcome to “Zarkana.” ...

Brian Dewhurst, Bruce Rickerd, Sophia Stiperski, Eligiusz Skoczylas, Daniel Lamarre, Najam Khan, Ross Gibson, Ricardo Galvis and Ginger Ana Griep-Ruiz at the 18th anniversary performance of "Mystere" at Treasure Island on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

Cirque’s Daniel Lamarre talks Elvis, Jackson, 3D movie and ‘Mystere’: Tuesday, March 6, 2012; By Robin Leach; In less than 24 hours, Cirque du Soleil executives expect to have plans wrapped up for the new show that will replace “Viva Elvis” at Aria, along with ...

Symphony Park -- including the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts -- in downtown Las Vegas on Sunday, March 4, 2012.

Strip Scribbles: Smith Center, ‘Iron Chef,’ Ruffins’ baby, Ricardo Laguna: Monday, March 5, 2012; By Robin Leach; Congratulations are apparently in order for Treasure Island owner Phil Ruffin, 76, and his beauty pageant winner wife Oleksandra on the birth of a ...

Chelsea MacDougall, Whitney Green, Sarah Chapman, Erica Sloter and Talyah Polee celebrate Chapman's 28th birthday at Surrender.

Star Surveillance: Miss Nevada USA, Enrique Iglesias, Matthew Stafford, Paul Stanley: Thursday, March 1, 2012; By Robin Leach; Singer Enrique Iglesias partied at Lavo in the Palazzo and took in the sounds of DJ Cedric Gervais. 2011 Miss Nevada USA Sarah Chapman celebrated ...

The grand opening VIP and media party of Bacio by Carla Pellegrino at Tropicana on May 17, 2011. Chef Pellegrino is pictured here with her daughter, Marcelle Braga, and two guests.

Counter Intelligence: Project Dinner Table; wine record; Restaurant Week: Monday, February 27, 2012; By Robin Leach; Hot off the grill! Demand for the annual Restaurant Week that benefits our Three Square food bank has been so strong that now the first spring ...

MGM results improve on Las Vegas Strip spending, China growth: GAMING:; Wednesday, February 22, 2012; By Steve Green; MGM Resorts International on Wednesday said net revenue improved across the board for its Las Vegas casino resorts in the fourth quarter, helping the company narrow its loss for the period.

2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model Kate Upton at Haze in Aria on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012.

Photos and videos: S.I. Swimsuit models sizzle on the Strip; deal renewed; 50th milestone: Thursday, February 16, 2012; By Robin Leach; The stunning 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue models will be back in Las Vegas next year for the 50th anniversary celebrations of ...

2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue models Chrissy Teigen, Izabel Goulart, Crystal Renn and Nina Agdal at Planet Hollywood on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012.

S.I. cover girl Kate Upton lands in L.V. with 17 models for Strip events: Wednesday, February 15, 2012; By Robin Leach; S.I. cover girl sensation Kate Upton -- we’ve written a few words about her and posted a few photographs and videos of her! -- wowed Tuesday night’s ...

Nelly at Haze on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.

Photos: Nelly performs 35-minute set of his hits at Haze in Aria: Tuesday, February 14, 2012; By Don Chareunsy; Rap superstar Nelly performed a 35-minute set of his hits at Haze in Aria over the weekend, with partygoers going wild over “Just a Dream,” “Country Grammar” ...

Hugh Hefner's 85th birthday and Marston Hefner's 21st birthday at the Palms on April 9, 2011.

Strip Scribbles: Claire Sinclair photo, Paris Hilton, Union at Aria: Tuesday, February 14, 2012; By Robin Leach; We start with Wicked Whispers and Racy Rumors! 2011 Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair has turned down all big-money offers to be photographed ...

2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl Kate Upton.

Photos and videos: Kate Upton -- from S.I. Rookie of the Year to cover girl: Tuesday, February 14, 2012; By Robin Leach; Twelve months ago, she wore little more than body paint. Today, as she packs for Las Vegas, 19-year-old Kate Upton is wearing the tiniest bikini ...

Strip Scribbles: Drama for Claire Sinclair and Marston Hefner: Monday, February 13, 2012; By Robin Leach; One of Claire’s family members called police saying he had attacked her in an argument and left red body marks and bruises. The 20-year-old brunette ...

CityCenter ends 2011 on upswing: Monday, February 13, 2012; By Steve Green; MGM Resorts International on Monday disclosed that business improved during the fourth quarter for its half-owned $8.5 billion CityCenter casino resort complex on the Las Vegas Strip.

Jenni "JWoww" Farley, with boyfriend Roger Matthews, hosts at Pure in Caesars Palace on Aug. 26, 2011.

Celebrity preview: JWoww, Sean Kingston, Ice-T and Coco, Nelly: Friday, February 10, 2012; By Robin Leach; It’s a special celebration for Sean because he’s alive and well after nearly losing his life in a horrific jet-ski accident in Miami last year. Sean, who marked ...

Mastro's is an overlooked bastion of seafood mastery on the Strip.

Seafood worth wading (through tourists) for: Mastro's Ocean Club: Thursday, February 9, 2012; By Brock Radke; It isn’t easy to convince my fellow Las Vegans, my friends and neighbors, to make that drive to the Strip and struggle against the tourist current to experience a delicious but expensive dinner.

Eva Longoria's Padres gala at the Tropicana on Oct. 15, 2011. Guests included George Lopez, Barbara Padilla, Stefano Langone, Alex Yeminidjian and Alejandra Guzman and honorees Giselle Fernandez and Tim Leiweke.

Eva Longoria to be honored as Woman of the Year at Nevada Ballet gala: Thursday, January 26, 2012; By Robin Leach; It’s one of the most glittering and glamorous social events of the Las Vegas calendar. In fact, it’s been hailed as the creme de la creme of Las Vegas parties. ...

An iconic moment captured: President Nixon and Elvis Presley, December 1971.

Strip Scribbles: Elvis’ birthday, Tropic Beauty, Travie McCoy, Vegas Magic Theater: Sunday, January 8, 2012; By Robin Leach; The 77th birthday of Elvis Presley would’ve been celebrated today, so for seven nights, the new 35 Steaks + Martinis at the Hard Rock Hotel ...

Priscilla Presley and Viva Elvis cast members at the Cartier VIP reception at MGM CityCenter's Crystals for Nevada Ballet Theatre's 27th Annual Black and White Ball on Jan. 29, 2011. Priscilla Presley was honored as NBT's Woman of the Year.

Celebrity preview: Birthdays for Elvis, Jordin Sparks and Pitbull: Friday, January 6, 2012; By Robin Leach; It’s all about birthday celebrations this weekend, and there’s no bigger party than those scheduled around what would have been Elvis ...

Redfoo, center, of LMFAO at Haze in Aria on Dec. 31, 2011.

2011 NYE photos: Fergie, Josh Duhamel, Kanye West, Bruno Mars, LMFAO: Wednesday, January 4, 2012; By Robin Leach; After much speculation surrounding his Twitter campaign to DJ on Saturday night, Kanye West took the stage and thrilled partygoers with a ...

Fireworks and New Year's Eve on The Strip on Dec. 31, 2010.

Celebrity preview: NYE star parties, concerts, new nightclubs, fireworks: Friday, December 30, 2011; By Robin Leach; It’s going to be a bonanza New Year’s Eve weekend for Las Vegas, and not only because of the incredible superstar parties and the monstrous fireworks ...

Jessa Lynn Hinton and Ashley Mattingly at the Tropicana on Sept. 17, 2011.

Strip Scribbles: Playmate-TV analyst predicts Mayweather-Pacquiao bout: Tuesday, December 20, 2011; By Robin Leach; Jessa Hinton said: “Manny’s a quiet guy who sings a lot, but he’s also probably the toughest guy alive. … I like his softer side. He’s really soft spoken, ..."

New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas: Stars galore, ‘America’s Party’ fireworks: Wednesday, December 14, 2011; By Robin Leach; It’s taken a year of planning, and -- thanks to vocals from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and ZZ Top -- this year’s “America’s Party” on New Year’s ...

World Poker Tour commentators Mike Sexton, with microphone, and Vince Van Patten, to Sexton's left, kick off the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic at the Bellagio on Dec. 6, 2011.

Strip Scribbles: Bellagio hosts World Poker Tour’s Five Diamond Classic: Tuesday, December 6, 2011; By Robin Leach; Elsewhere in the poker world, 22 players have agreed to pony up a $1 million buy-in to the richest single poker tournament in the world at the Rio ...

Tony Stewart, Robin Leach and Matt Yocum at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Party at Lavo in the Palazzo on Dec. 4, 2009.

Strip Scribbles: Tony Stewart’s awards for best, boldest, funniest moments: Thursday, December 1, 2011; By Robin Leach; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart hosts the Fifth Annual Stewie Awards at the lounge in the Hard Rock Hotel tonight on ...

Subcontractors fight Harmon demolition plan: Tuesday, November 29, 2011; By Steve Green; Two subcontractors have joined the general contractor in fighting plans by MGM Resorts International to implode the unused Harmon Tower at CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip. The CityCenter casino-resort complex, half owned and managed by MGM Resorts International, says the 26-story hotel structure is unsafe because of construction defects and needs to come down.

Cirque du Soleil's Viva Elvis at MGM CityCenter's Aria.

MGM Resorts tells Cirque to shutter 'Viva Elvis' at Aria: Wednesday, November 23, 2011; By John Katsilometes, Robin Leach; MGM Resorts has asked Cirque du Soleil to replace its show “Viva Elvis” at the Aria by the end of 2012, citing poor ticket sales. The move is the first time that the Canadian company, which has come to dominate the big-production showrooms on the Strip, has been asked to shut a show since arriving here in 1993 with its first permanent show, “Mystere” at Treasure Island.

John Curtas, Geno Bernardo, Al Mancini, Max Jacobson, Robin Leach and Guy Savoy at "Eating Las Vegas" 2012 at Restaurant Guy Savoy in Caesars Palace on Nov. 14, 2011.

Counter Intelligence: Caesars Palace eateries; Beso’s new chef; ‘ELV2012’: Wednesday, November 16, 2011; By Robin Leach; Hot off the grill! Chef Guy Savoy hosted the exclusive launch party for the 2012 edition of “Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants ...

Rappers Romeo Santos and Usher arrive at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards at Mandalay Bay on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011.

Photos: Usher and Rico Love party at Haze post-Latin Grammy Awards: Friday, November 11, 2011; By Don Chareunsy; Superstar singer Usher, fresh from an appearance at the 2011 Latin Grammy Awards at Mandalay Bay Events Center last night, hosted and ...

Travis Barker and Mix Master Mike at Haze in Aria on Nov. 5, 2011.

Photos: Travis Barker and Mix Master Mike at Haze; Mark Lash at Gold: Sunday, November 6, 2011; By Don Chareunsy; Shortly after midnight, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and Mix Master Mike arrived at Haze in Aria with an entourage of crewmembers ...

The News at Crystals inside CityCenter Las Vegas Thursday, October 27, 2011.

Newsstand opens at CityCenter: Saturday, October 29, 2011; By Delen Goldberg; Las Vegas’ most luxurious shopping mall recently got an addition: a newsstand.

The Food & Wine Top Chefs All-Star Tasting hosted by Gail Simmons at Aria on Oct. 22, 2011. Aria President William McBeath, Simmons and Chef Shawn McClain are pictured here.

Photos: 'Top Chef' and MGM culinary stars’ ultimate food and wine feast: Thursday, October 27, 2011; By Don Chareunsy , Robin Leach; Food & Wine, which this month also hosted its inaugural event in L.A., attracted today’s top culinary constellation from across America and halfway ...

Joe Manganiello at Surrender Nightclub in the Encore on Oct. 26, 2011. DJ Nervo spinned for partygoers.

Halloween in L.V.: Parties with Heidi Klum, Holly, Bridget, Pauly D, Snooki: Thursday, October 27, 2011; By Robin Leach; The long hell-ebration includes celebrities galore, among them Marilyn Manson, AnnaLynne McCord, Joe Manganiello, Scott Disick, JWoww, Ice-T and Coco ...

CityCenter seeks to collect evidence at Harmon before implosion: Thursday, October 27, 2011; By Steve Green; Attorneys for the CityCenter resort complex on the Las Vegas Strip asked a judge Wednesday to approve additional testing of the flawed Harmon Hotel — work that would precede the planned implosion of the building. The tests are needed to collect evidence for use in the massive lawsuit over unpaid bills for construction of the $279 million Harmon, and counterclaims that construction defects there have left the building unusable and in danger of collapsing in an earthquake.

Kim Kardashian hosts Valentine's Day at Marquee at The Cosmopolitan on Feb. 14, 2011.

Celebrity preview: Birthdays for Kim Kardashian, Ne-Yo, Drake; 'Top Chef' all-stars: Friday, October 21, 2011; By Robin Leach; Before I detail Kim Kardashian and the Top Chef stars’ visits to Las Vegas today, don’t be surprised if during this final weekend of Sir Elton ...

Supreme Court ruling may get CityCenter lawsuit moving again: Thursday, October 20, 2011; By Steve Green; The massive and long-delayed CityCenter construction litigation in Las Vegas could get back on track soon now that the Nevada Supreme Court has resolved a side issue.

MGM Resorts International's CityCenter project is seen on the Strip on April 28, 2011.

MGM Resorts makes list of America's most environmentally responsible companies: Environment:; Thursday, October 20, 2011; By VEGAS INC staff; For the second year in a row, MGM Resorts International has been named one of Newsweek Magazine’s 500 most environmentally-responsible U.S. companies.

A private terrace of a Cosmopolitan guest room offers a view of the Bellagio Fountains and other properties along The Strip.

Strip Scribbles: The $1.5 million Bellagio Fountains holiday gifts: Wednesday, October 19, 2011; By Robin Leach; Many consider the arrival of the luxurious Neiman Marcus Christmas Book as the official start of the holiday shopping season, and ...

Gail Simmons, Jennifer Carroll and Fabio Viviani at Deuce Lounge in Aria on Nov. 5, 2010.

Counter Intelligence: Food & Wine All-Stars, Vic Vegas and Guy Fieri: Wednesday, October 19, 2011; By Robin Leach; Hot off the grill! Celebrity chef superstars, renowned sommeliers and creative mixologists will turn the Bellagio and Aria into a culinary ...

Mathieu Chartron and Guy Savoy host a Masters Dinner at Caesars Palace during Vegas Uncork'd on May 5, 2011.

Counter Intelligence: Culinary event in trouble? Plus, Savoy, Boulud and seafood: Tuesday, October 11, 2011; By Robin Leach; Hot off the grill! From the culinary department of Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors, I’m hearing that one of The Strip’s big culinary events is ...

Strip Scribbles: Cirque plans changes for 'Viva Elvis' and 'Mystere': Monday, October 10, 2011; By Robin Leach; Cirque du Soleil officials have said that Priscilla Presley is in total accord with the changes that they believe are necessary to make to Viva Elvis at ...

Landry’s Restaurants gets OK to buy Eva Longoria's bankrupt Beso: Monday, October 3, 2011; By Steve Green; Actress Eva Longoria received the kiss of approval Monday for the sale of her bankrupt Beso restaurant in Las Vegas. A judge approved a contested proposal by Landry’s Restaurants Inc. to buy the assets for $1 million.

Justin Timberlake & Friends featuring Sir Elton John, Diddy and Dirty Money, Christina Aguilera, Salt-n-Pepa, T-Pain, Lady Antebellum, Selena Gomez and Free Sol at Theater for the Performing Arts in Planet Hollywood on Oct. 23, 2010.

Celebrity preview: Justin Timberlake, concerts, NHL, tattoos, motorbikes: Friday, September 30, 2011; By Robin Leach; It’s a highly competitive weekend with NHL superstars, the world’s top tattoo artists and motorcycle race fanatics, but the big shootout is between ...

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel rally for Obama.

Reunited(?) Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel dine at CityCenter: Wednesday, September 28, 2011; By Robin Leach; The twosome was spotted late last night at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Crystals at MGM CityCenter. No word, though, on how long they spent there, ...

Eva Longoria's Beso restaurant's fate in hands of CityCenter mall: Tuesday, September 27, 2011; By Steve Green; A quick-witted bankruptcy judge reminded everyone in his courtroom Monday that the luxury Crystals shopping mall on the Las Vegas Strip is the entity that actually controls the fate of Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant there.

Khloe Kardashian Odom, Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian celebrate Kim Kardashian's bachelorette party at Tao in the Venetian on July 23, 2011.

Strip Scribbles: Kardashian Khaos job fair is Friday at the Mirage: Thursday, September 15, 2011; By Robin Leach; Want to work for Kim Kardashian? Want to do 9 to 5 or 3 to 10 with sisters Khloe Kardashian Odom and Kourtney Kardashian? Well, here’s your ...

Celine Dion's opening night at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on March 15, 2011.

Strip Scribbles: Celine Dion ‘the biggest act since Elvis,’ Newsweek says: Wednesday, September 14, 2011; By Robin Leach; Congratulations to Celine Dion and husband and manager Rene Angelil on Billboard’s Boxscore rankings as the No. 1 show in North America ...

Claire Sinclair at The Bettie Page Store at The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace for Fashion's Night Out on Sept. 8, 2011.

Fashion’s Night Out photos: Claire Sinclair, Bill and Giuliana Rancic a hit: Friday, September 9, 2011; By Robin Leach; Keep Memory Alive chief Larry Ruvo hosted a fundraiser for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at TAG Heuer and Fendi in Crystal ...

Giuliana Rancic surprises her husband, Bill Rancic, with a 40th birthday celebration at Azure Luxury Pool at the Palazzo.

120+ stores and stars make Las Vegas shine for Fashion’s Night Out: Thursday, September 8, 2011; By Robin Leach; The superstar names of fashion are welcoming Fashion Police, E! News and Style Network stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Zowie Bowie and Matt Goss to ...

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Strip Scribbles: Smith Center lineup includes jazz greats, cabaret stars: Wednesday, August 31, 2011; By Robin Leach; Jazz greats and cabaret stars from across the globe will now have a home in Las Vegas when the new Cabaret Jazz venue at the under-construction ...

Keri Hilson at Haze, and Sean Paul at The Bank.

Star Surveillance: Keri Hilson, Landon Donovan at Aria; Sean Paul at The Bank: Wednesday, August 31, 2011; By Robin Leach; Reggae pop superstar Sean Paul presented a high-energy performance at The Bank at the Bellagio, plus paid an unexpected visit to Haze at ...

Longoria to own 30 percent of new Beso restaurant business: Saturday, August 27, 2011; By Steve Green; The best thing going for Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant in Las Vegas is the “Desperate Housewives” actress herself. That was shown Friday when details were disclosed on plans by a subsidiary of Landry’s Restaurants of Houston to buy the Beso LLC assets out of bankruptcy for $1 million.

Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett celebrate her 26th birthday at the Venus Pool Club and Pure at Caesars Palace on June 11, 2011.

Celebrity preview: Kendra, AFAN, 100 Monkeys, Bree Olson, Sugarland, JWoww: Friday, August 26, 2011; By Robin Leach; It’s a magical music weekend in Las Vegas, and even rock and roll legend Rod Stewart’s new Caesars Palace run of shows has some stiff competition ...

A side view of the El Rancho's Oct. 3, 2000 implosion. The building was demolished to make room for Turnberry Place, a set of high-rise luxury condominiums.

Out with a bang: 10 Strip implosions: Thursday, August 25, 2011; By Sun Staff; It's almost as much a part of Las Vegas culture as slot machines and showgirls: When it's time to take down a massive building, resorts on the Strip do it with a bang.

MGM Resorts International's plan to implode the Harmon tower at CityCenter faces unusual obstacles. The tower, discovered to have building errors, is at the center of litigation between MGM and the project's general contractor.

Getting OK to implode the Harmon proving to be monumental task: Thursday, August 25, 2011; By Liz Benston; When owners of old casinos are ready to pull the plug, they head to Clark County government offices for a demolition permit, detailing how and when the building should be taken down so as not to harm neighbors.

The sweeping forms of Aria are visible from a two-bedroom apartment at Veer Towers at CityCenter.

Aria guests sue after acquiring Legionnaire’s disease: Tuesday, August 23, 2011; By Steve Green; Six guests of the Aria hotel in Las Vegas sued the property and its builder Tuesday, charging they acquired Legionnaire’s disease there and then endured pain and suffering and incurred hefty medical bills while recovering.

Brody Jenner at Chateau inside Paris on March 19, 2011.

Photos: Birthday boys Brody Jenner at The Bank, Kevin Dillon at Haze: Tuesday, August 23, 2011; By Robin Leach; Hours after Kim Kardashian’s wedding to New Jersey Nets star Kris Humphries, her stepbrother Brody Jenner and girlfriend pop singer Avril Lavigne arrived ...

Judge OKs plan for Landry’s to operate Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant: Wednesday, August 17, 2011; By Steve Green; A bankruptcy judge on Wednesday approved a plan in which restaurant and casino operator Landry’s Restaurants Inc. of Houston is bailing out Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant in Las Vegas.

Cast members of Viva Elvis at the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at the Wynn on Dec. 3, 2010.

Elvis Presley is still alive when it comes to making million$: Wednesday, August 17, 2011; By Robin Leach; Forbes estimates that more than $60 million a year is earned just from licensing Elvis Presley's image, and rock and roll fans around the world still ...

Joe Jonas celebrates his 22nd birthday at Haze on Aug. 13, 2011.

Photos: Joe Jonas celebrates 22nd birthday at Liquid Pool Lounge, Haze: Tuesday, August 16, 2011; By Robin Leach; It was a daylong blast for pop superstar Joe Jonas, who decided to celebrate his 22nd birthday in Las Vegas. To start the celebration, Joe and his pals ...

Angel Management makes play to acquire Eva Longoria’s Beso: Tuesday, August 16, 2011; Plans by Landry’s Restaurants Inc. to buy Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant in Las Vegas are being challenged, with a competing proposal emerging Monday from nightclub operator Angel Management Group.

Frank Mir at Jabbawockeez at the Monte Carlo.

Star Surveillance: Frank Mir, Celine Dion, Antonio Tarver, Steve Nash: Monday, August 15, 2011; By Robin Leach; Caesars Palace superstar headliner Celine Dion played host to several stars as she ended her second run of sold-out shows last night ...

MGM Resorts seeks to demolish CityCenter's Harmon Hotel: Proposed timetable calls for demolition to be completed in 6 months; Monday, August 15, 2011; By Steve Green; MGM Resorts International today said it’s recommending to Clark County that the quarter-billion-dollar Harmon Hotel at CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip be demolished because of construction defects. MGM Resorts said it is seeking Clark County Building Department approval to raze the empty, unused building.

The Jockey Club, a timeshare/condominium property nestled between the Cosmopolitan and CityCenter, isn't quite as shiny and new as its neighbors.

Jockey Club can teach its giant neighbors some economic lessons: Friday, August 12, 2011; Steve Friess; The room was booked over the phone because the website couldn’t handle a same-day reservation. Valet parking cost $20 because the attendant couldn’t break a $5 bill. Our belongings were dragged through a Byzantine maze of non-ADA-compliant steps and hallways to get to the bank of elevators that take guests to their rooms. And that’s when the adventure really began.

Major changes are being made to Cirque du Soleil’s 'Viva Elvis' at Aria: Wednesday, August 10, 2011; By Robin Leach; In a shocking and surprise move, Cirque du Soleil officials confirmed this afternoon that major changes will be made to Viva Elvis at Aria, ...

Eva Longoria's Beso in CityCenter's Crystals.

Golden Nugget owner takes over Eva Longoria's Beso restaurant: Business:; Tuesday, August 9, 2011; By Steve Green; Restaurant and casino operator Landry’s Restaurants Inc. has stepped in to prevent the closure of Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant in Las Vegas – and Landry's now hopes to buy Beso out of bankruptcy.

Legal skirmish over flawed Harmon may never reveal defect blame: Tuesday, August 9, 2011; By Liz Benston; The stunted Harmon hotel at CityCenter stands as a constant reminder of the most startling construction defects case in Las Vegas: What was to be a 49-story tower is instead paralyzed and empty at 26 stories because of overwhelming construction flaws. Nobody wants to take the fall for what happened at Harmon.

Las Vegas has become second home for Chicago Chef Shawn McClain: Sunday, July 24, 2011; By Shawn McClain; After living and working in Chicago for the past 22 years, I was excited yet anxious to open Sage at Aria in Las Vegas. I knew that it was going to be a challenge ...

The Harmon tower at CityCenter is shown while under construction in July 2009 on the Las Vegas Strip.

MGM: CityCenter sound, apart from Harmon hotel tower: DEVELOPMENT:; Saturday, July 23, 2011; By Liz Benston; MGM Resorts International stopped work on the Strip’s Harmon hotel in January 2009 after disclosing that contractors had made significant structural errors, including the improper placement of steel used to hold up the tower.

A cartoon created by Will Roberts for Robin Leach.

Will Roberts of 'Viva Elvis' ain’t your run-of-the-mill cowboy, pardn’r: Tuesday, July 19, 2011; By Will Roberts; Yeehaw! I hope I have your attention. Being the cowboy that I am, that’s how we make entrances. Plus, being a Las Vegas cowboy, it’s totally ...

Engineer: CityCenter's Harmon would collapse in earthquake: Monday, July 11, 2011; OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press; The unfinished Harmon hotel tower at CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip would likely collapse in a strong earthquake, a structural engineer told casino operator MGM Resorts International on Monday.

Chef Julian Serrano’s tapas restaurant at Aria: ‘My dream had come true’: Monday, July 11, 2011; By Julian Serrano; For about 15 years, I had a goal of opening a restaurant that represented the food of Spain. The food of Spain represents the people of Spain. The ...

Crystal Harris and Anna Sophia Berglund at Ditch Fridays at Palms Pool & Bungalows at the Palms on May 6, 2011.

Celebrity preview: Crystal Harris, Travis Barker, Keri Hilson, Danielle Staub: Friday, July 8, 2011; By Robin Leach; The Runaway Bride steals the spotlight again. Newly split from Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner, Crystal Harris returns to town for another round of ...

Criss Angel and Perez Hilton at The Bank on July 1, 2011.

Photos: Criss Angel makes magic with Perez Hilton, 2010 Miss USA: Saturday, July 2, 2011; By Robin Leach; It was quite a night for Mindfreak magician Criss Angel after his Cirque du Soleil show Believe at the Luxor. Early this morning, his first ...

Anthony Young checks out the view from the recreation room at Veer Towers in CityCenter Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Valet living, loving life high above the Las Vegas Strip: j. patrick coolican:; Friday, June 17, 2011; By J. Patrick Coolican; Anthony Young is living the Las Vegas dream if there ever were one. When he’s not working as a valet at New York-New York, he can crash at his cool, tile-floored, 12th-floor studio apartment at one of the Veer Towers at CityCenter.

A look at Nikki Beach at Tropicana Las Vegas during its opening day of Friday, May 27, 2011.

Strip Scribbles: Playboy photographers ISO models at Nikki Beach: Wednesday, June 1, 2011; By Robin Leach; Three top Playboy photographers who have shot nearly 150 covers during their combined 70 years with Hugh Hefner’s magazine are the ...

Aubrey O'Day and Krystan Bronson host at Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria on May 21, 2011.

Photos: Aubrey O’Day shows off her bountiful assets at Liquid Pool Lounge: Wednesday, May 25, 2011; By Robin Leach; The reality TV starlet and singer wowed the crowd when she showed off her curves -- and other assets -- in a white bikini when she hosted at Aria ...

Fergie and Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas perform at Haze in Aria on May 20, 2011.

Photos: Fergie rocks out at first Billboard Music Awards party: Saturday, May 21, 2011; By Robin Leach; Las Vegas has become The Music Capital of the World this weekend with the invasion of the recording industry’s biggest artists. The superstar ...

The Black Eyed Peas at the 2011 Taste of the NFL press conference in Dallas on Feb. 3, 2011.

Celebrity preview: Billboard Music Awards, Nicki Minaj, 'Glee' share spotlight: Friday, May 20, 2011; By Robin Leach; It’s a three-day music weekend of superstars, and in advance of Sunday’s 2011 Billboard Music Awards on ABC, presenters and performers are making the ...

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The Kats Report

A smashing report from Cirque/Elvis show at CityCenter

Elvis tribute artist Jesse Garon performs the ceremony as Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman and his wife of 47 years Carolyn Goodman renewed their wedding vows Wednesday at the Fremont Street Experience in celebration of 9/9/09.

Updated October 8, 2009 (12:45 a.m.) 4

The new Elvis show at CityCenter, set to open in December, is reportedly evading traditional Elvis impersonators. Except, maybe, in one scene sure to leave no ambiguity about the show's opinion of those impersonators.

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CityCenter Extends Job Offers

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Something's Gotta' Give, seg. 1

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Something's Gotta' Give, seg. 2

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Something's Gotta' Give, seg. 4

Politics: Ralston's Flash

Dubai World says in lawsuit MGM MIRAGE can't complete CityCenter

Updated March 23, 2009 (6:21 p.m.) 4

Breach of contract lawsuit against partner in massive complex still requiring $1.2 billion in financing ...

The Kats Report

How to top the Harmon at CityCenter? You decide

Updated February 19, 2009 (11:07 a.m.) 22

There are 21 stories to work with at the Harmon hotel at CityCenter. How should we use them?

Gaming and Business

CityCenter jobs a bright spot in down economy

A view of the CityCenter construction on the Strip from the Bellagio walkway.

Updated January 21, 2009 (4:07 p.m.) 11

The prospect of getting a job at CityCenter, which is hiring some 12,000 people for a late 2009 opening, has thrown some locals into a state of anxious excitement. Officials now expect more than 150,000 applications, including some 50,000 flooding the site within three weeks.

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