Taqueria Canonita provides VINO LAS VEGAS with a view and great food

Taqueria Canonita located in the middle of the canal shoppes at the Venetian hotel, lends itself to the taquerias one may find in Mexico, but with the romance of Venice in the background. Taqueria Canonita is a great place to stop and people watch
and enjoy the open dining area as you
indulge in wonderful Mexican dishes
while watching the singing gondoliers escorting their gondolas with
smiling tourists down the canal.
As we sipped on their signature Jerepico Margeritas, we sampled
some of the best guacalmole in Las Vegas. With the hint of lime,
and serrano peppers, we quickly emptied our bowl of this fufilling
appeitzer.




















Taqueria Canonita's chef Daniel Marquez, along with his great staff will
certainly make your stop in "Mexico" and "Venice" a special dining
experience. For more information go to http://www.canonita.net/home.html

VINO LAS VEGAS rings in 2009 in style at the Venetian / Palazzo Resorts

We have dined at many of the world renowned restaurants in both the Venetian and the Palazzo properties. There was no other place we rather celebrate New Year's 2009 than at these two resorts.





Mario Batali's Carnevino was one of our stops. The calamari was
excellent and Executive Chef Zach Allen stopped by for a chat.
He was preparing New Year's dinner for about 1000 guests between the three Batali restaurants all located in either the Venetian or Palazzo.


Even though he had his hands full for the
evening Zach had time to treat us to his
own " Zack Attack " Amaro. This Amaro
was very smooth and herbaceous with hints of sage , basil and toasted almonds.



David Burke's namesake restaurant was getting ready for a special
New Year's Eve 5 course dinner with a Champagne toast.










Perhaps the biggest honor of the evening was at Charlie Trotter's Restaurant Charlie. After stopping in for a drink we were invited by the staff to stay and celebrate the final seconds of 2008 with a toast. As we counted down to 2009 we could not think of a greater honor than to
start off 2009 with the staff of this Michelin award winning restaurant.


Our first restaurant visit of 2009 was at Morels French Steak House. Executive Chef Eric Bauer has done a great job providing a well balanced menu , great wine list and highly sought after patio
dining over looking the strip.





We could not leave until we celebrated the
New Year at one of the resorts world famous clubs.





LAVO has only been opened a short while but has already made a name
for itself. New Year's Eve was a great time to experience this high tech club first hand. The club is very chic and the music radiated over
the club's multiple floors keeping it's guest moving non stop for hours.












A night of celebrities , a great concert , wonderful food and a exciting club with a New Year's Eve toast will not soon be forgotten. It was a very special experience that only the class and sophistication the Venetian / Palazzo could provide.

Join VINO LAS VEGAS as take you with us for the last hours of 2008 at the Venetian /Palazzo
Resorts.

The Stars shine at the Venetian / Palazzo Red Carpet on New Years Eve 2009

Las Vegas is known as the capital of entertainment for many years. Stars from almost every venue could be found up and down the Famous Las Vegas Strip.








The Venetian / Palazzo was no exception.
VINO LAS VEGAS was at these two landmark properties all night
long until the wee hours of 2009 to cover all of the festivities.





Pop Star Fergie, the three time Grammy Award winning artist hosted the inaugural
New Years Eve celebration at LAVO after her LIVE concert at the Venetian.



Carmen Electra , one of Hollywood's sexiest personalities served as the mistress of ceremonies at TAO. The evening began of course at the Red Carpet located between the two resorts.















Fergie , Carmen Electra and comedian David Spade were the first to take to the Red Carpet to the screams of hundreds of admiring Fans.


They were only the beginning as Coolio , Antonio Sabato Jr , Briana
Evigan and many others made the Red Carpet walk.

Fergie put on a show for hundreds in the Venetian Ballroom. She treated us with hits like "Galmorous" and "Clumsy". She also did a magnificent job covering many classic hits from Heart as well as many others.





David Spade introduced Fergie at her concert as he was in the house Gearing up for a run of his own at the Venetian. In our opinion there was
no better place to say goodbye to 2008 and welcome 2009 than at the
Venetian / Palazzo resorts located in the middle of all the action on the
Las Vegas Strip.



Join VINO LAS VEGAS on the Red Carpet and meet many of today's
hottest stars who celebrated the birth of 2009

The Sultry Tones of Karen Jones flow among the wine at VINO 100

VINO 100 wine shop has had many events ranging from "Yappie
Hour " for our Canine friends to Food and Wine pairing classes. Their latest cutting edge event for a wine shop was their evening
of wine and jazz. We attended the event and were in awe of singer,
artist and teacher Karen Jones.







With a talent like Karen performing amongst the wine in a very
intimate setting we could not help but relax with a great glass of wine and enjoy her talent.

Karen Jones is the daughter of the most famous swing bassist of our time, Eddie Jones, She grew up in the Jazz world in Brooklyn, NY. Her father played with the Count Basie Orchestra for over 10 years. He also loved classical music and played with the Village Light Opera Group at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. Karen absorbed it all. Ellie Jones, Karen’s mother, while not a musician, is a true lover of life. Ellie introduced Karen to a rich variety of musical styles to appreciate and honor.





Karen’s recording career has produced over 50 dance singles and 4 albums. As her vast array of performance venues has grown, so has her seasoned, unique sound. Performing in haute-couture fashion shows, charity concerts, television shows, symphonic concerts, big band concerts, private parties, movie soundtracks, jingles, national concert tours, international concert tours, nightclubs, jazz festivals, cruise ships, weddings, community plazas, and last but not least piano bars. She has also performed all over the world and recently just returned from Korea.

Karen can be found here in Las Vegas at the Bellagio in the Fontana Bar with its fabulous view of the Bellagio fountains right outside the doors. This is one of the best live music venues in the city and is worth a visit from locals and tourists alike.




VINO 100 had a wonderful turnout for this
very special event. Karen can "sing the phone book "as she effortlessly moved from the Standards to Jazz and on to popular music and even some rock. Here rendition of "Proud Mary " is one that we will always
remember.






Owners Natalie and Theresa moved to the
music as they once again held a unique
event at their shop.




To find out more about the amazing Karen Jones please go to http://www.KarenJoneslive.com



Join Elaine and Scott of VINO LAS VEGAS as we take you with us and enjoy the talented Karen Jones at VINO 100

VINO LAS VEGAS will be at the Venetian/ Palazzo where FERGIE HOSTS , AS LAVO LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES ITS INAUGURAL NEW YEAR’S EVE

FERGIE HOSTS AS LAVO LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES ITS INAUGURAL NEW YEAR’S EVE

As the clock strikes midnight VINO LAS VEGAS will be at the Venetian / Palazzo when pop star Fergie will ring in 2009 at LAVO on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Since opening on September 13^th LAVO, the bathhouse inspired restaurant, lounge and nightclub at The Palazzo Las Vegas, has quickly become a destination for celebrities, Las Vegas locals and travelers alike. In just three months nearly 200 stars have visited LAVO for dinner or a night of dancing in the club.

Fergie, the three-time Grammy Award winning artist, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for LAVO’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration following her live performance at The Venetian and The Palazzo while DJ Reach spins for the crowd.

Tickets range from $150 to $250 per person based on availability and include entry to the venue, an open bar with passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails from 9 pm -11 pm, and a champagne toast at midnight. Doubling the excitement for evening, the LAVO ticket stub can be used for complimentary access to Tao at The Venetian after midnight. Purchase early to take advantage of the lower pricing.

Tickets can be purchased in person at any Palazzo or Venetian Box Office, by calling 702.414.9000 or online at www.lavolv.com. For VIP table reservations contact the LAVO office at 702.791.1818. Tickets to the concert featuring Fergie and special guests are available for separate purchase at any Palazzo or Venetian Box Office.

Fergie will countdown to the New Year while New York City's DJ Reach spins the latest hits. The elegant 4,500-square-foot nightclub features state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, vaulted, glazed tile arches opening to a domed ceiling above the dance floor, and a 2,000-square-foot patio overlooking the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. The New Year's Eve package includes VIP entry and two hours of the following: hors d'oeuvres from our Mediterranean Bistro menu, an open bar, and specialty cocktails, in addition to a champagne toast at midnight. LAVO will open at 9 p.m. and remain open until 5 a.m. Ticket prices start at $150.*

Purchase tickets online or call 702.414.9000

For table inquiries, please contact us at 702.388.8588 or newyears@lavolv.com

*Ticket prices are subject to change. Tickets can be redeemed 72 hours prior to the event at any Venetian Box Office outlet. The credit card used to make the purchase and a valid photo ID are required at the time of ticket redemption.

New Year's Eve Premium Package
To commemorate LAVO’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration, the bathhouse-inspired restaurant, lounge, and nightclub presents an exclusive package, highlighted by incomparable amenities. This $25,000 extravaganza features a prime table on our stunning Strip-front terrace, ideal for viewing the fireworks and revelry that can only be found in Las Vegas.

The night includes entry for 25 guests, the VIP corner table on the terrace, as well as exclusive access to the private dining room for celebrating indoors and out. Guests will be treated to a pyramid of Mediterranean small plates and Beluga caviar from acclaimed Chef Ludovic "Ludo" Lefebvre, along with a double magnum of Cristal champagne, two bottles of Ultimat Vodka and a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. Revelers will also be able to partake in the acclaimed hookah experience with a custom blend designed by LAVO’s own hookah master. To complete the evening, the group will have their photo taken with celebrity host, Fergie. Only one package is available

Interested parties, please contact LAVO at 702.791.1818 or newyears@lavolv.com

The Restaurant:

LAVO, is a new dining and nightlife concept at The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. LAVO is Latin for "to bathe or cleanse"; the AvroKo designed space derives inspiration from the bathhouses of ancient Mediterranean cultures, while the menu highlights the best of the region's cuisine. Chef Ludo Lefebvre and a team of noted chefs will guide guests upon a culinary odyssey with a selection of the most appealing dishes from countries such as Spain, France and Italy. The menu is designed to encourage sampling and sharing among friends. The 300 seat restaurant includes a 180 seat dining room, a 20 seat private dining room and 100 seats on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with late night dining until 2 am.

The Night Club :

LAVO Nightclub is the perfect destination for the reveler looking for a late night cleanse. Turkish water basins flank the bridge that leads to the second floor nightclub and the bridge itself becomes a gathering perch from which guests can observe the action below. The elegant 4500 square foot nightclub features 40 bottle service tables, state of the art audio visual systems and the sounds of resident DJs Vice, Reach, Galleano and Berrie. The nightclub features vaulted glazed tile arches opening to a domed ceiling above the dance floor. Revelers can enjoy a sexy, elevated VIP area with posh banquettes, embossed leather walls and mirrored mosaic tile niches. LAVO nightclub invites you to join us six nights a week from 10 pm to 5 am.

The Lounge :

The LAVO Lounge serves as an ideal meeting place to socialize in the early evenings and indulge in the culinary creations of our Mediterranean Bistro. With twenty foot ceilings of old wood and low chandeliers crown an area featuring a curved bar, leather seating and Moroccan tables. The lounge is highlighted by a spectacular glass and wood screened bridge and is bordered by a grand carved stone wall. This setting allows the guest dramatic views of the Las Vegas strip from our outdoor terrace.

VINO LAS VEGAS will be right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip and will bring all of you with us as we ring in 2009 at the Venetian / Palazzo Resort and Casino. This promises to be one special evening and a one of kind way to ring in the New Year.

VINO 100 helps to Support Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Nevada

One of our special stops in Las Vegas for Wine and very interesting special events is VINO 100
in the northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley.





" A Golden Night of Wine and Roses " was a cause that hits very close to home
with VINO LAS VEGAS. We normally not editorialize or pontificate on subjects found in our pieces. However, we have been around these wonderful dogs for many years. They do so many things for so many people in society and ask for
nothing in return but love.







When Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Nevada put on this event with roses and wine at VINO 100 we had to show our support for this very important organization.






"A Golden Night of Wine and Roses" was
a wine tasting that started with some
wonderful Champagne moving on to
wines from all over the world and finishing
with dessert wine. There were even
roses for the ladies , luscious appetizers and
raffle prizes as well.





Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern
Nevada is an all volunteer non-profit
organization that provides new beginnings
for abandoned and displaced unwanted
Golden Retrievers.





We can all help in many ways. If you don'thave room to provide a"forever home" you can help by distributing brochures to vets and groomers, Donate cash of any amount , donate supplies or even help with seasonal gift wrapping or fund raising events.











It was a great pleasure for us to attend this event to help a cause that is very dear to our hearts. Especially during this holiday season. For more information on how you can help these very
special dogs, please go to http://www.grrsn.org or you can call the Gold line at 702-598-GOLD

VINO LAS VEGAS explores the Holiday Season at the Palazzo Resort featureing 225,000 cranberries

The Holiday season is special all over the world
and Las Vegas is no exception. With many multi-
Billion dollar Casino-Resorts lining the 3 mile
strip you know they go all out for their guests and
locals alike.







VINO LAS VEGAS stopped in at the 1.9 Billion , 50 Story Palazzo Resort to see how they were getting ready for the holidays.

We were not disappointed with what we found. This remarkable property has gone all out with a magnificent holiday display featuring 225,000 cranberries !

The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino’s holiday décor is complete as approximately 225,000 cranberries were poured into the Palazzo Atrium pond. The cranberries, donated by Ocean Spray, are a commonly used floral display piece and illuminates and enriches The Palazzo’s interior gardens with their color, size, and ambiance

The cranberries complement the holiday décor throughout the atrium where large, white Aspen trees hang covered in a variety of peppermints, snow, and candy ornaments. Additionally, the waterfall wall transforms into a holiday theme with white pine, red and silver ornaments, and pine cones.

The holiday theme continues throughout the resort as festive red and white poinsettias, white azaleas, Amaryllis, sugar cones, and 3 foot pine cones decorate the front desk, lobby, and The Shoppes at The Palazzo area. Guests and visitors will be able to enjoy the holiday décor at The Palazzo through January 1, 2008.

We plan explore a few of our favorite stops along the strip but the display at the Palazzo will be hard to beat .