FEB/MAR 2014

FEMME FATALE V-DAY FASHION GUIDE PAGE 25

Seth Schorr Spills it in ‘SERENDIPITOUS’

HOUSING: MCNEIL ESTATES

Bin+ 702 Pinches Tacos The Boozery

… And the Most Sought-After Painter Outside the Arts District Now that January’s in the rear view mirror (thankfully!), we’re putting the pedal to the metal as we go full steam ahead into the short yet delectably sweet month of February. With St. Valentine’s Day soon approaching, this month’s theme of love is ever abundant throughout our pages as we shed light on a 5-year-old kindergartner who doubles as a professional painter, sit down with Cupkates co-owners Kate and Will Thompson to learn the secret behind their better tasting cupcakes, go shopping inside Downtown Container Park’s boutique stores in search of that perfect and well-deserved Valentine’s gift, and finally, track down some of downtown’s better tasting and healthier post- dinner dessert options with your sweetheart. But wait! We realize that for some, V-Day is more like D-Day, so we’ve also included additional features to keep your mind off of oh, what’s his name, such as the continuation of “The Letter,” part two of Descriptive Downtown, an in-depth look at the prominence of the El Cortez, and much, much more. So go ahead, flip through, and read to your heart’s content. - The Downtown ZEN Team Editor-in-Chief Cover: Loren Becker Concept Contact Us: Mandy Crispin Email: DowntownZEN@zappos.com Managing Editors Like: facebook.com/ZapposDowntownHappenings Michael Boley, Mandy Crispin Production and Direction Follow: #dtzen Matt Wong, Mandy Crispin, Michael Boley Contributing Writers Brian Paco Alvarez, Michael Boley, Front Cover Model Temple Brathwaite, Mandy Crispin, Megan Petrini Matthew Dunsmoor, Angelina Fadool, Tony Ferrara, Karina Giraldo, Joanna Mueller, Makeup Artist Shannon Sneade, Shawn Zahnow Jules Zamora

Serial Artist Costume Designer April Teixeira bridgetdickey, Peter Koryzno Read Online: www.dtZEN.com Calendar & Events Costume Design Assistant Mikela Lee-Manaois Temple Brathwaite

Photography Typography Layout Matt Wong, Karina Giraldo, Las Vegas News Bureau, Nina Thomasian Downtown ZEN Team Logo Design Art Director Fernando Cabestany Ryan Brekke (BullFish Media) *Special thanks to Downtown Container Park* Graphic Designer Printer: Crystal Torres (BullFish Media) Jackpot Printing 702.873.1902 | www.jackpotprinting.com Web Design Michael Boley Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 table of CONTENTS 33 FEATURES 03 | Cupkates: Cupcakes by Kate 09 | Stitch Factory Featuring D’Wayne Edwards 13 | History of the El Cortez 24 PHILOSOPHY ‘N’ FLUFF 43 31 18 | Serial: The Letter 21 | Recipe 22 | Serendipitous Spotlight 23 | Education 41 24 | Fashion 27 | Descriptive Essay 13 29 | History 31 | Health & Wellness 33 | Housing Guide 35 | Astrology FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ABOUT THE COVER “My love, won’t you take me out tonight?” This 37 | Arts & Ents month’s cover is inspired by “my love” — music! 40 | Smith Center Other music lovers may spot the influence of 41 | He Said, She Said American indie pop band The Bird and the Bee and references to perhaps the most iconic an- 43 | Restaurant Review thophila of all time, the cover girl of Blind Melon’s 45 | Bar Review self-titled album from 1992. Birds and bees TECH JOBS should fly to the Downtown Container Park this www.about.zappos.com/jobs month to shop, eat, stroll and play. FEATURES

b" Kat! Distant Dreams to Decadent Desserts CupkatesBy Michael Boley

ntrepreneurial-minded brother-sister combo Will and Kate Upon receiving limited callbacks from prospective employers, Thompson are co-owners of the most coveted cupcakes Kate decided to fall back on her pleasure of baking. At the in Las Vegas. This hometown duo has made quite a name same time, Kate’s father was also going through employment Efor themselves since preheating their oven in 2012 when they troubles of his own, having gotten laid off from a well-paying opened up their first gourmet cupcake bakery on the far west construction gig that was at the height of success just a few side of town inside Tivoli Village, and now they're doing it years prior. However, it was in those waning winter months again— but this time within the small-business sponsored, that the father-daughter pair jointly invested in the idea of boutique-styled quarters of Downtown Container Park. upstarting Cupkates as a cater-only business, with Kate’s name distinguishing the brand. Cupcak! Confessional In July 2012, when Cupkates expanded into a storefront bakery at Kate is a 27-year-old business marketing graduate from the Tivoli, Will had just completed his bachelor’s degree and decided University of Nevada, Reno, and Will, 24, earned his UNR to play a small role within the business while also applying for degree, ironically enough, in biological and nutritional sciences. graduate school in the fall; however, the intermingled scent Both, for the record, have had no prior professional baking or of entrepreneurialism and cupcakes has kept him working business experience upon opening Cupkates. In fact, their roles alongside his sister ever since. within this venture are completely reversed from their collegiate degrees, as Kate’s the food guru baker and Will’s the brand “The more we got into it, the more I got that entrepreneurial strategist and marketer. But when two siblings can cooperatively spirit. It got pretty addicting,” said Will. “I was like ‘let’s build run a business with interchangeable strengths, why change the this thing into something amazing, let’s go nationwide with this, recipe when success tastes so sweet? let’s show the brand to everybody,’ and I know our family, in itself, when we pool our resources we can do something pretty Sprinkle-topped success, however, has not come easy for the special, and that’s definitely happening. So it’s kind of cool. I feel Thompson family as they were hit hard by the still-rebounding like I definitely made the right choice.” recession that took place in the late 2000s. In December 2008, during an economic meltdown, Kate’s untimely college graduation meant jobs would be far and few between, especially Cupcak! Lov! in Vegas where professional growth was essentially paralyzed. Kate’s love for baking was spurred at a young age, catalyzed by a pink KitchenAid hand mixer, that she still has to this day, and “I was a dean’s list, straight A’s, great student, so I thought that her childhood nana, a southern belle known for her exquisite that automatically meant I would get a good job with a corner cake recipes. Throughout her college career, Kate was a habitual office in Las Vegas during the worst economic times, and baker and created taste test sessions with friends and family to obviously that plan did not come to fruition,” said Kate. critique her creations, helping to transform nana’s old recipe into one of her own. 03

“What makes the container park great is that it is highly conducive to all kinds of demographics. During the day you get business professionals who live and work downtown who come here for lunch. Later in the day you get families down here … and then as the night goes on it becomes a more adult-friendly place. All demographics, as we’ve found out, really love cupcakes.”

– Will Thompson or those who have yet to visit Cupkates, Kate’s menu is And if the aroma escaping Cupkates has yet to lure you through untraditionally unique, featuring a range of cupcake sizes their doors, the interior design alone will make you appreciative from mini and large to even oversize. But due to popular of Kate’s sense of style. From the colorful pin-up style aprons that Fdemand, Cupkates’ bite-sized miniatures are the first to sell out. drape along the soft colored striped walls to the fine china plating and white wrought iron cupcake stand, it’s a place that would Each morning, Kate and her two bakers arise before the break disgrace Alice’s wonderland and even make the Mad Hatter lose of dawn, mixing, cooking, and frosting more than 250 cupcake his wits. minis. Although not sold individually, with a variety of flavors and fun names, such as the Hipity Hop (carrot cake), Banana Bo “I want people to get a whimsical, vintage, classic feel that takes Fana (banana cake), Sticky Fingers (caramel cake), Mellow Yellow them back to the days of tea and crumpets,” said Kate. “It was (yellow cake), and many more, customers can get an assorted very important to me to have a shabby chic look. The mint green dozen featuring a multitude of delicious flavors for only $12. and cream-striped walls are a huge part of our branding. We want our customers to think ‘Cupkates’ when they see the stripes on As previously mentioned, Cupkates does sell its regular-sized our walls, bags, and business cards.” large cupcakes consisting of the same artistic flavors for $2 each. However, if you’re in need of something resembling a Serving as an extension to Cupkates’ main business model, mountainside, Kate’s customizable cupcake cakes (available in Kate has also created two completely customizable and themed Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Lab, Red Velvet, and Snickerdoodle) are children’s cupcake tea parties that she hosts and caters. For the perfect party idea for a cake smash or to stuff the cheeks of a those wanting to partake in an atypical birthday celebration or small army. gathering, choices include a 90-minute “Drop in Tea” or “Three Course Tea” event, offering a variety of activities, including but One noticeable difference cupcake connoisseurs will see between not limited to antique décor, cupcake decorating, crafts, dress up, Cupkates and other grocers and chained bakeries across the princess hair, and Kate’s personal favorite, table manners. valley is their use of frosting. According to Kate, her bakery gratifyingly uses only four main ingredients (one of which is “Table manners and etiquette was huge in our family,” said Kate. a hint of mayo … yes, mayonnaise) to combine a light, airy “Even when we were 3 [it was] ‘may we please be excused from buttercream which is used to accent the actual cake, unlike her the table?’ Unfortunately, right now in our society, especially in

competitors who prefer to pile on a rich and heavy processed Las Vegas, that art is being lost with table manners and etiquette, frosting that outweighs and outmeasures hers in size, but so I figured let’s get these little kids in a fun atmosphere where underperforms in taste. they can feel fancy while still learning things without knowing they’re learning something.” “We pride ourselves on moist cupcakes. I feel that a lot of times if you pile a whole bunch of frosting on top of a cupcake, you It’s now been six years since the upstart of Cupkates, and not are trying to hide the flavor of your cake, or the cake may not an iota of a second has gone by where the Thompson’s haven’t be as moist. So, if you’ll notice with our cupcakes, they’re not expressed their gratitude towards its shop local customers. Will overloaded with frosting, and it’s because we really focus on the and Kate’s customer-centric business approach has, and will actual cake.” always be, built on the idea of providing quality food while using only the finest of ingredients. And in the years ahead as they In addition to cupcakes, other specialty items offered at Cupkates plan to expand Cupkates to a third location, they are excited to includes cake pops and dipped marshmallows. And as a bonus pay their success forward by driving and strengthening the local just in time for St. Valentine’s Day, the shop is also selling heart- economy to create additional jobs. shaped Rice Krispies treats, light pink-dipped apples topped with mini marshmallows, dipped strawberries, and the most beautiful “The further support we can get, the more kids we can hire for and photogenic dessert of them all: cupcake bouquets. Utilizing after-school work,” said Will. “We’re highly motivated by creating an Edible Arrangements presentation style, cupcake bouquets jobs. We probably pay way more into payroll than a company of are an intricately designed dessert arrangement consisting of six our size should, but it’s important to us to provide opportunity large cupcakes, five mini cupcakes, and four chocolate-covered for people to have a chance to get into the working world.” strawberries. So the next time you find yourself making a purchase at Cupkates, not only are you benefiting small business, but also the community in which we all live. And that … well, that’s the true icing on the cake. dtZEN.com

07 !e entire team at the DowntownZEN wants to thank all our community supporters for letting us set up magazine racks in your businesses. We appreciate all the love and exposure.

DOWNTOWN CONTAINER PARK EAT VIVA LAS AREPAS 707 Fremont St. 707 Carson Ave. 1616 S. Las Vegas Blvd. #120 702.637.4244 702.534.1515 702-336-9696 www.downtowncontainerpark.com www.eatdowntownlv.com www.vivalasarepas.com

EL CORTEZ HOTEL RADIO CITY PIZZA 600 Fremont St. 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 508 Fremont St. 800.634.6703 702.982.2999 702.982.5055 www.elcortezhotelcasino.com www.resnicksgrocery.com www.radiocitypizza.com

DOWNTOWN GRAND LAS VEGAS WHITE CROSS MARKET THE CENTER 206 N. Third St. 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER) 702.719.5202 702-382.3382 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. www.downtowngrand.com www.whitecrossmarket.com 702.733.9800 www.thecenterlv.org THE BEAT VAGUARD LOUNGE 520 Fremont Street 516 Fremont St. INSPIRE THEATER 702-385-2328 702.868.7800 501 Fremont St. www.thebeatlv.com www.vanguardlv.com www.facebook.com/inspiretheaterlv

ATOMIC LIQUORS GOLD SPIKE JUHL LOFTS 917 Fremont St. 217 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 353 E. Bonneville Ave. 702.349.2283 702.384.8444 702-754-6300 www.atomiclasvegas.com www.goldspike.com www.juhlst.com

MTO CAFÉ SOHO LOFTS 515 Fremont St. 500 S. Main St. 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.685.7741 702.380.8229 702-383-0979 www.coteriedowntown.com www.mtocafe.com HOGS & HEIFERS SALOON DOWNTOWN RANGERS REAL RESULTS 201 N. Third St., Suite #130 DTP Consrtuction Zone Trailer 1201 S. Commerce St. 702.676.1457 702.900.3274 702.331.3172 www.hogsandheifers.com www.facebook.com/DowntownRangers DOWNTOWN COCKTAIL ROOM INTERNATIONAL EATERY LAS VEGAS HOSTEL 111 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 450 Fremont St (Neonopolis) 1322 Fremont St. 702.880.3696 702.776.8510 702.385.1150 www.thedowntownlv.com www.lasvegashostel.net STITCH FACTORY LE THAI 300 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120 WORK IN PROGRESS 523 Fremont St. 702-476-5552 317 S. Sixth Street 702-778-0888 www.stitchfactory.com 702-534-3804 www.lethaivegas.com www.workinprogress.lv OGDEN ART OF FLAVORS GELATO 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. NACHO DADDY 1616 S. Las Vegas Blvd. #130 702-685-0300 113 N. Fourth St. 702.569.3636 www.ogdenlv.com 702.778.7800 www.lethaivegas.com www.nachodaddy.com RACHEL'S KITCHEN TURN TABLE HEALTH 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. CITY CENTRE CAFÉ' 701 Bridger Ave, Suite 150 702.778.8800 375 Lewis Ave. 702.479.1515 www.rachelskitchen.com 702-383-4055 www.turntablehealth.com

SWAG ANTIQUES GARGANO ITALIAN BISTRO THE LADY SILVIA 630 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 321 S. Casino Center Blvd. 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.464.3299 702.366-0665 702.405.0816 www.swagantique.com www.garganobistro.com www.theladysilvia.com DOWNTOWN MAKES YOU SMARTER: footwear designer D’Wayne Edwards makes it work at Stitch Factory

DREAM BIG. MAKE IT WORK. footwear, wanted to have its own design challenge this PAY IT FORWARD. Design Academy. PENSOLE offers design classes to to students as a master class and be taught at aspiring footwear designers and is located in Portland, Ore. Stitch Factory. Stitch Factory, through a mutual friend when she travelled a variety of countries and states: Bolivia, Haiti, Ecuador, the opportunity to combine forces. Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, North Carolina, Ohio, FN Platform, part of MAGIC, the yearly international market and Georgia. They were asked to cultivate their designs 09 Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 By Mandy Crispin

Q & A: and Nina, respectively) categories. Throughout the process What did you think of Stitch Factory when you first heard of it? Loved it. There are these kind of maker studios popping curriculum at Stitch over 11 days (and late nights). modeling, and sculpting, but nothing for apparel, which I The focus of PENSOLE is to give an all-encompassing thought, one, was a unique position, but also something lesson in the professional world of design from the early that was sorely needed. I grew up in LA, so there was a process of how to prepare to sketch, doing research, big apparel market there, and you would always get people and even guides professional development (e.g. resume, wanting to start their own brand or line, and they just portfolio, branding, interviewing techniques). The work they completed in the short challenge/master class is the equivalent to a 16-week course at a university, but problem. I thought it was really innovative in the sense conveys his technical and career education to his students they spend a ton of money trying to do something they like Project Runway and Fashion Star, things like that, the average person is getting a glimpse of what it takes to make something, and now to have a place where you can that works, and that means the students in this class learn Did you know about downtown Vegas before? have to become worthy of color, not the other way around. I started in this industry when I was 19, so I have been He said, coming to Vegas for trade shows for the last 24 years. I had only been to the strip, so out of a couple of decades, the to Vegas every three months for something, and every everything by hand. time I am blown away by how quickly things are going up building of anything in the United States, so whatever you guys are doing down here, you need to sell those plans to contest put on by Reebok and shocked everyone when his We don’t [set out to] make anything look pretty. Pretty is a subjective term. top brand at the time. He submitted over 180 drawings We build things to work. into a suggestion box, which landed his designs on a top- Work is a fact. Either it works, or it doesn’t. professional footwear industry among the top brands of all time. It just so happens if you create something that works and it The one and only thing he cares about is staying true to the your obligation is, to create things that work and make and I think I was chosen do what I do so I could do what We do everything by hand because it forces you to focus

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN BEST OF LAS VEGAS RACE & SPORTS BOOK CLUB CORTEZ In 2013 we won Best Blackjack and Get in on the action at El Cortez with all Get in on all the great offers, special events, Best Keno, and before that we won the power of Station Casino’s Sports Book. and monthly giveaways at El Cortez with Best Paying Slots, Best Downtown Every game, every bet, every play. Come in Club Cortez. Joining is free, and will get Hotel, and more. Come check out for the big game and stay for the big win. you reward points, dining and room how the best keeps getting better. discounts, and more. Your card is waiting.

We’ve got more secret menu items for you to enjoy. THE BC | $3.OO A delightful concoction of Bacardi white rum and Coca-cola.

FIESTA SALAD | $8.5O Fajita-seasoned chicken and peppers over a bed of Romaine Lettuce.

FOR MORE INFO, CHECK OUT ELCORTEZHOTELCASINO.COM/ZAPPOS 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 | 800.634.6703 | 702.385.5200 ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN EL CORTEZ by Tony Ferrara An interesting part of the renovation of the tower was the “Design a Suite” competition completed in 2011. Designers "If it’s good for downtown, from across the state were invited to submit designs for a suite, limited by a $22,000 per suite budget. !ere were four it’s good for the El Cortez.” semi"nalists chosen, but the winner of the contest was Urban Design Studio from Reno. !eir winning entry was a Mob themed suite called “!e Big Sleep.” One of the awards for the winning design was that they were contracted to design six !e El Cortez Hotel and Casino has been a downtown additional suites. All of the suites that were designed and built institution since it was built over 70 years ago. At the time as part of the competition are still available to stay in today. the resort was built in 1941, the general public and insider In 2009, the new management team completed the opinion was that it was too far out of the center of downtown transformation of the Ogden House on Sixth and Ogden to be a viable player in the casino industry. !e years since Streets, to the Cabana Suites, a 64-room boutique hotel have proven that notion to be incorrect. featuring all of the upscale and high-tech amenities that you would expect to "nd in a suite in uptown Manhattan at a Over the years, there has been a long list of owners and remarkable value, averaging $65 per night. partners of the property, including some infamous mob "gures such as Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Meyer Lansky. Other recent renovation projects at the El Cortez have But the El Cortez owner with the most longevity and the one included the Parlour Bar, completed in 2012. !is comfortable who ultimately made the property very successful is Jackie lounge features an Elvis impersonator and karaoke, a great Gaughan, who bought the El Cortez in 1963. He immediately selection of martinis, and “Champagne !ursdays” where undertook a hotel and casino renovation and expansion Champagne starts at $5. It also has its very own food menu adding 50 Pavilion rooms over the parking garage. In 1980, he featuring “small bite” dishes. built the 15 story high-rise hotel tower in which he currently resides. !e El Cortez features other dining options for its customers. !e Flame Steakhouse is a "ne dining restaurant in the heart !e El Cortez became a place “where locals come to play,” as of the casino and was formerly known as Roberta’s, named Jackie Gaughan was very innovative with promotions, specials a#er Jackie Gaughan’s late wife. It features a great fresh stone and “Funbooks” that attracted locals wary of playing where crab special for $28, available Friday and Saturday nights from the tourists played. Its authentic and relaxed atmosphere is October to May, among many other "ne dining selections. due in large part to the fact that it has always been family owned and operated. Café Cortez is a 24-hour casual dining restaurant with a very reasonably priced menu featuring a prime rib dinner special !e El Cortez is the longest continuously operating hotel for only $9.95. Another great Café Cortez special is the $5 and casino in Las Vegas. In February 2013, the property was burger and beer special. Room service is available for those placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is hotel guests who prefer to dine in-room. the only functioning casino to be listed on this prestigious registry. !e El Cortez has become an anchor and strong supporter of the Fremont East District. !e owners and executives have In 2008, Jackie Gaughan sold the El Cortez to Kenny Epstein partnered with Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project on many and a group of family members and longtime executives. events and projects. !ey also own the Emergency Arts Since then, the property has gone through a major renovation building right across the street and partnered with Jennifer including the casino, the hotel rooms, the lounge and the and Michael Cornthwaite to transform the building from a restaurants, while the exterior still retains its original 1941 medical center into the multicultural downtown hub that it is appearance. today.

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN !e El Cortez is a major supporter of First Friday, and developed and hosted Sessions, a First Friday musical showcase. Another event that they helped develop and hosted for the last three years is Vegas StrEATS on Jackie Gaughan Plaza. !is event showcased the best food trucks in town, live music and many local vendors. Vegas StrEATS and Sessions are both on hold during the winter months, but keep an eye out for them to be reinvented soon.

!e El Cortez was also a major sponsor for the wildly popular Life is Beautiful Festival. !e casino became a major gathering spot and centerpiece for the festival, which is planned to occur annually. !ey are looking forward to next year’s festival and continue to be a major sponsor.

Downtown Cares is a philanthropic project founded by El Cortez Executive Vice President Alex Epstein in coordination with the Moonridge Group. !is semiannual event sponsored by Zappos and others, is aimed towards assisting the downtown community with various e$orts to beautify the community. For instance, the last event in November 2012 focused attention on Veterans Village, helping with a major sprucing up of the facility near Charleston and Las Vegas boulevards.

!e casino has many innovative programs and promotions for their patrons. How about the Gambling Gourmet? If you’re playing anywhere in the casino, you can order tasty munchies from a 24-hour food cart that will come right to your table or slot machine to assist you with satisfying your appetite.

Cash is King is a quarterly promotion geared toward casino players. For every 5,000 points earned, a player gets one entry. !e drawing determines the grand prize winner of $5,000 in cash. !ere are also many other cash awards totaling a whopping $25,000.

Zappos employees are welcomed to the El Cortez through generous discount programs. Show your badge and receive a 20percent discount in restaurants (up to a party of four), and two-for-one drinks at !e Parlour Bar. During “Gi# Card Giveaway” months, if you’re lucky enough to hit a $200 jackpot in the casino, you’ll receive a $10 Zappos Gi# Card. Also, Zappos has its own landing page (and secret menu!) found at elcortezhotelcasino.com/zappos. Check it out for the most recent o$ers for Zappos employees.

!e El Cortez management’s involvement in the downtown community is guided by its patriarch Jackie Gaughan’s mantra “if it’s good for downtown, it’s good for the El Cortez.” !is guiding principal has helped it to become integral to the downtown renaissance that we are in the midst of. !e El Cortez community outreach e$orts, guided by Alex and her sister Katie Epstein, will continue to be a force in downtown redevelopment. If you haven’t visited the El Cortez recently, stop by sometime — they’ll be glad to see you! ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN oPeN daiLY

Breakfast Burritos, Burgers, salads & MorE startINg at $5

$4HaPPY HoUr 4-7PM

DOWNTOWNGRAND.COM 206 N. 3RD STREET, LAS VEGAS, NV 89101

Located on 3rd Street between Stewart Ave. & Ogden Ave.

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 PhiloSoPhy ‘N’ PhlUFF Wellness

Chapter 5

"Sleep would not come easy that night, but with tomorrow set before me and my letter now complete I could pull a small amount of satisfaction from the day."

keeping tabs on me from the street, I awoke with a renewed sense of vigor. The time that it took me to get dressed and ready felt like nothing at all. Heck, even the Spirit seemed to be moving faster as I drove to my destination — the

After nosing through countless "Egyptian History" books in search of the symbol, I came up empty. I walked up to the preoccupied student at the circulation desk. "Excuse me, sir? Do you know if there are any other places in the library that might have Egyptian history or mythology?"

"You can always check the Special Collections area upstairs. I think they have an Egyptian collection right now in

"Thanks!" I dashed up the stairs and followed the signs to the Special Collections room, where another receptionist sat just outside the door. "Can I help you?" she asked, in an enthusiastic tone — a stark contrast to her street-level counterpart. As I explained my search, I could see her face slowly forming into the "I have some bad news for you" face.

"Unfortunately, that collection has largely been moved. They're doing an exhibition at the Plaza in a couple weeks, and wanted those books available for it. There are a few pieces that are left in the Las Vegas History collection room, but they're just sitting there until the man comes to pick them up later today. You can browse them if you like, but you won't be able to take any of them home. Will that work?" she squeezed apologetically.

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN "I'll take what I can get at this point. Thank you." She maps, catalogues, pamphlets, brochures, letters, and artwork from times even before the birth of Las Vegas up until now. It was really something to behold.

Egyptian texts that were stacked neatly for pickup. I sat down and furiously started combing through each. about Egyptian political policy since the 1900s. Equally useless. The fourth was a little more exciting — a guide to Egyptian landmarks.

I crept through the pages slowly, analyzing each image and looking for key phrases to pop out of the accompanying text. Surprisingly few images included any hieroglyphics; of those that did, none resembled the vulture-like glyph I'd encountered twice now. I had low hopes for the last book . . . that is, until I picked it up. This book was a heavy, old, leather-bound edition with gold embossment scrolling across the front. The title read, "Gods & Goddesses. A Study of Egyptian pages and heard that familiar crackle of a well-worn leather spine that hadn't been bent in a while. I made it about two-thirds of the way into the book before stumbling across a passage that mentioned a goddess that I had never heard of before.

Nekhbet- - A goddess in Egyptian mythology who was the patron of the city of Nekheb, ultimately becoming the patron of Upper Egypt and one of the two patron deities for all of Ancient Egypt when crown along with Wadjet. In some late texts of the Book of the Dead, Nekhbet is referred to as Father of Fathers, Mother of Mothers, who hath existed from the Beginning, and is Creatrix of this World.

While there was a catalogue of accompanying images for this goddess, none of them seemed to be what I needed. I was certain this had to be the point of reference for the symbol. But what did the symbol actually mean? Just then, the receptionist who had apparently crept into the room behind me while I was reading, in order to check on me (or more likely, to make sure I wasn't stealing books), spoke up. "You

I turned my head, startled, "Yeah, I think I may have what I need. Or at least a piece of it." She moved closer and peeked over my shoulder at the text. "Is the man here for the books?"

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 "Yes, unfortunately." She pointed to the section on Nekhbet. "Is that the part you're looking for?" I nodded. "Well you may just be in luck! There's a book in the Las Vegas History collection that talks about that very thing. It's pretty unique subject matter, so it's easy to spot."

"Can you show me that book?" My excitement was likely visible at this point. She smiled and walked across the room, inspecting the labels at the end of each row until she found what she was looking for, and disappeared between two shelves. She emerged with a small text in her right hand and walked back to me with a smile. "Here you go, hun."

why is it in the Las Vegas collection?"

"As I recall, it's about some religion or something. It's in this collection for two reasons: 1. I believe it plays into Vegas's own history, and 2. It's by a local author."

"A local auth — " I stopped cold when my eyes reached the name at the bottom of the cover.

"… sir?"

I stared blankly at the book, as if I were looking through it while my mind was swimming with thoughts.

"Excuse me, mist — "

"Thank you," I cut her off. "You've been exceptionally helpful. If you don't mind I'd like to check out this book out."

"Of course," she replied as she took the book from my hand. We walked to her desk, and she scanned the book. As I handed her my card, she asked the question that I was asking myself.

"Do you know him? Do you know mister … Edson?"

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN Maple Glazed Root Veggies

Winter vegetables and root vegetables including sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips create the base of this simple yet elegant vegetarian and vegan vegetable side dish. If you like traditional glazed carrots, you'll like these glazed winter vegetables and root vegetables. This also works with celery root, scarlet turnips and rutabaga!

Ingredients: Preparation: Preheat oven to 425 F. Coat parstnips, potatoes and carrots with the olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking pan. Roast in oven for 15 minutes, then remove and retoss on baking sheet. Cook 15 minutes more until all the veggies and potatoes are soft. Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard and garlic powder in a small bowl. Drizzle the maple mixture over potatoes and veggies and mix to coat well.

Serve and enjoy!

Serendipitous Spotlight Q&A w/Downtown Grand CEO Seth Schorr

Hello Seth! Good seeing you since the opening of Downtown Grand. What have you been up to since? We have been working on enhancing the guest experience in every way possible. Within a few weeks of opening we found an opportunity to dramatically improve our culinary experience by bringing in a few of Las Vegas’ best chefs, Charles Wilson and Todd Harrington. We also opened The Commissary with Richard Sandoval and are just thrilled with the food offering at Downtown3rd.

The Grand is a beaut. Taking a step back, what are you most proud of? I am most proud of the team. The design of the building is unique and the programming was thoughtfully engineered, but the building of the team has been an organic process. Finding people who are the right fit for our company, our project, and for downtown Las Vegas has been an interesting exercise in targeted recruitment, and I am proud of our efforts and successes.

How have Downtown3rd and the Grand enhanced downtown? The philosophy of integration with the city and focusing on being a part of a community is one that we embraced from day one and believe makes our project a great addition to our evolving downtown landscape. We have added a great room product to complement the many other hotels downtown, and I think our best attraction is yet to come … Picnic: The Urban Rooftop Pool Retreat (I know that is a mouthful; but it is just so much more than a pool!)

What’s next for the Downtown3rd district? There are many great things to come at DT3! The retail project is justone of the many things we are working on (located at the old bus transit center). We have been talking to some major performers about block parties on Third Street, enhancing the Downtown3rd Farmers Market, and we have a retail location on Third between Ogden Avenue and Fremont Street that will be activated very soon!

You and casino mogul Steve Wynn are quite close. What’s the greatest thing he's taught you? I’m lucky to have had a front row seat watching Mr. Wynn change the face of Las Vegas. I was only a fly on the wall but learned much about development and creating a facility that flows well and makes the guest feel comfortable.

What do you want your Las Vegas legacy to be? I truly care about Las Vegas. It is where I grew up. It is where my kids were born and will be raised. I hope to make the community a better place to live. I am proud to be on the board of the Las Vegas History Museum and the Advisory Board of the Smith Center. Over the past 10 years I have been heavily focused on my career and more recently my own family. I think the next chapter is going to be even more interesting.

You have a max of four words to end this interview. Go! Oh no you didn’t.

Downtown ZEN

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 S T R E E T F A S H I O N

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN Your Go-To V-Day Gift Guide by Temple Brathwaite Winky Wu Designs:

Winky Wu, as unusual as the name may be, is the concept behind this unique and affordable watch boutique nestled in the heart of Downtown Container Park. Designer Winky saw a middle market to create chic timepieces that were fashionable and didn’t burn a hole in the consumer’s pocket. Mainly a wholesale business, these fashion pieces are manufactured overseas but are hand selected by the owner herself. Watch faces are made of Japanese Quartz, and slap watches and belts are all made of recyclable materials. That’s right — even down to the packaging! Slap watches come in fun, eye-popping colors, and the concept behind the belts was astonishing to say the least. If you’re a frequent traveler, get ready to be Wu’ed as these custom-cut belts are made entirely of plastic. Simply try it on, cut to fit, and rock your new funky fashion past the security bins and all the way to your gate.

Bright colors are not your thing? Indulge your sweetheart in delicious on the rocks drinks, or drift off to the sweet dreams of decadent desserts. While it all sounds appetizing, I assure you there is no meal to be had. The On the Rocks watches consist of double-shot stones like White Jade, amethyst and African turquoise, while the Sweet Dreams collection boasts freshwater pearls in creamy, soft colors similar to your favorite desserts. So while a traditional seven-layer cake may excite your loved one’s taste buds, opt for a lifelong treat in the Red Velvet timepiece. Artbox Designs: Q&A

How are your items made? “All of our jewelry is handmade by local artists right here in the Las Vegas area. Materials used range from glass pieces to copper, sterling, and other mixed metals. The metal hearts are done by artist Allison Lundahl, an accomplished silversmith who has a great eye for chic looks. Allison mixes metals like those mentioned above to create great contrast and texture all in one piece.

We even feature our own collection of glass-infused artwork done by my wife, Kellie Kroplinski. A fan of the UNcontrollable, Kellie became fascinated with glasswork simply for the fact that the end product was not 100 percent predictable. Developing her own techniques through the years, Kellie devotes over 20 hours to creating a piece. The process starts with about two to three hours of cutting glass; Kellie then puts those pieces together to create a vibrant color palette. After being placed in the kiln, the fragments are heated to 1,700 degrees for about 15 hours. The result, while surprising at times, since no two pieces are alike, are then drilled down to make rings, bracelets and even platters.”

Do you customize pieces? “Yes. As part of the agreement between us and the 31 vendors we work with, we do ask that they accommodate our customers by creating custom pieces. Depending on the complexity of the product, a piece can take anywhere from two days to two weeks.”

So the next time you venture into a big-time jewelry store searching for that perfect look for your lady, think more one-of-a-kind and get a piece that is made just for her. Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 Gaby Olivia:

Looking for a custom look, Gaby Olivia boutique is your one-stop shop. With each designer having his or her own aesthetic, you are guaranteed to find everything from a vintage flair to an edgier appeal. Founded at First Friday, Jammie Hsu, the owner of the boutique, developed a love for the edgy flair of HEX’D designs. Created in the heart of downtown by residents and local entrepreneurs, Shanon and Margaret Davis started experimenting with beading. Hex nuts bracelets are created from an assortment of hardware store nuts as well as powder-coated pieces done locally by expert Dwayne Sanchez. Each bracelet is handcrafted one nut at a time using a fishing line slack of 14 or 20 pounds, which allows for flexibility yet provides a durable finish to each piece. Bracelets are not complete without a magnetic clasp that allows for easy on and off and is nestled in its own “nut case” for the complete packaged look. With an extensive selection boasting different colors and sizes, the Davis family is ready for lovers to get their HEX on.

If powdered hex nuts are not your gift of choice, surprise your honey with a taste of vintage treat. Owner of MJP Designs: Art and Fashion, Mixsi Paredes showcases her talent in design coupled with her love for vintage apparel to create a classic look for any occasion. A one-woman operation, most of the materials here are from vintage dead stock that are then up- cycled with a trendy twist to create a Mixsi-inspired piece for customers of all ages.

702DTLV: Created by downtown for downtown, this chic boutique wanted to establish a memory for the Las Vegas area thinking store-branded jewelry would be a great souvenir for tourists. Shaped by store owners Brandi Allen and Melissa Lemon, metal dome plates are stamped with the 702 area code or DTLV logo. Paired with a dog chain necklace, these simple pieces are store staples that set their boutique apart with one-of-a-kind jewelry. Yet domes are not their only claim to fame. These ladies put a stamp on everything from forks and spoons to inspiring motivational artwork that is perfect for decorating around the home.

Like a shot to the heart, MV Procs also adds a peculiar yet bold fashion taste with their bullet-inspired designs to the shop. Rusticknitt Bullet Accessories incorporates bullets that have already been fired and turns them into miraculous works of art. The artist incorporates the bullets with other pieces found locally at antique malls and has even set their sights to inspiration worldwide. The design process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on when the light bulb goes off on creating the next look. Actual construction of the item, once the design has been thought of, can take a few hours depending on its complexity. Going from simple dog chains to working with Swarovski crystals, MV Procs has set their visions high in taking Rusticknitt to the next level.

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN Demolish or Reclaim a Piece of Las Vegas History

Part 2 : Second Floor

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 Demolish or Reclaim a Piece of Las Vegas History

Part 2 : Second Floor By Shawn Zahnow

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN A historical look at the 18b Arts District

The Charleston Boulevard and Main Street Corridor in 1962 Historically speaking, one could say that the corridor art anchors in the neighborhood. The CAC would open along Charleston Boulevard, between Main Street and their new gallery with the locally acclaimed Mona-Mona- Las Vegas Boulevard, has always been a focus for Mona juried art exhibition. According to Jim Stanford, the arts in downtown. And with the help of a few early the CAC vice president at the time, hundreds would pioneering businesses, this would later set the stage to appear at the show’s reception. what is now known as the arts district. By now the artistic seeds were sewn in the In 1957, Desert Art Supplies opened its first store on neighborhood, which caught the attention of the City of Main Street before moving to the current location on Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs. This was actually Charleston Boulevard and Eastern Avenue. During the no surprise considering many of the staff had been same period, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce intimately involved in Las Vegas' young art scene and had headquarters located on the corner of Charleston many were graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Boulevard and Third Street. The chamber was a very Vegas Art Department. significant tenant in the area because they ran the world renowned Las Vegas News Bureau — a promotional The first real push to create a cohesive arts arm for the city. With a vast archive of images, a full neighborhood, or proto-arts district, did not take place contingency of photographers would take photos of until 1997 when Cultural Affairs helped create the GAME everything that happened in Las Vegas, promoting the festival (Gateway Arts and Music Experience). GAME city as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” was the city's first major attempt at bringing an arts festival downtown. Besides creating a yearly festival, the The city's first major attempt to redevelop the area city commissioned a series of murals that were painted happened in 1959 and 1960 when the City Commission in and around the area of East Charleston and Casino (city council) renamed Second Street to Casino Center boulevards. Though the last GAME festival Center Boulevard. This project began a major push occurred in 2001, its mark would have a profound effect for "modernizing" downtown, which included road in what would eventually blossom into First Friday and improvements, new street lamps and updating the the creation of the 18b Arts District. façades of historic hotels lining Fremont Street. Casino Center Boulevard would be the city's attempt to redirect Founded in October 2002 by Cindy Funkhouser, Julie traffic from Las Vegas Boulevard to Fremont Street, Brewer and Naomi Arin, First Friday Las Vegas would funneling vehicles to drive past casinos. not be a yearly event like its predecessor, but rather a monthly event: a very brave move considering that the In 1962, the Las Vegas Art League, the founding GAME festival could barely survive as it was. The very organization of the Las Vegas Art Museum, opened up first First Friday had an estimated 300 people attend. their first art gallery at 921 S. Las Vegas Boulevard just a few feet north of Charleston Boulevard. The 1970s Located in just two locations, the Arts Factory and the and ‘80s saw the opening of several antique shops Funkhouse Antique Shop First Friday was definitely a along Charleston Boulevard, and Main Street also saw simple affair. Cindy Funkhouser and crew went as far an influx of furniture stores set up shop. In 1991, Wes as to paint a trail of orange sneaker prints between Myles would bring his photo studio to the very building the Arts Factory and the Funkhouse so people would he would later acquire, renaming it the Arts Factory. know where to go. Back then, the walk between the two locations was not as easy as it is today with limited By 1993, a paradigm shift would happen as downtown sidewalks and very few streetlamps. The days of saw its first bohemian coffee shop open in more than a "modernizing" downtown had definitely befallen generation. Founded by the late Julie Brewer and later on hard times. taken over by Lenadams Dorris, the Enigma Garden Café, curiously located at 918 & 1/2 Fourth Street, Today, one can only stand in awe of how far the would be an amazing little corner of art, culture, music neighborhood has come since those pioneering artsy and poetry. This little café would leave an indelible days of the 1990s and early 2000s. Who would have mark on the psyche of Las Vegas' fledgling arts scene. thought that a couple dozen people would lead the way, Though Café Enigma no longer exists, it is hard to find bringing about thousands of participants to an art scene anyone who has been part of "the scene" not remember that many would argue couldn’t happen in a city this amazing and important space. like Las Vegas.

After being unceremoniously kicked out of their previous gallery on Maryland Parkway, the Contemporary Arts Collective (or CAC) would move to Charleston Boulevard in 1996, making it one of the most important

30 The Slimming Side of St. Valentine Sweets By Temple Brathwaite

Dark Chocolate Ganache Almond Agave Truffles Vegan Chocolate and Would you believe it if I told you Almonds, raisins, a little agave Almond Fudge that blended avocado, banana, raw sweetener and you’ve got the perfect With each of these ingredients found chocolate and a little sweetener make bite-sized truffle. If truffles are your at the Downtown3rd farmers market, the perfect chocolaty treat? It sure favorite go-to dessert, then this is the this easy combo requires only five does! These easy ingredients found perfect way to lightly indulge without minutes of your time and five simple at Downtown3rd’s farmers market feeling so guilty. Prefer being a little ingredients: one cup each of coconut or, better yet, blended to perfection bit more naughty? Try dipping these oil, almond butter, raw cacao, pitted at Simply Pure inside the Downtown in a little dark chocolate for that date, and a pinch or two of sea salt. Container Park are the perfect way to allover euphoric, satisfied feeling. (Don’t forget to throw one over your put a nightcap on your shoulder for good luck!) Place in the romantic dinner. refrigerator for about an hour and voilà. Indulge in this decadent treat while simultaneously tantalizing your taste buds!

ive the gift of sweetness minus the extra calories this Valentine’s season. Of course your loved one Gwill want a decadent chocolate or even a smidgen of sorbet, so see below for quick fixes all across DTLV to curb your sweet tooth cravings without that guilty feeling and longtime regret to your waistline.

Key Lime Mousse Sorbetto Gluten-Free Desserts This little treat took me by surprise Joe at Chill Spot packs a healthy The black sheep of the group, the with the ingredients used, but a punch with his all-natural fruit blend ladies over at WILD offer an array of couple ripe avocados, some lemon that is sure to knock the socks off gluten-free and clean desserts. While zest and lime juice creates the of your Valentine’s Day date. While the vegan apple pie is short of smooth signature of this mousse watching your taut figure may seem “guilt-free,” ingredients like potato dessert. This one will have you licking worth the investment, depriving your starch, brown rice and sorghum flour the spoon over and over … taste buds surely is not. Using pureed ensure that each pastry is made and over again! fruit, water, cane sugar and a little GMO-free. So, on this lovey-dovey trick up Joe’s sleeve, within seconds night, step out of your comfort zone you can enjoy decadent sorbets that and try a vegan chocolate cupcake or are less than 200 calories a cup. other pastries chef Tatiana Yummy! Lewis provides.

HOUSING GUIDE BY KARINA GIRALDO

McNeil Estates

33 [email protected] Karina Giraldo T: 702.566.7222 Residential Specialist M: 702.480.9131 F: 702.853.4470

McNeil is my favorite downtown neighborhood, and the one I call home. Rich in history and a visual delight, McNeil has the

Sometimes referred to as McNeil Estates, McNeil Tract, or McNeil Manor, this custom home neighborhood sits between Charleston and Oakey boulevards to the north and south and between Rancho to Cashman drives to the east and west. The built in the 1950s and 1960s.

The neighborhood, once a hidden gem, is gaining in popularity from those seeking an alternative to the stucco homes of Summerlin and Green Valley. McNeil offers a variety of single story, mid-century modern and ranch-style homes approximately 1,200 to 6,500 square feet in size, with some structures featuring desert modern touches. Details you can backyard and sparkling 10-foot deep pool. Avenue, lot sizes can range from one-third acre to over two acres. Once home to many horses, Ashby is one of the more unique residential streets in Las Vegas undecorated by sidewalks and streetlights. In fact, up until only a few years ago, you could still see an owner and its horse walking up and down the road.

McNeil does not have a formal association, but there is a group of dedicated homeowners who have worked together to create a neighborhood watch program and an online forum improving communication and keeping residents of any issues informed via email and at neighborhood meetings held every other month.

Homes listed for sale in McNeil range from about $285,000 to $595,000. In the past three months, the average sales price for a home was $282,000. The following is a list of the current available homes for sale:

Address 1220 Strong Dr. 2908 W Oakey Bl 2617 Gilmary Av 2913 Gilmary Av 2606 Strong Av 2731 Bryant Av List Price 329,888 319,999 299,000 284,900 $275,000 $425,000 Style 1 story 2 story 1 story 1 story 1 story 1 story Bedrooms 3 4 3 3 4 3 Baths 2 3 2 2 3 3.5 Sqft 2,485 2,791 2,130 2,194 1,981 2,525 Garage 2 3 2 2 0 0 Pool Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Spa No Yes No No No No Year Built 1958 1978 1964 1970 1959 1961 Lot Size 14,810 9,148 9,148 9,148 13,068 11,326

As for the rental market, rent ranges from as low as $1,400 and upwards of $2,400. Currently there are three rentals available:

Address 1260 Strong Dr 2712 Bryant Av 2411 Mason Av List price 1,525 1,500 1,500 Bedrooms 4 4 3 Baths 3 3 2 Spft 2,362 2,232 1942 Pool No Yes Yes Spa No No No Year Built 1961 1960 1957 Lot Size 10,454 9,583 10,890

With rising gas price, long commutes, and the desire for a genuine urban lifestyle, living closer to the city is on the wish list of city, mostly thanks to the people who live there. These half-century old homes, distinguished by mulberry trees, grassy lawns

Each year, it is believed Punxsutawney Phil's shadow (or non-shadow) on February 2 will set the tone for the rest of spring. Hogwash. Unchain and release yourself from the myths of today by digging yourself through the muddled muck of your life as rays of sunlight hit your eye and cascade a future of hope. Be wary, however, of possible grey clouds overhead that will, in fact, postpone happiness for an additional six weeks. For a chance at reversing your fortunes, preset your alarm for 6 a.m. the next morning for a complete do-over. Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 Thinspirational Thinking Trash Man You’re in month two of your daily calisthenics Each morning, your live-in lover will make you a routine consisting of lunges, round kicks, and the room service-styled breakfast. In exchange for this single-leg circles; however, that thigh gap of yours convenient “delicacy,” you happily opt to take out ain’t getting any wider. Generate the results you the trash upon leaving for work, mainly so you can want by riding horseback until March to give you comfortably and freely regurgitate that morning’s burnt that bow-legged, yet sexy leg separation you’ve eggs. Unfortunately, your apartment’s garbage dump is always imagined. in plain view of the kitchen window where she stands and waves you goodbye ... this time for good.

Extreme Grouponing Where’s the Beef? Now that the onslaught of pre and post-holiday Your body’s meat to fat ratio is comparable to engagements are over, it’s your turn to pop the Walmart’s $2 chuck beef special, which is essentially question. However, your sweetie always wanted to 1:1. To build up dem guns, you sign up for high- keep St. Valentine’s Day it’s own “celebration,” so octane kickboxing classes. Unfortunately, your you’ll have to do double the gifts, leaving you a little playful practice sessions with the boyfriend come strapped for cash. Purchasing that cubic zirconia at a cost as your shaky uppercuts leave him more Groupon for $19.99 to make her love you long time. battered and bloodied than your aforementioned high-protein dinner.

Size Matters Snow Bunnies With age, you’ve realized that size really does matter. Sochi’s Winter Olympic games are giving you cabin As a teen you didn’t know better and were satisfied fever, and you’re just itching to hit the slopes. A new getting it in with 5 inches. In college, you read scantily clad outfit will pair well the skis you’ve yet bigger was better, so you upgraded to 6 inches and to use from last season, turning the warming house more width. Unfortunately, in the workforce your into a full-on sexy sauna. Unfortunately, the hearts appetite wouldn’t be fulfilled until your hand slid you hope to melt will soon turn ice cold as your up- across10 powerful inches. Any larger and you’d have close facial features display more makeup powder to upgrade from tablet to laptop, you filthy animal. than last night’s snow accumulation.

Super Flush Nonverbal Communication Once a year you wait for this very moment: a Nothing speaks higher volume to the person you moment that could change the riches in your life love than complete honesty. Unfortunately, that also purely based on data, strategy, and a little bit of luck. holds a hefty emotional price tag — especially when But unlucky for you, the over/under bet you placed you give a slight mention of the old lady whiskers before the Super Bowl favored the wrong team, that graze upon your woman’s chin and cheeks. Oh, leaving you in sizable debit and pleading for student and offering to shave them off won’t help matters. loan forbearance.

Parking Paralysis O, O, O’Reilly’s For each of the next 28 days, you’ll forget wherever Up until recently, you’ve believed your sex life you last parked. was on point with the bevy of add-on positions. However, you suspect your partner is cheating on you as she whispers out the name of her adulterer during intercourse. But unbeknownst to you, she just has the O’Reilly’s auto parts commercial stuck in her head.

Juicy Juice Fun Hole Like the surface of Mother Earth, the human body This year you don’t have an “official” date for is made up of nearly 70 percent water — most of Valentine’s Day. So, instead, you go clubbing with which bubbles up to your hypersensitive peepers, the girls drinking and dancing through the night. creating that unflattering squishy sound when In the morning, the only walk of shame you’ll rubbing your eyelids. Instead of pushing inwards, a experience is your big toe poking through your new simple crossways swipe will suffice just fine. nylon sock.

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN EVENTS & ENTERTAiNMENT

37 Warming the Heart Through Art

Kindergartener’s artwork paints colorful community picture

By Michael Boley

young. Can you recount what and who you wanted Las Vegas community as a start up. The spirit of to be when grown up? An astronaut who traveled in entrepreneurism is apparent in everything from the orbit? Perhaps a major league baseball player who tech companies to the curriculum at the 9th won the Cy Young? Or maybe an Oscar-winning actor, a veterinarian that helped wounded animals, or even a world-class musician that sold out concerts within minutes? When you were young, the world was your interdisciplinary learning which includes art, music, your childhood dreams ever were: a group of special guest artists who taught and just dreams. demonstrated basic painting principles, such as combining colors and creating compositions. To say the least, from that moment on Bella was inspired to enthusiastic, inquisitive, and like any other typical become a professional painter. 5-year-old, quite imaginative. But a mere dreamer she is not; a doer she is. Bella is a student at 9th Bridge School in downtown Las Vegas, a school draw, or know anything about oil, acrylic, or watercolor paint at all — but we reached out to people who could on, community-centric approach to learning. Each morning, Bella grabs her backpack and leaves home on her bike, escorted by her parents, and pedals a Throughout the days and weeks that followed, Bella continued to practice outlining her shapes while also To you, she may look like a regular kindergartner. In trying to master the strokes of her paintbrush. In sought-after artist. parents simultaneously reached out to First Friday Foundation member and family relative Charles Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Bella, her Ressler to pitch the idea of having Bella procure her parents Krista and Dwayne, and her younger sister very own booth at an upcoming First Friday. relocated to Las Vegas in 2012 upon catching wind of

ISSUE 23 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 dtZEN.com Downtown ZEN Bella was well on her way of making her fantasy another … and another … and another, and throughout overwhelming as Bella sold her pieces ranging from $1 to $100. By 10 p.m., Bella sold out her entire collection, earning an astonishing $380.

my husband and I were just there as adult supervision. I held my breath and just hoped that people would be nice. It didn't matter to me if she sold one or made $1, but I just didn't want her little heart to be broken if no community embraced Bella with compliments, hugs, and so much enthusiasm that it overcame any fears I had

“It is important to encourage and support your child's are. Children see possibility and opportunity where

– Krista Castellarin

as an educational opportunity to have Bella open her own savings account, teaching her the value of a dollar. According to Krista, only 20 percent of her earnings could be spent freely while 30 percent went towards into the account.

and sweets by infusing her favorite colors of red, pink, and white to create an array of hearts, lips, and delicious looking cupcakes throughout.

to thrive in this community and how she has grown to understand sales, customer service, marketing, hope that is alive and well in the downtown community. It is the hope that everything that we are building here in downtown will last for generations to come because we

To learn more about Bella and her artwork, follow and like her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BellaCastellarin or visit her website at www.bellacastellarin.com.

39 Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23

Reynolds hall Cabaret Jazz

this eatery iseasilywalkable.Bin702'sproximitytothe this eatery ATMOSPHERE: By GuestReviewerand Angelina Fadool HEmaximize yourbudget. with yourdrink)you'llfeellike youwouldotherwisepreferto enjoy theartofpairingright meatandtherightcheese just isn'tforme.Ifyou'reanything likeme,(i.e.unlessyou with eachpersonenteringandexiting.Themenuselection was fantastic,andIdidn'tmindthelivemusicdriftingin have apoorexperienceatBin702,andinfact,theservice OVERALL RATING: trading forthat.Whatluckthatshefeltthesame! comparison tomy$13)morethanown,soIendedup that Angelinaordered(thecapresepanini,ameager$11 in mysterious ingredients.Ifoundmyselfenjoyingthesandwich and Briepanini,asithadthehighestratioofidentifiable-to- and that'showthisfelttome.Ifinallysettledontheturkey flavor forthesakeoflistingexotic-soundingingredients, more thanamenuwhereIfeellikerestaurantissacrificing 702. AsastereotypicalMidwesterndiner, nothingdeters me SAunsurprised bymylackofenthusiasmforthemenuatBin of time,youknowmypalatebynow;soshouldbe DINING: my selection. happywith Stella Cidreisararityintheseparts.Iwasvery the cheaperoptionsat$7—apriceIwashappytopay, as apple cider"thistastytreatfromLeuven,Belgiumwasoneof andrefreshingEuropean-style as a"gluten-free,crisp,dry like asurething:StellaCidre.Describedontheirmenu page, butIwentwithsomethingnewtomethatsounded Whiskey, “togetyouhealthy-er,” saysBin702’s Facebook $4). TheyalsoofferOldScoutBourbon&HighWest Rye at $7,aswellBudLightandthenon-alcoholicKaliber between $9-$15(thoughtherewereseveralbottledbeers the above.Thepricesweremostlyonhighend,typically a fairlybalancedmenuthatincludedniceselectionofall beers ontap,threemoreavailableinbottles.Iwasmetwith would beawine&champagne-heavymenuwithabouttwo drinks availableatBin702.Mypreconceptionwasthatthis DRINKS: IDsideways ordoingthesplitsentiretime. Translation: Ifyoueatatthebar, you'lleitherbesitting with thewallbeneathit,sothereisnotabletopoverhang. from thefactthatedgeofcounterlinesupperfectly mahoganies. Ididn'tactuallymindthesmallspace,aside little eclectic,and,toquoteRonBurgundy, itsmellsofrich Project property—trendydecor, intimateinsize,dimlylit,a 702 isaboutwhatyouwouldexpectfromanewDowntown while theirkidsterrorizethetreehouse.TheinteriorofBin playdates whoarelookingtorelaxwithsomemusicandwine entertaining stageandplayareaisidealformomson Ifyou'vebeenreadingthiscolumnforanylength Iwassurprisedandimpressedbythevarietyof LocatedintheDTContainerPark, Iwasslightlyunderwhelmed.didn't understand thattheavailabilityofspaceinsidemightnot ATMOSPHERE: SHEsparkling rose. cheeses, pairedwithLucienAlbrechtCremant new dishincludesEchoandRigCharcuterieregional introduced anewprixfixemenuforcouples.For$40the your whine.Ifyou’reinto“wining”withapartner, Binrecently "The Bin"for$17;youcanhavebothmeatandcheesewith they regularlyofferaCharcuterieandcheeseplatteraka El RedeMalbecandBincheeseplatesfor$7.Otherwise, SA RemixAlbarino, hour ofsortsfrom4to6p.m.,theyserve Wednesday,”night. WhenBinholds“WineDown ahappy and thecheesewasofgoodquality. Perfectforacold I enjoyedmypurloinedBriePanini.Thebreadwascrispy, beverages wasover$45oncethetipontable,but Thecostfortwosandwichesandadult excellent service. OVERALL RATING: beverage orartisanalsodainhandtomakeyourselection. in mind,soyoumaywanttowaituntilhaveanadult and appetizersherearedesignedspecificallywithwine companion thatheis,letmetrade.Sandwiches,salads, ended uplikingmycompanion'ssandwich.Graciousdinner but thebalsamicreductiondidn’treallydoitforme.Infact,I DINING: of naturaljuiceelixirandsparklingwine.Itfitthebilljustfine. samples. Ifinallysettledonthe‘bin-mosa—acombination a thingaboutwine,providedsuggestions,andoffered that ourbartenderquicklyfiguredoutneitherofusknows available bytheglass(allin$8-$13range).Ilovedthat in thatitoffersaselectionof12“winesontap”are IDDRINKS: once theweatherimproves. to maketheirwayaround.Hopefullythiswon’tbeaproblem glass doorsandinthemiddleofroadforpatronstrying cold night,ourspotatthebarhadusupagainstclosed be everyone’s glassofvino.Sinceourvisitoccurredona Ienjoyedtheciabattabreadofmycapresepanini, Open at 11 a.m. every day,Open at11a.m.every Bin702isunique Iliketherustic,low-litvibeatBin702,but Ienjoyedmydrinkandreceived DOWNTOWN restaurant REV IEW

By Joanna Mueller

he hubs and I headed to the Downtown Container Park on A squeeze of fresh lime really mellowed out the kick. The rice, a balmy January night to check out the scene. I have been beans, and chips were what really stood out for me. The nacho Twanting to see the space since it opened. We got there plate was piled high with chicken, guacamole, and cheese. at around 6 p.m. on a Friday night. It wasn’t too busy, which There was plenty of food, but not epic portions, which is a good was nice. The weather was beautiful, and I convinced the Mr. thing. that it was warm enough to be outside. The container park is a comfortable environment. There are a few different food Normally, I’m a sit-and-get-waited-on kind of gal. I enjoy sitting choices, but for this specific night, we wanted Mexican food. I down to a nice meal after a long week. I like engaging with had been craving something spicy for a while. the people serving and having quiet time with my partner. If anything is lacking here, it's a finer-dining restuarant, but I The décor at Pinches is buoyant and welcoming. The menu realize the space doesn't work for that. is a ginormous and colorful chalkboard, the walls bright. The place smelled delightful. I had a hard time deciding what to Since the weather was so brilliant (gotta love Vegas in January), get! The menu itself was so fun to look at, and I had a tough there was a lot to take in by sitting outside. There were outdoor time making a choice. Ultimately, I decided on the taco plate. I heaters which made the environment all the more welcoming. mean, the place has tacos right there in the name, why mess There was a band playing mostly cover tunes, but with their with that? Three chicken tacos, a side of rice, beans, and chips own twist. There were lights twinkling all around … It’s a pretty for $8.95 ... The price was definitely right. My husband ordered romantical place for sure. the nacho plate, and we both got bottles of water to drink. The whole dinner was less than 30 bucks, including tip. We finished our meal and proceeded to check out the rest of the park. Live music continued to play, and there was lots of We placed our order and instead of a standard number, we were activity everywhere. The Mantis breathing fire was very cool, given a tarot card. I liked that little touch. Subtle things like that and every time it went off we both jumped. We stopped at the are what make a place special. Sweet Spot Candy Shop for an after dinner treat and checked out the other cool shops that offer both unique and affordable Our food came out promptly and was quite delicious. My merchandise. The Downtown Container Park is a great spot, and three chicken tacos came in small corn tortillas. They were we'll definitely be going back!! prettygood; however, the tacos were a tad too spicy for me.

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 DOWNTOWN bar REV IEW

By Angelina Fadool

Located in the Downtown Container Park at 707 Fremont St., The Boozery offers local and handcrafted libations in an intimate, open-air setting.

PRICE POINT: The Boozery is Downtown Cocktail Room’s little brother, so the small seasonal cocktail menu here seemed oddly familiar to me. Cocktails here — some featuring spirits from local up-and-comer Las Vegas Distillery — are in the $8-10 range. There is a small wine selection and craft beers on tap are priced from $5-6.

AMBIANCE: It was pretty cold on my most recent visit, but outdoor heaters kept me plenty toasty. Just be aware that drinks here are served in plastic cups due to space and liquor license restraints. Our bartender confirmed that the Irish coffee served here uses the same recipe as DCR, but just doesn’t taste the same from a paper cup. On the upside, you are free to roam the Container Park with beer and wine. Sadly, cocktails can only be imbibed inside or on the patio.

SERVICE: Some of my friends have had trouble elbowing their way up to the bar on a busy night, but that hasn’t been my experience. Our bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, and he was just as happy to talk about beverages as he was to discuss downtown and the unique location.

POTENTIAL PITFALLS: Since this bar is located inside a shipping container, it should come as no surprise that seating is limited to just a handful of barstools and some outdoor seating. On a positive note, the open design lets the heat or cool air in depending on the season, and ensures you will hear any band playing on the nearby stage — depending on your music taste, this may enhance or detract from your experience.

Scant seating and the vagaries of Las Vegas weather may be challenges on some nights, but don’t let them drive you away entirely. Open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at noon Friday through Sunday, The Boozery is a great place to start your night or grab a drink after the Speaker Series.

Downtown ZEN dtZEN.com FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 ISSUE 23 EVENTS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2 SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7 FRIDAY SUNDAY RESET | 8AM FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21, 28 The Learning Village Dedicated to creating a healthier community in Las DOWNTOWN3RD FARMERS MARKET | 715 Fremont St. Vegas by resetting the mind, body and spirit. Join 9AM - 3PM Las Vegas, NV 89101 our signature event the Sunday Reset Project. The Downtown3rd Farmers Market has become an more info: www.cnyinthedesert.com/spring- Amanda Harris Gallery integral part of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest festiva 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd #150 indoor farmers market showcases local Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV 89101 farmers as well as including lots of fresh produce CYN DESERT FESTIVAL | 5PM more info: www.theresetprojectlv.com from California. 300 N. Casino Center Blvd. DJ ULTRA AT MOB BAR | 9PM - 1AM GROUNDHOG’S DAY (In the old Transit Center) Las Vegas, NV 89101 more info: www.downtown3rd.com/las- FEBRUARY 8 SATURDAY vegas-farmers-market FEBRUARY 4 TUESDAY THE 2014 NEVADA REGIONAL YOGA ASANA DOWNTOWN LOWDOWN | 5PM CHAMPIONSHIP | 2PM - 5 PM Want the inside scoop on all of the good things VEGAS STREATS | 6PM - 1AM Yoga is now bringing this spirit of healthy happening with Downtown Project? Then you Vegas StrEATS is a street food and culture festival competition to the United States, where, according won’t want to miss the Downtown Lowdown, a hosted every second Saturday in downtown Las to the most recent study by SGMA, more than 22 Vegas showcasing the valley’s hottest local food monthly event that brings the community together million people practice yoga in the US today. trucks, artists, musicians, and fashion. StrEATS for updates from members of Downtown Project to The Learning Village is presented by Slidin’ Thru in partnership with El update their team members and the community on 715 Fremont St. Cortez and Insert Coin(s). their efforts. Las Vegas, NV 89101 Jackie Gaughan Plaza The Learning Village more info: www.usayoga.org 715 Fremont St. 600 E. Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 Las Vegas, NV 89101 CREATIV WEEK more info: www.downtownproject.com more info: www.vegasstreats.com www.facebook.com/VegasStrEATS CYN DESERT FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 5 WEDNESDAY FIRST FRIDAY | 6PM - 11PM WINTER AMERICAN CRAFT DISTILLERS FEB. 5-9 First Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of FESTIVAL AT GOLDEN NUGGET | 2PM - 6PM CREATIV WEEK downtown Las Vegas and celebrates young and Creativ Week is produced and curated by established local artists. CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Casino Center Boulevard & Colorado Street Downtown Project the first week of every month. more info: www.firstfridaylasvegas.com FEBRUARY 9 SUNDAY Creativ Week is a monthly celebration in downtown www.facebook.com/firstfridaylasvegas CREATIV WEEK Vegas that showcases the most exciting arts, culture and entertainment throughout downtown. FEBRUARY 7-9 CYN DESERT FESTIVAL contact: Staci Perkins: staci@catalystcreativ. WINTER AMERICAN CRAFT DISTILLERS com FESTIVAL AT GOLDEN NUGGET WINTER AMERICAN CRAFT DISTILLERS Partake in sample tastings of artisan whiskies and FESTIVAL AT GOLDEN NUGGET | 6PM YOGA AT FREMONT EAST STUDIOS | barrel aged barley beers. Tickers include: mixology 7PM - 8:30PM classes, pot still demonstrations, educational seminars, culinary delights and live entertainment. FEBRUARY 11 TUESDAY Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BEAT | 7PM FEBRUARY 6 THURSDAY 129 Fremont Street Experience Come with a team or find one at The Beat. Every CREATIV WEEK Las Vegas, NV 89101 second Tuesday you can test your knowledge and more info: hwww.goldennugget.com/ flex your brain in a cerebral competition. There will lasvegas/whiskeyfest.asp be prizes and beer specials, and most likely a little more beer than brains. CYN IN THE DESERT LAS VEGAS SPRING The Beat Coffeehouse FESTIVAL 520 Fremont St. The Las Vegas Spring Festival: Chinese New Las Vegas, NV 89101 Year in the Desert will host a series of Chinese, more info: www.facebook.com/ Vietnamese and Korean cultural celebrations Feb. DowntownTriviaNight 8-10 throughout the Fremont Street Experience www.thebeatlv.com (FSE), a five-block entertainment complex located contact: Augusta Scott: [email protected] at the historic downtown Las Vegas, which features Viva Vision.

TBD FEBRUARY 19 WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23 SUNDAY CATALYST WEEK STITCH FACTORY FASHION SPEAKER SERIES TASTE AND SOUNDS OF SOUL Catalyst Week is produced and curated by YOGA AT FREMONT EAST STUDIOS | CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the 7PM - 8:30PM TRANS *H4CK HACKATHON AND SPEAKER Downtown Project the fourth week of every month. SERIES Catalyst Week profiles thought-leaders from fields ranging from filmmaking to social entrepreneurship, FEBRUARY 20 THURSDAY and corporate brand management to nonprofits. STITCH FACTORY FASHION SPEAKER SERIES FEBRUARY 26 WEDNESDAY The Learning Village 727 Fremont St. CATALYST WEEK Las Vegas, NV 89101 more info: www.catalystcreativ.com/ FEBRUARY 21 FRIDAY YOGA AT FREMONT EAST STUDIOS | downtown-project FEBRUARY 21-23 7PM - 8:30PM TRANS * H4CK TRIVIA AT THE BEAT | 7:30PM - 9:30PM In the past year, Nevada has made significant progress in advancing transgender rights, and FEBRUARY 27 THURSDAY at the same time it has seen unprecedented CATALYST WEEK FEBRUARY 12 WEDNESDAY entrepreneurial growth through the flourishing YOGA AT FREMONT EAST STUDIOS | startup community, making Las Vegas the perfect 7PM - 8:30PM city to host Trans*H4CK! Join us for a weekend of networking in the FEBRUARY 28 FRIDAY #VegasTech community, talks from trans and queer CATALYST WEEK FEBRUARY 13 THURSDAY tech entrepreneurs, gourmet food, and swag as we TECH COCKTAIL WEEK: MIXER & STARTUP code for social good! 3RD STREET FARMERS MARKET | 9AM - 3PM SHOWCASE | 6PM - 9PM The Center 401 S. Maryland Parkway Tech Cocktail is a media company and events DJ ULTRA AT MOB BAR | 9PM - 1AM organization for startups, entrepreneurs, and Las Vegas, NV 89101 technology enthusiasts. Since 2006, its goal more info: www.transhack.org has been to amplify local tech communities TBD and give entrepreneurs a place to get informed, STITCH FACTORY FASHION SPEAKER SERIES STITCH FACTORY FASHION SPEAKER SERIES get connected, and get inspired. Tech Cocktail Stitch Factory, in partnership with Downtown Project, dedicates itself to covering news, how-to’s, up- 3RD STREET FARMERS MARKET | 9AM - 3PM presents Behind the Seams, a monthly speaker and-coming startups, and industry trends online, series designed to bring together passionate and hosting events in over 20 cities in the US and DJ ULTRA AT MOB BAR | 9PM - 1AM individuals to share ideas, network, and inspire. abroad. The Learning Village TBD 727 Fremont St. more: www.tech.co/event/tech-cocktail- FEBRUARY 22 SATURDAY Las Vegas, NV 89101 week-sessions FEBRUARY 22-23 more info: www.stitchfactory. TASTE AND SOUNDS OF SOUL com/#!speakerseries/c2fo The Taste and Sounds is the largest event in the FEBRUARY 14 FRIDAY state in celebration of Black History Month. This VALENTINE’S DAY music and food festival, which includes the best barbecue in Las Vegas, will feature artists and 3RD STREET FARMERS MARKET | 9AM - 3PM cultural vendors from across the country. Fremont Street Experience DJ ULTRA AT MOB BAR | 9PM - 1AM Third Street & Ogden Avenue more info: [email protected]

FEBRUARY 15 SATURDAY TRANS *H4CK HACKATHON AND SPEAKER AFTER-VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY AT NACHO SERIES DADDY | 9PM - 2AM COLOR RUN 5K | 9AM

FEBRUARY 17 MONDAY PRESIDENT’S DAY

MARCH 1 SATURDAY MARCH 7 FRIDAY MARCH 18 TUESDAY CORPORATE CHALLENGE OPENING FIRST FRIDAY | 6:00PM - 11:00PM KARAOKE AT THE KITCHEN | CEREMONY | 3:30PM - 8:30PM First Friday is celebrated in the Arts District of 5:00PM - 7:00PM For 29 years, Corporate Challenge has downtown Las Vegas and celebrates young and Every third Tuesday, Rachel’s Kitchen will be holding been a healthy way for local companies and established local artists. a Karaoke contest. The winner will receive a prize their employees to stay active in the community The Art’s District and entered to win a Grand Prize on Sept. 16. while adding a social component for those that want more info: Firstfridaylasvegas.com Rachel’s Kitchen in the Ogden to sit on the sidelines and cheer on their colleagues. Opening Ceremonies will be held at the Container CREATIV WEEK | 9:00AM- 2:00PM MARCH 19 WEDNESDAY Park with an Executive Relay, Parade of Banners, 3rd Street Farmers Market STITCH FACTORY FASHION SPEAKER SERIES Opening Ceremonies and fun for the family. The Downtown3rd Farmers Market has become an | 5:30PM Container Park integral part of downtown Las Vegas. The biggest Stitch Factory, in partnership with Downtown Project, more info: lasvegasnevada.gov indoor farmers market showcases local Las Vegas presents Behind the Seams, a monthly speaker farmers as well as including lots of fresh produce series designed to bring together passionate MARDI GRAS AT SPRINGS PRESERVE | from California. individuals to share ideas, network, and inspire. 4:00PM - 8:00PM 95 & Casino Center Drive The Learning Village Featuring live music from local Dixieland jazz band more info: downtown3rdfarmersmarket.com more info: stitchfactory.com Mardi Gras Mambo, food from local Southern eateries, a beer garden for the adults and activities MARCH 8 SATURDAY VETERANS STAND DOWN | 8:30AM - 4:30PM including kids' crafts, fortune tellers and palm CREATIV WEEK readers, the family-friendly Mardi Gras Vegas will Show your support by donating to the U.S. Vets. bring the tastes and sounds of the Louisiana bayou Cashman Center and the colors and fun of Mardi Gras to the heart of MARCH 9 SUNDAY more info: www.usvetsinc.org/lasvegas the Southern Nevada desert. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS Springs Preserve MARCH 20 THURSDAY more info: springspreserve.org MARCH 11 TUESDAY STITCH FACTORY FASHION SPEAKER SERIES TRIVIA AT THE BEAT | 7PM | 5:30PM TAP N RUN 4K | 1:00PM Come with a team or find one at The Beat. Every second Tuesday you can test your knowledge and Tap 'N' Run combines a ridiculous running race - a VETERANS STAND DOWN | 8:30A - 4:30PM flex your brain in a cerebral competition. There will 4k with 3 beer chug stations* along the race course, be prizes and beer specials, and most likely a little a full beer at the Finish Line, crazy costumes, great MARCH 21 FRIDAY times with friends, and overall ridiculousness. (*chug more beer than brains. The Beat Coffeehouse BURNING OF LIFE CUBE INSTALLATION | stations = 5 oz. of beer per) 7:30P - 10:30PM 500 Fremont St. MARCH 13 THURSDAY Impacting people's lives by helping people realize more info: tapnrun.com MARCH 13TH AND 14TH their goals, dreams, wishes, and ambitions. Change MINT 400 | 6:00AM - 10:00PM the world by helping one person at a time. MARCH 2 SUNDAY The Mint 400 is an annual desert off road race. more info: Thelifecubeproject.com SUNDAY RESET PROJECT | 8:00AM Registration and technical inspection of all race cars Dedicated to creating a healthier community in Las will happen downtown. MARCH 26 WEDNESDAY Vegas by resetting the mind, body and spirit. Join Fremont East District MARCH 26TH- 29TH our signature event the Sunday Reset Project. more info: Themint400.com CATALYST WEEK Amanda Harris Gallery Catalyst Week is produced and curated by more info: theresetprojectlv.com MARCH 14 FRIDAY CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Downtown Project the fourth week of every month. MINT 400 | 6:00AM- 10:00PM MARCH 4 TUESDAY Catalyst Week profiles thought-leaders from fields MARDI GRAS ranging from filmmaking to social entrepreneurship, MARCH 15 SATURDAY and corporate brand management to nonprofits. RUN AWAY WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL | MARCH 5 WEDNESDAY The Learning Village 7:00AM-12:00PM MARCH 5- 9 Join dozens of artists from Cirque du Soleil's Las MARCH 27 THURSDAY CREATIV WEEK Vegas shows and more than 1,000 community CATALYST WEEK Creativ Week is produced and curated by members for Run Away with Cirque du Soleil at the CatalystCreativ, a small business funded by the Springs Preserve. Downtown Project the first week of every month. MARCH 28 FRIDAY Springs Preserve Creativ Week is a monthly celebration in Downtown more info: Springspreserve.com CATALYST WEEK | 9AM - 2 PM Vegas that showcases the most exciting arts, culture 3rd Street Farmers Market and entertainment in Downtown. more info: catalystcreativ.com COLOR VIBE 5K | 7:00AM-12:00PM You can come and experience the fun of having MARCH 29 SATURDAY colored chalk sprayed ALL over you during one of CATALYST WEEK MARCH 6 THURSDAY our 5k races! CREATIVE WEEK Downtown Las Vegas more info: Colorvibe.com SPECIALIZING IN PIECES MADE IN AMERICA

Store hours are Mon-Sun1 0 - 5 and private viewing by appointment

We buy and sell Retro, Vintage, Antique and anything old and funky!

630 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 464-3299 Show your Zappos ID or Local ID and receive a discount SwagAntique.com facebook.com/SwagAntiques SCAN ME FOR THE DIGITAL COPY

DOWNTOWN A B C D E F G H I J LAS VEGAS, NV

RESTAURANTS 127 Rachel’s Kitchen 1502 211 Backstage Bar & Billiards 414 Hillary Salon HOTEL & CASINOS 1202 Amanda Harris Gallery ANTIQUE ALLEY G5 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 601 Fremont St. 1 G5 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #250 1 E7 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #150 100 C8 500 Retro Vegas (Inside Retail Space at Ogden) 702.382.2223 800 El Cortez 702.269.6036 520 Fremont St. 702.525.1053 1131 S. Main St. G5 www.rachelskitchen.com www.backstagebarandbilliards.com G5 600 Fremont St. [email protected] C8 702.385.2328 415 Inside Style 702.384.2700 128 Radio City Pizza 212 Bunkhouse 800.634.6703 101 Le Thai C8 1119 S. Main St. 1503 1203 Art Square 501 Corner Store Furniture Company G5 508 Fremont St. H6 124 S. 11th St. The D Las Vegas C7 G5 523 Fremont St. 702.399.1100 1504 802 1025 S. First St. C8 1201 S. Main St. 702.982.5055 702.384.4536 F4 301 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.778.0888 416 Nature’s Element 1505 702.331.6009 www.radiocitypizza.com www.bunkhouselv.com 702.388.2400 www.artsquarelv.com 102 Triple George Grill D7 817 S. Main St. 502 129 Park on Fremont 213 Don’t Tell Mama www.thed.com F4 201 N. Third St. 702.521.0725 1204 Gainsburg Studio, Inc. C8 1211 S. Main St. G5 506 Fremont St. G5 517 Fremont St. 702.384.2761 803 Golden Nugget C7 1039 S. Main St. 702.776.6222 702.798.7000 702.207.0788 417 Photo Bang Bang 2 702.249.3200 2 F4 129 Fremont St. Armstrong’s Emporium 103 Tacos El Gordo www.parkonfremont.com 214 Atomic Liquors C10 224 E. Imperial Ave. www.gainsburgstudio.com 503 1724 E. Charleston Blvd. 702.518.7427 702.385.7111 C9 1228 S. Main St. J8 130 Anthony’s Pizza & Deli H5 917 Fremont St. 702.251.8226 418 www.goldennugget.com 1205 Open Air Printers 702.366.1995 E5 321 S. Casino Center Blvd., Suite #125 702.349.2283 www.atomiclasvegas.com C8 1209 S. Main St. C7 1039 S. Main St., Suite #150 504 104 Chicago Joe’s 702.896.0353 804 Plaza Hotel & Casino 702.870.9946 E7 820 S. Fourth St. 215 Velveteen Rabbit 702.431.7546 E4 C9 1300 S. Main St., Suite #110 131 La Comida 1 S. Main St. www.goldwellmuseum.org 702.382.5637 C9 1218 S. Main St. 419 Williams Costume Co. 800.634.6575 702.331.4660 G5 100 Sixth St. 701 1206 Blackbird Studios www.chicagojoesrestaurant.com (702) 685-9645 D9 1226 S. Third St. 113 www.plazahotelcasino.com 505 Desert Buddha 702.463.9900 C10 1551 S. Commerce St., Suite #A Bar+Bistro 216 Gold Spike 702.384.1384 C9 1300 S. Main St., Suite #120 105 www.facebook.com/LaComidaLV 805 Downtown Grand Las Vegas 702.782.0319 217 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 1301 3 702.383.1008 D8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #155 G5 420 The Town Bike 3 F4 206 N. Third St. 132 www.blackbirdstudioslv.com 702.202.6060 702.384.8444 353 East Bonneville Ave. Suite 179 855.384.7263 D8 910 S. Las Vegas Blvd. E6 1501 506 One Man’s Trash www.goldspike.com 702.600.4850 1208 106 Mundo – A Culinary Haute Spot 702.382.6538 123 128 www.downtowngrand.com C9 1300 S. Main St., Suite #140 www.thetownbike.com C8 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd. C5 495 S. Grand Central Pkwy. 207 139 424 129 702.7778.7988 133 Mingo Kitchen and Lounge ZAPPOS CAMPUSES 301 104 HUMAN SERVICES 702.433.4433 702.270-4400 421 Let Me Nail You 804 102 805 122 1017 First St., Suite #180 104 209 507 C8 301 Zappos Stewart Campus 514 Bonneville Ave. 125 400 1209 City of the World 107 Courthouse Bar & Grill 702.685.0328 F7 302 138 206 208 900 Las Vegas City Hall C9 1310 S. Main St. E5 330 S. Third St. 134 City Center Quiznos G4 400 Stewart Ave. 702.998.9490 103 203 D5 495 S. Main St. C9 1229 S. Casino Center Blvd. 702.384.8463 702.388-8222 F6 365 Lewis Ave. 702.229.6011 702.409.7549 302 Zappos Stewart Campus 422 Rogue Toys 216 100 508 The Funk House 108 702.380.0900 Parking 616 Las Vegas Blvd S. 101 4 901 Veteran’s Village 1210 Contemporary Art Center (CAC) D9 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd. G4 E7 4 102 126 F6 375 Lewis Ave. www.quiznos.com 702.330.3945 803 213 D5 1150 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.678.6278 260 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 205 127 210 C8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #120 702.383.4055 Located directly south of www.roguetoys.com 802 702.624.5792 702.382.3886 135 Pura Vida 119 1000 131 509 Glam Factory Vintage 400 Stewart Building 111 www.vvlv.org1 109 B9 1236 Western Ave. 423 Don Vicente Cigars Intl. 303 211 1211 Downtown Contemporary Gallery D9 211 E. Colorado Ave. Enter via Fourth Street. 106 F5 231 S. Third St., Suite #110 702.722.0108 E7 624 Las Vegas Blvd S. 1400 304 127 C8 at artSquare 702.443.0131 702.526.3922 800 HIGH-RISE LIVING 702.384.3115 www.puravidavegas.com 303 200 1025 First St., Suite #145 www.elgaucholucascafe.com 510 Gypsy Den 136 G5 302 E. Carson Ave. 424 109 124 1000 The Ogden 702.358.7022 D9 213 E. Colorado Ave. C10 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd 6th Floor 1106 Fremont St. 130 G4 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 110 Viva Las Arepas E7 1212 Pinup Pointe Art Gallery 702.684.1628 D10 1616 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #120 702.444.4459 702.943.7777 #8530 702.541.8282 900 702.685.0300 500 5 C8 4 E. Charleston Blvd. 511 Western Gypsy in the Kangaroo Court 5 1001 702.336.9696 304 107 702.302.7878 1306 S. Third St. E7 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. D9 111 Subway 137 G6 Parking Garage 108 118 214 702.868.3302 401 S Maryland Pkwy 304 E. Carson Ave. FITNESS 120 702.383.0979 1213 RTZ Vegas G5 600 Fremont St. H7 132 602 702.202.3100 Enter via Fourth Street 1002 C8 1017 S. First St., Suite #195 512 Gypsy Caravan 702.302.5020 700 Real Results Gym 101 212 E7 353 E. Bonneville Ave. 702.592.2164 D8 1214 S. Third St. 113 Jason’s Deli 138 Wild RETAIL SHOPS, BOUTIQUES & SALONS C9 1201 S. Commerce St. 702.868.3302 423 702.754.6300 D3 100 City Pkwy. G4 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Suite 120 702.331.3172 1214 Ryan Williams Art Gallery www.juhlst.com 702.366.0130 702.527.7717 400 Coterie C8 1025 S. First St. 513 134 C8 1112 S. Commerce St. 114 The Verdicts Inn www.eatdrinkwild.com G5 515 Fremont St. 1003 321.258.9032 701 24hr Fitness 1100 6 D7 702.366.7030 702.685.7741 6 200 Hoover Ave. E7 801 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 139 Nacho Daddy E3 100 City Pkwy., Suite #160 702 420 1215 Sin City Gallery www.facebook.com Search 702.387.0093 514 Sin City Pickers 702.837.3428 G5 113 N. 4th St. 702.824.9614 422 C8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #100 “Coterie Downtown” 10 W. Wyoming Ave. 702.778.7800 518 702.608.2461 C10 115 Luv It Frozen Custard 1002 SCHOOLS www.nachodaddy.com 401 Globe Salon 702 FreeStyle CrossFit 405 421 1207 702.366.9166 D10 505 E. Oakey Blvd. 121 1216 Trifecta E7 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Suite #130 D6 727 S. Main St. 517 1600 1100 Las Vegas Academy 515 702.384.6452 135 E. Charleston Blvd. 702.938.4247 702.685.5070 G6 315 S. 7th St. C8 C9 1411 S. Main St. 116 Lola’s: BARS, LOUNGES & NIGHTCLUBS www.globesalon.com 137 800.585.3737 702.366.7001 702.539.0799 B8 A Louisiana Kitchen 200 Downtown Cocktail Room (DCR) 502 416 241 W. Charleston Blvd. 1001 1101 9th Bridge Early Development RE-OCURRING EVENTS 516 111 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 1211 S. Main St. 1003 1304 S. Las Vegas Blvd. #101 G5 D9 I5 310 S. Ninth St. D9 702.880.3696 702.776.6222 7 1300 702.300.2476 7 702.724.1436 First Friday Main Hub 702.227.5652 201 Lady Silvia 104 www.9thbridgeschool.com C9 Casino Center Boulevard 117 Casa Don Juan Restaurant 114 517 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 403 Between Colorado Street & 625 S. Las Vegas Blvd. C8 1204 S. Main St. E8 407 COMMUNITY SPACES F7 www.theladysilvia.com 1204 1213 201 California Street 702.382-1882 702.384.8070 C9 1411 S. Main St. 702.539.0799 1205 1214 202 100 /usr/lib (Tech Library) www.casadonjuanlv.com 202 1211 1203 1301 Downtown 3rd Farmers Market 518 000 G5 D8 1025 S. First St. 404 Vexed By Design 1210 406 520 Fremont St. F4 300 Block of North Main Street F7 630 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 118 eat. 414 1215 1201105 112 702.489.6339 C8 1017 First St., Suite #185 1401 702.385.2328 Directly Next To 702.464.3299 G5 707 Carson Ave. 500 1212 702.275.7141 513 413 1216 410 The Mob Museum 702.534.1515 105 Bar+Bistro 116 415 1208 103 101 Work In Progress - 519 D8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #155 www.vexedlv.com 408 412 G6 6th Street Workspace 1422 Western Ave. www.eatdowntownlv.com 8 133 132 8 ENTERTAINMENT B9 702.202.6060 405 Sweet Spot Candy Shop 404 901 317 S. Sixth St. 702.384.4922 119 Du-Par’s 600 Beauty Bar E7 616 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 700 117 702.534.3804 Restaurant & Bakery 203 501 1400 The Smith Center LEGAL SERVICES F5 702.815.1277 1300 www.workinprogress.lv 1 Fremont St. G5 517 Fremont St., Suite #A 418 419 C5 361 Symphony Park Ave. 702.598.1965 www.facebook.com/SweetSpotCandyShop 502 1600 Craig P. Kenny & Associates (Inside Golden Gate) 508 402 1209 102 SYN SHOP 702.749.2000 503 512 G7 501 S. Eight St. www.thebeautybar.com/las_vegas 406 Josephine Skaught Hairdressing 135 601 G5 The Las Vegas HackerSpace 702.385.1906 1401 Art Square Theater 702.380.2800 204 Dino’s Lounge D8 1025 S. First St. Suite 165 504 401 117 N. Fourth St. C8 1025 S. First St. 120 505 509510 www.cpklaw.com D10 1516 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.431.8071 1001 www.synshop.org 702.308.8087 E5 506 511 702.382.3894 [email protected] 507 201 [email protected] HEALTH & WELLNESS 200 Lewis Ave. 516 103 Fremont East Studios 205 Drink & Drag 407 Cowtown Guitars 9 9 1700 Dr. Azimi DDS 702.631.1112 1202 G4 221 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Theater 7 450 Fremont St., Suite #250 1402 F4 D7 1009 S. Main St. 515 702.463.9029 1406 S. Third St. E8 820 S. Seventh St. 702.522.8488 519 1402 D9 702.866.2600 403 www.fremonteaststudios.com E8 702.568.9663 702.759.0005 121 www.drinkanddrag.com www.cowtownguitars.com 409 411 D7 807 S. Main St. 206 104 COFFEE SPOTS 702.382.9234 408 MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS G5 511 Fremont St. G4 300 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 100 C8 1216 S. Main St. Suite 120 1501 The Mob Museum 122 Kabob Corner 702.382.0577 702.471.6236 G5 520 Fremont St. 1206 110 702.476.5552 F4 300 Stewart Ave. G5 507 Fremont St. 207 Hogs & Heifers Saloon 514 417 702.385.2328 702.384.7722 409 204 702.229.2732 F4 201 N. 3rd St., Suite #130 136 500 Starbucks 702.676.1457 C10 1421 S. Commerce St. 1O 1O ART STUDIOS 123 Uncle Joe’s Pizza 115 1502 Old Las Vegas Fort F5 300 S. Fourth St. #7 www.hogsandheifers.com 702.439.3923 603 G5 505 Fremont St. Emergency Arts H1 500 E. Washington Ave. 702.759.3426 410 Electric Lemonade 100 702.385.2162 208 Insert Coin(s) 520 Fremont St. 702.486.3511 G5 512 Fremont St. D8 220 E. Charleston Blvd. G5 GROCERY 124 Big Ern’s BBQ 702.385.328 Lied Discovery Children’s 702.447.2525 702.776.7766 1503 600 Albertsons Grocery G5 707 Fremont St. (Container Park) 1201 Arts Factory Museum www.insertcoinslv.com B7 J8 1760 E. Charleston Blvd. 702.834.7845 411 Freddie Ramon C7 107 E. Charleston Blvd. 833 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 209 Vanguard Lounge 702.366.1550 www.bigernsbbq.com C10 1411 S. Main St. 702.383.3133 702.382.3445 516 Fremont St. 125 Pop Up Pizza G5 702.468.3232 601 Resnick’s Grocery 702.868.7800 1504 Natural History Museum E4 1 Main St. 412 Gaia Flowers 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. www.vanguardlv.com 11 11 H2 900 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.982.2999 6 E. Charleston Blvd. 702.366.0049 C8 702.384.3466 www.popuppizzalv.com 210 Commonwealth 702.997.0222 602 Cake World Bakery G5 525 Fremont St. 1505 The Neon Museum I5 220 N. Maryland Pkwy. 126 Denny’s 702.798.7000 413 Happy Panda Toys H2 770 N. Las Vegas Blvd. 702.471.7111 F4 450 Fremont St. (Inside Neonopolis) www.commonwealthlv.com 702.471.0056 C8 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite #105A 702.387.6366 603 White Cross Market www.dennys.com 702.516.3432 www.neonmuseum.org C10 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd. A B C D E F G H I J (702) 382.3382