Brett Torino Investing in Nevada's Children

Brett Torino investing in Nevada's children

people philanthropy community culture march 2012 fashion society

CONTENTS vol 2 | no 3 | march 2012 REAL ESTATE

Cover: Brett Torino las vegas “You can’t be everything to everyone, so we decided to be what we could to children with disabilities fine homes that didn’t have normal childhoods.” 46 good life: razor sharp Fino for Men shaves mystery away from the most masculine of rituals 13 Good Life: OSCAR'S PLACE Martinis and a mobbed-up menu made the Mayor into Vegas’ happiest restaurateur 16 good life: Bouncing back Carla Pellegrino creates a family feeling in the southern valley with Bratalia 20 See Page 67 good Life: MEET AND EAT Project Dinner Table brings people and food together for a purpose 22 About the cover LVB: five-star bliss Visiting the top spas in Vegas as determined by Forbes Travel Guide 24 finer things: Style sanctuary Crystals at CityCenter is the Strip’s bejeweled monument to high-end retail 28 FIner things: ice cream, you scream Wrap yourself in the sweetest flavors of spring 37 instant style: into the fold Pleats on everything from dresses to jackets and handbags 44 close up: leigh savoy In the court of restaurant royalty’s truffle queen 52 downtown: alexandra epstein Diamond Cake may never find El Cortez’s Alex Epstein is helping to develop as reluctant a cover subject as Downtown Las Vegas’ brighter tomorrow 58 developer/philanthropist Brett Torino, but easing lens anxiety and bringing wheels in motion: Driving for dessert out true personality is photographer Celebrity Cars Las Vegas offers a menu Jerry Metellus’ specialty. Spiritually of custom-autos and cuisine 62 minded Torino doesn’t fear the tee off: pristine greens camera as much as consider Shadow Creek gives a whole new meaning image superficial, but when it to fantasy golf 66 comes to bringing attention to the kids’ camps at Torino Ranch he’s the wall: Photography by Eric Ita 77 willing to take one for the team. publisher Jimmy Foster

editor Matt Kelemen

creative director Timothy Carvalho

editorial

contributing writers cover photographer

Danny Axelrod Jerry Metellus www.jerrymetellus.com Nur Kausar Jarret Keene contributing photographers Al Mancini Eric Ita www.ericitaphoto.com David McKee Shane O'Neal Christie Moeller www.shaneonealphotography.com Susan Stapleton Sabin Orr Max Plenke www.orrdigital.com Dave Surratt Duane Prokop www.prokopphoto.com Ryan Weber www.radiantphotography.com

art and media

art director online media director

Jina Hustler Lauralie Lee Ezra graphic designer creative copywriter

Eric Vozzola De Jackson

web developers

Jason Miroy Raja Sinha

sales and marketing

ad partner relations event coordinator

Aubrianna Atwell Jennifer Hixson

special thanks

Brett Torino

© SSF Media, LLC Holding Company Florence Shapiro, Ivan Sher, Jimmy Foster 150 N. Las Vegas Blvd #2107 | Las Vegas, NV 89101 | 702.202.4120 (o) | 702.430.9041 (f) | [email protected] | www.DiamondCakeMagazine.com Strategy. Choreography. Organization. contributors

jarret keene Max Plenke NUR Kausar DAVE SURRATT

Jarret Keene’s books include The Max Plenke is an arts and culture Nur Kausar loves new beats. Although his primary focus is now Underground Guide to Las Vegas, writer from Minnesota. His writing The former editor-in-chief of on writing plays, producing, directing an unauthorized rock bio of The has appeared in GQ, Desert UNLV’s The Rebel Yell and concert and acting in local theater productions, Whispering Giants is a strategically innovative marketing firm that Killers and Las Vegas Noir. His Companion, and Billboard among connoisseur for online publication Dave Surratt has been published in specializes in brand communication and business development. primitive nuclear doom metal band other publications. His more reliable MojoRepublik worked as a reporter Las Vegas CityLife, 944, Racket, Methods include design, development and execution of events; lifestyle and partnership marketing; new media; corporate Dead Neon terrorizes Sin City dive source of rent money comes from his for The Spectrum & Daily News and Vurb and Desert Companion. responsibility and community outreach. bars. He is a regular contributor to position as the arts and entertainment St. George Magazine in Southern Maxim, The Los Angeles Times, Vegas Seven and Desert Companion staff writer for Las Vegas CityLife. Utah. While there, she wrote her Billiards Digest, the London-based magazines, and lives in the heart of It took a curiously long time for his watchdog stories revealing child Time Out travel guide series, and downtown with his wife and two beard to grow back after writing the predators, covered murder trials the International Institute of Modern young sons. For this issue, he profiled feature on Fino that opens this issue and scooped papers on bank heists. Letters' Rainmaker Report can also El Cortez executive vice-president of Diamond Cake. After chasing cops and rinsing the claim they published Surratt before he and downtown renaissance woman red dirt from her hiking adventures, eclipsed David Mamet as the sharpest Alexandra Epstein. she is refocusing on her favorite voice in theater. pastime: food.

702.202.4120 || www.whisperinggiants.com ||

8 march 2012 letter from the publisher

strong. stable. Secure. Jimmy foster

ope springs eternal, and as Las Vegas experiences its own spring awakening, along comes an invigorating March issue of Diamond Cake. Bringing our readers a valuable public service spotlighting the very finest our community has to offer across the areas of society, philanthropy, and culture, one can just feel the sense of good things around the corner. And one doesn’t have to look far; the heart of the Las Vegas arts community beats strongly like a beacon with the Hopening of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. One cannot overstate the achievement this represents from a multitude of perspectives, from economic to an aspect of group psychology. Las Vegas has been in need of a ‘win’ to bolster team morale through some tough times. From Zappo’s to The Mob Museum, to a resurgent UNLV basketball team, and now The Smith Center, Las Vegas’ 2011-2012 record is shaping up to look like a winning season. But all this should remind us of how much more can and must be done. This is why we are proud to spotlight the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Their effort to “Keep Memory Alive” is bringing hope to countless families dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease across the valley and the country. By doing so, they are contributing to a spirit of innovation and the feeling of momentum our community continues to experience in 2012. This effort is one shared by all of our valued partners. Please do your part in considering how they can help you, and join the Diamond Cake group of Ad Partners in welcoming our newest members, CityCenter Properties and The Ridges. It is by recognizing the value we all have in shaping Las Vegas’ future, by working together, that we ensure our Ross Goodman spring is made glorious summer and beyond.

deep roots.

ROSS C. GOODMAN GOODMAN LAW GROUP

RAZOR SHARP Fino for Men shaves mystery away from the most masculine of rituals by Max Plenke photography by Duane Prokop

rowing up, my father always told me there barber never referred to his red-and-blue-poled hole-in- were two small luxuries every man should the-wall as a “gentleman’s grooming lounge,” nor were experience: pressed, dry cleaned clothes and there any celebrity hair designers or complimentary a straight-razor shave. The staff at Fino for mimosas. To learn more about the High Performance Consignment Program, contact Ryan Hamilton or Ken Tangen. Men shares that mentality, though upon first impression In the back, past the display cases of grooming products 3325 Las Vegas Blvd South Suite 200 Dal Toro | Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 G I wouldn’t have believed it. After all, my neighborhood and stacks of men’s magazines, is where Fino’s homage Located on the Strip inside the Palazzo Hotel 702.818.1031 | www.celebritycarslv.com diamond cake 13 B E LI E V E ... T h e r e ’ s a c h a n g e a r o u n d t h e c o r n e r

to the era of the classic American barber shop is found. the beard. He added pre-shave oil to further soften, Of course, that was a time when you knew more about a preliminary run of shaving cream then another hot towel. your barber’s home life than you did about that brother- By the time he got to the actual shaving, 10 minutes had in-law with whom you only talk fantasy sports, and before gone by and my face felt like a fleece blanket. “Supercuts” became to “barber shop” what “Kleenex” is to If your barber knows what he’s doing, a straight-razor “tissue.” Fino provides a very contemporary window into shave should feel like warm fingernail scratches. Most of that past, shaving away the nostalgic connotations while the time beneath the blade, I was fairly certain no cutting maintaining reverence for the most masculine of rituals. actually occurred. But Jimmy didn’t let me down. After a My barber Jimmy led me to his hardwood station, final hot towel, aftershave, and a pore-shutting cold towel, adjacent to two regulars wrapping up a conversation they I felt as if my face had just done yoga. I was relaxed. had surely put on hold last time they sat in the big black Tingly. Lethargic but ready to finish a productive day. chairs. In minutes, I already knew about Jimmy’s two I’m not a big “men’s salon” guy, but I couldn’t turn down children, his sports preferences and his opinion regarding a return to classic American grooming, especially in a The Strip as a family destination. He had the hardest job place that felt like a polished version of my neighborhood in the world: in the time it took him to cut my hair (he shop. I didn’t feel dainty being there. Fino felt like a prefers to work solely with scissors) he needed to make place to get pampered for people who don’t use the word me comfortable enough to ease any Sweeney Todd fears I “pampered,” a place to re-embrace a ritual that could might have, to convince me a sharp razor held to my throat easily become habitual. m wouldn’t yield unfavorable results. It was like a trust fall with higher stakes. Fino for Men Soon I learned the secret to a clean shave, without razor 7207 W. Sahara Avenue #100 Las Vegas, NV 89117 bumps or nicks, is in the preparation. Jimmy started with 702.566.3466 a hot towel on the face to moisturize the skin and soften finoformen.com From Infertility to Family

FI r s T P R IVAT E I V F C LI N I C I N T h e U . S . | E LIT E , I n d IVI d u a L LY TA ILo r e d c a r e T r a I n e d u n d e r n o B E L P R IZ E W I n n e r | F I r s T c h o I c e O F PATI e n T S F r o M 2 3 c o u n T R I e s

Oscar’s place Martinis and a mobbed-up menu made the mayor into Vegas’ happiest restaurateur

ormer Mayor Oscar Goodman has kept busy since leaving office. In addition to chairing the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s host committee, he’s opened two new restaurants Fin The Plaza: his steakhouse, Oscar’s Beef, Booze and Broads, and an Italian speakeasy called Simpatico. Diamond Cake recently sat down with Goodman and the Plaza’s Corporate Executive Chef Jeffrey Martell to discuss the projects.

Diamond Cake: With so many steakhouses in town, how does Oscar’s differentiate itself? Oscar Goodman: First of all, the name. I have a little bit of a persona. Secondly, the fact that we call it Oscar’s Beef, Booze and Broads. There are very few restaurateurs in the world who would have the brass to use that as their mark. Jeffrey Martell: Our sides, the room, the view of Fremont Street, and the high quality meats we’re using.

DC: How much influence did Mr. Goodman have on designing the menu? JM: Quite a bit. He definitely had his input on quite a few items. He and Carolyn submitted a few recipes, so we accommodated with whatever they wanted.

DC: As chef, did they ever suggest something that just made you cringe? JM: Nothing I cringed at. But with the Alpine Village Chicken Soup … I’ve only been in town since 2000, so I didn’t know the Alpine Village restaurant or anything about it. So when he said “I want the Alpine Village Chicken Soup on the menu,” I said “OK, sure.” [laughs] So I was presenting that to him after he had tasted it for years, and I’d never tasted it to know if I was doing it right or wrong. But he likes it, so we’re good.

diamond cake 17 DC: What are your favorite dishes? murder that’s on the menu. I’m hoping to complete a little OG: Everybody I know who has the Oscar Cut of the resume concerning the names of all these people: who they prime rib, they say it’s the best they’ve ever eaten. That’s were; what they were charged with; the results of their what I eat when I come here. I also love the Spilotro Steak case; where they were from. I think it will make the eating because that brings back reminiscences of my old life as a experience unique. criminal defense lawyer. Tony [Spilotro] and myself used to go to restaurants in Chicago when I was representing DC: Why do you think people are so fascinated with the mob? him on a murder case, the one that’s depicted in the movie OG: I really don’t have the answer. And it’s not limited casino where the fella’s head is placed in the vice and his to America. When I go over to London representing the eye popped out … not guilty by the way! And we used to Convention Authority, they did a documentary about me go to this one particular restaurant, I think it was Gene and there many years ago called Mob Law. And people don’t Georgetti’s. And they had this flank steak there. say, “Oh, there’s the Mayor of Las Vegas,” or “There’s the JM: The Spilotro Steak is great, which is a skirt steak that chairman of the host committee.” They say, “It’s the mob we season with garlic and crushed red pepper and grilled. lawyer.” And when I walk down the street people actually It’s really nice. The veal wienerschnitzel, we call it an stop me. They write stories about me in Jerusalem. In the Oscar Wienerschnitzel, it’s veal paillard that’s pounded, Jerusalem Post, people don’t think of me as the mayor of lightly breaded and grilled. Then the sides, stuff we can Las Vegas. It’s the “Mob Lawyer.” have fun with. Smoked mac and cheese. The creamed spinach is great. DC: How would your old clients have liked these restaurants? DC: Do you worry naming dishes after violent murderers OG: Oh, they’d love them, they’d love them. But might be a little unappetizing? unfortunately, none of them could get in. They were all OG: Alleged murderers. [laughs] I don’t know of anybody, black-booked. with the exception of one, who was actually convicted of a

18 march 2012 by Al Mancini

photography by Sabin Orr Bouncing Back Carla Pellegrino creates a family feeling in the southern valley with Bratalia

hen Carla Pellegino came to Las Vegas Laundry hangs from clotheslines in the dining room – in 2006 to open the kitchen at Rao’s a homage to Naples’ Spanish Quarter. Carla Pellegrino’s inside Caesars Palace, she took the sister Alessandra Madeira is in the kitchen, while her town by storm. The national spotlight brother-in-law Walter Ciccone runs the front of the house. Wsoon followed, with appearances on The Today Show, The She says convincing them to come to Las Vegas and work CBS Morning News, and Throwdown with Bobby Flay. in the restaurant was a personal decision as much as After her subsequent divorce from Frank Pellegrino a professional one. “After the divorce, they were the last of Jr., whose family owns Rao’s, many feared Las Vegas my family,” Pellegrino explains. “I had nobody in Vegas, would lose her to New York. Instead, she stuck around and I just wanted to have my family nearby.” and opened a pair of new restaurants. While Baccio by That family atmosphere resonated with the local Carla Pellegrino in The Tropicana is where she spends community. Carla, who drops by the restaurant regularly most of her time, Bratalian Neapolitan Cantina is her after getting off work on The Strip, is thrilled to see the passion project. same customers returning several times a week and staying “Bratalian” is a reference to the chef’s shared late into the night. “I see the same faces over and over Brazilian and Italian heritage, but the food at the south again,” she says happily. “I like that. I like that feeling.”

valley restaurant is pure Neapolitan. Specialties include Bratalian Neopolitan Cantina baked clams, orecchiette noodles with broccoli rabe 10740 S. Eastern Ave. #155 Henderson, NV 89052 and Italian sausage, and a pork chop with sweet and hot 702.454.0104 cherry peppers. www.bratalian.com

20 march 2012 by Matt Kelemen

photography by Eric Ita MEET AND EAT Project Dinner Table brings people and food together for a purpose

uilding community in Las Vegas is often on Three Square Food Bank’s campus and benefited Catholic the subject of dinner-table conversation, but Charities and Nevada Homeless Alliance. Gina Gavan took a less talk/more action Bernardo created the menu for the September edition approach. Not only does Gavan bring more at Jackie Gaughan Plaza in front of the El Cortez Hotel & Bthan 125 people together at a time for Project Dinner Table, Casino. In keeping with the PDT motif of featuring local she gets them to all sit at one long, linen-draped table. ingredients from sustainable sources, Bernardo pulled “It’s a platform for people to connect and to be more socially out all the stops. His six-course meal – each course was responsible,” says Gavan. “To connect, eat and meet … paired with a seasonal beer – kicked off with a tantalizing people, food, progress.” “Trio of Bruchetta Tartare” and climaxed with a main course Menus are planned and prepared by chefs from of Genovese-style short ribs and line-caught halibut in yellow Las Vegas’ most prestigious kitchens, with the proceeds often tomato sauce. “I have people who have literally been to every benefiting people who don’t know where their next meal is dinner for the past few seasons that said ‘This one was my coming from. “Each of them take on their own personality favorite,’” Gavan said after the downtown dinner. based on the venue and the chef,” says Gavan. Past PDT chefs Michel Richard of Central at Caesars Palace has been chosen have included Rick Moonen of rm seafood, Roy Ellamar of to create the first menu of 2012, with the first course served at Bellagio’s Sensei and Nove Italiano executive chef Geno 6 p.m. April 14 in the beautiful outdoor areas of the Molasky Bernardo. Kim Canteenwalla of Society at Encore served up Building, just north of the Smith Center and Symphony Park. dishes for the final 2011 dinner in November, which was held Make reservations at projectdinnnertable.com.

22 march 2012 ussell photo by John C. R

The Spa at Encore The Spa at Encore designer Todd Avery-Lenehan adheres to the philosophy that beautiful surroundings induce relaxation. A quick elevator ride that opens to a burst of white and gold on the second floor testifies to that notion. Intricately designed birds and butterflies symbolizing luck embellish the walls and high ceilings. An enormous, seashell-framed mirror hangs behind the lobby desk, and a gold Chinese statue faces forward, guarding the sacred spa space that lies behind the wall. Gold lanterns and tapestries are inspired by Turkish design. Italian glass sparkles from chandeliers in the spa halls. Even the lockers look like Louis Vuitton luggage. Spa Director Ella Stimpson says Encore wanted to avoid a single theme, instead bringing the best and most beautiful from many worlds and creating “the palace of spa.” “Our services are a world fusion, as opposed to a purist approach,” Stimpson says. “It’s kind of like Las Vegas – we reinvent everything.” The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas Encore’s signature treatments bring the spa to yet another level, she adds. The newest is the Dragon Youth Facial, added It’s hard to define “signature” anymore in terms of to coincide with the Year of the Water Dragon on the Chinese treatments, Kelly adds. The Four Seasons brings a hyper- calendar. This aromatherapy facial uses antioxidants and localized approach to treatment in a calm, soothing magnolia orchid extract with a mask and facial wrap to hydrate, atmosphere. Designers and therapists have created scents contour, lift and brighten. A Thai oil treatment, Moroccan mud and applications using items that would naturally grow in wrap and couples escape are also unique indulgences that Las Vegas, such as the sage-infused oil used for the Desert provide results ranging from energy rejuvenation to deep, Oasis Stone massage, and focus on problem areas of the body. intimate relaxation. Guests can go through spinal detox, receive sinus relief, or wynnlasvegas.com/spa-and-salon/Encore-Spa.aspx reduce the appearance of wrinkles by choosing the treatment photo by Barbara Kraft The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas that works for them, Kelly says. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas “Each staff member includes his or her own personal Tucked away next to the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, expertise,” he says. “We have been fortunate to retain our staff Five star bliss behind lush landscape and sans gaming, guests that already for eight to 10 years. They see the customers and how happy Visiting the top spas in Vegas as by choose the Four Seasons to escape the bustle of the Strip they are and that challenges them to wow the customer.” determined by Forbes Travel Guide Nur Kausar appreciate the philosophy of exclusivity at the Spa at Four fourseasons.com/lasvegas/spa Seasons. Spa Director Shane Kelly says guests receive a as Vegas is home to four of the 30 spas around the went to Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian, Spa Bellagio, five-star experience because the spa is small, not despite of it. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental world that Forbes Travel Guide, formerly known Spa Mio at M Resort, the Spa at Aria and the Spa at Trump “The focus is on our size – we’re small and guests love that,” Eight floors up from Las Vegas Boulevard, a guest can as Mobil Travel Guide, granted five-star ratings International Hotel. While few aficiandos have managed Kelly explains, noting the time and energy the therapists and lean forward in the warm, bubbling vitality pool inside to in November. The spas at Encore and Wynn to explore all that the spas industry of Las Vegas has to offer, staff spend on the guests. “We can cater to each person’s needs Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter, look through floor-to- LLas Vegas, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, and Mandarin a visit to any of Forbes’ five-star will provide a sampling thoroughly. Whether it’s if they come to be pampered or to see ceiling windows and feel at peace. This solitude – combined Oriental, Las Vegas scored highest, while four-star ratings of the best in relaxation and supurlative treatments. a difference in their skin, we provide result-driven services.” with inspirational lights, music and design inspired by 1930s

24 march 2012 diamond cake 25 Single?

Successful, Selective, Attractive, Simply too busy?

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas

Shanghai – creates a spa that, despite being surrounded The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas by fast-paced movement, helps slow a guest down to the Wynn has received more five-star ratings from Forbes perfect relaxation mode and temperament. The dark woods, than any other hotel in the world, so it’s not surprising the blacks and golds in the lobby and long, ornate robes on staff Spa at Wynn made the cut. Seven years ago, spa designs (who bring herbal tea and ginger to guests before asking were different, says Stimpson, who is also the spa director them to bare their feet for the ceremonial change into at Wynn. A stark contrast exists, as a result, between the slippers) transports one to another time and place. newer Encore spa and Wynn’s spa. The latter follows Chinese elements of fire, metal, water, wood and earth are principles of Feng Shui, evoking elements of luck through invoked in the spa’s exsclusive oils, with different scents used use of bamboo in its design.

to enhance these elements throughout each room, treatment and The avocados, greens and blues of Wynn set off the spa MAKING LOVE HAPPEN. sauna. Sandalwood, lemongrass, oranges, jasmine and other in an ethereal, water-inspired light. Stimpson says travelers AWARDED “TOP MATCHMAKER IN THE WORLD 2010 & 2011” scents waft from beneath private treatment rooms. with too many late nights and jet lag, or even locals with One can spend as much time as imaginable reclining sleeping problems, can request Tibeten Blissful Sleep, on heated tepidarium chairs to relax the muscles, or take a special treatment that uses traditional oils, calm light and a quick 20 minutes in a stone steam room illuminated with repetitive sequences in massage to help induce relaxation. mellow blue and green lights. The Laconium room is more Another signature treatment is the Good Luck Ritual, which a cross between a steam room and sauna, a respite that could uses the five Chinese elements to promote happiness, luck easily invoke a deep slumber. Shock the system with an ice and prosperity. bath and you’re ready for an authentic Chinese foot massage. “The Spa at Wynn is like a hug – closer, warmer, fuzzier,” The experience at Mandarin Oriental is whatever you want Stimpson says. “If my two spas were churches, Encore Jill Kelleher & Amber Kelleher-Andrews it to be. would be my cathedral and Wynn would be my chapel.” Founder & CEO mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/spa wynnlasvegas.com/spa-and-salon Beverly Hills | San Fransisco | Las Vegas | La Jolla | Scottsdale | Seattle | New York | Chicago | Dallas Houston | Boston | Atlanta | Washington DC | Denver | West Palm Beach | Stockholm | London

26 march 2012 Call for a Confidential Consultation | 702.242.8222 | www.kelleher-international.com photo by Sabin Orr

hen it comes to couture, New York shops Fifth Avenue. Beverly Hills has Rodeo Drive. Chicago the Michigan Mile. Vegas has Crystals at CityCenter. Nowhere else in the city can you find such an impeccably edited collection of high-end fashions under one roof. Forty-one retailers ranging from the couture bookseller Crystals at CityCenter is the jewel box of The Strip WAssouline to menswear favorite Ermenegildo Zegna find a home in the 500,000-square-foot shopping spectacular, the largest retail complex to earn LEED Gold Core & Shell certification from the U.S. Green

by Building Council. Susan Stapleton The two-year-old retail-and-dining menagerie is covered with a glass quartz exterior (created by Studio Daniel Libeskind, master plan architect for the World Trade Center) that allows natural light to illuminate all three levels. Within is a modern park with hanging gardens that change with the seasons. David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group created a treasure trove of discoveries, including a three-story sculptural Tree House, a staircase that evokes Rome’s Spanish Steps, and awe-inspiring kinetic ice and water sculptures with names such as Glacia and Halo.

28 march 2012 diamond cake 29 The experience starts at valet, which on opening night when 5,000 guests were expected, Crystals’ vice president and general manager Farid Matraki had 100 valet attendants working. “The first impression is what you transfer,” he says of the three-minute waits for cars. Shoppers arrive to find doorman wearing suits topped with cashmere jackets holding the entrance open to welcome them inside the center. Within, some firsts for Las Vegas: Tom Ford, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Kiton, Kiki De Montparnasse, Marni, Assouline, H. Stern, Tourbillon, Lanvin, Brunello Cucinelli, Porsche Design, de Grisogono, Donna Karan, Stella McCartney and TAG Heuer. Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Christian Dior, Ermenegildo Zegna, Van Cleef & Arpels and Mikimoto all opened their largest Las Vegas locations at Crystals. The Louis Vuitton flagship store at the front of the center is not only the largest Louis Vuitton store in North America, but the fifth largest in the world. The facade facing the Strip (another first for the store) turns into a dazzling light show thanks to 4,000 LEDs that cascade into different tags from the line’s iconic luggage and handbags. Shoppers can find products displayed nowhere else in the world in the two-level boutique. Matraki tells his retailers that shoppers hail from Asia, Europe and Southern California. “Do not be worried about bringing the most expensive, one-of-a-kind items,” he says. “We have the customers.” Lanvin’s creative window fronts draw gawkers intrigued by the playful qualities of the displays. The design line, which traces its legacy back more than a century, chose Crystals for it’s second U.S. location featuring women’s fashions and the first to feature the men’s collection. Tom Ford’s 7,700-square-foot store features his entire menswear and womenswear lines – all of which can be personalized – set in a sumptuous and sensual setting. Donna Karan marked her 25th anniversary with her first foray in Las Vegas for her high-end line. The 3,000-square-foot boutique features her infamous 7-Easy-Pieces line of ready-to wear. Shoppers here can request the style concierge, who works one-on-one with customers to find the right look and can offer recommendations to Vegas-based hair and makeup artists. “Since the day they opened, they’ve had an amazing amount of repeat customers,” Matraki says. Tucked away on the second level sits the largest of three Kiki de Montparnasse boutiques in the United States. While still an intimate setting, shoppers can find

Louis Vuitton diamond cake 31 the brand’s lounge and lingerie collections along with the fragrance, bath-and-body lines. Daring ladies can show off their finds in the couples dressing room and portrait booth. Eco-friendly designer Stella McCartney creates ready-to-wear women’s fashions along with shoes, handbags, sunglasses, fragrances, lingerie and her Adidas collection. Her flagship store at Crystals, one of three U.S. locations, features an exclusive Las Vegas T-shirt. The boutique also has Lucky Spot, an equine figure constructed from 7,000 Swarovski crystals that hangs from the ceiling. The piece was originally commissioned by Linda McCartney in 2004 and named for her favorite brown-and-white appaloosa. The crystal horse was imported from its original home in Belsay Castle in Northern England where it was on loan to the English Heritage. Matraki says he talks to retailers before they come on board to come up with a design concept that is different from their other locations. “I hope to God that will inspire you to create something that is not like everything else,” he says. That manifested in an all-white motif at Gucci, a completely new concept from watchmakers Tourbillon and the three-level, 21,000-square-foot Prada store with a signature green ceiling and Saffiano leather walls – the same leather the designer uses to create its handbags. The store carries Prada complete men’s and women’s collections of ready to wear and footwear as well as Find us once, a series of limited-edition bags and playful accessories come back as often as you like. dedicated to Las Vegas. “They wanted to build an icon, a monument,” Matraki says of the stores within Crystals. “‘This is my brand, this is my power. This is going in the most unbelievable shopping center in the world.’”

900 South Las Vegas Boulevard #140 | Find The Lady Silvia once and come back as often as you like | Join, Follow and Fan to stay informed on upcoming events, news and updates | All events are open to the public 32 march 2012 Space is limited | For special event inquires and advanced table reservations contact Jimmy Foster | [email protected] | 702.202.4120 I Doors open daily at 3:00 p.m. | www.TheLadySilvia.com Muhammad Ali’s 70th Birthday Party

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34 society photos the style you crave. Ice Cream you Scream The experience you deserve. Spring is here. What better way to celebrate than to wrap yourself in the sweetest trends of the season. Build yourself an ice cream sundae of style with pastel colors, lovely lace and open shoulder detailing.

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t a time when development on the Las Vegas Strip has ground to a standstill, Brett Torino is moving forward. In January, the first tenant moved into the mall the developer Aand philanthropist built at the corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Boulevard, directly across from the Cosmopolitan. The $120 million, three-story mall shoehorns 17 stores and three restaurants into a two-acre parcel, nestled into the southwestern corner of the Planet Hollywood/Miracle Mile complex. It’s anchored by a mega-Walgreens (20,222 square feet) and crowned with a 322 foot-by-65 foot video wall designed by venerable Vegas sign company YESCO. The oddly shaped piece of land was left over when Clark County was finished rerouting Harmon Avenue, which now makes an S-curve as it crosses the Strip. That civic- works project took 12 years from approval to completion. Torino’s mall was built in less than nine months. The developer took Vegas by surprise when he placed an uncontested, $25 million bid on the acreage two years ago. “I walked into the County Commission chambers. It was packed full but not one other bid was received,” he recalls. By Land prices were falling precipitously and Torino was David McKee reeling from the failure of a proposed casino project, Cover and portraits by prompting skepticism. “Everything’s worth less than what Jerry Metellus it costs to build and the condo market is dead. I just don’t know what kind of development plan would justify it,” Grooming by Natasha Chamberlin-Adetoye

diamond cake 47 (at right) Torino with his flag-draped Harmon Corner video screen in the background. (far right) With Jim Murren. (below right) Riding the Torino Express during a kids’ camp at his Lovell Canyon ranch.

said CB Richard Ellis Executive Vice President John Knott and the Cosmopolitan. “We hate it,” wailed Jan Jones, to the Las Vegas Sun. former Las Vegas mayor and current senior vice president Gaming consultant Grant Govertson doubted that of communications and government relations for Caesars Torino could operate anything profitably enough to even Entertainment, to the Sun. “If this was somehow going cover interest payments. Others speculated that Torino’s to enhance the Las Vegas Strip, drive tourism or produce real end game was to re-sell the land to Planet Hollywood a compelling marketing message, that would be fine … It’s owner Caesars Entertainment at a markup. However, once gaudy for the sake of gaudy.” Torino’s retail strategy became known, the skepticism of “It’s a magnificent billboard for entertainment,” Torino Knott and others quickly turned to praise. responds, saying his will be the largest high-resolution Torino demurs from taking a victory lap. “People had billboard in the world. Designed under the direction a reason to be skeptical,” he says, of the perceptions people of YESCO’s Rick Juleen, the sign uses the latest in 12mm had of a new project being undertaken at the height of the surface mount diode technology – 33,000,000,000 diodes for more than three decades,” stated Reid in the foreward bad economy. “Ultimately it worked in our favor. Don’t were used – to achieve was Juleen calls the benchmark to The Story of the Torino Foundation, a coffee-table book think for a minute it wasn’t scary doing something like standard in future Vegas signs in terms of clarity and commemoration of the Foundation and Torino Ranch. “Our that but it darn well worked.” scale. “It’s a real game-changer here in Las Vegas because children are the future and Nevada’s greatest asset. When Even the stumbling economy played to his advantage. part of the future here is what they’re doing everywhere we provide stable environments that ensure their growth A sudden dearth of construction projects has driven else in the world today – advertising done tastefully, but and development, along with education programs that shape the price of building downward. “We’ve had a captive you make it entertainment,” says Torino. and build confidence, we have then made a worthwhile audience because people want to work and if you give While the small piece of land has been a challenge to investment that will better serve our future leaders.” them opportunity” they will do so inexpensively enough work with, Torino has strived to make its carbon footprint Torino, who came to Nevada “to get out of Southern that Torino will “deliver a price point that our tenants small as well. Recycled construction materials, organically California” and influences that were unhealthy, won’t say can afford.” compounded paint and low-flow faucets are some much about his own childhood other than it was “tough.” Torino’s brainstorm was to find an underserved market of the “sustainable” features with which he hopes the mall But he had opportunities to succeed, took them and now niche. He contends that high-end retail may have been will achieve Silver Leadership in Energy & Environmental wants to instill that same confidence in youngsters. “I see hit hard by the recession, but not the other tiers. “All Design status from the U.S. Green Building Council. so many kids today that have no hope, no opportunity and it you have to do is look at Miracle Mile shops and they’re Noting that LEED compliance added $750,000 to the starts with the parents,” he muses. “You take on children, it’s doing better.” At the intersection of Harmon and the project cost, Torino explains that nobody made him do a lifetime decision.” Strip, Torino estimates he’s sitting on a spot 80,000 it: “To not be doing those things today is just selfish and Hiking in Lovell Canyon in 1994, Torino chanced people pass every day. Walgreens will act as a “pipeline,” foolish.” He places LEED certification in a larger context upon “this beat-up, dusty, old, dirty ranch” that happened drawing customers into a “circulation pattern” around the of changing American society into a less-selfish one. to be in foreclosure. “This place was a kid paradise,” he 110,000-square-foot mall. That philosophy extends to Torino’s charitable work, reminisces, saying he scraped, begged and borrowed to Nor is Torino stopping there: He’s already in embodied by two initiatives of his nonprofit Torino make it habitable. Then Torino started inviting nonprofit negotiations with tenants for a Phase II expansion of Foundation: a ranch on the slopes of Mount Charleston groups in, starting with Las Vegas Metro’s youth- 50,000 more square feet – a remarkable amount of and the Torino Foundation Classroom at Sunrise Childrens diversion program. “I saw these kids come up that were so retail wedged into a tight corner. It is, he concedes, “an Hospital, which Sen. Harry Reid has lauded as a “one-of-a- hardened,” Torino says of the young offenders, “and within exceedingly difficult piece of property.” kind program.” several days were looking at life differently. But hardly inconspicuous. Torino’s mammoth video wall, “It is my pleasure to support Brett Torino and the Torino “You can’t be everything to everyone, so we decided to concealed by an American flag while under construction, has Foundation who have been at the forefront of ensuring the be what we could to children with disabilities that didn’t already drawn howls of protest from Caesars Entertainment well-being of young people and practicing philanthropy have normal childhoods,” Torino explains. He wanted to

48 march 2012 diamond cake 49 help “these great little kids, who would wake up every day having days that are so horrible, and all they wanted [was] We’re about to rock your practice to the core. to play and put it behind them.” With one click, we can bring it to 30 million desktops And so followed Camp TLC (for autistic children), Camp Cartwheel and Camp Firefly (for cancer patients and their siblings), Camp Mariposa (for children who have experienced bereavement), and Camp Independence (for hemophiliacs). Melissa Cipriano, executive director of Candlelighters Childhood Foundation of Nevada, which sponsors Camp Firefly, says of Torino, “He comes up every year and visits with our kids, and participates in some of the evening activities.” “Just visiting is a voyage of discovery. Instantly it feels as if you’ve been transported not just in space but also in time, into a fantasy environment,” says Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International Jim Murren, a good friend of Torino’s, in his foreward to The Story of the Torino Foundation. “I have attended several of the children’s summer camps as a guest, including Camp Cartwheel, and have had the opportunity to see how much time and effort Brett has put into creating the Ranch experience. The attention to detail everywhere you look is a testament to the dedication of service and purpose.” Health and education, Torino believes, are opposite sides of the same coin. So he proved a receptive audience when Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation CEO Jeff Gordon approached him with the concept of an in-hospital classroom. Kids laid up with chemotherapy were losing their peer group and falling off the pace of education, Gordon feared. Although the duo had no model on which to base their proposed classroom, the Torino Foundation enlisted the cooperation of Sunrise Hospital and the Clark County School District, and bankrolled it. Describing it as a curriculum “on steroids,” Torino wonders why than anything materialistic,” says Torino, who is still in “no one else in the country has replicated this yet. awe about meeting the Dalai Lama last December in Delhi, “There should be a thousand of these, 10,000 of these,” which was arranged by Buddhist monk friends who help out he forcefully insists. with Torino Foundation endeavors. “How lucky I am.” Although Torino has irons in the fire beyond Harmon Corner – including unspecified high-tech and Ferris-wheel The Torino Foundation ventures – when talking about his foundation’s charitable 702.258.4474 works, he words fairly glow. “I’d rather put my money here www.torinofoundation.org

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THE TRUFFLES SHE’s Seen

by Al Mancini photography by Jerry Metellus

t’s a Wednesday afternoon, and she makes two attempts to locate the chef, but Leigh Savoy is confidently navigating doesn’t succeed. the winding back hallways of This level of personal service isn’t the norm The Cosmopolitan. Behind her rolls in the restaurant world. According to Savoy, a smallI cooler on wheels, packed with between there’s only one other company in town that $5,000 and $10,000 worth of one of the most operates this way. “We provide a service that’s expensive foods on the planet: white truffles. very personal,” she says of the company she Her first stop of the day is the kitchen of represents, Urbani Truffles. “I have chefs that the French brasserie Comme Ça, where contact me [for truffles] on Friday or Saturday Chef Brian Howard comes out of his office to nights at 10 at night. And I go. I never say no.” meet her and inquire about prices. The chefs appreciate it. Howard says that “Two thousand for the small, twenty- in addition to the quality of their product, four hundred for the large,” Savoy replies. he buys his truffles from Urbani because The prices are for a single pound of the “They’re there when you need them. … I pungent fungus. probably go through a pound a week,” he The cost bears no relation to a truffle’s explains. “And there are nights when we run taste. It’s just that some chefs like the out. And I just give her a call, and she’s there bragging rights of buying the largest truffle the next day.” they can find. In October, Savoy sold a While Urbani has only been operating in 1.16 lb. specimen for $7,000. That was Las Vegas since March, with Savoy as its only presumably a family rate since it was obtained ambassador, the company provides product by the Caesars Palace restaurant owned by to several dozen local restaurants. During her new father-in-law, legendary Parisian chef white truffle season, that super-rare ingredient Guy Savoy. is among the most prestigious in the city. Howard, on the other hand, is more Casual restaurants are more likely to buy concerned with price than size, and picks out the less expensive black winter or summer a handful of small ones, which Savoy weighs varieties. Savoy’s ability to deliver these out on a small digital scale before writing unique ingredients, combined with her out an invoice. She proceeds to two more September marriage to Franck Savoy (Guy’s Cosmopolitan restaurants this afternoon. son and the director of bars and restaurants at At STK steakhouse, the chef isn’t interested in Caesars Palace) has made her a household name the white truffles, but asks her to come back in the fine dining world almost overnight. the following day when the first black winter Savoy was born Leigh Greenfield in the truffles of the season are scheduled to arrive town of Santa Claus, Ind. She worked as at her office. At Italian restaurant Scarpetta, a swimwear salesperson for the Ed Hardy

diamond cake 53 line in L.A. before moving to Las Vegas to Food and Beverage Director] Ralph Cautela. work in the purchasing department of the And then obviously the thing that kept me in Fontainebleau casino in December 2008. it was Franck. And then I just got a phone call “My territory was Phoenix, Scottsdale about this job, to sell truffles.” and Las Vegas,” she says of her job with At the time, she knew little about the product. Ed Hardy. “So I was spending about a week “I mean I’d obviously eaten them at a month in Vegas. And I kind of got Franck’s restaurant,” she laughs. “And I knew connected. I met Franck. I met a lot of people the very, very basics. And as soon as Urbani in the food and beverage industry. And then contacted to me, I told them. I was very vocal when I moved over to Fountainbleau I did a about it. ‘I know nothing! You would have to lot of food buying. And I met [Cosmopolitan teach me from scratch.’” The company was unfazed, more interested in her ability to sell than in her truffle knowledge. They flew her to New York for training. Now she’s charged with predicting the demand for truffles every week based on conventions in town and other factors, and ordering them from Urbani’s team of hunters scattered throughout Europe. She carefully monitors the shrinkage that occurs every night they sit in her office. And then there are the sales calls. “My job is to get chefs not to be so scared,” she says of those calls, “Because they’re very scared about taking on an expensive product, especially perishables. That’s a very risky thing when it’s $2,500 a pound. They don’t want to sit on that. So they might take a couple little truffles, and my job is to say ‘Don’t be scared, take a half a pound.’ I give them menu ideas. I tell them that when you have truffles, you’re doing your servers a favor. You’re bumping the check up. You’re selling better wines because nobody’s going to drink cheap wine with an expensive truffle.” But despite concentrating on such aspects of super-fine dining all week long, Savoy hasn’t lost touch with her Midwestern roots. She’s even gotten her husband hooked on American fast food. “One night we’ll have Take the next step... Guy Savoy, the next night we’ll have Taco Bell,” she laughs.

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TOUCH OF COOL El Cortez’s Alexandra Epstein is helping to develop Downtown Las Vegas’ brighter tomorrow

t’s Tuesday afternoon and a 400-player slot tournament rages in the Fiesta Room of El Cortez, a hotel and gaming establishment located a block east of Fremont Street Experience and the Strip. IIn operation since 1941 – an ad slogan boasts: “Serving downtown since Bugsy owned the joint”– El Cortez has never been busier, and never looked better. Neither has the property’s executive vice president, Alexandra Epstein, a leading, if not the lead, force in transforming Fremont East into Vegas’ commercial and cultural center. A Columbia University pre-med grad who dropped medicine to work in the casino cage of the El Cortez, Epstein is helping guide the vintage hotel through a series of $30 million renovations, drawing more customers to a property once deemed a “grind joint.” Her commitment to architectural energy and creative innovation in bleak economic times isn’t only admirable. It is – judging by the huge crowd here today – successful. “There are interesting limitations in working with a 70-year-old structure,” says Epstein, giving me a full tour of the hotel. “For instance, we have our original 1940s Vintage Rooms, only accessible by stairs. And in the early ’60s, someone thought it a good idea to plop what was essentially a townhouse on top of the garage.” Meeting the challenges is worth it, though, insists Epstein, because she and her executive team are positioning the hotel for the next generation of guests. “We aim to draw them in visually, conceptually, aesthetically,” she adds.

58 march 2012 diamond cake 59 For El Cortez, moving from “gritty” to “retro-polish” emergence of a bona fide downtown cultural center with began in 2006. Then-owner Jackie Gaughan and Alex’s a great coffeehouse, art galleries, fashion stalls and small father, CEO Kenny Epstein, began updating the 300 design firms. tower rooms and replaced … well, just about everything “By working to improve our surroundings, we elevate inside (carpet, air-filtration system, gaming machines) our own property,” offers Epstein, sharing another secret and out (an elegant walkway extending from the porte- of her and the El Cortez’s success. cochère to Jackie Gaughan Plaza to Las Vegas Boulevard). Epstein realized that her idea of hotels working closely Walking this casino floor five years ago and basking in together with the local arts community was something its recently enhanced splendor today, one would barely radical in Vegas, but she didn’t stop with Emergency Arts. recognize the El Cortez – if not for its unique signage and Instead, the lone female on the El Cortez’s executive team ranch-themed exterior. grew bolder. The neighboring Jackie Gaughan Plaza is now In 2008, Gaughan sold the hotel to Kenny Epstein, where outdoor and open-to-the-public culture events take a partner since 1975. The remodeling drive continued, place – the monthly Vegas StrEATs food, art and music from the public restrooms to the sports book, the festival, the hotel’s annual Classic Car and Motorcycle steakhouse (ambiently lit, casually upscale The Flame) Show, benefit dinners, concerts. to the old-school coffee shop (Café Cortez, which a Yelp Despite Vegas’ high unemployment and wounded real- critic insists “oozes yesteryear”). More striking was the estate market, Epstein believes downtown has winning transformation of the neighboring Ogden House into the cards to play. Imploding old hotels to make way for sleek 64-room Cabana Suites, complete with business center and products that add rooms to an already-overbuilt market 24-hour, treadmills-eternally-at-the-ready gym. didn’t work out so well. “The classic hotels, by simply “We accomplished this without ever closing our doors,” updating and honoring our history and tradition, might just points out Epstein. The only resort element missing is an lead Vegas into a brighter tomorrow,” she says. awesome pool, but that comes later this year. Epstein is overseeing that project as well. Turning around El Cortez’s image and changing the way others perceived it, however, required Epstein to get creative. She oversaw last year’s Design-A-Suite- Downtown contest, inviting Nevada-licensed design teams to compete for a chance to envision a hotel suite at the property on a $20,000 budget. Of the 32 proposals submitted, El Cortez actually built out four unique designs and selected one winner, whose design has now outfitted the hotel’s remaining suites. The publicity generated by this contest was priceless, making the hotel look current, hot and design-savvy. In a word, “cool,” which is what Epstein brings to everything she touches at El Cortez, including last year’s short-film contest that invited local filmmakers to submit cinematic narratives about the hotel and its history. The prize? To be hired to shoot an El Cortez TV commercial. Epstein’s crowning achievement thus far has been Emergency Arts Center, a once-dormant medical building on Fremont that she had the imagination to lease to downtown residents and small arts-business owners Michael and Jennifer Cornthwaite. The result has been the

60 march 2012 by Dave Surratt

photography by Ryan Weber

Driving for dessert Celebrity Cars Las Vegas offers a menu of custom-autos and cuisine

aybe it’s just the shared space and the Palazzo restaurant’s interior cocktail bar and sunlit close partnership with Italian fine patio tables, the thing looks mercilessly fattening, glazed dining venue Dal Toro, but the luxury in maddeningly deep-spectrum violet, polished to OCD machines on display at Celebrity Cars perfection and, let’s face it, really intended for two. MLas Vegas sure do look like dessert. Witness “The Blown Celebrity Cars’ asking price for the dish? $59,900, Grape” – a gloriously bastardized 1939 Studebaker according to the new-and-used dealership’s website. custom truck with a 570-horsepower 383 V8 and high- If that’s not too rich for your blood, talk to co-partners end low-rider sensibilities. Parked here inside, between Ryan Hamilton and Ken Tangen. They’ll do all they

62 march 2012 quintessentially Vegas Strip restaurant/auto dealership. The lighting is a little lower and the dance music less than obtrusive in the downstairs showroom, where dozen or so examples of automotive excellence sleep quietly beneath the incandescence. Over here, the blue-and-yellow flame-designed 2006 Boss Hoss custom motorcycle with the Chevy-made ZZ4 350CI V8 engine. Over there, the silver 2009 Ford Mustang Lee Iacocca Special Edition – one of only 45 made, and donated to Celebrity Cars by local wine-and- spirits magnate [and Diamond Cake’s January 2012 cover story subject] Larry Ruvo. Proceeds from the sale go to Ruvo’s Keep Memory Alive Foundation, which furthers the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders. The celebrity and charity connections continue over in the corner. That blue-black 1962 Lincoln Continental convertible was dropped off on consignment by Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams, Southern Nevada resident and retired nine-year veteran of the New York Knicks, whose JYD Project provides assistance to at-risk neighborhoods of Las Vegas. L.A. metal band and Celebrity Cars clients Five Finger Death Punch feature some of these very vehicles in the video to their 2012 single “Under and Over It.” Downstairs is also where the main events happen. Hamilton explains that two full-time event planners are on staff just to put together a packed calendar WHAT HAPPENS in vegas, of full-on dinners, receptions, fashion shows, corporate Ryan Hamilton and Ken Tangen will benefit the rest of the world parties and other events such as recent NASCAR and can to not only make this purchase a happy one, but to Miss USA pageant after-party blowouts. The center maximize the possibility that you’ll be back for more. of the room features a strip of immaculate dark wood “Our big philosophy is all about the custom car flooring, evoking something like a fashion runway. At buying experience,” says Hamilton, as we stroll through the end of the room, the wood ends at an open loading the upstairs showroom. “We have a lot of customers [to bay, revealing the concrete reality of the adjacent parking whom] we’ve sold 20 cars.” garage. That door can close, leaving only padded walls Those return customers include aficionados of both the that keep the garage a secret, but it’s from here that these new and the classic, naturally. Across the room from the luxury machines can be rotated in and out for display. antique Studebaker, more rides invite closer inspection, When asked whether the cars come and go during the including a used red 2006 Ferrari F430 and a restored ’56 events, like runway models, Hamilton says, “Actually, Chevy 150 Custom Coupe, sporting a new 502cid Merlin no, they’re usually pretty stable.” engine and all the dignified menace of the car 50 years Oh, well. Maybe someday. its junior. We head one floor below, passing a member of Dal Celebrity Cars, The Palazzo Toro’s kitchen staff on his way up with a bucket of www.celebritycarslv.com lemons – presumably the only ones you’ll find in this 702.818.1031

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Visit www.LasVegasFineHomes.com Call the office at 702.315.0223 as seen on page 67 List Price $3,150,000

90Meadowhawk FLORENCE Shapiro Las vegas, NV 89135 702.378.3879 four bedrooms, six baths Ivan Sher 6,030 ft2 702.400.2400 experience true modernism, uncompromised cutting edge finishes and design for the modernist in you, spectacular strip, golf course and mountain views

Visit www.LasVegasFineHomes.com Call the office at 702.315.0223 List Price $3,495,000 List Price $4,250,000

2 castle oaks ct FLORENCE Shapiro FLORENCE Shapiro 725RAncho Cir LAS VEGAS, NV 89141 702.378.3879 702.378.3879 LAS VEGAS, NV 89107

five bedrooms, seven baths Ivan Sher Ivan Sher four bedrooms, nine baths 8,563 ft2 702.400.2400 702.400.2400 10,435 ft2 wonderful contemporary flair using the finest stonework, beautiful Spanish hacienda, minutes from The Strip, features a fabulous and finishes to suit the most discernible ones, dramatic fairway views two and a half acre private backyard, indoor and outdoor pool, with separate guest house

List Price $4,525,000 List Price $3,950,000

10125 Summit Canyon FLORENCE Shapiro FLORENCE Shapiro 3011Pinto Ln LAS VEGAS, NV 89144 702.378.3879 702.378.3879 LAS VEGAS, NV 89107 five bedrooms, eight baths Ivan Sher Ivan Sher six bedrooms, nine baths 14,143 ft2 8,759 ft2 702.400.2400 702.400.2400 amenities include indoor basketball court, private HD movie theatre, luxury living in the Las Vegas Historic District, a timelessly contemporary masterpeice, commercial elevator and uncompromised finishes; you’ll never want to leave home sits on just over an acre, minutes from downtown

Visit www.LasVegasFineHomes.com Call the office at 702.315.0223 your vacation home awaits

Magnificent Penthouse Opportunity Right On The Bay

List Price $3,950,000

1Hughes Center #1004 Cristine lefkowitz LAS VEGAS, NV 89169 702.595.8505

four bedrooms, six baths 4,903 ft2 luxurious living in Park Towers, features stone flooring, fully furnished, Strip and mountain views

4002 Everts St #3 San Diego, ca 92109

List Price $1,749,995 three bedrooms, two baths, two thousand eighty-seven square feet additional five hundred square foot deck overlooking serene Sail Bay Incredible opportunity right on Sail Bay with unobstructed panoramic views. This spacious three bedroom/two bath luxurious penthouse has a light, bright, and open floor plan. The huge master bedroom and bath has a large walk-in closet and endless views of Sail Bay. The completely remodeled kitchen has stainless steel decor and Jenn Air appliances and wonderful granite counters. Beautiful hardwood floors with highly upgraded carpets and travertine throughout this magnificent penthouse unit. List Price $3,450,000

3750 Las Vegas BLVD #4505 Cristine lefkowitz LAS VEGAS, NV 89109 702.595.8505 two bedrooms, three baths 2,755 ft2 incredible opportunity at the Mandarin Oriental, For all the best opportunities in Southern California, please contact: completely unfinished unit enables you to pick your own everything Peter Middleton | Founder, CEO | Middleton & Associates Real Estate | 858-922-3377 [email protected] | CA DRE 01224842

Visit www.LasVegasFineHomes.com Call the office at 702.315.0223 our view of the valley

florence shapiro ivan sher

his year is already shaping up to be an exciting year in the Las Vegas real estate market, particularly in the area of luxury homes in the range of one million dollars or more. Unique custom home prices per square foot are on the rise, attitudes across the board are changing. Banks are reaching out to homeowners by expediting processing times and working to secure sales over forclosures. Timing is everything, of course, and Tthere is no better time than now to put homes on the market; prospective buyers with families are already looking for homes they can be in by fall, in time for the new school year. One of the exclusive tools that the Shapiro & Sher Group offers its customers is our “Private Collection” feature online. This feature exists solely at our website, separate from MLS. This allows for a private marketplace of niche homes that holds advantages for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, this exclusivity gives buyers an opportunity to see exactly the types of homes they are looking for before anyone else in the market. Sellers get the chance to deal directly with the type of buyer they are seeking, connecting with “real” offers, as well as being able to test prices and gain valuable market feedback. This invaluable component is just a click away, as is the total wealth of information and resources that makeaaaa us the premier choice in "Eiffel Tower" the luxury home market. Make sure to visit our website at www.lasvegasfinehomes. com, and we look forward to making your goals a reality! The Wall Florence and Ivan Photographs by eric ita

nown primarily for his commercial and editorial fashion photography, Eric Ita’s passion for travel is fueling his Streets of the World series, which features scenes from international locales. His latest trip in January took him to his native Nigeria, but in November Ita attempted to “go native” in Paris to capture compositions Kunlike any he had previously witnessed. “When I go to locations I just like to observe, and I like to throw myself in there and live like the locals live,” he says.

diamond cake 77 Visit www.LasVegasFineHomes.com Call the office at 702.315.0223 Ita prepared himself with language lessons and eschewed exposing himself to existing photos of the City of Light in an attempt to bring as original of an eye as possible to iconic subjects. The black and white results were arguably successful. With London, Cambridge, New York, Hawaii and his home country under his belt, Ita lives a relatively ascetic life in Las Vegas in order to put all of his resources into future trips. Brisbane or the Gold Coast are next on Ita’s list, followed by Rome, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Ireland and one country in South America he hasn’t decided on yet. “It’s all about planning,” he says. “If I decide I want to go somewhere new I just plan six months ahead.”

"La Gare" "Pei's Pyramid"

"Street Musician"

to see more images in the Streets of the World series, please visit www.ericitaphoto.com/projects

empty walls crave great art.

"Vive le France" diamond cake 81 black tie reminder

events

march St. Rose Dominican Hospitals | St. Rose’s 55th Annual Mardi Gras Ball | 3.17.12 The Mirage Resort | www.mardigrasball.org

Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame | 9th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony | 3.22.12 UNLV | finearts.unlv.edu/hall/home.html

Families for Effective Autism Treatment | Autism Angels Gala | 3.31.12 Keep Memory Alive Event Center | www.featsonv.org

may Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation | Hope Gala | 5.11.12 Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino | www.jdrflv.org

Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation Annual Ladybug Ball 5.19.12 | | smile designs Aria Resort & Casino | www.nvblindchildren.org by

send requests to be listed to Jimmy Foster [email protected] | 702.202.4120 Cosmetic | Implants | Sleep Dentistry 70 2.6 41.7111 | w w w.d rgolpa.net sponsored by

82 march 2012 There is one award winning luxury real estate team Las Vegas turns to…

That Team is

Performance Is Consistent and Impressive. $128 Million in Sales Volume 2011

To Schedule a Listing Presentation, Please Call the Office | 702.378.3879 | www.lasvegasfinehomes.com