Neil Moffitt, the CEO of the mega club and restaurant company is fighting the US claim that a US$15mil chunk of Beverly Hills real estate he owns was also bought by Former Hakkasan Chairman Khadem al Qubaisi with misappropriated Malaysian funds — as part of the largest money laundering investigation in history.
“Moffitt had no involvement in the property at issue in the federal case other than as owner,” according to Ronald Richards, his personal attorney. “I expect the forfeiture complaint to be dismissed as the government was unaware of his purchase at the time they filed the forfeiture complaint.
Federal investigators have been looking a Hakkasan for quite a while, after Hakkasan Group’s former chairman, Khadem Al Qubaisi, was arrested earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, where authorities have frozen his assets. The Hakkasan club launched in Vegas in 2013, around the time that Al Qubaisi stole billions from 1Malaysia Development Berhad, according to the feds’ forfeiture civil suit.
Despite these issues, it looks like Moffitt is personally in the clear — and will continue not only as the CEO of Hakkasan, but probably expand to more and more things in the future.
The Golden Tiki added to its Cabinet of Curiosities Thursday night by unveiling Norm Clarke’s shrunken head. Managing Partner and master Flutist Branden “Golden Showers” Powers and Tony Felicetta of The Sharps were on hand to present the honor to the former Las Vegas Review-Journal gossip columnist.
Clarke, a little tipsy, had nice things to say about Managing Partner: “Branden’s been a longtime friend of mine. I’ve supported him over the years, and he’s supported my column. I’m really honored to be among the little head crowd now at The Golden Tiki.”
Powers had some nice things to say about Clarke also: “We’re really excited to have Norm here, and we think the heads keep getting better and better.” Clarke’s head was crafted over a four week process by Smithsonian artist Terry Barr, and is the fifth in a series of celebrity shrunken heads on display at Vegas’ iconic Tiki revival bar. Previous shrunken heads include Marky Ramone of The Ramones, Carrot Top, Frank Marino and Robin Leach.
Powers, mainly known for his outspoken and sometime’s brash persona, has managed to turn this to an advantage creating what is already become a Vegas icon, The Golden Tiki. We look forward to him shrinking many more heads.
Pedro Vargas, a self-proclaimed “Architect / Guitarist / Freethinker / Futurist / Troublemaker / Fractal Addict / Global Citizen” is in reality, nothing more than an Anti-Semitic douchebag who attacks Jews under the guise of “free thinking.” Unfortunately, this type of defamation has become “en vogue” by some, who think insulting people’s traditions, calling them names, is somehow at the forefront of “free thinking.”
No, this type of racism is the worse– a pseudo intellectualism that attacks people’s faith, their community, and causes hatred and more ignorance.
People have a right to practice their faith, even if you don’t, without being ridiculed, attacked, called names and being bullied by someone who thinks they are better than “The Jews.” Your “criticism” of Jews is nothing more than a continuation of the fear and hate tactics used by the NAZIs. You’re inability to see past your own beliefs in order to attack others, is nothing more than the continuation of ignorance.
After revealing the strange name of the new Vegas hockey team, as the Vegas Golden Knights, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has denied the initial request for a Trademark on their name. The reasoning is as follows:
Marks are compared in their entireties for similarities in appearance, sound, connotation, and commercial impression…
In this case, the wording “GOLDEN KNIGHTS” is the dominant portion of both the registered and applied-for marks. In the registered mark, the wording “GOLDEN KNIGHTS” appears significantly larger than the subscripted additional text. Further, the “GOLDEN KNIGHTS” wording is centered in the mark, and appears in the more stylized and distinctive typeface as compared to the remaining wording….
Marks may be confusingly similar in appearance where similar terms or phrases or similar parts of terms or phrases appear in the compared marks and create a similar overall commercial impression…
In this case, the marks share the common wording “GOLDEN KNIGHTS,” and the additional wording does not change the overall commercial impression of the marks. The wording “THE COLLEGE OF SAINT ROSE” in the registrant’s mark is presented in such a manner that consumers encountering the mark are likely to read it as a tagline; consumers will focus on the wording “GOLDEN KNIGHTS.”
Accordingly, the examining attorney finds that the marks are identical in part, sharing their most dominant and source-identifying portions, and are confusingly similar when compared in their entireties.
While it is not a complete denial of the Trademark, and they can appeal and go to a hearing, it shows that the name is in jeopardy as a trademarked name.
The Vegas Golden Knights pointed out that they believe the will win the arguement, by claimin “thereghere are countless examples of college sports teams and professional sports teams with coexisting names, including Vegas Golden Knights and Clarkson Golden Knights, UCLA Bruins and Boston Bruins, U of Miami Hurricanes and Carolina Hurricanes, etc. We will plan on making these arguments and others in our detailed written response to the office action which must be filed by June 7, 2017.”
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore are the proud recipients of a perfect score on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This marks the eighth consecutive year Wynn Las Vegas has earned the honor.
“In this 2017 Corporate Equality Index, hundreds of major businesses rose to meet our comprehensive standards for LGBT workplace inclusion, best-in-class policies, benefits and practices. We congratulate Wynn Resorts on earning the distinction of one of HRC’s Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality,” said Deena Fidas, Director of HRC’s Workplace Equality Program.
Wynn Las Vegas has always been on the forefront of creating and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, supporting all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. The company embraces efforts that advance of equality and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender guests and employees as well as their families.
Wynn Las Vegas was among the first resort companies to offer comprehensive health benefits for same-sex couples and their families before same-sex marriage became legal, and offers coverage for transgender reassignment surgery. The company’s internal policies support a safe environment for transitioning employees in accordance with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care.
The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. Wynn Las Vegas’ efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.
For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei
Nicole Brisson is still making waves in the industry. After taking over the reigns of all Batali and Bastianch restaurants in Las Vegas, she is ringing in the New Year with decadent meals for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at B&B Hospitality Group’s Las Vegas restaurants: Carnevino Italian Steakhouse at The Palazzo, OTTO Enoteca e Pizzeria at The Venetian, B&B Burger & Beer at The Venetian and B&B Ristorante at The Venetian.
CARNEVINO ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE AT PALAZZO LAS VEGAS
Carnevino Italian Steakhouse‘s three-course prix-fixe menu features a choice of appetizer such as insalata Caprese or calamari fritti, main course options including filet mignon or crispy skin snapper and a light panna cotta or gelati for dessert. The prix-fixe menu is $135 per person plus tax and gratuity.
For a decadent dessert, seasonal white alba truffles can be added to a dish for $19 per gram with a five-gram minimum. Dinner is served Dec. 31 from 5:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
B&B RISTORANTE AT THE VENETIAN
B&B Ristorante is offering a tasting menu with dishes such as duck egg with black winter truffle, potato and prosciutto, bone marrow ravioli with osso bucco ragu, roasted lobster with herb salad and spiced almond tronchetto with caramelized apple. This tasting menu will be offered for dinner and is $195 per person.
The four-course New Year’s Eve pre-fixe menu features B&B Ristorante favorites, including the popular grilled octopus, beef cheek ravioli, lobster spaghetti, braised short rib and steak tagliata for $135 per person. Reservations are recommended.
B&B BURGER & BEER AT THE VENETIAN
On New Year’s Day, guests can recover from New Year’s Eve festivities with B&B Burger & Beer’s Morning After Burger ($15). This burger starts with a ground fresh patty of USDA Prime Black Angus beef topped with sautéed mushrooms, Fontina cheese, truffle aioli, frisée and a sunny side up egg. The Morning After Burger is available in the dining room or on the restaurant’s gorgeous patio overlooking the outdoor Venetian Gondolas and the Las Vegas Strip.
OTTO ENOTECA E PIZZERIA AT THE GRAND CANAL SHOPPES AT THE VENETIAN
It is said eating pork on New Year’s Day will bring prosperity for the entire year. At OTTO Enoteca e Pizzeria, the juicy Heritage Farms Pork Porterhouse is a flavor-packed way to honor that philosophy. The thick-cut Porterhouse is served with watercress, fennel and chili mostarda for $36.
Step off the curb and into El Cortez Hotel & Casino, and its rich history and authenticity immediately strike every one of your senses.The iconic neon sign has remained the same since 1952, making it look like a set for a prototype mob movie. The scent inside screams “old school” — and so does the smell of prime rib flowing through the air at the signature restaurant. The sound of actual coins dropping into slot machine trays is not only vintage Vegas, but a true rarity among casinos throughout the city, both in neighboring properties downtown on Fremont Street and three miles south on the Strip. Your newly renovated Designer Suite upstairs features what’s called a “mobster chic, 1950s glam” design, with a retro layout and aesthetics. And a stroll around the casino at any time of the day is likely to find customers of multiple generations, as well as one of the proud owners or department directors working the floor, interacting with guests.
No, there aren’t any dancing fountains or erupting volcanos outside El Cortez, and inside, you aren’t going to find a restaurant branded with a Food Network celebrity’s name or a nightclub booming techno music and charging an outrageous cover charge.
It’s been that way since El Cortez was built with a Spanish Colonial Revival feel for $245,000 and the doors opened in 1941 as one of the first properties in Vegas to include hotel rooms and dining options. The property officially celebrated its diamond anniversary with a ceremony last month, and if it remains the city’s longest continually-run casino for another 75 years, you can safely wager a large handful of those classic slot coins that’s the way it will remain.
Adam Wiesberb
“It’s why I love coming to work here every day,” says Director of Marketing Adam Wiesberg, who got his start at the casino dealing blackjack and roulette. “It’s really like walking through a time capsule. It’s family-owned, and they are all very much hands-on. They know the customer base very well. So that creates a very friendly, welcoming environment.”
While the building may be 75 years old and the only casino listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the owners have made it a point to continuously update the look and feel of El Cortez, and to offer unique promotions; rare, value-laden gaming odds; and an upbeat atmosphere.
A prime example is the new drink service at the table games area on Thursday nights and weekends. Owner Kenny Epstein, who bought the property from iconic Las Vegas casino operator Jackie Gaughan in 2008, came up with the idea to drag huge coolers of ice-cold beer into the gaming pits, with a server manning each one.
“There’s literally no lag in the drink service at our tables; all you do is make eye contact with one of our servers and the next complimentary drink is yours right away,” adds Wiesberg. “It’s kind of ironic that while many of the big, corporate casinos around town are now using new technology to evaluate play and see if their players qualify for a free drink, we’re making it even easier to get your next drink. Needless to say, this has created a whole new following.”
The folks packing the El Cortez gaming floor are there for much more than just easy access to chilled Bud Lights. The property has become renowned for its ultra-loose slots, $1 roulette bets and full-pay, 3-to-2 single- and double-deck blackjack tables.
“We’ve got the best blackjack rules in the country,” says Wiesberg. “When our players sit down with $100 and play $5 to $10 a hand, they’re going to get a full night of entertainment. At most other properties, a $100 bill is just going to get you started.
“We aren’t making as much per player, and we have to be very cognizant of advantage players. But in the end, our players keep coming back and we’ve started to attract a much younger generation of players, because they’re getting an entertaining gaming experience they won’t find anywhere else.”
Right up there with the appeal of favorable odds at the tables at El Cortez is the $10.95 prime rib at Siegel’s 1941. The signature restaurant opened last year and pays homage to infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel, who owned the property in the 1940s and used the purchase and sale to fund construction of The Flamingo Las Vegas. The special comes with a vegetable and potato and is available 24 hours a day, so it’s no surprise that more than 2,000 are ordered per month. And now that it’s stone crab season, the “never-frozen” mercenaria flown in fresh each week from Florida is a nice alternative for non-meat eaters.Next door, at the swanky Parlour Bar, you’ll find live music, $5 appetizers and 2-for-1 drink specials, as well as the popular $5 margarita, which has a new themed flavor each month.The Race and Sportsbook offers $2 beers and hot dogs on Monday nights and the daily $9 Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar is also a big hit that won’t put a dent in your gambling bankroll.Siegel’s 1941 and the Parlour Bar are prime examples of the enhancements made by the Epsteins in recent years, along with the boutique, nongaming and nonsmoking Cabana Suites located across the street — and more changes are on the way.According to Wiesberg, the gaming floor will be expanded and reconfigured to how it appeared decades ago. There are also plans in the works for remodeling the main bar and creating a sports bar-type viewing area near the current keno bar, which the owners hope will continue to attract younger generations to join the core, local customers the casino typically draws.“It’s just so cool to have this historic, 75-year-old building with dealers and bartenders that have been here 20, 30 or even 40 years, and there they are serving this new generation of customers that are sometimes half their age,” marvels Wiesberg. “To me, that’s kind of El Cortez in a nutshell. The older generation meeting the new, and everybody having a good time. It’s not something you’re going to see in many other places.”
When we think about Las Vegas, we tend to think of gambling, showgirls … and vegan food. That’s right: The party capital of the world has so many delicious, plant-based options that you can let your hair down without letting your compassion go. Here are some of the best spots to satisfy your taste buds between hitting the casino and that Cirque du Soleil show. You’re welcome. We are trying a little bit of the Facebook maps to work on this. Feel free to click an add a restaurant you love!
After closing part of it’s hotel following the disastrous first year of the SLS, one of hte SLS towers has now officially become the “W Las Vegas” W Hotels Worldwide, made its much anticipated Sin City debut with today’s opening of W Las Vegas. W transformed a 289-room tower of SLS Las Vegas, providing guests an elevated hotel-within-a-hotel experience, located on the emerging North End of the Vegas Strip.
“If there are two things in this world that were truly made for each other, it’s W Hotels and Las Vegas,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “After nearly two decades of anticipation, W Las Vegas will show guests a different side of the strip, offering an unexpected and irreverent twist on the typical Sin City experience.”
Built by PENTA Building Group designed by Gensler in collaboration with AvroKO Hospitality Group, guests arrive at the Welcome Desk and are invited into the brand’s signature Living Room to mix and mingle. Evoking a sense of Vegas glamour, the Living Room bar was inspired by casino gaming tables, while intimate seating nooks nod to the hotel’s original mid-century incarnation as the Sahara. Behind the bar, a neon art “desert garden” by artist Keith Lemley dramatically transforms the space from day to night.
Bold and energetic, the 289 rooms at W Las Vegas were designed by Philippe Starck in collaboration with Gensler, and offer an exclusive escape from the chaos of Sin City. Each room features a cheeky interpretation of luxury hospitality that Starck is known for, as well as the signature W bedding and sumptuous Bliss® bath amenities. Decidedly chic, the hotel’s 2,382 square foot Extreme WOW Suite (designed by multi-talented artist Lenny Kravitz) adorns the top of the tower, and is highlighted by a spacious balcony with sweeping mountain views.
W Las Vegas remixes an iconic address with three floors (and 15,000 square feet) of brand new, state-of-the-art meeting and event space. The adjacent SLS Las Vegas hotel serves up an additional 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, to play host to any size event.
The SLS has had a hard run since opening in 2015. Recently Los Angeles-based retailer Fred Segalabandoned its exclusive operations at the SLS Las Vegas, removing the seven stores the company had run since the Strip resort opened last year.
The casino reportly lost over $150 million within the first year.
Unfortunately for the owners of the SLS, it will be years before the neighborhood builds out.
A half-mile down the Strip, the World Resorts property isn’t expected to open until 2018, the Las Vegas Convention Center won’t finish converting the Riviera until in 2019. In addition, the unfinished eyesore that is the Fountainbleu remains the biggest question mark in town.
Although Nevada has passed marijuana legalization, there is still a huge issue: it’s still illegal under federal law, making any grower of the supply a possible felon who could spend most of their life in prison. Yet, some people are ignoring the law and taking a chance that the DEA or Department of Justice won’t followup and arrest their operations.
Green & Gold Supply Co., a brand-new cannabis cultivation facility, has begun operations in North Las Vegas. The company incorporates the most advanced indoor growing equipment available and will bring 12-15 unique strains to the Nevada market.
Using hydroponic growing methods with state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical systems, Green & Gold Supply Co. will deliver the highest quality product to medical patients. Its proprietary branded cannabis products will be sold in dispensaries throughout Nevada.
Strains will be brought to market from the best genetics in the world and will be unveiled beginning in the first quarter of 2017. Green & Gold Supply Co. measures in at more than 15,000 square feet and was designed to be more efficient than other growing facilities by its ability to produce 21 percent more cannabis than a typical facility of its size.
“We want to bring the highest quality cannabis to market in Nevada, and operating our own growing facility is the best way to do that,” explained Owner Mitch Britten. “A tremendous amount of tradition and science, as well as respect for proven natural remedies, has informed our operations to date. We remain committed to these standards as we work toward propelling the cannabis industry forward in Nevada and beyond.”
Here’s the problem though: the incoming President has signaled that he may prosecute marijuana under federal law, and his possible Attorney General has made it clear that he hates smokers and the product.
Attorney general nominee Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) is a fervent foe of marijuana legalization. But if he were confirmed as President-elect Trump’s top law enforcement official, would he really have any power to put his anti-pot views into practice?
One could hardly imagine easier criminal cases for federal prosecutors to make. New York University professor Mark Kleiman points out that “Every legally licensed marijuana seller filled out and signed a form that documents their intent to commit a federal felony.” In addition to arresting the owners and operators of marijuana selling companies, Sessions would have broad power under federal law to seize their assets.
Actual federal prosecutions may not even be necessary: Simply threatening the industry with aggressive enforcement may be sufficient to induce producers and sellers to close up shop and lead investors to direct their money elsewhere.
The Alabama Republican, who declared at an April Senate hearing that “good people don’t smoke marijuana,” is one of Congress’s staunchest opponents of legalization.
“This should put the brakes on marijuana investments and further plans to legalize until there is more clarity,” said Kevin Sabet, co-founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an organization that compiles arguments against legalization. “I’d think marijuana investors — and legalizers — might be rethinking their strategy right now.”
Nicole Brisson is still making waves in the industry. After taking over the reigns of all Batali and Bastianch restaurants in Las Vegas, she is ringing in the New Year with decadent meals for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at B&B Hospitality Group’s Las Vegas restaurants: Carnevino Italian Steakhouse at The Palazzo, OTTO Enoteca e Pizzeria at The Venetian, B&B Burger & Beer at The Venetian and B&B Ristorante at The Venetian.
B&B RISTORANTE AT THE VENETIAN
B&B BURGER & BEER AT THE VENETIAN
