I hope all you guys have thought about Valentine's Day soon coming up, because I'll lay you 6-5 that she certainly has. As I don't want you to get caught with your pants down, I'll make some suggestions so that maybe your chances of that happening, in a good way, will take place.
Let's start off at the Rio, where the resort is offering free admission to brides and grooms with Valentine's Day wedding licenses to "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding," the second longest-running show in off-Broadway history. Performances are daily at 7 p.m. in the Calypso Room and tickets will cost you $77 plus tax.
The exciting, interactive show concept gives audiences a chance to attend an actual wedding in which there is a ceremony, reception, guests and a lot of improvisation. The theatrical performance satires an Italian-American wedding, and the audience participates in all aspects of the fictitious event.
Audiences begin the evening with a wedding ceremony that is followed by a reception hosted by Vinnie Black. The dinner includes hors d'ouevres, a champagne toast and a full Italian buffet. A cash bar also is available in the theater. From there, a rousing reception takes place with the Nunzio and Vitale families, which includes a pasta dinner, champagne toasts, wedding cake and dancing to a five-piece band. I have to tell you, it's lots of fun whether you're getting married or not. To purchase tickets by phone, call the Rio box office at (702) 777-7776.
If you prefer something quiet and romantic, I've got just the place for you. The MGM Grand has planned a special weekend for two that starts off with you being whisked away by limousine from the airport or from your home here in Las Vegas. You'll arrive to a personal greeting with a half-dozen long-stem roses.
Then you're off to stay two nights in a luxurious Celebrity Spa Suite,
featuring a spacious whirlpool and an oversized bedroom with a king bed. To complete the romantic experience, champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries are delivered to your room.
You also will have your choice of dining at one of two award-winning restaurants -- NOBHILL, the best of San Francisco cuisine from
Chef Michael Mina, or Craftsteak, the new steakhouse from Chef Tom Colicchio. This romantic two-night stay is available for two package dates: Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 16, for $799 per couple; and Thursday, Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 15 for $599 per couple. Not cheap, but she's worth it. If she's not, you should dump her.
Also getting in on the act is the Imperial Palace with its "Luv Tub Getaway" package. For three days and two nights you can romance the one you love from $102 per person, based on double occupancy. This Valentine's package includes IP's signature Luv Tub suite for two nights; a bottle of champagne; tickets to "Legends in Concert"; Scratch Slotto Card with more than $1 million in cash and prizes and a chance to win up to $5,000 in cash instantly; Emperor's Buffet (breakfast or lunch) or $5 toward food purchase in any of IP's restaurants; admission to the Auto Collections; gaming lessons; covered parking; and baggage handling, check-in and check-out.
WB STAGE 16 CLOSING
Valentine's Day will not be a very romantic or happy day at the WB Stage 16 restaurant at The Venetian. One of my favorite spots in town to drop into for a late-night rendezvous will close on Feb. 14.
STICK AROUND FOR NHL HOCKEY
If our recent record-breaking weather has you thinking of baseball, it's time to get back to reality and realize it is the start of February and there's a bunch of tough guys with sticks still skating around tossing a puck to one another. That's right, hockey is alive and well, and the Imperial Palace is again having its NHL Hockey Wednesday Viewing Parties.
Starting at 5 p.m. in the Sports Bar, you can enjoy cheap drinks, thanks to Miller Beer, and chances to win a bunch of give-aways, as well as entering your name for some really great end-of-the-season prizes. Race & Sports Book Director Jay Kornegay will continue his "Chasers," the chance to bet on the second and/or third period of a game being played during the party. Wager $20 or more on a "Chaser" and you get a free Meal Deal at the Burger Palace, adjacent to the Sports Lounge.
LUCAS SAYS THANKS WITH VIP PACKAGE
Here's a deal for you. Ronn Lucas, multi-talented comic-ventriloquist, officially launches his second year at the Rio and is saying thanks to his fans with a special VIP Package for only $19.95 plus tax.
This package, valued at $60, includes a show ticket with a line pass and coupons for a free autographed 8X10 Ronn Lucas photograph, $5 off all Ronn Lucas show merchandise, buy-one-get-one-free tickets to ride in the Masquerade Show in the Sky and one free drink or one free Ronn Lucas T-shirt.
Lucas, who recently signed a year-long contract with the Rio, performs daily at 3 p.m., Saturday through Thursday (dark Friday), in the Scinta Showroom. It's a great family show, so if you've got the kids or your parents with you, here's a way to save money and have a lot of fun.
IP HOSTS MEMORABILIA SHOW & SALE
If you like vintage memorabilia, mark Feb. 21 on your calendar. That's when the Rich Penn Country Store and Advertising Auction comes to the Auto Collections at Imperial Palace. Memorabilia from around the world will be on display and for sale, hosted by famed auctioneer Fred Van Metre.
The auction will begin at 5 p.m. with a preview of the auction items beginning at noon. Saturday and Sunday events begin at 10 a.m. with a preview beginning at 8 a.m. Payments are accepted by cash or cashier's check with business or personal checks accepted with prior approval. A 10 percent buyer's premium is available on all lots for in-house bidders. Admission is by catalog only and admits two persons to the event. Absentee and phone bids also ARE welcome.
Good luck, and I'll see you on the Strip.
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If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share
with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@lvcm.com. Please include your full
name and the city or town where you live.
