I don't know which part of the country you live in, and I don't want to make you jealous, but this past weekend was what I would call "perfect" in our town. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze and the temp hit 80. Forget the best entertainment in the world, world-class dining, better shopping than you'll find on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. It's the sun that shines more than 300 days a year that makes Las Vegas so special.
Of course, I may not feel the same in July, August and September when that same sun is turning our cars into furnaces and limiting sunbathing to about 30 seconds before you have to run for the shade or jump into a pool. But for now, no complaints and I hope you're feeling the same wherever you are, now that winter is over -- or should be.
And what can get you into a "summer's-soon-coming" mood better than a Hawaiian luau. That's right, you'll soon be able to pig out when, for the 15th consecutive year, the Imperial Palace will offer its Hawaiian buffet and Polynesian revue. It all begins April 18, so dig out those flowered shirts and leis and get ready to spend some time at the resort's Shangri-la pool.
Don't want to get your mouth watering, but how does roasted suckling pig, prime baron of beef, Haleiwa BBQ pork ribs, baked salmon, pan-seared tuna, pork loin, short ribs and huli huli chicken sound? Too bad none of that is on the menu. Just kidding. You also can dive into the salad bar that includes peel-and-eat shrimp and seafood cilantro ceviche, tropical fresh fruits, and some great desserts. Thirsty? Unlimited mai tais, pina coladas and fruit punch accompany the meal.
This is a real fun event with hula lessons, sing-a-longs and plenty of Polynesian music and dance. I'm told that the fire-knife dance, which is the highlight of the show, is bigger and better than before. It will all take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays thru Oct. 28. General admission is $33.95 and 20 bucks for kids 2 to 12. For more info or tickets, call 1-888-777-7664.
'COME ON DOWN!'
If you happen to love the shout of "Come on down!" and people dressed in funny costumes screaming hysterically when they dash for the stage, you're gonna love "The Price is Right - Live" stage show. The show begins a two-year run on April 25 in the Jubilee! Theater at Bally's. It's run successfully at Bally's Atlantic City and in five other casinos around the country. The live shows, offering chances to win the same type of prizes as they do on the TV show, will run Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.95 (plus tax and service charge) and are available at the Bally's and Paris box offices or by calling 1-877-374-7469. You also can buy them by logging on to www.ballyslasvegas.com. Remember, you have to be 21 or older to be a contestant.
And speaking of Bally's, the resort has come up with a new Jubilee! Dinner & Show package. The offer includes a ticket for one and a $30 dining voucher that can be redeemed at one of six restaurants located within Bally's and Paris. The package will run you from $80 to $97 (per person) and is valid at Chang's, al Dente, Bally's Steakhouse, Ah Sin, Le Provencal and Les Artistes.
HISTORIC MUSEUM CLOSING
Some sad news. Later this month, April 22 to be exact, the Las Vegas Historic Museum at the Tropicana will close. I wish they could find a permanent home for this as it is both interesting and informative and gives visitors a look into our past, both the good and the bad.
BABY FAIR
I'd be remiss if I didn't have an item for parents and parents-to-be. Once again Southern Hills Hospital (on Fort Apache just off the I-215 exit) is holding a Baby Fair on Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Not only is this an entertaining and informative event, including a series of lectures from medical specialists and complimentary car seat safety inspections, but you also get chance to win valuable prizes. Hey, this is Las Vegas. Do we do anything here where money or prizes aren't a part of it? The two grand prizes are 2,000 diapers (that's good for about a month, isn't it?) or a completely furnished crib set.
Moms will be in for an extra treat watching a maternity fashion show. You can tour labor and delivery suites, interact with the team of Southern Hills physicians, and purchase immunizations for only $16 per child with the presentation of records. For more info, call 702-880-2700.
Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com
If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylv@cox.net. Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.
