Sunday, October 12, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: Wynn's actions raising eyebrows

Steve Wynn doing flurry of interviews Ben Vereen taking in Clint Holmes' show Jessica Alba having fun at Caramel Lance Armstrong taking a ride

Steve Wynn watchers are having a field day trying to analyze his heightened involvement in Roy Horn's situation.

At a time when Horn's family is trying to get the media to lower the volume, Wynn is raising eyebrows with a flurry of interviews, including his comment on Friday that, "we decided things have become a little too muffled."

Adding to the intrigue is the theory Wynn might be positioning himself to strike a deal that would resurrect the Siegfried & Roy show at his Wynn Las Vegas resort should Roy make a miraculous recovery.

"Steve Wynn is a friend of ours and certainly a part of our family, but right now we're focused on Roy's recovery," said Siegfried & Roy manager Bernie Yuman.

Although the show at The Mirage has been disbanded, and Siegfried & Roy have a lifetime contract with MGM Mirage, clarification of the contract will take place "when the dust settles," Yuman said Saturday. "Until then, our contract and marquee stays in place."

Simon says: `Jackpot'

Chef Kerry Simon was on cloud nine. "It means you've really hit the jackpot."

His Simon Kitchen and Bar is among the "20 Best New Restaurants in America," selected by Esquire magazine's very picky food critic, John Mariani.

Simon flew to New York on a red-eye flight early today to attend the 22nd Esquire awards event at the 21 restaurant. Simon Kitchen marks its first anniversary on Wednesday.

"It's not just me; it's a team thing. The Hard Rock, (Hard Rock owner) Peter Morton, (business partner) Elizabeth Blau and the staff all made it happen," Simon said.

Mariani described the menu in Esquire's November issue as "gussied-up comfort food." He found Justin Nilson's twice-baked banana bread "so consoling it might even make you feel better about dropping a G at those other tables."

King of the hill

A car carrying two bicycles pulled up to the entrance gate to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area at 9:30 a.m. last Sunday.

One of the two cyclists asked the gatekeeper for some local knowledge. How long is the loop? etc.

Gatekeeper: "If you're a good-to-mediocre rider, it will probably take you 45 minutes. But don't go out too strong because it's hilly at first."

The cyclist asking the questions thanked the gatekeeper and headed out on the 13-mile loop with his pal.

It was five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and comedian Robin Williams, both in town for Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children.

Julian Serrano, chef-operator of Picasso restaurant at the Bellagio, wasn't just the driver. "I was the director of sports," he said.

Sightings

Spanish golf standout Sergio Garcia and "Dark Angel" star Jessica Alba, looking very cozy at Caramel (Bellagio) at 1 a.m. Saturday, after she finished shooting her MTV diary segment. Garcia, who missed the cut in the Las Vegas Invitational on Friday, was seen checking out the Palms hot spots on Thursday and Friday. ... Song-and-dance man Ben Vereen, taking in Clint Holmes (Harrah's) on Saturday. ... Latin crooner Luis Miguel, dining at Picasso (Bellagio), on Thursday. ... Martin L. Gore of Depeche Mode and friends at Blue Man Group (Luxor) and at Tabu (Friday).

The Punch Line

"I have only one superstition. I touch all the bases when I hit a home run." -- Babe Ruth

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.