Hakkasan host makes a ‘hippo’-sized mistake
A host at Hakkasan nightclub has been suspended after allegedly discouraging a bachelorette party organizer from bringing “hippos” or “ugly” guests.
“That’s not what Hakkasan is all about,” the male host said during a series of text messages with a Southern California woman who was seeking a complimentary table.
Taking his role as a gatekeeper to an extreme, the host, who went by the name of Phillip, asked to see a group photo of all 15 of the bachelorettes or their Instagram accounts so he could see their faces, according to the texts that appeared on the Internet.
“We don’t comp anything ugly,” he texted.
The megaclub, in a statement released Thursday, said:
“Hakkasan Group prides ourselves on providing our guests with an unmatched level of customer service. The statements made by this individual, who has since been suspended pending further investigation into this matter, does not represent our corporate policy or our views. This type of attitude and communication is totally unacceptable, and while we cannot control every piece of communication between our thousands of staff and guests, we will not tolerate anything less than impeccable customer service.”
CUBS WELCOMED AT MIRAGE
Timing is everything. Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn were in Germany last month during their annual summer trip to their homeland.
They were staying in a Munich hotel when they discovered that Germany’s World Cup team was also there.
They told R-J colleague Justin Yurkanin that members of the soccer team met with Siegfried and Roy and gave them an autographed ball.
Siegfried and Roy were at The Mirage on Thursday, introducing three white lion cubs at the illusionists’ Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.
Named Freedom, Timba-Masai and Madiba by Siegfried and Roy, the 3-month-old cubs were born in Johannesburg.
They go on public view today from noon to 4 p.m.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Chef Kerry Simon was honored with a culinary memorabilia case at the Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday that included a photograph of Simon and longtime friend actor Bill Murray in matching Elvis suits. Simon, who is battling serious health issues, was on hand for the dedication. Also inside the case is a purple bust of Simon, a black chef coat from Simon Kitchen & Bar (he is considered one of the first chefs to wear black), a guitar he autographed, his culinary knives, an image of Simon as a young chef with Bianca Jagger and various awards. …
Britney Spears skipped out on a restaurant tip over the weekend, but she reportedly plans to fix what is being characterized as a misunderstanding with a $100 tip. The Planet Hollywood headliner left a $31 check on the table Sunday after she and beau David Lucado had lunch at a Cheesecake Factory in Thousand Oaks, Calif. TMZ.com reported she thought her security guy was going to take care of the tab. …
ESPN host Sage Steele was among terrified shoppers seeking refuge when Tuesday’s shooting erupted in the food court at Fashion Show mall. “Just heard several pops and screams,” she tweeted, adding she was in Nordstrom when the store’s doors were locked as a precautionary step. …
Longtime Las Vegas performer and TV show host Tony Sacca was in Los Angeles on Wednesday at a book signing for his tell-all biography, “Tony Sacca: Las Vegas Ambassador of Entertainment.” It was written by Las Vegan Arlene Krieger. Sacca is performing at 7 p.m. Saturday at Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. …
Asked what walk-up song he would have wanted during his playing days, Pete Rose told late-night host Seth Meyers he would lean toward Little Richard or Elvis. Then he added, “There was a time they would have played ‘Jailhouse Rock.’ ”
SIGHTINGS
Los Angeles Clippers playmaker Chris Paul, in town on Thursday to host at Tao nightclub (The Venetian). … New York Knicks president Phil Jackson, with former NBA player Jared Jeffries, current host of the Outdoor Channel’s “Modern Fishing with Jared Jeffries,” at Giada on Tuesday night at The Cromwell. Jackson and Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau dined in separate rooms at Piero’s Italian Cuisine on Saturday.
THE PUNCH LINE
“Pope Francis is considering repealing celibacy for priests. Priests will no longer have to take a vow of celibacy. See what you can accomplish when you don’t have Congress standing in your way?” — David Letterman
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
