Restaurants, lounges opening at Luxor

Over the course of the next 30 days, the Luxor welcomes two new restaurants. And as part of those additions, two fresh, unique lounges join the nightlife scene that will give everyone an alternative place to gather if a nightclub isn't what they had in mind.

The first venue celebrates its grand opening tonight when Company American Bistro has its red carpet party, featuring appearances by singer Nick Lachey, socialite/fashion designer Nicky Hilton and actor Wilmer Valderrama. The stars are investors in Company.

Located near the main hotel entrance, Company's lounge looks something like a cozy bar you'd see at a major ski lodge somewhere in Colorado or Vermont. This fireside retreat features aspen trees and hurricane lamps, bringing a touch of winter to the southwest.

A special bar menu also is available for late-night dining in the lounge, which is open from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sundays through Tuesdays and from 3 p.m. to 4 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Across the way, the CatHouse will celebrate its grand opening Dec. 28.

The upscale ultra-lounge inside the restaurant will feature a seductive, erotic theme. Two styles of music with two DJs -- one European vocal house and one mainstream dance -- will combine musical tastes in separate parts of the lounge.

There also will be several lingerie-clad performers and cocktail servers dancing throughout the venue on a nightly basis.

The lounge will be open four nights a week, from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. On Dec. 29, there will be a red carpet event as well.

Prive's opening getting closer -- That's right. The Opium Group's first major entry on the nightclub scene is fast approaching, with a projected December launch.

Managing director Greg Jarmolowich and several others have hinted the venue will jump into action some time in the second half of the month at Planet Hollywood Resort. I'm hearing a start around the weekend of Dec. 27 is likely, with a possible Dec. 22 "soft" opening.

Tabu welcomes guest DJ -- Talented DJ Pete Tong makes a special appearance Sunday at Tabu Ultra Lounge's weekly "House of Style" party.

DJ Chris Garcia will provide the music in the opening set of the night at The Mirage hot spot. The event also will feature the newest fashions of Addiction Fashion Boutique. Doors open at 10 p.m. at Tabu, with stylish attire encouraged.

Industry party continues at Cherry -- The weekly "Pie" party continues Thursday at Cherry, located at the Red Rock Resort.

Locals receive complimentary admission all night and ladies drink free champagne from 10 p.m. to midnight as DJ Leo Teo provides the music.

Another new lounge hits the Strip -- Planet Hollywood Resort continues to make noise on the nightlife circuit, this time with Head Candy Ultra Lounge.

Located above Trader Vic's, the new venue brings partygoers "Rock Candy" Mondays for a special weekly party. The event is geared toward nightclub industry people, with a mix of rock and dance music flowing through the sound system.

Head Candy also has a "Throwback" Thursdays event, with music from the 1980s and 1990s for those looking to dance to some old-school hits.

Sightings of the week -- Professional women's golfer -- and blond bombshell -- Natalie Gulbis was spotted with friends Saturday at Blush Boutique Nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas.

Model Joanna Krupa hosted her 2008 swimsuit calendar release party Nov. 23 at Jet (Mirage). Krupa was joined by friend and reality TV star Jennifer McCall, who has appeared on "The Amazing Race."

Jeremy Pond covers the nightclub scene for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Vegas Confidential. His column appears Fridays in Neon and online at www.lvrj.com and www.normclarke.com. He can be reached at 383-0298 or via e-mail at jpond@reviewjournal.com.