Oscar Goodman talks colorful characters in dinner series

What does former mayor and current (and constant) gin enthusiast Oscar B. Goodman speak about at his Oscar Dinner Series at his namesake restaurant at the Plaza? Anything he wants to.

"I talk about whatever comes into my head," Goodman said. "I don't write them out. I lived these stories. Fortunately for me, I drink excessively, and the gin has really grown my brain cells. My recollection is extraordinary, to say the least."

He doesn't speak completely off-the-cuff at the events at Oscar's Beef * Booze * Broads at the Plaza, 1 Main St. Jonathan Jossel, CEO of PlayLV, the operator of the Plaza, asks Goodman what subject he'd like to talk about in advance so he can get the word out, but there's no script, no notes and no filter.

"This next one is called 'Wingy, Hunchy and Lefty: Characters on the Fringe'," Goodman said. "I'll be talking about some Damon Runyon-esque Las Vegans. Wingy was a fella who, unfortunately, had a very short arm. They called him Wingy to his face. Hunchy was one of the owners of The Tower of Pizza on the Strip, and he was a hunchback. They called him 'Hunchy' or 'the Camel,' and people weren't offended by that. It was part of the culture of the time. Now it would probably give rise to a lawsuit for some type of defamation."

Lefty is Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, former casino executive and organized crime figure and one of Goodman's clients when he was the go-to attorney for several reputed mob figures.

Goodman said he probably has another four or five sessions of colorful characters to talk about in upcoming months.

"It was a very colorful time," Goodman said. "It was an era that will never be replicated."

Jossel said that the pair came up with the idea for the event, which includes a three-course meal and alcohol with the tax and gratuity included for $150, along with the iconic Las Vegas figure telling stories of his life and times while wandering among the tables. It's an intimate event, with maximum room for 75 people. It almost always sells out.

"When Oscar comes to the bar, he usually gets mobbed by people," Jossel said. "We just thought this would be a great way to tell his stories, which are always entertaining."

The events take place about every six weeks, as Goodman's schedule allows. They have thought about expanding the program and bringing in other speakers, but Jossel sees one issue with that.

"No one is as colorful and charismatic as Oscar," Jossel said.

The marketing of the event has been very low-key, with Jossel recommending those interested in attending contact the restaurant at 702-386-7227 or at oscars@playlv.com. The next event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

"What's funny about this thing is that we've never advertised it," Jossel said. "It's all been word of mouth and social media."

There are some attendees who have been to every session, and the event draws politicians, lawyers, FBI agents, IRS agents, business owners and some of the valley's current crop of colorful characters. Goodman and Jossel plan to keep the speaking engagements running for a long time.

"I don't think I'm ever going to run out of stories," Goodman said. "I guess when I run out of stories, there's no sense in waking up in the morning. I'll always have a story."

— To reach East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor email ataylor@viewnews.com or call 702-380-4532.