Another shakeup in Wynn’s world
The departure of another top-level nightclub executive rocked Steve Wynn's Wynn Las Vegas and Encore on Monday.
Longtime VIP director Bob Mancari, a managing partner of the 3-month-old Encore Beach Club and Surrender nightclub, "is no longer with" the company, according to a statement e-mailed by Jennifer Dunne, vice president of public relations and advertising at Wynn/Encore.
Mancari had risen through the ranks to become Bellagio's director of customer development, a job that made him one of the city's best-known "whale" hunters.
He was often in the company of elite clients, playing golf with NBA legend Michael Jordan or hanging with All-Pro NFL linebacker Brian Urlacher and golf star Tiger Woods.
A driven, fiery personality, Mancari was known for his connections and occasional run-ins.
"He was hard-core," a source said.
It's been a tumultuous two weeks at Wynn properties, starting with Steve Wynn's buyout of nightclub partner Victor Drai. Days later, Wynn announced that twins Cy and Jesse Waits would move into Drai's spot.
Then came the twin shockers: Cy Waits and girlfriend Paris Hilton were arrested outside Wynn Las Vegas after a motorcycle cop smelled marijuana wafting from their vehicle. Waits was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and Hilton was booked on a cocaine possession charge. Days later Wynn, in what was viewed as an anti-drug statement, banned Hilton from his properties.
Mancari reportedly left the MGM group because he wanted to get into the nightclub business. Wynn hired him as a managing partner with Sean Christie to operate the $67 million Encore Beach Club, which transitions into Surrender.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
"Project Runway" co-host Tim Gunn will appear at The Forum Shops at Caesars on Oct. 2 to host the Fall 2010 fashion show on behalf of Lucky Brand Jeans, a Liz Claiborne Inc. brand. Seating is limited. With a purchase of $100 or more, guests will receive a personalized and signed copy of Gunn's latest book, "Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work."...
Mike Tyson, who appeared throughout ESPN's "One Night in Vegas" (an anniversary special of Tupac Shakur's shooting), has been in New York filming scenes for "Men in Black 3," says Seat Williams of KWWN-radio, 1100 AM (ESPN). It's due out in May 2012. ...
When Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete of Mexico finally got to LAX nightclub at Luxor after winning the crown two weeks ago, the champagne celebration was put on ice. It was delayed about 15 minutes because she forgot her ID in her room at Mandalay Bay. Who says all you need to get into a Vegas bar is a pretty face?
SIGHTINGS
At Louie Anderson's opening night show Tuesday at Palace Station: old-time comedy duo Marty Allen and Steve Rossi. ... Teresa Giudice of "Real Housewives of New Jersey," having shots of Rumplemintz with newly ordained minister and official Elvis of Las Vegas Jesse Garon, at the Vdara pool Monday. They chatted about Garon performing a possible renewal of vows for her and her hubby. He was authorized last week by the county clerk as Las Vegas' first Elvis to solemnize marriages. ... Verne "Mini Me" Troyer and Los Angeles restaurateur "Big Daddy" Carlos Adley, hanging at the Playboy Club (Palms) on Saturday and Benny's Bullpen Sports Bar at Binion's on Sunday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"An airline in Sweden plans to host the first-ever in-flight gay wedding in December. The entire flight crew is excited for the event, although the right wing isn't happy about it." -- Jimmy Fallon
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
