LV snubbed again by ‘Ocean’s’ crew

It appears Las Vegas has been snubbed again by Danny Ocean's heist team.

Curiously, Chicago has landed the "Ocean's Thirteen" premiere June 7, although there appears to be little connection to the movie, which is set for release on June 8.

Like the 2001 remake "Ocean's Eleven," the new movie is set in Las Vegas, while no scenes were shot in Chicago.

Six years ago, the "Ocean's Eleven" premiere was initially scheduled to be held at Bellagio, scene of much of the shooting. But security concerns in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks kept the premiere in Hollywood.

Las Vegans, however, will be among the first in the nation to see "Ocean's Thirteen." A screening at CineVegas will be announced any day. CineVegas runs from June 6-16.

Another movie with Las Vegas ties, director Wong Kar Wai's "My Blueberry Nights," is rumored to be the opening- night film of the Cannes Film Festival.

"Ocean's Thirteen" reportedly will be unveiled at Cannes at an out-of-competition screening.

PALMS' GUINNESS BID

The Palms has a glitzy Guinness world record planned for Saturday's grand opening of The Pearl, an $80 million concert theater.

Palms owner George Maloof announced Wednesday that 160 sky-tracker lights will be part of the evening, which includes the kickoff of Gwen Stefani's "Sweet Escape" tour.

PLANET PLANS

One of the new restaurants at Planet Hollywood comes with a heaping side of history.

The eatery, named Earl of Sandwich, is a collaboration between Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl and the 11th Earl of Sandwich, a direct descendant of the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is credited as the inventor of the sandwich.

With an eye toward luring a hip crowd, Earl has brought in Koi, a popular celebrity restaurant in Los Angeles and New York.

Other new additions include: Strip House, a steak house from New York and other locations; Alfredo of Rome, an Italian eatery out of Rome, New York and Orlando, Fla.; and Yolos Mexican restaurant, a new concept from Ark Restaurant Group.

Three nightclubs will be operated by Opium Group, the hot South Beach nightlife company. One club will be named Living Room, another Privé, and the third has not yet been named.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Jessica Simpson will emcee the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls show at the May 4 second anniversary of the Pussycat Dolls Lounge at Caesars Palace.

SIGHTINGS

At Pure (Caesars Palace) on Tuesday night: DJ Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley, Vince Vaughn, Roger Clemens, Vince Neil, Mark Cuban and Mark McGrath. ... Clemens, dining at Wolfgang Puck's Trattoria del Lupo, at Mandalay Bay, on Tuesday night. ... Maloof, addressing the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce membership/ Vegas Young Professionals luncheon Wednesday at the Four Seasons. He told the group his fascination with Las Vegas began as a 14-year-old who loved "Vega$," the TV series starring Robert Urich as Dan Tanna. ... McGrath, in a large group, and Sinbad, at another table, at Social House (Treasure Island) on Tuesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"It was so wet today that Don Imus apologized to the Rutgers women's swim team." -- David Letterman

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.