Absinthe Anyone?

On Bourbon Street in New Orleans sits an ancient bar called the Old Absinthe House. Built in the early 1800s, the building was transformed into a bar when mixologist Cayetano Ferrer invented a cocktail called the Absinthe House Frappe in 1874.

Most people in the U.S. aren’t all that familiar with Absinthe, which was a banned substance in our country for most of the 20th century. Distilleries stopped producing Absinthe, a highly alcoholic beverage with hallucinogenic qualities, in the U.S. in 1912.

The U.S. lifted the ban on Absinthe in 2007, but the legal product you’ll find on the shelves now isn’t the same psychoactive substance from the old days. Impressively, the Old Absinthe House stood for nearly 40 years before the Absinthe ban and survived 95 years while still calling itself “Old Absinthe House”. Now you can go in and actually drink Absinthe there legally! Now that’s surviving!

Las Vegas, of course, isn’t shying away from the newly legal Absinthe. Downtown Cocktail Room has a menu of interesting Absinthe cocktails. Ask for the Huntridge or the Emerald Isle if you’re trying to try it out, or just ask the bartender to mix up something for you. Absinthe is so new that mixologists are coming up with new concoctions by the day. Don’t be shy about asking for Absinthe all around the city either.

The New York Times ran a story on the return of Absinthe in December 2007, and check out another informative website on the storied alcohol here.

Nightlife Calorie Counting

According to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average male in the U.S. takes in 2,475 calories per day, while females on average consume 1,833 calories a day. Living in Las Vegas can be tough for fitness goals, as it’s hard to resist all of the city’s great restaurants and bars.

If you go out for dinner at a place like Grand Lux Cafe, the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio or even In-N-Out, you’re pretty close to the daily average just from that one meal. Start throwing back a few beers later in the night and things can get pretty ugly. Bud Light has 110 calories per 12 oz. (according to www.beer100.com), so tack on 660 calories if you down a six-pack. Consumers of darker beers like Blue Moon (171 calories) are in even worse shape. Even Pabst Blue Ribbon, the cheapest of cheap beer, weighs in heavy at 153 calories.

While it’s nice to enjoy a Blue Moon on tap every once in a while, it’s tough to take in all those extra calories. The best way to drink alcohol and consume fewer calories is to just take straight shots, no mixers and no high-calorie chasers.

Shots aren’t for everyone, however. Web MD has a great article on alcohol and calories that explains how quickly calories can add up in cocktails. Check it out! Do some research and go into your night out with a plan. You’ll wake up the next morning feeling slightly less guilty.

Planning for the weekend in Vegas (3/28 – 3/30)

Wondering where to go in Vegas this weekend? There are many choices, but here’s a suggested plan of action:

FRIDAY 3/28 – Check out Blondie’s inside Planet Hollywood for the Blacklight Bash. Dress in white to exhibit proper etiquette for this particular event. $15 to get in and all-you-can-drink draft and well drinks from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

SATURDAY 3/29 – Beauty Bar is always a great spot on Saturday night. A host of great DJs will be on hand and downtown should be a good spot.

SUNDAY 3/30 - If you haven’t yet checked out Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, try going this Sunday night for Ladies’ Night. You won’t find a better Sunday night party in town.

Check out Xania’s Hot Spots on Las Vegas Weekly’s website for a ton of information on just about everything going on this weekend. The preceding is just a suggested plan of attack based on personal experience. Have fun!

K-Fed gets paid to party

UNLV students out of town on spring break last week missed out on a mega-event right here in Las Vegas.

Pure Nightclub at Caesar’s Palace hosted Kevin Federline’s 30th birthday bash on March 21, right in the midst of spring break madness. While I was navigating the API Journalist’s Toolbox website for a class assignment, I came across a story about the nightclub reportedly paying K-Fed up to $175,000 to celebrate at Pure, according to an article on Newser.com.

So K-Fed gets to take a break from raising the kids and gets paid bank to party it up on his birthday in a VIP booth at one of the most popular nightclubs in the world. Must be nice! The article cites a source telling the New York Post that the club shelled out the cash because of K-Fed’s ability to draw crowds.

Federline surely won’t be the only “A-list” celebrity to party it up in Vegas for a birthday celebration. Here are some dates to watch for in the coming year:

JUNE 7 – Dave Navarro – The former Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane’s Addiction guitarist is probably most famous for being married to Carmen Electra and carrying on high-profile relationships with celebrities like Jenna Jameson. If you’ve never partied with Navarro, be prepared to be amazed by the star-studded guest list. This guy knows everybody!

JULY 2 – Lindsay Lohan – Lohan was scheduled for a much-hyped 21st birthday bash at Pure in 2007, but a trip to rehab forced the cancellation of the event. If she manages to show up in Sin City for her 22nd, the paparazzi will be in full force.

DECEMBER 2 – Britney Spears – No need to elaborate on this. If she comes to Vegas the whole world will see it on TV, but Vegas locals can put themselves right in the action!

JANUARY 31 – Justin Timberlake – JT showed up at Jet Nightclub to throw a birthday party for his mother just a few days before his own birthday in 2007. Timberlake keeps his plans on the down-low a lot of time, but he’s a good bet to show up in Sin City at some point. Too bad we all have to wait until January.

FEBRUARY 17 – Paris Hilton – The world will have to wait almost a year for another Paris Hilton birthday celebration, but if you really want to party with Paris in Las Vegas, she’s not too hard to find on any night of the year.

Celebrity parties are a special kind of crazy, and they’re so easy to find. So many celebs celebrate birthdays in Las Vegas, many getting paid like K-Fed. The clubs usually announce these events about a month or so in advance. Use connections and try to get in free,because it won’t be cheap!

Options for Wednesday 3/26 in Vegas

After going a little too heavy on the partying during spring break, I won’t be out on the scene until at least the weekend. If you’re looking to party it up on on Wednesday night (3/26), however try checking out one or both of the following:

BEAUTY BAR - Free admission to the bar and $10 to get into the courtyard. Live music and DJ Mike Attack are on tap and it should be a good spot!

BODY ENGLISH – Godskitchen is the Wednesday-night name for the ongoing party that seems to go on at the Hard Rock’s super-club seven nights a week. Try hitting up Beauty Bar first and finish your night here! You won’t find a better party than this for Wednesday.

Irish pubs in Las Vegas

I’ve never been to Boston, a city that I’m certain knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like no other. If you didn’t make it to the east coast for March 17, however, there’s still a good chance you had a pretty good time if you made Las Vegas your St. Patty’s Day destination of choice.

St. Patrick’s Day is a particularly festive holiday in Sin City. Thousands of eager party people hit the town for St. Patty’s Day 2008 despite the fact that it fell on a Monday. Bars were packed across the Strip, and the Irish pub was the hot spot of the night.

If you haven’t hit up an Irish bar in Vegas, give one a try. It seems like every one in town has a festive atmosphere and a fun-loving crowd any night of the week. Here’s a rundown of a few of Las Vegas’ Irish bars. I hope you have a taste for Guinness:

McFadden’s (inside the Rio) - The newest Irish pub to hit the city just opened up in January but has already gained a reputation as a reliable place to find a good party, especially on weekends. McFadden’s has two bars in two different rooms, with room left over for live music and a dining area. Cozy but fun, McFadden’s is a great spot to get rowdy on the Irish scene.

McFadden’s isn’t the fanciest place around, and it can take awhile to get a drink at the main bar. The bar in the side room is much more accessible. This place was crazy on St. Patrick’s Day, with the added bonus of the festive atmosphere all throughout the Rio. McFadden’s is a great place to bounce in and out of while partying at the always-festive Rio. You’ll also find a nice selection of Irish cuisine at McFadden’s, which also has locations in New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Nine Fine Irishmen (inside New York New York) – Quite possibly the most popular Irish bar amongst tourists thanks to its location, Nine Fine Irishmen is always packed and rowdy on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Drinks aren’t cheap here, averaging about $10, but Nine Fine Irishmen has one of the best selections of Irish beers and whiskeys you’ll ever find. Authentic and definitely a good time.

If you’re looking to party with people from all over the world, hit up Nine Fine Irishmen on a weekend night, as it draws every kind of tourist from everywhere you can think of.

Quinn’s (inside Green Valley Ranch) - Formerly known as Fado, Quinn’s retains almost the exact same layout but without the outside walls. The main difference is the lack of a bouncer checking IDs at the door, because now you can walk right in.

Quinn’s usually has live music on weekend nights from Darby O’Gill and the Little People, a great Irish band with an enthusiastic local following. It doesn’t get too crazy, but Quinn’s can be a fun place to take a small group of friends for a night out.

McMullan’s (at Tropicana and Cameron) – Quite possibly the best Irish pub in Vegas, McMullan’s always seems to have something going on. Live music and special events are the norm at McMullan’s, which tends to draw more Las Vegas locals than the other Irish bars in the city.

It’s pretty difficult not to have a good time at this place. McMullan’s has the best variety of Irish food and beers in town, and there’s almost always a good, festive crowd. Probably your best bet amongst Vegas-Irish pubs.

Even if you’re not a “bar person”, try out one of these Irish imports. McMullan’s is a particularly good place to start, so check it out!

First Friday Las Vegas

If you’ve never celebrated First Friday in the Downtown Arts District, do yourself a favor this Friday (3/7) by making this once-a-month festival your destination of choice.

The party gets started around 5 p.m., when the Arts District is taken over by a huge, free-flowing art/entertainment/social festival that’s by far the most cultural experience you’ll find in Vegas, outside of the famous art galleries at Venetian and Bellagio. This festival is unlike anything else you’ll find in the nightlife wonderland of Sin City, and it’s easy to forget you’re Vegas after spending a couple hours at First Friday.

The cops clear the streets at around 10 p.m., but the party is only just beginning. Head down to Fremont Street and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a block party that doesn’t end until 6 a.m. or so. At the heart of the madness is “The Get Back” party at Beauty Bar, which usually gets packed around 11 p.m., when the bar’s back patio area opens up. Nearby spots like The Griffin and Downtown Cocktail Room are also great places to party on First Friday, and on a good night you’ll probably end up at all three of these great locations at some point.

The great vibe permeates all of Fremont Street on First Friday, and when you decide to give it a try, make a night of it there and experience the art festival and all of the top-notch parties. And be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what you thought!

Yayo Taco = Thursday Night Vegas Hotspot?

By daylight, Yayo Taco might seem like it’s at a competitive disadvantage to its neighbors. Crowded into a corner of University Gardens at Harmon and Maryland, Yayo is completely obscured by a wall of neighboring small businesses. You really wouldn’t know it’s there unless you’re either looking for it or you’re forced to park at the far end of the Gardens on a busy afternoon. And even then, it looks like just another taco shop in an area of town loaded with eating options.

Take a drive by the Gardens at night, however, and you might wonder what’s going on. Starbucks is closed, Einstein’s isn’t open for another few hours, and the school day is over. For some reason though, a gathering of cars has congregated to the far end of the parking lot, and there’s a line full of young party people hoping to get in.

Once you’re inside, you feel like you’ve really stumbled on to something. That’s because on any number of nights per week (Thursday night is currently the busiest), Yayo Taco turns into the hottest party spot, by far, around campus. You could find your way into a local frat party and sip free beers off the keg all night, but Yayo is almost just as good – $2 tequila shots and $3 beers pretty much means everyone in the place can afford to get hammered! And if you have friends that live on or near campus, Yayo is within stumbling distance!

The setup is pretty simple. The bar serves only beer and tequila. If you have the stomach for Jose Cuervo, you’re in for a great night! The dining room tables are all set up for a giant beer pong party, complete with a DJ and an outside smoking area. You won’t find the bells and whistles (or $10 drinks) of an on-the-Strip lounge or nightclub. But if cheap drinks and a room full of energetic, attractive party people sound like fun, then check it out. College kids are happy when they’re not broke. Go party with them at Yayo Taco!

Spy On Vegas Open Bar Schedule 2/19 – 2/22

If you’ve never been to a SpyOnVegas.com Open Bar party, don’t worry – there are lots of chances coming up in the very near future. In case you haven’t heard about SpyOnVegas.com, check it out. The website is one of the best sources of information on bars, nightclubs and special events all over Las Vegas, and the SpyOnVegas Open Bar promotion is a rotating party that takes place five nights a week.

Open Bar usually runs Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at various different venues across town. The selected cocktail of the night is free, but because of Open Bar’s popularity, the free booze often runs out before 9 p.m. In any case, though, it’s a great way to get on the scene!

Tuesday 2/19 – Open Bar goes to Tight Rack in Henderson, the home of some of the fiercest Beer Pong battles you’ll ever see!

Wednesday 2/20 – Lucky Strike Lanes at Rio is the spot for a mid-week party at the swankiest bowling alley in town!

Thursday 2/21 – Sierra Gold has some of the best bar food around, and on this night free booze too.

Friday 2/22 – The week comes to a close at Dos Caminos at Palazzo, one of the most eagerly-anticipated new restaurants in the city.

See you on the scene!

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country is the Las Vegas Locals’ Hotspot

Everyone wants to party in Las Vegas. Vacationers hit town expecting to have the craziest weekend of their lives, and Vegas locals have a nightlife scene all their own. Not everyone, however, knows where to go. Nightclubs and bars on the Strip are always a sure bet for a wild (and expensive) night, but what if you’re new to the city and you’re trying to get in on the local scene?

Upon first inspection, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country might seem like an unlikely place to start. Situated under a huge, Texas-shaped neon sign and located on South Las Vegas Blvd. (near South Point), Stoney’s lays claim to being the only country-themed nightclub in Vegas. But if you think that means this place only draws cowboys, cowgirls and their wannabe counterparts, think again.

Since opening its doors in August 2007, Stoney’s has become one of the top locals’ hangouts in Vegas. The 2,000-capacity club is almost always filled to capacity on weekend nights, and long lines and a packed parking lot are the norm. If you have the patience to wait through the line, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most fun atmospheres you’ll find in a Vegas club. According to Stoney Gray, owner and general manager of Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, it’s the local Vegas population that makes his club such a hit. I spoke with Gray at a rare quiet hour inside the nightclub, where he tried to explain the phenomenon.

“We are the only locals nightclub, find another locals nightclub anywhere in town,” Gray said. “Another nightclub on the Strip, if there’s a major party in town, locals are shut out. We built the club for locals. If we get the tourists, that’s a bonus.”

Gray is no newcomer to the Las Vegas scene, having spent seven years as the general manager of the popular Gilley’s, a cowboy bar at the now defunct Frontier that was based on the famous Texas bar of the same name, which closed in 2007. His new project is flourishing, and Gray says he’s not surprised.

“I always tell people I’m not that smart,” Gray said. “The formula is simple – listen to the people and give them what they want. I tell them that all the time.”

Besides the fact that you could run into a country music superstar like Toby Keith or Rodney Carrington, here are some other reasons to check out Stoney’s on the weekends:

THURSDAY – Ladies night. Women get in for $1 and get all drinks for $1. This, as you might guess, is one of the biggest nights of the week at Stoney’s!

FRIDAY/SATURDAY – $20 all-you-can-drink draft beer, $5 cover charge.

Stoney’s is still a great spot even on regular weekdays, a great option for any night when you can’t agree on where to go. Cheap drinks, the largest dance floor in Nevada and a fun, diverse crowd makes Stoney’s Rockin’ Country a go-to night spot!