Anthony Curtis’ nationally syndicated weekly column.
August 4, 2010.
Let the countdown begin. Conveying full-steam-ahead intentions for its projected December 15 opening, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas flipped the switch on its big marquee last week. Word is the Strip’s newest billboard will be one-of-a-kind, featuring a “unique blend of information and art,” but for now it’s good just to see something new show up on Las Vegas Boulevard. The Cosmopolitan is already accepting reservations, with room rates opening at $125 weekdays and $245 on Saturdays. All rooms have step-out balconies, which is rare for Las Vegas’ Strip hotels. While not confirmed, there are reports that only 2,000 of the total 2,995 rooms will open this year.
Rio Deals: Búzios, Martorano’s, and VooDoo Steak at the Rio are now offering three-course menus for $29, $39, and $49 per person, respectively. Each menu offers a starter course, entrée, and dessert, with optional supplements and wine pairings.
Bottomless Bubbly: The Laguna Champagne Bar at Palazzo is offering bottomless glasses of Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut for $20, daily from 8 p.m. till midnight. Get over there; this one won’t last long.
Twitter Twofer: It’s not often you can get a 2-for-1 at a brand new restaurant run by a celebrity chef, but that’s the case at Kerry Simon’s KGB hamburger joint at Harrah’s. Go to twitter.com/HarrahsVegas to download a coupon for 2-for-1 burgers good till the end of October.
Question: Is it true that last month was the hottest month ever in Las Vegas? That had to be really hot.
Answer: The National Weather Service reports that July’s average temperature of 96.2 degrees was the highest of any month since record-keeping began in 1937. The previous record, set in July 2007, was 95.4. Although no daytime records were broken, nighttime temperatures remained high, with 85.7 the average low temperature for the month—the highest on record by almost two degrees.
