Movida Movin to Vegas

Sammy Sass may no longer (or never been) involved with Noah and Jason's upcoming Lavo restaurant and nightclub at the Palazzo, but our LB was correct in Sammy's interest in Vegas. We just got word that Sass will be opening a branch of his London club Movida in the Palazzo. This follows the current Vegas strategy of trying to lure big spenders from Europe as the American economy hits the shitter. Especially with the slowdown in tourism and spending in Vegas. We always say the more the merrier, but Lavo and Movida going head-to-head? This should be interesting.

Blogging For a Flogging: Samy Sass Stays Out

Looks like the Flogging can happen all the way out in the desert. A Little Birdy checks in to set the record straight about Lavo, saying "You recently mentioned that Sammy Sass was partnering with Noah and Jason on their new Vegas project Lavo. He actually has nothing to do with the project." Hmmm, we guess our original source was off, because this LB would certainly know. Oh well, no one is perfect. Consider ourselves corrected and in some pain.

Lavo Staffs Up!

Lavo, Noah and Jason's upcoming Las Vegas mega project, is beginning to staff up. According to a Little Birdy, they are pulling their from Los Angeles. Says our LB:

Suk Sung, of Opera, Crimson, and Mood (though probably less proud of that last one), is moving from LA to Vegas at the end of the month to help start it up.

Our Little Birdy explains further that managers and hosts from both coasts are looking to move to the desert, and really, who can blame them. Unlike LA and NYC, hospitality makes the Vegas world go round, so middle management types are eager to use hotel mega clubs as a spring board to increased pay and greater opportunities. Tax trouble not included.

Rick's Cabaret Eats Scores

Some news from the world of strip clubs. First they steal Lonnie Hanover. Now Rick's Cabaret, the only publicly listed gentleman's club, has purchased Scores Las Vegas for $21 million. Look at that picture. The Rick's life is pretty foreign looking.

Is it just us, or will there be more Rick's than Houstons soon? Nevermind.

Noah and Jason Live LAVO

Thanks to Lloyd Grove and a super long interview with Noah Tepperberg on Portfolio's website, we get a bit more information on Noah and Jason's upcoming Las Vegas project with Sammy Sass. You know, the one we told you about in January. Noah tells Lloyd

And now Jason, myself, Seth (Rodsky), Mark (Packer), and Rich (Wolf) have again partnered to open a new place in Las Vegas, which will be opening in about three months in the Palazzo hotel. It's a restaurant and a nightclub, rather large, and it's going to be called Lavo.

Fascinating stuff. Not only that, a Little Birdy tells us that it is designed by Avro/Ko. We look forward to it.

[Photo credit]

Trouble on the Strip

The credit crisis has struck again. This week's victim is the Crown Las Vegas project, which was supposed to be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, but will no longer be built. Judging by the building design (vibrator anyone?), architecture fans will not be too sad, but what does it mean for John Q. Tourist? As the economy continues to soften, expect American's leisure travel to decline by the end of the year. Unlike the boutiques of Manhattan, Las Vegas is a bit too far for the average Londoner or other European to get away to for the weekend. Asian gamblers now have numerous options in Macao. Result? The desert resorts will surely suffer from a lack of visitors, share values will drop and a developer looking to get a chunk of land on the strip for cheap will pounce on a site like this and try and capitalize during the next boom. Scary times ahead for the hospitality industry. Scary times indeed.

Las Vegas Legal Tussle

Fresh off the recent raid of the PURE offices, the Las Vegas nightlife scene is preparing to deal with yet another legal battle. A Little Birdy writes, "As crazy as it gets in NYC nightlife, Vegas still manages to take up the ante with the drama. Clubplanet's parent company is suing Angel Music Group who does parties at the MGM for $90 million. Charges include assault, death threats, stealing of employees and clients, etc." How do they know all of this? Well, blogger extraordinare Robin Leach has the scoop, breathlessly covering the matter in his Luxe Life blog. However, the post was so long and convuluted that we just gave up. We are asking one of you to keep us abreast of the situation - our heads hurt.

A Pure Bust

Big news from the desert. Pure Management Group managing partners Steve Davidovici and Robert Frey homes and corporate offices were raided by the IRS. According to reports, the bust went down just hours before a party for Bette Midler (tragic!), and the focus is apparently on the huge tips that the doormen collect from tourists who are beyond desperate to get inside Las Vegas's biggest club. There are rumors that doormen are making between $8 - $10 grand a night, which is some serious cake. Man about town Robin Leach also reports that the club owners are willing to cooperate in order to protect their celebrity investors (Shaq, Celine Dion), but investigators are also going to be looking into the large appearance fees paid to Hollywood "celebs" to show up at the club. But don't worry - the club is still open for business.

Photo Credit

Light Group Cashes Out

We want to offer a hearty congratulations to Andrew Sasson, who has just sold off a 50% stake of the Light Group to the Dubai-based Zabeel Investments, who seem to have fallen head over heels over the upcoming Harmon Hotel project. According to the press release, Zabeel's "goal is to develop the hospitality industry in the UAE and across the region - an aim which encompasses all areas of this sector from food and beverage to hotels and restaurants. In addition, The Light Group can tap our UAE hospitality expertise, and evolve that to other developments around the world." We commend your selection. Say what you will about Sasson et al, but the group has been wildly successful as hospitality operator in Vegas. Selling a 50% stake to Zabeel is only going to raise their bar, infusing them with a huge chunk of capital to allow them to take their operation global. Exciting stuff.

Noah and Jason Get Sassy

A bit of news from the desert. We had previously heard rumors of another mega project from Noah and Jason at the new Palazzo in Las Vegas. Originally, it seemed that they would try to bringing the Stanton Social concept out west with Marc Packer and Rich Wolf and then attach a mega-club and pool, just like their ridiculously successful Tao operation. Apparently, these plans have been scrapped for something much grander and dare we say, international. We'll let our Little Birdy tell you the rest:

A friend in Monaco is telling me that Samy Sass, from Sass Cafe in Monaco famed is partnering with Noah and Jason to do a Sass Cafe concept in Vegas that is restaurant, lounge, club, pool, etc. This would be in line with comments they have made in the Vegas press about opening a 'vibe dining' concept. Further, the word out of London is that the guys from Mo*vida (the hottest club in London that ripped off the name from NY) are doing something in Vegas, but nobody knows where. Turns out Samy is partners with them in Mo*vida. So, my conclusion is Noah and Jason are up to something big with some major operators from Monaco and Vegas. Not just big, but so big that there is a complete gag order on the whole thing and no info available anywhere.

Well, except for right here of course. So much for your gag order fellas. This partnership represents globalization at its finest, and follows Strategic Group's process of taking on partners to minimize risk and keep their capital contribution to a minimum. Smart move, especially with the tightening of the credit markets and weak dollar, to bring in some global players who have shied away from Vegas in the past. Will it work? Only time will tell.

Pink Elephant Goes Blimey

The hits just keep on coming. A Little Birdy just hit us on the wire with some big news, saying "David Cabo and Shawn Kolodny are in London as we speak looking at spaces for the Pink Elephant." That's real time information folks. With Bungalow 8 already open and Cain looking to close their deal, it makes sense that the Pink Elephant crew would soon follow. Also, we have seen a clear demarcation in the New York Club world between the global players and the regional ones, with players such as Noah and Jason and the Stereo crew (who have recently been seen in Vegas looking at deals), keeping their eyes on Las Vegas megaclubs and the tourists who flock to them, while the Cain and Elephant team cater to the global scene, of which London is the capital. And Ms. Sacco? With projects in Vegas, London and her mega deal with Morgans, she is obviously the big bird of the nest.

Rio in Space

First Jason Pomeranc. Now Space. Harrah's Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is on a deal making spree, poised to sign an agreement with Space, Ibiza's long running dance club to become the anchor nightlife tenant in the off-strip pink and purple tower. Semi-genius and semi-risky, as Rio is definitely at the bottom of destinations for twenty somethings that flock to Vegas to destroy themselves, but will the name Space bring any cachet this far from the Spanish Islands? Doubtful, but it may not matter. Rio needs a first class operator who knows how to produce on a large scale, and Space certainly fits that bill. Expect Carl Cox, Pete Tong and the rest of the Mega DJ set to start calling the Rio their home when they make their appearances in the desert. Just make sure your glow sticks are fired up.

His Name is Rio

Jason Pomeranc is at it again. New York, LA, Toronto, Washington DC. JP and his Thompson Hotel group are busy expanding like crazy, replacing Morgans Hotel group as the new hot boutique company. So we ask ourselves again: What's next? Well, Las Vegas of course. A Little Desert Birdy, a black necked stilt perhaps, checks in, saying "Jason Pomeranc has inked a deal with the Rio Hotel to develop a boutique hotel inside the Rio tower." Interesting Little Stilt. Very interesting. You would think that Sir Jason would avoid lending his name to a second rate Vegas property. But, dealmakers need to make deals, and getting business this close to the Strip takes more capital than the Thompson Group could put together. A shrewd play by a hotelier who is quickly emerging as a national player in this here game.

Developing.

On the Circuit: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

What: Opening of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino,
Where: Las Vegas, NV

When we told you we were out of town, you knew it had to be for a good reason. This past weekend, Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl opened his Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on the site of the old Aladdin. Of course DBTH was invited. The opening party was supposed to be in the Opium Group's new Prive nightclub, but since it wasn't finished, the Fire Marshall nixed it and Friday's night festivities were canceled. Bummer fer sure.
To make due, Saturday's party was moved to the Opium Group operated Living Room lounge, which meant jam packing all of the celebs in attendance into an area that held less than 150 people. Samantha Ronson dj'ed and Mickey Avalon performed. Also in attendance: Kevin Spacey (hammered), Emmanual Lewis (!!!), Sly Stallone, Elaine Lancaster, Anthony Michael Hall, David Hasselhoff, Gene Simmons and Nick Kroll (star of Cavemen). A-List all the way around.

Due to the small space, the party became more of a free for all then a normal pack a room kind of thing. This wasn't a seen and be seen. This was a drink and get drunk. Which we and everyone else did. We can't venture how this place will do, but we aren't too worried about it. Vegas is Vegas. Adding a dose of Hollywood won't change that.

Jigga Goes 40/40 Again

Not to be outdone by their cross town rivals, it seems that after a bit of embarrassment, Noah T. and Jason S. are getting back to business. This time, they are sharing the spotlight with the Jigga himself, Jay Z. A little birdy files a report from the desert, saying "Jay-Z's 40/40 is opening at the Venetian's new Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino on December 20, 2007. What isn't known is that Jay will be sharing the nightlife spotlight with a two-story restaurant and lounge (maybe NY's Stanton Social) run by Tao managing partners Jason Strauss and Noah Tepperberg of Strategic Group, as well as with a full-scale nightclub and live music venue." Talk about a stacked lineup. We imagine that investors have been desperate to get the Strategic boys involved with another Vegas spot, especially since Tao is the most profitable establishment in the country. The Palazzo was a natural fit. However, we aren't sure if the Stanton Social brand is strong enough to make it on a Vegas level, but Strategic certainly has the weight to pull it off. We shall see.

Scenes from a Party

Tao Las Vegas celebrated its 2 year anniversary yesterday. And what a few years its been. Some of their friends stopped by. Sure looks like everyone had fun. Happy birthday.

Tom Ford in the Center of it All

When you go out, you wear clothes. That means we can give you a bit of breaking fashion news. Tom Ford, design maven, nudist, model, is poised to open a second store. You can stop guessing which neighborhood because it isn't in New York. Shocking, we know. Anywhoo, Mr. Ford is headed to Las Vegas, signing a lease in MGM's hulking new project, City Center. Opening TBD. Carry on.

Tao Heads South

Hypothetical. You own and operate the most successful restaurant and nightclub in the United States. Your New York City flagship is wildly popular with expense accounters and celebs. Your brand has broken through to become a hospitality institution. What is left for your to do? Head to Miami of course. That's what the folks at Tao are planning to do. According to a Little Birdy in the know, "they have signed a lease for a space on Lincoln Rd. off Washington somewhere. No timing yet, sounds like its going to take a while." South Beach get up! We asked our Miami Seagull, who isn't too surprised, saying, "big, open space that has been vacant for years. It was kiss steakhouse, which was 'owned' by Janet Jackson." And we all know how that worked out. Or maybe we all don't. No matter, sometime next year we will all be able to enjoy swordfish skewers by the beach. Delicious.

Quick Hits: 50 Flips Out, Grand Street Hotel, Prada Party

Wrapping up the week with another killer edition of Quick Hits. Got a hit? Feel free to hit us.

1.Speaking of the VMA's, we just got our invite to 50 Cents Vitamin Water, Absolut Vodka VMA party in Vegas. If we had any clue how to work this thing, you would be seeing video of the flipping. We try.

UPDATE: We took it Lo-Fi, you can see still motion capture of all of the invite goodness. We are so handy.

2. More adventures in How to Name a Hotel. A Little Birdy checks in with an update from the new glass number going up on Thompson Street, saying, "the hotel in Soho from Brack Capital is going to be called the Grand Street Hotel. $200 million budget, 200 rooms." At least the guests won't get lost when they tell the cabbies where to drop them off.

3. Not tired of Fashion Week yet? Tonight is the big Prada party at their flagship store in Soho, and we hear that oh so super cool and oh so can you please play our Fashion Week party band LCD Soundsystem will be performing. Have fun kiddies.

VMA's to Fashion Week: Suck It

The next week is a non-stop bonanza of activities here in NYC. But don't forget about that old New York event, the VMA's, which shifted to Vegas this year. What's the impact? According to one Little Birdy, pretty large. What say you, fluffy birdy?

With all the hype surrounding fashion week, I am going to go out on a limb and predict that this will be one of the dullest fashion weeks in recent memory. The primary reason being that this weekend is the vma's in vegas. Not only is mtv taking over the entire palms resort (both towers), but there will be off the hook parties at every bar, restaurant and nightclub in Sin City. I am also predicting that all the celebs that make fashion week oh so fabulous will be in Vegas and not NYC.

Bold Little Birdy. Very bold. But you do make a strong case. MTV lives or dies by its celeb wrangling (which is a whole other story), and the VMA's is their most important event. And it is Vegas. Add to that the lack of new club openings in the City, and you may just be right.

As always, your thoughts are welcome in comments and squawk box.