Frequently Asked Questions

Questions, questions, questions.

I get peppered with dozens of them every week, from just about everywhere under the sun.

People can't get enough of Las Vegas, whether it's the club scene, hot restaurants, pool parties or best places to see celebrities.

I enter my 10th year at the Review-Journal this month, chronicling the celebrity swirl in "Vegas Confidential."

We'll cover all of the above in this space every Friday, from most-asked questions to personal observations:

Favorite new restaurants?

Both are in the Palazzo, but that's all Sushisamba and Mario Batali's B&B have in common. If you've never been to Italy, the B&B menu is the next best thing. Sushisamba knocked me the hell out with its spectacular flavors, especially the ceviches and creative fusion. They've nailed it. Absolutely don't miss their caipirinha, a popular Brazilian drink. ...

Best steak?

I'm from Montana and my girlfriend is from Nebraska, so you're talking raging carnivores. Our gold standard: the bone-in filet at N9NE Steakhouse, with steak fries and the garbage salad. Also known to take our breaths away: Michael Mina's Stripsteak at Mandalay Bay. ...

Best first impression?

Pierce Brosnan was walking through an MGM Grand corridor after a stinker of a fight between Mike Tyson and Orlin Norris in October 1999. Brosnan had as much security as anyone I've seen, which, I later learned over the years, usually means someone has an inflated view of himself. I'm convinced that wasn't the case with him. When I asked him for a comment on the fight, he couldn't have been more accommodating. He not only stopped, shook hands and gave candid answers, but when I finished with the questions, he asked for my name again, shook hands and thanked me. ...

Worst first impression?

It was a magician, but not who you might think. A couple months ago, I accompanied a female friend from New York who approached David Blaine at the Palms Place pool. We waited (and waited) for him to acknowledge our presence before my friend sweetly asked him to autograph a toy duck; I had tagged along to introduce myself, figuring he was on track to headline here soon. Blaine couldn't have been more distant. Without saying a word or acknowledging my friend, he signed the duck. When I introduced myself as a local columnist, it was more of the same: no response and a blank, you're-bothering-me expression. He'll need better manners to make it in Las Vegas. ...

My favorite shows?

It's a tie between "Jersey Boys" (Palazzo) and "Love" (Mirage), Cirque du Soleil's stunning interpretation of the Beatles' music. Bette Midler still rocks. In my nine years here, the only time I recall tears running down by face from laughter was the last 30 minutes of her show (Caesars Palace). ...

Celebrities I don't get?

I love what Jerry Lewis has done for his kids, but I've never understood the chip on his shoulder, Robin Williams and Brad Garrett's mean streaks, or Penn Jillette's angst. (I've been on his enemy list since reporting his grand entrance at a roast for Amazing Johnathan: Jillette, in Roman centurion garb, hailing the arrival of Teller, who was "nailed" to a cross and being pulled in on a cart. Little people were at Teller's feet, mimicking a sex act. I get that Jillette's an atheist; I don't get why reporters are evil for reporting something he's clearly proud of.) ...

Funniest female comedian?

Rita Rudner's clean, classy and hilarious act (Harrah's). ...

My No. 1 must-see?

No change there. It's still the Fountains at Bellagio. ...

Coolest view for drinks?

KOI's fountain lounge, overlooking the Fountains.

(Next week: My favorite lunch spot, sushi and best and worsts interviews.)

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. His new book "Vegas Confidential: Sin-sational Celebrity Tales" comes out in November.