Entertainment Columns

Service snags mar otherwise tasty dinner at India Masala

India Masala Bar & Grill advertises that its lunch buffet ($10.99) is the largest in Las Vegas. I haven’t yet experienced it but I have no doubt that if nothing else it’s a big hit, considering the restaurant’s location just west of Flamingo Road and Maryland Parkway in the university district and not far from the tourism corridor. But here’s the thing: I couldn’t help feeling that vestiges of the lunch buffet bled over into the dinner hour.

‘Wonderstone’ can’t overcome all its problems, but it has lots of fun trying

If Las Vegas can take a wide-eyed innocent, whose only crime was rocking a mullet well past its expiration date, and turn him into a raging, narcissistic jackhole, what hope is there for the rest of us?

Boyz II Men cash in on nostalgia

It does seem impressive that Boyz II Men, or at least three of its singers, stuck together since they were in high school 21 years ago. But eight minutes into their show, it’s no mystery why.

Scintas to bring breath of old Vegas to D

In Detroit, The Scintas are synonymous with Joe Vicari’s Andiamo restaurant and showroom. And so it shall be at the D.

El Cortez serves cranberry-walnut bread

It’s not unusual for Taste of the Town readers to search for foods they’ve tasted in local restaurants, and that was the case with a recent request from Cheri Carr. Carr is looking for a cranberry-walnut bread that she said used to be served at The Flame Steakhouse at the El Cortez.

Animal lovers captive audience at Roos-N-More

Roos-N-More, near Moapa, offers a hands-on zoo experience with more than 160 animals.

field	question	answer
i_1	I'm staying on the Strip. What's a must-see attraction?	The Las Vegas Strip is full of iconic sights. We narrowed down the list to a handful that you can check out for free or at a (relatively) low cost. The attractions range from a free, 14,000-square-foot garden at Bellagio to riding a gondola through the Venetian, as well as The High Roller, Shark Reef, Sphere Experience, rides at the Strat and The Fountains of Bellagio. Check out the attractions.
i_2	Where should I grab a drink in downtown Las Vegas?	As the downtown Arts District has grown in recent years, so has its bar scene. We highlight five of the best spots to grab a cold one or a high-end cocktail. This list has something for everyone, including a punk rock dive bar, a hidden experimental cocktail bar, locals' favorites and many more. Stop by Liquid Diet, Velveteen Rabbit, Berlin Bar, Rebar, Garagiste and others. Check it out.
i_3	What are the most unique experiences in Las Vegas?	Plenty of gems throughout the Silver State await those who are willing to wander outside of the Las Vegas Valley. For those with desert wanderlust — or who would enjoy a skydiving free fall with views of Hoover Dam at 120 mph — the list is fodder for bucket lists and exploration. It also includes a hot spring in ghost town Gold Point, mining Nevada's state gemstone, climbing Mount Whitney near Reno, zip-lining the Fremont Street Experience and clear-boat canoeing on Lake Tahoe. Read the guide.
i_4	What are some family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas?	The first day of school is fast approaching for K-12 students, but there’s still time for summer fun. Whether the family wants to get up close and personal with wildlife, explore nature, experience immersive art or cool off in a nice pool, Las Vegas offers something for everyone before school bells toll again Aug. 12. This includes seeing big cats at Lion Habitat Ranch, the Flamingo wildlife habitat, the "origins of Las Vegas" at Springs Preserve and more. See our guide.
i_5	Which resort pools admit Las Vegas locals?	As the sun beats hotter and hotter on the Las Vegas Valley throughout the summer, locals without an easy way to cool down may find themselves jealous of the tourists relaxing on their poolside lounge chairs. But there’s no need for bad vibes. Several resorts around the Las Vegas Valley allow area residents into their resort pool areas — some even for free, like Palms and Park MGM. Get your swim on.
i_6	I want to hit the club but don't know where to start. Where should I go?	Twenty-thousand-pound chandeliers, lighting rigs designed to look like spacecraft and $40,000 bottle service. No, there’s nothing quite like the nightlife scene in Las Vegas. But with so many high-end clubs vying for your dollar (dollars by the thousand, to be more accurate), where to begin? Right here with this guide to some of the biggest and best spots on the Strip: Drai's, Hakkasan, Marquee, Omnia and others.