Living In Vegas – VEGAS Unfiltered by Sam Novak

Party with Christina Aguilera at Shade Tree’s ‘Mask Off Gala 2019’ Benefit

Fundraiser at Mansion 54 assists women, children and pets in crisis…

Please join us October 3, 2019 for an evening of celebration and commemoration in honor of 30 years of providing help, healing and hope to the women and children of the Las Vegas Valley. – The Shade Tree

Time is running out to get your tickets for the biggest benefit gala of the season. The Shade Tree presents the 30th Anniversary Mask Off Gala at downtown’s stunning Mansion 54. This year’s party commemorates three decades of hope and help provided by the volunteers and benefactors of The Shade Tree.

Known as a place for growth and brighter futures, The Shade Tree offers a safe haven and assistance for homeless/abused women, children and their pets in times of crisis. A wide array of programs is available from inclement weather sheltering to basic and acute medical care, meals, skill development, mental health services and housing.

You may recall my previous article that mentioned Noah’s Animal House, a partner program that provides sanctuary for the pets of Shade Tree residents. Noah’s Animal House recognizes the risk that pets face in volatile domestic situations, so they provide the very rare service of allowing household animals to join their companions on a journey to a better future.

As you can imagine, all of these services require funding. The Shade Tree relies on volunteers and donors for their continuous operations. This Thursday October 3rd, you can help their mission while having the absolute time of your life. Join your community’s movers, shakers and goodhearted friends at Mask Off Gala 2019.

The cast of LE REVE will perform over Mansion 54’s glass-covered pool…

Starting at 6 pm, VIP ticketholders ($400) will gain early access to a cocktail reception that features a private performance by cast members from LE REVE – THE DREAM. They’ll enjoy generous passed appetizers by Searsucker Las Vegas, a live auction, open bar by Breakthru Beverage Group and early access to the silent auction.

General admission starts at 7 pm and tickets are $200. They include the same open bar, a second performance by LE REVE, interactive art exhibits and “Taste of Downtown Las Vegas”. This presentation of foods from local restaurants features favorites from the likes of Le Thai, PublicUS, Evel Pie, Eureka!, Smashed Pig Gastropub, VegeNation and Santos Guisados Tacos & Beer.

Christina Aguilera is a sponsor and Guest of Honor at Mask Off Gala 2019…

The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be an appearance by Guest of Honor Christina Aguilera. If you’ve been unable to attend Christina Aguilera – The Xperience at Zappos Theater, here’s your chance to get up close and personal with the musical superstar. Aguilera is a proud sponsor of The Shade Tree and her residency at Planet Hollywood donates one dollar of every ticket sold to the 24-hour-accessible emergency shelter.

Cast members of CELESTIA perform at a recent function at Mansion 54…

Mask Off Gala takes place at a beautifully-restored historic property originally known as Hartland Mansion. It’s located just off of Las Vegas Boulevard not far from the Sahara Hotel. Senior Sales Executive Anthony Salamone gave me a behind-the-scenes tour last week and shared a sneak peek at what’s in store for the gala’s guests. I can’t tell too much, but the evening is sure to be etched in the memories of every guest.

Mansion 54 is richly steeped in history from Sin City’s golden era. It’s currently used as a events venue for charitable functions, weddings, music videos, TV/movie scenes and photo shoots. You can learn more about Mansion 54 by visiting the official Facebook page or their dedicated page on the Nevada Film Office website.

The dress code for Mask Off Gala 2019 is “Semi-Formal Masquerade”. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the event runs through 10 pm. Sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting this page. Tickets to the gala are available by clicking HERE.

Mansion 54 is located at 1044 South 6th Street in Las Vegas. Free valet is provided. Street parking is discouraged due to space limitations. Organizers encourage the use of rideshare services such as LYFT and UBER.

Photos: Sam Novak, The Shade Tree, Mansion 54, Christina Aguilera via Facebook, FLO Advertising, Chris V./Kayla R./Richard N. via Yelp!

SERVED – Green Valley’s Culinary Delight

Chef Matthew Myer brings eclectic flair to the neighborhood….

In recent years, the popularity of chef-driven restaurants has exploded. Once centered on the Strip, kitchen wizards have found success in Downtown and surrounding areas. One might observe that the further they get from the tourist district, the more daring and creative they become.

Such is the case with Chef Matthew Meyer. This dynamic young graduate of Pasadena’s Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute is the creator/owner of SERVED, a relatively new restaurant in the McDonald’s Highland area of Henderson. Located at 1770 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, this intimate brunch/dinner establishment is a local gem that’s worth seeking out.

Despite his young age, Chef Meyer has been shaking up the Vegas dining scene for over a decade. You might remember his two iterations of Matteo’s Gourmet Cafe and the popular Just Rollin’. As his exposure in magazines and websites has grown (along with the accolades), so has Chef Meyer’s offerings to the valley. Matteo’s Gourmet Food Services, a high-end catering operation, provides exceptional cuisine for special occasions.

All of this experience and experimentation has culminated in SERVED, Meyer’s latest dine-in endeavor. A sleek yet simple restaurant, SERVED provides Meyer the opportunity to share his latest creations in a personal atmosphere with the highest regard for quality ingredients and skillful preparation.

Chef Meyer describes his approach to the menu as “Cultural favorites, redefined…where guests will have a chance to savor the flavors of the world in a single dish.” Eric C. Gladstone, the marketing powerhouse behind the annual Vegas Unstripped and other highly-regarded food festivals, had this to say about Chef Matt and SERVED:

Chef Matt takes a global approach to his creations, fearlessly crossing culinary boundaries to combine flavors from throughout the Eastern and Western worlds, as well as myriad techniques. But you don’t have to pull apart all the effort in order to enjoy them–the food truly speaks for itself. This is the most exciting breakfast, lunch and dinner food happening in Henderson right now.

With an introduction like that, it would be tough not to have high expectations. But at a recent presentation of his latest dishes, both experts and laypersons like myself were equally impressed by what we sampled.

First up were a few tapas: Asparagus 5 Ways – pureed, grilled, fried, fermented and raw asparagus served alongside a poached egg and hollandaise ($10).

Scallop Benny presents seared scallops, celery root puree, roasted celery root, poached egg and hollandaise, celery/apple salad topped with celery lace tuile ($12).

Fans of deconstructed dishes should get a kick out of Raviolo ($12), a plate of egg yolk, herbed ricotta, herb-laminated fresh pasta, Guiness braised short rib, broccolini and pan sauce.

My personal favorite from the tapas selections was Octopus Benny ($11) served with sesame heirloom tomatoes, white corn puree and uni caviar hollandaise.

Appetizer Beef Tataki ($11) is thinly-sliced and lightly seared mushroom marinated beef with fermented mushroom aioli, parmesan shavings and fried capers.

A few more tapas were distinctly Asian, beginning with Pinchi Kimchi Foie Gras ($12), a seared piece of foie gras atop a rice pancake, served with kimchi, pickled radish, Korean pear salad, crispy fried rice noodle, sesame oil and a soy galbi glaze.

Thai Suckling Pig ($12) is an unforgettable crispy pork belly in sweet soy sauce sprinkled with fried garlic and served with broccolini and a poached egg.

The one dish that everybody buzzed about was Beef Stroganoff ($22) from “Classics Redone”. It’s Guiness braised short ribs atop house made pappardelle and fermented mushrooms. Familiar yet unique, it’s one selection sure to satisfy.

Despite the small size of SERVED’s dining room, the list of stunning dishes is hefty, thanks in no small part to sharing a kitchen with Chef Meyer’s catering service. The daily Brunch Menu lists elaborate benedicts and egg dishes, hash, pancakes, French toast, tacos, sandwiches and a wide variety of gourmet burgers.

Their evening Dinner Menu, Wednesday through Sunday from 3pm to 9pm, ups the ante with an inclusion of salads, “Reverse Brunch” and “Chef Special” entrees. Daily Specials weekdays from 9am to 2pm offer significant savings and even 2-for-1 sandwiches on Tuesday.

As a relatively new local, I’ve enjoyed discovering a wide variety of eclectic and unique dining offerings, some that tourists may sadly never see. But thanks to food enthusiasts like Eric C. Gladstone, Esther’s Kitchen, EDO Gastro Tapas and Wine and the upcoming Graffiti Bao restaurant are getting the exposure and popularity they deserve. Add SERVED to that list, and visit Chef Matt and his team right away.

SERVED is located at 1770 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson/Green Valley. Open Monday and Tuesday 9 – 3, Wednesday to Sunday 9 – 9. Call 702-263-0136

Photos: Sam Novak, SERVED via Facebook

The Remarkable Double Life of CELESTIA’s Roman Mokrenko

Ukrainian aerialist’s gravity-defying career path will astound you…

Click HERE to read via BestOfVegas.com…

UPDATE: Roman has left CELESTIA and is now a part of the cast at Atomic Saloon Show. Read about Roman and the other hot guys in the cast by following this link.

Sometimes the pressure of our daily routine makes us say “I just want to run away and join the circus”. But have you ever known someone who actually has? Well, meet a man who ditched his white-collar career for a chance at Sin City’s newest big tent spectacular.

Roman Mokrenko is a 29-year-old Ukrainian from the port city of Odessa. Known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Odessa boasts amazing architecture and a renowned Opera and Ballet Theater. The natural beauty of the Ukraine is as much a part of Roman as his love for physical arts. A longtime athlete, he studied acrobatics before pursuing a career in law. While attending the National University Odessa Law Academy, he simultaneously became a Junior Lieutenant in Military School.

Being both a lawyer and a military officer didn’t extinguish Roman’s desire to accomplish something artistic:

One moment I just realized that this office life is not for me. I cannot live without a “scene”. Thank God I have a background in acrobatics and artistic gymnastics…I almost never stop training. There is too much energy in my head and body that I have to “splash” somewhere.

If you’re going to make a splash, what better pool than the Las Vegas entertainment scene? There are countless productions here that incorporate aerialists, gymnasts, acrobats and contortionists. So when Roman discovered a casting call for the new circus-style show CELESTIA at The STRAT, he decided to take the plunge.

I applied for the casting without much hope. Here you can see the best artists of the world. I thought it was impossible, but now I’m here! This is my favorite part of life in Las Vegas. I have seen almost every show.

Roman arrived in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day 2018. You might say that this was the beginning of a love affair with Sin City’s desert. Although he misses life by the sea, the excitement of performing in Vegas has allowed Roman to reach new heights. He just had to learn how to deal with the scorching climate.

Air conditioning saves us from extreme heat. But sometimes when I have practice in the afternoon it just helps to warm up and train without a shirt. On stage, the artist must look divine. Not for nothing that I train every day and stay on these diets. If you have something to show off, then why not?

He may joke about flaunting his chiseled abs, but Roman’s physique has landed him several modeling gigs…some of them a bit unusual.

I was a sketch model several times in New York City when the show was being revised. People sit in circles, have drinks and make sketches while you’re almost naked. I’ve had several shoots with photographers…one was for a foot fetish site, haha!

That Ukrainian sense of humor comes through in Roman’s character work for CELESTIA, but it’s his physical abilities that stand out. He hopes that audiences will be inspired by his feats and channel that into their own fitness journey.

We’re on our phones all the time, but we can do it with some “profit”. Keeping in shape is much easier than going in and out of form. For ordinary people (not performers), 30 minutes a day will be enough. Just walk on a treadmill and watch a movie or play a game.

When not entertaining crowds, Roman still finds himself in the company of fellow artists. After a massage and hearty breakfast at Omelet House, he heads to a very unique school:

I like Nevada Rhythmic Academy. It’s a place where I can train, invent new acts, meet artists from other shows and try something new together. There is a real aura of the gym in which I grew up.

Mokrenko is considering buying a home here in Las Vegas, but there are a few dreams overseas yet to realize:

One day I’d like to be live on a stage with Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds or Hans Zimmer. They are my favorites. And I want to perform with Nederlands Dans Theater. It will be an amazing mix between ballet and aerial performance…like dancing in the air!

CELESTIA performs Wednesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. with additional 9 p.m. shows Friday through Sunday.

WAYNE SKIVINGTON OF ‘ZUMANITY’ TALKS FATHER-SON BONDING, VEGAS-STYLE

Cirque du Soleil performer and young son inspire others through fitness…

Click HERE to read this article via BestOfVegas.com…

Raising a child in any large city can be a challenge. You want to be a great role model, provide for your children yet still make their formative years memorable, fun and happy. Now imagine being a single father in “Sin City”…and you’re a performer working late nights in an adult-themed production. That’s the reality of ZUMANITY heartthrob Wayne Skivington.

Skivington was born in a British Military Hospital in Germany. He began formal gymnastics instruction at the age of four and his natural talents were quickly recognized. When his family returned to Great Britain in 1994, Wayne performed in many exhibitions. While representing the nation at an international competition in Palm Springs, his troupe stopped in Las Vegas, visited Treasure Island’s Mystere….and Wayne’s love affair with Cirque du Soleil began.

Mesmerized by the renowned Alexis Brothers’ balancing act, Wayne sent his show reel to Cirque du Soleil along with an employment application. In 2008, as he was about to turn twenty-one, the handsome athlete was invited to join the Montreal-based entertainment company.

To his surprise, Wayne was hired for their Las Vegas division and placed him in Mystere, the very show that had inspired him to apply. Accepting the position required leaving his sports coaching/conditioning studies at University of Leeds, but it’s a decision that Wayne has never regretted.

After his stint at MYSTERE, Skivington became the coach for Criss Angel BeLIEve and joined the cast onstage as a fellow performer. Now thirty-one, he’s a fitness coach at Rebound Vigour during the day and ZUMANITY’s sexy Scotsman at night. His sensual acrobatic routine raises temperatures ten times each week at New York NY Hotel Casino.

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Family fitness program! Encourage a healthy family lifestyle! #cirqueitfit CHECK OUT FULL TRAILER link in our bio

A post shared by IP Fit LLC (@ipfitfun) on Jul 27, 2017 at 9:51pm PDT

Fatherhood has taken Skivington’s personal life to greater heights than a trapeze. Six-year-old son Rowan shares Wayne’s blonde hair and gift for gymnastics and acrobatics. The two have become a worldwide sensation thanks to a series of father/son workout videos that Wayne shared on social media platforms.

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Photos: Marco Poker via IP FIT Facebook page…

Being a single parent with two jobs, I don’t have a great deal of spare time. So, my son is always with me. It was by sheer fluke that one day whilst videoing, like most parents do, I realized my son was copying me working out. He loves attempting to do what daddy does!

Wayne stresses that his time with Rowan isn’t what he considers to be a formal exercise regime. He saves that for personal training sessions, garage and gym workouts…and of course, rehearsals at the theater with show partner Katerina. When Rowan and his dad do their amazing feats, it’s just father-and-son fun.

I think my videos have become popular because I am including my son in my active lifestyle, demonstrating the possibilities that lie with the greatest tool we own… our bodies! They can also see the trust my son has in me and the confidence I am building in him, all achieved through bonding during our playtime.

There’s no question that raising a little one in a city-wide adult playground poses its own challenges. Wayne has the unique added complexity of being in a production meant for mature eyes only. But this son of a military officer grew up quickly on a worldwide stage. He’s gained a lifetime of practical experience that most parents would never have exposure to.

Now Wayne is sharing his knowledge and perspectives by bringing fitness to families. He’s created a program called IP FIT FUN, which combines time-management principals with exercises that utilize your most valuable equipment – your own body.

IP FIT FUN helps parents teach basic fundamentals of movement (to their children) through interaction and bonding. (They learn) to work out at home using body-weight exercises. Kids just soak up everything they see and realize anything is possible with a little dedication.

I want to encourage people to be a good role model, live a healthier lifestyle whilst having fun with the family, enriching relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.

As for the possibility of a father-son acrobatics act? Only time will tell if Rowan follows his dad’s footsteps into acrobatics and performance. But for now, he’s off to an amazing start. And his father will be there every step of the way.

“You are my motivation, my inspiration and my drive! I do it all for you”…

– Wayne Skivington

Pics courtesy Wayne Skivington social media, individual photographers credited there…

Critical Care Comics: Superheroes for Ailing Children

Las Vegas volunteer organization delivers heartwarming escapism to young hospital patients….

When I was seven years old, this writer was stricken with a condition that baffled doctors. After spending an entire summer indoors, I was transferred to a major hospital in Pittsburgh. There I was placed in isolation for a series of tests and eventually, surgery.

Being so far from home and away from my pets, friends and family was terrifying. I remember looking out my hospital window at that huge city as the sun went down, crying and wondering why my mom had left me here all alone. All I had to comfort me was a battery-operated radio and a stuffed animal that was incinerated as a precautionary measure.

That was a long time ago, but I still carry the scars of the experience…both on my body and inside my heart. Recollections of that trauma remain, and when I hear about efforts to ease the fears of sick and suffering children, it strikes a deep chord.

Marketing Director Danny Ballard and Dani Harter as “Captain Marvel”

While attending the film premiere of Immortal Wars: Resurgence recently at AMC Town Square, I learned about Critical Care Comics. The gentleman manning their lobby display was Richard Tango, a handsome and absurdly charismatic young man who told me about their mission.

“Immortal Wars” actor Ronnie Lloyd Nanos and Richard Tango at AMC…

Critical Care Comics is a local non-profit. We dress like superheroes and deliver comic books to sick kids all over Las Vegas. We visit every major children’s care facility in the city and also provide smiles to children at Cure 4 the Kids Foundation, a chemotherapy treatment center, and Care Meridian, a long-term children’s care facility.

Not only is Mr. Tango an excellent representative for Critical Care Comics, he portrays Marvel hero “Iron Man” during visits to hospitals. Hearing about this charity brought back plenty of emotions….so much so that I had to excuse myself for awhile to regain composure.

Richard Tango (left) and Dan Glitch as Captain America…

The reason Critical Care Comics was present that evening was to accept donations of comics books and funds…and also to spread awareness about their wonderful mission. Many of the volunteers have stories similar to my own…often much more severe. Mr. Tango told me that both he and founder Jason Golden are survivors of childhood cancer.

Mr. Golden describes the experience when the Critical Care volunteers visit children:

When we walk in, we are approaching kids who are leagues above us. Our strength, our speed, our will is nothing compared to what they’re bringing. These kids are anything but kids. There are times when they are sure they don’t have a favorite super hero. They are sure they don’t read comics. They are SURE that their situation won’t be better just because a group of people in costumes came in to say “Hi”.

And then we walk out of those rooms, and if you were to turn around just for an instant; blink and you’ll miss it. You will see those kids pick up a comic book. You would think it was a caveman inspecting the first wheel. But for them, it’s like discovering FIRE.

For a kid who was so SURE of things. We got them curious about what could be. We got them wondering about whats on the next page. We gave them an escape from what’s practical and probable and got them believing in the IMPOSSIBLE…if only for 28 pages.

Director of Marketing Danny Ballard has been passionate about comics his entire life. He created the Critical Care Comics blog to keep the public up to date on fundraisers and events. This past December he and the volunteers held a Heroes & Villains Ball downtown at The Nerd, a Cocktails-and-Cosplay nightspot at Neonopolis.

Described as a “winter cosplay formal event”, the Heroes and Villains Ball offered a raffle, silent auction and a costume contest with prizes provided by local businesses and supporters. Of course, there was a DJ and dancing, so you could swing with Superman, waltz with Wolverine and tango with Thor.

Starlord and Gamora at Let’s Be More Than Super Friends fundraiser…

Last month’s fundraiser was the Valentine’s Day-themed Let’s Be More Than Superfriends. Held at Millenium Fandom Bar in the Arts District, this fundraiser also had a raffle and costume contest, but upped the ante with a special twist:

To raise money for our charity, we auctioned off dates with superheroes like Spider-Man, Spider-Gwen, Mary Jane, Deadpool, Starfire, and Wonder Woman (just to name a few). We hoped it would be fun, but we never imagined that it would help us raise over $2000!

Despite all of that fun and frivolity at gatherings like these, the special people of Critical Care Comics know that their main reason for coming together is to help the children. And since they’re continuing to grow and expand their efforts, there’s always a need for more volunteers.

You can help behind the scenes by collecting and sorting comics, assisting in media and publicity…or by portraying one of their inspirational superheroes. There are currently openings for Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy), Thor, Aquaman, and any other superhero character not already on their roster (Vegas performers, take note!!!). You can offer your assistance by clicking HERE. Of course they always accept child-friendly comics books, too.

People need heroes because heroes save or improve lives and because heroes are inspiring. … Heroes elevate us emotionally; they heal our psychological ills; they build connections between people; they encourage us to transform ourselves for the better; and they call us to become heroes and help others. Jason Golden

If you’d like to donate to Critical Care Comics or learn more, visit their website by clicking HERE.

Local “Pampered Chefs” Bring the Excitement of Italy to Your Home

Chef Piero Barbagallo and his colleagues help you to create a four-star Italian dining experience for your guests…

In today’s fast-paced world, the popularity of TV food channels and cooking classes continues to grow. Now you can experience the best of both in your own Vegas kitchen…with a world-renowned chef assisting you all the way.

Meet Chef Piero Barbagallo, a manic ball of energy who hails from Palermo, Italy. Chef Piero has cooked at some of the finest restaurants around the world. He’s also been Food and Beverage Manager for a little-known gentleman named Wolfgang Puck, done the same for Trump Tower Las Vegas and has an impressive history of hospitality and management at New York NY, Bellagio and Palazzo.

With credentials like those, it’s hard to grasp that a man of such revered status would be available to cook and entertain in your kitchen, but that’s exactly what Pampered Chef provides. Barbagallo and other members of the Pampered Chef team help you to host parties that spread the word on their products and services while giving you and your friends a true interactive experience.

While Chef Piero treasures his history with several popular Strip restaurants, the exhaustive hours were chipping away at precious time with his young daughter. “I wanted to try something different that would allow me to be home when my daughter returned from school. I’ve been with Pampered Chef only since December, but I already love it!”

It’s clear that Chef Piero’s outgoing personality and passion for his craft are ideal for this type of venture. “I love food. I love people. And I love to entertain. Let me cook for and with you” he exclaims.

Preparations were well underway when I arrived early for a 6 pm party. Chef Piero had already organized the ingredients, which are purchased by the party’s hosts. Special guest Chef Massimilliano Lanzafame of Sicily was hard at working creating a batch of dough. Bottles of wine and Pampered Chef catalogs/pamphlets were spread out on the reception table along with some snacks.

The host location for the party was the Summerlin home of Marina Johnson. Ms. Johnson is an Advanced Director/Trainer who leads her own team of Pampered Chefs. And she made one hell of an eggplant dish just for me when I revealed that my diet plan prohibited me from indulging in the evening’s featured dish….authentic homemade ravioli with bruschetta.

As the three Italians bantered throughout the kitchen in their native language, the flurry of activity felt like a warm, chaotic ballet. A growing number of arrivals filled the kitchen and were invited to have wine, ask questions and participate in the preparation. It all came together in an evening that was part show, part lesson…and all unforgettable fun.

Pampered Chef offers a lot more than in-home cooking parties. They’re a multi-level marketing company that produces kitchen tools, food products and recipe books for the home. Party guests can order items that they’ve tried, take a catalog home and even host a Pampered Chef party for themselves. That gets you free items and substantial discounts to turn your everyday kitchen into a culinary wizard’s workshop.

Although Ms. Johnson’s team consists of the finest Italian chefs, that’s far from the only cuisine that Pampered Chef can do. For instance, February is “Wine, Cheese and Chocolate” Month. Perhaps you’d prefer “Fajitas and Margaritas” or “Fast and Fresh Weeknight Meals”. Whatever your taste, there’s a Pampered Chef theme for you.

Not everyone is a natural-born entertainer (I’m certainly not). And how often do you say “I wish that I (or my spouse) could be a better cook”? With Pampered Chef, your wishes can easily become a reality. They can handle just about any special social event and help you to get it off the ground.

Let Pampered Chef organize your wedding/baby shower, birthday party or fundraiser. Or you can just arrange a traditional Tupperware-style catalog party to introduce your friends to the products they offer…and make a tidy profit for yourself at the same time.

If you’d like to view one of Chef Piero’s cooking classes remotely, tune to his frequent virtual demonstrations via Facebook Live. Or you can cheer him on in person this February 13th when he competes at CHEF BATTLE LAS VEGAS. The event begins 6 pm at Hofbrauhaus, 4510 Paradise Road.

To schedule a cooking party with Chef Piero Barbagallo, call or text him at 702-544-3173 and say that Sam from Vegas Unfiltered sent you. To learn more about Pampered Chef products and services, contact Marina Johnson via this link.

Photos: Sam Novak, Chef Piero Barbagallo

Hot Guys of Vegas: Gentlemen of Influence

Continuing my series on good-looking men who make Sin City a better place to live. In this chapter I visit stylish, classy guys who carry a lot of cultural weight. They’re a whole different kind of “Gentleman’s Club”.

Ricci Lopez-Hammargren – stylist/journalist/voice actor/entrepreneur

Ricci Lopez-Hammargren

Where you’ve seen him – FOX Sports/STITCHED menswear/magazines

It’s often said that when you look good, you feel good. And when you’re wearing a great outfit, your behavior and manners tend to become elevated. That’s how Ricci Lopez-Hammargren has made a significant cultural impact on the male of our species. He’s taken the very definition of “gentleman” and turned it into a living, breathing thing.

Ricci is the handsome face and a guiding force behind STITCHED, the men’s haberdashery at Cosmopolitan that I told you about a few months ago. Much more than a clothing boutique, STITCHED promotes a lifestyle of manners, class, dignity…and quite a lot of fun.

Ricci enjoys bringing his unique talents to the masses. He does so by outfitting many of the most cutting-edge celebrities and athletes in the world today. They turn to Ricci to make themselves better, thereby influencing their followers to do the same.

I’ve had the pleasure of watching Mr. Lopez-Hammargren in action a few times, most notably when he hosted a “Bad Santa” party at TAO Nightclub last month. He’s clearly revered by colleagues, friends and others around him. They’re energized by Ricci’s positivity and overwhelming charm. In our current society, where decorum and manners have seemingly taken flight to parts unknown, it’s wonderful to have men like Ricci Lopez-Hammargren to balance things out.

Notable traits – brooding gaze, warm heart

Mark Shunock – philanthropist/entertainer/emcee

Mark Shunock

Where you’ve seen him – Mondays Dark/Rock of Ages/LV Golden Knights

It’s truly impossible to discuss Las Vegas humanitarian efforts and NOT mention Mark Shunock. This multi-talented hunk personifies community charity on a scale few have ever envisioned, let alone achieve.

As the creator of Mondays Dark and The Space, Mark and his team have raised close to a million dollars for local charities. You can read all about Mondays Dark in my recently-published article on its Five Year Anniversary.

Mark’s a high-energy guy that never sits still. Whether he’s hosting a performance, singing, dancing or emceeing a Golden Knights game, Mark’s attention-grabbing voice and handsome face will hold your attention throughout the final moments. He and wife Cheryl Daro are especially fond of benefits for local animal shelters and have even hosted an adoption drive at The Space.

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Of course, the fact that Mark’s one ridiculously handsome fella ensured that he would eventually make this column. That hair! Those teeth! The matinee-idol looks! No wonder audiences swooned when he entered the stage in the long-running ROCK OF AGES. Even with the mullet wig and 80’s threads, it was impossible to disguise Shunock’s hunk status. Nothing but a good time, Mark!

Notable traits – rosy cheeks, bedroom eyes

Gordon Prouty – public relations/media magnate/fashion icon

Gordon Prouty

Where you’ve seen him – media events/Westgate Las Vegas/charity functions

Any article on Las Vegas’ influential culture is destined to feature Gordon Prouty prominently. This fine gentleman is class personified. The fact that Gordon is such a beloved member of the professional community nicely compliments his status as the city’s best dressed man.

Gordon Prouty is the go-to emcee for any type of media event. He’s a perfect blend of wit, knowledge, charisma, humor and eye candy. “Everyone loves Gordy” is a phrase you’ll often hear when Mr. Prouty is at the podium. From awards programs that honor tech wizards to gatherings that recognize accomplished female professionals, Gordon is the voice and face pf many community functions.

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One of the great things about Gordon is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s always approachable, lighting up the room with his radiant smile and impressive tan. And even though his collection of suits is to be envied, this fitness fanatic looks just as stunning in workout wear.

A true inspiration, Gordon’s tireless efforts to educate, motivate and accelerate the cultural growth of Las Vegas makes him the ultimate role model. I’m proud to call him a friend.

Jamal Parker – publisher/restaurateur/advertising

Jamal Parker

Where you’ve seen him – media gatherings/community events

Our final example of refined class and influence comes courtesy of Jamal Parker. This handsome man about town is a publisher at Greenspun Media Group, the Vegas-based company behind such popular mags as Las Vegas Weekly and Vegas2Go. He’s also worked for labor relations at Bally’s and Paris casinos, owned and operated his own upscale jazz/blues restaurant in Philadelphia (Le Cochon Noir) and served as General Sales Manager for Clear Channel Radio.

Chances are you’ll see Jamal and pal Gordon Prouty at the same events, as both are quite involved in the community efforts of Greenspun Media. Mr. Parker tends to gather crowds at any social function, drawing people in with his powerful voice, sly grin and epic storytelling skills. There’s no subject that Jamal can’t produce a great tale about.

Despite his refined presentation, Jamal is often just as comfortable hunkering down with his favorite team jersey. Whether sipping a fine wine at Edge Steakhouse or cheering on the Golden Knights at Lucky’s Lounge, Jamal knows how to savor every bit of fun and excitement that life in Las Vegas has to offer.

A true family man, Jamal is rarely without the companionship of gorgeous wife Mackenzie. Together with their twin son and daughter, this foursome is a close-knit unit of happiness, love and togetherness. While Sin City can be a rather….er, “complex” place to raise a family, these fine folks make it look easy…and beautiful.

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Noteworthy traits – basso profundo voice, fleet-footed dancing skills

All of the gentlemen you’ve met above exemplify a new standard for being a “Hot Guy in Vegas”. I’m sure their friends, families and partners will agree.

Do you know someone who would make a great “Hot Guys of Vegas” candidate? Send me an email at sam@vegasunfiltered.blog and you may see them here in a future chapter.