Arts & Entertainment THE BEST OF EVERYTHING Vegas, Frisco ••• And Venice? An erzatz Rat Pack, a wayward wharf, and Rivers cruising a river. T he evening's brightest spot was and bus driver at a Las Vegas provided by two former Detroiters Strip hotel and Chris is at Hard ... It was at the Sahara Hotel Rock Cafe's sports book. in Las Vegas where I had gone to hear All three go under their another attempt by four gents trying hard true family name of Slepsky, to impersonate former showbiz legends but on musical gigs like club that wowed audiences at the former Sands dates, weddings, casino lounge Hotel ... Rat Pack guys Frank Sinatra, acts, etc., they still use Rose Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey ... Chris on drums, Tony, bass, Bishop ... Peter Lawford was the other and Gary, guitar ... David's member. brother, Kevin DiCosta, piano Many folks will remember the drummer tickling, sometimes accompa- in the seven-piece orchestra that backed nies the boys. up the Sahara show ... He is localite Billy I like to stay at the Flamingo Hotel Rose's grandson and played with the Billy because it brings back many memories, Rose Quartet at the former Excalibur on but also enjoy Las Vegas's other proper- Northwestern and 12 Mile, Southfield, ties with their distinctive qualities ... The before it became Pi and Venetian, where I stayed now the Pub. on this trip, is owned Doing Frank Sinatra by Sheldon Adelson and was David DiCosta, beyond comparison son of the late Ronnie as probably one of the Shandor, Billy's cousin most beautiful hotel and former songster sights in the world ... A and bass player. FRAN% SIN.s.": RA replica of Venice, Italy's FAN MARTIN The four guys mak- SAMMY 3AVIS JR St. Mark's Square (with- P=T ER taWF ; ing up the Rat Pack out the pigeons) with impersonation at the restaurants, continuous Sahara worked up a big stage entertainment, sweat in trying their puppets, guys and gals darnedest to please ... on stilts, walking stat- It wouldn't be fair for ues, magnificent archi- me to make any com- tecture, etc. ... Lunch at ments about a copy Wolfgang Puck's Postrio after being one of the Bar & Grill in St. Mark's lucky ones to have seen The Rat Pack Square, although well- the real Rat Pack that designed did not seem wowed them at the Sands. to live up to the magnificent surroundings Buddy Hackett's son Bobby is the show's while failing to please with the bland over- producer. priced food presented by gracious servers. Remember Billy Rose's three sons who But this is Las Vegas today, much unlike also played in groups with him? ... Gary yesteryears when every stop brought more is a dealer at the Luxor Hotel, Tony a limo enjoyment ... The commercialism has • taken over in a cold big busi- bib and prepared to dig into the simmer- ness way, omitting so much ing bowl filled with sea-faring goodies many of those wonderful per- ... But our joy was short-lived ... Higher sonal touches. priced and little taste ... It was quite obvi- A food winner on the strip ous that something seemed to be lacking is at the Venetian ... I enjoy ... Just a bad experience in my opinion ... good food, good service and This could not be he same one I had heard reasonable prices that don't about and so will try it again at another have rip-off odors ... These time ... Scoma's is too highly regarded as I discovered at the Venetian's a fine seafood restaurant not to have a bet- Grand Lux Cafe, a sister ter Cioppino. of Cheesecake Factory ... Delicatessens in Excellent menu, tasty food, San Francisco goodly portions and down-to-earth prices. are everywhere Seventy-seven-year-old Joan Rivers it seems, but appearing at the Venetian, loves riding a not Jewish gondola and "having a gondolier sing to ones ... you:' but former Detroiters Joe and Helen mostly Italian, Mimmerman came over to take a gon- Polish, German, dola ride in remembrance of their visit to etc. ... Fisherman's Venice and Joe says they had a gondolier Wharf is an experience, at the Venetian that never uttered a peep. with the crowded walks and open-air stores Productions shows have taken over that sell everything, even the kitchen sink entertainment in Las Vegas ... The regu- ... The wharf itself is a must-see, especially lars acts are always on stage, like the best, when boats come in filled with catches of David Copperfield, but only a few big the day for restaurants to serve ... And, names, Cher, Donnie and Marie and Barry of course, the many outdoor stalls selling Manilow while I was there ... Going to seafood catches folks drool over ... Miami Las Vegas used to be so much more fun as has its South Beach famous for the diet hotels outdid each other with name acts. named after it and San Francisco has its If you're dressed smartly or wear a North Beach, a "Little Italy" noted for Italian jacket, you are seemingly out of place ... restaurants with their putting-on-pounds The look is informal comfort, but to yes- pasta dishes. teryears visitors looking good was also an CONGRATS ... To Melissa Litvin on important feel of comfort. her 42nd birthday ... To Wilbert "Willie" IN SAN FRANCISCO, I had sort Blake on his 72nd birthday ... To Hyman of a mission ... It was to find a better "Hy" and Marilyn Blinder on their 63rd Cioppino than the one I've had at Tadish anniversary ... To Bernard "Bernie" and Grill with its clams, prawns, scallops, Charlotte Biegel on their 65th anniversary bay shrimp, crabmeat. whitefish, etc. ... To Allan and Dorrann Rosenberg on ... Hearing so much about Scoma's at their 68th anniversary. ❑ Fisherman's Wharf, it was with an antici- pated taste treat that we donned a plastic Danny's address is dannyraskin@sbcglobal.net . 0. 000fIllr7"1" ::%N. • • I moir / 0 off Your Food ill y .::_" 1 B I Try the new Tavern On 13 and receive 25% off your food bill* with this coupon Valid thru November 15th, 2010 17600 W 13 mile Rd. Beverly Hills Mi. 48025 (248) 647-7747 www.mattprenticerg.com 68 October 28 • 2010 Not valid with gift cards, certificates .or frequent diners rewards. Does not apply to private parties, alcohol or any other promotion Limited to parties of 8 or less MI IIMM NMI MN MI