Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News February 22, 2002

Award shows are spreading up all over the place little ones, big ones, and international awards shows. And now Channel 35, KYRK the new kid on the block has had their own award show. The difference however is that they help the little people. One of 40 stations owned and operated by Mako Communications Channel 35 provides more local programming to the community then any of the other stations in Las Vegas.

Which brings me to the point of the KYRK Channel 35 Awards Banquet held at Amlee Gourmet last Saturday. It was a fun night especially for our former Lieutenant Governor Lonnie Hammergren, who incidentally is one of the great neurosurgeons of our time.

Audie Morrow the national engineer for Mako Communications announced the awards for the evening starting with Ron Knight and his lovely Co-Host Kimberly, who host Out of Control, a late night weekly show discussing people's sexual preferences among other things. Well you should have seen some of those T.V. clips

The biggest laugh was the award Ron received showing the hips of peanut butter. I will let you imagine the rest check the cup out that Ron is holding in the picture. Ron by the way is also performing at the HOP on Friday nights. Another interesting award had gone to Jere Morrisey and Minnie Coston who received a certificate of appreciation from Bobbie Morrow, the Sales Manager of KYRK. Morrisey is a retired real-estate broker who is publishing a book on cooking and flying. Morrisey attends many of the T.V. Tapings at KYRK, bringing some of his famous chili dishes for tasting. It is somewhat like having a big happy family, Folks who have no premonition, who are down to earth. There were many other awards especially those who were presented with a shovel. That's for people who talk a lot but don't always get the job done. Oh well enough already.

Steven Lee the proprietor of Amlee Gourmet, who is also known for his creative cooking said he enjoys playing host to award shows. Many of the political figures of our community attend fund raisers at his restaurant. The unique point about Steven is his talents as a junket host. Here is a man who knows some of the wealthiest gamblers in Asia. Steven is helping the economy of Las Vegas. Congratulations Steven

What is it like to separate your spirit from your mind? That is a very good question which is unanswered by those who are not willing to make changes in their lives. Chris Liles, world renowned sculpture and artist who was mentioned in last weeks column is one of those rare individuals who can attest to the productivity of accessing and knowing your inner being. According to Liles, gut instinct is your spirit which will never fail you.

If you can use that in your daily living, keeping all that is around you positive, there is nothing you can't accomplish. Perhaps that is why some people can accomplish in 15 minutes what it takes others to accomplish in 7 years. I didn't talk about focusing and how to go about this. However, if you would like a copy of the manuscript entitled Accessing and Knowing Your Inner Being, mail your request to CSN News 2700 State Street suite B2 Las Vegas, NV. 89109. There will be no charge. This is a gift for those who want fuller communication with life.

The Scintas, the family entertainment show which includes comedy, and anything from Joe Cocker to, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Frank Sinatra has taken Las Vegas by storm. The Scintas are enjoying a tremendous success in Las Vegas. Frank Scinta said the group has been touring for 20 years before they arrived in Las Vegas. The Scintas first started at the Las Vegas Hilton's Night Club for an unlimited engagement then moving to the Masquerade Showroom at the Rio. Each one of the Scintas enjoys Las Vegas and believes it is a great community for raising a family. Many celebrities frequent their show including up and coming artist. Antonio Mecheri, a new world recording artist signed to Music Masters was very touched by the Scintas sincerity. "I was moved by the tribute that Frankie and his sister sang in honor to our American Soldiers and their families; it brought tears to my eyes."

A congratulation is the appropriate way to thank Absolute Boxing and Fitness Gym for providing young people a way to keep active in a positive manner. The Gym which open Friday, February the 15th is the own and operated by Johnny McClain. It is also the home of Laila Ali the daughter of Muhammad Ali who appeared at the opening. Absolute Boxing and Fitness Gym is also the home of Absolute Entertainment which promotes boxing events such as the Bell Griffin and Kline Smith on February the 17th .

Until next week we invite you to log onto our site www.celebrityscene.com or email me at peter@celebrityscene.com.

Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News February 6, 2002

Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado, situated along 26 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island is a paradise by itself and considered one of the world's most beautiful resorts by the Las Angeles Magazine and Travel Leisure Magazine. Celebrity Scene News rates the Del Coronado as one of the top 10 resorts in the world as well as USA Today. A national historic landmark the 114 year old resort has a history which dates back to 1889 when US Presidents and Movie Stars have used it as a getaway to enjoy its Victorian architecture and romantic settings.

In 1988 I had the pleasure of celebrating its 100th birthday "Centennial Celebration", with over 50 stars of stage and screen. It was a remarkable journey into the past, interviewing legends the late Glen Ford, Debbie Reynolds, and Tony Curtis, who I bump into at many functions in Las Vegas. The late Van Johnson adored The Dell as it is commonly referred to. Donald O' Connor, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, and Connie Stevens where just a few of the celebrities I was able to chat with including many music stars such as Marilyn McCoo, and Billy Davis Jr. Now in 2002 I had a chance to enjoy the new Del Coronado Hotel which has completed 55 Million dollar restoration program, including two new restaurants, the Sheerwater and the Prince of Wales, a shopping mall, and guest rooms, which brings me to our journey at the Prince of Wales Restaurant. There I met Chef Michael Quigley along with Wine Stewart, Jason Bernardo, two very charming gentlemen, who enjoy the passion of creating food and selecting wine. My suggestion when dinning at the Prince of Wales is to take a culinary journey by trying the chefs tasting menu. Here is what $95.00 will do for your taste buds. Let's begin with Garlic Soup perfumed with Truffle and a glass Hugel Gewurztraminer, Alsace 2000, next, Quinoa, Salsify, and Watercress Cream, and a glass of Hill of Content "Benjamins Blend", Western Australia 2000. The main outré consist of Breast of Pheasant with Braised Leeks, and Apricot Gastric, accompanied with a glass of Robert Stemmler Pinot, Sonoma Country, 1998. Our culinary journey ends with Laguiole Poached Pear with a glass of Hill of Content "Old Vines Grenache - Shiraz", South Australia, 2000. Wait just a moment. For dessert we were served Lemon Vacherin, which is Citrus Sorbet, accompanied with a glass of Bonny Doon "Vin de Glaciere" Muscat, Nappa Valley, 1999. My guest for the evening included world famous artist and sculpture Chris Liles, Hotelier Bill Mincey, and Michelle Hodo, Inventor Dennis Bartelmo, and Justin Fil. All where delighted with our culinary journey. Incidentally the Prince of Wales Restaurant is as good as any five star restaurants I have dined in. I think you will find the prices quite reasonable with an ocean dinning view that is breathtaking.

Chris Liles with one of His Masterpeice art forms.

"Her Spirit Soars"

Jamie Fox says that Las Vegas is a "happening place". The talented comedian and actor should know, he bought a home on Sunrise Mountain a few years ago. Recently at his birthday bash at Club Seven, some cute birdies (Ladies) said Fox had no problem with self esteem. Fox has a tendency to be a bit arrogant at times. We all have to have some type of ego to handle showbiz. This business will cut you down to a mustard seed. So I suppose you ladies will forgive Mr. Fox for being arrogant at times.

Pete Allman with Jamie Fox

Buck McNeely shown in this column with actor Peter Breck, said attending NATPE (National Association of Television Producers and Executives), was very successful for his company. "Although the attendance was down this year, there were a lot of serious buyers attending the market. My show the Outdoorsmen is in over 218 markets including my favorite place, Las Vegas."

Jennifer Janesko Paints Model at Chameleon Studios Party

Pete Allman listens intently to Chazz Palminteri

Cheryl Irwin, CEO of Irwin Productions introduced me to several stellar celebrities at her Chameleon Studios. Tucker Tooley, Producer of Poolhall Junkies, and one of the all-time great actors, Chazz Palminteri and Michael Rosenbaum along with Mars Callahan all starred with Christopher Walken in Poolhall Junkies. Palminteri, a very subdued individual, flat out told me that he “doesn’t gamble and doesn’t care to talk about politics,” i.e., the struggle of the Screen Actors Guild or the thousands of screen actors out of work. He did however, give a thumbs up to Cine Vegas Film Festival.

Among other celebrities who attended the Cine Vegas Film Festival events were Gianni Russo, Rich Little, Clint Holmes, Robin Leach, Darren Romeo, Lance Burton, Earl Turner, Charo, Sigfried and Kenny Kerr Superstars who attended the festival and also played at the Palms Hotel and Casino in the Black Jack tournament include Dustin Hoffman, Elliot Gould, and Joey Villa. Gianni V. Russo who we remember owning the State Street Restaurant and Night Club has been quite active in films, from the The God Father to films ranging from $50 Million and up. A resident of Las Vegas, and LA, Russo fore sees the motion picture industry having a second base here. His overall view of the Cinevegas Film Feastival was that could become famous as the Cannes Film Feastival.

Gianni V. Russo, right shows Pete Allman how to be a tough guy.

Local Dining Spots

Just about 35 minutes from downtown Las Vegas, you can make a quick getaway to the Hacienda Hotel and Casino, formerly the Gold Strike Inn. It is located just outside of Boulder City on Highway 93; I came across one of the best-kept secrets in the state. It’s the Hacienda Steak House located tucked away east of the entrance of the Hotel. An added attraction is the private waiting room where cocktails are served. The Hacienda has a friendly staff with none of that ‘stuffy attitude.’ Karen Ceba, the restaurant Manager is the most hospitable and Colleen, my waitress was very knowledgeable with the menu. If you’re looking for a good steak, delicious chicken, and tableside dining with items such as, spinach salad or Caesar’s salad, then the Hacienda Steak House is the place to go. For reservations call (702) 293-5000.

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant

I recently met recording artist, Negest “Nikki” Tsegaye at the Meskerem Restaurant, which specializes in Ethiopian cuisine. It is located in the Sumerset Shopping Center. She was there ordering Ethiopian cuisine that is very spicy, but healthy. In addition to talking about her career, she recommended that I try the Vegetable Delight; a platter served with ethy-pita bread where collard greens, cabbage, salad green beans and a red-split lentil peas are served with fish.

The custom is to use the pita bread to pick up the vegetables, when eating this delicious cultural dish. During our conversation, Nikki informed me that there are also lamb, chicken and meat dishes, which range from $7.00 to $10.00. Actually, when you think about it, $50 would feed six to ten people. It certainly an economical way to dine. The restaurant is open from 11:00am to 4:00am daily, (702) 732-1002 Monday through Sunday. Call Tesfaye Armide, the Owner, and tell them Pete sent you.

Incidentally, Nikki has a new CD that she’s working on, which will be eleased internationally on a major label. Currently you can pick up her CD at the Meskerem Market, called Nikki Songs – (Endetamanahiut) on E. Afrik Entertainment.

Remember to check out KDWN 720 AM on your dial, Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s at 1:00pm and for great show tickets call 385-7212 or 385-7213. Till then smile and remember the mark of greatness is truly upon you.

Until next week we invite you to log onto our site www.celebrityscene.com or email me at peter@celebrityscene.com.