Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News 6/19/2002

John Ritter (of Three’s Company fame) visited Cine Vegas Film Festival and signed autographs last week. Ritter, who frequents Las Vegas, shared some of his fondest thoughts of our city. “My Dad was Tex Ritter, the Country and Western recording artist. And when I was young we used to come down to the Showboat where Dad performed. Today, Las Vegas has evolved into a melting pot of diverse cultures, not to mention some of the grandest hotels in the world Ritter, who was here with his family isn’t a gambler, but he said if he was going bet on anything, it would be the success of the Cine Vegas Film Festival. The festival he said, “has presented some really great

films and has gotten off to a good start.” “Tadpole” -- a film that was shown at the Cine Vegas

Film Festival, starred John Ritter, Sigourney Weaver, and Aaron Stanford who played the part of Oscar Grubman, a very intelligent 15-year-old, who speaks French and reads Voltaire and is bored with immature girls at a boarding school. When he returned home to Manhattan for Thanksgiving, he decided to profess his love for the woman he really wants; Eve, his Stepmother (Sigourney Weaver). Things don’t quite as planned as he tries to escape the pursuit of Eve’s best friend, Diane, (played by Bebe Neuwirth) and his father’s dutiful concern. In the conclusion of our conversation, I asked John if he’d also like to produce and direct films. Ritter said that he’d “much rather be an actor. Directing takes too much patience, and producing isn’t my forte.” .

La Jolla Getaway

Sea Lodge

Take a journey with me to the ocean breezes, and sandy beaches, while we lounge and sip Pina Coladas. Relaxing isn’t it? Yes my friends we all need to get away to rekindle our energies. But where does one go where the cost of lodging is reasonable? The Sea Lodge on La Jolla shores beach in California. A family can enjoy the magical setting of the salt air breezes, while watching the sunset. Now that’s the life!

The Sea Lodge is located twenty minutes southwest of San Diego next to the Underwater Park, where you can enjoy, a six-hundred acre ecological refuge, which attracts an abundance of marine life and scuba divers. Don’t expect a four-season type of atmosphere at the Sea Lodge, but rather a comfortable place for the family to hang loose. Each room at the Sea Lodge of which there are 128 rooms, has a Spanish Mediterranean style, which is clustered around a courtyard filled with terra cotta fountains and lush landscaping. So bring some food and store it in the refrigerator supplied in each room, or stay in one of the kitchenettes, which include, micro-wave, stove/oven, and a full-size refrigerator, with dishes and a full compliment of silverware.

A vacation at the Sea Lodge will not be complete without enjoying a romantic dinner with an ocean view. The Shores Restaurant, inside the Sea Lodge, is surely

the perfect setting.

Kevin Takei, Chef de Cuisine, who works under the supervision of Executive Chef Bernard Guillas, is meticulous in preparing the freshest seafood. Takei came from a diversified family. His father is Japanese and his mother is Irish. “Everything I ate growing up was fresh and cooked by my parents. I earned my first Boy Scout Lodge badge cooking Boeufa la Bourguignonne straight from Julia Childs.” Takei knows whereof he speaks. He was formerly at the Four Seasons in New Port Beach, then transferred to the Four Seasons at Maui-Wailin, Hawaii. After that he moved over to the Hotel Del Coronado, in San Diego, where he oversaw the Prince of Wales Restaurant and the opening of the Sheerwater Restaurant also at the Hotel Del Coronado. The Shores Restaurant is without question the most reasonably priced menu in San Diego. The Coastal Sunset Dinner menu is served Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Some of the entree’s include, Shores House Smoked Salmon, Baked Brie Stuffed Portobello Mushroom, Yukon Gold and Leek Soup, Raspberry Glazed Salmon, Southern California Seafood Gumbo and Garlic Prime Rib. Prices vary from $9.95 to $14.95. Chef Takei also presents the Shores Seafood Buffet every Friday with over 50 delectable dishes for only $22.95. There is also a Sunday Brunch served at $18.95; every item is served fresh, and Mr. Takei even has his own private fisherman, which provide him with fresh seafood. Of course other seafood, not located on the California coast is flown in fresh. For reservations call (858) 456-0600.

Jennifer Janesko Paints Model at Chameleon Studios Party

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.

Pete Allman listens intently to Chazz Palminteri

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.

Celebrity Scene Pete Allman

The Cine Festival with the good graces of the Entertainment Development Corporation had an exciting opening gala last Saturday. The gala, which was held at the Palms Hotel had many young filmmakers and with a special appearance by film star, Mickey Rourke. Not long ago I spoke with Leslie Nielsen about filmmaking in Las Vegas. “Vegas is a wonderful playground. I don’t think it’s going to replace Hollywood in terms of filmmaking. However, as a location spot, I think more producers will use Las Vegas in that realm.” I also spoke with Director, Bob Weimer, who relocated to Las Vegas a few years ago, and has won a couple of Peabody Awards, not to mention his work with Big Blue Marlin, which received 13 Emmys -- spoke to me about the changing technology in theaters. According to Weimer, “Some theaters have switched over from the 35m films to DVD. This is very cost effective, even though, it can’t compare to the quality of film. Most people that I’ve spoken to really couldn’t tell the difference.” We’ll talk more about filmmaking in my next column.  Phyllis Diller, the legendary comedienne will be receiving the Steve Allen Pioneer achievement Award for comedy at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival in September, which will be held from the 4th through the 8th at the Stardust Hotel’s main showroom. In the meantime, Phyllis isn’t planning any live stage performances; she says there will only be television and motion picture appearances.

Pete Allman, Phyllis Diller, and Steve Caito ( The founder of the Las Vegas Comedy Featival )

From Left to Right

L’Auberge Resort and Spa

Tucked away upon the bluffs at Del Mar, California is the old European charm of the L’Auberge Resort and Spa. Just mentioning its name is stimulating to the

mind. Really, I’m not exaggerating. Whether it’s relaxing on one of the private patios in one’s suite, listening to the ocean, or taking a bath with the finest sea salt bath crystals, L’Auberge Resort and Spa surrounds its patrons in the finest of amenities. The resort has 100 newly decorated hotel rooms and eight suites,

which are calming to the senses when retiring for the evening. This is especially relaxing when resting on goose-down pillows and comforters. In reflecting on an era of times gone by, with the gracious style and elegance, L’Auberge has retained the aura of the past.

The Jimmy Durante Pub is to this day a gathering place for many celebrities, in fact, Sonny King, who worked with Jimmy Durante, is still singing in Las Vegas. Names such as Pat O’Brien, Bing Crosby, Danny Thomas, Red Skelton, Gloria Swanson, George Raft, Ava Gardner. These were the type of celebrities that would go to the Del Mar Turf Club to watch the horse races. Inevitably they would stop by at the Jimmy Durante Pub and many stayed at the resort. Dick Van Patten and Burt Bacharach, two gentlemen I’ve interviewed over the years, both have fond memories of L’Auberge Resort and Spa.

Jimmy Durante

Other projects that have come to fruition are, Legends of Comedy with tributes to Roseanne Barr, Robin Williams, both of which are playing Valley Forge, and Legends of Diva's which is being created as we write. With all the success, Stuart has yet to stop and take a break. On Stage Entertainment, the company he heads up as CEO just bought out the rights for the live production of the Blues Brothers. According to Stuart, he made an agreement with Victor Pisano and his wife Judy Belushi to bring about the show in the manner that would best highlight the late Belushi. There is also a Legends in Concert in Hawaii at the Aloha Showroom and two theaters in Orlando, Florida scheduled to open in a year and a half. The Osmond Brothers are also headlining in Branson, Missouri as well as Roy Clark and Doug Gabriel in the Legends Concert Theater. "I just don't know how this man does it all." said one concert promoter, who chooses to remain anonymous.

Stuart, who has the Legends Ranch in the southern part of Las Vegas, has just created the Legends Ranch Estates, a group of 30 customized homes for families that want to have horses and stables on their property. According to Johnny, there will be a mile and a half of riding trails for the estate development. In conclusion, John Stuart’s outlook upon life is relatively simple. "Everything on Earth was created by GOD. Most importantly he created man and woman to be the greatest entertainers for all mankind." Stuart, who is also active in the Mormon Church, is a teacher of the Gospel doctrine, teaching with the King James Version of the Bible and the Latter Day Saints doctrine to the adults. His wife Alex is the Camp Director for young women. It's no wonder that a man such as John Stuart was the only current show producer in the list of 300 persons nominated for the selection as the People That Had The Most Impact on Las Vegas' first 100 years. Congratulations to a guy that grew up in a family of nine brothers and sisters that made a difference.

For the first time in the history of Las Vegas, there's going to be a Las Vegas Comedy Festival, which will make its debut in the Wayne Newton Theater at the Stardust September the 4 – 8th. Steve Caito and Mark Allen, the creators of the festival, said this will give anyone who has ever dreamed of being a comedian a chance to develop their talents as well as professionals. The contest starts with Laugh Across America, in a ten-city tour where the top comedians will be selected from each city and invited to come to Las Vegas and compete.  

During the 5 day festival there will be workshops offered which will include industry insiders, comedic actors, inprovisationalists and today’s biggest stars. Wayne Newton, Pete Barbutti, along with Norm Crosby, Steve Lawrence and magician, Steve Wyrick where at the press conference and have endorsed the festival. The big hit at the press conference was Adam Dayro, an eight-year-old comic that Wayne Newton congratulated personally. Newton who is known as Mr. Las Vegas, when asked what a comic meant to him said, "The guy who asked me to be here at 11 o’clock in the morning."

Square Ring Promotions and Roy Jones in association with HBO and the Stratosphere put on a fairly interesting fight card last week. The card billed as Knocked down, Dragged out, featured heavyweight Michael Grant, (32-2-25KO's) the former IBF heavyweight champ knocking out Anthony Willis, (19-11-1-13KO's) in 2:55 of the second round. Grant is trained by Teddy Atlas and is great shape. The co-featured event had Michael Bennett (9-2-8Ko's) knock out Chris Hairston (4-5-0KO's) in 35 seconds of the third round. Out of the six bouts the first lady's Cruiserweight fight took place. Kathy Reeves (12-2-4KO's) beat out Marsha Valley (10-6-4KO's). Valley had a point taken away in the 5th round for holding; a very interesting bout especially at the Cruiserweight level. If you have a story for television, we'll be taping on Flag Day, June 14th at KYRK-35.

Call my office if you'd like to appear on the show, at 702-893-1718. Until then Keep your vision positive and focused on your goals.

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

The Lodge at Torry Pines Reintroduces Itself

 

The Lodge at Torry Pines

Photos By: John Durant

The Lodge at Torrey Pines, one of the historic landmarks of San Diego is truly a work of art. William Evans of the Evans Hotel chain refurbished the property practically to its original state. The purpose of this article is to take you on a journey to their restaurant, A.R. Valentine.

Photos By: John Durant

Early California craftsmen designed the restaurant, which was named after the turn-of the century artist A.R. Valentine. Overlooking the Torrey Pines golf course, a championship course, one captures the ocean breeze and is given a chance to go back into time. Steve Pelzer, the Vice President of Marketing for Evans Hotels says it is just a matter of time before the property receives a five-star rating. Currently it has a four-star rating with five-star amenities. But enough of the superlative factors, let's take a culinary journey. Michael Shigemoto, the General Manager and Jeff Jackson, the Executive Chef has provided dining guest with a large selection of California wines and market driven California cuisine.Without being indecisive, my guest William Mincey also a hotel

Manager started our journey by ordering Tuna Corpecci which is raw-ahi tuna, in a horse radish cream base with capers.

I ordered watercress soup, which is scallops served in a soup dish; then pouring a creamy base mixed with spices over the scallops. Here are two delicious appetizers. Our main entrée included Veal baby braised chunks with spices amd red lettuce. The hook and line, which is salmon served with some wonderful ingredients, including black truffle and spices is sumptuous. A.R. Valentine is a world class restaurant, which combines elegance in a comfortable setting, with old world charm. It is without hesitation one of the top restaurants in the U.S. which explains there excellent service and there quality of cuisine. For this reason, I would highly recommend a two-hour culinary journey. In closing I would be remiss if I didn't mention the desert menu, which is prepared on premises. My I suggest Boca Negra, a flowerless Mexican chocolate, and a lemon tart with raspberries. A.R. valentine is opened for breakfast lunch and dinner. For reservations call The Lodge at Torrey Pines at: 858.453.4420.

Photos By: John Durant

John Stuart Remarries Wife Alex last December

He's quick, witty and always comes off the wall with something unique to talk about. He's the man behind Legends in Concert, and is the creator and producer of Legends. He's Mr. John Stuart. Johnny, as his friends call him, had the vision of

creating the greatest tribute to celebrity legends over twenty years ago, which is a now a proven success. Sitting in his office surrounded by antiques, an Oakwooden desk, and such, I spoke to "Johnny" about entertainment. "Entertainment goes in a cycle” He said. “First there were headliners, and then came the production shows. Now, we're seeing raw talent, such as Danny Gans as a new star on the strip. In my show, we capitalize on nostalgia.

The heart rendering entertainment, a show like Legends in Concert, brings that into place," said Stuart. Stuart feels there will be interactive productions shows, with shows like Ripley's Believe it or Not Live, and Country Tonight, the world's largest country variety show, based in Branson Missouri. Both of these shows are owned by On-Stage Entertainment, Stuart's company. "So, is that complete answer," I asked Johnny. "No," he replied, "For years folks have enjoyed a time tunnel of memories. We will never forget those memories of the stars we grew up with. But the special effects and the fantasy type productions have their place in Las Vegas. But when you get to see live creation tributes of Elvis Presley, Liberace, and the Temptations, along with Nat King Cole, Tom Jones, and John Lennon, these shows will never take a back seat. Stuart certainly has validity with his statement. His Legends in Concert is celebrating over 18 years at the Imperial Palace, and his Country Tonight show in Branson was voted into the Country's Hall of Fame.

Other projects that have come to fruition are, Legends of Comedy with tributes to Roseanne Barr, Robin Williams, both of which are playing Valley Forge, and Legends of Diva's which is being created as we write. With all the success, Stuart has yet to stop and take a break. On Stage Entertainment, the company he heads up as CEO just bought out the rights for the live production of the Blues Brothers. According to Stuart, he made an agreement with Victor Pisano and his wife Judy Belushi to bring about the show in the manner that would best highlight the late Belushi. There is also a Legends in Concert in Hawaii at the Aloha Showroom and two theaters in Orlando, Florida scheduled to open in a year and a half. The Osmond Brothers are also headlining in Branson, Missouri as well as Roy Clark and Doug Gabriel in the Legends Concert Theater. "I just don't know how this man does it all." said one concert promoter, who chooses to remain anonymous.

Stuart, who has the Legends Ranch in the southern part of Las Vegas, has just created the Legends Ranch Estates, a group of 30 customized homes for families that want to have horses and stables on their property. According to Johnny, there will be a mile and a half of riding trails for the estate development. In conclusion, John Stuart’s outlook upon life is relatively simple. "Everything on Earth was created by GOD. Most importantly he created man and woman to be the greatest entertainers for all mankind." Stuart, who is also active in the Mormon Church, is a teacher of the Gospel doctrine, teaching with the King James Version of the Bible and the Latter Day Saints doctrine to the adults. His wife Alex is the Camp Director for young women. It's no wonder that a man such as John Stuart was the only current show producer in the list of 300 persons nominated for the selection as the People That Had The Most Impact on Las Vegas' first 100 years. Congratulations to a guy that grew up in a family of nine brothers and sisters that made a difference.

For the first time in the history of Las Vegas, there's going to be a Las Vegas Comedy Festival, which will make its debut in the Wayne Newton Theater at the Stardust September the 4 – 8th. Steve Caito and Mark Allen, the creators of the festival, said this will give anyone who has ever dreamed of being a comedian a chance to develop their talents as well as professionals. The contest starts with Laugh Across America, in a ten-city tour where the top comedians will be selected from each city and invited to come to Las Vegas and compete.  

During the 5 day festival there will be workshops offered which will include industry insiders, comedic actors, inprovisationalists and today’s biggest stars. Wayne Newton, Pete Barbutti, along with Norm Crosby, Steve Lawrence and magician, Steve Wyrick where at the press conference and have endorsed the festival. The big hit at the press conference was Adam Dayro, an eight-year-old comic that Wayne Newton congratulated personally. Newton who is known as Mr. Las Vegas, when asked what a comic meant to him said, "The guy who asked me to be here at 11 o’clock in the morning."

Square Ring Promotions and Roy Jones in association with HBO and the Stratosphere put on a fairly interesting fight card last week. The card billed as Knocked down, Dragged out, featured heavyweight Michael Grant, (32-2-25KO's) the former IBF heavyweight champ knocking out Anthony Willis, (19-11-1-13KO's) in 2:55 of the second round. Grant is trained by Teddy Atlas and is great shape. The co-featured event had Michael Bennett (9-2-8Ko's) knock out Chris Hairston (4-5-0KO's) in 35 seconds of the third round. Out of the six bouts the first lady's Cruiserweight fight took place. Kathy Reeves (12-2-4KO's) beat out Marsha Valley (10-6-4KO's). Valley had a point taken away in the 5th round for holding; a very interesting bout especially at the Cruiserweight level. If you have a story for television, we'll be taping on Flag Day, June 14th at KYRK-35.

Call my office if you'd like to appear on the show, at 702-893-1718. Until then Keep your vision positive and focused on your goals.

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