Mahe – Fabulous Cuisine and Beautiful People By Pete Allman

There are times when all of us need to get away to the ocean, especially when you don’t live there. It is also an awe inspiring experience in dining, when you’re at the right spot.

One eatery that’s 9 months old, located in Dana Point, California is Mahe-located at 24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive. Mahe is the focal point for people to gather and have a cocktail or savor some of the most outstanding seafood and sushi available on the west coast.

I learned about this restaurant from Mat Molina, the VIP host and service attendee, who is also one the up and coming public relations specialist finishing up at Chapman College. Mat’s dynamic personality is what helps patrons return to Mahe as their place to dine and have good conversation. In fact, I met Mat at The Sundance Film Festival in Parker, Utah.

When I arrived at Mahe, there was an hour wait. I was greeted by Toby Reece the owner; and his manager Bill Senteno. They both informed me that I would have a lot of fun and they were right. Mat, escorted me to the cocktail area where I proceeded to listen to some in-the-pocket folk music and the watch the X-Games on their Plasma Screens.

In this contemporary setting, John Ford; an agent for baseball players introduced himself to me. Before I knew it, I absorbed a lot of information about baseball. So, the evening went by relatively fast.

Within a short time I was brought to the sushi dining area where I explored the Asian culture. The sushi special included spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, tempura, asparagus with yellowtail iponzu and green onions for $15.00. It was oh, so good. Mahe has four separate dining areas which include the Tapon yuke dining room (were the chefs themselves perform quite a show), the sushi bar, outside patio dining and inside dining.

There’s also the cocktail lounge where patrons dine and catch the great entertainment that’s provided on the weekends. Mahe’s happy hour is 4:30 to 6:30 seven days a week, were there’s never a dull moment. By now, I’m sure anyone desiring seafood will consider Mahe. My culinary journey has taken me throughout the United States.

I would highly recommend this establishment. Concerning my culinary trip here, I had Mat serve a plate of fresh grilled salmon with teriyaki sauce and steamed string beans with carrots. Executive Chef Nat Garthwheap, orginally from Montana, oversees the quality of food and how it’s prepared. What’s not to like about Mahe? Fabulous cuisine and beautiful people.

It’s all there for you and your family. On the weekends try their lunch. Now, one last detail. Try their Crème Brule with blueberries. That’s a refreshing way to please your sweet tooth. C.S.N. rates Mahe on a scale of 1-10… a 10. Bingo!

Pete Allman is a Las Vegas-based commentator, broadcast personality and celebrity interviewer. He also produces inspirational messages for television and other media. Contact him at peteonthescene@yahoo.com or (702)265-9099. Visit www.CelebrityScene.com

Anthony Wilson Adds to Real Estate Value

 With a changing real estate market, sales stalled and the ever-present competition for clients, a Las Vegas-based real estate broker, Anthony Wilson of Panorama Towers Realty, is using his entrepreneurial skills and creativity to gain a positive advantage and serve his clients better…

Real Estate Broker Anthony Wilson has taken real estate selling to a new level. Wilson, who has worked previously with companies such as Painted Desert Realty and Centennial Hills Realty over several years, is now taking the opportunity to promote high-rises in Las Vegas.

The young entrepreneur has purchased units in the City Center project and also at Panorama Towers. Wilson says the reason he purchased in Panorama was the Harmon overpass connection that allows traffic between those two properties, connecting the east and west sides over I-15.

The City Center project has units fetching $650 – $2,800 per square foot. And Panorama Towers has units ranging from $250 – $450 per square foot.

According to Wilson, he feels that MGM’s City Center will open up and probably level out at an average price of about $1,500 per square foot until the market recovers. Wilson feels that once the Harmon overpass is finished, people considering City Center will look to Panorama Towers and see value.

Wilson says that Panorama Towers is drastically undervalued due to the present real estate crisis and that once things settle down, Panorama should sell for at least half of what City Center would. That is why Wilson formed Panorama Towers Realty to handle the resale and leasing of units there, providing services exclusively to Panorama residents and owners.

Today’s buyers may realize substantial savings with Wilson’s plan, especially those who had intended to sell their units but instead, due to the economy, have decided to lease them out.

Wilson said his creative lease program allows those who lease units — and later sell them through him — to receive back a substantial portion of the fees he received from them during the lease period.

Panorama Towers is one of the most high-tech properties in the country and offers many amenities, including 24/7 concierge, valet, in-house VIP transportation via Panorama’s own Cadillac Escalade, along with a state-of-the art gym with the latest technology in exercise equipment. The security system is a multiple-stage, advanced system with double entry gates and other special safeguards.

Wilson, a 20-year Las Vegas resident who owns a unit in Panorama Towers, stated: “Las Vegas is poised for a great real estate rebound in the next few years, due to the fact the market is way undervalued. Its entertainment and gaming aspects are far superior than anyplace else in the world and are a great base for the local economy.”

He added, “Las Vegas is a wonderful place to live and to also have fun. Panorama Towers puts you right in the middle of all the fun.”

Wilson welcomes everyone to visit his website for more information at www.PanoramaTowersRealty.com or by calling Panorama Towers Realty at 702-871-5300.

Las Vegas Film and Television Studios

20,000 sqft studio 2 acres on back lot with 10,000 sqft Production offices second studio 5,000 sqft w/production offices gated security

It’s My Birthday, It’s My Birthday!!!

Every day is a day to celebrate, but of all the days, make the anniversary of your birth the main day to share life, love and laughs with friends. It’s my birthday — or it was, on August 30. And the 2008 party was great. Thanks to celebs T. Fox, Imani and Mama Fox, Dixie Dooley and Julie, Michael Johns, Sidney Barnes, and so many others…

Right after I returned from the historic week in the Mile High City of Denver, where Barack Obama was nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate, making history in more ways than one, my birthday celebration was held. Hawaiian Tropic Zone in the Miracle Mile Shops of Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas Strip, on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, was a night to remember.

Among my guests were some of the most spellbinding and audience pleasing entertainers ever to perform on the Las Vegas Strip and national stage. The best part is that they are real down-to-earth people who care about our society, community and the state of the nation.

It’s easy to call so many of them true friends. We talked a little politics, but the night was all about the celebration of life and expanding friendships.

I thoroughly enjoyed the party, along with my special guest, San Dei English-Anderson, Mrs. Las Vegas America 2008, who looked stunning as usual with her grace, countenance and inner and visual beauty, topped by the winner’s tiara. She is a prophet and author, speaking words from Divine inspiration. I’m glad she shares the birth month with me.

She was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Don Anderson, and two stunningly beautiful young women — goddaughter Vavre and her friend Vanessa — who both made the evening more beautiful. Pictures don’t lie, and they were truly lovely with the brightest smiles.

Enjoy the photos thanks to Parker Philpot, a freelance news writer, photographer and editor for CelebritySceneNews.com, for being “on the scene” with her camera. Visit the gallery and take a little time to visit some of my favorite links to find out more about my guests, their activities and several of the most outstanding shows in Las Vegas. Catch some of the action videos on my blog, too. (See the links below).

Before I write about the fun and the fabulous guests who came to support my celebration, I must top my thanks list with my gratitude to Rick Appling of Appling Productions. Rick, thanks for being the person you are. No matter what you had going on in your own life, you kept other people’s needs in your mind and heart. We missed you and thanks for your support. God Bless you.

Let get the party started!

Dixie Dooley, master magician and illusionist who performed Houdini-like escape tricks for my guests, was incredible as he wowed the group with a handcuff and chain escape trick within inches of our table. How did he get his wrists out of that, right before our very eyes?!

Dixie set the tone for the camaraderie and festivity of the night.

Next, a political satire performance amused us. But then, singer-impressionist Larry G. Jones “Man of a Thousand Voices” never fails to amaze everyone with his mastery of more voices and personas than you can count. He headlines his own energetic show at the Royal Hotel and Casino on Convention Center Drive at Las Vegas Blvd. and performs dozens of voices, faces and overall impressions from Willie Nelson to Patti LaBelle. And his personal story of triumph over adversity is a true testimony of his faith in God and his love for life.

The opening act for the “Larry G. Jones Show,” Brian Hoffman, who skillfully delivers “A Tribute to Red Skelton,” also came to my party. He has a physical resemblance to the beloved comedian and fine artist, but Brian’s perfect comedic timing, subtle humor and ability to recreate Clem Kadiddlehopper and other Skelton-fan favorites captivates audiences. I’m grateful they both took time to celebrate with me.

During the course of the evening, T. Fox, along with his veteran performer mother, “Mama Fox,” and his agile dancing wife, Imani Fox, energized the whole room. T. Fox is a terrific singer, dancer, comic and more! His long-running show in Las Vegas recently opened at Trader Vic’s. The show is full of classic songs with a modern flair, skits, dancers and much more.

When T. Fox took the mic to lead the whole room in a birthday song for me, it was clear how he controls a room and pumps up the fun. He knows how to keep an audience in the palm of his hand, and he delivers 100 percent to them.

Jazzy Mama Fox and Imani danced the night away and got my guests and me up on our feet, and we really got down!!! It was as if the Disco Era was reborn but with a modern beat.

Michael Johns, who headlines the longest running Strip show featuring a hypnotist, also attended, along with Terry Stokes Jr., son of magician Terry Stokes. Johns didn’t hypnotize anyone at the party — that I know of, that is — but I’m still entranced that we had so much fun with Terry and Michael. They added to the overall joy for me.

Another great singer and overall entertainer with a huge following, Art Vargas, who recently returned from Branson, Mo., attended with his beautiful companion and did something creative and thoughtful, and I want to say a special thanks to him.

Super entertainers and musical talent was plentiful.

Among my guests were consummate singers and songwriters. Sultry Kristy “Love” Brooks of The Platters and her show “A Tribute to the Divas” was a delightful treat. Sidney Barnes of P. Funk’s George Clinton fame and former lead of the hot 70s group Rotary Connection (with revered songbird Minnie Ripperton) recently relocated to Las Vegas. Greaz Dillon, Sage Melodee, and other members of The Love Band added to the spirit of the party.

T. Fox, a top-flight showman known as the “Spirit of the Strip,” led the birthday song getting the whole room going. He is the best at getting the audience in the palm of his hand, and they are always glad he does.

Other music industry professionals included Kapp Ivory, of Kappland Productions and his lovely wife, Rachel Kapp. There was even an up and coming rap group that filled out the list of great guests having a great time.

Fashion promoter Malcolm McConnell and Carleen Gordon added their style. Advice columnist Dr. Adele Z.Z. Zorn, who offers tips and insight on relationships and love, helped me close out the evening, and I thank her and every single person who came for being a part of the celebration.

I’ll never forget the evening.

Car Care and Character

There are lots of auto mechanics in a town the size of Las Vegas—and there are bad ones, unfortunately, just like everywhere else. But a shining star in the business locally is R.T. Automotives and Rebel Towing owned by a professional with care and character. Brent Kitchen is the place to go for limousine and personal auto repair…

Las Vegas, a city that has plenty of auto repair shops, many of which specialize in high-end and classic vehicles, has its share of unqualified and unscrupulous auto mechanics. However, there are always a few good soldiers in any industry and one of them is business owner Brent Kitchen, owner of Rebel Towing and R.T. Automotives.

The company is a factory-authorized warranty repair station for a broad range of top-level limousine manufacturers, such as Tiffany, Krystal, Executive Coachworks, Federal Coachworks and Starcraft. Big name, well-respected manufacturers are selective about the companies with which they entrust and associate their brand names. Kitchen says he doesn’t know of any other limo repair shop in Southern Nevada that is larger or broader in scope.

So then, how does that affect the individual who needs his automobile diagnosed or repaired?

R.T. Automotives is a trusted service company for all types of vehicles. In Kitchen’s business, it means that a person can get a fair estimate up front on what the car needs, and R.T. Automotives honors customers’ requests to have the old parts provided to them. His business doesn’t play repair-shop hide-and-seek.

Kitchen has been a Las Vegas resident for about 20 years with a long history in business. Prior to moving here from Salt Lake City, Utah, he owned another towing and repair shop. R.T. Automotives prides itself on superior knowledge and top-notch customer service.

Initially, when Kitchen was driving limos in Las Vegas in 1998 and fixing his own, he was often asked by others to help with their repairs. That prompted him to open his own repair and towing businesses locally in 2001.

“We got so large that we needed a bigger building with Rebel Towing, and that’s when I opened R.T. Automotives.”

Kitchen says that auto mechanics should keep up their education on the latest technologies and designs in engines and service methods. He insists that his staff mechanics go a step further in order to make customers feel at ease, to know that a part will only be replaced if it’s bad and when it needs replacement.

“A lot of it is reading and research to have the knowledge in repairing the problem,” stated Kitchen. “I want to know that the part is bad before I replace it and that it’s the part that’s causing the problem,” he added.

I can attest to his integrity, recently, I was referred to him to check out my car. He did a thorough check, filled all the fluids, checked all the hoses and did not even charge me for the courtesy service. He gave a diagnosis and told me when I would need to tend to any matters, but he didn’t try to force me to make any repairs right then since they weren’t needed.

Kitchen’s philosophy: “My morals and values control me over the money. I can’t steal; I’d rather make a little money all the time and get a good night’s sleep than making one big pile of money.”

Kitchen gives tips to car owners on how to find a reputable auto repair shop. He suggests checking their record with the Better Business. Ultimately, Kitchen says, “If you have any doubts always get a second opinion.”

One important step when researching a repair company or any other business is checking if they have unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau. Always, when possible, pay your bill with a credit card because there is automatic consumer recourse in the event of faulty or fraudulent service. You can dispute the charge and the credit card company (not always the case if it’s a debit card or bank check card) will allow for disputes.

He emphasized that it’s best to know your rights after you have checked out a company’s reputation and chose to use that repair shop.

Kitchen says you should:

1. Know your rights under the law and make sure you are dealing with a shop that honors consumer protection laws.
2. Make sure the business is registered with the state by looking for the certificate displayed from the Department of Business and Industry. The certificate protects the customer by allowing them to file charges with the state in the event of fraudulent repairs and illegal practices by the auto shop.
3. Assert your right to a written estimate; to read and receive all documents signed; to inspect all replaced parts and accessories whether covered by warranty or not.
4. Use you right to review a completed statement.
5. Demand a fair resolution in the event of disputes arising from the repair work done because it’s your right.

Maintain your car according to the owner’s manual and always keep all service records — even general upkeep, like oil and filter changes. This could improve the car’s resale value, to prove how well it was maintained.

For more consumer tips for car owners, call the U.S. Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 800-424-9393 or got to their website, www.nhtsa.gov for online fact sheets and advice.

On another highly relevant topic, Kitchen spoke about the trends in alternative fueled vehicles and gasoline economy in light of the rising fuel costs.

At this stage, he suggests that consumers should exercise some caution before getting overly enthusiastic about battery-operated and hybrid vehicles. He suggests that families considering a car for the adults or their children simply buy a fuel efficient gas powered car and drive sensibly to conserve fuel until the new technologies are more developed, problems are resolved and alternative fueled autos are more cost efficient.

“To just dump your car to get into hybrid, I wouldn’t recommend it,” said Kitchen. “Look at the iPod,” he used as an example, “It came out a year ago and everybody had to have one. Now you look and you have a whole new generation of iPods that are twice as good and cost half as much.”

For top fuel efficiency on your existing vehicle, good repair service and good driving habits help greatly.

I recommend that you make your call to Rebel Towing and R.T. Automotives for one-stop, reliable service and auto information. Call them at (702) 531-8697. Tell Brent and his crew that satisfied customers Pete Allman and his friends sent you.