CITYSPOON


As Good As Gold…Almost.
July 26, 2011, 12:15 pm
Filed under: CitySpoon, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , ,

CitySpoon’s CEO and founder recently took a much needed vacation with friends to a popular African tourist spot. He returned to CitySpoon headquarters this morning elated to tell us he found something during a hike you don’t see every day. No, not a unicorn or a leprechaun. He found oil! We’re not exactly oil experts but we do know how much it costs these days to fill our gas tanks and he’s not letting us leave our days jobs just yet (we like spooning too much to leave anyway). We’re not sure if the mystery oil has already been claimed but the idea of liquid gold got us talking. What would you do if you found mystery treasure?

Take a look at this video, let us know what you’d do, and come check out our day jobs at CitySpoon.com



CitySpoon is expanding and looking for go-getters!
July 25, 2011, 2:54 pm
Filed under: CitySpoon, Las Vegas, Spooning People

CitySpoon is fast becoming the go-to place for Las Vegas locals; if not for the lifestyle reviews, then simply for the savings we offer through our affiliates. This being said, a team – no matter the size – cannot do well without its teammates, so we are now looking for charismatic interns to join us in our quest for full Las Vegas domination! Interested? Here’s how to become part of the CitySpoon team:

1) Write up a half-page summary tellin’ us what makes you stand out from the crowd, and most of all, why you’d be a good addition to the CitySpoon team.  (you know we like having creative blood in our midst)

2) Send us a resume (with contact information) and head shot to social at cityspoon dot com.

3) Cross your fingers, wiggle your toes, and count to 20 really, really fast.

Good luck to all who submit, if you’re considered for the role you will be contacted! And don’t forget to like us on Facebook,follow us on Twitter and register here for our site!



The Tao of Las Vegas

Tao restaurant and nightclub is regarded as one of the most popular venues in Las Vegas; it’s big, it gorgeous, and most of all, it’s very, very expensive – which attributes it to being among the wealthiest restaurants in the United States as well. So it should be no surprise that my visit there this past Thursday night – an evening which included: cocktails, dinner, drinks, and a booth at their club – was both fun and memorable.

When you first enter Tao – via the Venetian hotel – you feel as though you are entering a Buddhist temple; both sides of the entrance have rose pedal filled candle-lit bathtubs, with bikini-clad models seductively staring at you, making it very hard to remain focused on ANY task at hand. From there we entered the dark-yet-inviting bar/lounge area, where the wait for our table was minimal. The very attractive smiling hostesses then shuffled us upstairs to our extra large round table (there were about 15 of us). Without even a chance to scope out my surroundings, the waiter popped in, offering us water, menus, and of course food choices. Our appetizers were a very standard: vegetarian dumplings, chicken satay skewers, vegetable tempura, and assorted sushi rolls – I’d like to make notable mention that the food came quick, was piping hot, and tasted fresh. We devoured the food faster than they could bring it, and eagerly awaited our main course of New York Striploin; Korean short ribs; Shrimp, Chicken, and Beef fried rice; Salmon and Cod fillets; and of course, vegetables. The meal was delectable and not one piece of food was left standing, then the killer came – dessert. We ordered sugared donuts which came with milk chocolate, white chocolate and caramel dipping sauce; needless to say, they stood no chance at survival.

From here we did what most frivolous spending Gen-Y’ers would do: bottle service in Tao nightclub. The bouncer walked us up to our table, where the party was not only well under way, but also filling up faster than you could imagine. Our hostess brought us the menu and we, without question, ordered our bottles and began the night. The resident DJ 5ive spun a great set and kept the club – and our group – dancing the night away. And before I even realized what time it was, the lights were on and our sweaty group was ushered out, still dancing and hugging everyone in sight.

Normally, a night like that would lead to a bad hangover and a relaxing day by the pool at Tao beach, but regrettably I did not get the chance to experience it as well. However, many friends have and have said it is also among the best “beach” parties on the strip – so i’ll just have to take their word for it.

Regardless, Tao of Las Vegas is an experience in itself and a “must-go” place for tourists and locals alike; Vegas is expensive as it is, you may as well enjoy it the right way, right?



Imagine charging your phone while waiting for the CAT to take you home?

 

CitySpoon is rapidly building a reputation for being not only a hub of information about the great city of Las Vegas, but also bringing you the very best of what the city has to offer.

So, when we stumble upon this great idea launched out east, we are left pondering on one tiny question: how can we get it over here? You see, it is not uncommon for many to inconveniently drain their phone battery mid-way through the day, rendering them not only lost, but cut-off from the outside world – kinda. How awesome would it be after a long night of walking around or partying, to be able to plug your phone in and juice it as you wait for the Deuce or Cat to lovingly take you where you need to be?

So far the Vitaminwater campaign has launched to positive response in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston, without word of other potential cities to get it next. Here’s hoping someone from Crispin Porter and Bogusky reads this and picks up on the no-so-subtle nudge

[via Mashable]

 



So you want to be a “Spooner”
July 14, 2011, 1:15 pm
Filed under: CitySpoon, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , ,

Now that word is getting around about who we are, what we do, and more importantly the relationships we’ve built; quite frankly, people want in – can you blame them? We offer an inside look at the city of Las Vegas through the eyes of its people; whether attending the events or not, registered users can live vicariously through the site.

Best part is that you can sign up now, for free, to be ahead of the rush, find out what we have in store (awesome contests and campaigns coming up), and start saving your money through our growing network of affiliations.

Click here to sign up now and earn that well deserved title!



Big things on the horizon for Las Vegas
July 13, 2011, 11:07 am
Filed under: CitySpoon, Events, Spooning People | Tags: , , , , , ,

Last post we spoke about Las Vegas being a city synonymous with fun and partying – talking about a night out our team had at a local hot spot and the fun we had. One thing we didn’t mention, however, is that Las Vegas is also a hub for start-up creativity which is quite literally bursting at the seams. Said start-ups thrive off being first to market with their creative ideas – hoping (and praying) that their idea will hit and make everyone involved wealthy. While this is a great mentality to live by, it’s very rare that things actually transpire as forecasted.

We here at CitySpoon are looking to change that perception and not be a “statistic”. We have ideas; great ones at that, ones that we can’t wait to flaunt – but not yet.  We’re developing a campaign to not only introduce ourselves to the city of Las Vegas, but also wow you and give a sense of the innovative things we have in store for you. So sit back, keep an eye on us, maybe even register here and become a “spooner”. Either way you’ll want to be around for everything – including our contest coming up in a few short weeks.

Till then…stay tuned!



A unique Saturday night in Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada; sin city if you will, one of the most heavily visited tourist cities in the United States – It’s busy, it’s hot and the name is synonymous with the “what happens here, stays here mentality”. So one could imagine that a Saturday night in this famed city of ours would come with some pretty high expectations.

This past Saturday the CitySpoon team had the chance to check out Blush boutique nightclub – or “Blush” for short – inside of the Wynn hotel; the small, subtle gem located not far down the hall and around the corner from the Wynn’s famed poker room.

On first impression the club seems dark, luminous, and rather uninviting – case in point why one should never judge a book by its cover. We approached the doormen/hosts – whom to my surprise, shockingly, all had smiles on their faces – and mentioned how we are new to Vegas and looking for a fun Saturday night (giving the normal story). They were extremely inviting and without hesitation walked us into the club, to be greeted by booming sound, a busy dance floor and an inviting bar waiting to be binged at.

As most people would do, we bee-lined to the bar to get our lubrication on – now you would think there would be a ridiculous wait, then half-assed non-attentive service from one of the bar staff, right? Wrong again. The girls were quick, friendly, attractive, made a good non-watered down drink and actually made me want to tip them (as opposed to feeling obligated to). So far, my smile was growing ear to ear by the minute – a feat not normally achieved so easily when it comes to clubs.

The night from there went on unscathed; the DJ was great, the atmosphere was fun and people were just there to party. We drank our weeks frustrations away and left near the end of the night with a good taste in our mouths and good memories to look back on.  In a city full of night life saturation, Blush stands out as a go-to place for those not looking for the huge production value of a big place, but more for those looking for a fun intimate environment to let loose with their friends.

So, if you’re interested in checking out something different on a Saturday night in Vegas, check out Blush nightclub in the Wynn hotel and make sure to ask for Noor – he will be glad to show you a solid time.

Check out Blush’s website here



Everything Must Go At The Sahara

After the horror stories of what was the first day of the Grand Liquidation at the Sahara. I decided the second day wouldn’t be so bad. I have heard people waiting from 2.5-4.5 hours just to get in and be a picker for a huge day of savings and a piece of Las Vegas History. The truth of the matter is: Everything was for sale.
Driving through from the Cityspoon offices wasn’t bad. I was ushered up the garage and parked at the third floor. Waiting for an elevator that never came. So after a small heel toe express ride, you follow the signs to the front of the hotel and you wait. It wasn’t bad. I would say 20 minutes. You get ushered in and sure enough $10 admission. But wait, you get a tiny Sahara shot glass and a torn luggage tag you wear like you’re going to a club wristband.

When you get in, you wait again to get orientation. I didn’t realize there was an instructional seminar. I heard “sale” and “deal” and I went. So was it a sale or deals? Not sure about that. Walking through the Casino had this empty and eerie silence. Sure there were people there shopping, but without the sounds of the machines, it was kind of eerie. Plus being able to walk through the back of the house without being stopped by security was definitely an experience.

The smallwares were right in front of the cage. Stemware and glassware were $1-$2 and it was quaint and “not a deal.” Silverware was a $1 apiece and also not a deal. I didn’t find the deals I was expecting. Those are things I can find at AAA Restaurant Supply for brand new or better. Anything with “Sahara” on it had a higher price point. Like the Casino logo chairs were $95. Again…not a deal. Some back of the house stuff were priced ok, I guess if you’re a collector or you’re buying for a restaurant or bar, the sales aren’t bad. But the thing I wanted was a mirror for $28 but I realized I didn’t need it. For me to resell it wasn’t worth it.

I think in time yes it would be worth it. But I didn’t want to pay admission and if you bought something there’s a 10% buyer fee…like tax. To me, an average consumer…I could get different deals from other places. But there’s nothing like buying a piece of Las Vegas history. I got my shotglass and I’m happy.



Ryan Dunn, Thanks For The Memories

34 year old Ryan Dunn died in a car crash in Pennsylvania early Monday morning. Many of you know Ryan from Jackass The Movie along with the MTV Series Jackass.

Prior to the crash, Dunn posted a photo to Twitter, that shows him drinking with friends.

An unidentified passenger also died in the crash. TMZ reported Dunn was the driver of the car and the story is still developing.


Twitter has been overrun by the subject of Ryan Dunn and his death the past few hours. It’s also followed by the trend of drunk driving and people who are victims or have lost people in accidents.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan Dunn and his family as well as the entire Jackass family. He will be missed.



Sweet Cakes
June 18, 2011, 7:31 am
Filed under: Cake, CitySpoon, Dessert, Events, Las Vegas

Cake rocked the house Friday at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. If, by chance, you have been sleeping under a rock, Cosmo’s Boulevard Pool has been hosting a series of concerts. Lauren Hill, Robyn, and Mumford and Sons have all recently graced the sexy venue with their presence. Cake took their performance to a whole new level performing decades of hits including “the Distance.”

New and old fans showed up to support the “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” band. The older crowd dawned Tommy Bahama’s finest, the younger, Forever 21’s worst (see photo below). It must be stated, however, that all parties in attendance were loving the night.

City Spoon’s Erin Garza spoke with Cake Bassist Xan McCurdy prior to the show…

City Spoon: Why did it take so long to make a studio album?

Xan McCurdy: The album took a long time because we were settling into our studio situation. We all put gear into a house and tried to learn how to be studio engineers. We’re slow. We treated it like a day job but we are democratic. We let everyone’s ideas really get heard. At the end of the day, everyone felt like at least they were heard.

CS: The studio you recorded in is “green.”

XM: Yeah, it’s green. We try to offset the wreckage of diesel bus fuel and airplane fuel day after day. It’s pretty rough.

CS: What’s the most difficult part about touring?

XM: For the other guys, they have children. I don’t. They miss out on those moments. For me, I like touring. I like touring and seeing new places. It’s enjoyable. Touring has gotten better over the years. Food has gotten better! That’s the main thing. Because, when you’re on tour everyday and your food is a mystery, that get’s a little bunk.

CS: Is Cake planning on getting involved in the relief efforts of Joplin, MO.?

XM: I can’t tell you exactly what is it is but we are figuring out what we can do.

CS: What is your favorite song to play live?

XM: “Mustache Man.” I like that it’s kind of fat booty bass line and drum beat but with meat heady rock
and guitar. If I had a dream band it might be something like AC/DC meets James Brown.

CS: What’s your favorite thing about playing Vegas?

XM: It’s always interesting to just marvel at the crazy over-the-topness that’s happening. My biological mother actually lives in Las Vegas. I haven’t partied in Vegas since I was 22.

CS: You are known for having loyal fans, who are you a loyal fan of?

XM: I’m a loyal fan of a band called The Bees out of London. You should check them out.