NY Observer > Las Vegas

Magical Mystery Junket a Blogging Success

Matt Haber — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:06:55 -0400

This was a tough weekend for a certain segment within the media community, but together, they got through it.

It started out with excitement on Friday: A journalistic fact-finding mission to Las Vegas. But even before the plane took off, some key members of the expedition almost didn't make it. Thankfully, they arrived safely and twittered word that others had arrived as well (perhaps a bit blurry), despite the fact that the trip's sponsors did not pay for their transportation to the airport. read more »

During the flight, something happened on the ground involving someone in media, which they agreed was

Bloggers Party Free in Vegas (Your Invitation Must've Gotten Caught in The Spam Filter)

Matt Haber — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:47:37 -0400

If you're finding your RSS feed a little thin today, that may be because your favorite media and lifestyle bloggers are away on an important reporting assignment. In Las Vegas. Paid for by the nice folks at Thrillist. read more »

Ian Schrager: Viewing Studio 54 From Age 60

Max Abelson — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Location: You recently turned 60. What’s that like? read more »

The Starbucks of Sandwich Shops Returns to Flatiron District

Observer Staff — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:29:08 -0400

'Wichcraft has returned to Flatiron. The upscale sandwich shop, started by Craft restaurant owner Tom Colicchio, opened an outpost earlier this week just west of Broadway on 20th Street. The store is the chain's eighth location in the city.

In 2003, 'wichcraft opened its first outlet on 19th Street between Park Avenue and Broadway just around the corner from Craft, but had to move when the building was sold. "We have been looking to come back to this area since we left," said Sisha Ortuzar, 'wichcraft's vice president of Concept and Development.

The chain has leased the whole building at 11 East 20th Street and plans on moving its corporate offices into the upper floors next week. This is not the end of 'wichcraft's expansion. In the coming months, look for stores in Rockefeller Center and at 47th Street and Lexington. The home to the $9.50 chicken salad sandwich also has locations in Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Are we witnessing the beginnings of the biggest takeover in an industry since Starbucks? Stay tuned.

- Mark Wellborn

Seligson’s Booby Trap

Rebecca Steinitz — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:00:00 -0500

Susan Seligson wants you to know that she has big breasts. Really big breasts. read more »

Hello, Park City, At Last

Observer Staff — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 06:04:59 -0500

Spencer Morgan has arrived in Park City, Utah. Look out, hot tubs of Sundance!

Our trusty Transom reporter took the glam low-rent flight, of course, with a lay-over in Las Vegas. Some seriously lame situation at JFK caused him to miss his connecting flight. Naturally, he made the most of his six hours in Vegas, taking in 400 bucks or so at the blackjack table, playing alongside a friendly choreographer for Mary J. Blige. (It's always so much like Showgirls!) We here back at corporate pray his lucky streak continues on the crowded, gloppy streets of Park City.

City-Bred Beauty Bar Franchise Tries To Not Sell Out

Observer Staff — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 09:56:35 -0500

"McDive" not as ubiquitous as golden arches. Yet.

This week's Village Voice profiles New York-based Beauty Bar's emergence as the "country's first hipster bar chain."

Yet, despite opening locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas and Austin, owner Paul Devitt is adamant about "not looking to be the Hard Rock [Cafe]."

So he selects his new sites very carefully -- in a desperate attempt to not kill the cool vibe.

Beauty Bar's owners choose a neighborhood in each city that is on the verge and popular, but not yet over -- like the Las Vegas franchise located in the Fremont section of the Strip.

What's next for Devitt's sprawling "Martinis and Manicures" empire? Oh, he's going global, baby.

Devitt has his sights set on making Beauty Bar an international brand -- he's looking at spots in Toronto, Montreal, London and Tokyo while eyeing other American cities like Seattle, Miami, Philly and Chicago.

He's also "talking with Maybelline and OPI" about creating a line of Beauty Bar nail polish.

Um, Paul, what was that you were saying about "not becoming mainstream?" - Chris Shott

Try a Little Sympathy For H.P.'s Patricia Dunn

Nicholas von Hoffman — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 19:00:00 -0500

“I hope I live long enough to see my reputation cleared,” Patricia Dunn, the recently fired chai read more »

Try a Little Sympathy For H.P.’s Patricia Dunn

Nicholas von Hoffman — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 19:00:00 -0500

“I hope I live long enough to see my reputation cleared,” Patricia Dunn, the recently fi read more »

This House Keeps It Simple— And Ample—for Carnivores

Moira Hodgson — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 19:00:00 -0500

Did you see those two monkeys in the Times Science section last week? read more »