VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/149203
talking points Fire and water in paradise Mother Nature reminds us not to take for granted the beauty of our surroundings by Richard N. Velotta I CO GU LU ES M T N had just loaded up the car to visit one of Southern Nevada's favorite getaways — Mount Charleston — when I heard the radio announcement from the National Weather Service. Moments later, my cellphone came to life, too. A flash flood warning was in effect for the area around Kyle Canyon Road, one of the two main highways leading up Mount Charleston. I looked in the direction of the mountain and, sure enough, it looked like the clouds were unloading over the terrain. Anyone who may have forgotten the fury of nature likely remembered during the Carpenter 1 fire, which last month burned 28,000 acres of the Spring Mountains. The fire was ignited 20130812_VI06_F.indd 6 $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Luckily, the road leading to the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is in good shape. The resort offers summertime chair lift rides and is a nice cool place to get away for an afternoon. The Mount Charleston Lodge also is open for business. But the mountain as a whole sustained damage that will be felt for years. Heavy rain, flash floods and snow only will make things worse. Our desert is a recreational paradise that offers regular lessons about how harsh the environment can be. The Carpenter 1 fire and this year's flash flood season are our latest reminders. Anyone who may have forgotten the fury of nature likely remembered during the Carpenter 1 fire, which last month burned 28,000 acres of the Spring Mountains. Renovated resort pays homage to downtown Las Vegas as well as the spirit of Detroit t's been more than six months since we finished our renovations at the D in downtown Las Vegas, and it feels great to finally be able to enjoy the property as what I imagined when we first announced the D. By now, most people know why we called our resort the D, but for anyone who is still wondering, the "D" stands for a mix of Downtown, Detroit and Derek. Most of my friends call me "D," and I wanted to focus on the rebirth of downtown Las Vegas, as well as provide a tip of the cap to my hometown of Detroit. Initially, people asked why I would build a "Detroit"-themed casino in Las Vegas. I explained that the D isn't a Detroit-themed casino but has some things from Detroit that are important to me. For example, all the furniture in every hotel room and suite was manufactured in the United States. It's something I'm very proud of, and this is something I consider to be "a Detroit thing." Sure, we changed the name, but the whole vibe and experience is completely new. At the D, we're all about having a 6 On a trip from Reno a few years ago, my family and I spent the night in our car on U.S. 95, south of Beatty, when a flash flood closed the highway. We tried to take the highway through Pahrump to get home, but the same flooded wash also blocked Nevada Highway 160. The road behind us was littered with sand, rocks and boulders. We were trapped for the night. Flash flooding could easily worsen trails and ecosystems damaged by Carpenter 1. While some trails have been reopened, others remain closed under an order that, if violated, can result in a misdemeanor charge punishable by a The party doesn't stop at the D by Derek Stevens I by lightning and enveloped the valley in smoke for several days. I was one of the lucky ones who was on vacation for the duration of the blaze, but I monitored accounts of the fire because I enjoy the mountains and wanted to know what was happening back home. Like everyone who has a connection to the area, I was curious about the damage and whether my favorite destinations were scarred. Once I returned home, it seemed as if nature was telling me to stay away with the flash flood warning. I have a healthy respect for the power of moving water when torrential rains turn dry washes into raging rivers. good time. When I was thinking up the concept for the property, I handpicked some of my favorite things to make this the place to party downtown. I wanted the D to feel like home, where all my guests are friends and everyone has a great time. I'm excited to see locals and tourists enjoying all we have to offer. We are one of the only hotels in the city with a two-level casino. This gave me the idea to create two completely different themes. The second-floor Vintage Casino is a throwback to old-school Las Vegas, complete with the nostalgic coinoperated Sigma Derby. It's the only one downtown, and it's incredible how many people come to the D just to play it. The downstairs Modern Casino feels like a big party. Our gorgeous dancing dealers party with our guests every night, and the Long Bar — the longest bar in Nevada — is the place to catch any game and drink an ice-cold beer. I didn't want entertainment to stop with gambling, so we've added a lineup to our new showroom. Adam London's "Laughter Noon" is a perfect option for families, while "Raack N' Roll" is a terrific adult show and the only topless revue downtown. We also have the longest-running dinner show in Las Vegas: "Marriage Can Be Murder" is a really unique show for date night or friends. Recently, we also brought on the Scintas as our headlining act. They've been performing in Las Vegas for many years, and we're excited to welcome them downtown for the first time with a revamped show just for the D. As a part of the complete redevelopment of the property, it was important to address the dining options. One of the most iconic restaurants in the country is a place where I grew up eating, American Coney Island. A Coney is a great meal any time of the day, and with Fremont Street's constant party atmosphere, it's been a huge hit. American Coney Island is open 24 hours a day. We also developed the D Grill, our casual American restaurant. Again, open 24 hours, the D Grill specializes in breakfast, soup, exquisite salads and sandwiches at lunch and roasted chicken and baby back ribs for dinner. The one dining experience that was still missing was an upscale restaurant, so we've brought in one of my favorite restaurants from Detroit — Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. Vicari is a very well-known restaurateur in the Midwest. Joe Vicari's Andiamo Italian Steakhouse is all about delicious food and a great wine list, and I think it's become one of Las Vegas' best steakhouses. I like to get to know as many people as possible who walk through our doors, and I like to spend my weekends in Las Vegas at the D and Golden Gate. Catch me at Long Bar or down the street at my other favorite hangout, Main Bar at Golden Gate. Derek Stevens is owner and operator of the D Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. Sure, we changed the name, but the whole vibe and experience is completely new. At the D, we're all about having a good time. | 12 AUGUST 2013 | 8/8/13 2:13:26 PM