Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/303789
Follow me on Twitter at @josefvann and on vegasmagazine.com. JOSEF VANN FROM THE PUBLISHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY AL POWERS (RUDOLPH, AUERBACH) With Sebastien Silvestri, Venetian's vice president of food and beverage, who coordinated an incredible tasting menu with Tequila Avión in Venetian's Paiza Club at an exclusive dinner we hosted. With Phil Auerbach, Jason Gastwirth, Andrea Bennett, and Kurt Melien, celebrating the release of our winter Britney Spears cover. As each of our anniversary issues rolls around, I think back to the first days of Vegas magazine in 2003. The "What happens here, stays here" ad campaign was born, and Sin City was struggling to reconcile what it once was with what it wanted for itself—shedding its seamy reputation to become the world- class destination we all knew it was meant to be. I remember walking down Madison Avenue in New York, trying to sell a magazine that didn't yet exist to some of the most luxurious retailers in the world, only for them to cringe at the words "Las Vegas"—despite the fact that they already had a retail presence on the Strip. Much has changed in the city over these last 11 years: All those names that Las Vegas aspired to be associated with now trumpet this city as a major hub. And in that time, we have been hard at work—and play—curating Vegas's transformation through its culture, entertainment, philanthropy, food, and fashion. Even as Las Vegas continues to grow into a mecca for 40 million visitors annually, most of us who live here full-time still enjoy the best restaurants, gaming, spas, entertainment, and shopping in the world from no more than a 25 -minute drive away. Las Vegas stretches from warmhearted suburbia and gorgeous natural surroundings to full-on exuberant celebration. Our 11th anniversary issue ref lects our expanded perspective, from a journey behind the scenes, to secret spots that even many locals don't know exist, to the top of our Eiffel Tower, where everyone can get a bird's-eye view of the valley—from the wacky and wonderful skyline all the way to the mountains—that we call home. Please enjoy our anniver- sary issue. Then again, in this town, there's always cause for a toast. Best, ABOVE: Larry Rudolph joined me to toast our Britney cover at our party in the Apex Suite at Planet Hollywood. LEFT: Can you tell who my son, Jaden, and I were rooting for at the Pac-12 championships at the MGM Grand Garden Arena? 34 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 034_V_FOB_PubLetter_MAYJUNE_14.indd 34 4/21/14 1:07 PM