Las Vegas Mixtape v27: Racing, Rock Goddesses, and Retro Vibes

Track #1: “Above The Race” @Eiffel Tower Restaurant

Everyone has an opinion about the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. City officials say F1 is fabulous economically for Vegas, but there’s no denying the impact on locals who are forced to contend with road closures and traffic, not to mention the various businesses that unfairly endure financial losses.

Since I’m on the fence about this polarizing subject, I accepted, with a certain level of guilt, an invitation to attend an exclusive “Above The Race” bash on F1’s Thursday “Practice Night.” Hosted by the Palms Casino Resort and Southern Cali’s Yamavva Resort and Casino, it was held at the ultra-posh Eiffel Tower Restaurant. From a window-side table, I watched the race cars thrillingly zoom up and down Las Vegas Blvd while Bellagio’s fountains worked their choreographed magic.

The evening was a hassle-free experience for guests. I parked at The Palms and was shuttled in a van to Bellagio, where an escort walked us across the boulevard to the Paris Hotel. One could easily get used to personalized service like this.

Upstairs at the restaurant, roving costumed performers provided eye candy and R&B crooner Mario played a stripped-down set, with the ladies especially swooning to his 2004 mega-hit “Let Me Love You.” Every detail was just right, including the scene-stealing lamb with ratatouille on flatbread and all the rich desserts. Without a doubt, the night’s elevated glamor and abundance made my guilt about attending an F1 party disappear—well, at least for a little while.