Bette Midler - If you like her music, chances are you'll love her show at Caesars Palace. With such a long catalog of hits, you may not hear your favorite, but each song is gem and uniquely Bette. She is one of the most high energy musical performers you'll ever see in a show. Bette can be a little on the bawdy side in a Mae West sort of way so leave your sensitivities at home and enjoy the show. Be aware that there is no intermission which makes her continued high energy level more impressive. Jim Servino **** March 08

Mama Mia - I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical going into the performance. Sure I grew up listening to Abba music, but the thought of sitting through a whole show featuring the music?..... I just wasn't sure. I was so glad to have gone, though. I had forgotten just how many hit songs they had and yet I seemed to know the words to almost all of them! The most pleasant surprise was how the story written around the songs did an excellent job of making it all work. I've been so impressed with the quality of the performers I've seen in Las Vegas as well as the great staging and sound systems. Mama Mia is a good example of how they pulled all of the elements together to make a wonderful show for the whole family. Another winner for out of town family & guests. Jim Servino **** August 07

Defending the Caveman - It would be easy to say the show is a comedy based on the differences between men and women, but Kevin Burke's performance in Caveman is more than just that. This one man show engages the audience and does a fine dance between what makes us laugh about the opposite sex, while at the same time makes us think about why we appreciate the opposite sex. Burke provides lots of fun at neither gender's expense, because he balances his observations about men and women equally. Leave your sensitivities at home and don't get hung up on a few choice words. Most of my friends enjoyed it with some wanting to go back a 2nd time. Jim Servino **** March 08

Spamalot - If you've seen any Monty Python movie or listened to any of their recordings, then you are sure to enjoy Spamalot. I honestly have to tell you that I've never been the equivalent of a Trekkie over Monty Python. Some of the fringe British humor escapes me, but the show does a great job of focusing on the mainstream humor of Monty Python. If you have family or friends that have ever enjoyed Monty Python, then taking them to Spamalot is a sure winner. Jim Servino *** November 07

Bonefish Grill - It takes 3 essential elements for me to have a great dining experience. Quality food prepared well, a pleasant ambiance and a good wait person. I'm happy to report the Bonefish Restaurant on Eastern in Henderson delivers on all fronts. They have a diverse menu with typical prices for the quality. The atmosphere is comfortable and conducive to relaxation. The staff goes out of their way to have an intelligent conversation about their menu items giving you good information and feedback to help you make the best choice for you and your guests. Jim Servino ***** March 08

Palm Restaurant - Let me tell you about when I go to the Palm Restaurant, just off the casino floor in Caesars Forum Shops. I go when I have company in town that appreciates a great meal and excellent dining experience. It is part of a whole good time out when we are seeing a show at Caesars. It's a 25 yard walk from the restaurant to see Bette, for example. Great food served by a personable wait staff who aren't afraid to give you their opinions about how other patrons have reacted to menu items. Honesty.... how terrific. You pay the price for the quality but it is well worth it. Jim Servino ***** March 08

Le Golosita - Tucked away in one of the many plazas on Eastern in Henderson is this Italian trattoria. Everyone in our group enjoyed their dinners and said they would come back for more. Like most new establishments they were trying to balance out the right number of servers. The Saturday night I was there could have used a couple more on the floor. You must see their bakery which is located adjacent to the rest arrant. They had amazing desserts and worth a trip just for them. Jim Servino ***February 08

The Capital Grille - I had the pleasure of having dinner with friends for my first visit to this restaurant. Located in the Fashion Show Mall, it is a fine dining experience that is most impressive. The decor is elegant, the food perfectly prepared and the wait staff is top notch. We were there for hours and it struck me that they fine with the thought of pacing our meal and not rushing you out until you are ready to do so. It doesn't come cheap, but it is worth every penny. ***** November 07