Limo aperitif makes dining at MGM a memorable event

Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand is a Michelin Three Star and AAA Five Diamond award-winning restaurant. The noted chef is so proud of his accomplishments that he wants you to dine with him and will even send a limo to pick you up and take you back home.

Les Selections Gastronomique is a four-menu evening that allows guests to choose their specific selections and the number of courses. Ranging from $89 to $195 per person, the menus permit guests to combine an appetizer, soup, main course, cheese and dessert in a variety of ways to create an ideal dining experience. Among the items are octopus and tiger prawn in a seaweed gelée, spiny lobster in sake broth with turnip and sprouts, beef ribeye with spiced spinach and strawberries and champagne rosé over fresh mango granité with crunchy red fruits.

Back to the complimentary limo. Locals can get a free limo ride to and from MGM Grand as long as they're dining at one of MGM's signature restaurants. Make a reservation at Joel Robuchon (any size party) and request a free limo. Dining at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Fiamma, Craftsteak, Seablue and Nobhill Tavern also apply but require parties of six or more. Call 891-3110.

If you haven't spent much time with Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, John Madden, former President Bill Clinton or Dr. Phil, you can do that now with Frank Caliendo. Known for his dead-on impressions of these celebrities and dozens more, Caliendo is performing at the Monte Carlo with a mix of comedy and fast-paced impressions.

"I'm excited to call Monte Carlo my new home," he said. "This is Vegas, so the show has to be bigger and have a higher production value than traditional stand-up. I've got a live band and video segments and even some surprises. But keep in mind that it's live, so no two shows will be exactly alike."

Caliendo has performed regularly on late-night talk shows, including "David Letterman," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." Tickets begin at $59. Performances are Monday through Tuesday and Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Call 730-7160, or visit www.montecarlo.com.

Trombones are great fun, and if you're a fan, then plan on attending the 25th Anniversary Concert of 76 Trombones + 4 at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Artemus Ham Concert Hall at UNLV.

With about 100 trombone players from Las Vegas and around the country, the musical extravaganza will feature such soloists as Bill Booth, Elliot Mason, Irv Wagner and special guest conductor Harry Betts. 76 Trombones + 4 is presented by the UNLV College of Fine Arts and Department of Music, and the Abe Nole Scholarship Committee to benefit trombone music majors.

Tickets purchased in advance are $10; $5 for students, seniors and military; day-of-concert tickets are $12 and $7. Call 895-2787.

Prefer the piano? Well, two of them will be in the spotlight when Pete's Dueling Piano Bar becomes the nightly source for singing and dancing when it opens Nov. 13 at Town Square Las Vegas (6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 220-7383). Over the course of 17 years, the folks behind Pete's Dueling Piano Bar have come up with a time-tested approach to each of their Texas locations (Austin, Addison, Fort Worth, Houston) and that approach is strong piano players who are also entertainers. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

When I was a young adult, no one understood me until I turned on the radio one day and fell in love with Eric Burdon & The Animals. His 1964 hit "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" became my daily mantra. Burdon followed that song up with "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" and I haven't been the same since. In 1995, Burdon and the original Animals were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. At 8 p.m. on Nov. 7, Burdon and some new animals will be performing at Green Valley Ranch.

Tickets start at $19.97. Call 547-5300, or visit www.stationcasinos.com.

A tribute to celebrate the musical legacy and life accomplishments of legendary jazz pianist and bandleader Calvin "Eagle Eye" Shields is being held at 2 p.m. Nov. 28 at West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 229-4800. Admission is free.

The event will be hosted by Phil Wigfall and the Phil Wigfall Quintet.

A call has gone out for artists of all ages to submit a handmade holiday postcard and message for our troops. The deadline is Dec. 4 for the "Seasons Greetings" gallery display at the East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center at 250 N. Eastern Ave. There is no cost to participate, and all cards will be sent to military servicemen and women for holiday greetings from home. Call 229-1515.

Jack Bulavsky is a 35-year Nevadan and has covered the entertainment, dining and gaming industries for local and national publications. Contact him at bula53@earthlink.net.