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Drink of the Week: The Margarita

the margaritaYou may wonder why I waited so long to take on this most popular of cocktails. I may wonder why. No, it’s not cocktail snobbery, although it’s true that the margarita hasn’t always been admitted to the most exclusive cocktail clubs.

You see, a long time ago, I was a pretty ordinary occasional social drinker who never thought much about cocktails, though I’d sip the occasional vodka martini. (I love olives and figured Ian Fleming knew more about booze than I did). I certainly never thought much one way or the other about margaritas, which I associated with the blended, ultra-sweet, mix laden concoctions that are good for benders at Acapulcos.

Then, one night in Las Vegas, I and a friend were lured into the oddly deserted, and now long gone, Las Vegas branch of the famed Santa Fe eatery, Anasazi, with the promise of free drink with our dinner. I chose a prickly pear margarita on the rocks, because I wondered what prickly pear juice tasted like.

One day, I’ll have to see about recreating that eye-opening concoction, which first taught me that a cocktail could be a lot more than just booze and that blended margaritas were for the birds. The classic margarita made simply, however, is a thing of beauty it itself. Step away from the blender, abandon the mix, and make yourself an amazing drink.

The Margarita

2 ounces tequila (clear/silver)
1 ounce triple sec
1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
Salt (extremely necessary garnish to rim the glass)

Salt the rim by wetting the rim of your cocktail glass either with water or a bit of lime juice and placing the rim onto a plate covered in salt. Many recipes specify coarse or kosher salt; go for it if it’s handy and you want to go the classic route, but ordinary table salt works about as well. Place glass in the freezer for a minute or two at least (longer is better) to chill, if you haven’t already. Combine tequila, triple sec and lime juice in shaker with lots of ice. Shake like your life depends on it. Strain and pour into cocktail glass. As implied above, the margarita may also be made very respectably on the rocks and built in an old fashioned glass.

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Up to now, I haven’t had much luck with the brand of triple sec I’ve been using, but lime juice and tequila appears to be the perfect antidote to what ails my particular brand of this very sweet liqueur. I understand the drink will be even better with Cointreau (i.e., expensive triple sec) but it’s hard to imagine it getting that much better because this drink is amazing, especially considering how inexpensive its basic ingredients are, including the Sauza tequila I used.

If you really want to go the extra mile, however, try using the juice of several key limes, which are more sour and do an even better job of counteracting the ultra-sweet triple sec than standard fresh lime juice. Still, those key limes are tiny little buggers and a hassle to squeeze by hand.

Finally, since it seems mandatory to mention it, I should add that legend tell us that the margarita was developed somewhere in Baja California — either Ensenada or closer to Tijuana — and named after a young German or American woman whose name was either Margaret or Marjorie. Nobody seems to believe these stories very much, and the margarita is similar to so many other drinks that no such story is really necessary. I will say that whoever thought of salting the rim was pretty clever.

  

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The Monte Carlo Las Vegas Rocks in the Heart of the Strip!

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Bullz-Eye capped off our June Vegas trip with a full schedule of food, fun and entertainment at the Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino. After touring and enjoying the amenities at neighboring New York New York we were whisked into the elegant and happening Monte Carlo main entrance where we were welcomed by the most hip marketing team we have met in Vegas! Our group of online Men's Magazine types were prepared for a comfortable stay at the Monte Carlo when we quickly learned we would be staying in Hotel32 which is provides not only fabulous rooms but the total VIP treatment. No standard front desk check in here at things are different at Hotel32 as your personal suite assistant takes care of those things here my friends. After a tour of the Hotel32 rooms with our marketing amigos (and some complimentary chocolate treats in the Hotel32 lounge) we were off to the Monte Carlo Pub which was truly one of my favorites spots of my Vegas weekend. The Pub is huge with very high ceilings, great food, incredible beer selection, duleing pianos, live music and sports! Yes, the pub is has everything a guy could need so maybe they should rename it "Pub Heaven" because the place is that lofty. The breaded calamari were right on target and the blue moon beer tower kept the beer flowing.

Even though the temperature in Las Vegas was closing in on 100 degrees we were heading into Minus5 in the Monte Carlo where things were going to go cold very quickly. Minus5 was created in New Zealand and is basically an ice bar where you can witness frozen ice sculptures from mount rushmore to the Minus5 logo. Remember that everything inside Minus5 is made of ice including the seats, the walls, the bar and the glasses that your drinks are poured into! We wore eskimo coats and gloves and we all agreed that Minus5 is one of those original places you have to visit when in Vegas. Minus 5After a great time at Minus5 we had time to clean up and get ready for a fabulous dinner at Andre's. When walking back to the Hotel32 elevator I realized how comfortable I was at the Monte Carlo since my visit last year. Although the Monte Carlo is far from home I realized coming back here was essentially visiting a place a where I knew my way around where the familiar surroundings were welcoming.

The Bull is now cleaned up and in a sport coat for a 5 star dining experience at Andre's which is Las Vegas' most awarded and honored Restaurant located right in the Monte Carlo. (more...)

  

Bullz-Eye drops in at the NYNY Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

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Bullz-Eye recently spent some "quality time" as guests of the New York - New York and let me tell you, these folks have one of the most unique properties in the world! When you first arrive to the New York - New York Hotel & Casino the massive replica of the 150 foot Statue of Liberty just blows you away and when you look over you witness a 300 foot long and 50 foot high replica of the Brooklyn Bridge. The New York - New York is one of the most eye catching properties on the Vegas strip, and the team really takes advantage of the original design and superb amenities which you'll learn more about right here!

The hotel entrance was bustling with energy when I checked in and the staff was precise and knowledgable about the resort. They also got in good with me when I learned I would be staying in a spa suite. The room was spacious, modern and most importantly it was clean. Since I was flying for a large chunk of the day and we had limited time before our first get together I put on a pair of shorts and just relaxed in the early evening breeze by the pool. With a shower and clean clothes we were off to the main bar in the casino for a drink. (more...)

  

Shoot the Centerfold Photography Seminar a huge success

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“So I know you all are wondering how I got this job.” Arny Freytag knew it was the one question everyone in the standing room-only crowd really wanted to know. To be a Playboy photographer is a dream most men have had at one time or another in their lives, mostly starting at adolescence and never really leaving. To be like Arny, the most prolific and successful shooter of all the Playboy Playmate Centerfolds -- 146 girls and counting -- is beyond imagination for even the most bold Walter Mitty types in the audience seated before him. Lucky for them, this was the first of many seminars aimed at the amateur, semi-pro, or career professional who has always wanted to experience how centerfolds are shot and created. The premiere of the Shoot the Centerfold Photography Seminar took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida this past January 30.

Three seasoned Playboy centerfold photographers are your personal instructors at Shoot the Centerfold: Arny Freytag, David Mecey and Jarmo Pohjaniemi. These gifted glamour photographers are offering for the first time an opportunity to attend instructional tutorials on how their world renowned images are created. Arguably even better, they then allow you to step in and use their lighting set-ups to shoot lingerie clad models! We at Bullz-Eye knew this was an opportunity that should not be missed. Each instructor had a beautiful model waiting for your camera and instruction. Arny brought his “favorite Centerfold” of 2010, the painfully fresh Kyra Milan, to be his model on set. Through his highly informative and well-paced instructional session, it allowed the photographers in attendance to create near centerfold perfect images of a current playmate for their own portfolios, or for their own personal bragging rights for the rest of their lives!

The seminar started at 9 am with an amazing slide show of some of the most unforgettable images ever put on film of the classic girl next door nude. Imagine three top Playboy centerfold photographers, all putting their personal favorites together for a one of a kind photo presentation. It was so enjoyable to watch one impossibly stunning image after another. Classic Playboy images were accompanied by revealing behind-the-scenes comments from the photographers themselves, revealing what it was like to shoot the likes of Anna Nicole Smith, Cindy Crawford or Carmen Electra. The morning session was visually remarkable, but that was just the beginning.

(more...)

  

Jabbawockeez MÜS.I.C. premiere at Monte Carlo in Las Vegas

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Jabbawockeez MUS.I.C. premiere at Monte Carlo in Las Vegas

We had the opportunity to visit the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas to check out the new show from the world famous dance crew Jabbawockeez. Jabbawockeez generated some great buzz with shows earlier this year, so we were excited to see them at their new home at the Monte Carlo for the premiere of “MÜS.I.C.” Life was good as we spent some "behind the scenes" time with the crew, attended the incredible premiere and enjoyed the comforts of the Monte Carlo.

The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino is located right in the heart of the Vegas Strip, and this premium location is now even better with the connection to the spanking new City Center/Aria Resort. We were impressed as the staff seemed to be very serious about making the Monte Carlo a major player in the Las Vegas entertainment scene and making the hotel an “all needs under one roof” resort.

We were fortunate to spend our few nights at the Monte Carlo in a Monaco Suite that was well equipped with 700 square feet of luxurious space including a king size bed, one and a half baths, stylish furniture, 32" HDTV flat-panel TV, mini-fridge built into the entertainment center and a staff that was a phone call away 24/7 with excellent service. Dining at the Monte Carlo was also a big hit with our group. On the first night we ate at Brand Steakhouse, which combined the feeling of a classic steakhouse with an open view of the casino for some fun people watching. I ordered the Rib Eye cooked medium and I enjoyed every bite as I downed my dirty vodka martini.

There is also a very exclusive part of Monte Carlo that most don't get a chance to see. The new Hotel32 is discreetly located on the 32nd floor with elevators that you barely notice next to the main elevators. Hotel32 is for VIP guests who enjoy the finer things in life and expect to travel in style and comfort. Guests are treated to incredible penthouse suites that are so comfortable and catered that you never have to leave. The Hotel32 staff is ready to take care of your every need, with full concierge and butler service, preferred reservations at MGM Mirage restaurants and shows, and so much more. The coolest feature has to be the red iPod Touch that is loaned to guests when they arrive so that they can easily communicate all their needs and desires to the staff through a cool app.

After checking out all that the Monte Carlo and Hotel32 have to offer, we were ready for the Jabbawockeez premier. Media bloggers had a chance to spend time with the cast on Thursday night, and I found the dancers to be some of the most grateful and enthusiastic performers I had met through the years. These young men are full of positive energy and are symbolic of what hard work and perseverance can deliver for those who are dedicated to their craft. The Jabbawockeez cast is very talented, but their story is even more impressive. They started dancing in each other’s garages in California dating back to the late ‘90s and were crowned champions of "America’s Best Dance Crew," and now they’re starring at the Monte Carlo on the Las Vegas Strip.

The energy and buzz reached a fevered pitch by Friday night at the pre-party at the hip Ignite Lounge, which is right across from the Monte Carlo theatre where Jabbawockeez will begin their run in Vegas. One of the better looking crowds in town brought their own excitement to the pre-launch party that extended outdoors at the footsteps of Las Vegas Blvd. with beats from the show pumping and video playing on a wall between columns that set the stage for the evening. We were then ushered in to excellent seats and enjoyed heart throbbing music to some of the funkiest and well choreographed breaking and popping one could imagine! The performance kept me riveted and I really enjoyed the stories told through dance and dynamic teamwork the Jabbawockeez displayed through some very difficult stunts. There is also a certain mystery that surrounds the show as all cast members wear the same white mask. The performance leaves you with the illusion that the expressions change on the faces of the masks. The Jabbawockeez team sinks or swims with each other as they are nameless and faceless until the show is complete. Whether you are a hip hop fan or just someone who enjoys a great show, Jabbawockeez MÜS.I.C. will entertain and amaze you and have you feeling energized for more Monte Carlo fun! I also found it very clever how the production team even included unexpected music from eras back to Grace Kelly’s “Singin’ in the Rain” along with more surprises you need to experience for yourself.

At the post-party the cast joined their supporters and knew they hit one out of the park as everyone had smiles from ear to ear. There were some notables at this party, as super comedian, impressionist and Monte Carlo headliner Frank Caliendo made an appearance and posed for some photographs. The young and energetic crowd both in the theater and at the party made this night at the Monte Carlo one of the hottest spots in Vegas. If Jabbawockeez continues to nail it like they did at their grand opening, the Monte Carlo will be jumping for Jabbawockeez for years to come!

 

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Sexy Vampirenes at Bran Castle

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Bullz-Eye.com had the unique opportunity last month to travel to Romania for the PlayerXT Search for the Most Sexy Vampirene promoted with Steaua Rangers EG. We had a great time partying in Bucharest, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph the vampirenes at Bran Castle in Transylvania. This was the first glamour photo shoot ever done in the castle, and we had a great group of sexy vampirenes for the occasion.

Check out the slideshow above that includes two photos of each of the thirteen models selected in the model search. The castle provided some unique backdrops and we got some beautiful photos.

The sexy vampirenes started their US tour this past weekend in Atlantic City at Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal. They will be in Las Vegas for Halloween at The Bank Nightclub this Friday night.

Tonight the vampirenes will be partying at The Kress nightclub in LA, featuring cast from Twilight. You can purchase tickets here and join in the fun!

  

Vampirenes Rock Atlantic City at the Taj Mahal

The sexy vampirenes we met on our trip to Romania and Transylvania with PlayerXT`
are now touring the United States, leading up to Halloween weekend in Las Vegas at The Bank Nightclub this Friday night.

The tour started this weekend in Atlantic City at Donald Trump’ s Taj Mahal, and the girls partied Saturday night at the Casbah Nightclub to kick off the tour. Check out the slideshow of photos taken by PlayerXT’ s Curt Holstein at the event.

The US tour is part of the PlayerXT Search for the Most Sexy Vampirene promoted
with Steaua Rangers EG, which began in Bucharest. We were able to photograph the vampirenes at Bran Castle in Transylvania, and we’ ll be posting photos from those shoots soon.

The girls are in New York City today where they are being hosted by renowned Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygård, and will be traveling to Las Angeles this week on N-Force, Mr. Nygård’ s private jet. On Tuesday night the vampirenes will be partying at The Kress nightclub in LA, featuring cast from Twilight before moving on the Las Vegas. (You can purchase tickets here!) The Queen of the Vampires will be crowned on Halloween eve in Las Vegas at the Mirage Resort Casino, and The Bank Nightclub at the Bellagio.

Check back as we follow the sexy vampirenes through their US tour!

  

Check out some of the contestants for the Most Beautiful Latina Search at The Palms in Las Vegas this weekend

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We’re heading back to Las Vegas with Player XT to cover the Most Beautiful Latina Search presented by El Pinto Salsa that will take place at The Palms, and we’ve put together a slideshow of some of the beautiful contestants who will be participating in the event. The models are from all over the world, from Costa Rica to Spain to Argentina! The event will take place this Saturday night (October 9th) at the world famous ghOstbar located at the top of The Palms, 55 floors above the Las Vegas Strip.

You’ll recognize several of the models, including Angie Quesada and Cristy Mendivil, two amazing models that we shot on location at previous Player XT events. So come out and join us on Saturday night at The Palms if you’re in Vegas, and you can contact Player XT if you’re interested in VIP packages!

 

  

Sexy Vampirenes unleashed backstage at Le Gaga in Bucharest

We recently traveled to Romania with Player XT as part of the search for the Sexiest Vampirenes in the World, and it turned into one of our best World Tour trips yet! We partied in Bucharest and then traveled to Transylvania where we photographed the 13 finalists in Bran Castle. We’ll be posting photos from our trip all through October and early November, and the 13 finalists will be in Las Vegas over Halloween weekend.

The Vampirene search was conducted by Steaua Rangers EG and culminated with a party and runway show at Le Gaga, one of the amazing clubs in Bucharest owned by the Bamboo Group. Over 2,000 were at the club for the finals, and the party lasted all night. We’ve been to nightclubs all over the world and the clubs operated by The Bamboo Group in Romania rival anything we’ve experienced.

We’ve put together a slideshow of some of the Vampirene contestants as they geared up backstage for the contest and the runway show, as they played up for photographer Paul Miller with some simulated biting poses. The models are decked out in original designs and makeup created by fashion designer Catalin Botezatu. If you’re into sexy vampire babes, you have to check this one out!

Check back as we post photos from the runway show and the club, along with galleries of the 13 finalists who were photographed in Bran Castle!

  

Snoop + Mafia Wars: Las Vegas + dynamite = AWE$OME

Last month, we observed, “Everybody loves Snoop Dogg…or if they don’t love him, they at least know who he is.” An approximation of the phrase could very well be said of the online game phenomenon known as Mafia Wars: even if you don’t actually play it, you’re almost certainly aware of it. (You can play the game on several mediums, but for my part, I’m well familiar with the cry of my non-playing friends who bemoan the constant barrage of Wars-related posts on Facebook.) Tonight, the man who brought gin and juice to the masses is joining forces with the latest game in the franchise, “Mafia Wars: Las Vegas,” to – for lack of a more cultured phrase – blow shit up.

Snoop Dogg will blow up a four-ton armored truck to commemorate the 10 millionth visitor to “Mafia Wars: Las Vegas”, which debuted on July 21. That’s right: it was launched less than a month ago, and it’s already hitting the 10-million-visitor mark. That’s how popular this game is. The massive explosion is taking place in the Las Vegas desert, but it’ll be streamed live via the official Mafia Wars website, so everyone can watch Snoop Dogg light it up.

A handful of people, however, will be there in person to watch the event go down…and – ahem – yours truly will be one of them.

Stay tuned to your friendly neighborhood Bullz-Eye Blog for the post-event wrap-up, wherein I’ll offer my firsthand experience of the event and, if everything goes according to plan, the details on my few minutes one on one with Mr. Dogg.

Ah, I can smell the secondhand smoke already…

  

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