Celebrate Labor Day At The Stirling Club

With more than 273,000 people expected to make their way to Las Vegas for the long Labor Day weekend, some visitors might be wondering where they can find a more intimate gathering. Mike Saye, general manager of the Stirling Club, has one idea.

"The Labor Day Margaritaville pool party is a fun way to wind down the summer season," said Saye. "There will be a tropical buffet, island music, hula hoop and limbo contests, and complimentary draft beer with the buffet."

Set for noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5 in the lagoon pool, the special event features "island escapism" style music inspired by Jimmy Buffett. Expect to hear "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Margaritaville" among the mix of hits. Kelly Mcquire, Jim Morris, and Rick Steffen might be in the lineup too.

Served poolside, the Stirling Club chefs have created a variety of island favorites, including Calypso island salad, tropical fish tacos, and even mini-cheeseburgers in paradise. Along with the buffet, complimentary draft beer will be served throughout the event. Drink specials will also include beer, carrot juice, and margaritas.

For those who remember the sensational Fourth of July pool oarty, the Labor Day Margaritaville pool party will be just as fun with a more relaxed theme. Members can enjoy all the activities for $24.95 per person, $12.95 for children under 12. Las Vegas visitors interested in a different side of the city may contact Kathleen Gustafson at 702-784-4603 for consideration.

Monday Night Football Parties Start At The Stirling Club.

Labor Day weekend also marks the return of the Stirling Club's legendary Monday Night Football parties in the Cigar Bar. The first game of the season will feature the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets at the New Meadowlands Stadium. While the Ravens are favorites, anything can happen on Monday night. These two teams haven't faced off since 2007 (Ravens 20, Jets 13).

For a modest $20 at the door, members are treated to an endless assortment of game day food, big screen action, and an open bar on all sponsored brands. Kick off begins at 4 p.m., but many members arrive early for best seats. (Must be 21.)

Five Summer Luxuries From Las Vegas

While Las Vegas usually attracts more than 3 million people every month during the summer, area residents sometimes find themselves spending much more time indoors. Even so, there some simple luxuries that can transform anyone's summer (whether you live in Las Vegas or not).

Most of these tips from our top five list include amenities that are exclusive to The Stirling Club Las Vegas. However, with a little bit of imagination, most of them can be adapted for almost any locality. From the simplest to the most extravagant, all five of these summer luxuries can help put any summer blues far away and behind you.

Five Luxuries For A Fun Las Vegas Summer.

• Try A New Summer Drink Originally created by beverage director and sommelier Franklin Ferguson in Los Angeles, the Agave Negro remains a great summer cocktail. In a cocktail shaker, muddle two blackberries and then add ice, 1 1/2 ounces of Reposado tequila, 3/4 ounces of lime juice, 3/4 ounces of simple syrup, 1/2 ounces of Chambord and shake well. Pour into a rocks glass and stir in 1 ounce chilled club soda. Garnish with lime. Or, if you would like to try something else, ask our servers for suggestions.

• Refresh Your Skin The Stirling Club is currently offering a 50-minute Swedish massage, followed by a 50-minute Spa Mediterranee red wine body treatment, including a red wine scrub, antioxidant wrap, and radiant red wine shea butter rub that will leave your skin radiant. What is especially unique about this spa treatment is that it helps protect the skin from UVB exposure, which is common under the Las Vegas summer sun.

• Choose Your Pool. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the sparkling blue mosaic Stirling Club pool. The expansive lagoon pool is much more accessible than crowded pools at various hotels. Or, if you prefer a cooler climate, visit one of the monthly pool (billiards) tournaments hosted by member Marty Tunnel and sponsored by Siku Vodka. (The next scheduled tournament is Aug. 5).

• Host A Summer Party. Host a summer party at The Stirling Club, and the Charlie Palmer Group will apply a portion of the event as a credit to any Stirling Club membership (interested members can contact Kathleen Gustafson for details). Depending on the size of the party, they can be booked in a private meeting room, charming Verandah Room or opulent Stirling Room. All parties are catered by the legendary team of renowned Chef Charlie Palmer.

• Escape For A Day. While many people find the Las Vegas summer hot for too much outside fun, you can find some one-day outdoor adventures and still stay cooler. One such adventure is the only one-day Grand Canyon white water rafting trip on the nearby Hualapai Reservation.

Since its opening in 2001, The Stirling Club Las Vegas has become a premier destination to relax, meet with friends, and appreciate the finest that Las Vegas has to offer. While the club is private for members, special arrangements can made by contacting Kathleen Gustafson at 702-784-4603 for a private tour or pass for those considering membership.

It is the perfect opportunity to discover the best in leisure, dining, spa services, fitness, business, and social amenities. While enjoying the property, it's not uncommon to see the occasional celebrity already enjoying their membership.

Five Las Vegas Bests For Father's Day

It took more than 60 years from the day Sonora Smart Dodd first sought a special day to recognize fathers, but it finally became a permanent national holiday in 1972. Her own father was a widdowed a Civil War veteran who was left to raise a family of six alone. Today, Father's Day is celebrated in 55 countries around the world.

While some sons and daughters will send cards or make an annual phone call to their fathers this Father's Day, June 20, The Stirling Club Courtier would like to share its top five gifts that fathers will appreciate. All of these suggestions are tied to Father's Day with a few specific for making the day special in Las Vegas. Enjoy.

Best Cigar Lover Gift For Father's Day.

You might have to find it before you land in Las Vegas to enjoy it in the Stirling Club Cigar Bar, but the S.T. Dupont limited edition lighters are a cigar lover's best friend. This year, the S.T. Dupont and Phillipe Tournaire architectural masterpieces are among the most sought-after limited edition gifts.

However, the brand new S.T.Dupont James Bond 007 black PVD-coated gun metal colored lighter makes for a bright gift. It was a limited edition lighter in 2004. Everything from the entire series is equally striking. (As an alternative, look for the new coffee table Playboy: The Book of Cigars.)

Best Golfer Father's Day Gift

With early morning and early evening tee times still big in Las Vegas, monogrammed golf club links make the perfect accompaniment. This set from Red Envelope includes 14 links engraved with up to 26 letters. The links come in brushed silver or a brushed gold finish.

Three area favorites include: Angel Park (Arnold Palmer), Badlands (Johnny Miller and Chi Chi Rodriguez), and Bali Hai (Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley). Trip Advisor lists Las Vegas as the fourth best golf vacation in the world.

Best Tie For Father's Day.

As cliche as it sounds, some people insist on buying ties for Father's Day. While there is nothing wrong with that, you can make it all the more interesting this year if your purchase comes with a vintage flair. One of the hottest spots for vintage clothes is the Buffalo Exchange.

If you prefer to shop online, spend some time browsing neckties from the 1960s at the Rusty Zipper, change your mind and buy a vintage leather jacket at Men's Vintage Clothing, or try your luck with The Find.

Best Event For Father's Day.

Stirling Club members might remember Lena Prima performing at The Stirling Club in April and June (she'll be back in August). For Father's Day, Prima will be performing a tribute show "Lena Prima - Louis Prima, That's My Dad!" June 19-20 at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino.

For those who don't know, Louis Prima was an amazing composer, musician, and entertainer from his Benny Goodman hit song "Swing, Swing, Swing," to his Grammy-winning rendition of "That Old Black Magic" with his sister Keely Smith. The show will cover several of Lena's dad's most famous hits and songs from her recently released album "Since The Storm." $19.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

Best Brunch For Father's Day.

The Stirling Club will be hosting two Sunday brunches for Father's Day. The first is at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 3 p.m. The signature brunch, created by the culinary team of Charlie Palmer, will include all of his favorites. Seating for is limited and reservations are required. $49.95 per person. $19.95 for children under 12.

Charlie Palmer's other restaurants in Las Vegas are preparing for Father's Day with a surf and turf menu at Charlie Palmer Steak House and a five-course tasting menu with wine parings at Aureole.

For more Father's Day ideas or assistance with reservations, members may call The Stirling Club concierge. For a special Father's Day membership at The Stirling Club, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by email via The Stirling Club Web site.

Stirling Tips For Cigar Lovers In Las Vegas

Most people know that Christopher Columbus is credited with the introduction of tobacco to Europe after his crew encountered tobacco on San Salvador in 1492 and again in Cuba. But there is much more to the story of the cigar.

The same can be said for choosing the right cigar. Most people know cigars are rated. But while scores under 70 are generally best avoided and scores over 90 are considered outstanding or even classic, the four components in scoring — appearance/construction, flavor, smoking characteristics, and overall impression — tend to favor the experienced smoker. So what should the beginner look for?

Eight Tips For Choosing A Cigar.

• Inspection. Squeeze the cigar. Good cigars give, but are not too soft. They don't have lumps, soft spots, looseness, or cracks. Smaller veins are sometimes an indicator of smoother smoke.

• Wrapper color. The color of the wrapper is usually a flavor indicator, with darker wrappers providing a more full-bodied, sweeter cigar. The reason is simple enough. The longer a leaf stays on the plant, the more sunlight it receives and the darker it will be.

• Cigar size. Most beginners choose smaller cigars, such as a carolina, before moving up to a corona, which generally burns evenly and has a better draw. A cervante tends to be the best above a corona.

• Ring gauges. While the most common length of cigars is 5 to 6 inches, the ring gauge (diameter) is a often a better indicator of a fuller flavor. They also tend to smoke slower and heat up slower. In general, 52 is the largest diameter (although a few cigars are larger).

• Country of origin. Much like wine, the flavor of the tobacco is influenced by soil and climate. In the United States, most people prefer Dominican cigars or Honduran cigars. The latter's tobacco tends to be robust. Cigar Aficionado has also added several Nicaraguan cigars to its top list.

• Cigar age. Almost all handmade cigars age before being released to the public (as long as two years). Some experts believe more cigars peak after six to ten years. However, this assumes the cigar is kept in ideal conditions.

• Time of day. There is something to be said for accompaniment. A smaller, milder cigar tends to be preferred in the morning whereas experienced smokers prefer big, full-bodied cigars after a heavy meal or late at night.

• The taste. For beginners forget about the undertones and complexities. If the experience is pleasurable, enjoy it. Dominican cigars are generally full-bodied with complex flavors, Nicaraguan cigars spicier, Ecuadorian cigars milder, and Jamaican cigars the mildest.

At The Stirling Club, members can always ask for help too. The club features a grand selection of cigars and pipe tobacco in the Cigar Bar. The room also includes a billiards table and the finest cognacs, cordials, beers, and ports available. Some members store their cigars on site.

Super Bowl Party In Las Vegas 2010

Who will play in Super Bowl XLIV (44)? While Las Vegas oddsmakers seem to favor the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints to face off at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Feb. 7, there is only one sure bet.

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend will be there for an unforgettable 2010 Bridgestone Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show. You can catch a promotional clip here.

Another sure bet is that The Stirling Club will be the most exclusive place to watch the game live in Las Vegas. Ever since the NFL gave notice to casinos that they cannot broadcast the Super Bowl at large scale "Super Bowl parties," small scale venues have become the favored place for fans to enjoy the game in Las Vegas.

At The Stirling Club, members are invited to meet up in the Cigar Bar for a picture perfect big screen viewing of the game. The event features every edible imaginable, with a full-service deli menu, salad station, all-star stadium food, and ice cold draft beer.

The game day menu line-up includes BBQ chicken, Angus beef burgers, bratwurst, corn dogs, chili, Italian sausages, grilled salmon, and two surprise entrees that will be chosen from the hometowns of each divisional champion. Snacks include s'mores, coconut bars, cookies, funnel cakes, pineapple upsidedown cakes, brownies, blondies, and team colored cupcakes plus nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, kettle corn, Cracker Jacks, candy peanuts, potato chips, ice cream, and candy bars.

Members may place reservations for $50 person. Space is limited. Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, for consideration or to make plans to tour the club during the divisional or championship round parties in the Cigar Bar on Jan. 17 and Jan. 24. Can't make The Stirling Club event?

Five Additional Picks for Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas.

• Blush. Located inside Wynn Las Vegas, Blush is hosting a big party in its laid-back lounge setting. Admission may vary, so check before you go.

• Society Cafe.The action at Encore at Wynn will include a special Super Bowl menu in a venue honored by Esquire as one of the "Best New Restaurants in America, 2009."

• Hofbrauhaus. Located on Paradise Road, south of The Stirling Club, the Hofbrauhaus will host its main party in the beer garden with eight big screen televisions. The main hall will accommodate overflow guests. Reservations are recommended.

• ESPN Zone. Near New York, New York Hotel & Casino, ESPN Zone features a big game menu with staggered service. Prices range from $125 to $175 per person (three person minimum). All seating will be in the screening room or Studio Grill.

• Everywhere. Race and sports books are still allowed to televise the game live. One of the more comprehensive lists can be found here. Anyone planning to catch the game at a race and sports book should plan to arrive early.

Add The Exclusive Cocktail

Gone are the days when Vegas was only known for gambling and cheap buffets. As home to some of the most prestigious resorts, restaurants, and spas in the world, Las Vegas can be as luxurious as it is entertaining. In between spa treatments and fine dining, you can find some of the most expensive cocktails in the world.

In fact, according to the University of Luxury, the top five most expensive cocktails in Las Vegas, easily compete with the most expensive cocktails in the world.

5. King Richard's Pride - $1,000

At BOA in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, King Richard's Pride is a $1,000 a drink consisting of Hennessy Richard, Dom Perignon Rosé 1996 and Chambord Liqueur Royale de France with a splash of lime and cranberry. Add an orange slice to the rim of a keepsake Baccarat cocktail glass.

4. The Presidential - $1,000

Body English at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features a $1,000 martini called The Presidential. The price is driven by the best of the best — Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac and Dom Perignon champagne.

3. Duvet Passion - $1,500

The Seablue Restaurant at the MGM Grand serves a mix of rare and aged cognacs with the blend of vintage champagnes, garnished with a vanilla orchid petal. This drink for $1,500 was introduced on Valentine's Day in 2005. It's still loved today.

2. High Limit Kir Royale - $2,200

The second most expensive drink in Las Vegas used to be served inside of the The Teatro Euro Bar at the MGM Grand. It featured Louis Roederer Cristal Rose champagne, Hardy Perfection cognac, Grand Marnier Cent Cinquantenaire, and fresh muddled raspberries. The bar has since been supplanted by Rogue. It could be anyone's guess if Rogue stole the recipe.

1. Ménage a Trois - $3,000

As anyone might expect, the Wynn Las Vegas still lays claim to the most expensive cocktail in Las Vegas and the third most expensive in the world. The Ménage a Trois at Tryst is made with Cristal Rosé, Hennessy Ellipse and Grand Marnier Cent-cinquantenaire. 23-karat gold flakes and liquid gold syrup decorate the cocktail, which is sipped through a golden straw, studded with a 9-point diamond. The diamond is yours to keep.

Of course, if you're really looking for something more exclusive in Las Vegas than the Ménage a Trois, any cocktail ordered at The Cigar Bar inside The Stirling Club can compete with the world's most expensive drinks. The reason is simple. To even order a cocktail in The Cigar Bar, you have to be a member.

With membership comes other luxurious exclusives as well. In addition to being able to order the finest cognacs, cordials, and ports from around the world, Stirling Club members can store their personal cigars in exclusive humidors kept on property. And that is just one more reason The Stirling Club comes out on top as the place to find rare and rewarding cocktail experiences in Las Vegas.