A Stirling Engagement With Human Nature

Every now and again, Las Vegas becomes home to an unexpected hit show that leaves the audience breathless, on their feet, and applauding for more. "Smokey Robinson Presents Australia's Human Nature – The Ultimate Celebration of Motown" certainly qualifies.

"When an act gets the room shaking -- for real -- does it really matter what a reviewer says?" Mike Weatherford, reviewer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, asked when the show opened last year, before it went on to being named the best new show on the Las Vegas Strip.

Human Nature — featuring Toby Allen, Phil Burton, Andrew Tierney and Michael Tierney — is best known as a popular Motown vocal group in Australia after gaining ground as a support act for Michael Jackson and Céline Dion for their Australian and European tours in the late 1990's. By 2000, the band released a hit single that reached the Top 20 in the U.K. and a second best-selling single in Australia. Combined, they have 70 Top 40 hits and five Top 10 hits on the Australian pop charts.

In 2009, Smokey Robinson convinced them to come to Las Vegas, where they continue to rally audiences by word-of-mouth and stellar reviews. Find a sneak peek here.

This Feb. 18, Stirling Club members are invited to an exclusive engagement with Human Nature. The event begins with a champagne reception reception at The Stirling Club before being transported to the newly remodeled showroom at the Imperial Palace.

"I will be the host for the musical event you won't want to miss," said Kelly Clinton, entertainer and entertainment director. "I saw the show and I can't wait to see it again."

Immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance, The Stirling Club has arranged a meet and greet with the talented quartet. It is a rare opportunity to shake hands, ask questions, get request autographs with these talented entertainers.

The meet and greet will not be the only opportunity to rub elbows with the group. They have a long history of hopping off the stage as they sing memorable renditions of songs, ranging from The Temptations to The Supremes.

While there are rumors the group will remain in Las Vegas for another two years while entertaining plans for a new album and tour toward the end of 2010, this is the best chance to see a live performance in Las Vegas with friends. Reservations for the event are required. The event is $40 per person (tickets are typically $60-$70).

Valentine's Day In Las Vegas

Las Vegas doesn't always come to mind when most editors create their top ten romantic city lists, but it could make the cut with the right imagination and attention to detail. Included below are four custom-created experiences for couples to enjoy on Valentine's Day in Las Vegas. Enjoy.

Four Delights For Valetine's Day In Las Vegas.

1. The Stirling Club Valentine's Day Experience.

• Share an experience with a loved at one of the top ten spas in Las Vegas. The Stirling Club's Valentine's Day Sweetheart Spa Package includes an aromatic essence massage, with a custom blend of sensual and passionate oils. Following the massage, retire to a private candlelit room for champagne and a rose bath. $200 for members (Feb. 1 to Feb. 21).

• Enjoy a small gathering of members for a Valentine's Day dinner dance, featuring a five-course menu prepared by Charlie Palmer executive chefs and opening with Ronnie Rose, who has performed for Presidents and first ladies. $75 per person. (Feb. 13).

• Following Ronnie Rose, Kelly Clinton and friends will take the intimate stage. Clinton frequently shares the stage with special guests who are visiting Las Vegas, including Elisa Fiorillo. Free for members.

2. A Sweetheart Adventure At Red Rock Canyon.

• Take a short ride west of the Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon, which includes a scenic 13-mile drive with picnic areas and hiking trails along the dramatic backdrop of red sandstone. The scenic drive is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 28. Admission is $5.

• Pack a picnic lunch (8 a.m. until dusk) and share it beneath the colorful cliffs of the magnificent Wilson Range at Spring Mountain Ranch Nevada State Park. The main ranch house is open daily from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., where visitors can find information about the surrounding area.

• For a memorable wild west-style adventure, choose one of the area's horseback riding tours from Vegas Horseback Tours. The tour operators feature several rides with breakfast, lunch, or dinner included. Most tours are approximately four hours long. Prices range from $109 to $139 per person.

3. A French Connection On The Las Vegas Strip.

• Secure reservations at Mon Ami Gabi, a classic French bistro created by Chef Gabino Sotelino, located at Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino. In addition to a regular menu, Chef Terry Lynch has prepared a Valetine's dinner, which includes a choice of filet of beef for two, grilled lamb porterhouse, or pan-seared petrale sole. (Entrees range from $25 to $60).

• After dinner, take the elevator ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view, including the Bellagio fountains. Between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15, the Eiffel Tower Ride is offering a special package with champagne and souvenir photos. ($60 per couple.)

• Finish the evening with crepes in the faux streets of Paris. La Creperie is consistently considered one of the hottest spots for this quintessential French delicacy. All ingredients are fresh and prepared while patrons watch. (Approx. $10 to $20.)

4. Rediscover Each Other At Wynn Las Vegas.

• If anyone is still undecided where to stay, Wynn Las Vegas features a two-night package that includes a round of golf on a Tom Fazio/Steve Wynn 18-hole golf course, and lunch for two at the Country Club (starting at $625 per night).

• While there, enjoy a romantic walk through the botanical gardens and bright atrium at Wynn. Along with the gardens, take some time to enjoy the Lake of Dreams, one of the most unforgettable complimentary attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. (Free.)

• Le Reve, which is one of the top shows on the Strip, also has a Valentine's Day special. It includes VIP seating, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and truffles, and complimentary entrance at Blush or Tyrst. ($179 per person.)

As a bonus suggestion for the perfect Valetine's Day in Las Vegas, make an early date on Feb. 13 at the Creative Cooking School of Las Vegas. The proposed gourmet menu, which couples can cook together, includes maple glazed Cornish game hen with a morel cherry sauce. ($99 per person.)

For more Valetine's Day creations or assistance with reservations, members may call The Stirling Club concierge. Men might also be surprised to find that while every woman is unique, most prefer a shared experience over gifts.

Members visiting from other cities are encouraged to make reservations this week. Some choices above may also have a dress code.

Award-Winning Pairing: LE/ROM and Siku Vodka

Beluga might be banned in the United States, but caviar lovers can still find some exceptional caviar. At The Stirling Club in Las Vegas, LE/ROM Caviar, continuing in the tradition of the Romanov family under the direction of Lena Romanova, is hosting a special tasting with Osetra Black Caviar (Acipenser baerii) and Sterlet Black Caviar (Acipenser ruthenus).

Both are imported from a farm in the Baltics, without any preservatives, chemical or medical additions to either the fish or caviar. The latter caviar, Sterlet, is historically mentioned as being served at royal feasts and banquets. Today, it is among the rarest. LE/ROM is ecologically sound black sturgeon caviar farmed from the only licensed farm in the Baltics.

How To Serve And Taste Caviar

• Remove caviar from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving.

• The lid should remain in place until the very last moment.

• Unless presented on a serving plate, it is acceptable to serve in the tin.

• Caviar is never served with a metal spoon; mother-of-pearl is preferred.

• Serve the caviar accompanied with a small piece of toasted bread or blinis.

• Caviar should be served plain, so nothing dilutes or alters its flavor.

• A small glass of vodka is the ideal companion; some prefer champagne.

The Stirling Club Will Serve Siku Vodka and Francois Montand

Siku (see-ku), which means ice in Greenlandic, is made from pure glacier ice. Using an ice-blending process, Siku transforms glacier ice directly to vodka without it ever becoming water.

As the blend becomes liquid at -25.9 degrees C, it is charcoal filtered for clarity and bottled. The final product is 8O proof. At one tasting at the Waldorf Astoria for Steinway piano owners, Siku was rated as the "Best of the Best" out of 28 vodkas.

For those who prefer a champagne, The Stirling Club has selected a Francois Montand, Brut, which is a nicely balanced dry champagne since many tend to be too sweet to serve with caviar.

The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4. Reservations are required and seating is limited. $39 per person.