Vegas Encore: Part Two
After my heavenly meet and greet with Ricky Martin, Brittany graciously escorted me to my upgraded VIP seat–and what an upgrade it was! Plush banquette seating just a few steps above the stage, offering a perfect unobstructed view along with table service for ordering cocktails and snacks.
As I settled into my seat, I noticed a familiar face nearby– longtime Fox 5 New York anchor Rosanna Scotto.
All smiles with Fox 5 NY anchor Rosanna Scotto. One of the highlights of my trip!
The last time I had seen her was years ago during my own days in TV news, when she graciously took the time to meet me and offer career advice. She greeted me warmly, sharing that she got married at The Pierre when I told her that’s where I am now. Rosanna had just come from interviewing Ricky for an upcoming special and confided that he had pulled a leg muscle so he was receiving acupuncture to get through the show that night. Of course, Ricky at 80% is like other entertainers at 100%.
Despite a pulled muscle, Ricky was in his usual fine form. Wepa!
This was my fifth time at ALL IN and it was just as epic as I remembered. After almost 20 years of seeing Ricky live, I have to say this is one of his most dazzling productions ever. Amazing choreography and the set list is a perfect mix of his English and Spanish hits, with a few perfectly pitched nods to iconic Vegas performers. At 46, Ricky more than matches the energy of his younger dancers and, yes, he looks mighty fine and fit! In his recently aired Fox 5 interview with Rosanna Scotto, he said he treats his body as an athlete would and it definitely shows. Too many artists today lip sync because they don’t have the stamina to dance and sing at the same time (Britney, JLo, etc). Ricky’s residency is aptly named because, injured or not, he gives it all at every concert.
Unfortunately, his pulled muscle forced him to cancel the second concert scheduled for that weekend. Hearing the news was a little easier to take since it came directly from the Park Theater’s General Manager Dan. Dan thoughtfully told me in person while I enjoyed a delightful complimentary dinner with my good friend Tiffany at the Monte Carlo’s new restaurant Primrose.
Tiff and me at Primrose. The beignets (also pictured) are a must!
Part of the hotel’s $450 million+ renovation and rebranding — it will become the Park MGM — Primrose is a charming bistro with a fantastic menu and attentive service. Inspired by the South of France, Primrose features a “French-ish” menu with garden-inspired dishes and an outdoor terrace. Our server Mark took great care of us, sharing his knowledge of signature dishes and excitement about being a new dad. Everything was delicious, most especially the mozzarella croquettes and beignets. I might have to pay another visit to Primrose when I go back in June for the final weekend of Ricky’s residency.
Up next…celebrating one year at The Pierre and how my colleagues gave me one of the best nights of my life!
