With his latest venture, Public House—opening New Year's Eve inside The Grand Canal Shoppers at The Venetian—Las Vegas restaurateur Billy Richardson and his team at Block 16 Hospitality have cannonballed into the gastropub ocurve, putting a fresh twist on some old classics.

The latest venue to toss its wide-brimmed felt fedora into the Cosa Nostra-themed foray, Mob Bar (formerly Sidebar) officially reopened downtown December 5. The date's significane? It was the 78th anniversary of Repeal Day, when the 18th Amendment was wiped off the books restoring American's right to get their collective sip on.

What do Carol Channing, Debbie Reynolds and Bette Midler have in common with Celine Dion, Marie Osmond and Miss Ann-Margret? The Nevada Ballet Theatre has recognized them all as "Women of the Year" at the organization's annual Black & White Ball.