Hakkasan work gets started in Las Vegas
Hakkasan work gets started in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Construction is under way on the Las Vegas Strip for the five-story Hakkasan lounge, restaurant and nightclub in the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.
Company officials say they’ve installed on-site cameras so people can watch the progress on the upscale Chinese restaurant, which is replacing the Studio 54 nightclub and one of the casino’s main exterior facades.
Hakkasan first opened in London in 2001 and now has U.S. locations in Miami and New York City. Officials say they’re planning restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles in the next year.
Designers said Tuesday the 75,000-square-foot restaurant will feature modern Chinese-inspired decor and rich interiors.
Smithsonian explores the War of 1812
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery is opening a major exhibit on the War of 1812 with objects from Canada, Great Britain and the United States.
On Friday, the museum opens “1812: A Nation Emerges.” It comes almost 200 years to the day from the nation’s declaration of war against the British Empire. This “forgotten war” eventually led to the burning of the White House. Curators pulled together more than 100 objects showing people who influenced the war. They include portraits of British generals and stories of slaves, pirates, Native Americans and women of the time.
A broadside with the first reference to “Uncle Sam” is included, along with Dolley Madison’s red velvet dress that might have been made from curtains saved from the White House.
MGM gets agreement
for casino near D.C.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — MGM Resorts International has struck an agreement to build a casino destination at the National Harbor waterfront complex near the nation’s capital.
The proposed casino in suburban Maryland would include about 4,000 slot machines and 250 table games with shopping, restaurants and a luxury hotel.
The agreement announced Friday is contingent on the Maryland General Assembly passing legislation to grant a sixth casino in the state for a license at National Harbor. It would also depend on passage of a “competitive tax rate” for the site and a referendum by Maryland voters.
Officials with Las Vegas casino operator MGM were meeting with Gov. Martin O’Malley about plans for the potential casino. MGM operates Las Vegas resorts including the Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Mirage and Mandalay Bay.
Street performers return to Gatlinburg
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — Street performers are back in Gatlinburg, Tenn., for their traditional summer entertainment.
It’s the seventh annual presentation of Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales featuring artisans, costumed musical performers and storytellers portraying characters dating back to 1800. Beginning Friday, they disperse along the main street downtown from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly through Aug. 11. Up to 12 acts perform throughout the evening.
Trios, duos, single acts and clogging groups will perform. There also will be demonstrations about making mountain and lap dulcimers and gourd banjos. The downtown of the Smoky Mountain resort city is lined with motels and restaurants and traditionally is packed with visitors walking the streets.