New eats, easier shopping on tap at Red Rock Resort

Red Rock Resort on the far west side of town is getting a makeover.

Already one of the swankiest of the "locals casinos," the $35 million renovation will concentrate on restaurants, suites and the spa.

A "restaurant row" will be created with new Mexican and Italian eateries, a farmers market concept and a noodle bar joining the existing lineup, which will include a renovated T-Bones Chophouse.

The improvements will coincide with the opening of the neighboring Shops at Summerlin retail district, which will be connected to Red Rock by a new parking and drop-off area.

Oldest restaurant closes: El Sombrero, the diminutive hole in the wall that had been Las Vegas’ oldest restaurant, has closed. El Sombrero opened downtown in 1950.

Spring display: The spring display at Bellagio’s Botanical Garden and Conservatory features an array of more than 8,200 flowers and plants, a 45-foot-tall cherry blossom tree, 40 oversize raindrops, a greenhouse filled with 800 live butterflies from around the world, giant caterpillars and nightly musical performances staged on a platform in the cherry tree.

The display will run through May 11 and is free to view.

April drink deal: South Point has $1 bloody marys and mimosas and $2 Bailey’s and coffees at all casino bars daily from 6 a.m. to noon through April. Baja Miguel’s Tequila Bar has $3 margaritas, Cuervo shots, beer and well drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.

QUESTION: Billboards in Las Vegas say that George Wallace is the "best 10 p.m. show on the Strip." Is that because it’s the only 10 p.m. show?

ANSWER: While everyone assumes that, it’s not the case. Other Las Vegas shows with 10 p.m. start times are Absinthe, Chippendale’s, Comedy After Dark, Evil Dead, Fantasy, Improv at Harrah’s, Jubilee!, LA Comedy, Laugh Factory, Marc Savard, O, Pin Up, Purple Reign, Rock of Ages, Thunder From Down Under, X Burlesque and Zumanity.

If Wallace’s show is the best of them, it won’t be for long — the comedian will end his 10-year run at the end of this month.

For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.