Best in the West

I’ve always been a big fan of life out West. Some of the best times in my years have been spent out there, hiking or rafting, hitting the golf courses or Jeeping over mountain terrain. Something about cacti reminds you that there was existence long before there was civilization.

But, life goes on, the world progresses and out of desert sands rise restaurants, hotels, casinos and nightclubs –– and this is when the sun sets, and I become a big fan of the nightlife out West. Where by day I hit the sights, by night I hit the bars –– and of course I’m not alone.

One has only to glance around the West to see how the from-dusk-till-dawn market has blown up like the Olsen Twins’ bank account. There is Scottsdale, Ariz.’s evolution of entertainment, symbolized by the wildly profitable e4 lounge concept (see cover story page 16), and the scene in Las Vegas? While I’ve been fortunate enough to be ahead of the curve with what’s moving in, I’m still almost perplexed at how far-fetched, innovative and mind-numbingly incredible the level of club experience is there –– not to mention how much money the latest and greatest venues earn –– and cost (see page 82).

So, while the scene out West is as hot as the mid-day sun, it sets the perfect pace for Nightclub & Bar’s return to Sin City with the always-anticipated Nightclub & Bar Beverage and Food Convention and Trade Show, aka “The Show,” March 5-8. For details on just how dynamic this year’s  will be, check out this issue’s special pre-show section on page 98 and attendee brochure on page 25. What’s next on the hospitality horizon? This issue seeks to answer all of your questions. I hope to see you all at “The Show” soon, too, and in the meantime, happy trails.

Cheers,                   

Correction: Beverage portion control company Azbar Inc.'s correct Web address is myazbar.com. Please visit this site for Azbar information.