Like many, Piero’s has played an important role in my life, here in Las Vegas.  I mean, it’s just so damned Vegas-y (to wit: director Martin Scorsese, when faced with having to build a set for the restaurant scenes in Casino – including the famous “milk-fed veal” scene between Joe Pesci and the showgirl, and the scene where Pesci slaps Sharon Stone down the stairs and into the parking lot – opted instead to rent Piero’s for a week, and shoot them, there); and that’s because of proprietor Freddie Glusman.  This was fully demonstrated through the outpouring of best wishes at Glusman’s 80th birthday party, last weekend, at Piero’s.

When your tribute video contains hilarious roasts from the likes of Don RIckles, Steve Lawrence, and Jerry Lewis (who was himself, ensconced in a cozy corner booth); that’s some varsity Friar’s Club shit going down, right there!  Throw-in video shouts-out from Glusman’s kids, stepkids, and grandkids; and longtime patrons and friends including Gloria and Mark Fine (who performed a karaoke version of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” with lyrics they’d customized for Freddie); Bob Arum, Irwin Molasky, the soon-to-be-betrothed Sean McClenahan and Michael McGraw, Susie & Dean Spanos, Lynn & Bill Weidner, Wayne Newton, Jack Jones, Rich Little, and Sue & Paul Lowden (the latter of whom tickled the ivories while singing “Happy Birthday); and you know Glusman’s heart was swelling.

Mayor Carolyn Goodman was there, with a Proclamation from the City of Las Vegas; as was Councilman Steve Sisolak, with a Proclamation and a crystal key from Clark County; and Mike Jeffries (LVMPD-Ret), who amusingly took the mic and read of a list of all of Glusman’s legal infractions.

I sat down for a quick bite, in the A-room, with Susan Savage and Timmy Poster; then boogied into the Monkey Room – along with Charlie Skinner, Flintie Ray Williams, Lovee & Bob Arum, Jim Snyder & Abbie Friedman, Arda & Alex Yemenidjian, Melinda Sheckells & Justin Sherman, John Katsilometes, and Heather Glusman – to watch Pia Zadora sing, for a spell; before copping-a-squat in the Dining Room’s center banquette, with Alida & Evan Glusman and Nina & H Waldman.  (P.S. Thumbs-up to the kitchen, on a particularly succulent turkey, and some fantastic meatballs!)

Catching a breath, outside, I chatted briefly with Paul Masto, telling him that his wife’s historic election (last November, Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) became the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate) was a lone beacon shining on an otherwise pretty dismal night; which I guess he hears a lot (if for no other reason than he said “I get that, a lot.”). 

Then, I grabbed a photo with the always jovial Rick Rizzolo (who, in addition to being one of my longtime faves, is credited with creating Piero’s signature house-cocktail, the “Spark Plug” – which, for your edification, contains equal parts Stoli Vanil, Kahlúa, and freshly brewed espresso, shaken vigorously then served very cold).  Then I ran back inside, where Pat Rost – who’d done a marvelous job putting the whole shindig together – was serving the cake.

To conclude, here’s one of my favorite Freddie anecdotes.  About 15 years ago, when I was still a nube ‘round these parts, I hit Piero’s up for a donation on behalf of some charity event or another.  I went and picked-up the gift certificate, and it’s got an actual Addendum attached, with a list of restrictions!  "Not valid on Thursday, Fridays, or Saturdays.  Only good for dinners served before 7pm.  Not valid for wine.  Not valid for spirits.  Not valid for gratuity.  Not valid for stone-crab.  Not valid for seafood.  Not valid for anchovies added to Caesar Salads." I looked up at Evan Glusman, and he just nodded his head.  I looked to Freddie and asked “Is this for real?”  He just smiled, and in that voice that reminds Rod Stewart to clear his throat, said “Welcome to Las Vegas, boychik!”

Freddie Glusman’s 80th Birthday
Piero’s
Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#Pieros