Calling All Sinners

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Tequila Mania, Naughty Celebs and Nightlife Emcees
(Vegas Magazine – Dec. 2007)
By Humberto Guida

A trio of hotshot Hollywood agents from the Endeavor talent agency kicked back a few shots of Patron Silver at their VIP table laughing at the way Vegas markets itself to their clients. They were at the opening of Diablo’s Cantina at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, wondering if the new hotspot’s motto was a clear-cut call sign to the inflating bevy of trouble-making celebrities who love to party in Vegas. The Light Group’s latest concoction – a 13,000-square-foot, multilevel, tequila-themed entertainment complex featuring a Strip-side, open-air design – bills itself as the place where “sinners are welcome.”

Naturally, many of Hollywood’s insatiable set flocked to the club’s kickoff, including guest of honor Michelle Rodriguez. The actress, known for her numerous female-butt-kicker roles, made the bash her second-to-last hurrah (we’ll get to the last one later) before embarking on a long shoot with mega-budget director James Cameron. After that she’ll be serving 180 days in jail for violating her probation. So was partying with close friends, strangers and the venue’s she-devil body-painted shot girls the smart thing to do, considering the last time she violated her probation for partying?

“I’m not going to completely change myself so people think I’m not getting in trouble,” Rodriguez explained between bottles of Evian, in an attempt to keep in line with her probation. “I can have a good time and be myself. My God, look at me – I’m drinking water!” It’s okay, Michelle, this is Vegas. We don’t judge people, especially misbehaving famous people.

Rodriguez was accompanied by rumored girlfriend model Aleksandra Rastovic and mingling with other celebrities including Kevin Connolly, Martha Maclsaac and Lukas Haas, all of whom were taking in The Dan Band, from the hit movie Old School. Another guest who dropped by and made herself known to the A-listers was self-proclaimed D-lister and top-shelf comedian Kathy Griffin. It seemed like she had plenty of fans who got her “Suck it, Jesus” Emmy-acceptance speech, but she really raised eyebrows by making out with her new boyfriend, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.