Last night, Jamaican-American singer and rapper Sean Kingston kicked-off Halloween weekend with a brief yet stunning performance at award-winning mega-club Pure at Caesar’s Palace. While being escorted to Pure’s main stage, the chart-topping artist was greeted by eager fans as he hugged and high-fived his way through the Las Vegas hot spot.

Once arriving on stage, he grabbed the mic and welcomed the packed house to his pre-Halloween show. Party goers cheered him on as he started singing his latest hit single “Letting Go (Dutty Love).” He then followed it with other popular sensations “Take You There” and “Fire Burning” as hundreds of fans sang along with him. He finished the performance with a special surprise for the crowd when he debuted his newest single “Sleep All Day, Party All Night.” Immediately following his show, Kingston was accompanied out of the venue and back to his Penthouse Suite at Caesar’s Palace where he enjoyed the rest of his evening with friends and family.

Like Haute Living Las Vegas? Join our Facebook page. Want Haute Living Las Vegas delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Snooki at the Sugar Factory at the Mirage

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi from MTV’s hit series “Jersey Shore” was spotted at confection sensation Sugar Factory at the Mirage Friday night. Polizzi indulged in Sugar Factory’s signature Couture Pops, and her favorite was the Silver Rainbow style designed by Kim Kardashian.

Kardashian’s collection of Couture Pops can be seen here.

While at the store, Polizzi picked up Sugar Factory T-shirts and tank tops, Couture Pops for her friends and family, and a few of Holly Madison’s brand-new candy necklaces.

Madison’s candy necklaces can be seen here.

Like Haute Living Las Vegas? Join our Facebook page. Want Haute Living Las Vegas delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Snooki at the Sugar Factory at the Mirage

This Saturday, Oct. 30, join Loren Ridinger and Eva Longoria Parker for the launch of the Loren Jewels collection at London Jewelers.

Mingle with New York’s finest while getting an exclusive preview of the Loren Jewels collection. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go directly towards the Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation.

The event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Americana Manhasset location of London Jewelers; 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, N.Y.

When one thinks of Amarone della Valpolicella, a few names come to mind that truly inspire. Bertani is one of them. Founded in 1857 by Giovani Battista and Gaetano Bertani, the family owned estate is producing some of the regions finest, long-lived examples of Amarone della Valpolicellas to date.

The Bertani company owns approximately 220 hectares of land throughout the Veneto, specifically Lake Garda, Valpolicella, Valpantena and Soave. Despite the millions of bottles they  produce, their Amarone della Valpolicella remains Bertani’s business card; all fruit is estate grown, it is only made in excellent vintages and employs the utmost care in every step of the wine-making process. Bertani’s first vintage was made in 1958 and they have been creating a “wine that lives forever” ever since.

Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the world’s noble wines and one that overflows with character and personality. Grapes (corvina, rondinella, molinara) are first dried on straw mats in order to concentrate their flavors and sugars and results in a water loss between 40-60%; just to give you an idea, each bottle of Amarone requires 5 pounds of grapes prior to pressing. The resulting wine is a remarkably textured wine layered with intense dried fruit flavors, tons of herbaceous qualities and high alcohol. The trick with Amarone lies in finding the balance between the dry, over ripe fruit flavors, mitigating the high alcohol levels and maintaining a solid acid structure so the wine is not overly cloying and has the structure for long lived development.

This week’s Haute Wines salutes Bertani for sticking to their word – they really do make a “wine that lives forever.” We tasted five vintages of Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella dating back to 1967 and discovered that these wines truly are eternal. Our top picks were 1967, 1975 and 1968 (in that order). Lucky for us, they are all available for sale.

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, 1967 – This is everything Amarone should be! If only we didn’t have to wait so long for it to get that way. This wine was aged in cask for 18 years prior to bottling and, 43 years later, it is stellar. Incredible notes of caramel, cigar box, honey and a thick layer of dried figs. The term “Vino di Meditazione” could not be more exemplary than it is here. Constantly evolving in the glass, the 67 is meant to be enjoyed solo and savored sip after sip.

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, 1975 – The ’75 was the most elegant of the bunch and the one most compatible with food. The nose was incredibly reminiscent of oloroso sherry with a touch of brandy along with essences of toasted hazelnuts, reduced balsamic, smoked almonds, shitake mushrooms, tobacco and prunes. The nose persisted on the palate, but with an exponential concentration along with a velvety texture and long finish. The ultimate pairing with this wine was none other than a piece a blue cheese. Like a good marriage, they brought out the best in each other.

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, 1968 – The ’68 turned out to be the most masculine of the vertical. Super dark and structured, it was big and burly full of prunes and plums, marinated black olives and pine cone-sappiness to it. Oddly enough, it was a touch clumsy alongside the lighter fare we were enjoying, but surely would have done spectacularly with a piece of venison or lamb.

Please note some wines are very limited in production and therefore may be difficult to find. If interested in acquiring, tweet me @epicuriouschic and I will be happy to help you source the wine.

James Bermingham, vice president of Montage Hotels & Resorts; Chef Scott Conant; Alan Fuerstman: CEO and founder of Montage Hotels & Resorts; and Hermann Elger, general manager of Montage Beverly Hills

On Thursday, Oct. 28, chef and star of “24-Hour Restaurant Battle” on the Food Network Scott Conant celebrated the opening of Scarpetta, his new restaurant at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Upon the restaurant’s opening, Conant said, “I am very excited to open Scarpetta at the Montage. The property is beautiful and a great setting for the restaurant. The food scene in Los Angeles has never been better and I look forward to getting to know the local farmers and markets, which are among the best in the country.”

Model Molly Sims, actor Jason Lewis, Marla Maples, singer Taylor Dayne, actress Melissa Claire and stylist Kim Vo were among the attendees. Conant served the guests his signature spaghetti, along with 100-layer lasagna and roasted suckling pig.

Conant graduated from The Culinary Institute of America and is the author of two cookbooks: “New Italian Cooking” and “Bold Italian.” In addition to the recently opened Scarpetta in Beverly Hills, Conant also has Scarpetta restaurants in New York City’s Meatpacking District and Miami Beach.

The Beverly Hills Scarpetta menu offers seasonally inspired Italian dishes. Conant’s dishes include local ingredients and offer clean, earthy flavors. The restaurant bar’s décor was inspired by “old” Hollywood and designed by Studio Gaia (the same company that designed Tao in Las Vegas). The restaurant also offers a main dining room as well as outdoor seating.

Like Haute Living Los Angeles? Join our Facebook page. Want Haute Living Los Angeles delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Christina Pirello

Mom used to say the quickest way to a man is through his stomach. These days, I’d say that’s true for winning over just about anyone. We are a country of foodies, dedicated to each culinary magazine, cooking show and latest “it” ingredient. And where better to make sure your kitchen know-how is top notch than at the 2010 Philadelphia Food and Wine Festival running today through Sunday at the Valley Forge Convention Center.

This year’s theme is “Taste: Fine Wines, Spirits and Gourmet Foods,” and it doesn’t take much more than that to get me in the car and on my way. But for those who require details, imagine a ballroom packed with table after table of food and beverage samples, cooking demonstrations, culinary experts and a few notable name or two.

Top Chef: Las Vegas’ Michael Voltaggio, Top Chef: New York’s Fabio Viviani and The Next Food Network Star’s Aaron McCargo Jr. – now host of Big Daddy’s House will host on-stage cooking demonstrations. Christina Pirello, Ron Duprat, Michael Giletto and many other area personalities will also be on hand.

If watching from the audience just isn’t enough, head over to the VIP Cocktail Party at King of Prussia’s Bahama Breeze tomorrow at 7 p.m. to meet some of the chefs, plus enjoy beer, wine and, of course, fabulous food.

The Philadelphia Food and Wine Festival will be held at the Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia. General admission tickets at $35; VIP Cocktail Party tickets at $75. For a full schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit www.gourmetshows.com/philly.

On Tuesday, Oct. 26, Pro Big-Wave Surfers Greg and Rusty Long teamed with SOL Cocina for their own spin on the Taco Tuesday tradition. Instead of quick, boring and expected Mexican food, they set to turn everything you thought you knew about Taco Tuesdays in OC around. Forget fish tacos, tiny tacos and being let down. Head to SOL and get surprised.

Instead of getting you in and out, the team at SOL is set to celebrate every Tuesday with fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors with what’s they’ve dubbed “SOL’s Taco & Tequila Tuesday.” During the opening night festivities, Greg Long (he’s the reigning title holder of the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Invitational — one of the most prestigious big wave surfing event in the world and winner of the 2009 Billabong XXL Ride of the Year) played bartender at the restaurant, serving up fresh margaritas and more. Known for using fresh ingredients in everything (including their cocktails) SOL sets itself apart from other margarita slingers with house made margarita mix and a huge selection of tequila.

Drink and food specials were debuted at the event, which will undoubtedly become the hottest spot to be every Tuesday, and there was live music and guests enjoyed the tequila tasting flights that’ll be on the menu during every Taco & Tequila Tuesday.

Sol Cocina is located at 251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., on the Balboa Marina in Newport Beach. For more information, call 949.675.9800 or visit their web site.

Like Haute Living Orange County? Join our Facebook page. Want Haute Living Orange County delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

It was four paws up Wednesday night at the 10th Annual Halloween Pet Costume Benefit, benefitting the Humane Society of New York.

Wendy Diamond, one of my favorite Pet Lifestyle Experts, Endangered Animal and Rescue Advocate, Author and TV Personality (talk about a pet-friendly resume) greeted guests.  Co-hosts Tinsley Mortimer, Sara Gore, Dylan Lauren, mingled amongst the lavishly attired guests including MSNBC Tamron Hall, Richard Belzer and his dog Bebe, and Associated Press’ Alicia Quarles. Fox’s Courtney Friel showed up 9 months pregnant as a basketball player with a basketball as her baby.

Though the event had a rocky start, the good-hearted intentions prevailed and much needed funds were raised for an organization which helps more than 300,000 animals annually through medical attention and adoption centers.

For more information on how you can make a difference in the lives of our furry friends in need:

http://AnimalFair.com

http://www.humanesocietyny.org/

On Friday, Oct. 15, more than 400 shoppers flocked to the St. Regis San Francisco for the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund’s (BCEF) This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse. This annual charity shopping event sells handbags and other fashion accessories donated by high-fashion designers, celebrities and retail stores to raise money for low-income women with breast cancer.

In addition to the sale of more than 250 handbags, there was also a live auction that earned more than $36,000, including a $13,000 bid on a black Hermes Kelly bag that was donated by event co-chair Elizabeth Thieriot. Overall, the event raised more than $200,000, which will go directly toward BCEF’s emergency financial assistance program.

Guest of the event included some of San Francisco’s elite in addition to a special appearance by the winner of American Idol’s Season 9 Lee DeWyze.

To view more photos from this event, visit Haute Living’s Events Gallery.

Like Haute Living San Francisco? Join our Facebook page. Want Haute Living San Francisco delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.

Get spooked at one of the top Halloween attractions in the country at Fright Dome at Circus Circus.

Nothing is quite as scary as Halloween in Las Vegas. The thrills and chills abound. If you still haven’t made your plans for Halloween weekend, we have the scoop on all the terrifying adventures that await you in haunted Las Vegas.

Fright Dome

Every October, Adventuredome at Circus Circus turns into Fright Dome, one of the top five scariest haunted attractions in the United States. Jason Egan created this spooky theme park and its five haunted houses, including an interactive SAW-themed haunted house based on the “SAW” movie series and a “My Bloody Valentine” house in honor of the movie. Look for the  Zombie Apocalypse and Clown Evil Alley, two scare zones where haunted props and roaming scare actors surprise victims from dark corners. You can find live entertainment from macabre illusionists at the “Show of Magic & Horror,” where Dixie Dooley, Kevin James and Dan Sperry perform their horrifying acts. Get in on the fun from 7 p.m. to midnight through Sun.

Haunted 13th Floor Tour at Circus Circus

The dreaded 13th floor. Hotels avoid these evil number because of the bad luck associated with it. Not Circus Circus. Jason Egan created a tour of 13 rooms with frightening scenes including a séance room, a bellman-gone-bad room and a crazy catering room. Take a tour through this spooky floor from 2 to 10 p.m. through Oct. 31.

OktoberFrightFest at Fremont Street

The Fremont Street Experience gets a dose of macabre when it turns into a haunted playground by night. Viva Vision light and sound shows play “Time Warp” and “Monster Mash” while beer gardens feature seasonal Oktoberfest food and drink specials, free live entertainment by three Halloween-themed stage shows and a haunted house attraction inside Binion’s Gambling Hall. Look for Freakin’ Magic, a horror hospital starring Kevin James and his horror illusions. He performs at 8:15 and 10:15 p.m. nightly through Halloween on the 3rd Street Stage. Frank & The Steins play classic Halloween songs such as “Psycho Killers,” “Spooky,” “Time Warp” and “Ghostbusters” at 8:15, 9:15 and 10:15 p.m. through Sunday on the 1st Street Stage. Or check out Alice and Ozzy’s Frightmare, which combines horror movie influences, vaudeville and garage punk tributes to Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne. They perform at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night on the Main Street Stage.

Halloween Parade

Need something for the young ones? Get them decked out in their finest costumes and head Downtown on Sunday for the inaugural Las Vegas Halloween Parade. Meet at 6 p.m. to line up at the corner of Hoover Avenue and Fourth Street for the parade that starts at 7 p.m. The parade will winds north from the corner of Hoover Avenue and Fourth Street to Ogden Street.

Chaos at the Cannery

If you want to stay away from the Strip and Downtown, head over to the The Asylum and Hotel Fear at Chaos at the Cannery. Try one of these terrifying attractions or see them both so you can find out how the plots from both come together. “Hauntworld Magazine” ranked both The Asylum and Hotel Fear in the Top 13 Haunts in the United States. The houses are open now through Oct. 31 with frights from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Haunted Reef at Mandalay Bay

Normally you would think of the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay as a respite from the chaos of the Strip. But not at Halloween. Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. the aquarium becomes the Haunted Reef with rattling chains, creaky doors and spooky music. See the scarier side of the reef and its tiger sharks and a rare Komodo dragon. Bring your kids 12 and under in costume and get free access and sugary sweets. And anyone 17 years and older who donates blood at the United Blood Services booth also gets in for free.

Haunted Tours at Titanic

Think the Titanic isn’t haunted? Think again. Some strange things have happened at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor. Find out about the “Lady in Black” often seen on the Grand Staircase crying for her famous friend Molly Brown in the First Class Gallery, the longest living Titanic survivor who died exactly 80 years after the boat sunk. Other strange tales also make the tour, which is free with paid admission today through Sunday at 8 p.m.

Haunted Harvest at Springs Preserve

Gather up the kids and head over to the Springs Preserve for the Haunted Harvest, a family-friendly event featuring a haunted maze, trick-or-treat stations, carnival games, live entertainment and more. The festival takes place this weekend from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger.

Silverton Fright Fest

More family fun takes place at the Silverton with Fright Fest and its games, rides, pumpkin patch and more. Scare your pants off at one of two haunted houses including one themed after the horror movie “Silent Hill.” Get scared at the Silverton Fright Fest from 4 p.m. to midnight today and noon to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

Like Haute Living Las Vegas? Join our Facebook page. Want Haute Living Las Vegas delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.