After reading about the replica East Village planned for Las Vegas, I can only think of what a fine job the project's developer previously did replicating New York. At the New York, New York Hotel and Casino (gods, the embarrassment, I've stayed there ... long story), it is like being at home, but in the desert. You can visit all of your favorite NYC hotspots, like ESPN Zone!
Although the East Village project is not a hotel and is mostly retail/restaurant/office space, perhaps a few suggestions are in order for our oxygenated friends in the desert:
- You must must MUST have a methadone-themed shop or restaurant. Ruby Tuesdays, meet Methadone Mondays!
- Ignoring the East Village's bathhouse history would be a shame. Maybe a St. Marks Bath ... and Bodyworks?
- It's great that other East Village landmarks have been included, like the Washington Square Park arch, the Meatpacking District, and the beloved Diamond District. But why not include the wonderful East Village Cloisters and East Village Bronx Zoo, too?
- Retailing gold goes to whomever capitalizes on the East Village drag movement. A Wigstock venue (Lady Bunny's Vaginatorium?) is a must!
- And to keep it all modern, you must remember that the East Village has been 'gentrified' so be sure to keep it on the sterile side and just a little twatty. Oh, you are? Perfect!
