Magician Dan Sperry reveals the identity of his favorite secret society in L.V.
Editor’s Note: After a glorious nearly month-long family vacation in the Italian and Sicilian countryside, Robin Leach is back and resuming his new daily columns today with news of shock stunt king Ryan Stock bringing his horror-filled show to Hooters Casino direct from the blazing arrow incident fired by his girlfriend Amber Lynn that pierced his neck on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.
We’ll continue guest columnists in August while Robin works from the cooler climes of La Jolla near San Diego in advance of our newly designed website launching soon.
On Friday in his debut Neon column, Robin has a preview of the Magic Live! convention in Las Vegas next week for 1,600 worldwide illusionists, conjurors, magicians and wizards. Today, his guest columns are from two Las Vegas magicians, Dan Sperry and Jeff McBride. Here’s Dan:
By Dan Sperry
It is a rare experience to find me in town, and, for the few short days I find myself back home, I rarely leave my house. However, there is one spot not far from where I live that I enjoy to frequent and support, and it is no surprise every time I’m there that I see this local business growing in popularity and success.
For the last several years, I’ve been touring nonstop doing an average of 250-plus magic shows a year. One of my favorite things to do on the road is to find the local spots – you know, those spots that are cool and quaint mom-and-pop-style restaurants, bars and shops where your name is remembered along with your usual.
I have been searching for a place like that here in Las Vegas. There are a few, and we are getting better about supporting such places as a community. One of these places is Illumilatte Brew Society. Illumilatte opened its doors in May 2015 and has grown in popularity, and rightfully so.
I’ve been a huge coffee aficionado since I was a little boy sneaking hits of my mom’s black Folgers every morning with the same ballsy confidence a derelict teen sneaks booze or smokes from their parents to bring to an adolescent house party. My love for coffee has grown so much that I even started my own online coffee business: Zombie Java.
Needless to say, it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to a cup of Joe, and Illumilatte always delivers. What I also like about this place is the true sense of welcoming you get. From the decor and furniture to the friendly staff, I know this is a business, but it is not a business that tries to serve you, then hustle you out. It doesn’t beat you over the head with music, advertisements and upsells of souvenirs such as mugs with their logo.
After you place your order, you’re welcome to set up shop with your laptop or book and just chill, be it at a table, chair or one of the lounge couches. The various decks of cards, board games and even a Pac-Man video game machine lets you know that you are welcome to stay as long as needed and enjoy yourself. It feels sincere, and it is proven every time I stop by for my usual: a Red Eye, which is basically black coffee with espresso.
I always see people of varying demographics respectfully sitting among one another doing schoolwork, reading a book, playing a game or merely catching up with a friend. Their cups and glasses of remnants of an iced macchiato or soy latte prove not only the welcoming sense they exude, but also confirms the quality of their product. Trust me: Caffeinated beverages served here are no corporate, mass-produced fancy recipes.
Hopefully you can make the trip over to West Russell and see for yourself. Believe me, it is worth it. Check out Illumilatte on Facebook, and keep an eye out for any upcoming events, as special nights such as open mic night have been added to the schedule.
Or have a coffee and play a game of chess with a friend. Perhaps we will run into each other there. If so, say hi, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this awesome local coffee shop – and maybe I’ll even show you a magic trick if the coffee I ordered doesn’t give me too much of the shakes.
Regardless, one visit to Illumilatte, and unlike a society of a similar sounding name, this is one you’ll be wanting to share and talk about to your friends and colleagues. Illumilatte is located at 6825 W. Russell Road, #155, Las Vegas, and find it at Facebook.com/illumilattebrewsociety.
Be sure to check out our other guest columnist today, “masked magician” Jeff McBride, who pulls secrets out of the hat about his Wonderland magic shows in Henderson. Robin also has the celebrity spotlight on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT duo Ryan Stock and Amber Lynn opening at Hooters Casino with their dangerous flaming arrow stunt.
