Christopher Lawrence | (TNS) Las Vegas Review-Journal

LAS VEGAS — A good brunch is a magical thing.

Jams and pastries alongside big slabs of meat. An assortment of other foods that should have no business being served together, yet somehow work. All of it accompanied by a cocktail — or, as is becoming the case, an unlimited supply of them — as you linger over it with a group of friends.

If done correctly, brunch almost feels like you’re getting away with something.

“Brunch is absolutely having a moment,” says Jessica Somple, vice president of food and beverage for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “I also feel like it’s continued to evolve a bit. I think what we thought of as brunch has just continued to change, and it’s become so much more of a true social occasion.”

With that evolution has come the theme brunch, which in Las Vegas celebrates everything from drag to butterflies to circus sideshows.

The latest of these, the Riviera-inspired brunch experience at LPM at The Cosmopolitan, opened over Memorial Day weekend and is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It’s just the third brunch, following those in Hong Kong and Miami, for LPM, which focuses on international moneyed hot spots, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Mykonos.

“I think that people are excited to participate in something that really gives them a sense of place and feeling like the location has an identity, the experience has an identity,” Somple says. “(At LPM) You’ve got this bright, vibrant artwork. You have these breezy drapes leading out onto a terrace that’s full of lush plants and more artwork and murals. So it does feel like you’re somewhere on the Mediterranean coast, just taking that all in.”

The brunch’s live music component, often a DJ spinning up-tempo bossa nova, plays into that feeling of being transported to the Riviera.

As for the food, a la carte options are available, but the highlight is the Brunch Affair shared table experience. The 10-course extravaganza offers fresh breads and pastries, avocado toast, salmon carpaccio, scrambled eggs, lobster eggs Benedict, roasted pee-wee potatoes, Provençal ratatouille tart, charcoal-grilled ribeye steak, mushroom risotto and French toast. It’s $85 per person, with endless rosé and Champagne starting at an additional $75.

“I think there’s an absolute affection for sharing for the table,” Somple says. “When you basically give a guest the opportunity to let you take the wheel and just fire those courses and bring them out, they can really focus on being present with the people that they’re there to share the experience with.”

Here’s a look at nine other theme brunches around the valley:

‘Brunch of Broken Dreams’

Hard Rock Cafe, 3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Singers, dancers and acrobats perform in an hourlong show that pays tribute to ’90s- and Y2K-era grunge and emo, with music from the likes of Green Day, Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and The Offspring. “Brunch of Broken Dreams” takes place at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Admission, which includes the Hard Rock Signature Buffet, starts at $59. Add bottomless mimosas for an extra $19.99. brunchofbrokendreams.com

Surf Sunday Brunch

Red Dwarf, 1305 Vegas Valley Drive

Bands including Thee Swank Bastards, Generic Surf Band, Surfers of Mercy and The Eazy perform surf music from noon to 3 p.m. each Sunday. Brunch, consisting of a variety of Detroit-style breakfast pizzas, is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For $25, you can drink bottomless beers, bloody Marys or Tiki Mosa’s. There’s no cover. reddwarflv.com

House Music Brunch

18bin, 107 E. Charleston Blvd.

The House Music Brunch at 18bin has been so popular, it’s added brunches and open-format DJs to Fridays and Saturdays. With a new menu that includes the likes of a chicken and waffle tower, Philly steak Benedict and Cinnamon Toasties, the House Music Brunch runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, with live DJs and $25 bottomless mimosas. 18binlv.com/brunch

Carmen’s Love Brunch

The Composers Room, 953 E. Sahara Ave.

Singer Skye Dee Miles headlines this nondenominational gospel experience, complete with an eight- to 10-member choir, three-piece band and dancers, every Sunday in the Commercial Center. The soul food brunch begins at noon and features Southern classics such as fried chicken, catfish, and biscuits and gravy. Miles takes the stage at 1:30 p.m. Tickets to Carmen’s Love Brunch start at $39.95. thecomposersroom.com

‘The Freakiest Brunch on Earth’

The Lexi Las Vegas, 1501 W. Sahara Ave.

This new monthly brunch is centered around a performance by The Obsidian Circus and its cast of circus and sideshow performers led by the burlesque artist known as Miss Brawling Beauty. The elevated circus-themed brunch menu offers up such delicacies as lobster popcorn and a funnel cake breakfast sandwich. “The Freakiest Brunch on Earth” will return 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20, with roaming performances from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. and The Obsidian Circus Show from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Admission to the bottomless brunch starts at $50. thelexilasvegas.com

Drag Brunch

Señor Frog’s, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South

From one of the production companies behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live” at the Flamingo, this drag brunch is performed at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $72 for the show, brunch buffet and unlimited mimosas. dragbrunch.com

Drag Bottomless Brunch

The Garden, 1017 S. First St.

The LGBTQ lounge in the Arts District promises “bottomless cocktails, delicious food and sickening queens,” including resident drag queens Tamisha Iman, Elliott With 2 T’s and Jade Jolie. The Drag Bottomless Brunch takes place at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $70, which includes bottomless mimosas and a choice of entrees such as tiramisu French toast, smoked salmon benedict and a smothered breakfast burrito. thegardenlasvegas.com

Butterfly Brunch

Park on Fremont, 506 Fremont St.

This colorful boozy brunch offers a butterfly-themed menu and specialty cocktails, including the Flower Garden, made with Butterfly Cannon tequila, mint, peach, ginger, fresh lime juice, club soda and an edible flower. Guests are given fans and butterfly sunglasses, and there’s a DJ. Butterfly Brunch is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. parkonfremont.com

Pink Brunch

La Mona Rosa, 100 S. Sixth St.

Everything’s pretty in pink at this weekly brunch at La Mona Rosa, which is Spanish for “the pink monkey.” Pink cocktails highlight the menu, and bottomless mimosas are $40. A DJ provides “high-energy Latin house tracks.” Attendees get free pink heart-shaped sunglasses. Pink Brunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. lamonarosalv.com

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A muscle cramp is an unexpected tightening or contraction of one or more muscles in the body. These involuntary episodes can be quite painful as the muscle contracts and is unable to relax. They may last for a few seconds to a few minutes or even longer. While doctors don’t know exactly what causes muscle cramps, there are some possible causes and preventive measures to be considered by those who suffer from muscle cramps.

Muscle cramps can occur anywhere in the body, but are most common in the legs and feet. While muscle cramps are typically more of a nuisance than an indication of a serious health problem, they can interfere with sleep and other daily activities.

Summer weather may be a potential trigger for heat cramps, a painful type of muscle cramp. Excess sweating, dehydration, an imbalance in electrolytes in the body — especially when performing physical activity in the hot weather — can lead to muscle cramps during or soon after physical activity. Other risk factors for muscle cramps include older age, deconditioning of the muscles, pregnancy and certain medical problems like diabetes.

While muscle cramps are not harmful, other additional severe symptoms of heat illness such as fatigue, vomiting, dizziness, headache, high fever and shortness of breath are signs of heat exhaustion that require immediate medical attention. Babies and young children as well as adults who are over 65 years old, have high blood pressure or heart concerns or take certain medications are at a greater risk of developing heat-related illness. Other vulnerable groups include people who are unhoused, those with disabilities and individuals who work outdoors.

Consuming adequate essential minerals or electrolytes from your regular diet can help stave off muscle cramps. Foods naturally rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium help support a healthy body including nerve signaling and muscle functioning. It’s common knowledge that bananas are rich in potassium, but so are nuts, seeds, melon and tomatoes and tomato products. Other mineral-rich foods include dairy products, salmon, beans and leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.

Avoid consuming too much heavily processed foods and fast foods, which are often low in important nutrients needed for healthy muscles. Plus, alcohol consumption is associated with muscle cramps so limit or avoid alcoholic beverages.

Staying well-hydrated, especially when working or exercising in the heat for extended time periods, is important for preventing muscle cramps and preventing heat-related illness. While water is the best choice for hydration, electrolyte beverages or mixes can help replace minerals lost through sweating. Look for electrolyte hydration products without added sugar. Other good options for hydration include coconut water and broth.

Generally, studies show that warming up and stretching before and after exercise as well as stretching before bedtime appear to help reduce exercise-induced muscle cramps and nocturnal muscle cramps, respectively.

Although the cause of muscle cramps is unknown, it seems that they are multifactorial and likely more systemic in nature, not simply a problem with the affected muscle. Here are some holistic health steps you can take to help prevent muscle cramps:

1. Stay well-hydrated especially during hot summer weather and avoid drinking alcohol.

2. Do gentle stretches before and after physical activity and before bedtime.

3. Eat a whole foods diet that is rich in essential minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium while limiting highly processed foods.

4. Be cautious when performing physical activity outdoors in extreme heat.

5. Talk to your health care provider for a personalized plan to prevent and manage muscle cramps.

LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email at RD@halfacup.com.

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The Fourth of July is around the corner, and everyone is busy stocking their coolers, flying their flags and figuring out where to catch the best fireworks shows, but have you put together your party playlist? To aid you in your party preparations, we’ve compiled a list of 10 American anthems to bump at your backyard BBQs. To impress your patriotic pals, learn the backstories of the songs that have become ubiquitous at U.S. celebrations.

James Brown’s ‘Living in America’

The 1985 single “Living in America,” sung by the Godfather of Soul and the “most sampled man in the biz,” James Brown, paints a picture of the American dream, and the possibilities available just a road trip or train ride away. The music video includes a montage of fireworks, stars ‘n’ stripes-clad Vegas showgirls, scenes from Wall Street, and of course, one of the greatest U.S. fictional fighters, Rocky Balboa.

The song was actually written by Dan Hartman and Charles Midnight, but Sylvester Stallone asked James Brown to record the track to be featured in “Rocky IV.” In the film, Balboa (Stallone) has to rethink his retirement after his friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) is mercilessly beaten to death by Russian newcomer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). The song encapsulates the film franchise’s message that in America if you work hard enough and don’t give up, your dreams can come true.

SEE ALSO: Summer songs: Going back 40 and 50 years to revisit top tracks of 1974 and 1984

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’

One of the songs that constantly gets mistaken for a celebration of patriotism is “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen. The 1984 hit written by Springsteen has been used in political speeches and rallies from former President Ronald Regan to former President Donald Trump. Still, the song is more of a critical commentary on the struggles of Vietnam veterans returning home. The hit’s lyrics paint a picture of the economic hardships of veterans juxtaposed with the patriotic glorification of the country’s fighting forces.

Part of the reason the song might elicit confusion is because of the way Springsteen writes his choruses and “Born in the U.S.A.” has a loud and triumphant one. In an NPR interview, Springsteen noted that his choruses are “the spiritual and hope part” of his songs while the “blues and your daily realities are in the details of the verses.” Sure, the song may not be about patriotism, but what’s more patriotic than using freedom of speech to criticize a government and society’s treatment of its own veterans?

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’

Although Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” sings about Alabama specifically when referencing the U.S. Southland, the three writers credited for the song, Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Ed King were not from the state. According to NPR, the song was a response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man,” on which the Canadian singer disparages the American South for the horrendous history of slavery and segregation. “Sweet Home Alabama” name-checks Young and was written to illustrate that not everyone in the South should be dismissed as bigoted or racist. “Alabama richly deserved the shot Lynyrd Skynyrd gave me with their great record,” Neil later wrote in his 2012 memoir, “Waging Heavy Peace.”

The band has had some trouble dispelling some of the stereotypical associations, partly because it used to perform with a confederate flag at its concerts at the suggestion of its record label but also name-checking one of Alabama’s most controversial leaders, Governor George Wallace. The lyrics cite Wallace, who notoriously proclaimed, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow and segregation forever” during his 1963 inaugural address. In “Sweet Home Alabama,” the group includes boos in the lyrics: “In Birmingham, they love the governor (boo! boo! boo!)” to show they disagree with Wallace’s stance on segregation, but it showcases a significant point in America. The history of this country has a dark past, but we can acknowledge that and construct a path to be better. That message — and that feel-good guitar riff — is what should be celebrated with “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’

The Fourth of July can be celebrated in several ways, but one of the first things that comes to mind when we think of the American holiday is the fireworks. Why not keep it to theme and throw in Katy Perry’s hit “Firework” for that barbecue playlist? The song was co-written by Perry with Ester Dean and the song’s producers Stargate and Sandy Vee, but it doesn’t have much to do with America other than the sparkly sky shows.

Perry said in an interview at the 2011 MTV Awards that the song was a metaphor for the inner self and that she believed everyone has that spark. She was influenced by Jack Keuroac’s 1957 novel, “On The Road,” when she read an excerpt about “people that are buzzing and fizzing and full of life and never say a commonplace thing. They shoot across the sky like a firework and make people go ‘Ahhh.’ I guess that making people go ‘ahhh’ is kind of like my motto.” While it isn’t explicitly about America, it is about finding yourself, which has some American sentiment behind it. Plus, who else can make singing about fireworks this fun?

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ ‘American Girl’

For several reasons, one of America’s classic rock staples, “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, deserves its presence on every Fourth of July playlist. The holiday marks the song’s first recording on July 4, 1976. Well, the story focuses on a young woman’s soul-searching to find the strength needed to create a better future, which, for a country built by immigrants looking for better lives, makes the track a uniquely American narrative.

In the book “Conversations with Tom Petty” the musician cleared up the song’s origin story, as it was often said to be about a young college student who committed suicide in Florida. Petty said that narrative was nothing more than an urban legend and that he actually wrote the song while living in an Encino apartment near the freeway. The cars zooming past sounded like ocean waves crashing. He’d just made it to Los Angeles from Gainesville, Florida and was chasing his own dreams at the time. The American girl in the song is “raised on promises” and wants to manifest her dreams for a bigger, better life, and she’s willing to die trying.

Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”

Released in 2009, Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA” quickly became an anthem of celebration and freedom. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song captures the excitement and nervousness of arriving in Los Angeles, a city synonymous with big dreams and new beginnings.

“Party in the USA” resonates with the American spirit of optimism and self-expression. Its lyrics reflect a sense of national pride and the quintessential American experience of seeking opportunity and finding one’s place in the world. The song’s enduring popularity at Fourth of July celebrations underscores its role as a contemporary American anthem, embodying the joy and freedom that the holiday represents.

In 2018, Cyrus posted on Instagram ahead of her performance at the iHeartRadio Festival, stating, “It feels even more relevant right now. It ain’t a Party In The USA until we see #LibertyandJusticeFORALL—you heard me, for all!” This reinforces the song’s message of inclusivity and the ongoing pursuit of the American dream.

Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”

“Texas Hold ‘Em,” a dynamic track by Beyoncé, pays homage to the singer’s Texan roots while blending themes of resilience, empowerment, and confidence. Released as part of her newest record, “Cowboy Carter,” the song is the second in a trilogy of albums, following “Renaissance” from 2022. Cowboy Carter spotlights Black pioneers’ overlooked contributions to American musical and cultural history. The song underscores the importance of grit and tenacity, echoing the broader narrative of American resilience and the pursuit of success.

Beyoncé’s journey in the country music scene hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2016, she faced a harsh reception when she performed at the CMA Awards with The Chicks for a rendition of “Daddy Lessons” off her album “Lemonade,” experiencing boos and backlash from some of the country music community. This reaction underscored the genre’s historical resistance to diversity. Yet, Beyoncé’s triumphant return with “Texas Hold ‘Em” marks a significant shift. Prior to this track, no Black woman or biracial female artist had ever topped the Hot Country Songs chart. This milestone follows Tracy Chapman’s historic achievement as the first Black woman to solely write a Country Airplay No. 1, with Luke Combs’ cover of her 1988 classic “Fast Car” reaching the top spot last July.

Neil Diamond’s “America”

“America” by Neil Diamond is a stirring 1980 anthem that captures the spirit of immigration and the pursuit of the American dream. Featured on the soundtrack of the film “The Jazz Singer,” this song became one of Diamond’s most iconic hits, celebrated for its patriotic enthusiasm and uplifting message.

“America” narrates the journey of immigrants coming to the United States in search of freedom and a better life, encapsulating the hope and determination that have long defined the American experience. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Diamond shares, “To me, it is the story of my grandparents,” said Diamond. “It’s my gift to them, and it’s very real for me. Maybe that’s why it became so popular. It wasn’t thought out or intellectualized, just sheer emotion. In a way, it speaks to the immigrant in all of us. That’s what makes it so easy to empathize with the song.”

Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA”

In 1959, Chuck Berry released “Back in the USA,” a jubilant rock and roll anthem celebrating the joys and freedoms of American life. Inspired by Berry’s return to the United States after a tour in Australia, the song reflects his appreciation for the familiar comforts and liberties of his home country. Berry’s lyrics vividly depict quintessential American scenes, from drive-in movies to diner meals, capturing the spirit of mid-century American culture. The upbeat tempo and melodies made it an instant hit, showcasing Berry’s signature guitar riffs and storytelling.

Berry is often hailed as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. His innovative guitar techniques and dynamic performance style laid the groundwork for the genre, influencing countless musicians and bands, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones. Berry’s impact on rock music was profound, shaping the sound and direction of the genre for generations. His contributions were formally recognized when he was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of rock music.

Beach Boys’ “Surfin USA”

“Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys is a sun-soaked anthem that embodies the carefree spirit of American beach culture. Credited to Brian Wilson and Chuck Berry, the track peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in 1963, and was inspired by the surfer brother of a girl Wilson was dating at the time. If the melody sounds familiar, it’s because Wilson was such a fan of Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen,” he essentially rewrote Berry’s lyrics to swap out cities for surf spots, added some of the Beach Boys’ signature harmonies, and voila: “Surfin’ USA.” When it was originally released in 1963, the track was only credited to Wilson, but by 1966 Berry was properly given his due credit.

SEE ALSO: Where are those Beach Boys’ surf song places? Check out our map

“Surfin USA” became a symbol of youthful adventure and the California dream. The song continues to resonate with fans, evoking nostalgia for an era defined by endless summers. Its popularity ensures its place as a classic American anthem, celebrated at beach parties, summer gatherings, and patriotic events.

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