When I move into a new neighborhood I like to know the historical points of interest.  Moving to Laurel Canyon in Hollywood, CA, I learned of all the famous past residents; Harry Houdini, Erol Flynn, Clara Bow, Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison, Graham Nash, Carole King, The Mamas & The Papas, Dusty Springfield, Brian Wilson, and many others.  But of course, one of the more infamous events of the canyon was heavy on my mind, the Wonderland Murders.

I religiously drove past 8763 Wonderland on a regular basis after moving to my house almost 7 years ago, trying to wrap my mind around what happened there July 1^st, 1981.  I know it’s a morbid fascination, but everyone’s got flaws!  Playing out like a Hollywood horror flick four people were bludgeoned to death, and yet no one was ever really held accountable.  Shortly after moving to Laurel Canyon the movie Wonderland came out giving insight to the gruesome killings.  This “Wonderland Gang” was killed in a drug-related plot that involved porn star John Holmes and was allegedly masterminded by businessman and drug dealer Eddie Nash.

Being a Realtor I was alerted when the infamous house was for rent and would have the opportunity to get inside and look around.  It was on the market for several months and I had the chance to show it a few times, always waiting until after the prospective renters saw the premises to disclose the unfortunate incidents.  “By the way, this house was the sight of one the most gruesome murders in Hollywood history, four people were bludgeoned to death and no one’s ever really been held accountable for it.  Although I believe it was John Holmes, the porn-star.  Not to worry, one person lived!”  Perhaps it was the way I disclosed it.

Eventually I ended up renting the house out to two musicians that I later became good friends with, giving me the occasion to spend even more time there.   One night we got 5 people together, watched the movie, and then slept in the exact spots the bodies were found – just to see if we’d have nightmares.  Significantly let down, I didn’t feel any haunted presence.

Last month I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dawn Schiller, John Holmes very young girlfriend at the time, had written a book on her experiences of those times with John Holmes.  Hoping she had the answers I went to her book signing at Book Soup.  She was not what I expected, she was strong – a survivor.  While she read excerpts from her book I could feel her anxiety relived from those moments.  I realized that although these murders had been my morbid fascination for years, it was something she had lived through.  She now works with “throw-away kids”; kids like herself that need help and have nowhere to turn.  She’s giving them hope and helping them see that there are opportunities to get help so they don’t travel down her path.

The Road Through Wonderland is a true account of Dawn’s life with John Holmes.  Reading the book I saw things through her eyes; what kind of family she had, her life with John, the murders, and eventually surviving.  Portions of her book brought tears to my eyes; reading what her life was like at certain points, I know that if it had been me I wouldn’t have survived the ordeal.  She envelopes her readers in such a way it left me grasping for a breath of air as I became part of her.  Dawn wrote a tale of survival in a world that handed her a cruel fate.

I love Las Vegas. But there was a day last year where I was ashamed and embarrassed to be a part of this community. It’s true. I don’t normally feel that way because I rep LV to the fullest. But I wanted no affiliation the day that I read that the RJ had voted Olive Garden the best Italian restaurant in Las Vegas. (GASP!) WTF is that about? seriously? We live in the most visited city in the world, filled with five star restaurants. Who are the  jamooks responsible for that one? I demand a recount!

But what came of that embarrassment was the reiteration of the need for this magazine. In a community full of transplants from so many different walks of life, new residents are not being properly informed. Capo’s is top notch and it’s our duty to win you over so that next year we won’t have another mishap like that one. Here is the evidence from my investigation.

I have been undercover seeking out the best Italian joint in the city. I spent a lot of time doing recon and scouting out possible suspects. Nothing. Every place that I visited was mediocre, and I truly believed I would find Jimmy Hoffa’s corpse before I could find a satisfying Italian feast. Restaurant after restaurant, predictable and blah. I feared that maybe I had lowered my expectations so much that I too was ready to give OG a chance.

Finally a break in the case, Rob, (Creative Director of SINNER) recommended Capo’s. Him and his lady hit the Tropicana location for an anniversary dinner. They came back with raving reviews. He said he didn’t want to say much but that I’d  have to experience it for myself. When I heard about the location that opened on Sahara, I had to go see what it was all about.

EXHIBIT A: THE LOCATION
Immediate bonus points for having a truly accessible location. Easy to find, central, and most importantly easy to park. Located in Sahara between Jones & Rainbow, ample parking awaits. Assistance from the pleasant valet attendant or self park. Your choice. Every SINNER appreciates the convenience of not having to park in a garage or truck through a casino to get where you need to go.

EXHIBIT B: THE CONCEPT
Rob had mentioned to me that it was a speakeasy. So I was excited to see the execution of the idea. If you missed your doseage of ginkoboloba today, Ill give you a refresher on what that is. A Speakeasy was a venue invented during the time of prohibition. Where people would go drink and party on the DL since alcohol was banned. When you arrive at the door of the secret location you are are asked by a greeter to identify yourself through a small opening that is just big enough to reveal his eyes and face.

After parking my car I walked into Capo’s. There was a giant red door with a bell. Naturally I rang the bell and thought the door would open. But ringing true to the speakeasy theme, A wooden panel slid open and a raspy authentic Italian voice questioned “Can I help you?” I identified myself and explained I was there for dinner. When my story checked out, he buzzed me in. However the red door, was not the entrance. A trick door was engaged opening what looked like a regular wall containing a pay phone. Fuck Yeah! I thought to myself. I love when people take a concept and run with it like that. I haven’t had one bite of food yet, and I’m already having a great time.

EXHIBIT C: THE AMBIANCE
Already impressed with the greeting from “Mikey the Bull” ( yes it says that on his business card.) We were seated by a lovely hostess, and brought to a table. As we walked through the restaurant to be seated, it was obvious that no expense was spared in order to achieve the classiness that was expected by made men.

A  lush dining area for formal dining, complimented with a piano playing crooner. But if you aren’t dressed to the nines and ready to paint the town red, You can sit up front in the more casual area attached to the bar, where you watch the chefs cooking real Italian food in their stainless steel kitchen. The smell upon arrival is an appetizer in itself that convinces you to get something even if you just came in to unwind and have a drink. We were seated in a room in the back next to the formal dining area. We enjoyed The Godfather playing on a screen large enough to cover one entire wall as we perused the menu. A small keychain flashlight is attached to the menu to provide extra light in case you need it. That way the low lit ambiance is still uninteruppted.

Black velvet walls and cushy red leather booths surround the formal dining room. Chandeliers hang from wood beams. There are no windows. It makes it feel like you are in a secret yet decadent location, keeping the theme consistent. They purposely stayed away from overdone cheezy mob nostalgia. Which has been done a million times and always fails.

But if you need to get some air, go to the custom cigar lounge patio. The seating on the patio looks like a VIP area for bottle service. Although it is outside, the covered patio remains private with hanging sheer black drapes. You still get the breeze from outdoors, and its helped along with the overhead ceiling fans. Each intimate booth is great for conversation and puffing some smoke with your closest pals. Each table has a built in fireplace that can be ignited for the colder nights giving it a campfire vibe.

Still need more privacy? You need to take it up with Al Capone. Hidden behind a tribute picture to Al Capone is a door to yet another secret room. This room contains a roulette table and can be reserved for people who aren’t interested in being in the public eye. Many celebrities frequent Capo’s, sneak right in and leave without a trace because the privacy is unmatched.

EXHIBIT D: THE FOOD
Everything on the menu is cleverly named.  From the “Bust a Cap” stuffed mushrooms. To the “Angels with Dirty Faces” pasta. We ordered the Spilatro Special, an off the menu item suggested by word-of-mouth.  Delicious. All of it. Pictured here is “Nathan Nails New York” .

AND FINALLY, EXHIBIT E: THE CAPO & THE FAMILY
I knew that I could close this case after speaking with owner, Nico Santucci. Among other business ventures you can still find Nico at the restaurant talking to all the regulars, hanging out and giving it the feeling of that place back home where everyone knows your name.

The bartenders are cool, and there is a lounge type of feel that old Vegas is all about.  It’s the spot that you can meet up to start the night, spend the night, or end the night. Locals who know what’s up, and tourists in search of REAL Vegas have solved this case too. If you don’t believe me then gather your own evidence. We’ll find you there at the finish line enjoying a cigar, singing along to Tony Bennett and enjoying the breeze. We can cheers our  martini glasses to our findings and the fact that there is a better Italian joint in Sin City than OG. You just have to be in-the-know on where the party’s at. Old School. Just like a true Speak Easy . The prosecution rests.

CAPO’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
www.caposrestaurant.com • 5675 W Sahara • 364.CAPO

First off, he plays cards for a living. Let’s face it, that’s just pretty fucking cool in itself. Although there are many card players out there who make their money playing professional poker, Antonio’s love of life is what makes him so admirable.

He’s spontaneous, a risk taker, an intellectual, and the life of the party. As he enters his thirties, Antonio can truly say that he has lived life with no regrets. He makes the most of everyday by enjoying life to the fullest.

THE PHOTOSHOOT
It’s 11:00 AM and the SINNER team is scheduled to shoot with Antonio Esfandiari. We’re prepared to shoot at Antonio’s ridiculously plush high rise condo inside the Panorama Towers. We head up to his place. Upon exiting the elevator, the hallway reeks of fish. The smell gets stronger the closer we get to his door. I ring the bell. I immediately receive a text. “Come in.” The door is open and we go in.

We slowly walk in to what looks like the aftermath of a great party, reminiscent of the suite in The Hangover–minus the tiger. We are there to shoot his beautiful home and we look at each other wondering if this can be pulled off? His place is way beyond picking up a few things to get camera ready. Antonio hasn’t come out of his room yet. Although the place is a disaster, it tells a story of how much fun he had the night prior.

There are several glasses, most of which are stained with the last sip of red wine. There was a giant fish that was completely devoured and seemed like enough to feed a small village. Dishes are piled so high that they are slightly leaning like the blocks in a game of jenga. A chair is broken, one that was intact when I was there a day earlier. There was absolutely no counter space because every square inch was covered with evidence of a phenomenal dinner party.

We laugh and we decide, “Fuck it. Let’s shoot it like this.” This is as envious as it gets. Dining in style with your closest friends, high above Sin City, with a view alone that can get you laid, sleeping in ‘til noon and seizing the day. Finally out comes Antonio, barely awake. One of his eyes is open and the other is still closed. “Good Morning Guys.” He walks around shirtless with his pajama pants and shakes everyone’s hands. He apologizes again for the mess.

As we set up and get all our gear plugged in, Antonio makes his way to the kitchen I’m sure the flash in his face did not help his eye that was trying to open up, but he was a good sport. He grabs a glass and begins his day with a whey protein shake, ironically in a Coor’s Light pint glass. This guy knows how to sin responsibly, and we are lovin’ it.

Antonio was born Amir Esfandiari in Iran 30 years ago. His father was a hard working man who made a good living. When Antonio was young, his family made the transition to San Francisco. The exchange rate took them from being a well-off family in Iran to a meek lifestyle in the bay area. Antonio attended public school only knowing one word of English–Hello. He changed his name from Amir to Anthony to fit in. Shortly after the move, Esfandiari’s mother went back to Iran, leaving Antonio to be raised by his Father and Grandmother from a very young age.

BORN HUSTLER

As a child Esfandiari was always a go-getter. At the age of 9 he had a paper route. Two years later he was making $400 a week selling newspapers. His father was extremely strict and Antonio was not a fan of authority. At age 15, Antonio left home and began supporting himself with a job as a waiter. He had his own apartment in high school. 

THE MAGICIAN
When Antonio saw his first magic trick, he was so intrigued he went straight to the magic store and purchased that very trick. He was hooked, practicing magic 10-12 hours a day. He began incorporating what he had learned into his waiter job. People started booking him for private and corporate events. He was making $5K a month as a teenage waiter.

Esfandiari changed his name again to Antonio to better fit the role of the dream he wanted to pursue as a professional magician. When he told his father of his desire to pursue magic, Antonio’s father could not hide his disappointment. It resulted in causing some tension between the two of them, and father and son did not speak for a few months.

INTRODUCTION TO POKER
One night Antonio’s roommate invited Esfandiari to play cards at a friend’s house. Although he didn’t know much about the game, Antonio still did pretty well. He liked it so much that he bought a book to learn more. The book was called “Winning Low-Limit Hold’em” By Lee Jones.

After reading the book, Antonio took what he had learned to the tables. He was not of age, but had a fake ID and started playing. “I just took what the book told me to do, and I did it. Before reading the book, I thought I was suppose to always play high cards, but that wasn’t what the book said to do.” It worked. Antonio was winning. Antonio played underage for a year. Until one day, his psych teacher sat down at his table, knowing he was not 21.  He had to start playing at a different casino.

In the meantime Antonio and his father were back on good terms. But that would change when Antonio expressed his latest pursuit, becoming a professional poker player. Once again Antonio’s father was upset. Education is priority in the Persian culture and Esfandiari’s father did not approve.

Now of age, Antonio was able to lure his father down to the casino. That particular night Esfandiari was on a roll. He predicted each of his opponents hands and his father realized that Antonio knew exactly what he was doing. From that point, Antonio’s father gave him complete support in his new career.

Antonio started making a name for himself in the poker world. He would do magic at the tables and was nicknamed “The Magician”. However not everyone was a fan including fellow poker player Phil “The Unibomber” Laak. Antonio admits that his friendship with Phil  started off on the wrong foot. “I was doing magic at the table and Phil was staring at my hands, and as a magician, We HATE those kinds of people. It was really irritating.” That night they had some drinks and stayed out til 8AM. It was the beginning of a beautiful bro-mance. Later Phil and Antonio became roommates. It was an odd mix, but entertaining as hell.

HIS FIRST BIG WIN
Esfandiari had won several pots, but at age 25 he won a tournament that paid him 1.4 million dollars. He made 2 impulsive purchases. A Dodge Viper and an Armani Suit. Two weeks later, while showing off, Esfandiari wrecked the Viper. The accident involved many cars and him spinning around several times. Antonio retired the keys. “I don’t think I’ll ever own another sports car again. I’d love one… but I just drive too crazy.” These days, Antonio cruises in his SUV.

THE MAN WITHOUT A PLAN
One of the biggest reasons to envy Antonio’s lifestyle is the fact that he doesn’t make plans. “It drives my friends a little bit crazy, but I have designed my life to do whatever I feel like doing that day.” How bad ass is that?! Here’s how it works, If you ask Antonio to dinner tonight, he will commit, but if you ask Antonio to dinner tomorrow, he will not commit. He says the only planning he does is vacations. After Antonio’s big win, he took his best friends on a boys trip to Costa Rica. “These are my best friends, guys that I grew up, they would have done the same thing for me if they won a million dollars.”

Antonio’s condo is more than his home. It’s like a headquarters for his crew. On top of Antonio’s stove there are several keys, each with a number. His closest friends have keys to his spot. That’s just how he rolls, but if you lose a key, it’ll cost you $200 to change the locks. The key I saw had the number 17 on it, just to give you an idea of how many people are members of Club Antonio.

While we are there, Antonio has a friend visiting Vegas for the first time. He is a poker player from Europe and Antonio is the host with the most. He lets his visitor know that “it’s cool if you want to bring chicks over here, My room is at the other end so I won’t hear anything.” Now that’s a cool host right? But will Antonio live this bachelor lifestyle forever? No, he says he looks forward to what his thirties have to offer; a wife, some kids and the white picket fence are in the cards for him.

PLACE YOUR BETS
When you hang out with a lot of poker players, I guess it’s only natural that you are dealing with a bunch of gamblers. Betting in this group is ongoing. They bet on everything. Antonio and Phil even had a show entitled “I Bet You” where they went head-to-head betting on everything from a game of basketball to the number of elementary questions a call girl could answer correctly.

During our interview with Esfandiari, the WSOP was going on at the Rio. Antonio was challenged to abstain from drinking during the entire series. The rules were as follows, he is allowed two passes throughout. On two occasions he can use his get out of jail free card. Also he was allowed to have 2 glasses of wine at dinner, if everybody was sitting down and eating. It was a $10,000 wager. At the time of our interview he said he had already used one pass.

Antonio made it to the top 30 of this years WSOP out of nearly 6,000 players in the tournament. Even though he is not the chip leader, He’s still one pretty lucky guy. With a great career, tons of friends he can trust, a beautiful home, and an appetite for life, how can you not be envious?