Oscar Goodman, the former Mayor of Las Vegas, finds himself on an unusual quest—a quest for a fake rat.
Sitting at the Omelet House on West Charleston Blvd., where the Goodman Booth serves as a tribute to his family’s legacy, Goodman expressed his urgency during breakfast.
“How can I find a rat before Tuesday?” he asked, revealing his need for this prop for his upcoming Dinner Series presentation scheduled for Wednesday night at Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza.
The rat holds significant meaning for Goodman and features prominently in his Dinner Series events.
At 85 years old, Goodman remains the charismatic star of these recurring shows, which commence with a cocktail gathering at 6 p.m. on select Wednesdays.
These events, marketed as a journey where “Old Vegas Comes to Life,” often sell out almost immediately upon going live, with tables for two running approximately $588.19, inclusive of a three-course meal and specialty drinks.
Since Goodman’s departure from office in 2012, the Dinner Series has continued to thrive, with recordings now shared on Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel’s podcast, “On The Corner of Main Street.”
Initially held in a cozy hideaway space within the restaurant, the show has expanded to accommodate a larger audience in the main dining area.
The dinners typically attract an eclectic mix of Las Vegas dignitaries and personalities, making each event a notable gathering.
Among the celebrities who have graced these occasions are Raiders owner Mark Davis, musician Billy F. Gibbons from ZZ Top, late Senator Harry Reid, and notable figures from the gaming and entertainment industry.
The Goodman family, including Carolyn, is often in attendance, along with Jason and his wife, showing support for Goodman’s ongoing commitment to Las Vegas.
Goodman’s introduction at the Dinner Series often includes reminiscing about his colorful past as the city’s “Mob Lawyer,” sharing anecdotes about clients like Tony Spilotro and Lefty Rosenthal.
He frequently expresses his discontent for the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s notorious “Black Book”—a list of individuals prohibited from casinos.
Goodman vehemently defends the legacy of Spilotro, which resonates strongly with his audience.
A hallmark of the event is Goodman’s interactive approach; he often mingles with guests during his presentation, departing from scripted remarks.
This sometimes leads to amusing or acerbic exchanges, as he playfully calls out the crowd, prompting reactions that can vary widely.
Goodman remarked on one instance where a guest left in a huff following a roasting remark directed at her, underscoring the unscripted nature of these evenings.
Now, the necessity for a fake rat arises from Goodman’s theatrical courtroom tactics of the past.
During a recent Dinner Series event, Goodman revived an old prop, a rat that had accompanied him through numerous trials for dramatic effect.
He recounted how he would enter the courtroom with the rat inside a bag and dramatically produce it while discussing government informants who had turned on their peers.
Goodman has a long-standing disdain for individuals he perceives as betraying their associates, particularly referencing the infamous informant Frank Cullotta.
However, the original rat he used has since been retired — too worn for public appearances, Goodman lamented.
“Over the past two days, I’ve been searching Amazon for rats,” he confided.
“When you look up ‘rat,’ they must have a thousand different kinds. There are rubber rats, plastic rats, stuffed rats…”
With only days to secure a replacement, Goodman is calling out for help: “I’m putting out an all-points bulletin to have a rat before Wednesday.”
For the upcoming engagement, Goodman has themed his talk as “Tricks of the Trade: How David Slew Goliath,” where he’ll share stories from his storied law career, spotlighting mismatched defendants he once represented.
In a lighthearted mention, Goodman noted the irony regarding how informants often received care and sustenance for their betrayal-filled paths in his trials.
“They fed their rats and took care of them,” he mused.
Continuing with his signature humor, he added, “My rat didn’t need any food. It was a very cost-effective rat.” This statement underlines Goodman’s belief that if the government deployed informants, he would adapt and do the same.
Despite being far from the courtroom, Goodman remains a compelling figure on the Las Vegas scene, weaving tales of intrigue interlaced with humor and nostalgia.
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