Before there was One Direction and the Jonas Brothers, there were The Backstreet Boys—and no “boy” was more recognizable than dimpled boy bander Nick Carter, a triple threat singer, dancer and actor. While continuing to record with BSB (their most recent album was 2013’s In a World Like This), Carter, now 37, found time to record three solo albums, script a film and place second on the 21st season of Dancing with the Stars. He is currently appearing as a judge alongside Timbaland and Spice Girl Emma Bunton, with Rita Ora as host on ABC’s Boy Band—a new series where talented singers battle it out to become a member of the next big boy band (as a new format, viewers at home will be able to vote for their favorite five band members live)—and living part time in Las Vegas, where he and his fellow BSB members AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson have a headlining residency at Planet Hollywood with their show, Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life, which has just been extended for another run through February 2018. Because Carter spends as much time in Las Vegas as he does in Los Angeles these days (he’s a 15-year resident), we asked him to share his hot spots, his insider’s guide, to both of these summer-centric cities. In summary, he wants it that way… and so will you.
LOS ANGELES
Photo Credit: Lucky-Photographer / Shutterstock.com
Where were you born: Jamestown, NY- In the same hospital as Lucille Ball.
How long in LA:15 years.
Neighborhood: I have lived in 3 different neighborhoods. Hidden Hills, Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist
Favorite Restaurant: Wally’s in Beverly Hills
Best Sushi: Roku (Sushi) in Santa Monica
Best Italian: Osteria Mozza
Best dessert: SusieCakes
Best place for a romantic date: Restaurants on the beach are always the best. Moonshadows in Malibu is one of my favorites.
Best Sunday brunch: Four Seasons Beverly Hills
Best place for a power business meeting: The Little Door
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Four Seasons in Beverly Hills
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Macfield
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: XIV Karats
Best Spa: Montage Beverly Hills
Favorite Charity Event: Seth Rogen’s Alzheimer’s Event, Hilarity for Charity
Best Steakhouse: The Palms Restaurant in Downtown LA
Best Pizza: Anthony’s Pizza on Melrose
Best Lunch: Tatsu
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Gloveworx USA in Santa Monica with trainers Leyon Azubuike and Josue Louis
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Empire CLS
Best Museum/Exhibit: The Getty
Describe your city in three words: Fast, electrifying and fun.
All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: The beach (Malibu is the best)
Best Aspect of Los Angeles:The weather!
LAS VEGAS
Photo Credit: Miune / Shutterstock.com
How Long in las Vegas: Since early 2017. I moved from LA for the Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life residency at Planet Hollywood and I am loving Vegas.
Neighborhood: Southern Highlands
Favorite Restaurant: Michaels Las Vegas
Best Sushi: Nobu
Best Italian: Rao’s in Caesars Palace
Best dessert: Neilsen’s Custards
Best place for a romantic date: Mr. Chow
Best Sunday brunch: Giada
Best place for a power business meeting: The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Planet Hollywood
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: John Varvatos
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Cartier
Best Spa: Four Seasons in Las Vegas
Favorite Charity Event: The Animal Foundation
Best Steakhouse: The Palms at Caesars Palace
Best Pizza: Grimaldi’s
Best Lunch: ProteinHouse
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Southern Highland Gym
Best Massage: Southern Highland Spa
Best Museum/Exhibit: The Discovery Museum
Describe your city in three words: Hot, Entertainment and Chaotic
All-around favorite spot in Las Vegas: HOME
Favorite historic place to explore: Zion National Park
Best Aspect of Las Vegas: Cultural Diversity
