Trip to Las Vegas - Dining, drinking and clubbing...

After a few weeks summer break I am back online...You know it is difficult to stay front of a computer, typing when it's so nice out to enjoy the weather by the beach with an umbrella drink...

Episode: Las Vegas

What is it about Las Vegas that people either love it or hate it? Some can't wait to go and others can't stand staying a night in Las Vegas. It is so called the America's Adult Playground where action does not stop and things to-do never ends.

Word of advice; if you go there, go on someone else's expense. Hotels, restaurants and clubs on the Strip are quiet expensive when you compare them to the rest of Vegas. This is why locals won't even go near the Strip. It's true that during the summer months most hotels almost(unless there is a convention then expect to pay up to tree times as much) giveaway their rooms so they can make their money from their casinos, restaurants and shopping, that is of course if you can endure the 100+ degrees dry, desert heat.

Recently I was in Vegas as a guest of one of the companies I consult for. It was really nice of them to invite me to stay in Vegas for a week, all expenses paid.  Wait, don't think it's all fun and games; during the day it's all business so not much pool time under the Vegas sun. But nights are completely different story. When all these overworked suit people call it a day, the actions starts and the feast begins...

I have been fortunate enough to visit Las Vegas quite a few times during these last few years. I have stayed at the Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Rio, Monte Carlo, Treasure Island, Mirage and The Pallazo at the Venetian. This time I was looking forward to staying at the Wynn or the Venetian but because the reservation had to done in the last minute and the company I consult for did not really want to spend $250+ a night for a room,  I was back at the Mirage once again. I stayed at the Mirage two years ago before the major renovation and it did show its age back then but now the rooms are clean, hip and quiet high tech with large LCD TVs, iPod docks, Wi-Fi (daily fee), new furniture and renovated bathrooms. So say the least I was pleasantly surprised with the new look and feel and at a rate that half the cost of Venetian.

Here is alist of place I visited on this trip:

The Mirage.

It's convenient if you want to stay on the Strip closer to the action. It is somewhat outdated compared to Wynn, Venetian, Palm but after the recent renovation it's back on my list of places to stay in Vegas.

3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 791.7111
http://www.mirage.com

Sushi Roku

One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Las Vegas. Food is always great, drinks are delicious and service is hard to top.

Forum Shops at Caesars
3500 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 733-7373
http://www.sushiroku.com/sushiroku/index.htm

Pure

The famous Pure night club where out-of-towners wait hours on the lines to get in or turned down by a clipboard holding, ear piece wearing, spiky hair dude.  Nowadays they have few different lines ; general, all girls, bottle service or VIPs or casino guests. If you are in the general line expect wait about hour to two hours depending on the night. Bottle service expect to burn your credit card in the morning... The nice feature about the Pure is their outside deck which overlooks the Strip. One problem, tiny restrooms so get ready to line up  unless you go back down to the main club. The other problem because single guys can't really get in to these trendy clubs, they have to go for the table service then each table will have about anywhere from 6 to 12 guys...

3570 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 731-7110
http://www.purethenightclub.com

BLT Burger

If you are looking to see the Sigfried and Roy's white tigers you are in for a disapointment . Last year Mirage decided to replace the tiger habitat with the BLT Burger. It's a great place  to grab a burger, designer milk shake and a cold beer. I hear it gets packed late night with hungry clubbers.

3400 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8923
(702) 791-7111
http://www.bltrestaurants.com

Bette Midler

What can I say, if I had the choice I would be by the pool enjoying a nice drink but had to go with clients. Last year I was fortunate enough to see Cher and she was great! But Bette almost put me to sleep. She didn't have a the action of Cher but Bette also had her moments. She is quiet funny and signing is good but if you spend north of $200 for a ticket you do want to see something spectacular.

3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 723-8836
http://www.bettemidlerlasvegas.com

Sushi Samba

I have been to the Sushi Samba in New York and it's a great place to take friends but not one of my favorites. We had to wait about half an hour to place our drink orders then it took another twenty minutes to get them. Food was good, they had their exotic ceviche, sashimi, kobe beef on the rocks, etc. but I can do without it for next time.

3327 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 607-0700
http://www.sushisamba.com/index.cfm/id/14/id2/44.html
http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/sushisamba.aspx

XS Nightclub

Now this place rocks!  My opinion it is the best night club in Vegas right now. I have been to the Pure, Jet, Voodoo Lounge, Ra and a lot more but this was the best so far for ambiance, service, music and quality of the clientele. Of course we had a table, next to the dance floor but still...They have an outside area with a pool but you just can't jump in. Unless there is a private party, pool is off limits...I guess it may have something to do with combination of alcohol and able to breathe under water. It was surprisingly easier to get in than Pure on a Saturday night.

3930 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 650-2199
http://www.xslasvegas.com

Table 10

Emeril is my new hero. I had no idea about this place until a friend mentioned it. I thought the food was amazing!. I will go back to Vegas just to eat at the Table 10 again. We started with feta stuffed martinis and ended with amazing scallops over crab risotto. You have to try this place if you are on the Strip. Not cheap but worth it. Also they do offer an impressive wine selection.

3327 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109-1402
(702) 607-6363
http://www.emerils.com

Aqua Knox

Venetian does seafood. Great place by the Blue Man theatre. Lively bar scene with raw bar and exotic cocktails. We were told that they get daily fish deliveries from Los Angeles  area. Food was great, will go again.

3355 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8941
(702) 414-3772
http://www.aquaknox.net

Beatles Revolution Lounge

Finally the Revolution Lounge in the Mirage. It's right by the elevators so it's nice to have a well-made drink while waiting for a friend or taking a break from the gambling. Also good place to go before and after going in to the Beatles' Love show. This sis the front lounge area but they also have the club right behind the velvet ropes with few million dollar worth of interactive cocktails tables. You get to draw or write a message with your finger and as soon as you place the special ashtray it all gets cleared away. 

Mirage Resort & Casino
3400 S. Las Vegas, Blvd.
(702) 693-8300
http://www.lightgroup.com/nightlife/beatles-revolution-lounge-las-vegas/

Until next time...go out and enjoy yourself!

Sebastian