Author Archives: About Las Vegas Travel
Oct. 22.
I really can’t lie to you. It’s late. I’m tired. I had a lot of food at Barmasa and then at Union at Aria Resort. I sat through Viva Elvis and when I saw Elvis swimming with Priscilla I got a little emotional. Don’t worry, I had a slider at Union that made me feel better. I then finished off my Viva Elvis drink that was a little on the sweet side but it kept me hydrated while those crazy acrobats kept my mind occupied during the show. I also had a few conversations with some guy who loves beef way too much and a girl who was just a tiny bit too excited about free wine. I had to have these conversations as a women, maybe she was a girl, gyrated right over my shoulder on the go-go stage.
Does this seem strange to you?
I know, me too. It’s what I do. It’s what I do to pay the bills and so that I can afford all those flip flops and cargo shorts that I should have grown out of long ago.
That was the first day of the Food & Wine All Star Weekend at Aria Resort. I can guarantee you that today as I sit with Jean Georges Vongerichten discussing his steakhouse I’ll be treated to some buttery beef that will make me question if vegetarians are aliens. I’ll probably invite Michael Mina on a camping trip where I’ll make him recreate some of his American Fish dishes. I’ll then spend a long lunch at Sage with Chef Shawn McClain and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. Just know that if I’m at Sage I’ll most likely indulge in some Absinthe. (FYI – Me + Absinthe can be a volatile combination)
Tonight is the All Star Tasting at the Food & Wine All Star Weekend so I’ll be loading up on samples from Sirio Ristorante, Julian Serrano as well as some cheftestants such as Yigit Pura, Angelo Sossa and Sam Talbot. There will be plenty of good food so I might go a little overboard and eat too much. It’s what I do.
I’ll end the night at HAZE Nightclub at Aria in some dark VIP booth with bottles everywhere and a huge guy not letting anyone pass the velvet ropes. I’ll feel like one of those Jersey Shore guys and I’ll be sure to call someone snookie or poochie or cookie. Sorry, I’m not up on my pop culture/reality TV stars. If you see me give me that head nod like we’ve known each other forever and I’ll invite you over. If you’re hungry don’t worry I’ll be wearing a jacket with plenty of extra pockets for all the good food from the All Star Testing.
I have no shame. I love food and if I can put a little away for later on the evening I’ll be on top of the world.
You’re Still Not At The Food & Wine All Star Weekend at Aria? originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 at 11:00:33.
Oct. 21.
Picture Perfect is really how I can describe my view right now at the Aria Pool. It’s probably in the mid 80′s and I have a drink in my hand along with a great book. I’m calling it work but my wife is calling me something else. Such is a normal day for me and this weekend I am spending a little bit of time at the Aria Resort at CityCenter Las Vegas at the Food & Wine All Star Weekend. My to do list is so jammed packed that you would feel for me if you had a conscious.
I will not be at the pool long because I must experience a signature spa treatment at the Spa and Salon at Aria. You might think that is all relaxation but you know that after a good massage you have to work to stay hydrated. Guess what I’ll have to do for the rest of the afternoon? That’s right, I’ll have to stay hydrated, can you say Limoncello? So while you get to sit in front of the computer I’ll be getting a hands on lesson on how to make a drink just like those I would find at Sirio Ristorante. Have you ever tried to type notes on your handheld while you hold a drink? It’s not easy, but don’t worry about me, I’m a professional.
Later on in the evening I’ll be sampling a few dishes with Chef Masa Takayama. I am going to be really honest with you right now when I tell you that I might beg for some of that special flower he uses to create his amazing fried chicken at BARMASA. I am not opposed to acting entitled to the recipe as well as a few extra pieces just to bring home to my family. They deserve the very best, right?
If you head to the View Bar at Aria Resort later on in the evening you might see me hanging out with Gail Simmons from Top Chef. First, she knows food so that is enough for me but she’s also Canadian and you know I’ll want to talk hockey with her. Maybe I’ll get to sit next to her when I head to see Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil, unless she is a Vancouver Canucks fan, in that case I’ll need to have a few of those ARIA signature drinks as she’ll talk my ear off about the Sedin Twins.
The night will end at UNION Restaurant and Lounge where I’ll most likely stuff my face with so many desserts that my adolescent acne situation will make a brief appearance.
You can see that I’ll be busy working at the Food and Wine All Star Weekend at ARIA Resort. You know if you wanted to have this kind of fun you could easily join me at the Food & Wine All Star Weekend for a few events tomorrow. The All Star tasting begins at 7:30pm and you’ll be treated to tastings from the star chefs at ARIA as well as some Top Chef cheftestants. If you do see me, hand me a drink so that I don’t look like the guy hanging around all the great wine.
Also, if you want to follow along find me on Twitter: @zekequezada or on facebook.com/govegas.
You understand that this is a tough job but I am the right person for it. Really, I am.
Food & Wine All Star Weekend at Aria Resort originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Friday, October 21st, 2011 at 14:00:25.
Oct. 20.
Toucan Harry’s at the Stardust Hotel and Casino was my late night spot on the Las Vegas strip for so long it has its on wing in my mansion of memories. The Stardust Coffee shop had food specials throughout the day and I would stop in after a long night and sit around with an iced tea and the last of my adult beverage while I waited for my prime rib and lobster tail. When the Stardust closed I was depressed as my long time favorite late night casino coffee shop was imploded to make room for a large vacant lot. I soon found more reason to actually eat at the Peppermill instead of just heading into the lounge. The evening before I was to be married I spent about 4 hours laughing and reminiscing in the cafe at the Holiday casino. The 24 hour cafe has long been a piece of my Las Vegas experience.
Times are different and the need for a 24 hour coffee shop in Las Vegas seems to have changed. Sure, some hotels kept them open but plenty abandoned the idea and trying to get a quality meal from those that are open is tough. That is until Caesars Palace brought in Michel Richard at its new 24 hour restaurant sitting center stage right near the massive registration lobby. Central by Michel Richard is nothing like the beige coffee shops of the past. The spacious dining room is accented by the type of bar that could entertain me for hours and huge windows that allow the Las Vegas sunshine to play a role throughout the day. It’s the new, modern version of the hotel coffee shop.
As for the food at Central, well, Michel Richard is a James Beard Award winning chef but that means something only to those people who keep score with those types of things. I’ll tell you that his track record is spectacular and the food at his Washington D.C. restaurants make them worth a visit when in the nations capitol. In other words, this guy knows a thing or two about how to make it happen in the kitchen and you can be sure that this Las Vegas restaurant offers some classic American dishes with a Richard touch. I won’t go so far as to call it a French twist on American, instead I’ll say that after a couple of visits and one late night drop in that the menu is mixture of brasserie, bistro and American cafe. Are you confused?
Don’t be. The service is spot on and every successive visit has raised the bar for my expectations. You should know that it is not cheap. If you are a Las Vegas veteran you already understand that the late night prime ribs specials have been absent for years so you should expect an $18 burger and some meatloaf for $20. Listen, you’re in Vegas, you would have dropped that much and more at the tables. Order another drink and do not forget to order the chocolate bar. It’s like a giant Kit Kat and for $8 it is my type of late night snack.
Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc
Central by Michel Richard at Caesars Palace Las Vegas originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 16:00:57.
Oct. 20.
Confused about what type of Las Vegas entertainment you really need in Las Vegas? With so many Las Vegas shows you might need a little bit of help and I’m your man. I’ll give you 24 hours of Las Vegas shows. This is not a complete list of shows just 24 random shows that pop into my head as I try to explain to you, the reader, just how much fun you can have in Las Vegas.
Update: Hour #24
I have to conclude my list of shows with Absinthe simply because it is the newest show in Las Vegas to impress me enough for me to sneak back in a few times to see it again and again. Absinthe re-opens tomorrow October 21, 2011 at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.
Research show tickets before you get to Las Vegas
Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc
24 hours of Las Vegas Shows: Absinthe at Caesars Palace originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 15:00:59.
Oct. 20.
Confused about what type of Las Vegas entertainment you really need in Las Vegas? With so many Las Vegas shows you might need a little bit of help and I’m your man. I’ll give you 24 hours of Las Vegas shows. This is not a complete list of shows just 24 random shows that pop into my head as I try to explain to you, the reader, just how much fun you can have in Las Vegas.
Update: Hour #23
You’ll get the music of the Beatles, the performers of Cirque Du Soleil and a show that will blow you away. “LOVE” is as good as it gets in Las Vegas for entertainment.
Research show tickets before you get to Las Vegas
Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc
24 hours of Las Vegas Shows: The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 14:00:08.
Oct. 20.
Confused about what type of Las Vegas entertainment you really need in Las Vegas? With so many Las Vegas shows you might need a little bit of help and I’m your man. I’ll give you 24 hours of Las Vegas shows. This is not a complete list of shows just 24 random shows that pop into my head as I try to explain to you, the reader, just how much fun you can have in Las Vegas.
Update: Hour #22
If you are a fan of Elvis you’ll have a good time at Viva Elvis. I am, so I really enjoy the show. If you are going for the Cirque Du Soleil angle select another show for a better experience.
Research show tickets before you get to Las Vegas
Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc
24 hours of Las Vegas Shows: Viva Elvis at Aria originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 13:00:10.
Oct. 20.
Confused about what type of Las Vegas entertainment you really need in Las Vegas? With so many Las Vegas shows you might need a little bit of help and I’m your man. I’ll give you 24 hours of Las Vegas shows. This is not a complete list of shows just 24 random shows that pop into my head as I try to explain to you, the reader, just how much fun you can have in Las Vegas.
Update: Hour #21
This show is every bit as good as the version you may have seen on Broadway or in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Phantom The Las Vegas Spectacular will have you singing Andrew Lloyd Weber’s classics for the rest of your stay.
Research show tickets before you get to Las Vegas
Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc
24 hours of Las Vegas Shows: Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 12:00:35.
Oct. 20.
Confused about what type of Las Vegas entertainment you really need in Las Vegas? With so many Las Vegas shows you might need a little bit of help and I’m your man. I’ll give you 24 hours of Las Vegas shows. This is not a complete list of shows just 24 random shows that pop into my head as I try to explain to you, the reader, just how much fun you can have in Las Vegas.
Update: Hour #20
Plenty of people will tell you that “O” is the best show in Las Vegas. It’s hard to argue with them because the show is so well done. A warning, do not hold your breath when the performers go under water. You’ll eventually pass out.
Research show tickets before you get to Las Vegas
24 hours of Las Vegas Shows: “O” By Cirque Du Soleil at the Bellagio originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 11:00:00.
Oct. 20.
Confused about what type of Las Vegas entertainment you really need in Las Vegas? With so many Las Vegas shows you might need a little bit of help and I’m your man. I’ll give you 24 hours of Las Vegas shows. This is not a complete list of shows just 24 random shows that pop into my head as I try to explain to you, the reader, just how much fun you can have in Las Vegas.
Update: Hour #19
I’m just glad someone is speaking up for me. Defending the Caveman does the dirty work so that I don’t have to.
Research show tickets before you get to Las Vegas
Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc
24 hours of Las Vegas Shows: Defending the Caveman originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 10:00:41.
Oct. 20.
Confused about what type of Las Vegas entertainment you really need in Las Vegas? With so many Las Vegas shows you might need a little bit of help and I’m your man. I’ll give you 24 hours of Las Vegas shows. This is not a complete list of shows just 24 random shows that pop into my head as I try to explain to you, the reader, just how much fun you can have in Las Vegas.
Update: Hour # 18
The energy is high, the room is full of people willing to have fun and the Blue Men do their best to keep your senses busy. The Blue Man Group is a must see type of show.
Research show tickets before you get to Las Vegas
Photograph by David Hawes
24 hours of Las Vegas Shows: Blue Man Group at the Venetian originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas Travel on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 09:00:25.