Las Vegas (Spring 2023)
Spring trip after we returned from Spain. The cost difference between Spain/Portugal and the Las Vegas Strip was a bit startling.
Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan)
On the 3rd floor of the Cosmopolitan, this pizza place is nicely located if you are making your way from one end of the strip to the other. It’s a solid slice and expensive like all places on the strip. No seating inside the small shop. You see people getting pies and sitting in the outside atrium area.
Bellagio Spring Display
I like how their floral display changes every season and gives you a reason to stop by and see what is different.
Mercato della Pescheria (Venetian)
If you are going to eat on the Strip, I would recommend doing the happy hours. If you don’t mind late afternoon snacking vs early evening dining, this is the way to go. A lot of places in casinos will have deals. This place is located in the corner of the replica St. Mark’s Square in the Venetian. The Venetian actually has a lot of eateries with happy hour deals.
The catch at some places is that the happy hour deals are only applicable in the bar area so that you have to be able to find a spot and there might be limited seating.
Bungalow Coffee (Arts District)
This was a place with very good coffee. This brownie was also very good and had an Oreo cookie baked inside it.
It is a welcoming place to hang out. Maybe a bit too welcoming as sometimes it might be hard to find a seat as some people just hang out forever with their comfy seats and wifi.
STK (Cosmopolitan)
Another happy hour location. The plates are small but done really well and it’s also fun to try more dishes.
When they ask you if you want the complimentary bread - the answer should always be “yes! - I don’t fear carbs.” The bread is excellent and has this garlic glaze on top with a savory dipping sauce on the side.
Nobu (Caesars)
I wouldn’t have gone to a place like this except for having the points to use. I mean I know places like this are excellent but I always have to measure it against the cost. At some price level, the cost exceeds the happiness I get from it. You can also see that there are usually a lot of business dinners here. It’s always worth it if it’s someone else’s money!
Having said that, I did enjoy the meal. Everyone gets the miso cod because it is sweet and savory. The tamago is interesting as it is branded with “Nobu” on top and tastes like pound cake.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon sits just west of Las Vegas and is very easy to get to. One of the advantages of driving to Vegas is that it is easier to do excursions away from the city itself.
Red Rock Canyon is pretty visually impressive because the formation juts out of the earth and the red stands out against the rest of the high desert background.
The other notable thing was that it snowed - in Vegas (ok not technically in Vegas but close enough).
Hike to Calico Tanks
Since this was March - this hike was manageable. The weather was cool and made for a nice trip. I don’t think I would do this in the heat. Due to the wet winter, we were still walking past and in small streams. There is a pool of water in the rocks at the end of the hike which also provides sweeping vistas back towards Las Vegas.
Petroglyph Wall
This part is towards the end of the loop drive and is accessible via a very short walk. These markings survived because they exist under some overhangs which protects it from the elements.
This rock was just sitting on the path.
I’m no expert but that looks like a fossil - shouldn’t they protect it or something? Or at least move it away from foot traffic?
And then it snowed. In Vegas.
Carson Kitchen (Downtown)
This was one of the original nice places that opened in downtown back in the day when the downtown area was in decline. Now that it is back on the upswing, there are a lot more good eateries here, but Carson was one of the first to do something better. Located a block or so off of Fremont, they still offer up inventive eats.
Vanderpump Garden (Caesars)
In the mood for an overpriced cocktail, we figured why not here? They do a good job with the decor and atmosphere. I guess you can get snacks here as well but the drinks were expensive enough for me.