This past weekend Jonathan and I hit the road for a spur of the moment Vegas trip. After a long week we hopped in the Super Cooper, dropped Jackson off at his buddy Yager's house and started our trip to Sin City. As we approached the Hoover Dam, the purplish gray glow beyond the mountains let us know we were just a short distance away from our destination. We arrived close to 11:30ish, but thanks to a time change we gained an hour making it only 10:30. Per Vegas standards, after we plunked our stuff down in our room we headed downstairs to roam Treasure Island for some tasty libations. Now that's what I call a start to the weekend!
Any illusion that the blue sky and bright sun greeting us Saturday morning meant it was warm outside was quickly vanquished with a touch of the 24th floor window. After an overpriced breakfast, and with the hope that the temperature had increased to 40, we bundled up and headed to the mall for what turned out to be a rather successful trip. Before heading down the strip, we dropped off our goods in our room, and just so happened to see a fellow Rutgers pal in the elevator lobby. Ok, not really a pal, and from his reaction, truly not that keen on supporting the University that was embroidered on his hat. Oh well, its still fun to see a Rutgers emblem at random.
Our first Casino stop was the Venetian. We scoped out an especially well lit casino floor, before heading up to the Grand Canal/Shopping walk way. Beneath the painted cloud skies we paused briefly to listen to the Gondola Captain's sing to their boat's occupants while they gently motored along the indoor canal. We enjoyed some tasty sushi, plantains and beverages in a Japanese/Brazilian fusion restaurant before again braving the cold to go check out the Cosmopolitan and the Aria.
Being one of the newest casinos on the strip the Cosmopolitan certainly lives up to its unique advertising campaign of hip and sexy, modern luxury. The variety of high end, and, trendy dinning and drinking establishments seemed to far exceed that of the other casinos. After wandering about for a little while, and admiring the decorative theme of the place we settled into Jaleo, a "Spanish avant-garde" restaurant to enjoy some spectacular sipping tequila while cheering on the Ravens as they fought to defeat little Peyton Manning and his Broncos. (Go RAVENS!!)
Later that evening we returned to the Cosmopolitan for dinner at Comme Ca. This "brasserie" certainly lived up to its definition of "a type French restaurant with a relaxed, upscale setting". The atmosphere was modern, high end, but not stuffy, and the portions were refreshing considered what similar prices will get you in some Vegas restaurants. We shared a fantastic bouillabaisse, maple and bacon roasted Brussels spouts, and some tasty mac n cheese. Warms my belly just thinking of that tasty food.
Back on the move we headed to the casino floor to dabble in some slot machine play. Neither Jonathan nor I had the desire to sit at a table and watch our money drift away, so we maneuvered about the penny slots. Jonathan started on a Batman themed machine and we hopscotched our way about the floor taking turns with the same payout ticket. I was by far the weakest link. After Jonathan made a whopping $14 buck profit we opted to end our gambling on top and cashed out.
Back on the roam we came across a live performance in one of the random, tiny lounge/bars scattered across the casino floor. The performers were going for vintage and not only did they pull off the look with flying colors, but they sounded great. Sharing an over-sized chair we caught a few songs before drifting back into the crowd. It wasn't long before we stopped in yet another random lounge where we relaxed before deciding on which of the many Vegas night clubs we'd attempt to get into. Mind you, we're not much for clubbing, but when in Rome...
Cesar's Palace offered the best option for our entry level clubbing with the Beatles Lounge. About the only Beatles influence on the place was the Union jack neck tie worn by the go-go dancer in the over-sized "O" of LOUNGE, but seeing that it was considerably less intimidating that the other clubs we saw we decided to give it a go. I was impressed when we reached the entry rope and were actually allowed in while others who were there before us had to step aside. Who would've thunk? We stayed until we'd had our fill of bogeying down, then scurried back to Treasure Island in what may not even have been 35 degree weather.
Driving home on Sunday was pretty uneventful. We made a quick pit stop for some overpriced Venison jerky that had been advertised for a good 60 miles and eventually stopped for lunch at an Arizona Highways acclaimed Mexican restaurant in the tiny town of Wikieup. Can't say the restaurant was anything special, but the food was good, and the warmth in our bellies was appreciated. Overall, I'd say we did darn near everything there is to do in Vegas, we stayed in a Casino, ate well, enjoyed various adult beverages, shopped, site saw, gambled, caught a short show and went to a club. About the only thing we missed out on was getting re-married by Elvis! Oh well, there is always a next time!
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