Re: Vegas, Baby
Had a great time, although it was probably a bit less on the drunken-revelry side of things than previous trips. The clubs were packed, so I really didn't end up doing any of that at all. My wife wanted to see the Pussycat Dolls Lounge at Caesar's, so we did that, but otherwise we stayed out of the bars/clubs/lounges.
I think the highlight for both my wife and I was Cirque du Soleil's "Ka" show at MGM. We sat in the 5th row, dead center. It was seriously the most impressive thing I've ever seen in my life. Even apart from the show itself, the technology involved in making that whole thing happen was difficult to comprehend. For those that haven't seen it, the stage itself -- which is huge -- flips on end, spins, turns and is very much an active participant in the show. There is unfortunately nothing I could say that would really capture how amazing and cool it was. For anyone that hasn't seen it, it is well worth the time and money to check it out.
We also went to a live Price is Right show at Bally's. That was really entertaining, my wife got called down to contestant's row, got up on stage and everything.
From a dining standpoint, we went to Mon Ami Gabi at Paris, Fin at Mirage, Tao at Venetian, Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak at MGM, and Michael Mina at Bellagio (along with a few other less fancy places). Tao gets the nod for atmosphere, but Michael Mina's place delivered an experience that transcends simply eating a kick ass meal. We did the tasting menu, which included ahi tuna tartare, lobster potpie, a trio of Kobe beef ribeyes, and a couple of other courses, all paired with wines specially selected to complement the dishes. We were with another couple, and the total for the 4 of us was more than the mortgage payment on my first house -- and that's unfortunately not hyperbole -- but it was an experience I'll never forget. It was amazing to me how much better both food and wine become when you have someone that really knows what they're doing pairing them. Well worth the absurd price.
Craftsteak was awesome as well, but we went there the night after going to Mina's place, so it kinda paled in comparison. Were it not for that, I'd be raving about that, too.
Apart from that, we did some of the standard touristy Vegas stuff -- up the Eiffel Tower to watch the Bellagio fountains, rode the gondola through the Venetian, saw the Treasure Island pirate show, etc., etc. Was my wife's first time there, so had to do it. As an aside, I'm not sure what they did to the pirate show at TI, but it fucking blew. Not that it was really anything to write home about before, but this new show affirmatively sucked. It was free, but I still feel like I got ripped off.
Great time all in all! Didn't come out ahead gambling, but didn't lose my ass, either. As I tell people, I lost an acceptable amount of money. ;) Had fun doing it, too.
Vegas, baby -- no place like it on earth...