Viva Las Vegas

This past Memorial Day weekend, Las Vegas was PACKED! Nevada’s law (plastered all over the casino) states that people who are not vaccinated must wear masks. Nationally, about 40% of Americans are currently fully vaccinated. But In Las Vegas, the percentage must be much higher. Judging from the unmasked crowd, I’d estimate about 90% are immunized in Las Vegas. 

Even though I fall into the category of fully vaccinated, it still looked alarming to see so many full faces. I confess, I wore my mask sometimes, especially in the elevator. It’s hard to just turn off the switch. This year took a psychological toll on me. And I realize that it’s going to take more than the CDC announcing it’s safe to take off our masks for me to feel comfortable and dig out that lipstick again. 

We stayed at The Venetian. I know Vegas has many options, and everyone has their favorites, but I’m sorry, The Venetian is the best. The suites are beautiful, we LOVE the pool, and breakfast at the Bouchon is a must. Unfortunately, there’s a common theme to my travel reports these days… things aren’t quite the same.  

As per Nevada law, my beloved jacuzzi was closed

Even though we literally saw them taking down the plexiglass in the casino, things aren’t totally back to normal. Many places are operating with reduced hours, including my favorite restaurant: The Bouchon. Unfortunately, this Thomas Keller bistro is only opened on the weekends, which was a problem because we checked in on Monday.

Not only is the food and coffee delicious, but it’s also SO pretty! Oh well, next time.

Another disappointment: the champagne bar, Rosina, wasn’t open. Rosina is a sexy lounge that serves all kinds of inventive cocktails, but I prefer champagne. Next to your table, you’ll find a champagne button for ordering refills.

When I win the lottery, I think I’ll install one of these in my mansion.  

The highlight of this trip was a dinner at Delmonico: Chef Emeril Lagasse’s steakhouse at the Venetian. The service was impeccable. The waitstaff works as a crew. So, we didn’t just have A waiter; we had four or five -all fine-dine trained. They prepare Caesar salad tableside, making the dressing from scratch to taste. Likewise, they offer Chateaubriand for two carved tableside. Luckily, our neighbors ordered these dishes, so we enjoyed the show -if not the taste. We intended to get the Seafood Tower: crab legs, shrimp, lobster tails, oysters on the half shell… and sauces! Doesn’t that sound amazing? But, I changed my mind. I ordered everything New Orleans on the menu. I figured Emeril would know how to cook his childhood food. And I was not disappointed. Emeril isn’t famous for nothing. It was the best BBQ shrimp and the best gumbo I’ve ever had. And I’m kind of an expert.      

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the gorgeous Venetian, I have one sightseeing recommendation for you: The Neon Museum. 

Las Vegas is a great place to participate in one of America’s favorite pastimes: taking selfies. Of course, the strip provides a great backdrop, but I recommend you head over to the neon-sign graveyard for a bit of posing and posting. It’s pretty cool. We visited during the day, but you may prefer to go at night. They sell “Brilliant” tickets for viewing these signs the way they were intended to be seen.