The Hottest New Venue

Just because

I thought I'd talk tv today, or share about my un-awesome start to my awesome weekend. Instead, I just want to say thanks. Thanks for coming by and seeing what's new. Your comments brighten my day, and your readership means a lot. It's comforting to know there is an audience out there who takes time from their day to read about mine. When I started this blog, I did it so I'd have a centralized place to keep my thoughts straight. Now, I try to give a look into the life of a Las Vegan. Among my other ramblings, I try to provide tips and tidbits about this great city, I'm fortunate to call home. Anyway, I'm grateful for each of you that are part of my journey.

Just so this isn't all mush. Did anyone catch the Cosmopolitan commercial last night during Mad Men? It seems they're taking the "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" to a whole new level. I can honestly say I never expected it, and I'm a little more intrigued about the property than I was before. By the looks of it, I would not want to be the one responsible for cleaning and maintaining the guest rooms. Also, I spotted dogs, pussy, chicks, tail or doe... ducks? And are they screwing like bunnies??

Breaking News

Word has it that In-N-Out is coming to the strip. I have it on good authority that In-N-Out will be taking up real estate next to Planet Hollywood. There's that big empty lot at the corner of Harmon and Las Vegas Blvd. soon it will be home to Walgreens and more importantly In-N-Out.

Talk about a convenient location! This is particularly good news for me since this will free-up the Dean Martin/Tropicana location, currently the busiest. It will be much easier and quicker to stop and grab a bite for lunch. Hello, double double.

It's on!

Some how I managed to miss the news of Stratosphere's newest ride, the SkyJump. Fortunately, Frank catches most of the stories I miss so I'm never out of the loop for long. He told me about it over beers at PT's.

Frank: Have you heard about Stratophere's new ride?
Me: No?
Frank: it will be an 800-ft freefall, like Skydiving.
Me: Really?
Frank: Yeah, it'll be done in April.
Me: I'm there.
Frank: It's a hundred bucks.
Me: It'll be my 30th birthday gift to myself.

It's on. Build it, and I'm there. It wasn't just the Stella talking. I'm so psyched for this. I've wanted to skydive for years, this will be a good test to see if I'm up for it.

First look at Crystals

CityCenter. It's been a long time coming. I've worked on this project for the last two+ plus years. It is truly amazing to see something on paper become a place I can experience. It makes the paperwork, rejected billings, meetings, phone calls, etc. all worthwhile. The satisfaction of experiencing a grand opening is a treat, it's made even sweeter when you've worked on it day after day.

Vdara opened December 1st to media and hotel guests. I've yet to get over there to see it for myself. I suspect we'll be staying there very soon. Next month, perhaps?

I first knew Crystals under the Sobella name. I actually prefer Sobella, but Crystals were a sight to see. The complex is unique and beautiful. It's a much different aesthetic than other shopping on the strip. For most, it will be a place to window shop, a place ogle and dream. For some, it will be an exclusive shopping experience with a collection of the best designers in the world.

Getting there...

I wasn't able to turn into CityCenter headed northbound on Las Vegas Blvd. (lane closures, ongoing construction) so I opted to turn into Bellagio and take the newly re-opened tram over. The tram has been updated, it fits the new sleek modern look on display at CityCenter. There are marquees to notify you where the trains are headed and when they will arrive.

I had a two minute wait for my train to Crystals, the ride seemed even quicker. The tram station delivers you to the rear of complex, not far from Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso. The red carpet was set up and security kept tight guard on the surrounding area.





Touch screen directories are found scattered about to lead you. They were nice, but not terribly useful when there is a crowd in search of directions. Only one person can use a unit at a time. Luxury retailers include Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Christian Dior, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Mikimoto and Ermenegildo Zegna. Those with first locations in Las Vegas are Assouline, Kiton, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Porsche Design, Tom Ford, de Grisogono, H. Stern, Marni and Tourbillon.

Champagne and wine were served at a number of stores to celebrate the grand opening. I also saw trays of sweets and hors d'oeuvres passed.

Crystals is very modern. The design was intended to mimic an outdoor cityscape. My initial impression failed to notice. I was struck by it's size. It felt like an airplane hanger. Yet, it had a museum-like feel. In any case, there are a number of sculptures and features on display. They are fun to see.





I loved this tornados and light water feature














There is plenty more to explore, this is only a small glimpse of Crystals.

Today, Mandarin Oriental debuts. That is the third and final opening this week. Next is Aria, the 4004-room hotel casino. The only casino in CityCenter, and home to Viva Elvis the newest Cirque du Soleil show.

Aria will open December 16, we will surely check it out. I cannot wait!

Monday again...

Another weekend has come and gone. My blood pressure was high on Saturday, I’ve been instructed to monitor it a few times this week. Also, Wednesday, I need to go to have blood work done. I hate needles, so I’m not looking forward to getting stuck first thing that morning. Then, Saturday, I go back to the doctor. Sounds like I may be put on pills to control my blood pressure. I’m not thrilled by that idea, but it’s better than a stroke. There’s nothing else going on of much interest. However, I did spot something pretty exciting this weekend…

A new In-N-Out location! I haven’t decided if this is a good thing or a bad thing. See, it’s within walking distance of the house. We’ll pass it everyday coming and going. It’ll be way too convenient to grab a double double and fries. I’ll just have to try to be good and only indulge on occasion. It broke ground in the last week, it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes before it opens. In any case, I look forward to grabbing a bite there.

Fuddruckers is a hit!

We met our friends there around 6:30, we were the first to arrive. We couldn't believe all the cars, then, we caught a glimpse of the line out the door. Shortly after we walked up 6 people left. Shorter wait for us, score! The owner came out with water while we waited and girls walked around with cookies for us to snack on. The wait wasn't bad, we got in line at 6:24, we ordered, and we were seated by 6:54. The owner went by every table to see how everyone was. Nice guy. We told him we didn't think they'd ever open. Evidently, we weren't the only circling, hundreds of others have been awaiting the opening, as well. We asked if they anticipated it to be this busy. He said we expected good crowds, but since they held off advertising until next month they never dreamed it would be as packed as it was. From 11am on they had a line out the door. They had a good operation going, only mishap is they ran out of ice. He said he had two 500lb orders delivered that day and another on the way, sure enough, ice was there within 5 minutes of running out. This location is the first to open of twelve. The next one scheduled to open will be inside the Orleans Casino. I work less than two minutes from there, so it'll be a great lunch spot.

Our meal was everything you'd expect from Fuddruckers. Everything was fresh and cooked to order. Service was good, quick and friendly. The Fuddruckers team did great under pressure on the first day. We can't wait to go back.