Aria - Race & Sports

Just before the Race & Sports Book, there is Skybox. Which has lots of seating.







The Sports Book is set up like a lounge, with some of the most uncomfortable seating I've come across.





Doesn't scream "sit and watch the games" does it?





Pub-style tables are set up near the betting windows. It divides the race and sports book.



The race book chairs are uncomfortable, as well. They tip forward very easily.







There are dozens of tvs all around the race & sports book. It's a shame there is not a comfortable seat in the house to watch a game or race.

Aria - Poker Room

We entered near the poker room.






Frank got in on the first game. It was a table filled with locals.


The seating and overall feel of the room is quite comfortable. We expect it to be highly popular.

Aria - Grand Opening

Better late than never, let's get Aria's opening details underway.



Aria is the only hotel casino within CityCenter. It is located in the rear of the complex. It's a decent walk from the strip.



I was under the impression Aria would open at 11:21pm on Dec 16. Fireworks got underway about that time. However, doors did not open until shortly before midnight. This was the first opening I've attended where the doors did not open immediately following the fireworks.

The display was short, but fun to see.

Next, we waited... and waited...

Then, we were allowed to enter in small groups just before midnight.



We headed straight for the casino once inside.

Not much better

Can you believe I am still sick?

Tomorrow will be two weeks. I'm so sore and exhausted. My coughing fits have improved, but sadly my cough still lingers.

I'm just so thankful that I have not lost my sense of taste. That would be pure torture. We ate lots of great food while Bob was here.

Amore, Fat Greek, Siena Deli, Firefly and Fiamma. Plus, we tried Raku, a japanese restaurant and Fleur De Lys at Mandalay Bay. It was our most expensive meal ever.

Plus, more great eats in San Diego.

More details to come. I have so many photos to share, I haven't even downloaded any off my camera. That's so unlike me.

In the meantime, check out details of our meal at Aureole over at Living-Las-Vegas, Vegas Values: Aureole.

I'm alive...

Barely. I'm still sick.

There's much I want to share, but I just haven't had the energy. I did attend Aria's grand opening. The firework display was short. And it was the first opening I've attended where the doors didn't open immediately following the display. We were forced to wait around until midnight neared. I walked the entire property, while Frank got in on the first poker game, my mom tried her luck on slots (and won), and my brother-in-law hit the blackjack tables.

I'll share my thoughts and photos soon.

Visions of Xpu-ha

Please forgive me, I'm unable to string any coherent thoughts together between the cold medicine and visions of Xpu-ha dancing in my head.

Santa dropped me a message, today... there is a trip to Mexico in my future!





While I'm busy day dreaming in my drug induced stupor, please enjoy my latest LLV article, Vegas Values: Explore ILORI's Treasures. Last week, I attended the ILORI sunglass boutique grand opening celebration at Crystals in CityCenter. While there I had the opportunity to interview stylist to the stars - Angelina Jolie, most notably - and brand ambassador, Jennifer Rade.

Cheese with my whine

Yeah, I could use some cheese to go with my whine.

I've been battling a chest cold since Tuesday. I'm feeling defeated. My back and neck are terribly sore. I want nothing more than to get a good night's rest, but instead I continuously wake to coughing fits. It's been years since I felt this way. I'm a pro at dealing with nasal congestion, but this, this sucks. Once I quit smoking (almost 5 years ago - wow), I stopped getting chest colds and bronchitis. I'm blaming the cold for my sickness. It needs to hit the road and take my cold with it.

There is much to be done. I need energy to do it.

There is cleaning, shopping, holiday parties, visitors, shows and a trip to San Diego on the horizon.

Bottom line is I don't have time to feel shitty. I must get better. Now. Please.

More cold

It's another chilly day in Vegasland. It's only been cold a few days and I'm already missing summer. It's going to be a long two month wait for warmer temperatures.

These 30/40's have got to go. Looking at the extended forecast it looks like the 50's will roll in this weekend. More rain is expected. I don't like the rain, but it mine as well be gold. It means work stays busy and our guys keep working. Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain... I'll suffer for the greater good.

I thought we might see snow at the house from the storm that blew in on Monday, but it stayed warm enough - we didn't see any. The mountains got a nice dusting, though. That's the way I like my snow, in the mountains, rather than out my door. I hope it stays up there so I can have my first year in Las Vegas without snow. Below are a few photos I took yesterday.




In this next photo you can see the Cloud Nine Balloon in the sky to the right. It's the world's largest helium ballon. It soars 500ft above the strip. At $27.50/per adult the price seems a bit steep, but coupons for a few bucks off are floating around. Even still I won't think about trying it until we see much warmer weather. People are riding it, though, I see it hovering most days when I leave work. Sunset seems to be a popular time to ride.


Click photo for full-size image

Metallica!

When I got word earlier this year that Metallica was coming to Vegas in December, I knew it would be the perfect gift for Frank. As soon as tickets went on sale, I tried to get my hands on a pair, but the show was already sold out. Thank goodness for Stubhub, they came through for me. I bought these tickets in spring, and was left to wait and hope the surprise would remain a surprise. Fortunately, it did.

This was my third time seeing Metallica and Frank’s fourth. Frank saw a show at Rosemont Horizon just before we started dating, the others we saw together.
My first Metallica show was in Pecatonica, IL at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds, July 1998. It was insane. I’ve never seen anything so disorganized. It was one helluva time, though. We drove out with a group of friends, tailgated, and then enjoyed the show. At times we made our way to the stage. Toward the end, dehydration set in on me. I passed out. I remember coming to in an ambulance and medics were making me suck down Gatorade. I hate Gatorade. Refueled, we were left to enjoy the rest of the show. Despite me scaring the crap out of Frank… that wasn’t the last time, either. After a number of fainting spells I was diagnosed with Neurocardiogenic syncope, but that’s a story for another day.

Two years later, Metallica headlined the Hard Rock Café Rockfest at Chicago Motor Speedway. A group of us took a limo to the show; we met more friends at the venue, eventually forming a group of twenty or so. Rockfest was an all-day show with a dozen bands. We drank Lynchburg Lemonade all day long. It was great fun, and one of the most memorable concerts I’ve seen. Kid Rock was also there, he performed Turn the Page with Metallica. It was awesome!

Nearly a decade later at Mandalay Bay Event Center, Metallica still rocked. It was a much different experience, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We used valet at Four Seasons, fine dined at Aureole and then walked 50 feet or whatever it is to the event center. How great is it that this was all under one roof? I love Las Vegas!

We took our seats – no fighting back crowds at the stage or mosh pits for us. We’re now too old for that shit. The last show we’d been to was before digital cameras. It was back when people used lighters instead of cell phones to waive back-n-forth in darkness.

Machine Head was on stage. After a few songs, they wrapped up, the stage was dismantled and prepped for Metallica. We thought they’d take the stage at 9:00, but it was closer to 9:30. The show opened with laser lights, later there were flames and pyrotechnics. They did an encore and had fun with us for the duration of the two hour show. I didn’t miss being drunk or smoking, being shoved or sweated on, but I can still throw up my arms and sing along with the best of them. This was definitely a show of all ages – 5 to 50, easily. It’s neat to see kids discovering a band we’ve loved for years. I imagine someone said the same about us, back in the day.

Some days fly by...

Today has been one of those days. There was much I meant to get to, but hardly any of it got done.

Instead of sharing details about our awesome Saturday night, I'll clean house and share a few LLV articles I have forgotten to post.

Vegas Values: Groceries for less

Vegas Values: M Resort, what's not to love?

Vegas Values: One stop shopping

With any luck tomorrow will be more productive.

Here's a teaser from the concert...


and I'll add that Aureole was excellent. We don't know what took us so long to dine there.

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!

Oh, how I've missed the hot tub!

This summer we experienced troubles with algae in the pool. Even when the cooler weather rolled in the algae remained. We attempted to treat the water with non-foaming algaecide. Yeah, that didn't work. That was back in October. It foamed over a month. We weren't able to use the hot tub. It sucked.

We were left with no choice but to drain the pool. It needed it this winter, anyway, this just gave us the push to get it done. We ordered new filters, vacuum hoses, and leaf baskets. Then, we rented a pump from Home Depot, best $40 spent!

Frank spent his 30th birthday draining the last of the water in the pool and then powerwashing it to remove hardwater stains and calcium build up. Let the good times roll! Birthdays just aren't what they were when we were young.

I did surprise him with Mad Hatter Red Velvet Cupcakes - his favorite - and tickets to Metallica. They're playing at Mandalay Bay this Saturday. It's been almost a decade since we last saw them perform. He's excited. I was relieved it remained a surprise, because I bought these tickets in April. I worried somehow it'd come up and I'd have to spill the beans.

Before the show, we'll have dinner at Aureole. It's been on our must-dine list for years. It'll be great to finally check it out.

Back to the pool, he started filling it Tuesday late afternoon, by Wednesday morning it was full. Last night we were able to use the hot tub. We missed it so! There's just nothing like kicking back under the moonlit sky, with a beer and cigar feeling the jets swirl warm water all around you.

Twelve years ago

It might not look it, but it feels like yesterday, Frank, his parents, and I were gathered around wishing Frank a happy 18th birthday. Twelve years have passed in a blink of an eye. Today is my husband's 30th birthday. I'm sure the years will only chug along faster and faster as we age.

Tonight we have dinner plans with his cousin, she wants to try Amore. After reading about it in last week's LLV article, Vegas Values: Chicago-style done right. We'll celebrate with a special birthday dinner later this week or sometime soon. Last I heard, he was torn between Nine at the Palms and Aureole at Mandalay Bay. Either will be a treat.

Happy Birthday, Frank! I love you.