Fun on Fremont

Saturday was filled with cleaning, shopping and running errands. That night, however, was fun-filled. We headed downtown to celebrate, our friend, Alysha's birthday. We had 8:30 reservations at Firefly inside the Plaza. We arrived early to play blackjack, we also tried our luck on Wheel of Fortune when we saw the progressive was high. Blackjack was brutal, get a 20, dealer gets 21. It's a customary tale. Wheel of Fortune still earns it's nickname, Wheel of Torture. I did actually win a spin of $20, but that only washed what Frank lost in another machine.

We killed enough time losing money we went up to Firefly. The down escalator has been broken for a few months now, rather than fix it, they've put up a permanant sign that it's out of order. I suppose that's the cheapest fix.


Our friends arrived and we got seated. The five of us piled into booth with a great view of Fremont Street - it might have just been the one from Casino. We ordered five orders of bacon wrapped dates right off the bat (two more came later), I had to have artichoke toasts, too (a second plate was ordered), we also tried the spicy potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, baked cheese, surf & turf skewer, garlic shrimp, eggplant cannelloni, ceviche, albondigas, and a couple pitchers of white sangria.

Can you say, yum? Yeah, that sums it up.

After dinner we walked Fremont Street, and settled on drinks at Vue Bar at Fitzgerald's. The outdoor balcony is great to enjoy the weather and people watch. We caught the KISS show at eleven.




This totally brings me back to the movie Role Models.


The Vue Bar was a bit too mellow we were getting a little sleepy. So, we headed down to Hennessy's to see what live entertainment they had. We ordered another round and found seats near the bar. Too bad the band was terrible. You could hardly recognize their rendition of Whiskey in the Jar. We bailed and went next door to Mickie Finnz. Their live band was far better. Beers all around, and plenty of laughs and good times followed.

There was another group celebrating a birthday. They were really whooping it up. It was highly entertaining. Proof that what happens in Vegas doesn't stay there...


Mickie Finnz also has a one of those lobster claw skill games. Jake gave it a try, but no luck scoring a lobster.


Another group in the bar gave it a whirl and had success, they caught a lobster.


Someone had a nice lobster late-night snack.

The band took a break, it was near 1am so we called it night and headed home. Frank insisted we stop at In-N-Out, we made the mad dash to get there before they closed at 1:30. We made it with plenty of time to spare. One 3x3 and we were on our way.

It was a good night, it could've only been better if we had won earlier in the night.

Just had to share

Okay, I’ve mentioned before how I have a new found love for Jeopardy. Well, the fascination continues. Actually, it’s gotten worse, it’s now set to record daily. Getting back to my point… yesterday, one of the double jeopardy categories was URANUS. I’ll be 30 next month, but apparently sophomoric humor appeals to my inner teenager. There were two female contestants and one male. The guy cleared the category and finished with a daily double.

I’ll take Uranus for $400, Alex.

Uranus for $800…

Alex, I’d like Uranus for $1200…

$1600…

Uranus for $2000, Alex. Make it a true daily double.

I always thought negotiations were supposed to go down in cost not up, silly me.

No other game show has made me laugh like that.

Spring has sprung

Either that or mother nature is pulling the prank of a lifetime right now. The weather has been gorgeous! Even the birds think it's spring, they've been chirping up a storm since Saturday. I was none too happy when they woke me up on Sunday, but it was so lovely out there I don't blame them from singing.

It was a great 3-day weekend. Of course, it went by far too fast. I was back at work this morning before I knew it. We packed a lot in this weekend. I'll share Friday night now, but I'll break up the other days in seperate posts.

Friday morning I asked Frank if he wanted to check out the crab claws at Flame inside the El Cortez. He was game. When the afternoon rolled around, I called to make reservations. I was told Florida has been too cold their crab hasn't been up to par so they wouldn't be serving it. Bummer. It looked like I'd be making dinner afterall.

Then, late afternoon, Frank called saying his uncle wanted to take us out to Flame for crab claws. He broke the news to him. They then decided on dinner at Orlean's Prime Rib Loft. It's always a reliable choice. After a good meal. We hung by the casino where we took a beating on slots. Then, the guys decided to bet on horses. Race after race, we lost. Usually Frank and his uncle can pick winners, I must have brought bad luck. I don't recall ever cashing a horse bet, even back in the day at the local OTB. I enjoyed going to San Anita, but otherwise I really have no interest in the horses. Maybe a win would sway me, but that remains to be seen.

A Love Story

You’ve already heard how I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day, but here’s a fond memory I associate with this illustrious Hallmark holiday…

I was 16. It was the day before Valentine’s Day. My boyfriend at the time was my “first love” we dated off and on since 8th grade. I think we might have exchanged cards that year. I wasn’t even mushy then. Anyhow, I was at a girlfriend’s house. A few of us were just hanging out, smoking and doing whatever 16 year old girls do. Then, Frank drove up in his teal Camaro. We went to the same school, we had mutual friends, but we never officially met. This was the first time we were introduced. I previously thought he was kinda loud and a bit obnoxious – my impression from seeing him in the halls at school. But he seemed nice enough. A friend abruptly decided she wanted to get Valentine’s Day cards to exchange with friends, so we piled into a couple cars and went to the Party Store nearby, Frank followed. We putzed around the store while she looked for her cards. Frank and I were near a bin of fake flowers, the little fabric ones that you twist tie on wedding favors or whatever. He picked one from the bin and presented it to me. It was very sweet. We left the store empty handed and went on to Jewel, a grocery store.

It was getting late, I had to get the mini-van back home to mom, and part of the deal for me to take it out in the first place was to bring home a gallon of milk. Jewel was the perfect last stop. We met over there, again, Frank followed. I bought my milk, and while the others were searching for valentine’s cards, he carried my milk and walked me out to my mom’s mini-van. That’s it, that's how he wooed me.

There were very few days between then and April Fool’s Day that we spent apart. The day before Valentine’s Day marks the time that our relationship began to blossom… the day he carried my milk.

BBQ & Brews

Writing this week's LLV column was a tough one. I took all I had not to drop what I was doing and run out for ribs and a Hefe. You can find this winning combination at Ellis Island or Village Pub. Get the details at Vegas Values: BBQ & Brews on a Budget.

Out Cold

This is slightly old news and to call it news is an overstatement, but did you see the clip of the woman fainting on The Price is Right?



It’s not the first time it’s happened, over the years, it’s occurred at least two other times on the show.

Not sure why they fainted, it can happen for a number of reasons. I know this all too well.

Let me paint you a picture….

It’s a warm summer night. We're on a double date with friends at Bennigan's. I know that’s bad enough. Worse yet, there is a 45-minute wait. We decide to wait it out. We chat and stand off to the side near the entrance. About 30 minutes later, I become very tired. I yawn, again and again. Next thing I know I’m waking up to voices. I finally come to, and there are paramedics hovered around me. They’re taking my vitals and making me drink water. Woozy, I complain that I’m starved. And I refuse a trip to the hospital, I insist all I need is food. After some persistence, they finally agree to let me be and go on their way. Meanwhile, a table magically opens up and we’re seated and potato skins rapidly appear.

Not a recommended way to get a table and food quickly in a crowded restaurant, but I must say it does work.

I didn't give it much more thought, I’ve fainted twice before, at Metallica and SeaWorld. I’ve mentioned the Metallica tale before, but not SeaWorld. My parents brought us to Florida when I was twelve. We visited Orlando, Daytona and New Smyrna Beach. The day we visited SeaWorld it was ungodly hot and humid. I remember my dad getting us fish to feed the dolphins. After that all I can recall is laying across his lap being force fed a cold beverage. Each incident occurred while it was hot, I always assumed I fainted from dehydration.

A few months after the Bennigan’s incident. I gave Frank another near heart attack. This time, I dozed off on the couch, woke quickly and went to the bathroom. I remember peeing, but I have no clear recollection of much else until I woke up in the emergency room. Turns out after my pee, I fainted, but all Frank heard was two loud thumps. One must have been my head hitting the wall, then next was my body hitting the ground like lump of bricks. He ran to check on me, trouble was he couldn’t get in. My lifeless body blocked the door. He immediately called 911. I vaguely recall the paramedics asking him questions and later carrying me out on a stretcher, but I swear it was only a dream. Rather it was a real nightmare for Frank.

In the hospital they ran test after test and they were only able to determine that I had low potassium. After replenishing my fluids and potassium I was released, but I had to follow up with a neurologist. In the meantime, I was unable to drive. Talk about a pain in the ass – I commuted 60 miles between, home, work and school. Sleep studies and a number of other tests were ordered. Test after test returned normal results. Until I underwent the Tilt-table Test. While I was hooked up to a few monitors and strapped to the table I remember thinking “this is silly, nothing is happening”. Famous last words, after 30 minutes I was out cold. Again, all I recall is the nurse in a flutter working to get my pulse and blood pressure back in normal range, my vitals quickly plummeted to 34bpm and 90/60. That’s all it took to have my diagnosis, Neurocardiogenic Syncope. In short, my blood vessels are too weak to pump blood properly when I stand upright for a duration of 30 minutes or longer, my blood pools to my feet and I faint. Having this knowledge and being aware of my triggers has kept me safe. I can recognize symptoms and quickly sit or lay down to counteract syncope. It’s been about eight years since my last episode. Just another diagnosis to add to my feelings of being a medical oddity.

Tough Cookies

I’m pretty thankful I’m not going to Chicago this weekend, like I had originally planned. They’ve been hit with snow and blustery cold temps. I’m quite pleased that I’ll be home enjoying the dry spell we have forecasted. My jolly good friend also known as sunshine will be sticking around for awhile. Boy! Have I missed it! I plan on soaking up all I can this weekend while enjoying the warmer temps, too. We might even see the mercury reach 70 degrees. Now we are talking, this is why I moved to the desert.

I treasure the shortened winters, perfect extended spring and fall, and even the scorching summers rarely bother me anymore. That year in Laughlin really thinned out my blood. Amazing how weeks of 120 degrees days recalibrates your internal temperature.

Chicago will wait. I’m thinking about a trip in July. Although, that’ll likely be an awful time weather-wise. Hot and humid. Mosquitos. Good times.

Although, family and friends are probably wishing for summer about now… Freezing temps and blizzard-like conditions… If I had to scrape my car and shovel. I’d be welcoming July, too.

I give ‘em credit, though. They are tough cookies. I remember those brutal winter storms, snow, ice, negative temps. All my years in school, I never had a snow day. Once, school was closed because the pipes froze, but otherwise it was come hell or high water it was business as usual. As an adult, I worked for a furniture retail store. Our doors always remained open. You’d be surprised how many folks braved the storms to purchase or pick up furniture. It always boggled my mind. There was one time, though, that we closed temporarily because of a tornado. I think we had at least one angry customer as a result. Really? You can’t wait until the funnel clouds pass to get your recliner.

Flooding, blizzards, tornadoes, freezing temps, heat waves, they don’t get much of a break. They only steer clear of hurricanes and earthquakes. Scratch that, just hurricanes. They had a 4.3 quake in Kane County (50 miles west of Chicago) overnight. It’s the second one since we moved in 2003. How wild is that? I’ve never felt the ground shake. Not in Chicago or Las Vegas. Thankfully, not in California, either. I admit I was a bit nervous in Coit Tower and going over the Golden Gate, while in San Fran, last year.

Trivial Thoughts

Facebook keeps suggesting I friend Sasha Patel. I have no flipping clue who she is. It makes me wonder whose page I show up on and who is left wondering who the hell is this Kellee chick?

I didn't exercise today. Why? I'm too lazy to change. I don’t mind the actual workout. It is changing clothes that I dread.

This next one comes from my husband. Do motorcycle cops get rainy days off?

Done until September

Now that football is over Frank is back to his Tues-Sat schedule. This means we now have time to play. I feel like a kid that’s been cooped up all winter and finally gets to play outside.

Sunday we have plans to play a round of disc golf. We also talked of taking a hike afterwards. Sunday evening is “O”. Then, Monday it’s time to take the beast out. It’s been hibernating long enough. Frank ordered the tie rod last week and brought it to the shop yesterday to have it replaced. The Jimmy should be in good order now, only he discovered yesterday that it’s not holding a charge for whatever reason, we’ve replaced the battery and alternator recently. He’ll just need to take the time to rule one out. It was a rainy day no sense in fussing with it. As long as it gets done before Monday, we’re good to go.

Back to the pigskin, despite suffering a number of losses it was a profitable football season, little thanks to me.

Frank was the big winner; he finished in second place in both of his Fantasy Football Leagues. We parlayed a bit of those winning into bets on the Super Bowl. As noted before we won our Saints and under bet. We also won the following prop bets:

1st score of the game, other score +180
1st offensive play, run play +120
Field goal in the 1st quarter Even
Special teams or Defense TD +155
D Clark Receptions, over 6.5 +105

My confident prop bet was the total on the game would be between 51-55. If it weren’t for the missed field goal, I would’ve cashed. I get screwed like that often.

We didn’t place in the money in any other pay leagues or cash any tickets all season – but we only bet on a few games early in the season. Then, we recognized we were only taking beating after beating.

I placed 2nd in Pro Pick’em, but got my ass kicked in other just for fun leagues.

As much fun as the football season is I enjoy the hiatus. It leaves time for baseball, road trips and fun in the sun.

Another installment of...

Conversations with a 3-year old.

Saturday, I was out and about. While at the 99 cent store I received a phone call.

Me: Hello
Nicky: ....silence… Auntie Kellee?
Me: Hey, buddy!
Nicky: mumbles a bit, but I catch he’s watching TV.
Me: That sounds fun.
Nicky: Yeah.
Nicky: Uncle Mikey is sleeping.
Me: You must have wore him out.
Nicky: Yeah.

I hear Amy in the background, Nicky… what are… Hello?

Me: Hi Aim.
Nicky: He called you all by himself. I was talking to dad and heard him chatting away. I’ll talk to you later – hands the phone back to Nicky.

Nicky: Daddy’s at work, he’s making money.
Me: Yeah, that’s what grown ups do, they make money.
Nicky: Can I talk to uncle Frank, now?
Me: I’m sorry honey he’s working.
Nicky: Making money?
Me: Yep.
Nicky: I’m coming to see you soon.
Me: Yes! I’m so excited. You’re going to take the airplane.
Nicky: No, it costs money.
Me: Yeah, it does, but you have tickets on February 27. We’ll see you then.
Nicky: Ok. I want to call grandma. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye.

What a trip. I can’t wait for their visit.

Spicy Chicken Stew

I tried one new recipe this weekend. It was a success. I'll definitely make this one again. Only next time I'll leave out the potatoes. I think this would be good served over rice, too.

We like spicy - a lot. So I used hot salsa and bumped up the chile powder. It helped, but it still wasn't up to par. Tabasco was the key. I didn't use thighs only breasts, and I omitted the tortillas. And instead of 4 hours on high, I set the crockpot on low for 8 hours. It worked out just fine.

Spicy Chicken Stew

Yield: 6 Servings

2 baking potatoes (about 1 1/2 lb.), peeled and cut into chunks (3 1/3 cups)
1 (10 oz.) package frozen sweet corn
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks (1 cup)
1 onion, thickly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (12.5 oz.) jar salsa
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chile powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast, halved (about 1 lb.)
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 10.5 oz.)
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
4 (6 inch) fresh corn tortillas, cut into strips

Place potatoes, corn, celery, carrots, onion and garlic in slow cooker. Stir in salsa, salt, cumin, chile powder and pepper. Distribute chicken evenly on top of vegetables and pour chicken broth over chicken. Cover slow cooker and cook stew on high for 4 hours.

Transfer chicken to a plate and shred with two forks into bite-size chunks; return to slow cooker. Mix tortilla strips into stew. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 355
Fat: 6g (sat 1g)
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrate: 42g
Fiber: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1mg

Super Bowl

It's a rainy Super Bowl Sunday here in Sin City. Yesterday it rained all day, too. I know I asked for it, but now I'm asking for it to stop. I miss the sunshine and sunny skies. Good news is that the Super Bowl brings in large crowds and the storms have kept them indoors. This should make for a very profitable weekend for the casinos.

We went to the Orleans last night to place our wagers on the game. Frank's done well with prop bets past years, plus they're just plain fun, so we have 15 of those. My favorite being the total number of scrabble points in the last name of the player scoring the first touchdown (note photo above). The over was chosen. We also have a parlay bet, the Saints and under.

Prior to betting it made no difference who won, although I figured I'd root for the Saints since this is their first time there. Plus, I have a friend in New Orleans that is a diehard Saints fan and I know it will totally make her year. Every fan deserves to see their team win it all - except, the Cubs maybe. Now, with money on the line I have vested interest in seeing the Saints beat the Colts.

Let's go Saints and the under!!

Love is a virus without a cure

"Love is a virus without a cure". The quote comes from the HBO documentary, A Family is a Family is a Family. In the film, kids of all ages share their candid and often funny thoughts on family. I enjoyed it.

But that's not what this post is about, instead this morning I came across an AskMen article about Valentine's Day myths. Somehow the title seemed fitting.

Anyway, this article lists 10 Valentine's Day Myths. I found it pretty hilarious, but I can see how it's helpful. I feel bad for all the guys out there that have to face this dreadful day year after year. The holiday is supposed to celebrate love and affection. However, it's not visions of cupids that come to mind, rather it's pressure, disappointment, and bragging rights.

Call me jaded or whatever, but hear me out...

Men feel pressured to purchase their special someone a gift, and rather than getting something meaningful or useful. They freak under pressure and present chocolates and teddy bears to their ladies. Both are readibly available, and every man knows he needs something or he'll suffer his woman's wrath and may never get any (again). This brings about disappointment. Women don't want a teddy bear or chocolates, seriously what does one do with a teddy bear? and chocolates will only make our asses bigger -- nobody wants that. Plus, neither give women bragging rights. That's all they want is something to show and tell, they want to make their friends jealous. Yes, women are catty like that.

I recall one Valentine's Day, I must have been ten, my mom threatened my dad that he had better come home with something for her. It was a blizzard outside. Still he was mindful or maybe just scared to death, he threw on his parka and walked the mile to the florist. He bought her flowers that sat in Snoopy's house, with Snoopy attached to the front. The flowers died and so did their marriage eight or so years later, but Snoopy lived on. Maybe stuffed animals do serve some purpose, a reminder? Anytime I see Snoopy I think of that Valentine's Day. Weird, I know.

Frank and I celebrated the first two Valentine's Days, but then we out grew it, or just grew comfortable with each other. Either way, it was no longer a big deal. We did special things with regularity and showed our love and affection daily. A designated day to do it seemed silly. You might have already guessed I disagree with Myth 1...

Next week is our twelve Valentine's Day together. Normally, it would be like any other day. But Sunday, we're seeing "O" at Bellagio. We've been wanting to see the show for years, but last month was the first time locals specials were offered. I choose the 14th because I'm off the following day and it's after football season. I thought we'd celebrate having Sundays together again. It wasn't until I started thinking about dinner reservations that made me realize it was Valentine's Day. Michael Mina or Le Cirque will have to wait. I'm not fine dining on Valentine's Day. I'd rather make a nice dinner at home and then go to the show. I'll take a raincheck on dinner. We'll have to celebrate another Sunday at somepoint.

Designer Denim on Sale

If you happen to be in Vegas next Friday or Saturday, stop by the Palms for the largest denim sale in the country. The Warehouse Sale started in Los Angeles and it now holds events in 12 other US cities.

Check out this week's LLV article for the full scoop Vegas Values: Deep Discounts on Denim.

I'll be hitting the sale on Saturday, I'm hopeful to find stuff that fits and score some deals.

More on the irony at Aria

A piece in today's Las Vegas Weekly discusses the LED installation at Aria. You might remember I found this installation incredibly bizarre. Seems I'm not the only one who found the "It's not good to operate on credit" ironic for MGM.

Anyway, check out the article, The art of provoking, it provides the back story on how the LED artwork came to be.

Disc Golf

We first played disc golf in Chicago. We'd pick up a 6-pack or whatever and we'd shoot the course and enjoy a beer or Mike's Hard Lemonade along the way. Courses there were in the woods, but otherwise the game is played the same here.

We just didn't realize that disc golf course were around until recently. Frank's been playing on his off days. He loves the competition, fresh air and exercise. Plus, it's free. Well, practically free all you need is a set of discs. Our old ones were pretty beat, plus the technology has changed in the last decade so he bought a new set last month.

Sunday we had a day off together for a change, so I joined him and a few friends for a round at Mountain Crest Park. After 18-holes there, Frank and I went to Red Ridge Park to play another course, this one is 9-holes. It was a fun morning, a great way to spend a beautiful January day.

What's cookin'?

This weekend I found myself in the kitchen quite a bit. I tried out a couple new recipes and I even threw one dinner together. Something, I rarely do. I prefer to follow a recipe, that's why I could never be a chef. At best, I'm a cook.

Paprika Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

The Rub

Yield: About 1 cup

1/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder

Coat tenderloin with rub and bake in oven at 400 degrees, about 30 minutes or until a thermometer registers 155°.

We loved the flavor and the pork was nice and juicy. A definite keeper!

For dessert, I gave what's known as saltine toffee or christmas crack a try.


One sleeve of saltines
Two sticks of butter
One cup of sugar
One bag of chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)

Cover a cookie sheet with foil and grease foil. Place crackers tightly on cookie sheet.

In a saucepan, boil butter and sugar. Pour over crackers, spreading evenly. Bake at 400 for 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and pour milk chocolate chips over the top, spreading chocolate evenly as the chips begin to melt.

Chill, then break into bite-size servings.

The first bite was great, but after that it way too sweet. I'll try it again sometime but I'll cut the sugar in half and maybe cut down on the butter, too. Maybe then it'll be more to our liking? We'll see.



Last night's dinner came together while we were shopping at Glazier's. First, we got Red Snapper from the fish counter $3/lb. Then, grabbed baby potatoes and sugar snap peas for sides. I've only worked with baby potatoes before, so I winged dinner.

I baked the Red Snapper at 400 about 15 minutes. I seasoned it with Tony's Creole Seasoning and pepper, dotted it with a bit of butter - no more than a tablespoon for all three filets.

I sauteed the snap peas in a tablespoon of half butter and EVOO, seasoned them with garlic, salt and pepper. They took about 5 minutes.

I boiled the potatoes, I topped mine with Tony's and Frank topped his with a dollop of sour cream.

Dinner was quite tasty. I was pleased. The Red Snapper and the snap peas were a big success. We'll surely be eating them both more often.

MD and DDS

I began last week with my yearly check up. Fortunately, all checked out a-ok. Even my blood pressure was good. My blood pressure is never good when I visit the doctor, I suffer from whitecoat syndrome. But back in December another doctor was brilliant and he prescribed me anti-anxiety pills before putting me back on medication to lower my blood pressure (I haven't taken anything for years, because the meds caused me to feel faint regularly, they caused my BP to drop too low). And he told me to take the anti-anxiety pills before my follow up appointment. My blood pressure was spot on, it was actually where it should be. I was thrilled. So, before my dr. appointment last week, I took a pill and again, my blood pressure was perfect. It's such a relief to have that taken care of, I was really beginning to worry about a stroke, etc. because so many doctors and nurses expressed concern.

I ended last week at the dentist to have my wisdom teeth extracted. Good god, that's the most awful noise ever! After hearing dozens of horror stories, I really expected the worst, but after I took ibuprofen I was feeling pretty good. I was prepared to mope around all weekend, instead I kept active. It really didn't set me back. Last night, I decided, I really didn't need the pain meds. So, I didn't take a dose before bed. Big mistake! I was in a world of hurt this morning. It took two does this morning to get back to how I was feeling yesterday. I suspect I was grinding in my sleep my right side of my jaw hurt, too (no extractions on that side). Grinding and healing gums/jaw apparently cause a shitload of pain. Lesson learned. I'll stick with the ibuprofen a bit longer.

Now that I got the wisdom tooth out of the way, I can get the last crown I need. They say I need to wait 8 weeks to heal, but I'll put it off even longer since crowns cost so much damn money. Thankfully, that'll take care of the last filling from childhood that needed to be replaced. The end is in sight.

500th Post!!

Let the balloons and confetti fly. Pass around shots of Patron, and let's party!!

When I started Vegasjuhl I had no plan. I only wanted a place to keep my thoughts straight. I've since developed an audience and it's a lot of fun to share my tales from the desert. It's great to see visitors from all across the country and even outside the US. Thank you all for reading!

I keep exploring new outlets for my writing, who knows where it will lead. I do know I really enjoy working with living-las-vegas.com and I'm having a blast writing my column. I also wrote an essay for a magazine, unfortunately the economy has prevented it from launching this month. But it was still a great opportunity and a fun challenge. I would have loved to be published in print, but that day will come soon enough. This just wasn't my time. I believe my essay will be available online, when it is I'll be sure to share it.

I don't know where I'm headed on this journey, but I hope you'll join me for the ride.

Cheers!

Two Gems

This week and last week's LLV articles were about two great finds.

First, Glazier's is an independent grocery store that is a blend of your traditional grocier and Whole Foods. I'm like a kid in the candy store in that place. There is currently one location on the SW part of town, but a second is coming to Henderson. Check out my article for more details, Vegas Values: Glazier's Food Marketplace.

Second, is Raku. I briefly mentioned it before. We sought it out right before Bob visited. He lived in Japan for a while teaching so we always check out a Japanese restaurant while he's here. He exposes us to stuff we might not try otherwise and he gets to sample familiar treats. Raku has gotten a lot of attention in the foodie world. It keeps late hours to accomodate strip chefs, Paul Bartolotta and Kerry Simon are known as regulars. For the full scoop, see Vegas Values: Raku Aims to Please.