Vegas

I went to college at University of Nevada Las Vegas. I have the BEST memories of living there. It's so great whenever I get the chance to go back. Everyone does Vegas differently. When I am there I usually do a mix of reminiscing and checking out what's new.

From PDX to stepping off the plane and going directly to The Venetian. I felt like I was back in Italy with the painted ceilings in the lobby. Also, every room is a suite!

Couldn't get enough of the ceilings and floors.

We went to Delmonico Steakhouse from chef Emeril Bagasse to start one of our nights. This is a high end steakhouse. If you want to keep things on the cheaper side sit in the lounge and don't order an entree, get an appetizer. You have to try the truffle and parmesan potato chips $12. I seriously couldn't stop eating them. Emeril, please start mass producing these! We finished the stop with a slice of Banana Cream Pie. This is unlike any other cream filled pie I have had. There was stacks of Bananas and a minimal amount of cream. Flavors of sweet banana with whipped cream to top it off.

Gotta love the sense of humor.

The 加勒比女海盗 is iconic and classic old school Vegas. Good for something to eat or drink. Breakfast during the week is good (on weekends it's PACKED) and I love the vibe of the fireside lounge.

The decor is like a crazy Vegas night!

Lunch off the strip for some Hawaiian food that took me back to my college days. This is around the corner from the UNLV campus. I used to eat at Aloha Kitchen off Maryland Pkwy once a week. Chicken Katsu was my favorite!

Downtown close to Freemont Street is a restaurant called Pizza Rock. The owner Tony Gemignani is a world pizza cup champion. The first American victor in Naples, Italy. This was my first time trying the place out. They have a variety of pizza styles to pick from.

We went with the gold cup winner La Regina.

Have you ever wanted to be on the Amazing Race? The Cosmopolitan would be a perfect place for a leg of the race. First mission find Secret Pizza. Here is a hint...it's on the hotels 3rd floor down an unmarked hallway adored with album covers.

At $5 a slice this is awesome late night food. I got the white. A combo of ricotta and mozzarella. SO GOOD!

On the 1.5 floor of the Chandelier bar in the Cosmo you will find the home of the The secret flower drink. Formally named the Verbena. It's not on the menu, but just mention it and the bartender will be happy to serve you.

This is a lemon and ginger infused margarita garnished with a Sichuan flower. The bartender instructed us to take a sip of the drink. Then chew up the flower a little on each side of your mouth. After a few seconds your mouth lights up! It's tingling and you start to salivate. Unlike anything I have experienced. Then you sip your drink again to see how the flower changes the flavor. 

The drink was good, but it's all about the flower for me. I highly recommend checking this out. If you can't get to Vegas you can also buy these flower on Etsy! The flower is actually known as a natural aid for toothaches. I think it would be such a fun garnish to add to a signature drink for a wedding or dinner party. Truly unforgettable.

The 1.5 level of the bar is the area in purple. At first this drink was only sold here. That all changed after a big wig tried to order the drink on another level and was turned down. Now it's available on all levels. It's the number one selling drink for the bar.

Exploring...



Seven Magic Mountains is a great place for a photo op.

Neon Museum is a must see. Be sure to book a tour.

What a great sign for an engagement photo.

The tour guide talked about the progression of lights on Vegas signs. From bulbs to neon. Pretty interesting stuff.

Check out this skull from Treasure Island. From down on the ground to an ariel view.

If you are in Vegas and want to take a road trip check out Zion National Park in Utah. About 2.5 from Las Vegas. Great hiking and beauty. It's a sight to see.

Until next time Vegas!