It's been a long time since Edie and I have been to Vegas, and a lot has changed.
There is construction everywhere, but there have also been a lot of improvements. There is very little pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks and at intersections. Traffic flow has been directed to pedestrian walkaways above the street and through the casinos, preventing the virtual gridlock that used to result on Las Vegas Blvd, because pedestrians refused to obey traffic laws.
We stayed at the Wynn, and I have to say it is by far one of the nicest hotels on the strip. It is pricey, but overall the ambiance and decor of the hotel, was totally inviting, and the attitude of the staff, from the housekeepers, to the desk clerks, the bell hops, the valets, and whoever else was extremely professional, as well as being extremely friendly. I would definitely stay there again.
The best meal we had in Vegas was in the Wynn, at the Daniel Boulud Brasserie. Edie had a filet that you could cut with a fork, and I had seared Ahi Tuna which was also delicious. We ended the meal with a selection of 5 cheeses, which we chose from about 15 different possibilities, which were all outstanding. To accompany the meal we had a 2004 Savigney Les Beaune Bourgnone, which at $71 (a wine at the low end of the price range), was an excellent selection to complement both the tuna and the steak.
The worst meal we had was at the B&B Ristorante (which Mario Batali has chosen to align himself with) at the Venetian. We had the 7 course pasta tasting menu, which was as bland as bland could be. (Sort of reminded me of our recent trip to Italy.) The best part of the meal was the calamari we ordered as an appetizer. Oh yeah, the super Tuscan wine we ordered was happily very good, and at $48 for a bottle was well worth the price.
While in Vegas Edie and I got to play two great golf courses, the Primm Valley Golf Club (the Lakes Course) at Stateline on Monday, and the Badlands Golf Club (Diablo and Outlaw 9's) in Summerlin on Wednesday. Monday it was a little hot, but Wednesday was an outstanding day, as it had cooled off into the 80's. Both course were in outstanding condition.
Golfing was particularly encouraging, as this was the first time Edie had been golfing in over a year, and it looks like her medication may finally be doing some good.
And Becky, you'll be happy to know, I even did lots of shopping. There are lots of good stores and outlet malls in the Vegas area, and surprisingly, I actually enjoyed shopping. I bought some new shorts, a few shirts and even a new pair of running shoes.
Except for the fact I gained a few pounds, it was a good trip, and I'm glad we went. The weather wasn't unbearably hot, and the wind only kicked up late in the day on Wednesday. The drive over was also uneventful, although it wasn't that way for those returning to LA on Sunday afternoon. [Leaving on a Sunday, and returning on Thursday is definitely the way to go.]
I definitely would like to go back again, after summer, but for now, there's no place like home!
There is construction everywhere, but there have also been a lot of improvements. There is very little pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks and at intersections. Traffic flow has been directed to pedestrian walkaways above the street and through the casinos, preventing the virtual gridlock that used to result on Las Vegas Blvd, because pedestrians refused to obey traffic laws.
We stayed at the Wynn, and I have to say it is by far one of the nicest hotels on the strip. It is pricey, but overall the ambiance and decor of the hotel, was totally inviting, and the attitude of the staff, from the housekeepers, to the desk clerks, the bell hops, the valets, and whoever else was extremely professional, as well as being extremely friendly. I would definitely stay there again.
The best meal we had in Vegas was in the Wynn, at the Daniel Boulud Brasserie. Edie had a filet that you could cut with a fork, and I had seared Ahi Tuna which was also delicious. We ended the meal with a selection of 5 cheeses, which we chose from about 15 different possibilities, which were all outstanding. To accompany the meal we had a 2004 Savigney Les Beaune Bourgnone, which at $71 (a wine at the low end of the price range), was an excellent selection to complement both the tuna and the steak.
The worst meal we had was at the B&B Ristorante (which Mario Batali has chosen to align himself with) at the Venetian. We had the 7 course pasta tasting menu, which was as bland as bland could be. (Sort of reminded me of our recent trip to Italy.) The best part of the meal was the calamari we ordered as an appetizer. Oh yeah, the super Tuscan wine we ordered was happily very good, and at $48 for a bottle was well worth the price.
While in Vegas Edie and I got to play two great golf courses, the Primm Valley Golf Club (the Lakes Course) at Stateline on Monday, and the Badlands Golf Club (Diablo and Outlaw 9's) in Summerlin on Wednesday. Monday it was a little hot, but Wednesday was an outstanding day, as it had cooled off into the 80's. Both course were in outstanding condition.
Golfing was particularly encouraging, as this was the first time Edie had been golfing in over a year, and it looks like her medication may finally be doing some good.
And Becky, you'll be happy to know, I even did lots of shopping. There are lots of good stores and outlet malls in the Vegas area, and surprisingly, I actually enjoyed shopping. I bought some new shorts, a few shirts and even a new pair of running shoes.
Except for the fact I gained a few pounds, it was a good trip, and I'm glad we went. The weather wasn't unbearably hot, and the wind only kicked up late in the day on Wednesday. The drive over was also uneventful, although it wasn't that way for those returning to LA on Sunday afternoon. [Leaving on a Sunday, and returning on Thursday is definitely the way to go.]
I definitely would like to go back again, after summer, but for now, there's no place like home!
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