A friend of mine adores using the hashtag #allwork. Usually, this hashtag accompanies pics of him on a yacht, a private jet, or in his F12 Ferrari. All work...RIGHT!!! Whether I am in Vegas for a few hours or a few days it is tough to have any trip JUST be all work. Last weeks Board Review Course and more meetings two days later on how to make my hospital awesome[r] had me in Vegas twice in the last 10 days. Here are some hits from my "work" trips:
Mon Ami Gabi:
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| Mon Ami Gabi |
The conference I attended was in The Hotel Paris...you will note it DOES NOT get mentioned as a highlight. It was super cheap and I was focused on the conference so I figured "what the hey". I will not be staying there again. It's a dump. Having said that, Mon Ami Gabi was suggested by a local friend as a place with decent Steak Frites and a solid wine list full of Bordeaux and Burgundy. We had dinner there Sunday and I had lunch there twice more during my stay.
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| Right Bank Easy Drinker |
The steak frites were indeed tasty and I found a great Bordeaux at a reasonable price to wash it down with: 2010 Chateau Louvie Saint Emillion Grand Cru. Cool, Right Bank, ready to go Bordeaux that was perfect with our Steak Frites. Went back to Mon Ami later in the week and had the Salmon Salad with a nice, by the glass, Pouilley Fussie. This place was alarmingly solid for the volume of humanity they push through.
Le Cirque:
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| Le Cirque |
In the theme of Joel Robuchon, a decadently adorned small space which is run tight. Some of the best service we've had to date in Las Vegas. We went with the Degustation, 7 courses from Amuse Bouche through dessert.
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| Caviar Trio |
The highlights were the Caviar Trio and The Kobe with Bone Marrow. This was the perfect tasting menu for when you are hungry but not famished. Also, nothing was overly heavy and if it was heavy there was very little of it.
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| White Burgundy and Bordeaux of the Night |
We started our wine adventure out with Domaine du Chateau de Pulignay-Montrachet Merasault Premier Cru. Moved on to a 2006 Chateaux Giscours Margaux. Big, dirty, earthy, chewy...Cab forward Bomb! Just my style.
Cirque Du Soleil "O":
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| "O" |
I am fortunate enough to have a good friend who is a lead in the show. As such, I've seen it over 10 times. This time we scored comped Light Box ( the control room from whence the show is directed) tickets. Thanks Anja, you the shizz! One might think I would get tired of seeing something again and again. Not so. Still one of the most entertaining and spectacular ways to spend an hour and a half. The clowns, the music. The dudes in the red coats and thigh highs( don't judge) who fly out over the show. I am lost in this show every damn time. LOVE IT!
Prime Steakhouse:
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| Prime |
If you live in Phoenix the "fine dining" options are essentially the high end steak houses. So, when I'm in Vegas I tend to avoid them for more subtle fair. But sometimes you just need a damn steak. Mastros is always an excellent choice but if you want to have a steak in an exceptional setting Prime is really the only choice. Located along "Lake Bellagio", this elegant room adorned in heavy drapes, plush seating and carpet, this is a BOSS steakhouse. Great Steaks, sides and wine list. I went with a Peppercorn New York Strip with Broccioli and Truffled Mashed Potatoes on the side. Washed down with a young but ample 2011Cliff Lede Cab. Chased with a splash (or more) of Hine Triomphe Cognac, this was a great meal.
American Express Centurion Lounge:
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| American Express Centurion Lounge |
I've had an Amex Platinum Card for years. The convience and access this card has provided has been a game changer. Simple things like being able to pay an Ubër bill with my Amex points or perks like having Amex Concierge score me a two top at a Michelin 3 Star restaurant make the $400 annual fee more than worth it. The Centurion Lounge at select airports (in this case Vegas) is a nice touch. Tasty Buffet Lunch, Gourmet Coffee's and Solid Complimentary wine are some of the benefits. My last two trips to Vegas we used the lounge to grab a bite and relax in comfort while waiting for our flights. The lounge may be reason enough to break me of my habit of arriving to the airport with minutes to spare. Well done again Amex!
These last two trips to Vegas were more filled with work than I would prefer. However, I am a proponent of squeezing in play time whenever possible. My philosophy is to MAKE opportunity happen. Work it important but MUST be balanced with a healthy dose of self indulgent play time. This, I have on lock!
Thanks for reading!
Doc Jay
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