March 14, 2007
Las Vegas
I have never been to Las Vegas, nor have I had the slightest interest in going there. However, I will be there in late May, and am mildly curious. The thing is, Las Vegas of the 1950's really interests me: the Vegas of Sinatra, Martin, and so forth.
Last night another piece of that Las Vegas was destroyed: the Stardust was imploded (and with a very impressive fireworks show). Too bad, but that is the constant flux that is Las Vegas. I guess. Like I said, I have never been there.
Don't worry, I will bring my camera, and will treat my readers to a peculiar view of Keilholtz's Las Vegas, which I have no idea what it will be. I don't like gambling very much, and have little interest in fake Paris, fake New York, fake Venice, etc. Perhaps I will take camera and sketchbook out to the dessert.
Posted by erik at March 14, 2007 12:57 PMDo visit the cathedral when you are there. I would be very interested in your comments on the architecture and the stained glass.
John goes to lost wages annually, for the ritual known as the NAB. He sees his buddies from the other radio stations, gets caught up on the state of the art in his occupation, and so on. He might have some restaurant suggestions. I, on the other hand, was last in Las Vegas in 1981 or so. The rathskellar where we used to hang out is long gone by now, alas.
Yes, desert. I generally avoid restaurant desserts, since they tend to be too sweet and waxy (cheap chocolate is usually the culprit).
Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Erik Keilholtz at March 15, 2007 10:33 AMI've been going to Vegas every few years since '70 as family friends moved there then. Last time there was a business trip this past July.
If you are taking a sketchbook to the dessert, I'd recommend that some of the best are at the rooftop restaurant at Mandalay Bay. OTOH if it's the desert you're after, you've got a hike. Vegas sprawls like no other.
Fake Venice is the best of the set. They've got a nice little satellite of the Guggenheim, a few pretty good places to eat too. Fake Paris has smelled weirdly like blood all three times I've walked through. Fake NY is more overcrowded than any bit of the real one, while fake Monte Carlo is like a ghost town (albeit one with a functioning microbrewery). Fake Rome (a/k/a Caesar's Palace) would give you the biggest headache this side of the Guardian Angels Cathedral. Really you should go to the Cathedral. I'd love to get your take on it!
About the only constants since the Rat Pack era are heat and Hoover Dam.
Posted by: Gregg the obscure at March 14, 2007 2:38 PM