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If you're into food, Vegas can be frustrating. Bargain buffets notwithstanding, to-order food is often pricey and mediocre. You can always count on chains for consistency (Vegas has branches of California Pizza Kitchen, Wolfgang Puck's, Chin Chin, and tons more), but part of a vacation is to try something new. We found two gems last visit. The two new places were both at venerable Ceasers, a survivor from
Rat Pack era which keeps re-inventing itself and staying near top of competitive heap on Strip. At Palm restaurant (also in NY and L.A.) there is a businessman's lunch for $15.95 - choice of soup or salad, choice of fish or filet mignon (!), and coffee. Wines by glass are pricey but excellent. One of Caeser's food courts features such offerings as good southern bbq, roasted turkey sandwiches, and above average pastries.
As for dinner, we can't resist our old standby - The Four Seasons' Verandah restaurant. Their three course dinner special for around $30 is a great deal - cooked by a chef (not a kitchen worker), and always with a carefully designed menu. One night we learned there was most definitely a chef on hand as man himself - beefy and affable - came out of kitchen to talk when we had a question about how he made such perfect fish. I still use his halibut recipe - hot pan on stove top, almost finish fish, then transfer it to a cold un-oiled pan in a hot oven - but I digress. Even during very hot summer, night time outdoor dining at Four Seasons is quite pleasant, as you can sit by pool. It's hard to come by quiet in Vegas, but here you get it - there is no gambling in Four Seasons. If you want to gamble after dinner at Verandah, hotel is joined to Mandalay Bay by an air conditioned lobby.
We left town next day, stopping at Ceasers , our new casual dining spot, for good coffee for road - and contemplated a last attempt at Ripley's slots. We decided to skip it and call it even when we learned valet parking outside coffee shop was free. We got on Interstate 15 and joined weekday throng of truckers headed into California. Traffic was light 'cuz thanks to driving an off time. We cruise to Interstate 10 and can't be at kennel soon enough for dogs. I am sure dogs know when we are getting close but I always call kennel keeper to warn her. Humans need advance notice for what dogs already know. The sound of an approaching car sets off every dog in kennel but barking settles down once fellas see us and know they are hopping in convertible and heading home. Bert shepherd sits in middle facing forward to make sure we are following right route. The other two mutts, Buster and Louie, lounge in back, hanging their heads out window, kennel already forgotten. We never make trip home without a few kids waving and pointing at funny people with three dogs.
At least picking them up involves a lot less guilt than dropping them off, but sorry boys - there will always be another three day weekend ahead.
Laura is a travel and screenplay writer living in Los Angeles, CA. She is also content director for www.threedayweekends.com, a on-line travel site.
