So we’ve been in Las Vegas a couple of days, and other than last night, haven’t been in the City. In true TN Flatt form, we tend to like to explore the parks and animals, and spend less time in the urban areas. However today it was time for, The Strip!
Greg (again, why am I still writing?) started the day with some work, and then we set off for downtown L.V. We drove to Caesars Palace and parked the car. Walked in and passed a car with the rear windshield busted out, making me sad for the family’s return, and really glad we know not to leave any valuables in the car.
We had lunch at Gordon Ramsey’s Pub and Grill and then did Audrey’s favorite thing, checked out the Shops at the Forum, a very elaborate indoor mall that is part of Caesars Palace. So all these hotel casinos have themes and elaborate decorations. Caesars, as you would expect, is Roman. Full of painted ceilings, statues and fountains. Ryan makes an excellent Caesar statue.
We have been in and out of more casinos than I have been in all my previous years combined. The Flamingo (has flamingos), Paris (has the Eiffel Tower, but it was closed when we were there so we couldn’t go to the top), Excaliber (medieval and has jousting), Circus Circus (…circus), etc. The decorations vary, but the gambling areas are strikingly similar. Different carpet, same concepts. Why were we in so many if we don’t do much gambling? Cutting through for the air-conditioning, of course! And, we certainly did NOT make it into even a quarter of the possibilities.
We did make a point of going to the Venetian (Italian theme). We took the indoor gondola ride. Fun and I would recommend that (once—don’t know that you need to repeat it). We then went to the High Roller, the largest observation wheel in the United States, with the pinnacle being 550’ up.
We saw the fountains at the Bellagio from the High Roller, but were caught across the street from them when we were at ground level. The Fountains are lovely with their water show set to music.
Back to Caesars Palace to get the car (all windows intact), and off to see Kevin.
We had dinner at The Golden Steer, Las Vegas’ oldest steakhouse. “From Elvis, Sinatra and Muhammad Ali to modern regulars like Mario Andretti, anyone who’s anyone has eaten at the famous Golden Steer Steakhouse.” Including us, now. The booths are labeled. We sat in Holly Madison’s booth.
I will also make a note that Greg and I, and Ryan and Audrey each ordered a dinner for two to split. So that 2 dinners for two. They were very, very good. Partway through the steaks, Ryan and Audrey get this mistaken idea that we are having a competition to see who could finish their meals. I insisted that 1. I didn’t know that we were having a competition, and 2. Even if I did, I wasn’t going to make myself sick. Didn’t matter to them. They made it all the way through the 4 course dinner—appetizers, salads, steak, sides, and banana’s foster for dessert. I guess they “won”. I’m surprised they didn’t pop! I highly recommend The Golden Steer. Make your reservations and check out the menu first. Definitely a high end steakhouse.
Our takeaway from the Las Vegas Strip? It’s a cross section of humanity… and fashion.
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