It’s been several years since we last went to the Fantastic Indoor Swapmeet here in town. It was dark and crowded and noisy and I have no reason to think that’s changed over the years! We found what we were looking for (summer hats for the kids), but as with anywhere, buyer beware (knock-offs galore) and keep an eye on the prices!

Las Vegas’s Fantastic Indoor Swapmeet has been around since 1991. It has 600 booths sharing 150,000 square feet of space, as well as an outdoor space of approximately 50,000. It’s only open three days a week – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M and is only ten minutes from the Strip. There is a door fee to get in but I can’t find the information on their website. If I remember correctly it was only $1 per adult, and kids were free. Frequent shoppers can get a Loyalty Card from the business office.

10×10″ booth rentals start at $565 per month for sellers, and the sales office is available from Thursday – Sunday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M (877-0087). Only new merchandise can be sold – no garage sale type items are allowed, though bona fide antique dealers can speak with the sales office.

Fantastic Indoor Swapmeet
1717 S. Decatur Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Sorry for the lack of posts yesterday – I had jury duty and couldn’t get my laptop to connect. I had totally missed the sign in the lobby of the Regional Justice Center that gave information on how to do that, but my mind wasn’t really on it when I walked in!

Anyway, I’d never been to jury duty before (though I’ve been called several times over the last few years this was the first time I actually had to report) so I thought I’d give some tips and ideas from my experience!

I called the night before my report date as instructed and found out I had to be at the regional justice center by 7:30 am. I had imagined breezing in through the lobby, going through security and heading up to the third floor where jury services is located. Instead there was a huge mass of people waiting at the doors in a long line. Security finally started checking us through not long after and, just like at the airport, we were told to take everything out of our pockets to go through the machine, including belt buckles and shoes with metal.

Once we were done being herded through we headed upstairs to jury services which was a large-ish room with surprisingly comfortable chairs. When I and many others walked in the clerk was already giving a basic rundown of what would happen, which I found odd since not only was the room only half full but people were constantly streaming in (the room was full within approximately 20 minutes, which is why I found it odd that she’d already started). I wasn’t sure how much I’d already missed. After that we filed up by row to pick up plastic clips to put our paper badge into to hang on our shirts, and then back to our seats to watch a quick informational movie. In all I sat there for about two hours. Bring a book!

Around 10 am we were told that a marshal was on his way down to pick up a group of us and badge numbers whatever-through-whatever were told to line up in order, so we did. We were then led to the escalators back down to the lobby floor and took an elevator up 15 flights to our courtroom, where we again waited outside for another twenty minutes, still standing in our single file line. The bailiff/marshal told us that the first twenty people in line would go sit in and in front of the jury box and the rest of us were to sit in the audience seats for now.

After we were all seated and sworn in we were given the basic premise of the case and told everyone’s names in case any of us knew anyone involved. It was for a civil suit (medical malpractice) so a lot of the questions that the judge began asking the prospective jurors in the box had a lot to do with that. She and the lawyers mentioned several times that it wasn’t to make us feel uncomfortable and we weren’t to take it personally, but believe me you become a lot closer to absolute strangers when you’re told about medical issues that may impact how you view the case!

We were let out for a lunch break shortly after noon and instructed to be back by 1:30. Another two hours of questioning followed and then a ten minute break, and then back in for more questioning. In all about nine people in the box were excused for one reason or another and each time this happened one of us from the audience seats were called up in their place. By sheer virtue of having a higher badge number I was one of the last three and never made it up to the jury box for selection. After all twenty people in the box had been questioned we were sent back outside while the lawyers did their peremptory challenge. About half an hour later we were let back in and ten jurors were called into the box – eight jurors and two alternates. The rest of us were excused to go back down to jury services in case we were needed by another judge, but by then it was already 4:00 so the clerk had us leave our badges on her desk, wait a few minutes more so she could validate the badges, and officially excused us.

As fascinating as the whole process was and as much as I really wouldn’t have minded being picked, I admit I was relieved since balancing the kids and household for the next three days would have been quite a feat!

In case you’re ever called to jury duty in Las Vegas, here are a few tips:

~ Bring a book. There’s a lot of waiting!

~ I admit I was nervous about the whole thing. However, everyone was very nice and happy to explain or answer questions, even the judge. If you, like me, had never been inside a courtroom before, throw out the idea that all judges are impatient, cranky and hard-cases. Everyone we came in contact with, from the jury services clerk to the bailiff to the judge were nice and understanding.

~ Make sure you park only in the Fremont Street Experience garage – the justice center will not validate for parking anywhere else! Validation takes place in the jury services room and the clerk will explain how it works, etc, when she puts the machine out.

~ Though vending machines and a cafe are available during breaks, they’re very expensive. I brought a bottle of water and some snacks in my bag and didn’t even have to go downstairs during our lunch break. I sat out on the (really uncomfortable) benches outside the courtroom and read.

~ Bring a light sweater or jacket. The temperature in the hallway outside the courtroom and the courtroom itself varied throughout the six hours we were there.

~ You can now respond to your summons online by going to the Clark County District Courts page.

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Las Vegas has long been dubbed the Wedding Capitol of the World, and with good reason! Last year alone Clark County (where Las Vegas is located) issued upwards of 114,000 marriage certificates, down a few thousand from 2004’s 124,000+.

We didn’t get married in Vegas (though the mention of eloping did come up a few times), but I know the licensing process isn’t any more difficult than anywhere else, and may actually be a little easier seeing as how often it’s done! Keep in mind that as of January 1, 2008 all marriage license applicants need proper identification! Other requirements include:

Marriage License Requirements:

Requirements for U.S. citizens and non U.S. citizens are the same.

~ It is suggested that non U.S. citizens check with your local officials for special documents that may be needed to ensure that your marriage will be recognized in your country.

~ Applicants must be a Male and a Female, at least 18 years of age, and not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of half blood, and not having a husband or wife living.

~ Applicants may be required to prove their age. Those not having acceptable identification to prove age may be refused a marriage license. (Faxed copies, damaged identification, privately issued I.D., check cashing cards or photocopies of identification are unacceptable.)

~ Social Security Numbers are required on the Affidavit of Application for a Marriage License. Please know your Social Security Number. Those without knowledge of their Social Security Number may be refused a marriage license. It is recognized that non U.S. citizens will not have a Social Security Number.

Marriage Bureau
201 Clark Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89155-1603
(702) 671-0600
Fax (702) 385-8911

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

I just came across a handy utility the other day that finds ATM locations for you pretty much anywhere in the world.

I plugged in Las Vegas, which you can find a here. I’ve also added it to the sidebar over to the right. Locations are listed alphabetically or you can use the drop-down box to find a specific bank or branch name.

When we first moved here it wasn’t terribly hard to find one for our bank, which seems to be everywhere, but when relatives and friends came from out of state they weren’t crazy about paying non-bank fees so we had a hell of a time trying to find “safe” ATMs. If only this was around then!

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Restaurants around Las Vegas love to roll out seasonal specials! There’s a lot of competition here so patrons can be picky about when choosing a place to eat. Many have special Valentine’s Day menus – be sure to call ahead to see if reservations are required!

Le Provencal
Paris Las Vegas
3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South
739-4111
Le Provencal recreates the festive, merry atmosphere of an old European village restaurant, where waiters and waitresses dressed in traditional French peasant garb spontaneously break into song as they interact with the guests — all while serving French-Italian cuisine native to the Provence region. Start your evening with a fresh mozzarella salad with Fennel and Figs or caramelized onions, duck and parmesan tart. Then enjoy some goat cheese and tomato risotto with wilted Arugula or roasted carrot and fennel soup with black olive puffs. The main course can be filet mignon and olive oil poached lobster tail with sweet pepper piperade or crab and shellfish in a light lemon and garlic broth with freshly made lobster and crab ravioli. Top off the night with the sweet valentine trio: Hazelnut Strudel, Creme Brulee, Chocolate Caramel Cake and Petits Fours. Enjoy a bottle of Schramsberg Brut Rose Champagne or Casa Lapostolle “Cuvee Alexandre” Chardonnay or Casa Lapostolle “Cuvee Alexandre” Cabernet Sauvignon. The meal is $149 per couple.

Mon Ami Gabi
Paris Las Vegas
3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South
944-4224
Mon Ami Gabi will offer the following a la carte throughout the romantic holiday week: amuse — red radish with fennel salt, a French kiss (chambord, creme de cacao and frangelico topped with champagne and a chocolate stuffed cherry), Hyde Point oysters with pink peppercorn champagne mignotte, red kettle carrot soup with clove spiced onion marmalade, date-glazed bacon, avocado, arugula and shaved apple on country toast, roasted Maine lobster with sauce choron, fingerlin potatoes with fresh herbs, dover sole with sauce meuniere and Yokon Gold potatoes, rib-eye of beef with bearnaise sauce, sauteed mushrooms and frites, strawberry sorbet and profiteroles with mint ice cream, white chocolate fudge and crushed red hots.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
400 E. Flamingo Road
893-0703
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature the Classic Combination dinner — choice of either Alaskan King crab legs or Australian lobster tail and Morton’s prime ranch steak with tender asparagus spears and choice of Morton’s or Caesar salad. Cost is $69 per person. Guests can also enjoy Heavenly Mortini — a favorite Morton’s cocktail — and complimentary petite filet mignon sandwiches from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays. The special is available through March 31.

Nobhill
MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
891-7777
Valentine’s Day specials include an oyster threesome — tempura, grilled and marinated, $22; the Valentine’s surf & turf — soy-glazed Kobe style rib eye and roasted Maine lobster with seared foie gras and chanterelle mushroom risotto, $110; and a bitter sweet chocolate fondue (suggested for parties of two or more), $15 per person.

Onda
Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South
791-7111
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature chice of tuna carpaccio and tartar or hand-crafted gnocchi; lambrusco and cherry granita; choice of grilled rack of lamb with truffle polenta, cipollini and baby fennel ragu or roasted striped bass with golden beet risotto, micro arugula and parmesan reggiano and chunky lobster sauce; and chocolate covered strawberry torta. Cost is $75 per person. Wine pairing an additional $35 per person.

OriginIndia
4480 Paradise Rd.
734-6342
OriginIndia will take the famous and romantic day to the next level. OriginIndia will create a seductive and inviting environment complete with red rose petal covered tables, hypnotic sensual Indian music, and sexy gift bags for 10 lucky couples. Each gift is unique and includes such items as the popular Kama Sutra massage oil, After 8 Chocolate, an OriginIndia VIP card ! and original playful “favor cards” to be exchanged between partners or friends. The five-course menu is a fantastic value at only $50 per person. Patrons have the option to pair each course with the perfect companion wine for an additional $30 per person. With three seating options, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm, guests will have ample opportunity to delight in the best of OriginIndia’s food, wine and festivities. 4480 Paradise Road. 702-734-6342.

Payard Patisserie & Bistro
Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
731-7110
The delectable French bistro cuisine at Payard Patisserie & Bistro will pamper patrons with an adoring tasting menu. Start the evening off with canape selections including Kumamoto oysters with yuzu sorbet and caviar. Follow with warm curried crab Napoleon with salmon roe, chocolate marinated Chilean sea bass with bok choy and Honshimeji mushrooms, and hot and cold pina colada. Tantalizing dessert collections include a rosewater macaron filled lychee and raspberry. This tasting delight is priced at $65 per person.

Picasso
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
693-7223
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature choice of creme of butternut squash soup, poached oysters, Maine lobster salad or warm quail salad; choice of sauteed foie gras, roasted langoustine, sauteed filed of black bass or pan-seared U-10 Boat scallop; choice of fish of the market with garniture, roasted Maine lobster with Sauce Americaine and salsify ($20 supplement), roasted milk-fed veal chop with rosemary potatoes and au jus, prime beef filet mignon with a symphony of vegetables or aged lamb roti with parmesan potatoes and crust of truffles. Dessert served with each meal. Cost is $150 per person.

Prime
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
693-7223
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature live sea scallop with oscietra caviar, stewed leeks and champagne cream ($30); a chateau briand for two (18 oz.) with bordelaise sauce, white asparagus and salsify ($99); and Decadent Love — a heart-shaped chocolate brownie, fresh raspberries, Baileys white chocolate ganache ($16).

Promenade Cafe
J.W. Marriott
221 N. Rampart Blvd.
507-5900
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature choice of a salad with baby frisee, hearts of palm, strawberries, cashews, red onions and chives tossed in a blood orange vinaigrette and balsamic drizzle or lobster bisque with petite mushroom ravioli; the Promenade surf and turf featuring sliced filet mignon with merlot glaze and black pepper seared mahi mahi with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, buttered brocoli and baby carrots; and strawberry cheesecake with mini macaroons. Served 4 to 10 p.m. Cost is $17.99 per person.

PT’s
Valley-wide
Valentine’s Day often serves as an excuse to display a little romance, and what’s not to love about a new exclusive cocktail from PT’s? The Jack of Hearts, perfect for both singles and couples alike, is created from a blend of Jack Daniels, club soda and a splash of Sierra Mist. Whether madly in love or in love with someone mad, it’s “bottom’s up” at PT’s with the Jack of Hearts available for $4 throughout the entire month of February. Available at all 34locations around the valley.

Postrio
Venetian
3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd. South
796-1110
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature yellow fin tuna tartare or salad of winter greens; peeky toe crab ravioli or puree of potato and leek soup; butter-poached Ingrid Bengis lobster risotto with sunchokes and oven-dried tomatoes or prime filet mignon with confit potatoes, roasted baby vegetables and red wine sauce; and a hot passion fruit souffle with a white chocolate liqud center and chocolate raspberry swirl. Cost is $75 per person.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza
6500 W Sahara Ave
Couples, singles and kids can celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day with a special Sammy’s Valentine’s Survival Kit. The Valetine’s Survival Kit is a decorated Valentine’s bag filled with pizza dough, cheese, sauce, herbs and an easy recipe to make a fun or romantic pizza at home. Valentine’s Survival Kits are available at all locations on February 13 and 14 for $5, while supplies last.

Shibuya
MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
891-3100
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature a champagne cocktail; tuna three ways — toro tartar, ’shibaki’ tuna tartar and toro sashimi; the sashimi duo — kampachi yuzu juice and black truffle oil with yellow tail sashimi and ginger sesame soy; tataki — Australian wagyu beet tataki style with lemon tamari soy and tarragon oil; umi — lobster tail and diver scallops in uni sake butter sauce; niky — sweet and spicy braised Kobe beef short rib and sauteed foie gras; traditional sushi and lobster miso soup; and a sharing dessert.

Spago
Caesars Palace
3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South
369-6300
The Valentine’s Day tasting menu will feature oyster gratinee, marinated Japanese hamachi and tuna sashim with sticky rice, huckleberry poached Santa Monica Farmers Market Bartlett pear salad, four cheese agnolotti with French black truffle, pan-seared Maine diver scallops with cauliflower puree, pan roasted breast of duck with carrot vichy, glazed turnips, wild onions, chanterelle mushrooms and quince and a hot passion fruit souffle with a white chocolate liquer center and chocolate raspberry swirl. Cost is $100 per person or $150 with wine pairing.

Strip House
3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S
737-5200
The Strip House will offer its first organic cut of steak on Valentine’s Day. These organic filets will be prepared in signature Strip House style, charred to juicy perfection. Other special dishes prepared for the holiday will include Maine Lobster Salad and Burnt Orange Chocolate Crepes with Bruleed Oranges, Toasted Almonds and Cointreau Caramel. All the classic Strip House dishes will also be available.

Trattoria del Lupo
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
740-5522
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature poached sea scallops with braised leeks, oscetra caviar and Tuscan olive oil; Maine lobster ravioli; roasted red snapper with spinach; petit filet of prime beef tenderloin with cauliflower gratin and black truffles; and a hot passion fruit souffle with a white chocolate liquid center and chocolate raspberry swirl. Complimentary glass of champagne. Cost is $75 per person.

[LVRJ]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Restaurants around Las Vegas love to roll out seasonal specials! There’s a lot of competition here so patrons can be picky about when choosing a place to eat. Many have special Valentine’s Day menus – be sure to call ahead to see if reservations are required!

Becker’s Steakhouse
2400 N. Buffalo Drive
216-2700
The Valentine’s Day menu at Becker’s will feature an appetizer of pan seared scallops with angel kiss caviar for $18; a mouthwatering lobster thermidor which will include a whole Maine lobster stuffed with crab for $60; and the Grand Marnier chocolate-dipped strawberries with fresh whipped cream for $12.

Bertolini’s
9500 West Sahara at Fort Apache
869-1540
Bertolini’s features a wide variety of contemporary Italian dishes. Start your meal with Pizzeta “Bertolini” or a classic Caprese salad. Savor the authentic flavors of Italy with one of Bertolini’s brick oven fired pizzas, homemade past dishes or savory entrees. Be sure to save room for dessert! The homemade gelato, award-winning tiramisu and spectacular chocolate torta are all great choices for the sweet tooth. Chef specials are available daily. The daily Happy Hour from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. offers cocktails and appetizers at one-half price.

Border Grill
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
632-7777
Border Grill wlll offer special a la carte items or a three-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Cocktails include the Margarita del Amour and Champagne Para Dos; starts inclue huitlacoche quesadilla or oysters on the half shell; entrees include Kobe beef short ribs served with roasted garlic polenta and heirloom baby tomato salad, grilled wild salmon with black quinoa salad, asparagus, artichoke ragout and roasted poblano cream sauce, or smoked pork chop with cholita glaze served with boniato mashed potatoes and garlic seared greens; and desserts include flourless chocolate truffle cake and pineapple upside down cake.

Bradley Ogden
Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
731-7731
The award-winning, farm-fresh American cuisine at Bradley Ogden treats guests to an exceptional Valentine’s Day menu. Start the evening off with selections including an Alaskan king crab duo including marinated leg, crab cake and hearts of palm. Appetizing entree choices include Petaluma Rosie chicken breast with trumpet royal mushroom stew and chive drop biscuit. Dessert assortments include a Meyer lemon sorbet with huckleberries. This three-course delight is priced at $95 per person.

Carmel Room
J.W. Marriott
221 N. Rampart Blvd
507-5900
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature house cured salmon and asian cucumber with Meyer lemon and citrus chive vinaigrette; cream Kumamoto oyster slider with avocado and crab tian and warm asparagus and almond salad; choice of roasted rib steak with country natural ribeye with mushroom ragout, hazelnut crusted chevre, caramelized onion, Yukon pomme pie and cognac peppercorn sauce or five spice seared gulf shrimp and John Dori “club” with Okinawan coconut mashed potatoes, sweet potato chips, baby bok choy, sake soy reductions, burre blanc and crispy proscuitto and the Sweethearts Sundae featuring banana strawberry compote, passion-honey ice cream, peanut truffle and chocolate sauce. Cost is $70 per person. Served 5 to 10 p.m.

Diego Mexican Cuisine
MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
891-3200
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature marinated hearts of palm salad with mixed greens tossed in a peppered passion fruit dressing, $6; baked Kumommoto oysters topped with jumbo lump crab meat and queso anejo, $13; pan-roasted marinated beef tenderloin, chipotle butter poached Brazilian rock lobster tail with garlic artichoke hearts, $62; and chef’s selection for dessert. Items can be ordered a la carte or the whole tasting menu for $92 per person.

Eiffel Tower
Paris Las Vegas
3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South
The Valentine’s Day menu at the Eiffel Tower will feature choice of braised cold duck breast or sauteed Casco Bay sea scallops or marinated jumbo shrimp, cucumber, coriander Mandarin vinaigrette or vegetarian winter consomme; choice of sauteed breast of free-range chicken with macaroni gratin and morel cream sauce or beef tenderloin with five peppercorn sauce and vegetable galette or baked wild salmon in potato with thyme jus or fricasse of twelve vegetables and mushroom tagine and choice of passion and mango creme brulee or warm chocolate cake with malted mil chocolate ice cream or champagne, pineapple meringue. The sunset seating at 4:30 p.m. is $95 per person; the gala dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. is $145 per person; the late-night dinner from 10 to 11 p.m. is $95 per person. Reservations required and cancellation fees apply.

ENVY The Steakhouse
Renaissance Hotel 3900 Paradise Rd.
733-6533
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature dishes such as butter poached scallops with parsnip puree and basil beurre blanc and oven roasted filed mignon woth sauteed morel mushrooms and haricot verts with rosemary jus. The meal will be paired with award-winning Napa Valley wines and will conclude with a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Served 5 to 10 p.m. Cost is $85 for dinner and wine; $65 for dinner; or $35 for wine only.

Fiamma
MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
891-7600
The Valentine’s Day menu will include antipasta — prawns, Italian caviar, truffle and lemon oil; pasta — mezzaluna (potato filled half moon pasta and butter poached lobster with fresh winter black truffle); secondi — grilled and sliced Kobe rib eye with pan-seared aspargus and potato puree; and choice of dark chocolate mousse, candied walbuts, white chocolate blackberry swirl cheesecake, Marcona almonds and blackberry sorbetto. Cost is $95 per person. Wine pairing available for additional $55 per person.

Fleur de Lys
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Bvld. South
632-7777
The special Valentine’s Day menu will feature choice of foie gras & smoked duck terrine or braised veal and yukon gold potato ravioli or raw Kumamoto oysters; choice of gently heated Alaskan King salmon or slow butter poached Maine lobster; choice of pan-seared prime filet mignon with garlic potato gratin, foie gras stuffed shallot and wild mushroom or seared duck breast and duck confit with chestnut puree, pickled cippolini onion and ginger gastrique; and a symphony of Valentine desserts and petits fours. Cost is $110 per person (also includes a long-stemmed rose and special cocktail with Rose Petal liquer.

Giorgio Ristorante
Mandalay Bay
3930 Las Vegas Blvd. South
920-2700
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature choice of seared scallop with brandy lobster sauce or beef carpaccio with mushrooms parmesan slices and arugula; choice of swordfish steak with passion fruit dressing, striped beets and pea shoots or rabbit in porchetta with dill glaze and roasted potatoes; and a sampler of classic Italian sweets for dessert. Cost is $49 per person.

Guy Savoy
Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Celebrate the most romantic meal of the year in the amorous atmosphere at Restaurant Guy Savoy, an award-winning French cuisine experience prepared by the team of Michelin three-star chef Guy Savoy. A special tasting menu in the dining room includes oysters in ice gelee, colors of caviar, crispy sea bass with delicate spices, artichoke and black truffle soup with toasted mushroom brioche and black truffle butter, poussin ‘a la brouche’ black truffle potato puree, St. Amour cheese, passion and chocolat, priced at $190 per person. An exceptional aphrodisiac menu featured exclusively at the Bubble Bar includes oysters in ice gelee, tuna toutes saveurs with ginger buerre blanc, cayenne pepper beef tenderloin and paleron a la francaise and chocolat, priced at $120 per person.

KOI
Planet Hollywood
3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South
785-5555
The Valentine’s Day tasting menu will include: first course — Kumomoto oysters with Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial, Brut, Epernay; second course — heart shaped sushi & sashimi (spicy tuna and baked crab cut rolls with salmon sashimi and tuna sashimi) with Nanbushi Junmai sake; third course — baked lobster roll with ichimi creme fraiche with burgunday, chabliis, 1er Cru “Montee de Tonnere: collet & fils; fourth course — choice of pan seared chilean sea bass with a pinot noir, William Wesley. Emeritus, Sonoma Coast or Kobe style filet mignon “Toban-Yaki” with a cabernet sauvignon, Darioush, Caravan Estate, Napa Valley 2003; fifth course — chocolate almond fondue for two or fruit of the forest cheesecake; and specialty drinks include a sweetheart tini and a 24kt. martini featuring Moet Rose champagne, Imperial vodka, muddled raspberries garnished with chocolate and a 24kt. gold dust rim. Cost is $100 per person with optional $100 wine pairing (minimum two people).

Kokomo’s
Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South
791-7111
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature choice of Malpeque oysters on ice or foie gras terrine; a rose petal champage sorbet; choice of pan-seared Wagyi beef tenderloin with lobster boursin mashed potatoes, root vegetable ragout and port wine reduction or oven-roasted barramundi with truffle Yukon Gold potato cakes, caramelized baby vegetables and lump crab bearnaise; and milk chocolate strawberry mouse for dessert. Cost is $100 per person. Wine pairing available for additional $40 per person.

Les Artistes Steakhouse
Paris Las Vegas
3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South
739-4111
The succulent aroma of meat, fish and poultry being slow roasted in large rotisserie ovens draws guests into this authentic, upscale rotisserie restaurant. Begin the evening with cold shellfish: oysters, crab and shrimp or white truffle and potato chowder “en Croute”. Next, choose from roasted beets salad with applewood smoked chevre and candied pecans or spinach salad with hazelnuts, bacon, mushrooms, chopped egg and champagne poached apricots. For the main course, choose an eye of the rib eye “filet,” seared foie gras and butter poached lobster tail or potato crusted sturgeon and veal breast, asparagus, sauce maltaise and caviar garnish. Sweet desserts include the hazelnut strudel, creme brulee, chocolate caramel cake and Petits Fours. Meal includes one bottle of Schramsberg Brut Rose Champagne or Casa Lapostolle “Cuvee Alexandre” Chardonnay or Casa Lapostolle “Cuvee Alexandre” Cabernet Sauvignon. The meal is $179 per couple.

Le Cirque
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
693-8150
The Valentine’s Day menu will feature choice of ‘Le Cirque’ lobster salad with black truffle dressing or ahi tuna tartar with sesame-soy vinaigrette, cucumber, mesclub greens and pickled ginger whipped cream; sauteed foie gras with spiced caramelized pear, dried figs and toasted almonds; fresh winter black truffle risotto; paupiette of sea bass, crispy potatoes, braised leeks and pinot noir reduction; choice of honey duck magret with hazelnut fig, daikon radish and blackcurrant or prime beef strip loin with bordelaise sauce, Granny Smith apples and sweet onion marjoram; and a raspberry milk shake, macarpone cream, crunch of feuilletine and chocolate fondue. Cost is $155 per person.

[LVRJ]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

I would make a joke about this definitely being a Monday, but I just don’t have the energy. My husband’s out of town for work and it’s just me and the kids, so this email forward from my dear friend Alicia (who was born and raised here!) is a welcomed distraction.

It’s called Driving Rules for Living in Las Vegas and after reading it maybe it won’t be such a mystery why I absolutely hate driving in this city; this may seem like a silly email forward but it’s loaded with truth! We’ve been here seven years this week and Mapquest is still my friend.

1. First, it’s pronounced LOSS-VAYGUS. It doesn’t matter how they say it in other places. And its NEV A DA not NEV AH DA. Get over it!

2. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Las Vegas has its own set of traffic rules. There’s no book about them. All you can do is get in your car and hope you survive to learn them.

3. All directions start with, “Go down 95…’cause you don’t want to get on 15.”

4. Las Vegas Blvd, Charleston Blvd, and Torrey Pines have no beginning and no end.

5. It’s impossible to go around a block and wind up on the same street that you started on. The Chamber of Commerce calls this a “scenic drive.”

6. The 8:00 am rush hour is from 4:30am to 11:30am. The 5:00pm rush hour is from 11:30am to 10:15pm. Friday’s rush hour starts on Thursday morning and ends sometime late Sunday night.

7. If you actually stop at a yellow light, then you cannot be from Las Vegas. You may only apply your brakes when the end of a yellow light and the beginning of the red light create a “pumpkin-orange” hue.

8. For the most part, you can do anything you want, as long as it isn’t in a school zone.

9. Just remember that Camino Al Norte is Martin Luther King Boulevard, Boulder Highway is Fremont Street, Eastern Ave is 25th Street or Civic Center Drive, Desert Inn is Lamb Blvd., Spring Mountain/Sands/Twain are all the same street. And don’t forget that Ft. Apache turns into Rampart and then turns into Durango. Don’t try to figure it out. Just accept it. If you question the intelligence behind this naming convention, people will simply tilt their heads to the right and stare at you.

10. Henderson is the only place in the world where THREE “parallel” streets intersect at one traffic light. That would be the 4-way of Green Valley Parkway/Eastern Avenue/Maryland Parkway. For laughs ask your middle school Geometry teacher to try to explain it.

11. Rainbow Blvd. has THREE exits from the 95, this just makes giving driving directions to newbies more entertaining. There is also a Lake Mead “Drive” and a Lake Mead “Boulevard” and both run east/west but are 30 miles apart. You have to be specific when you say “the corner of Lake Mead and…” Again, this is just another way to harass the 5000 newcomers every month.

12. Many major roads just end abruptly in somebody’s garage, a Home Depot, a Casino or McCarran International Airport Runways and start again after the interruption. That was done to encourage you to “see the sights” and meet new people. For fun, just try to take Harmon Avenue from Rainbow to Nellis.

13. If moisture at hand is determined to be rain, not sweat, all traffic must immediately cease. Ditto for daylight savings time, girl applying eye-shadow across the street, or a flat tire 3 lanes over. Do not attempt to access any road after an apocalyptic event like snow, blowing dust, or a 3-day weekend.

14. Once a year, when it rains, the Las Vegas wash and the City of Las Vegas are one.

15. The wind blows every day, and it is impossible to live in Las Vegas without some kind of allergy drug.

16. Construction on I-15 and US 95 is a way of life and a permanent form of entertainment. They actually move the construction cones every night to make the next days drive a bit more exciting for you. I-215 will never be completed. Get used to it!

17. Stay away from the corner of Nellis and Las Vegas Blvd. if you do not like the thought of being in a remake of the movie “Top Gun.”

18. And, yes, we all know that man in a teddy and a tiara on Fremont Street. His name is Leslie and he probably makes more money than you do.

19. And always remember, when driving in Las Vegas in the summertime, it is a good idea to wear pot holders on your hands!

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

By now it’s probably safe to say that everyone knows corporations are avoiding using the words “Super Bowl” when advertising any kind of get-together involving the Super Bowl, especially parties for “The Big Game.”

Incidentally, the NFL and Las Vegas had a pretty good relationship regarding the Super Bowl up until a few years ago:

Over the years, the casinos developed their own tradition of VIP Super Bowl parties, making Las Vegas the destination of choice for many football fans to enjoy the game. Much has already been written linking the success of the SUPER BOWL to the excitement given the game by Las Vegas. This link may explain why, until fairly recently, the NFL was not as aggressive in policing its rights in Las Vegas as the rest of the country.

This symbiotic relationship was challenged in 2004, when the NFL sent a cease and desist letter – possibly by accident – to the movie theater operating at The Palms hotel casino, objecting to the airing of the game on a movie screen for a premium charge. Deliberate or not, in its wake the NFL had no choice but to aggressively police its rights in Las Vegas, including protesting the use of large screen TVs at VIP parties and in the casinos sports book or risk waiving its rights or creating an implied license.

Under Section 110 of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §110(5)(B)(i)(II), a casino could only broadcast the SUPER BOWL on a single television not larger than 55 inches. Of course, this rule would shut down the Vegas SUPER BOWL party because only a fraction of the hundreds of attendees could watch the game. The NFL also issued blanket refusals to any casino seeking to license the rights to show the game no matter the fee offered. However, once again showing brilliant stewardship of its rights, the NFL announced informally to the casino industry in early 2005 it would not enforce Sec. 110 to its fullest extent, but would allow casinos to show the SUPER BOWL in their Sports Book areas and on an unlimited number of televisions throughout the casino provided they were no larger than 55 inches and were used in those locations all year for viewing other sporting events.

So, with the help of my husband, I’ve rounded up some BIG GAME parties around the Las Vegas valley. I hope it helps and whatever your plans are, be safe!

If you don’t find one below that you like, be sure to check out the Sports Books at Vegas.com.

• The Orleans Tailgate Party
  4500 W. Tropicana Ave.
  More than 200 HD plasma screens located throughout the Orleans. Big game parties in: Bourbon Street Lounge – Starts at 11am; Brendan’s Irish Pub – Starts at 11am; Mardi Gras Ballroom – Starts at 2p; Big Easy Lounge (Formerly Sazios) – Starts at 11am
• Jerry’s Nugget Big Game Party
  1821 N. Las Vegas Blvd.
  Make any Super Sunday $20 bet and receive special access to the Super Sunday Big Game Party to be held throughout the Race and Sports Book. Watch the Big Game LIVE on 25 screens, including 5 jumbo projection screens and 20 high-definition plasmas.
• Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas
  4510 Paradise Road
  “The main party will be in the ‘Beer Garden’ where a total of 8 Big Screen TVs (2-60″ and 6-55″) will be installed, ensuring every seat is the best seat in the house.” Doors open at 11 AM for Pre-Game. Game kick-off is 3pm.
• Palace Station
  2411 W. Sahara Ave
  “Visit Jack’s Irish Pub or Cabo for the Big Game Tailgating Party. With your ticket get free food, win party gifts, and all the Bud/ Bud Lights Drafts you can drink!”
• Santa Fe Station
  4949 N Rancho Dr
  “The Big Game Tailgate Party with KOMP 92.3. Watch the action on 3 GIANT screens! Food & Drink Specials along with awesome prize giveaways!”
• Stratosphere Big Game Package
  2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  A 3-night stay that includes two brunches on big game Sunday, 2 for 1 Martini’s in the C-Bar, Free admission to Polly Esther’s with room key before 11 PM, and much more. See site for more info.
• Riviera Hotel and Casino
  2901 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  “Earn 4,000 points on your Club Riviera Players Card beginning Thursday, January 31 through 3:18 p.m. on Sunday, February 3 and receive a FREE ticket to the Best Party In Town!” Several sports celebrities are expected to appear as well.
• Kahunaville at Treasure Island
  3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  Reservation required (894-7390). $50 gets you into the party with full access to the buffet.
• Las Vegas Hilton
  3000 S. Paradise Road
  Hilton Theater, 11 “huge” (15″x20″) HD screens.
• Southpoint Hotel & Casino
  9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  In the Sonoma, Grand Ballroom and Showroom. Free admission, doors open at 2pm.

[image: stock.xchng]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

From AOL City Guide: Las Vegas’s most romantic restaurants, just in time for Valentine’s Day planning!

1. Hugo’s Cellar
202 Fremont St

2. Valentino
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S
Venetian Resort and Casino

3. Mon Ami Gabi
3655 Las Vegas Blvd S
Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

4. Fleur De Lys
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S

5. Aureole
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

6. Andre’s
3770 S Las Vegas Blvd

7. Le Cirque
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S

8. Alize At the Palms Casino Resort
4321 W Flamingo Rd

9. Drai’s Restaurant
3595 Las Vegas Blvd S

10. Japengo
101 Montelago Blvd
Henderson

[photo: Palms Casino]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Every year the Las Vegas Review Journal allows locals and visitors alike to submit their picks for the Best of Las Vegas. From best restaurant to best souvenir, you get to submit your preferences for what makes Las Vegas great!

The categories this year have been pared down from 248 to 175, though you can vote in as many or as few categories as you want. In the past the ballot has only been available via the newspaper, but this year they’ve introduced an online form. (No double entries, though – they will be checking!) Those who submit online will also be eligible to win a variety of prizes.

Ballots will be accepted through 5 p.m. January 28. The printed and online results will be combined and printed/posted online on March 23, 2008.

Check out the Best of Las Vegas 2008 Poll to submit your picks!

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer