Smart Baccarat

There's no problem so big, that a natural nine can't solve.




Dinner & "The Roll" Day #1 26th June 2008






I must say, they did such a nice bar setup in our suite. I'm all about the glassware, and they were very good about making sure we were always supplied with sufficient quantities of proper drinking vessels.

I also wanted to mention, that I had a number of requests that were handled very well by the Palazzo resort concierge Helen (mostly via email) before our arrival. This included pre-blocking a concierge level suite. In addition, the concierge wasn't able to get us a smoking Bella Suite, but got approval for us to smoke in our non-smoking suite and proceeded to send ashtrays (approximately 10) to the suite. I must say, the ventilation and air circulation was so good, the room always smelled fresh, even though we were smoking in the suite.

Alex picked us up in his convertible rental car, and we proceed to the Golden Nugget.

We arrive at the GN for dinner with quietlion and Andy. This was such a nice treat, and I was very happy to be sharing my birthday dinner amongst such fine company.

I started with some oysters on the half shell, and had a very nice medium rare 8oz filet mignon sans butter. Numerous vegetables were ordered and shared among everyone at the table. We started off with a Laurent-Perrier Rose Champagne, which was a perfect compliment to my oysters. The wine with dinner was Darioush 2004 Shiraz, which was exceptional, and went very well with the variety of entrees ordered at the table. Of special note was the quail appetizer, which Richard had suggested, and I tried a piece of from Alex's plate -- it was very nice.

After dinner, we took a nice walk down Fremont street, so that we would have time to enjoy our cigars. Cigars included Davidoff Grand Cru No 4 and some Cubans Dave had brought me back from his trip to Cancun.

We got back to the Nugget and were just hanging around in front of a dice table. Alex mentioned we should give it a whirl, and both stick left positions were wide open... so, why not. Alex stood immediate stick left, with me to his left. When the dice finally came to me, I was one fire! 6 Points (ok, it might have been 5) --- tons of numbers, back to back hard 10's --- it was by far my best roll in the past year. And, what did I do, I fuck'ed it up. Yeah, I won hundreds... but it should have been thousands..... (Alex won around $700 since he was being pretty aggressive on the 4 & 10). But, I was just so distracted by our friends, and arranging for the "Georgia Girls" to meet us. I was on the line for $10 and backing up full (Vegas) odds, with the 6 & 8 for an average of $24 each, and the occasional 4 & 10. For the life of me (well, actually, because I was distracted) --- I still don't know why I didn't press up my pass line bet (to secure more odds) after the 2nd or 3rd point rolled. But, how can I complain, it was my birthday..... and I had a great roll at the dice table. During all this, there were also goodbyes to Dave and Merf who were fading fast... so, as you can see --- lots of distractions, but at least I can say it was a conservative controlled roll. And, after my roll (which had to be at least 20 minutes) --- Alex and I colored up; with the "Georgia Girls" arriving just moments before.

I really wish I had a picture to show, but these girls really dressed themselves up for the town; but heck, it was their first night out in Vegas.

We went to the bar and Richard picked up drinks for us to bring back to the split level suite, and we all hung around for a while. Just after we got to the suite, Lisa (MissL) arrived, and I met her downstairs and we proceeded to pick up 2 splits of Champagne (Laurent-Perrier) to bring up to the suite to toast our birthdays. My birthday of 26th June was just about ending, and Lisa's was about to begin on the 27th of June --- so, we had a toast at a time appropriate to celebrate both of our birthdays.

After a bit more relaxing and hanging out, Alex, myself and Lisa left with the "Georgia Girls" with a plan to potentially go to Pure. But, we hit a wicked horrible traffic jam (like 30 minutes) -- and we were all beat (especially me, who had been up since 4AM Eastern Time for the flight to Vegas). I decided to just go back to Palazzo, and Lisa got off there, with the intent to walk back to Paris, just hours before her return flight to Phoenix.

It was a great arrival in Vegas --- and a great way to celebrate my xx birthday!

Thanks to EVERYONE for sharing it with me, and making this a very special and memorable birthday!

Labels: , , , , ,



So..... we land in Vegas, and since we have checked bags, I absolutely refuse to rush off the plane; as we need to wait for the bags anyway. We say our good byes to the awesome flight attendants and are on our way to baggage claim.

The Venetian Limo dude is waiting with a sign in baggage claim, and we proceed to pick up our bags. While waiting for our bags, I start chatting with these two nice girls from Georgia; who just arrived on the ATL-LAS flight (we were on the SLC-LAS flight). Of course, we are a bit anxious about our bags, since our connection from BOS (in SLC) was only 20 minutes. Alas, the bags come off the plane -- much to our relief. I ask the "Georgia Girls" if they want a ride in our limo, as no Vegas Virgins should be forced to deal with a cab to their hotel, of course, they say yes.







First stop is the liquor store, and we procure the requisite Sparkling Wine, Beer (Sam Adams - for Merf), Grey Goose L'Orange, and a few other items.

We do a short strip tour (it's also Merf's first time to Vegas) --- and then stop at the Palazzo first (Georgia Girls will continue to MGM). Upon arrival at Palazzo, since we are prebooked in a concierge level suite --- we get to check in at the private concierge desk right at the entrance of Palazzo (no need to walk all the way to invited guest check-in). Dave hands over his credit card, and we are checked-in in under 5 minutes, and on our way to the Bella Concierge Suite on the 25th floor.




Our bar setup in the suite (notice the copious quantities of glassware)

A lovely cheese plate send by my friend executive chef TS







After we get settled, everyone realizes they are hungry --- and there is still a bit of time before my shave at "Art of Shaving - Palazzo Shops." We decide to get a quick bite at Woo
Woo: The folks behind the Las Vegas legend Mayflower Cuisinier have cloised that place and opened Woo in the Palazzo. The menu is pan-asian and the food is served family-style, meaning enough to share. Order a lot of different things since the portions are small, and you'll want to sample many dishes.




Alex joins myself, Dave and Merf - and we have a blast. The food is terrific, and includes a tuna tartare and some excellent ribs! Yum.... I break away from lunch early, to go get my birthday shave (a few shops down) at the "Art of Shaving."





After an awesome shave (THANK YOU - Dave!) -- Alex drives us over to Paris/Bally's as it's time to get him checked into his room at Bally's. Alex tends to spend 2-3 weeks at a time in Vegas --- so, I offer to get him 5 nights @ Bally's to use between his other comp night stays. We valet at Paris, and walk over to Bally's -- using Diamond Check-In I make it known to the lovely lady that it is indeed my birthday. BINGO - score a junior suite for Alex (for a stay which includes a weekend). I tip the nice lady, and we are off to check out Alex's very 1980's junior suite in the north tower.

We decide to get a quick drink at the Paris Diamond Lounge, which is super crowded at the point.
We manage to find a table, and I grab some food for the table. I'm actually surprised there was hot food, such as egg rolls and chicken fingers --- I grab a selection and some cheese for everyone. Since we don't have a lot of time, we order quite the round (or two) of drinks. A lemon drop martini for Merf. Dirty Martini's for myself and Alex. Dave wants a chocolate martine (what is that boy thinking).. in addition a round of sparkling wine for everyone x2 (remember, it's also Merf's birthday celebration, as it was her birthday a week earlier)... and a few Perrier waters for the table (hydration and drinking water is always key to staying healthy in Vegas, especially in the summer).

We finish our drinks, and go to get a cab back to Palazzo. The cab line is hugh, but the Diamond card gets us to the front of the cab line, managing to piss off around 20 people.... but, heck, that's one of the perks... so, you might as well use it. Unfortunately, there is no signage (or not very good signage) at Paris with regard to the "Diamond-Cab Line Cut --- so, you just need to by-pass the line, and get the cab dispatcher's attention (and, of course, I always tip).

Back to Palazzo and a bit of time to freshen up before dinner downtown at Vic and Anthony's at the Golden Nugget. QL has invited us for dinner, and that was very gracious... did I mention, it's my birthday!

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,


bday trip (x2) Day #1 26th June 2008 - Flying to Vegas VEGAS STYLE


This was my Vegas birthday trip that was planned back in March/April. I originally had a comp'ed Palazzo offer for March -- but, I basically postponed that offer for a June trip. This would be my first trip to Vegas for 2008, the last being in September of 2007 during the VMA awards.

The Palazzo offer got sweeter, as a birthday offer, and included :
Comp Palazzo Suite for up to 4 nights with an upgrade to a Concierge Bella Suite
2 Bottles of Sparkling Wine
2 Bathrobs
The Ultimate Birthday Dinner for 2 (tasting menu) at Jade (Palazzo)
2 Venetian Monkeys (gotta love that)
Chocolates
and some free slot play

This offer was très bon, and was a bit hard to figure; as I only played some video poker a few times last year at Venetian.

So, it was June 26th, my OFFICIAL birthday and I was off to Vegas for the first time in 2008.

Our flight departs 7'ish from BOS (Boston Logan) so Dave and Meredith (Merf) pick me up super early, so we don't need to stress with our arrival at the airport. We get to BOS in record time, and I suggest we pull up at departures and Merf and I jump out and got to First check-in to drop the bags and grab our boarding passes. This works perfectly, and we are all set in under 10 minutes. Hop back into the car, and drop off at Logan long term economy parking. Luckily, just moments after we get to the bus shelter a bus arrives to take us to the terminal. We chuckle at all the people schlepping their bags on the bus --- and mention how sweet it was we dropped the bags first, before parking.

At the terminal, we use the First (& Shuttle) security line and clear TSA security in under 10 minutes. Merf has a bit of extra screening, but it's not much of an issue. I of course get my lighter through, as I'm expert at placing my lighter in the carry-on bag. Though, my real Colibri lighter is de-fueled and packed in my checked luggage. Can't risk having a $100 lighter taken by the TSA security folks.








We go to the Delta Crown Room by our gate (A17 if I recall correctly) --- of course, I tell the Crown Room desk lady that it's my birthday --- I just can't help it..... as I'm so excited to be going to Vegas on my birthday. (By the way, I score a present --- a Business Elite amenity kit --- as a birthday gift... very nice!)













Gotta love this pic of two of my favorite places, Israel and Vegas
























And for those who thought we got trashed at 6AM at the Crown Room, unfortunately, there is NO alcohol until 8AM due to Boston liquor laws --- so, it was just coffee, orange juice, and sparkling water.

We got to the gate (which was pretty close to the Crown Room) in time for Zone 1 (First Class) boarding, and used the Delta Breezeway to board immediately. Once on the plane, I had my usual sparkling water and lime for pre-departure drink.

after we were airborne, I ordered a mama-mia martini; the flight attendant searched the entire first class galley for the new premium tequila --- but, alas, there was none to be found (and also none in the economy section).

Delta's description of this new drink :

Margarita
The thought of a top-shelf
margarita—served at your seat—
available only on a Delta flight . . .
kinda leaves you speechless. With
Tequila Herradura Silver–100% de
Agave and Midnight Bar Collection
Margarita Mixer


instead, I ordered a pomegranate martini per Delta's menu :
Pomegranate Martini
One of the hottest flavors going
today, this Pomegranate Martini
is fabulous.


at first, they brought it in one of the funky party glasses that Delta uses for specialty drinks when sold in economy.



of course, I quickly asked the lovely flight attendant (and she was very nice) if she could swap that out for a proper REAL FIRST CLASS glass.




For breakfast (pic to the right and below), I pre-ordered an Asian Vegetarian meal. It was actually pretty good, though I think I would have preferred the breakfast cheese quesidilla with spicy sausage. I continued drinking vodka (with just a splash of the juice) as well as sparkling water with lime (hydration is key when flying).






After lunch and my few beverages, I was able to catch around 2+ hours of sleep, which was awesome -- as I went to sleep the night before around 11PM only to wake up at 4AM. I'd been super busy over the past week (work, OpenSkies trip to Paris) -- so, I really did need to get a bit of rest on this flight. Can't remember what the movie was, but I had no interest. Just sleep and listening to some tunes on my ipod.





OH, and I almost forgot..
Guess who was in row 6 of the First Class cabin on this flight from BOS-SLC,
CELTICS #0 Leon Powe. And, what an exteme gentleman. I was originally in row 6 (next to Powe), but switched to row #1 so he could sit next to his SO and child. And, what a cute little boy, especially when he was sleeping on Powe's chest. I really wanted to snap a pic, but that would be bad form. I chatted with Powe for a few moments when I woke up from my nap, and he gladly signed BOTH of my Delta boarding passes... ahhh... an autographed boarding pass to Vegas --- that really rocks (in my opinion).




What a nice person he was... I was so impressed, and was glad to tell him that I was in the garden on that first Sunday of the finals. GO CELTICS! YOU ROCK!

We arrived in SLC with 20 minutes to make our connection from SLC-LAS --- Merf needed a smoke (real bad), so we obliged and stopped in the smoking chamber on our way to the next gate (and of course, she was impressed when I pull out my lighter to light her Camel Red Lights --- I really am trying to turn her into a Dunhill Red Girl). We arrive at the gate while they were in the middle of boarding, but were able to cut the boarding line (hey, we're in First Class --- and I'm a Medallion) using the Delta Breezeway.

Got situated in our seats, and immediately asked the flight attendant if they had any tequila. I didn't want a repeat performance of no tequila, like the BOS-SLC flight. Of course, she had some, but this flight was only 1 hour --- so, I'd have to get ready to really drink heavy, to catch up on my initial loss of margariatas... No worries, since I was now well rested --- and consumed by tobacco smoke after a few moments in the smoking lounge.

This flight attendant from Puerto Rico was a real blast....

ahhh....... I finally get my margariatas! (notice I splased in Amaretto, since Delta no longer stocks Grand Marnier on domestic flights --- BOO!)




1 hour later, and well, just a few margaritas later.... we touch down in THE VEGAS.....

With flights like this, you can just imagine what's in store for the trip........ You'll never guess.... well, maybe you will.....

Labels: , , , , , , ,



Web This Blog



Instagram







Last posts


Tie Bets







Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner



Friends Linkage

Archives

Powered by Blogger



Smart Baccarat is powered by Blogspot and prestidigitate.com.
No part of the content or the blog may be reproduced without prior written permission.