Smart Baccarat

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: art of shaving, baccarat_king, ballys, delta, diamond lounge, las vegas, palazzo, paris las vegas, vegas virgins, woo