Vegas 2009

(Obligatory pic of The Strip!)

Last week was my first week home and I felt like a kid in a candy store. I had so many things I wanted to do now that I finally had time! I wore myself out working in overdrive but it was also because we were getting ready to go on a mini-vacation too! I'm proud to say that I am posting about our vacation within one day of returning!

We had a great time in Vegas! We got in on Friday afternoon and it was good to see our friend (and best man in our wedding), Jim, and celebrate his 40th birthday. We stayed at The Signature at MGM Grand which is a luxury set of extended stay suites that is right behind the MGM Grand. It is a non-smoking and non-gaming hotel which was really nice! At the last minute, we decided to come a day earlier so we crashed on Jim's sofa bed for one night and then checked into our suite the next day. We had arranged to be in the same tower (there are three) and were delighted to be assigned to his floor and across the hall from his suite! It was perfect!

Since we all had been to Vegas before, our goals were less about seeing the sights and more about relaxing, trying new restaurants, and seeing The Lion King.



Friday night, we ate at Off The Strip – Just Real Food because it was the #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor.com. It was okay. Great service but very limited menu selection. Nothing unique about the food either. We had to give it a shot though!

Saturday, we hit the workout room to try to makeup for the damage we were about to do that day: the Bellagio Brunch Buffet! It was delicious! Seriously, the best quality breakfast buffet ever! This was Walt and my second time there and both times have been great! If I didn’t like something, it was because of an ingredient, not the quality! We then had to go by the Bellagio Botanical Gardens and the chocolate shoppe tucked in the back! (We missed staying at the Bellagio this time!)

(People watching was more fun than what was on display!)

We then went to the pool and relaxed. That night, we went to Emeril’s Fish House and while it was a good meal, it wasn’t as impressive as we had hoped.

(Can I eat my dessert yet?)

Sunday morning we were slow moving and we went to Hash House A Go Go for brunch and it was SO GOOD! The portions were beyond HUGE but they were presented so unique. Their slogan is “Twisted Farm Food” and it’s very appropriate. It’s all your comfort foods with a twist!

(This was a woman's entree sitting near us! There was no way she could eat even half of it!)

Sunday afternoon, we had a brief visit to the pool and then it was time to get ready for our night out. We went to The Lion King and it was very entertaining! It was very true to the movie and we all enjoyed it!




After The Lion King, we went to the RumJungle for dinner. I had been 5 years prior and it was fun to go back. Walt and Jim ordered the Fire Pit experience that was several rounds of tantalizing sides and meats brought to your table and carved in front of you to sample. I opted for chicken and pineapple skewers because I had my eye on something else to indulge in: Smores Banana Split! It was divine!

(Caramel, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream with caramelized bananas on the side
and a cup of melted chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces)

We slept in on Monday and then said goodbye to Jim and headed home.
A great trip!