Fountains at Bellagio

The choreographed musical routines, dancing water, and song of the Bellagio Fountains, are a Las Vegas tourist stop that even a cynical local can still appreciate. I still find myself after 10 years of residence, getting excited and rolling down the window when I see the water show magically dancing, hoping for a longer red light.

Bacon Wrapped Dates at Firefly

While it is also important to be thankful for the pitchers of Sangria that they serve at SLV’s favorite Tapas hangout, the nod had to be given to the Bacon Wrapped Dates that are a signature for Firefly: savory bacon wrapped around a date that has been stuffed with an almond; sweet, yet savory simplicity.

Black Miso Cod at Nobu

Nobu’s famous Miso Marinated Black Cod is infamous for good reason, crispy on the outside with a delicately sweet glaze and buttery fish that just melts in your mouth. Much gratitude should be offered to Nobu for this amazing dish.

Red Rock Canyon

Just 15 miles from the heart of the Strip is the Red Rock Canyon State Park—a stark contrast to the glitter and neon on the casino beat. The Canyon offers striking views, towering red cliffs, and abundant desert wildlife. A guided horse tour is a beautiful way to experience this natural treasure. But if you see a wild burro, keep your distance, they are mean and like to bite.

View from the balcony at Ghostbar

New clubs may come and go, but some are destined to have some staying power. Ghostbar, perched 55 stories up, is still one of our favorite haunts. Its slick interior leads to its dramatic open air balcony with a Plexiglas floor that gives you an amazing view both above and below your feet.

Bathroom at Mix Lounge

Mix Lounge, located on the 64th floor atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, offers guests stunning 360-degree views of the Strip and the Vegas Valley from its floor-to-ceiling windows, which in itself, make a worthwhile place to get a cocktail, but its bathrooms are truly unique. The restrooms feature floor to ceiling windows in every stall, guaranteeing you beautiful views while you tinkle. Though it might be a bit alarming if you’ve had a few too many drinks, the illusion created by the windows feels as though one could walk right off the edge of the building.

Sweet Potato Fries at Burger Bar

Hubert Keller’s burger lover’s paradise does make an amazing hamburger, but the Sweet Potato Fries can become addicting after just one sampling of this sweet, crispy, and delectable creation at Burger Bar. Chef Keller, thank you.

Ordering Salad at Sea Blue

A salad with prime gourmet ingredients that the customers can design themselves is just pure genius, and something to truly appreciate. A menu, reminiscent of one that might be seen at the sushi bar, is handed to you, then you select 10 items from Sea Blue’s list filled with delicious and exotic delights, including roasted red peppers, pickled quail eggs, buffalo mozzarella, citrus cashews, and spicy sunflower seeds, along with your greens of choice and the dressing creation is custom made to your liking. Incredible.

Mario Batali

This man is a whirlwind of culinary innovation. He not only blesses our city with new inventive dishes at one of his many area restaurants, he also has brought Vegas the best farmer’s market: Molto Mario’s. Held every Thursday from 11am–1pm at one of his storage warehouses located at 7485 Dean Martin #106 Las Vegas, NV 89139, Molto Mario’s Farmer’s Market is small, but loaded with unique treasures that a foodie dreams of: fresh herbs, beautiful greens, truffles, gourmet mushrooms, organic eggs, fresh burrata cheese, fresh breads, and so much more of what’s in season at the time. The chefs from local restaurants get first dibs from 10-11am, so get there right at its opening for prime choices, and be patient, it can get a little congested, but it’s worth the wait.

Queso Fundido from Dos Caminos at The Palazzo

Dos Caminos’s Cazuela De Queso Fundido is a heavenly creation that is a perfect compliment to a tequila flight from the bar. Three rich, velvety Mexican cheeses are melted to perfection in a small cast iron skillet with chile rajas, grilled Spanish chorizo, fingerling potatoes, and artichoke hearts. Slather this ingenious concoction on some fresh warm tortillas for an overwhelmingly satisfying experience.

Red Velvet Cupcakes from The Cupcakery

The Cupcakery’s sumptuous red velvet cake smothered with a delightful and addictive cream cheese frosting, all in a perfect cupcake form—will make your waistline bulge with appreciation.

Valley of Fire

Just 50 miles north of the city and well worth the trip is the Valley of Fire. Its awe-inspiring red sandstone formations are a beautiful contrast to the bright blue skies, making for some killer photo ops, along with hiking and exploring galore.

Carrot Top

His hysterically funny antics and barbs are a laugh out loud event that must be repeated, and often. Unlike others in town with long-term performance engagements, Carrot Top constantly keeps his show fresh and new. No show is ever the same and it constantly evolves and changes, thanks to his original and innovative nature, making for a night on the town that begs for frequent attendance. That’s why, at Strip, we solemnly give thanks to The Top.

Chateaubriand Carved Tableside for Two, Asparagus and Garlic Smashed Potatoes at Emeril’s Delmonico Steakhouse

Classic, exorbitant, and sinfully luxurious, you can’t go wrong with a good Chateaubriand. At Emeril’s Delmonico Steakhouse, it’s not just good, it is completely mind-blowing; a high price tag, worth every last tender and seductively delicious bite.

Mt. Charleston

You can’t beat our weather here in our desert oasis, but sometimes you do long for a climate change and a chance to see a bit of white snow. There’s no easier way than a quick 30-minute ride from the Strip up to Mt. Charleston. It’s an annual stop for most Las Vegans around Christmastime for hiking, skiing, and snowball fights.

Oscar Goodman

Our city is a lot like an adult fairyland that boggles the senses, not unlike our fearless Mayor Oscar Goodman, whose persona and quotes are entertaining, to say the least. “Litigation we have found is very expensive.” “The people love the people that I’ve represented, as far as bringing intrigue into the area here.” “I’m saying maybe you put them on TV and cut off a thumb.” (his solution to the graffiti/tagging) Thank you, Mister Mayor. We can also thank Madame Tussaud’s for recreating Goodman in wax.
He is seen here in wax form at Madame Tussaud’s. SLV

Issue 53 featuring: Nevaeh, Scar, Celeste Star and a Celebrity Photo Feature "Outside the Box" part 1