Las Vegas

Ramzy and Jillaine are back from Vegas, intact, and slightly wealthier!...not really, but we both came out ahead gambling so Vegas was only able to take from us when it gave back food, drink and entertainment in return.

We really had a great time all around. Charisse and her boyfriend John came in from Dallas as well. There was so much going on between constant gambling, drinking, shopping, shows, eating, etc that we really forgot to take any pictures until the last night.

New recommendations: Stripsteak might be the best restaurant I've (this is Ramzy) ever eaten at, let alone the best steakhouse. Between the excellent service, the duck fat fries which they gave us for free - then John ordered more - the unbelievable steaks (next time I'm getting the $225 kobe - who wants to take me?) the unusual sides and the madagascar vanilla/beignets...Stripsteak has basically ruined every future steakhouse experience for me. It is the new high bar for celebrating the glory that is red meat.

Red Square has over 100 vodkas to choose from, as well as a headless statue of Lenin and old communist propaganda all around (pictured, behind Charisse and Jillaine). The girls saw Celine Dion at Caesars, and both said it was a very good show. John and I opted for Penn & Teller at the Rio, because nothing is better for a couple of married guys in Vegas whose wives are seeing Celine Dion than a magic show.

It is also worth mentioning that the Carnegie Deli in the Mirage may be the actual Carnegie Deli and not a cheap imitation, but it is not nearly as good or charismatic as the original.