Where did Pech go?

October 18, 2022 by Leave a Comment

I know it’s been awhile since I updated – this blog is a non-sponsored hobby, and unfortunately my career got more busy (still at same company, same team) so I have not had as much free time to both write blog posts. That said, I have been getting into making more Reels on Instagram at @pechluck – no I’m not on Tik Tok. So if you are looking to see what I have been doing lately, check out my Stories and Reels for food, travel, kitty and raccoons. For some bits of any of the below, I have individual social media posts on my Summer and Fall Adventures 2022.

Hopefully as work gets restructured, maybe I’ll have time to write again – particularly about what you see below. Until then, I hope you are all doing well out there and thank you for stopping by.

Summer and Fall Adventures 2022 between July – October:

Crater Lake, and Smith Rock, and alpacas at Crescent Moon Ranch in Oregon
Crater Lake, Oregon Crater Lake, Oregon Alpacas in, Oregon Smith Rock, Oregon

San Diego Comic-Con in San Diego 2022 – Severance TV Show Offsite, D&D Movie Offsite, and Prey Movie Premiere that I was lucky enough to score a free invite from Collider
San Diego Comic-Con in San Diego 2022 - Severance Offsite San Diego Comic-Con in San Diego 2022 - Severance Offsite San Diego Comic-Con in San Diego 2022 - D&D Movie Offsite San Diego Comic-Con in San Diego 2022 - Prey Movie Premiere

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Drinking from a Skull at Rx Boiler Room, Las Vegas

March 17, 2015 by 8 Comments

Sadly, this post ends my Las Vegas travel post series from my last trip to Las Vegas. I sure did do a lot in my long weekend visit, and I would love to return to eat and drink and see more! But, time was limited, and so I will just have to put the rest on my Las Vegas wishlist for the future.

There is one more highlight I wanted to share before I’m done. I had mentioned previously we were staying by Mandalay Bay, and so very conveniently located to us was a restaurant which really looked different from anything else I had seen on the strip. This was Rx Boiler Room, a concept by celebrity chef Rick Moonen that combines the alchemy of food and drink and classic food meets creative science.

Part of the biggest draw for us to go to Rx Boiler Room is that the space is all Steampunk inspired. Steampunk, if you are not familiar, is a sub-genre of science fiction and fantasy combined where rather than computer chips, steam and gears and electricity are the main power behind technology. The aesthetic is a combination of the Wild West and Victorian Age, of both industrial art and functionality rolled into one.

I am utterly shocked there is a not a steampunk restaurant in Portland honestly, since I know PDX does have its steampunk stores, steampunk festivals and balls and conventions, and steampunk social groups. That has left my only experience to be movies like what is hinted with the devices in the recent Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Junior,  and Will Smith’s Wild Wild West movie (the latter was playing on one of the TVs inside Rx Boiler Room during my visit), Full Metal Alchemist anime, and two of my favorite videogames, Final Fantasy 6 & 7 and Bioshock series. I feel the geek in me peeking out here.

Well, Vegas let me venture into that steampunk world at least for a little bit in real life. Here’s a look at the atmosphere. The last two shots share the alchemist circle on the floor as you walk into the restaurant, and some of the chalk drawings on that same ceiling.
Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas - on the floor as you enter Rx Boiler Room, a steampunk restaurant in Las Vegas - on the celing as you enter

After oohing and ahhing over the details of the decor, it was time to eat and drink. The eats are on a normal printed menu, but all the beverages are on a tablet.

For appetizers, we started off with a Rx Guacamole with Big Ass Chips, Chicken pot pie nuggets with natural jus with peas and carrots, and my favorite, the Bacon wrapped Bacon and Egg with brioche toast, tomato jam, and sunny side up quail egg.
Chicken pot pie nuggets with natural jus with peas and carrots at the Rx Boiler Room Chicken pot pie nuggets with natural jus with peas and carrots at the Rx Boiler Room Rx Guacamole with Big Ass Chips at Rx Boiler Room in Las Vegas Rx Boiler Room in Las Vegas, Bacon wrapped Bacon and Egg with brioche toast, tomato jam, and sunny side up quail egg

For a main, the standout was the Inside out French Onion Grilled Cheese. The Mac and Cheese x 5 with pinwheel pasta and blue, parmesan, brie, cheddar and blanc cheese was decent but I didn’t think anything special, and for me the Smoked salmon under glass with sea beans, bagel chips, and chive cream cheese was too salty in terms of how many sea beans they put in the dish, though the presentation was cool with them lifting a glass cover to let out the smoke.
Inside out French Onion Grilled Cheese from the Rx Boiler Room

 

The best best part? The drinks. For instance, you can’t beat the presentation of this Smoked Whiskey and Coke which pours out of a crystal skull with George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, housemade cola syrup, bittercube cherrybark vanilla bitters, Fever Tree soda water and smoked cherrywood chips. The skull makes enough drinks for 2 – which you can share or just have 2 drinks, heh.

In terms of flavor though, the winner at our visit was the Poire Drakkar with Hennesy Black, Pimms #1 liqueur, curry-pear shrub, honey shrup, lemon juice, baked apple bitters, black walnut bitters, and black pepper. This savory drink with its complex layers of flavor was very unusual to give that curry flavor in the background with the sip. For something more refreshing rather than savory, try the Strawberry Switchblade with Belvedere Vodka, lemon/lime juice, strawberries, cucumber medallions, mint, goji berries, benedictine, bitermens, burlesque bitters, thyme syrup
Libation from the Rx Boiler Room of the Smoked Whiskey and Coke which comes in a crystal skull with George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, housemade cola syrup, bittercube cherrybark vanilla bitters, Fever Tree soda water and smoked cherrywood chips Rx Boiler room libation of Poire Drakkar with Hennesy Black, Pimms #1 liqueur, curry-pear shrub, honey shrup, lemon juice, baked apple bitters, black walnut bitters, and black pepper. Fave drink with its complex layers of flavor of the night Rx Boiler room libation of Strawberry Switchblade with Belvedere Vodka, lemon/lime juice, strawberries, cucumber medallions, mint, goji berries, benedictine, bitermens, burlesque bitters, thyme syrup

Do you know anything about Steampunk, what do you think of the decor and the interesting take on food and drink here at Rx Boiler Room?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

  • Las Vegas Hotels at the South End of Strip: Mandalay Bay, Delano, Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, and MGM Grand and what each offers in terms of feel
  • A look at some of the breakfast options at Della’s Kitchen in the Delano, including juice, Doughssant, bacon cheddar biscuits, and Pecan Raisin French Toast
  • Take a little trip to Europe with the offerings and recommendations for free stops in the Middle of the Las Vegas Strip like Paris, Caesar’s, and the Bellagio properties. Did I mention they are all free, and include the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain?
  • Photos recapping my lunch at Giada Las Vegas inside the Cromwell, including the G signature cocktail, flatbread with pesto, burrata, grilled cheese, gelato
  • Art Walking Tour at The Shops at Crystals and Aria, Las Vegas, including Gallery Row with Richard MacDonald and Dale Chihuly to the various art in Crystals and Aria
  • The garnishes of the Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB in Las Vegas are outrageous, ranging from bacon, onions rings, sliders and corn dogs to chicken wing
  • My tour of The Wynn in Las Vegas, including details on The Lake of Dreams, Parasol Down, the Conservatory, Jeff Koons sculptures, and Le Reve The Dream show
  • Lunch at Beijing Noodle No 9, Caesar’s Las Vegas of Shanghai Wave cocktail, Sichuan Dan Dan Mein Spring Noodles, Shanghai Soup Dumplings, and Lamb Pancakes
  • A Steampunk restaurant of Rx Boiler Room by Mandalay Bay brings an opportunity for a cocktail from a crystal skull
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Northern Chinese lunch at Beijing Noodle No 9, Caesars Las Vegas

March 10, 2015 by 7 Comments

Once in a while I just get a craving, and on Sunday I didn’t want to deal with brunch madness – I wanted dim sum. Specifically some of the hand pulled noodles that I had seen walking around the previous day at Caesar’s Palace. So it came to be I went for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

I was pleased that there was no wait at all when I arrived. The entrance of Beijing Noodle No. 9 includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish. Don’t worry, those goldfish are all for show, not for eating.  The entrance also has a small bar area where you can watch the hand pulled noodles being made and pulled.

Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish (they are all for show, not for eating!) Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish (they are all for show, not for eating!) Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a small bar where you can watch the hand pulled noodles being made and pulled Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish (they are all for show, not for eating!)

There’s just something so baller walking down that corridor of goldfish, where you then enter into the main area of the restaurant. The interior here is all white flowery swirls like you are on the inside of a white paper cut art piece and in a fish bowl yourself at the same time.
Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The inside is full of these white flowery swirls essentially from floor to ceiling like the cellophone wrap of a bouquet was all around me Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The inside is full of these white flowery swirls essentially from floor to ceiling like the cellophone wrap of a bouquet was all around me

I started off with a cocktail because I’m in Vegas and after the bloody marys at Todd English PUB the day before I needed a break from my standard breakfast/brunch drink. So I went with the Shanghai Wave cocktail, which was probably one of the best things I had here at this restaurant.
Shanghai Wave cocktail at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

The first thing to come out was the Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle. Every time I got a little bit of the meat I got a little pop of flavor, but there wasn’t a lot of that meat go go around. All the ground meat is right there in the picture on tip- the rest was just noodles plopped in the bowl.

I still believe the noodles were freshly made that day  given the man in the window at the entrance pulling noodles.

But these noodles were too soft and overcooked. Maybe I should have sat in front of the noodle man.
Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle, at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9 Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle, at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9 Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle, at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9

The Shanghai soup dumplings were adequate, but not outstanding. If you don’t know, the way to eat these is with your chopstick to hold it gently and rock it back and forth until it comes off the steamed paper/bamboo so that you don’t break the soup out of those dumplings until they are in your mouth.

I suppose the version I got here really do taste like something you might get in the streets from a vendor… but not the vendor that has a line of people backed up for their dumplings. The dumplings needed more seasoning inside, in my opinion – it shouldn’t need sauce.
Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

It turns out the best thing I ate was this dish of Lamb Pancakes that had moist flavorful lamb inside and a crisped up skin on the outside pancake. I was warned that they make this fresh so it might take 20 minutes until the dish came, but I thought it was worth the wait. The flavors here were what I was expecting, given my previous visits to Beijing before.
Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

With other restaurants of the calibur of Rao’s and Guy Savoy and Nobu and Bobby Flay’s Nobu Grill, it’s a shame that this restaurant is so average. Clearly, I should have gone to Chinatown (just a mile away from the strip), and followed the advice of blogger friend Meagan that she shared in her own Las Vegas guide

I don’t usually write this kind of review as I like to give the benefit of the doubt with another try, but in a tourist city and directly on the Las Vegas Strip like Beijing Noodle No 9 is, you don’t want to waste your limited vacation time and dollars so I wanted to still share my single experience anyway. Caesars actually has numerous good foodie options… This is just not one of them given that the signature Noodle dish was overcooked on a not very busy seating and the toppings so stingy on top. Maybe I’m extra picky because I have spent time in Beijing before (I lived there for almost 2 months in college). I really wanted to reward keeping up the history and artisan skills of pulled noodles too 🙁

I do admit this is the cleanest Chinese restaurant I have EVER been in.

Beijing Noodle No. 9 on Urbanspoon

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

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The Wynn: Lake of Dreams, Parasol Down, Conservatory, Jeff Koons, and Le Reve

March 3, 2015 by 15 Comments

The Wynn Resort in Las Vegas is considered to be one of the most luxurious on the Strip, with its number of five stars from various rankings and the fact that they even have a Ferrari and Maserati dealership inside. Unlike the other previous casinos that Steve Wynn built, The Wynn takes action on his previous regret that he created crowd-drawing attractions that were outside (Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio)- he wanted to make people come into the casino. So that’s how he planned The Wynn.

Supposedly the main attraction to the Wynn the Lake of Dreams, which is a big waterfall feature inside over a small manmade lake. In the evenings, starting at dusk and for every 30 minutes, there are shows that play using the waterfall wall and the lake with projections and props, with the shows varying (similar to how the Bellagio fountain shows vary). In between those times, the waterfall and lake are an art piece, with a statue of a man partially submerged staring at the flowing water/us (I’m not sure) being pensive/stalkery (I’m not sure) while farther on the right a woman stands about to enter the lake, pensive/stalkery (I’m not sure).
Lake of Dreams at the Wynn

The biggest different though is that to really get a good view, you pretty much have to be a guest of the restaurants that take up most of the side facing the Lake of Dreams, or be having cocktails at the bottom half of the lounges Parasol Up / Parasol Down. Parasol Down includes the lounge area inside where you can view Lake of Dreams through the floor to ceiling windows and the outdoor terrace outside. Parasol Up is the lounge upstairs, which really only gives you a view of people walking in The Wynn and little bit of the parasols. True to the name, there are giant parasols that hang on the ceiling and move up and down.

The view from by the escalators on the top floor:
These umbrella lights move up and down in the atrium which houses the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) at The Wynn, Las Vegas "These

The view looking up from Parasol Down:
These umbrella lights move up and down in the atrium which houses the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) at The Wynn, Las Vegas These umbrella lights move up and down in the atrium which houses the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) at The Wynn, Las Vegas

F was working late, and thanks to Tix4Tonight I was able to get discounted seats to the show Le Reve (The Dream) for the early show. After walking here (remember my walking the South Strip and the Middle of the Strip posts?) I really needed a break off my feet, and cocktails sounded perfect. It was probably only 5 PM and far from dusk, so this lounge area was quiet and peaceful, and I was able to sit at a couch on the side where there was a much needed outlet to recharge my phone from all these pictures I’ve been taking and sharing on the blog!
Relaxing in the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) inside The Wynn. This is where after dusk you can also sit and see the various Lake of Dreams shows every 30 min) Relaxing in the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) inside The Wynn. This is where after dusk you can also sit and see the various Lake of Dreams shows every 30 min

I thought I might have just one drink, but I was very intrigued by the drinks menu here. For instance, a page of Wynn Signature Sips included

  • The Carousel, made with rum, watermelon liqueur, fresh lemon juice, fresh watermelon juice, and lemongrass syrup
  • The Pear-A-Sol, with Absolut Pear Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqueur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour
  • Lime In the Coconut, with Bacardi Pineapple Fusion Rum, Kalani Coconut Liqueur, fresh lime juice, ginger syrup, fresh basil leaves, topped with Red Bull Silver

Wynn Signature Sips available at Parasol Down inside The Wynn Example drinks at Parasol Down in The Wynn, Seasonal Sips and Signature Shots

So of course I had to do a little taste testing for you. I started out with the Parasol’s Signature cocktail, the previously mentioned The Pear-A-Sol, with Absolut Pear Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqueur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour. I was pleased to see that it came with these cute complimentary snacks. Vegas is one of those cities that I don’t even think twice of traveling, exploring, and eating and drinking on my own because there are always interesting people to meet and talk to, including even being insistent that she take a photo of me and send it to F to let him see I was having fun without him.
Enjoying a Wynn Signature Sip of The Pear-a-sol, Parasol's signature cocktail at Parasol Down. The cocktail includes Absolut Pears Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqeur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour along with complimentary snacks Enjoying a Wynn Signature Sip of The Pear-a-sol, Parasol's signature cocktail at Parasol Down. The cocktail includes Absolut Pears Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqeur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour along with complimentary snacks

They also have several Seasonal Sips and Signature Shots on the drink menu. I tried one of them, the Red Velvet Cake shot with Zing Red Velvet Vodka, and Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur. In the back you can see a Cucumber Fizz non-alcoholic drink, so you don’t have to feel pressured to drink alcohol- the non alcoholic drink was very refreshing and flavorful. I also tried the Signature Cocktail of Sinatra Smash with Gentlemen Jack Tennessee Whiskey, Briottet Ccreme de Cassis, freshly muddled blackberries, fresh sweet and sour, and vanilla infused simple syrup
A Signature Shot at Parasol Down in the Wynn, this one is the Red Velvet Cake shot with Zing Red Velvet Vodka, and Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur with a Cucumber Fizz nonalcoholic drink Example signature drink at Parasol Down in The Wynn. This is the Sinatra Smash with Gentlemen Jack Tennessee Whiskey, Briottet Ccreme de Cassis, freshly muddled blackberries, fresh sweet and sour, and vanilla infused simple syrup

The only place I can think of where you can watch the show at the Lake of Dreams for free is by standing between the inside lounge area and terrace of Parasol Down, by standing in between the escalators leading up and down to Parasol Down, or by a small terrace just by the check-in/out desks of The Wynn. Here you can see the difference in view – from standing in between the escalators leading up and down to Parasol Down where yes they somehow pulled out a whole frog to sing- and the view from the terrace just by the check in lobby of The Wynn when the Lake of Dreams told the story of two balls (a blue and pink one) that fall in love and roll around all over the misted over lake.
The singing frog at the Lake of Dreams in The Wynn, view from the top of the escalators above Parasol Down The singing frog at the Lake of Dreams in The Wynn, view from the top of the escalators above Parasol Down The singing frog at the Lake of Dreams in The Wynn, view from the top of the escalators above Parasol Down View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty

You can sort of see the glass doors leading to that terrace by the reception desks behind these flowers
You can sort of see the glass doors leading to that terrace overlooking Lake of Dreams at the Wynn, Las Vegas, by the reception desks behind these flowers

Honestly though, it wasn’t the Lake of Dreams that blew me away with The Wynn. It was the Conservatory Area here that reminded me a bit of what Bellagio offers, but without all the crowds of people that I felt at the Bellagio. The gardens here are exquisite. And, FREE to see.
Carousel made all of flowers inside The Wynn, November 2014 Carousel made all of flowers inside The Wynn, November 2014 Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn make up this flowered hot air balloonGorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn make up this flowered hot air balloon Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn make up this flowered hot air balloon

You can also find two artworks by Jeff Koons. The first is Popeye, made with high chromium stainless steel with transparent color coating inside the Wynn Esplanade, and the sculpture Tulips which is a bouquet of twisted balloon flowers. As you’re looking at it, know that these pieces weigh several tons, and Steve Wynn paid $28 million for Popeye and Tulips is $33.6 million dollars. It blows my mind how much insane art is just lying around for everyone to look at for free in Las Vegas. FREE!
Popeye art piece by Jeff Koons, made with high chromium stainless steel with transparant color coating inside the Wynn Esplanade Popeye art piece by Jeff Koons, made with high chromium stainless steel with transparant color coating inside the Wynn Esplanade More Jeff Koons art inside the Wynn, this time right by the Wynn Theater, it's the $33.6 million dollar sculpture Tulips which is a bouquet of twisted balloon flowers More Jeff Koons art inside the Wynn, this time right by the Wynn Theater, it's the $33.6 million dollar sculpture Tulips which is a bouquet of twisted balloon flowers

Oh, and I saw Le Reve, The Dream. I was surprised that they allowed non-flash photography during the show, but they even wanted to promote a hashtag to share the photos, so I obliged once in a while, most of the time my eyes were just flitting all over the place trying to see everything on the stage.

There is not a bad seat at all in the house. If you are closer, you can admire the details of the costuming and the rippling physiques of the performers. If you are farther away, you have an overall view of the scene without having to dart your eyes around.
There is not a bad seat in the house at the Wynn Theater, home of Le Reve, The Dream There is not a bad seat in the house at the Wynn Theater, home of Le Reve, The Dream

The stage includes not only the pool and any standing areas that come up and down or sail in (yep), but even all the airspace to the top of the theater! With every scene, your view is ever-changing with not only set and lights, but people wandering in and out, either performing as part of the act or like us, observing (though more artfully posed than me). There were many times I was really torn where I wanted to keep my eyes, and the show seemed to end all too soon. I wanted many parts of every scene to last a little longer so I can really admire the details of it before it moved out of one beautifully posed moment to another.
A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater!

I really enjoyed the show. Besides all the food in Las Vegas, and all the free art to see up and down the strip outside on the streets or inside the buildings, I really love the offering of shows here in Vegas and can’t imagine visiting without seeing at least 1 or 2! Most theater productions are only temporary, but here in Vegas they can build the stage to fit the resident show, and so the production values are just unlike anywhere else.

I highly recommend seeing a show while you are here! There’s every kind of show – I prefer shows like Le Reve or Cirque du Soleil (my favorite is O, though I almost bought tickets to Zarkana paired with the idea of pairing it with dinner at bar Masa or Julian Serrano Tapas- maybe next time! You can see friend Marlynn from Urban Bliss Life’s pictures and review of Zarkana here). The reason I love these shows is because they combine intense visuals and athleticism and grace with music and have no strong narrative. But there is also comedy, musical performances varying from musicals to concerts to tribute shows, magic, adult (I really like Jubilee, the costumes by Bob Mackie and seeing Barbie clothes in real life before me are worth it), headliners (you might even run into them in the casinos, like lucky Hailey of Discourse of a Divine Diva did with Nick Carter! She’s doing a recap of her week in Vegas and I think she packed in more than I did everyday!)… Vegas, so much to do, so much to see!

Here’s a glimpse of the visual splendor of Le Reve, The Dream in Las Vegas at the Wynn Theater.
A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater!

Have you been to the Wynn, what did you think if you have? Have you gone to any Las Vegas shows, which ones?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

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Art Tour at The Shops at Crystals and Aria, Las Vegas

February 24, 2015 by 15 Comments

In my previous posts I covered where I had breakfast at Della’s, walked the south strip, then took a pretend trip to Europe at casinos in the middle of the strip (and also had lunch at Giada’s, my favorite meal of my trip to Vegas this time). While covering the middle of Las Vegas Boulevard I skipped over this section of the Shops at Crystals and Aria in Las Vegas. The reason is because I love this specific area of the strip, wanted to highlight it by itself.

You see, in my fake trip mid strip tour to mini Europe, I moved right from Monte Carlo to Bellagio. But the Crystals and Aria are actually located in between these two on the west side of the street. In fact, if you enter the Monte Carlo you can board a free tram that will take you to Crystals and then Bellagio.

One of the pluses of walking is that before you get on the escalators that take you to the bridge crossing City Center Place street and into the Crystals shopping mall area is that you can stop at Gallery Row. If you look up from outside, you can see the sky reflected on the Aria windows and the residential condo Veer Towers and wonder about the rich and famous who can afford and choose to live in there.
View on City Center Place in Las Vegas, before crossing over to Crystals, on the Gallery Row side View on City Center Place in Las Vegas, before crossing over to Crystals, on the Gallery Row side

One of the offerings of this little Gallery Row of a handful of art galleries is a gallery of sculptures featuring the art of Richard MacDonald. Richard MacDonald uses the incredible physiques and posing ability of performers in various Cirque du Soleil shows to create breathtaking sculptures of the human body.

Another gallery you can visit features some of the gorgeous glass art of Dale Chihuly in theGallery featuring Dale Chihuly. His art is a celebration of form as well as color and  light in the way they carefully design how the artwork is displayed.

There are additional sculptures by Richard MacDonald you can see in Bellagio in The Art of Richard MacDonald by the O theater lobby. There is also a famous Dale Chihuly sculpture in the Bellagio lobby, Fiori Di Como.

This is one of the things I love about Vegas- you might get spendy on the gambling or the food, but many shows you can get half price tickets (thanks to Tix 4 Tonight) AND there are so many free things you can do like this. Here’s a taste of both these artists I mentioned (the other 2 galleries of Gallery Row, one of photography and one of antiques, are also fun to visit but Richard MacDonald and Dale Chihuly were my personal favorites).

Continuing on with the art theme, when you enter the Shops at the Crystals, besides the high end designer shops that you can window shop at, you can also check out some floral and garden art. Since I was visiting in November, you can see the theme of Autumn reflected in the horticulture art.

Also here in the middle of the Crystals building is The Treehouse, a 2 story modern tree house which also is the home of a restaurant. You can wonder at what the wooden structure may resemble as it tries to fulfill artform and functional space.

The Treehouse in Crystals and some of the autumn themed horticulture art The Treehouse in Crystals and some of the autumn themed horticulture art The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art and a selfie The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art and a selfie The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art

As you continue to walk towards Aria, before you go up the Grand Staircase of bamboo and pink agate is the art/sculpture walk through water feature installation called Halo. Basically, it’s a bunch of water tornados in various cylinders with different lights to highlight the movement and shape of the liquid funnels in different mesmerizing ways.

I love water art, so I lingered for a while to check out each of the cylinders, as each is unique. It was cute as some children were “cheering” a funnel on as it would start or wane down. I tried to capture some of the appeal in these photos…
A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. Crystals is a high end mall. This is a funnel just starting A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. Here the funnel is waning

After going up the stairs, walk outside briefly and then into Aria, where it seems like the art gallery continues but now in the form of dramatic decorations inside the hotel for the lobby, lounge, and restaurant Julian Serrano Tapas. All the restaurants in here are pretty impressive.

Then there are luxurious art details everywhere in the public areas of Aria, particularly dramatic floral arrangements on pedestals. By the check in desk – that silver sculpture? Oh that’s just Silver River by Maya Lin (who most know as the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial), making a statement about water conservation and the importance of the Colorado River to Nevada in terms of energy and water.

Of course most noticeable are probably the rotating art installations in the lobby – in November it was these glass swirling leaves. Because the featured art changes, I always like checking out Aria’s latest design theme.

Julian Serrano Tapas restaurant inside Aria Las Vegas Lobby inside Aria Las Vegas Inside the lobby of Aria are beautiful art design details Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Floral Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas

Has all this chatting and admiring the free art made you a little thirsty and snacky? Stay tuned for my next Travel post, which I will share on Foodie Friday, where I cover some insanely garnished bloody mary options at Todd English PUB!

Have you ever been to The Shop at the Crystals or Aria? Which of these art pieces I have pointed out would you pick as most interesting to you? Have you ever done an “Art Walk Tour” while visiting Vegas?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

  • Las Vegas Hotels at the South End of Strip: Mandalay Bay, Delano, Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, and MGM Grand and what each offers in terms of feel
  • A look at some of the breakfast options at Della’s Kitchen in the Delano, including juice, Doughssant, bacon cheddar biscuits, and Pecan Raisin French Toast
  • Take a little trip to Europe with the offerings and recommendations for free stops in the Middle of the Las Vegas Strip like Paris, Caesar’s, and the Bellagio properties. Did I mention they are all free, and include the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain?
  • Photos recapping my lunch at Giada Las Vegas inside the Cromwell, including the G signature cocktail, flatbread with pesto, burrata, grilled cheese, gelato
  • Art Walking Tour at The Shops at Crystals and Aria, Las Vegas, including Gallery Row with Richard MacDonald and Dale Chihuly to the various art in Crystals and Aria
  • The garnishes of the Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB in Las Vegas are outrageous, ranging from bacon, onions rings, sliders and corn dogs to chicken wing!
  • My tour of The Wynn in Las Vegas, including details on The Lake of Dreams, Parasol Down, the Conservatory, Jeff Koons sculptures, and Le Reve The Dream show
  • Lunch at Beijing Noodle No 9, Caesar’s Las Vegas of Shanghai Wave cocktail, Sichuan Dan Dan Mein Spring Noodles, Shanghai Soup Dumplings, and Lamb Pancakes
  • Steampunk restaurant of Rx Boiler Room by Mandalay Bay brings an opportunity for a cocktail from a crystal skull
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