Either way, like any die-hard Vegas degen I wasn’t about to let bad sleep decisions get in the way of Vegas-time. I was up at 7 AM, at second sunset, running the strip while my parents' plane passed over the plains. In Vegas, casino workers and tourists alike donned their teams' jerseys early in the morning.
Most creative jersey award goes to this guy |
(Spoiler alert: Willy Hill FAILED me. And I still can’t get my money.)
So, first the good news:
And we're back! Decapitation Fountain flows again. |
There is no bad news.
Second sunset, aka, sunrise, in Vegas is my favorite time of day for so many reasons. The people-watching rises to more entertaining levels, as there are no crowds to mitigate their behavior. And morning contrail-gazing puts me in a happy mood for the whole day.
Sunrise selfie at Bellagio |
Contrails before cocktails. Barely. |
Eat is at 7th and Carson downtown, a block off East Fremont, just across from the south side of the Downtown Container Park. Chef Natalie Young holds court at the center table of the restaurant, while beautiful hipsters in black short sleeve shirts, showing off monster biceps and work-of-art-ink, deliver food that will invade your dreams for months. My dad and I had the shrimp and grits on a bed of bacon. It was more of a lattice of bacon. This meal is divine. I still think of it, when I have a moment alone. In fact, excuse me. I’ll be right back. I have to go think about that dish. Alone.
I did take a photo, but trust me. Grits on bacon isn’t exactly photogenic. Ok. Fine. You want a pic? You got it. But I did warn you.
Bacon + grits + shrimp = JOY |
After breakfast, we strolled through Container Park. Kids played on the enormous playground. Other people's kids. We looked at them and smiled. Yes, we were kids once, too. But today, no kids were with us. Not even one. No kids that any of us are responsible for at least 600 miles in any direction.
If a shower = an hour of sleep, a parental break = 2 shots of tequila worth of giddyness. Per kid. Per day.
Vegas short bus |
This cute little bus drives itself. Well, except for the dude manning the computer on board. We didn’t take self-driving bus, because car. Someday, short bus. Someday I will ride you. If you want to ride the little bus, find some girls under the big blue umbrella who are stationed at its stops to advise potential riders where it goes.
Downtown Las Vegas is full of awesome murals, and in this way, having a car proves fabulous. Driving around semi-sketchy neighborhoods to take in the local art is preferably to walking around to see it. Then again, walking makes for way cooler photos. Album cover quality photos, really, if albums still existed.
Vegas sunshine in February |
The D on Fremont hosted a big Big Game party on the 12th floor in their Detroit Ballroom, featuring a patio facing southwest over the Downtown Events Center. Tickets cost $150 for all you can eat (nachos, hot dogs, sliders) and drink (anything). William Hill had a dedicated betting desk, just for this party. Uncle Derek also hosted a big party across the street at his Events Center. Unlike the crickets heard chirping over the crowd of three in December, every seat held a fan.
Concert-quality sound and a giant screen for Super Bowl Sunday outside |
The room, rowdy and festive, leaned pro-Philly except for a few Pats fans. Big, vivid TVs lined the walls, the speakers filled the room with stadium sounds, and the desert breeze blew in over the patio. Three or four bars were set up, including on the patio, and two buffets of football food lined long tables in the back. With over 900 prop bets, people cheered or booed at every play in the first five minutes. My buddy Jason won for Philly scoring first, and on a field goal. Prop bets make the Super Bowl super fun.
All fans are friends during the Big Game. Jason and Bender sharing the love with Eddie |
Definitely.
The D did a fantastic job decorating. The cute little Nerf-like footballs flew through the air as everyone danced to Justin Timberlake at halftime.
Not cleaning up after the game? Priceless |
Our gang ended up dancing the night away to band Dollface again. Full disclosure: we have a friend in the band. But when your friend is in the band, you go once. When your friend's band is great, you go all three nights. Even in Vegas, baby, with those precious Vegas minutes.
Yeah! Welcome back, Joan! Always love your stuff - you're a great complement to our boy Flushie!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Really appreciate it.
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