We were fortunate to land an rv site behind the Circus Circus Casino Hotel. Bill scored the sites for us just a short walk to the Strip, where we hopped on one of the local bus routes called "The Duece". The rides are relatively inexpensive, and the buses provide sleeping accommodations for those currently without housing. Nevertheless, it is reasonably comfortable and straightforward transportation.
If you are a fan of Chef Gordon Ramsey, you are aware of his Las Vegas restaurant named Hell's Kitchen. That was our destination the first night in Las Vegas!
Bill and Diane follow Gordon Ramseys adventures closely, and encouraged us to join them for dinner at Hell's Kitchen. The setting was astounding, and the food very good. We found the service to be over-the-top, with echelons of servers waiting to bring dishes to the table and whisk away the "debris"!
The kitchen is open to the dining room, as it is on the television program, so we were able to watch the chefs prepare dishes, servers pick them up, and complaints and/or compliments delivered to the staff. Great Fun, and a completely enjoyable experience!
After a repast of Crispy Skin Salmon, New York strip steak, baked macaroni and cheese, and potato gratin, preceded by a half dozen oysters on the half shell, and followed by the signature dessert Sticky Toffee Pudding, we requested that our server Luis take a photo of the four of us. I'm kinda surprised that we were able to stand upright after that meal!
We finished our evening with a trip to the top of the "Strat" to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the city lights.
Our second day/night (it's hard to tell) was spent at two extraordinary venues. Our first stop was at another of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants, BurGR, where we ordered a couple of the most off-ta-wall burgers every seen on Planet Earth (no...it's in Planet Hollywood).
Behold: The Hog Burger!
With Pork and Bacon and BBQ pork, vintage white cheddar and pickles with crisp onion and slaw. Wow!
An order of Poutine added some much needed carbohydrates (hysterical laughter...)
And a shared Hell's Kitchen Burger, with Asadero cheese, roasted jalapeños, avocado, and oven roasted tomatoes. OMG!
The Beer Battered Maui Onion Rings were lightly dusted with Parmigiano-reggiano, and came with chipotle ketchup and cheddar ranch dip. Here we go again with the carbs...
A short distance down the Strip we came across the Bellagio. This first class resort casino is a world class event center as well as being one of the most spectacular facilities in Las Vegas, and is known for its awesome choreographed fountain that greets visitors as well.
Cirque Du Soleil has several productions going in Las Vegas, but again thanks to Bill and Diane, we scored front row seats for "O" at the Bellagio. Of course, photography is prohibited during the performance, but please know that it is a unique and wonderful experience to enjoy. Part of the appeal is the head scratching that is required as the watcher tries to figure out "How Do They Do That?"
A visit to the Conservatory at the Bellagio is required for any visitor. At the time of our visit, the displays celebrated Chinese New Year, the Year of the Pig with much red and gold.
And the best exhibit of all....Donna and Diane!
A last look at the Bright Lights that are so famous the world over, with a near full moon presiding over Planet Hollywood.
Our rv site at Circus Circus was spectacular for not being spectacular. Basically a parking lot, it was nevertheless perfectly adequate with good utilities and a great location. Ignoring the handful of derelict buses and rvs scattered about was easy, particularly when you've been up most of the night!
We're not done yet! Don't go away!
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