What This Blog Needs Is Some Food - Part 1

Since I haven't given a lot of details of the meals we've eaten (girl needs to keep her strength up, you know), I thought I'd give a brief run-down of some of the food highlights of the trip so far.

There are lots of places to eat in Boulder, but the two of note that we visited this time were The Sink and Arugula.  Two very different eateries.  The Sink is a "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" find as well as an "Obama Ate Here" place (he signed the wall).  A college dive, the food was pretty good.  I had the grass-raised burger, which was still juicy and flavourful despite coming medium instead of medium-rare (as I'd ordered it).  (No, I could not send it back; I mean c'mon, it's a college hang-out.  Plus, our waitress didn't charge me for my first beer because she'd recommended a beer they didn't have that night).  Artery clogging, sure, but a good version of that when you're in the mood for it.

Arugula is in a strip mall (which seems to be a trend...) but serves well-crafted food.  I had the special pasta - housemade fettucine with braised rabbit in a light cream-based sauce featuring a local cheese.  My only suggestion would be to use pappadelle, which stands up better to a substantial sauce.

Vegas Lost and Found

We renewed our search for the Catholic Charities thrift store Wednesday and were rewarded with a few goodies like this great glass drinks tray with matching coasters.   I also overheard the following, which I found hysterical:  "Let's go to the Mormons, they're cheaper."

The ladyfriend's sister and brother-in-law booked a night for us at The Paris Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip.  It's been about ten years since we'd last been on the strip, and let me say, it is far different from the last time we were there.  We should've known since the sign from the hotel we stayed at last time, the Stardust, was on display at the Neon Museum.

"Paris" in the rain

I also realized that gambling kind of bores me although I'm thinking that if we can make a game like Settlers of Catan a gambling game, that might work for me (nerd alert!).  I can sit at the video poker machine for a little bit, lose some money, make it back, and then be done with it.  Quite honestly, the casinos lacked glamour.  I know, it's not the '50s and the Rat Pack is long gone but can't people just try a little harder than khaki shorts, beer bongs, and flip flops? Demanding, I know.  Yes, if I were a high roller (which I am only in my mind), I could play with the fancy pants.  Maybe next time I'll try to figure out some of the table games.

Bright Lights, Big City

What's more Vegas than neon?  After a wild goose chase to find the Catholic Charities Thrift Store (we'll get there tomorrow), we made it to our tour of the Neon Museum aka the Boneyard.  I'd have to say it's a must for any visit to Las Vegas.  A nonprofit museum, they're keeping the legacy of the neon signs we associate with Las Vegas alive.  LEDs are no substitute for neon.

My Exciting Life

I've been in the midst of updating the blog with a post about our trip to Boulder, Colorado, but my life is so exciting.

The view from my plane window yesterday:

From the bus that took us back to the terminal.  See the flat tire?

But I have to say, Southwest Air took care of us.  I'd already decided I'd fly them whenever possible (two bags free!), and I'm really sold now.

I must be lucky, which is great because I'm in Vegas now.