Viva Las Vegas

I love Vegas. My wife loves Vegas.

It’s where we honeymooned in 2000 -- at the year-old Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. It’s where she ran the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & Half Marathon three years ago (she did the half). And it’s where we were last week for the first time since December 2010.

Erica and I at the Aria Resort and Casino with the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in the background

This time, the highlight was Erica’s parents, whom we’ve traveled with to Sin City and elsewhere across the country. They were married Dec. 8, 1963, and wanted to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. What better place then Vegas, where they’ve been going since 1969 (and were lucky enough to see Frank Sinatra and the original Rat Pack)? None of us had been to church there, so we went to afternoon mass at Guardian Angel Cathedral, where they were recognized.

Erica’s parents at mass, where they were recognized for their 50th wedding anniversary

Of course, even with a full week, the days go by quickly. The great thing is that a lot of it wasn’t spent in lines. Whether it was restaurants, shows, taxis -- even the airport -- early December is a prime time to go. Not as many tourists and events, though the National Finals Rodeo was beginning the day we left.

For me, besides hanging with the family, Vegas is all about gambling, food, beer and more food. I’m not a high roller by any stretch, but as long as we won enough to pay for the cabs, buffets and drinks, life is good. There was craft beer at several locations, including Sin City Brewing Co., Ellis Island Casino and Microbrewery, the Todd English P.U.B. at Aria and The Pub at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. The food was exceptional and extravagant, such as this six-layer carrot cake from Serendipity 3.

Erica ordered it, I had some, and sadly, much went to waste (and waist)

We didn’t take in any shows but did make an appearance at Gold and Silver Pawn, home of “Pawn Stars” on The History Channel. It was a week for filming, though not while we popped in. Mom actually sold a couple silver items, while Dad didn’t have any luck with the items he brought. And, of course, there had to be photos.

Erica’s parents outside Gold and Silver Pawn

Before closing, I have to give a tremendous shout out to Grouchy John’s Coffee. With Erica having become a bit of a coffee snob over the years, I searched for a coffee shop outside of Starbucks and The Strip. Did I hit the jackpot!

Arriving by taxi to the cafe eight miles from our hotel, we spent about an hour at Grouchy John’s taking in the calm away from The Strip and indulging in pumpkin spice and Nutella lattes. During this time, we also got to know the co-owners -- JJ and his wife, Amy (“Grouchy John,” whom I contacted prior to our trip, was already gone for the day).

The couple was incredibly gracious, offering off-the-beaten-path dinner recommendations and even a ride to our restaurant of choice! You’d never get THAT kind of service and attention at Starbucks!! Needless to say, we loved it there and will be back again!

Erica enjoying a big cup of coffee in her new Grouchy John's mug

Well, what happened this time in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas -- fortunately nothing I’ll regret later on Facebook or the Internet. Now, time to catch up on the wash and something else coming up next week for Erica and I -- jury duty (again)!

Til the next time...