Saturday, April 11, 2015

Before I woke Patrick got a latte grande ($6.78) at 6:51 AM from the Starbucks in the Vdara lobby from server Jheremy J. We checked in at the pool for our lounge chair reservation—all went well. We taxied to Fashion Show and breakfasted at table 61 at Cafe at Monte Carlo (3770 Las Vegas Blvd South): we shared two coffees ($3.00 each), one order of steel cut oats ($7.99), and one southwest scramble ($12.99) for a total of $34.17 after a $5 tip. Food and service by Rebecca B were excellent. As we left I told Patrick that we'll never find that place again because the name of the place is Cafe; we'd be asking people to point us to the cafe next the casino floor near the buffet—this description probably fits at least a dozen or two places. Shopping in Fashion Show: Patrick bought a five-pack of dress socks at Topman ($27.03 total), I bought a blue belt trimmed with teal (SP15 Grady Belt - Dress, originally $55, on sale 40% off, $35.67 after discount and tax) at Penguin by Munsingwear, Patrick bought a pair of underwear ($14.40) and a red Penguin logo t-shirt ($35.00) at Penguin by Munsingwear, and I bought green corduroy jeans ($14.99) and a mostly gray lightweight knit hoodie ($19.97 after a 50% off discount) at Abercrombie. Taxi return to Vdara. Sunbathing at the pool. There was a mixup in the lounge chair reservation; someone else had taken our chairs and the Vdara pool staffmember was unable to resolve the issue because they were away from their chairs and could not be identified. They were very apologetic and offered us a nearby daybed at no charge, including a fresh fruit plate, water, and kiwi coolers—very nice. After an hour or so we returned to the room. Shower. Late lunch at Palio: we shared a double bacon sandwich ($11.95), orzo salad ($4.75), a chocolate macaron ($2.00), mineral water ($5.50), an orangina ($4.50). We returned to the room. Nap. Taxi to the Venetian: $17 after tip. Dinner at Daniel Boulud's db Brasserie with Patrick: beet salad and sparkling water to share, Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône for Patrick, coq au vin for Patrick, duck confit for me, espresso for Patrick, americano for me. Dessert was caramel chocolate fondant (warm flourless cake) with coffee caramel gelato. Food and service by Robert F were excellent. Afterwards at Sands Showroom in The Venetian we saw Lipschtick presents Roseanne Barr, open by Jackie Fabulous, in section SEC2, row E, seats 44 and 45, $69.50 each. Both performers were very funny. Afterwards we discovered too long of a line for a taxi so we walked to Vdara stopping briefly to watch the Bellagio fountain. To bed late.