When we go on vacation each of us makes an itinerary. Some people have very detailed ones, while others have loosely scheduled events or a list of things to do or places to see. John and I learned years ago that I am more of a “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of tourist and he needs a day by day itinerary. When we go on vacation, once the destination is chosen, I will give him a list of things/places I’d like to experience, and he takes care of the rest. It works out great for us. He feels like he is in control and I feel like I am going with the flow.

When you live in a tourist city, like Vegas, San Francisco, New York, New Orleans, what do you do? Do you ever really take time to be a tourist in your own city, or do you eschew all of that unless friends or family come into town? Have you ever acted like a tourist in your own city for more than an afternoon? When Jack was younger, if he had the day off from school, he and I would go play tourist in Vegas for the day. See the Lions at MGM (gone now), drink all the different Coke products from around the world (gone now), visit the Bellagio and check out the conservatory’s seasonal floral display, and all the other free and cheap things we could fit into one day. But until recently I have never had the opportunity to really play tourist in my own town.

A couple of weeks ago, John’s pro org came to town for their fall conference. Because he is the President, he was required to be on premises for the whole thing and consequently we had a suite for the duration. We stayed at Caesar’s Palace, and while we didn’t have the Hangover Suite, the one we had was pretty sweet (no pun intended). We “moved in” and as he did all the official stuff he HAD to do, I took a more relaxed approach and walked my city’s main thoroughfare at odd times, acted like a tourist and showed a friend a good time. They also gave us access to the Diamond Level stuff, including free snacks (they sucked, except for the cheese straws) and cocktails in the Diamond Lounge, which I was happy to take advantage of as often as possible. In the evenings we had scheduled events to attend together, but the days were mine to enjoy as I wished, so enjoy them I did.

Did you know walking on The Strip early in the morning in search of breakfast is really nice? There is almost no one around; no crowds and the city looks freshly scrubbed (except for the call service flyers on the ground). I had always believed my favorite time on the strip was dusk when it is dark enough to enjoy all the neon, but light enough to see everything else. I think I have a new favorite – early morning (before 10 a.m.).

I also learned that finding a simple, cheap breakfast (Moment of Truth – breakfast is EASY – it should be cheap) in the heart of The Strip is damn near impossible, but I did eat a few good things and I had some tasty Bloody Marys (love the one at Michel Richard’s Central and the one at Serendipity). While the choices for lunch are vast and impressive, I found while acting as a tourist I didn’t really want lunch, I was more content to wait for happy hour or dinner time. Because neither Friend Dena nor I gamble much, we relegated ourselves to shopping, drinking, chatting and eating. Days consisted of looking for shoes and snacking our way up the strip.

Here’s a partial list of tasty things I ate and drank:
• The Bloody Marys mentioned above
• Gougeres or Cheese Puffs at Michel Richard Central
• Excellent Cask Beer & good charcuterie (Sierra Nevada Torpedo) at Public House
• Creamy, delicious oysters at PJ Clarke’s during Happy Hour (great deal!)
• A fried poached egg (yes, really) on a nontraditional Benedict at Serendipity
• Delicious sushi at Sushi Roku with friends – I think the camaraderie at the table made the meal even more enjoyable!

I encourage you to make a tourist out of yourself in YOUR city, however humble, and check out what visitors see.

Food memories this past week consist of a fun Election Night Soup Buffet with friends, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies (trying to lose some tonnage).

Ricotta Donuts at Public House

Truth on a beer glass

Dena & I at PJ Clarke’s

Those lovely oysters mentioned above

Until next time, go out and make your OWN Food Memories.