Tuesday, November 27, 2012

THANKSGIVING IN VEGAS…. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOOD!



We dash across Arizona and stop in Nevada at Lake Mead.  We get a spot right on the lake at the LakeMead RV Village. This is a full hook-up park in the National Recreation area with limited WIFI and stunning views.  It’s the perfect place to sit in the sun and just chill with no agenda or pressing engagements.

For Thanksgiving dinner we research the plethora of dining options and ultimately make a reservation at the Fix at the Bellagio.  We are so NOT disappointed.  We start off with a yellowtail sashimi appetizer and a couple of glasses of Chandon.  The thin slices of fresh seafood are topped with jalapenos, cilantro and a drizzle of yuzu.  (YUM)  We opt for the traditional turkey dinner, which is tradition on steroids. The plates are loaded with dark meat comfit and piled high with thick slices of perfectly prepared white meat; a cibatta stuffing and giblet gravy complete the plates. The accompanying sides of: garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato puree and Brussels sprouts braised in bacon are simply wonderful. We enjoy glasses of pinot noir and linger over dinner.  Desert is a lovely bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream.  We top off the meal with espresso martinis.  All in all this is one of the best thanksgiving meals we can remember.  There are also enough leftovers to bring home and we feast on fat turkey sandwiches with all the “fixins” the next day.
 
We avoid black Friday and spend the day hanging out by the lake.  But on Saturday we venture out and do a little shopping.  We pick up some low voltage connectors at the Bass Pro Shop and we stop at Camping World to get some replacement tire sensors for Dimples.  After this boring fixit shopping we head to the Town Square and enjoy some real retail therapy.  

After all this urban hiking, we are parched and hungry.  The last time we were in Vegas, we enjoyed a great meal at Texas deBrazil so we head over and arrived about 45 minutes before they open for dinner.  However, the bar is open so we opt to rest our weary shoppers feet and enjoy some adult beverages.  The pours are generous and we sip and talk until our table is ready.  Texas de Brazil has a unique twist on the buffet.  We start at the salad bar, which is loaded with every imaginable topping – we’re talking prosciutto, hearts of palm, salmon, roasted veggies and on and on… taking only one small portion of most – we end up with overflowing plates that look like platters of antipasti for a family feast.  Once reseated, handsome young men with swords of skewered meats stop by our table to slice off tender portions of roasted beef, pork, chicken, lamb and sausages.  Our favorites are the roasted lamb and the lamb chops. (The chops are simply to die for!) Our server Thiago and his assistant Suelen are attentive and keep our wine and water glasses filed.  We enjoy talking to them.  The General manager, David Parra stops by our table a couple of times and we enjoy his easy nature and gracious brand of hospitality.  Dave and Dimples tip: stop by Texas de Brazil at the Town Square center next time you’re in Las Vegas, and enjoy a truly tasty experience.

Somehow this week lends itself to just relaxing and doing very little. Our friend Brandy Erickson, (resident of Las Vegas with the distinction of being a Milliner for Cirque de Soleil) rides out to Lake Mead on her Harley. She brings us a bottle Almond Champagne that we share while admiring the views.  We have a great time catching up.  We also meet up with her on Fremont Street another day and have fun hanging out. This reminds us of how much we really do miss our friends.

Our next destination is Death Valley, and having first hand experience as to the lack of decent foraging in most national parks, we stop in Boulder City at the City Market. Their butcher shop reminds us of Taylor’s back in Sacramento. So we stock up, and get ready for some more warm weather adventures.

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