10 guilty pleasures to enjoy in Las Vegas!

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, Dec, 2004 by Jorge Ferraez

Next time you want to indulge yourself, think of Las Vegas. More than ever, this incredible place is becoming THE PLACE for those who want to eat well, drink well, have a good time shopping, get entertained by shows and the nightlife and even get a nice SPA treatment. If you haven't been there in the last ten years, or ever, you definitely have been missing a very important place in the world. Some say it's like Disneyland for grown-ups, with hundreds of things to do and visit besides gambling. Here are ten ways you can truly indulge yourself:

1. Have a Glass of Wine!

According to Bob Bigelow, Director of wine for The Bellagio Hotel, wine has become a serious business in Vegas. He's expecting to sell $35 million just in wine alone for his hotel this year, and plans to sell $40 million in 2005. "I just can't get enough Bordeaux 1982 for our Asian guests. We can sell 10 bottles of Cheval Blanc 47 in a month easily". Bigelow, who grew up surrounded by wine, was first shocked by a glass of 1961 Margaux when he was ten; since then, wine has been his passion. Wine prices, relatively affordable because of the purchasing power of the Hotel, make this one a fabulous place to enjoy any kind of wine you want: from an 82 Petrus for $7,000, to a Don Melchor 2000 or a nice Pesquera 1998. Besides Bigelow, The Bellagio has 3 other Master Sommeliers, which means that they do something that no other Hotel or Restaurant can afford. So, if you like wine, by the bottle or the glass, The Bellagio in Las Vegas is the right place to be.

2. The evolution of the Buffet ...

There was a time when Las Vegas was famous for its vast (and cheap) buffets. But those days are probably over. Cravings, the new Buffet concept at The Mirage Hotel, is something definitely worth a try, not only because of its gorgeous, color stripes themed decoration, but also because of the concept of small quantities of food, offered in separate islands surrounding the dinning room instead of the old centered buffet island. The variety of food goes from Enchiladas to Roast Beef, with appetizers like Seafood Gumbo, Sushi or even a sophisticated, make-your-own salad concept. If you have the patience to walk around before you decide on your first serving, you'll also find a terrific Chinese food section, a Pizza bar and even an Hors d'ouvres island. Desserts are well worth saving space for. Unfortunately, the delicious Chocolate mousse and Creme caramel are too often left behind by the patrons because of their full stomachs.

3. I'm talking serious Mexican cuisine!

Have you ever seen a list of more than 100 different tequilas? Have you ever discussed that list with the only Tequila Sommelier in the US, right at your table? Have you ever tasted Mole Poblano, Cerdo en Pipian and Rosarito Style Lobster Tacos with an impeccable Mexican haut-cuisine taste? If you haven't, the right place to go is at the Treasure Island Hotel, in a restaurant called ISLA. Don't expect a traditional Hacienda-like decoration, but a real Mexico City Inspired contemporary deco with a touch of sophistication, not only in the looks but in the menu as well. They have more Tequilas (only 100% Agave, sorry!) that you ever imagined it existed, served with real Sangrita and a wide variety of freshly made Avocado Guacamole ... straight up! Senor, as it should be! Delicious real Mexican dishes, and a Dessert list to really think about: real Churros dipped in Mango chutney and Cajeta, and of course, a decent wine list with wines that pair magnificently with Mexican, spicy, and hearty salsa dishes, such as a superb Flor de Pingus, Ribera del Duero 2001.

4. Drinks at Tangerine, not just for the view!

Of course the view is magnificent at this current show of the Treasure Island hotel, where male pirates battle some sexy "pirattes" from opposing ships in an experience that includes a magnificent firework final scene, but so is the fabulous cocktail list, which includes all you can imagine in citrus and Tangerine-inspired drinks. We're talking about a very nicely located terrace, with an urban style bar perfect for an after dinner drink or a pre-dinner cocktail. Try one of the many Vodka inspired Tangerine cocktails; you'll sip it all the way down, then you'll shout for another one. Tangerine is definitely a perfect spot for an evening pause and for some relaxation with a delicious and indulgent variety of drinks to try.

5. Pamper your face!

Particularly for men, the face is something we never take really good care of. The place to go to do something about it? The MGM Grand Spa. Not only is the place magnificent in size and ambiance, but the variety of treatments they offer is also grand! Energizing Copper Facial, Farfango with exfoliation, Mud therapy wraps, Soothe the Sole foot massage (for that other part we often neglect--our feet--) are among the list of complete treatments that allow you to spend some time in the Spa for that Steam bath or a relaxing Jacuzzi soak you've always wished for. A facial therapy that allows you to have a cleansing, exfoliating massage in your face and neck is a well-kept secret that every man should try once in a while. The place is filled with aromatherapy fragrances, dimmed light and calming Zen music that relaxes you so deeply that you don't want to leave the room. After this experience, your face will say "Thank you! I was long overdue for a treat like this".