Skip to Content

The Third Time’s the Charm: Las Vegas, Nevada

As a travel writer, I was dreading my next trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. This shouldn’t be the case since I am in love with travel, but I now realize Las Vegas is like an acquired tasted. One that is unlikely to be enjoyed by a person who has not had substantial exposure to it, usually because of some unfamiliar aspect of the city. It is like being in New York, Venice, Paris, Monte Carlo, and Treasure Island all at once and yet, nothing like those places at all.  It feels like an empty image of those places. So finally, the third time is the charm.  I finally “get” Las Vegas.

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

This time going to Las Vegas, I was on my own, going where I wanted to and when I wanted to. Sometimes I have to be selfish just to do what I like. I had no schedule, no time limits, just me doing what I want to do. And finally going when I wasn’t am exhausted!

The Strip of Las Vegas

I started at one end of ‘The Strip” near Mandalay Bay, as this was where I stayed last time when I was here on that amazing Expedia.ca deal. It is a lovely hotel, so I knew it was a good starting point. From there, I made my way over to the connecting Luxor.  Now, this is where it started to get interesting.

The Luxor, Las Vegas, NV


The Luxor is a sight to see with its’ gleaming Pyramid and Statue of the Sphinx.


The Luxor, Las Vegas, NV

The Luxor, Las Vegas, NV

I have never been to Egypt (yet), and I am sure there is no comparison, but for a man-made structure, this place is incredible!  You must visit, at least once, I mean, when was the last time you had lunch inside a pyramid?!

The Luxor, Las Vegas, NV

The Luxor, Las Vegas, NV

Tacos & Tequila

I ate at Tacos & Tequila, which is on the second floor and from the lobby, if you look up from the check-in desk, you cannot miss it, as it looks to me like a rendition of the Mexican Tin Star Lanterns that I have been fascinated with for years, but in a GIANT, life-sized version! Just like everything else in Vegas.

Mexican Star Lantern

Mexican Star Lantern

The waitress Nicky, told me that it is actually made to look like a giant sombrero from downstairs. They offer a wonderful selection of tequilas, tacos, burritos, and pretty much anything that goes along with that:  rice, beans, chips & salsa, guacamole, etc.

T48 hours in Vegas, two days in Vegas, weekend in Vegas, Las Vegas itinerary, How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas, The ultimate weekend in Las Vegas, #LasVegas #Nevada #Gambling

The inside is beautiful with a huge photo of a Spanish dancer in a red dress inlaid into the wall.  Her name is Maria and she used to work at Tacos & Tequila when a photographer got ahold of a great spin she did with that blood-red Spanish dress!  The dress and the photo are fascinating.


I ordered a dish of shrimp tacos, rice, and beans.

48 hours in Vegas, two days in Vegas, weekend in Vegas, Las Vegas itinerary, How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas, The ultimate weekend in Las Vegas, #LasVegas #Nevada #Gambling

This place is fascinating, so make sure you don’t miss it when you visit  Las Vegas.

48 hours in Vegas, two days in Vegas, weekend in Vegas, Las Vegas itinerary, How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas, The ultimate weekend in Las Vegas, #LasVegas #Nevada #Gambling


Once out of the Luxor, I headed via the overpass to Excalibur and made my way down to THE STRIP.  The Mandalay Bay, the Luxor, and the Excalibur are all connected by their own Monorail system and it is easy to get back and forth among these hotels, however, the other hotels on the strip are a bit harder to get to from here (a lot of walking).

Here are a few photos from that walk:

48 hours in Vegas, two days in Vegas, weekend in Vegas, Las Vegas itinerary, How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas, The ultimate weekend in Las Vegas, #LasVegas #Nevada #Gambling

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Hard Rock, Las Vegas, NV

Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood

From here I had to make my way back to the Luxor, as I had dinner reservations at Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, where I would be meeting my husband after a day of seeing the Las Vegas sights on my own.

48 hours in Vegas, two days in Vegas, weekend in Vegas, Las Vegas itinerary, How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas, The ultimate weekend in Las Vegas, #LasVegas #Nevada #Gambling

This is one of those old-school steakhouses, the kind that makes you happy that you are finally off the strip and into a cozy place that is quiet and upscale.  The service was impeccable and the food the same.

48 hours in Vegas, two days in Vegas, weekend in Vegas, Las Vegas itinerary, How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas, The ultimate weekend in Las Vegas, #LasVegas #Nevada #Gambling

I ordered this amazing piece of beef (I am from Texas, you know? no vegetarian here) that was a grass-fed beef from New Zealand. The taste was delicious and even the chef came out to say hello, which was a special treat!

48 hours in Vegas, two days in Vegas, weekend in Vegas, Las Vegas itinerary, How to spend 2 days in Las Vegas, The ultimate weekend in Las Vegas, #LasVegas #Nevada #Gambling

My husband ordered a different piece of beef, a Japanese Kobe beef with heirloom tomatoes that was wonderful as well.  For starters, we had oysters on the half shell and lobster bisque.

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

They also delivered a cheese tray for an extra special treat!

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, The Luxor, Las Vegas, NV

So to say the least, at this point we were stuffed, but, of course, we couldn’t pass up the delicious dessert!  I had Grandma’s Chocolate Mousse Cake and he had Crème Brûlée.

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, The Luxor, Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

Tender Steakhouse and Seafood, Las Vegas, NV

It was a wonderful evening of relaxing and unwinding in a city that can sometimes get you all wound up! This time, for the first time, I liked Vegas!

Disclosure:  My meals at Tacos&Tequila and Tender Steakhouse and Seafood were provided by Luxor PR.  As always, the opinions expressed here are my own.

Recommended Reading about Las Vegas:

10 Kid-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samantha

Sunday 10th of November 2013

I enjoyed your photos and reviews of a few restaurants here in Vegas that I have yet to try.

Next time you come this way, you may want to try the Cosmopolitan if you haven't already. I'm not big on the Strip but I do really like both the rooms and the dining options there. Seems like the Cosmo may be more up your alley!

Cacinda Maloney

Monday 11th of November 2013

I have yet to master Las Vegas and any recommendation is welcomed. It is so huge I could stay there a week and not do it all! Thanks!

Marcia

Thursday 7th of November 2013

Maybe one day I'll go to Vegas but for the time being, I'll visit the places it's made to remind one of. It's definitely an acquired taste. Sounds like the food was just as larger than life as the town itself (and making me hungry as I haven't had breakfast yet). I'm sure I'd love Tacos & Tequila. Thanks for linking up this week, Cacinda!

Cacinda Maloney

Thursday 7th of November 2013

One acquired taste it was! It takes a bit to get warmed up to it, but the food was excellent!

Mike

Wednesday 6th of November 2013

Hi Cacinda! I used to travel to Vegas virtually every other weekend from Reno. My wife at the time lived there. So, we definitely explored just about every nook and cranny there. I absolutely loved all the food dishes you posted pictures of. I would like to try one of each please! :)

Cacinda Maloney

Wednesday 6th of November 2013

Wow Mike, for me, it has taken a little while to get warmed up to the idea of Vegas, but now I am beginning to "get it" and ready to go back for more!

Michelle

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

I've only been to Vegas a few times, but the food is always amazing! Thanks for following on Twitter...I thought your blog looked interesting so I popped over to visit. I'll definitely be back!

Cacinda Maloney

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

I was wondering why no one comments on my blog! ha! Yes the food in VEGAS is amazing!!

Comments are closed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.