Lucky So-n-So's mostly annual Las Vegas Christmas Trip Food Extravaganza

I've been going to Vegas almost annually for Christmas for about the last 10-12 years (missed COVID years and last year). I don't go to gamble. I go to see shows and eat some amazing food. This year was going to be a challenge as I have been on Ozempic and have lost over 50 pounds, so I can't eat as much or as often, but I still had a few items I wanted to check off the list. So here goes. First of all, a few restaurants I wanted to hit but didn't because I just could not have drank or eaten enough to justify the cost were:
1.) Oscar's Steakhouse (had a reservation, but was really not feeling well, so I had to cut my visit downtown short and head back to the hotel.

2.) Wicked Spoon. I just wouldn't be able to eat much at a buffet anymore.

3.) Pizza Rock/Evel Pie. Like above, I was feeling terrible that day, so I didn't make it downtown in time to wander over to one of these places.

4.) Village Pub @ Ellis Island. Just didn't make it over there.

Day One:

Peter Luger's

I got the "Power Lunch" for $49.95 which is as follows:



You get an app, main, side, and dessert.

It cost extra for a steak or the bacon app. Also extra for bacon/cheese on the burger.

Since I had not had a burger in 4 months and because I knew I was going to be eating steak later in the trip, I chose the Burger with bacon and cheese, the tomato/onion salad, fries, and the sundae for dessert. I also had a glass of Pinot Noir for $25 (which was outstanding--Funky Jory was the name, I believe).

It was all delicious. One of the best burgers I've ever had. Juicy, flavorful. Soft bun. That good thick Peter Luger's bacon. The tomato/onion was a little unremarkable, but was good with the Luger's sauce (would have been better with honey mustard, but I digress ). The fries were great too (once again...no honey mustard ). The Sundae was a perfect end to a great lunch.







Bill: $110 with tip.


That meal was enough for me for the rest of the day. Went to see Lucy Darling with Sarah Hester Ross at MGM later that night.

Day Two:

Breakfast. Hash House a Go Go. (Don't care to hear from the haters. I love this place, and it was also a 3 minute walk from my room in The Linq). I had ANDY’S SAGE FRIED CHICKEN & EGGS
w/ syrup reduction, 2 eggs, bacon, sliced tomatoes, griddled mashed potatoes, biscuit and fresh fruit garnish with coffee. I wanted a Bloody Mary, but just wasn't feeling $30 for one.

This dish was banging. The chicken was tender and flavorful. The potatoes were full of garlic-y goodness. The biscuit and gravy were as good as any I've had in the South. Eggs were perfect over easy. $35



Dinner: Herbs & Rye
I've seen a lot of Vegas Youtubers give this place a great review, so I decided to check it out. It's a little bit of a ride from the Strip, but not crazy far. Had a 5:30 res. and got in just before it started raining (first time I've ever seen rain in Vegas while I was there in 25 years.) My waitress Gabby was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. There is an extensive drink menu that has cocktails from the 1700s all the way through present day. I chose the 1922 "Blood and Sand" named after the Rudolph Valentino movie. It comes with Scotch, Luxardo Cherry, Sweet Vermouth, and orange peel (which the waiter expressed and "flamed" before putting it in the drink). I substituted Bulleit bourbon for the Scotch. This was an amazing drink. Delicious and strong.



I got a traditional Caprese salad (one of the best I've ever had. beautifully presented); Gabby suggested the carpaccio, so I got that as my app. For my main, i wanted pasta, so I got the Lobster Pappardelle. Got Creme Brulee for dessert.




Carpaccio.Sliced Beef, Capers, Balsamic Glaze, Cherry Pepper Aioli, Arugula, Truffle Vinaigrette, Parmesan (not my pic, but it looked exactly like this) This was so flavorful I couldn't help but eat all of it. Tried to stop, but couldn't!


Lobster Pappardelle. Haven't had a good pasta dish in months, so I was immediately drawn to this. Pappardelle, Butter Poached Lobster, Creamy Lobster Sauce, Parmesan, Lemon Zest. Oh man, was this amazing. The sauce was velvet. Lobster was sweet (if maybe a touch chewy).



Creme Brulee. I mean...what can you say about creme brulee? It was good. Perfect ending to this calorie fest. This dessert is not life changing even at its best, but that's all I could eat at the moment.

$150 ish after tip. had a glass of wine that I didn't finish because it wasn't that great. Was able to make it to MGM for the Tape Face show that night.



Day 3: (bad day)

Breakfast: Hash House a Go Go (once again...3 minute walk)
Not that hungry, so I got 2 eggs, pancake, sausage links, and coffee. The pancake was as big as my head. The sausages were as big as my...um, nevermind. Coffee. Good solid breakfast. $30.



Lunch: Secret Pizza. (The Cosmopolitan) Slice of Pepperoni/Sausage and Slice of Mushroom. Stella Artois. Have heard about this place for years. Was on this side of the strip farting around so decided to check it out. Delicious pizza, even if it is a little greasy. Just throw some grated parm on there so soak it up. The slices were large and full of toppings. Cheese and sauce were on point. Would eat again. $34.75 with tip.



Headed down to the Chandelier Bar to have a drink. Last time I was there, I got a drink called the "Smooth Operator" because Sade is my favorite singer of all time (I'll admit it was a bit girly, but I resisted the urge to go shoe shopping afterward ). So, this time, they had a drink called "Lover's Rock", also named after a Sade song, so I went with that. It contained: Volcan Reposado Tequila, Magloire Calvados, Benedictine, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Lemon, Strawberry, Fever Tree Cucumber Tonic, Cucumber Slice.
Tasted like complete arse. Horrible. Almost vomit inducing. But @ $23, I Soldier (of Love)ed through it (<---see what I did there?), then got a Stella to wash the nasty taste down.

The Chandelier Bar is a great place to hang out and people watch, or doomscroll/rage post (as the case may be).



Had reservation at Oscar's later that night, but couldn't make it. Turned in early.