The best laid plans of mice and whoever – we didn’t go to the Paris. I was ready to leave the city but I wanted to go to that café. When we left the Luxor – a hotel where we will never return – we saw a lot of traffic on the Strip. They are, for a change, constructing and so many lanes are closed. I looked at that and decided to leave the city. I had been asked to review some out-of-the way places in Las Vegas so we decided to look for a place for breakfast. Bonnie took out Jack (our name for our GPS) and found a place called the Original Sunrise Café. We hoped that the place still existed and that it really was a restaurant. If you are one who has read my travels before, you will know that Jack is not always accurate but that was not the case today. We were directed to a mini-mall and there was a small restaurant with people sitting outside and enough people on the inside as well for us to take a chance.
The Original Sunrise Café has no ambiance but it doesn’t need it. They were voted one of the healthiest restaurants in Las Vegas. Don’t think this is health food place because it isn’t. However, they offer healthier choices. That doesn’t mean we chose the healthy way. Bonnie had The Original which is a sandwich on a Kaiser roll. Cut the roll. Put one egg fried with the yolk broken hard. Top that with American cheese, although she had a choice of maybe 6 different cheeses. A sausage patty topped with another egg and another American cheese and topped off with the top of a very good Kaiser roll. She loved it! This came with quite good shredded potatoes. I had the Complete Breakfast with two basted eggs done perfectly, Canadian bacon, the non-greasy shredded potatoes and a toasted Sesame seed bagel with cream cheese. I was given a choice of bacon, Canadian bacon, or sausage. I was also given the choice of potatoes or fruit. The coffee was also excellent.
The Original Sunrise Café doesn’t look like much but it is really a very good place for breakfast and probably other meals as well. This very unassuming restaurant is located at 8975 S. Eastern Ave in Las Vegas, the actual city rather than the strip. In fact there was not one slot machine in the place. Our bill, including tax, came to a little over $20. It is south of the city which makes it somewhat, but not really, on the way. Use a GPS or mapquest or google maps and remember that it is in a mini-mall. This was a great way to end our over-eating trip.
I was so satisfied that I drove all the way home without stopping which is unusual for me. I am glad to be home and will especially like going to sleep in my comfortable bed.
Showing posts with label Las Vegas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Las Vegas. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Las Vegas – September, 2009 (3)
This morning we didn’t leave until a little later and we drove to the Rio. Even though we had vowed not to eat any buffets ever again in our lives – we are prone to making those type of impossible for us statements – we couldn’t pass up the one at the Rio. Much of that has to do with price. Another part is that I like to eat a little bit of a lot of different foods. Unfortunately, I do eat a little bit of much too many different foods. We got there just after breakfast so we had to pay the lunch price of $16.95. Before I even go on, let me say that this is an amazing buffet for that price and, if you like large buffets with very good food, the Rio is the place to go.
There are 11 different food stations serving ethnic and American food. They were carving roast beef (too well done for my taste) and ham. I did what I usually do when entering a buffet – I cruise through the situation to decide what I want to eat first. Lo and behold there was lox and both onion and smoked salmon cream cheese. But where was the bagel? I put the lox and cream cheese on my plate and went looking for the bagel. Then I asked and she said that breakfast was over. I replied that I had lox and cream cheese but nothing to put it on. She went to look for a bagel and told me they were all gone. I found that weird. I did put it on a small roll and that worked.
I also had sushi which was very good. They were making this Japanese dish (I forgot what it is called) where you put all the vegetables into a bowl and the meat as well and then they stir fry it. It looked very good but I didn’t get it. I did have a delicious sweet potato dish and some excellent mushroom rice. Carbs, anyone? They had many different kinds of sausages that Bonnie really liked. I was more careful this time and didn’t really overeat but I ate enough. There was also an excellent salad bar with many different salads. Since I didn’t want to overeat, I skipped the salads.
For dessert I had no sugar added chocolate gelato that was wonderful. We also liked the cookies. There was an array of pies and cakes ( some sugar free), bananas foster and so much more. If you want to go to one buffet that doesn’t cost a fortune and is very good, this is the place.
The Rio may have a wonderful buffet but the gambling left a lot to be desired. I lost again. This has not been a profitable trip for me. Well, there is always tomorrow.
I went back to the hotel and again went to the pool area to relax. Again I enjoyed it and Bonnie joined me a little later. We were not hungry at all before the show so we decided to wait to eat until after it. Criss Angel is quite a performer. He teamed up with a group from Cirque de Soleil (sp?). It was a spectacular production with pyrotechnics, lots of fog, and lots of booming noise, much to Bonnie’s chagrin. It was a rather dark story but the dancing was magnificent and his illusions were breathtaking. I sort of wished we saw more of the illusions but we both really enjoyed the show.
By the time it was over, we were hungry and went to the Pyramid Café at the Luxor. Bonnie ordered an appetizer of meatball sandwiches. She got four of them and they were very good. I felt more like a snack than real food so I ordered nachos and got enough to feed four. They were also excellent. The only soda they have here are Pepsi products and our waitress was nice enough to go to the bar and get me a bunch of limes to put into my soda. I think the prices are a bit steep but the portions are very large and we thought the food was quite good.
Tomorrow morning we leave. The check-out time is 11:00 and we are planning on going to my favorite restaurant here - Mon Ami Gabi, a café at the Paris. They have fantastic French onion soup and the crispiest frites I have ever had. That will be our last meal here. I will not be posting this until after I am home since I no longer have internet access.
There are 11 different food stations serving ethnic and American food. They were carving roast beef (too well done for my taste) and ham. I did what I usually do when entering a buffet – I cruise through the situation to decide what I want to eat first. Lo and behold there was lox and both onion and smoked salmon cream cheese. But where was the bagel? I put the lox and cream cheese on my plate and went looking for the bagel. Then I asked and she said that breakfast was over. I replied that I had lox and cream cheese but nothing to put it on. She went to look for a bagel and told me they were all gone. I found that weird. I did put it on a small roll and that worked.
I also had sushi which was very good. They were making this Japanese dish (I forgot what it is called) where you put all the vegetables into a bowl and the meat as well and then they stir fry it. It looked very good but I didn’t get it. I did have a delicious sweet potato dish and some excellent mushroom rice. Carbs, anyone? They had many different kinds of sausages that Bonnie really liked. I was more careful this time and didn’t really overeat but I ate enough. There was also an excellent salad bar with many different salads. Since I didn’t want to overeat, I skipped the salads.
For dessert I had no sugar added chocolate gelato that was wonderful. We also liked the cookies. There was an array of pies and cakes ( some sugar free), bananas foster and so much more. If you want to go to one buffet that doesn’t cost a fortune and is very good, this is the place.
The Rio may have a wonderful buffet but the gambling left a lot to be desired. I lost again. This has not been a profitable trip for me. Well, there is always tomorrow.
I went back to the hotel and again went to the pool area to relax. Again I enjoyed it and Bonnie joined me a little later. We were not hungry at all before the show so we decided to wait to eat until after it. Criss Angel is quite a performer. He teamed up with a group from Cirque de Soleil (sp?). It was a spectacular production with pyrotechnics, lots of fog, and lots of booming noise, much to Bonnie’s chagrin. It was a rather dark story but the dancing was magnificent and his illusions were breathtaking. I sort of wished we saw more of the illusions but we both really enjoyed the show.
By the time it was over, we were hungry and went to the Pyramid Café at the Luxor. Bonnie ordered an appetizer of meatball sandwiches. She got four of them and they were very good. I felt more like a snack than real food so I ordered nachos and got enough to feed four. They were also excellent. The only soda they have here are Pepsi products and our waitress was nice enough to go to the bar and get me a bunch of limes to put into my soda. I think the prices are a bit steep but the portions are very large and we thought the food was quite good.
Tomorrow morning we leave. The check-out time is 11:00 and we are planning on going to my favorite restaurant here - Mon Ami Gabi, a café at the Paris. They have fantastic French onion soup and the crispiest frites I have ever had. That will be our last meal here. I will not be posting this until after I am home since I no longer have internet access.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Las Vegas – September, 2009 (2)
After a pretty sound sleep, I was raring to go this morning. OK – let’s say after creaking my body out of the rather hard bed, I was raring to go this morning. We got moving quite early for us in Vegas (8:30 out and about) because we had decided to buy the $29.95 special buffet here at the Luxor. That meant that we would be able to go to the buffet all day long, come in any time and eat. We had decided this was a good deal and we would try it today so we wanted to get there early. One reason we decided on this is that it cost us almost that much for a lunch. Another reason is that we are not the eaters we used to be and so, although we like buffets, we never eat enough or we stuff ourselves. This time we wouldn’t have to stuff ourselves and we know we would get our money’s worth.
Well, the breakfast brunch was a real disappointment. If we would not have bought the day pass, it would cost $13.95. Having gone to many breakfast buffets here that are close to that price, we both felt this was inferior. I don’t remember everything I ate but all tasted OK. It was just that there weren’t the choices we expected. There were no made-to-order omelets, something we always expect. They had little bagels and cream cheese packets like we get at our free breakfasts at a Hampton Inn but there was no lox or no capers. There were plain all ready made plain omelets. They had tiny cheese blintzes that were quite good. There were nice desserts – donuts, sweet rolls - but Bonnie felt they tasted rather stale. If you are in Las Vegas, go to any other breakfast buffet – not this one.
I mentioned that yesterday I lost my shirt. It was a nice shirt – one I wear when I go out to a nicer place rather than a jean or khaki shirt. Bonnie suggested that I go back to New York New York and ask at security if anyone had turned it in. I thought that would be an impossibility but we went there. I went to security and the 55 year old security man (he volunteered his age after we sort of did some cutesy banter) called in and said they had a yellow plaid men’s shirt. I told him my shirt was yellow, green, blue and white stripes but the stripes are not all the same so maybe someone thought it was plaid. He said he would have them bring it up. I didn’t tell him my shirt is not a man’s shirt, especially when he said it is an XL. So, they brought up the shirt, rolled in a ball in a bag, and it was my not plaid, not men’s yellow, green, blue and white striped woman’s XL shirt that I love. And today, so far, I am ahead $15 so I am not losing my shirt. I am back!!!
Later, we went for lunch to the lunch buffet. This was much better as there were many choices. They had various ethnic stations. I did not care for the Chinese egg roll or fried rice but I did like the chow mein soft noodles. Bonnie really liked the meatballs. I liked the Mexican food. The desserts were small, which I like on buffets, and very good. We both especially liked the chocolate mousse. They have a very small salad bar with few made salads and not much to put on the lettuce as well. This is due to their remodeling the salad bar so, if anyone comes here in a few months, I would imagine that it would be completed and there would be more salad. The lunch meats looked good but we didn’t have any. Lunch, for $14.95, is well worth it. I hope tonight they have carved meats.
I went to the pool and it was just wonderful. I didn’t go in the pool but I did go in the spa and sitting around the pool was so relaxing. I may go tomorrow also.
I will continue this after dinner.
I am stuffed. I will never do this again. Meaning I will never get the buffet special. I have no self-control. I ate so much today that my loosest pants are tight. Dinner is well worth the price. They have made-to-order steak, which I did not have because there was a line waiting, and excellent, tender prime rib done rare as I like it. The steaks were being grilled on a flame and so if you wanted the prime rib cooked more, they would put it on the flame and cook it. There was peeled shrimp, carved turkey breast, much more salad, BBQ ribs and chocolate lava cake, a favorite of mine. They had some of the same food from this afternoon but there was enough more to make it a different buffet for us. We went at about 8:00 and when I went for dessert, it was very empty. Since the buffet is open until 10, I thought that was not very good. The ice cream and frozen yogurt left a lot to be desired. Otherwise, it was well worth the $19.95 that they charge. The whole thing is a good deal except for the overeating part. I feel there are truly many other buffets that may cost more but, if one wants a buffet, they are wonderful – the Paris for one.
Tomorrow we are going to drive to the Rio but not having any more buffets. I will not be writing any more posts from Las Vegas as I will not have access to the Internet. I have lost $9.50 today but I got my shirt back. It was a good day.
Well, the breakfast brunch was a real disappointment. If we would not have bought the day pass, it would cost $13.95. Having gone to many breakfast buffets here that are close to that price, we both felt this was inferior. I don’t remember everything I ate but all tasted OK. It was just that there weren’t the choices we expected. There were no made-to-order omelets, something we always expect. They had little bagels and cream cheese packets like we get at our free breakfasts at a Hampton Inn but there was no lox or no capers. There were plain all ready made plain omelets. They had tiny cheese blintzes that were quite good. There were nice desserts – donuts, sweet rolls - but Bonnie felt they tasted rather stale. If you are in Las Vegas, go to any other breakfast buffet – not this one.
I mentioned that yesterday I lost my shirt. It was a nice shirt – one I wear when I go out to a nicer place rather than a jean or khaki shirt. Bonnie suggested that I go back to New York New York and ask at security if anyone had turned it in. I thought that would be an impossibility but we went there. I went to security and the 55 year old security man (he volunteered his age after we sort of did some cutesy banter) called in and said they had a yellow plaid men’s shirt. I told him my shirt was yellow, green, blue and white stripes but the stripes are not all the same so maybe someone thought it was plaid. He said he would have them bring it up. I didn’t tell him my shirt is not a man’s shirt, especially when he said it is an XL. So, they brought up the shirt, rolled in a ball in a bag, and it was my not plaid, not men’s yellow, green, blue and white striped woman’s XL shirt that I love. And today, so far, I am ahead $15 so I am not losing my shirt. I am back!!!
Later, we went for lunch to the lunch buffet. This was much better as there were many choices. They had various ethnic stations. I did not care for the Chinese egg roll or fried rice but I did like the chow mein soft noodles. Bonnie really liked the meatballs. I liked the Mexican food. The desserts were small, which I like on buffets, and very good. We both especially liked the chocolate mousse. They have a very small salad bar with few made salads and not much to put on the lettuce as well. This is due to their remodeling the salad bar so, if anyone comes here in a few months, I would imagine that it would be completed and there would be more salad. The lunch meats looked good but we didn’t have any. Lunch, for $14.95, is well worth it. I hope tonight they have carved meats.
I went to the pool and it was just wonderful. I didn’t go in the pool but I did go in the spa and sitting around the pool was so relaxing. I may go tomorrow also.
I will continue this after dinner.
I am stuffed. I will never do this again. Meaning I will never get the buffet special. I have no self-control. I ate so much today that my loosest pants are tight. Dinner is well worth the price. They have made-to-order steak, which I did not have because there was a line waiting, and excellent, tender prime rib done rare as I like it. The steaks were being grilled on a flame and so if you wanted the prime rib cooked more, they would put it on the flame and cook it. There was peeled shrimp, carved turkey breast, much more salad, BBQ ribs and chocolate lava cake, a favorite of mine. They had some of the same food from this afternoon but there was enough more to make it a different buffet for us. We went at about 8:00 and when I went for dessert, it was very empty. Since the buffet is open until 10, I thought that was not very good. The ice cream and frozen yogurt left a lot to be desired. Otherwise, it was well worth the $19.95 that they charge. The whole thing is a good deal except for the overeating part. I feel there are truly many other buffets that may cost more but, if one wants a buffet, they are wonderful – the Paris for one.
Tomorrow we are going to drive to the Rio but not having any more buffets. I will not be writing any more posts from Las Vegas as I will not have access to the Internet. I have lost $9.50 today but I got my shirt back. It was a good day.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Las Vegas – September, 2009 (1)
Since we have been driving to Las Vegas on a somewhat regular basis – maybe 3 times a year lately – or maybe I should say we have been driving on highway 15 more than I ever thought, we now have a standard place we stop, always going and often coming home as well – Peggy Sue’s Diner. This is just a cute restaurant if you like 50’s décor and attitude. The food is pretty good but it is the atmosphere that brings us in. Also, it is just about ½ way to Las Vegas from our house. And the service is usually pretty quick. Today it took us 4 ½ hours to get to Vegas, including our stop for breakfast.
Speaking of which, I had poached eggs – done perfectly for me – hash browns that were OK – perfectly crisp bacon and a slightly underdone English muffin. Bonnie had a good cheeseburger with OK curly fries. We both had diet Coke and left happily full after listening to all that great music in the background. They also give you a tiny Tootsie Roll after eating if you go into the very glitzy and fun attached store.
Our experience, so far, has not been great here at the Luxor. Without going into detail, this hotel just isn’t quite up to the standards of a luxury Las Vegas hotel. We also had some minor problems getting our room and that has been disappointing. We have decided not to stay here again and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
For dinner tonight, we decided to walk over to the Excalibur and go to their coffee shop, the name of which escapes me at the moment. I was shocked at the amount of smoke that I could smell. When the waitress came, I asked if we were sitting in the smoking section. She responded that the smoke comes from the casino which was plenty far from our booth. I think they need a better air filtering system, if they even have one. I ordered French onion soup and it was very good. Bonnie had chicken tenders and she rated them an A- to B+. We also ordered Diet Pepsi and the big plus was that she also brought a carafe so we could fill our own glasses as needed.
Tonight, I lost my shirt in the casino - literally. It is sitting over some chair in some casino. Boo Hoo. It is very hot here and very cold inside so I took my nicest shirt to wear inside as we roamed around. When walking back, I realized that my shirt was not with me. I also lost over my allotted amount of money today. I am now out $35.06. Boo Hoo again. Tomorrow will be a better day!
Speaking of which, I had poached eggs – done perfectly for me – hash browns that were OK – perfectly crisp bacon and a slightly underdone English muffin. Bonnie had a good cheeseburger with OK curly fries. We both had diet Coke and left happily full after listening to all that great music in the background. They also give you a tiny Tootsie Roll after eating if you go into the very glitzy and fun attached store.
Our experience, so far, has not been great here at the Luxor. Without going into detail, this hotel just isn’t quite up to the standards of a luxury Las Vegas hotel. We also had some minor problems getting our room and that has been disappointing. We have decided not to stay here again and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
For dinner tonight, we decided to walk over to the Excalibur and go to their coffee shop, the name of which escapes me at the moment. I was shocked at the amount of smoke that I could smell. When the waitress came, I asked if we were sitting in the smoking section. She responded that the smoke comes from the casino which was plenty far from our booth. I think they need a better air filtering system, if they even have one. I ordered French onion soup and it was very good. Bonnie had chicken tenders and she rated them an A- to B+. We also ordered Diet Pepsi and the big plus was that she also brought a carafe so we could fill our own glasses as needed.
Tonight, I lost my shirt in the casino - literally. It is sitting over some chair in some casino. Boo Hoo. It is very hot here and very cold inside so I took my nicest shirt to wear inside as we roamed around. When walking back, I realized that my shirt was not with me. I also lost over my allotted amount of money today. I am now out $35.06. Boo Hoo again. Tomorrow will be a better day!
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