Only in Las Vegas: The "Rock" and Bare

While the Mirage hotel in Las Vegas is getting a little tired (think Seigfried and Roy as the heyday) there are still some good reasons to visit next time you're in town.

A unique presentation in the hotel's wonderful "Japonais" Restaurant appears on the appetizer menu as "The Rock." It consists of raw, marinated, thinly sliced New York steak which you cook yourself. Accompanying the slices is a medium sized grey stone which has been heated to over 500 degrees. It sits on a thick layer of rock salt (presumably to insulate the plate); we didn't need to be reminded not to touch the rock. You take the marinated strips and lay them over the rock for 10-15 seconds and that's it! The rock stays hot for about 5 minutes. At $17 it is an interesting hot appetizer, which we enjoyed pre-show. Service was very good and the rest of the appetizers were tasty, too.

It was our second time seeing the Cirque du Soleil presentation of LOVE, which honors the Beatles music and the culture of the sixties. While I remember the music as a teenager, I was surprised to find that teens today all know the songs equally well. Spectacular acrobatics, antics and unexpected extras continue the Cirque tradition of great entertainment. I highly recommend the show; and, because the theater is definitely non-traditional, there is really no bad seat in the house.

The "Bare" European-style pool at the Mirage is one of the top 4 or 5 places to relax if you're not gambling. (If you are a hard core gambler, the European pool at the Wynn has gaming tables poolside in the Cabana bar). The European "style" has nothing to do with the design of the pool so much as the absence of most upper-body clothing. It brings a new meaning to "one-piece" suit.

PS. If you're looking for the famous Mirage Volcano outside the hotel, you'll have to wait; its being renovated. Try the Pirate Ship show at Treasure Island next door.

As mentioned in the previous post, the Henderson Executive airport is definitely the way to go. Hertz has minivans if you have a larger party and the fuel is literally half the price of McCarran. The only downside this trip was the traffic jam on the short stretch of I-15 just south of LV.

My final thought: "...What happens in Las Vegas...usually ends up on your credit card statement."