I forgot to check to L.A. Times for the weather the morning I flew to Las Vegas. When we arrived it was in the fifties. It was overcast, the wind was blowing lightly and it was so chilly that you needed a coat and scarf.

Since I was last in Las Vegas, Roberto Ramos opened Strings Italian Café, 2222 E. Tropicana at Eastern. The charming dining room is all glass walls and on a good weather day, you can enjoy the views. During the week they are open 11am till 10pm with all of your favorite Italian dishes at reasonable prices. Every Wednesday and Sunday after 4pm is “all you can eat pasta night” for $8.50.

We checked in late that afternoon at Sam’s Town on the Bolder Highway. Next morning, we decided to drive to Mandalay Bay to have Brunch at the House of Blues. None of us had ever gone to the House of Blues in New Orleans or West Hollywood, so this was our first experience. The service was slow and food was very disappointing. I’ll give them another time and city.

Christmas Eve we chose Alize high atop the fantasy tower at the Palms. The name is French for the Trade Winds that softly sweep the French Caribbean Islands. Chef Andre Rochat’s award winning cuisine will softly sweep you too! Andre has been my favorite chef in Las Vegas for many years and it is the best French food in Las Vegas. The view is spectacular. The brilliant wine cellar is glass from floor to ceiling. Call (702) 951-7000 to make reservations before you go.

Next night we had Christmas dinner at Bradley Ogden in Caesars Palace. I’ve followed his career from the time we met in Hawaii a long time ago. There were no signs of Christmas on the menu. Service was so slow and they were not that busy. I have always loved his take on famous American cuisine. This current menu had an Asian influence that I personally didn’t enjoy.

Sergio’s Italian Restaurant, 1955 E. Tropicana Ave. is an old favorite. Our last night we decided to stop in. The service is warm, friendly, and always near if needed. They are famous for Osso Buco. Prices are fair with a good wine list.

We always have our last brunch at Binion’s Coffee Shop in their basement. Jessie, our favorite waitress, has been there for many years. The food is man-sized portions and at such reasonable prices.

With the day temperatures in the forties and at night in the thirties, it was the coldest in twenty years, but I still love visiting Las Vegas!

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Last Update:3/1/08