Travel

Paul Zerdin is No Dummy in Las Vegas

Ventriloquism has never been my thing. I remember my older cousins laughing about the antics of Howdy Doody, but maybe I was too young to get it. He looked a little too scary to me. Fast forward to the British recent winner of “America’s Got Talent” and I found myself taking a second look. You will, too. This guy is so good, prepare to be entertained in Las Vegas. The live show was nonstop comedy as Paul Zerdin interacted with the audience through his believable “family” of infant Baby, pre-adolescent Sam, and Albert the outspoken old geezer. The surprises never end as this entire cast of characters come to life. Or do they? Decide for yourself. 

Dining Outside the Home: Café Belle Madeleine at Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada 

Dining Outside the Home: Café Belle Madeleine at Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada! This French patisserie is the icing on the cake. Follow the cobblestone walk through the double French doors and you’ll find a casual bistro where the pastries are seductive, the savory sandwiches are divine, and the rich gelato is refreshing. The Parisian woven chairs welcome tired souls in a crisp checkered palette. Come in and stay awhile. The specialty brewed coffees are intense with flavor; a nice balance to the cream-filled desserts. Grab a prosciutto pickle baguette or chicken breast pesto brioche for the perfect picnic lunch the next day. 

Dining Outside the Home: Mon Ami Gabi at Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada

Dining Outside the Home: Mon Ami Gabi at Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada! Just inside the gilded ornamental arches of the Eiffel Tower sits the entrance to a classic French bistro with international waiters bustling to and fro. Choose a quiet corner table for two inside the café or al fresco dining outdoors to “see and be seen”. Open-air bistro tables offer a perfect vantage point for taking in the flurried activity of Las Vegas Boulevard. The extensive menu boasts classic French favorites like Quiche Lorraine, Steak Frites, and Croque Madame in addition to the Plats du Jour. Sit back for a two-hour meal, sip on espressos that can clean an engine, and take life easy the French way. 

Dining Outside the Home: Battista’s Hole in the Wall in Las Vegas, Nevada 

Dining Outside the Home: Battista’s Hole in the Wall in Las Vegas, Nevada! Every time you visit Battista’s, you’re in good company. Slip into a semi-private cove to absorb the atmosphere, food, wine, and music. Gordy, the strolling musician, entertains like family, with a twinkle in his eye as the accordion plays on. Sit back and share a glass of wine while munching on buttery garlic bread. Check out the vintage photos of familiar faces that surround you among hanging baskets and wine bottles. Let time stand still. When the food arrives, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and dig in. Battista’s Hole in the Wall is spot on. 

Dining Outside the Home: Paris Baguette at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada 

Dining Outside the Home: Paris Baguette at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada! Surrounded by elegant architecture on the edge of St. Mark’s Square where charming costumed characters entertain the crowds with music, song, and dance is Paris Baguette, a café and bakery. Sweetened pastries overflowing with light cream, decadent chocolate, and honeyed fruit as well as gourmet sandwiches abundant enough to share make the perfect picnic lunch along cobbled streets. Be serenaded in this deliciously delightful romantic setting. 

Living Statues Spring to Life at St. Mark’s Square in Las Vegas, Nevada

Absorb the ambience of Old Italy at The Venetian Streetmosphere throughout a journey of the Grand Canal Shoppes. Graceful dancers, limber court jesters, vibrant carnivalesque personalities, and talented musicians effortlessly entertain the masses in St. Mark’s Square. Go ahead, choose a bench for people-watching while satisfying your sweet tooth with a refreshing gelato. After all, one must truly indulge to appreciate the savior-faire. Grazie, grazie molto!

Time Travel on a Gondola Ride

On water as smooth as glass, a skilled gondolier guides the narrow, flat-bottomed boat through the canals of Venice. Close your eyes for a moment and be taken away beneath stone arched bridges, past bustling cafés and iron street lamps where couples embrace in romantic murmurs. This is Italy, or at least it appears so, presented for your enjoyment on the gondola rides at The Venetian in Las Vegas.