Nebur's World

So i spent two years living in Las Vegas, and I still go back four or five times a year. (By the way, NV was the state that gave Bush the final 4 electoral college votes in '00, but I am not bitter.) While in sin city, I ate wonderfully. A few of my favorites:


•Best Latin American Food: Hands down, the Florida Cafe on North Las Vegas Boulevard, between the Stratosphere and Downtown, in the Howard Johnson's motel. I ate there at least once a week. My favorite dish is the #34, pollo a la plancha, with rice, beans, a small salad, and plantains. When you go, make sure to visit the restroom, where you will see some replicas of pre-revolution casino chips from La Habana. Even though the Cubans have a penchant for swine, the menu offers plenty of non-porcine alternatives. Finish off your meal with a cafe cubano.

•Best Meat Orgy: For flesh-mongers, that is, those of you who are shameless in your lust for meat, look no farther than the Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in the Mirage. For about $40 per person, they serve a five or six course meal, complete with an endless supply of freshly barbecued churrasco sirloin, ginger soy flank steak, huli huli chicken, fresh fish, and about ten other forms of wonderful flesh. The food is so plentiful that appetizers are completely unnecessary, but I had some anyway. The creamy chicken and brazil nut soup not only aroused different taste buds, but the nutty consistency also added to the experience. The beef empanadas were so-so. Mine are better. Like all casino fine restaurants, they have a full bar and great (but pricey) wine list. Best of all, reservations can be made on-line at the above link, so there is no wait. Don't see Danny Gans though, while you are there. He is an old, old man, who needs to retire.

•Best Casino Value: So if you've busted out and need a full meal on the cheap, get the $2.49 steak and eggs at Arizona Charlie's on Decatur. Served 24 hours a day, this is about the closest thing there is to a free, yummy, meal. Arizona's is also a good place to stay, if you are looking for a room off the strip in the $50-$60 range. Don't let the old people and their oxygen tanks dissuade you: As long as you leave them alone, they won't bother you. They will just keep plugging away at the video poker machine, decimating their grandkids' college funds, and smoking though that pretty little hole in their necks.

•Best Ice Cream Parlor: hands down, Ghiradelli ice cream shop in the plaza at Harrah's. Or, forget Vegas and just go to the source in S.F.