Robert Berry: My “Vegas Musts”

Vegas Bright reader Robert Berry shares his “Vegas Musts.”

“What are your Vegas Musts?” That’s an interesting question. It’s a sort of vacation Rorschach test giving a glimpse into the psyche of the person answering it. It’s also probably one of the favorite topics of us Vegas Bright readers. Who doesn’t want to share their Vegas experiences good or bad? One of my best trips was when my parents took my niece for her 21st birthday, and I got to go along as a tour guide. Sharing all the things I was going to do anyway made it that much more fun with a Vegas first-timer. We are planning another trip for next year in between her classes so it will give me a chance to show off some things I have experienced since then.

At the very top of that list is The Golden Tiki. Normally I don’t stray too far from the Strip since there is so much to do and there is always something new to see. However when I heard that there was a brand new Tiki bar opening in Chinatown I decided I should check it out. I am a huge fan of the Disney Theme Parks including The Enchanted Tiki room and Trader Sam’s bar at the Disneyland hotel which sparked my interest in Tiki culture in general. It’s open 24 hours so after dropping off my luggage with the bellhop I took a cab over there first thing. I was not disappointed. I loved everything about this place from the decor to the ambient music, to the drinks which did not skimp on the booze, and even to the staff who were friendly and efficient. Where else can you see Hunter Thompson’s knife, Wilson from Castaway, and Carrot Top’s shrunken head? Disney fans like me will especially appreciate some of the inside jokes and hidden objects, not to mention the Dole Whips. Dole Whips are one of the sacred snack items served at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and they offer an alcohol version as well as without. This is one of the few bars around you can enjoy, even if you don’t drink. It is at the top of my Vegas Must list.

Next on my list is the volcano at the Mirage. I have to admit I am not a fan of the recent trend of high-end hotels on the Strip without a theme or attraction. I’m not against there being high-end experiences or hotels that cater to affluent guests. I would love to be able to stay at The Bellagio some day. It’s just I preferred MGM when it had lions instead of a nightclub, Treasure Island when it had a pirate ship instead of chain restaurants, and the Luxor when it had King Tut’s tomb instead of whatever is there now (the Titanic exhibit?). That’s why I always make sure I make time to see the volcano show at least once every trip. The whole presentation is great. I love how the fog rolls in as it builds to the fiery eruptions which are accompanied by a really cool soundtrack from drummer Mickey Hart. The crowning touch is the fact that you can literally feel the heat from the eruptions and smell the pina colada scent added to the natural gas! My favorite place to see it is by the hotel’s valet area. It is usually less crowded than the Strip. I know someday that it will be gone, replaced by a nightclub with bottle service or a Walgreens, so I make sure I can enjoy it while I can.

I’d like to say that I always stay in the presidential suite at the Wynn. I’d like to say it, but it would be a complete lie. There’s no way I could ever afford that. Actually, I learned that “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” was filmed there…a fact that has forever tarnished the property in my eyes. However, I can truthfully say that I always like to stop by the Minus 5 ice bar at Monte Carlo. It is a tourist trap and not a bar for serious drinkers. However, I mean that in the best sense. There is an admission fee, and the drinks are not cheap for their size, but it’s worth it for the experience. Everything in the bar is made of ice, including the chairs, tables and even the glasses! The chairs do have coverings so you won’t stick to them and you have to make sure you use coasters, so the drinks don’t stick to the tables. As part of the admission, you are given the use of a coat and gloves which you definitely need. The reason I keep coming back is because there’s always new ice sculptures to see. Also, it’s a great way to cool down when it is too hot to keep walking the Strip. There is a second location at The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay which I haven’t been to yet. I will probably do that location on my next trip since their website promises “New sculptures and tons more ice!” at that location.

Finally, there is one Vegas Must that I feel is in the spirit of the topic if not the letter of it. I think like me many others always have to do something new to them. If I don’t eat in at least one new restaurant, see one new show or attraction, or have a drink at one new bar then my vacation has been a failure. We have a trip coming up at the end of October, and I have tickets for the High Roller happy hour, reservations for drinks at the Laundry Room in the Commonwealth, and plans to visit Frankie’s Tiki Room (the other 24-hour Tiki bar in Las Vegas). In fact, there is a small bar in Bally’s Grand Bazaar I haven’t been to; it’s called Island Time Floats, and it bills itself as a Tiki bar. I might need to do The Golden Tiki, Frankie’s Tiki Room and Island Time Floats as part of a new Olympic event that will be called the “Tik-cathalon”!

[Photos: Robert Berry]

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