This was a very tough trip for me. In addition to tending to my parents to make sure they were comfortable and having a good time (they

Mike,

Sorry you were unable to get to the meet. A good time was had by all. Beth often tells me that they can fix the machines so they don't pay off. For years I have been unable to convince her otherwise. You were due to have a losing gambling trip so I hope you saved some of your past winnings. Being in Las Vegas and not feeling well is a real bummer. Hope you have recovered by now.

Mike,
I don't know how you kept going. When I get run down like that, sleep is the only cure. What a bummer to feel like that on vacation. Not to make you feel bad or anything, but you did miss a good meet! <VBG>

Another good meal atthe Eiffle Tower? Geez Louise, I had one meal there , and it was so bad, I've had no desire to try it again. I think the last time you had a good meal I said I'd try it again, but with so many good places and new and interesting places to try, I haven't done it yet. But I will.

Dollar is spotty, sometimes everything works real smooth, other times the wheels come off and it's madening. I use the till they make me mad, then I switch till the new company upsets me. To be honest, I don't think thier is a perfect rental car company. Some get it right more then others, but give any of them enough chances, and they'll screw something up! LOL

Do you think you and Justin would have been happy at FIX? Will you try it again, without your parents? I ask because it still sounds interesting, and as far as good food goes, your recomendations have been right on the money!

Thanks for the great report, even if you did loose your shirt, and where a little under the weather, sounds like you had a good time.

So when is the next trip????

Gee, Mike - what a bummer to be sick in Vegas, and with the parent responsibility to boot. At least it sounds like it was not a stomach flu (that would have made those restaurant visits unbearable!)

I hope you got a chance to rest a bit when you returned home.

As usual, your TR did not disappoint with the food descriptions.I can't believe that folks wait 2 hours for a buffet. I'd rather go to In and Out (and I love the Wynn buffet)

I was disappointed to not see you at Wendell's meet, but thank you for keeping your germs out of the Orleans (lol) Here's hoping for future healthier trips and meets!

Lee - I don't know what to say about Eiffel Tower - I've eaten there twice this year alone and both meals were excellent. Maybe you hit them on a bad night? I know what you mean about having so many choices. I've been wanting to get back to Delmonico's but just haven't been able to. Plus there are other places still waiting for me to try them - the Capital Grill and Joes are at the top of my list.

I'm not sure I'll return to FIX. I really can't stand restaurants that are so loud that you have to scream to communicate with your dining pals. Even Picasso was way too loud for me - I'll never go back there.

My next trip? I'm contemplating returning between Christmas and New Years for a few days. If that doesn't work out, I'll probably return in February.

Kes - I'm glad we keep each other informed about food choices! And I did consider the germ factor when I stayed away from the meet!

Sorry you didn't feel well and had rotten luck, but your trip report still sounds like a "to-do" list for my next trip! Not the dining; it sounds wonderful and makes me drool, but I think I should give the Wynn another look, and the Guggenheim and KA are definitely a must next time. Then again, I think I've said that last part before<g>.

I also arrived Sunday afternoon and was surprised by the number of folks in town .. and the line at hotel check-in. Have you ever thought about renting from Alamo? I was able to do the paperwork at an empty counter in the terminal while waiting for my luggage ... and walked directly to my car once we got the lot. Sometimes, they are a little short of midsize cars, but they also quickly upgrade you to whatever is available.

Daisy - I tried Alamo in the past and had a lot of problems with them and never went back. I'll have to reconsider them next time. Thanks, Mike

Dang Mike, it sounded like you were almost down for the count, yet you still took care of your parents, saw some shows, hit the machines, and ate like a king. And the helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. You probably scared that flu bug out of you.

Most of your dining is a step above what I eat. I have been by FIX when they were closed and looked at the menu and have been wanting to eat there for quite a while. Now it sounds like it may not be my cup of tea. What time was your reservation? I wonder if they crank up the music after a certain time of the evening or if that's just the way they are.

I looked at FIX, too and it looked interesting. I wasn't hungry and interested in dining solo at the time I was there. I did not notice loud music from walking along the open wall of the restaurant - but of course I was in the casino, which was plenty noisy enough.

I DID notice that it looked awfully dark. I like atmosphere, but I also like to be able to read the menu and enjoy the appearance of the food.

Joe - we got there around 8:00PM but I'm guessing that they've got the music cranked up from the time they open.

And Kes, it WAS dark in there, although there were candles on the table.

Although the menu looks tempting, I doubt I'll ever eat there unless they turn the music down!

Mike, I went to Bellagio twice this week. Both times, I made it a point to walk past FIX. Both times it was between 5 and 7 pm. Both times, there was music playing. Both times the music level seemed to be at an acceptable level. As much as you go to the Bell maybe you should make it a point to pass by and see if that level is better for you or not. I'm about half deaf anyway, so I might not be a good judge. I know that I saw some good looking food on the plates.

I noticed a big glass window on the far wall with 3 people looking out over the dining area. I wonder if this is the DJ area or observation for the management.