Knowing About The Better Las Vegas Strip Restaurants

Celebrity chefs are living the high life by creating gourmet cuisine at lavishly decorated Las Vegas Strip restaurants. Some intense gamblers don't mind "duking it out" over the buffets. Other high-rollers come here to experience the poignant flavors of Wolfgang Puck, Chef Emeril, Charlie Palmer and Michael Mina.

In addition to world-renowned chefs, Las Vegas Nevada also has its fair share of homegrown heroes, including André Rochat, of André and Alizé, as well as Michael and Wendy Jordan of Rosemary's just west of the Vegas Strip.

The Las Vegas Strip offers fine dining cuisine only previously seen on TV. Since 1992, celebrity chefs have migrated to Vegas Nevada, choosing to roost in the vibrant city that never sleeps.

Chef Emeril Lagasse first carved a name for himself in New Orleans with his lobster bisque, "Tournedos au Poivre," which includes grilled petite beef medallions with roasted shallots and haricot vert, parmesan crusted baked tomato and brandy peppercorn sauce, filet mignon and signature banana cream pie with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and caramel sauce.

Now visitors can enjoy delicious entrees in the $30-50/dish price range amid vaulted ceilings, quaint French doors and a petit grand piano at the "Delmonico Steakhouse."

Sometimes, hungry travelers are looking for simplicity and just want a big, juicy burger. For those people, "The Burger Bar" is the ideal Las Vegas Strip hotspot. Wanderers can choose from a wide selection of burgers, including Black Angus, turkey, veggie, Colorado lamb and Kobe beef (for the high rollers!)

There's everything from sliced zucchini, grilled lobster and pan-seared foie gras for toppings, with all the usual condiments as well. Yes, you can also find McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell and Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill on the Strip for cheap and easy dining.

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The Wide Variety Of Las Vegas Shows

Some of the top-selling Las Vegas shows include the magic of David Copperfield, the V Ultimate Variety Show (juggling, magic, comedy, music and acrobatics), Criss Angel's Believe (magic), Zumanity (the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil), the Blue Man Group (music/theatrics) and The Beatles Love (music).

Whether you've come with a spouse, a friend, a loved one or the whole family, you're likely to find Vegas shows that suit your interests.

Las Vegas hotels offer a diverse mix of Las Vegas shows. Penn and Teller at the Rio Las Vegas keep their audiences mesmerized and laughing heartily for the full 90 minutes. These Emmy Award-winning comedians boast quick wits, animated facial expressions and the ability to enthrall through comedy and magic in a show like no other.

In addition to having their own Showtime series, they also appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Show with David Letterman," and "Live! with Regis & Kathie Lee."

Perhaps the best critics of Vegas shows are the people who actually live in city Las Vegas, who witness the whole gamut. Readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal ranked their favorite of the Las Vegas shows and selected the Nevada Ballet Theatre, which entrances audiences with grace, poise, beauty and control, performing everything from "Don Quixote" to "The Nutcracker."

Readers also loved The Las Vegas Philharmonic's Led Zeppelin tribute as well. The staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal picked the Onyx Theatre Company, which hides inconspicuously around the back of a Sahara Ave leather shop.

This alternative bar caters to a diverse, edgy crowd who love the Rocky Horror Picture show, Gay and Lesbian film festivals, improv comedy and vaudeville shows alike.

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Escape Together To Las Vegas

Walking down "the strip" of Las Vegas is a very surreal experience: colossal palaces surround you on either side; fountains bathed in soft lights shoot water high into the air to classical music, cascading back down into the aqua pool below; homeless people ask you for beer money, while short Vietnamese women ask you if you'd like to come to the strip club; fannie packs, alligator shoes, American flag shirts, straw cowboy hats, neon stretch pants and crocs are everywhere, juxtaposed by the swanky row of stores from Tiffany to Louie Vuitton; lights are flashing everywhere like seizure-inducing anime cartoons, as the palms sway gently in the breeze. There is no place in the world quite like Las Vegas Nevada.

Whether it's your first time passing through or your annual escape, you'll likely want to peruse as many of the Las Vegas casinos as you can, even if only to gawk at the architectural wonders.

Opened in 2005, The Wynn is one of the most expensive Las Vegas treasures, costing upwards of $400/night. One draw of this Vegas hotel is the 18-hole golf course.

The 2,716 rooms are surprisingly spacious (over 640 sq. ft), with floor-to-ceiling views of the 140-ft. man-made mountain and waterfalls, deep plush beds with high-quality linens and down comforters, silky robes and velour slippers, with vibrant colors and Warhol artwork.

The nine restaurants here are superb, albeit pricey. Hand-laid mosaics and stone walls make this Vegas hotel one of the more subtle designs. There is a state-of-the-art workout center and peaceful spa.

There is also an unconventional shopping esplanade carrying Chanel, Cartier, rare apothecary items, like Monk-produced products and even a Ferrari dealership. The casino itself is flooded with natural light and flowers.

If you have kids, then you'll definitely want to check out Mandalay Bay, which is the only resort in Las Vegas to have sharks in an exotic tropical habitat! The shark reef is, in fact, one of the most amazing sights to see in Las Vegas Nevada.

Adults also love that this is the second-largest casino (next to MGM Grand). The actual Vegas hotel rooms are devoid of gaudy themes and instead offer chic chocolate, purple and gray color schemes, modern furniture and clean lines.

The Rum Jungle with its all-you-can-eat multi-course Brazilian buffet is particularly impressive, as world-beat drumming and cozy fires and water decorate the background of this world-class restaurant.

House of Blues offers southern cuisine and rock concerts, while the main showroom entertains with Broadway musicals like "Mama Mia." The pool area is much like a water park with a lazy river, wave pool and water slide.

The casino tables cater to high rollers and celebrities, although 5 cent and 25 cent slots still remain.

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Time To Escape With Your Las Vegas Travel Plans

Las Vegas travel brings you to the heart of entertainment. Some people arrive for the thrill of flashing lights, ringing bells and free drinks. Others want to see rare concert appearances, famous comedians, Broadway musicals and Cirque du Soleil performances.

Architecture lovers want to experience the "theme park" atmosphere of the Las Vegas casinos themselves and peruse displays like the Venetian gondola, The Bellagio Hotel conservatory or the Mandalay Bay shark exhibit.

Each year, more than 100,000 couples tie the knot in a Las Vegas wedding, and even more arrive for a low-cost honeymoon. You can save a lot by researching every detail or you can find a discount vacation package to finesse the details.

Feeling spontaneous? That's what Las Vegas travel is all about! Why not slip away for 3 days/2 nights from Monday-Thursday for $129. You'll also receive $100 in casino chips in addition to your stay at Planet Hollywood, The Sahara, Boulder Station, Fiesta Rancho, Wild Wild West, Palace Station, Texas Station or Golden Gate Hotel.

For $179 during the week or $229 on the weekend, you can spend 4 days/3 nights at those hotels and receive $100 casino chips too. You can also save $250 by booking a hotel and one of the Vegas shows online at www.myLasvegasrooms.com.

If you want more gambling credits, then you can also try www.trip2earth.com, which offers 4 days & 3 nights during the week, or 3 days & 2 nights on the weekend, $500 in gaming credit, 2 buffet meals and a discount card for as low as $99 per person. You'll be staying at The Sahara, Four Queens, the Fitzgerald, Palace Station, Tuscany Suites or Casino Royale with this deal.

There is another way to save on Las Vegas travel, if you have the patience and are willing to forfeit a few hours of your day. For instance, at www.saveonresorts.com, the Hilton Garden Inn is offering a stunning package for $129 total (not per person) that includes (brace yourself): 3 Days and 2 Nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Las Vegas, 2 Las Vegas show tickets, including comedy and variety shows or the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, a $100 spa or dining certificate, free shuttle to and from the Las Vegas Strip and airport, full use of all hotel amenities, like the fitness center, and additional nights for $119/night if desired.

The only catch is that you must sit through a 90 minute timeshare presentation, although you are under no obligation to purchase anything. Another similar offer replaces the spa certificate and Vegas shows tickets with a free breakfast and a $100 Visa gift card at the Embassy Suites instead.

If luxury is your thing, then stay at an opulent five-star Cancun Resort villa for 3 days/2 nights, receive 2 passes for The Venetian gondola ride, 2 tickets to the wax museum, 2 lunches at Zeffrinos or dinners at Tintorettos and free shuttle service for just $89 total!

If you are considering a vacation property or if you have an iron will, then these deals may be the best vacation package offers you'll ever find.

Please note: Prices may change without notice. Please contact travel agents, airlines and or websites for the most current prices.

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Creating Responsible Young Adults With Teen Boot Camps

As many parents grow frustrated with their inability to break through their teenagers stubborn rebelliousness, they are looking for, and finding, outside programs which claim to alter a child behavior patterns.

Designed to mimic a military boot camp, teen boot camps involve a very strict regiment of discipline while troubled teens are taught life lessons and are molded into responsible young adults. You will find multiple success stories of this type of program on afternoon television, but these stories of success are not necessarily the norm.

Unfortunately, the only thing that really happens at a lot of these types of programs is that the kids get yelled relentlessly until they submit. Sometimes they may submit just so the yelling stops, but the initial problem that spawned the negative behavior is never addressed.

As a result, when the teen returns home, so does the negative behavior. Often times the methodologies of these teen boot camps can be detrimental to the development of a child's self esteem.

While the camp serves it's purpose well in its ability to break down the negative attitudes that may be plaguing your teenager, they fail to take the proper pro-active steps required to build your teen back up into a healthy person who know how to handle conflict.

It appears that the biggest challenge that these programs face is finding an adequate supply of properly trained leaders. Anyone can yell, but educators who are trained to deal with troubled youths are in short supply.

All this to say that, the discipline and tough love that many families hope their kids will find at these teen boot camps, often needs to begin at home.

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Growing Up With A Teen Identity Crisis

Without regard for time period, teenagers have always had an innate struggle with their need to have an identity. This teen identity crisis can be made up of several life experiences along with their surroundings, but it can also be a rebellion against these ideals.

Teens of every decade have struggled with a sense of individuality while at the same time trying to belong to a group of like-minded peers. This constant adolescent struggle is vital in a teen's identity formation.

It is also during this time that teens have a great concern for their appearance and how others perceive them and even a teen identity crisis. This goes far beyond just "looking good" for dates, but rather even a simple trip to the grocery store would cause the inherent need for a teen to "get ready."

For many teens, it is unheard of to go outside of the house without getting "gussied up." Besides, if the teen is wearing sweatpants in public, their life could be ruined if they happen to run into a schoolmate.

Many adolescents take the time to try out different roles as they grow and mature. They may feel more comfortable settling into an identity if they have experimented with several and feel like they have settled into the one that best suits them to overcome their teen identity crisis.

A parents role can be somewhat frustrated as we sit back and watch our kids struggle to make good decisions, but most teens find their way through this difficult time and emerge from it as strong, independent adults.

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Understanding The Culture Of Emo Teens

The last couple decades have produced a rise in a culture that is commonly referred to as "emo." Parents who pay attention to their teens and their lives may have come across this term briefly, but may not understand what the term emo teens entails. Here is a brief introduction to the emo culture for concerned parents.

The Emo movement has established itself as more than just music. It is also developing into a fashion statement as well. Those who choose to dress in the Emo style are fairly easily identified as they wear some fairly easy to spot clothing items.

Emo teens wearing glasses, regardless of need and facial piercings are one characteristic of this movement. Some choose to outline their eyes with dark make-up and will often take a great deal of pleasure at buying second hand clothes.

Parents who choose to educate themselves concerning the culture in which their teen lives are already on the way to being an influential part of their teen's life.

With the many social labels that a teen must contend with (i.e. "preps," "goth," "jocks"), trying to understand emo teen philosophy and the way in which they label themselves is a big step in establishing communication with them.

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Impressionable Teens With An Internet Addiction

As the medium of modern media moves farther away from television and steps ever closer to the internet, the amount of time that young people spend online has naturally increased. Many parents are able to monitor their child's online activity in the same way that they would television activity.

They simply lay down standards and communicate with their kids what is and is not acceptable. Sadly, there are kids who activity goes unchecked and they eventually find themselves spiraling downward with an internet addiction to the pseudo reality that can be found in online communities.

Many teenagers use the internet as a form of escape and some spend hours online, feeding their internet addiction. They can go into online chat rooms and vent their frustrations, talk about personal matters, and mingle with others.

Under the guise of anonymity, many feel it is easier to "be oneself" as they know they will never meet the person with whom they are chatting. But there are predators who know how to "charm" the impressionable teens.

It is not uncommon to hear of stories in which an online predator has either kidnapped or talked a teen into running away from home. It is a problem that is becoming more prevalent with each passing day.

Many psychologists will argue that an addiction to the internet is not serious. They see it as a social network rather than a means of isolation. As parents, there is something that can be done.

There is software that a concerned parent can use that will limit the amount of time for internet sessions. For more extreme cases, internet addiction can be treated like any other form of addiction. In these cases, professional therapy might be an option, along with support groups and other productive outlets for the adolescent's time.

There are more productive medians outside of the internet, and it is the parents' job to explore those possibilities with their teen.

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Communicating Online With Your Parenting Tool

Myspace has quickly become the largest of all the online communities and a parenting tool. Millions of teenagers have built profiles and made connections with other teens all over the world. While this cultural tidal wave is not limited to teens, they are certainly the crux of the movement.

The online community is a place where they can find people of similar interests and people who share similar concerns. This is not a fad that is going to slip away; this is how people communicate now, so parents should not dismiss the importance of this in their child's life.

The crux of the Myspace community is a listing of each participant's "friends" These are all listed on the site, and to be added to someone's friends list, you have to ask and they must then approve you.

As you build your own profile, use Myspace as a parenting tool and talk to your kids. Let them know that you are thinking of joining Myspace and why you would want to be on their list. You may be surprised at how cool your kids think that you are.

Hopefully, you find the online community a great place to interact with your adolescents, as an effective parenting tool. It really can be a great place to communicate in a low pressure way.

Even if they are hesitant at first, you should work hard to earn their trust and show them that you are not there to invade their space or intrude on their privacy, but instead because you love them and want to spend time with them.

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Gender Roles For Teenagers Of Today

There are obvious challenges that are unique to raising daughters, just as raising sons has its own set of hurdles. While many parents may disagree about which is the tougher battle to fight, the one thing that stands in common is the fact that they are different.

Despite the fact that our world is much more neutered than it used to be, there are still gender roles that girls have to be taught that are completely different from the things that boys have to be taught.

Young women, traditionally, needed to be sheltered as they grew up. They were guarded both from physical harm as well as emotional trauma or information that may have cause them distress.

While that attitude has evaporated into history, many young women still feel like they are fighting an uphill battle with gender roles when it comes to being on equal footing with men. They may feel like they have a harder or longer road to success.

The best thing we can do as parents is to encourage their individuality and be there as a constant source of encouragement and support.

So which gender is easier to contend with? There is no simple answer. Both experiences have their challenges and rewards with gender roles. To any discerning parent, the positive rewards of raising a teen from either gender will far outweigh the negative challenges that either gender provides to them.

The parent's satisfaction lies in their teen's fate to grow up and have a child that presents the same rewards and challenges to them.

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Creating Your Wedding Planning Strategies

Wedding planning can be frustrating, intimidating and very stressful, but there are some things that you can do in order to help alleviate some of that and actually enjoy yourself a little as well.

Some of these include starting off with a good attitude, setting a budget, sharing or delegating certain tasks, beginning to plan early and finding good reliable service providers or vendors.

If you want to have a little more time to relax before the day when you will walk down the aisle, then you need to start your wedding planning early. Start out by checking with some of your married friends to get their suggestions and ideas, and surf the Internet for literally hundreds of ways to help you get your wedding going. You can also buy some bridal magazines, attend bridal shows in your area and start shopping around.

Since vendors can make or break a wedding, you want to be sure that when doing your wedding planning you try to find the best ones available within your budget. Word of mouth is usually an excellent way to find good service providers so you should ask friends and family members who they would suggest.

Also, when checking out potential vendors ask them for references. Then find out what type of experiences other people have had with them to help ensure your big day goes as smoothly as possible.

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Better Planning Ideas For DIY Weddings

DIY weddings (do it yourself weddings) are normally decided upon by people who have some great ideas of their own or they want to save a lot of money, or both.

Some do prefer to hire a planner for their wedding but that can get pretty expensive. However, exactly how much is really feasible for a bride to do on her own? Here are some things that are relatively easy for someone considering DIY wedding planning.

Many brides choose to make their own wedding centerpiece creations when they are planning their DIY weddings; the idea is to try to keep them as simple as possible. Try getting several mason jars and wrapping them in colored tissue paper, add some flowers and you have some great, very inexpensive centerpieces.

You can also think functional; for example consider using different fruits as your centerpieces, such as pomegranates or star fruit that has been cut in half. They look great and can also be used as part of the wedding dinner if you are having one.

Designing and making your own invitations is another big part of many DIY weddings. The best way to handle this, meaning the easiest for the bride, is to try to get family and friends together to help you with the making and addressing of the invitations.

This ensures that the job will get done more quickly, yet still shows that you cared enough to make individual invitations.

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