LATEST LAS VEGAS

Keith…Maybe around Xmas time if I can talk the wife into a junket out to Lost Wages. Hope you have a great trip, and look forward to hearing more of your suggestions about places to eat. Do you ever go downtown? I've found the scene picking up there last few trips. Love the Hawaiian place at the California; great loco moco. I even talked the wife into trying the $10 prime rib special there one night. It was "old school" Vegas;definitely different vibe than eating at BOA steakhouse or Eiffel Tower restaurant at Paris! Worth trying once, I think…T

 

Peppermill was first thought, but not white table cloth...T

 

This place does a great Thanksgiving:

Las Vegas Fine Dining Restaurants | Botero | Wynn & Encore Resort

 

Best filet I've ever had there.

 

Heading to Vegas in about 3 weeks with my wife. I'm doing a few HPDE's, one from Exotics Racing and one from World Class Driving. I've been trying to study the course layout for the Exotics Racing program at Las Vegas Speedway. Pretty simple, like 6 turns total, and one is a mild chicane. I just want to be somewhat familiar with the track before I drive, pretty much the same anybody would do.
...BUT...
Watching the videos these guys post on YouTube is, quite frankly, a little bit painful. I came across only one guy who was reasonably proficient at Exotics Racing in an Aventador (I haven't watched ALL the videos, who has that kind of time). Most guys don't have the feeling for balance in a mid-engine, rear drive or all-wheel drive car - they tend to be really "nosey," driving with a lot of pitch in the front end of the car. I guess I'm lucky to have plenty of mid-engine 360 Spider mileage under my belt. Also, a power car like the Aventador is really, totally, overkill for a short circuit like the one configured for Exotics Racing. But, oh well, won't really have too many chances to drive said car.

The videos posted by customers of World Class Driving are downright horrifying. Man, I hope me and my buddy don't get caught up in a slow caravan like those which I have seen! I'm not looking for "road racing," but I expect some spirited driving from people who can at least keep up with the leader in a heavy-ass Jaguar XJ Sedan! Jeez!! Also, one guy posted a video where he and his group were basically stuck behind a fuel truck for 20 minutes. That would ruin a 458 Italia experience for me.

Fingers crossed!

Oh yeah, and we're doing a lot of fun dining experiences and the Absinthe show as well! You know, stuff to do in between HPDE's.
Anyone have any comments on Exotics Racing or World Class Driving? I searched already.
I have driven with World Class before, they were great.

 

Raj…I've heard Absinthe is excellent. Hope you enjoy that.

In this thread

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/california-nevada-southern-sponsored-fast-cars-ltd/467667-need-quick-advice-driving-san-diego-las-vegas-tomorrow.html

user shawdut talked about his experience with Exotics Racing. So, maybe you can PM him?

I look forward to learning what you find out, as I have long had this on my Vegas "to do" list. Of course, if I do, I will warn you, since I will likely be leading the "slow caravan," as you called it! …T

 

Haha, I read that thread. I also had dinner at Guy Savoy at Caesar's Palace the last time I was there, and enjoyed the experience very much.

My buddy picked the show (Absinthe) and he's got good taste, so I'm cool with that. I understand it's sort of intimate, so he picked a table somewhat removed from the stage, as our group tends to be more interested in being in the audience rather than in the show. I'll post some writeups here when I get back.

Exotics Racing is pricey, no doubt. They run specials all the time. This time around, I've already scored a couple of free laps in the 458 and the Huracan just by bargaining on the telephone. They wouldn't give me any extra / free laps in the Aventador, but that's OK. It's probably too much car for that track anyway - it's a relatively short circuit. Laps FLY by, if the videos are to be believed.

At Exotics Racing, I can be as aggressive as I want to be, which is good. At World Class Driving, I'll be at the mercy of the group. My buddy I'm going with likes cars, he has a 335i, but he's never driven exotics, so I'm not sure he'll be pushing it. I'm sort of like Mr. Hyde in someone else's car, a bit more Dr. Jekyll on my own wheels. I'm hopeful that the World Class Driving group is reasonable aggressive, as this particular program will break speed limit laws on public roads that are not crowded, and if the lead car driver is confident in the group. It all comes down to the group and the traffic.

 

Absinthe is a scream. As long ad no one on your party will be offended by graphic sexual humor, and insulting anyone and everyone in the room, you'll love it. It's raunchy in the bed way possible.

If anyone in the party is even remotely PC, skip it.


Mark

 

Thanks man. I think we're all good. It should be pretty enjoyable. We're all able to laugh at ourselves.

 

You better be!



Example: I went with my wife and my parents. While the acts occur on stage, often the ring leader makes sexual jokes about what is occurring from his throne (which is set back in the audience about 5-6 feet in the air). During one of the acts, nearly naked men doing feats of strength, in tune with the music, which built as the act went on, the ring leader used his microphone to simulate jerking off on my dad's head. His thrown was immediately behind and above our seats. We couldn't see what was going on, but little by little the entire place started erupting in laughter looking in our direction. My poor dad was so fixated on watching the act, he didn't catch on until the very end. Just in time for the money shot (party popper) to blast him in the face.





Mark

 

Hi Raj! I've been to to Exotics racing several times and did both ER and WCR on same day on a visit last year. Did latest ER last month. ER is def faster and more fun, but you are told when to shift and brake, you do not dare downshift on your own. Interestingly they will not allow use of PDKS in the 991 GT3, (having recently taken delivery of my own GT3, I was disappointed not to use this feature). Friend of mine told me he was lectured sternly for going too fast and not following directions (some other event). Overall, still fun, best place to experience cars one would never get to easily test drive, drove Hurrican, GTR (special deal on that) and GT3 at last visit. Of course you have to drive 430 Scud and 458....I am going to look into dream racing for more aggressive experience.
WCD was actually more disappointing, radio cars at front and rear. Did Red Rock canyon tour. Was admonished for a necessary highway pass. A parade. Was not like when they had a traveling road show years back; what a blast, drove Ford Gt, 430, Alpha 8C like they were stolen!
Going back to LV in 2 weeks, will try and squeeze in DR or ER experience......
Have fun!

 

Thanks Glen, I would certainly concur with the WCD exotic car tour from a few years back, that was a lot of fun.
At ER, I'm planning to drive the 458, Aventador, & Huracan so far. We'll see what sort of walk-on deals they can offer. I know it will be considerably different from WCD in terms of pace, I like how you called WCD a 'parade.' Well, I guess any seat time in a 458 is better than none!
Have a safe winter!

 

Hi all,

I am planning a trip to Las Vegas for my 30th and will be renting a 458 from Vegas Luxury Rides. I will have the vehicle for 6 hours and trying to plan a route around the Las Vegas area. I was thinking of heading to Red Rock, but I also found Mount Charleston, which seems like it would a fun drive. Has anyone ever done the Mount Charleston loop?

Also, the wife and I were in Las Vegas in September for our anniversary and we tried Giada's new restaurant inside the Cromwell. The food and service was excellent and would highly recommend. It is not as good as Joel Robuchon at the MGM, but still worth a try. If you are into buffets, the Bacchanal has plenty of selections to choose from. For me, this and the Wicked Spoon are the best buffets in Las Vegas.

I'm looking at either Guy Savoy's restaurant, Le Cirque or Picasso. From reading this thread, either of these restaurants are outstanding.

 

Picasso was ok.
I really like Estatiora Milo's in the Cosmo


Sent from my 16M

 

I have family in vegas, they all LOVE Milos.


Mark

 

Speaking of the Cosmo, if you are bringing the kids along, Holsteins & Secret Pizza, on the third level, are IMO great options...T

 

I looked at the Milos menu and it looks yummy.

I second the secret pizza location at the Cosmo. It's a great place to go when everything else is closed.

Has anyone tried Bazaar Meats by the infamous Jose Andres?

 

I went to his Bazaar in BH, California and it was simply awesome.


Mark

 

We had considered this place for our upcoming trip. It's like a carnivore's wet dream. But, even though my wife eats meat, there wasn't a whole lot of stuff there that she could get excited for, so we passed. We're heading to Joe's Steak and Stone Crabs instead (Caesar's).

 

Hey Keith…Sounds like you had the same great weather we had here in Texas. Glad most of the places you went to were awesome. Too bad about Prime. I gave up on going out for TG years ago - I think most places can't handle the uptick in volume & if they do, nothing ever compares to grandma's turkey, yams & green bean casserole (or least the way I remember it!). I also love the location of Mon Ami Gabi; I always call ahead & reserve an outside seat with view of the Bellagio fountains. I like their hanger steak, and given the price differential, I prefer MAG and its view to the Eiffel Tower restaurant…T