The road was still open to the back entrance of our destination property, and we worked our way in through the sea of taxis, cars and limos. We told the first security guard that we had tickets to the Danny Gans show. He waved us past the first gauntlet. We didn’t actually have our tickets yet; they were at “will call.” Just to be sure we got past future road blocks, I suggested that Peter take out a $20.00 bill and have it handy. He obliged. As we neared the “Garage at the Mirage” as it was originally named, we encountered another guard. He asked if we were hotel guests and Peter said, “No – we have tickets to the show.” Well, when put that way, of course the guard wanted to see the tickets. I know that telling him they were in will call may have gotten us in, but Peter palmed the guy his twenty and “Poof!” – access was granted. What a country!

So here we were, on New Year’s Eve, having decided at just 3 p.m. that we would ATTEMPT to visit the Strip and maybe see a show, then possibly grab a bite to eat or head back toward home after that. I had even offered to throw some steaks on the grill afterward, or we could pop in to one of our fabulous local places that serve food 24/7. (We were affectionately referring to wherever we might end up as “Texas Roadrunner Station Ranch,” although we didn’t really have a specific place in mind yet.)

Once inside, Peter grabbed the tickets while I made a pit stop. Everyone was so polite and friendly and countless strangers offered “Happy New Year” to each other. I joined right in, and I have to admit – it was fun to be out. We had a little time so we worked our way over to the Japanese lounge and got right up to the bar where Travis, who looked fresh and happy, served us drinks with a smile. (All beverages came in plastic cups…the foresight of our city government certainly has its moments!) Travis told us he had just come on duty, but I had a feeling he would be that fresh even hours later. I asked him how late he had to work that evening and he said they had been told, “Whenever.” He was up for the task and happy to be there. What a treat!

We forged our way through the crowds, which seemed quite normal, since the last time I was at the Mirage was for the jewelry show…a zoo if ever there was one! It’s a cross between a middle-eastern street market and a trip to Tiffany’s!

I’ve seen Danny’s show before…many times…and was sorry to see that it hadn’t changed much. He had a few new topical jokes; comments about Brittany Spears’ lack of underwear and things along those lines. The funniest joke of the evening came from his impression of Jeff Foxworthy: “If you think ‘loading the dishwasher’ means gettin’ yer wife drunk…you might be a redneck.” I howled. The last time I had seen Danny was at the Rio, but I had seen it there three or four times. He’s good and he works really hard. After 32 years in Las Vegas, I am just one jaded gal. The audiences love him. We found out the next day that Leonardo DiCaprio had been sitting in our row. THAT I would have liked to have seen! Oh well…I was seated next to a very large man and wouldn’t have been able to tell if my own mother had been three seats away.

The show let out and the smokers (seemingly everyone) lit up. I craved fresh air, but Peter was hungry so we attempted to find a seat in a restaurant. Pretty bold, considering it was New Year’s Eve and we did not have a reservation. I mean, what are the odds that we would find a table, other than at the deli or CPK? Peter wanted a steak. He took about ten minutes working his way up to the hostess at Onda only to find that she had physically shut down. I didn’t understand this…where was Travis? When employees are on their way to work on the busiest night of the year, they need to “gear up” for the task ahead. As a hostess, I would think you should figure that for every reservation you had, you would likely have five more table requests. What’s the problem? You have to tell people, with a smile, that it’s unfortunate but that you are full and can only seat those with reservations. Duh. I didn’t see Peter try to bribe her, but I don’t know that it would have worked there anyway. This hostess was tired and was suffering from “Failure to Cope.”

Next, Peter spoke to the hostess at Samba. She did just what she should have; she told him she could only seat those with reservations. He did not attempt to bribe her. It might have worked, might not have. I wouldn’t even have asked for a table without a twenty or better in my hand.

We decided to head to “Texas Roadrunner Station Ranch,” but on the way out we passed Kokimo’s. Peter said, “I’ve got to give it a shot.” I suggested he tell the beautiful hostess, Vilay, that we were there instead of the people who didn’t show up for their reservation. A sense of humor can usually take you pretty far. She took the bait and said, “And the name on that would be….Smith?” We were in! She said, “Just a moment,” got his real name, and seated us in less than five minutes. What were the odds that we would score a fabulous dinner without a reservation THAT NIGHT? I suggested that Peter take care of her with a tip and I saw him give her something. But the fact remains that she helped us WITHOUT a bribe or tip upfront! She was so friendly and a real pro, unflappable, unlike the other hostesses. If I owned a restaurant, I would have stolen her away that moment to come and work for me.

Dinner wrapped up; we could see some of the fireworks through the glass dome overhead, shared a kiss at midnight and headed out. We encountered a huge crowd on the sky bridge – people who had watched the fireworks from the top of the garage. We were on Spring Mountain Road within five minutes and safely home by 12:30. I’m still in shock!

How does Las Vegas do it? How does this city still manage to amaze me – after 32 years? As I mentioned, I had been to so many openings when I sold advertising, and they usually came in a big cluster. My peers and I would find ourselves attending three or four events in one week, and many times more than one event per night! We really have seen it all. My top choice these days for a show would be stand-up comedy. My top choice for dinner? My house! Although I have to give props to The Rosewood Grille, which is always a favorite of mine. In fact I find myself resenting it when I have to crack my own crab legs. The Rosewood Grille serves them sliced open lengthwise – exquisite! Drai’s always took great care of me. And of course the Vegas Palm in the Forum Shops is always perfection. And I have to mention that sitting outside at Mon Ami Gabi, especially when the weather is ideal, is an experience that’s hard to beat. But what I experienced this New Year’s Eve was extraordinary.

Special thanks to Travis, Vilay and especially to Peter, for renewing my faith in our city and our visitors. What are the odds that we could have enjoyed a great evening on such short notice, especially when you consider that some people had their evening on the strip planned since LAST New Year’s Eve?! Viva Las Vegas….you’ve done it again!