The Artisan

...emphasis on "Art". At first glance this off-Strip hotel doesn't appear much like a Vegas hot spot, but step inside and you'll feel like you're in a different part of the world.
The decor is interesting, dark and beautiful all at the same time. The lounge is open 24 hours, which is great for those of us who tend to work late nights. The walls are adorned with framed artwork by classic and contemporary artists. Very chic! In the lounge you'll also notice some hanging frames. And I mean just the empty frames, no paintings. It makes for good conversation, as does the ceiling which is covered with small, framed mirrors. The only thing seemingly out of place are the flat screen TVs that shine excessively bright in an otherwise dim-lit environment. Not exactly feng shui. On the weekends it's crowded and a louder atmosphere complete with DJ. During the week it's more chill, quiet and relaxing. A jazz pianist or guitarist would put this place over the top. Carey is the bartender. Ask him to make you his "Black Orchid Martini". The Artisan Hotel gets a "G-rating" for its uniqueness and because you will look cool when you take someone there for the first time.

Sushi Fever

Everyone has a favorite sushi spot in this town. Mine is Sushi Fever near Sahara and Durango. Ask to sit at the sushi bar, it's more fun than the dining room.
Of course they have all the traditional sushi and sashimi plates, but in my opinion these guys are a cut above (pun intended) when it comes to their "chef's specials". Not exactly traditional Japanese fare.
The chef's specials menu boasts such favorites as the "Mistake Roll", "The Mountain" and the "Screaming O". Yes I am abbreviating... and yes it really is on the menu. The main ingredient in the "Screaming O" is seared ahi tuna. It comes over a bed of shredded daikon (a type of radish) and drenched in a sauce with ingredients they will not disclose. All I can say is, "G-licious."
If you're a fan of sake, make sure you order some for the sushi chefs. They're allowed to drink on the job and they swear the food tastes better when they're in a happy mood. Kampai ("cheers" in Japanese).

Red Rock Resort

By now most of you have already been to Red Rock Resort, Station Casinos' newest property on the west side of town. This is a favorite spot of mine because I live nearby, and because it offers a little something for everyone. If I have visitors in town, I can drop them off for a few hours and I know they'll be just fine.
One of my favorite restaurants there is Tides Oyster Bar . Let me preface by saying I've always been a big fan of the original Oyster Bar at Palace Station. I still think they're the best in town. If you go there ask for Greg. He's the chef, and if I'm not mistaken he's been steaming and stewing delicious seafood for at least 20 years. Tides has a very similar menu, everything from fresh-shucked oysters, to seafood pastas, to gumbo. My absolute favorite though is the "House Roast". It's a combination of Lobster, Shrimp and Crab all sauteed in a tomato cream sauce. You can choose your level of spiciness from 1 to 10. 10 of course being too hot to eat. I generally go with a 7. This trio of seafood goodness is about as good as it gets. And they don't skimp on the shrimp if you know what I mean. Try it!
This may surprise you but if you're looking for something fun to do on a date, consider BINGO. Red Rock offers games every odd hour until 11pm. When my date suggested we give it shot, I skeptically said, okay. Honestly, I don't think I'd played BINGO since I was about 9 years old at our Church Fall Festival growing up. I was out-of-practice to say the least. It was challenging, we laughed, and I would definitely go again. The crowd was mostly seniors, but there was also a good contingent of college students. Something I found interesting: The seniors were all using the latest BINGO technology, electronic score cards, etc. The younger set on the other hand, was using the "old-school" paper score cards and ink dobbers. I was a part of that group. Yes, I did get to yell "BINGO" once. I was a little hesitant because I wasn't quite sure I actually had all the numbers. I was definitely intimidated amongst all these obvious pros. Upon further check, I did in fact have the correct configuration. I won 50 bucks.
Finally, if you're looking for something to cap-off the evening, go check out the outdoor lounge at T-Bones Chophouse. Just walk through the restaurant and go through the back doors out to the patio. There's no charge. You'll find yourself in a beautiful, poolside environment. There are couches and a fire pit. There's also an outdoor bar if you care for an adult beverage. It's perfect for quiet conversation. During the week it's usually not very crowded. This place will remind you why we live in Las Vegas and not in a city where soon it'll be too cold to sit outside.