Blue Martini Lounge

Blue Martini Lounge is fast gaining a rep for having the best Happy Hour in town. It's a locals hot spot located in the Town Square shopping center. Experts will tell you, for any "bar type" venue to stand a chance in Las Vegas it must offer 3 things: great food/drinks, reasonable prices... and atmosphere (ie. eye candy). Blue Martini delivers on all three. Their Specialty Martini list is impressive. I've personally tried the Bellini Martini, the Down and Dirty Martini and the Ultimate White Chocolate Martini (not all at the same time). All were fantastic, though I'm partial to the Down and Dirty. For eats I recommend the Lobster Tacos, the Seared Tuna and the Flatbreads. The outdoor patio has a great vibe for happy hour...but it gets a little warm. At night the indoor lounge has a club feel with d-j and sometimes live music.

Zion National Park

The dictionary defines Zion as, "A place sacredly devoted to God", or a "Utopia". If you've ever been to Zion National Park you probably agree there's something celestial about this place. A short 2 1/2 hours by car from Las Vegas, it is every bit worth the drive.

I've been a few times now and I highly recommend it as an annual trip. There's plenty of lodging as you head into town... also tent camping facilities at the entrance of the park. Two hikes I highly recommend are: Zion Narrows and Angels Landing.

The Narrows is especially fun in the summer because you are literally required to hike/wade through water for a good portion of the trek. The Narrows is actually a gorge carved out by the Virgin river that extends 16-miles. The walls of the gorge do "narrow in" at certain sections. Hence the name. Because most of the gorge is under a foot, or sometimes several feet of water there's no specially marked trail. I would suggest you wear a bathing suit and t-shirt, also an old pair of sneakers. Some people wear flip flops but you can still cut your feet on the rocks with those. The rocks can also be slippery so shoes with a little traction are a good idea. Warning: If you bring a camera be prepared to carry it above your head as you wade through the water. I managed to keep mine dry, but I did see one person slip and fall in... camera and all. Ooops! Oh, one other minor detail... there is always the potential for Flash Flooding so make sure you check weather forecasts ahead of time. The Narrows offers spectacular scenery and an adventure you'll probably never forget.

Angels Landing is a great date hike. About 5 miles round trip. Here's what you do: Get there early before the sun is too hot. Pack a lunch and lots of water. The first half is all uphill. Just about the time you think you're starting to make some headway you'll get to a section that looks like stairs... yes, stairs. You'll be grateful for any time spent at the gym, on the Stair Master, etc., when you reach this point. It's challenging, but definitely do-able. To be honest I was a little out of breath, maybe even concerned my date would "out hike" me, but it leveled off just in time. Wheeew! Now comes the best part. If your date still hasn't dumped you, she just might when you reach the section of trail that requires you to cross a narrow ridge. There are drop-offs on both sides. I'm talking up to 1200 feet. There's even a wall you'll have to scale by pulling yourself up from chains that are embedded in the rocks. Good stuff. Once you've made it this far the summit is just a short walk further. You will love the views, they are simply amazing. And providing no one slipped on a ledge... your date will love you too.

Cheesecake and Crime

Looking for a perfect way to unwind after a long, hectic work week? Why not escape into a world of mystery and intrigue... then wash it all down with a decadent slice of cheesecake. Both are possible at the newly opened Cheesecake and Crime Mystery Book Shop and Cheesecake Joint. What a "novel" concept. I love a good mystery. Throw in some "to die for" cheesecake and I'm pretty much "G"-lated. The store is located at Eastern and St. Rose Parkway in the Kmart strip mall. Lendall and Pamela Mains are the owners. Lendall is the baker who learned his craft growing up in Maine (east coast cheesecake is the best!). Pamela describes her husband as the cheesecake... and says she's the crime. Trust me, no laws are broken here. Unless of course you decide to dive in to that extra slice. Cheesecake and Crime also plays host to book clubs and mystery theatre productions. Fun Stuff! Best of all, they won't kick you out if you decide to nap on their couches after having too much to eat.

Rojo Lounge

We'll put this one in the "Hot Spot" category even though technically few people are probably aware of Rojo Lounge yet.

Credit for tipping "me" off goes to Jason Latham, Executive Producer of "Wake up with the Wagners"... and all around man about town.

I checked this place out for the first time a couple nights ago. Loved it! Jason described it as a high-end, strip-like lounge, just not on the strip. I agree. It's situated in the lobby entrance of the new Palms Place Condo Hotel. The layout is great because you can also take your drink out into the main lobby. Lots of couches and cool areas to chill out.

If you're into celebrity watching insiders tell me this is the hottest spot in town right now. Since many of the condos are owned by celebs, they can often be spotted grabbing a quick beverage at Rojo. This week I'm told Jon Lovitz stopped by as did Vern "Mini Me" Troyer. Okay, maybe they're not on the top of your "watch list"... but others who reportedly purchased Palms Place condos include, rapper Eminem, Jessica Simpson and Hulk Hogan.

Robert Parekh is the bar manager. Good guy. We chatted with him for a few. They offer many signature drinks, inlcuding one he created called a "Mandarin Mojave"... it tastes like a dreamsicle.

Death Valley

If you've never taken the drive to Death Valley... now is the perfect time to do so. For the next few weeks the weather will be mild and the roadsides will be alive (not dead) with wildflowers. I'll admit, I didn't expect it to be as cool as it was. Volcanic craters, sand dunes, beautiful desert landscapes, wildlife... even a castle.

It takes about 3-hours to get there. We drove through Pahrump and eventually looped around (by way of scenic route) through Beatty to get back home.

Suggestions: Our first stop was Zabriskie Point. This is a great photo spot, and it get's you excited about the rest of your trip. You'll feel like you're on the surface of another planet. Next we went to the Sand Dunes outside Stovepipe Wells. Make sure you take the walk out to the sand. It gets better the closer you get. They advise you walk in other's footsteps... so everyone can enjoy the untouched ripples formed by the wind. We looked at a few campsites and ultimately decided on Mesquite Spring. It's on the way to Scotty's Castle. The campground was spacious and clean. If you're ok roughing it in a tent (we were) be prepared for coyotes howling in the night. And when I say howling, I mean right next to your tent, several times throughout the night. This was unnerving and awesome all at the same time. Note: DON'T FEED THE COYOTES. A short drive from the campsite is the Ubehebe Crater. This is a half-mile wide, nearly 800-foot deep volcanic crater. You can actually hike to the bottom... just realize you will eventually have to climb back out. One stop we didn't make on this trip, but absolutely will next time, is the Racetrack Playa. National Geographic Magazine featured this natural phenomenon in one of its issues, and people travel from all over the world to see it up close. Finally, Scotty's Castle. I fully expected this to be the "cheesiest" part of our weekend. I was pleasantly surprised. The story behind this castle is fascinating. The tour is worthy of the fee.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the illusive Jackalope. This rarely spotted, but often taxidermied creature is said to migrate in the spring. Legend has it you can see herds of Jackalope (aka, Antelabbit) running through the desert late at night. Just beware... they're fierce.

Lotus of Siam

First, you should know I struggled whether to even include Lotus of Siam on my blog. Not because it's not G-worthy, but mainly because it's already difficult enough to get a table here on a busy night. I realize many of you have long been cued-in to this Las Vegas gem... but for all you first "Thai-mers" out there, here goes:

Lotus of Siam is an unassuming, family-owned, Thai food restaurant, hidden (I say hidden but really a million people know where it is) in a strip mall off Sahara and Maryland Parkway. Disregard whatever first-impression you may have. This place is all about the food. They've received just about every culinary accolade out there. Including a favorable review by the New York Times. They are Zagat rated. Gourmet Magazine even voted it "Best Thai Restaurant in the Country" once. It also happens to be a favorite pick of a number of celebrities like, Drew Barrymore and Billy Joel.

At this point I should give credit to my colleague, reporter Steve Crupi, who introduced me to Lotus several years ago. Steve has been to Thailand many times and says the Thai food at Lotus rivals any Thai meal he's actually had in Thailand. I believe him.

Saipin Chutima is the chef. On occasion she steps out of the kitchen to chat with guests. If you ever see her make sure to ask what she recommends for the evening. There are daily specials that aren't always on the regular menu. On the weekends you'll want to make a reservation because usually there's a line to get in. Be advised, if you're just going to order Pad Thai noodles and Chicken Sa-Tay... they're good, but those aren't the items that make Lotus stand out from the rest.

Okay, here's what I suggest: Make your first visit to Lotus on a weeknight when they're not as busy. Go with a group so you can sample many dishes. Ask for Tony, he's one of the waiters. He's very helpful and will explain menu items and make recommendations.

If you are a first "Thai-mer" you may want to try the Yellow Curry with Chicken. They rate their spiciness from 1 to 10, with 6 being extremely hot for most people. I like my meals spicy but I'd go mild to start, unless you want to end up like Ben Stiller in "Along Came Polly". Another good starter is the Nua Sao Renu, otherwise known as Number 56. It's a sliced charbroiled beef dish with a tamarind sauce. A good appetizer for beginners is the Fried Wontons, also with a savory sauce.

If you're an old "Thai-mer" try choosing items from the Northern Thai menu. Very unique and satisfying. The Tom Yum Kung and Tom Yum Kai soups are both fantastic. I also enjoy Salmon Panang. Panang is a Congnac and Coconut Milk-based Curry Sauce. The Drunken Noodle Seafood is also very good. My absolute favorite though, which also happens to be the favorite of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman (I know because I asked), is the Thai-Basil Crispy Duck. I've never had anything else like it anywhere.

Finally, don't let a trip to Lotus pass without ordering desert. The platter is the best way to go. It's a combination Fried Plantains or Fresh-cut Mangoes, with Sweet Sticky Rice... and a scoop of the best Coconut Ice Cream you've ever had.

G's Best Barbecue Picks

In the 5 years I lived in Texas I never became a full-fledged Cowboys fan... but I did develop a taste for good barbecue. Recently I've been on a quest to find the best grill-joints in Las Vegas. Obviously I haven't tried them all, but thanks to the help of 3 co-workers I've narrowed it down to three spots I'd say are definitely G-worthy.

AC "Big Country" Crooks (News 3 Production Worker/Camera Operator) recommends: H & H Barbecue on Las Vegas Boulevard North near the Silver Nugget. The first couple times I tried to go to this place I couldn't find it. It's a small shack-like building that still bears the name of a previous establishment. I finally noticed an "H & H" banner hanging on the side of the building. But don't let that sway you. They have a drive up window and a walk up window. I ordered a pulled-pork sandwich from the walk-up. The meat was actually chopped, not pulled, but good nonetheless. You can taste the smoky, mesquite-wood flavor they use to grill their meats. I like mine with a little more sauce than it comes with, but you can always ask for more. My favorite side from H & H was the candied yams. The Potato salad was a close second.

Carlos "Go Southern Miss" Spann (News 3 Photojournalist) recommends: TC's Rib Crib on Durango and D.I. I've been there a couple times now. This is a family-owned place and you can taste the pride in the cooking. The rib-combo is fantastic . The pulled pork is actually pulled. The meat is about as good as I've had anywhere. Every employee is related, and every photo on the wall is a relative. They brag about their cobbler which one day I promise I'll try. My problem is I always get too full, too fast. My favorite sides at TC's are the Mac n' Cheese and the Greens.

Elizabeth "I Was Born In Texas" Watts (News 3 Producer) recommends: Famous Dave's on Rainbow near Lake Mead,

Dave's has probably always been famous, but now it's also G-rated. Yes, this is a chain... but it may just be the best barbecue I've ever had. Again, for comparison purposes I went with the pulled pork. My portion was heaping, and contained just the right amount of sauce. They actually have 4 additional sauces to chose from, including a hot & spicy verison they call "Devil Spit" which added a kick. The first time I went there I practically had to be wheeled out. A basket of String Onions, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, etc., etc., ...wow!!

I look forward to sampling more great barbecue in the coming weeks, but for now my top choice is Dave's. My apologies to "Southern Miss" and "Big Country"... but this round goes to the girl from Texas.