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.