Vegas in 3

I'm going to be going to Vegas in a few weeks for a trade show. I'm planning on making this all about some good eating. I think I'm going to be exhausted as the show runs from 8am to 6pm daily so I my goal is to get some good eats and catch one show. I think that is about all my pocketbook can afford anyway.

Since I'm going it alone and it is my birthday month -- week even -- I'm going to splurge a little. I've been wanting to try one of Mario Batali's restaurants. He has a casual dining place in the Venetian, San Marco, that I'm definitely going to check out. Do I want a pasta or the crispy duck? Check out the menu! I'm pretty sure I need to try the duck.

Then there is Thomas Keller's Bouchon, also in the Venetian. To me, the prices seem really reasonable for "fine dining". I definitely want some mussels. The salads sound so yummy. No one makes a salad like the French. And at $35, the steak frites seems like a bargain! Check out the menu -- I think I'm going to have to have dessert too! Um... profiteroles, yes!