CrossRoads Blog

Sometimes Kimberly and I are running around and next thing you know the whole day is gone, or the weekend for that matter, and we go “man what happened, were did all the time go”. It’s like time really does just fly by. Neither of a has a job that is outside of the house, we have no traffic time, no kids piano or Tae Kwon Do lessons to go to, no PTA, no etc. - but yet it seems like we don’t ever have a spare minute one. Yesterday, I think this was the epitome of ‘no rest for the wicked’ as we were running (ummm.. no pun intended) right from the get-go!

Our morning started with a 4:00 A.M. rise. We quickly did the breakfast thing, and got ready for the Saturday long run with the West Valley Runners. Seeing we were starting the run at 5:30 so that we would be finished by 8:00 ish, this meant cold weather gear, gloves, packing the GU shots, music charged, headlamps on, watch, recovery bars, spi-belt, etc. We wanted to still make sure we had at least a little time after the run to go over to Starbucks and hang with the guys before we had to scoot quickly home and get things going for the next part of the morning. So Kimberly knocked out the 18 miles she needed and I got in my 21.5 and we went over and said hello for a bit with the gang for coffee.

We couldn’t stay long, because we had to run home and get ready for the Annual Tae Kwon Do Party in the park by 10:00. Seeing we had committed to bringing the breakfast Burritos that meant a ton of veggie chopping and cooking still to be done (to say nothing of cracking and separating 5 dozen eggs as we only wanted the whites). So we were flying with showers going, four burners cooking, the electric skillet rockin’, knives, chopping boards everywhere, wraps, aluminum foil, it was nuts. But we did manage to load the food (about 30 plus Burritos), grab some chairs, throw them in the truck and make it over to the park only 30 minutes late or so.

The get together was good fun as always. Way more food options than we all need. I scored some home processed sausage and even ate a doughnut (I ran 21 miles that am so I figured it’s all good). We spent some time shooting the breeze with the whole gang - the folks and the families of our Dojang are all great people. After stuffing ourselves it was time for the annual soccer game. I had a riot, even though I had to play much more in control than last year seeing the hamstring is still very tender. Kimberly wisely watched from the cheering section. I think we played for at least an hour and half before the crowd started breaking up and we all called it a wrap.

It was now time for a late lunch and little store running we had to do. We got the shopping done as fast as we could, came home, ate, hit the shower again (funky from the Soccer and being out in the cold), and got ready for the night. Kimberly’s fellow Belly Dance troupe friend Laura was having a birthday get together. The cool part was that it was going to be the Coyotes Hockey game playing the Sharks. So I was down with that for sure. Only thing was, the gang was all getting together before the game over at Westgate for dinner and drinks meaning we had to be there by like 5:00. Seeing by the time the late lunch and showers were done it was now 3:30, there would be no hoped for nap.

We had a good time at the restaurant and game, it was nice to catch up with everyone. Seems like it has been forever since we have had a night out with some of the Belly Dance gang. It was also nice to see the Coyotes playing some good hockey (it’s been awhile), but sadly we had to book it after the second period so we could rush home and get ready for the Annual Boat/Xmas Party at the Courpe’s. Good news is we are only about 15 minutes from the stadium, I think it took more time to walk to the Truck than it took to get home once out of the parking lot. So within one hour of leaving the game we were in the Christmas(ie) duds with Kimberly’s homemade cookies and a bottle of Vino in our hands walking into the Party.

Alan and Ene always put on a great holiday party, and this year was no exception. Seeing there was no Boat Parade that meant no kiddo’s. No kiddo’s I am sure meant a much more ‘adult’ vibe to the later hours of the party - which sadly we did not get to see. We said hello everybody, had a few cocktails, some vino, hung as best we could, but by about 11:00 we had to fess up and admit we were getting too old to party into the wee hours. Still by the time we hit the sheets it was a 20 plus hour non-stop day. I still wonder where the heck the time goes and how we used to do it back in the day with kids around….

Last Night Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech for the Democratic nominee for President. As Kimberly and I watched it seemed with every passing moment a sense of history was being made. I mean, of course this was a historical night, but it felt ‘Historical’, even perhaps ‘Generation Defining’. Needless to say it was at a minimum a very inspiring and captivating 45 minutes of ‘Hope in Words and Emotion’.

I am now old enough to have seen a lot politicians talk-the-talk only to never walk-the-walk. They give us that glimmer of hope that this time it just isn’t bullshit rhetoric but true sincerity – yet we always end up with more of the same. But today, at least for this moment in time it feels right. So I will again drink (okay maybe ‘sip’ for now) the kool-aid of hope for change here. This man feels like he really could elevate the pride in our country, our trust that government can be for all Americans (and not for 3% of them), and most importantly he will make the decisions that drive us toward a world where I will worry far less for my Grandchildren.

I guess history will tell whether last night was the beginning of something special for our world….but at least right now, we have the hope.

Steve Singer, Shane and Me at the Show

One of the older conventions I have attended over the years was in Phoenix this year. While the show doesn’t have a whole lot of business value anymore it’s always a great chance to catch up with the old friends from the business world. This year was no exception. It was great to see everyone - Clay was in town, Mike Larose stayed with us, Shane hung out for a couple of nights and we got to golf with Paul K - caught up with a ton of other folks too.

One of the nights was a Boogie Nights theme party and Kimberly and I went over in as close to the 60’s vibe dress as we could. Funny, the band that played was the same one as we saw in Vegas on Zac’s 21st birthday.

Back in Vegas for the second time this month.  Seeing the focus was mostly business and friends we didn’t hit any shows and our live entertainment was limited to a few hours sitting and enjoying the band at La Senta (at the Venetian).  We did however get to a couple more enjoyable restaurants (the standout being Mario Batali’s B&B Ristoranti), so I figured I would use this post to talk about some of our favorite Vegas dining places. 

Over the last 13 years I think we have hit 100 different restaurants, overall most are really, really good but some stand out.  Mostly for the food, but some because of the overall experience and vibe.  For us, the dining experience in Vegas has become one of the important aspects of the trip.  It really doesn’t get much better than a great meal, good company and a good bottle (or two) of Vino.  A lot of folks go to Vegas, hit the buffets, play some slots, drink and go home.  Ummm… you can do that at your local Native American Casino.  Why waste your hunger and miss out on the experience of great dining when you are in one of the (now) epicurean capitals of the world? 

Our Favorites and recommendations

Wolfgang Puck’s  Trattoria del Lupo at Mandalay Bay – Our favorite Italian in Vegas.  From an overall resort perspective Mandalay has more excellent choices we think than any other strip hotel.  I don’t think we, or anyone we have eaten with at Lupo has ever had a meal that they didn’t rave about.  You can’t go wrong with anything, but standouts are the Oven Baked Rosemary Shrimp with Chilies (Kimberly now makes a great version at home), the Insalata Caprese with Heirloom tomatoes is the best we have ever had, the Lasagna with Veal, bechamel  is amazing and is the three cheese Tortelloni with aged balsamic

Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois in the Caesars Forum – There are several decent lunch options when you find yourself walking around the Forum shops (and I think we do every Vegas trip), but seems 4 out 5 times we hit Chinois.  They call it Asian Fusion, but for us it’s like Chinese food as good as it gets.

Lawry’s the Prime Rib on Flamingo – One of the few restaurants off the strip (barely) that is more than worthy to get in the car or cab.  Lawry’s not only has unbelievable Prime Rib, but the experience is very unique and way cool.  It’s a formal environment but yet with classic comfort food vibe.  The servers go by Miss (last name) and your prime Rib is carved table side from a $30,000 cart.  For sure get the creamed corn, and the little lobster tails with Lawry’s seasonings work well with the Prime rib.  If you are there in December, they have real Dickens- era singers walking around in costume doing your favorite Christmas Carols – can’t beat it.

Rum Jungle in Mandalay – the food is good, but this place is about the experience.  If you want to have a whole 3 hour dining experience this is a great option.  I really only recommend it if you do the Brazilian Fire Pit.  The “Pit” basically includes 12 different meats that are served tableside.  Your server comes with a long sword like skewer and carves off your courses, and they come about every 5 minutes for an hour it seems.  By the time the roll around for the 10th or so course you can barely walk, but hey, eat up it’s Vegas.  After dinner, hanging out, doing a little dancing and watching the bongo players and dancing girls isn’t too bad either.

House of Blues – okay they got rid of the main reason we used to hit this place up – the Cheese Grits for Breakfast, but even so, it’s a great morning option.  I still have yet to have a bad meal here.  If they bring back the Stewed Chicken, you have to do that for sure, but the current Fried Chicken with mashed Potatoes is outstanding.  The breakfast burritos, the pecan pancakes and the omelets are great options.  If you are around Sunday morning, do the Gospel Bruch – it may be a pork feast (Kimberly not a fan) but the music and vibe make it well worth it.

Nine Fine Irishman – one of our favorite nighttime drinking haunts (gotta’ love the house band) also it a great lunch (or for that matter dinner) choice.  We can only speak for one meal – the Fish-n-Chips.  I’m not much of beer man, but sitting out on the Patio, eating the Fish-n-Chips, sipping on a cold one while you listen to some old Irish one man band guy who looks like he got beat by an ugly stick do those old folk songs – ah… as they say, doesn’t get any better.

Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris – when you are looking for one of those romantic splurge nights, this is the place.  I’m not necessarily a fancy French food guy, and the wine list here assumes you just took a company public (man are they proud), but the WOW effect is in full force dining here.  The atmosphere, the service, the view of the Bellagio Fountains from up high, simply spectacular.

Mario’s B&B – our newest discovery.  The pastas are so simple, yet so good.  I think this speaks to the fact that if you use fresh and high quality, nothing has to be fancy.  Try the cheese flights, the accompaniments they do with them are spectacular – as it the cheese of course

Honorable Mention

Rosewood Grille – hey it’s lobster done right, but there are lots of options round the world for that.  This place gets our mention because in addition to being able to get some of the largest lobsters ever pulled from the sea, it is the place where the Miller family had one of the most enjoyable family meals ever.  I’ll just say it included the whole family, a 7lb lobster, some foo-foo drinks, a great ‘real’ Italian waiter, a spilled virgin daiquiri, and a whole lot of laughing.

Top of the World at the Strat – about the only reason to go north of the Wynn on the strip.  The foods not bad, but the reason you go is dining 800 feet above the city.  The views are amazing, and after you fill up, drink some wine, have a cognac with desert you can always try the Big Shot and see if you can keep it down.

Don’t avoid, but not as good as expected

Valentino in the Venetian – this place was one of our top choices, as good as Lupo even.  But a couple of years ago they went to a price fixe menu and that just doesn’t work.
Emerils in MGM – I’m sure there are some great meals here, and we only have been there once, but it just didn’t stand out as you would expect from an Emeril place.
Mesa Grille at Caesars – same story here.  I had the 12 spice chicken that was the specialty and while good, nothing special.  I expected more from a Bobby Flay spot.
Red Square in Mandalay – we used to just love the black truffle and lobster pasta and the way they did the beef stroganoff – then they jacked em’ both up – very disappointing
Aeurole – cool wine display, like the tablet PC menus, but high priced average food.

Looking forward to trying ‘Mix’ next trip.

Our Technorati Profile

We decided to get rolling with a blog for the family site. We are not new to blogging as all the family has been doing some on various sites like MySpace, Tribe, etc over the years, but it just seemed logical to get one going here too.

We set up the design and now it’s time for the first post. We plan to just use the blog for whatever various thoughts, news, etc comes about. Over the life of the blog we expect content will vary greatly: some posts surely will just be little blurbs and some important discussions for us. Having said that, you always want your “first post” to be a little more special, really have something to say, etc. Which brings us to the first message. Not necessarily special, not necessarily relevant to a lot of folks. But I suppose timing is everything, and basis that, our message in the first post comes from some old thoughts that have been revisited as of late. We’ll let the picture below tell the story. I made this for a tribe group Kimberly set up awhile back. It expressed our feelings then, as it does now. We promise less somber messages in the future: