Wake up late, work out, deal with any outstanding matters, enjoy a leisurely lunch, catch a taxi to the airport and arrive well in advance of the scheduled boarding time, leave Vancouver at 3:00 p.m., arrive in Vegas at 5:30 p.m., check in, unwind, then head on over to Scarpetta for our 8:00 p.m. dinner reservation.
Well, that was the plan anyway. Maybe, in some ideal alternate universe, that’s the way it went down but in this reality, things went a little differently. Arrived at the airport to discover the flight had been pushed an hour. Then an hour and fifty minutes. Then two hours and ten minutes. Then two and a half hours. Apparently our plane was delayed coming out of Toronto. The reason for the delay? No one, not even the Air Canada staff, had a clue.
Finally, the plane arrived. Iwas good to go! Unfortunately, Air Canada wasn’t. We had to wait for the cabin crew to clear customs. “Wait a minute,”I protested. “The flight crew had two and a half hours to clear customs!” I was informed that because of the delay, they had to switch out the assigned crew with a crew coming in from an international flight.
We finally left Vancouver, three hours late, made up no time in the air, and finally touched down in Vegas very, VERY late. A mad rush to the hotel, a hurried check-in, followed by breakneck charge to The Cosmopolitan andI was finally sitting down to dinner – formerly scheduled for 8:00 p.m., then pushed to 8:30 p.m., then pushed to 9:00 p.m., then pushed to 9:30 p.m., but it wasn’t until 10:00 p.m. that I finally sat down.
Of course the late dinner meant I was able to enjoy the company of an old friend who made the drive from L.A. just to see me – and enjoy dinner at Robuchon and e by Jose Andres.
No, not Paul Giamatti. My former culinary wingman, Golden Boy Martin Gero, showed. Of course, you wouldn’t know he was once my culinary wingman given that he hardly partook in any of the dishes I’d ordered – two appetizers, four pasta dishes, and three desserts. Apparently, he’d eaten on the way. Eaten at In And Out Burger!
Anyway, setting aside who did and did not eat for the time being, the Scarpetta feast was comprised of
- Way past Marty G.’s bedtime.
On our way out, we passed owner Scott Conant himself, standing at the bar chatting with customers as they left the restaurant. He seems a lot more friendly and down to earth when he’s not berating you for undercooking your fish or improper plating. I told him I enjoyed my meal.
In retrospect, I should have mentioned my ice cream to dessert ratio issues.
I was exhausted by the time I got back to the hotel and just conked out – waking up at 4:30 a.m. when the hotel alarm clock went off. I eventually got back to sleep and woke up again at a far more reasonable and much later hour.
A lot of walking today which, naturally, worked up an appetite. For lunch, checked out Mario Batali’s OTTO Enoteca Pizzeria –
It was fine. Found the pizza too salty.
The sundaes to finish the meal were good.
Then, strolled through the Forum Shops at Caesar’s where I stopped by Max Brenner for the famed choclate pizza –
On the way back to my hotel room to get ready for dinner, I stopped by the Bouchon Bakery stand and picked up a giant pistachio macaron –
While shopping for sunglasses, I received a call from my writing partner, Paul. Apparently, the American broadcaster has signed off and we’re officially on board this new project. Stay tuned for the grand announcement.
Or, barring a grand announcement, I’ll just fill you in on this blog in the coming days.
Off to meet up with Marty G. at Joel Robuchon. Wish us luck!
Marty has an epic beard…. I wish I could have a beard like that…….
Honestly, Joe, I don’t know how you’re not 400 pounds with all that great food. 🙂 Glad you made it to Las Vegas safely and looking forward to the grand announcement!!
Have a great evening!!!
just what I need. More places to try out next time I’m in Vegas. Appreciate the food reports, pleasure to see Mr. G. again, and hope you have lots of fun.
Have fun! So far, it doesn’t sound like you’ve been terribly impressed, though. Say hi to Marty for me 🙂
I guess congratulations are in order. (?)
Dang, sorry about all the delays but you are rocking on through your vacation. Can’t wait for the official announcement!
Yum. I had fishsticks for supper.
How does one make black macaroni? I want to know, I neeeed to know, I love making pasta. Well, I love to hate making pasta. I gave away my machine, but still can roll and cut noodles by hand.
Don’t you know that airline times are just made up lies. The tighter you schedule is, the longer they push off you flight.
And…
I want to eat with you. I am surrounded by people that argue if burger chain A or burger chain B are better restaurants and have a birthday dinner for their 90 year old Grandmom at a chain and think that they did something special. I am three hours from NYC, I will meet you there. Save me. I am starving.
Slam
I see you’re good friends with Murphy too Joe.
das – Glad to hear your absence was by choice. Just wanted to check. Everyone’s brain needs some quiet time with only one set of thoughts going around…
All the food pictures look awesome! Marty G looks fabulous! Are you wearing your shirt out to cover up your elastic waist pants?
Congratulations on your now official new job. I guess this means you really do have to go to Toronto now.
The black macaroni looks wild. The crostata looks tasty, I’m apple pie crazy.
Maybe you should grow a Vegas beard for the weekend.
i love that those macarons are huge, but, they’re not as good as the one i had at Le Panier in Pike Place Market. I met Angelo Sosa from Top Chef season 7 and all stars today. Oh, by the way. I heard that David Chang is opening up two Momofuku locations in Toronto
Yum, thanks for sharing. please sir can I have some more.?
I agree with the ice cream ratio, is that in short supply also.
Its been a while since I have been to vegas, Mario Batali’s looks interesting. I like the desserts,,yes sir, thanks. Better rest up now and digest.
This is kind of like a March 7/8 entry or am I losing it since it is not 10:00 pm yet. Glad you are having a good time.
Oh, yum! Those dishes look delectable. Sorry that they’ve been hit-and-miss. Hopefully, you’ll meet with better luck during the rest of your visit.
On another note, I am *trying* to catch SGU’s newest episode on Space tonight, but I am not getting any reception. The station is blacked out! Aaarrgghhh. Hopefully, they’ll show a re-run soon. I really want to see it.
And a final comment…. In recognition of the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, may I share with you this article from Maureen Ryan, which lists SF’s most memorable female characters (http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/03/08/sci-fi-memorable-female-characters/). Sam Carter is on the list! And, there is a Sam/Jack shippy element that she noted, which made me doubly happy (see the Author’s Note). In any case, I just wanted to offer my thanks to you and the SG writers for creating one of the most outstanding female characters on TV, someone who is strong, intelligent, caring, and resourceful.
Hi joe:
It looks like you are having a great time in Vegas.
I heard there is a new place that opened up at the Tropicana hotel if I am not mistaken. It is an exhibit where there have virtial images of all the eraly 1900’s famous gangsters. From what I heard it is pretty cool to check out.
About SGi… Last night episode was without a doubt the best episode I have ever seen from Staragate. The strory line and visual FX were amazing!! They were so lifelike and believeable. I would have to say that is was one of the best VFX I have ever seen for an extended period of time on either television or theater. The VFX guys did an awesome job.
The last 2 episodes were great. From what I can see the next 9 epiosdes all look great. I think you guy are hitting homeruns with every episode now. It is such a shame that the show got cancelled. After seeing last nights episode it made me even more upset that the ending is soon coming.
I also saw today that Robert Carlyle got hired by ABC for a new show coming up. so it looks like the cast is starting to find new work now. So it is getting more and more bleak for any continuation. I think Carlyle is one of the strongest characters on the show and I love what you have been doing with his character. I really like the way Rush has been becoming quite a bit more likeable by the crew and by me!!
Thanks so much for the great entertainment!
Hello Joe.
Congrats on the new project. And GREAT JOB on the mid season premiere last night!!! I loved the way Robbie Carlyle played Rush in this episode! He is always good, but he really kicked it out of the park in this episode!!! -a credit to his ability, and of course great writing.
I was particularly fond of the little moment between him, Volker, Brody, and Eli. It was very touching, then he goes and spoils the moment with the next line, loved it when he confessed to Eli that he felt they would just get in the way!!! However, you really get the impression that the character has changed at the end of the episode… WELL DONE!!!
Enjoy the trip, and if you see the Blue Man Group, wear clothes you don’t care about… You’ve been warned… 😉
Best Wishes,
Bryan
Ahhh, Joe. I’m disappointed you didn’t invite me to meet up with you two somewhere 🙁 But I don’t blame you. You don’t know me from Adam. I could be a crazed ax murderer 😛 Or worse…Charlie Sheen 😆
MUAAAAHAHAHA!!!
Hey Joe,
I honestly have no idea if you read the comments, so these questions may go unnoticed. But at any rate, I was wondering:
Many people found Chloe to be a somewhat boring character. Did you and the other producers/writers consider somehow developing the character more to satisfy the fans?
Someone commented on a Gateworld article that they thought the Stargate franchise needed to take a hiatus for a few years to make a reboot feasible. Do you think this is feasible? If a reboot were to happen, would you try to be involved?
Finally caught up with last night’s ep, and it was great! A bit bittersweet watching it, though…knowing that it won’t be much longer before the end. 🙁
Also eagerly anticipating your big announcement. Can’t wait for you to be able to talk about it openly.
Enjoy the rest of your Vegas trip – don’t come home with an STD! OR worms!
😉
das
i’m looking forward to the grand announcement.
Off to meet up with Marty G. at Joel Robuchon. Wish us luck!
good luck!
BTW the pic of you with the macaron reminded me of this site that i stumbled across a few days ago: http://foodzie.com/ the have macarons & bunch of chocolate, as well as other stuff.
fyi there is a job listing on Time Warner’s job website for a creative director for DC Comix tv shows:
DC Entertainment seeks a Creative Director for the Creative Group department. Req no. is 121568BR.
While shopping for sunglasses, I received a call from my writing partner, Paul. Apparently, the American broadcaster has signed off and we’re officially on board this new project.
H 😎 😎 — rah!
If I had to choose between culinary delights or a burger, i’d choose the culinary delights. one can always wolf down a burger, but to actually be able to eat marvel food; frakk me, that must be awesome.
I loved your photos from the SGU set, it made watching SGU even more sadder. Marty grew a beard?
Mr Joe were you satisfied with the places you visited to eat, because from what I’ve read, it doesn’t seem as if they were all that spectacular.
Congratulations on the new show!!
I’ve got some catching up to do with the movies, now that I’ve finally figured out which ones I should be watching.
I was thinking three weeks before bringing the pups, but I haven’t moved in 25+ years, so I obviously don’t have a clue.
And I finally got to watch SGU tonight. So action packed, both emotionally and physically. The special effects were fantastic. But I’m worried. I started liking Rush. I can’t figure out if he’s really softy on the inside, or a sociopath.
Really glad you’re getting some time off with great friends. Have a fabulous time in Vegas!
FYI Mr M there were a lot cascading weather events in the Northeast messing up the air traffic schedules in North America. Just curious, did Air Canada compensated you for the delay?
.
ruffles wrote: on March 7th:
As I previously posted, IMO the original move to Tuesday night feels like a putting the infirm on the ice floe type of thing. Skiffy (AKA SyFy) is obliged aired the remaining SGU episodes, so I guess they put SGU and Caprica into the Kamikaze Tuesday night slots to fulfilled their contractual requirements.
Congratulations on the new project. When will we be able to see it? Caught Episode 11 of SGU S2. Terrific as always.
How are you so thin with all that mouth watering food?
Hey Joe,
Last night’s Stargate Universe *•.★☀ROCKED*•.★☀ I intend to watch it again tonight. *sigh* So much to see and take in. The special effects…dialog…story…I am so happy to be lost in it all. Loving every moment…and excited to see it over and over again.
Also thrilled that Volker and Brody get more screen time. *smiles* AND…I so loved tweeting about SGU last night. It got very creative and had me laughing a lot. The fans are great and I enjoy knowing so many of them….and of course you. There is a part of me that hopes you will dip into Twitter. Maybe not so much to tweet away…but maybe another forum for your new show. So looking forward to the BIG reveal.
I was sorry to hear Vegas started out on the wrong foot. But I guess Martin would have made up for some of it. You managed to get a lot into one day. I still hope you swing by the Coca Cola store. Once in a lifetime treat. I want a mini-bottle of Cola to stand on my counter. You would do that for me…wouldn’t you? *giggles* I would for you.
The food looked great…interesting…and found myself glad you were eating it and not me. I find it funny that Martin would have eaten before…but I guess it was a surprise that you were in so late. Love that you are taking a fun trip. You deserve it.
Best to you Joe,
You and your little pups have a place in my *•.★Heart*•.★
Always,
Cheryl 🙂
So, staying at The Venetian then Joe?….one of the best hotel bathrooms around imho, just beaten out by the ones at the Fairmont Pacific Rim (the flatscreen tv in the mirror always does it for me)…
I rate my hotels by bathroom opulence, not the food….*g*…
http://stargate-sg1-solutions.com/blog/2011/03/stargate-universe-deliverance-ratings/
Joe,
Best of luck with your new project and any future projects you do but I reckon we can start digging the hole too bury Stargate.
SGU is an amazing show that should appeal to folks that don’t even follow Stargate.
I just don’t get it, it makes no-sense. There’s sci-fi shows on TV right now that don’t even come close to the quality of writing, acting, visual effects the works but yet they seem too be well followed. I understand it had a slow start that put a lot of folks off but for crying out loud it’s a damn exciting show.
Right I’m off before a wind myself up.
SaveSGU
What a show today… I’d even say it’s not a show – it’s a Film with a capital F! And this is what syfy rejects!!!
NB the final dialogue between Rush and Chloe it astonishing. You know, I may be beginning to comprehend the syfy’s policy – they want soap movies. Really. SG has grown up. It’s not just run and shoot now, it’s a great piece of philosophy realized in the story. Why not try moving to a more serious channel…
Wowzer, the food looks fantastic!
Coucou!
Alalaal trop cool Vegas!!!! Merci pour ces nombreuses photos!
Contente de revoir Martin..ou tiens il c’est fait pousser la barbe, ça change!!
Lol je vois que vous goûtez encore à tout, ne faites pas trop d’excès quand même 😉
Profitez bien!
Gros bisou!
@Das
Come on… What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas… 😉
Have fun Joe.
Best Wishes,
Bryan
Actually, Joe, that Macaron looks like a green hockey puck. Maybe get it autographed?
Looking forward to your experiences in Las Vega. Having never been, I am curious to see what there is to do in that place, besides gamble.
Congratulation on the next big project. I knew you wouldn’t be idle for long.
Patricia
Ah Vegas, my Alma mater. Got my BS in culinary arts at the Le Cordon Bleu school there. (BS in Culinary Arts, MA in Computer Science. They totally go together, I swear!)
I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to read your blog lately. I would have otherwise recommended a few places “lesser known” to try out Anthony Bourdain style.
I also know a few people that can get you a tasting menu at some really great places. Next time perhaps.
I can’t recommend Alize enough- André Rochat was my mentor. I didn’t work at Alize, but I ate there and it is outstanding! I did work here at Andre’s Restaurant before he relocated to Monte Carlo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPmNYoZpUT0 – Ah the memories.
But yeah, even with all my experience, In n Out is king of the tasty burger land (Double Double-Animal Style).
E by Jose Andres is hit or miss from what I hear. Worth it?
Still tweaked at the SGU stuff, especially now that it is finally getting it’s groove on. I look forward to your other project when you get the band back together 😀
Glad to hear you’re having fun in Vegas Joe.
Have you heard of NHK World Kitchen? It’s a cooking segment on NHK World Japans International channel. They have a website with a section of Japanese recipes, I guess with you being in Vegas at the moment it won’t serve much use but if you ever have the time, and need some Japanese recipes, this website
http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/kitchen/
(It’s all in English, no worrys there)
Would be perfect if you ever feel like doing some home cooking. They update it every now and then too. Was meaning to post this days ago but guess I forgot lol
Joe,
I see a lot of pictures of your food from the restaurants – have you ever had other patrons or staff giving you weird looks, or a hard time, for taking pictures of every dish before eating it?
I’ve been to Vegas twice for award conventions (NAB/BEA) and the exhibits at the Luxor are worth checking out. The Titanic one is really cool and makes you feel like you’re on the different levels of the ship.
I have to agree with shaggy. Every show is like a film and, very well and realistically done (thank you Mr. Savela et al). The number-gathering is really bogus, but “they’ve” always done it that way and so will continue doing it that way. No thinking out of the box or consideration for high quality space programming.
How far we’ve come since the original Star Trek… which has a history of its own, being cancelled and then becoming a cult.
Maybe the watchers of SGU on SyFy should take note of the advertisers and contact them to keep promoting SGU. Tell them how much product will be bought if it continues… can’t hurt.
Truly sad.
Black macaroni? Interesting. Never heard of it. What is in the dough to make it black?
When did they switch SGU to Monday night? Somehow I missed that information and was expecting an evening of entertainment Tuesday night. (I even had March 8th on my calendar.) I was disappointed to discover that I missed it. Fortunately I have two DVRs set to record the season so I got to watch it, but it’s not the same as watching it live.
Enjoy the rest of your Las Vegas stay.
You sound like you are having a wonderful time. The food looks great. Sorry though about your flight. Kind of weird that the flight was Toronto/BC/Las Vegas. You would think they would just go directly from Toronto to Las Vegas. But making sense is that an airline carrier’s strongest point; neither is their food.