This year’s Vegas Uncork’d food and wine festival by Bon Appétit (May 9-12, 2013), was a non-stop series of high-profile events highlighting Sin City’s best chefs, sommeliers and restaurants.

Among the more popular events of Vegas Uncork’d were a “Master Series” of hosted dinners at Caesars Palace, where guests had the opportunity to rub elbows with celebrity chefs and sample the cuisine at the hotel’s world-class restaurants.

Chef Bobby Flay’s brain has approximately 11,400 ingredients in it. We counted.

Eight “Master Series” dinners happened simultaneously on May 10. We know because this blog visited every single one.

Chef Michel Richard chats up guests at Central.

The restaurants featured were Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Mesa Grill, Nobu Restaurant, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Rao’s, Central, Payard Patisserie & Bistro and Old Homestead Steakhouse.

Old Homestead Executive Chef Michael Gill has been responsible for some of this blog’s favorite steaks, ever.

Yes, these restaurants are all at one Las Vegas hotel. We marvel at this daily, especially because that’s not even a complete list of Caesars Palace restaurants.

Frank Pellegrino makes sure every guest leaves with a smile at Rao’s Italian restaurant.

At each “Master Series” event, chefs made presentations before each course, sharing thoughts about the dishes as their top-secret cooking techniques. Oh, all right, they aren’t too secret. Several of the chefs have books and TV shows.

Chef Gordon Ramsay is one of the aforementioned chefs with TV shows. Nearly 12, at last count.

Perhaps the biggest draw of Vegas Uncork’d was the Grand Tasting on May 10. About 50 award-winning chefs and 2,500 foodies join together for an orgy of food and libations. Virtual orgy. We probably should have made that part clear up-front.

A sign of things to come.

The gathering began with a lively red carpet.

Can chefs be both congenial and competitive? You’re kidding, right?

After the arrivals, the chefs and their teams manned their stations and provided guests a rare culinary experience, with bites from their restaurants and a chance to schmooze with those who have helped make Las Vegas the premier restaurant destination in the world.

Chef François Payard gets his macaroons in a row.

The Grand Tasting was held in the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace, which looks like something out of a Hollywood movie, except Hollywood movies don’t typically have their own Ramsays or Flays.

Yeah, it’s sort of a big deal.

We did mention there was food at this event, right? The new Nobu Restaurant at Caesars Palace won some extra points for artistic merit.

This Nobu Restaurant item had an intimate moment with this blog’s face.

A special area at the Grand Tasting was reserved for a sneak preview of restaurants coming to The Linq, the new restaurant and entertainment promenade from Caesars Entertainment. And we are not just mentioning this because there were cast members from “Jubilee!” at Bally’s on-hand, although that certainly didn’t hurt. See below.

Look! “Jubilee!” showgirls in their street clothes. Much easier on the neck muscles without those heavy head dresses, definitely.

Restaurants from The Linq giving guests a taste of what’s to come were Brooklyn Bowl, F.A.M.E., Off the Strip Bistro & Bar, Flour & Barley Pizzeria and others. See some of the other tenants coming to The Linq.

We can’t wait!

The final day of Vegas Uncork’d included a backyard-style BBQ, with an Italian twist, at Rao’s, and a traditional English Sunday Roast at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace.

Here are a slew of Vegas Uncork’d photos this blog somehow found time to share in between visits to the treadmill. What’s not to love about Vegas Uncork’d, we asked rhetorically?

Jon Gray, “Mayor” of The Linq project being built between the Flamingo and The Quad, has shared the first photo of a freshly-erected sign for the new O’Sheas.

We knew you’d be back!

For those who have been missing the original O’Sheas (like this blog) since it closed in 2012, this new sign represents both a blast from the past and a glimpse into the future.

The aforementioned Jon Gray. His real title is Vice President and General Manager of The Linq, but “Mayor” just sounds snappier.

The new O’Sheas will bring a more contemporary twist to the popular casino, beloved for its beer pong, plentiful hooch and Lucky the Leprechaun.

The new O’Sheas will have a bar, gaming tables and live entertainment. Just like the old O’Sheas, but significantly less sticky.

Please note: People in renderings don’t respond when you tell them to turn around and face the camera.

Read more about The Linq, the tenants that have been announced to-date, and the crown jewel of The Linq, the High Roller observation wheel.

The New York City version of Brooklyn Bowl just received quite an accolade: The entertainment venue just made Rolling Stone’s elite list of “Venues That Rock.” See the full list.

The great news for Vegas fans is that center-Strip is getting a Brooklyn Bowl all its own. The massive entertainment complex will open in The Linq in early 2014. Learn more about The Linq.

This blog tends to like logos with bling.

We got a first peek inside the Brooklyn Bowl space under construction at The Linq, and thought we’d share it to give a sense of the eye-popping scale of the place.

Our eyes were actually on the verge of popping, and we were just getting started.

While the name might have “Bowl” in it, and bowling (32 lanes and two stories!) will certainly be a big draw at Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq, that’s just the beginning of what’s expected to make this new venue an essential part of any Vegas visit.

Two levels, for your concert-viewing pleasure.

Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq will feature a 2,000 person performance area, food we can’t wait to devour from Bromberg Bros. Blue Ribbon Restaurants, and events ranging from all-ages bowling during the day to a nightclub vibe at night.

Remember, the New York location was called “one of the most incredible places on Earth” by Rolling Stone, and they tend to know their incredible, especially when it comes to live music.

We are atingle with anticipation. That's all Brooklyn Bowl, baby!

Brooklyn Bowl is set to become a jaw-dropping addition to the impressive line-up of residents in The Linq, and we can’t wait to see it spring to life over the coming months.

It seems like only yesterday (because it was yesterday) we were peeking our head in at The Quad’s new casino area, and there was so much to be done! The dealertainer tables were being assembled. The shelves at the new “Q” Wine & Spirits store were yet to be filled. The roulette wheels were being leveled. And the shiny, new Catalyst Bar at The Quad was still dry. (Insert retroactive sad face here.)

Today, seemingly miraculously, The Quad’s casino floor is bustling with guests, the liquor store has opened, hooch is flowing at the Catalyst Bar and there are two new entrances into the joint. What a difference a day makes!

One of the two new ways to access the fun, just across from Margaritaville at Flamingo.

The hotel’s dealertainers (blackjack dealers who also perform onstage) are already settled into their new digs.

The dealertainers didn't skip a beat. See what we did there?

The two new entrances should make getting into The Quad easier than it’s been for the last few months due to renovations. Now, guests can enter adjacent to the hotel’s porte-cochère (see below), as well as on the other end of the casino (across from Margaritaville at the Flamingo, mentioned previously).

This work-in-progress entrance is near the porte-cochère, and not too far from Carnaval Court at Harrah's Las Vegas.

Here’s a video highlighting some of the changes to The Quad.

For guests who frequented O’Sheas back in the day, these will be familiar stomping grounds, as much of the expanded casino sits where O’Sheas used to be.

Tons of new tables and machines. These are happy times for this blog.

There’s a lot to take in, but all of it’s good!

We're pretty sure this is new, too. Who can keep track?

And perhaps the crown jewel of the newly-unveiled casino at The Quad is the Catalyst Bar, sure to be a popular launching pad for any number of Vegas adventures as word spreads about this dramatic new addition to the Vegas nightlife scene.

For the foreseeable future, if you can't easily reach this blog, this is where we are.

Oh, and let’s not forget one of the more miraculous aspects of today’s new offerings. Yesterday, the “Q” Wine & Spirits store was looking a wee light on the actual wines and spirits.

There's a chance this blog wept openly upon seeing this.

Fear not, however. There are some things Vegas does very, very well.

Here’s the same store today!

This Las Vegas blog does not use the term "miracle" lightly.

According to the hotel’s Director of Retail, Keith Burns, the overnight transformation of the “Q” Wine & Spirits store (which sits just across from the dealertainer area, and just inside the porte-cochère-adjacent entrance) was months in the making. Each area of the store’s space was mapped out, down to the smallest detail, so once the space was ready to be filled, the glorious bottles of liquid joy could be stocked quickly and with precision.

Even the treats are part of the plan (see below). One side salty. One side sweet. We have no idea why we’re so fascinated by all of this other than to say a blog cannot live by craps alone.

One of each of anything edible, thanks.

So, you may want to check out the newly-expanded casino at The Quad for yourself. From the liquor store to the new dealertainer pit and the Catalyst Bar, there’s sure to be something to catch your fancy. Whatever a fancy might actually be.

We may never leave our chair. They sort of caught our fancy, too.

Find out more about The Quad.

Although a number of tenants have been announced for The Linq, the first-of-its-kind F.A.M.E. has made us especially curious.

The venue’s name stands for “Food. Art. Music. Entertainment.” But we still weren’t getting it. So, we decided to track down Chul Park, who works with HIG Management, the group bringing F.A.M.E. to The Linq. The Linq, of course, is the new, multi-million dollar shopping, dining and entertainment complex coming to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip (between Flamingo Las Vegas and The Quad).

You can't spell "F.A.M.E." without "M.E." Or "F.A." for that matter.

Park explains that the overall concept for F.A.M.E. is that it’s an “Asian Night Market & Lounge.” Which would be great if this blog knew what that was. We don’t get out much. Thankfully, Park was up for telling us more.

“On the first floor, we’re re-creating an Asian night market. Night markets in Asia are known to offer a variety of street food within a busy, loud and exciting atmosphere. They’re great places to stroll around with your friends and family, to eat, drink and people-watch,” says Park.

Now we’re getting somewhere.

Oh, all right, we'll eat a vegetable if we have to.

“We’ll have stalls and food trucks offering popular street food from different cities in Asia. Once you step into the first floor of F.A.M.E., you’ll feel like you’re standing in the middle of a night market in Taipei. The second floor will be a lounge with sushi bar and robatayaki (Japanese slow-grilled skewers). It’ll give off a vibe that you can only feel at a lounge in Tokyo or Seoul. It’ll be very hip and sexy.”

Given that this Las Vegas is both hip and sexy, we’re now completely onboard. Along with being hip and sexy, however, this blog is also often hungry, so we asked Park for more scoop about the food.

Sure to be one of the more aromatic offerings at The Linq.

Park adds, “There’s going to be an array of authentic street food you’d find at night markets in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei and more. We’ll have noodles, dim sum and satay, but also food that can only be found at night markets in those cities.”

We’re definitely in.

Of course, another component of F.A.M.E. will be the entertainment. Among the offerings will be a Japanese Taiko drum show, Chinese lion dances, live cooking, DJs and street performers.

This video might provide a feel for what’s coming at F.A.M.E.

As far as the art, Park says, “F.A.M.E., as a whole, will be a very artsy space with a lot of attention to detail. Also, in order to portray the authentic street feel, we’ll have a space dedicated to street art where we’ll invite different artists to ‘tag’ every month.”

We were curious about a couple of other things, like who’s behind F.A.M.E., and Park said, “Many of us were born and raised in Asia. Others have multiple, first-hand experiences at Asian night markets and lounges. Each of us brings something to the table and we’re going to make F.A.M.E. as authentic as possible for people who have yet to experience an Asian night market or lounge, or for those who want to experience it again.”

Fact: You will never see a cook at an Asian street market with a wrinkled shirt.

Thanks to Chul Park for sending along some photos, too! They were taken by the F.A.M.E. team during visits to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Taipei.

We were also curious about the fact “Gangnam Style” was mentioned in describing F.A.M.E. Park already knew what we were going to ask next.

“It’s funny the song ‘Gangnam Style’ became popular while we were coming up with the concept for F.A.M.E. Gangnam is an area in Seoul that’s known to have some of the best street food and trendiest lounges and clubs. The atmosphere in Gangnam is fun, energetic, passionate and vibrant and it’s that style, ‘Gangnam Style,’ that we’re bringing to F.A.M.E.”

Don't hate us because we're mainly sharing the food photos.

We had to ask Park what he’s personally most excited about when it comes to The Linq. He said, “The Linq is going to be a place where you can come back every night and experience something new, different and exciting. And the High Roller (observation wheel). How can you not get excited about the world’s tallest observation wheel?”

We can’t wait to get a taste of F.A.M.E. when it opens later this year.

Every day seems to bring changes to the center of the Las Vegas Strip, and The Linq project, a multi-million dollar shopping and entertainment district, is taking shape in dramatic fashion.

Seemingly overnight, the site of the now-closed O’Sheas casino has an eye-catching new facade.

Can we have loved O'Sheas and still love this? We're thinking "yes."

As you get closer, you can see some of the design flourishes, including glass and other features. This area will be the new threshold to The Linq, full of dining, shopping and entertainment options. See some initial tenants of The Linq.

When did all this happen? Possibly yesterday. It's Las Vegas magic.

Not far away, there’s more huge news from the construction site of The Linq’s record-breaking High Roller observation wheel.

The final leg segment of the High Roller (the sixth) was recently put into place, at a mind-boggling 250 feet up, or nearly half the wheel’s ultimate height of 550 feet. We are a Las Vegas blog, not a mathematician.

See the speck atop the leg at the right? That's a dude. Seriously.

This blog was there to grab some exclusive video at the exact moment the final leg segment was being hoisted into place. Oh, yes, there was some hoisting. We would’ve helped, but we’re nursing a craps injury.

Yes, the little “ants” at the top of the legs are human beings. Getting up to the connection point involved climbing ladders inside the legs. Please add this to the list of jobs this blog will never do in a bajillion years. Workers will use a construction elevator from this point on.

Soon after the installation of the final leg segment was complete, the High Roller’s “pants” were put into place. The so-called “pants” connect the legs.

If you don't like that we call them "pants," get your own blog.

The blue scaffolding is temporary. And those slabs of wood hanging from ropes are temporary work platforms. See why we don’t want that job?

This photo makes us woozy. Excited, but woozy.

Next, the wheel’s support leg (we call it the “kickstand”) goes up. Then the wheel itself will start taking shape, including its passenger “pods,” which will each hold 40 riders.

We would like to take a moment to thank all the smart people involved in making this miracle of engineering a reality because this blog's brain hurts just thinking about it.

There’s more fun to come! This is going to be the best 2013 ever.

Our post about Free Vegas Shows That Aren’t Shows got us thinking we should share more photos of the High Roller observation wheel construction site. As if we need an excuse. It’s a mind-blower.

In Vegas, it's go big or go home.

There have been a number of deliveries in recent days, with some key parts of the High Roller (crown jewel of the massive Linq project, courtesy of Caesars Entertainment) being unveiled, like the wheel’s larger-than-life hub pieces (below).

Don't try to measure these hub pieces. Your measuring tape will get a hernia.

The hub revolves around a spindle. There are also bearings involved. Who has time to read up on all this? We’re too busy taking photos.

Sprouting out from the hub, like spokes on a bicycle tire, will be a number of massive cables (never photographed, until now), with each coil of cable stretching more than 240 feet. At least that’s what one of the guy’s with a hard hat said. Just before he called security. We do know the cables were made in France, which makes them extra fancy.

The things we do for an exclusive! Including, specifically, "looking under a tarp." Please note the helical grooves, whatever those might be.

Here’s a close-up, now can you see the helical grooves?

Great band name: The Helical Grooves.

The main structure itself is already incredibly tall, but additional leg segments are expected to be installed in the next week or two.

Yes, those are full-grown humans in there.

Also on the agenda is the raising of the “kickstand” (braced leg) segment of the wheel. This leg will be perpendicular to The Strip.

This is the base (called a "plinth") of the support leg. Plinths are known for their patriotism.

Let’s just say that when you see the High Roller construction site in person, you’re struck by two things: 1) This isn’t entirely possible. 2) Yeah, that first thing.

Despite it’s apparent impossibility, the High Roller is, in fact, happening, and in dramatic style.

"We resent being included in these photos just to provide some scale," these construction workers would probably say if they knew we were taking their photo.

There are a number of other wheel parts we can’t entirely identify, but let’s just say they’re larger than your mother-in-law.

What? That’s not sexist. It’s just a fact. Oh, all right, it’s also larger than your father-in-law. Yawn.

There's a good chance these are parts of the spindle. Confirming this would take "effort," so we'll just pass for now.

It feels like giant new pieces of the High Roller are being bolted and welded into place daily. We’re trying to keep up, but we are a Las Vegas blog, not omniscient.

This is new. This area is where people will hang out before and after they wheel.

Here’s a little video snippet from the High Roller site, which we were dying to share again, so thanks.

We’re excited to see what’s next with this unparalleled feat of engineering. And this time, we’re not even blowing marketing smoke up your dress (or pants, happy?). It is actually unparalleled, and a feat, and it does involve engineering. So, there.

Today's job we don't want? Walking on that scaffolding, yes, way up there.

If you’re curious about the status of Skyvue, that other much-discussed observation wheel on the south end of The Strip (the High Roller is center-Strip, behind Flamingo Las Vegas, The Quad and Harrah’s), well, it’s probably a good time to lower your expectations.

More updates to come!

The best things in life are free, and that applies to Las Vegas, too. Here are eight free “shows” in Las Vegas you won’t want to miss.

1. Noodle-Making at Beijing Noodle No. 9

Every day at Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace, classically-trained chefs make Chinese noodles the old-fashioned way, by hand. Their skill is a wonder to behold. See more.

2. The High Roller

Construction of the High Roller observation wheel, which will be the world’s tallest, is underway behind Flamingo Las Vegas and The Quad. It’s an awe-inspiring work of engineering, and each day brings with it some mammoth new part or segment or crane. We could just sit and watch the activity on the site for hours (and have).

The hubs are here, the hubs are here! Sorry, we get excited.

It’s hard to adequately describe the scale of this project, so we stopped by and grabbed some video.

3. Bull Riding at PBR Rock Bar

Even if you don’t have the brass ones to mount the mechanical bull yourself, others taking on the beast at PBR Rock Bar in Planet Hollywood is a great spectacle. Get some bullriding tips.

4. Craps Tables

A full craps table exudes the essence of Las Vegas casinos. The chips fly, the language is colorful, and fortunes hang in the balance. Hang out near any craps table in Vegas and you’ll not only get great, free entertainment, but you may even pick up a tip or two. (If you’ve never rolled the dice before, give it a try, and if you get on a hot streak, as “virgins” so often do, a “whale” may even give you a literal tip.)

Craps is our National Sport of the United States of America. And that's the story we're sticking to.

5. Cooking at Hyakumi

The food at Hyakumi, inside Caesars Palace, isn’t the only star of the show. Chefs prepare your food, teppanyaki-style, right before your eyes. See more.

6. Ice Cream-Making at IcePan

One of this blog’s favorite treats is the ice cream at IcePan in Harrah’s Las Vegas. Part of the fun is watching the ice cream take shape, starting from liquid form.

IcePan ice cream has no preservatives and many fewer calories than regular ice cream. It’s like magic ice cream. And if you try it, and don’t agree, we’ll eat another scoop of IcePan ice cream just so we learn our lesson.

It's a happy place, all year round.

7. People-Watching

People-watching will always be one of the best free shows in Las Vegas. Head downtown to the Fremont Street Experience, or grab a table at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas or Cabo Wabo Cantina at Planet Hollywood, or heck, just pick a spot on a bus stop bench. Then, just watch as humanity does what it does.

Mon Ami Gabi translates as "Yes, it's French, but not the snooty kind of French."

8. Flair Bartending

Las Vegas is the flair bartending capital of the universe. The Strip is dotted with bars, and where there are bars in Las Vegas, there are often flair bartenders. These folks spend countless hours perfecting their juggling, twirling and bottle-balancing skills.

No bottles were injured in the making of this blog post. Probably.

Here’s a look at some “flairtending” at Slush inside Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall.

There’s free entertainment all around in Las Vegas. You just have to know where to look.

In what has somehow become an annual ritual, this blog will now rattle off 21 things to be thankful for in Las Vegas. Post your own things in the Comments section.

1. Mini Plates

We love buffets, like the new Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, where the food is served in little plates. It’s like the food was made just for us. And don’t worry, while small, you can have as many as you’d like.

What say we cut turkeys a break this Thanksgiving and have chicken parm?

2. Engineers

Among the many things engineers are bringing to The Strip soon is the High Roller observation wheel. It’s massive, and the more you know about it, the more miraculous the efforts of the engineers appear. Yay, smart people. Learn more about the High Roller at The Linq.

This ain't your grandpa's Ferris wheel.

3. Hooch

No list of Las Vegas things to be thankful could exclude liquor, so this one won’t. Big, small, fancy or otherwise, cocktails are part of what makes Sin City so sinful.

We almost remember taking this photo.

4. To Hell With Rules

Seriously. We’re thankful Vegas doesn’t live by society’s rules. If we want #4 on our list to be more cocktails, cocktails it is. Disappointed #4 is like #3? We don’t care! Get your own Las Vegas blog!

Rules, schmules.

5. James and Jaymes

This team of similarly-named Chippendales dancers is currently doing Las Vegas proud on “The Amazing Race.” Yay, you guys. See them in the flesh at Rio Las Vegas.

Shirts, schmirts.

6. Shock Value

When you’re in Las Vegas, you’re bound to hear or see something shocking. Great example: Penny Pibbets and her hand puppets in Absinthe at Caesars Palace. Even Ivory doesn’t make enough soap for Penny’s mouth. And we mean that in a good way.

Granted, we should have said "sock value."

7. The Payline

We love it when objects align on the slot machine payline. Cha-to-the-ching.

Yes, this is #7 on our list. We are a trained professional.

8. Community

It did our hearts good to see juggler Jeff Civillico crowd-fund (to the tune of $10,900) an inflatable arch for his show at The Quad (formerly the Imperial Palace.) It’s amazing what people can accomplish when they join forces.

Behold "The People's Arch." And a ladder on a guy's face.

9. George Wallace

He’s just flat-out hysterical at Flamingo Las Vegas, as well as being a Las Vegas institution (with an epic Twitter feed).

We think he's on our Thanksgiving list every year.

10. Buskers

Come on, admit it, street “performers” (also called “buskers”) help make Las Vegas the people-watching capital of the universe.

We think creative costumes like this mirror man reflect well on our city.

11. Eye Candy

Not that kind of eye candy, although we’re certainly thankful for that kind, too. We mean this kind.

"Wow" should be a French word. Unless it already is.

12. Freebies

From check-ins on Foursquare to loyalty club programs (like Total Rewards) to comps from your favorite casino host or pit boss, Vegas is overflowing with freebies. Free. Is. Good.

The Foursquare badge for Bally's Las Vegas features a woman with a reverse tan line. Probably.

13. The Superstitions

We love superstitions! Don’t let the craps dice hit your hands. Avoid staying on the 13th floor of a hotel. Never gamble without your good luck charm. And when you’re at Caesars Palace, rubs Caesars’ hand (see below) for good luck. A visit to Cleopatra’s Barge may be in order, too. (Although it’s not her hand you’ll want to rub for good luck. Ahem.) Oh, and never, ever list “The Superstitions” as #13 on your list of things to be thankful for in Las Vegas. Note: We know what you’re thinking. Refer to #4.

Caesar has doled out a lot of luck in his day.

14. Publicity Stunts

When it comes to stunts, Vegas continues to deliver on a grand scale. The latest example? Singer Shania Twain was welcomed to Caesars Palace in the company of a herd of 30 horses on The Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas rarely suffers from a lack of imagination.

This was even more exciting than you may have herd.

15. The Neon

With the recent opening of the Neon Museum, Sin City’s neon is finally getting its time in the spotlight.

This also could've been filed under "Eye Candy."

16. These Chairs

We think these bar stools at Carlos’n Charlie’s at Flamingo are great. Feel free to either agree or agree.

We shall have these in our dream home.

17. Zombies

Zombies have invaded Las Vegas, and not just during Halloween. They’re at the new Goretorium attraction, and you can fend them off at the Zombie Apocalypse Store. There are even zombie runs. Use your brain, and don’t miss our post about How to Survive a Zombie Invasion in Las Vegas.

You thought we were kidding?

18. Desserts

Sure, other cities have desserts. But that’s like saying other cities have magicians. Las Vegas tends to take things to a whole new level. The sweetness below, which sometimes does double duty as an engagement ring delivery device, is courtesy of the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas.

Fact: 94% of Vegas desserts are calorie-free. Hey, we are a blog, not a nutritionist.

19. Yeah, It’s Another Dessert

This blog is not just about doubling up on the cocktails, you know.

Oh, now we're just padding.

20. Our Seedy Past

Las Vegas doesn’t just acknowledge its sometimes seedy history, it embraces it! If you want to see what we mean, check out the Mob Museum, downtown. It’s a fascinating look at organized crime and the legal eagles that brought them down.

Embracing is not the same as glorifying. You'll see what we mean. There will be whacking.

21. The Vegas Attitude

We’re thankful Las Vegas remains a place where irreverence and outrageousness thrive. Don’t love that we have a Heart Attack Grill? Bite it! Think toplessness is offensive? Tough! The people, the places, the sounds, the games of chance, the sleaze, the utter beauty, and even the enduring schmaltz, it’s all here, and it’s all part of what makes Las Vegas the most exciting destination in the world. Not that we’re biased or anything.

Actual results may vary.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and special thanks to you for visiting this humble blog. Actual results may vary there, too.

We recently reported some massive leg segments of the High Roller observation wheel at The Linq had arrived. A recent visit confirmed at least one of the leg pieces has already been erected.

And, yes, we like saying “erected.” Thanks for asking.

Biggest. Kickstand. Ever.

Ultimately, the High Roller will be 550 feet tall. So, while this is already an impressive erection, it’s only going to get larger in the weeks to come.

Because, you see, they support a giant wheel. Like on a bike. Please keep up.

The High Roller will tower over the current tallest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer (possibly located in Singapore), by upwards of nine feet. We hope the Singapore Flyer doesn’t develop any envy issues when the High Roller opens, because there’s enough room in the world for all shapes and sizes. Of observation wheels.

Read more about The Linq, a new shopping, dining and entertainment (oh, and let’s not forget drinking) district coming to center-Strip.

Check this blog often for updates. And humor completely inappropriate for a corporate blog. Possibly.

We were giddy to receive news yesterday that massive parts of the High Roller observation wheel, the crown jewel of the even-more-massive Linq project, had arrived at the construction site behind the former O’Shea’s casino.

The last time we saw legs this thick, we are totally censoring the second half of this photo caption.

The outsized segments, complete with inner scaffolding and ladders, will be assembled to form the support legs of the 550-foot (world’s tallest) High Roller observation wheel, expected to open in the latter part of 2013.

We suspect this is the way people, very brave people, will climb the wheel for cleaning and maintenance.

While at the construction site, we also noted a new “plinth” (below), the adorably-named outcropping to which a brace leg will be connected. This brace leg will go west-to-east, perpendicular to the Las Vegas Strip.

If you want to impress friends at your next dinner party, whip this out: “Actually, it’s a tubular steel, variable diameter transverse brace.” Somebody’s getting lucky with that line, guaranteed.

The word "sturdy" comes to mind.

This blog is endlessly fascinated by the incredible engineering feat involved in making the High Roller a reality, especially the names of the parts: Hubs. Spindles. Bearings. Cable spoke systems.

And just wait until the rim of the wheel is installed: “The tubular steel rim will be erected in segments with the assistance of radial erection struts.” This blog is fairly sure it’s never heard a phrase it has liked saying more than “radial erection struts.” But maybe that’s just us.

We can’t wait to see what’s delivered next! Learn more about The Linq, and stay in the loop by liking The Linq Facebook page, and following The Linq and its “mayor,” Jon Gray, on Twitter.

It was looking, for a minute, like an epic battle between two competing Las Vegas observation wheels, the High Roller in The Linq and another called SkyVue at the south end of The Strip.

Now, it’s looking like the battle might be on hold.

SkyVue has taken some hits in the media in recent weeks, and this blog is nothing if not completely objective in its sharing of news related to giant Las Vegas observations wheels that may or may not come into existence. Read more here and here.

On a happier note, the High Roller, currently being erected (yes, we said it) behind Flamingo Las Vegas and The Quad (formerly the Imperial Palace), is moving along, right on schedule.

This massive platform is where passengers will get on and off the High Roller. A full rotation will take about 30 minutes.

Massive structural pieces of the High Roller are being constructed at several factories around the world at the moment, and rest assured this blog will be sharing photos as they arrive.

As a small sampling, the wheel’s platform steel is coming from Utah, the cabins are being made in Colorado and Arizona, the wheel’s drive system is coming from Holland, glass for the cabins is being made in Italy, the cables are coming from France, the wheel fabrication is being done in China and more work is being done in Japan.

Those giant objects are called "support leg plinths." Possibly because it's just fun to say "plinths."

A slew of geniuses are working diligently to make the High Roller a reality.

The General Contractor is W.A. Richardson Builders (they’re doing the foundations, platform, electrical and wheel building), the wheel contractor is American Bridge Company (handling the legs, hub and spindle, rim and cables), the cabin contractor is Leitner Poma of America, the wheel’s drive systems are in the capable hands of Schwager Davis, Inc. and the control system is to be the work of Heywood Engineering.

The technical name for these critical pieces of the High Roller is "things this blog doesn't entirely recognize."

To build the world’s largest wheel, it takes a community. Of really, really smart people who use words that require an industrial-strength dictionary.

On a related note, the High Roller construction site has the most adorable portable restrooms ever.

Ultimately, we wish our friends at the south end of The Strip well, of course, because a rising tide raises all boats. The trick is to try and stay afloat.

The Linq just got a serious dose of realness!

In case you hadn’t heard (hint: visit this blog more often), The Linq is a $550 million district coming to the center of the Las Vegas Strip that will include copious amounts of retail stores, dining and entertainment, as well as a giant observation wheel called The High Roller. In other words, The Linq is about to dramatically transform what’s already the world’s most exciting city.

This is how Vegas does bling, baby.

Today, an initial group of tenants that will make up The Linq was announced, many of which are making an appearance in Las Vegas for the first time.

Brooklyn Bowl is a full-on entertainment experience centered around a 32-lane bowling alley, with live music every night of the week. Rolling Stone magazine called the original Brooklyn Bowl in, you know, Brooklyn, “One of the most incredible places on Earth,” and the nightlife mecca was even named the best music venue in New York City by the folks at the Zagat Survey. Now, it’s Sin City’s turn! Visit the official Brooklyn Bowl site for some flavor. Or read more in the Las Vegas Sun.

Brooklyn Bowl NYC is to a "bowling alley" as the Gobi Desert is to a "sandbox."

Sprinkles Cupcakes and Sprinkles Ice Cream is said by many to have begun the cupcake craze (they opened the world’s first cupcake bakery in Beverly Hills), and now Sprinkles is coming to Las Vegas for the very first time. Bonus Sprinkles trivia: They introduced the first cupcake ATM. This blog already hearts you, Sprinkles.

You had us at, well, cupcakes.

Chayo Mexicano is an upscale casual restaurant with plans for multiple bars, private dining rooms, indoor/outdoor seating and even a mechanical bull. The menu will feature food made with authentic Mexican ingredients designed by Executive Chef Carlos Garcia Rios. DJs will spin everything from salsa and house to hip hop and top 40.

F.A.M.E. is a brand new “food, art, music and entertainment” concept. F.A.M.E. will re-create the popular “Asian Night Market” vibe, with a lounge, Asian street food, street art and live, Asian-inspired entertainment.

Here’s an exuberant, electronic dance music-filled promotional video for F.A.M.E. that might set the tone.

Koto is an oddities store described as “a cross between Sharper Image and a gift store.” This store has roots in Aspen, and this outlet in The Linq will be a first in Las Vegas.

Off the Strip Bistro is an Italian restaurant which will have a neighborhood feel with a center bar, visible kitchen and a variety of delicious offerings like pastas, steaks, chicken, pastas, fish and pastas. Guess which dish we’ll be trying first? Off the Strip Bistro got its start in the Southern Highlands area of Las Vegas, so it’s homegrown goodness.

Off the Strip restaurant may also serve food. Ahem.

Bella Scarpa is a unique footwear and accessories boutique poised to wow shoe fanatics from around the world. The shop will offer a collection of platforms and heels, wedges and ballet slippers, boots and sneakers, “adorned, embellished and all about fun.”

Ruby Blue will boast some of the hottest trends in costume jewelry and accessories, all amidst a store designed with the feel of a burlesque dressing room. The store will also offer lingerie, bustiers and novelty legwear as well as a variety of sexy novelty games and toys. Do we have your attention yet?

Where's The Linq, again? Right over there.

Yard House is already a hang-out in Vegas, known for its mind-boggling selection of beer, ale and lager, but the restaurant-bar’s location (right across from the High Roller observation wheel) and the fact it’s the largest Yard House in the country, will assure its utter uniqueness. This casual eatery is a mix of family-friendly atmosphere, classic rock music, American cuisine and unforgettable good times.

Here’s a little Yard House sizzle to get you in the mood.

Tilted Kilt is a Celtic-themed sports pub staffed with beautiful servers in saucy plaid kilts and bras. Although there are Tilted Kilts across the country, the very first Tilted Kilt was in Las Vegas, so this will be a homecoming of sorts. This blog has typically not had an issue with establishments wherein beautiful servers dwell. We’re open-minded like that.

We don't make up the news, we just report it.

Flour and Barley is a pizzeria that will sport pizzas with wood-fired crusts, fresh ingredients and house-made toppings. Craft beer will also play an important role at this “rock-influenced pizzeria.” The decor will feature wood and brick, a marble bar top and red and white-checkered tabletops, along with vintage rock posters and black and white sports photography.

Construction of The Linq is already well under way. This structure is going up in the space formerly occupied by the self-park garage of O'Sheas casino.

All-in-all, this eclectic mix of offerings should provide more than enough to keep senses reeling as The Linq springs to life in 2013. Exciting times ahead, folks, and we’re not just talking about the quilts. Probably.

More news to come!

In a much-anticipated announcement, Caesars Entertainment (whose blog this is) has confirmed the popular, mid-Strip resort, the Imperial Palace, will soon be rebranded as “The Quad Resort and Casino.” Or just “The Quad.” Up to you.

In typography, that bottom part is called the "tail." A good fit for Sin City, don't you think?

While the name of the Imperial Palace is changing to The Quad, it’ll still be the high-energy party place guests have enjoyed for years.

The Imperial Palace name change marks a new beginning for the hotel which has been a part of Las Vegas since the 1950s. From 1959 to 1979, the hotel was called the Flamingo Capri.

Construction is already under way at the soon-to-be Quad, and the hotel’s casino and porte-cochère (French for “the drive-up entry place thingy”) are perhaps the most visible evidence of the changes to come.

How was the name The Quad chosen? Basically, the concept of a “quad” brings to mind good times for many. A quad is a gathering place, a place to meet and make new friends. It doesn’t hurt that a “quad,” in poker, also means four-of-a-kind. But that might just be us.

This blog loves it some fancy new stuff in Las Vegas.

In a way, The Quad is keeping everything people loved about Imperial Palace and is adding more things to love. The things to love will be done in phases. First, the casino (note the sleek new check-in desk, for example) will be revamped and expanded. Next, the hotel’s retail promenade and dining levels will get their make-over. Other renovations are expected to be announced down the road.

In case you wondered, the hotel’s expansive Auto Collections aren’t going anywhere, and neither are the casino’s dealertainers.

So, the IP’s days are numbered! Collect those gaming chips while you still can.

The Quad’s coming. And the party’s just getting started.

When the beloved O’Sheas casino closed (in April, 2012) to make way for The Linq project, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. We know, because we were in the building, gnashing along with all the other O’Sheas fans.

As the end neared, the table games were shut down, one-by-one. At the roulette table, the wheel was spun for a final time.

The moment of truth.

This blog took note of the last number to hit (hint: it wasn’t the one with the big stack), for posterity, but haven’t shared it, until today.

The last spin of the O’Sheas roulette wheel was 31, black. Now, you know.

We miss you, O’Sheas, our sticky, boisterous, bedraggled, slurring old friend. Read more.