Live from the Hard Rock

I am blogging from my room at the Hard Rock. Being here brings back so many memories. My very first trip to Las Vegas, I stayed here. I never even saw the Strip that trip. I was in town for a job interview with the Las Vegas Weekly, and the Hard Rock was ample evidence that Vegas could be a great home for me. And it has been, for going on 9 years. In fact, thanks to concerts by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver, I have started a few years at the Hard Rock. And, it seems the perfect place to start my New Year's weekend adventure.

 

Of course, nostalgia is a dangerous thing in ever-changing Vegas. In a few hours, I will be going to the opening of Cathouse at Luxor. Cathouse chef Kerry Simon used to be the proprietor of Simon here at the Hard Rock.

 

AGO, a restaurant associated with actor Robert DeNiro, will be opening here to replace Simon. AGO is not set to have its grand opening until February. But according to people here at the Hard Rock, there may be a soft opening this weekend. I will try to check it out, if that is the case.
(Photo by Richard Abowitz)