The title says it all. I did have an incredible day in Vegas yesterday. My girlfriend, Wendy, was in town celebrating her 10 year wedding anniversary, and invited me over for a day of play. I thought it was awfully generous of her and her husband to allow me to invade their celebration.
I picked her up around 11:30am, and we headed to Tommy Bahamas Restaurant at Town Square. On the way, we spotted Big Bird at the Welcome To Las Vegas sign! Neither of us having been to the sign, and knowing our young daughters would be thrilled to see us with Big Bird, we pulled in and parked. Big Bird works for tips, his hand magically appearing from a hole beneath his tie. I slipped BB two bucks and we were golden. Two photos each. Then we made our way to the famous sign, and Wendy asked a nice man to take our photo. He did, and invited us back in one hour to be in a music video. Hello! Sign us up!
We hurried over to Tommy Bahamas for cocktails and appetizers. Our bartender concocted two special drinks for us, one with passion fruit and the other with cucumber and pineapple. Both were delicious! We also had crab bisque (to die for), and some kind of shrimp dip with chips (not the greatest).
We caught up as it had been a year since we saw each other, and the bartender brought us over two more specialty cocktails. Then our bartender disappeared, overwhelmed with a banquet in the back room. So much time passed that we gave up ordering dessert and considered “dine & ditch”. We were planning our escape when Wendy decided to give one final attempt to pay our bill. She began waving her arms around as if directly a large plane into takeoff position. It got people’s attention alright! A hostess came over to see what our problem was, and had the bartender ring us up. Mr. Bartender became a hero when he didn’t charge us for our drinks, only our appetizers. Thank you, dreamboat!
We were thirty minutes late to the video shoot, and hurried over to find parking. The production team was still setting up, testing audio equipment and who knows what else, for at least another hour. Finally we were asked to take our positions around the piano, the star, Frankie Moreno, and the bassist. The director asked us to sway and bop enthusiastically, to which Frankie added, “Act like you like my music. If you can’t do that, get the fuck out of here.” With his handsome looks and New York accent, we all took his advice with a laugh.
Action! The camera was rolling, Frankie was tickling the ivories and wailing out a tune much like Harry Connick Jr but cooler. We were all swaying, clapping hands, and getting into it. Frankie finished his song, and had to perform it again. The camera man moved to a new angle capturing Frankie from head on (with Wendy and me directly behind him).
The director asked us to move closer to Frankie with some of the women leaning on the piano. Two retro/pin-up looking girls leaned on the piano, and a grandmotherly type woman was next to them with a cotton ball taped to her arm. Just gave blood? A girl in purple joined our group, but had a sour look on her face like she was smelling something awful. A butter-faced woman in a green sweater, no pants, and tan boots was asked to stand in front of the bassist. She worried about blocking his view, not realizing she was the view. LOL! Two sweet elderly couples were next, with Wendy and I rounding out the group. The director asked us to look at Frankie as if we wanted him, but couldn’t have him. I stared as if his was the sexiest nape I’d ever seen. Oooh, look at the clean-cut neckline! I licked my lips and batted my eyes a few times, just for good measure. I hope I don’t hit the cutting room floor.
Frankie sang two more tunes, twice, and it was a wrap. Then he asked his marketing director, Sasha, if he could play a song just for us. She agreed, and he REALLY got into it! He hammered those keys like I’d never seen! Wow, we were really dancing now, no acting involved. Just pure enjoyment. His camera man rushed up with the camera, zooming in and out on Frankie, on us, on the keys, on us. What a video this will be! I’ll leave room for it right here (below).
Wendy and I posed with Frankie for two photos. (I”ll post those too once Wendy gets home and can download her camera.) What a doll he is. If you’re going to see him, he performs at the Stratosphere. Go, go, go!
How do you come down from that high? We decided we needed more cocktails and dessert. We drove to Caesars, and checked out the new chocolate restaurant, Max Brenner. 
Oh Max, $12.50 for a margarita? We didn’t even see dessert on the posted menu, but a banner across the top of the display said something like, “Food First, Dessert Next”. Hmmm… we kept walking. The kiosk bar with yard-long cocktails also had mixed drinks for $12.50, frozen drinks for $14.00. Really? Ice costs that much more? Rip-off. Kept walking. Finally saw The Cheesecake Factory! Yes, let’s get some drinks and dessert. That’s what we came for, that is what we shall have. The tropical martinis were fabulous, and deep-fried avocado appetizers were amazing, and the red velvet cheesecake was orgasmic. Thank you to our server for telling us we didn’t both need a slice. He was right, and we thanked him for watching our wallets and waistlines.
With the day drawing to a close, we walked out into the crisp night air and over to the Bellagio gardens. Decorated for fall, they were (as always) a sight to behold. Pumpkins, scarecrows, corn stalks and the like filled the atrium, and we tried to photograph as much of it as possible. Then we made our way back to my car and finally to her resort. I hated to see the day end.
• Do you believe in the slogan, “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas?”
• Would you have swayed and bopped to the music?
• $12.50 for a cocktail. Discuss.
Comment By: Beth
November 16th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
What a cool day! Can’t wait to see the video! :O)
You bet I’d have swayed and bopped…and maybe even swooned. Oh, and $12.50? That’d keep me sober.
Comment By: Jean
November 17th, 2011 at 7:26 am
Thanks Beth. It was amazing. I can’t wait to see the video either.
Ya, those beverage prices were shocking. Ouch!
Comment By: Sherri @ The Kitchen Prescription
November 17th, 2011 at 5:15 am
You bet your ass I’d bop and sway. Hahahahaha Jean, I love your come hither look!
How cool was that,that you got to be in a video? So exciting and a rare thing to see let alone be part of! The stars aligned and you and Wendy were there at the right moment.
I loved your whole story about your day trip to Vegas. I’m glad you had such a memorable and fabulous time with your friend.
I think people use the “Vegas” slogan as an excuse to behave badly. Except now, people insert a new word in place of Vegas. Just behave people! How bout that?
Comment By: Jean
November 17th, 2011 at 7:28 am
Haha Sherri! You’d have been GREAT in this video! Wish you were here.
It was amazing and exciting, yes.
The Vegas slogan started out as funny or clever, but now it’s just annoying. I agree – people should just behave.
Comment By: Sherri @ The Kitchen Prescription
December 13th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Jean, I just watched the video. Nice job! It was awesome!That Frankie sure is a looker. hehe. How exciting that must have been! That girl in the purple had the same sour look the whole way through the video. Epic!
Comment By: Angelia Sims
November 17th, 2011 at 10:47 am
This is AWHHHHHSOME!
You are going to be famous! Woot!
I love your come hither look. I bet you get a spotlight in the video. I was cracking up on your descriptions of the others. Hilarious!
Congrats! I have no doubt you made the cut. 🙂
Comment By: Jean
November 17th, 2011 at 11:51 am
LOL, Angelia! Thanks! Even Frankie said the video was going viral. Hahaha.
Hey, I came over here to reply, I couldn’t see my come-hither look. ?? I re-uploaded the jpg, so hopefully it doesn’t vanish this time. Glad you were able to see it.
Girl in purple tried to block me from the camera’s view. Thank goodness the director moved her to the other side. LOL!
Oh, what a day. I’m still on a high.
Thanks again!
Comment By: Angie
November 18th, 2011 at 11:04 am
I think you’re way too cool for me to hang out with … seriously. Your day sounds like SO much fun, but I’d be way to nervous to do the whole music video thing.
I do enjoy your recap of the other folks in on the act though … wonder what you’d say about me 😉
And $12.50 for a cocktail?!?! Wow!!!
Comment By: Jean
November 18th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
I was nervous too, Angie, but I figured how bad could it be? (Guess we’ll see!)
I’m sure I’d be very complimentary to you if I saw you swaying at a piano. 🙂
Ya, those cocktail prices were steep!
If you ever come out this way, I’d love to hang out with you!
Comment By: Unknown Mami
November 18th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
You are a superstar! I can’t wait to see your moves.
Comment By: Jean
November 19th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Thank you, Mami! I hope I’m a scene stealer… in a good way. 🙂 Hee!
Comment By: Stacy
November 19th, 2011 at 9:51 am
What a fun day! Sounds like lots fo good memories were made, and I can’t wait to see that music video!
P.S. I can’t believe drinks are that much these days. I thought $5 was high, but I don’t think I’ve been to a bar in almost 20 years! 😉
Comment By: Jean
November 19th, 2011 at 10:31 am
Hi Stacy! We really could not justify those crazy cocktail prices. After lunch, I only had a twenty in my wallet, which wouldn’t even cover 2 drinks. Holy cow.
I’m following the Stratosphere, Frankie, and his marketing director, so hopefully I’ll know soon when the video has been uploaded. 🙂
If you ever want to get away to Vegas for a weekend (or week day) of play, just let me know.
Comment By: Sunny
November 21st, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Oh how I wish I was there!!! This sounds like a fantastic day in Vegas and it makes me happy that you got to experience it 🙂
Only 1/2 of what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas; I would have swayed and bobbed; $12.50 is pricey. That’s why I still own a flask 😉
Comment By: Jean
November 22nd, 2011 at 7:57 am
I wish you were there too, Sunny! Especially if you brought your flask. Man, were we thirsty. Even Frankie was asking for Crown.
Comment By: Bill A
November 22nd, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Sounds like a great day! I’ll bet the video will be shown over and over while Frankie’s there on the Strat’s in house channel! I seam to recall they have one channel on the TV that does nothing but promote things to do at there. Time to ask for scale! 🙂
Comment By: Jean
December 3rd, 2011 at 2:07 pm
OMg, Bill, I had forgotten you were just there! Hahahaha – I hope guests don’t tire of it as quickly as my girlfriend and I did. It just came out, and I gotta say, making it was the most fun.
Comment By: Brigita
December 2nd, 2011 at 6:38 pm
The Bellagio’s atrium looks awesome. Yea, $12.50 seems pricey but that’s what you’ll pay nowadays in the “city” or concerts, etc…Crazy!
Comment By: Jean
December 3rd, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Bellagio’s atrium so so gorgeous. Always worth a visit.
Thanks for stopping by, Gita. I know how busy you are!
Comment By: Charlotte
December 8th, 2011 at 8:37 am
That sounds like such a fun day! And Frankie is a total dreamboat. I would have stuck around to be in the music video, too 🙂
Still laughing at Big Bird asking for tips through a hole in his tie. LOL!
Comment By: Jean
December 26th, 2011 at 8:04 am
Hi Charlotte! Merry Christmas to you & your sweetie!
Comment By: The Girl from the Ghetto
December 25th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
I must have forgotten to leave a comment the last time I read this post.
Girl, it looks like you had a blast. Oh, how I do miss Vegas sometimes. Lucky you!
Hey, were is a December post from you?
Comment By: Jean
December 26th, 2011 at 8:07 am
That’s ok, Gigi. I miss Vegas too, and I’m a lot closer than you are.
Sorry for not posting more often. It’s been a year since we lost our last employee. Work and family take up most of my time. Hoping the economy improves in 2012 so we can hire help for the biz.
Comment By: Anonymous
January 24th, 2012 at 7:42 am
Jean, Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Yes I would sway and bop. Lots of fun pictures now Ill have to scroll up and watch the video. I hope your world is well and that you are happy and healthy.