![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Las Vegas the Decadent
Jul. 13th, 2005 04:33 pmI've been wondering for a while what it is about Las Vegas that I like so much. I'm not a gambler, and I normally don't like trashy, tasteless things — and at times, Vegas can certainly be that.
I think, however, I may have put a finger on it. Vegas is unabashedly hedonistic and decadent, and she does not make any apologies for that. Vegas is the decadent slut of cities, up front and in the open about the pleasures which can be found within her embrace. If puritanism ever took a hold here, I can't tell when I'm on the strip.
From the opulence of the hotels and casinos to the sinfully delicious food, Vegas is at once kitschy and elegant, combining the worst of nouveau riche with the gems of ancient history. Nowhere else can you attempt to wander the cliche of ancient egypt, the canals of Venice, the streets of Paris, and beyond in a single day. And, in being that cliche, Vegas sees no need to apologize. This is what I am, she says. Enjoy me, and I will enjoy you. Or at least, your money.
That's not to say that there's nothing new and original or at least, unusual and worthwhile, in Vegas. Last night, I indulged my desire for creme brulee at a fabulous asian restaurant called Pink Ginger, here in the Flamingo.
They cut a cocunut in half, and filled it with coconut flavoured custard. Then, they sprinkled the top with an unusually thick layer of sugar, and burnt it in the customary fashion. Topped with raspberries, blueberries, a strawberry, a drizzle of raspberry syrup, and toasted coconut shavings, it was by far the most pleasurable creme brulee experience I've had so far. And the presentation must also be mentioned. It should be obvious, but the idea of serving coconut creme brulee in half a coconut — such that I could shave some of the toasted, creamy coconut meat off of it while I ate — had never even occurred to me. Maybe it had to you, but if so I applaud your originality, which by far surpasses mine in this fashion.
There's always something tasty to try in Vegas, another fabulous show to see (including four Cirque shows), another sight to see. Which begs the question, why am I here typing on this contraption!
I think, however, I may have put a finger on it. Vegas is unabashedly hedonistic and decadent, and she does not make any apologies for that. Vegas is the decadent slut of cities, up front and in the open about the pleasures which can be found within her embrace. If puritanism ever took a hold here, I can't tell when I'm on the strip.
From the opulence of the hotels and casinos to the sinfully delicious food, Vegas is at once kitschy and elegant, combining the worst of nouveau riche with the gems of ancient history. Nowhere else can you attempt to wander the cliche of ancient egypt, the canals of Venice, the streets of Paris, and beyond in a single day. And, in being that cliche, Vegas sees no need to apologize. This is what I am, she says. Enjoy me, and I will enjoy you. Or at least, your money.
That's not to say that there's nothing new and original or at least, unusual and worthwhile, in Vegas. Last night, I indulged my desire for creme brulee at a fabulous asian restaurant called Pink Ginger, here in the Flamingo.
They cut a cocunut in half, and filled it with coconut flavoured custard. Then, they sprinkled the top with an unusually thick layer of sugar, and burnt it in the customary fashion. Topped with raspberries, blueberries, a strawberry, a drizzle of raspberry syrup, and toasted coconut shavings, it was by far the most pleasurable creme brulee experience I've had so far. And the presentation must also be mentioned. It should be obvious, but the idea of serving coconut creme brulee in half a coconut — such that I could shave some of the toasted, creamy coconut meat off of it while I ate — had never even occurred to me. Maybe it had to you, but if so I applaud your originality, which by far surpasses mine in this fashion.
There's always something tasty to try in Vegas, another fabulous show to see (including four Cirque shows), another sight to see. Which begs the question, why am I here typing on this contraption!
