2 posts tagged “mcfreed”

The McFreeds want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!! 

We will be celebrating with an early dinner with Stefan's brother Andy, sister-in-law Amy, and niece Sarah. Later, the party begins at Lady Godiva's herself (aka Barbara) with the usual suspects of Althea, Dennis, Beth, and Jon of course! 

We have a lot to look back on. Sean's new job in January, moving in together in March, our trip to Las Vegas, time with our niece Sarah and nephew Zachary, the 1st Annual McFreed Summer Shindig, starting our blog, the Boston Red Sox winning it all, the New England Patriots perfect regular season, Stefan's kidney stone, meeting a ton of family and friends on both sides, and oh yeah getting engaged!  Whew!  There was so much more and we are so exhausted thinking about it! 

A huge HUGGLE to all our family and friends near and far this holiday!  It doesn't really mean anything but its always great to tell everyone you love and respect as well as just getting to know that you care... so Happy New Year and all the best in 2008!!!

Sean and Stefan says...

"McFreeds," (people known as fans of The McFreeds) we apologize for being a week late with our naughty and lascivious tales of Las Vegas but Sean came down with a nasty cold and Stefan's brother Andy's Tampa Bay Devil Rays played the Baltimore Orioles so we were either at the game or listening/watching them sweep the Birds 3 straight games! Anyways...heres we go!

Like Dino, Frank, Sammy, Wayne, Dorothy, Ann-Margret, and Cher before us, we made our way to the Vega$ strip to vacation in America's fabulous and infamous "Sin City." Do we, the McFreeds, dare tell the true tales of a town known for its slogan "What happens here stays here!"???? Of course... well maybe just some! Few pictures were taken (or not posted) of course to protect the innocent!

As our loyal "McFreeds," you all know that we were in Las Vegas August 18 - 23. Our heads rested in the gigantic MGM Grand Resort and Casino which is as green as the Emerald City. 

 

 

 

 

We cuckolded in Room 26-421 supplied by James our registration clerk who made sure we had a great view of the southern end of the Vega$ strip.

We immediately ordered room service and received a primer from our hefty and chatty room service waiter on the naughty goings on witnessed in Vega$. Of course there was only innocent amazement and few titters from us on his stories of debauchery because we simply aren't those kind of people (titter)! So we scarfed down our meal and then fell fast asleep dreaming of the days to come.

Sunday came and that meant a day at the pool. First we enjoyed some delicious pastries from Paris and some Starbucks ice coffees for breakfast. MGM Grand has a humongous pool complex that includes about 5 separate pool areas and a lazy river. We chose the lazy river. Well at temps in the 100s and a few pina coladas (alcoholic for Sean and virgin for Stefan) we each took turns reviving ourselves in the crowded but satisfying river. We saw so many bad tattoos and drunken college kids it wasn't funny. But the river was a nice free flowing cool down on a blazing hot day. We actually relaxed, each read a book, and tanned!  When was the last time Sean ("What's next!") actually relaxed on vacation? Did Stefan really get him to stay in one place for the day!? Yep!

The McFreeds later dined together at a fantastic Japanese restaurant at the MGM Grand, Shibuya. We both agree that this was the best restaurant of the whole trip! 

Sean's meal started with the Lobster Miso Soup with Maitake Mushrooms; continued with a Kabuto roll (Australian Lobster Tail Tempura, Cucumber, Shiso and Kaiware in Soy Paper); crested with Steamed Chilean Sea Bass (with Matsutake Scented Pearl of Japan and Takenoko); and ended with Assorted Mochi for dessert.

Stefan's meal started also with the Lobster Miso Soup with Maitake Mushrooms; continued with a Kenko roll (Kampyo, Asparagus, Avocado, Cucumber, Oshinko with Napa Cabbage); delighted with a Traditional Tempura (Organic Vegetables and Shrimp Combination); and ended with a Kaffir Lime Crème Brulee.

YUM YUM!!!!

Monday came and that included the meeting of the two power couples! Joe and Matt (aka The High Rollers) stayed at the New York New York Hotel and Casino originally. Sean met them for brunch at the Il Fornaio restaurant. Sean had the Zampa D'Orso (an almond and hazelnut filled pastry) and an Omelette Alla Contadina (containing red onion, applewood-smoked bacon, potatoes, grilled polenta and gorgonzola). Stefan napped and took in brunch at the MGM Grand Buffet.

Later that evening, it was time for Spamalot! A 90 minute version at the Wynn Resort and Casino, the show made us laugh and the added star power of John O'Hurley (Mr Peterman from Seinfeld fame) was nice. 

Spamalot was funny but it seemed a more like the Monty Python film Monty Python and The Holy Grail and the Broadway production of The Producers mushed together rather than something really original and clever. But it was worth the $69 a seat we coughed up.

The Lady of The Lake was hysterical and many of the lampoons were dead on but it was just good and not great. A clip from the Broadway version and a link to the Broadway cast album are below for you to sample! Recognize Sara Ramiez from Grey's Anatomy below who won a Tony for the Lady in The Lake role.

The true "fun" of the night was at the restaurant before the show. The four of us ate at Chef Alessandro Stratta's casual Italian restaurant Corsa Cucina also at the Wynn. The prices were higher than expected and the wine list gave us all sticker shock. And it gave Joe a bigger shock later...but more about that in a sec! 

Stefan began his meal with a chilled Corsa Salad (with warm goat cheese, arugula lettuce, mushrooms, corn, and balsamico dressing). He continued with Proscuitto Wrapped Roasted Berkshire Pork Chops and a side of spinach. Dessert was a Tiramasu split with Joe and Matt.

Sean began with the same Corsa Salad Stefan had. Continued with a delicious half order of a special veal ravioli in a wine sauce. Was less impressed with a Roasted Monkfish in Parchment (with artichokes, fingerling potatoes, tomato and lemon confit, and lemon butter). Dessert was a mix of fruit sorbets.

The star of the dinner though was the wine... red wine... chosen for the meal by Sean and Joe.  The $54 bottle (which was the best we could do since a lot of the wines were in the 3-digits!) was dispensed to Joe, Matt, and Sean.  Matt and Stefan got in a vigorous discussion about how to play Blackjack and next thing we know Joe had a lap full of Matt's wine! OMG! It was hysterical and sad at the same time. Poor Joe had to sit through Spamalot in wine soaked clothes since there was no time to go back to their hotel. Luckily he had a dark red shirt and dark blue pants on!  I am sure he is wincing even now reading about this. Thank goodness we saw a comedy after all that spilling!

Tuesday came and your McFreeds had breakfast at New York, New York's (where Joe and Matt spent two of their 4 nights...which were comped later) America.

Sean had a fruit smootie, chocolate chip pancakes, and bacon. Stefan had an omelette with bacon. Coffee was ok but it wasn't Starbucks...sigh. America has a HUGE map of the U.S. as it's roof which is really really mesmerzing as you eat!  The diner was delicious though!  Sean and Stefan played a few slots on the way back. Sean won some money (that disappears later) on the Alien-themed slot. Yes, Vega$ has movie, TV, and board game themed slots. It's really fun!

Sean and Joe decided to spend some friend time together while Stefan and Matt went off by themselves and did some gambling. Sean and Joe, movie freaks they are, headed over on the monorail to the Las Vegas Hilton to take in the Star Trek Experience! Yes Trekkies, Sean and Joe were geeks and took in the virtual rides with the heavy Star Trek geekiness... and had fun!  Before getting on the ride Joe was confronted by a Klingon who had issues with Joe's tie die shirt.  We took in the Klingon Encounter and the Borg Invasion 4D!  The Borg ride is the better of the two but they are worth the fun if you like Star Trek.

Later Sean and Joe had drinks at Quark's Bar and Resturant (check out the menu!) and ran into a Vulcan woman and a Romulan woman who chatted the day away. Sean had a Tranya, which is peach Schnapps, coconut rum, amaretto, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. The goateed bartender in the accompanied clip was our bartender! If you understood what all those things are, you are yes a geek. SMIRK! 

The night meant another show!  This time it was Cirque du Soleil's Mystere! 

Sean recommends this one because he has seen it three times!  It is the oldest Cirque show in Las Vegas with its debut in December 1993. If you never have seen a Cirque show it is truly hard to describe!  The show rarely has a dicernable plot is basically a series of acrobatic acts surrounded by great new age music, beautiful costumes, and clowns and comic scenes to entertain between changes in acts. The best act for Sean was the Hand-to-Hand act by the Lorador brothers pictured here and the Aerial Cube.Yes, the Hand-to-Hand act is very homo-erotic but these two guys were incredible with strength and endurance. 

Stefan loved the Aerial High Bar artists. Joe and Matt give their review on their blog. A word of advice, best place to sit is in the middle or back of Section 203 where you get the best view of the stage overall. There is always a lot going on in a Cirque show so best to see it all then just a part. When you watch Mystere though you will see where all the Cirque shows that came after it were taken from.

We all went after the show to Treasure Island Hotel and Casino's Isla Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar for dinner. Sean was the lush that night, single-handedly drinking a carafe of blackberry sangria!  Liquor in this resturant is serious business. With tequila being the main liquor of choice here, you can bascially get drunk easily. They offer The Goddess Elixir, prepared table side by Isla's Tequila Goddess with Herradura Seleccion Suprema, Grand Marnier 100 Year Anniversary, Cointreau, and Fresh Citrus Syrup!  We did not partake in that since we would be passed out under the table for days I think!  The meal started with a chips selection with the usual salsas arranged by hotness. But the BEST guacamole was along for the ride. It was a guac with lobster mixed in...fantastic! Sean ordered chicken tacos and seafood enchiladas. Stefan ordered steak. Sean really enjoyed this restaurant..maybe it was the sangria and the company.  Stefan was a little lukewarm. Joe and Matt seemed to enjoy the food as well. So a mixed review here.

There was a lot of gambling though that went on at Treasure Island between the four of us. Matt and Stefan looked at the intricies of electronic Blackjack. Joe played some poker. Sean stucked to the Monopoly and I Dream of Jeannie slot machines. The I Dream of Jeannie slot is a funny one since if you get a Jeannie in the Bottle on your payline Barbara Eden screams out "YES!" and if you get a second it gets louder, and a third is a full flown orgasm! Let's say it attracts a lot of attention in terms of funny looks in a loud casino! LOL! Joe won some money here as you can see from the pictures... I think the liquor got us all loose and willing to gamble our money away that night... and more likely to take pictures!  It must of been since Joe was caught giving several elusive smiles in the camera!

Wednesday came and The McFreeds took time out for luxurious Vega$ shenanigans!  Wednesday was Spa Day!  We awoke with a room serviced breakfast and a viewing of the film Knocked Up!  A funny film that I bet is even funnier for couples who have been through the birthing process. Alas, Stefan and Sean lack certain parts for that to happen so moving on... Then 2pm rolled around and we shuffled off to the MGM Grand Spa & Health Club for a 4 1/2 hour experience. We both selected the Gentleman's Escape Package. No this is not a naughty package with a "happy ending" you dirty minded people! It was a calm aroma pedicure, men's facial, and a classic Swedish massage with a eucalytus scalp treatment.  Stefan had the men's energizing facial while Sean upped it a notch with a HydraDemabrasion version. We lounged around the spa facilities between appointments and an hour after everything was done to get in the full relaxation. There was a whirpool, sauna, and steam room. All we can say is...ahhhhhhhhhh.

We left our relaxation and got fancied up for a trip to the Stratosphere's Top of The World Restaurant. The restaurant has a great view of Las Vegas but is very overpriced and badly serviced. The restaurant rotates fully around every 1 hour and 20 minutes. The food and the view got no complaints though!

Sean began with a delicious Kobe Beef (from Austraila) with creamy lentil risotto.  Had a second course of a DELICIOUS lobster bisque.  And concluded with an ok sea bass (encrusted with Porcini mushroom dust, pan seared and served over wilted Romaine Finished with Riviera de Fiori extra virgin olive oil).  Dessert was a chocolate souffle with vanilla cream that came very very late because of really poor service but was delectable.

Stefan started with a shrimp cocktail. Continued with the Tower Salad (with Mixed greens with Anjou pears, apricots, candied walnuts and Balsamic vinaigrette) that Stefan says was great!  And followed it up with the Prime Rib (14 oz slow roasted Certified Angus Beef ® crusted with black pepper and herbs).  Dessert was Stefan's favorite tiramasu.  

Both of us felt a little woozy after our 2 1/2 hour rotating dinner above the clouds. But we soldiered on and met up with Joe and Matt at their new digs, The Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino.  They had taken the romantic track as we did and had a delightful dinner at Tao Asian Bistro, which they highly recommended.  We lounged in their suite and enjoyed the luxary that their

bargain hunting game had landed them: a $400 suite for $100 a night!  Gorgeous!  Sean's Dad and wife Donna had stayed there once and expounded about how great it was but this was incredible! There was a costume change, some drinks, and then a sad goodbye to our friends after a great vacation. We alas were returning home the next day. 
Well there is nothing left to tell about our trip to Las Vegas. Or is there!  We headed back to our MGM Grand room and continued our relaxation. Sean was pooped out so he fell asleep rather easily. Stefan though had the gambling bug!  He thought 1 more hour could make some money to put toward the spa day cost. Stefan had not been down in the casino 1 minute when a lovely African-American girl who Stefan claims was a Tyra Banks of younger days came over and started flirting with him. Well next thing Stefan knew he was being propositioned. "Are you looking for fun? You look like a guy who likes a little fun," said our lounge beauty. Stefan said he loved fun and was down trying to play the slots while his boyfriend was upstairs sleeping. Well this brought the question from our hot-to-trot gal, "Well do you still go both ways?"  And in true Stefan fashion he says, "Not anymore."  This of course all ended with our nite gal getting up immediately and walking away with a pursed look on her face. Our beauty was last seen walking out of the casino after a run in with a casino floor manager.

So Thursday was fly-a-way day on Southwest. We had luckily secured a shuttle to and from the airport so we had no trouble getting there. All and all we were sad to leave Las Vegas. We didn't win big money though. All in all the whole vacation went for about $2300 for two people. But we had living to do and Vega$ will always be there after all!