For fans of the popular MasterChef Junior TV show on the FOX network , Season 1 winner was the talented Chef Alexander Weiss. Now you have chance to actually meet celebrity Chef Alexander Weiss at Generations Riviera Maya resort in Mexico.

The luxury Generations Riviera Maya resort is introducing its new “Little Eko Chefs” program. It’s a fun and interactive experience for families to learn cooking techniques as well as easy to replicate recipes.

Resort guests staying between August 15 – 17, 2014 have the opportunity to take part in the debut Little Eko Chefs Weekend that will be hosted by MasterChef Alexander Weiss. The best part is debit weekend program will be complimentary!

Little Eko Chefs will be offered each weekday in the luxury resort’s Eko Kids Club. Little Eko Chefs will be a first-of-its-kind program that combines historical and cultural facts, hands-on cooking opportunities plus eco-friendly food basics.

This is a great chance for foodie families to enjoy the beauty of the new Generations Riviera Maya resort along with a great culinary kids program experience.

Generations Riviera Maya is proud to be part of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, who developed the wildly popular Gourmet Inclusive® Experience. Jeroen Hanlo is the Vice President of Food & Beverage for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. He also was creative mind behind the Gourmet Inclusive Experience.

Hanlo was quoted, “We are thrilled to welcome Alexander for the Little Eko Chefs Weekend at Generations Riviera Maya, and look forward to watching aspiring young chefs become stars in the kitchen as a part of the ongoing Little Eko Chefs program.”

The initial Little Eko Chefs program invites guests to join Chef Alexander Weiss. As the first MasterChef Junior champ, this 13-year old celebrity chef will lead the three day culinary adventure for your whole family.

A few of the exciting classes you can take part in, include:
· Sushi Class – Kids will learn the history of sushi before being taught how to properly fill and roll sushi.
· The History of Chocolate – Kids will start with the cacao bean and convert it with artisanal equipment into chocolate mixing with all the corresponding ingredients. Finished chocolate will be molded it into bars with Eko Kids wrappers.
· Mexican Sweets (Dulces Mexicanos) – In this class, kids learn the history of and preparations in making these delectable unique Hispanic sweets
· Pasta Class – Kids will learn how to make their own pasta dough and turn it into spaghetti and raviolis to share for dinner with your family

Chef Alexander Weiss was quoted, “I’m very excited to host the debut of this awesome culinary program for kids at Generations Riviera Maya. The Little Eko Chefs concept is such a rare opportunity for kids like me, who to love to cook and eat, to discover new foods from around the world, gain hands-on cooking basics, and learn easy recipes while having fun.”

If you are interested in staying at the new Generations Riviera Maya luxury resort in Mexico and participate in in the debut Little Eko Chefs program with Chef Alexander Weiss, please contact us today. Do you enjoy reading about luxury travel and culinary stories? Return to follow our luxury blog.

National Scotch Day will be on July 27 and a great way to celebrate it is with Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

A popular spirit with a long history, scotch is favorite of many people. It’s been reported that scotch was originally written about was way back in the 1400’s.

Scotch was distilled by monks until the 1500’s, but today it is proudly produced in five different regions. It is still the top-selling spirit in numerous countries around the world.

Laphroaig is an Islay scotch that was first produced back in 1815. Laphroaig made the Single Malt Scotch popular and utilized using American ex-bourbon casks during the scotch aging process.

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Scotch is definitely the top choice that other Islay malts try to achieve. The scotch is still distilled the very same way just as it was almost 200 years ago.

To celebrate the upcoming National Scotch Day, we wanted to share a cocktail recipe from Laphroaig that makes an ideal summertime drink. It combines both pineapple and cranberry juice with Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Scotch whisky.

Laphroaig Suntanned Scotsman
Ingredients:
1 1/2 parts Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
1 1/2 parts Pineapple Juice
1 1/2 parts Cranberry Juice

Method:
Build over ice in a highball glass.
Garnish with a slice of pineapple on the rim.

<Follow our luxury blog to read additional luxury articles on the latest news from the spirit and alcoholic beverage industry.

For food lovers, there can be no better experience than to meet a world famous chef. Well we can top that because now you can actually have the opportunity to actually with dine with one – Chef Michael Mina.

Las Vegas has long been that luxury destination in the Nevada desert with non-stop casino gaming action, bright lights, stage shows and amazing hotels and resorts. Las Vegas is also known for some the world best, fine dining restaurants including Michael Mina Bellagio.

On August 20th at 7pm, renowned celebrity chef Michael Mina will be teaming up with celebrated Huneeus Vinters at his Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant in Las Vegas. Now you have the opportunity to meet and even dine with Michael Mina at the Bellagio Resort & Casino. What a fine dining, VIP experience!

This special event in Las Vegas is an exclusive wine pairing dinner that should not be missed. It’s great opportunity to delight your taste buds with an incredibly delicious, six-course menu that was carefully created by chef Michael Mina and Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant, Executive Chef Ben Jenkins.

Each of the dinner’s six courses will be perfectly paired with various wine selections specifically chosen by the evening event’s hosts: Chef Michael Mina, Jason Smith who is the Bellagio Director of Wine and Master Sommelier, in addition to Master Sommelier and Huneeus Estate Director Larry Stone.

The wine dinner pairing menu at Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant will include:

1) Chef’s Selection of Canapes; paired with Illumination Sauvignon Blanc;
2) White Asparagus, complemented with king salmon and Osetra caviar; paired with Flowers Chardonnay;
3) Hudson Valley Foie Gras, seasoned with lavender and plum; paired with Flowers Pinot Noir
4) Roasted California Squab, served with heirloom beets and blackberry jus; paired with Neyen Blend
5) Snake River Farms New York Strip, flavored with lobster mushroom and sesame; paired with Quintessa 2010;
6) Crottin de Chavignol, served with black mission fig and hazelnut; paired with Faust Cabernet Sauvignon

Huneeus Vintners features three stellar wineries – Quintessa, Winery and Faust and Flowers Vineyard. The wineries are managed by famous wine vintner Agustin Huneeus. Huneeus is a wine expert who is well know for identifying incredible vineyards over the last 50 years.

Pricing for this unforgettable meet & dine experience with chef Michael Mina is only $195 per person. As a reminder, the wine pairing dinner will be held at Mina’s own Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant in Las Vegas.

While in Las Vegas, be sure to stay at the word famous Bellagio Resort & Casino. This luxury resort in Las Vegas was inspired by the scenic villages of Europe. The Bellagio resort is proud to be a AAA Five Diamond property. A popular attraction at the Bellagio is the stunning blue lake and Bellagio Water Fountains where you can view a water fountain show choreographed to great music and magical lights.

If you want to book a reservation and enjoy a meet & dine, VIP experience with celebrity chef Michael Mina, please contact The Life of Luxury today! We can can also take care of all your luxury travel reservations needs. If you enjoy reading about luxury travel and fine dining stories, follow our luxury blog to keep up with the latest announcements.

The saying goes that a marriage is the joining of two people – the union of two hearts. I don’t remember it including some pricey grapes. How about Ruby Roman grapes that cost a staggering $5,600!

That’s right. At a recent auction in Japan – according to The Japanese Times, a bunch of rare Ruby Roman Grapes sold for a whopping 550,000 Yen or about $5,400.

A wedding hall operator in , central Ishikawa, Japan – won the auction for the bunch that includes just 30 Ruby Roman grapes.

Ruby Roman grapes are actually the most expensive grapes you can buy. This winning auction bid now becomes the record high paid in Japan and likely a new world record. The prior Japanese record was set in 2009.

Some quick math calculated that each of the 30 grapes goes for $180. That’s each! At that price, listen to what your parents said while you were growing up – “chew slowly.”

A bridal couple will soon have the joy and privilege of tasting the Ruby Roman grapes during their wedding reception. Hopefully this marriage lasts many years!

These particular brand of rare grapes were created in Japan. The actual qualifications for Ruby Roman grapes are quite strict. For example, each grape must weigh a minimum of 20 grams. This particular bunch of grapes weighed around 800 grams so that’s almost 27 grams each! As a comparison, a golf ball weights about 46 grams.

If you are looking for the perfect wedding gift or want to have a fantasy dream wedding, please contact The Life of Luxury and let our concierge specialists help you.

Stay abreast of the latest luxury industry news such as this Ruby Roman grapes story, then routinely follow our luxury blog.

Photo: FLOWER GARDEN/KYODO – The Japanese Times

Happy Fourth of July! Hope everybody enjoys this special day in U.S. history. If you are looking for a great tasting cocktail, try one of these with delicious GINGERS Irish Whiskey.

2 Gingers Irish whiskey is produced at Kilbeggan Distillery and is proud to be the fastest growing Irish whiskey in the U.S.

So celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in style. If you are hosting or attending a party or BBQ, be sure to make it a fun one with the great taste of 2 Gingers Irish whiskey.

We want to share two, refreshing whiskey cocktail recipes – Cherry Rickey and the BIG GINGER.

Both of the BIG GINGER and 2 GINGERS Cherry Rickey blend vanilla, caramel, and citrus taste of popular 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey, with refreshing accents for the perfect cocktail.

2 GINGERS Cherry Rickey
– 1.5 parts 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey
– Juice from 1/4 lemon, freshly squeezed
– Lemon-lime soda
– 1 tsp. maraschino cherry juice

Method: Combine all non-carbonated ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass. Next, fill the Collins glass with new ice and top with lemon-lime soda or soda water. Complete the cocktail by garnishing with a Maraschino cherry and a round of lemon.

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BIG GINGER
– 2 parts 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey
– Ginger Ale
– Lime Wedge
– Lemon Wedge

Method: Pour the 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

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If you enjoy reading about great tasting cocktails like with 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey, then return and follow this luxury blog for more great, libation stories and recipes.

With spring in full swing and summer getting closer by the day, it’s time to celebrate great weather – no matter whether you are hosting or attending a fun party or other social event. Tasty cocktail recipes can really spice up a party.

We wanted to share with our loyal readers, several great tasting cocktail recipes to try out. These delicious libations are sure to impress and are perfect on any warm weather day.

The first cocktail is named a SKINNY GINGER®. The SKINNY GINGER is a refreshing, light, and easy-to-make cocktail. Ideal for any warm weather occasion. For those watching their calorie intake, this great tasting cocktail has under 200 calories. Below is the recipe:

SKINNY GINGER
– 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
– Diet Ginger Ale
– Lemon Wedge
– Lime Wedge

Method: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with diet ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

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The second cocktail is named KNOB CREEK® SWEET & SPICY TEA. This incredible cocktail was developed by mixologist, Zac Matthew. This libation perfectly blends the sweet & spicy. Below is the recipe:

KNOB CREEK® SWEET & SPICY TEA
Ingredients:
– 2 parts Knob Creek® Rye
– 2 parts Southern Style “Sweet Tea” (* recipe below)
– ¼ part Fresh Lemon Juice
– 1 part Prosecco

Method:
1. Combine Knob Creek® Rye, sweet tea and lemon juice into a shaker with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
3. Float Prosecco on top to finish.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

*Southern Style “Sweet Tea”
Ingredients:
– Black Tea
– Simple Syrup

Method:
1. Prepare a fresh pot of black tea per instructions.
2. Combine freshly brewed black tea with an ample amount of simple syrup (to taste).

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The third and last cocktail we wanted to share is ideally named – BASIL HAYDEN’S BLUE GRASS PUNCH. This terrific

tasting cocktail combines the ideal combo of bubbles and fruit. To create a little splash in this cocktail, just add

the frozen blueberry ring.

Basil Hayden’s® Bluegrass Punch
– 4 parts Basil Hayden’s ® Bourbon
– 8 parts Blueberry Juice
– 8 parts Passion Fruit Juice
– Sparkling Wine or Club Soda
– Fresh Mint Leaves

Method:
1. Add Basil Hayden’s, blueberry juice, passion fruit juice and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake.
2. Top with club soda or sparkling wine

Blueberry Ice Ring:
Freeze one bag of frozen blueberries with water in a bunt cake pan. Dip frozen ring into hot water for a few seconds to unmold. Place in punch bowl with blueberry side up.

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If you are looking for an event planner to help host a party or special event, contact The Life of Luxury. Watch for other delicious cocktail recipes by following our luxury blog.

Aberlour is a premium single malt Scotch whisky brand and they just announced the grand opening of the world’s first outdoor whisky art gallery in Scotland.

The art exhibition is truly a unique experience for visitors to see up close and explore the various elements which contribute to creating Aberlour in the area surrounding the whisky distillery.

The popular Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival celebration honors Scotland’s national drink – whisky. The Aberlour whisky art gallery coincides with the beginning of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

The incredible outdoor photography exhibition is free to all attendees and includes beautiful, photography work by former European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, David Maitland.

The Scottish art exhibit will offer a world-first series of amazing super-macro images that uncover the uncovered beauty of Aberlour’s whisky journey. Several topics that are represented include the unique oak cask where the whisky spirit is transformed plus the pink granite used to create the softness of the water utilized in the fine whisky distillation process.

The specialized technique of super-macro photography used by photographer David Maitland allows the subject to be captured closer than ever before. The resulting imagery is stunning and displayed within this unique outdoor, whisky art gallery by Aberlour.

Proud winner of the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2008, Dr David Maitland was quoted, “I am so pleased that the public can enjoy these images in the natural surrounding from which they were inspired, right in the heart of Scotland’s single malt region.”

Maitland continues, “The whisky journey is one that relies on nature and none more so than Aberlour, from the spring water used in the distillation process, to the sherry casks in which the whisky is aged. These images bring all of these elements to life in a way that I have not seen done before and I hope will be enjoyed by all who see them.”

The Aberlour outdoor whisky gallery is located at the Aberlour Distillery in the middle of Scotland’s Speyside region, between the cities of Inverness and Aberdeen. Whisky tours are also available at the Aberlour Distillery.

If you would like to travel to Scotland and attend the world’s first outdoor whisky art gallery by Aberlour, contact The Life of Luxury and we can assist with your luxury travel needs. Keep up with other travel related news by visiting our luxury blog.

For the perfect VIP experience, stay at The St. Regis San Francisco hotel, a luxury hotel property in the “City by the Bay.”

This San Francisco landmark hotel is offering two, new St. Regis Aficionado travel packages that will become available mid-May.

The first luxury package is titled the Sport of Polo Aficionado Package. It’s an ideal way for The St. Regis San Francisco hotel guests to personally learn about the game of polo. Polo has long been called “the sport of kings” but you can experience it first-hand with a private lesson at the incredible Chalk Hill Estate in Sonoma, Napa Valley.

Polo is game that’s been long favored by both royals and nobility. Your private lesson for 2 people will be by esteemed polo professional Rafael Hernandez. Once you’ve finished your polo lesson, sit back and relax with an optional Chairman’s Reserve Tasting at Chalk Hill’s Chairman and enjoy a wide selection of great tasting wines.

The second luxury package is named the Pony Trails Equestrian Aficionado Package. The St. Regis San Francisco hotel is very proud to offer this VIP experience as part of the property’s The St. Regis Family Traditions program.

The San Francisco hotel has partnered with Sonoma County’s Wine Country Trail Rides and offers an unforgettable trail ride that takes guest on a scenic ride among the lush vineyards on Chalk Hill Estate. Once you finish your horse ride, enjoy a delicious luncheon that will be prepared by Executive Chef Didier Ageorges.

Both the The Sport of Polo Aficionado and Polo Aficionado Packages include luxurious overnight suite accommodations at The St. Regis San Francisco. This luxury, San Francisco hotel provides the city’s premier address for unmatched elegance.

The Sport of Polo Aficionado package is priced starting at $3,375 for two people and is available between May 17 and September 30, 2014 – based on availability. Pricing for the Pony Trails Aficionado Package begins at $3,425 per night for two participants. This program is also available between May 17 and September 30, 2014 – based on availability.

The St. Regis San Francisco is proud to have the honor of hosting the inaugural wine country St. Regis Polo Cup. This VIP event will provide a true VIP experience that combines the stunning beauty of Sonoma wine country in northern California along with the timeless tradition of Polo.

To plan a vacation to San Francisco and stay at The St. Regis San Francisco hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can arrange your entire itinerary. Keep up with other VIP travel offers, by following this luxury blog.

It’s the ultimate battle of cocktail mixology on the high seas! 5,500 of the world’s best bartenders will go head to head in an epic competition.

Diageo Reserve World Class™ is sponsoring this battle in partner of 4 of the biggest names in the cruise industry – Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Diageo Reserve World Class has been transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture, both around the world as well as at home. The brand offers some of most recognized spirits known today. Their luxury portfolio includes the following popular labels:

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® PLATINUM LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky, The SINGLETON™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky, CÎROC® Vodka, KETEL ONE® Vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ Gin, DON JULIO® Tequila, ZACAPA® Rum, Bulleit® Bourbon, and Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

This year’s competition will see a huge increase in participation as 5,500 cruise line bartenders from around the world will compete for supremacy. That’s almost 15 times more participants than last year.

Photo: Ian Derry

The goal of this incredible bartender battle is to discover the next generation of bartending talent by introducing and sharing the latest mixology trends, then carrying these learnings to the best bars worldwide.

The head to head rounds will go on until only four bartenders remain. The final four will compete at the glamorous Diageo Reserve World Class Global Travel semi-final event on 5th June, and held in tropical Miami, Florida. Who will be crowned the mixologist extraordinaire?

World Class Global Winner for Latin America & Caribbean 2013, Mario Seijo, will be managing the training program this year. Seijo will be supported by leading mixologists Joseph Brooke, Julio Cabrera plus Michael Parish. The team will coach the on board bartenders in various showmanship skills in addition to the latest cocktail making trends to create great tasting drinks for their cruise ship guests. Two of those trends include ‘Gin and the Secrets of Distillation’ and ‘Mediterranean Mastery’.

Louise Higgins is the Marketing Director of Diageo GTME Western was was quoted, “WORLD CLASS has become synonymous with creativity, style and sophistication, constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary and experiential cocktail culture. Through DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS, the drinks industry’s largest investment in luxury drinking experiences, we are delighted to be collaborating with the best cruise lines in the industry to transform fine-drinking for holiday makers. This is our biggest year ever by some way and we are excited to see these bartenders will take their cocktail making skills to new levels in the world’s most credible cocktail competition.”

Due to the large increase in participating bartenders, Diageo Reserve World Class decided to bring in two more cruise line heavyweights. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will join this year and are excited to add fine-drinking experiences for their passengers as well.

If you would like to learn more and book a reservation on one of these luxury cruise ships to watch the bartender competition. please contact The Life of Luxury. A travel concierge member will be happy to assist you. Come back often to read the latest news on our luxury blog.

St. Patrick’s Day is a famous holiday that occurs each year on March 17. It’s a popular holiday and celebrated by Irish people from all around the world. St. Patrick’s Day initially began as religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland. But now it’s an international event filled with a celebration of great tasting food and drinks, dancing and cultural festivals.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party or hanging out in your local bar or tavern, try an Irish whiskey cocktail made with 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey.

2 GINGERS was founded in Minnesota by native Irishman Kieran Folliard. Purchased by Beam Inc. in 2012, 2 GINGERS has become the fastest-growing Irish whiskey in the U.S. according to Nielsen Syndicated Data.

The “Big Ginger” is delicious Irish whiskey cocktail that combines the refreshing bite of ginger ale along with the vanilla, caramel and citrus undertones of 2 GINGERS. The cocktail is the ideal, refreshing recipe to enjoy on this St. Patrick’s Day.

Click here to learn more about the history of St. Patrick’s Day.

2 GINGERS is a malty, smooth and slightly sweet premium, blended Irish whiskey that can be drank alone or part of a great tasting cocktail.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and hope you enjoy the below recipe for the BIG GINGER®

BIG GINGER

– 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
– Ginger Ale
– Lemon Wedge
– Lime Wedge

Method: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

If you are planning a special event such as an anniversary, birthday, wedding proposal or other occasion, contact The Life of Luxury.  We offer luxury concierge services to help make your dream event a reality. Follow our luxury blog to read up on all that is luxury.

Las Vegas has long been a city of firsts wit some of the amazing hotels found anywhere in the world. Now another first is ready to be made.

The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas is ready to open Double Barrel Roadhouse, which will be the first authentic roadhouse experience on the famous Strip.

Double Barrel Roadhouse also has the distinction of being the first outlet to open inside the amazing new plaza experience on Las Vegas Blvd. in front of the Monte Carlo.

The stunning Monte Carlo Resort and Casino features 2,992 deluxe rooms and suites, which includes the luxury and exclusive HOTEL32 found on the top floor of the resort. Guests can also relax and cool off in the lush pool area that includes a wave pool, lazy river and beautiful, cascading waterfalls.

Double Barrel Roadhouse luxury restaurant opens this Friday March 7th and will offer both high-energy live music and entertainment. Enjoy a variety of delicious, array of craft cocktails and beers. For foodies, dine with Southern-inspired food within the 12,000 square foot, indoor-outdoor restaurant space.

The Double Barrel Southern influence, food menu was created by Executive Chef Michael Vitangeli. You’ll enjoy freshly crafted American classics like Crispy Smokey Chicken Wings, Corn Chowder, Mini Corn Dogs, plus Crispy Meatloaf that comes with sweet bacon-laced Ketchup. In addition, try other house specialties such as New Orleans Shrimp & Grits and Not Your Mama’s Chicken Pot Pie. Steak lovers will be in for a treat with a 24 oz. Cowboy Steak and the slow cooked Crackling Pork Shank brushed with a bourbon glaze that’s made in an oversized wood burning grill.

SBE is a creative hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning luxury hotels, restaurants and nightlife around the world.

Mio Danilovic is the Vice President of Nightlife Operations at SBE and stated, “We’ve had incredible collaboration with Monte Carlo and the MGM Resorts team to develop a space and an experience that channels the attitude of a true roadhouse experience defined by great music, great food and high energy live entertainment.”

Double Barrel offers a terrific array of entertainment which includes featuring live music plus an interactive staff that will both entertain and engage its customers. There will be live performances on the elevated catwalks surrounding the bars, custom “bar rituals” and feast your eyes on the venue’s lively “DB girls.” It’s non-stop energy and fun at the Double Barrel Roadhouse.

To make your travel reservations and stay at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and try the new Double Barrel Roadhouse, please contact The Life of Luxury. We will be glad to help make your luxury Las Vegas trip a memorable one.