As was hinted in last week's blog, I was hoping to share my new poker position with you this week but that needs to wait another week. I did fly down to Las Vegas for four days to meet the team and do some training. Besides the job aspects that I'll get into next week, the highlights of the trip were the culinary outings. I also got to check out some Vegas properties I hadn't seen before; The Cosmopolitan, the Aria, Sunset Station and Red Rock Resort.

Highlights of my culinary adventures:

Lotus of Siam - Considered by many to be the best Thai restaurant in Vegas. Although the ambiance is a bit lacking, I met good friend Jeff218 for a nice spicy meal. Be wary of your selection along the 1-10 scale of hotness as the next day it sure 'cleansed' my system. The strip mall Lotus of Siam is found in had two different cop cars attending to two different incidents and it is extremely lively with gay and swinger bars.

I Love Sushi - Although it is less well known amongst the younger poker pro set compared to places like Naked Fish and Sen of Japan, the Henderson-located I Love Sushi is a long time favorite amongst established poker players like Mike Matusow and Phil Gordon. I can honestly say from a sophisticated flavors standpoint, it is the best sushi I have ever eaten. I Love Sushi features fantastic complex sushi dishes with hilarious titles like "screaming orgasm," "I like my ass," and "Your Stomach will hate you later."

China Poblano - Jose Andres' Chinese and Mexican eatery in the Cosmopolitan was a funky lunch meeting place one day. I highly recommend the Shrimp Mojo with poblano chiles. The Cochinita and Carnitas were intensely flavorful, but on the very small portion side as was typical of most of the menu.

Green and Proteins - This chain-looking health food and smoothie/juice bar offered up some tasty, light and uber vegan options for lunch one day. I had the Greek pizza, with the hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, basil and feta spread on wafer thin crisp lavash crackers.

Hougan's Racing Sandwiches - A hole-in-the-wall place with little ambiance or professional signage, but they serve up some amazing hot sandwiches that were reminiscent of the best of east coast Philly steaks and the like.

In and Out Burger - Not a burger chain that has reached the Portland area, so grabbing a burger here on the run is an enjoyed tradition. The fries were on the dry and dull side (yes, I forgot to 'animalize' it)

Zaba's Mexican Grill - A fresher and better ingredient alternative to those who enjoy Chipotle. We had some tasty fish tacos.