I am Lars Vargas

Category: Friends & Family

Stories and events involving those I love the most: my family and friends

  • Breakfast of Champions

    I went to lunch with a friend and Las Vegas blogger Hurricane Mikey yesterday. He actually writes in his blog, as opposed to me. I just pay hosting fees and occasionally pop in with something interesting to say or (more probably) something to complain about.

    Anyway, I heartily encourage you to visit his blog and read around a bit. It’s very interesting reading, and I’m happy to wait right here while you’re out reading his stuff.

    One thing about Mikey, he likes his pizza, and one of his life’s journeys is to find the perfect pie. It’s kind of a religious quest, and it’s fun to be a pilgrim. But this entry isn’t really about Mikey so much as my small part in that journey to coal-fired nirvana. (more…)

  • I am officially old.

    There were things I did in my younger, crazier years that would probably kill me if I attempted them now. And if they didn’t kill me, I’d probably want to be dead. It’s no secret that I like my spicy food really hot, usually as hot as or hotter than a restaurant can make it. I also haven’t had a cigar in about seven years. So why not combine them? (more…)

  • Read first. Apply second.

    The lovely Mrs. Vargas called me yesterday and suggested that we go out for a sushi dinner. I liked the idea. I like sushi.

    Since I work at home, my attire can sometimes be politely described as “casual” and other times, um, well, I wouldn’t want to be in public or under the scrutiny of Glamour’s eye. But I had actually gotten up early, showered, shampooed, and was dressed for public activities in shorts and a nice Hawaiian shirt. (more…)

  • Happy Anniversary, Special K and Mr. K

    No foolin’: my sister got married on April Fools Day. It was a glorious affair, at sunset, in Key West Florida. Six years ago today she entered wedded bliss. I wish you and “Mr. K.” all the best.

    So, Special K, since I don’t think I sent a card or gift, your gift is in the menu … your very own category. You’ve made the big time! Congratulations.

    And look, I’m writing again. That’s no April Fool, either.

  • Merry Christmas from the Vargases

    Christmas brings up so many fond memories of turkeys at Grandma’s, her special stuffing, presents, and happy family times. Memories of snow, cold, and even some bad weather. So many wonderful memories, and too many to mention here.

    To me, Christmas simply means joy. I cannot think about Christmas without smiling.

    Mrs. Vargas and I are spending our Christmas at our new home in Las Vegas with Luella the cat. We will roast a turkey breast and have a few other goodies, but nothing complicated or crazy. While we won’t be with our families and friends, you will be in our hearts as we celebrate, and remembered with love.

    Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family.

  • A Hot New Casino Opening. Sort of.

    There are two types of casinos in Las Vegas. The first ones are the ones that most people think of: the famous ones on The Strip. Names like Luxor, Bellagio, Paris, Monte Carlo, and Caesar’s Palace come to mind. The others are the “local” casinos. These are smaller and less flashy. They are also located in areas where people live and dot the landscape around the Las Vegas valley. Two of the larger local casino companies are Station Casinos and Coast Casinos. Coast Casinos recently opened a new casino called the South Coast.

    When the South Coast Casino had their grand opening celebration, Mrs. Vargas and I thought it would be fun to go. Neither of us had ever been to a casino grand opening, and with rumors of the slots being really loose during the first few days, we couldn’t resist. To further pique our interest, the local news had been talking about it for a week and it was being advertised in plenty of places. Las Vegas likes a casino opening. (more…)

  • Tonopah Restaurant – Good Eats in the Middle of The Desert

    Banc Club Restaurant
    Tonopah, NV
    (directions below)

    This review was thoughtfully provided by my good friend Louis. We used to work together, and he is a regular reader of this site. Thanks for the review, Louis, and if anyone else is interested in writing for the site, please get in touch.

    It’s not often that one finds a restaurant that makes you take a second look. But I found one.

    It’s at the Banc Club and it’s in Tonopah. Where in the heck is Tonopah? Tonopah is the approximate half-way point between Reno and Las Vegas. On 95N @ Craig Rd. it’s 200 miles to Tonopah or about 3.5 hours drive. (more…)

  • One More Goal For My Life

    It’s not often that I’m caught off guard, but today I was.

    Mrs. Vargas and I decided on a whim to go visit the Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace on the Las Vegas Strip today.

    I haven’t been there in nearly ten years, but I know the collection is far larger than what is on display, so every time you go, a different bunch of cars is available for viewing. The cars run the gamut from modest but impressive VW Beetles (one with 79 miles on it!) to multi-million dollar cars made by Rolls-Royce and Duesenberg. There were even a couple of custom-bodied Cadillacs that neared the million dollar range. (more…)