Tuesday morning Sandra, Rod and I met up with Brad to figure out a plan for breakfast/brunch.

We initially met downstairs in the Horseshoe but didn't find what we wanted so we decided to walk over to the Linq cutting through the Cromwell (aka the Black Snapper) and Flamingo resorts.

Sandra had wanted to visit the Flamingo Conservatory so we stopped in along the way.

For breakfast we settled on Guy Fieri's all you can eat brunch at the Linq. The menu looked great and the price wasn't too crazy. From the brunch menu you can order two items, to keep having more all you have to do is finish your plate.

First up I ordered a breakfast platter which consisted of two eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausage links and hash browns. My second side was corn queso served with fresh jalapeños and tortilla chips. I didn't get a pic of my next order, but it was Belgian waffles served with peanut butter, banana, syrup and glazed bacon bits. All the meals were great but these waffles were the star of the show. I can't wait to recreate this at home!

Leaving the Linq we walked Northbound to Casino Royale, one of the last remaining old school strip casinos. Along the way we got a real good look at the new Hard Rock resort being built on the site of the old Mirage.

The new 660' tall guitar shaped tower is simply spectacular while the old Mirage tower has been completely stripped out for a full remodel/modernization.

We had a wicked time playing the fishing game at Casino Royale, our next stop of the day was the Venetian which is one of the most spectacular resorts on the strip.

To say this place is beautifully decorated is the understatement of the century. There is something breathtaking at every turn as you tour the property.

Oh, btw: Hard Mountain Dew and Hard Mountain Dew Baja Blast for the win! I definitely need this in my life back home!

Even the carport outside the main lobby is epic!

Leaving the Venetian we hopped in a taxi for the short ride over to the Westgate. Here we planned to watch a few NL players compete in their matches before we lined up for the autograph session with billiards legend, the G.O.A.T. Efren Reyes.

This is the championship tournament room, reserved strictly for semi and finals matches for each skill level and event. It was quite spectacular, definitely a lot fancier than I could have imagined!

Team NL Masters division sitting on the backside of the table.

Jeanette Lee aka the Black Widow finishing off her meet and greet.

Brad wasn't in town when we met Fedor earlier this week but finally got to see him today!

Our crew's main event for the day: having the honour of watching Efren Reyes play his exhibition matches.

Efren has recently retired from full time professional play, he widely regarded as the greatest of all time and nicknamed the magician for his talent in crazy shot making and cue ball control. To watch him play just meters away was awe inspiring.

It was a long wait standing in line for over three hours, but it was totally worth it to stand with a true living legend, possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity for us.

After such an exciting afternoon, we made one final round of the vendors exhibition and headed out.

Leaving the Westgate we headed over to the Linq Promenade to grab a late supper.

Sandra and I visited the Tilted Kilt years ago and had a great experience so we decided to give it a go once again.

Needless to say we were not disappointed. Rod and I both ordered the Sheppard's pie and it was truly amazing. Seasoned well, piping hot and not too heavy, just perfection in a skillet.

All in all another very exciting day making bucket list dreams and goals a reality.

Load Part 5

Fashion Show Mall, Bellagio Conservatory, Bass Pro and Last Day in Vegas !

Cheers, MIKE

Copyright © 2025 Michael Smith