Viva tip 3! Eating....

Bloody Mary's are the only alcoholic drinks that can be considered a meal while you are at Viva, so you need to remember to EAT. At times I get so busy, running around and planning what I'm going to do and what I'm going to see, I forget to plan meals.

Because there is so much to do, so many people at the Orleans, and I am always trying not to miss anything,  the first thing I do in the morning is order breakfast room service. I can hop in the shower and start my beauty ritual and the food usually comes before I'm finished. It helps economize on time and I don't suddenly get hungry and grumpy in the middle of the car show. You can either charge, charge to your room or pay cash when the food arrives. Don't forget to tip, they spread the word around who is tipping and you will get better service.

The Orleans is equipped with a few restaurants and a food court. There is a TGIFriday's, and typical chain eateries. The coffee shop isn't so bad, and there is a swank joint called "The Prime Rib Loft", Big Al's Oyster Bar, New Orleans style dining at Canal Street, Coasta Cantina, French Market Buffet, and Koji Sushi Bar and Chinese Food. Personally, I've never eaten any place but the Buffet, Coffee Shop or TGIFridays. The truth is, I don't want to take the time for a fancy dinner away from my fun.

When to eat is as important as what you eat. Eating at off hours will help minimize your delay for your meal. I find that dinner at 9 or 10 makes the wait and serve time quicker. When you eat at regular meal hours, you are sometimes waiting in line for 45 minutes. Late lunch or early dinner around 3 works, and then at midnight you can grab something at the coffee shop.

If you are not from the southwest of the United States, you have to stop at In n Out Burger. They are pretty close to the Orleans, maybe even walking distance. Something about their sauce, or the fresh cut fries, not sure which, makes me hungry thinking about it.

If you are planning some fancy night out on the Strip during Viva, expect to spend some big $$$. Vegas is not the town of deals anymore. It has become the town of spoiled trust fund brats and Jersey Shore types who want to max their credit card on "Bottle Service." Also, you will miss something, so plan on staying after or arriving early to visit the strip.