My Adventures in Gastronomy

Thanks to the Food Network, I have been developing what I am hoping is the beginnings of a refined palate. Granted most of this refinement is going on in my mind, as I'm not really capable of indulging in seared foie gras or sweetbreads - mostly since I have no money. But I have been known to peruse various website and restaurant menus mentally indulging in their various gourmet offerings.

Recently, I was invited to Vegas to meet up with a friend of mine that I haven't seen in a long time. Thankfully, unlike some other people I've been to Vegas with, this friend loves to eat at good restaurants and has offered to pay for a meal at any restaurant in Vegas that I choose.

While on the surface, this seems, well, to be pretty damned amazing, I have found myself struggling with the abundance of choice.

Vegas has become a haven for fine dining, with many celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, Charlie Palmer, Jean-George, and the omnipresent Wolfgang Puck. The city abounds with menus promising heaven on a plate, be it from the ocean or the land. The more website I visit the more I become confused as to how exactly I want to take advantage of this bountiful offer.

A few days after returning from Vegas, I'll be flying to NY, yet another gathering of brilliant restaurants. Of course the difference there will be that I will be paying for the meals and my choices will be far more limited. I have been scouring the web for pre-theatre prix fixe menus and have had a hard time balancing my need to try new and exotic tastes with my ever shrinking wallet. Suggestions would be most welcome.

In the end, reading the lists of exquisite foods is nothing less than my very own brand of voyeuristic food porn.
I toast to the day I get to participate.