Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Vegas could use…
An IKEA, but that’s an argument for another day. Instead, today, I’m talking about the need for a place to bring visitors and locals together – a place for people to shop and enjoy fine food. Now, you are likely thinking I’m nuts, this is Las Vegas, we have an abundance of such places on the strip and in our local neighborhoods. However, I’m thinking something different bear with me.
Early morning at the Ferry Building before the crowds
Photo by Kellee Kunovic
Recently, my husband and I visited San Francisco. What a special place! We fell for the food and happily stayed for the sights. We truly enjoyed exploring the city. Other than a steady supply of fresh Dungeness crab there was one other thing I wish I could’ve brought home as a souvenir. Too bad I don’t have luggage large enough to accommodate the Ferry Building. Never mind how I’d bring it back with me; can you imagine the baggage handling fees?
In all seriousness Las Vegas needs a marketplace like the Ferry Building, and not just for my own personal desires. Although, I would love the access to cheeses, meats, oils, and other specialties all under one roof. You see, Chelsea Market in New York and the Ferry Building in San Francisco has had great success. Both have brought growth and money when times were stagnant, plus it’s practical for locals and an attraction for those visiting. Las Vegas has cultural diversity much like these two cities. I have no doubt a marketplace would flourish here, as well.
We might not have empty factories, bakeries or docks to welcome boats that need repurposing, but we do have a number of old buildings sitting empty downtown. Or how great would it be to reignite ties with the Union Pacific Railroad depot. There must be someway to include it into the plan for the 61-acres slated for development.
At the Ferry Building, I adored dashing between Acme Bread, Cowgirl Creamery, and Boccalone collecting the makings for the perfect sandwich. It would be a delight to do that here at home.
Variety of peppers for sale at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market
Photo by Kellee Kunovic
What would be even better is if we could expand upon the Fremont East Farmer’s Market to become something grander like those held a few times a week at the Ferry Building. I realize we don’t have the same accessibility to local produce like San Francisco. Perhaps, we could develop some sort of co-op with California farmers? In any case, there must be something more that could be done.
I want us to have it all. Of course, then I may never leave Las Vegas. Although, I could be okay with that.
Someone get on that, would you? While at it, let’s build that IKEA, too.
(8 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Yeah, I don’t know why IKEA never wanted to expand in here.
I like the concept behind this post — but there’s already such a variety of food shopping choices here — and shopping for food can be logistically challenging for those not used to our summer heat and winter cold — I really wonder if such a shopping concept could work here.
Mark
I think this is a great idea! I love the market in San Francisco. I wonder if the closest we’ll ever get is the Whole Foods at Town Square, though. It’s definitely not the same thing, but at least it’s easy for tourists staying on the Strip to get to by bus or taxi.
I love the idea of dozens of different food vendors under one roof…
My wife and I also visited cities in California within the last year, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Two things that I wish Las Vegas had is an observatory and more museums with science exhibits. We enjoyed the shows at the observatories at Griffith Park near LA and the California Academy of Sciences museum in San Fransisco. I also miss the ocean air smell.
But Las Vegas has plenty of its own unique things to do and see. Many of us just take them for granted because we live here.
IKEA seems like a natural fit, it’d be wonderful to have one nearby.
I’m grateful we do have a number of great stores like Whole Foods, Glazier’s, Trader Joes and Fresh & Easy. I just want to have it all. I loved shopping at the Ferry Building gathering ingredients for the perfect sandwich. I found that I wasn’t able to take full advantage of all the goodies, because we were staying in a hotel. I’ve never wanted a kitchen to cook in so badly.
An observatory would be a great addition. Museums are lacking, as well. I was spoiled by those in Chicago, the Guggenheim at Venetian (while it was open) offered a little taste, but it paled in comparison. Now, when we travel we seek out the farmer’s markets, specialty stores, museums, etc. Thankfully, all those things are a short drive or flight away. Even if we lack them California has us covered.
“Dem Boys From Chicago”™ is a Tribute to three of Chicago’s best known male vocalists, Nat “King” Cole, Lou Rawls and Joe Williams. It features Shelley Fisher who is best known in Las Vegas for his three year stint at the ‘Baccarat Lounge’, MGM/Mirage Resorts (2002-2005).
We caught the show on MS Amsterdam’s (HAL) ‘Round the World’ cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong. Absolutely blew my mind.
With all the Elvis, Rat Pack and bland tribute shows in the ‘Capitol of Entertainment’, why can’t we go out and see a singer performing a Las Vegas vintage style show like this one. There has got to be one room in this city where a well dressed (suit and a tie for the fellows and ladies looking like ladies, no flip-flops) can enjoy a delightful evening of great music, flawless arrangements and a fantastic singer.