The TAO of weird

Tao at the Venetian.
I was looking forward to reviewing this place for quite some time. Actually my first venture or exploratory mission out to Vegas in November, under strange and covert circumstances, almost bought me to TAO. My former associate had the passes but lacked the conviction. Bottle throwing was her specialty not a good skill to have under the watchful eyes of the Vegas underworld. Bob Schindler the Marketing VP at Tao had set my date and I up for the evening with passes and drinks. Prior to arriving at TAO I was at a local bar called the Tailspin, which I believed and later confirmed, had to do with airplanes. What a coincidence that tailspin should be the theme of the evening. I arrived to meet “Jane” at the Tailspin; her friends were there to support another friend whose band was playing 80’s hits. I needed a drink as some of you might just by reading this.
I got there about 930 and I was 2 sheets to the wind. “Jane’s” friends proved to be a nice group of professional teachers. In my vast experience, I’ve accumulated certain tidbits of factual information regarding people their professions and the level of madness those people will either endure or seek out. Teachers’ dear readers are probably the weirdest most driven people I’ve encountered and I should know, many of my personal friends are teachers. One look at them and you know that underneath the friendly smile and bilingual charm lies the heart of an animal so wild and unbound, that Allah be with you should you ever run into a pack of them during a massive Friday night happy hour. The casualty list would be as long as your arm. I should know I’ve dated a few the hot beasts!
Las Vegas teachers are no different; this night we drank shots of some strange brown stuff that did not go well with my Amstel Light. Nevertheless I am a trooper and I would not let myself look helpless and weak in front a ruthless pack of teachers. By 1130 we decided to leave which is just as well I was about 3 mins from leaving anyway. I was much too excited to be contained in this small environment. I needed to clash and my blood was up. If “Jane” wanted to go that was great and if she didn’t that was great too. She choose wisely, actually she seemed just as excited. “Let’s go I’m ready to party!” Oh Jesus just the words I dreaded…
TAO dear readers, is located at the Venetian Hotel and Casino on the Vegas Strip, if I remember correctly it is located on the second floor. If you’ve never been to the Venetian, think decadent post Renaissance pre Victorian décor. This is by far the most lavishly decorated hotel I’ve seen. I have been to the Bellagio; however this was something different altogether. Jane and I arrived in the midst of a massive throng of people dressed in their Sunday best ready to get into the fray. A few kind words to the bouncer and Bob the Marketing V.P. came down. We were given the passes, Bob apologized for not giving an interview “Were slammed dude.” “So am I partner”!


Immediately after entering we took an elevator either up or down I couldn’t tell..Neither could Jane we were off to the netherworld to conquer or be conquered. TAO is inspired from an assortment of Asian influences that comes to Vegas via New York. I didn’t go for the food, however rumor has it the Thai, Chinese and Japanese menu is pretty good. The place itself is huge over 42,000 feet! When we got off the elevator one of the bars was right in front with a strange collection of Buddha statues that were lit up with candles like an Asian Christmas without the white christian idol…I know weird but very cool. This place has it all, lush velvets and silks, they even have a 20 ft tall Buddha statue that floats in water!

We walked down a hallway that had very intimate seating along the walls covered with some netting and an occasional woman/prop sitting all alone in some pose. Very trendy. The main dance floor was packed with people mainly women. Jane and I were quickly served up some drinks and away we went. Dancing is fun especially when you know you’re so out of practice and rusty and you just don’t care. The 7 beers certainly helped.


TAO is a pretty good place definite major league material; the mix of people was so vast that there is no way to tell who’s a local and who’s a tourist. I saw no NASCAR tee’s so I assumed there were few locals! The overall experience was fun as hell..It certainly helped that I was there with an attractive female. This is one place you have to see to believe, like I said the décor alone is worth a look see. It reminded me of an Asian version of Dante’s Inferno and I was smack in the middle of it! The management is really well behaved and know what their doing that’s obvious! TAO is not your average meathead club this is HIGH SOCIETY all the way! I even wore cologne if that tells you anything!
HIGHLIGHTS
Great atmosphere the crowd is very high society and chilled out. The tone and look of the club is a “yeah we know its cool…buy a drink!” And I bought some drinks alright! Check the meatheads at the door. This place is swank and society minded which is ok as long as you bring money your cool. Another good thing I didn’t see many lame-asses wearing sunglasses. The bartenders are hot and attentive. The different rooms which play host to different music was welcomed, no top 40 nonsense and thankfully no House of Pain! We came, we danced, we drank (a lot), we conquered! A definite weird night, at about 400 am we headed out to the lobby to admire the paintings on the ceiling (Jane is an art teacher). I don’t remember what I said but no doubt it sucked she didn’t look impressed. We headed out and made plans to return! So yeah ill be back…
Ciao