Mojave Max Finally Says Welcome To Spring In Las Vegas

Mojave Max is quite a celebrity in Las Vegas. The problem is, you rarely see him, because he sleeps for four or five months. Lucky Max

Yes, one of the biggest celebrities in Las Vegas has popped his head out to say hello to spring.

Mojave Max is quite the Las Vegas Celebrity, but he is very elusive. Not visible like Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton, or Nicolas Cage, or Mark Wahlberg (all Las Vegas residents). So it's tough to get a selfie, even tougher to get an autograph, with the famous desert tortoise. Well, probably because he doesn't have opposable thumbs. Am I right??

Max wandered out from his Las Vegas Springs Preserve home on Tuesday, April 22. It is the second-latest date of the year (on record) that he has stepped out. It is said that when Max shows his tiny head, that it is the unofficial start of spring in Southern Nevada. He popped out one day earlier this year than last year.

This year is the 24th year of the annual Mojave Max Emergence Contest. Each year, Clark County elementary school students enter their guesses as to when Max will come out of his burrow. This year there were over 4100 entries. They are still being tabulated, and a winner will be announced soon.

The winner gets a year-long family membership to the Springs Preserve, a year-long family National Park pass, and a laptop computer. Even the winner's classmates win. The get T-shirts and medals. And the winners teacher gets a new laptop, as well!

Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, is probably the most famous weather prognosticators. There are also armadillos, bullfrogs, and chickens trying to predict when spring will hit. But in Las Vegas it's all about Max, the most famous desert tortoise.

Mojave Max moves a little slower than a lot of the other animal meteorologists. It reportedly took him a little while to make his way out of his man cave, once he woke up. But it's now official, by desert tortoise standards - Spring is here!

Italian restaurants in Las Vegas are plenty, but the best ones are local.

As a Las Vegas local, and being Italian, I’m kind of picky about where I eat Italian food. I’m pretty sure most Italians would say the same thing. Because our moms, and our Noni's, made the best Italian food there ever was. Their sauce was the best sauce ever made. Oh - it's absolutely true!

All of Noni, and mom's recipes, were passed down to me. So now I make the best sauce - of course. But who wants to cook all the time? Which is why I want to share with you what I think are the very best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas.

When you live in Las Vegas, you try to avoid the strip most of the time. Unless, of course, relatives come in from out of town, and you have to do the “Vegas thing.” because you got that comp from that one person, who works in that one show. But because we stay away from the strip, it means we know the better - sometimes best - restaurants in town.

Honestly, most of the best restaurants in Las Vegas are not always on the Las Vegas strip. Yes,we has some of the biggest chefs, owning some of the biggest, and most expensive restaurants in the country! But sorry - they are not the best. At least not in this local's humble opinion.

I have people ask all the time “what are some good Italian restaurants in Las Vegas?” Many reading, this may not agree with me, and they don’t have to. These just happen to be some of MY favorite Italian restaurants in Vegas.

Next time you are visiting Las Vegas, or if you live here - don’t be afraid to give one of these a try. I guarantee you won’t be sorry. These are my favorite Italian restaurants, in no particular order - except the last one. It is my absolute FAVORITE!

Now as my grandma, Millie (Amelia) used to say: Bon appetit, and mangia, MANGIA!

The Bootlegger is a classic in Las Vegas, and a must visit! Four generations have contributed their talents to bring the finest food, drink, hospitality and entertainment - great entertainment - to patrons of The Bootlegger – continuing a family tradition in Las Vegas for over 73 years. Their food is the real deal, if you're Italian! I suggest the Cheese ravioli with a rose sauce. or the Chicken Francese.

Chicago Joe's has a huge local following! If you're lucky, you can have a quick conversation with Joe himself! I suggest the Linguini with WHITE clam sauce, because it's not as common as the red - and it's great!

Luna Rossa is located in The Village at Lake Las Vegas, and it's beautiful. Sit outside if you can - it's like being in Italy! Try the Rigatoni Ai Funghi - Tube pasta with mushrooms and shallots, in a pink vodka sauce. Or the filet of sole with lemon butter sauce, and capers. And definitely have their Caesar salad - perfetto!

Aromi is the newer kid on the block in Summerlin. It's a beautiful restaurant, that's tucked away, and far removed from the city. Just go for it, and try the Chef's Risotto, which is the Risotto of the day. Doesn't matter what it is, you'll love it!

Al Solito Posto is at Tivoli Village. Really amazing food and a beautiful ambience. A perfect "date night" restaurant! Go in a little different direction, and try the Butternut Squash Agnolotti, toped with a hazelnut brown butter, sage. They have a great bar, and patio dining too.  

Bambino's is a small family-owned restaurant that takes great pride in their food. From their pizzas - definitely try the "The Grandma" Pizza - to their Baked Ziti, and Baked Chicken Great food! They make you feel like part of their family! Excellent for carry out, or to enjoy inside, at a table with red and white checkered tablecloths.

Truly my favorite Italian food in Las Vegas! Roma Deli II has outstanding Italian food, excellent service and a friendly staff. Classic, and modern dishes that use only the freshest ingredients. The ambiance is simple Italia! Homemade pasta's and pastries, that are out of this world. I have a lot of favorites, but let me suggest their Pollo Milanese, The Penne Aglio Olio, or the Salmone Ai Gamberi. And do not leave without having a Spumoni Bomba, and/or a Cannoli.