We've enlisted comedians, some based here and others who spend their time on the road and come through Vegas, to share their recommendations on great places to dine in Sin City for a feature dubbed Comedian Confidential.
Murray Valeriano makes his bank as a comedian and writer. Most recently, he wrote for Ridiculousness, but his comedy has appeared on The Tonight Show and Bill Engvall’s Here’s Your Sign Awards. He’s also written for other comedians such as Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert and Dennis Miller. He performs Improv at Harrah’s through Saturday night. Here he shares his favorite off-Strip restaurant, why no one bothers him while he dines and his obsession with dueling piano twins.
How often do you get to Las Vegas?
I try to work Vegas once or twice a year.
Do you remember your first trip to Vegas?
Early ’90s. My friend Rich and I drove out from LA around 7 p.m. Got in about midnight and played blackjack until 5 a.m. Went back to our hotel and woke up at 1 p.m... I went to the car to get my bags, it was 110 degrees. I thought I was going to die. The heat melted my deodorant and my toothpaste and I got third degree burns from car door handle.
Do you have any favorite restaurants you like to visit here?
There's one. It's way down off the Strip. It's on the left. I think it's called.... Whole Foods? Kinda pricey, but good teriyaki tofu. Seriously, isn't this Eater Vegas??? I was hoping for a hookup from you guys!
Editor's Note: Here you go, Murray — best restaurants and hottest restaurants.
Do people approach you while you're dining out?
There's no time. I eat fast. I had two older brothers and if you didn't eat fast, you didn't eat. Kinda stuck with me.
What about nightlife? Do you ever go out after a show to unwind?
I’m completely intrigued by The Twins — Dueling Pianos show. I sit in the back with a scotch and watch them whip the bar into a frenzy. I thought about incorporating something like that in my act, but checking a piano on a plane is a bitch!
What was the first thing that shocked you in Las Vegas?
That people have no problem going out on a Friday or Saturday night in cutoffs, flip flops and a "who farted" T-shirt.
What can we expect at your show?
Dueling pianos.