:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46850980/Ahmed_Bharoocha.0.0.jpg)
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.
Comedian Ahmed Bharoocha was featured on Comedy Central’s new stand-up show, Adam Devine’s House Party, last year. Bharoocha graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theater and is a stand-up comedian-actor that has opened for acts such as Aziz Ansari and Andy Samberg all over the world. He performs Improv at Harrah’s through Saturday night. Here he shares some of his interesting observations about Las Vegas.
How often do you get to Las Vegas?
I'd say about three times a year.
Do you remember your first trip to Vegas?
I was 16 years old and driving across the country with my family. We were moving from Santa Barbara, Calif., to North Smithfield, R.I. I was pretty bummed about the move but Vegas was a highlight of the trip across country. I lost all my money playing video games.
Do you have any favorite restaurants you like to visit here?
I love Tacos El Gordo. I probably eat there 1,000 times each time I visit. It’s the perfect place for a poor traveling comedian to sustain happiness and save money. I was sad when their location on the Strip closed. I also love Lotus of Siam. It’s a Thai restaurant that also has some Burmese dishes and my father grew up in Burma so it feels like a taste of home for me.
Do people approach you while you're dining out?
I'd say every once and awhile. Less while dining and more just while walking around in public. In Vegas it tends to happen more often since a lot of the time the people who come see shows will be walking up and down the same Strip as I am for the rest of the week. It’s always a nice feeling when someone in an elevator surprises you with a quote from joke they remembered from the show.
What about nightlife? Do you ever go out after a show to unwind?
I love going out after shows and hanging out with the other comics. Sometimes the best part of being a comic is getting to hang out with people who like to make you laugh. I'm definitely a night owl. I think most comics are. Something about going to sleep makes me feel like I'm surrendering the night away.
What was the first thing that shocked you in Las Vegas?
It was probably just seeing some drunk person walking around the Strip holding their shoes in their hands and just falling apart. It’s funny how quick they turn from having a blast to being total wreck on the Vegas Strip. It’s always a gamble.
What can we expect at your show?
I like to have fun on stage. I talk about lighthearted things like my family and animals but I also enjoy talking about philosophy and social issues and of course slip in the occasion dick joke to make sure we're not taking ourselves to seriously.
