The Drink That Eats Like a Meal

Often, having slept until noon, I will stumble into a casino around 5-ish on an empty stomach. I'll be hungry, but not quite ready to eat a full meal yet.

I'll sit down at a slot machine, and when the cocktail waitress comes around I'll order the drink that eats like a meal -- a Bloody Mary.

I've learned that bartenders in Las Vegas are masochists, so after many downright undrinkable Marys, I now add "mild" to my order. What you usually get is some form of cheap vodka, Bloody Mary mix, ice cubes, two olives and a wedge of lime. Nothing to write home about, but enough to tide you over until you can muster the courage for the buffet, or the food court. Think of it as fortified vegetable juice, and your stomach and head will thank you for the nutrition.