Las Vegas. The Fields. A city who's short but glitzy history saw it unfold from rugged desert town to a name that notoriously translated globally to The Adults Disneyland.

From my perspective, I see Vegas as the city where stars come to die. A curse perhaps brought on my Elvis Prestley. When touring globally no longer becomes an option  - Vegas beckons. Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Elton John, Ricky Martin all have shows in Vegas. See a trend?

I was never a fan of Las Vegas. I saw it as quite the sad town, filled with people who saved up all year only to quickly slot their savings down machines that would never give a return. Free alcoholic drinks the only sedative and some kind of salvation.

I arrived in the night. The BA direct from London, was filled entirely with men. All aboard for the CES . Just as I was.

The CES is the global consumer global and consumer technology trade show. The three main exhibitors were 3D printers, headphones and Virtual Reality porn. Sign of the times...
In our little corner, Formula E had a club - where I DJed every day. On Saturday we had the e-Race - the first of its kind. 1 million dollars up for grabs and a place in history.

The nights were filled with some interesting Vegas adventures. Casinos, night clubs, over-the-top restaurants ... all that I expected in this trashy town where bigger was better, flashier was the norm and nothing closed.

There was one thing on my to-do-list which I wanted to tick off on this particular trip. A trip to the old Vegas- the original strip, where the first casinos and joints were set up, where all the history sat. And of course the famous pancakes at Du-Pars - where it is claimed are the best pancakes in the USA.

No trip to America is complete without a serving of pancakes.

So on Sunday morning, despite a looming headache from all the Don Julio I got acquainted with at the after party - I set off on my mission.
It was a crisp, beautiful day. My stomach was growling for food. My driver took the highway so it was a quick trip uptown.

Stepping out onto the doorstep of the Golden Nugget - one of the oldest casinos built in 1946 - you could smell the history. But also in the air was that feeling of abandonment. Here lie original constructions of pastel-coloured buildings, those abrupt linear architectural structures of the 1950's, all forgotten for the strip that now bears gigantic feats of steel and glass. Of manufactured lakes that source from mechanical waterfalls, flashing lights that never cease.

Du-Pars was in the Golden Nugget. The diner itself I suspect hasn't changed since it opened in 1938; and neither had many of the uniformed ladies complete with little white hat. The pancakes are some of the best I've had - and I've had many. This is certainly an experience I recommend if you are into delving into the history of places.

On the drive back down - make sure you take South Las Vegas Boulevard then Paradise Road. You will pass all the nostalgia of forgotten Vegas - the Moulin Rouge, Elvis Chapel, even a retro McDonalds. It's all bee upgraded, supersized and boxed-up pretty. But is it all for the best?

The Forgotten Vegas Tour
 Du Pars Restaurant and Bakery // 1 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Golden Steer Steakhouse // 08 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
Lost Vegas Antiques // 625 Las Vegas Blvd. S.Las Vegas, NV 89103
 

Recovering with my fresh Thai coconut, I have a few days to myself and to relax before returning to the grind. Did I mention I don't want to leave?!?!
I'm so happy the party went well. As always with these high-profile events, it's hard to please everyone. Everyone has their own idea of what music should be played. But I think I did a good balanec between disco, mainstream hits and a touch of "underground".

I played till just before 5am, an hour longer than expected. I was surprised to see the majority of people still up were kids. Under 20 year olds trying to salvage the last hours before being expected to hit the sack.

Sample Tracklist :
Ring My Bell - Anita Ward
Everybody dance - Chic
Acamar - Frankey & Sandrino
This Girl - Kungs vs Cookin' on 3 Burners