For Mother’s Day, I choose the time-honored tradition of leaving my children at home with Grandma and hitting Las Vegas, which, of course, includes a trip to the omnipresent buffets.

This year’s choice, Bacchanal at Caesar’s Palace. Where for $45 one is given the opportunity to gorge on 500 small plate choices, a carving station, dim sum, sushi, breakfast classics, and of course – prime rib and crab legs.

But this year, we’re doing it differently.  We’ve challenged each other to make the non-buffet, buffet. The dear husband and I will be taking turns creating a 21 course masterpiece, or beautifully plated and served breakfast (and not so breakfast delicacies).  The challenge, each of us is given a brief description and takes turns plating and bringing back to our den of gluttony (aka table) a lovely serving of the topic assigned.

Our Mother’s Day 21 course tasting menu:

1. Fresh juices, fruit, honey & cheeses
2. Antipasto/Charcuterie
3. Amuse bouche – Black velvet pancakes & bacon
4. Amuse bouche – Soufflé and breakfast meats
5. Sushi, Pho, & Miso soup
6. Salad & Fresh Vegetables
7. Shellfish & Ceviche
8. Soup and Breads
9. Street Tacos & Mexican tastes
10. Pasta
11. Intermezzo (Gelato)
12. Omelet & breakfast staples
13. Assorted salads of Watermelon, mozzarella, tomato, and roasted beets
14. The beef course with corn, carrots,  mashed potatoes & gravy
15. Dim sum
16. Fried & American Junk food: sliders, fries, tater tots, & mac & cheese
17. Tapas
18. Cookies & Cheese
19. Cakes & Pies
20. Ice cream, petit four & fresh juices
21. Candy

I’d say we’re classing it up, except one can’t really call a three-hour champagne and calorie binge classy