Vegas rallies heroic spirit in wake of tragedy

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).

The years 2020-21 have yet to be fully analyzed, understood, or documented, but there is little doubt that all have been affected. Some have been mournful, some financially crushed. The Church seems on the brink of facing empty buildings and despondent congregations. Still others count their blessings that heretofore were taken for granted. Every city around the world will have tales of triumph among its battles.

After living in Las Vegas for more than 16 years, having had homes in nearly every direction on a compass, I can say with some expertise that Las Vegas is so much more than just the entertainment capital. After the tragedy of October 1, 2017— the mass outdoor shooting at the Harvest country music festival—one would expect this mecca known as “Sin City” to have folded. Instead, what happened made it evolve into “Sincere City.”

I could document pages of the heroic spirit infused by love, kindness, and support that led to the preeminent new title “Vegas Strong.” Now, nearly four years later, after the COVID-19 pandemic that left many people in a state of what I call “COVID paralysis,” this strong city has displayed an inspiring resilience. We are moving forward—safely, but forward! In so many ways, Las Vegas has been a humanitarian oasis.

Nowhere is this exhibited more than my favorite local dining spot, Peg’s Glorified Ham ’n’ Eggs. The operative word is “glorified”! For 21 years, the owners, David and Jewel Farrell, have created nine Peg’s locations throughout Las Vegas and elsewhere in Nevada. They have been serving fresh, ordinary ingredients and creating extraordinary feasts. The food is on platters large enough to serve four, but in this vestige of service and hospitality they are for one.

When deciding where to base this month’s Foodie article I thought of our past locations—Jerusalem, Rome, Florence, and Bethlehem—but for these “restricted” times I stayed close to home in Las Vegas. Every day of this pandemic, the team at Peg’s filled their pans with the finest breakfast and lunch items imaginable. They never allowed fear, isolation, or masks to separate them from providing joyful service when it has been needed most.

From the first days of COVID, I watched people each week walk into Peg’s and be greeted with a sincere “Hi, welcome back, be right with you…” The menu is a plethora of bountiful delights, with a lean to Mexican and Hawaiian flairs and ingredients; it also features salad and sandwiches that share the “glory” beyond ham and eggs. For this month’s choice I selected the enchilada omelette skillet. It combines much of the character of Peg’s and is accompanied by a festival of tastes and aromas.

Now, please try to do the following when preparing your own “glorified” skillet. When completed and ready to dine, sit at a table with a loved one and reminisce of fun times, sweet memories, and the joy of days to come. Then you can better feast on the words that come forth from the mouth of God.

JOE MICATROTTO, SR., K.C.H.S., has been a founder and CEO in the restaurant industry for more than 45 years, including among his credits Buca di Beppo, Panda Express, and MRG Marketing & Management, Inc. (Micatrotto Restaurant Group). He and his wife, Connie, are members of the Las Vegas Chapter.