If I said, “David Spade was in my living room last night,” most people would think I was referring to watching him act in one of his popular shows from my favorite couch. After 15 years of the comedian on Saturday Night Live, Just Shoot Me!, and, most recently, Rules of Engagement, as well as in countless movies such as Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, Grandma’s Boy, and Grownups, you can’t blame them from simply imagining my taking in reruns of his shows or a DVD of one of his films. But I’m referring to seeing him in the setting of the Venetian Showroom.

Spade’s recent stint from November 5-6 in 2010 in the intimacy of The Venetian’s theatre, marked by his laid-back demeanor, made me feel like I was chillin’ with a buddy from the comfortable confines of my home. But don’t get me wrong—Spade is no ordinary buddy. His act, made famous by his trademark sarcasm, will and can attack anything. Even when he moved the microphone away from his mouth (while laughing at his own jokes), Spade’s close proximity allowed you to still hear him. And this closeness fit in nicely with his unpretentious presentation (skater sneaks, jeans, shirt untucked, stubble, ball cap) and his range of material. If you want to laugh about getting older, Vegoids (his term for vacationers in Vegas), high-rollers, dog lovers, or even Hugh Hefner and feel like you are laughing alongside an old friend, then Spade is your man, and the Venetian was a perfect place to hang with him.

Vegas can be big, loud, over the top, and even surreal. But if you want a quick timeout and a taste of reality when you are there, then see David Spade at the Venetian.