Hmm. One of the more off-the-wall questions we've received in a while but with Halloween looming we figured, what the heck.
For anyone who doesn't know, "dry ice" is actually frozen carbon dioxide with a temperature of -109.3°F. Unlike most solids, above its freezing point it doesn't melt into a liquid, but instead sublimates directly into a gas, resulting in the "smoky" vapors beloved of '70s rock stars and Shakespearean tragedies.
First off, the health and safety warning. The extremely cold temperature of dry ice in its frozen state means that it can cause severe frostbite if touched. Coupled with the potentially suffocating carbon dioxide vapors released when it melts, this means that it needs to be handled with caution and should be kept away from children and animals. Don't store it in an airtight vessel (as it melts, the gas will build up in the container until it explodes). Don't store it in your freezer, either -- it will cause it to become too cold and your freezer may shut off. The best way to store it is in a styrofoam box with a loose-fitting lid.
As far as places to buy dry ice in Las Vegas are concerned, we've found several options. Las Vegas Ice & Cold Storage, located at 1201 Searles Ave. (off Las Vegas Blvd., one block north of Washington), sells dry ice in 10- and 50-pound blocks for 75 cents per pound, plus tax. Semi-melted blocks less than 10 pounds in weight are sometimes available -- you can negotiate with them when you get there. For more information call 702/649-8002.
Anderson Dairy, also on Searles Ave. (#801), is an ice-cream maker as well as a dairy, so they have plenty of dry ice on hand. They'll vend it for $1.50 per pound with a five-pound minimum.
Also, most branches of Smith's supermarket carry dry ice, but they can't all guarantee they'll have it in stock all the time, so call ahead to your nearest store before you set out on your mission.
If this works out, feel free to thank us with one of your pies.
