FOOD IN VEGAS

Vegas is really a Foodie destination these days. So many choices and so many big name chefs are represented in Vegas. While there with the NTO’s, we had a chance to sample some really wonderful cuisine.

Tao

This bistro has an Asian fusion menu that has the restaurant and nightclub in the same venue located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian hotel. Cuisines from Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese, and Thai make up the menu selections. We had hot edamame which are steamed soy beans in their casings sprinkled with sea salt. Service was fantastic and attention to the patrons was prompt. Some had sushi and sashimi. I chose the wok-seared New York Sirloin with Shitake Mushrooms and Szechwan Potatoes. The portions were huge, so I could only make it half way through the dinner. But everyone was pleased with the selections.

Lavo

Located in the Palazzo Hotel and Casino, this Italian Restaurant/Nightclub/Lounge was hopping when we visited on September 3rd. The music was quite loud, so be prepared to shout at each other, or just rock out in your seat. While waiting to order, one of the ladies looked up and said, “Hey, that’s LMFAO!”, and they walked right around our table to the VIP section. What are the odds that in Vegas we would run into another Cherrytree Records artist while there celebrating our boys from Tokio Hotel?

We all agreed to get some appetizers. OMG! The Crispy Fried Calamari was tender and crisp all at the same time. And the Prosciutto service was delicious. Some of our group did not like the grapefruit that was served with it, but I found it refreshing after the salty food.

I also chose to try a bowl of the Lobster Fra Diavolo Bisque. They served me the bowl with the cream/butter/lobster in the middle, and they poured the bisque over this. It was fabulously decadent!

After appetizers and soup, I found it impossible to get through all of my entrée. But the Center Cut Filet was perfect, as well as the roasted asparagus I ordered to accompany my entrée.

SushiSamba

Our last night in Vegas was a tough call. We finally agreed on SushiSamba, a fusion of Japanese, Brazillian, and Peruvian flavors. This fine dining experience was the perfect end to our journey. We began with drinks at the bar while we awaited our table. I am now completely enamored with Cucumber Martinis. This one had a hind of spice to it. Complete bliss!  Michelle had something fruity and yummy, and wow!  It looked so pretty!

At our table, we decided to go family style and share several dishes. We had Japanese Vegetable Tempura, Lamb Robata (grilled meat), and the Chef’s Inspiration Sushi/Sashimi plate. The lamb was so spectacular and just cooked to perfection with an amazing sauce/glaze. The sushi and sashimi was first rate and melted in your mouth! I think it amazing that we were able to order the Rosca, a doughnut served with a hazelnut/chocolate dipping sauce. Yes, we rolled ourselves out when we were done!

The Vegas experience is not complete without trying at least one of the culinary masterpieces available. Be adventurous, and you will be pleasantly surprised!

Why Go To Vegas?

While having a quiet moment in Vegas, I wondered - What draws people to Vegas?

Get Married! 
We saw a few couples tie the knot and a couple others have their bridal showers. Vegas has a range of settings for discerning tastes from the highly romantic, classical backdrop to a showy, glitzy affair.  But what does it matter when the bride and groom are exchanging their vows and tying the knot the way they want.

Gamble!
Vegas has tons of ways to play the games of chance. Each hotel has a busy casino area designed to invite and hold you hostage for a few hours. Slots, Black Jack, Roulette and on and on with music blaring overhead to add to the sensory overload.

Shows!
You can't come to Vegas and not take in a show or two.  There are many shows that have hit the Broadway scene and now have its Vegas-dedicated troupe.  Cirque du Soleil has a variety of shows at various hotels for all tastes and moods. Think I'm kidding - Mystere at Treasure Island; O at Bellagio; Zumanity at New York, New York; Ka at MGM Grand; The Beatles Love at the Mirage; Criss Angel Believe at Luxor; Viva Elvis at Aria Resort & Casino.  Then you have the sexy night shows that Vegas is known for...wowza!

Nightclubs!
The Vegas night scene has a standard dress code--women wear itty bitty black dresses. Shoes with heels that can take an eye out. Make-up; boobage; and anything else you want seen put on display. Men--pretty much whatever you want. Music pumps at levels that can resusitate the heart or pop out an ear drum. Security and bouncers all seem to have eaten too many of their Wheaties. You do not want to mess with these broad shouldered, muscled black-suited men.

Shopping/Eating!
I say these are about equal on the list.  There are respectable outlet malls with high-end stores to the usual suspects. The hotels also all have designer boutiques that may require a month's mortage or two to purchase one item. As for eating, many of the well known chefs have restaurants bearing their name.  Their photos are prominently displayed like rockstars of their culinary world. Once you taste the fare, you can understand why all the fuss.

Vegas has diversity. I love it because there is something for everyone.  I also think that it bears mention that Vegas employees are so nice, helpful, and accommodating. Thank you for a wonderful time.