lgott

Another thumbs up for Settebello! Weekday lunches still aren't too crowded. I got there around noon on a Friday (April 7), and there was a good crowd, but tables were available. The Settebello pizza (crushed tomatoes, pancetta, sausage, mushrooms, pine nuts, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil) was delicious. I'm not sure it matters that much what toppings you order - the crust is the star. It was chewy and crisp at the same time, with an excellent flavor. It's a long drive from The Strip for a tourist, but I'm glad I went.

I've just returned from 18 days in Las Vegas, where I managed to eat my way through many of the better restaurants. Where to start? My favorite restaurant in Las Vegas is now Joël Robuchon at the Mansion. The 16 course menu is a delight, both to the tastebuds and the eyes. It was as good as I had hoped. However, at nearly $500/person (including a drink, tax, and tip), I'm not likely to return any time soon. A not too distant second is Alex. I thought the food tasted almost as good. The major difference was presentation, at which Robuchon excels. On the other hand, Alex is a relative bargain at around $250/person. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon is as good as ever - and a real bargain. After 4 visits, I'm starting to repeat choices, but I'm sure I'll be back. After these three, there were a number of other places that were very good indeed: Okada. The best sushi in town. Bartolotta. The best seafood in town. Daniel Boulud. Simple food, informal atmosphere. Very well done. Wing Lei. I had read several mixed reviews about this place. However, based on exactly one entree (braised pork belly), I'm quite pleased. Seablue. Nothing fancy here, but uniformly good seafood. Bouchon. Still my favorite breakfast spot. I also enjoyed a simple, very well prepared dinner here. The excessively long version of my comments is at http://home.comcast.net/~lgott3141/Travel_...April.html#Food .

For L'Atelier, it's 30 days in advance. For The Mansion, back in January I was told that reservations may be made for the current month and the next two months. For example, on February 28 reservations could be made for February, March and April. On March 1, reservations could be made for March, April, and May. Being a compulsive planner, I made reservations as soon as possible!

A breakfast answer: Breakfast reservations are generally not required. I've had breakfast at Bouchon half a dozen times, without reservations, and only had to wait once. ...and a dinner question: Back in September, I was talking to a server about the excellent boudin blanc for breakfast. He mentioned that Bouchon used to serve an even better boudin noir for dinner, but that it had been discontinued. However, I see that boudin noir is listed on the restaurant's web site. Does anyone know if boudin noir is in fact available?

nightscotsman, once you settle in let's hear a report. I have a reservation for Robuchon at The Mansion (first time) on April 6, and plan to visit L'Atelier (fourth time) around April 19, so I'll want to know what desserts to order!

I'll second the recommendation for L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. I've eaten there three times, and every meal was a winner. Go for the tasting menu! I too have been disappointed with Nobu; its sushi is less than stellar. Give Okada at Wynn a try. Its sushi is top notch, and it also offers an interesting tasting menu (mostly non-sushi items).

I guess I shouldn't have given up on my email question to Caesars. It took Harrah's system ten days to get the inquiry directed to the food & beverage manager - who answered it almost immediately: "We have a set a target date for Mid-May early June for the room to be up and running."

Neil, thanks! I guess I'll just have to cross my fingers and hope they open by April - beginning to seem unlikely, though.

Has anyone heard anything about when (or even if) Restaurant Guy Savoy is opening? The Caesars Palace web site has said "coming soon" for months and months now. I've emailed them with this question, but have received no response. I seem to recall that the restaurant was originally scheduled to open in August or September of last year. Significant problems perhaps?

LEdlund, thanks for the welcome! I ate at DB prior to the menu change. However, if their web site is up to date (menu dated as of Oct 19, 2005), they still have the dish I thought was great. Oregano braised veal cheeks were tender, cut-with-a-fork, full of flavor, with a rich sauce.

nightscotsman, I owe you a belated thank you for your great review and pictures. Due to your summary, I visited Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie in April. In fact, I made a complete pig of myself. I remember being pleasantly surprised by the unlikely Chocobana, and proceeded to eat my way through a number of others (Opera, Pecan Tart, even the cheesecake in white chocolate). I've since gone back a couple of times, and have never been disappointed. Definitely my favorite pâtisserie in Las Vegas. terrarich, if you don't mind a newbie chiming in, Lenôtre is anothing excellent place. Located in The Paris Hotel and Casino, its pastries are nearly as pretty, and nearly as tasty, as those at Jean-Philippe. The first time, I had a pastry with dark chocolate mousse, pistachio cream, and chocolate ganache. The next time, a Framboisine: dark chocolate mousse with a layer of raspberry preserves, all covered with dark chocolate ganache, topped with three fresh raspberries.

I haven't been to Fleur de Lys, but I've eaten at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon three times. Each meal was great! The atmosphere is informal - four small tables, and 24 seats around a food counter - but the food is excellent. I can only believe that Joël Robuchon at the Mansion (the more formal dining spot) will be better still. I've written up longish reviews of two of my meals at L'Atelier. Go down about halfway, or just search for "L'Atelier".

I've eaten at Daniel Boulud once, and at FIX twice. I thought the food at Daniel Boulud was significantly better than at FIX. DB would be my first choice. However, if you're looking for a restaurant with a lot of energy, FIX is the place. There are animated conversations everywhere. Even the servers have a lot of energy.