Back to Vegas

[Elrushbo]

Going over Thanksgiving weekend, staying at Aria most likely. Wondering if Gordon Ramsay Steak is as good as I'm hearing. Leaning towards trying Carnevino, as my sister in law is a Batali fan, but if Gordon Ramsay Steak is better I can steer them towards that. Probably DB Brasserie as well, since I'm the only foodie in the bunch, I figure I can squeeze this one in with the burgers on the menu. Will probably do a dinner and show package at Aria, either Julian Serrano or Sirio (already tried Sage). Any advice or warnings appreciated.

PS: Is STK at Cosmopolitan any good? The girl sized steak portions on the menu are intriguing but only if the food is solid

[Derek J]

I stayed at Aria and dined at Gordon Ramsay Steak a couple years ago.  GR Steak was a big disappointment.  I hope I just caught them on a bad night.  I got the American Wagyu beef and it was spectacular.  Unfortunately, it was also basically unseasoned.  I should have sent it back, but didn't want to make a fuss, so shame on me, but shame on them for not even salting the thing.  I also tried the bone marrow (didn't care for it, but that's probably a personal taste issue) and the foie gras (very disappointing after having first tried a MUCH better rendition of it at Alinea the year before).  My wife is a hyper-picky eater (think 3 year old on a bad day) and stuck to some side dishes that didn't sound too scary.  I think she got a potato dish and mac & cheese.  I tried both and neither was very good.

 

I would consider going back to give them another chance.  I may have just had bad luck.  However, with so many interesting places to eat in Vegas, it will probably be years before I rotate back through.  We're planning our second trip to Vegas early next year and will probably try out Ramsay's gastropub instead.

 

As for Aria, we loved our room, but it was a little inconveniently located.  Getting to the strip is a long hike through another casino.  It takes a good 15 minutes of power-walking to hit the strip.

 

I highly recommend Border Grill.  The chips and salsa were the best things we ate when we were in Vegas and that isn't a criticism of the other food.  The chips and salsa were just wonderful.  I would really love to eat my way through their menu.  Bouchon was also a highlight.

[David Ross]

Going over Thanksgiving weekend, staying at Aria most likely. Wondering if Gordon Ramsay Steak is as good as I'm hearing. Leaning towards trying Carnevino, as my sister in law is a Batali fan, but if Gordon Ramsay Steak is better I can steer them towards that. Probably DB Brasserie as well, since I'm the only foodie in the bunch, I figure I can squeeze this one in with the burgers on the menu. Will probably do a dinner and show package at Aria, either Julian Serrano or Sirio (already tried Sage). Any advice or warnings appreciated.

PS: Is STK at Cosmopolitan any good? The girl sized steak portions on the menu are intriguing but only if the food is solid

My vote would be Carnevino.  Call the restaurant and ask them to send a message to Executive Chef Nicole Brisson that you'll be dining there.  She's a fantastic Chef and loves to talk with "foodies."  If you're willing to splurge, she'll reserve one of the "Riserva" steaks that are aged about 240 days.  We dined on the Riserva when I was there last October.  Funky, minerally (sp), earthy, smokey and you won't forget it.  Was it worth the price?  Yes.  Her sides and the desserts are also fabulous.  If he is still there, ask for the bearded waiter from Brooklyn, great service and he really loves what he is doing.  My only complaint, stay away from the grappa cart!

[C Simril]

Not much of a beef eater (though had a wonderful corn beef on russian rye with sourkraut, swiss and mustard for lunch) but the only really memorable beef I've had in Vegas was the tiny French burger, usually served as an appetiser at Guy Savoy. From Nebraska, the waiter told me. The teppanyaki austrailian wagyu at Tets was edible at best and his sauces were designed for the palates of people who think sauces come out of jars.The truffled maitaki next door at Bar Masa is why I keep going back there. Had a great Lionfish at Amercian Fish, but it's vanished from their menu. I've eaten better in Vegas (4 trips) than anywhere, and so can you.

[Elrushbo]

Leaning towards Aria cause they have a gorgeous pool area that will be open when we're there. That and we're planning on doing a Cirque Du Soleil dinner package and we've always wanted to do dinner and show under one roof. Will likely give Carnevino a try, thanks to advice here. Sounds like the steak is a strong point, and the riserva for me is something new to try that's different from other steak experiences. Thanks, much appreciated. As I have stage iv lung cancer, I don't know how many more outings to Vegas I'll get

[C Simril]

Elrushbo, I'm sorry to hear of your cancer. I've survived skin cancer thrice, though streaks of good luck last only so long, or there would not be a Las Vegas. You can probably eat as well in Vegas as you can anywhere. The best food I've ever eaten has been in Vegas, although long vanished from its menus. Listen to everything David Ross says and take his advice. He's into Vegas like ham is into a ham sandwich. If you haven't dined there already, check out Le Cirque. Your palate will thank you. Just riffing here, but I think if I'd said to Robin Williams yesterday, "Hey Robin, put that belt back on your pants. We're going to Le Cirque" he would have  said, "yeah. Later Suicide. I'm gonna go enjoy some Food!"

[basquecook]

I thought Gordon Ramsey's steak was good.. i was actually surprised at how good it was..  It was also very fun, had a great energy. It is on a bi-level space.  You want to sit up stairs. There are very lush booths to sit at.  I went with a table of four. The staff is attractive and well dressed. Service is over the top in an interesting way. There are Ipads and things to order on if I am not mistaken.  The food was really good.  The presentation, everything was enjoyable.  But if your friends have watched his shows, want to try the wellington or whatever, it will be a fun time.  For me, not a fan of the show, it was a little to hip for my tastes.. But, i was exhausted after a 12 hour day of work and had to walk more business with clients.  It's more flashy than i wanted but, would be a great fun night out place.  It is in my opinion is much better than Batali's place. In fact, i have had bad experiences outside of Otto.   

 

Otto has the same or similar or just as good pastas as his other restaurants in las vegas.  The entrees are also fun.  Prices are better, there is also pizza which is delicious.  And of course their terrific gelatos.   So, if you need to go to a Batali place, Otto is the best bang for your buck, not to mention just the better overall experience.  If you want more intimate, make a rezi for inside.  more fun and to sit out on the "patio" over look San Marco Square and the fake sky.   His other restaurants are overpriced and often bad.

 

The best steak in the Venetian/Palazzo Hotels, IMHO is Cut. Wolfgang Puck's over the top place.  In fact, talk about Wagyu steak, this is the place to try it.. It's not a traditional steakhouse but, it's a really cool menu.  

 

 I would highly, highly, highly recommend going to Raku.  You must make a reservation.. It's like a 15 dollar cab ride or so from the Venetian.  Read about the really cool tasting menu.  i have been there several times, it's one of my favorite places in Vegas.  

 

A fun night, different interesting food, check out the Boiling Crab or Hot N Juicy Crawfish. If you are from the East coast it will most likely be a new experience. It's like a Vietnamese Version of A Cajun Boil.  Lots of butter and garlic.  Boiled snowcrab, crawfish and shrimp by the pound. Very communal and fun.  

 

For a pricey meal along the lines of Le Cirque if you have not been to Robuchon and you just need to blow a bunch of cash, this is super special meal.  

 

I also like this Chinese Restaurant a ton, it's called Yunnan Garden. Or late night Vietnamese or Korean food can be had in Las Vegas.. There are some interesting late night spots. 

 

I go kind of often.  These are just some of the places that stand out. 

[rotuts]

NYTimes had this today :

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/13/dining/las-vegas-off-the-eaten-path.html?ref=dining&_r=0

[Elrushbo]

Thanks everyone! Carnevino sure sounds good, I've seen David Ross here over the years, someone whose opinion I would put trust into. One of the people I'll be with doesn't like Asian food (?) my wife and I might have to strike out on our own. Might have to, brother in law is an accountant and let's say can have problems spending money. Me, I'll let the wallet loose when it comes to food in Vegas, in part because I do well at slots.

[Elrushbo]

All I have to say is "I'm so glad you're here and this may be my last chance to try this place..."

Also, is B&B better for pasta than Carnevino? Or same? Sister in law is a Batali fan, and I did like lunch at Otto.

[David Ross]

Le Cirque has a new young Chef, but I haven't heard any reviews.  Most likely a talented Chef in given the history of the Maccioni family.  If anyone out there wants to dine at Le Cirque, ask for Ivo Angelov the Manager.  He will take care of you.

[Elrushbo]

On 9/21/2014 at 7:44 PM, David Ross said:

Le Cirque has a new young Chef, but I haven't heard any reviews.  Most likely a talented Chef in given the history of the Maccioni family.  If anyone out there wants to dine at Le Cirque, ask for Ivo Angelov the Manager.  He will take care of you.

 

Still breathing,miraculously, going back this fall to Vegas. Probably staying at Bellagio, found a great rate. Is SW steakhouse at Wynn ok? Looks lovely in pics, no one here seems high on it. Lago? Michael Mina Bellagio? 

[David Ross]

Le Cirque has another new young chef, a Frenchman.  You can read about his background on the Bellagio website.  Knowing the family and the Manager at Le Cirque, I can assure you that they only hire very talented Chefs and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.  The service is old school, which is hard to find these days. 

 

I would pass up SW Steakhouse and go to Carnevino.  My food writer friends down there are raving about it right now--it's even better than when I was there a couple of years ago.  There isn't a price-point difference between the two, (albeit all steak houses are terribly expensive in Las Vegas), but Carnevino stands out not just for the steaks but the appetizer and side dishes.  You can hardly stop slathering the lardo on bread. 

 

I'm not sure about Lago, but a friend went to Michael Mina two weeks ago and they have a fairly new chef and he reported the food is better than ever.  That's a big achievement and restaurants in Vegas don't last as long as Mina. 

[HungryChris]

If you have never been to the Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Wynn Country Club, you might think about that as an option. The food (order the shrimp and grits side) is pretty great. The atmosphere and music, great as well and the views are spectacular.

HC

[David Ross]

That's one of my favorite spots on a Sunday.

[HungryChris]

3 hours ago, David Ross said:

That's one of my favorite spots on a Sunday.

It is almost always the first reservation we make.

HC

[Elrushbo]

On 3/22/2016 at 10:01 AM, David Ross said:

Le Cirque has another new young chef, a Frenchman.  You can read about his background on the Bellagio website.  Knowing the family and the Manager at Le Cirque, I can assure you that they only hire very talented Chefs and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.  The service is old school, which is hard to find these days. 

 

I would pass up SW Steakhouse and go to Carnevino.  My food writer friends down there are raving about it right now--it's even better than when I was there a couple of years ago.  There isn't a price-point difference between the two, (albeit all steak houses are terribly expensive in Las Vegas), but Carnevino stands out not just for the steaks but the appetizer and side dishes.  You can hardly stop slathering the lardo on bread. 

 

I'm not sure about Lago, but a friend went to Michael Mina two weeks ago and they have a fairly new chef and he reported the food is better than ever.  That's a big achievement and restaurants in Vegas don't last as long as Mina. 

Thanks! It was still Aqua when I went. Loved everything about it, and the setting in the gardens adds to the mood imho. Going with a friend, my mother in law, and her friend who's never been to Vegas. She wouldn't want to do a multi course thing. I remember it being pleasant, quiet-ish. Everyone likes seafood in the group and they'll try whatever I suggest. 

[David Ross]

Don't worry about a multi-course affair.  Some of the fine dining restaurants have gone away from the multi-course tasting menus, but those that do still are gracious if you want to pick a few courses to create you meal.  Have a wonderful trip.

[Elrushbo]

On 3/27/2016 at 5:41 PM, David Ross said:

Don't worry about a multi-course affair.  Some of the fine dining restaurants have gone away from the multi-course tasting menus, but those that do still are gracious if you want to pick a few courses to create you meal.  Have a wonderful trip.

Will do! I remember Aqua as being fantastic food and soothing environment, wish I'd gone to Carnevino a couple trips ago, Stripsteak was awful. Any recommendations for mid level type stuff? Like $50 or less per person, center Strip area? 

[David Ross]

Not specific recommendations, but in Las Vegas the restaurants are really good about posting menus and prices online.  I'd think along the lines of going for small plates and appetizers to build a menu with a cost within $50 or less per person.  Julian Serrano at Aria is an example where you could order various tapas plates and have some wine or cocktails and keep it lower cost rather than ordering $50 entrees.

 

[fledflew]

On ‎4‎/‎8‎/‎2016 at 3:30 PM, Elrushbo said:

Will do! I remember Aqua as being fantastic food and soothing environment, wish I'd gone to Carnevino a couple trips ago, Stripsteak was awful. Any recommendations for mid level type stuff? Like $50 or less per person, center Strip area? 

 

I've had several good meals at The Barrymore in the past, although it's been a little over a year since I last dined there.  They are tucked away behind the Wynn/Encore complex on Convention Center Drive in the Royal Resort.  Very approachable menu, perfectly executed, and easily within your price range.  I will be in Las Vegas again this weekend and will try and make it over there.  Nothing real groundbreaking or adventurous, but all of my meals have been solid from a food as well as beverage and service standpoint.