The Best of Bellagio

[Absonot]

My friend and I are going to be staying at The Bellagio in a couple weeks and we want to have dinner there as well. (I've been twice, she's an LV virgin). The biggest concern is that my friend, while open-minded (she tore through a French Laundry tasting menu like a pro), hates seafood (so Aqua is out) and anything challenging like innards, etc.

So I've narrowed it down to Le Cirque and Picasso. Which of these would be the best bet for two female foodies from San Francisco, looking for amazing food, a relaxed-yet-special atmosphere, and friendly service?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!

Edited March 10, 2004 by Absonot (log)

[jscarbor]

Don't know about flirty service but Picasso would be my pick.

[Foodie-Girl]

I wouldn't put "flirty service" and either of those two outstanding restaurants in the same sentence.

They are both excellent and provide professional service.

[Lavender]

Don't forget Olives, the service and atmosphere is great and they have a wonderful wine list. The menu has a wide offering for the fish adverse. It's not quite as upscale as Le Cirque and Picasso, so it might be a nice choice for lunch one day during your visit.

Also, if you are an early riser, try to make it downstairs for breakfast in Cafe Bellagio. They do a top notch job. The gardens outside the restaurant entrance are just delightful early in the morning, before they become jam packed with mouth-breathing, gape-jawwed tourists for the rest of the day. The hotel spa and salon are next to the restaurant, so if you have any treatments scheduled later than 9AM, give yourself a few extra minutes to traverse the swarming hordes.

However, the best culinary advice for your Las Vegas trip that I can offer is, resist the temptation to eat at Ceasers Palace next door! Drinks ok, but food? No way. Not with the Bellagio and all it's offerings so close.

[Gary Tanigawa]

<HIJACK=ON

I was planning on going to Bradley Ogden next month. Lavender, does your comment on CP apply to Bradley Ogden? Just wondering because I have read complimentary things about that CP restaurant.

HIJACK=OFF>

[Foodie-Girl]

Realize you were asking Lavendar...but I'll just add to the comments....BO is a GREAT restaurant that HAPPENS to be located in CP.

Go straight to the restaurant with your eyes closed....I personally find CP very garish.

[Gary Tanigawa]

Good. I keep the reservation then ! Thanks F-G.

[Lavender]

FYI, today's Wine Spectator has eye popping MAJOR coverage of the Las Vegas dining scene. I am keeping it as a reference for my next visit!

So many restaurants, so little time.

[paul mitchell]

Why the are you going to Las Vegas then? I can't imagine why anyone with any substance would go there to have an experience other than winning and feeling like the world owes you something or losing and wanting to blow the place up.

Go to Paris, new mexico, that place high up on the hill in big sur.

Las Vegas is about being reckless. Go get drunk with someone else's husband. eat some shrimp cocktails. put the stringy prime rib in your purse.