How is Picasso lately?

[Turtleboy]

I'm going to be in Vegas next week and have reservations at Picasso. I've never been. How is it lately? What should I expect? Any suggestions?

[AES]

We were there in September, so sort of recently. It was outstanding and I would recommend it without any hestitation. One of the top 3 meals we've ever had. Service was attentive without being overbearing.

We had the tasting menu with wine pairings. We started with 2 glasses of champagne as well, and the total for 2 was approx. $500 with tax & tip. I think the wine pairings ran us about $80-90 each, so that was a decent portion of the bill.

[rose and antojitos]

I'm going to be in Vegas next week and have reservations at Picasso. I've never been. How is it lately? What should I expect? Any suggestions?

A recent issue of Wine Spectator talked about Vegas restaurants and ranked Picasso the highest. I plan on going when I'm there next.

[iriee]

turtle,,,, can u get back to me after your picasso visit. im also curious,,,going to vegas at the end of the month. i have a reservation at prime now but im hearing mixed reviews lately. any idea what month of the wine spectator had the vegas story?? thanks and have a great time!

[rlm]

any idea what month of the wine spectator had the vegas story??

The issue with Wine Spectator's cover story "Great Dining in Las Vegas" that features Picasso is dated April 30, 2004. Picasso was rated 96 on food, 94 on wine, 95 on service, 97 on ambience (with an overall average of 95). It out-scored Piero Selvaggio Valentino, Aqua, Aureole, Le Cirque, Renoir, Bradley Ogden, Nobhill, 808, and Osteria del Circo.

[tsquare]

It out-scored Piero Selvaggio Valentino, Aqua, Aureole, Le Cirque, Renoir, Bradley Ogden, Nobhill, 808, and Osteria del Circo.

I looked in on many of these last month - I know, who cares about decor - it's all about the food and wine. However, depending on what else you are looking for, I really liked the feeling and details of Ogden's space.

[bleachboy]

Link to the Wine Spectator article

I'm taking my uncle out to dinner in a couple of weeks in Vegas -- anybody have a recommendation for fine dining that won't feel too stuffy? I doubt he has ever been to a "fancy" restaurant in his life.

[robyn]

Link to the Wine Spectator article

I'm taking my uncle out to dinner in a couple of weeks in Vegas -- anybody have a recommendation for fine dining that won't feel too stuffy? I doubt he has ever been to a "fancy" restaurant in his life.

Where will you be staying - what kind of food does he like - and how adventurous is he (is he 50 and open to new things - or 80 and kind of set in his ways)? When you say he's never been to a "fancy" restaurant - how "unfancy" are we talking about? Robyn

[bleachboy]

I'm staying at the Venetian, he's staying at the TI. But I'll be spending all my time at the TI once my relatives get into town. I'd guess he's about 75 years old. I meet out in LV once a year with my father, uncles and cousins, and I've never taken this particular uncle out for some reason. He may or may not have been to fancy places before, but I know that for at least the past 40 years he's lived in a small town in Texas so presumably nothing fancier than the fanciest place there. Hmm.. that's not much help. :)

I am just worried that he might be "one of those" that panics if he doesn't recognize the names of items on the menu. Then again, neither my dad nor his other brother are like that, but best to err on the side of caution.

[AES]

I am just worried that he might be "one of those" that panics if he doesn't recognize the names of items on the menu. Then again, neither my dad nor his other brother are like that, but best to err on the side of caution.

Given the Texas background and your comment, one of the steakhouses seems to me to be your safest bet. Prime is supposedly the best, but probably also the "stuffiest." We've been to Delmonico (inside the Venetian) twice and had good experiences both times.

I've also been dying to try Craftsteak at MGM. Read good reviews and the original Craft in NYC is very good.

[robyn]

I'm staying at the Venetian, he's staying at the TI.  But I'll be spending all my time at the TI once my relatives get into town.  I'd guess he's about 75 years old.  I meet out in LV once a year with my father, uncles and cousins, and I've never taken this particular uncle out for some reason.  He may or may not have been to fancy places before, but I know that for at least the past 40 years he's lived in a small town in Texas so presumably nothing fancier than the fanciest place there.  Hmm.. that's not much help.  :)

I am just worried that he might be "one of those" that panics if he doesn't recognize the names of items on the menu.  Then again, neither my dad nor his other brother are like that, but best to err on the side of caution.

My first thought would be a steak house too - except that if he's from Texas - well I imagine he's eaten a steak or two in his life. And he's probably eaten what he *knows* are the best steaks of his life.

You didn't say what meal you'd be taking him out for. If you have a fair amount of time - why not try something like the lunch/brunch at Bellagio - or even the breakfast? That's certainly not stuffy - but it is a heap of good food for a reasonable price (I especially like the desserts). He'll probably try things he hasn't tried before - and then perhaps you can get a better read for a possible dinner. Take what you saved on the restaurants and treat him to a bit of time in the casino there (I'm not much of a gambler - in fact - I don't gamble at all - so I can't give you any advice in that arena - but the casino is very elegant). Or - if he's not a gambler - something else he might consider to be a special treat,

Last time I did something like what you're doing - I took my aunt and uncle (both 80-ish) who live in San Diego out for brunch at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. They really liked the setting (romantic) - and the buffet ambience wasn't intimidating. They especially liked being picked up by the hotel limo when we went for a walk on Rodeo Drive! It was something they don't get to do but once in a blue moon. So I'd suggest coming with up the "once in a blue moon" wrinkle for your uncle (and it might not have anything to do with food). Robyn

[bleachboy]

Great idea, Robyn! I have actually always wanted to try out the buffet at Bellagio. And check out their poker tables.

[robyn]

Great idea, Robyn!  I have actually always wanted to try out the buffet at Bellagio.  And check out their poker tables. 

If either you or he is into gambling - it will probably cost you more than dinner at Picasso . But there are some really interesting gambling things there. Like the craps tables (never could understand them - but the guys working the tables will take the time to try to explain if you're there relatively early before the hot action starts). And there is a sports bar where you can place sports bets right at the bar. And - believe it or not - last time I was - they even had nickel slots (seemed kind of odd - but I guess they must make a ton of money on the slots). Robyn

P.S. I could never meet my uncle in Las Vegas because he's a compulsive gambler. It would cost me a heck of a lot more than dinner anywhere in the world!

[AES]

The Breakfast brunch at Bellagio is DEFINITELY worth a stop if that's what you're looking for -- easily the best breakfast buffet i've had.

One other buffet idea - we were at Cravings, which is at Mirage, about 4 days after it opened. Definitely not your standard Vegas buffet -- cool silverware, square plates, Adam Tihary (sp?) designed seating area..... And the food was pretty good. I still liked Bellagio's breakfast buffet better.