Dining in Las Vegas: Part 1

[jsmeeker]

One of my dining choices for my upcoming Las Vegas trip isn't going to work. I was planning on going to Sensi for dinner one night, but it will be closed during the time I am in town.

Is there any other place that might be somewhat similar?

[rjwong]

I've appreciated all the information on this thread. Ms. Alex and I will be in Las Vegas toward the end of December, staying three nights at The Venetian. This is my first visit, although Ms. A has been there a couple of times for conferences (so she says ).

Alex, I'm surprised! Are you saying that you're going to be a "virgin Vegan visitor" (as in Las VEHH-gan)?

Here are our parameters:

1) We won't have a car, would rather not take a cab, but wouldn't mind taking the bus.

2) A propos of #1, one dinner is committed to Rosemary's Restaurant.

3) As wonderful as they might be, high-end places are out. Including tax, tip, and wine, ~$150-175 for the two of us is our preferred ceiling.

4) We get a $50/day food coupon from the Venetian that's good only that day at their restaurants (and Palazzo's, too, I think). We were thinking of using it for a late breakfast/early lunch at Bouchon, but are open to other uses.

As for #1: The RTC bus system is not bad at all. I've used it a few times. $5 for a 24-hour day pass, including "The Deuce" that drives up and down the Las Vegas Strip.

As for #2: Take the cab ride to Rosemary's. The cab should drive you from the Venetian, north along the Strip, turn left on Sahara Blvd., drive about 7 miles west on Sahara Blvd., past Rainbow, past Buffalo. Rosemary's is on the south side (to your left), the southeast corner of Sahara & Cimarron. If you go on a Sunday night, they offer bottled wines for half price.

As for #3: Sorry, I've never been there.

As for #4: Is it a $50/day food coupon for each of you? If so, try Wolfgang Puck's Cut Steakhouse at the Palazzo (Disclosure: I know the manager & one of the servers). If you're into artisanal cheeses, go to Morel's at the Palazzo, even though I haven't eaten there yet. I just salivated in front of their cheese display ...

One of my dining choices for my upcoming Las Vegas trip isn't going to work.  I was planning on going to Sensi for dinner one night, but it will be closed during the time I am in town.

Is there any other place that might be somewhat similar?

←

If you want Thai cuisine, you should try Lotus of Siam on Sahara Blvd., between the Strip & (closer to) Maryland Parkway.

[Sararwelch]

I'm planning a trip to Vegas for mid-December. Any recommendations for reasonably priced restaurants? I'd like to keep meals to less than $100 per person.

[Alex]

I've appreciated all the information on this thread. Ms. Alex and I will be in Las Vegas toward the end of December, staying three nights at The Venetian. This is my first visit, although Ms. A has been there a couple of times for conferences (so she says ).

Alex, I'm surprised! Are you saying that you're going to be a "virgin Vegan visitor" (as in Las VEHH-gan)?

Here are our parameters:

1) We won't have a car, would rather not take a cab, but wouldn't mind taking the bus.

2) A propos of #1, one dinner is committed to Rosemary's Restaurant.

3) As wonderful as they might be, high-end places are out. Including tax, tip, and wine, ~$150-175 for the two of us is our preferred ceiling.

4) We get a $50/day food coupon from the Venetian that's good only that day at their restaurants (and Palazzo's, too, I think). We were thinking of using it for a late breakfast/early lunch at Bouchon, but are open to other uses.

As for #1: The RTC bus system is not bad at all. I've used it a few times. $5 for a 24-hour day pass, including "The Deuce" that drives up and down the Las Vegas Strip.

As for #2: Take the cab ride to Rosemary's. The cab should drive you from the Venetian, north along the Strip, turn left on Sahara Blvd., drive about 7 miles west on Sahara Blvd., past Rainbow, past Buffalo. Rosemary's is on the south side (to your left), the southeast corner of Sahara & Cimarron. If you go on a Sunday night, they offer bottled wines for half price.

As for #3: Sorry, I've never been there.

As for #4: Is it a $50/day food coupon for each of you? If so, try Wolfgang Puck's Cut Steakhouse at the Palazzo (Disclosure: I know the manager & one of the servers). If you're into artisanal cheeses, go to Morel's at the Palazzo, even though I haven't eaten there yet. I just salivated in front of their cheese display ...

One of my dining choices for my upcoming Las Vegas trip isn't going to work.  I was planning on going to Sensi for dinner one night, but it will be closed during the time I am in town.

Is there any other place that might be somewhat similar?

←

If you want Thai cuisine, you should try Lotus of Siam on Sahara Blvd., between the Strip & (closer to) Maryland Parkway.

←

Thanks for the info. Yep, sad to say, I'm a Vegan virgin. Or should that be ?

#1: There's been a medium-sized change of plans. We decided to rent a car at the airport. It was only ~$90 total for a "standard" car like a Chevy Malibu (and ~$72 for a smaller car). We had been seriously considering trip or two away from the city (e.g., Hoover Dam/Lake Mead), and it would have cost >$50/day to rent even a subcompact from Avis at the hotel. So, if you have any longer-distance recommendations, recommend away!

#2: I know about the wine deal at Rosemary's; that's why we're going on Sunday. Unfortunately, the Romanée-Conti isn't available at half-price. They certainly have a bunch of other tasty choices on the list, though. What would you think about heading west on Spring Mountain for a while before turning north to Sahara? I've heard that traffic on The Strip can be pretty congested.

#3: If we go to Himalayan Cuisine, I'll post about it, of course.

#4: It's $50 for both, not each.

Edited November 12, 2008 by Alex (log)

[lhollers]

Hello, everyone! My significant other and I were hoping to go somewhere for New Year's and were wondering if anyone knew of any culinary events planned for the evening in Las Vegas? We would prefer an extended tasting menu with some sort of event, but would be open to any and all suggestions - thanks!

[rjwong]

I'm planning a trip to Vegas for mid-December. Any recommendations for reasonably priced restaurants? I'd like to keep meals to less than $100 per person.

←

Reasonably priced restaurants? On the Las Vegas Strip? Yes, it's doable in December, in this economy. Just check the last couple of pages of this thread. It depends on what you want. Basically, nothing's really changed that much. If you have access to your own vehicle, there is a great local place in Henderson for pizza (Settebello, new location) or Rosemary's out in the western part of LV.

Thanks for the info. Yep, sad to say, I'm a Vegan virgin.  Or should that be  ?

Alex, that depends on Ms. A's response ( or ). Uhh, back to your other questions ...

#1: There's been a medium-sized change of plans. We decided to rent a car at the airport. It was only ~$90 total for a "standard" car like a Chevy Malibu (and ~$72 for a smaller car). We had been seriously considering trip or two away from the city (e.g., Hoover Dam/Lake Mead), and it would have cost >$50/day to rent even a subcompact from Avis at the hotel. So, if you have any longer-distance recommendations, recommend away!

If you want, try the Medici Cafe and Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas. I go there mainly for the desserts by executive pastry chef Chris Hanmer (formerly of Bellagio). He's the youngest American to win the World Pastry Team Championship in 2004.

#2: I know about the wine deal at Rosemary's; that's why we're going on Sunday. Unfortunately, the Romanée-Conti isn't available at half-price. They certainly have a bunch of other tasty choices on the list, though. What would you think about heading west on Spring Mountain for a while before turning north to Sahara? I've heard that traffic on The Strip can be pretty congested.

Spring Mountain / Sands would work. Sunday shouldn't be too much of a problem. It's Friday & Saturday nights on the Strip that's the problem.

Hello, everyone!  My significant other and I were hoping to go somewhere for New Year's and were wondering if anyone knew of any culinary events planned for the evening in Las Vegas?  We would prefer an extended tasting menu with some sort of event, but would be open to any and all suggestions - thanks! 

←

Have you ever been to Las Vegas on New Year's Eve?? They shut down Las Vegas Blvd. (The Strip) between Sahara Blvd. on the north end and Tropicana on the south end, and about half a million people try to move around up and down the Strip, so I've heard. I've never tried it. I suppose restaurants inside the casinos will have some sort of set menu with early and late seatings. Sorry I can't help you much on this from first-hand experience ...

[lhollers]

Yeah, that doesn't exactly sound like what we were looking for lol...

Anywhere else in the South that is worth checking out?? I have seen some fantastic posts of other restaurants in the area, but am completely unfamiliar with the South...

Thanks for the tips!

Edited November 13, 2008 by lhollers (log)

[mark918]

Will be in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving this year. Going to visit single prospective Brother-in-Law who has no facilities for a home cooked meal. We would like to visit one of the Casino buffets for some traditional Thanksgiving food. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

[rjwong]

Will be in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving this year.  Going to visit single prospective Brother-in-Law who has no facilities for a home cooked meal.  We would like to visit one of the Casino buffets for some traditional Thanksgiving food.  Does anyone have any recommendations? 

Thanks

←

My two favorite buffet places along the Strip are at the Bellagio & the Wynn. Mind you, very few restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving, and those that are open will have LONG lines. Depending what time you want to eat, expect to wait at least two hours (you read correctly). I suggest getting there early, more for a Thanksgiving brunch instead of dinner.

You might want to check out the Ritz Carlton over at Lake Las Vegas, east of Henderson (away from the Strip). They're serving a "Thanksgiving Feast" (I think it's a buffet, but I'm not sure) from 11-5 for $55 per person.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[jsmeeker]

So, it looks like Encore opens on December 22nd. I'll miss it by a few days. I don't know much about the restaurants over there except for here some limited details about two of them.

Sinatra -- Seems like Steve got rights to the name from the family to create a restaurant. Sounds like it will be Italian. He makes claims about it being the most incredible restaurant in the country. Or something like that.

Switched -- Steve says this restaurant physically changes three times during the course of a meal. Dunno what the heck that is all about. Seems weird. I really want to find out more about this place.

[rjwong]

So, it looks like Encore opens on December 22nd.  I'll miss it by a few days.  I don't know much about the restaurants over there except for here some limited details about two of them.

I'll be in LV during the weekend before Christmas, plus a couple of days. I'll check out what restaurants will be open then.

Sinatra -- Seems like Steve got rights to the name from the family to create a restaurant.  Sounds like it will be Italian.  He makes claims about it being the most incredible restaurant in the country. Or something like that.

Well, luck be a lady tonight. Another Italian restaurant with Frank singing in the background and people rolling their eyes far more than dices at a crap table tournament .... With a restaurant named Sinatra and Steve Wynn backing this place, I suspect the expectation levels will be quite high. Over at the Wynn, there are two Italian places already: Bartolotta and Stratta. I'm wondering how Sinatra will be different from the others.

Switched --  Steve says this restaurant physically changes three times during the course of a meal.  Dunno what the heck that is all about.  Seems weird.  I really want to find out more about this place.

It does seem weird to me as well. Mind you, it's Vegas, baby ... Vegas!

The LA Times food blog has reported that: Chef Jet Tila (chefjet) is opening a pan-Asian restaurant at Encore; Ex-Patina chef Theo Schoenegger also will be opening a restaurant; other restaurants at Encore include Botero Steak and Switch.

If I heard correctly, Mark LaRusso (formerly of Tableau at the Wynn) will be opening one of the Encore restaurants.

Further details to come after actual site inspections ...

[David Ross]

The last plan was for Chef Theo Schoenegger to open "Theo's," an Italian cuisine restaurant at Encroe. That was the plan up until about two weeks ago. Now the plan is for Theo to be the Chef at Sinatra. That's the latest plan.

Hopefully Mr. Wynn won't micro-manage the arrangement and it will be a succesful venture for both the hotel and the Chef.

[docsconz]

I had a wonderful dinner last night at Bartolotta at the Wynn dining with John Curtas with explanations and discussion with Paul Bartolotta himself. The product was of wonderful quality - amazing considering that most of it is imported from Italy and elsewhere in the Mediterranean - and it was simply and expertly handled. What he does may seem simple, but it most certainly isn't. I doubt that there is a restaurant in Italy as comprehensive as his in terms of the availability and quality of his Mediterranean Seafood and few if any in the US.

[docsconz]

Larry Forgione is now the chef at Tableaux in the Wynn.

[docsconz]

Had a fine breakfast this morning at Sugar and Ice at the Wynn. The croissant with ham, eggs and cheese, recommended to me by Paul Bartolotta proved an amazing and rich example of the genre. The croissant and the rest of the ingredients were top quality. The price is very reasonable by L.V. standards.

[Alex]

Larry Forgione is now the chef at Tableaux in the Wynn.

←

From Hotels Magazine of 10/14/08:

Mark LoRusso received critical acclaim for Tableau, his refined modern American restaurant located by the Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas. As Tableau is transformed into Larry Forgione's An American Place, LoRusso introduces Botero Steak at Encore. Named after Colombian artist Fernando Botero, LoRusso's signature restaurant features a modern steakhouse menu in a sexy and sophisticated setting beside the resort's nightclub, XS, and overlooks Encore's sparking pool.

[docsconz]

Larry Forgione is now the chef at Tableaux in the Wynn.

←

From Hotels Magazine of 10/14/08:

Mark LoRusso received critical acclaim for Tableau, his refined modern American restaurant located by the Tower Suites at Wynn Las Vegas. As Tableau is transformed into Larry Forgione's An American Place, LoRusso introduces Botero Steak at Encore. Named after Colombian artist Fernando Botero, LoRusso's signature restaurant features a modern steakhouse menu in a sexy and sophisticated setting beside the resort's nightclub, XS, and overlooks Encore's sparking pool.

←

While Larry is at the helm, the transition to An American Place is not yet complete. he has introduced items to the menu - I hear his BBQ duck tamales are dynamite (I might try some today) - but the name as yet remains Tableau. I am not sure when the transition will be complete. he restaurant is and will be a workhorse at the Wynn with breakfast, lunch and dinner services.

Edited December 3, 2008 by docsconz (log)

[jsmeeker]

are they making renovations/changes to the dining room itself at Tableau to transform it to An American Place? If I go to the Wynn website, can I see the menu for An American Place or will it still be the old Tableau menu?

What makes Botero Steak in Encore different from SW Steakhouse in the adjacent Wynn property?

[docsconz]

are they making renovations/changes to the dining room itself at Tableau to transform it to An American Place?  If I go to the Wynn website, can I see the menu for An American Place or will it still be the old Tableau menu?

What makes Botero Steak  in Encore different from SW Steakhouse in the adjacent Wynn property?

←

The only one of these questions that I can definitively answer at the moment is the first. There is no construction going on to physically transform the restaurant nor do I think there will be. The space is already quite nice. As for the online menu, I believe that it is for the previous version of Tableau, although many of those items still remain for now. Forgione's menu is slowly taking shape.

[jsmeeker]

are they making renovations/changes to the dining room itself at Tableau to transform it to An American Place?  If I go to the Wynn website, can I see the menu for An American Place or will it still be the old Tableau menu?

What makes Botero Steak  in Encore different from SW Steakhouse in the adjacent Wynn property?

←

The only one of these questions that I can definitively answer at the moment is the first. There is no construction going on to physically transform the restaurant nor do I think there will be. The space is already quite nice. As for the online menu, I believe that it is for the previous version of Tableau, although many of those items still remain for now. Forgione's menu is slowly taking shape.

←

Thanks. I went to Tableau for breakfast back in June. It is a very nice space. So, really, the change is in the name and in the menu. (and the chef running the place).

Since we are speaking about Wynn here, let me ask you something else (or anyone else that knows).

I'll be there in two weeks. My friends usually like going to a "steak place". There is SW Steakhouse there, but what about the Country Club? I recall hearing some decent things about it as an alternative to SW. Did I hear right, or did I hear wrong? One of the places we were considering to fill that role was Morel's across the street in Plazzo.

[rjwong]

SW Steakhouse. The time I went there, the steak was pretty good. I might have to double-check my notes. If you decide to go there, please check whether Carlos Guia is working there. He was the former chef of Commander's Palace and the late Louis's Fish Camp. I think he's working as the chef de cuisine at SW.

Morel's is a French steakhouse. I've never eaten there, but I've drooled over the artisanal cheeses they have (both domestic and imported). At the time, I only recognized one of the cheeses: Red Hawk.

Wolfgang Puck's Cut Restaurant is really good. That's my personal favorite in Las Vegas, so far. The onion rings are great!

And as for the restaurants that'll be opening up at Encore Resort, here is what I've gathered so far, since the Encore website is showing very little information at this time:

Botero Steak: Mark LoRusso ; steakhouse named after Colombian artist Fernando Botero

Sinatra (formerly Theo's): Theo Schoenegger ; Steve Wynn, close friend of the Sinatra family, got the family's okay to use the name for the Italian restaurant. A quote from Steve Wynn: "It won't be a museum. It will be the most stunning restaurant in the country."

Society Cafe: Kim Canteenwalla ; An American menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and staying open late-nights on the weekends

Switch: Marc Poivedin ; French steak & seafood restaurant where the place physically changes during the course of your meal. Talk about dinner as theater, or is it theater as dinner?

Wazuzu: Jet Tila ; Pan-Asian bistro named after a Chinese word meaning "Nine Dragons."

BTW I'll be there in two weeks ... and three days, but who's counting?

[docsconz]

I have really been seeing Las Vegas at its best (I can't imagine it being better). An amzing dinner Monday at Bartolotta - Ristorante di Mare followed by a wonderful dinner on Tuesday at Raku and another simply outstanding meal last night at RM Seafood. This morning I was treated to a private tour of the Pastry and Bread operations at the Wynn (and soon Encore as well) with Frederic Robert and Boris Villate. Tonight, my last night in LV, I will be meeting some friends for dinner at Alex. Tomorrow, I am off to Phoenix for dinner at Noca, before heading back home on Saturday to recuperate.

While I ma still not sure that Las Vegas as a whole has "soul," amongst all the schlock and sleeze, it clearly does have some amazing people and food and can certainly be a great destination for anyone with a serious interest in food.

[jsmeeker]

Thanks for the feedback.

Morel's is actually the place my friends had suggested. I was actually interested in the cheese at Morel's (plus, I like French themed food things). Throwing in a cheese course prior to a dessert course sounds like it could be interesting. The website also mentions a charcuterie bar as well. (love the sound of that).

To continue with the choosing a steak house in Las Vegas theme (though this can apply to choosing many types of restaurants in Las Vegas), I have some thoughts/ideas based on past experiences and some recent research.

Food. It's been my general impression that lots of nice steak joints in Las Vegas do a nice job of cooking a steak. For me, I haven't found really remarkable differences between the places I have been too when comparing normal, standard cuts (not talking places that have kobe or something like that)

Cost. Yesterday, I reviewed the menus of 3 places. Morels at Palazzo and SW and Country Club across the street at Wynn. Pretty much priced the same. Apps about the same. Similar cuts of steak about the same. Maybe a few bucks more or less, but overall, well within the same ball park. If you can afford one, you can afford the others.

So, if they are all going to deliver pretty good food that everyone in the party will enjoy overall (with the steak being most important), what's left to consider?

Atmosphere: Do you want a place with a white table cloth or do you like the more modern/trendy attractive on it's own table with no cloth approach? Do you want it hyper modern or a more traditional "clubby" view. Does the place come with a view? Golf course or some water with some cool special effects?

Location: Which strip casino do you want to be in? (or do you want to get OFF the strip). Are you going to see a show? Is there something else at a casino you want to see or do? A paticular bar or club? Some sort of attraction? Do you want some place close to where you are staying to avoid a cab ride? Do you just prefer the vibe and crowd of one join over another? Do you like Steve? Can you not stand Sheldon? ( ) Lots of variables here.

Additional food: I've made it a given that a lot of places can cook a nice steak. But what else is there? Does a cheese selection sound good? Maybe you are dying to try house made tuffled potato chips. Maybe one place "specializes" in a wine you like?

Anyway, I guess my point is that with so many good choices, it gets complicated. Lots of variables come into play. But there are only so many nights in a trip. And you don't want to go to a steak joint every night.

What other criteria do people use for picking a steak joint?

[rjwong]

There are other factors you might want to consider.

Network & Support: Keeping track of certain chefs and their culinary careers. One of the main reasons I'm going to Las Vegas this month is to do my part in supporting the chefs & the restaurant staff during this recession. I don't know whether how many people would decide to dine because of those reasons.

Location: To add to your questions/comments, I don't mind trying all the restaurants available in one hotel/resort. I remember doing just that at the Wynn Resort. So far, I'll have to say that overall, Wynn's restaurants are very good, top to bottom. I'm planning to do likewise at the Bellagio this time for comparison. One of the best benefits of eating at the hotel you're staying in is being able to say these six words:

"Please charge this to my room."

So Jeff, what's the answer to your questions? Are you really having a difficult time choosing restaurants in Las Vegas? There are some non-steakhouse places that have steak on the menu. Does that help? Perhaps you just need to "take charge," if you can get away with it.

Edited December 5, 2008 by rjwong (log)

[jsmeeker]

I always have a hard time deciding.. So many places to pick from. Only 3 or 4 nights to eat dinner. Plus, you have to work around friends and what they like. I'm not always going out there with people who would be up for a place like Alex or Picasso something like that. (though in the past, I have, and have been to Picasso and some other really great places) I do try to take charge and pick places and throw out a lot of suggestions but I don't want to totally dominate and pick ALL of the places. It's a fine balance.

I never charge to the room. It's always a large pile of cash on the table. Though I do stay at MGM properties, so I can charge not just where I stay (if I actually eat there), but in many other places in town. (but not Wynn or Palazzo/Venetian)

The idea of supporting a specific chef is cool. I know lots of "celeb" chefs are there, but the idea of supporting a true local las vegas chef is a nice idea. like Alex Stratta. While his signature place may be out, I have suggested Stratta. I think the gang I am out there with would like that type of Italian place.