Dining in Vegas
 

I am taking my husband to Vegas for his 30th birthday as a surprise. Have some restaurant questions. We are staying at Bellagio and I would like to dine one night at either Prime, Picasso or Olives. They all sound great. For the other night, I was considering Emeril's, but hear mixed reviews. Have also thought about Spago. Heard that Voodoo Lounge is a lot of fun. Any good places to eat at either Hard Rock or New York, New York? I would really appreciate your recommendations. Thanks in advance.

What's your restaurant background experience? What do you enjoy?<BR>I found Picasso beautiful and the service exceptional, but didn't enjoy the food as much as true 'restaurant snobs' might, because it simply wasn't all that tasty. Unusual and uniquely presented yes, but from a purely palatal perspective, not outstanding. Olives was more up my alley.<BR>There are dozens of good restaurants these days in Vegas. What do you desire? Certain atmosphere, specific cuisine type, etc?

Hi Bob,<BR> <BR>Thanks for your response. My husband and I are "foodies". We live in NYC and enjoy restaurants with excellent food and service that is gracious and professional, yet relaxed. Some of our faves include Gramercy Tavern, Babbo, Eleven Madison Park. We are meat eaters (both of us love a good steak), but also enjoy a variety of cuisines. I think I would like something romantic, but not (in your face, over the top romantic), for one evening and then fun, cool, hip the other night. I think my husband would prefer not to wear a jacket. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!<BR> <BR>Allyson

Allyson, <BR>Do go to Picasso. Also Aureole in Mandalay Bay. While I thought Picasso was the prettier restaurant, the food at Aureole was better and the atmosphere more hip. The Voodoo Lounge is alot of fun, but you have to get there early to get a table. There was a great jazz/reggae band playing the night we were there and the place was packed. We got a table in the 'invited guests' area - that's another story.

Lori, <BR> <BR>Going to Vegas for my first time next month but only for 4 days. My boyfriend has been there 5 times and loves it. You mentioned the Voodoo Lounge which he thinks is an awesome place, can you share your secret on how to become an "invited Guest" there??? Also, what is the dress there.....And in general, what is the dress in the day??? Any suggestions on which buffets are good?/

If you like a good steak, then you HAVE to go to Smith and Wollensky. It's not in a casino, but it's on the strip near MGM Grand (a very manageable walk from the Bellagio). They have the most wonderful steaks, great service, & relaxed yet unique atmosphere. I recommend the Wollensky salad, Filet, and carrot cake for desert! Enjoy!

Allyson, <BR> <BR>I have enjoyed Olives, Circo, Napa and Aureole. My husband and I are going soon and we'll hit Emeril's restaurant this time. I'd definitely suggest reservations in advance. Enjoy!

Terry, <BR>In answer to your question regarding the Voodoo Lounge, money talks. And everyone in Vegas has their hand out.

Dear Allyson, <BR> <BR>My husband and I are around the same age as your husband and it sounds like you guys have the same taste as us. We are going in a month and made reservations at Olives. I've been to the original in Boston and loved it. As for Emeril's, we've been to the Fish House in MGM 3 times and while we liked it, we weren't too impressed considering the price tag. If you like Asian fusion, instead of Spago, I would recommend Chinois, inside Ceasar's Palace. It is also a Wolfgang Puck restaurant but I think the food is better. As for weather, it's going to be pretty hot.

What what it's worth, Conde Nast Traveler just rated Commander's Palace in Las Vegas as one of the "100 Hot Tables." Has anyone dined there?

Commander's Palace is one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, a town known for excellent food. I would imagine that Commander's Palace in Las Vegas is just as good. Olive's in wonderful in Boston and from what I've read on this website, it is equally as good in Las Vegas.

Allyson - <BR> <BR>I have to admit my husband and I were less than impressed with Olives but, perhaps we hit it on an off night. <BR> <BR>Smith & Wollensky is great. Their Crackling Pork Shank with Firecracker sauce is yummy! Steaks are decent although I've had better. <BR> <BR>Drai's (in the basement of Barbary Coast - kitty corner from Bellagio) is excellent. Nice atmosphere, palms, candles, deep red velvet couch in the waiting area, dark wood and cream-color walls. Really great atmosphere and good to excellent food and service. <BR> <BR>Good buffets are at Bellagio and the Paris. If you really want to go over-the-top, try the Sterling Brunch at Bally's. We tried it almost on a challenge to ourselves to see if a $53 buffet could be worth and it was. We were very surprised. Perrier-Jouet champagne, caviar, rack of lamb, lobster, etc., etc. and waiters in white coats who will take your plate while you sit down if they are near your table when you come back from the buffet. <BR> <BR>Another interesting place is Red Square in Mandalay Bay. They have a dish of salmon wrapped in phyllo dough and served with some kind of sauce, yummy! <BR> <BR>If you really like steak, Charlie Palmer's at Four Seasons is supposed to be THE best steakhouse in Vegas. Haven't tried it yet but you may want to look into it. <BR> <BR>If you need something less formal and good, the Raffles Cafe at Mandalay Bay is great. Killer rolls! <BR> <BR>At the Venetian the Pinot Brasserie, Postrio and Grand Luxe Cafe are all good. <BR> <BR>Good Luck, <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR>:-)

Every resturant that we've eaten at in Bellagio is very good but its hard to reserve a table even if you're staying there, well maybe not, if you're a high roller which we're not. The Palms steaks and seafood are good but the service is just fare. Smith & Wollensky way overrated in my humble opinion. The best meal I have had in Vegas is at Delmonicos at the Venetian. Very sophisticated decor and the food was great. But the service! So attentive , I don't really drink, just wanted a glass of wine. The sommulier (can't even spell it right) spent so much time with me so I'd get something I really liked. It was an expensive night, but not outrageous. I highly recommend it.