Thank you, Patrick!

Patrick,

I really appreciate your input. I just love great food in a warm and relaxed atmosphere; can't deal with the pretense. I will probably make a reservation at Border Grill and either Craft Steak or Ortanique. Isn't the Harrison wonderful? You've probably been to Red Cat, by the same owners, yes? Mermaid (their other place) is still on my list. Thanks again!

Have you tried Aqua at the Bellagio? I'd recommend that, as well as Bouchon at the Venetian (don't expect the French Laundry, but pretty close.) Also, I've heard good things about Crustacean, anyone been to the one in Vegas? We ate at Aureole a couple of years ago and found it to be overrated, and also, it was CLOSED DOWN for 24 hours by the Clark County health department during our stay (yes, right after we ate there....gulp!) I don't think they've been shut down again, but I believe you can go to the Clark Co website still and see the most recent inspsections. Finally, I know it sounds weird, considering you're into more serious foodie places, but the Grand Lux Cafe at the Venetian has some really good salads for lunch or late night dining. I know its owned by the Cheesecake Factory, but most of the food is pretty good there. Have a good time and let us all know your reviews when you are back!

Aqua was good. We overheard a few people saying they liked it better than Picasso.

We also had a really lovely meal at Bradley Ogden, but I think it had a lot to do with the company I was with, and our really great service. We ate and drank and ate and drank, and at the end of our meal, we were invited back for a tour of the kitchen (we were one of the last patrons of the evening). We didn't get to meet the chef, because I think he was away in NY accepting an award at the time. (link below)

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/desti...tm?POE=TRVISVA

Both aren't cheap. I don't remember exactly, but dinner for 2 (for starters, mains, wine, dessert and gratuity) was upper 200 or so at Aqua and it was high 300s at Bradley Ogden.

Don't know if you are still checking this post, but I found this article on "the real deal" for Vegas restaurants.

BTW, I guess Bradley Ogden is in the kitchen full time in vegas, unlike some of the celebrity chefs. I didn't know that until I read the article. Both articles I posted are by the same person.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/desti...tm?POE=TRVISVA

Just FYI--I tried dining solo at Olives, Canaletto, and Bouchon. Olives and Bouchon were good for solo dining at the bar. Canaletto was not. Food at Olives was everything you all said it would be! I also loved my meal at Bouchon.

Also, Aqua is now Michael Mina.

Michael Mina was the original chef at Aqua. They have renamed the restaurant for him as Aqua in San Fran has been turned over to Chef Laurent Manrique. Mina has also opened Michael Mina in San fran.

Mina is also executive chef of Nobhill, which is really excellent. The service is great, too, so if one were to call and say one will be dining alone, I'm sure they'd take care of it.

Not sure if this reply is too late for you or not.

We tend to like some of the trendier places whose food stands up to the hype around them.

Have found both Red Square in Mandalay Bay and Simon Kitchen and Bar at the Hard Rock to fit the bill.

Good luck -