This Food Network gig is wild, baby. On Wednesday, they're flying me out to Vegas to cover Bon Appetit's Vegas Uncorked, a culinary and wine festival featuring some of the most famous, important chefs alive (Wolfgang Puck, Daniel Boulud, Lorraine Bracco). The craziest part? On Saturday night I'm hosting a V.I.P. party by the pool of a flashy hotel and we have TWO extra tickets to give away. Are you or anyone you know going to be in Vegas next Saturday the 10th? Let me know in the comments, make sure to leave your e-mail address too, and you can glam it up with me and my posse by the pool. Meanwhile, everyone else: where should we eat in Vegas? Anything we should do off the beaten path? Your advice is much appreciated!
Comments (43)
Oh man, that sounds like fun. Can't fly to Vegas next weekend, though.
I highly recommend Hamada (the one on Flamingo Road, not the one at the Flamingo) and Sushi Roku (at Caesar's) for Japanese food.
Posted by Jenn | May 2, 2008 12:28 PM
You're giving away tickets to party with the Amateur Gourmet? I had to come out of the woodwork for this one! My email is sovietsecrets@gmail.com
Posted by Masha | May 2, 2008 12:30 PM
I love L'atelier de Joel Robuchon. We have been there so often (3 x) they gave us free champagne last time.
You should take a helicopter ride into the grand canyon and go indoor sky diving and toob on down MGM Grand's Lazy river all afternoon.
Posted by sam | May 2, 2008 12:31 PM
Don't miss the Burger Bar in the "Shops At Mandalay Bay," kind of a mall attached to the hotel/casino. I spent $20 on a hamburger there, and it was worth every penny - American Kobe beef and a menu of toppings (I chose provolone and oyster mushrooms on a whole wheat bun). They even have several different flavors of bacon you can choose. Yum.
The Burger Bar also has the second best selection of draft beer that I have found in Vegas, but a much nicer atmosphere than the college dive bar that I consider the best (the "Freakin' Frog" near UNLV). The Burger Bar draft list includes craft beer from the US as well as a couple of Belgian's like Chimay.
Have fun!
JB
Posted by JB in San Diego | May 2, 2008 12:32 PM
go to in-n-out burger! oh, i'm salivating just thinking of it...
Posted by kelly | May 2, 2008 12:35 PM
For off the beaten path you should eat at the Best Thai in the country Lotus of Siam. http://www.saipinchutima.com/ Don't go for the buffet. A quick google search should pull up some reviews and recommendations. Saipin Chutima was just nominated for a James Beard award for best chef southwest.
I sound like a shill but I am going to Vegas in 3 weeks and cannot wait to eat at Lotus of Siam again.
Well that and Bouchon.
Posted by Zach | May 2, 2008 12:41 PM
I'll be there! I'm traveling from Seattle to celebrate my 40th birthday!!!
Posted by Wendy | May 2, 2008 12:56 PM
Never been, but have heard great things about Bouchon in Vegas. Anything in the Keller brand isn't going to be bad though to be honest!
Posted by matt wright | May 2, 2008 1:03 PM
Just let me know if I need to by my plane tickets!!
Posted by Peter | May 2, 2008 1:06 PM
The best Thai food you may ever eat is definitely off the beaten path -- in a strip mall in fact. Lotus of Siam restaurant is a must. http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/secrets-of-the-vegas-strip-mall
Posted by Rem | May 2, 2008 1:57 PM
What are the odds? Coming to your blog and what a proposal! I'll be in Vegas celebrating my cousin's 30th birthday...and it will be fresh off of a trip from Napa and San Fran (I leave tomorrow). I live in Bermuda and it's so nice to get off the island and venture back home. I always try to eat at Tao when I'm in Vegas. I know it's popular, but it's good food and primes you for entrance into the club afterward. I'm also hitting this little 24 hour Korean place on the strip called Kimchi. Like another commentor, I have heard fab things about Bouchon but haven't tried it. I guess I'll have to put on my best "chef siting" eyes next weekend. Hooray! Enjoy yourself. Email me at akadams@kpmg.bm.
Posted by Amy | May 2, 2008 1:57 PM
You just missed me! My girlfriend and I had a great six-course fixed-price dinner at a Moroccan restaurant called Marakech. It's off the strip, but in a strip mall. I think it was on Paradise Road...?
We also had dinner at Bouchon and it was a delicious, albeit more low-key, experience!
Posted by Eric | May 2, 2008 2:30 PM
Eat at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris. Very affordable, great quality, excellent service. I never miss it on any Vegas trip!
Posted by Amanda | May 2, 2008 2:45 PM
Eat at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris. Very affordable, great quality, excellent service. I never miss it on any Vegas trip!
Posted by Amanda | May 2, 2008 2:45 PM
If you like Thai food you should go to Lotus of Siam. It's not on the strip and it's in a stripmall. I haven't been there yet but I've read a ton of threads about it on EGullet.
Posted by Amy | May 2, 2008 2:49 PM
We just got back from an amazing visit to Vegas ourselves.
Of course, I would recommend checking out Bouchon, especially for dinner. We really enjoyed sitting out on the patio, and I'd definitely recommend reservations. The food there is classic, French and delicious!
Also, I'd definitely suggest taking a trip off strip and visiting Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant (http://www.marrakechvegas.com/). It's a short cab trip away, but literally a world away from the hustle of your typical Vegas dinner. They offer a six-course "Moroccan Feast." It is by far the most reasonably priced meal I had in Vegas, $40 a person, and without a doubt one of the funnest . The night we were there, they had belly dancers and each of our courses was served slowly in Moroccan style.
I hope you get a chance to check it out, I'd love to hear what you thought. Have a great trip!
Cheers,
Tif
Posted by Tiffany | May 2, 2008 3:26 PM
Off the beaten path, by about 20 minutes by car, is a great restaurant called Rosemary's Restaurant. Its the #1 food pick for Las Vegas on Trip Advisor, and it was worth the excursion. The style is contemporary American. The tasting menu was a great selection of food, but the portions were too large (so we got the last two courses to go). After several days around the strip, with all massively overpriced and inconsistent food, it was nice to have a fine dining experience in what felt like a neighborhood hot spot.
--Jordan
Posted by Jordan | May 2, 2008 3:37 PM
I really like Tao at Venetian.
Posted by rolla | May 2, 2008 3:42 PM
Vegas, Baby!
On my last trip, we dined at Michael Mina's Nobhill in the MGM and while the food was quite nice the service and hospitality was some of the worst I've ever experienced. Perhaps a bona fide celebrity like yourself can get a little better treatment!
The next night we went to Prime Steakhouse at the Bellagio and it was everything we hoped for and more (particularly if you can get a view of the fountain show.
I agree with the other comment about Mon Ami Gabi. We had brunch there on the recommendation of a local and enjoyed the make your own bloody mary bar and people watching on the strip just as much as the great food.
Posted by Jeff | May 2, 2008 3:52 PM
The Pink Taco.
na...just kiddin'
Posted by R. P. McMurphy | May 2, 2008 5:19 PM
If you're looking for a fun place to unwind, I would highly recommend the Peppermill. Goood times.
Posted by zeep | May 2, 2008 5:19 PM
This is certainly not "exciting" but I had an ahi and avocado burger at the Westin on Flamingo that was to die for.
Posted by Kristin | May 2, 2008 7:36 PM
Ahhh-- I've been dying all day...I read this post at work but couldn't comment until I got home. I live in Vegas! (well, Boulder City). And I love your blog and I love wonderful food and oooh man, can I come?? (meraskin at gmail)
As for recs...I'll second Bouchon, really nice bistro style and delicious food (I've had the croque madame and the quiche..but there's always that famous french toast) I also liked Marssa at Loews Lake Las Vegas, they have a really great sushi chef. Alex is also a good bet. I have plans for Rosemarys and Atelier for after you get here so I can't help you there but I've heard great, great things.
If you head to Boulder City, let me know and I can direct you to the best of our 5 restaurants! haha
Have a great trip!
Posted by Morgan Raskin | May 2, 2008 8:01 PM
Oh man, have a blast!! I went to Vegas for the first time in February, so I'm no expert, but here's my two cents:
- Go to Hoover Dam. You'll feel warm, fuzzy and weirdly patriotic like you're on a sixth-grade field trip, but honestly, it's awe-inspiring.
- Our budget only allowed us to ogle places like L'atelier de Joel Robuchon from outside. So if you have the opportunity and the means, for my sake and for the sake of all that is holy, GO!
- Take a ride up the strip to Old Vegas. If you're like us, you'll spot couples on motorcycles tying the knot at drive-thru wedding chapels along the way! Once you arrive, check out Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens. It's anachronistic, the kind of place your dad would probably adore - but the service is warm and welcoming, and the food is prepared with pure love. We had chateau briand and lobster tails, and truly, it was the meal of a lifetime.
Posted by Kristi | May 2, 2008 9:23 PM
I'll second (third?) the recs for Lotus of Siam. But (a) don't go for lunch, and (b) make a reservation.
Details here
http://marriedwithdinner.com/2006/11/06/shining-in-the-shadows/
Posted by Anita | May 3, 2008 12:53 AM
I recommend Bouchon at the Venetian, a little bit tricky to find, but well worth it!
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at the MGM is great to, beautiful open kitchen, but be ready to pay the High Price for Chef of the Century. hahahaha
and the brunch buffet at the Wynn is a must.
enjoy the weekend!
Posted by Simon | May 3, 2008 5:47 AM
My eyes lit up when I saw the Vegas sign, great city. I live clear across the country but will buy a ticket for this! kemorganmoss@hotmail.com
Posted by Kim | May 3, 2008 6:55 AM
I will be in Vegas that same weekend, for a wedding.
My vote for a breakfast place goes to :
Payard Patisserie (which is on my itinerary)
$16 all you can eat pastries
that's all I need.
c
Posted by cecille | May 3, 2008 9:41 AM
As a resident of Vegas, I agree with all the above recommendations but the best food IS off the Strip . . . Guy Savoy and Bouchon are the hottest tickets it town, but venture off Strip and there are some stunning places. Here are some others off the beaten path:
Panevino on Sunset (address: 246 Via Antonio). Fabulous view of the Strip, right on the runway at McCarren, go at sunset and ask for a table by the window. Sabatini is the maitre d' - ask for him. The ribeye is outstanding.
Nora's Cuisine on Flamingo - right behind a 7-11 and next door to a bowling alley (6020 W. Flamingo). Best Italian in the city. Owners are Sicilian and everything is fresh, delicious, inexpensive and wonderful. Really highly, highly recommended. Very popular with locals.
In n Out Burger IS the best fast food there is. Definitely worth it if you've never had one.
Completely agree with others who have suggested Lotus and Rosemary's.
Hash House a Go Go, while a chain, is also very, very good.
Sorry to disagree with those who are "Mon Ami" fans -- the view is stunning, the atmosphere great, but the food is so-so. Besides, it's part of the "Lettuce" chain out of Chicago so you can get it elsewhere. Still it can be a good time.
Those are just my favorites of many good restaurants. If you get stuck in our fair city, please feel free to email me at claycooks@gmail.com. I would, likewise, salivate at the thought of getting to join you at Vegas Uncorked. I've never glammed by a pool or been a part of a posse, but I can clean up with the best of 'em.
You're coming at a good time -- mid-80's, bright sun - perfect Vegas weather! Enjoy!!!
Posted by Clay | May 3, 2008 2:19 PM
The Joel Robuchon restaurant is great..I'm still having trouble getting over the fresh mini baguettes that came in place of a bread basket. And Bouchon is the best place to go for brunch (located in the Venetian).
I was in Vegas at New Years and took an early morning helicopter ride into the grand canyon. This is something I definitely recommend...an incredible experience...
Posted by Gillian | May 3, 2008 10:46 PM
The Joel Robuchon restaurant is great..I'm still having trouble getting over the fresh mini baguettes that came in place of a bread basket. And Bouchon is the best place to go for brunch (located in the Venetian).
I was in Vegas at New Years and took an early morning helicopter ride into the grand canyon. This is something I definitely recommend...an incredible experience...
Posted by Gillian | May 3, 2008 10:46 PM
The Joel Robuchon restaurant is great..I'm still having trouble getting over the fresh mini baguettes that came in place of a bread basket. And Bouchon is the best place to go for brunch (located in the Venetian).
I was in Vegas at New Years and took an early morning helicopter ride into the grand canyon. This is something I definitely recommend...an incredible experience...
Posted by Gillian | May 3, 2008 10:46 PM
I was in Vegas at New Years and took an early morning helicopter ride into the grand canyon. This is something I definitely recommend...an incredible experience...
(And I agree with those recommending Joel Robuchon an Bouchon at the Venetian...go for brunch!)
Posted by Gillian | May 3, 2008 10:48 PM
Wow, sorry, computer posted this several times
Posted by Gillian | May 3, 2008 10:50 PM
Welcome to Vegas! The majority for the suggestions above are great, but where you want to go depends on your criteria.
Guy Savoy and Robuchon are a given and your concierge will back that up; don't forget to talk to him.
Rosemary's and Lotus of Siam are "insider" picks. They are off the strip and go for a less ostentatious presentation then you would find on the strip.
If you want to research yourself, check out our local alternative weekly http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/
We just had our readers choice awards and many of the names above appear in it.
Also, I know the food writer for the weekly and Las Vegas life magazine. He is the one that you should ask for more information.
My email is, agewali at gmail . com (i hate spam and the bots that create them) Let me know if you want to get in contact with him (assuming he is not already going to be there).
I'd also be happy to show you around myself, my job involves a lot of what you are looking for and providence seems to have given me Saturday off.
Posted by anjan | May 3, 2008 10:58 PM
My recommendation?
Lotus of Siam.
Also, if you're people watching on the strip, McDonald's. Cheap and they don't pressure you to leave.
Check out the Liberace Museum.
Posted by susang | May 4, 2008 4:43 AM
Adam, Vegas, and the Food Network!?!
I'm coming down from Alaska for the weekend!
My girl friend's 21st birthday!
She's never been to Vegas!
We watch the Food Network constantly in our log cabin out in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.
When we're not out on the ocean working on our ship that is. Which is where we're at right now.
We'd love to attend a big to do.
We fly in on the evening of the 8th.
Would love to meet you.
Really enjoy your blog and New York.
Posted by Mark Slichter | May 4, 2008 6:04 PM
Sort off the beaten path is Firefly...very well could be the best tapas I've ever had and it was even better since we had such a large group eat there (about 8 people).
I was there in Feb. It is more of a local place than a tourist place but isn't a far taxi cab ride. Here is their website and have fun!
http://fireflylv.com/
Posted by Korenski | May 4, 2008 11:41 PM
My new friend that I work with is going to be there this weekend with her boyfriend. He is getting ready to deploy for 6 months and they are taking this trip before he goes away. I would love to give these tickets to them - I am wine and food crazy about Food Network!
I was just there in March - and I loved the organic tequila and margarita at the new mexican place at Treasure Island.
Best,
Kimberly
Kimba2zoo@yahoo.com
Posted by kimba | May 5, 2008 9:41 AM
Oh My! I am going to be in Vegas that night, too! marcy_robb@hotmail.com
I would love to come to the party, can we buy tickets if we don't win?
As far as dining, joining the hordes that say Bouchon, breakfast or dinner, both outstanding. We are eating at DB Bistro on Friday and I am excited to try it...other than that I think most of the great places have been covered. With all the fans of yours that are going to be in Vegas that weekend, maybe you should have a coffee (or blackjack) meet-up?
Posted by Marcy | May 5, 2008 10:07 AM
The Grove Garden Bistro, away from the strip out at the old Silk Purse Ranch. It's quiet, they have a separate reception hall for weddings.
Don't miss The Fremont Street Experience Downtown,
especially at night on the weekend.
How'd you like to be the first Celebrity on my photoblog? Anotherlasvegasdailyphoto.blogspot.com.
Let me know.
Mo
Posted by mo | May 5, 2008 3:31 PM
The Grove Garden Bistro, away from the strip out at the old Silk Purse Ranch. It's quiet, they have a separate reception hall for weddings.
Don't miss The Fremont Street Experience Downtown,
especially at night on the weekend.
How'd you like to be the first Celebrity on my photoblog? Anotherlasvegasdailyphoto.blogspot.com.
Let me know.
Mo
Posted by mo | May 5, 2008 3:31 PM
I have to strongly vote for Daniel Boulud Brasserie at the Wynn. Just got back from there and the husband hosted my Bday dinner for 10 people there. They did a great job - lovely setting, great service, interesting food. Loved it.
Posted by Shelley | May 6, 2008 4:23 PM