Wednesday, April 02, 2008

This Ain't No Vegas Buffet

Why, Why, Why




Okay, I finally have enough energy to write after my return from Vegas. I know that the Blog is traditionally Bay Area, but this week’s posts will be all about “Sin City”. Today it is all about the food.

When it comes to food Vegas is no longer about cheap buffets. You can still find a buffet, not so cheap any more, but it really has become a city of fine dining. In past trips I have eaten at some very nice restaurants. Here are few places to try if you are planning a trip; followed by two new dining experiences.

Alize (Palm): Let’s start with the view. The Palm is West of the LV Strip and the restaurant is on the top floor. Late evening dining is spectacular, but once the Ghost Bar starts up one floor below the rhythmic thumping can be felt in the dining room, so about 8 PM is the best time, lights of LV and great food. Chef Andre Rochat brings his culinary expertise to a very French inspired menu complimented with an award-winning wine list.

Commander’s Palace (Aladdin): The reason to go to the Las Vegas version of this classic New Orleans eatery is because you have no trip to the Big Easy planned. I normally would not recommend a restaurant that’s flagship is in other city, but this restaurant is renowned for its hospitality as its food and there is no drop in food quality. Besides I would go just for the Creole Bread Pudding SoufflĂ©. Had the dessert in both cities and it is fantastic no matter where it is served.
Link to the menu: http://www.commanderspalace.com/las_vegas/menu_detail.php?menu=14
Okada (Wynn): A very tranquil restaurant in the sea of Vegas noise the space is surrounded by waterfalls, lush gardens and a koi filled lagoon. A table next to the water is a must, make sure you ask for a prime location with your reservation. Chef Masa Ishizawa serves up authentic teppanyaki (teppan , which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grille) and robata cooking (grilling skewered foods over charcoal), with modern Japanese Creations and Sushi that is top grade.
Link to menu:
http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/pdf/Okada_Menu_Jan8_08.pdf

This weekend I left the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel just once but still had two great dining experiences on site. Here are the new:

AJ’s Steakhouse (Hard Rock Hotel and Casino): Las Vegas has plenty of steakhouses Morton’s and Ruth’s Chris have homes in LV and every top notch casino has one. AJ’s is reminiscent of an era when Las Vegas was defined by people who expected only the finest steaks and smoothest martinis. Dark ambiance and a very comfortable dining experience create the perfect setting for diners. I had the 22oz bone-in Rib Eye, done just right. The sides of Potatoes Gratin and Mac and Cheese were incredibly good. Two good bottles of wine from a strong list help to round out the meal.
Link to menu:
http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas/dining/ajs-steakhouse/

Nobu (Hard Rock Hotel and Casino): Must confess been to Nobu in NY so I had very high expectations, which the staff delivered on to finish the weekend in grand style. The sushi is very high grade, and as a very fickly seafood eater it is very important for me to be satisfied. Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has the highest standard for the quality of food from his kitchens. The Toro and other sushi are excellent, the scallops were incredible and I do not like scallops. A must try if you are in NY or LV.
Link to menu:
http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas/dining/nobu/

Happy Dining and Cheers