A Foodie in Las Vegas

Terrace Pointe Café (Wynn)

In that mega playground for adults, there is everything you need to fulfill many spheres of pleasure and good food is one of them.  All the major chefs in North America have a joint in Vegas and even some Europeans Michelin star chefs are present. Of course, you won’t find them in the kitchen but they are behind the concept.  There is nothing better than a great meal after a good show or to celebrate your wins as a gambler.

After my third trip in Sin City, here are my favourite spots for food on the strip:

High Roller

* Joel Rebuchon (MGM) $230 for a 6 course menu (no booze) seems expensive but is a great deal if you compare to what it would cost you in France for the same meal.  You will experience out of this world service and exquisite food.  The bread cart and “mignardises” cart are just unbelievable with 18 kinds of breads baked on site and 20+ choices of sugar treats. A night that will make you feel special for sure.

Bread cart at Joël Rebuchon (MGM)

Dessert at Joël Rebuchon (MGM)

*Michael Mina (Bellagio) is my favourite of all.  Go with the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing (below $200 per person) for a full experience and I strongly recommend the osetra caviar parfait for the full treat.  The ahi tuna tartar is great and I love the lobster pot with truffles….yummy.

Caviar parfait at Michael Mina (Bellagio)

*Mix (Hotel at Mandalay Bay) has one of the hottest spot on the dinning scene with a view of the strip from the top floor of The Hotel. The murano glass chandelier bigger than my appt will surely catch your eye and Alain Ducasse’s cuisine is worth trying.  A must.

On a budget

A good way to avoid breaking the bank for dinner without having to sacrifice quality is to go for the lounge menus. Most high end place now offer the small plate options. It’s the way to go if you would like to have light dinners. Don’t be afraid to order only appetizers even in the main dining room, nobody will make any fuss about it since tapas are trendy .

*American Fish (Aria) has a lounge menu with great tapas choices ($8 each, 2 for $15, 3 for $22, 4 for $28) and a choice of wine by the glass or cocktails for $7 during happy hour. This is hard to beat with Michael Mina behind the concept.

*Julian Serrano (Aria) is an all tapas Spanish restaurant on the casino floor. I would not call that place “high end” but they serve a wide selection of good tapas and wine list is extensive. You can have a nice meal for $50 per head all included. The halibut ceviche and the scallops romanesco were winners as well as the chorizo on garlic mashed potatoes.

*Buffet at the Wynn. If you want quantity + quality it’s the way to go. There are tonnes of buffet served in Vegas but this one is worth the extra buck  (approx $35 for dinner) for sitting in a nice environment and having that little extra touch.

*Special note to the breakfast spot I found on my last trip:  The Terrace Pointe Café at the Wynn. Sitting is set up near the pool and surrounded by gardens. I had to most decadent Lobster benedict with fresh corn. Perfect dish and perfect place. I just love the Wynn.

Lobster benedicts at the Terrace Pointe café (Wynn)

*Make sure you make a stop at Pâtisserie Jean-Philippe for a pastry or exquisite chocolates. The coffee is really good too. Two locations: At the Aria and Bellagio.

Chocolate fountain at Jean-Philippe (Bellagio)

* Lunch at Mon ami Gaby (Paris) on the terrace is a must when the weather is nice. Not so much for the food, which is ok, but to watch the Bellagio majestic fountains right in front. Best seats in the house to watch that strip landmark sipping on a nice glass of wine. Enjoy!