Lifestyle: The Food Fanatic
Q: I've heard legends of some famous chefs, and now I want to try their food. Where can I find the restaurants influenced by these culinary magicians?
A: Many world-famous chefs have come to try their luck in Vegas in recent years.
The host with the most - restaurants, that is - has his stamp on Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at MGM Grand, Chinois and Spago at Caesars Palace, Trattoria del Lupo at Mandalay Bay, Postrio at the Venetian and his latest addition to Las Vegas, CUT at The Palazzo.
Emeril Lagasse put his signature "bam!" on Table 10 at The Palazzo, Emeril's New Orleans Fish House at The MGM Grand and Delmonico Steakhouse at the Venetian.
MGM Grand has world class Chef Joël Robuchon. Michael Mina has taken Vegas for a culinary ride with creations including Bellagio's Michael Mina, MGM Grand's Nobhill and Mandalay Bay's Stripsteak. Chef David Burke has David Burke in The Venetian and he also designed the menu for Hawaiian Tropic Zone in The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.
Q: I'm trying to impress my spouse with a classy dinner, but I want to make sure I hit the finest place. Where is my best bet?
A: You can always head for the award-winning restaurants, such as Bouchon, which was an Epicurean Award winner for Best French, Best New Restaurant on the Strip, Best Restaurant on the Strip and Best Restaurant. Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro in the Palazzo offers a romantic atmosphere either in a cozy booth or outside with a great view of the Strip. Bellagio's Picasso and Le Cirque are both recognized by AAA as Five Diamond Restaurants. If your spouse loves to be surrounded by flowers, Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay would be perfect.
Q: Where can I find the classic Vegas steak dinner, 24 hours a day?
A: The classic Vegas steak dinner is one of our favorites. Here are a few places that are easy on your wallet: Mr. Lucky's 24/7 at the Hard Rock, Bay City Diner at the Golden Gate hotel and the Monterey Room at the Gold Coast. You can get a prime rib dinner for a mere $8.95 at the Cafe Siena at Suncoast and a hearty 16-ounce T-bone steak dinner at the Orleans' Courtyard Cafe for the same low price. For a complete list of steak specials, click here.
Q: What about upscale steakhouses?
A: If you're willing to splurge, there are some great steaks out there. Gallagher's Steakhouse in New York - New York serves a perfectly aged piece of beef, complete with viewing window into the room where the meat is being aged. Craftsteak in MGM Grand is also a restaurant that uses only top-quality ingredients.
Q: I am the king of buffets, and food is my passion. Where do I eat?
A: Vegas will certainly satisfy your need. If gourmet is your thing, the Bellagio , Wynn and the Paris will do you right. Some other buffets worth digging into are the Bistro Buffet at the Palms as well as the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio and Cravings at the Mirage.
Q: I'm more of a Sunday brunch person. Where would you suggest I go?
A: A nice relaxing brunch you say? Try Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris hotel complete with Champagne and build-your-own bloody Mary bar. The Steak House at Circus Circus, the Sterling Brunch at Bally's (it's a bit pricey but well worth it) or the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay are also great. For something exotic but fanciful, visit Gaylord's Indian lunch buffet at the Rio.
Q: Good food in a swank atmosphere is very important to me. What are my options?
A: If you want a place that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, treat yourself to Bellagio's Picasso, featuring dozens of pieces by the Spanish artist himself, or Le Cirque, where you will see every gentleman sporting a jacket and tie. Other restaurants showcasing a nice atmosphere are STACK and Kokomo's at Mirage, Mix at Mandalay Bay and FIX at Bellagio. If you want a view that stretches beyond the dining décor, get in your reservations for Top of the World at the Stratosphere, Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas or Alizé at the Palms -- all offering a spectacular view of Vegas. If you like to dine outdoors, Todd English's Olives at Bellagio offers an up-close, remarkable view of the resort's dancing waters. If wine's your thing, Aureole at Mandalay Bay boasts a three-story wine tower. Pamplemousse is one of Vegas' classic French gourmet establishments.
Q: Where can I find a meal among memorabilia?
A: Vegas is loaded with themed restaurants. A few places worth mentioning are House of Blues,NASCAR Cafe,Quark's Bar and Restaurant,ESPN Zone,Planet Hollywood,Hard Rock Cafe,Rainforest Cafe, and, of course, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.
Q: Where do I go if I'm craving a particular type of ethnic food?
A: If you take a look at all the restaurants Vegas has to offer, you'll see that the city is a salad bowl of ethnic eateries. Check out our Dining Guide and search by cuisine. Be sure to try the Hawaiian-fusion food at Roy's or the Brazilian, Caribbean and Cuban fare at Mandalay Bay's rumjungle. We could go on forever ... but on to the next question.
Q: I have sworn off meat and follow a strict vegetarian diet. What places offer a variety of vegetarian dishes?
A: Veggie-lovers can find entrées and side dishes at P.F. Chang's at Planet Hollywood and at Paymon's Mediterranean Café on Maryland Parkway. Also, Vegas' many buffets offer a fine selection of meatless dishes. Check out our list of other vegetarian options in Vegas.
Q: I'm not exactly a vegetarian, but I would like to eat somewhere that has more health-conscious food. Where can I go?
A: If you want healthier cuisine without ditching the flavor, check out RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant at the Fashion Show Mall and Sushi Roku at The Forum Shops at Caesars. Both restaurants offer great sushi sure to tantalize your taste buds while still staying healthy.
Q: I have a huge sweet tooth, and I live for dessert. Where can I get my fix?
A: If you're walking down the Strip and you're hit by a chocolate craving, stop by Ethel M Chocolates in the Showcase Mall. For a sit-down joint that offers desserts to die for, you must visit Lenôtre at the Paris, Postrio at the Venetian, The Cheesecake Factory at the Forum Shops, Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie and Cafe Gelato at the Bellagio or the Chocolate Swan at Mandalay Bay. If you want a taste of Vegas history, try Luv-It Frozen Custard, a Vegas institution. But for a new twist on an old standby, indulge in jelly-filled donut holes at STACK and the bananas Foster cheesecake at Kokomo's
Q: Where can I find purely West Coast fast food?
A: Vegas offers two of the greatest joints ever conceived for the taste buds of man: Fatburger and In-N-Out.
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