129 replies to this topic

[Evelyn]

Well, the only reason you might want to go would be as a basis for comparison. The Tuesday market has a 'broader' appeal (read: it is much less expensive with more 'standard' variety produce and things liked fried dough and cotton candy for the kids). The Batali market is higher end. With some of the same vegetables (and farmers) that the better restaurants in town use. The quality and selection is by far superior to the Tuesday market.

[Lauren]

I'm meeting a friend in Las Vegas next week to celebrate her 50th birthday. We're staying at the Wynn and will be there Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights (the 26th through the 29th). I want to take her to a special, memorable dinner one night and am totally confused about where to go! I'd love to go to Alex but they're only open Wednesday through Saturday. Joël Robuchon? We went to L'Atelier last time we were there and found it underwhelming. Is Joël Robuchon really that much better? The menus at both Picasso and Guy Savoy look good. Has anyone been recently? Our other choices are Twist (that name really bothers me), Sage or Julian Serrano. I need help!

[Evelyn]

It depends on how much cash you want to drop. Robuchon is much better on an ambience and service level, The food is technically perfect. But, lacks the soul you would've enjoyed at Alex. The bread and mignardis carts are almost worth making the visit ;-). Guy Savoy-I've eaten there twice and was underwhelmed both times. One of those visits was with a chef who has his own Michelin stars, and was known to the house. Picasso-the menu has been pretty much the same since they opened. Tweaks here and there for seasonality. The kitchen could prepare it in their sleep-so, you will (most likely) get a very good meal. Also, the artwork and the view of the fountains adds to the ambience. Julian Serrano is more of a loud tapas bar, than a 'fine dining' experience. I am speaking more to the atmosphere and service than the food. Twist, your crew needs to be open to an 'adventure'. Each course has numerous elements. Sometimes they all work quite well together. Othre times, you are left wondering what the kitchen was trying to get across. I like Sage. But, my last meal was marred by fish that never should have left the kitchen. I don't know if that was a one time thing, or a sign of something more ominous. Hope this helps.

[Lauren]

Thanks Evelyn - it does help. I am planning to drop some bucks, being her 50th and she's one of my best friends since 8th grade and all, so that's not an issue. The lack of soul is something that I worry about at most of these places. Why, oh why, does Alex have to be closed?!

The ambiance at Picasso does appeal to me, so that's moving it's way to the top of the list.

Re: Twist, is the need for adventure the reason for the name?

Is there someplace you recommend that I haven't listed?

PS, if you're in town and feel like coming to the strip for a drink or something. I'd love to meet you.

[Evelyn]

Re Twist-yes, they throw some curve balls at you in regard to what you expect to have when you read a description, and what you receive. They like to make you think a little.

If you want to stay on the Strip only--SPago has gotten much better since Eric Klein tookover a couple of years ago. And, Rick Moonen has reopened the upstairs fine dining area of RM. I was quite pleased with a recent dinner there. If you want to venture off the Strip for a more casual experience, there is always Lotus of Siam or aku (which is my favorite place in town for a regular evening out. They are both very short cab rides from the Strip. For cocktails-if you are going downtown, check ou the Downtown Cocktail Room.


PS check your PMs

[foodie52]

I'll be in Vegas Nov.5-7.

Going to check off something that has long been on my bucket list: LOVE!

Evelyn, if you'd like to meet up for a drink, lunch on the 6th or dinner on the 5th (I will read this thread and search for reasonably priced great food..haha...) let me know!

[Evelyn]

Sorry Jane, will be in NOLA and Baton Rouge for the Bama-LSU game (and some eating and drinking). Have a good visit.

[Daniel]

On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I had a bunch of spectacular meals.. I was basically hanging out in Vegas's Chinatown...

If you are in to Japanese Izakaya, then i highly, highly, highly suggest Raku.. Rumored to be Joel Rubuchon's favorite place in Vegas.. You must make reservations.. Small room, homemade tofu, lots of fish flown in daily, prices are pretty reasonable.. This is probably my favorite place in Vegas

We also went to this place called Hot N Juicy Crawfish.. We went here about 5 times on our 14 day trip.. Here you order steamed shellfish by the pound. Snow Crab, Blue Crab. Dungeness Crab, Crawfishm King Crab and Shrimp.. You then order the spice level and the seasoning. Lots of garlic.. Tables are covered in plastic.. 3 dollar beers.. Some of the best seafood I have had.. This place is pretty great.. Don't go dressed up... I would recommend the shrimp, the snow crab, and the dungeness.. I normally hate crab as it comes out soggy and water logged..(due to improper defrosting) Not here.. Error on the side of less spicy.. Medium is super hot..

We went to Sen of Japan which is a little out there if you don't have a car.. if you do, it's definitely worth it.. A really great sushi and cooked food experience.. Plus they are opened to 4 am..

Lastly, if you want a great bowl of pho I highly recommend Pho So 1... Spring Rolls were the best i ever had. Pho broth is spectacular.. Open late too..

These are just some out of the ordinary spots I highly recommend.. Also, pricing is fantastic..

[Evelyn]

Totally agree about Raku. My favorite 'regular' meal spot (also, not just Robuchon, but, Rick Moonen, Kerry Simon, Alex Stratta and many other high profile chefs can be seen in there late at night). They've expanded. It's still not huge, but, you've got a shot at being able to walk in. If you can't get in, a couple doors down in that same shopping center is Monta. Outstanding Ramen. Have a bowl of that or anything else on the menu that sounds good (everything I've tried has been good) to you, while you wait for a spot at Raku. Also like Sen--it's a very quick trip for me ;-). Ask to sit with Shinji at the sushi bar. I also like Izykaya and Hot n Juicy. There's also an interesting tapas spot at Town Square-Nu Sanctuary.

[Daniel]

Totally agree about Raku. My favorite 'regular' meal spot (also, not just Robuchon, but, Rick Moonen, Kerry Simon, Alex Stratta and many other high profile chefs can be seen in there late at night). They've expanded. It's still not huge, but, you've got a shot at being able to walk in. If you can't get in, a couple doors down in that same shopping center is Monta. Outstanding Ramen. Have a bowl of that or anything else on the menu that sounds good (everything I've tried has been good) to you, while you wait for a spot at Raku. Also like Sen--it's a very quick trip for me ;-). Ask to sit with Shinji at the sushi bar. I also like Izykaya and Hot n Juicy. There's also an interesting tapas spot at Town Square-Nu Sanctuary.

Izakaya I liked too... Though much more casual and more hectic young vibe...

[foodie52]

Thank you! Couldn't resist Nu....made reservations.
Of course, I could change my mind between now and then..

[Lauren]

...

If you are in to Japanese Izakaya, then i highly, highly, highly suggest Raku.. Rumored to be Joel Rubuchon's favorite place in Vegas.. You must make reservations.. Small room, homemade tofu, lots of fish flown in daily, prices are pretty reasonable.. This is probably my favorite place in Vegas

...

Totally agree about Raku. My favorite 'regular' meal spot (also, not just Robuchon, but, Rick Moonen, Kerry Simon, Alex Stratta and many other high profile chefs can be seen in there late at night). They've expanded. It's still not huge, but, you've got a shot at being able to walk in. If you can't get in, a couple doors down in that same shopping center is Monta. Outstanding Ramen. Have a bowl of that or anything else on the menu that sounds good (everything I've tried has been good) to you, while you wait for a spot at Raku. Also like Sen--it's a very quick trip for me ;-). Ask to sit with Shinji at the sushi bar. I also like Izykaya and Hot n Juicy. There's also an interesting tapas spot at Town Square-Nu Sanctuary.

Sold! I just booked Raku for Tuesday nights dinner.

[Evelyn]

Thank you! Couldn't resist Nu....made reservations.
Of course, I could change my mind between now and then..

An FYI. The current chef is departing 10/16, so you might want to rethink your reservation.

[mitchells]

Just back from Las Vegas and did the usual steakhouse thing at Nine (always excellent!)and a first time visit at SW at Wynn. While the creamed corn with truffle at SW was one of the best steakhouse sides I ever had, the rest of the meal was pretty ordinary. I prefer the steak at Nine.

Also stopped by the always popular Fuku Burger truck on Spring Mountain Rd where people line up for the burgers with an Asian twist till late in the night. These burgers are awesome and completely take away the need for an In and Out fix. I had the Tamago Burger which had crispy fried onions, a fried egg, teryaki and something called Fuku Sauce. My brother had the Butu Burger which includes miso glazed applewood smoked bacon, american cheese, onions, pickled ginger and Japanese BBQ sauce.

Be prepared to wait to order and for your food but the scene and music make the time pass quickly.

[mitchells]

John Curtas, Las Vegas restaurant reviewer and blogger Eating Las Vegas just published his Insiders Guide to Eating Las Vegas-The 50 Essential Restaurants. The Top 10 are:

ALEX

BAR MASA

Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare

CUT

Joël Robuchon

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Picasso

Restaurant Guy Savoy

RM Upstairs

Twist by Pierre Gagnaire

Surprises to me are CUT and RM Upstairs. CUT because there are so many steakhouses I assumed to be in the same class as CUT and RM Upstairs because I've seen very little written about it.