Our Vegas Information

A lot of people ask Mike and me (mostly Mike since he lived there last year for multiple weeks) where to eat, where to stay and what to do in Vegas.  Quick back story, I never had been to Vegas until I was about 26.  I thought since I did not like gambling, I would definitely not like Vegas.  I could not have been more wrong.  Vegas might be one of my favorite cities mainly because it has EVERYTHING!  It by far has some of the best food in one collective place out of anywhere I have ever been; okay maybe New York is about the same, but I rarely get to New York. 

Food Recommendations:
So here is the list of restaurants that Mike normally sends out to people and I will add commentary in purple text:
"If $ or adventure wasn’t an issue I would send you the bellow list, it is kind of like a bucket list of big name places in Vegas: 

1. Joel Robuchon - http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/joel-robuchon-french-restaurant.aspx  (note it is $500 a head)

2. Bouchon - http://www.venetian.com/Pages.aspx?id=832 This might be my one of my favorite places...Mike and I have had wonderful dinners and breakfasts here and it is just a class act.

3. Nobu - http://www.noburestaurants.com/las-vegas/menus/dinner/cold-dishes/

4. RM Seafood - http://www.rmseafood.com/

5. RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY - http://www.caesarspalace.com/casinos/caesars-palace/restaurants-dining/restaurant-guy-savoy-detail.html

 

On the list, Bouchon is probably the most reasonable and is really something special.  Their baked goods really are world class and it is one of the only places in Vegas that have outdoor seating that isn't on the strip.

 For a bit more standard list:

 In the Wynn – the steak house (SW) is solid.  I should warn you that the bar at SW is usually full of “entertainment”.

Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill at Ceaser’s is pretty cool. Kind of Southwest food but a great bourbon and tequila list.  I have only had breakfast here with Mike, but it was outstanding.  They had some cheese grits that were the best I have ever had.

At MGM – Craft Steak is probably the best beef in town, not cheap but not Vegas crazy. Next door, Emeril’s Fish House is solid. Craft Steak is an insane amount of food - glutenous to say the least, but it is all outstanding.  Emeril's Fish House is probably my favorite restaurants.  They have a chef's tasting menu that they can also pair with wine and it has always been outstanding.

At Palazzo  Lavo – not the dance club but the restaurant, their apps and desert are great, entrées are pretty basic Italian. They do have a 1lb meat ball. Also, Sushi Samba, second floor of Palazzo is very good sushi and cooked food. Pretty fun atmosphere and much more than a sushi place.

At Aria –Sage - Updated American food in a cool room.  Aria is a fun new casino at the City Center property and the restaurant is right off the lobby.

One other thought if you are looking for something that will surprise people - Binion's Steak House -  Really Old School Vegas steak house, the food is worth twice what they charge and holds it's own vs. the strip steak houses.  The room is red walls with black velvet and red leather booths and your waiter will be easily AARP age.  After dinner you could have some cheap fun at the Downtown Casinos. This sounds kind of crazy, but it is really fun!  Downtown is such a different feeling from the strip."

So there is Mike's advice on dining in Vegas.

Lodging Recommendations:

As far as my preferences go for lodging, I really like the MGM properties.  I have to say I LOVE the MGM Signature because it is non-smoking and has all the amenities of being at the MGM.  Also our room had a mini fridge/kitchenette in it, which was nice for bring back leftovers from the yummy restaurants.  And I love the pool at the MGM, which I will discuss later, but it definitely keeps me coming back there.

Mike has stayed a bunch at the Palazzo which is connected to the Venetian hotel.  I stayed there with him once and we had a beautiful room, but I think when Mike goes down for business he gets better rooms than if it is just us going. 

I have always wanted to stay at Mandalay Bay Hotel.  Mike has stayed there for several conventions and has said it is nice.  And I have heard their pool complex is outstanding.

Things to Do:

There are four things I like to do in Vegas...

1.  Go to the pool - I love pools in Vegas.  I also like cabanas in Vegas because it gives you some shade if you need it and a pool attendant that is there just to get you stuff you need.  Usually you have to talk to the concierge or someone like that to get a cabana and they are usually in the $250-400 range, but I like it!

2.  Go to the spa - most of the spas in Vegas are world class, especially if you stay on the strip.  I would highly recommend both pedicures and massages.  Facials tend to be more hit or miss dependent on the technician, but I generally get awesome pedis and massages.  The spa is not cheap, but always a wonderfully relaxing experience.

3.  Eating amazing food - mostly discussed above, but truly I love being adventurous!

Pai Gow Poker and I really enjoy playing that.  Also table minimums tend to be lower downtown than they do at the strip casinos.

I think that is it.  Hope this helps and let Mike or I know if you have any further questions or want more specific advice on where you are staying.

Cheers to fun times in Vegas!