Where to dine in Las Vegas?

Okay, guys, Roxi and I will be in Las Vegas for two whole days.

We have one night reserved for Twist by Pierre Gagnaire in the Mandarin (he's our favorite French chef), but that leaves a lunch and a dinner open.

We figure we'll go to the good old Lotus of Siam. Any other suggestions?

(Not Robuchon; can't handle that and Gagnaire too. Cuisines other than French would be preferred.)

http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/craftsteak-steak-house.aspx
In the MGM Grand.

Second the MGM. Or whatever casino has the best sounding free food.

Jon, thanks, but since my wife doesn't eat beef anymore, and I rarely do when things other than steak are offered, I suspect we might not get the full impact of Craftsteak.

Carl: I don't think the free food aspect of Vegas still applies the way it used to.

LoS, especially if not willing to do French twice. We usually do LoS every night but one where we have one meal on the strip. If French was an option, Alex in the Wynn or Picasso.

Based on a single bad experience, I would suggest you avoid Bartalotta's. I can forgive a lot of serivce and seating issues if the food is outstanding. Unfotunately this was not the case so the fact that they let roughly a dozen folks congregate behind our table in the dining area for 20 minutes while the staff rearranged tables during the dinner service makes this a no brainer when it comes to a second visit.

Tons of Steakhouse options if that is what you want. Pick your favorite celebrity chef. I liked orange clogs and overpriced Barolo so for me it's Carnevino. Seriously look at this wine line http://carnevino.com/pdf/CV%20WINE%20FULL%20(revised)%2010.28.11.pdf and I am fairly sure LoS is looking even better.

If you want Chinese or Japanese cooking, I would see what the Wynn has as options. The Wynn has spent a lot of money courting Asian visitors and I would guess that they have done so also wrt dining.

http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/re ... V_main.htm

Jon, thanks, but since my wife doesn't eat beef anymore, and I rarely do when things other than steak are offered, I suspect we might not get the full impact of Craftsteak.

While you are eating your prime rib or fantastic filet, the chef, with little doubt, will put together an unbelievable non-beef series of dishes. Give them a call before you scratch them off the list. The sides I had were outstanding!

Dear Hoke,
I think you would be doing yourself a disservice to skip e by Jose Andres: http://www.ebyjoseandres.com/

Two seatings nightly, all dishes plated in front of you at a table for eight in a private room. Hope Roxi will still eat jamon iberico de bellota! We had a blast. If you want a sneak peek, check out this review, which was essentially what we received: http://www.kevineats.com/2011/01/e-by-j ... as-nv.html And yes, they only take reservations by email. Also (maybe on a separate visit) try the gin and tonic at the bar. Truly the best I've had.

The whole Cosmopolitan is quite a sight actually, though I couldn't afford to gamble there. Saturday night when the L.A. crowd is there makes you feel like you're in a movie yourself. Highly recommended for drinking and people watching.

The other meal we thought was wonderful was the jazz brunch at The Country Club in Wynn. http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/dining/country-club Not fantastic food, but a very pleasant atmosphere with views of the golf course. Worth every penny.

Walt

Walt, the "e" meal as shown by Kevin was some kind of fantastic!!! I'll take a look at it...and failing that, Jaleo.

Thanks for the tip.