Vegas on a plate
Edited by VICKY LISSAMAN
THE opportunity for truly unapologetic indulgence is the magnet that draws pleasure seekers to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
In a city where hedonism is positively encouraged, some get their kicks from gambling in the casinos, while others make legally-binding promises in front of Elvis (almost).
However, in a world where chefs are celebrities and food is not just fuel, but art, a lifestyle choice, and a feast for all the senses, Vegas is now tapping into the global trend of eating out as entertainment and boasts an evergrowing collection of show-stopping restaurants.
The Beauty & Essex restaurant, one of the most popular dining destinations in New York’s Lower East side, now has a branch at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel.
With its eclectic pawn shopstyle entrance leading to opulent jewellery box-themed dining rooms, it has consistently been ranked as one of the hottest new restaurants on the Strip since its doors opened last year.
We sampled a mouthwatering menu boasting culinary gems such as dryaged chuck sliders as well as an array of fresh seafood dishes.
Lunch at The Lago, the five-star Bellagio hotel’s restaurant, is another essential destination for the discerning diner, which begins with the visual spectacle of 2,000 vividly coloured glass flowers, hand blown by sculptor Dale Chihuly, covering 2,000sq ft of the lobby ceiling.
In the dining room we devoured dainty plates of bold flavours such as beef tenderloin and shrimp ravioli, while being simultaneously dazzled by the spectacular Bellagio fountains, an expertly choreographed show of water and lights, set to a concert of classical, Broadway and pop tunes.
For something less ostentatious, but equally delicious, try the Aria Resort and Casino’s Bardot French brasserie where highlights include a deluxe shellfish tower and snails served with toasted hazelnuts and garlic butter.
After dinner we joined the party at the hotel’s Jewel nightclub, where five themed VIP suites circle the mezzanine floor and distinctive LED ribbons adorn the pillars and walls, giving it a gorgeous glow.
The fun and fantasy continued into the next day at the Aria Resort’s Liquid Pool Lounge, where Prosecco flowed freely around the circular day beds and cabanas while the club anthems ramped up the high energy vibes.
For more designer dining, we later headed for Twist, three-Michelinstarred Pierre Gagnaire’s FrenchAmerican fine-dining destination on the Mandarin Oriental’s 23rd floor.
Beneath glass orb chandeliers we enjoyed lobster soufflé with fennel, peas and fava beans followed by succulent American Wagyu beef.
Another of Vegas’s growing attractions is its array of opulent spas.
An aromatherapy facial at the swish Reliquary Spa and Salon at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino proved to be a triumph at ironing out the creases of jet lag and excesses.
I also visited the Himalayan Salt Cave at the Spa at The Linq where I breathed in the salt-infused air, renowned for its rejuvenating properties.
A spot of retail therapy at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace was a different type of tonic. Exclusive stores such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci rub shoulders with popular high street chains under its huge domed roof.
Statues of Roman gods, marble pillars and even a replica of the Trevi Fountain ramp up the glitz factor.
Keen to go out in style, we eventually hit the High Roller, an observation wheel with 28 enclosed glass cabins and a well-stocked bar.
Watching the neon lights sparkle over the Strip was a glittering end to a deliciously decadent trip.