The opulent and the brash meet in Las Vegas.
The opulent and the brash meet a vibrant restaurant scene in Sin City. Don’t miss a trick, writes
SEE
Absinthe This colourful recreation of an old-school European circus show deftly combines daredevil acrobatics with cabaret, burlesque and salacious comedy. Staged in a spiegeltent outside Caesars Palace, it’s a bawdy alternative to the more clean-cut Cirque du Soleil productions. The equally outrageous sci-fi show, Opium, opened in March at The Cosmopolitan. spiegelworld.com
STAY
Vdara Located between the more ostentatious Aria Resort & Casino and the Bellagio, this all-suite non-gaming hotel offers welcome respite from the clamour of the Strip. Its 1,495 suites have living areas, well-equipped kitchens and spacious bathrooms. It also has a rooftop pool, a spa featuring ESPA treatments and a free tram to neighbouring hotels. 2600 W Harmon Ave, vdara.com
E AT
China Tang The first US outpost of the Tang dynasty’s restaurant group (also in London and Hong Kong) opened at the MGM Grand earlier this year. Like its older iterations, China Tang (above) offers upscale Cantonese and Sichuanese fare and evokes the glamour of a 1930s supper club. Signature dishes include Peking duck and a whole chicken baked in clay that’s set alight and hammered open at the table. Expect noodlepulling demonstrations and live music between courses. 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, mgmgrand.com
Carson Kitchen Set in a former 1950s motel in Downtown’s emerging Fremont East District, this laid-back eatery serves refined comfort food from an open kitchen. Start with a cocktail in the courtyard or rooftop bar; follow up with dishes such as chicken skins with smoked honey, and devilled eggs topped with pancetta and caviar. 124 S 6th St, carsonkitchen.com
Pronto by Giada The latest venture by TV chef Giada De Laurentiis plugs the gap in Vegas for a stylish and affordable café and takeaway. Located inside Caesars Palace, Pronto serves panini, pastries and speciality brews by Counter Culture Coffee. Highlights include lemon-ricotta cookies and grapefruit-Aperol sorbet. The chef’s fine diner, Giada, is nearby in The Cromwell boutique hotel. 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, caesars.com
Running out of Ruinart will never be a problem at The Palazzo’s Rosina. This Art Deco-style cocktail bar, furnished with crystal chandeliers and velvet banquettes, has tableside Champagne call buttons.