My partner and I went to Las Vegas last December. I had been complaining that it had been so long since I had been to NYC, LA and SF, that it seemed like an efficient way to see lots of name-chef concepts in one trip. We hit 16 or 17 places in 5 days, with mixed reviews. Know going into it that most of these "outposts" are diluted versions of the real restaurant. That said:
Pinot Brassserie (Joachim Splichel) was the worst meal of the trip. The service was both rude, and technically incorrect. The food was oversalted (I salt like a European) and otherwise nothing special. Great looking room.
Border Grill in the Mandalay Bay Hotel was one of the best meals of the trip. The setting is charming, as was the service. We ate so well at lunch one day, that we went back for dinner later in the week.
Trattoria del Lupo (Puck) was a great meal as well, with very solid service. I've heard that the food can be inconsistent.
Olives in the Bellagio - also good food, but lackluster service. I didn't feel like I got my money's worth here, but that was the theme of the trip. Be ready to spend if you want to really eat.
Aureole was exceptional, even compared to Aureole NYC. The food was well conceived and executed. The dining room is beautiful, as are the tabletop appointments. The "Wine Tower" is a must see for anyone in the business. Great meal and well worth the price. I should have gone there again instead of Pinot Brasserie.
Nobu's room is gorgeous, I wish the staff was nicer. We were trying to walk in right at the beginning of service to no avail. I guess the had three turns on each table with no chance of a cancellation of no-show.
We had desserts at Star Canyon. I would go back there for sure for dinner. Steven Piles' Taqueria Canyonita in the same hotel was a great lunch and margarita spot - overlooking the canals of Venice, no less!
(Maybe more later.....)  | 
