VEGAS REVIEWS

Alizé Restaurant in the Palms Casino & Hotel was a grand experience. My friend and I had the Chef’s Tasting Menu. It was gourmet dining at its best with a delicious seven course meal. André Rochat, is the Chef/Proprietor of the very respected and award winning Andre’s Restaurant. The chefs were very accommodating with dietary requests. My friend started with a pomegranate cocktail and I started with a wonderful Rosé Champagne. Sorry I do not know the name of the Champagne; the more I drank, the less important the name became?! The dining room sits atop the Palms and offers panoramic views of not only the strip but all of the city of Las Vegas. The restaurant requires resort-evening casual, ties are not necessary but jackets are a must for the gentlemen. Ladies, why wear evening casual when you can go evening marvelous. How we ended up in Hugh Hefner’s private Sky Villa after dinner, sipping Perrier-Jouet Champagne is none of your biz-knacks! ;)

Morels French Steakhouse and Bistro in the Palazzo section of the Venetian Hotel & Casino was our only disappointing experience. Our party had grown from two to four, and the service was sufficient but more appropriate for a burger joint not a steakhouse. Drinks and cocktails were had by all, and glasses were removed instead of being asked for replacement drinks. One guest said her free-range chicken was delicious. My 18 hour braised beef short rib au daube was too dry and did not live up to its 18 hour braised reputation. The reason we went was for its famous artisan cheese menu. It is known for its iced seafood bar, cheese and charcuterie bar with more than 30 farmhouse and artisanal cheeses from around the world. We did order a trio of cheese that was wonderfully presented with date compote and honey comb. The cheese was good, the food so-so, and the service okay.

Red Square Restaurant in Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino was a great experience. They have an extensive cocktail menu, of course, all made with vodka, exotic Russian names, and varied ingredient combinations. Makes for a fun and festive drinking experience, where all senses are stimulated. Two of us ordered the taster menu and I added the wine pairing. It was delicious and mouth-watering. We were tantalized with seared foie gras, baked apples and French toast with a Champagne chaser and more. Others ordered off the menu and were equally delighted with their cuisine. There’s even a caviar “Happy Hour”, which we did not indulge in and a vodka vault. Apparently you may buy a bottle of vodka (cheapest ones run around $180-200) and drink it in the exclusive vodka vault with an ice-bar while wearing fur coats. The left over vodka they use in your additional vodka cocktails. Only in Vegas and in my dreams! Our waiter was fantastic, making recommendations, accommodating menu requests and changes, and constant but not invasive service. Don’t miss this one next time your in Vegas!