Vegas Trip Review

On this, my 6th trip to Vegas from sunny Mexico, I rented a car for the first time and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get around. You can't beat the mobility of having your own car! On previous visits I had always walked the Strip as far as my tired feet would take me so this was a refreshing change. And there is nothing like cruising the Strip at 2 AM in a convertible!

As far as eating goes, I agree with many posters that the Strip is expensive, but I also agree that you have such a huge selection of restaurants, some good, some great and some not so great.

Some places I have had the chance to try:

Lotus of Siam - thanks to this board/website I found out about it two years ago and have had dinner there every time since! Somehow I can't get beyond ordering the basil duck which always gives me mouthgasms.

Joe's Stone Crab - I'm a fan of Joe's from when I used to travel to Miami a lot. The Vegas Forum version is great; the waiters are just as wise-guy formal as they are in Miami. I had one negative experience with a server who, after I had paid the bill for my guests, approached me and asked if I didn't like the service, although I had left a 20% tip which she apparently didn't notice. Needless to say, embarrassing for me and tacky on her part. Wrote a note to the company and they took care of me on my next visit - very smooth.

Rao's - this Italian place in Caesars Palace always called out to me and on this last trip I finally had dinner there. While the food was good and the Mexican waiters attentive, I didn't
think the food - with the exception of the antipasti - was all that.

Coffee Cup - thanks to a concierge's recommendation for a good place to eat on the way to the Hoover Dam, I had breakfast at this diner in Boulder City. Excellent, downbeat and so refreshing after the glitz and glam of Vegas.

Tao - Very cool decor, pricey and the food was good. But there are about a hundred other places I'd like to try before heading back.

Palio Café - At the Bellagio, this little café has the best coffee and great breakfast items. Always full, I usually end up having breakfast here at least once.

Boa - In the Forum shops, the steak was excellent, the service mediocre and the hostesses snooty. Didn't like the room either, a little too sterile for me.

Sushi Roku - Again, at the Caesars Palace, across from that bar with the ships prow sticking out that people smash their heads into. Alright, nothing to write home about but the sushi was good.

That's all I can think of now. On my next trip I plan on looking for more local favorites especially in the Burgers, Diners and Ribs departments!

BillLawson in Southwest

Best of the Yucatan?

I would have to disagree with the choice of Carreta Cubana - while it is popular, I think there are dozens of places that will give you a round of little snacking plates with your beer that are better than this place. Try Heladios, a veritable Merida institution with several locations including one at the beach in Progreso, instead. I reviewed the Carreta Cubana II: http://casualrestaurantcritic.blogspot.com/2008/08/la-carreta-cubana-ii.html

BillLawson in Mexico

Outside Dining in Las Vegas

I´ve been to TAO twice for dinner and can honestly say that all the food is delectable. Pricey, but delectable. And the ambience is very cool indeed. Go for the duck! Mmm good.

BillLawson in Southwest

Best of the Yucatan?

If you get a chance to come to Mérida, you will find good eating! I have a blog on the subject at http://casualrestaurantcritic.blogspot.com/

Happy eating!

BillLawson in Mexico