Three girls, three nights in Vegas -- tentative itinerary

Thanks! That's really helpful. The only problem is that I tried to book Bouchon and they don't take resevations from brunch. Looks like we'd be waiting for hours if we tried to get a table at around 2pm...We're thinking of booking Jaleo for Friday night (no super late, around 9:30pm) and then trying Bouchon the next day for lunch/brunch.

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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

dcbean in Las Vegas

Three girls, three nights in Vegas -- tentative itinerary

I'm planning the final details of a trip with two close friends. I've looked at a ton of other threads, but they're mostly about long meals with multiple courses. We're foodies, but we're not looking for three-hour long meals with 10 courses. It's going to be more about the atmosphere and the quality of the food itself. With that in mind, here's what I have reserved so far:

Friday night (arriving somewhat late, trying to take it easy):
Bouchon (i've been to the one in Napa and loved it)

Saturday:
TAO
alternatives: Nobu

Sunday:
Spago
alternatives: B&B, scarpetta, Jaleo

Any advice will be more than appreciated! Specifically, something tells me B&B and Scarpetta are better than Spago, but I've never been to any of them. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Nobu Restaurant
4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

dcbean in Las Vegas

New Year's Eve in Seattle

We currently live in San Francisco and will be spending 5 days in Seattle, including New Year's Eve. We've checked out several threads about dining in seattle, and while I've noted Poppy, How to Cook a Wolf, and Tamarind Tree for other nights, we're at a loss when it comes to deciding our NYE's plans.

We're in a couple in our mid-twenties and are looking for a restaurant with a bar where we could celebrate. While we want good food and price isn't necessarily an object, we haven't been able to settle on a restaurant. Here are some that we've considered based on opentable's list:
- Cafe Bastille (not sure there's a bar but from what I've read it's quite lively)
- Purple wine bar (friends recommended the food, and they're serving their regular menu
- Can Can (it seems like they'll have a party and it's downtown, close to where we're staying)
- Wild ginger (solid food and open that night)

We're hesitant to go somewhere that only offers a special prix fixe since we don't eat red meat, pork or shellfish.

Does anyone know of a lively restaurant (preferably near downtown) where it wouldn't necessarily die down at 12:05 am? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!

dcbean in Greater Seattle

Looking for a French Brasserie in SF

A delayed response here, but thanks for all the suggestions! I think the Grand Cafe is definitely the closest to what I had in mind. Looking forward to trying it out!

dcbean in San Francisco Bay Area

Looking for a French Brasserie in SF

I recently moved to SF and have yet to find a loud, crazy, and vibrant brasserie. I'm looking for something like Bistrot du Coin (http://www.bistrotducoin.com/), in case any of you have been to DC. I know their food wasn't amazing, but it was solidly good and very authentic.

Are their any brasseries like this? I've been to Gamine, but it's quite small, and the menu isn't necessarily traditional. Absinthe was great, but too elegant for what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

dcbean in San Francisco Bay Area

TW Food or Ten Tables in Cambridge?

Thanks for the reply. I've looked at both menus, and they seem great. I guess I'm more curious to see whether people have better things to say about one or the other... They seem to be similar in style, cuisine, etc, but does one outshine the other in terms of the overall experience?

dcbean in Greater Boston Area

TW Food or Ten Tables in Cambridge?

I'm being taken out for my birthday, and I have to choose between TW Food and Ten Tables. I've heard mixed reviews of both, so I'm having a hard time deciding.

Considering neither of us eats meat or shellfish, which one is more recommended?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

dcbean in Greater Boston Area

New Year's Eve in PDX

Thanks for the suggestions. I took a look at the menus and they do look incredible. My only concern is that my dining companion doesn't eat red meat or pork or shellfish, so it might be hard to find something at these places. Any veggie or fish-friendly suggestions?

Thanks again!

dcbean in Pacific Northwest

New Year's Eve in PDX

This might be a little early, but I was hoping to get recommendations on restaurants that will have New Year's Eve dinner in Portland, preferably in SE (Belmont, Hawthorne) or in the Pearl. I am not necessarily looking for a prix fixe menu, although that will work as well. As for prices, we were hoping to spend up to $100 per person.
Thanks!

dcbean in Pacific Northwest

Drunken Noodles in Logan Circle?

In Logan Circle, you have quite a few choices for very good Thai. Rice on 14th is really good and has a NY-atmosphere...It's a little pricier than your typical take-out Thai. Simply Home on U (between 14th and 15th) is also good. I've heard their happy hour is worth it as well.

And if you're willing to walk a few extra blocks, Regent Thai on 18th (near T) has wonderful, well-priced food in a nice atmosphere. The Drunken Noodle Grilled Salmon is absolutely amazing, as are the other dishes I've tried.

dcbean in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Breakfast near Dulles-Layover

My parents are coming into Dulles in two weeks at 7 am and have a six hour layover. I am going to see them (they live abroad) and wanted to take them to a restaurant that serves a nice breakfast, preferably not a buffet. I'm looking for an elegant but relaxed atmosphere, with somewhat light food. Think continental, rather than American breakfast: fruits, toasts (no need for eggs and bacon), and one requirement very good coffee. Thanks!

dcbean in Washington DC & Baltimore Area

Weekday Lunch in Baltimore

Thanks for all the replies! I've looked at Petit Louis and there's not much my guests could eat there. I liked the Brass Elephant, so that might be my first choice. Just one question--say I cave in and decide on a chain. Any thoughts on McCormick & Schmick's and the Peacock Cafe? I'm thinking the Peacock might be good with a patio and a view (i think).
Thanks again!

dcbean in Washington DC & Baltimore Area