Vegas Vacation: Restos and recs
After entertainment, food is the second reason I love to travel to Vegas. With visitors from around the globe, Vegas has to provide a wide variety of cuisine. So with all those great restaurants to choose from, I like to try new eateries each time I go, while also making time to visit a few favorites. Here are a few comments from my recent trip.
Earl of Sandwich – This 24-hour sandwich shop has been a must on my last three trips to Vegas. Located in Planet Hollywood, Earl of Sandwich serves the best sandwiches, hands down. I introduced a couple of friends to Earl of Sandwich on my last trip and they liked it so much they went back on their own the next day. Prices are very reasonable and you won’t be disappointed. I promise.
The Wicked Spoon – This popular buffet in the Cosmopolitan has gone down in overall quality. The ambiance is still great and I’ll always appreciate the single servings concept, but the food just wasn’t that great this time around. Instead, go check out Bacchanal at Caesars Palace if you’re looking for the best buffet in Vegas.
SW Steakhouse – A perfect dining experience. When I made my reservations I told them that I had show tickets for 10 p.m. that evening. The wait staff remembered this and noted that they would have us done with dinner in plenty of time to make our show. Now that’s service. Also, ask for a table next to their lake and waterfall. It’s a beautiful setting for dinner and there is a short performance every half hour that will entertain you as you dine. Oh, and the food? Excellent. A 10/10 dining experience.
Yonaka and Raku – After eating at and loving Raku several times, I wanted to try a new place for Japanese food. After doing some research, I learned that Yonaka was the new hot place in town. We ordered their omakase and the first bad sign was that the waitress couldn’t even pronounce “omakase.” Out of the eight-course omakase, I liked only one. Save your money and just go to Raku instead. But make sure to make reservations.
Click on the below gallery for more pictures and commentary on my Vegas dining experience.
Mon Ami Gabi
Picture 1 of 21
Mon Ami Gabi makes you feel like you’re dining at a street cafe in Paris, France instead of the Paris hotel. It also gives you a great view of the Bellagio fountain show across the street.
So as a somewhat frequent visitor Vegas, here are a few tips for your next trip to Sin City.
1) Rent a car: You can take a cab anywhere, but if you’re hopping around town like I like to do, then the cab fares can add up, especially if you’re taking side trips to Trader Joe’s and Primm. Also, why cab when it’s so convenient to drive? Leading to my next tip…
2) Always valet: In my younger years, I used to self park all the time, thinking that it would save me a few bucks since I wouldn’t have to tip the valets. But I soon realized that sometimes convenience far outweighs value. Valet parking is free at all major hotels, and their systems are so efficient now it only takes a few minutes to get your car. Sure, you have tip the valet a few bucks every time, but it’s a very small price to pay for not having to walk to self-parking garages, which are usually quite a walk away. Plus, valets can offer you directions or tips as well as complimentary bottles of water.
3) Shop til you drop: Forget the high-priced luxury brand malls. Check out one of the outlet malls instead. My favorite is Las Vegas North Premium Outlet Mall, which carries brands such as Hugo Boss, Tory Burch, Nike and many others. Or, if you’re in the mood for a little drive, go check out Fashion Outlets in Primm. It’s only about a 40-minute drive from the Strip and provides great shopping in an indoor air conditioned mall. Of course, don’t forget to stop by Trader Joe’s for omiyage.
4) Stick to a budget and get rewarded: Gambling (or gaming as they like to say in Vegas) should be fun, not stressful. So allow yourself a daily budget that you’re comfortable losing in a worst case scenario and budget your wagers and time accordingly. Also, sign up for any reward cards if possible such as the mlife card. Might as well get perks for all that money you’re giving to the casino. But if luck’s not on your side and you lose your daily allotment, take a break and try again the next day. Don’t chase. And if you’re winning, know when to walk away. Besides…
5) There’s lots to do in Vegas besides gambling: I don’t even really care about gambling much anymore when I go to Vegas. It’s more of a time filler. Instead, I like to check out other things the city has to offer. Watch a show. Check out a spa. Get a tan at the pool. Play some golf. There’s so many things you can do to fill the day.
I can’t wait to go back already. What are some of your travel tips for Vegas?
