Bites & Sips on the Strip-ish

Dec 15

Bites and Sips - On the Strip- ish... edition.

As a self-proclaimed “Retired Party Girl”. I have been able to eat and drink my way through Las Vegas. Growing up in the entertainment capital of the world will spoil you with the best of the best dining experiences and unmatched guest services. I was fortunate enough to live a block from the “Strip” for most of my 20’s, while single. Lots of first dates and an incredible husband later… I give you, my dining guide to the city, as a local, for a local or a tourist on the Strip- ish edition. Enjoy!

On The Strip…

The Hot Spot

Delilah – Las Vegas’ newest “it” girl.

Location: The Wynn

The Vibe: Coco Cabana – envision the scene from the movie “The Mask” when Cameron Diaz and Jim Carry Swing dance to a band of horns before causing Dick Tracy style shoot out.

Must Bite:

The West Coast Oysters (some of the best I’ve had)
Ahi Tuna Tiradito
Macaroni Gratinee – not sure how they accomplished the mixture of a Kraft singles grilled cheese, but it made it bougee truffle mac and cheese, but they did… and I dream about it.

Must Sip:

They have splits of Runiart Rose… enough said.

Italian

Carbone – where your dining experience starts with a complimentary chunk of Parmesan Reggiano placed on the table and ends with a shot of limoncello, need I say more?

Location: Aria

Must Bite:

Spicy Rigatoni Vodka – this is what pasta goals are made of. Order Two!
Veal Parmesan – Sometimes Taboo but ohhh sooo good.
Prime Porterhouse Steak is mouth melting gold.
Bananas Foster – is made at your table. Bam!

Must Sip:

Wine - Have the Sommelier suggest a wine based on your meal, they have yet to disappoint.
Rum Cart with a wide selection of rare rum.

Steakhouse

Bazaar Meats – Go with a large group.

Location: The Sahara

The Vibe: Beautiful buildout with all meats on display.

Must Bite:

Caviar Cone – perfection
Smoke & Ice Oysters
Beefsteak tartare – if you love tartare, this one is incredible.
Vaca Vieja – 8–10-year-old Holstein – perfect for large group sharing

Must Sip:

Aladdin Manhattan Smoked

Mediterranean

Estiatorio Milos – Best bang for your buck is the $38 preset lunch menu.

Location: The Venetian

Vibe: Light, bright, and warm.

Must Bite:

THE GRILLED OCTOPUS – its an upgrade charge on the preset lunch and worth every penny.

Milos Special – tower of zucchini and eggplant chips with a Saganaki Cheese and Tzatziki center.
Greek Salad – all about the feta here.
Fish in Sea Salt – served with lemon and capers
Don’t forget the Greek yogurt for dessert

Must Sip:

Add the Wine Pairing

Chinese

Mott 32

Location: The Palazzo – Casino Floor

The Vibe: Rich golds with intimate and opening dining areas.

Must Bite:

· Soup dumplings… all of them, two orders each.

· Crispy Szechuan Chicken – spicy and dreamy.

Must Sip:

· Signature Cocktail: Forbidden Rose

· Hibiki Harmony (Japanese Whiskey) on one rock

Here Comes the ish… Downtown Las Vegas

Steakhouse

Barry’s Downtown Prime – is everything you have dreamt of a steakhouse to be. Incredible food with matching service.

Location: Circa – 8 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

The Vibe: An ode to Old Vegas with a modern flare.

Must Bite:

Seafood Tower
Onion Soup
Roasted Beet Carpaccio
8 oz Filet Medium Rare with creamy horseradish
Bang Bang Crispy Cauliflower

Must Sip:

Extra dirty gin (Hendricks) Martini with blue cheese stuffed olives
Old Fashion Cart…. Yep, like tableside guacamole but old fashions.

Chinatown

A Modern Eatery

Sparrow & Wolf – now I’d like to think I am a bit biased since they’re a client. However, everyone I take raves about the food and experience, so I know its real. The menu changes often but let me tell you, it never steers you wrong.

Location: 4480 Spring Mountain Rd #100, Las Vegas, NV 89102

The Vibe: Cozy Chic with an urban flare of chains.

Must Bite:

Sourdough with good butter… trust me.
Charcoal Grilled Oysters – yes, yes, yes.
Hamachi, Grilled Jalapeno, Smoked Trout Roe, Avocado, Nori Cracker…. The balance of this bite is indescribable.
Japanese Sweet Potato – this is not your standard sweet potato.
Tartare – if you’re down with tartare, you will love this one.

Must Sip: all the whiskey specialty cocktails for me here.

A Little Less Conversation
Spring Mountain Sour
Toki Highball

Thai

Lamaii – if you’ve been to Lotus of Siam too many times. Please head down Spring Mountain in the heart of China town to Lamaii.

Location: China Town – 4480 Spring Mountain Rd #700, Las Vegas, NV 89102

The Vibe: Dark, moody and romantically intimate.

Must Bite:

Tom Kha Kai – Soup
Mun Pu Fried Rice – Crab fat fried rice…. Didn’t realize crab’s had fat but I am so happy they do.
Panang Crispy Duck – I am not typically a duck fan, but this duck will change anyone’s mind.
Garlic Green Beans – because its always good to eat your veggies and these are too good.

Must Sip: Their wine list is insane!!!! Most will choose a sweeter wine while eating spicy Thai food. I always ask the server for her favorite red and am never disappointed.

Sushi

Raku – Some of my favorite sushi in town. Also, stop by their dessert restaurant, Raku Sweets, a couple of doors and be blown away by the artistry of sugar.

The Vibe: Dark and intimate.

Must Bite: