Tres and I are headed to Vegas next week for the Guns N Roses concert. Yes, you heard me right, Guns N Roses!!!! If y'all haven't heard, the never ending feud between Axl Rose and Slash has been patched up, and the band has reunited after over 20 years. The kickoff: Vegas!
I realized, this will be our third time in Vegas in the last year. Since we visit Sin City so much, I thought it's just about time to share our favorite restaurants with y'all. I seriously feel like we have eaten everything The Strip has to offer, and these are our favorites:
Bazaar
Ok, first off, we don't miss a Jose Andres restaurant - ever. If we visit a city and he has restaurants there, we make an immediate reservation to all of them. He's a genius and probably our favorite chef of all time. You don't want to miss this restaurant. Walking in alone will make any meat eater love life just a little bit more. Meats you've never thought of before - strung and hung every which way, you feel like you're walking into the best butcher shop on earth and then it just gets better. The menu is playful and the food is all one big presentation. We had Cotton Candy Foie Gras, a chicken dish that came out in a glass sneaker, and smoked oysters that were actually smoking when brought to the table. You don't forget a meal like this one.
Giada
Giada's restaurant represents everything she is as a chef. The focus is delicious Italian food with a California twist, a menu full of fresh, clean, light options with divine flatbreads, pastas, and main entrees. And I cannot forget to mention my favorite thing about the restaurant (which is also my favorite thing about Giada): "a little bit of everything and not a lot of anything." Her menu features a lot of small bites so you can try many different items, and you'll want to - it's difficult to make your mind up. My favorite is the Imported Buratta. That may sound boring, but I've had a lot of Buratta in my time and the one there is the best! Go during the day, sit by the windows, and enjoy life. The views here are the best and most enjoyed with a bottle of champs or sparkling wine.
For crying out loud, go here just to get the famous Spaghetti. At first glance of it on the menu, you won't know better and you'll look right over it. But I'll make you a promise: you'll never eat a tomato basil sauce like this ever again. EVER. It's simply the best. In addition, the full pasta menu here is to-die. I also suggest the Duck Foie gras Ravioli.
B&B
A Mario Batali/Joe Bastianich creation, this tucked away, cozy spot is perfect for dinner. A very authentic Italian experience, you'll find this restaurant in the Venetian, and you'll also find their Grilled Octopus to be one of the best you've ever had. As far as pasta goes, get the Black Spaghetti and the Wild Boar Ragu.
All I can say about this place is: GO HERE! Do not miss it. A very casual and inexpensive restaurant, it's a perfect lunch stop if you're walking around the shops at the Venetian. Getting pizza or pasta is a difficult decision, so get them both. They also bring out the most fabulous bread. You probably won't eat the rest of the day, but it's so worth it.
Jaleo
You didn't think I was only going to mention one Jose Andres restaurant, did you? This menu is the way I see Jose Andres as a chef - modern, whimsical, authentic tapas. This is another restaurant I love so much because the small portion sizes allow you to try so many different menu items. And you'll want to because the menu is a mile long, yet everything is unique and oh so good! We have been here so many times and ordered so many different dishes! This is the type of restaurant where you ask your server to just order for you, and you'll be more than happy.
Bouchon
When we go to Napa, we make a stop at Bouchon. And when we go to Vegas, we make a stop at Bouchon. A Thomas Keller work of art, this restaurant is well-known for it's bakery so it's a great breakfast or brunch spot. I like it for brunch because they always have the best oyster selection as well as a delicious champagne and cocktail selection. The bakery and the restaurant are different so don't get them mixed up. I suggest the restaurant because you can still enjoy the bakery treats along with a great meal or take some to go!
Originally started in Miami, this restaurant was recently added to the Vegas Strip, which can only mean one thing: it's one of the best in the country. This place is my jam because it reminds me of my own style of cooking: southern with a fun flair. You'll find typical southern style items on this menu - everything from Chicken and Waffles and BLT to Grits and Biscuits. But you'll also find unexpected dishes like Bone Marrow, Charred Okra, Swine Burger, and craft whisky drinks and cocktails for days. But you don't want to miss the Chicken Watermelon and Waffles
A phenomenal modern steakhouse with delicious sides and great starters. The best part about STK is the atmosphere, complete with loud music and an attractive wait staff. It's like being in a calm version of a Vegas club, yet you're surrounded by great food. I suggest going here with a large group of friends... you'll have a blast.
Have you ever seen a wine angel? If you go to Aureole, you will! If you're a big fan of a lengthy and spot-on wine selection, this is your place! If anything, just go to see those angels grab the bottle of wine you choose from the glass four-story wine tower. The women, known as wine angels, are hoisted into the air where they sometimes perform acrobats and come down with your bottle of wine. If that isn't bravo, I don't know what is!
CHEERS TO HAPPY EATING IN VEGAS!!!
