Las Vegas, Sin City Beckons

Whether you’ve been one time or a hundred times, every jaunt to Las Vegas is different. When a city features the Eiffel Tower across from Lake Bellagio, a short distance from the Pyramid of Giza and around the corner from the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s no ordinary town. Add its ever present pledge to continually up the ante with over-the-top attractions and this destination is a study in superlatives.

Welcome to Las Vegas, 2016.

Where to Stay:

The Delano

This smallish hotel (by Vegas standards) brings a low key splash of Miami Beach to the Strip’s sparkling scene. Named for the nation’s 32^nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, floor to ceiling Grecian style fabric columns line the lobby’s fashion runway-like carpet. Rivea and Skyfall Lounge – a Mediterranean inspired restaurant and its high above the city cocktail lounge on the 64^th floor – represent the newest additions to the property. Each features creations by the culinary world’s commander-in-chief, Alain Ducasse. Appealing to action seekers, too, it’s only steps from Mandalay Bay’s bustling casino and beckoning entertainment, currently headlined by Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.

The Cromwell

The Strip’s first boutique hotel, which was once the Barbary Coast, it opened its doors in 2014. While its décor is Parisian inspired, its showcase restaurant is Italian. Tips for a meal at GIADA, the first eatery by Emmy winning Food Network chef, Giada De Laurentiis, are simple:  Don’t skip the basket of homemade focaccia, request a window table for a prime view of the Fountains of Bellagio show and take a “selfie” in GIADA’s photo booth. For after dinner drinks and late night entertainment, Drai’s Club and its panoramic rooftop are a short elevator ride away.

Where to Eat:

Searsucker

The latest establishment of Chef Brian Malarkey (a Top Chef celeb) is this Caesars Palace eatery known for “New American Classics”. Described as “America’s favorite dishes with a twist,” the menu includes duck fat fries, bone marrow with bourbon glaze and cheddar puffs.

Buffet Bellagio

How appropriate that Vegas’s only Buffet Chef’s Table is found at the Bellagio, a resort favored by millionaires. Located steps from the buffet, diners at high-top tables are personally attended to by Executive Chef Rob Ferris whose elaborate spread with treats like stuffed quail eggs, tableside carved prime rib, caviar and a white and dark chocolate fondue are to die for.

Lago by Julian Serrano

Another Bellagio newcomer is the third Michelin starred outpost for James Beard Award-winning chef, Julian Serrano. Featuring a contemporary Milanese concept, the menu is an extensive list of small plate masterpieces showcasing his signature flavors. Serrano worked with master mixologist Ricardo Murcia to create the drink menu featuring Italian versions of classic cocktails, each with an unexpected food component.

BARDOT Brasserie

ARIA’s French restaurant is the culinary brainchild of yet another James Beard Award-winning chef, Michael Mina. This Parisian style brasserie recreates the café culture of France’s City of Light. Its Hors D’âge beverage, brewed exclusively for the restaurant, is one of a kind and has been described as a “champagne-inspired French beer”.

What to See:

“Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers”

Initially inspired by a birthday gift to his wife, this musical presentation at Wynn is the re-creation of a lavish, back-in-the-day Vegas-style production. With a cast of 66 singers, dancers and a full orchestra, it’s been deemed the “Best New Show” in the city – aka the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Reba, Brooks & Dunn

Though they have never performed together, this country music trio now appears in the Colosseum at Caesars in a first-of-its-kind country music residency. Called “Together in Las Vegas,” it will include at least 24 shows a year for two years.

Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum

The newest themed room of this internationally recognized museum recreates the popular “based-in-Las Vegas” movie, The Hangover. Inclusions are the hotel room, the wedding chapel and wax doubles of the characters played by Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

Currently featuring “Picasso: Creatures and Creativity” (until February 14, 2016), this exhibit is a collection of 43 pieces of the prominent painter’s work, including a portrait never seen before in public.

What to Do:

Las Vegas High Roller

From an altitude of 550 feet (the approximate height of a 43-story building), this attraction overlooking the Strip is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. A spot in one of the 28 glass cabins for the half-hour circuit provides the perfect perch for a high-above-the-city panorama. Consider upgrading to the “Happy Half Hour” cabin and its open bar.

VooDoo Zipline

Ziplining from the Rio Hotel’s taller tower to its lower one translates to traveling at 33 mph more than 400 feet above the Strip. Operating daily from 12 noon to 12 midnight, it’s about as close as you can get to flying.

Monte Carlo and New York, New York Promenade

Stroll the promenade between Monte Carlo and New York, New York where you’ll find the salon-style Double Barrel Roadhouse, ice cream favorite BLVD Creamery (sample the black cabernet sorbet) and the two-story Hershey’s Chocolate World Flagship – all recent additions to this ever-changing city. It’s also the setting for Yoga in the Plaza, Monte Carlo, an outdoor Saturday morning workout that is complimentary (mats, towels and water provided).

Where to Party:

Omnia Nightclub

Vegas’ latest entertainment enticement can be found at Caesar’s Palace. Situated on multi-levels, it offers a seductive cocktail lounge, outdoor terrace with panoramic views, pulsating music and high energy. Each night is different but every night is a happening party.