Lesson #125: Other Places to Eat
You Only Live Once. Live It Up!
You gotta eat. You can eat cheap, which your stomach will regret later, or you can eat expensive, which your wallet will regret for weeks. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, why not truly dine, i.e. To eat a good dinner in good company and eat it slow
You may not be thinking about EXHIBITOR 2013 yet, but I am. I live in Las Vegas. Soon I’ll be getting questions from Classic Exhibits Distributors about Las Vegas, such as places to go, shows to see, where to stay, etc. I was a travel agent in a former life so I welcome these questions.
But the one question I wish more folks would ask is, “I don’t want to eat at Mandalay Bay or Luxor AGAIN. Where should I go with customers that is close, memorable, and won’t break the bank (once you add in the price of a taxi)?” Glad you asked.
- EXHIBITOR 2013 — What Else to Do in Vegas (from a Las Vegas local)
- EXHIBITOR2013 — Show Me the Best Shows, Baby (from a Las Vegas local)
Today, we’ll review places to eat outside of the Hacienda Triangle (Mandalay Bay, THEhotel, and Luxor).
Panevino
By day, it’s a gourmet deli, but after dark, this unique off the Strip spot offers a breathtaking, unobstructed, panoramic view of the Strip. Panevino (www.panevinolasvegas.com) is a short taxi ride from Mandalay Bay on East Sunset Road, across from McCarran Airport. Don’t let that fool you though. The “runway activity” won’t even register once you experience the view. Get reservations and kindly insist on a table next to the window. The excellent Italian food (they serve some mean steaks and chops too) is enhanced by the wonderful service and the view (Did I mention the ‘View’?) And if you’re a martini lover, make sure you imbibe one made with their hand-stuffed, bleu cheese olives.
Bacio
Another Italian restaurant sure to please is Bacio at the Tropicana Hotel (www.troplv.com/dining/bacio). Former Rao’s chef (New York & Caesars Palace) and Top Chef Carla Pellegrino lends her heart, soul, and expertise to this authentic Italian menu. A more casual atmosphere that is sure to please. To heck with the taxi, you could even walk to this one. But use the crosswalks!
Marrakech
If you are in the mood for dinner and a show, and don’t mind a little hip sway with your couscous, Marrakech is for you. Marrakech (www.marrakechvegas.com) is located just off the Strip, on Paradise Road and East Flamingo, which means a short taxi ride. You’ll be invited into a traditional Moroccan tent setting with teak inlaid tables, encircled by low couches. Go prepared to eat with your fingers! And no this isn’t like ‘Tournament of Kings.” The six course Moroccan feast is prix fixe with vegetarian substitutions available. The belly dancers create a lively atmosphere whether you choose to participate or just sit back and enjoy the show. You will want to make sure you get a reservation.
The Wicked Spoon
Finally, what would any trip to Vegas be without a visit to a buffet? The buffet has been a Vegas institution since the 40’s. The Wicked Spoon (www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/taste/restaurant-collection/wicked-spoon.aspx ) at The Cosmopolitan is not just any buffet (really). For a mere $37 per person you are encouraged to try, try, try. Calling to mind the classic line from ‘A Christmas Story’, “Show us how the piggy eats Randy!” This “food hall” prides itself on serving innovative dishes along a row of 6+ stations, presented in unique and eye-catching ways. The seemingly endless list of dishes boggles the mind. There’s hardly a food trend that’s not covered here.
I’ve got a few more suggestions up my sleeve. Depending on your culinary mood, you might want to give these a try:
- Mexican – Taqueria Canonita , Venetian (www.canonita.net),
- Brazilian Steakhouse (Churrascaria) – Fogo de Chao (www.fogodechao.com),
- American – Yard House, Town Square (www.yardhouse.com/NV/las-vegas-restaurant-town-square/),
- Spanish Tapas (not to be confused with ‘topless’) – Firefly on Paradise (www.fireflylv.com).
I’m sure that you’ve noticed my affinity for Italian places in Vegas. And no, it’s not just because my last name is LaBruzza. Think about how Vegas got started . . . (Hint: The Mob), and you’ll know that you can’t run away from that kind of influence!
In Part 2 we’ll pick up this theme as old and new Vegas collide.
In the meantime, registration for EXHIBITOR 2013 is now OPEN! Click HERE for FREE Access to the show hall courtesy of Classic Exhibits. Enter Promo Code 4044 for the FREE Pass (waiving the credit card fee).
Feel free to let me know what you think of my suggestions. I have a reputation to uphold. Right now I’m 8 for 8.
Jen LaBruzza, Western Regional Manager
jen@classicexhibits.com
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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions and engineered aluminum extrusions (ClassicMODUL). Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100.
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