Dining for One
Started by blackjacker1979 on Saturday, 6th March 2010 11:20 pm
So I have a question. As an amateur foodie I've eaten at some pretty great places in Vegas. I love all types of food, and am a purveyor of fine carne everywhere.
Some of my favorites are SW at Wynn, Botero at Encore, Onda at Mirage, Fix at Bellagio, Mix and THEhotel...
That being said. Any good suggestions for moderate to high end restaurants that fill the above niche? I'll be in Vegas for 3 nights at Aria next week, hoping to make that into at least 2 phenomenal meals.
Also, anyone heard rumor of Twist at MO?
Attica responded on Sunday, 7th March 2010
I often do loner trips to Vegas. In my opinion, nothing beats bar seating as it gets around the awkward feeling of being at a table by yourself. So my recommendations are based at sitting at a bar.
L'Atelier de JoËl Robuchon (http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/atelier-joel-robuchon-french-restaurant-menu.aspx). When you make a reservation, be sure to say that you specifically want to eat at the bar. The bar looks directly into the production kitchen for the restaurant. If you're a foodie, it makes for fascinating viewing. The tasting menu for Spring is online.
If you like Japanese food, I've always gotten excellent tasting menus at Nobu (http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas/dining/nobu/). Again, sit at the bar and watch them make your food. It's excellent to boot. And yes, your food comes off of the bar exactly like the pictures.
If you want good, not-fussy food, I can also recommend Bouchon (http://www.bouchonbistro.com/) at the Venetian. Although it's hard to find, it's worth it. There's nothing pretentious about the place and the food, while simple, is just excellent. Also, it's owned by Thomas Keller, one of the finest chefs in the world.
atdleft replied on Tuesday, 9th March 2010
I need to hit L'Atelier and Bouchon soon. I'm super excited about doing the L'Atelier cooking show/luncheon with Chef Robuchon himself (!!!!!!!!!!) at Vegas Uncorked, and hopefully soon I'll have a good excuse to slip into Bouchon some time for a nice weekend brunch. :-)
Kagehitokiri responded on Sunday, 7th March 2010
twist >
positive
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13155267-post2.html
http://www.kevineats.com/2009/12/twist-by-pierre-gagnaire-las-vegas-nv.htm
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13174763-post40.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13204169-post6.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13213060-post79.html
only negative ive seen, ordered tasting, sounds like they dont like molecular
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13174013-post34.html
joel robuchon and guy savoy may not remain a la carte forever (only changed from tasting-only when economy went south.) and they both have prix fixe deals at the moment.
atdleft responded on Sunday, 7th March 2010
Obviously, you must try some of the CityCenter restaurants. Silk Road at Vdara should be good for breakfast or lunch. Julian Serrano at Aria is great for tapas and other Spanish delights. I haven't yet tried Sage at Aria, but I'm dying to and let us know how it is if you can try it.
Just to the north at Caesars is Bradley Ogden, and I was really pleasantly surprised by this joint last week when I did my "b-day celebration" here. And if you're into a real "farm-to-table" restaurant that treats its ingredients with real dignity, you'll really love this place.
blackjacker1979 replied on Sunday, 7th March 2010
I did Silk Road...kinda meh overall, although the salad with bacon wrapped figs was fantastic. Julian Serrano is on the must list, but most likely for either a lunch or very early dinner. I've heard decent things about Sage but not sure. Will also most likely try Lemongrass at Aria.
As for Bradley Ogden, sounds fantastic, will definitely check out the menu.
atdleft replied on Tuesday, 9th March 2010
Yes, do try Bradley Ogden. They really do deserve their Michelin Star! I'm especially impressed that they know how to do a number of vegetarian dishes quite well. (But don't worry, they REALLY have plenty of good stuff for carnivores!)
And really, Silk Road so far has been more solid for breakfast. My first dinner also had some uneven service and a couple other oddities, but over time they've improved and it seems breakfast is turning out to be more of their strong suit.
parchedearth responded on Monday, 8th March 2010
If you are eating at the bar, you need to factor in bar stool comfort, crowding at the bar, and service quality. At Aria, Sirio, Sage, and American Fish are good options.
FYI, Guy Savoy has terribly uncomfortable bar stools.
jsmeeker responded on Wednesday, 10th March 2010
L'Atelier de JoËl Robuchon gets a nod from me, too. Note that virtually ALL of the seating is at the counter. It's not really a "bar". They aren't making the drinks back there. :) (though there is a very, very small bar at the back of the place). Been there twice. Never solo, but the setup is ideal for solo diners. Even if you are in a party of more than one, someone will probably be seated next to someone they don't know.
I think this is one of the best ways to experience really high end cuisine.
atdleft replied on Thursday, 11th March 2010
That one's quite high on my "to eat list", and I'm glad it sounds like this is a place I can feel comfortable eating at when I do one of my "loner Strip trips". Oh, and I'm really excited about doing the cooking class/luncheon with Chef Robuchon himself (!!!!!!!!!!) at Vegas Uncorked in May! That should really be a whole lot of fun! :-D