All About Vegas Restaurants

All About Vegas Restaurants
Ryan Bifulco

Vegas, baby. Vegas! They weren't lying: what happens in Vegas... stays in Vegas!
How many times have you heard those catch phrases? Well, we agree - they are both very overstated. But, they really do sum up your Vegas experience. Bottom line: Las Vegas is about checking your husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. at the door and cutting yourself loose from any morals, worries, conscience. This is the place where everyone seems to think that "anything goes" - and it usually does! People actually do enjoy pretending they are somebody else. Even the most conservative woman in your office will let her hair down and give in to that one night stand -- she is in Vegas, after all!
With all those poker faces and bluffs at the casino scene, everyone thinks they are somebody else long after they leave the tables.
Vegas is a place to act like that friend that always tells the best stories. It's a place to stay up way past your bedtime, gamble away your entire paycheck, act a bit crazy, or do the things you are always too scared to do in the "real world." It's a place where you're supposed to get into trouble and mix things up. It's a town of bling-bling and dreams - cause you never know when your luck is going to catch fire.
Somehow, despite all this crazy single silliness, Vegas is still a big enough town to offer plenty of options for the alterna-yuppie couples too. They can get all cleaned up and enjoy an exquisite meal or glitzy show. They can run the tables with the best of 'em and waste the afternoon away at the pool or spa. Things getting boring in the bedroom? Try one-part champagne, one-part swanky hotel room, one-part Vegas, and you'll be at it like jackrabbits again. Just don't get too liquored up, cause you might just wake up the next morning and learn you were married by Elvis in that tiny white chapel, complete with plastic flowers. Classy, ey? Bet the parents will love hearing that one!
Yes, Vegas has a lot of adrenaline and you'll feel the rush in everything you do here. In a town where people have $10,000 riding on one card, even the mundane everyday tasks like eating and drinking take on more excitement. And if eating and drinking is your thing, you've come to the right place. Top restaurants and chefs from around the world have dropped into town and opened up for business. Now, you too can enjoy the highest quality of cuisine on The Strip. Here then, are our journeyPod Picks for dining, wining and dancing Las Vegas style:
Restaurants
Bradley Ogden (Caesars Palace) - Famous California chef Bradley Ogden recently opened this sleek and modern Caesars Palace restaurant, his first outside of the Bay Area. In addition to a 60-seat lounge, the eatery boasts a patio dining area that faces Caesars Coliseum and a faux patio with torch-like fixtures and waterfall. The emphasis is on farm-fresh, regional and creative American fare - try the "opah" and the "halibut", and you'll realize why this restaurant is such a prize. Everything here seems to be perfect, and judging by the looks on the folks around the place, everything really is! Hint: try to get a seat in the rear dining room near the fireplace - it's the most romantic spot here.
Delmonico Steakhouse (Venetian) - Chef Emeril Lagasse has done it again - this time on the Las Vegas strip! Located in The Venetian, his newest Creole-influenced Old Tuscan monastery-style establishment take its name from the legendary, century-old New Orleans institution. Remember the time when lunch was a full-fledged event and cocktail hour was never to be missed? Delmonico Steakhouse remembers! Though beef is the main draw here, you won't be disappointed with all the other choices on this menu. And make sure you save room for the fresh blueberry bread pudding with lemon ice cream and caramel sauce. Psst... if you want the "ultimate" dining experience, try and reserve the chef's kitchen table and enjoy a six-course tasting menu.
Il Mulino (Caesars Palace) - Perfect for prime people-watching (ask for a seat on the 40-seat patio that overlooks the Forum Shops Strip) and decadent fare, Il Mulino is sure to please. Diners sit in a sumptuous room with wrought-iron chandeliers and a floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed wine rack. All the meals here begin with a slew of delectable and complimentary appetizers and the menu choices are impressive. But you won't just be impressed with the food, the team of tuxedo-clad waiters and rich specialties will surely make this one your most luxurious dining experiences while in town.
Daniel Boulud Brasserie (Wynn Las Vegas) - Who would want to pay $40 for a burger & fries? We would and we did and we loved it. Of course the beef was the finest in town and this was no ordinary burger. Boulud's other signature dishes like the beefsteak tomato, tarte pissaladi?re, crispy pork belly and the fricassee of Dover sole are...how should we say, "kick ass." If you're looking for upscale French cuisine that's served in a sumptuous-country themed setting - this brasserie is the perfect choice (overlooking the Wynn lagoon).
Andre's (Monte Carlo) - Repeatedly voted among the best restaurants in the city, Andre's is essentially located in a 1930's era Las Vegas home that's been converted into a charming and comfortable French Countryside chateau. Serving decadent French cuisine - everyone who leaves here is wowed. There are three private dining rooms and even a Louis XVI room, where diners can enjoy cognac and cigars. Tables are topped with Versace china, candlelight and fresh flowers. The menu is seasonal, and always features a bounty of fresh seafood, fowl and meats - try the duck wrapped in hazelnut crust.
Sushi Roku (Caesars Palace) - L.A.'s wildly popular sushi hotspot is now available in Sin City. With its critically acclaimed Modern Japanese fare and Zen-like atmosphere, Sushi Roku is not just a favorite among the hip, young visitors - the locals flock here too! And not only is the scene fabulous, but the food is to die for. Specialties include seared yellowtail sashimi with ponzu and diced chilies, and baked lobster roll with creamy spicy sauce. Signature cocktails are awesome; try the "Cantaloupe Martini" or the "Tokyo Cooler". And if you're in the mood for a view, booths 603 & 604 are elevated and allow you to gaze out at the Strip.
Piero's Italian Cuisine If you're looking to relive the days of the Rat Pack, head on over to this retro-styled Vegas mainstay that's outside the casino strip (located at 355 Convention Center Drive). Piero's boasts leather booths and an attitude-infused setting. Don't be surprised if you see a few familiar famous faces here - they too can't stay away from the Roman-style stuffed artichokes and the restaurant's signature spumoni.
Prime (Bellagio) - For gorgeous views of Bellagio's dancing fountains, pop into Prime. Steaks come with six types of mustard and five sauces - all of which add sophistication to any cut. The restaurant's signature steak is the veal porterhouse with kumquat-pineapple chutney and caramelized cauliflower. And the dessert-of-choice, the chocolate cake with warm gooey center, ain't too shabby either! Note: If you've had a good day at the tables, treat yourself to a $1,050 shot of Chivas Royal Salute (bottled and launched in 1953 in honor of the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth II).
Fleur De Lys (Mandalay Bay) - Prix-fixe French contemporary cuisine (with Mediterranean touch) is presented like artwork in this romantic and elegant enclave. Named as one of "the nation's Hot 50 Restaurants" of 2005, this is for many discriminating palates, hands down, the best food in Vegas. However, the food isn't the only thing impressive here, Fleur De Lys boasts a floral arrangement of 3,500 fresh ice-pink rosebuds, the theater-style curtains at the small tables and the hand-painted china at each table just exudes grace and style. If you're a vegetarian, don't fret: the chef has been known to whip up something unique just for you.
Olives (Bellagio) - A Mediterranean gem with a lakeside view (Bellagio's dancing fountains), Olive's is the less-expensive relative of The Mirage's Onda (as well as a branch of our boy Todd English's original Boston-based eatery). Don't miss their signature wood-oven flatbreads with imaginative toppings and the little dumplings of goat-cheese in black-olive-flavored wrapping. Just make sure you save room for the vanilla-bean souffl? - it's so good, it should actually be outlawed!
Michael's Steakhouse (Barbary Coast Hotel) - A culinary masterpiece for over 20 years, this intimate gourmet eatery is known for its epicurean delights! Exquisitely furnished in rich red velvet, the restaurant features a 40-panel stained glass-domed ceiling, oversized wingback chairs and imported Italian marble. When dining here, try the signature dishes that include the Chateaubriand Bouquetierre or Rack of Lamb. And, you must (we say: must!) save room for dessert - like the Bananas Foster, Cherries Jubilee or the famous chocolate-dipped fruit selection.
Aureole (Mandalay Bay) - Wine cellar meets rappelling competition at this Charlie Palmer masterpiece. It is as much of an event to eat at Aureole, as it is a culinary soiree - and the wine list is exceptional (restaurant boasts nearly 10,000 bottles). With that, guests are greeted by the spectacular, 42-foot wine tower that houses these bottles. Then there's the food. The menu changes seasonally, and the tasting menu which changes almost weekly offers three and eight-course tasting options. If you see the pork tenderloin with sage wrapped in prosciutto on the menu, do not think twice.
Chinois (Caesars Palace) - Chef Wolfgang Puck's casual Asian and French-inspired caf? features two levels of authentic Asian art, a trickling water fountain and windows big enough to inspire people-watching on the Forum Shops Strip. An exhibition-style kitchen allows restaurant guests to view the preparation of their tantalizing feasts. Try the passionately-popular Chinois Chicken Salad and the spicy Kung Pao Chicken. If you and your party are particularly ravenous, meals can be served "family style" to give you the chance to sample more than just one of Wolfy's dishes.
Tao (Venetian) - A visually stunning 43,000 square foot restaurant, banquet room, ultra-lounge and nightclub, Tao has been a magnet for those on the "A" list (movie stars, sports celebs and rockers alike). Modeled after the sexy and successful NYC restaurant of the same name, Tao is located under the watchful eye of the lucky signature 20-foot Buddha. Featuring two rooms - The Temple and The Emperor's Ballroom - Tao features a variety of music formats, eight private sky boxes and an infinity pool. The menu boasts Hong Kong, Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare with full entrees and small plates. Tao also has an extensive wine list with more than 30 sake options. Make reservations at least a week in advance or even Buddha himself won't be able to get you a table.

journeyPod.com is the only place you need to visit for information on the trendiest bars and restaurants, the most luxurious hotels, and the most exclusive parties and shops for discriminating travelers. Visit journeyPod.com for the lowdown on where to go in Atlanta, New York, Miami, LA and other major cities around the world, and listing to our monthly travel podcast for the best in upscale travel and entertainment. If you like the finer things in life, journey to journeyPod.com!

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Eating Out in Paris Restaurants

By: Marty Davis
There are thousands of different Paris restaurants and cafes and these will range from the small a bistro to haute cuisine, but the quality of food will be a delight to all, no matter how big or small your budget is.

Choosing a restaurant in Paris can give you a real headache, as there are so many different types of cuisine to choose from, and you will be really spoilt for choice deciding where to eat.

But there is something  to suit everyones palate, so why not try something a little different, like Japanese food in France, or you could opt for numerous other International varieties of cuisine from Mexican, American, Turkish, Italian, Brazilian like the very popular Brasil Tropical that also has a cabaret show, Spanish, Indian, and many more to excite your taste buds!

The finest way of eating in Paris is at a Haute Cuisine restaurant, but you need a good bank balance, as this type of meal has elaborate preparations and presentations of the delicacies in small portions and can be found at some of the best hotels and plush restaurants.

However, most Paris restaurants have a 'Menu du Jour' and this normally means the most reasonably priced meals or set meals, with the food prepared from what is available locally and always changing through the seasons, it is the freshest produce available.

The French loves their sauces and there are many different sorts, and some are regarded as specialities at certain restaurants where they will accompany most food, so if you get a chance, consider trying some of these.

Having breakfast out is more than likely to be at a Patisserie or cafe in Paris where you can get croissants, bread, numerous varieties of cheese and cold meats, plus pastries that are usually accompanied by a cup of strong black coffee, but if you prefer white coffee, then ask for café au lait, so that you get milk with it.

Whilst experiencing this fabulous city, you will come across numerous cafes and bistros in Paris that have indoor and outdoor dining, but if you decide to eat on the terrace, there is often an additional charge added to your bill. 

Most of the shops in France close for at least two hours of a lunch time, which is when most of the French have their main meal, but there are now lots of restaurants providing a Brunch type service, so it is great time to re-fuel before continuing your sightseeing.

If you need to have a snack in the afternoon prior to an evening meal, where most restaurants only start serving from 7.30pm onwards, you would need to go to a Brasserie as they are usually open all day and serve the same food, whatever the time.

Having a glass of wine with your meal is like a French tradition and is almost expected in most places, but bear in mind that a table wine in France is not normally a cheap and hopefully cheerful option, like it is in the UK, and you can often purchase more reasonably priced wines from the menu, yet there are also always vintage wines available, so if you know what you like then go for it, ad we are sure that you will experience quality, whatever your wine choice.

But thinking about this, normally wine is paired with your meal, so when dining at a plush restaurant it is customary to order a different wine to accompany each different dish served, so as to truly enjoy the cuisine and not take away from any of the exquisite tastes. 

There are so many different options for a Paris restaurant and a couple of these even have museums such as the Musee du Vin.  Here you learn about wine making, its history and different wines, plus do some wine tasting, then you can even enjoy a fabulous meal with the wine and come away feeling a little more knowledgeable.

But if you are still not sure about where to go for your next evening eating out in Paris, then it may be an idea to pick up Le Carnet Gourmand, which is a free guide to restaurants in Paris that are registered with the Tourism office and has a list of around 200 with the type of cuisine, average costs, and other information such as access for the disabled.  To obtain a copy you would need to go to the Office de Tourisme, but this restaurant guide can also be found in numerous Paris hotels and at the restaurants that are listed.

Yet there is one last point we would like to make and that is the fact that Parisians tend to dress up for an evening meal and many restaurants require a jacket or even dinner attire, so we would recommend that you check what the dress code is when booking, or you may be refused entry!
About the Author
http://www.placesinfrance.com

Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - http://www.placesinfrance.com/eating_in_paris_restaurants.html

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Top 10 Lanzarote Restaurant Suggestions

By: Becky Oven
There are plenty of good restaurants on the island of Lanzarote but here are my favourites to date.
Almacen De Sal - Situated right on the sea front promenade in the centre of Playa Blanca, this restaurant is my very favourite. This restaurant used to be an old salt repository so has bags of character and charm. The service is second to none as is the cuisine. There is an extensive menu to choose from and I have many favourites on the menu including the onion soup, advocado with prawns, steak, fresh fish, paella, to name but a few. This restaurant also has live piano music and is very child friendly yet also romantic.

Restaurante Playa Quemada - Playa Quemada. We would definately recommend this restaurant if you are prepared to go a little off the beaten track! From Playa Blanca is it just after Yaiza and there is a right turn that takes you down to Playa Quemada. Don’t wear your high heels as the car park leaves a little to be desired! This restaurant serves fabulous food and there is always excellent fresh fish available. Booking is definately advisable.

Mirador de Lobos - Playa Blanca, next door to the entrace of the Natura Palace Hotel. This restaurant is a firm favourite in our family as it is definately child friendly and has an extensive menu. The fresh fish and any specials of the day are worth trying. The staff in this restaurant are really friendly and make you feel very welcome.

Don Camillo - Playa Blanca, on the sea front promenade towards the harbour. Don Camillo offers excellent international cuisine with an extensive menu. There are three different kitchens, including a steak grill and pizzeria. The T-bone steak is wonderful but don’t order it unless you haven’t eaten for a while!

La Era - Yaiza, behind the Town Hall. This restaurant is open all week from 1.00pm till 11.00pm and booking is advisable. La Era is in the lovely little village of Yaiza, set in a 300-year-old farmhouse with gardens, courtyards and outbuildings restored by Cesar Manrique into a fascinating and beautiful place to eat and drink. La Era serves authentic Canarian cuisine as well as International dishes.

La Bocaina - next to the petrol station in Playa Blanca, on the right, travelling toward Playa Blanca. This restaurant has been around for 40 years although now under new ownership. The soups, sauces are all homemade and prepared to order. Therefore do not come to this restaurant if you are in a hurry! First class Cuisine and this restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Restaurante Terraza Case Pedro - Playa Blanca. I would recommend this as an excellent fish restaurant down on the promenade of Playa Blanca. Walk down to the sea front and when you reach the small beach area in front of the restaurants, turn right. You are heading for the green restaurant which is on the corner. Keep walking until you see the restaurant called Restaurante Terraza Casa Pedro. Beware, there is a restaurant next door to it that is also called Restaurant Pedro - make sure you go in the first Pedro restaurant. We thoroughly recommend that you have the ‘fresh fish of the day’ served with canarian potatoes and sauce. This is a lovely evening restaurant, but is also excellent at lunch times, as you can sit out by the sea in the outside eating area. This restaurant is normally closed on Thursdays.

El Bodegon Del Mano - Playa Blanca. This is a superb restaurant for steak. This is a small restaurant run by Chef Jesús Martínex Lebrusán and is excellent. The Chef himself cooks and is the waiter too – he has one assistant helping in the kitchen. It offers a very small but exclusive menu and we thoroughly recommend the steak in pepper sauce, mushroom sauce or chestnut sauce. This is a quiet restaurant, probably not suitable for very young children and is usually closed on Mondays. It is located in the pedestrianised shopping area behind the sea front. Walk past the Marcial Supermarcado and the restaurant is on your right-hand side, not directly after Marcial Supermarcado but the next right. It is situated underneath Restaurant Romantica. It is recommended that you book this restaurant prior to going as it can get very busy.

LagOmar - Oasis de Nazaret – at the top of the village, off the road between Tahiche and Teguise. If you´re looing to dine in dramatic surroundings then LagOmar is hard to beat as this restaurant, serving modern international food, used to be part of former film star Omar Sharif’s home – built into the side of a disused quarry by two German architects in the style of Cesar Manrique.

The menu never seems to change that much but the location itself makes up for that and the quality of cooking is excellent.

Amura - Far end of the marina at Puerto Calero – which is a ten minute taxi journey from Puerto del Carmen. Amura enjoys a great sea front location in the marina at Puerto Calero and offers top quality international cuisine in up market surroundings.

Like many other leading restaurants, Amura has a New Years Eve spectacular planned – which involves fireworks, free bar and live music and dancing. Excellent for a special occasion.

So, please enjoy my top 10 Lanzarote Restaurant suggestions and feel free to try them out for yourselves! I still have many restaurants to try around Lanzarote, but as I am a villa owner in Playa Blanca, I will be in a position to try more as time goes by and then pass on my reviews to the future guests of my Villa.



About the Author
Becky Oven is the owner of Villa Jasmin, a luxury villa in Playa Blanca that is available for holiday rental. Please visit www.villajasmin.co.uk for further information.

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How to Get the Right Restaurant Reservations in Spain

By: Sarah Madison
The restaurant reservations system in Spain would probably be formatted along the lines of an online form that you have to fill in with certain much-needed information to verify if you are an authentic customer and not just a prankster using the system. You may need to list down on the restaurant reservations system your email address, plus your full name and telephone. Another vital piece of information the restaurant reservations system would probably require is when you need to set your reservation exactly (meaning the exact date and time you will be arriving.) You will also have to tell them how many people will be in your party.

If the restaurant in Spain lacks an email or website where you can give such information, you may need to phone in your booking information instead. But be sure they can understand you (especially if the person on the other end of the line seems to speak only Spanish or speaks your language badly.) Some vital information might get lost in the translation process which would lead to your restaurant reservations in Spain getting mixed up or lost entirely.

Some forums that specialise in giving pertinent restaurant reservations information can now be found online so you can try asking around there for tips about which restaurants serve good Spanish cuisine and have reliable service as well. These are standard pre-requisites when you are preparing your restaurant bookings information and asking your party which restaurant they would like to visit. Even the most highly-anticipated event can become a flop if you choose the wrong restaurant or find your bookings information seems to have been wrong. Of course, if you get your information from an online forum or blogsite, you have to factor in prejudice or biased opinions as well.

It is always important to verify your restaurant booking information has indeed been received and that you now have a reservation at that restaurant at least some days before the actual date of your visit. This gives you some breathing room so that you can scramble for alternative restaurants in Spain to visit if the first restaurant has not accepted your reservation, or made an error of some kind. You might also be asked to give the restaurant an idea of what dishes your party would be interested in, by the way. That makes life easier for the staff of the kitchen and the serving crew as well, so that they too are prepared. In the restaurant reservations world, preparation is always the name of the game.
About the Author
Conference Coordinator Spain offers the latest in online bookings technology. Your Restaurant Reservations are made live in real time and there are no breakdowns in communications. You can select your restaurants by cuisine or location and get related information for hundreds of the finest restaurants in popular destinations like Marbella, Barcelona and Madrid. For more details http://www.conference-coordinator.com

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