I got an offer through MLife for the Bellagio with four nights at $89 USD per night. That also came with a $50 Food & Beverage credit. For me this was a good deal and I was happy. Normally I've always had to put a first night's room deposit down on my credit card but I didn't have to this time. They told me no deposit would be charged and to just pay when I was there. After they said that I asked for an email confirmation and it came right after I hung up the phone.
I also used a myVegas reward for one free night at the Monte Carlo so I could extend my trip to five days. I used it for my first night on the 25th and that worked out well for me as that night had HIGH room rates (Bellagio rate not available) when trying to book it at first (end of Memorial Day weekend I assume?). As it got closer, the Monte Carlo offered me an upgrade to a "Monaco Suite" for $32. Apparently this would give me 700 Square Feet of pure luxury. I figured I gamble/lose that in a minute at times, so why not? I could not get a proper email confirmation of the offered rate but they assured me it was $32. (The email they sent me said it was $97. They explained my "free" night was subtracted from that).
I find that five days is my sweet spot in Vegas. By the end of that I'm ready to go home; usually a couple of pounds heavier, broke and my liver begging me for a rest. It is my kind of vacation place!!!
Pic from cntraveller.com
I used airmiles for my flight so with taxes, that was about $200 CAD. If I mention prices further, it will be in USD. I have a US $ account and I contribute to it year round, so I spend that with a US Visa so I don't worry about the exchange rate when I go away. Our dollar has dipped a bit since previous visits which used to be almost at par...it's worth about ninety cents right now.
Sunday, May 25th:
The day before my departure, I awoke with a sore throat and a stuffy nose and head that had me use a full box of kleenex that day. When I awoke on Sunday, I didn't have the sore throat but I was still stuffed up and I slept like crap the night before, maybe 3 hours in total. My flight was at 10:15am on Westjet. I always usually take the same flight when I go to Vegas.
We left a half hour late and arrived about 1:20. I got a shuttle for $8 and was the third to be dropped off. There was a long line at check in but it moved relatively quickly. My room was ready when I got to the desk. There was some confusion over what I was paying but it got sorted out to the $32 & the resort fee which he said I still would have had to pay for my comped room. He handed me keys to room 9-202 on the ninth floor.
The room looked exactly like it does in the link I posted above. I felt so terrible, I just wanted to get into bed. I used the whole box of tissues in the bathroom. I had reservations at L'atelier for 6:15 and I knew I'd never make it. It was 3:30 now and so I tried to change it to a later time on Open Table but nothing was available so I cancelled it. I made reservations at Sage for 9pm. I debated over going somewhere new (Javier's at Aria) or repeating one of my favourite dining experiences (Sage) and Sage won in the end. And then I fell into the comfy bed and boom boom, out went the lights! I took a Benadryl before going to sleep and hoped it would help clear me up as it was all I had in my home made "first aid" kit.
I felt "OK" when I awoke at 6:30. I puttered and got presentable slowly and couldn't help thinking the whole time I was getting ready that I looked like shit! My eyes were red, my nose was red and sore now and I looked tired and puffy. I put a LOT of make-up on and even then I still wasn't looking any better...Unfortunately this is how I felt every single day of the trip it would turn out.
I went and lost gambling at Aria and my $100 a day budget was gone in no time. So, I decided to go have a drink in the Lobby Bar beside Sage while I waited for 9pm.
I went to Sage and was seated right away. I chose the "Signature Tasting Menu" for $89 (I had this last visit too but I ordered different except for the tartare). I also chose the wine pairings for $44. My server advised me I'd get better value by buying the wine I wanted as the wine was only two and a half ounces total pour for all four courses. So I ordered a bottle of Prosecco and thanked her for that useful information.
I knew I should eat now but I didn't have much of an appetite. I really just wanted soup. I thought I'd go to Spago Cafe in the Forum shops and go have some. On the way to Caesar's from the Bellagio, I saw this slot and sat down as it's one of my favourite shows and I never saw it last visit.
Max play was $2.70 a spin so $60 went quick. I then hit a bonus and made $70 so I cashed out. An elderly man had come over to me when I was playing and told me I will never win playing slots like these. I assured him I never win no matter what slot I am playing so not to worry... and then he left. :)
It was 102 degrees outside and was HOT. When I got outside, I started feeling worse instead of better. I was hoping the sun would improve me...
I ended up stopping at Central by Michel Richard in Caesar's. I ordered an unsweetened ice-tea, French Onion soup and Tuna Carpaccio. After tax and tip, bill was $37. I can't tell you if it was good or not. All I got was texture, ooey gooey cheese and soft, buttery tuna. I ate half the soup (mostly the cheese) and all the tuna. I decided I would be better off finding a food court that had soup and spending the rest of my dining there if I couldn't taste anything! Much cheaper too. I was very sad. I come to Vegas to dine mostly so this was not working out well for me.
I decided I had to go to the pharmacy to see if I could get anything better than Benadryl which was now wearing off and I was tired again. I walked over to Walgreens by Palazzo. What a long walk that felt like! Normally, I wouldn't even bat an eye about it but it was challenging, to say the least.
I got some 12 hour Claritin, some water and wine because I was there and then had to haul it all the way back to the Bellagio and it was rather heavy. I was over-heated when I returned and got into my jammies and put a cool cloth on my head. I was supposed to go to Raiding the Rock Vault tonight but I knew I would never make it. I thought of hoofing it over to the monorail and sitting there for the show for two hours and drinking was the last thing on mind so I put that plan aside for now. I decided I would try tomorrow and changed my reservation at Table 10 at Palazzo for 9pm tonight. I wanted to try their reasonably priced tasting menu.
I had a fitful, restless nap. The bed was very comfy though. It reminded me of the same bed the Vdara had. When I awoke at 6:30, I cancelled Table 10. I just didn't have any energy (or appetite really) and decided I would just stay at the hotel and go to bed early. I was feeling depressed now...I had a glass of wine and I could almost taste it if I used my imagination really hard....it took me an hour to drink it though. :(
I half-heartedly started to get ready at 8pm for my night at the hotel. I got in the shower and what - what was going on???? I could SMELL the soap & the shampoo, and then my perfume! And then cigar smoke in the casino. I was so happy, I almost skipped over to Cafe Bellagio. I still wanted some chicken noodle soup. I had to wait half an hour in line. UGH. But, I didn't care, I could smell the food...I guessed the Claritin worked...
Sunday, May 25th:
The day before my departure, I awoke with a sore throat and a stuffy nose and head that had me use a full box of kleenex that day. When I awoke on Sunday, I didn't have the sore throat but I was still stuffed up and I slept like crap the night before, maybe 3 hours in total. My flight was at 10:15am on Westjet. I always usually take the same flight when I go to Vegas.
We left a half hour late and arrived about 1:20. I got a shuttle for $8 and was the third to be dropped off. There was a long line at check in but it moved relatively quickly. My room was ready when I got to the desk. There was some confusion over what I was paying but it got sorted out to the $32 & the resort fee which he said I still would have had to pay for my comped room. He handed me keys to room 9-202 on the ninth floor.
The room looked exactly like it does in the link I posted above. I felt so terrible, I just wanted to get into bed. I used the whole box of tissues in the bathroom. I had reservations at L'atelier for 6:15 and I knew I'd never make it. It was 3:30 now and so I tried to change it to a later time on Open Table but nothing was available so I cancelled it. I made reservations at Sage for 9pm. I debated over going somewhere new (Javier's at Aria) or repeating one of my favourite dining experiences (Sage) and Sage won in the end. And then I fell into the comfy bed and boom boom, out went the lights! I took a Benadryl before going to sleep and hoped it would help clear me up as it was all I had in my home made "first aid" kit.
I felt "OK" when I awoke at 6:30. I puttered and got presentable slowly and couldn't help thinking the whole time I was getting ready that I looked like shit! My eyes were red, my nose was red and sore now and I looked tired and puffy. I put a LOT of make-up on and even then I still wasn't looking any better...Unfortunately this is how I felt every single day of the trip it would turn out.
I went and lost gambling at Aria and my $100 a day budget was gone in no time. So, I decided to go have a drink in the Lobby Bar beside Sage while I waited for 9pm.
Hendrick's Martini $17 w/ some bar snacks.
That martini took me an hour to drink. I couldn't really taste it. I could taste the salt on the snacks and the wasabi peas because they would make my nose run more...
I went to Sage and was seated right away. I chose the "Signature Tasting Menu" for $89 (I had this last visit too but I ordered different except for the tartare). I also chose the wine pairings for $44. My server advised me I'd get better value by buying the wine I wanted as the wine was only two and a half ounces total pour for all four courses. So I ordered a bottle of Prosecco and thanked her for that useful information.
The amuse bouche was lamb rillette
WAGYU BEEF TARTARE
Crushed Caper Aioli
Slow Poached Egg/Crispy Chocolate
GRILLED SPANISH OCTOPUS
Elephant Garlic Puree
Beech Mushrooms/Shishito Peppers/Cashew
48 HOUR BEEF BELLY
Confit Baby Root Vegetable
Pickled Sweet Onion/Buckwheat Polenta
MILK CHOCOLATE AND EARL GREY
PANNA COTTA
Madeleines/Blackberry
Scalded Milk Gelato
I was full after the tartare which is really heavenly. My taste was semi-muted at this point, but I was still able to get most of the flavours on my palette. The octopus was my favourite course of the evening. The beef belly was melt in your mouth good and the dessert was excellent and I never usually eat it. I was so stuffed, I could barely move. I didn't finish any of the courses completely. I still had half a bottle of wine left so they let me take it in a huge wine glass. After tax and tip it was $190. Dinner took two hours.
I walked back to Monte Carlo, put $20 in a Wheel of Fortune max play 75 cents machine and kept playing for forty-five minutes. It was the first time I just wanted to lose my money! I didn't want to have a ticket or go cash out unless I won a bit, so finally it happened and I went to zero. I went to bed about midnight and I felt horrible! I was now coughing too though thankfully it was just a tickle cough and not full blown.
Monday, May 26th:
I awoke at 9:30. I didn't feel better and my nose was raw now. As I showered, I couldn't smell anything, not soap, shampoo, perfume, etc. The t.v. check out wasn't working so I called the front desk and checked out over the phone.
At 11am, I dragged my luggage and me to the tram for the Bellagio. There was some walking involved with my heavy load but it was free and I wasn't in a hurry. I made it to the front desk about 11:30am. I was checked in immediately and my room was ready. I was sooo happy! My room was nice and view looked at Caesars. 27th floor, West Wing. A bit of a hike from the elevators. I took another Benadryl when I got in.
Max play was $2.70 a spin so $60 went quick. I then hit a bonus and made $70 so I cashed out. An elderly man had come over to me when I was playing and told me I will never win playing slots like these. I assured him I never win no matter what slot I am playing so not to worry... and then he left. :)
It was 102 degrees outside and was HOT. When I got outside, I started feeling worse instead of better. I was hoping the sun would improve me...
I ended up stopping at Central by Michel Richard in Caesar's. I ordered an unsweetened ice-tea, French Onion soup and Tuna Carpaccio. After tax and tip, bill was $37. I can't tell you if it was good or not. All I got was texture, ooey gooey cheese and soft, buttery tuna. I ate half the soup (mostly the cheese) and all the tuna. I decided I would be better off finding a food court that had soup and spending the rest of my dining there if I couldn't taste anything! Much cheaper too. I was very sad. I come to Vegas to dine mostly so this was not working out well for me.
I decided I had to go to the pharmacy to see if I could get anything better than Benadryl which was now wearing off and I was tired again. I walked over to Walgreens by Palazzo. What a long walk that felt like! Normally, I wouldn't even bat an eye about it but it was challenging, to say the least.
I got some 12 hour Claritin, some water and wine because I was there and then had to haul it all the way back to the Bellagio and it was rather heavy. I was over-heated when I returned and got into my jammies and put a cool cloth on my head. I was supposed to go to Raiding the Rock Vault tonight but I knew I would never make it. I thought of hoofing it over to the monorail and sitting there for the show for two hours and drinking was the last thing on mind so I put that plan aside for now. I decided I would try tomorrow and changed my reservation at Table 10 at Palazzo for 9pm tonight. I wanted to try their reasonably priced tasting menu.
I had a fitful, restless nap. The bed was very comfy though. It reminded me of the same bed the Vdara had. When I awoke at 6:30, I cancelled Table 10. I just didn't have any energy (or appetite really) and decided I would just stay at the hotel and go to bed early. I was feeling depressed now...I had a glass of wine and I could almost taste it if I used my imagination really hard....it took me an hour to drink it though. :(
I half-heartedly started to get ready at 8pm for my night at the hotel. I got in the shower and what - what was going on???? I could SMELL the soap & the shampoo, and then my perfume! And then cigar smoke in the casino. I was so happy, I almost skipped over to Cafe Bellagio. I still wanted some chicken noodle soup. I had to wait half an hour in line. UGH. But, I didn't care, I could smell the food...I guessed the Claritin worked...
Soup was good, not hot enough but it did the trick - $8
Crab Dip - $16
I tasted tarragon and green onion in the dip. I only ate a couple of toasts and then I took the rest to go so I could have it later in the room if I wanted. Then I went to gamble. I played the True Blood slot again and won $100 but quickly put it back in different machines. I lasted about an hour before I blew my daily budget. As much as I was feeling better, I was still really tired so decided to get a good night's sleep and hope for the best tomorrow. I did take a quick stroll through the Conservatory (below) first though, and it's the first time I haven't seen a Christmas display.
Tuesday, May 27th:
I slept till 8:30. I coughed a lot through the night and my chest was sore and it really HURT to cough. Today's plan was to keep my breakfast reservation at Tableau at the Wynn and go see Raiding the Rock Vault tonight. (The show is dark Wed. & Thurs. so this was my only chance to go before I leave). I showered (with my sense of smell functioning) and left for the 1.2 mile walk at 10am. I was in the casino at exactly 10:25. It was a pleasant walk and not unbearably hot yet.
This was my first time inside Wynn and it is very nice and relaxing. I quite enjoyed walking around and absorbing the atmosphere. As I was waiting for my reservation time, I dropped about $80 in ten minutes in the casino. Then I hit a bonus and cashed out with $250. That perked my mood up.
The restaurant is lovely at Tableau. I ordered a glass of Prosecco and breakfast. It was delicious. Bill was $46 after tax and tip.
Duck Hash & Eggs: duck confit, fingerling potatoes, poached eggs, roasted tomato hollandaise in puff pastry - $23
I left after breakfast, stopped at a slot and picked up another $70, signed up for their "Players club Red Card" and started the walk back. Ooooh, it was HOT now! I stopped at Walgreens again for another bottle of wine and then at the Cromwell to check it out. The atmosphere reminded me of being in a "steakhouse". I hurried back to the Bellagio so I could go to my room and cool down for a bit.
I went to the casino but didn't manage to keep my winning streak alive. About 4:30 I got some wings and chowder from the snack bar and took it back to the room. That was dinner. At 6pm I walked over to Ballys to catch the monorail. The fare was $10 for two one way fares and off to the LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, I went. The stop was right there at the hotel so that was nice. And unlike other monorail stops you didn't have to walk 500 miles to get to the casino.
The casino there had good cocktail service. I lost all of my winnings and more. I had bought a Groupon for this show for a balcony seat at $27. When I redeemed it, I was moved up to 7 rows from the stage, smack centre. What a score!
The show was FANTASTIC! I wasn't expecting much and it surpassed my expectations and then some. I can't say enough good things about it. What a group of talented musicians! (Though I have to admit that Robin McAuley creeped me out a little in a "smarmy" sort of way). I highly recommend seeing it. A good time was had by all. A double Bombay Sapphire/Soda drink at the bar in there was $18.50 pre-tip.
Wednesday, May 28th:
I awoke early but instantly was stuffed up and coughing. This truly sucked! So, I went back to bed and slept listening to 80's tunes on the t.v. I woke up again (to Paula Abdul - so time to turn it off) just before 11 and got ready for the pool.
The sun made me feel better today. It was overcast so it wasn't painfully hot and I decided to use my F&B credit here today. I was told you have to charge it to your room to get it applied when you check out. I started with Sparkling & a strawberry. I was happy.
I sat down by someone who looked a lot like Rod Stewart. I looked once, twice and then heard him talk (American accent) and then realized he was too young. Soon after, he had people constantly people coming over and asking for a picture. He would tell people he wasn't him but no one believed him! I started talking to his wife (lovely lady named Paula) and she said it happens everywhere they go but they were on vacation so it would be nice if it didn't happen ALL the time...I felt sorry for her but they were good sports of it and very friendly and gracious to all.
He is actually a Rod Stewart impersonator and I'm sure does very well at it. I took a picture while everyone else was and she offered to take one of both of us together but I politely declined. I wanted them to just enjoy their vacation. He caused quite an amusing commotion while I lied pool side beside them. One after one, two by two, people kept coming over to him...His wife said they caused quite an uproar at the Cher concert which was the reason they were in town.
Oh, and the pool was nice too! I sat by this little one (below) that wasn't heated so it was very refreshing to cool off in. And of course it was close to the pool bar. ;)
This was my view today
I ordered a Greek Salad w/Chicken for lunch but after a half hour it hadn't arrived so I enquired about it. It came shortly after with the manager who comped the meal ($20) and apologized profusely. That was unexpected and I found it very nice because it wasn't a big deal except I was hungry now and that's why I asked to begin with. It gave me an extra Sparkling Wine on my credit to spend. I left after four of those and four hours later. It was an awesome way to spend the day. I couldn't ask for a better day really.
I went and had a nice soak in the tub before I got ready for dinner, and really could have just turned in for the night after that...(in hindsight, I should have, lol)
Dinner tonight was at Twist at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I took the tram to Crystals and walked over from there (5 minutes). The hotel itself is beautiful, elegant and quiet. It was very nice to find my way through it to the restaurant. I was a half hour early and they seated me no problem. The restaurant was more than half empty anyway. Service was friendly, though stuffy and well rehearsed like a memorized script. There was not much personality here and I like service that is a little more "real". I really wasn't in the mood for stuffy service tonight but I knew that's what I signed up for so I just enjoyed it. I almost had a view of the strip and it was very nice. They brought me over reading material too as I was solo.
My waiter talked me into getting a pre-dinner drink to go with my "amuse bouches" that were to be "enjoyed leisurely" so I agreed and ordered a Lemongrass Mojito for $18 (it was very good). He then asked if I was ready to order food. I was. I went for the 4 course tasting menu $135 and wine pairings $85.
My amuses were brought first. Honestly, I can't remember what any of them were in detail but they were ok, nothing jumped out. The BUTTER was really good. I enjoyed that a lot. He told me it was from France and there was salted and unsalted. I just got baguette for my bread selection. My drink arrived shortly after.
Clockwise from the top was the butter salted, then unsalted. On the plate: square beet thingy, fish thingy, cheese thingy, I don't remember the stuffed pillow and a bread sticky thing to the left. He took my bread sticky thing away before I could try it. I liked the round cheesy thing the best. I know that's a terrible description. I apologize. I just wasn't into this tonight.
My waiter had told me to relax, enjoy my drink and take my time before the menu started arriving. I had eaten half the amuses and went to the bathroom (very nice! I should have took a picture) to find when I returned, my first course and wine were there already.
FOIE GRAS TERRINE
Charred Onions Gelée, Passion Fruit Pulp
Artichoke Cream with Thin Slice of Foie Gras
Honestly, this dish didn't taste as good as it looked or I was hoping for. I tried the first couple of bites trying to get all the different tastes/textures together and it wasn't doing much for me. It worked better as I ate the different elements separately. The terrine itself was very tasty though. It was paired with a German white wine. I want to say a Riesling but he could have said it was similar to a Riesling...
After this, two ladies sitting by the window started talking to me and said I looked like a food critic in Oahu, Hawaii, where they were from. I told them it wasn't me but told them I had been to Oahu many times. They asked me to join them and I did. The staff kindly accommodated our move and let us sit together at another table by the window. The ladies were fun to talk to and food has a way of bringing people together, it seems. It was their first night and they were having a girls school reunion get together after 40 years and were expecting the rest of their group tomorrow. I was happy for the invite and company since I've felt pretty anti-social up until today.
CHANTERELLE SOUP
Coffee Morel Ravioli, Peppered Shrimp, English Peas
This was probably my favourite dish of the evening. It had everything going for it and the taste balanced beautifully in my mouth. It was paired with an earthy red wine that was quite good.
Sorbet, fruit palette cleanser
GRILLED BEEF WITH FRESH HERB BUTTER
Eggplant Slice, Chorizo, Tomme de Savoie
Ramp & Potato Crisp
I was a little bummed about this dish. It was Wagyu and I ordered it medium rare and I just expected it to taste BETTER and have more flavour. I guess I wanted it to melt in my mouth but it was no where near that. I liked the accompaniments but again, separately, not all together in one bite...the Spanish red wine that was paired with it was nice.
One of the ladies had ordered the lobster which looked heavenly but she said the rice side dish (finished with lobster bisque) it came with was way over salted and she couldn't eat it. She told me she knows salty since she's Japanese and they eat a lot of salty food. She also said the lobster was overly salty too. The other lady was having the vegetarian menu and she said she was happy with everything so far. She did tell the waiter about the saltiness and of course they seemed taken aback. She just mentioned that she wanted the chef to know her thoughts and was very polite.
OK, I don't eat desserts, so this description will be as horrible as the amuse bouches...
OK, from the bottom right going clockwise: Some non-memorable cherry thing (and I love cherries!), some non-memorable raspberry thingy. Some green tea dish that was quite good. A Bailey's chocolate coffee cream thingy (my fave) and the middle thingy was just fruity and way too sweet. I only had one little taste (the "sugar leaf" was good though). OH, the pairing was really good for these, a sweet Rosé I think...
Here's the proper description from the menu, if you're interested:
Declination of Raspberries
Biscuit Moelleux & Green Tea Ice Cream, Sweet Wine Gelée
Black Chocolate Ganache, Milk Caramel Ball, Baileys & Coffee Granite
Cherry Soup, Prune Cream & Cassis Sorbet, Meringue
Peach & Apricot Compote with Rosemary, Pistachio Sugar Leaf
& Orange Almond Cream
The only thing I finished was the Bailey's dish. Then they brought us a lemon curd tart with meringue curls (below) that was "special compliments" of the chef for the salty food. We all looked at each other and laughed out loud and then dared each other to eat it! It was very good actually, but I only had a couple of bites. I was done, done with dessert!
And if that's not enough, they ended with some more treats from the chef (below). Hazlenuts, chocolate and some weird fruity thing like a gummy bear.
And then bill time. Ka-ching, Ka-ching. My bill for little ole lonesome me was $310 after tax & tip. Ouchie! That's all I can say. Would I return? NO. But, that being said, the service was fantastic. I just didn't feel the food lived up to the hype. And, perhaps this place is better than I thought, it was just my feelings, this day at that particular time. I wouldn't try it again (if I was paying). The ladies said they both felt rushed and it made them uncomfortable especially since the place was half empty and that the food servers could have taken more time explaining the dishes better. As one lady said, "Not everyone is a foodie, you know". :)
When I left, I walked by Bobby Flay's Burger Palace and really wished I dined there for about $290 cheaper. :) Live and learn. I took the tram back to Bellagio and decided to gamble. That went as well as my dinner. I was down $300 in less than an hour so I decided to call it a night. At least my dinner took two and a half hours. It was about 11:30pm (and I was hungry too, so I just typed this trip report and ignored it). Oh my slot machine told me I had earned $6.99 in comps, LOL.
Thursday, May 30th:
I awoke with the usual stuffiness and tired body and took another Claritin. I had no plans to leave the Bellagio today, none and I was happy about it. I had a myVegas comp for the lunch buffet so I went there at 11am for it. I walked right in and got a nice booth to myself. I got unlimited Sparkling and took my time at dining and it was all very good. I left at 1:30, lost $40 in a slot in five minutes on the way back to the elevators and then went for a nap.
Dinner tonight was at Le Cirque. I know, from twisted French last night to classic French tonight. I wanted this whole trip to be about French dining when I was planning. I had a 6:00 reservation as I planned to do the early Prix Fixe menu.
When I got in, I was welcomed kindly. I had a myVegas comp for two glasses of champagne valued at $54 and that got me Veuve Clicquot and I was happy about that. Service started kind of stuffy again and I tried to shift my mind back into fine-dining mode. BUT, the staff here was much more at ease and I felt very comfortable and relaxed and the service wasn't stuffy at all but it was the utmost professional. They actually had personality and talked to you about other things rather than strictly about the food & wine. A perfect combination.
I took a long time trying to decide between between the Prix Fixe ($72) or the Dégustation Menu which was the same price at Twist ($135). My waiter convinced me if I wanted to try all things Le Cirque is famous for, I should go with the latter and I did. I also did the wine pairings again. Cheaper at $68 here. They brought me my champagne to start and then I said I'd finish with the other one at dessert.
The restaurant is gorgeous and it started good! The amuse bouche was a hibiscus foam thingy with cucumber and it just totally was a good start for what was about to follow...
If you sit by the window, you have a table-side view of the Bellagio fountains
That delicious Hibiscus Amuse with Cucumber
First off, I have to say that I enjoyed the wine pairings and the sommelier much more than at Twist. I felt these pairings tonight enhanced the food and the wine when together. The sommelier also explained the wines in a way that was easy to understand and not pretentious at all. I think I liked him the best of all the staff that waited on me, actually.
“Le Cirque” Lobster & Avocado Salad, Black Truffle Vinaigrette
I chose this for my first course. OH MY is all I can say. This was divine perfection on a plate. I can understand why it's a signature dish and will never go off the menu. I absolutely loved it. It was paired with a white and I can't remember much about it except it was my least favourite wine of the night but still good.
The second course was also a white wine but sweet and he told me it tasted like honey and emphasized that most. And it was so good but became great when eaten with the foie gras. To me, everything melded in harmony. A very well executed second course indeed.
Sautéed Foie Gras, Candied Kumquats, Baby Turnips,
Pain d’Epices, Pomegranate Reduction
The next course he brought me a Californian Pinot Noir. It was sharp and crisp and paired perfectly. Below is also a classic signature dish and I can see why. I was beyond happy at this point and think I realized that "Twist" may have been just a little too ahead of my tastes and I like old school French...That sea bass was just what you hope fish will taste like. I don't think it could be better.
Paupiette of Potato Crusted Mediterranean Sea-Bass,
Braised Leeks, Pinot Noir Reduction
The next wine was a red and I can't remember it but it did go well with the lamb which ended up being my least favourite dish of the evening. I've had Colorado lamb at three different high-end Vegas restaurants now (Milos & Charlie Palmer Steak were the other two) and all three times I haven't been impressed. Not sure why? Maybe I just don't like Colorado lamb?
Espelette Crusted Colorado Lamb Chop, Braised Leg, Moroccan Couscous,
Piquillo Coulis, Baby Zucchini, Turnips, Tomato Confit, Navarin Sauce
They brought me my last Champagne here and an intermezzo cheese course with apricot jam. It was good to rest too, actually...
The last wine for dessert was a port and I didn't like it at all! However, when I tasted it with the chocolate it took on a whole new life and both complimented each other as one. I let my waiter pick my dessert as I didn't really care at all what I was served. He served me the "Chocolate Sphere" as he said it brings customers back. It almost was good enough to make me eat dessert but I only had a few bites until the port was gone. Mmmm, mmmm good - the two together! They bring the sphere and then pour the chocolate sauce on top which immediately melts the sphere down...
Petite Boule de Chocolat, Eclats de Noisette Caramélisée, Glace Chocolat Blanc Chocolate Ball: Praline Mousse, White Chocolate Ice Cream, Hazelnut Caramel Crunch, Chocolate Sauce
Then I was served some Mignardises & Gourmandises and I only had a little nibble of each so can't comment on them at all really. I had some coffee too to end dinner. And my experience took 3 hours that went by in no time, it seemed.
And then dinner ended with a little box of chocolates for the road. I really, really enjoyed dinner here and will return. It was night and day compared to last night. Bill after tax & tip was tip (I tipped more) was $285. I felt it was money well spent. Every one of my servers said good-bye and something nice to me on my way out and I truly enjoyed the experience.
I was feeling no pain when I took this picture here of the chocolate jewellery box. :)
And then unfortunately all good things must come to an end...I spent $500 max play in slots and went to bed with nothing in my pocket...like usual, except like 5 times over my daily budget...sigh...Time to go home! That's why I don't like to drink too much in Vegas, my money sense goes out the window. I would have never spent that had I been sober...
Friday, May 30th:
Ugh, I was up quite late (or early as it may be) after losing and writing the trip report. But, I was happy the report was all done. I was stuffed up, coughing AND had a hangover which I'd prefer not to have when travelling but it figures, the only day I did was the day I was leaving. So, I'm just packing up and getting ready to go. Will do Express check out and grab a cab to the airport at 11.
I enjoyed my getaway but hope to NEVER be sick when I return. That was really awful and just cast a dark cloud over everything. Until next time, Vegas...
Loved this report! Now I am hungry!
ReplyDelete@Blonde4ever. Thanks! I enjoy your trip reports too. :)
DeleteMy sister and I were at the Bellagio at the same time! So sorry that you were sick on your vacation; that happened to me on my very first trip to Las Vegas and it was miserable. I laughed out loud when I saw your pool picture of the Rod Stewart lookalike. We were just getting ready to leave the pool area when he came down with his wife. You must have been sitting right where we were at. That's my favorite pool in the whole complex; the water is usually like ice but I love the fountain! Your meal descriptions are excellent; I'm not a foodie at all but I love to read the food magazines and live vicariously through others. Hope your next trip finds you in fine health.
ReplyDelete@shopalot. Isn't that funny? And at the pool in the same spots with Rod too, lol. Thank you for the nice words and the smile today. :D
DeleteA trip full of sceneries, food, and wine! I would say that's time well spent! It's just too bad that your BFF missed all that. For the record, the Wagyu Beef Tartare looks absolutely mouthwatering! Good choice going for the Prosecco as well. I imagine the light and simple taste of the wine allowed the flavor of the food to really come bursting out. And with vodka and lemon sorbet, you could have had a Sgroppino too!
ReplyDeleteRandy Steinberg @ Colonial Spirits
@Randy Steinberg. If you ever go to Sage, you cannot go wrong with that Tartare. Highly recommended.
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