Northern Chinese lunch at Beijing Noodle No 9, Caesars Las Vegas

March 10, 2015 by 7 Comments

Once in a while I just get a craving, and on Sunday I didn’t want to deal with brunch madness – I wanted dim sum. Specifically some of the hand pulled noodles that I had seen walking around the previous day at Caesar’s Palace. So it came to be I went for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

I was pleased that there was no wait at all when I arrived. The entrance of Beijing Noodle No. 9 includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish. Don’t worry, those goldfish are all for show, not for eating.  The entrance also has a small bar area where you can watch the hand pulled noodles being made and pulled.

Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish (they are all for show, not for eating!) Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish (they are all for show, not for eating!) Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a small bar where you can watch the hand pulled noodles being made and pulled Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The entrance includes a little hallway full of tanks of goldfish (they are all for show, not for eating!)

There’s just something so baller walking down that corridor of goldfish, where you then enter into the main area of the restaurant. The interior here is all white flowery swirls like you are on the inside of a white paper cut art piece and in a fish bowl yourself at the same time.
Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The inside is full of these white flowery swirls essentially from floor to ceiling like the cellophone wrap of a bouquet was all around me Time for some Northern Chinese on Sunday lunch at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. The inside is full of these white flowery swirls essentially from floor to ceiling like the cellophone wrap of a bouquet was all around me

I started off with a cocktail because I’m in Vegas and after the bloody marys at Todd English PUB the day before I needed a break from my standard breakfast/brunch drink. So I went with the Shanghai Wave cocktail, which was probably one of the best things I had here at this restaurant.
Shanghai Wave cocktail at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

The first thing to come out was the Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle. Every time I got a little bit of the meat I got a little pop of flavor, but there wasn’t a lot of that meat go go around. All the ground meat is right there in the picture on tip- the rest was just noodles plopped in the bowl.

I still believe the noodles were freshly made that day  given the man in the window at the entrance pulling noodles.

But these noodles were too soft and overcooked. Maybe I should have sat in front of the noodle man.
Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle, at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9 Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle, at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9 Sichuan Dan Dan Mein with Spring Noodle, at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9

The Shanghai soup dumplings were adequate, but not outstanding. If you don’t know, the way to eat these is with your chopstick to hold it gently and rock it back and forth until it comes off the steamed paper/bamboo so that you don’t break the soup out of those dumplings until they are in your mouth.

I suppose the version I got here really do taste like something you might get in the streets from a vendor… but not the vendor that has a line of people backed up for their dumplings. The dumplings needed more seasoning inside, in my opinion – it shouldn’t need sauce.
Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9. Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

It turns out the best thing I ate was this dish of Lamb Pancakes that had moist flavorful lamb inside and a crisped up skin on the outside pancake. I was warned that they make this fresh so it might take 20 minutes until the dish came, but I thought it was worth the wait. The flavors here were what I was expecting, given my previous visits to Beijing before.
Shanghai Soup Dumplings at Caesar's Palace at Beijing Noodle No. 9.

With other restaurants of the calibur of Rao’s and Guy Savoy and Nobu and Bobby Flay’s Nobu Grill, it’s a shame that this restaurant is so average. Clearly, I should have gone to Chinatown (just a mile away from the strip), and followed the advice of blogger friend Meagan that she shared in her own Las Vegas guide

I don’t usually write this kind of review as I like to give the benefit of the doubt with another try, but in a tourist city and directly on the Las Vegas Strip like Beijing Noodle No 9 is, you don’t want to waste your limited vacation time and dollars so I wanted to still share my single experience anyway. Caesars actually has numerous good foodie options… This is just not one of them given that the signature Noodle dish was overcooked on a not very busy seating and the toppings so stingy on top. Maybe I’m extra picky because I have spent time in Beijing before (I lived there for almost 2 months in college). I really wanted to reward keeping up the history and artisan skills of pulled noodles too 🙁

I do admit this is the cleanest Chinese restaurant I have EVER been in.

Beijing Noodle No. 9 on Urbanspoon

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

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The Wynn: Lake of Dreams, Parasol Down, Conservatory, Jeff Koons, and Le Reve

March 3, 2015 by 15 Comments

The Wynn Resort in Las Vegas is considered to be one of the most luxurious on the Strip, with its number of five stars from various rankings and the fact that they even have a Ferrari and Maserati dealership inside. Unlike the other previous casinos that Steve Wynn built, The Wynn takes action on his previous regret that he created crowd-drawing attractions that were outside (Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio)- he wanted to make people come into the casino. So that’s how he planned The Wynn.

Supposedly the main attraction to the Wynn the Lake of Dreams, which is a big waterfall feature inside over a small manmade lake. In the evenings, starting at dusk and for every 30 minutes, there are shows that play using the waterfall wall and the lake with projections and props, with the shows varying (similar to how the Bellagio fountain shows vary). In between those times, the waterfall and lake are an art piece, with a statue of a man partially submerged staring at the flowing water/us (I’m not sure) being pensive/stalkery (I’m not sure) while farther on the right a woman stands about to enter the lake, pensive/stalkery (I’m not sure).
Lake of Dreams at the Wynn

The biggest different though is that to really get a good view, you pretty much have to be a guest of the restaurants that take up most of the side facing the Lake of Dreams, or be having cocktails at the bottom half of the lounges Parasol Up / Parasol Down. Parasol Down includes the lounge area inside where you can view Lake of Dreams through the floor to ceiling windows and the outdoor terrace outside. Parasol Up is the lounge upstairs, which really only gives you a view of people walking in The Wynn and little bit of the parasols. True to the name, there are giant parasols that hang on the ceiling and move up and down.

The view from by the escalators on the top floor:
These umbrella lights move up and down in the atrium which houses the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) at The Wynn, Las Vegas "These

The view looking up from Parasol Down:
These umbrella lights move up and down in the atrium which houses the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) at The Wynn, Las Vegas These umbrella lights move up and down in the atrium which houses the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) at The Wynn, Las Vegas

F was working late, and thanks to Tix4Tonight I was able to get discounted seats to the show Le Reve (The Dream) for the early show. After walking here (remember my walking the South Strip and the Middle of the Strip posts?) I really needed a break off my feet, and cocktails sounded perfect. It was probably only 5 PM and far from dusk, so this lounge area was quiet and peaceful, and I was able to sit at a couch on the side where there was a much needed outlet to recharge my phone from all these pictures I’ve been taking and sharing on the blog!
Relaxing in the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) inside The Wynn. This is where after dusk you can also sit and see the various Lake of Dreams shows every 30 min) Relaxing in the Parasol Down bar and lounge (Parasol Up is on the same level before you go down the curved escalator) inside The Wynn. This is where after dusk you can also sit and see the various Lake of Dreams shows every 30 min

I thought I might have just one drink, but I was very intrigued by the drinks menu here. For instance, a page of Wynn Signature Sips included

  • The Carousel, made with rum, watermelon liqueur, fresh lemon juice, fresh watermelon juice, and lemongrass syrup
  • The Pear-A-Sol, with Absolut Pear Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqueur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour
  • Lime In the Coconut, with Bacardi Pineapple Fusion Rum, Kalani Coconut Liqueur, fresh lime juice, ginger syrup, fresh basil leaves, topped with Red Bull Silver

Wynn Signature Sips available at Parasol Down inside The Wynn Example drinks at Parasol Down in The Wynn, Seasonal Sips and Signature Shots

So of course I had to do a little taste testing for you. I started out with the Parasol’s Signature cocktail, the previously mentioned The Pear-A-Sol, with Absolut Pear Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqueur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour. I was pleased to see that it came with these cute complimentary snacks. Vegas is one of those cities that I don’t even think twice of traveling, exploring, and eating and drinking on my own because there are always interesting people to meet and talk to, including even being insistent that she take a photo of me and send it to F to let him see I was having fun without him.
Enjoying a Wynn Signature Sip of The Pear-a-sol, Parasol's signature cocktail at Parasol Down. The cocktail includes Absolut Pears Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqeur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour along with complimentary snacks Enjoying a Wynn Signature Sip of The Pear-a-sol, Parasol's signature cocktail at Parasol Down. The cocktail includes Absolut Pears Vodka, Belle Paire Pear Liqeur, pear puree, and fresh sweet and sour along with complimentary snacks

They also have several Seasonal Sips and Signature Shots on the drink menu. I tried one of them, the Red Velvet Cake shot with Zing Red Velvet Vodka, and Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur. In the back you can see a Cucumber Fizz non-alcoholic drink, so you don’t have to feel pressured to drink alcohol- the non alcoholic drink was very refreshing and flavorful. I also tried the Signature Cocktail of Sinatra Smash with Gentlemen Jack Tennessee Whiskey, Briottet Ccreme de Cassis, freshly muddled blackberries, fresh sweet and sour, and vanilla infused simple syrup
A Signature Shot at Parasol Down in the Wynn, this one is the Red Velvet Cake shot with Zing Red Velvet Vodka, and Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur with a Cucumber Fizz nonalcoholic drink Example signature drink at Parasol Down in The Wynn. This is the Sinatra Smash with Gentlemen Jack Tennessee Whiskey, Briottet Ccreme de Cassis, freshly muddled blackberries, fresh sweet and sour, and vanilla infused simple syrup

The only place I can think of where you can watch the show at the Lake of Dreams for free is by standing between the inside lounge area and terrace of Parasol Down, by standing in between the escalators leading up and down to Parasol Down, or by a small terrace just by the check-in/out desks of The Wynn. Here you can see the difference in view – from standing in between the escalators leading up and down to Parasol Down where yes they somehow pulled out a whole frog to sing- and the view from the terrace just by the check in lobby of The Wynn when the Lake of Dreams told the story of two balls (a blue and pink one) that fall in love and roll around all over the misted over lake.
The singing frog at the Lake of Dreams in The Wynn, view from the top of the escalators above Parasol Down The singing frog at the Lake of Dreams in The Wynn, view from the top of the escalators above Parasol Down The singing frog at the Lake of Dreams in The Wynn, view from the top of the escalators above Parasol Down View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty View of the Lake of Dreams from the balcony outside the check in lobby of The Wynn... this is a show with lit balls that roll in the water that is misty

You can sort of see the glass doors leading to that terrace by the reception desks behind these flowers
You can sort of see the glass doors leading to that terrace overlooking Lake of Dreams at the Wynn, Las Vegas, by the reception desks behind these flowers

Honestly though, it wasn’t the Lake of Dreams that blew me away with The Wynn. It was the Conservatory Area here that reminded me a bit of what Bellagio offers, but without all the crowds of people that I felt at the Bellagio. The gardens here are exquisite. And, FREE to see.
Carousel made all of flowers inside The Wynn, November 2014 Carousel made all of flowers inside The Wynn, November 2014 Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn make up this flowered hot air balloonGorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn make up this flowered hot air balloon Gorgeous flowers inside the Conservatory Area, cultivated botanical gardens in the atrium of The Wynn make up this flowered hot air balloon

You can also find two artworks by Jeff Koons. The first is Popeye, made with high chromium stainless steel with transparent color coating inside the Wynn Esplanade, and the sculpture Tulips which is a bouquet of twisted balloon flowers. As you’re looking at it, know that these pieces weigh several tons, and Steve Wynn paid $28 million for Popeye and Tulips is $33.6 million dollars. It blows my mind how much insane art is just lying around for everyone to look at for free in Las Vegas. FREE!
Popeye art piece by Jeff Koons, made with high chromium stainless steel with transparant color coating inside the Wynn Esplanade Popeye art piece by Jeff Koons, made with high chromium stainless steel with transparant color coating inside the Wynn Esplanade More Jeff Koons art inside the Wynn, this time right by the Wynn Theater, it's the $33.6 million dollar sculpture Tulips which is a bouquet of twisted balloon flowers More Jeff Koons art inside the Wynn, this time right by the Wynn Theater, it's the $33.6 million dollar sculpture Tulips which is a bouquet of twisted balloon flowers

Oh, and I saw Le Reve, The Dream. I was surprised that they allowed non-flash photography during the show, but they even wanted to promote a hashtag to share the photos, so I obliged once in a while, most of the time my eyes were just flitting all over the place trying to see everything on the stage.

There is not a bad seat at all in the house. If you are closer, you can admire the details of the costuming and the rippling physiques of the performers. If you are farther away, you have an overall view of the scene without having to dart your eyes around.
There is not a bad seat in the house at the Wynn Theater, home of Le Reve, The Dream There is not a bad seat in the house at the Wynn Theater, home of Le Reve, The Dream

The stage includes not only the pool and any standing areas that come up and down or sail in (yep), but even all the airspace to the top of the theater! With every scene, your view is ever-changing with not only set and lights, but people wandering in and out, either performing as part of the act or like us, observing (though more artfully posed than me). There were many times I was really torn where I wanted to keep my eyes, and the show seemed to end all too soon. I wanted many parts of every scene to last a little longer so I can really admire the details of it before it moved out of one beautifully posed moment to another.
A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater!

I really enjoyed the show. Besides all the food in Las Vegas, and all the free art to see up and down the strip outside on the streets or inside the buildings, I really love the offering of shows here in Vegas and can’t imagine visiting without seeing at least 1 or 2! Most theater productions are only temporary, but here in Vegas they can build the stage to fit the resident show, and so the production values are just unlike anywhere else.

I highly recommend seeing a show while you are here! There’s every kind of show – I prefer shows like Le Reve or Cirque du Soleil (my favorite is O, though I almost bought tickets to Zarkana paired with the idea of pairing it with dinner at bar Masa or Julian Serrano Tapas- maybe next time! You can see friend Marlynn from Urban Bliss Life’s pictures and review of Zarkana here). The reason I love these shows is because they combine intense visuals and athleticism and grace with music and have no strong narrative. But there is also comedy, musical performances varying from musicals to concerts to tribute shows, magic, adult (I really like Jubilee, the costumes by Bob Mackie and seeing Barbie clothes in real life before me are worth it), headliners (you might even run into them in the casinos, like lucky Hailey of Discourse of a Divine Diva did with Nick Carter! She’s doing a recap of her week in Vegas and I think she packed in more than I did everyday!)… Vegas, so much to do, so much to see!

Here’s a glimpse of the visual splendor of Le Reve, The Dream in Las Vegas at the Wynn Theater.
A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater! A scene from the show Le Reve, The Dream, playing at the Wynn Theater. It's a show that takes place on continuously changing stages, the water, and all the airspace to the top of the theater!

Have you been to the Wynn, what did you think if you have? Have you gone to any Las Vegas shows, which ones?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

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The Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB, Las Vegas

February 27, 2015 by 12 Comments

After my little free Art Walk Tour through Gallery Row and The Shops at the Crystals and Aria, I was feeling a little snacky and thirsty. It was Saturday and sunny, and they serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays until 3 PM so I stopped at Todd English P.U.B. Restaurant (P.U.B. standing for Public Urban Bar). On a Sunday, the regular brunch time this place is likely crazy, but on a Saturday I was seated immediately.

Pretty much I am a huge fan of a good bloody mary, and that was exactly what they were advertising so… sold!
The Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB on Sat and Sun are outrageous in Las Vegas The Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB on Sat and Sun are outrageous in Las Vegas

For the bloody mary menu, you can build your own starting from a choice of vodka or infusion (example infusions include “chipotle” with chipotle, bell, ancho and jalapeno peppers and sugar or “bacon” with applewood bacon and maple syrup), many fixings varying from Old Bay Seasoning and juices (Todd’s blend or V8 or even beef broth or cucumber water) to 9 different hot sauces, 3 kinds of splashes (lime, lemon, or olive brine) and 18 garnishes varying from various pickled items to salami to even shrimp or lobster!
The Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB on Sat and Sun are outrageous in Las Vegas - you can build your own or select the Meat N Potato Mary, All About Mary, or Bodacious Blonde Mary at the bottom The Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB on Sat and Sun are outrageous in Las Vegas - you can build your own or select the Meat N Potato Mary, All About Mary, or Bodacious Blonde Mary at the bottom The Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB on Sat and Sun are outrageous in Las Vegas - you can build your own or select the Meat N Potato Mary, All About Mary, or Bodacious Blonde Mary at the bottom

If that’s too much freedom and choice for you, they also provide 3 bloody mary pre-created combinations or 4 bubbly blends if you want a take on a mimosa. The two shown below are two of those combos from the Todd’s Farm Fresh Bloody Marys section. The Todd English Meat N Potato Mary includes TE knob Creek single barrel bourbon, beef broth, Todd’s Sinful Blend, Worcestershire, steak sauce, toped with waffle fries, bacon, salami, scallions and black olives
At Todd English PUB located between Crystals and Aria, the Meat N Potato Mary includes TE knob Creek single barrel bourbon, beef broth, Todd's Sinful Blend, Worcestershire, steak sauce, toped with waffle fries, bacon, salami, scallions and black olives

And, if that wasn’t enough, here is the proof that the Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB on Sat and Sun are outrageous in Las Vegas and are currently the winner for best garnished bloody mary. This one is the All About Mary with choice of vodka, Todd’s Sinful Blend, stacked with a slider, crispy chicken wing, chilled shrimp, corn dog pup, stuffed olives, celery, carrot and pickled asparagus.
The Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB on Sat and Sun are outrageous in Las Vegas. This one is the All About Mary with choice of vodka, Todd's Sinful Blend, stacked with a slider, crispy chicken wing, chilled shrimp, corn dog pup, stuffed olives, cleery, carrot and pickled asparagus

If you want further snacks to soak up the alcohol, I was smitten with the crispy beer battered pickles served with bbq sauce, ranch, sauce, and blue cheese fondue.
Fried pickles from the Todd English Pub

Other options to eat include duck buns, corn dog puppies, junk chips (with bbq beef ragu and blue cheese and more), prime rib beef chili… and that’s just the appetizer and snack section. There’s almost a dozen burger and sandwiches, another dozen PUB favorites from classic bangers and mash or fish and chips to shepherd’s pie and ribeye…

There’s 9 different carved meats from the rotisserie available by the half or full pound, and several RAw Bar selections. Don’t forget brunch options like a English Bagel Taco or Lobster Benedict.

If the bloody marys don’t tempt you, there are almost 50 beers, beer flights, beer cocktails, more than a half dozen bourbon cocktails, there’s sangria, mead, cider, buckets of canned beer, and more. Happy hour everyday from 3-6 PM and 10-? PM offer $1 wings, $2 oysters, $3 sliders, 1/2 price pints.

Did I mention dessert includes a S’mores Board for two or more? And there’s 3 kind of Adult Shakes?

Todd English PUB is located in Las Vegas by Aria, and also in Birmingham, if that is more convenient.

Have you ever been to a Todd English establishment? What do you think of these over the top bloody marys? What would be your dream garnishes for a bloody mary?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

  • Las Vegas Hotels at the South End of Strip: Mandalay Bay, Delano, Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, and MGM Grand and what each offers in terms of feel
  • A look at some of the breakfast options at Della’s Kitchen in the Delano, including juice, Doughssant, bacon cheddar biscuits, and Pecan Raisin French Toast
  • Take a little trip to Europe with the offerings and recommendations for free stops in the Middle of the Las Vegas Strip like Paris, Caesar’s, and the Bellagio properties. Did I mention they are all free, and include the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain?
  • Photos recapping my lunch at Giada Las Vegas inside the Cromwell, including the G signature cocktail, flatbread with pesto, burrata, grilled cheese, gelato
  • Art Walking Tour at The Shops at Crystals and Aria, Las Vegas, including Gallery Row with Richard MacDonald and Dale Chihuly to the various art in Crystals and Aria
  • The garnishes of the Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB in Las Vegas are outrageous, ranging from bacon, onions rings, sliders and corn dogs to chicken wing
  • My tour of The Wynn in Las Vegas, including details on The Lake of Dreams, Parasol Down, the Conservatory, Jeff Koons sculptures, and Le Reve The Dream show
  • Lunch at Beijing Noodle No 9, Caesar’s Las Vegas of Shanghai Wave cocktail, Sichuan Dan Dan Mein Spring Noodles, Shanghai Soup Dumplings, and Lamb Pancakes
  • A Steampunk restaurant of Rx Boiler Room by Mandalay Bay brings an opportunity for a cocktail from a crystal skull
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Art Tour at The Shops at Crystals and Aria, Las Vegas

February 24, 2015 by 15 Comments

In my previous posts I covered where I had breakfast at Della’s, walked the south strip, then took a pretend trip to Europe at casinos in the middle of the strip (and also had lunch at Giada’s, my favorite meal of my trip to Vegas this time). While covering the middle of Las Vegas Boulevard I skipped over this section of the Shops at Crystals and Aria in Las Vegas. The reason is because I love this specific area of the strip, wanted to highlight it by itself.

You see, in my fake trip mid strip tour to mini Europe, I moved right from Monte Carlo to Bellagio. But the Crystals and Aria are actually located in between these two on the west side of the street. In fact, if you enter the Monte Carlo you can board a free tram that will take you to Crystals and then Bellagio.

One of the pluses of walking is that before you get on the escalators that take you to the bridge crossing City Center Place street and into the Crystals shopping mall area is that you can stop at Gallery Row. If you look up from outside, you can see the sky reflected on the Aria windows and the residential condo Veer Towers and wonder about the rich and famous who can afford and choose to live in there.
View on City Center Place in Las Vegas, before crossing over to Crystals, on the Gallery Row side View on City Center Place in Las Vegas, before crossing over to Crystals, on the Gallery Row side

One of the offerings of this little Gallery Row of a handful of art galleries is a gallery of sculptures featuring the art of Richard MacDonald. Richard MacDonald uses the incredible physiques and posing ability of performers in various Cirque du Soleil shows to create breathtaking sculptures of the human body.

Another gallery you can visit features some of the gorgeous glass art of Dale Chihuly in theGallery featuring Dale Chihuly. His art is a celebration of form as well as color and  light in the way they carefully design how the artwork is displayed.

There are additional sculptures by Richard MacDonald you can see in Bellagio in The Art of Richard MacDonald by the O theater lobby. There is also a famous Dale Chihuly sculpture in the Bellagio lobby, Fiori Di Como.

This is one of the things I love about Vegas- you might get spendy on the gambling or the food, but many shows you can get half price tickets (thanks to Tix 4 Tonight) AND there are so many free things you can do like this. Here’s a taste of both these artists I mentioned (the other 2 galleries of Gallery Row, one of photography and one of antiques, are also fun to visit but Richard MacDonald and Dale Chihuly were my personal favorites).

Continuing on with the art theme, when you enter the Shops at the Crystals, besides the high end designer shops that you can window shop at, you can also check out some floral and garden art. Since I was visiting in November, you can see the theme of Autumn reflected in the horticulture art.

Also here in the middle of the Crystals building is The Treehouse, a 2 story modern tree house which also is the home of a restaurant. You can wonder at what the wooden structure may resemble as it tries to fulfill artform and functional space.

The Treehouse in Crystals and some of the autumn themed horticulture art The Treehouse in Crystals and some of the autumn themed horticulture art The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art and a selfie The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art and a selfie The Shops at the Crystals, some of the autumn themed horticulture art

As you continue to walk towards Aria, before you go up the Grand Staircase of bamboo and pink agate is the art/sculpture walk through water feature installation called Halo. Basically, it’s a bunch of water tornados in various cylinders with different lights to highlight the movement and shape of the liquid funnels in different mesmerizing ways.

I love water art, so I lingered for a while to check out each of the cylinders, as each is unique. It was cute as some children were “cheering” a funnel on as it would start or wane down. I tried to capture some of the appeal in these photos…
A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. Crystals is a high end mall. This is a funnel just starting A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. There is something at the bottom which spins the water and colored lights that the water tornado will pick up A fun water funnel art installation (Halo) inside Crystals as I walk towards Aria in Las Vegas. Here the funnel is waning

After going up the stairs, walk outside briefly and then into Aria, where it seems like the art gallery continues but now in the form of dramatic decorations inside the hotel for the lobby, lounge, and restaurant Julian Serrano Tapas. All the restaurants in here are pretty impressive.

Then there are luxurious art details everywhere in the public areas of Aria, particularly dramatic floral arrangements on pedestals. By the check in desk – that silver sculpture? Oh that’s just Silver River by Maya Lin (who most know as the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial), making a statement about water conservation and the importance of the Colorado River to Nevada in terms of energy and water.

Of course most noticeable are probably the rotating art installations in the lobby – in November it was these glass swirling leaves. Because the featured art changes, I always like checking out Aria’s latest design theme.

Julian Serrano Tapas restaurant inside Aria Las Vegas Lobby inside Aria Las Vegas Inside the lobby of Aria are beautiful art design details Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Floral Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas Art details inside the Aria reception/lobby area in Las Vegas

Has all this chatting and admiring the free art made you a little thirsty and snacky? Stay tuned for my next Travel post, which I will share on Foodie Friday, where I cover some insanely garnished bloody mary options at Todd English PUB!

Have you ever been to The Shop at the Crystals or Aria? Which of these art pieces I have pointed out would you pick as most interesting to you? Have you ever done an “Art Walk Tour” while visiting Vegas?

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

  • Las Vegas Hotels at the South End of Strip: Mandalay Bay, Delano, Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, and MGM Grand and what each offers in terms of feel
  • A look at some of the breakfast options at Della’s Kitchen in the Delano, including juice, Doughssant, bacon cheddar biscuits, and Pecan Raisin French Toast
  • Take a little trip to Europe with the offerings and recommendations for free stops in the Middle of the Las Vegas Strip like Paris, Caesar’s, and the Bellagio properties. Did I mention they are all free, and include the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain?
  • Photos recapping my lunch at Giada Las Vegas inside the Cromwell, including the G signature cocktail, flatbread with pesto, burrata, grilled cheese, gelato
  • Art Walking Tour at The Shops at Crystals and Aria, Las Vegas, including Gallery Row with Richard MacDonald and Dale Chihuly to the various art in Crystals and Aria
  • The garnishes of the Bloody Marys at Todd English PUB in Las Vegas are outrageous, ranging from bacon, onions rings, sliders and corn dogs to chicken wing!
  • My tour of The Wynn in Las Vegas, including details on The Lake of Dreams, Parasol Down, the Conservatory, Jeff Koons sculptures, and Le Reve The Dream show
  • Lunch at Beijing Noodle No 9, Caesar’s Las Vegas of Shanghai Wave cocktail, Sichuan Dan Dan Mein Spring Noodles, Shanghai Soup Dumplings, and Lamb Pancakes
  • Steampunk restaurant of Rx Boiler Room by Mandalay Bay brings an opportunity for a cocktail from a crystal skull
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Lunch at Giada in The Cromwell, Las Vegas

February 20, 2015 by 17 Comments

I last left off in my Travel Tuesday posts with a little pretend trip to Europe in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip after my tour of the South End of the Strip and breakfast at Della’s Kitchen. Also here in this middle area of Las Vegas Boulevard was my favorite meal during my long weekend when I was here in Las Vegas: a lunch at Giada in The Cromwell.

You can tell she thought about every detail of the experience, even starting with the bottom of the escalators that take you to the second floor where the restaurant is located, to the long reception hostess area where you check in and see arranged shelves as if you were in someone’s home. Naturally some of those shelves include some Giada branded products and cookbooks.
The downstairs area where the escalators where take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located The downstairs area where the escalators where take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located The escalators take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located The escalators take you up to the second floor of The Cromwell, where the Giada restaurant is located

There are some cushioned seats and a PHOTO BOOTH in that waiting area. The photo booth is FREE, so take some photos if you are waiting! You can upload the photo booth strip directly to Facebook and Twitter or print them directly to photo strips as keepsakes.
The Photo Booth in the waiting area of the Giada - it's free, you should stop in before and after your meal The Photo Booth in the waiting area of the Giada - it's free, you should stop in before and after your meal

This is Food Network star Giada de Laurentiis’ first restaurant and the interior is large with big window views and terrace that look out across the street to the Bellagio fountains. Despite the size, at the same time it evokes a feeling like you are inside her home, with the same feel as the interiors she films her shows. It’s posh yet warm and homey.

And, very branded, from the G on the seats to the Giada on the placemats and more. The round light fixtures read one of her most famous quotes, which is an answer to how she eats so much great food and stays slim: “I eat a little bit of Everything and not a lot of Anything”.

When you first walk in, you can take a look at the big open kitchen. After you are seated, you might consider coming back to peer at the antipasti plates like I did.
A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas A look at the big open kitchen inside Giada inside The Cromwell, Las Vegas

I was there for lunch. The complimentary bread service includes fresh Lemon Thyme flatbread fresh from that big wood oven you saw when you were walking in. It is served with pesto instead of butter – healthier and yet even tastier! I think at dinner the bread basket is filled out further with doughy thick focaccia and parmesan breadsticks.
Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the bread service comes with lemon thyme flatbread and pesto Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the bread service comes with lemon thyme flatbread and pesto

Many years ago, it was Giada who first taught me about burrata – I had never seen or heard of it while living in Chicago. As an homage to that, I ordered the Burrata with balsamic salt, olive oil, and microgreens.

OMG it was amazing. I’ve had burrata before, but the freshness of the burrata here combined with the simple but excellent oil and a touch of salt and those microgreens was the best way I’ve ever had burrata, ever.
Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the Burrata with balsamic salt and the bread service comes with lemon thyme flatbread and pesto Lunch menu at Giada in the Cromwell in Las Vegas, the Burrata with balsamic salt

The Signature Cocktail at Giada is the G with Kappa Pisco, pineapple simple syrup, fresh lime, homemade apricot preserves, egg white and Angostura bitters. I was impressed with how even this cocktail was so strongly branded…
The Signature Cocktail at Giada is the G with Kappa Pisco, pineapple simple syrup, fresh lime, homemade apricot preserves, egg white and Angostura bitters The Signature Cocktail at Giada is the G with Kappa Pisco, pineapple simple syrup, fresh lime, homemade apricot preserves, egg white and Angostura bitters The G Cocktail, Lemon Thyme flatbread (served with pesto) and Burrata with balsamic salt.

For my lunch entree, I was tempted by the wood fired pizzas and pastas (one of the pastas is the Pasta of the Day, which changes daily), but ultimately picked out of of the half dozen sandwich options, the Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes with prosciutto San Daniele and fried zucchini scapecce (or salad, but I went with the zucchini fries as my side, you get a choice of either). My rationale is the day I had this lunch, I was leaving on a plane that evening and I knew I could take the other half of this plate with me on the plane as my dinner. The prosciutto is optional so you could keep it vegetarian.
Lunch Menu at Giada in the Cromwell Las Vegas, Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes with prosciutto San Daniele and fried zucchini scapecce Lunch Menu at Giada in the Cromwell Las Vegas, Lemon Pesto Grilled Cheese with heirloom tomatoes with prosciutto San Daniele and fried zucchini scapecce

Dessert was a Chef’s Choice Assortment of sorbet and gelato, one of which was an incredible toasted banana pine nut gelato.
Dessert of an assortment of Sorbet and gelato at Giada in the Cromwell, Las Vegas Dessert of an assortment of Sorbet and gelato at Giada in the Cromwell, Las Vegas

I was thrilled when I later opened my doggy bag with the other half of that grilled cheese and found an autographed photo of Giada in the bag too! Notice the check presentation too (along with the doggy bag and placemat). Even the paper towels for drying hands in the restroom was not missed in terms of detail.
Giada branding details with the doggy bag, check presentation, even the placemat at the table at Giada in The Cromwell, Las Vegas Giada branding details with the doggy bag, autographed photo that came with the doggy back, a paper towel from the restroom for drying hands, and photo strip from the complimentary photo booth in the waiting area

I was here for lunch, but could imagine with the views of the Bellagio fountain shows in the evening this restaurant could get super busy in the evening, so you want to try to make reservations (they are also on Opentable). The portions at this restaurant are reasonable, unlike most of Vegas so keep that in mind. The dishes are very flavorful, but they are at the same prices you would find anywhere on Las Vegas Boulevard for this class of restaurant, so you are paying for the high quality ingredients.

For me, service was very friendly and smooth where the dishes came out quickly for me and the others around me. We were checked on but left alone to enjoy the atmosphere with no pressure like we were in a friend’s living room in her oh, million dollar mansion in Los Angeles. When I’m back in town, whenever that is, I would definitely return and try Giada Las Vegas again.

My Guide to the Free and the Food on the Las Vegas Strip

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