las vegas
Bright lights, late nights, music and excitement all around, Black Jack, slots and craps, bustling crowds and larger than life sites…ahhhh Las Vegas. While previous experiences in this iconic city had revolved strictly around nightclubs and pool parties, with little regard to the hours between, my most recent trip to Las Vegas proved to be one dedicated to fine dining. As a connoisseur of vibey restaurants, I had dreamt of experiencing the 5-star quality that is the Las Vegas food and bev scene, and I can now honestly say every expectation of mine was tremendously exceeded. Not only did I have the pleasure of seeing this city and its most dining spaces decorated for the holiday season, but the meals I shared with my family in Las Vegas were magical beyond belief. While I was only in town for a short while, these dining experiences will forever be placed in my favorite meals of all time memory bank:
Brunch / Lunch
This was my first time staying at the Aria Las Vegas and now, I don’t think I can stay at any other hotel after this fabulous experience. Not only is the Aria beautiful and grand, but its selection of dining is superior - in fact, we only left the hotel once for dinner and once more for drinks out (both times at the Park MGM next door) during our stay. Included in Aria’s repertoire of incredible restaurants is Salt & Ivy - an upscale cafe serving up elevated American classics, perfect for brunch or lunch. With both comforting and healthy options on the menu, an outdoor patio, essential for sunnier days, and a fun list of craft cocktails, this adorable eatery was an absolute must for a casual boozy brunch. Will and I enjoyed a lite bite on the patio before a full day of Las Vegas adventures, him choosing an egg brekkie and me opting for a salmon salad (obviously). The food was perfection - fresh and flavorful, beautiful and healthy, which is just necessary a handful of times while on vacay.
My favorites: Salmon Power Bowl (no quinoa) | Three Egg Breakfast *Will’s choice
Dinner
When deciding on where we’d dine while in Las Vegas to celebrate my father-in-law’s birthday, there was absolutely no question which restaurant was of the utmost priority to me. Carbone - a restaurant so popular and sought-after across all of its locations, one can only dream of getting a reservation. By the grace of universe, and thanks to Amex Concierge, we were able to score a table for dinner at its Las Vegas location, also conveniently located in the Aria hotel. My husband can attest, I nearly cried with excitement the evening of our dinner and my giddiness grew exponentially with every second spent at Carbone Las Vegas. Let’s start with the decor…think modern steakhouse meets 20s Gatsby-like glamour, mahogany wood, marble and gold accents, and an ambiance of pure elegance with white tablecloths and suited waitstaff. In true Las Vegas fashion, the space is absolutely stunning and with a name like Carbone, you can only imagine the level of detail. Unfortunately, for you as the reader, but perhaps fortunately for those who’ve had the pleasure of experiencing it themselves, the menu is one most would find difficult to put into words. Its Italian-American fare is “New York-inspired,” taking culinary cues from today’s most technical talents combined with authentic and beloved traditions of family-style Italian cuisine. Every plate is beautiful and full of unique flavors, and it’s highly likely you’ll identify several menu items as the best you’ve ever had. As for the dining experience overall, Carbone describes its structure with “showmanship” and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate term - wait staff are trained to present the menu theatrically and you can expect to receive white glove treatment, tableside service and 5-star attentiveness from amuse bouche to dessert. There’s something special about sharing a big and utterly delicious Italian meal with loved ones, and the added layer of Carbone’s insatiable charm makes this dinner one of my absolute favorites.
My favorites: Tableside Caesar | Calamari Marco | Angel Hair AOP | Spicy Rigatoni Vodka | Brocoli Rabe
Another absolute must for this Las Vegas trip, catered around celebrating my father-in-law, was a good steakhouse. Luckily, the Strip is home to many high-end steakhouses, which made selecting our reservation quite difficult. My goal was to find a menu with all those beloved steakhouse classics yet with more of a modern ambiance - something that would cater to those who appreciate traditional steakhouse fare as well as those who are all about the vibes. I stumbled up Bavette’s, and it was truly everything I had dreamed of for this dinner. Located at the Park MGM, Bavette’s is described as a “stylish departure from a traditional steakhouse” embracing rich, gilded decor inspired by timeless French luxury. Red leather seating, decorative lighting and chandeliers everywhere you turn, and the pure romance of background jazz music will have you transported back in time to a glamorous lounge. As for the menu, expect to indulge in the finest cuts of meats and classic sides, all with a modern and absolutely mouth-watering twist. The wine list is incredible, with bottle selects from around the world and by-the-glass options from the likes of Burgundy and Bordeaux, otherwise known as my dream. Bavette’s is iconic, stunning and the perfect place to enjoy the most delicious steak dinner in a space so beautiful, you’ll be mesmerized throughout each course.
My favorites: Brussels Sprouts | Roasted Bone Marrow | Filet Mignon ~ Petit Duchess Cut | Double Wagyu Cheeseburger *Will’s choice
Ahh yet another salmon salad - truth be told, this is one dish I could LITERALLY eat all day everyday. But, if you follow Salud & Savor on Instagram, you may already know that the one specifically from Toca Madera is my death row meal. Introducing the Kale & Quinoa Salad (sans quinoa because I’m not a fan) with a salmon filet on top…my idea of pure food bliss. It’s colorful, flavorful, nutrient-dense and features all the textures I crave in a nourishing salad. Add a dijon vinaigrette and goodbye, I’m deceased. I’m very passionate about this salad and dream about it daily. Aside from this gorgeous plate, you can expect a curated menu of delicious and beautiful, modern Mexican eats made with sustainable and organic ingredients. Delicious is an absolute understatement. Plus, every Toca Madera location is such a vibe - bold architectural elements like handcrafted woodwork and exquisite stone, stunning lighting, rich modern accents and no shortage of greenery and fire elements, bringing this uniquely luxurious organic quality to its spaces. Toca Madera looks and feels like a secret society jungle club with a menu of the most incredible farm-to-table Mexican-inspired fare, for the most amazing and immersive dining experience.
My favorites: Guacamole | Shishito Peppers | Ceviche | Kale & Quinoa Salad with salmon
Drinks
Whether for pre- or post-dinner drinks, an afternoon sip or quick delicious Italian bite, Eataly Las Vegas has it all. If you’ve been to the original Eataly New York, you understand just how lovely this unique food and beverage haven is but if not, think a mini market serving up bites and vino and/or selling cooking and kitchen goods inspired by Italian traditions. And while the Las Vegas location is quite small in comparison the New York’s mammoth space, it delivers on the familiar charm. You can expect to see cured meats and cheeses, artisan breads, pastas galore and wine for days across more than a dozen vendors all under one roof. It’s so fun to browse the market and of course, enjoy a glass of wine or two at the bar. I have yet to dine at its restaurant in the Park MGM space, but will absolutely returning on my next visit to Las Vegas.
