Restaurant Review: Julian Serrano at Aria

Decorative touches...

Creamy Risotto

Salmon Roulade

White Ceviche

Julian Serrano was the place for my late tapas dinner when I stayed at Aria.  I made the reservation directly through the Aria website, and I had a $50 food credit that was included in my room offer to spend however I wanted.  

The restaurant is located near the reservations desk, along a "restaurant row" of sorts, and it's not hard to find.  The design is sleek and modern, and the restaurant is open to the rest of the resort on three sides.  My late evening reservation found a few other diners enjoying their tapas with quiet conversation in the main dining area, or watching Sports Center on the flat-screen TV's above the bar area.  I chose a small booth near the center of the restaurant but against a wall, with a view of most of the restaurant and outside areas (all the better to people-watch, my dear).

My waiter was quick and attentive, willing to describe any dish I wished to know more about.  In the end, I decided to try a couple of tapas I’d seen on the menu at home, as well as one of his suggestions and my waiter offered to bring them out one at a time, about 15 minutes apart, so I could take my time and enjoy them all completely.

First I tried the White Ceviche, which is something I don't get to eat too much of at home.  The dish was spicy, but just okay.  This was one of my own choices), and I was actually disappointed in it.  I think it actually needed more lime to give it a good balance.  I'm not exactly sure what the "chips" next to it were made of, but they didn't look familiar and I opted not to taste them.  

Next I tried the Creamy Risotto, which was also one of my own selections.  I had been eyeing the risotto since I first found their menu online, and it didn't disappoint.  The dish was very good and quite large and filling for a tapas dish.  The warm risotto paired with almonds and mushrooms made it quite earthy and very delicious.  A slice of fresh Parmesan cheese was presented on top of it, and I chose to break it up and mix it in while the dish while it was still warm.  So good.  I probably could have had twice as much of this dish and gone away just as happy.  

My third dish was the one recommended by my waiter:  Salmon Roulade.  It was very good!  This dish was presented almost like a large sushi roll on top of a piece of lightly toasted, and very delicious, bread.  The roulade mixture inside was very flavorful and fresh.  I broke everything apart and ate the bread along with the salmon.  I didn’t leave a bite of anything on my plate.  

I took my time and savored everything, and my intermittent conversations with the waiter were entertaining, as well.  It was nice to be able to sit back, relax, and just watch the world of Vegas go by for awhile.

All in all my tapas meal was a little over $38+tax (+cash tip) for my three tapas and an iced tea, so I didn’t even use my full food credit.  Awww.  I was too freakin’ full to eat another bite, though.

I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes tapas and wants to enjoy a wide variety of dishes served in a quiet but elegant setting.  It's yet another Vegas restaurant I'll be more than happy to visit again.  There were several other tapas on the menu that I would have loved to try, but there's no way I could possibly try any more than three at one time by myself.  I'd give my whole dining experience a solid 8 out of 10.

To view the Julian Serrano menu, check out their hours or make a reservation, follow this link:

http://www.arialasvegas.com/dining/julian-serrano.aspx

Aria: A lovely room, indeed!

Walking in...

That is some bed!

Lots of storage

Space to work OR play...

Need more counter space!

Very big!

For my July 2011 trip, I decided to "double-book" one night at Aria, which is part of the new City Center complex.  I booked the offer because it was $79 for one night, plus $50 in Free Play and a $50 food credit at any of Aria's restaurants.  Well, that's like free to me!  I couldn't pass it up, and I'm glad I added it on to my trip.

Luckily I had Claire text me clear walking directions from Paris to Aria, because the whole City Center complex can be very confusing.  The hotels are very close together, and the entrances are not always visible from the Strip.  She thought I was kidding when I asked her for the easiest way to get from the Strip to the registration desk at Aria, but I was perfectly serious.  I already had blistered feet – I didn’t want to take extra steps if I didn’t have to.  Thank you, Claire, for being so awesome from afar!

I packed my overnight bag at Paris -since I had that room booked for all three nights - and headed out to the walkway in front of City Center.  A (somewhat) quick walk through Crystals and to the check in desk at Aria was fairly painless.  It was almost 6:30 p.m., but there were a few people in line.  Every one of them had issues with their reservations, I think.  Even so, I managed to get assigned a room quickly, and I was on my way to 18-210 in less than 10 minutes.  Figuring out the Aria hallways, though, can be a challenge.  I just knew I’d get turned around somewhere, but I never got lost.  The way the hallways "branch out" off of the elevators can get a tad confusing if you don't pay attention to your path and check your room number.

What an entrance into a hotel room!  I absolutely LOVE the way the lights turn on, the music turns on, and the drapes automatically open the first time you walk in!  That was worth the $79/night price for the room alone!  I only wish it happened every time you walk into the room, but I can see where that’d be a problem if you’re staying with someone else.  If I'd known about it I would've taken a video of it to be sure - I found it very impressive.

Of course I had to take the prerequisite room photos and figure out all the little gadgets to control the room.  It was quite nice to see my name all over the place, too!  The TV and the room controls all had "Welcome Deann M" programmed in, and I couldn't help but giggle when I first saw them.  

There is ample storage in the Aria rooms, with a double armoire, a dresser/bureau and valet station right inside the door, two nightstands, a desk and a mini bar - with extra amenities and goodies that cost quite a bit if you decide to take them with you - plus two chairs and a small coffee table right next to the windows.  However, the lovely and very comfortable bed is the focal point of this room!  It is EXTREMELY comfortable, and you sink into it quite deeply.  Add on the duvet and extra covers and...*sigh*...it's a lovely way to relax.  The mattress is so comfy that it makes Bellagio's mattress seem average by comparison, and it's not.  I was certainly happier than my husband and daughter when I texted them about the wonderful room and the EXTREMELY comfortable bed.  I don’t think they really cared I would be sleeping on a giant marshmallow.  

The bathroom is fairly good-sized, with a large, separate marble shower and tub tucked away to one side behind a clear glass door.  The toilet is behind another glass door, frosted for privacy (but I still miss real doors when you're separating a toilet from the rest of the bathroom), and there's a phone in the toilet room, too - you never want to miss an important call!

The only problem I have with anything in the Aria room is the lack of bathroom counter space.  There are plenty of drawers and counter tops everywhere else in the room, but there is a dinky 12” space between the two sinks, and the only plugs are BEHIND their bathroom amenities, which I knocked over four times before I finally moved them to the shower area because I couldn't even set my makeup bag on the counter.

I couldn't resist setting the controls to wake me up at 7 a.m. with the TV tuning to light jazz music, the bedside lights coming on to a "dim" setting, and the blackout drapes opening to reveal another beautiful Vegas morning.  Posh!

I would love to stay in this hotel again.  Of the entire City Center complex, it's one of only two with a casino attached, Cosmopolitan being the other.  I go to Vegas primarily to gamble, so a casino downstairs is important to me when I choose a place to stay.  It has to be my favorite hotel ROOM in Vegas so far, and I would definitely rate it a 10!

Now to wait for another offer like that one to pop up...

For more information on Aria and to check their room rates, visit http://www.arialasvegas.com/, or call (866) 359-7757.

Paris Las Vegas Hotel - Red room review - with photos

Paris elevators

A beautiful, RED room!

It's a really comfy bed, too.

For my July 2011 trip, I booked a comped room at Paris for 3 nights, July 3-6.  I was placed in room 2826 on the 28th floor immediately upon my arrival, and, as it was only 1:30, I was overjoyed I wouldn’t have to check my luggage and I could go chill in my room after a really bad cab ride from the airport.

I had stayed at Paris on a previous trip, but this room looked completely different from the last one I had, which was decorated in blue and gold.  I don’t know if the front desk clerk meant to give me a renovated Red Room or not, but I was happy to have it.  What a pretty room!  

My view was out the back toward Bally’s, which meant I’d get the sunrise.  It's a good thing that most Las Vegas hotel rooms have great blackout curtains, or I wouldn't get any sleep at all!

The room layout is the same as the standard, classic blue and gold room, but the renovated Red Room is just that: RED!  The carpeting is a black and white hounds tooth pattern that compliments the red accent pieces, red curtains and the red headboards on the bed.  It's not overwhelming at all; it works.

The Red Room comes with the standard blow dryer plus a coffee maker on the bathroom counter.  A large armoire stores the TV as well as the clothes (behind two mirrored doors and in three good-sized drawers) in the bedroom.  A desk and chair are situated near the window, as well as a comfortable and good-sized RED love seat/settee'. 

There is plenty of room to move around in the bathroom, too, and the makeup mirror attached next to the sink is a bonus you don't find in all hotels.  The shower and tub are separate, and the tub is jetted.  I don't think I've ever used a hotel tub except to stand in while showering when it's necessary.  I don't think I'd know how to fill one up anymore.

Like most other Las Vegas hotels, checkout is convenient and can be done in one of three ways: via the TV, through a signed checkout card that is provided when you check IN, or in person at the registration/check in desk when leaving the hotel.  If you don't have any room charges and your room is comped (free), the easiest and quickest way is to sign the card and drop it in the convenient drop boxes outside the elevators and just leave your room keys in the room.

While I love the look and atmosphere of Paris Las Vegas, I don't spend a lot of time gambling in the casino.  I do love a couple of their restaurants, but I don't see myself coming back to stay again and again unless I get more free room offers - there are just too many other places for me to spend my money if I can get a room for free!

Matsuri at Imperial Palace: A show review

Matsuri was a show I went to based on another friend and LasVegas4Ever board member's suggestion (thank you, Frank/Westie!).  I'm so glad I did - it was a fantastic show!  

I got a VIP ticket from Goldstar.com for $35+tax before I even left home, and I traded it in at the Imperial Palace box office for my "real" ticket two hours before the show.  My seat assignment was Table 15 Seat 6 – literally inches from the stage, right next to the main stage stairs.  

There are currently three different shows that use the Imperial Palace's main theater on different days and at different times: Human Nature, Divas Las Vegas and Matsuri.  For this particular show, it might have been better to sit in the first row of booths because of all the high-flying action going on near the edges of the stage and into the audience.  Unfortunately I waited too long to ask to be moved and the booths were filled, but it was a great, high-energy show nonetheless.  

If you've never heard about Matsuri, here's a quick run-down of the what to expect during the show: a fast-paced blend of Japanese traditional and American past times, including Kabuki, martial arts, gymnastics, aerobatics, strength moves, fan dances, hula hoops, yo-yo's, jump ropes and giant swings, just to name a few.  The action hardly ever stops, and when it does it's only stopped long enough to get performers on or off the stage under cover of darkness (or in some giant object).

I’m still trying to figure out how the main female performer managed to switch – while crossing the stage - from walking on 8” platform shoes to performing barefoot martial arts moves in less than a minute.  From martial arts to fan dances to acrobatics, she was everywhere, all the time.  She was amazing.

But I can't really say who was my favorite performer because there were so many of them doing different things and I loved elements from everyone's acts.  It's difficult to pin down who did what, too, because they changed costumes often and were running from one end of the stage to the other, getting involved in other activities without ever stopping.  It was a great performance, and I would see it again without hesitation.

Currently the show is on tour, but they will be back at the Imperial Palace theater in early 2012.  Once the show returns, tickets can be purchased online through Caesars Entertainment (www.caesars.com), Goldstar (www.goldstar.com), by calling (702) 369-5111 or in person at the Imperial Palace box office.

Restaurant Review: Beijing Noodle #9 at Caesars Palace

Goldfish reflections at Beijing Noodle #9

Treading water

Scallop and Enoki Soup with Pork and Shrimp Dumplings

Throwing noodles

Beijing Noodle #9 at Caesars Palace

I planned a lunch trip to Beijing Noodle #9 in Caesars Palace because I'd heard so many good things about the restaurant while researching different places to eat in Vegas.  Finding it is a bit of a challenge if you're not familiar with the Caesars Palace hotel/casino layout, though, so check the signs or ask for directions, or you might end up somewhere completely different and never find the restaurant at all.  

Beijing Noodle #9 is located in the BACK of the hotel, past the registration desk. ("Does Caesar live here?"  Thanks to 'The Hangover' for making me smile every time I walk in that way.)  You will find the restaurant near the buffet entrance, past the High Limit Slot area.  There were a LOT of people milling around, and until you walk right up to the restaurant you're likely to miss it altogether.

I LOVE the giant goldfish tanks they have at the entrance!  I took lots of photos of the tanks and their inhabitants, but I really wanted to take a picture of the hostess – she was dressed in a beautiful goldfish-orange dress.  So pretty!  I didn't even ask for the photo op, though, as she was extremely busy.  

I didn't have a reservation, and I was perfectly happy to sit at the bar after seeing the open kitchen nearby.  I wanted to watch the chefs prepare the meals, and it turned out to be a good choice and very entertaining for this solo traveler.  I only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated, and I chose the bar especially after I’d been watching the men making noodles through the window while I waited.  They were quick, flinging and flipping wads of dough into dozens of noodle strands in less than 2 minutes.  It was fascinating.  I wish I’d recorded a video instead of taking photos because they moved too fast to see the noodles.  I also watched another man making wontons from scratch.  Very, very quick work.  The restaurant was crowded and loud, so be prepared if you go for lunch.

I ordered the Scallop & Enoki Soup, then decided to add on Pork & Shrimp Dumplings because they sounded yummy, as well.  The soup was very hot and had lots of scallops and mushrooms in a good-sized bowl of broth.  The broth was very flavorful and filling, and I probably should have stopped there instead of adding on the dumplings.  The Chinese man next to me dined properly on his soup: chopsticks to pick the solid foods out of the broth, then picking up the bowl with the tips of his fingers to slurp the soup.  I used a spoon, instead.  


The Pork & Shrimp Dumplings were very flavorful and served in a container that is steamed instead of placed in an oven or microwave.  I don't believe I've ever had such truly fresh-made dumplings before, and these were delicious.  Dipped in light soy sauce they were just as good as straight out of the container, but enjoyable either way.  I declined the offer of a fork and opted to stab the dumplings when my waiter wasn't looking after I realized I couldn't pick them up properly with the chopsticks without dropping them everywhere.  Saving face in a Chinese restaurant...


My cute, young Chinese waiter switched back and forth between Mandarin Chinese and English quickly when speaking to me and my bar mate (the older Chinese man who knew how to eat soup), and he called me “Lady” every time he addressed me.  “Thank you, lady.”  “What will you have, lady?”  “Would you like a fork, lady?”  It was great to have someone who could converse well in multiple languages, and he received a good tip for his attentions.


I did add a Pepsi to my order, and I have no idea how I managed to eat all of the food given to me.  I sat for quite a long time after I finished eating, watching the chefs work and marveling at their skills.  It was very entertaining and quite relaxing, too.  It also gave me time to digest, and my waiter continued to look after me even though I told him he didn't need to.  My total bill was $24.07 + tip, and I look forward to visiting again sometime.  I don't know if I'm looking forward to eating more than watching the chefs, though; I guess I'll have to try it again and see which one wins.  I would give this meal and experience an 8 out of a possible 10.  


Reservations can be made by calling (877) 346-4642, and they are open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.


View their menu here:
http://www.caesarspalace.com/images/non_image_assets/Noodle_9_web_menu_8_2011.pdf

Restaurant Review: Breakfast Buffet @ Grand Lux at The Venetian

It was a nice, quiet walk to the Venetian on the second morning of my July 2011 trip for the breakfast buffet I’d heard such good things about from other members of the LasVegas4Ever board.  I decided I wasn't impressed AT ALL after seeing the selection and size of the buffet, and I won't be wasting my money on a second buffet there.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Grand Lux as a restaurant, but they shouldn't bother offering a buffet within the restaurant because it's just not worth the price, I think.  They have fantastic food and lots of choices on their regular menu, and I can share lots of different items with my friends if I so choose, but I was extremely disappointed in the choices - or lack thereof - when it comes to a breakfast buffet.

They had waffles, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, cereal, bagels and toppings, hash browns, yogurt and fruit available.  But no Eggs Benedict?  How can you have a Vegas breakfast buffet with no Eggs Benedict?!?  No pancakes?  No casseroles?  Nothing out of the ordinary at all?  I should’ve ordered off the menu, instead.  

The price of the breakfast buffet includes coffee (which was too strong) and OJ (which was very good).  But $16.50+tax for their limited selection is not a good deal, in my opinion.  I won’t be doing that again.

I didn't even bother taking any photos because it was just not photo-worthy at all.  How disappointing is that?  I live for taking photos of EVERYTHING in Vegas, and to be so disappointed by a meal that I didn't even want to take a single photo says a lot.

I will be back for breakfast at Grand Lux someday...but I will get something really delicious and unusual to make up for lackluster and boring.  I give this whole breakfast buffet experience a 3 out of 10.

Restaurant Review: Les Artistes at Paris (CLOSED January 2012)

Les Artistes at Paris Hotel and Casino is probably not too long for this world.  It has been said that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is going to put a signature restaurant of his own in the current spot (which is right next to the High Limit Slots), so check it out while you can.


When I made the reservation, the lady said the dress code was "casual", but I wasn’t comfortable with “casual” for a 4-star restaurant dinner, so I went with evening wear, instead.  There were people wearing shorts and people in full, formal evening wear, so I think anything fits the bill here.  


I ended up chickening out on the food photos because the lighting was very, very low, and I would’ve had to use a flash.  It felt too hoity-toity for flash photos, so you won't find any good pictures of the inside of the restaurant in this review, sorry.  


The walls of the restaurant are decorated with reproduction paintings and stained glass, and it’s really pretty inside, but very dark, too.  The main part of the restaurant is open to a second "floor", so you get the feeling you're in a much larger restaurant.  There are probably about 30 tables on the main floor, and there were never more than 10 tables filled during my visit.


Once seated, you're served a basket of assorted breads and fresh butter, which gives you plenty of time to ponder hard food choices.  They have quite a few appetizer options on their menu, and I had a very large gift certificate to use, so I wanted to make the most of my visit.  


For an appetizer, I chose the Garbage Salad - shrimp, salami, egg and olives on field greens with a light vinaigrette dressing.  Good, but definitely an unusual combination.  At least now I can said I tried it.


The waiter recommended the Chef’s Special for the main course: Filet Mignon and Scallops Au Gratin, served with garlic mashed potatoes and French string beans.  For whatever reason, he sold me on it, and I didn't have to worry about making a choice for myself.  I ordered the steak cooked medium, which turned out to be a little too pink for me, but it was a very good cut of meat.  The waiter offered to take it back for me, but I just ended up eating all the way around the outside where it was crispier.  Even the edges had a great flavor!  The scallops were buttery and the size of silver dollars, covered in delicious Parmesan cheese.  The green beans had crispy edges and were very fresh-tasting, which is just how I like them.  The potatoes were sinfully good in their garlic creaminess, and I used extra bread to make sure I got every last bite.  


Everything got washed down with a nice California Pinot Noir recommended by the waiter.  Even though I only ate about a third of the steak, it was still too much for one person to eat, and it was the beginning of my gross over-eating for the trip.  I didn't even order dessert, and I should have; I could have taken it up to my room and eaten it later.  The waiter also offered to choose a bottle of wine for me and open it (they can't let you take it closed), but I thought that'd be a little too much for me to finish off before I left.  


My total with tax was $95, and I left a generous tip in cash because I was using the gift certificate and felt more than a little guilty for it...why, I don't know.  I have guilt issues in strange situations.


It was a good experience overall, and I would give it a 7 out of 10 rating.  The atmosphere would be nice for a romantic meal as long as it's open, but I don't know how long that will be.


For reservations or to view their menu online:


http://www.parislasvegas.com/casinos/paris-las-vegas/restaurants-dining/les-artistes-steakhouse-detail.html