By Johnny Kampis
Las Vegas may have been built on gambling, but in recent years the city has become a mecca for top chefs, as casinos look to fine dining as a way to keep packing in the patrons. Celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse and Thomas Keller have opened restaurants on the Strip in Las Vegas. Reservations are strongly recommended for these popular dining establishments.
Joel Robuchon at the Mansion
Definitely not for the light of wallet, this restaurant in MGM Grand by the frequent Michelin star award winner is considered to be one of the best places to eat French food in the United States. The menu changes often and key ingredients are flown in daily from France (hence some of those high prices). A jacket is required.
Joel Robuchon at the Mansion
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 891-7925
www.mgmgrand.com
Fin
High on style, this Chinese and seafood restaurant in The Mirage is known for its great service. Top menu items include seared black-pepper beef tenderloin, rice cooked in chicken fat and shiitake mushrooms in sweet-and-sour sauce.
Fin
3400 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(866) 339-4566
www.mirage.com
Fix
As playful as a fine dining establishment can be, Fix, located in the Bellagio, has been described as a good mix of gourmet and accessible dining. One appetizer, called "Forks," is smoked salmon and caviar skewered on forks and served with the forks in the air. This is an American themed restaurant so the best menu items are, unsurprisingly, the steaks.
Fix
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-8400
www.bellagio.com
Bouchon
This Thomas Keller restaurant in The Venetian is a version of his famed French Laundry bistro in Napa Valley and the food is just as good here. Top choices include the bacon and poached egg frisee salad, seared salmon over poached leeks and Beef Bourguignon.
Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-6200
www.bouchonbistro.com
Delmonico Steakhouse
Also located in The Venetian, this Emeril Lagasse creation is heavy on Creole flavor, with gumbo and sweet potato puree served among the thick, juicy cuts of meat. The bone-in rib-eye steak comes highly recommended and heavenly desserts include bananas-Foster cream pie and butterscotch creme brulee.
Delmonico Steakhouse
3355 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-3737
www.emerils.com
About the Author:
A veteran of the newspaper industry, Johnny Kampis has worked as a freelance writer since 2005. His articles have appeared in various publications including "The New York Times," "Atlanta-Journal Constitution" and the "San Francisco Chronicle." He currently serves as an editor of poker-based "Rounder" magazine and writer for the Alabama football publication "Crimson" magazine.
