Eating Out in Las Vegas

Wednesday November 19, 2008

In Las Vegas, assuming you're on a budget (and who's not these days), you have to choose your vices. For me, I'll forgo shows, shopping, and even gambling in favor of food. I'll admit, there was a time when Las Vegas, for me, was all about the buffets. Now, so many new restaurants opening in between my visits, its all my wallet (and my stomach) can do to keep up. But what a rewarding pursuit. Here's a rundown of where I dined on this trip (and not one failed to impress):

SushiSamba Strip
This one opened in the Palazzo just after my visit. Worth the trip back? Suffice to say it fits my definition of food heaven. Like God's personal chef sent some plates down. After I finished my first dish, the tuna tataki, with a crunch of sea salt offset by the smooth texture of hearts of palm and white asparagus, with a twang from some citrus-y sauce, I was still staring wistfully at the plate when they took it away. Everything I tasted had such remarkable flavors. Nothing was dull; everything danced on my tongue. Who knew Peruvian, Brazilian, and Japanese food could make such beautiful music together?
DJT
I didn't have to go any farther than my hotel, the Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas, to enjoy a great start to the day at DJT. Executive chef John Jay Watson, who grew up just a few streets away from me in New Orleans, comes to this kitchen by way of the Ritz-Carltons in New Orleans and Lake Las Vegas. Breakfast was a personal indulgence of Eggs Benedict with sauteed spinach and marinated tomatoes, and a big bowl of berries on the side. Food and service were so good, I went back the next morning and ordered the exact same breakfast. It's getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too, so definitely worth a special stop.
Simon
Lunch was overlooking the pool at Simon, in Palms Place (the condo hotel connected to the uber-trendy Palms, much more about it soon). This restaurant has an innovative mix of sushi, upscale dining and comfort food. (Among the dessert menu offerings: "A Big Bowl of Cotton Candy" and "Junk Food Platter" that includes "hostess" cupcakes, snoball, chocolate caramel popcorn and froot loop treats.) With a walk-in wine cooler, its own indoor herb garden, and and amazingly creative menu that manages to be healthy, interesting and familiar all at once, Simon deserves note. I had a light and flavorful jumbo lump crabmeat and avocado salad with hearts of palm, edamame and a grapefruit vinaigrette that I wish I could repeat today. Excellent!