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This Issue: Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico
Curious about a restaurant, event, or other Las Vegas attraction that looks fun? Let us review it for you first! Suggestions are always welcome at: allvegastv@aol.com
Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Scenic Southwest Tours – by plane, bus, or even helicopter! You’ve seen the glossy ads in the tourist brochures. You’ve thought about it. You come all the way to Las Vegas — why not see one of the some of the most famous landmarks in the world! Don’t by tricked by web sites & magazines that offer discount tours. Taxes, park fees, permits can almost double the price. Our prices are inclusive – no hidden charges! Best Las Vegas Tours
LAS VEGAS NEWS – of interest to tourists:BYE-BYE, DI – Breaking news today — Steve Wynn is closing the Deserted Inn at the end of September. Yes, I can read your mind: No word of any implosion at this time. Wynn plans to build a 59 story, 3000 room hotel that will be nicer than Bellagio. We wish him well, but keep in mind that initial visions often give way to economic reality. Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2000/jun/22/510417686.html
SHARK REEF – This new exhibit just opened at Mandalay Bay and we’ve already heard great things. You walk through a 20-foot long acrylic tunnel under part of a main tank holding 1 million gallons of water. Shark Reef features one of North America’s largest displays of sharks and other sea predators.
Much more than a conventional aquarium, Shark Reef is a diverse cross-section of magnificent aquatic creatures, including close to 100 different species of sharks, exotic fish, reptiles and turtles. The press release is at http://www.travel2vegas.com/mbayreef.html and you can view stunning photos at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-20-Tue-2000/news/13810832.html
THE MEXICAN – Staring Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini has been filming in and around town. The early buzz is that this is going to be one of next year’s biggest movies. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-19-Mon-2000/lifestyles/13748609.html
POOL WEATHER – If you enjoy hanging by the pool here, you’ll appreciate this photo of visitors enjoying the Paris Las Vegas pool: http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-21-Wed-2000/news/13820184.html
RITZ-CARLTON – is planning a $500 million Mediterranean-themed hotel-casino, commercial and residential complex in Lake Las Vegas, an affluent community a few miles east of downtown Henderson, NV (about 30 minutes from Las Vegas). Titled The “Village at MonteLago”, this destination resort won’t be for the t-shirt and fanny pack crowd. Full story at http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2000/jun/21/510412450.html
BREWPUBS – Two more microbreweries have opened up in the last 6 months here in Las Vegas. Just think — between that and people in this city actually starting to embrace the internet, Las Vegas is catching up to the more sophisticated parts of our country! (3 years ago, the hotels saw no reason to have a website and when I told people I did internet work, they looked at me like I just told them I was from Mars).
Both are in the suburbs, but not a bad time to remind everyone that Southern Nevada has a number of pretty fine microbrews on or new the tourist areas. Among them Ellis Island Casino (the best deal at $2.25 for a 22 oz. glass), Gordon Biersch (Flamingo and Paradise), Holy Cow (across from The Sahara), Monte Carlo Hotel, and the Triple 7 downtown in Main St. Station. Full story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-14-Wed-2000/lifestyles/13740986.html
FORTH OF JULY FIREWORKS – http://www.lasvegas.com/events/4thofjuly
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Quick Concert and Show Notes:
See which shows are playing during your stay and book reservations EVEN if the tickets aren’t on sale yet. Let ShowVegas takes care of all your needs directly online! Search by dates at http://www.showvegas.com/svpricing.cfm?cscheme=5&amid=143
NEW SHOW – According to R-J columnist Norm, the Rio is unveiling a new Cirque du Soleil type show called De la Guard next month, and will be one of the most unique ever. Story at http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-19-Mon-2000/news/13796400.html and we’ll give you more details as they become available.
Hard Rock – Anthrax on June 28, Destiny’s Child on July 2, Don Henley on July 10, “Weird Al” Yankovic on July 27, No Doubt with Black Eyed Peas on July 31, B-52’s on Aug. 5, K.D. Lang Aug. 11, and Jimmy Page plus The Black Crowes on Aug 16. Tickets at (702) 474-4000 and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).
Las Vegas Hilton – Sinbad on June 30 and July 1, Engelbert Humperdinck July 11-16, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour July 28-29, Reba McEntire Sept. 14-17, Kenny Rogers Sept. 22-23, Steven Wright Oct. 7-8, and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman in their “Together Again” tour Oct. 19-21 (return engagement) and Jeff Foxworthy Nov. 30 – Dec. 3. Tickets are available at (800) 222-5361 and Las Vegas Hilton discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Las Vegas Hilton link).
Mandalay Bay – Megadeth on Jun. 23, Bob Dylan on June 27, Mickey Hart Band on June 30, Bill Maher June 30-July 1, Ween on July 1, Kottonmouth Kings on July 2, The Young Dubliners on July 3, Cheap Trick on July 3, Boz Scaggs on Jul 8, Dan Folgelberg on Jul. 14, Hall and Oats on July 21, LeAnn Rimes on Jul. 28, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on July 29, the BB King Blues Festival 2000 on Aug. 1, Kiss with Ted Nugent Aug. 2, Brian Setzer on Aug. 8, Duran Duran Aug. 25-26, Little Feat Sept. 22, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Sept. 29. Tickets available at (702) 474-4000 and Mandalay Bay discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Mandalay Bay link).
MGM – Carrot Top June 22 – July 5, Blink-182 and Bad Religion on June 24, Nickelodeon’s All That Music & More Festival featuring LFO, Blaque, and B*Witched on July 1, Diana Ross and the Surpremes Aug. 5, Penn and Teller July 27 – Aug. 9, and Carrot Top Sept. 7 – 13. Tickets available at (800) 929-1111 and MGM discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (MGM link).
Station Casinos – Sammy Kershaw June 30th at Sunset, Loverboy & Night Ranger June 30 at Sunset, and Joe Walsh plus a fireworks extravaganza July 1 at Sunset. Tickets at (888) 464-2468 and Station Casinos discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (various Station Casinos links).
The Orleans – The Righteous Brothers now through June 25, and Robert Goulet June 29 – July 2.. Tickets at (702) 365-7075 and Orleans discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (The Orleans link).
The Venetian – Andrew “Dice” Clay June 30-July 1. Tickets available at (702) 414-4100 and Venetian discount rooms are available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas.htm (Venetian link).
Thomas & Mack – Up In Smoke tour featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Eminem on Aug. 11. Tickets at (888) 464-2468. The Hard Rock hotel is within walking distance of the Thomas and Mack and Hard Rock discount rooms available at http://www.accessvegas.com/las-vegas-other.htm (Hard Rock link).
Rental Cars – Don’t pay top dollar! Enter the dates of your visit and compare prices from virtually every major rental car agency (most US cities). Book the lowest price company or your regular agency. Save the hassle and some money – Car Rental Savings Search. Few regret renting a car. Free shuttles and city bus rides can be slow and smelly. Taxis can cost what a rental car costs. Your vacation time is valuable — make the most out of it!
This is the third and final installment in a three week series on some of the more notable steakhouses in town. I’ll have a quick comparison at the end.FEATURE STORY: Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico
“Bam, Bam, Bam” — If you don’t know who Emeril is, just talk to someone who is into cooking or enjoys the Food TV cable channel. He’s taken “celebrity chef” to a new level with his “macho” cooking style with his signature “Bam” and “Let’s kick it up a notch” verbal stylings.
He is also one of the cooks credited with bringing truly fine dining to Las Vegas. And, fine it is. Rich modern decor, extensive wine availability, servers who call you by name — Las Vegas has come a long way since the days of the $2.99 buffets.
As with many fine restaurants, much is a la cart. Various servings of vegetables and potatoes run from $6 – $7.50. Soups and salads start at $6.50 for the New Orleans Gumbo of the day. Besides your typical selections such as French Onion Soup ($6.50) Caesar Salad (for two, $20.00), Sliced Tomato Salad ($12.00) and Composed Anti-Pasta Salad (market price), more unique items like Organic Baby Greens ($8.50), Baby Arugula, Cheddar Cheese and Apples ($9.00), Creative Soup of the Day (market price) and Wilted Spinach and Fried Mozzarella ($13.00) are available.
Filet Mignon, N.Y. Strip Steak, Ribeye, and Bone In Rib Steak run $28.00 – 36.00. My N.Y. steak was a healthy cut cooked to unbelievable perfection. As expected at this level, the presentation and the service were second to none.
House specialties (most of which include appropriate side dishes) are as follows: Chateaubriand (for two, $65), Charred Dry Aged Beef Sirloin ($30.00), Roasted Double Cut Pork Chop ($26.00), Grilled Creole Marinated Rack of Lamb ($36.00), Pan Roasted Creole Chicken Cordon Blue ($25.00), Maine Lobster (fresh from their tanks, market price), Creative Fish of the Day (Market Price), Saute of Gulf Shrimp and Fresh Pasta ($28.00), Grilled Sweet Barbecued Atlantic Salmon ($27.00), Seared Beef, House Cured Bacon and Maytag White Cheddar En Croute ($28.00), and New Orleans Veal Piccata ($28.00).
This popular restaurant in The Venetian seems to have no slow period. Reservations are a must at (702) 414-3737. They are open daily for lunch from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and open for dinner from 5:30 – 10:30 PM (11:00 PM on weekends). The lunch menu varies from dinner and is just slightly less expensive. The full menu is available at the bar, but are you crazy? Save eating at a bar for some corner joint in your city. Enjoy the dining room for a taste of the exquisite food, service and surroundings.
THE VERDICT: In the past three weeks, I have visited Harrah’s Range Steakhouse (reviewed https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-06-07.htm ), Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse (reviewed https://las-vegas-news-reviews.com/00-06-14.htm ), and Delmonico.
If I had to pick a clear winner, it would be Delmonico. One of the very best meals I have ever been served in my life, but with a price to match. If you are on an average budget, save this one for truly special occasions. If you have no intention of heading downtown, or want the most plush and intimate surroundings, Harrah’s is your stop and probably the best for a romantic dinner and leisurely drinks. Binion’s is a little more down-home — still nice but not as pretentious as the others, and it’s top-floor view of the entire Strip and the Las Vegas Valley makes it a relaxing spot to savor great food.
Next week I’ll be out of town so we are devoting next week’s issue to news and some great reader feedback. In two weeks, I’ll be reviewing the new Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Now about that exercise program I need to start …
FREE CONTESTS:Rules (unless otherwise noted or link to outside contest): You may enter every contest, but only one entry to each. Please note the expiration date and only enter if you will be in town and can use them. The 20’th entry in each contest will be the winner. Just sent a blank email to the specified email address — we’ll get your mailing address from you only if you win. Also, please do not enter if you have won within the past month.
Win a weekÆs trip for 2 to this yearÆs Las Vegas Motor Speedway Trans Am Series Race, Oct. 27-Nov. 3. Prize is 2 first-class, round-trip Delta Airlines tickets, overnight accommodations at AmeriSuites in Las Vegas, 2 tickets to the race (Oct. 29), plus other race giveaways. Enter at http://www.amerisuites.com/racing/05.htm
Airfare to Las Vegas for you and 20 friends, $15,000 and a suite at Bellagio for New Year’s. Enter at http://click.egroups.com/1/5292/4/_/645610/_/960504432/
Two tickets to Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, a $100 gift certificate to Quark’s Bar and Restaurant, a copy of the Collector’s Edition CD Rom from Activision – STAR TREK -Hidden Evil and a fabulous two night stay at the Las Vegas Hilton! Enter at http://promotion.lasvegas.citysearch.com/the_experience.html
Golden Gate Hotel and Casino: three day, two night stay plus dinner for two at Golden Gate’s Bay City Diner. Enter at http://www.vegasexperience.com/webclub/index.html
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Have a request for a review? Boggled when you come to town and see the hundreds of dining, attraction, and show opportunities? Let us know what you’d like to hear about! Unlike the tourist magazines where all of the “articles” are really paid ads, we give you the honest scoop. If you appreciate this service, please consider booking your rooms and rental cars for ALL destinations with us at http://www.accessvegas.com You get secure ordering with the convenience and savings of booking online!
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All contents copyright MM Ted Newkirk. All Rights Reserved.
June 21, 2000
ISSN: 1529-2770
