Saturday, November 6, 2010

Vegas Trip Report



Aria / City Center - Like many I have mixed reviews. I'm definitely glad we stayed there, but if I am going to go Lux I'd much rather go to the Wynn. However, my wife really liked it for its Openness and Modern Design. I have to agree, it is a nice change from the usual Rococo interiors and trimmings of Hotels in Vegas. The room is not as country clubby as the Wynn. It is "high-tech" for American Standards but probably on the low-end for any Japanese Hotel. Not that I know that, yet. Great Art all around is cool. That was a good call. Check this sculpture by Nancy Rubins. Its this amazing burst of color that is gigantic. It also happens to be mostly made out of small water vessels like kayaks and canoes of primary colors and bursts with energy.





Stay at Aria if you like tech or Modern Art vs Italianate Flair . I was always startled by the heavy vanilla scenting of the Lobbies, Casino Floor and especially the Elevator banks. Those banks had very cool purple velvet high-back couches. How high-back? Probably 30 feet. I want a house with 30 foot veltvet highback couches in my man cave. No, thats Vegas talking. And I am digressing.

The Vdara is another hotel along with the Mandarin Oriental. We went to all three. There is an overpriced mall named - wait for it.......Crystals ........for Chrissakes just call it Diamonds






On to the Kau Kau. Sage at Aria, Chef I'd say four and a half stars out of five. The Service, Room, Menu ...including options for Tasting or Signature Menus in addition to a la carte. Really well done. I can see why this place "wowed" the Vegas Food scene this year.
The picture with giant painting in background shows the "best" absinthe bar in America. It was a rolling cart going around the multi-room dining space. The soundtrack was my speed as well with downtempo and deep house muted beats which complimented the low lit, and surprisingly hushed spaced (not quiet or still - but more classic and less rowdy than any other vegas restaurant). They had a very extensive New and Old World wine list. Excellent mid-high options and very good choices but limited selection in low-end of by-glass servings. Beer Pairings. Brilliant. I had a Scrimshaw Pilsner but no one else in my party had an adult beverage.





Julian Serrano is a located open-air to the Aria Lobby, on the way to CRYSTALS! It has a design that is candy-esque and very fun. The food was very well-presented, again bright and fun but also very tasteful and hearty servings for small plates. We only had about 5-6 plates but all were solid. My favorite by far was the beef and cheese. No not an empanada. More like a gourmet open faced tapa sandwich for a giant. I'd def go back for more. They had a beautiful bar. I'll try that next time.