Las Vegas Restaurant Tips by deecat

ZooZa Crackers Deli: Delicious Deli Food

On the second day that we were in Las Vegas, it was Saturday, January 15, and the football games were on every TV screen at every Hotel/Casino and in all the restaurants. We decided to check out the scores and eat our lunch at the same time. We selected the zany ZooZa Crackers Deli to accomplish our goal.

The ZooZa Crackers Deli was located at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel/Casino/Stores/Restaurants.
This was like a cafeteria where you select what you want, are given a number which we were to display on the table where you have chosen to eat. In one section of the Deli, there is a large area with TV's where customers were "glued" to the football action.

The decor was simple but attractive, and finding a spot to eat was not easy. While I stood in line, Mickey "snagged" a good spot to eat. Once I had ordered, she stood in line to make her order.

Favorite Dish: I ordered 1/2 sandwich and a small salad as well as a Diet Coke. I could not believe that the bill came to a whopping $17.57! The 1/2 Sandwich of Corn Beef, a dill pickle,the salad, cost $12.50; the Diet Coke came to $3.75 which equaled $16.25 and the Tax was $1.32 which totaled $17.57. Mickey ordered 1/2 Sandwich, Soup, and a Diet Coke, which was about a dollar less than mine. It was beyond us that this meal for two was about $34.00!

Address: Wynn Las Vegas

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Deli

Niki's: Light and Airy Cantina

After a busy morning of walking, walking, walking, Mickey and I were ready to sit down, to take it easy, to have a drink, and to EAT. We happened to be next to the Tropicana Hotel/Casino. We decided to walk in and see what restaurants were available. We saw this bright looking place with lots of windows and a casual-looking appearance: Niki's. We walked in, asked to see a menu, and after a quick look, we agreed that this would do just fine.

The waitress that we had was not very good; she was not too quick nor was she too interested in her customers. I think that she was at the end of her duty.

First order of business was to have something to drink: Diet Cola.

Favorite Dish: After checking out the menu, we decided ot share the Puerto Vallarta Quesadilla without the chicken. Ours consisted of Jack Cheese, Rajas, Salsa Roja, and Guacamole. It came with Homemade Potato Chips, both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes. The cost was $14.00. See the photo

The food was very excellent, the ambience was good, the service was average. We were glad that we ate here because it "hit the spot" and gave us new energy.

Address: 380 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Located in the Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel/Casino

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Mexican

Serendipity 3: For Dessert Lovers

Several times we walked by Serendipity 3 and asked each other, " What is this "Serendipity 3?" Toward the end of our trip, we decided to give it a try. The restaurant has a hugh front porch for outdoor eating, and since it was such a nice day, we decided to eat outside. We had a perfect spot to view the strip and just "people watch". At the time, we unaware of how famous Serendipity was. Usually, there is a long wait to be seated; however, on this particular day, their was light traffic and no waiting list.

Out handsome young waiter was quite friendly and most efficient. Because we wanted to try one of the "sinful" desserts, we decided to eat a very light lunch. As the afternoon moved on, a wind "whipped up", and it became much colder. Thus, we decided to ask our waiter if we could have a seat indoors to eat our ice cream dessert. He was quite accommodating and gave us an excellent seat inside this interesting place. [See photo #4 for the inside view.]

Favorite Dish: Photograph #1 shows the outside of this famed place which is located in front of the Caesar's Palace Hotel and is affiliated with the hotel/casino. Evidently, there is a Serendipit in New York City.The large replica of the famous "frozen Hot Chocolate"on the front porceh [See Photo #1] is unique as is the drink itself.

Although it is most famous for its sweet treats, Serendipity 3 also offers many other types of foods. They have :BEGINNINGS" such as Blue Corn Nachos,Hot Springs Wings or SOUPS such as Pilgrim's Corn Chowder or New England Clam Chowder; SALADS are also available such as Pasta Salad duJour, Chicken Julia, or Shrimp Stuffed Avocado; DE LA MAISON includes such dishes as Lemon Chicken, Steak Char Char, Sauteed Chicken Livers; DE LA MER offers Salmon a La Garden of Allah or Lemon Sole; They, of course, have various HAMBURGERS such as Bleu Burger or Cheddarburger. They also offer CASSEROLES, CREPES, OMELETTES, SANDWICHES,or PASTAS.

The items at Serendipity 3 are very expensive.

Mickey and I shared a huge, delicious salad with spinach, candied pecans, tomatoes, cheese with a wonderful dressing. [See Photo#2]. Once we went inside, we had a gigantic Sundae [See Photo #3]. with fudge, fresh strawberries, both vanilla and chocolate icecream, strawberry and chocolate sauces. Note that the Fudge and strawberry sauces are also in the small plate under the ice cream dish. DECADENT!

Address: 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: On the grounds in front of Caesars Palace

Phone: (877) 346-4642

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Mon Ami Gabi: Excellent French Food: Paris Hotel/Casino Mon Ami Gabi Review

One of my favorite moments in Las Vegas came the evening we ate dinner in the Paris Hotel/Casino at the Mon Ami Gabi French Restaurant. It was a lovely evening with high temperatures for the Month of January in Vegas; our waitress was topnotch; the food was excellent [for the most part]; and the light/water show across the street [See Photo #5] at the Bellagio was extraordinary. We sat out on the large patio [See Photo#3] with a perfect view of that show which exists about every half an hour.

Even though it was quite crowded, we were seated within ten minutes, and our waitress was quite efficient and oh, so friendly. Yes, the prices were high as most food prices are in Vegas, but the quality of what was served was worthy of the price.

Favorite Dish: On this memorable evening at Mon Ami Gabi, we were seated outdoors on the very large patio overlooking the strip with the beautiful Bellagio Hotel across from us. Of course, the Water/Light/Music show entertained us every 30 minutes. Our terrific waitress served the hot bread and butter first. Both Mickey and I felt this bread was just remarkable with its crusty outside layer and its warm, soft middle. None of it went to waste.

Because of our small appetites, we decided to share our meal. We agreed that we were in the mood for meat; thus, we selected the Filet of beef, French Style with delicious Blue Cheese for its topping. We were quite surprised when it arrived because it was so thin, and we are used to a thick portion in the Chicago area. However, we were not disappointed. It was as long as the plate and ever so flat. Remarkably tender, it melted in your mouth. The Blue Cheese was so fine that we made verbal sounds as we relished the experience! Along the steak, they had placed crispy French fries [See Photo #1]. Now those of you who have read my restaurant reviews are aware that I do not eat potatoes. Nevertheless, I tried these and loved them. We also thought that it would be wise [since we were at a French restaurant] to order French Onion Soup.[ See Photo #2] Now that decision was somewhat disappointing because the soup was too sweet for our tastes. However, the cheese topping for it was excellent cheese.

To end the evening, we ordered coffee drinks; I enjoyed a wonderful Cappuccino, and Mickey was surprised by the small size of her coffee drink. [See photo #4] All in all, it was a delightful dinner.

Address: Paris Las Vegas Hotel/Casino

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phone: 702-944-4224

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: French

Website: http://www.monamigabi.com

Grotto: Italian at the Golden Nugget

On the last night that we were vacationing in Las Vegas, we took the free shuttle to the famed old section of Vegas called the "Fremont Experience" because it is located on Fremont Streert. Now, Fremont area is quite "Glitzy", and we were afraid that we might not be able to find anything decent to eat. How wrong we were!

We went into the famed "Golden Nugget" and discovered that there were several great restaurants from which to choose. After checking out the menu of several of them, we decided to eat at the Grotto Italian Ristorante.

The atmosphere is that of an Italian trattoria . The cuisine was superb, but the service was not impreccable. It was slow; however, we had plenty of time so it was not too annoying.f*

Favorite Dish: Grotto has a Neapolitan-influenced menu with Italian cuisine that is homemade on premise. Although we did not try desserts because we were too full, the dessert tray was tempting. They also had quite an antipasti display.

All pastas are made from scratch. They offer pizzas, pastas, chicken, veal, and fish entrees.

Because of my small appetite, I ordered from the Zuppa [soup] and Salada [salad] sections of the menu. I ordered the Lobster Bisque that had a touch of cream, hint of sherry, chunks of lobster, and a creamy base. It was outstanding; perhaps some of the best that I have tasted.

The Salad that I ordered was huge, and I was unable to finish it. It was a Spinache and Pear Salad. It included Baby Spinache, Bosc pears, Tomatoes, carmalized pecans, Gorgonzolo Cheese, and Balsamic Vinegarette. Although I had a Diet Coke, Mickey ordered a red wine which she really enjoyed. My part of the bill came to $26.00, which included tax and tip. It was a very enjoyable experience.

Address: 129 E. Fremont Street, Las Vegas, nv 89101

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: (702) 386-8341

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.Agaul@Goldennugget.com

Ciao Ciao Cafe-Bar: Super Gelato

After completing our dinner at the Trevi Restaurant, we continued on in the Forum Shops. Shortly, we came upon numerous people who were eating delicious looking Gelato. We inquired and discovered that these tasty treats had been purchased at a Bar-Cafe called Ciao Ciao. We perused the gelato refrigerator cabinets and decided to once again share. We ordered a three-dip container of SNICKERS GELATO

The Snickers flavor was a very wise decision. First of all, it tasted just like a Snickers bar, and the combination of caramel, chocolate, and nuts was "yummy". We had a difficult time finishing this treat. The people next to us were sharing a huge dish of some kind of gelato which appeared to be about 5-6 dips. In size, our treat paled in comparison to theirs.

I would say that Ciao Ciao Cafe-Bar presented about 30-40 different flavors from which to choose. All looked quite delicious.

Favorite Dish: Besides Gelato, they served alcoholic drinks, other desserts, and some sandwiches.
However, by far, the gelato seemed to be the best sellers. I can just imagine how busy they are in the hot summer months.

Address: Part of Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

Comparison: about average

Phone: Cell(702) 873-0012

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Ice Cream

Trevi: Caesars Palace Italian Restaurant

By the end of our first day, we werequite hungry and ready to eat. Mickey and I were exploring The Forum Shops attached to the Caesar's Palace Hotel/Casino, and commenting on the decor of these shops because of the high ceilings which were painted with blue skies and vivid white clouds. We chose a restaurant called TREVI which resembled an outdoor eatery.

With this lovely location, we were feeling as though we were really outdoors. Our waiter was efficient and helpful, but he was not too friendly.

From our seat, the view of the Forum Shops was quite lovely. Not the Pegasus Statue in photo #2.

Favorite Dish: Mickey and I decided to share our order. We chose to share a Caprese Alla Trevi Salad and a Margarita Brick Oven Pizza. Mickey order a glass of Super Tuscan win, which she really enjoyed. I ordered a Coconut Mojito, which was quite delicious, refreshing.

We both loved the salad [sorry that I did not take a photo; we were so hungry that the salad was consumed before I remembered about the picture] but were not thrilled with the pizza; its sauce was too sweet, the tomato pieces were too large, and the crust was too thick. But, since we were hungry, we finished it. The bill came to about $45.00 dollars including tip and tax.

Address: Part of Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

Comparison: about average

Phone: (702) 735 4663

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Italian

Battista's Hole in the Wall Restaurant: Awesome Local Restaurant

One of our favorite places that we visited while in Las Vegas is "an old Vegas Italian landmark" [Zagat Suvey], Battist's Hole in the Wall. This is a family-owned restaurant that has been around for over 30 years. We learned about it from locals. It is quite unique and lots of fun as well as being economical. All dinners include Minestrone Soup or Italian Salad, Garlic Bread, Pasta Side, wine and homemade Cappuccino!
Just think, free house wine whether red or white or as in our case, we received both red and white because I drink white, and Mickey drinks red.

It is quite dark inside and cluttered with all kinds of memorabilia. It is divided into small rooms which adds to the cozy atmosphere. The menu is located ON THE WALL as shown in my main photograph. Clever posters reside in the restrooms, as shown in Photo #5
But perhaps the most memorable fact about this zany restaurant is the addition of long-time accordian player who roams the restaurant and stops at each table to ask where we live, and then he sings a song related to that location. Of course, he sang "Chicago" for us. I took his photo[#4] , which pleased him as did the tip we gave him
We learned that this restaurant is on valuable land on Audrie Street and has a lease for a few more years. Locals will be quite upset if it ever closes down.

Favorite Dish: There are so many choices on this menu that it is difficult to make decisions as to what to eat. Our choices were under the section called Spaghetti or Ziti and cost $20.95 each. Mickey had spaghetti and I had Ziti. We were able to select from Sausage Cacciatore, 2 Meatballs, Meat Sauce, or Pomodora. I had my Ziti with Pomodora, and Mickey had Meat Sauce with her Spaghetti. We both enjoyed Italian salads, garlic bread, our carafes of wine, and a cup of Cappuccino. Now, that is a real deal for $20.95.

For $22.95, you may select Cheese Ravioli, Fettuccine Seafood Sauce, Eggplant Parmegiana, Lasagne, Cheese Manicotti, or Meat Canelioni.

For $26.95, your selections include Chicken Alfredo, Linguini Chopped Clams, Steak Pizzaiola, Chicken Cacciatore, Chicken Parmegiana, Chicken Rio, or a 10 Oz. Boneless Breast of chicken.

If you prefer Veal, your choices are Veal Piccante, Veal Marsala, Veal Parmegiana for
$29.95.

$31.95 gives you one of the following: Steak Caruso, Shimp-Garlic Butter or Marinara, or Fresh fish of the day.

The highest priced choices include Battista Style Cioppino, 10 oz. Filet Mignon, or a 12 oz. New York Strip steak.

All these choices also include the wine, garlic bread, Italian Salad or Minestrone Soup, and homemade Cappuccino.

As a favorite of ours, I suggest you give it a try. I don't think that you will regret it.

Address: 4041 Audrie Street, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: (702)732-1424

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Local