It has been a long summer in Jackson. I love it, but after three months of visitors and a hectic schedule, it was time for a break. One of my favorite easy (but not cheap) weekend getaways is Las Vegas.
I know, I know. It is can be a little crazy, smokey and gross sometimes (we did walk past someone relieving themselves on the sidewalk at 9 a.m. in the morning) but there are great hotels, shopping, music, shows, and some of the best food and drinks in the country.
The added bonus is that flights with Allegiant Air in Idaho Falls and Delta directly from Jackson, it is relatively easy to get there. We went two weekends ago, and it was all I needed of a quick city fix: a cool hotel (The Cosmopolitan), entertainment (the Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show), some spa time, and the best part, amazing meals.
There are two places where I eat every time I am in Vegas — Lotus of Siam for the best Thai food I’ve ever had — and Hash House a Go Go for a ridiculously decadent, but delicious, brunch. After those two, we mix it up and try new things, almost always splurging on a great steakhouse. I am rarely disappointed as there are always new places to try, celebrity chefs in charge of a lot of the menus and lots of competition so the restaurants typically have to be good to survive.
Since we were staying at The Cosmopolitan, we tried a few places in the hotel, which have quickly made my new must-go list. STK is a very energetic steakhouse that almost feels like a club, too, with a live DJ and enthusiastic, sometimes dancing, waitstaff.
Our last meal was brunch at the Overlook Grill, adjacent to the pool at the hotel. They do a “bubbles and brunch” deal for $40, which offers bottomless champagne and mimosas. But the surprise here was the incredible food. My husband’s chicken and waffles was delicious, and the fish tacos I ate were the best I have ever had. Seriously.
Go. Eat. Have fun. I needed it, and I bet you do too!
This is what I would order at Lotus Of Siam. It was enough for 4, but I would get the same thing for 2, its not expensive.
The sea bass is always a favorite at Lotus of Siam. It’s fresh, light and super flavorful, too.
The bacon bloody Mary at Hash House a Go Go was a hit.
So was my fried chicken eggs Benedict (without the eggs) with a creamy chipotle sauce.
The waiter at STK made our night even more fun by giving away a round of shots to most of the restaurant. Brian didn’t want to drink it, but when in Vegas…
The butter poached lobster was delicious at STK.
I thought the spicy, jalapeno-spiked caramelized onions were an interesting spin on a classic steak topping at STK.
And these are the tacos I was raving about from the Overlook Grill at The Cosmopolitan. The hard shell was enclosed with a spicy-sauced soft shell to keep it all together while you eat. Perfect, really.
We also had a pretty fun lunch at the Rockhouse in the Venetian. You can get an all-you-can-drink tab for $50 a person all day (I didn’t), and girls can ride the mechanical bull for free (I did!).
