What Happens in Vegas??? Dare I say, A LOT.
When April got four tickets to Adele in the Las Vegas ticket lottery, I never dreamed I would be going with her to the show. We were still living through COVID and it was hard to wrap our heads around getting the opportunity to travel to Sin City for what ultimately was a phenomenal and intimate Adele concert. But, as it turns out, we decided to make it an epic trip consisting of April, myself, and our two friends Kieran and Poly (who have a very romantic story involving Adele, so it was super special for them as well) and I’m so glad we did.
Below is a curated list of all things to do in Vegas. Thank you so much to everyone who sent through their suggestions- I personally hadn’t been to Vegas since 2014 (and after that trip I had arrived back in Toronto on 48 hrs of no sleep and a lost voice, but that’s another story for another time– Kieran was with me then too!) so new suggestions were much appreciated. It was also April’s first time in Vegas, so we wanted to make sure we got some touristy, cheesy stuff in, as well as a club night out. The perfect balance.
You’ll also notice that I have April guest blogging to get her perspective as well- since it was her first time in Las Vegas, April saw things through a brand-new lens, so I wanted to make sure we uncovered her perspective and favourite moments as well.
Please enjoy the list and feel free to ping me with any added recommendations- this can be a living and breathing document that I can update as the recommendations roll in.
Enjoy!
FOOD & DRINK:
Din Tai Fung- Our first meal here in Las Vegas, and let’s just say that it was so good, we ate here twice. Din Tai Fung is located in the hotel we stayed at, the Aria, and was the first reservation we walked to after checking in. Din Tai Fung is a dim sum restaurant and did NOT disappoint. What we ate (a combo of both times we went, haha): cucumber salad, spicy wontons, soup dumplings (pork), spicy noodles, sauteed spinach and rice cake dish with shrimp (my FAVE!), potstickers (chicken), mochi (taro). Oh, and lastly, the yuzu margarita from here was a winner! April and I loved it. Truly, everything we ate here was a winner. I think the first lunch we had here really helped kick off the trip, wouldn’t you say, @April?
A: Definitely the kick-off I imagined! Conveniently located in our hotel, we walked right in and were able to have a delightful cocktail and people watch during this delicious meal. I actually really appreciate not knowing what I’m getting into so I hadn’t looked at the menu or reviewsu in advance. It made the meal that much more exciting because I had no expectations – you can’t go wrong here. Just show up hungry and you’ll leave happy 🙂 Kel really nailed it with this pick!
Delilah- Located in the Wynn, Delilah was an incredible recommendation from my friend Dao, and of course Kieran who had also already been! What an amazing atmosphere it was. Our experience at Delilah was great and we were made to feel like gold our entire time there. The live show (pianist, singer, dancers) offered an upscale lounge feel and added to the 1950’s dimly-lit ambiance. Kieran made a good point- it felt like we were thrust into the land of Marvelous Ms Masel. No pictures allowed in this beautifully decorated space, but I managed to sneak a few for the sake of the blog. What we ate: lobster salad, piggies in a blanket, scallops, mac and cheese, fries + truffle fries, chicken tenders. For dessert we ordered Grandma’s Gooey Cake (oh my gosh! SO yummy) and the epic brownie, donned with a gold sphere covered in hot poured chocolate. We drank magnificent cocktails too. Everything was outstanding. Highly recommend it!
A: If you want to dine here a friendly tip that you will need to make a reservation FAR in advance (we’re talking about refreshing that reservation page 100+ times over several weeks). It’s extremely popular and we were told not much happening as far as walk-in tables.
Ummm, yeah. I cannot believe I forgot to mention April refreshed the website well-over 100x to get us that reso. Well done, Apes! Persistence pays off, haha.
Bacchanal- We did it! The epic brunch buffet at Caesars Palace! Gosh, this was such a fun afternoon and we built our day around our 12:00pm reservation. We stayed for 2.5 hours and enjoyed every minute of it. I actually ended up creating a TikTok of the videos of our experience because it was just so surreal and the food was so plentiful. My strategy was: 3 x plates of seafood first- it doesn’t fill you up nearly as much, and of course go for the most expensive items first! My favorite were the grab legs they brought out- I was so blissfully happy cracking those legs open and dipping the meat in warm butter. The clams, mussels, shrimp and prawns were all very good as well, and kept me coming back for more. Bacchanal 🤤
I next hit up the Asian food section, starting with Chinese and then moving on to Korean and Japanese. My favorites from this section were the ginger shrimp, the Korean short ribs and the gochujang chicken wings. I then made my way over to the Mexican section. I didn’t want to fill myself up too much, so I stuck to an oxtail taco fresh off the grill. It was so delicious. Lastly, before dessert, I moved around to the other stations, bypassing meats, cheeses, breakfast fare (although I did try some breakfast hashbrown and shaved potatoes) trying a few more things (including an ube horchata!) before dessert.
Dessert is my least favorite meal, so I didn’t want much. The ube pudding and tapioca rice pudding were my favorites, while I know others favorites were the peanut butter mousse and the gelato. Service was great, food was great- what an awesome experience! And while the price tag is steep (at the time we went it was $64.99/pp), there is definitely something for everyone, and the service was fantastic. The chef even walked me around to each section letting me know what I should stay from with my nut allergy. That’s all to say we didn’t even need another meal that day- we had breakfast, lunch and dinner covered off in one go! Top notch!
@April, I know you had some favorites at Bacchanal—including the smoked fish you spoke so highly of. Any insights or must-haves you’d like to share?
A: It did genuinely feel above and beyond any other buffet I’ve had. When Kelly says we didn’t need another meal that day, we truly did not eat another meal (*ha). We all found it quite comical of course, but mostly surprising. Since there was no urgency to get in / get out, our leisurely pace really let us explore and take our time enjoying each of the cuisines separately (or mashed together – choose your own adventure).
The seafood was definitely the star of the show, and as a smoked fish fan I went back for seconds and thirds of the smoked white fish – best I’ve ever tasted. An interesting note if you’re booking a reservation, their price scale changes after 1:00pm and it seemed that some of their seafood table changed too. Due to our extended brunch, we were able to catch the crab legs and lobsters coming out. Now having experienced it I wouldn’t flinch at paying a little more money to guarantee all of that extra seafood!
Lotus of Siam- We really wanted to check out the epic Thai restaurant Lotus of Siam, off the strip. Bobby Flay said it’s the best restaurant in Vegas: It’s not far from hotels, and is off the strip: You need a reservation, and it’s usually 3 weeks before but if you go at 5h30 they will seat you if there is availability: 702-735-3033.
April and I are huge fans of Thai. We shared the Pad Thai with veggies, and both got curries- I got the green curry with beef (spicy) and April got the Penang Curry with Tofu. I loved my curry, and I REALLY enjoyed the pad Thai. @Apes loved her curry so much, I am leaving a spot for her here to enlighten everyone here on it:
A: This is the meal that I’m still thinking about weeks later. The Penang curry had so much depth in the flavour, every bite was a surprise in my mouth. Spicy, sweet, savoury. It was the perfect texture – soupy but not too runny, creamy but not overrun with coconut milk. Great price point, easy to get to, reasonable reservation window. I can’t wait to eat here again; top of my list on this trip!
Amazing! I didn’t realize you were still thinking about your meal, Apes. It was incredible! So glad we ventured off the strip for this late lunch/early dinner!
Wazuzu in the Wynn: Here we dined on drunken noodles, fried rice, crispy dumplings, and edamame. I LOVED my cocktail too- it was a fun spot!
Beauty & Essex: It’s the NYC speakeasy, but in VEGAS where everything is elevated! At the top of the Cosmo hotel, you enter through a speciality shop and the door opens into a VIBE. The vibe is dark, chandeliers, mirrors and opulence. April and I ordered east coast oysters and a cocktail each- and both of our cocktails were superb, I got the Earl of Pearl which was infused with earl gray tea, a favorite of mine.
@April, I know you loved your cocktail from here, what was it again? It was so smooth!
A: My cocktail was called The White Whale. Definitely going to try making this at home. I’m a massive mezcal fan, so these always pop out at me when I pick up the cocktail list. Perhaps not what you expect when you read ‘white whale’, ingredients included mezcal/dolin blanc vermouth/cocchi Americano/honeysuckle/peppercorn.
Here are some other spots from our list:
Chandelier– While we didn’t have a cocktail here this time around, we popped by several times and marvelled in its overly-gemmed beauty located in the Cosmo.
Vesper– Also in the Cosmo hotel, we loved the look of this one!
Dueling Pianos at the Wynn – We saw Jack Johnson gambling after his show at the Wynn, right by the Dueling Pianos! I also experienced these during my first trip ever to Vegas with Ian, and my brother and sister in law. It is legendary!
Experiences:
Weekends with ADELE: I am going to let @April kick this one off:
A: There was so much anticipation around this performance, it was what we had built this entire trip around. Our original date being delayed by almost a year, and then seeing footage online and hearing how amazing she was… couldn’t help but be a little nervous that the anticipation had set my expectations too high. But, a surprise to no one , she was INCREDIBLE. There were many moments of recognition that we were witnessing something rare and special. It felt intimate and personal, and she was so charming and relatable. Despite having a head cold, her voice was breathtaking and she absolutely crushed hit after hit after hit. @Kel did you have a fav song or moment?
I think everything about the experience of that night for me felt epic. We dressed in feathers and sequins after a day of eating, tramming, walking the strip and attending the Hunger Games exhibit. We rushed to get on the ferris wheel for our “all you can drink” ride. We then ran in our heels down the busy streets to the theater at Caesar’s Palace. We bought our most expensive glasses of wine of the trip (LOL). We raced to our seats and had the usher say to us “I was wondering where you were!” and we all just laughed at our timely entrance. We sat down as the lights went down and the show began. It was all so exhilarating… and she hadn’t even stepped on stage yet!
There are a few songs that go down as my favorite of the show… a couple faves were Skyfall, watching her piano burn while rain cascaded downwards, and her quips, cursing, and stories of the Spice Girls.
Cirque Du Soleil “O” Show: I was blown away by O! I never knew where to look- there were just so many impressive acrobatics going on everywhere we turned our heads. We had the most incredible seats- right in the middle, lower bowl. It was an incredible experience. And big thanks to Eric for the best seats in the house! @April, would love you to fill everyone in on your thoughts on O- I know how much you were looking forward to the performance.
A: If you’ve seen more than one Cirque performance you may know what I mean when I say there seems to be a formula for their productions. One or two main characters start the intrigue which allows us to take on their perspective, an overarching theme that brings you into a new and interesting world that is displayed in a visually intricate way, and then mix in the most shocking and terrifying stunts that keep you squirming in awe and discomfort. “O” definitely uses this formula, but friends that had seen it prior kept raving about how it was the best – and they were right. The added element of water and the floor of the stage moving up and down to create depth added a whole new level of excitement. It increased the anticipation of the acrobatics which seemed higher and more death defying (high diving from the rafters for example), and all performers seemed to also have the skill set of synchronized swimmers. I was clutching my neck (and Kelly’s arm) for the majority of the show. It’s worth noting there doesn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house; the theatre and massive water tank were custom-built for Cirque at the Bellagio.
I was clutching you right back! It was high-flying, action-packed, magical and funny FUN!
Katy Perry: Soundbite: ‘Even if you are not a fan of her, It’s TOTALLY worth it and amazing!’
Drag Race LIVE! + meet and greet: I love drag, however I am not a mega RuPaul’s Drag Race fan like my friends on the trip. (Not for any reason beyond being really bad at watching TV generally!) I know I would love it if I made time for it!) The show was SO fun and we even got to meet the amazing cast afterwards for some pictures. Obviously my favourite Queen of the show was Derrick Barry, the Britney Spears impersonator! Effortlessly fab. Big thanks to Kieran and his contacts for setting us up and making the first night of the trip fire!
I would love for @April to share her experience here, as a mega fan of the show:
A: Queens on Queens on Queens!!! This show was so much fun. Some of my favs from past seasons, they were witty, hilarious, empowering, and mega talented. Huge thank you to Kieran who arranged a meet and greet after the show. Such an honour to meet them and get our photo taken together, their presence is magnetic and I was buzzing after we left. Such a fun way to kick off our Vegas weekend!
Diplo at XS Nightclub in the Wynn- Since it was April’s first time in LV, it felt even MORE important to give her a trip that offered EVERYTHING. Experiencing a Vegas Club (with a famous DJ no less!) is definitely bucketlist material. I’m going to pass the mic (computer? Shared doc? WordPress login?) over to @April to have her fill you in on our experience, from her perspective.
A: I feel super grateful that I got to have that epic club experience that Vegas is known for. Considering we showed up at 1AM on night 3 after cramming 5 days of eating and exploring into 2.5… it’s a bit of a miracle we made it. All of that to say, it really lived up to the hype and I can completely see myself dancing through the night (although not this round, maybe next time).
Other fun events, hot spots and sights we hit up and.or wanted to:
Nerdy AF
Free & Touristy Views:
Bellagio Fountain- Ocean’s 11 vibes, visit the famous fountain by day and night. Shows are every 15 minutes and start at noon on weekends and 7PM during the weekdays.
Wynn (flowers)- We had to come back more than once for the photo opps in their beautiful garden area. (Stunning).
Flamingo Garden- Located at the Flamingo Hotel
Fashion Show Mall– is great for Shopping
The Linq- Big Wheel, 15$
Red Rock Canyon- Get there either by renting a car for a few hours or doing a tour through the hotel concierge. It will take about 3 hrs round trip. Low season you will need to make a reservation to get in https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177
Shop in the Forum Shops of the Caesars
New Cirque du Soleil: Mad Apple– Not the most spectacular one
Better Option for Cirque du Soleil besides O: Michael Jackson, KA or Even O
Magic Mike: Lots of fun https://magicmikelivelasvegas.com/
There are 3 fun Magic Shows we didn;tget to check out this trip, but maybe next time. I am very intrigued by Absinthe!
- Penn and Teller https://pennandteller.com
- David Copperfield at the MGM
- Absinthe
Suggestion from a local: should buy tickets via the http://www.lasvegas.showtickets.com which sells discounted tickets
Golden Knights– a good ole’hockey game
Additional Resto’s recommended to us that we didn’t make it to this time:
Carbone- I swear, I will make it here someday. At the Aria. 877-230-2742
Catch- At the Aria. I have been to Catch in NYC a few times and love it. 702-590-5757
Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen (By Caesars): is good for All American, lovers of Gordon Ramsay will enjoy it!
Nobu for Sushi is also great but expensive. 702-785-6628
Beside Planet Hollywood Casino is the Paris which has:
We were told Mon Ami Gabi is a must. Try to sit outside : 702-944-4224 0
Also Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris has a very nice view : 702-948-6937
The Mayfair Supper Club- all the rage but difficult to get reservations
Lago- have lunch outside on weekend and dinner during the week on Patio. It’s Italian and you see the fountain show from there: 702-693-8865
Also Spago is now at Bellagio: Great all American 1-866-259-7111
MGM Park: NO MAD Library is amazing! They have in NY too or just the nomad bar! It’s just so fun!
LOCAL RESTAURANT:
“Ferraro’s is the best Italian in the world! Not too expensive and serves lunch too! It’s across from the Virgin Hotel on the back street” – Spoken from a LV local we got a lot of our tips from. 702-364-5300.
Omnia at Caesars Palace – Club
No pool parties for us this time (they weren’t open yet- too cold!) but last time we went, the pool party at the Cosmo was a real trip!
***
That’s it from me! Again, a HUGE thank you to Eric and his LV locals, Dao and Kieran for all of the insights. And thanks to April for co-blogging with me, and to Fitzroy for dressing is majority of the nights! Kieran and Poly, we had such a blast with you!
I can’t wait to go back! Leave me your favourite Vegas spots in the comments below, or shoot me a message!
Categories: livin'
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