Photo courtesy of MGM Media

The CraftSteak Steak House is located at the luxury MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

CraftSteak is a bit gimmicy in that they serve “Kobe Beef”. Due to regulations, it is not 100% real Kobe beef, but is still pretty darn good.

The quality of food is superb, and the variety and larger portions were great. Between the two of us, he dined on two or three small appetizers, three steaks, numerous side dishes, as well as a variety of homemade ice creams for our desert. We were also served several palette cleansers between our servings.

The CraftSteak Steak House restaurant service was stellar. The waiter was an older gentleman who had a very strong accent. He sounded somewhat like a vampire, but was just brilliant.

The waiter recommended the the mashed potatoes and said they were “ridiculous”. That was no mistake as they were incredible. It was like an equal mix of cream and potato and the taste was quite intense. They were great.

The CraftSteak steaks were in one word – terrific. The meat is extremely tender and flavorful. The steaks seemed to have been oozing “goodness” out of them. Juice galore. We got three steak cuts, a New York Strip, a Fillet, and one other served with the tasting menu. My only regret was not getting the Steak Tartar as the suggested first course. The waiter switched to a Foie Gras since we were pussies when it came to eating raw meat.

CraftSteak is on the expensive side, but it is a memorable meal and will let you get in some “Kobe Beef” which will be one of the most flavorful tender cuts of meat you have ever eaten. I would definitely go there again, and take some friends here to pop their “Kobe” cherry.

Fleur by Hubert Keller – Mandalay Bay

The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas features famous culinary chef Hubert Keller, and his fine dining establishment Fleur by Hubert Keller.

Hubert Keller previously closed down his Fleur de Lys restaurant for re-modeling. Guests can enjoy a relaxed ambiance that extends from the venue’s attractive design to the fine dining cuisine.

Fleur by Hubert Keller is open for both lunch and dinner, as Hubert Keller brings delicious and contemporary flavors from his world travels.

Critically Acclaimed Chef Hubert Keller was born in France. Chef Keller trained and worked in France, Brazil and the United States. Back in 1986, Hubert Keller became co-owner of Fleur de Lys Restaurant in San Francisco, California.

Now the innovative chef debuts his latest fashionable epicurean experience.

Fleur by Hubert Keller definitely marks a new culinary concept by celebrating exquisitely tasting, International small plates.

This luxury restaurant features gourmet small plates that are packed with powerful bites of flavor. This will be the initial small plates concept for famous Chef Hubert Keller.

The Fleur’s contemporary menu is inspired by Keller’s numerous travels to Italy, Spain, Asia, North Africa, South America, plus his homeland France.

Fleur by Hubert Keller – Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs meal

Fleur will offer its guests a new dining experience from the Bravo “Top Chef Masters” cheftestant, in a welcoming and casual-chic environment.

Fleur is described as “global tapas” restaurant. Fine diners will notice the large open bar, in addition to an outdoor-feeling patio that overlooks the spacious Manadalay Bay casino.

Comprised of 5,500-square-foot of space Fleur by Hubert Keller features a decor of earthy color palette of warm greens, rustic reds and woody browns to transform Fleur into a cozy retreat.

For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit – http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/fleur.aspx or call 702-632-9400.

RUMOR Las Vegas hotel – Camouflage mega-suite bathroom

Rumor Las Vegas is the trendy 150-suite boutique hotel, located across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Opened in 2010, the Rumor Las Vegas décor of their front lobby and lounge is hip, sexy and fun, featuring contrasting shades of charcoal accent with purple hues and select ornate, yet simple touches.

Named the first true boutique hotel in Las Vegas, Rumor Las Vegas features four chromatic, luxury mega-suites. Each suite at Rumor Las Vegas will showcase its own unique design and feel. Weekday pricing is scheduled to begin between $350 and $500 on the weekends.

These new luxury suites will face towards Rumor’s signature 30,000 square foot courtyard, decorated with hammock-strung matured swaying palm trees, grassy knolls and pools.

In addition to the suite’s distinctive color scheme, they will also feature dynamic and impressive, yet complimentary hand-painted murals.

Each of the Rumor Las Vegas suites is 1,000 square feet in size. The first floor suites open up to a large, oversized patio located just steps from the swimming pool and the courtyard events.

The second floor suites feature French doors that open up to an oversized balcony with lounge chairs to check out all the courtyard action below.

Other luxury amenities at the new Rumor Las Vegas suites include: iPod docking stations; wet bar; mini refrigerator; four-seater high boys with a glass top; two custom-made couches with throw pillows; coffee table, 60-inch plasma in the bedroom/living room area and a 32-inch plasma in the bathroom. Speaking of the spacious bathroom, every suite is also equipped with an “ultra-lounge/party bathroom” featuring a 10-person, open shower with two rain showerheads and a plush u-shaped couch that comfortably seats 10.

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THE GOSSIP MEGA-SUITE

The girly-girl “Gossip Mega-Suite” boasts shades of hot and pale pink with splashes of fuchsia. Mirrored stripes of bright pink traversing in multiple directions are noticeable upon entry. A provocatively posed woman conveniently losing her top is this suite’s mural. The second mural is of two lip-locked females wearing purple and pink lipstick.

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THE SWINGER MEGA-SUITE

Murals designed and created by Chemical Spaces adorn the suites.  One mural hangs over the bed, while the other surprises guests upon entry of the bathroom.  In the appropriately named “Swinger Mega-Suite,” mirrored stripes zig zag the walls throughout the black bedroom area.  Bookending the California-king bed propped on a small stage with spotlights at the foot of the bed are crisscrossed metal poles.  The bedroom mural: the torso of a woman wearing a white, unlaced corset while the bathroom mural shows a woman wearing thigh high stockings and snapping her black thong.

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THE DIVA MEGA-SUITE

Last but definitely not least, the “Diva Mega-Suite” shows black floral painting against deep red walls. Only in this suite are there two queen beds with white sheets and black and silver throw pillows that face one another with plush fabric headboards stretching across the walls and ceiling. A woman holding a vibrant red rose is the mural that greets guests. The bathroom’s mural is a woman with pale lips and red and black smoky eyes.

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THE CAMOUFLAGE MEGA-SUITE

Blue camouflage swirls around the guests from the floor to the ceiling in the “Camouflage Mega-Suite.”  The tri-colored effect is also layered with barren black trees with twigs at the top.  A woman with piercing blue eyes and hair is the mural in this suite.  The bed has blue, white and silver throw pillows with a mirror hung right above it.  Dark and pale gray tile stripe the floors both inside the bedroom and bathroom.

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For additional information or to make reservations for one of the new mega-suites at Rumor Las Vegas luxury boutique hotel, please visit www.rumorvegas.com or call (877) 99-RUMOR

Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere show at the Treasure Island (TI) hotel, is like being awake during one of your most bizarre and with wonderful dreams, and it’s quite an incredible ride.

The stunning Las Vegas show invites its guest to venture into a magical world filled with brilliant colors and bizarre creatures on a wild journey to the edge of human potential. Intrigued yet?

Mystere experience begins before the curtain rises with classic Las Vegas entertainment, as two clowns come out to play tricks before the large audience and on each other. The demonstration is a very light hearted note and helps the time to pass away while the audience is seated.

As the clowns direct you to your seat, they playfully hold onto your tickets and take you on a wild goose chase before you’re safely seated.

As show begins, that’s when the real magic starts. It’s a variety of  acrobats, bicyclists and the music is so beautiful and  haunting that it will absolutely leave you mesmerized.

No matter which direction you look, there is always non-stop action. You’ll see athletic skills unlike anything you have ever experienced. In addition, the sets and costumes are simply beautiful.

Sometimes the whole experience seems like a surreal dream or like that you have just stepped into the mind of Salvadore Dali. It’s a parade of  graceful ballerinas, gigantic Snails, dashing heroes and total buffoons.

Your senses are often pulled in different directions. Half of the time you will be mesmerized and the other half you will be laughing yourself silly.

There are many amazing stage shows in Las Vegas but Cirque du Soleil is a must see. It is not the aquatic splendor of  O or the Beatlemania of Love, but is the perfect cameo of what a Cirque show should be.

All the show’s performances are of top quality and the entertainment experience will definitely be appreciated by all ages.

Mystere has a wonderful sense of intimacy to it. It’s feels like you are privy to your own private show or an intimate glimpse into a mystical world of magic.

Photo: Pamplemousse

Las Vegas is well known as a city packed with glittering new properties and exciting activities. But if you are looking for pure old-Vegas authenticity than look no further than Pamplemousse restaurant on East Sahara Ave

Off the beaten path, Pamplemousse is just a few blocks from the Hilton but seems half a world away from the bustling strip of Sin City Vegas.

Pamplemousse can be easily missed but this little bungalow just off the Strip, is a must. The restaurant has been voted Best Romantic Gourmet Restaurant in Las Vegas.

If you want entertainment then Maitre d’ and server Keefer is your man. Keefer is wonderfully bizarre and must be seen to believe. You won’t forget the experience.

No matter how many times you dine at Pamplemousse, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The restaurant doesn’t offer a proper menu, so every day brings new, delicious offerings.

A popular staple that is loved by many, the famous crudite salad is always the same. It’s an enticing basket of fresh veggies ready for dipping.

The Pamplemousse offers a charming French country cottage, dining experience. The cuisine is exquisite. It’s simply a Las Vegas, fine dining best.

Pamplemousse
400 E Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: 702-733-2066
Fax: 702-733-9139

Caesars Palace

The non-stop action in Las Vegas can be tiring. Everybody needs to take a break now and then, and do something for themselves. Looking for a place to be pampered and treated like royalty?

The spa at Caesars Palace, Qua, is a therapeutic wonderland with 51 treatment rooms. There are deluxe couple’s studios, facial rooms, wet rooms with Vichy showers, and personal hydrotherapy tubs. Various massages techniques, exfoliation processes, and baths are available.

The spa also offers a complete fitness center with weight-training and aerobic sections. A tea sommelier is onsite to counsel guests on the therapeutic values of herbal teas.

A unique spa experience awaits you at Caesars Palace’s new Qua Baths and Spa.

Qua Baths and Spa is a luxurious retreat that taps into the natural, healing powers of water to bring you a one-of-a-kind experience.

Bathed in natural light, accented by smooth stone flooring, dark woods and cascading waterfalls, Qua is the ideal atmosphere for relaxed “Social Spa-ing” (a new concept in the spa world) as well as individual experiences.

This tranquil environment uses the natural properties of water to soothe away stress and tension from the every day.

Our Signature Roman Rituals are at the heart of the Qua experience, bringing the traditions of the glorious baths of ancient Rome to modern times. Our Roman Baths consist of three distinct pools varying in both temperature and size.

Guests are welcome to come with family and friends to mingle as they unwind and relax.

Additional Roman Rituals include the Laconium Room (an ultra-heated room), an Arctic Ice Room with snow falling from above and a peaceful tea room, where our in-house Tea Sommelier will pair teas with your particular treatment. These are all included with any treatment at the spa.

Qua Baths & Spa
Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-782-0655

Andre’s Cigar & Cognac Lounge

Located upstairs from Andre’s Restaurant inside the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, you will find the warm and welcoming Cigar & Cognac Lounge.

Immerse yourself in the Cigar & Cognac Lounge and enjoy ultimate privacy while enjoying a fine cigar or spirit.

With the seductive aroma of fine cigars in the air, the cracking of the nearby fire, relax and enjoy a spirit, maybe an aged cognac, in luxury style.

Cigar & Cognac Lounge features rich leather decor and intimate lighting.

You will find an incredible selection of fine cigars and spirits to choose from. If you’re unsure what to choose, don’t worry. Allow the experts to help recommend a professional cognac and cigar pairing.

Cigar connoisseurs will be in for a royal treat. The majority of the cigar selection comes from Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

So no matter whether you’ve just finished a fine dining experience at Andre’s Restaurant, watched a show in the Monte Carlo Theatre or just want to unwind after a full day of sightseeing or gambling in Las Vegas,  it’s the perfect way to cap off a dinner at Andre’s, a show in the Monte Carlo Theatre or to simply wind down before turning in for the evening.

The Monte Carlo Cigar & Cognac Lounge houses an amazing selection of rare cognacs and Armagnacs in their ornate bottles that shouldn’t be missed.

For more info on the Cigar & Cognac Lounge in the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, please visit: Cigar & Cognac Lounge

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant is contemporary, and offers a unique mix of internationally influenced cuisine and world-class German Lagers brewed on-site.

The restaurant has a open airy feeling about it. Dark warehouse type with a long open kitchen you can see from just about anywhere in the place. Plenty of large glass windows and a nice patio that is usually packed during warmer times of the year.

Large square bar is packed with a younger crowd. The restaurant section was also filled and several tables seemed to be after work parties. There’s a Private room in the back, that is often filled with parties too.

On tap were Dunkels, Marzen, Hefe, and Golden Export and the special was the Winterhook. The beers are of good quality and the Winterhook is quite tasty.

The food is reasonably priced and all their appetizers and meals will be enjoyed. Service is quick and friendly despite the crowds. Waitress seem to understand the wide variety of beer styles.

Spa & Salon at ARIA

The wild and craziness of another New Year celebration is over. Like most of us, we trey to start the new Year with a long list of resolution. Go on a diet, more excercise, save more money, do more charity work, etc….

Whatever the New Year resolutions you have come up with, maybe it’s time to throw them all away and indulge in the luxury that is Las Vegas.

We’ve offered an intriguing list of ultimate pleasures in Sin City. Beyond the slot machines and water-downed casino drinks, there is a world of luxury and pampering that only Las Vegas can deliver.

Forget the diet. AAA Five Diamond Chef Joel Robuchon has sixteen courses of his legendary French cuisine at MGM Grand. Treat yourself. Gift yourself with the exclusive items from brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Tiffany’s in Crystals at CityCenter. Skip the workout. Get pampered with the luxurious Caviar Facial at Spa Bellagio or Spa & Salon Vdara’s Four Hands Massage with champagne… and more.

Forget the Diet
· As the only restaurant in Vegas to ever hold three Michelin stars, Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand offers a dining experience that’ll impress even the most refined of palates – the 16 Course Degustation Menu. The ultimate splurge in fine French cuisine, Gault Millau’s Chef of the Century’s menu evolves seasonally. The menu is currently priced at $425 per person and features countless delicacies, such as “Le Foie Gras,” a Carpaccio of foie gras and potatoes, covered with white truffle shavings. Indulge yourself in the Bread Cart, with more than a dozen types of breads pulled from the oven minutes before service begins; the eclectic Cheese Cart with 15-20 varieties available nightly; and the Mignardises Trolley, filled with more than 30 handmade delights – all at unlimited quantities with your meal.

· In the land of $100 margaritas and $1,000 shots of whiskey, there should be no surprise that Las Vegas is home to an extravagant and unrivaled burger-eating experience. Renowned Chef Hubert Keller of Fleur at Mandalay Bay serves up FleurBurger 5000, a gastronomic jackpot. The foie gras and black truffle-topped Kobe burger is accompanied by a bottle of Chateau Petrus 1995 poured in Ichendorf Brunello stemware, exclusively imported from Italy. After the meal, the team at Fleur by Hubert Keller will ship the glasses to the guest’s home at no additional charge. All this decadence for the price of $5,000!

· Chef Masa Takayama of barMASA at ARIA Resort & Casino offers a dish that epitomizes his style to the most indulgent degree – the Masa Toro with caviar. Delicate fatty Toro is topped with a mountain of Osetra caviar and served with crispy, buttery brioche. Just three simple ingredients create an epicurean experience that’s not of this planet, available for $240.

Skip the Workout
· The Spa & Salon at ARIA Spa Suites are 800 square foot private suites which offer an individualized spa journey that truly invokes a feeling of escape. Within the Aiji-stone walls, guest can indulge in any of The Spa &Salon at ARIA’s luxurious treatments beneath soothing natural lighting. Every element of the spa is provided in a private room, including a lounge area, vanity, lockers, personal steam shower, and three-person hydrotherapy tub. Each “spa within a spa” can accommodate up to eight people, to allow the exclusive package to be shared (it is the holiday season!); packages range from a 3-hour series of spa or salon treatments to a 12-hour VIP experience.

· Why enjoy a massage from one masseuse when you can have two?! Spa & Salon Vdara at Vdara Hotel & Spa in CityCenter offers the Four Hands Massage where two massage therapists work in tandem incorporating Swedish massage-style techniques with light to medium pressure. An enjoyable way and extravagant way to relieve stress and tension after the holiday season.

· Who said caviar was only for eating? Resolve to indulge and enjoy renewed skin with a facial cocktail of crushed pearls, marine caviar and hydrating botanical elements. With the Caviar Fusion Facial offered by Spa Bellagio, guests can start the year off right with more firm and younger-looking skin.

Treat Yourself
· An unmatched level of exclusivity is exactly what Crystals at CityCenter provides for guests looking for the perfect gift for themselves. Within this shopping mecca are an unprecedented collection of world-renowned retailers, including North America’s largest Louis Vuitton and the only North America location of Tag Heuer. Also featuring flagship location for Prada, Gucci, YSL, Fendi, Tiffany’s and much more… each retailer offers something new and unique whether it be an exclusive item or shopping experience at these locations.

Sky Sites – ARIA

· The Sky Suites in ARIA Resort & Casino are not your usual run-of-the-mill cushy VIP rooms. Everything from its Sealy posturepedic mattresses to the integrated guestroom technology system and its exceptional 24/7 customized concierge service will ensure stays are legendary. Each exclusive suite (though you can’t really describe it as just a suite) comes with unlimited complimentary limousine access; including airport pick-up so you can arrive in style to ARIA’s private Sky Suite porte cochere’s check-in and enjoy one of the exclusive full-service lounge. Just one small step up is the Sky Villas, featuring private massage rooms, fully-equipped exercise rooms, relaxing sauna and steam rooms, personal salon/barber rooms, and much more.

· You don’t need to be a celebrity to feel like one in Vegas! Start the off New Year in grand style by staying at SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand. With 24-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city, this haven offers unmatched personal service that includes in-LOFT massages and 24-hour concierge.

Have Fun
· For thrill-seekers looking for the experience of a lifetime, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay provides a true adrenaline rush. Daredevils can dive into the 1.3-million-gallon, 22-foot-deep Shipwreck Exhibit that houses rays, sawfish, green sea turtles and seven different species of sharks including White Tip Reef and Zebra Sharks.

· Forget the workout while playing to win the ARIA’s exclusive Ivey Room. This high stakes room is in honor of seven-time World Series of Poker Champion and popular professional Phil Ivey. The Ivey Room offers poker players the opportunity to play some of the world’s highest-limit games and features direct player access to the Poker Room cashier cage where guests can utilize one of 480 safety deposit boxes. The Ivey Room provides guests 24-hour tableside dining, complimentary beverage service from the friendliest cocktail servers in the industry, an overhead state-of-the-art music system and three 42-inch television monitors for viewing sporting events or other programming.

Photo by: Mirage

In most parts of the world, fall has arrived, temperatures are dropping and people are saying goodbye to summer.

Well don’t pack away those bathing suits and dig out the heavy coats just yet. Beat the approaching winter chill and enjoy sun-drenched Las Vegas !

Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps, in addition to being the city that never freezes. From pools to outdoor dining, check out some of the fun-in-the-sun activities still to be had in Sin City.

• Pool season in Las Vegas doesn’t stop until the holiday décor starts to come out.  Experience the ultimate in aquatic relaxation at Mandalay Bay Beach which features a wave pool, lazy river, three swimming pools, jogging track and 2,700 tons of real sand.  Or unwind in a tropical paradise with wandering interconnected lagoons, the clear cool depths of two pools and three soothing whirlpools at The Mirage.  With so many complimentary amenities including the amazing pools, the best summer experience to be had in Las Vegas is at the properties of MGM Resorts International.
• It’s not too cold to sit and bask in the sun while enjoying an amazing meal at one of many outdoor dining patios dotted along The Strip.  Take in The Fountains of Bellagio and savor Mediterranean-style fare at Olives featuring house-made pastas, steaks, rotisserie dishes and brick-oven pizzas in this rustic restaurant.  For a more casual experience, check out Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York.  This rowdy Irish pub’s outdoor balcony and patio overlook The Strip providing great people watching and serves authentic Irish pub food featuring shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and beer battered cod and chips.
• Skip the hot chocolate and indulge the inner child while satiating adult cravings.  The Pub at Monte Carlo serves grown up milkshakes such as the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry created with Stoli Strawberry Vodka, chocolate ice cream, white crème de cacao and raspberry liquor.  As an alternative, chill out with a strawberry or original flavor margarita popsicle at Diego at MGM Grand.  Especially popular with guests after spending a sizzling afternoon by the pool, these popsicles combine a beloved summer treat with an all-time favorite party cocktail.

“O” – Cirque du Soleil

The most famous attraction at the Bellagio is the “O” experience. “O” offers viewers a theatrical performance with vivid color, breathtaking special effects, and mesmerizing costume, set design, and troupe performances.

In French, the native tongue of Cirque du Soleil, the word for water is eau, pronounced “O”, and there’s plenty of it in this breathtaking theatrical extravaganza conceived by Franco Dragone.

Most of the stage floor is given over to a large pool that, thanks to some theatrical magic, appears, changes shape, and disappears at the director’s will. In, around, under, and (most spectacularly) above this transmutable stage Dragone has created a surrealistic dream of wonder.

In typical Cirque du Soleil fashion, an oddball assortment of clowns and “characters” runs through the entire show occupying the margins of the action and hinting at some mysterious storyline that may or may not exist. In any event, they are window dressing to the major circus acts that form the core of the show. And what acts they are!

“O” – Cirque du Soleil

Most of them are aerial acts taken to amazing lengths of imagination and bravado. Occasionally, the action descends to pool level, on floating islands or small platforms that rise from the watery depths. Here acrobats and contortionists hold forth, diving into the water and performing intricate water ballets.

In one exhilarating number, a succession of divers soar aloft from wildly swinging platforms to perform stunning, and occasionally funny, dives into the pool. In another, acrobats perform on a ghostly ship swaying high overhead.

The depth and breadth of theatrical imagination on display here is seemingly limitless and even the simple act of raising the curtain when the show begins can take your breath away.

Like many Cirque du Soleil shows, this is one where it helps to get some distance from the stage. That way you can better take in the staggeringly beautiful stage pictures that follow one after the other in this truly magical production.

O will no doubt run forever at the Bellagio. For more Las vegas show information or tickets call 800-963-9634, 702-796-9999, or log on to the Cirque du Soleil site at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com