Mary Naccarato (Las Vegas): Top Chefs transform Las Vegas' culinary scene.
-Delectable spicy tuna tartar at Wolfgang Puck's Spago overlooking Bellagio Resort's famous fountain. (Photo: Eugene Sirianni)
Las Vegas has come a long way from the ultra-cheap, all-you-can-eat, casino buffets. The entertainment mecca has evolved into a culinary capital of the world. Celebrity chefs and Michelin star restaurants now call the resort city home, transforming Las Vegas into the ultimate dining destination.
CarryOn's top picks for restaurants that hit the jackpot:
Spago by Wolfgang Puck (Bellagio Resort)
One of Las Vegas' best known and most revered restaurants, Wolfgang Puck's Spago is beautifully situated overlooking Bellagio's famous fountain. Spago serves up some of the finest food in LV in an atmosphere that is sleek and contemporary yet still inviting. Known for Puck's famous Veal 'Wiener Schnitzel' crispy fried to perfection, other top picks include the Miso Glazed Salmon, and Strip loin steak on Green Goddess salad. Don't forget the perfect finish - a Spiked Lemon, a kind of lava cake made with meringue and topped with edible flakes of gold!
-Spago's superb spiked lemon.
Best Friend (Park MGM)
Aptly named, this is the place to go with best friends. Sit at a round table in celebrity chef Roy Choi's eclectically decorated dining room filled with influences from Los Angeles' Koreatown and enjoy a fusion feast. This place is a little bit of everything from Kimchi-to-spaghetti. Slippery shrimp, the mixed tempura platter, kogi short rib tacos and garlic chicken are all a "must try". Be forewarned, the portions are so large and delicious make sure you have plenty of friends to share with or you will want to eat every bite yourself!
-Lobster, lamb, chicken and tempura : A fusion feast at Roy Choi's Best Friend (Park MGM)
Gordon Ramsay's Burger (Planet Hollywood)
If line-ups out the door are any indication of great food, then you know this place is good. The short-tempered British celeb chef has mastered one of North America's favourite foods. But there are more than sublime beef burgers on the menu, try the heavenly Lobster and Prawn burger, paired with parmesan aioli fries. For veggie lovers, the hummus platter with freshly made pita will delight!
-Parmesan Truffle Oil fries and the lobster and prawn burger at Gordon Ramsay Burger (Planet Hollywood).