Vegas is Back – Summer Guide 2021
By Norah Bradford
Roll the dice and put all your chips on the table because Vegas is back, baby. The summer of 2021 has seen the re-emergence of in-person fun. There is no better place to celebrate than in Nevada.
First stop in Las Vegas is always the world’s most famous neon-soaked street. The Strip is home to upscale casino hotels, exquisite dining, and spectacular shows.
The Venetian Resort is classic Italian luxury refined for modern tastes. Stay at The Palazzo where the signature tower suites are a retreat. Relaxation and luxury blend together in an ideal setting all in the same complex of some of the city’s most spectacular eateries.
LAVO here is a popular Italian restaurant and lounge known for its ultra-chic atmosphere and outdoor terrace with unmatched views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Part restaurant, part lounge, LAVO feels like a trip to Southern Italy. The incredible one-pound meatball is legendary and made up of fresh ground Imperial Wagyu, Italian sausage, and veal. From October to March, you can dance on the tables while you wait for your entree at the famed LAVO Party Brunch every Saturday.
At Estiatorio Milos guests feel like they have been transported to a beautiful Greek island. Located in Restaurant Row of The Venetian tower, find here fresh seafood flown in daily from the Mediterranean. The signature fish market is on full display for guests to choose what they want and how it’s prepared. Founded by Chef Costas Spiliadis, Estiatorio Milos is one of the world’s most celebrated Greek seafood restaurants. The Grilled Mediterranean Octopus alone is considered one of the best dishes in all of Las Vegas.
Hong Kong is an inviting Chinese restaurant on the property located right in the heart of The Palazzo casino. Find here lunch, dinner, and late-night dishes that highlight a mix of Asian cuisine and Western fare. Try the Steamed Shanghainese Pork Dumplings and Pan-Seared Scallops with Szechuan Pepper Sauce. . It’s all served up in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
TLC’s “Cake Boss,” Buddy Valastro, has launched his first restaurant in Las Vegas at The Venetian. Buddy V’s Ristorante is home-style Italian at its very best. Try favorites based on his personal family recipes like big portions of Valastro Sunday Gravy, Lisa’s Linguine, and Clams with Lobster. The renowned baker’s restaurant also serves incredible desserts that he is most well-known for including Cannoli, Nutella Cake, and Valastro’s famous Lobster Tail Pastry.
For an elegant cocktail hour on The Palazzo casino floor visit Rosina Cocktail Lounge. The menu features Shaken, Stirred, and Bubbly categories. Whether you’re in the mood for a crafted cocktail or some of the best wine on The Strip, this Vegas lounge provides that and more. Rosina also has “secret menus” that riff on the classics with recipes by legendary barman Sam Ross.
Electra Cocktail Club in the heart of The Palazzo casino also features cocktails designed by award-winning Ross. Focusing on rum drinks and tequila, Electra also has one of the largest mezcal collections in Las Vegas. The bartenders here can certainly craft any cocktail tailored to your desires. In addition, an entire wall of the club showcases custom digital artwork throughout the evening as resident DJs spin classics, indie, and modern hip hop.
And for dancing head to TAO Nightclub. World class DJs and celebrities have enjoyed the 10,000-square-foot TAO Nightclub for more than a decade. The likes of Madonna, Jay-Z, Usher, Drake, Rihanna, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, and Jamie Foxx have all made their way to the dance floor. TAO boasts three bars, one dance floor, private sky boxes, and a 40-foot outside terrace overlooking Las Vegas.
Just down The Strip find the immensely popular Wynn and Encore Resorts. Every suite is designed to express a serene and stylish retreat. Wynn Resorts holds the most five-star awards of any independent hotel company in the world. The Wynn Hotel Tower Suites highlights rooms such as the Wynn Tower Suite King. Private access to your own entrance and the exclusive pool are just two perks of the Tower Suites’ tech- and amenity-filled rooms.
The entire property boasts luxurious fine dining with some of the finest chefs in America.
Jardin is the best place to visit for an authentic American brunch. The freshest seasonal cuisine is served in an airy, conservatory setting overlooking shimmering pools and manicured gardens. Entrees range from health-conscious to indulgent. Guests love Jardin’s brunch cocktails with such highlights as the smoked bacon Bloody Mary, or a garden-fresh green juice. Short Rib Egg Sliders and Maine lobster Benedict are two noteworthy servings.
Red 8 is applauded in the city as one of the best Asian restaurants. Diverse specialties include Cantonese noodle dishes, dim sum, and Hong Kong-style barbecue. The dining room is colored with rich reds and layered in intriguing textures that match the excitement of the menu. Not to be missed is the chef’s special Lobster Corn Soup. Other menu highlights include Sichuan Chicken in Red Chili Oil with green onion, white sesame seeds, peanuts, black vinegar, and garlic; as well as Grilled Sea Bass with Natural Honey with red bean curd, tomato sauce, oyster sauce, and honey.
The legendary Cipriani brand is also to be found at Wynn. The restaurant’s portfolio has captivated the world and now calls the resort its newest home. Timeless elegance with nautical touches, glossy walnut and chrome accents, and terrazzo floors greet you when you walk in. Look for signature classic dishes such as the original Carpaccio alla Cipriani and world-renowned Vanilla Meringue. And of course, you cannot pass up the iconic Bellini, which was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani Sr. in 1948. To this day it is one of the most notable things on the menu.
Mizumi highlights Japanese seafood from star chef Min Kim. Ocean-fresh sushi, sashimi, and modern Japanese specialties make up the menu at the award-winning restaurant. It looks out over Wynn’s private Japanese gardens surrounding an idyllic koi pond with a 90-foot waterfall. You can even have a private al fresco dining experience when you reserve the floating pagoda table, accessible by a private path through lush gardens.
For cocktail lovers Parasol Down is the place to be.
Ride the spiraling escalator to the establishment from its sister lounge, Parasol Up, under suspended multicolored parasols. You’ll see the 40-foot waterfall rushing down a pine-topped mountain over the dazzling Lake of Dreams. Enjoy cocktails and a menu of savory small plates and sweet treats.
And beyond divine dining, there is also the fantastic resort holding of Wynn Golf Club: A Las Vegas Golf Course. It is a superb pro golf course located on the Las Vegas Strip that boasts spectacular views in a stunning location. The newly designed 18-hole championship course is from legendary architect Tom Fazio, who has returned to revisit his first design from 2005. This setting has him partnering with his son, Logan Fazio, to create a one-of-a-kind golf experience at the only resort course on The Las Vegas Strip.
Caesars Palace has for years been the resort to stay at for whimsical moments of joy. Find basically everything here available and ready for your pleasure. There are even discounted packages for your vacation whether you’re looking for world-class entertainment or fine dining.
Eat like an emperor when you visit Carmine’s. Located in the beautiful Forum Shops at Caesars Hotel & Casino, the Southern Italian family-style restaurant has hearty portions of all your favorite regional dishes. Items are meant to be shared around the table with friends and family. Featured dishes include Veal Marsala, Stuffed Artichokes, and Shrimp Parmigiana. Absolutely do not pass up the pasta selections such as Penne alla Vodka, as well as the Rigatoni with Sausage and Broccoli.
Nightlife at Caesars Palace is elevated to the highest level. From upscale bars and lounges to the pulsating multi-level nightclubs, your time here in the moonlight captivates the essence of the city.
Vanderpump Cocktail Garden is a sexy garden oasis that brings the sophisticated tastes of Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Vanderpump’s highly successful restaurants and lounges TomTom, SUR, and Pump all serve as inspiration. The Vegas hotspot features a hand-crafted cocktail menu and a selection of small bites making it the perfect way to start the night. Try such delights as The Vanderpink Margarita with tequila, fresh lime, hibiscus, white peach, and orange liqueur; or the Checkmate Bitch with Stoli Vodka, jalapeño, fresh pineapple, grapefruit liqueur, vanilla citrus, and pink peppercorns.
Flamingo Las Vegas is one of the hotels that is as iconic as the city itself. If you’re looking for a great deal, you’ve come to the right place. Find discounted packages at this classic-but-cool stay with a prime center-Strip location.
The spirit of old Vegas is found at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse. The vintage-inspired restaurant transports guests to another era as you enjoy dry-aged steak or decadent seafood. There is even a speakeasy called The Count Room. Designed in collaboration with Chicago’s Studio K Creative and renowned designer Jonathan Adler, Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse features a variety of atmospheres from the dining patio to the main room.
Experience more greatness only found in Las Vegas when you stay at The Cosmopolitan. Rooms here give guests spectacular panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline and its famous fountains. All suites at The Cosmopolitan feature an expansive private terrace overlooking the heart of The Strip. In addition to the oversized private terrace, the Terrace One Bedroom Suite highlights telescoping doors separating bedroom from living room, and a decadent bathroom with a Japanese soaking tub for pure relaxation.
When dining at the hotel try Blue Ribbon. It brings New York City flavor to Sin City. Chefs and restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg vision of true American cuisine is demonstrated with a menu that is a melting pot of worldly influence. Blue Ribbon’s dinner is inspired by the original SoHo location, with long time favorites including Beef Marrow and Oxtail Marmalade, Cheese Fondue, and Pan Roasted Skate with Crispy Potatoes. New creations exclusive to the hotel include Pan Roasted Dover Sole with Artichokes and Capers, as well as Bourbon-Glazed Prime Rib of Pork.
Beauty & Essex also originates from Manhattan. Here the Lower East Side gets glammed up. After you walk through this lavish pawn shop inspired storefront, you’ll find a wonderful restaurant. A partnership with TAO Group and acclaimed chef Chris Santos, Beauty & Essex offers sharing plates and new twists on classic cocktails. The menu serves up signature dishes of Grilled Cheese Dumplings with smoked bacon, tomato soup; and Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos with chiffonade cilantro, radish, and wasabi kewpie.
Just off the main Strip you will additionally find an array of selections of entertainment and culinary extravaganzas.
For southern BBQ and craft beer, look no further than Virgil’s Real BBQ at the LINQ Promenade, which is walking distance from the Bellagio fountains. Like their sister restaurant, Carmine’s Italian, the establishment proudly serves hearty portions at incredible prices. Meats are smoked in-house at a low temperature over indirect heat for up to 14 hours. A unique mix of hickory and fruit woods help entrees hold amazing flavor. Pitmaster platters are specialties that both tourists and residents alike savor any day of the week.
About 20 minutes away in Rampart Commons you will find Honey Salt. The prominent Las Vegas restaurant provides an ambiance of community and family with food to feed your soul. Fresh, farm-to-table offerings only contain quality ingredients. Focusing on local, seasonal items, it delivers a contemporary experience complemented by the warmth and style of its dedicated owners. The menu provides you with the meals you have been craving, such as the Biloxi Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, Elizabeth’s Caesar Salad, and Gramma Rosie’s Meatballs.
Just off Interstate 15 one mile west of The Strip is the immersive playground AREA15. The vast and vibrant space is the hub for interactive arts and entertainment that is loved by kids and adults. Throw an axe, wander through a bamboo volcano, race on a zip line, or explore other mesmerizing areas. From the futuristic to the thrill-seeking, there’s an experience for everyone here.
Area15 is a joint project between Fisher Brothers and Beneville Studios. It highlights such attractions as Museum Fiasco “Cluster” by Playmodes Studio.
It is an immersive audiovisual installation that explores relationships between space, time, and perception. The audiovisual program is an overall show of around 12 minutes.
While you are there check out Oddwood. The open-space cocktail bar has craft cocktails served in a twinkling digital forest. Sit under Oddwood’s astounding 25-foot-tall digital maple tree as it creates patterns from a myriad of colors with more than 50,000 individually programmed LED lights on 5,000 leaves that fill its branches.
Then for those who are looking for a curated culinary experience that is carefully planned out turn to Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. Award-winning dining experiences by the group include the Afternoon Culinary Adventure, which is a nearly three-hour casual stroll of eating and exploring with the best overview of Vegas. It features four exciting stops to satisfy each palate. There is also the Savors of the Stripe tour that takes you to VIP tables at the hottest restaurants in town. This evening experience includes stops at four acclaimed restaurants, which will leave you happily satisfied.
With so much to do and all the non-stop action Las Vegas is truly the world’s supreme vacation experience.
