This is high season in Las Vegas, and it really has been since New Year’s Eve. There’s no better time for half the country to get away from the brutal cold of February in favor of the ideal winter weather in Sin City.
Modern journey’s to Vegas are now built around luxury and dining more than at any time in the city’s history. The city’s attractions are more about fine food than they are about gambling these days. In this age of struggling economies, stumbling governments and shrinking disposable incomes, travelers to the Nevada desert have a different take on their stays there. If they’re going to take a vacation and drop $500, $1000 or $10,000 in Vegas, they want the assurance of taking something home with them besides an empty wallet and credit card debt thanks to a sour run at the Craps table.
Related: Las Vegas City Guide
Tourists want a memory of a once in a lifetime show, an adventure thanks to a zip line or a dune buggy or an elite shopping experienced. And, they want to take home the lingering pleasure of a truly great meal. Long the home of luxury hotel rooms, Las Vegas is now also the epicenter of “event dining.”
On a whirlwind tour of Vegas to escape the umpteen minus zero below weather, I had a chance to sample a set of destinations from The Palazzo Hotel, STK Steakhouse at the Cosmopolitan, Cleo at the new SLS Hotel and Piero’s Italian Restaurant off-strip. Catch some images of the stops below with a few suggestions on what to enjoy when you visit.
Wintering in Las Vegas
Winter is the best time to swing through Las Vegas, and this mix of new and classic dining spots remain essential.
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Suite at The Palazzo
The newer, sister property to a longstanding Vegas icon, The Venetian, the Palazzo is a towering property offering classy, well-appointed suites on every floor. It's central location along The Strip only adds to its appeal.
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Surf & Turf, STK Las Vegas
Tucked away inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel (arguably the hottest property in the city), STK is the domain of Chef Stephen Hopcraft. The specially prepared Surf & Turf features his slow cooked Beef Short Ribs and Roasted Dover Sole.
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Dessert Selection at STK Las Vegas
After enjoying a chance to try a little bit of every dessert at STK, the house-made donuts with dipping sauce are the simplest (and best) option.
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The Garbo at Cleo
Housed at the sparkling new SLS Hotel off The Strip, Cleo offers a Middle Eastern theme — a rarity in Vegas. But, its cocktail menu is international, including the rare Garbo.
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Brussels Sprouts and Hummus at Cleo
Brussels Sprouts might not be your favorite thing, but Cleo makes them a house speciality appetizer. They're cut thin, lightly fried like chips and served with Hummus.
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Roast Lamb at Cleo
The Roast Lamb over seasoned lentils at Cleo will satisfy your protein craving with enough Middle Eastern flare.
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Osso Buco at Piero's
An emerging citywide favorite, Piero's Italian Restaurant is easily one of the most comfortable and appealing joints in town, the warmly lit dining room serves up a mix of pasta and steaks. But, it's Osso Buco is a classic. Get there and eat a helpless baby cow with relish.
