New Restaurant Wednesday: The Chandelier Bar {Las Vegas Edition}

When I was planning our Vegas Vacation, I knew there were a few things on the list that were a “must do.” One of those things was drinking a cocktail at The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Located on The Strip, The Cosmopolitan is one of those places that makes you feel like you have arrived. It’s sleek without being sleazy and it’s contemporary without being cold.

The Cosmopolitan's signature cocktail

We bypassed the sophisticated Vesper Bar (though, we would have a nightcap there later) and strolled past the betters at Book & Stage and headed straight for The Chandelier. Designed by the New York City architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, The Chandelier is three levels and two million crystal beads of fabulous. Its glittering façade makes a “wow” statement even in Vegas. The Chandelier isn’t a place where you’ll find the slot machine weary tourists giving their wallets a break, but in their place you’ll find a younger, sexier, style-conscious crowd.    

Two million beads of fabulous

From the ambiance to the superb service to the strong signature Cosmopolitan cocktail created by mixologist Meriena Mercer, visit The Chandelier and you’ll see why it was voted 2012’s Best Bar on The Strip by Lavish Las Vegas. The next time you're in Sin City, slip on your best little black dress and head to The Chandelier for a cocktail. It's what every diva should do. 

Cheers to the best Cosmopolitan's in Vegas

Vegas Vacation: The Fun

As many a bachelor party will tell you, there is plenty of fun to be had in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a gambler, a bachelor, or a first time Vegas visitor, there’s plenty to do in Sin City.

If you have three days, a limited budget, and an adventurous spirit, grab your closest wolf pack and follow our tips for fun things to do in Las Vegas:

See a show!

From world famous magicians to the flying acrobats of Cirque du Soleil, there’s a show on The Strip that’s perfect for every man, woman, and budget (limited or otherwise.)

As a “superfan” (thanks for coining that term, Donald Driver!) of the TV show Dancing with the Stars since season 1, I knew I had to see Dancing with the Stars Live in Las Vegas at the Tropicana (doesn’t anything pertaining to the Tropicana sound so Vegas?) For two hours Lori and I sat mesmerized as former contestants Sabrina Bryan, Kyle Massey, Joey Fatone and professional dancer Lacey Schwimmer waltzed, tangoed, and cha-cha-cha-ed their way across the stage. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply want to be entertained, head to the “Trop” now through August 5^th for the show that judge Len Goodman would surely give a “10!”

See the Sights!

Like most visitors to Vegas, we stayed right off The Strip. As a first time visitor, I didn’t realize just how much there is to see and do in that 4.2 mile stretch of sand. Each casino, from the contemporary Cosmopolitan to the canals of the Venetian, boasts a unique theme and atmosphere. It’s free to stroll in browse and provides an excellent escape from the relentless Nevada heat. You can walk the streets of “New York” or jump from the top of the Stratosphere, just make sure to see a few of the unique gamblin’ halls while you’re there, even if you’re like me and don’t gamble a penny!

“Experience” Fremont Street

Before Vegas became the modern, sleek, and polished vacation destination that it is today, Vegas was…Fremont Street. Located in downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is home to such venerable casinos as the Golden Nugget and Binion’s and has been featured in hit movies Viva Las Vegas and Diamonds Are Forever. Sadly, Fremont Street has lost much of its original luster and we found the characters lining the street to be seedy and sad and many of the shops shuttered. If you decide to go, make sure to head there at dusk when the Fremont Street Experience is aglow in lights.  And if you’re brave, see the street from above and zip line across Fremont Street. We did and it was the highlight of our Fremont Street Experience.

Dance the Night Away

By nature, I’m not a club goin’ kind of gal. I much prefer a wine bar and jazz to the bump and grind of a disco. But, as they say, when in Vegas…dance the night away! Lori, Marion, and I left Mike to his own devices at the poker table and headed to Tryst Nightclub at the Wynn. If I had any doubts about going out for a night with the girls, those reservations were put to rest once we entered Tryst. A lagoon, a ninety foot waterfall and superb service were on display at this Vegas club known for employing guest DJ’s Jermaine Dupri and deadmau5. Seating at Tryst is reserved for bottle service patrons only, so ladies beware, between the dance floor and your high heeled dancing shoes, your feet will hurt at the end of the night. But, spending a night dancing and drinking at Tryst? Totally worth it.

Head to the Hoover Dam

Anytime I mentioned that I was going to Vegas, people would tell me, “You have to go to the Hoover Dam!” So, one afternoon we packed up the rental car and made the one hour trip to the engineering marvel named after President Herbert Hoover. We opted for the thirty minute, $11 “Power Plant Tour.” And, that sounds about as interesting as it was! Take our advice: skip the tour and go directly to the Observation Deck or the Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, where views of the dam and the Colorado River can be seen for free.

See an Elvis Impersonator

No trip to Vegas is complete without the hip shakin’, lip quiverin’ experience of an Elvis impersonator. And if you’re going to go, you might as well head to Harrah’s for the free “Big Elvis Show” performed by Vegas veteran Peter Vallee. Voted the #1 Vegas Attraction by the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2011, Peter Vallee performs many of Elvis’ hits while including the audience in on the fun.

Viva Las Vegas

Las Vegas, like New York City or Paris, has a look, feel, and speed all its own. If you’ve never been, don’t let your preconceived notions of what you think Vegas is like determine your decision to visit the City known for Sin. Let Vegas be Vegas. Enjoy it in all its glittering glory and you just might find yourself saying, “What happens in Vegas…goes on your blog, Facebook, and twitter account.”

You can read Part I of my Vegas Vacation: The Food here.

Vegas Vacation: The Food

I’m beginning my three part “Vegas Vacation” series with something I hold dear to my heart: Food! I’m one of those people who plan my vacations around restaurants and starts thinking about dinner while I’m still eating lunch. I love trying the “it” restaurant in town whether it’s burgers and “ta-ta’s” at Hamburger Mary's, the organic beef brisket at Winslow's Home, or sipping signature cocktails at The Chandelier. For three days, we ate and drank our way around Las Vegas and I discovered why this city in the sand is known as a culinary hotspot.

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Our first stop on our foodie tour of Sin City was the Sugar Factory American Brasserie. Winner of the 2012 “Diner’s Choice” Open Table Award, the Sugar Factory is the place where celebrities Katy Perry, Kourtney Kardashian, and Drake come to get their sugar rush. Led by Executive Chef Michael Sellmann, the Sugar Factory is becoming known for being more than just a candy connoisseur and the “Eats, Sweets, and Treats” lived up to the hype. 

For lunch, I tried the Monte Cristo sandwich: Turkey, Honey-Cured Ham and Swiss cheese served on Grilled Brioche bread, topped with Tomato Jam and lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. Foodie alert: The tomato jam made this sandwich! Lori and I split the $36 “Lollipop Passion”, a drink so big they served it to us in a goblet and it came complete with smoking dry ice and candy accessories. Not be outdone, Mike and Marion sweetened the deal by splitting the indulgent “Strawberry Cheesecake Overload Sundae” for dessert.

You’re going to need to walk off all of that food somehow, so amble through the 6,000 square foot flagship candy store where you’ll find everything from Couture and Signature Series lollipops to milkshakes and cupcakes. The delicious food and chic dining experience at the Sugar Factory are enough to make any Parisian say, “Ooh la la!”

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While living and studying in Europe in 2004, Lori and I started a tradition of eating at the local Hard Rock Café whenever we visited a new city. Whether it was London, Dublin, or Munich, we stopped in for the Sante Fe Spring Rolls and a little taste of home. As poor students traveling through Europe, we did this more out of necessity than preference: I worked my way through college partly by working at the Hard Rock Café St. Louis and, in return, received 50% off my meals at all Hard Rock Cafe locations. 

The tradition continues today (sans employee discount) as we stopped by the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas for the Jumbo Combo (delicious!), a break from walking The Strip, and a rockin’ good time. Looking to escape the heat and rest those weary feet? Stop by for a free tour of their vast collection or peruse the world's largest Rock Shop. 

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No trip out West is complete without a trip to the hamburger Holy Land known as In-N-Out Burger. I first visited In-N-Out last year while on a business trip to San Diego and fell in love with the kitschy “crossed” palm tree themed interior, the paper-hat wearing employees, and the “Not-So-Secret” menu options. The line was long at In-N-Out Las Vegas (Dean Martin Blvd. location), but the wait was worth it. And as any devotee will tell you, there’s only one way to do it at In-N-Out: “Animal Style!”

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For dinner on Saturday night, we put on our Vegas best and headed to Bally's Steakhouse. One of the oldest steakhouses on The Strip, Bally’s has the look and feel of a 1960’s country club, complete with Ralph Lauren pinstripe wallpaper, servers dressed in tuxedo’s and photos of the Rat Pack adorning the walls. For dinner, I started with the Maine Lobster Bisque and finished with the 16 0z. Filet Mignon, served with a Béarnaise sauce. The sides are a la carté and as a table we split the asparagus and twice baked potato.

While Las Vegas is becoming known for their celebrity chefs and world-renowned cuisine, Bally’s hasn’t kept up with its neighboring restaurants. We thought the food was good and the service was decent, but the overall look and feel of the interior seemed shabby and outdated. Looking for a good steakhouse experience in Sin City? Don’t bet on Bally’s.

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For my last meal in Vegas, we headed to the appropriately named, Hash House a go go. The winner of multiple awards from the New York Times, Travelocity, and Fodor’s Magazine, Hash House a go go has been featured in publications and on tv shows since opening in 2000. Fans of the Travel Channel series Man vs. Food will recognize Hash House a go go from the episode where host Adam Richman tried to conquer both the Fried-Chicken Eggs Benedict and a one pound Stuffed Burger. Creator and Founder Johnny Rivera and Executive Chef Craig Beardslee wanted to create “twisted farm food” giving those old, farm-made recipes a twist. The interior of the restaurant reflects that farm feel with blades of wheat on the tables and industrial accents that’ll make you feel right at home on the farm.

Need a big breakfast to recharge after a night out in Vegas? Be careful what you wish for. My “Tractor Driver Combo” came with a 16 inch apple cinnamon pancake. Everything from the turkey sausage to Marion’s Snicker pancake (made with actual mini Snicker bars) was downright delectable.         

Whether you're looking for a casual bistro or fancy fare, Las Vegas has ample opportunity for you to sample the best from world famous chefs. I'm heading back to Vegas in October for work and I'm already planning my restaurant itinerary: Stack at The Mirage and Aureole at Mandalay Bay have made the list. 

Stay tuned for part II of my Vegas Vacation: The Fun!