Las Vegas is one of the world's culinary capitals, home base to some of today's most talented chefs. For instance, at the MGM Grand, you can chow down at restaurants headlined by Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse and Joel Robuchon whose fine dining establishment has been awarded three Michelin stars.
Some of the newer culinary hot spots include the fun and funky Serendipity 3 at Caesar's Palace which overlooks the Strip and three restaurants at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort, SW Steakhouse, Bartolotta and Okada, which feature award winning chefs with outdoor patios that are curl around a private lake and waterfalls. For a taste of the Old World food and ambiance, try the French cuisine at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas or Ah Sin, which serves Pacific Rim creations at the foot of Paris' Eiffel Tower. Over at Aureole, chef Charlie Palmer's place at Mandalay Bay, the centerpiece of the restaurant is a four story wine tower that holds 10,000 bottles. Two beautiful women, known as wine angels, glide up and down the tower making the wine selections. And don't worry, the traditional Las Vegas Buffet is still going strong. You can find over 50 buffets along the Strip and in fact can purchase an all-day buffet pass that will give you access to some of the best food in town.
After dinner, check out the Strip's amazing nightlife at Wynn's Tryst, XS Nightclub at Encore, Tao at the Venetian and PURE at Caesar's.
Canadian Content
One of Canada's greatest exports is Cirque du Soleil, the revolutionary mix of circus and big league theatre. Las Vegas is now the unofficial capital of the Cirque nation with seven shows currently running along the Strip including The Beatles LOVE, Viva ELVIS, KA, Mystère, "O", Criss Angel BELIEVE and Zumanity. True fans will want to attend the first ever Cirque Week in Las Vegas which runs from Nov. 29 - Dec. 5 and includes an unprecedented peak behind the curtain.
Showtime
All of the top entertainers, musicians and magicians put Las Vegas on their schedule. In the next few months performers coming to town include Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Leonard Cohen, Andrea Bocelli, Dave Matthews, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters who is performing The Wall, magician David Coppefield and renowned psychic John Edward. Cher fans will want to catch the pop diva at Caesar's before she ends her three year stand on February 5, 2011. And even though she just gave birth to twins, Céline Dion is scheduled to return to Caesar's on March 15th.
Shopper's Paradise
There are nearly a dozen major shopping destinations in and around the Strip including Crystals at CityCenter, Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas and the Miracle Mile Shops which often feature designer clothes at sale prices. For something unique, try the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian. The shopping precinct includes cobblestone walkways, illuminated sky ceilings, gondola rides and a replication of Venice's St. Mark's Square - without the pigeons.
Animal Attraction
Las Vegas is home to the exotic - including wildlife. The Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Resort is a 1.6 million gallon tank that holds over 2,000 fish including sharks, rays, piranhas and even green sea turtles. The Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand features a 360 degree view of lions and their cubs in a den that is wrapped in 10 metre high glass walls.
I Do
Romance is definitely in the air in Las Vegas. With over 120,000 I do's performed every year, Las Vegas is the number one wedding stop on the planet. Vegas newlyweds include Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, Judy Garland, Britney Spears, Michael Jordan, Jon Bon Jovi, Betty White, Kelly Ripa, Angelina Jolie, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. All of the major hotels and resorts feature full service wedding planners, everything from flower arrangers to photographers. But if you want something a little different, Las Vegas is also the place. Couples can choose to be hitched by Elvis impersonators, pirate captains, Austin Powers look-alikes or even have showgirls as their bridesmaids. Inviting TMZ and the paparazzi is optional.
Green Dreams
The Las Vegas area is home to nearly 60 golf courses including Shadow Creek and the Wynn Course, two of the top public access layouts in North America. Other options include Bali Hai, Royal Links and SouthShore at Lake Las Vegas. Only want a quick nine or to hit a bucket of balls, then try the Callaway Center at the top of the Strip.
Vacation Planner
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