Back to Vegas for Bachelor Party

[Random987]

I lived in Vegas for 8 years before moving to Phoenix. I am heading back in a couple of weeks for my Bachelor Party. We are staying at the Venetian. On Saturday night, we have reservations at Delmonico, which is my favorite steakhouse in Vegas (I think I've been to most of the steakhouses and I have never had a bad meal at Delmonico).

I am looking for a recommendations for Friday night. Right now I am leaning toward trying something that has arrived since I left:

B&B
David Burke
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Mesa
Rao's

Comments? Suggestions? Alternatives?

[kjs]

i just recently ate at B&B - i did a quick review of it w/pics....i will try again because i think they are still working out some kinks and i don't like to bag on a restaurant if i've only eaten there once...it may have just been a bad day.

mesa - i've only eaten there for lunch - i liked it but i thought it was a little pricey for what i got...i have a feeling dinner might be a better deal - a plus for this place is you are next to the sports book and if you are into the night club scene, pure is a stones throw away.

i think we are in the minority when it comes to delmonico - i really like the place but most on the board don't give it high marks .

you may want to consider Bouchon or valentino's since you are staying at the venetian...personally, i've avoided valentino's since i can just go to the original valentino's in santa monica. But if your group appreciates wine, valentino has quite the collection.

Enjoy !!

[Random987]

Thanks guys, right now I am leaning toward B&B, given that we are doing steak on Saturday night. Hopefully they will have worked out the kinks.

[Debbie W]

Are you talking about a big, rowdy group of young guys? Or?

L'Atelier is mostly counter seating although there are a few tables, so the size of your group matters. Also it's really expensive (for what you get, not expensive in comparison to Alex or the fancier Robuchon or Guy Savoy). I found the portions to be rather dainty and the presentations overly precious. Lots of folks here really love it but I don't.

I've been to B&B twice and enjoyed it both times, I think it could be good for a group.

Finally had dinner at Mesa last month after several lunches. It far exceeded expectations. It has a fun atmosphere, the food was really very good, and it's not exceedingly expensive.

Haven't been to David Burke in Vegas and haven't read a lot of details here, maybe a couple of blurbs from people who have liked it, but I haven't cared for his style when eating at his establishments in New York.

No comment on Rao's, haven't been.

[Random987]

Thanks Debbie. It will be a table of 6-8 guys. I think, for the most part, we are past our "rowdy" days and, especially on Friday, we should be pacing ourselves for the rest of the weekend. I think the majority of the group is used to fine dining and can act appropriately. But I agree that counter service may not be the best choice.

[ciaobelly]

Debbie is "right-on" with her breakdowns....

Of your list, here's my opinion:

B&B - Absolutely enjoyed my meal here. The food was stellar, but the bill easily adds up with appetizers, pasta, entrees, dessert and drinks. When we went the service was a little unpolished, but I think that is a case-by-case scenario. True Batali style, dark and sophisticated room with a lot of buzz (close tables, rock music, white table cloths, dark wood). I like this restaurant because you can really "push" the culinary envelope if you want (i.e. sweetbreads, lamb's brain, nettle paparadelle, etc.)

David Burke - This restaurant didn't really impress me with food nor service. I just felt it was kind of the cliche Modern Americana restaurant with some hits and misses. The room is very hip and sleek, red and black, modern lines. I haven't heard much regarding other experiences.....

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon - Ok, I love love love L'Atelier. Yes, it can get ridiculously expensive if you have gained the same "healthy appetite" as I posess! But, if you are into food, you will be on cloud nine. The atmosphere is red and black sleek, think sushi bar mized with brasserie market. You can sit at the bar, side-by-side and watch the staff create your dishes, or they have high-top tables as well (limited number). The tasting menu there is usually around 130 dollars, but they also have a la carte options (this is where you can rack up the bill). I just think it is pretty wild. You will see soignee presentations of langoustine, tuna belly, oysters, etc. I think man would enjoy it, but if your group isn't really a follower of gastronomy, it might not be the way to go. They could end up leaving muttering this mantra....."i paid WHAT for steak frites?!?!" (granted it was kobe hangar steak and the best darn pommes de terre that ever graced a Staub pot). Nuff said!

Mesa - I've said it before, I am so underwhelmed by the whole Food Network Star Chef thing (though you'll catch it on in my house as my chosen form of background entertainment). So, upon my trip to Mesa I had low expectations. The only thing I can say is that I left the place with a new found respect and admiration for Chef Flay. The restaurant has a great buzz. It's fun, hip and always packed. Our server and sommelier were so personal without being ingenuine. Everything they reommeneded was perfect. The best lamb ever. Once again, with the way I eat and the type of wine enjoyed, the bill got up there, but it was worth it. I think that many would enjoy, especially if you gentleman want to be a little more in the scene in Vegas. Afterword you can hit Caesar's or one of its clubs.

Rao's - I wrote a review of this as well. It is fun, kitschy, American-Italian grub. Yes, grub sums it up! It is huge plates of Italian food, not with the provocative and subtle elegance of Batali, will fill your gut and leave you with a smile. The service was great. I think it could be a good place for a family or a group of a little more rowdy likes.

I hope this helps. I think you could pick which venue would be appropriate based on the vibe you are looking for and the members of your party. I have never enjoyed Delmonico's, but my favorite steakhouses in Vegas are N9NE and Crafsteak for all-around service and food, and Hank's, Seablue and Shibuya for the actual steak itself. Oh....let us know how your meals were and CONGRATULATIONS!