Southern Californians have a fascination with Las Vegas. Whether it?s for the gambling, the lights, the spectacle, fine dining, extreme pampering or all of the above, most of us get to Vegas at least every two years. It?s been four for me and I was due a return trip.
With the Venetian and Palazzo Hotels hosting a Carnevale celebration now through September 8, I couldn?t think of a better time. Sure it?s hot but it?s a dry heat, and besides why leave the hotel when it?s a city unto its self?
We arrived early afternoon and were given the keycards to our luxurious suite (every room at the Venetian is a suite) with a full living room area with couch, desk and TV and a king sized bed in the bedroom area, also equipped with its own TV (there was even a TV in the large bathroom). It might have been 115 degrees outside but inside we were cool and comfy and ready to explore.
We headed for the Grand Canal Shoppes for a little window shopping and to soak up some of the atmosphere. As the gondoliers serenaded us with song we explored the many shops and restaurants. While we were exploring we got our first taste of Carnevale through the many gaily-dressed characters.
When it came to dinner we had a hard choice to make: in which of the many top chef?s restaurants would we dine: B&B Ristorante or Carnevino by Mario Batali, Bouchon by Thomas Keller, Cut or Postrio Bar and Grill by Wolfgang Puck, Delmonico Steakhouse or Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse, LAVO by Massimiliano Campanari, or TAO by Michael Armstrong? We chose LAVO because I had heard so much about their Kobe meatballs.
LAVO is a whimsical space with bath tubs, toilets and sinks as part of the d?cor. Their food is classic Italian and the atmosphere is hip. Outside the restaurant fronts the strip with seating over the sidewalk. We passed on the outdoor seating since it was still well over 100 degrees and opted instead to dine in the cool dining room.
We started our meal with a salad of tomatoes, Bufala Mozzarella and red onion slices drizzled with fig balsamic vinegar. The salad was adequate, not one of the best I?ve had nor one of the worst. The red onion puzzled me because it has such a strong taste that it overpowered the more delicate Mozzarella.
For dinner we ordered the spaghetti with Kobe Meatballs and a brick oven pizza with lobster, fingerling potatoes, garlic oil and fresh herbs. Both came highly recommended.
With the spaghetti came three large Kobe Meatballs topped with fresh ricotta and Parmigiano cheese. The big and meaty meatballs dominated the dish. Both my companion and I enjoy this dish but would have liked to see a bit more pasta.
The Lobster Scampi Style pizza was super yummy. First of all the pizza is 18 inches long and second it?s loaded with tasty stuff like roasted lobster and fingerling potatoes. Rich and decadent, this pizza is an original and a winner.
My companion and I tried to walk off some of our dinner by taking in the sights and sounds of Carnevale throughout the Venetian and Palazzo including the Light of Venice where the fa?ade of The Venetian is the canvas for a 3D fantasy of light and music and The Mazquerade: a nightly show of elaborately costumed masked characters.
The next morning I had an appointment at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub for a seasonal facial. The spa is tranquil and tastefully decorated in muted earthtones. My facial was rejuvenating while at the same time relaxing. My friendly technician pampered my skin with moisture and awoke it with massage. My skin was glowing and so was my attitude.
We spent the rest of the day lolling by the pool, nibbling on goodies and shopping. It was a fun, relaxing respite from the mad dash that is our life. I highly recommend it!
The Venetian is located at 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. For reservations and more information call (702) 414-1000 or visit www.venetian.com.
