Photo courtesy of MGM Media

The CraftSteak Steak House is located at the luxury MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

CraftSteak is a bit gimmicy in that they serve “Kobe Beef”. Due to regulations, it is not 100% real Kobe beef, but is still pretty darn good.

The quality of food is superb, and the variety and larger portions were great. Between the two of us, he dined on two or three small appetizers, three steaks, numerous side dishes, as well as a variety of homemade ice creams for our desert. We were also served several palette cleansers between our servings.

The CraftSteak Steak House restaurant service was stellar. The waiter was an older gentleman who had a very strong accent. He sounded somewhat like a vampire, but was just brilliant.

The waiter recommended the the mashed potatoes and said they were “ridiculous”. That was no mistake as they were incredible. It was like an equal mix of cream and potato and the taste was quite intense. They were great.

The CraftSteak steaks were in one word – terrific. The meat is extremely tender and flavorful. The steaks seemed to have been oozing “goodness” out of them. Juice galore. We got three steak cuts, a New York Strip, a Fillet, and one other served with the tasting menu. My only regret was not getting the Steak Tartar as the suggested first course. The waiter switched to a Foie Gras since we were pussies when it came to eating raw meat.

CraftSteak is on the expensive side, but it is a memorable meal and will let you get in some “Kobe Beef” which will be one of the most flavorful tender cuts of meat you have ever eaten. I would definitely go there again, and take some friends here to pop their “Kobe” cherry.

Fleur by Hubert Keller – Mandalay Bay

The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas features famous culinary chef Hubert Keller, and his fine dining establishment Fleur by Hubert Keller.

Hubert Keller previously closed down his Fleur de Lys restaurant for re-modeling. Guests can enjoy a relaxed ambiance that extends from the venue’s attractive design to the fine dining cuisine.

Fleur by Hubert Keller is open for both lunch and dinner, as Hubert Keller brings delicious and contemporary flavors from his world travels.

Critically Acclaimed Chef Hubert Keller was born in France. Chef Keller trained and worked in France, Brazil and the United States. Back in 1986, Hubert Keller became co-owner of Fleur de Lys Restaurant in San Francisco, California.

Now the innovative chef debuts his latest fashionable epicurean experience.

Fleur by Hubert Keller definitely marks a new culinary concept by celebrating exquisitely tasting, International small plates.

This luxury restaurant features gourmet small plates that are packed with powerful bites of flavor. This will be the initial small plates concept for famous Chef Hubert Keller.

The Fleur’s contemporary menu is inspired by Keller’s numerous travels to Italy, Spain, Asia, North Africa, South America, plus his homeland France.

Fleur by Hubert Keller – Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs meal

Fleur will offer its guests a new dining experience from the Bravo “Top Chef Masters” cheftestant, in a welcoming and casual-chic environment.

Fleur is described as “global tapas” restaurant. Fine diners will notice the large open bar, in addition to an outdoor-feeling patio that overlooks the spacious Manadalay Bay casino.

Comprised of 5,500-square-foot of space Fleur by Hubert Keller features a decor of earthy color palette of warm greens, rustic reds and woody browns to transform Fleur into a cozy retreat.

For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit – http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/fleur.aspx or call 702-632-9400.

Bernini Honolulu

I heard about this cute little restaurant from a friend, so four of us gave it a try one evening. We finally located it, and I must say, the exterior lighting and appearance of the Bernini Honolulu eatery was very classy and attractive, (reminiscent of Taormina Sicilian Restaurant in Waikiki).

The interior is tastefully decorated as well, very upscale, and attractive. My only criticism of the Bernini Honolulu interior decor and lighting would be to either get rid of the refrigerated display case and its bright fluorescent lighting immediately inside the entrance.

Or, if this display case is necessary, install some cool temp. incandescent lighting inside to highlight whatever you want to emphasize. The fluorescent lighting in the case wages a battle with the rest of the very classy lighting throughout the restaurant.

Now for the important topic — the food:

We first tried a sampling from their Antipasti selection and chose the Chef’s Selection of the Day $28.00 — A trio including Tuna Carpaccio w/ Sicilian Lemon Sauce, Porchetta – Homemade Slow-cooked Pork Ham, and Venetian Style Marinated Octopus and Potato Lightly flavored with Anchovy.

We also ordered Grilled Scallops with Eggplant in a Balsamic Reduction Sauce $14.00 All antipasti selections were quite tasty, however a little sparse with respect to volume. We ordered a bottle of Prosecco, (Flor Prosecco), to accompany our antipasti ($39.00) , which was quite good.

The main dishes we ordered were all under the “Pasta” heading and were all spaghetti offerings including Ricci de Mare – Fresh Sea Urchin – Peperoncino Style $26.00; Vongole Bianco – Fresh Clams in a White Wine Sauce $22.00; Chicken Carbonara – Creamy Spicy Chicken Sauce $18.00; and King Crab – in a Tomato Cream Sauce w/ Broccoli $24.00.

We enjoyed an excellent meal at Bernini Honolulu.

Photo: Pamplemousse

Las Vegas is well known as a city packed with glittering new properties and exciting activities. But if you are looking for pure old-Vegas authenticity than look no further than Pamplemousse restaurant on East Sahara Ave

Off the beaten path, Pamplemousse is just a few blocks from the Hilton but seems half a world away from the bustling strip of Sin City Vegas.

Pamplemousse can be easily missed but this little bungalow just off the Strip, is a must. The restaurant has been voted Best Romantic Gourmet Restaurant in Las Vegas.

If you want entertainment then Maitre d’ and server Keefer is your man. Keefer is wonderfully bizarre and must be seen to believe. You won’t forget the experience.

No matter how many times you dine at Pamplemousse, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The restaurant doesn’t offer a proper menu, so every day brings new, delicious offerings.

A popular staple that is loved by many, the famous crudite salad is always the same. It’s an enticing basket of fresh veggies ready for dipping.

The Pamplemousse offers a charming French country cottage, dining experience. The cuisine is exquisite. It’s simply a Las Vegas, fine dining best.

Pamplemousse
400 E Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: 702-733-2066
Fax: 702-733-9139

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant is contemporary, and offers a unique mix of internationally influenced cuisine and world-class German Lagers brewed on-site.

The restaurant has a open airy feeling about it. Dark warehouse type with a long open kitchen you can see from just about anywhere in the place. Plenty of large glass windows and a nice patio that is usually packed during warmer times of the year.

Large square bar is packed with a younger crowd. The restaurant section was also filled and several tables seemed to be after work parties. There’s a Private room in the back, that is often filled with parties too.

On tap were Dunkels, Marzen, Hefe, and Golden Export and the special was the Winterhook. The beers are of good quality and the Winterhook is quite tasty.

The food is reasonably priced and all their appetizers and meals will be enjoyed. Service is quick and friendly despite the crowds. Waitress seem to understand the wide variety of beer styles.

Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo

Andre’s at Monte Carlo is a AAA Four Diamond restaurant featuring celebrated chef André Rochat.

Plan on enjoying an unforgettable Las Vegas New Year’s Eve meal at Andre’s at Monte Carlo.

Legendary Las Vegas chef and restaurant namesake André Rochat has created a fine dining menu to perfectly capture both the energy and excitement of a Las Vegas New Year’s Eve celebration.

Utilizing an eclectic approach on a classic, Andre’s at Monte Carlo restaurant meshes the finest style of dining with a comfortable, elegant setting.

The New Year’s Eve meal at Andre’s Restaurant at Monte Carlo will definitely please the palette.

The multi-course New Year’s Eve menu begins with an amuse of kumamoto oyster, sea water granité and caviar followed by a choice of chilled foie gras terrine with brioche toast, pistachio butter and cassis gastrique or a succulent lobster salad with hibiscus gelée, lotus root, frissée and truffle cream. Next, indulge in the flavor of either maitaki mushroom soup with winter truffle and crispy artichoke or jumbo sea scallop with a roasted jewel yam, citrus butter and salsify chip. Then, cleanse and invigorate the palette with a sparkling grapefruit intermezzo.

Next, enjoy a delicious main course consisting of Andre’s Maine lobster thermidor served with asparagus and hollandaise or roasted duck breast featuring beluga lentil cassoulet and braised romaine roasted quince jus or provimi veal loin with foie gras, jumbo asparagus hollandaise and anna potato with black truffle and aged armagnac. The holiday meal also includes a red and white Belgium endive salad with Gruyère cheese and a mild mustard dressing.

Last but not least is dessert. The amazing meal is finally topped off with three sweet treats in Andre’s New Year’s Eve dessert trio. It’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth

You can enjoy the chef-selected New Year’s Eve meal on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010. The cost is only $175 per person.

For additional information and reservations, please call (702) 798-7151

Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge
Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
3770 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Surf Lanai Restaurant – The Royal Hawaiian

The Surf Lanai Restaurant is located in the luxurious The Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Oahu. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is also known as the “Pink Lady” … a truly Hawaiian landmark.

Surf Lanai Restaurant is a terrific outdoor restaurant, that showcases a wide variety mainland classic dishes that are dressed with local Hawaiian ingredients, and served with Hawaiian style.

This upscale, outdoor beachside cafe can be found next to the The Royal Hawaiian Hotel pool.

The Surf Lanai Restaurant serves both a great tasting al fresco breakfast, as well as a delicious lunch service.

Kukui’s Restaurant – Kauai Marriott Resort

Kukui’s Restaurant is a relaxed, open-air restaurant that overlooks the lush poolside setting at the luxurious Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach.

Both resort guests as well as locals and other visitors can enjoy a casual meal while dining in a tropical setting.

Kukui’s Restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is served between 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday and from 6:30 am – 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Dinner is available daily from 5:00pm – 10:00pm.

For breakfast, Kukui’s Restaurant features a permanent all-you-can-eat buffet or you can order from their menu.

Breakfast menu selections consist of  Kalbi Steak & Eggs, Fried Rice Omelet, Hawaiian Omelet, Nawiliwili Meat Lover’s Scramble, or The Best Banana Mac Nut Buttermilk Pancake Stack.

We had the buffet each morning during our stay and truly enjoyed the variety of choices including: pancakes, waffles, rice, eggs, bacon, ham, french toast, salads, pastries, breads, fresh fruit, cereals, oatmeal and more. Several tasty juices are also available.

So before you start your day, be sure to enjoy your breakfast at the Kukui’s Restaurant buffet. The buffet is definitely worth the money and Kukui’s Restaurant is clearly our choice for Best Buffet on Kauai.

For dinner, soak in the beauty of Kauai by having a terrific meal near the lush poolside setting and overlooking beautiful Kalapaki Bay.

The dinner menu offers both local Hawaiian and Pacific Rim entrees. You’ll find a wide selection of salads, fresh fish, chicken, steak, pork and even meatloaf.

I really enjoyed the fish special that night and had Mahi-Mahi along with a Tiger Shrimp Crunch Salad. Be sure to leave room for delicious dessert selections. I had the decadent Chocolate Lau Lau dessert and it was fabulous.

The restaurant service is superb as we were consistently treated with gracious Hawaiian hospitality.

For an unforgettable meal, we highly recommend Kukui’s Restaurant on Kalapaki Beach!

For additional information, please visit: http://www.kukuis.kauaimarriott.com

Situated in Copenhagen in the vaulted cellar of a XIIth century building, the medieval atmosphere of the Kong Hans Kaelder has immediate appeal.

The cellar was once owned by King Hans (1455-1513), and lies in the oldest building in Copenhagen as well as is the site of the best restaurant.

The minimalist décor is illuminated by a cuisine that some people describe as “bearing the stamp of Matisse or Picasso”.

Since he took over this restaurant, chef Thomas Andersen has striven to conjure up inventive cuisine, ranking amongst the best in Scandinavia, that is indeed based on French gourmet traditions but also draws inspiration from dishes and products from further afield.

Taste delicious regional and Scandinavian products paired with exclusive products from the best suppliers in France, Spain and Italy.

Hans Christian Andersen once lived upstairs, writing Love in the Nicola Tower.

St. Regis Mexico City

The incredible St. Regis Mexico City hotel has set the standard for luxury in Mexico City. Committed to providing its dining guests an amazing gourmet experience, the St. Regis Mexico City is looking to far surpass its expectations.

Enhancing the fine dining experience on property at the signature Diana Restaurant, two new dining opportunities invite intimate groups to share in momentous journeys behind closed doors.

Guests of The Decanter Room can look forward to Dining with the Astors, while those opting for The Chef’s Table will be treated to a privileged vantage point of Chef Jorge Vallejo in action.

Here is a summary of the two luxury gourmet din expereinces from St. Regis Mexico City hotel:

Dining with the Astors
Harkening back to St. Regis’ heritage, when The St. Regis New York was built in 1904 on the Astor family legacy, The St. Regis Mexico City invites guests into The Decanter Room to dine á la the elegance and grandeur of the early 1900s. In the spirit of the Astor family, significantly noted in American society for their prominence in business and politics, groups of eight to 12 diners will be transported to a time when salad was the final course before dessert, hostesses and waiters donned the finest Victorian fashions and the late classical, early jazz music hummed in the background.

In addition to hors d’oeuvres (Foie Gras brioche and Fig Compote and Quail Eggs with Sardines and Tomato Confit among them), the six-course Dining with the Astors menu will feature Clarified Paisane Consomé with a Hint of Truffle, Normandy Flounder and Mushrooms Stuffed with Shrimp, Auverge Style Breaded Chicken with Spinach Royale and Water Chestnuts and Rack of lamb Au Jus with Choron Sauce and Fried Onions. To end the meal, Raquel Salad will be served before the dessert course, consisting of a Chocolate-Hazelnut Bomb with Burnt Black Cherries, Worcestershire Sauce and Coffee along with assorted Mignardises.

Served to groups of eight to 12 people in The Decanter Room, extensive menu with wine pairings is $220 per person. Advanced reservations required.

The Chef’s Table
Those gourmands opting for a more modern experience are invited into the kitchen at Diana Restaurant to interact with Chef Jorge Vallejo and experience his interpretation of contemporary Mexican cuisine, using traditional and endemic ingredients. Joining the St. Regis team in September 2010 after serving as executive chef at the hip Hotel Condesa DF and then corporate chef of all Grupo Habita Hotels, Vallejo is a native of Mexico City with a unique interpretation of the traditional fare. A tasting menu definitively created according to Chef’s current intrigues, favorite tastes and signature sensibilities will be the centerpiece of a culinary adventure staged at the core of all the action.

Chef’s Tasting Menu will begin with appetizers followed by Guacamole Tostada; Oaxacan Tomato Salad with String Cheese, Oaxacan Pasilla Chili and Lime Vinaigrette; Chocolate Clam in Green Apple Aguachile, and Esquite Cream with Blue Corn Crumbs and Purslane. Next up is Mexican Style Marinated Grilled Fish with Plantains, Cotija Cheese and Roasted Vegetables and Turkey in Ash Mole with Arborio Mexican Rice, Peas and Sesame Oil. To finish off this special meal, the showcased dessert will be Double Mexican Chocolate with Pinole and Caramelized Mango Ice Cream followed by assorted Mexican Sweets.

Served to groups of up to six people seated in the kitchen, the extensive menu with wine pairings is $150 per person. Reservations are required.

Courtesy of: Honolulu Magazine

Hy’s Steak House has long been one of the best-known steakhouses in all of Hawaii. The restaurant has been a tradition in Waikiki for over a quarter century.

Hy’s Steak House restaurant has won awards from both local and national critics, and is a big favorite of Honolulu natives, as well as visitors.

Hy’s offers its patrons superb cuisine offering a mixture of American, European, Hawaiian and Pacific influences.

The specialties of Hy’s Steak House are the USDA Prime grade cuts of beef offered, including, New York Strip, Porterhouse T-Bone, Delmonico and Filet Mignon. In addition to the world-class steaks, Hy’s also offers a wide selection of specialty salads and seafood dishes.

Appetizers at Hy’s include Oysters Rockefeller and Beluga Caviar. Signature entrees include Hy’s Garlic Steak, Hy’s Grilled Vegetable Platter and Lamb Chops a la Hy’s .

Hy’s Steak House offers an extensive wine list that over the years, has earned the prestigious Award of Excellence from, “Wine Spectator Magazine”.

The interior of Hy’s has been described as “charming” and the dining area resembles an old English mansion and possesses all the ambiance of a private gentlemen’s club.

The restaurant’s booths and table seating are covered in tapestry or leather-like upholstery. Much like the dining room itself, guest seating is both ample and comfortable.

Hy’s Steak House
2440 Kuhio Ave
Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii 96815
(808) 922-5555