Onda Wine Lounge at Mirage

Las Vegas has long been a popular tourist mecca.  More than 37 million visitors annually travel to Sin City and enjoy this desert oasis filled with bright lights and non-stop gaming and entertainment action.

Today’s lightning fast media often reports the latest trendsetting spots in Las Vegas but many want to uncover the true hidden gems can sometimes be hard to come by.

We’ve put together a list of some of best, little known treasures that Las Vegas offers.  Discerning Vegas guests can enjoy tucked-away lounges as well as many complimentary experiences to make their Las Vegas visit a memorable one.

Pianist to the Presidents at Bellagio

Indulge in a splendid evening at Bellagio’s Petrossian Bar with live music from the pianist to Presidents of the United States . David Osborn has performed at the White House for many politicians including recent Presidents Carter, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama. Guests at Petrossian Bar can relax on one of the velvet couches overlooking the casino while enjoying beautiful music played by Osborn on the one-of-a-kind Steinway Grand. Osborn plays evenings Thursday-Sunday at the elegant lounge that gently sets the mood for sophisticated tastes and discerning palates. Talk about a hidden gem.

Wind Down at the Cigar & Cognac Lounge

Upstairs from Andre’s Restaurant inside Monte Carlo is the warm and welcoming Cigar & Cognac Lounge, a world of intimacy where guests can settle in by the fire with a drink and enjoy the seductive aroma of fine cigars. For the ultimate experience, let experts recommend a professional cognac and cigar pairing. It’s the perfect way to cap off a dinner at Andre’s, a show in the Monte Carlo Theatre or to simply wind down before turning in for the evening.

Complimentary Art Tours at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Las Vegas’ premier fine art exhibition venue, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, offers daily docent tours beginning promptly at 2 p.m. Each tour is complimentary with the purchase of admission. The 45-minute tour takes guests through exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and works on paper by the world’s most influential artists. These museum-caliber displays offer visitors a rare opportunity to view legendary works of art carefully selected from prestigious international collections.

Swan-side Dining at Swan Court at Aureole

The exclusive Swan Court at Aureole offers private outdoor dining next to a lagoon where beautiful white swans glide gracefully. Guests can enjoy a menu of seasonal dishes including artisan dry-aged beef and fresh seafood that reflect Chef Charlie Palmer’s signature progressive American cuisine. Along with dinner, rare wines from around the world can be sampled. Aureole’s visual trademark is a four-story wine tower with its very own Wine Angel Stewards, who stylishly ascend the tower to retrieve bottles.

Gaming in Style on the Beach

Directly on the sand and just feet from the crashing waves, the three-story, climate-controlled, glass-fronted Beachside Casino at Mandalay Bay offers fabulous amenities for guests. At the top sits the Villas Soleil with spectacular views of the entire Mandalay Bay Beach. Ranging in size from 250 to 500 square feet, these five villas are unlike any standard cabana in Las Vegas . Each of the contemporarily designed villas accommodates up to 16 guests and comes with cabana service and access to the private third-level pool. Each features cozy modular seating and day beds in crisp colors, a restroom, wet bar, 50-inch flat-screen television, MP3 player, safe, ceiling fan and a private deck overlooking The Beach.

Wine Tasting on the House at Onda

Onda Wine Lounge at The Mirage is an Italian-inspired lounge where guests can enjoy a selection of wines available to taste by purchasing a tasting flight or individually. Every Friday afternoon, the lounge offers free wine tastings to guests. A selection of artisan cheeses and meats is also offered. All wines will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle and also by the case which can be shipped to an address of choice.

The Bellagio is the home of one of the best restaurants ever conceived in Sin City, managed by the famous oriental chef Phillip Lo.

Jasmine opened in 1998 and it could be the finest oriental style restaurants in all of Las Vegas area.

Chef Philip Lo thinks that his creation is one of the best ever and it is very hard to disagree with him. Jasmine’s interior and decorations are simply fantastic. While seated, every table has a view of the marvelous dancing fountains and also a fantastic view of the strip.

With its sparkling chandeliers, miles of pastel chintz and colorful bursts of flowers, Jasmine is a room built for romance.

So let’s get straight to the food. Jasmine transcends any experience you previously had; the seafood comes highly recommended from almost every single person who eats there.

The menu is also very exotic and mixes Cantonese, Szechwan and Hunan cuisine, from some wild types of clams to the classic shark fin.  The meals come with a very exotic setting as if every dish were decorated according to what you had ordered. They also have a wide range of soups which are great and there is also a great selection of vegetarian dishes so that way everybody will be pleased at dinner.

The deserts are also good but Jasmine’s exclusive chocolate lava cake is a must. The service is also very pleasant and will be at your table every time you want make a consult pr simply ask for another delicious dish.

The Royal Lahaina Resort on beautiful Maui, includes a fabulous restaurant that offers terrific Pacific Ocean and sunset views as its backdrop.

The Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant delivers an open-air atmosphere and is a wonderful combination of elegance and an unforgettable tropical setting.

The Royal Ocean Terrace offers a variety of excellent meals including traditional American favorites, Fresh Seafood and  Pacific Rim specialties. Your contemporary dining experience is complete with gorgeous views, overlooking the ocean and Royal Lahaina Resort Hotel gardens.

You can also enjoy both a la carte and buffet breakfast service at the Royal Ocean Terrace. It’s offered each morning and is the best way to begin your Hawaiian paradise day.

Adjacent to the restaurant is the Royal Ocean Terrace Lounge, a full-service and open-air poolside lounge. Enjoy your favorite cocktail with views of the ocean and the neighboring Hawaiian islands of both Molokai and Lanai

Enjoy a relaxing meal at the a wide range of tropical drinks, beer, wine and appetizers. Each night, the Royal Lahaina Resort presents a sunset torch lighting ceremony and live Hawaiian entertainment.

Now sit back and enjoy a fine meal at the  Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant. Sip a couple of Mai Tais and watch another picture perfect, Hawaiian sunset on Maui.

Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant
2780 Kekaa Dr.
Lahaina, HI, 96761
(808) 661-3611

Alize at the Top of the Palms

If you are looking for one of the most romantic spots in all of Las Vegas, then look no further than the luxurious Alizé at the Top of the Palms.

The Alizé at the Top of the Palms was named after the gentle trade winds that sweep the French Caribbean Islands and features world-class cuisine, service and wine list, boasting the most dramatic view of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Chef and Proprietor André Rochat of the respected and award winning Andre’s Restaurant, opened Alizé – the crown jewel of his culinary empire in 2001 on the top floor of the Palms Casino Resort.

Chef André Rochat has combined two key ingredients in making an ideal recipe for romance – an exquisite meal and spectacular view.

The Michelin-awarded Alizé at the Top of the Palms offers both a superb meal amidst a breathtaking 280-degree panoramic view, 56 stories above the famous Las Vegas Strip and surrounding majestic mountains.

As Valentine’s Day nears, legendary chef André Rochat has prepared an amazing prix fixe menu to please the palate, as well as the heart.

Alize at the Top of the Palms – Valentine’s Day dinner

The delicious Valentine’s Day menu at Alizé at the Top of The Palms, will be served on Monday, February 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. This exclusive celebratory meal is priced at $125 per person plus an 18 percent gratuity.

For February 14th, restaurant guests begin their fine dining experience with an amuse bouche of Belon oyster with Oscetra caviar and lemon mignonette followed by a choice between the Roasted King Crab and Celery Root Bisque flavored with crab leg, Fugi apple and fresh Perigord truffle or Andre’s foie gras terrine with duck confit, toasted brioche and endive marmalade.

The incredible meal continues with a choice of Arugula and Citrus Marinated Hearts of Palm Salad with apricot confiture, red endive and candied pecans or Seared Diver Scallop with roasted salsify purée, grapefruit emulsion and minced chives.  Next up, cleanse and refresh the taste buds with a lemon kiwi sorbet prior to a main course featuring a choice of Macadamia Crusted Northern Halibut with roasted mushroom, smoked bacon strudel and sautéed spinach with a bordelaise sauce or roasted free range chicken with a chive and potato croquette, braised leeks, foie gras and black truffle jus. Other entrée selections include sautéed filet of beef with jumbo green asparagus, red onion confit, potato purée and cognac green pepper corn sauce or a Veal Loin Chop with Chamonix potato, browned-buttered cauliflower and veal jus.

The prefect way to top off a romantic holiday dinner is by enjoying a fabulous dessert.  Chef André Rochat offers a choice of passion fruit and Milk Chocolate Bavarian terrine or fresh long stem strawberries with chocolate fondue and shortbread cookies or salted honey-milk caramel cake with crispy almond praline.

To make reservations for the amazing Valentine’s Day meal at Alizé at the Top of the Palms, please call (702) 951-7000.

Santé restaurant – Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Located in luxurious Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, the signature dining room at Santé was recently graced with the coveted Michelin star for the second year in a row in the new Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country 2011.

Santé has earned a national reputation for outstanding food. Literally meaning “to your health,” the Santé restaurant is a celebration of both innovative California cuisine and good taste.

Santé was proud to be named by Michelin along with an elite group of just 44 Bay Area restaurants as the “best of the best.”

Fine dining guests at Santé can enjoy a superb seasonal menu, in a warm and casual, yet stylish setting.

In the spirit of offering a premium and elegant California wine country experience, Santé Chef Andrew Cain masterfully presents the wine rich region’s abundant local products and world-famous wines.

The restaurant’s Sonoma-centric wine list features a wide variety of boutique, limited production varietals and perfect pairings to complement Chef Cain’s works.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge at 100 Boyes Blvd. in Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California’s wine country.

To make a reservation at Santé, please call 1-800- 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn’s website at www.fairmont.com/sonoma

At the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, enjoy fine dining at the Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar.

The Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar combines spectacular Pacific Ocean views with innovative Hawaiian island dishes, add touches of superb sushi by master chefs and you have found a true masterpiece in dining.

From steaks grilled to perfection to the daily catch, you’ll discover the freshest of flavors in this garden setting overlooking our beautiful pools and the Pacific.

Delight all your senses at the very tempting Sushi bar, as you watch the culinary masters prepare such tasty creations as maki sushi rolls and Japanese traditional nigiri.

Hailed by both guests and experts, Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar is widely known as one of the best Maui restaurants.

Coupled with the surrounding Hawaiian Island ambiance, even the most ordinary meal at the Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar becomes an unforgettable dining occasion.

Click Here for more information

Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar
Tel: +1 808 667 4727

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
200 Nohea Kai Drive,
Lahaina, Hawaii, USA 96761-1985
Tel: +1 808 661 1234    Fax: +1 808 667 4498

The Fish Hopper restaurant – Monterey

For many people, fine dining is one of life’s most unforgettable treats. Why not enjoy a fine dinner in one of the most beautiful and scenic places anywhere in the world – Monterey Bay.

The Monterey Peninsula is well known for its fine dining restaurants. Many notable, Monterey restaurant chefs create incredible menus using locally-caught seafood, fresh as well as organic produce from local farms, plus farm-raised beef and lamb.

Many Monterey restaurants such as the Sardine Factory are consistently listed as tops in the U.S.

Several other fine dining establishments (listed in alphabetical order) include:

The Duck Club Grill – Offering panoramic views of the Bay, the Duck Club Grill offers innovative cuisine and impeccable service in an elegant ambiance. Its Wine Spectator award-winning wine list and selection of cocktails and after-dinner cordials complements a truly unique dining experience.

The Fish Hopper – Once an original sardine cannery, the Fish Hopper offers spectacular views of the Bay from every table. It serves seafood from sustainable sources, harvested by methods that do not harm the environment and that comply with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program.

Paradiso Trattoria – Choose from fresh seafood, pasta, prime steaks and antipasto while you soak in the spectacular views of the Bay and marine life. Paradiso’s colorful atmosphere, tantalizing appetizers, signature cocktails and large spirits lounge, make it a favorite for locals and visitors.

Schooners Bistro on the Bay – Suspended over the waters of the Bay, Schooners Bistro on the Bay offers fresh fare in a unique indoor-outdoor diningscape. The heated terrace invites al fresco dining year round, while the classic sailing vessel design makes indoor seating appealing in all weather conditions. The menu highlights fresh seafood, pastas, hot appetizers, unique salads, soups and hearty sandwiches. House-made desserts end every meal on a sweet note.

The Chart House – With views of the Bay, the Chart House offers top-of-the-catch seafood, succulent steaks and decadent desserts. Its renowned chefs have tailored a menu to complement Monterey’s local cuisine while introducing a hint of the exotic.

Whaling Station – ­The famed Whaling Station Restaurant serves the finest selection of dry aged, USDA Prime beef, the freshest seafood and locally grown vegetables. The restaurant offers daily specials created by Chef Pisto and his award-winning staff. The restaurant includes a full bar, an award-winning wine list and a California Mediterranean ambiance that is comfortable yet sophisticated.

Lahaina Fish Company

With an excellent waterfront location and an extensive, reasonably priced menu, the Lahaina Fish Company eatery is one of the best bargains in all of West Maui – Hawaii.

The Lahaina Fish Company offers its patrons a fantastic choice of Hawaiian fresh fish, seafood, and other island fare, plus ribs, grilled steaks and chops, as well as burgers.

Lahaina Fish Company offers waterfront dining, friendly service and great food. It’s one of the most popular restaurants on all of Maui.

The panoramic views are priceless, as you gaze over deep blue waters, out towards the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

If you truly want a magical moment on Maui, be sure to plan your meal for an unbelievable Hawaii sunset.

Sunsets here over of deep blue waters of the pacific Ocean are spectacular!

If you’re looking for an intimate, low-key place where you can enjoy good conversation and fabulous pastas, Pomodoro is ideal. Family-owned, this great Italian restaurant offers well-prepared food at reasonable prices.

Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano is located In Rainbow Plaza, Kaumualii Hwy. (Hwy. 50), inland from Poipu, in the Poipu Resort area of Kauai, Hawaii.

The selection of pastas at Pomodoro is substantial, whether you’re looking for something dressed (fettuccine Alfredo) or stuffed (manicotti).

If you’re open to other possibilities, look to veal parmigiana, chicken saltimbocca, or one of the seafood dishes. The signature lasagna is also not-to-be-missed, and special requests can be accommodated as well.

Yum Cha Asian Fusion Eatery, winner of Honolulu Magazine’s coveted Hale ‘Aina Silver Award for Best New Restaurant. Here …. East meets West.

Yum Cha translates into “drink tea” — a healthy and habitual aspect of Chinese cuisine.

Yum Cha offers a captivating mix of food and drink. Delight in a blossoming tea or sip a ginger infused martini.

Located at the Poipu Bay Golf Clubhouse, next to the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa on the island of Kauai.

The head sous chef, Romel Begonia, brings a pioneering and approachable spirit to the current trend in Asian fusion cuisine.

Popular “small plates” include Dim Sum, Vietnamese-style lettuce wraps, Kalua pork spring rolls. “Large plates” feature moo-shu pork, wok fried lobster and prawns, steamed Hawaiian snapper and more.

Try an eclectic dessert such as Jasmine TeaRamisu – a twist on Tiramisu.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30-9:30pm.

Yum Cha Asian Fusion Eatery
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
Tel: (808) 742 1234

Step back into the time when dining was an elegant affair at William B’s, a chophouse appointed in dark, rich colors in the Stardust Hotel.

No other fine dining room in Las Vegas offers such an inviting assortment of steaks, chops, chicken, seafood and pasta as William B’s at the Stardust.

Comfortable furnishings, tasteful decor and matchless service provide a completely satisfying dining experience in this highly acclaimed restaurant, a favorite gathering spot for local residents and visitors since 1987.

Entering William B’s is like stepping into a bygone era, a treasured time that valued gentility, congeniality and sociability, a time when good meals were leisurely savored in the friendly confines of cozy, richly appointed dining rooms.

Guests who enjoy a beverage before dinner can relax in a gracefully appointed sitting room, complete with plush sofas and chairs and decorated with glorious floral arrangements and unique paintings.

Nearby is a fully stocked bar and lounge, the kind of dignified hideaway usually found in the smartest private clubs.