Category Archives: Travel

I like to travel, especially to the cities with great food and unique culture. Among all the great cities I’ve been to, I especially enjoy visiting Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, San Diego, Las Vegas, Taipei, and Shanghai.

This Travel category has a collection of posts on my travel experiences and my favorite hotel properties.

All Posts, Food, Travel

The Hyde at Bellagio in Las Vegas

On my most recent trip to Las Vegas I visited the Hyde lounge / nightclub at the Bellagio for the first time. My overall impression: good but not great unless you’ve never seen the famous Bellagio water fountain show.

Hyde(the name doesn’t really do much for me – not sure what the name is supposed to bring to mind) is a nightclub starting at 10:00pm on “clubbing nights” (Friday, Saturday, and other days depending on the season and events going on) and a lounge starting at 5:00pm on most days. It’s hard to pin down exactly what gives a lounge a comfortable, inviting feel. To my friend, Hyde seemed a bit too night-clubby and not quite enough loungy, but I felt the opposite – a bit too loungy. Maybe Hyde is trying to be two different things.

The décor was very modern but maybe a little bit too dark. I enjoy people watching while sitting at a bar. The layout of Hyde was OK but not optimal for this because the bar faced a wall. But the entire east wall of Hyde is made of glass, which gives a fantastic view of the Fountains of Bellagio (water fountain show). The seating areas were arranged in traditional lounge style in pods that can accommodate about six to a dozen people.

On the plus side, my bartenders Erica and Dave were very personable, and I met some interesting, fun people while enjoying my drink. Erica recommended a house specialty drink called a Love Unit. The ingredients sound very, very strange – vodka, basil, lime, grapefruit, and bell pepper! Surprisingly, these ingredients worked very well together.

All things considered, I liked Hyde a lot but for a lounging experience at Bellagio I think I prefer the more classical open area Petrossian lounge and the Baccarat Bar lounge.

Hyde
Hyde – Front Entrance
Love Unit Cocktail from the Hyde at Bellagio
Love Unit Cocktail from the Hyde at Bellagio
Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas
Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas
LED Back Lit Check Presenter at the Hyde
LED Back Lit Check Presenter at the Hyde

 

All Posts, Food, Travel

Michael Mina Restaurant at Bellagio in Vegas

During my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I ate dinner at Michael Mina (MM) in the Bellagio Hotel. Michael Mina is classified as an “innovative seafood” restaurant. Overall, the meal and experience were fantastic, and when I update my list of Top Ten Restaurants in Vegas, I’m certain that Michael Mina will bump an existing restaurant off and join the list.

The entrance to MM is near the Bellagio’s famous conservatory which is a must-see if you’re anywhere near Bellagio. MM is what I’d call medium-size and the initial visual impression was very nice.

Our waiter, Paul, was excellent. Paul carefully answered all my questions about the menu items – there were lots of items that I had no idea what they were. I decided to order the chef’s tasting menu.

The meal started with tuna tartare. It was very different from others I’ve had; it had pine seeds, Asian pear, and sesame oil which gave the dish a unique taste. After the appetizer, I had Michael Mina’s house specialty lobster pot pie. It was delicious – very rich but the moderate portion was just right. My second main course was American Wagyu ribeye steak. The portion was small, about 3 ounces, but it complemented the pot pie perfectly. My dessert had three items: cheesecake with blueberries, passion fruit panna cotta, a mini root beer float, and chocolate chip cookies.

I talked to the restaurant manager David, and complimented the service, food, and experience. He was very gracious and gave me his business card. I learned he has been promoted to the general manager of a MM restaurant in Dana Point, California.

Michael Mina was a bit pricey, but really only just a bit more than other fine restaurants in Las Vegas. I felt MM was a great value considering the entire experience. MM isn’t for everyone, but if you don’t mind paying a premium price for a premium meal, I recommend Michael Mina.

Michael Mina at Bellagio
Ahi Tuna Tartare at Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
Lobster Pot Pie from Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
3oz. American Wagyu Ribeye from Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
King Salmon from Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
Dessert Tasting Trio from Michael Mina at Bellagio
Michael Mina at Bellagio
Front view of Michael Mina at Bellagio
All Posts, Food, Travel

Jean Philippe Patisserie in Las Vegas

One of my all-time favorite bakeries is the Jean Philippe Patisserie (at Aria Hotel). During my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I stayed at the Bellagio Hotel. Although there is a Jean Philippe at the Bellagio, I slightly prefer the one next door at the Aria Hotel. If you’ve never seen a Jean Philippe bakery, trust me, you would be amazed. It’s hard to imagine how spectacular the items on display are unless you see it with your own eyes.

One of my favorite items is the chocolate croissant, but there are dozens of items that are incredible. So, if you’re ever in Las Vegas and are anywhere near the Aria or the Bellagio, be sure to seek out the Jean Philippe Patisserie. Even if you don’t eat anything there just looking at the baked goods and desserts is a great experience.

JeanPhilippePatisserie
Jean Philippe Patisserie at the Aria Hotel
JeanPhilippePatisserie
Jean Philippe Patisserie
JeanPhilippePatisserie
Desserts made for Halloween
JeanPhilippePatisserie
More dessert made for Halloween
JeanPhilippePatisserie
Chocolate dragon

 

All Posts, Food, Travel

The Circo at the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas

During my most recent trip to Las Vegas I ate dinner at the Circo restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel. Overall I was very impressed. When I update my list of Top Ten Restaurants in Las Vegas, I’m pretty sure Circo will be on the list.

The evening began in the small bar near the entrance of the restaurant. There were three or four small tables and an intimate bar with about 10 tall chairs. The bartender was very friendly and suggested a Raspberry Fizz, one of their house specialties. It was very tasty and the next time I’m at Circo, I’ll probably order it again.

I was seated at a window overlooking so-called Lake Bellagio and had an excellent view of their world famous water fountain show. The waiter was friendly and helpful. For an appetizer, he suggested the lobster salad. The great evening got better when I found it was the best lobster salad I’ve ever had. My friend had a 20 vegetable soup that was fantastic too.

The waiter suggested one of Circo’s signature dishes, a lamb entree, but I decided on an elegant duck ravioli instead. My meal was excellent but be honest I think the duck ravioli would be better as a shared appetizer or shared plate with a group of people. My friend had a New York Steak that was excellent but it’s hard to distinguish between excellent steaks so I can’t really compare it to other steaks I’ve had in Vegas.

For dessert, I had “Zabaglione” – made with raspberry sorbet, champagne, and poached peach. It was perfect – not too sweet, not too heavy – just right. If you’re at or near the Bellagio, and want a good selection with items that are different, but not too different, I recommend that you check out Circo.

Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas_1
FRANTOIANA-Tuscan twenty-vegetable and bean soup
Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas_2
INSALATO D’ARAGOSTA-Chilled Maine lobster & avocado salad
Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas
PANSOTTI-Braised duck filled ravioli
ZABAGLIONE dessertfrom Circo at Bellagio in Las Vegas
ZABAGLIONE-raspberry sorbet, champagne, and poached peach
All Posts, Food, Travel

Sinatra at Encore in Las Vegas

Out of my list for top ten restaurants in Las Vegas, Sinatra at Encore property is the BEST. I am a fan of Frank Sinatra music. I love the decoration and Sinatra’s music they play in the restaurant, not to mention the delicious Italian food, cocktail drinks, and great services they have.

For starter, I recommend Polpettina (housemade meatball and polenta fries). For entrée, I recommend Lasagna Bolognese (fresh pasta layered with veal, pork and beef). It’s served in a little hot metal pan. I always wondered how they keep the handle so cool while the pan itself was hot. I finally asked them on my most recent visit. It turned out that the lasagna is baked in the little pan in the oven and they cooled the handle with ice before they serve the dish. If you like rib eye, try Tagliata (bone-in rib eye grilled with cherry tomatoes, capers, and basil). I am usually a filet mignon person, but the Tagliata I had in Sinatra last time was so juicy and tender; I really like it.

If you drink cocktails, try Sinatra Smash; it’s mixed of whiskey and blackberries. It’s fruity and refreshing. If you have room for dessert, try the tiramisu. The tiramisu is made of mascarpone cream and espresso soaked ladyfinger biscuits, served in a martini glass. The texture is so smooth; it melts in the mouth with every bite.

I’ve been going to Sinatra every year since they opened (near the end of year 2007). I love the restaurant so much because of their food and the atmosphere. Frank Sinatra played an important part in the history of fabulous Vegas. What can be more classic than a restaurant tribute to his music and achievements!

Sina at Wynn, Las Vegas
Sinatra interior with special chandelier
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Polpettina-house made meatball and polenta fries
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Lasagna Bolognese-fresh pasta layered with veal, pork and beef
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Agnello-lamb chops, goat cheese mashed potato, fagiolini
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Tiramisu-mascarpone cream and espresso soaked ladyfinger biscuits
All Posts, Food, Travel

Allegro at Wynn in Las Vegas

Allegro at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas used to named Stratta and was classified as a casual Italian restaurant. After Chef Enzo Febrravo joined the Wynn he changed the name to Allegro, which debuted on Monday, August 6, 2012.

When I made a dinner reservation for Thursday, August 19, I expected Allegro to be a similar casual Italian restaurant like Stratta used to be. But I was surprised at how great and unique the food was at the new restaurant.

My friend and I had Osso Buco D’agnello, made with a bone-in lamb shank, vegetable stew, and Pappardelle pasta (freshly made), and Baked Lasagna Napoletana, made with Sunday meat ragu sauce, meatballs, and smoked mozzarella cheese. The stew with the lamb dish was tasty and the pasta was chewy. The lasagna was the best lasagna I ever had!

We told our server how much we loved the new Allegro food compared to the old restaurant. He came back with the manager and the Chef Enzo Febrravo to talk to us. The chef told us that he wants his restaurant to be unique with authentic Italian flavor. His dishes are crafted with an at-home cooking style.

I had such a great experience on my first visit to Allegro. I went back there again three days later with a different group of friends. I was surprised that the manager and the chef recognized me (given that they were packed with guests every night). The chef came to our table to greet us and offered his special sampling menu. We sat there, enjoyed our drinks, and were overwhelmed with appetizers, special dishes, and desserts. Everything was so great. My friends loved the food and the special treatment.

Although Allegro is categorized as casual dining at the Wynn hotel, it’s on my top ten best fine dining restaurant list and I will definitely go back to again. The next time you go to Vegas I encourage you to check out the Allegro restaurant at the Wynn.

Osso Buco D’agnello at Allegro, Wynn
Osso Buco D’agnello at Allegro, Wynn
Baked Lasagna Napoletana at Allegro, Wynn
Baked Lasagna Napoletana at Allegro, Wynn
Special Fish Dish by Chef at Allegro
Special Fish Dish by Chef at Allegro, Wynn
Desserts at Allegro, Wynn
Desserts at Allegro, Wynn