[Lynn71092]

So one of the guys here surprised his wife with a trip to Vegas for Christmas, just the 2 of them First time away alone. Short, arrive Friday, leave Monday. @ dinners are Ramsey and Bobby Flay. Any other suggestions?

[ScoopLV]

I haven't heard many good reviews about Ramsay's new steakhouse. (I'm in the industry. And the only reviews I trust are from cooks, chefs and sommeliers. Except for the Michelin guide, restaurant reviews are paid advertising in this town.) Considering the alternatives, I'd give Mr. Ramsay a year to work out the kinks. Either it will improve, or it will close.

I would go to instead:

1) Bouchon (Good "bang for the buck" -- least-expensive way to try TK's food (without going to Yountville when Addendum is open).)
2) Any of Michael Mina's restaurants
3) Carnevino
4) Bartolotta (I am completely against the idea of flying live seafood in from Italy -- I think this is an utter waste of the world's resources. But the seafood here is amazing.)

But -- what does this guy and his wife like? There might be a better fit for them.

[cowherjaw]

Can you put a bit of a box around it? What level hotel do you want (luxury versus affordability)? About what entree price are you looking for? Do you partake in alcohol? Do you enjoy clubs? Do you gamble? Do you want to see a show? Do you enjoy walking and sightseeing? 2 days and 3 nights is a short time for some and plenty of time for others depending on what you like to do. We can recommend places mid and mid-south strip depending on your other preferences.

[Lynn71092]

Sorry, I know it's not much to work with, but I know they both like fish so I'll forward those suggestions to him. Also, they're staying at the Mirage, and yes he likes to partake in alcohol. And she love the martini's at the Dawa Bar in Animal Kingdom. I think they just want to walk around and do some sightseeing. They'll throw a few dollars down at a casino but that's not the main part of the trip. I'm not sure if he wants to see the shows but is open to suggestions.

[swagger]

I was very impressed with McCall's at Stratosphere. The steaks were fantastic, and they have some unique appetizers that were also very good. The prices weren't outrageous, either.

McCall's Heartland Grill

[Forever Blue]

So, this is for NEXT Christmas in 2013 since Christmas, 2012 just passed? Talk about planning way ahead!

My boyfriend & I who are in our 30s just came from a few days in Vegas from Dec 26th - -29th. We rented a car & drove, but you can easily not have a car, if just staying on the strip & there's plenty to do on that one street alone. We don't drink, gamble much, or party/go clubbing & there's still plenty to do. Around this time of the year, temps are in the low 40s to low 50s. Most everyone I saw wore boots & one of those puffer-style jackets. Gloves & a scarf would be good too.

Must do's:

- If you want a newer hotel room, but not the outrageous room costs, stay at the MGM Grand. They recently remodelled their rooms, so it's nice & modern with clean, simple style.

- If you like Michael Jackson, see the MJ Live impersonator show at the Rio Hotel...it was fantastic!

- See a Cirque du Soliel show. I saw KA a the MGM Grand & it was amazing! I was almost going to see Mystere, which I also heard was good. O & Zakara are probably also good. Zumanity is a more risque/sensual one.

- If you like illusionist shows, see David Copperfield at the MGM Grand. It was great!

- If the Titanic interests you, see the Titanic exhibit at the Luxor. Go to a Tix4Tonite stand to get a much discounted price from the normally $32/person.

- The Madame Tassaud's Wax Museum close to the Venetian (I think) is fun.

- Eat at a buffet or two: I researched & found out that the one at the Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, & the Wynn are the better quality ones. Also heard good things about the Seafood Buffet at the Rio. Plan to pay about $40+/person for the buffets.

- If you like to shop, browse/shop at the Fashion Show Mall, if no other mall. It's next door to the Trump Hotel. It's a great mall! The Miracle Mile Shops close to the MGM Grand is nice too. The Premium Outlets SOUTH has a lot of stores. It's further south on the strip. You'll need a taxi to get to that one as well as the very nice outdoor Town Square mall (also south).

- For fun, browse the M&M's World store...a 4-story store almost next door to the MGM Grand

- You can totally SKIP the Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay...you're not missing a thing!

[tigerwokie]

I would never go back to Gordon Ramsay's Steakhouse inside Paris where we stayed. We ordered our filet mignon medium rare and it came out well done. Instead of apologizing and bring us another steak quickly, the waiter turned and looked at the meat all over and tried to convince us to keep what we have. We push back a couple times and the waiter finally has to ask the kitchen to cook us another filet.

What we liked are: Strip Steak (Michael Mina's) and Carnevino.

[Lynn71092]

You guys are great, I've forwarded all your suggestions. (I would certainly re-think Ramsey's for the amount of money that it costs!)

[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by Forever Blue

- You can totally SKIP the Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay...you're not missing a thing!

I have to disagree with you on that one. It's no SeaWorld, but I've been there several times and found it enjoyable. I especially like the jellyfish display. They are beautuiful creatures (even though I never wish to encounter one in the ocean again- ouch!) and the way they lit the exhibit to enhance the colors on the jellyfish is mesmerizing.

I suppose it wouldn't be worth it for anyone who lives near a major aquarium, and there are generally a lot of kids running around since it's a family friendly exhibit.

I second the recommendation for Bouchon for dining.

[SoCalCpl2]

Originally Posted by NLVgal

I have to disagree with you on that one. It's no SeaWorld, but I've been there several times and found it enjoyable. I especially like the jellyfish display. They are beautuiful creatures (even though I never wish to encounter one in the ocean again- ouch!) and the way they lit the exhibit to enhance the colors on the jellyfish is mesmerizing.

I suppose it wouldn't be worth it for anyone who lives near a major aquarium, and there are generally a lot of kids running around since it's a family friendly exhibit.

I second the recommendation for Bouchon for dining.

We have annual passes to Seaworld and our Grandkids love Shark Reef Aquarium..I also happen to agree that it is a great place... And no matter what Aquarium you go to in the USA you will not find all the types of Shark and the amount they have at Shark Reef....