ZAGAT SURVEY ACKNOWLEDGES RESTAURANTS
AT THE DESERT INN RESORT

Two of The Desert Inn Resort’s restaurants have been recognized in the 2000 Zagat survey of Las Vegas restaurants. Top honors were awarded to Portofino Italian Steakhouse and Monte Carlo.
Best overall Italian Restaurant, Portofino Italian Steakhouse, scored a 27, out of a total of 30 points. The menu reflects a Mediterranean-influenced cuisine featuring prime meats, seafood and chops. Dinner is served in a romantic candle-lit atmosphere overlooking the casino. Popular menu items include: Saffron Chilean Sea Bass (seared fish with potato flake crust and saffron), Vitello Marsala (veal scaloppini, sautéed with shallots, mushrooms, finished tableside with Marsala wine), Rack of Lamb (herb and mustard crust, vegetable bouquet), and Fricassee of Seafood Pescatore (shrimp, scallops, mushrooms & lobster with linguini and parmesan cream).


Monte Carlo, was also recognized in the 2000 Zagat Survey. Monte Carlo, the only four-diamond restaurant in the state of Nevada, scored a 26 out of 30. The menu features such French classics as roasted duck L’ Orange with a touch of vanilla, quails stuffed with honey, green apples and raisins and lamb chops draped with roquefort sauce, almonds, fruits and rosemary. Other menu items include:
jumbo shrimps alongside wild rice crepe, curacao, Indian curries, Maine lobster thermidor, and filet mignon with Armagnac sauce. Complimenting the exceptional cuisine and romantic atmosphere are unique, elegant, china place settings by Faberge.
More than 300 Las Vegas Valley restaurants were involved in the Zagat Survey. The restaurants were rated on the following three categories: food, décor, and service.
For more information on The Desert Inn Resort or to make reservations at Portofino Italian Steakhouse or Monte Carlo, call (702) 733-4444 or visit our web site.


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee: Thanks for that info. Of all the times I've stayed at the D.I. I haven't yet dined at either restaurant. Looks like I've missing out on 2 good ones.

V,
We've eaten in the DI a long time ago. I mean a very long time ago. Before the Frontier strike (that's long)! The service was great, the food wonderful. I do not recall where we ate though. I also remember, the coffee shop as being much better then the average coffee shop fare too.
But I'm sure the resturants have changed in the time since we've been there.
The place always looks so sharp. I recall wondering why isn't this place fuller?




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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee: The D.I. casino is really very quiet. Every time at check in I ask for an upgrade, though, and they tell me they are full, so they must be all out on the golf course <G>.

Why it isn't full may be an image thing--too country clubby maybe? Too classy? Not cheezy enough since there's no goofy theme? A small part of it may be a location problem, although I happen to think the location is great--right across from the Fashion Show Mall and Treasure Island.

Within the next few years I think the D.I. as we know it will be gone and so will the golf course. There has been talk of building a themed resort on the property.
Boo hoo.

Has anyone dined at the Portofino Italian Steakhouse or the Monte Carlo restaurants at the Desert Inn? Any comments?

Lee, while these 2 restaurants were listed in the top 10, the number one rated restaurant was Andre's. I believe the downtown location and the Monte Carlo location were rated the best.
I'll go back and check the entire list to be sure.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Here's the top ten in order.
1. Andre's
2. Michaels
3. Portofinos
4. Steak House
5. Emerils
6. Palace Court
7. Drais
8. Monte Carlo
9. Suzettes
10. Second Street Grill

It is interesting that 2 of the restaurants listed are at the Barbary Coast. The Bc is not known for quality or as one of the top properties in Las Vegas. Yet it has 2 of the top ten outstanding restaurant.
Also, the Palace Court made the list from Caesars and Nero's did not. Since I usually get a comped meal at any of Caesars gourmet restaurants, the next time I will try the Palace Court instead of Neros so I can compare them.
The one place that made the list that I can't place is Suzettes. Where is that one located?

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Hi John,
Suzette's is the french restaurant at the Santa Fe. It is tucked in between TiAmo and the Kodiak Steak House. Only has about eight tables, is absolutely wonderful, and the service is terrific!

Tater,
Can you give us a price range to expect in the place? I find it hard to beleive such a nice place would be in the Santa Fe, but then look at the Barbary Coast too! <S>


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Thanks Tater. I have been to the Santa Fe many times, usually to go to the Sunday Brunch and I never knew Suzettes was there. I will have to look for it on my next trip.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com