We left Southern California early Monday morning in an attempt to miss predicted 115 degree temperatures on the I-15. The high temperature for the four hour drive was 107. One small victory over Mother Nature.

Checked into the Paris in time for a delightful lunch at Mon Ami Gabi. Did not sit outside even though they have umbrellas and misters. After lunch, I had immediate success at craps, my game of choice. Doubled my buy-in money in about eight minutes and had the good sense to walk away. Spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out in Paris, Bally's and Barbary Coast without losing my earlier winnings.

We anticipated a marvelous dinner in the Eiffel Tower that evening and were not disappointed. We were seated at a booth overlooking the Bellagio fountain show. The restaurant is eleven stores above The Strip and watching the waters jet higher than the level at which we were seated is quite a sight.

The Eiffel Tower serves a magnificent Gibson (just a Martini with onion garnish rather than olives). I can recommend them heartily. As always, the meal and service were all I could ask for. This is, without a doubt, one of my all time favorite restaurants.

Spent the rest of the evening returning some of my winnings to the gaming gods. We made it a relatively early evening.

Day two began by treating myself in breakfast at the Le Village Buffet. I do love smoked salmon and they have a seemingly endless supply. The breakfast buffet is a little pricey, $12.95, but it suits me and is one of the true pleasures I really look forward to in Las Vegas. Off to run a couple of errands and then we spend the day downtown. I wanted to show my lady friend FSE, which she had not seen and to find a low minimum craps table. We began at Main Street Station, looking at the antique furnishings, lunch at Triple 7, and a few rolls of the dice. Then we are over the walkway to the California, across the street through the back door at Binion's, down to the Four Queens, Fremont, and Golden Nugget. I was a little saddened at seeing the small number of players in Binion's. It was not too long ago that you would find yourself having to maybe play at a table that may not have been quite to your liking but it was either play at that table or not play at all. The place would just be full almost 26 hours a day. It troubles me to see a genuine part of Las Vegas history go down the old porcelain convenience.

Enough of that. We drive back to the Paris. Temperature on The Strip in front of the Stardust at around 4:00 PM is 122 degrees. Dry heat or not, it is still HOT! Back in the Paris, I inhale a cold beer and take a short nap.

Dinner tonight is at Renoir. We have not yet eaten there and are looking forward to an incredibly great experience. We do enjoy fine dining and Las Vegas offers us an almost limitless selection of fine restaurants.

The first thing the Maitre d' does is ask us if we have any time constraints such as tickets
for a show later in the evening. I assured him we were putty in his hands and were anticipating nothing more than a memorable dinner. It began with champagne for my lady and, for me, another heavenly Gibson. The service, menu, attention to detail are all that one expects of a five-diamond restaurant. Renoir will see more of us.

Gambling at Mirage and Treasure Island after dinner is an absolute disaster. I have somehow managed to really PO the gambling gods. I can tell they are displeased with me. Bowing to the inevitable, we call it a night.

Wednesday, we manage an early start, again to beat the desert heat. I figure it will take about three months, or maybe four at the most, before we need another infusion of Clark County reality (and to lose a few pounds in the meantime).

Thanks for the report Jim. Sounds like you had a great trip, though a little better luck at the tables next time i hope.

Jim,

Thanks for the trip report. I experienced LV heat one time in JUly and it will probably not happen again. It is amazing as to how far south the gambling gods can send you when they change ones luck. Even so, it sounds like you had a good time.

Great trip and great report even though it was short lived - I loved your dining experiences. Wendell

Thanks for the report Jim. What type of food does the eifel tower serve and what are the prices like?

I can deal with Vegas temps up to about 110. Much more and I'm looking for a/c or a pool.

Senator, the food at Eiffel tower is primarily what I'd consider continental, although the menu offers an excellent and varied selection. As I recall, appetizer prices range from $8.00 to $20.00, salads from $6.00 to $18.00, and entrees go from $15.00 to $50.00. With one drink, tax and tip you're looking in the neighborhood of $100.00 or more per person. When you make a reservation, be sure to request a table or booth along the west window overlooking the strip and Bellagio.

Eiffel Tower is a "must do" for us in Las Vegas.

Am I the only one who has a problem spending $100 pp for dinner? I 'think' I appreciate good food. Maybe I'm just cheap. I'm sure my wife would be happy to tell you I am cheap.

I can go to Pasta Pirate and have a delicious meal, usually more than I can eat, including a cocktail, glass of wine and tax & tip for $20.

I can have a great steak at Pullman Grill including a shrimp cocktail & desert for under $50.

Is the Eifel Tower really 2-5 times better?

Jeff, you mentioned Pasta Pirate and Pullman Grill. You're absolutely right. I have had marvelous meals at each of them. And I would go back in a heartbeat. Each of them, however, is very similar to restaurants I go to here at home.

Las Vegas puts me in a different frame of mind. We stay in a make-believe French hotel. We splurge and indulge ourselves at dinner. That's all part of the Las Vegas attraction. For me, it's different than what I do at home. That's the reason we go at least four times a year. I can be wild and crazy, so to speak.

Is the food at Eiffel Tower two or three times as good than the P.P. and the P.G.? I can't really say. All things considered, probably not.

I will say this, though, without fear of contradiction whatsoever. The view alone is 1000 times better. :p

Thanks for the report, Jim ...I'm sorry to hear you ticked off those gambling gods, but you really didn't seem upset with the experience<g>.

OK, I'm snoopy ...and the Senator isn't the only cheapie around here ...what did you have for your entree at the Eiffel Tower and Renoir? I want to know what I'm missing.

Jim,
The Eiffel Tower is on my short list of resturants to try in Las Vegas. A while back my daughter & son in law gave me a gift certificate for the place and I hope to use it on our next trip to LV. Thanks for the seating tip!

I too don't normally spend $100 per person on a meal, but in Vegas, it's a differnt world and I find myself doing things that I don't, won't, or can't do at home. It's all part of being on vacation.
Have you ever had the Sterling Sunday Brunch at Bally's? If you haven't, you should give it a try. It's pricey as brunches go, and I normally hate buffets, but this is a winner.
Thanks for sharing a great trip with us. From the begining I thought you where on a winning trip, but as I read on.....
Lee-PA

did i miss it?? or was it banned? am i suffering from CRS? where is meesta lee's trip report??

Lee, by all means, use that Eiffel Tower gift certificate. It was good of your daughter and son in law to give it to you. I do just the opposite and give one to my daughter and son in law. What's wrong with this picture? :rolleyes:

Daisy, my entree at Eiffel Tower was, believe it or not, braised beef shortribs. I was served a good sized portion, perfectly prepared with a savory sauce. It came with hoseradish mashed potato, and steamed fresh spinach. I also had a most refreshing boston lettuce salad. We shared a raspbery souffle for dessert.

At Renoir I ordered a prawn appetizer and veal entree. Renoir offers two dinner choices. You can order a five course meal, and there are perhaps a half dozen varied selections available. This option is $115.00 and includes appetizer, soup or salad, entree, accompaniments and dessert. Your other choice is a three course dinner of appetizer, entree and dessert at $85.00. Wine is available by the bottle or glass.

As an aside, I believe the chef from Renoir, Alessandro Strata, will be on Iron Chef American this coming Saturday the 26th, on the Foodnetwork
TV channel.

By the way, Lee, I did the Sterling Brunch at Bally's some years ago. Isn't that a great way to begin your day? I'm convinced that eating and drinking oneself into insensibility is an art form.

Jim - Great TR! We have similar tastes in restaurants! Renoir is my all-time favorite restaurant anywhere - I've eaten there 3 times now and it was a home-run each time! I took my parents there for Thanksgiving last year and they really loved it. I've only eaten at the Eiffel Tower once and loved that as well. I hope to return there on one of my next trips. For you, next time I would recommend Aureole. When you make your reservation, request to be seated in the Swan Court - you won't be disappointed.

Jeff - It's amazing how each of us differs on what to spend our money on. I love eating at nice restaurants and don't mind spending top dollar on food. When I eat at a place like the Eiffel Tower, I appreciate the whole experience - the elegant dining room, the view of the strip, the taste and presentation of the food. As long as it's good and high quality, I don't mind the price. On the other hand, I've got friends who think a place like that is a total waste of money and would never eat there. I guess it's different strokes for different folks!

I should also add that I'm not much of a drinker and when I dine at expensive places, I rarely have a drink and probably save a few bucks there as a result. I've got friends that think nothing about spending $50 for a night out of drinking and I think THAT is a waste of money! Again, we all like spending our money on different things!

Well, I'm now convinced. I will definitely go to Renoir on my trip next month. I'm with Jim and Mike -- I love eating at nice restaurants, even if it means spending a little more. Actually, the restaurants (expensive and inexpensive) are one of my favorite things about Vegas.

Jim or Mike (or anyone else), do you have a suggestion for another restaurant? We're also eating at Circo and Nobu (my girlfriend wants to go there because we can never get a reservation in NYC). I plan on saving the Eiffel Tower restaurant for the my next trip.

Thanks for a great trip report!

Mike, thanks for the tip on Aureole. It has been on my list for some time, as is Cirque, Picasso, etc.

Mintwax, I've never been disappointed in the Isis Room in the Luxor. If you do eat there, be sure to order the "Baked Egypt" dessert at the same time you order dinner. David, the Maitre d', has been there for several years and runs a very fine room. Be sure to let us know how your dinner experience was at Nobu.

One of the remarkable things about Las Vegas is that in the space of about four miles along The Strip you will find a significant number of world class restaurants.

Having said that, I still miss the Holy Cow which was right across the street from the Sahara.

Old Jim, I enjoyed your trip report, and it was nice to read about those restaurants! Have been to Mon Ami Gabi and loved that one, but not the other two.
I, too, miss the Holy Cow, but if you want the same kind of schmaltz and food, you could try the Draft House on Rancho......between the Fiesta and the Santa Fe. It's owned by the same people, but their specialty is wall eyed pike! (I like their hamburgers and fantastic onion rings, but they have a nice selection.) There are several restaurants owned by that same owner around town, but I am having a terrible brain cramp and can't think of any of the other names.....

Tater, Is it Big Dogs???

Lee, The name's and locations are:
The Draft House, Rancho at Craig
Top Dog Catering, 6390 W. Sahara Ave
Two Dog's Tavern, S. Nellis at Twain
Big Dog's Bar and Grill, 1511 N. Nellis Blvd.
Little Dog's Pub, 3720 E. Sunset
Big Dog's Cafe and Casino, 6390 W. Sahara Ave.
They are all part of Holy Cow.

Thanks for the Big Dogs locations. I knew they were out there somewhere. I remember the amber ale, chicken wings and brats with fond memories and heartburn. I once recommended the Holy Cow to a friend and that was the only place he ate at for three days straight. :rolleyes:

OldJim, thanks for the advice on the Isis Room. I'll definitely give it a try. And I'm also planning a lunch, like you, at Mon Ami Gabi. I'll be sure to post about Nobu.

What is all of this I hear about Big Dogs -- I might just have to check it out too.

Mintwax - Aureole is my other favorite in Las Vegas. If you go, ask to sit in the Swan Court.

I have never eaten at Circo but it looks nice.

If you want a little more casual, I'd suggest Delmonico's at the Venetian or Craftsteak at MGM Grand. Both are excellent and specialize in meat
dishes more than anything else.

Jim - I have yet to try Picasso. They have a "fixed" menu which I'm not always crazy about. However, I'll probably try this place the next time I take my parents to Vegas.

I have a love/hate relationship with Le Cirque. The food is absolutely excellent but I don't like the space. The tables are too close together and
it can get very noisy. And unlike Renoir or Aureole, I find the wait staff to be a bit snooty and pretentious.

Mike, thanks for your take on Le Cirque. Tables being close together doesn't always mean "cozy", does it?

I think Aureole beckons for my next trip. I kind of prefer Emeril's Fish House in MGM over his Delmonico at the Venetian. At Delmonico he charged $22.00 for Chicken Fried Steak, which I make at home for a helluva lot less. But in his favor, he's got a lot more money than I do and I can't argue with success.

Mintwax, if you do go to the Isis Room and are tempted by the "Baked Egypt" dessert I've found that one order will easily satisfy two people and no one will feel left out.