Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar | Harrah’s | www.HarrahsLasVegas.com

Although country bars may not be the first thing you think of when you imagine visiting Las Vegas, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar in Harrah’s casino is a great place to visit if you want a big burger, some country dancing, or to just sit back and listen to a great band while drinking a beer from a Mason jar!  We visited Toby’s on a Thursday evening and got a seat at the bar, which was a perfect place to interact with the fun waiters, listen to the amazing cover band (who played more than just country), and just relax and have a good time. There is plenty of room for dining (even a back room that is a little more secluded in case you don’t want to be in the thick of the action) as well as a large circular bar, and a large stage and dance floor.  There are also a number of televisions around the bar playing country videos that you can check out before the band starts playing or when they are taking a break.

Though we got there too late for dinner, we did return a couple of afternoons later to try the fried bologna sandwich (delicious!) and a wonderful brisket sandwich.  The men us large, reasonably priced, and there is something for everyone.  Whether you like country music or not, you should definitely visit Toby’s for at least one beer!  And make sure you stop next door at the gift shop so you can take home a memento of TK’s!

Social House | CityCenter | http://angelmg.com/venues/social-house/

CityCenter is a new portion of Las Vegas that we have not experienced much before, so we were very excited to dine at Social House, located inside Crystal’s at City Center.  Social House is an innovative Pan-Asian restaurant that not only had some of the best food we’ve ever experienced but also some of the most enthusiastic, friendly and educated staff we’ve come across.

The atmosphere, depending on where you choose to sit, is perfect for either an intimate date or a more social dining experience with your friends.  We sat in a middle booth where we could see all the action and people-watch, but there are also side booths that offer a more private dining experience.

We just can’t say enough about Social House, from the ‘Godzilla’ (a shared drink that changed colors and attracted the attention of every diner who saw it), to the Kobe Beef Sliders (which melted like butter in our mouths) to the amazing chocolate cake, made by their pastry chef and adored by every one of us. Our dishes also included an amazing range of sushi and sashimi (some are what you will see at a normal sushi restaurant and good for those in your group who may not be that adventurous or who have not tried sushi before, and some are extremely unique and different—perfect for those crazy diners who are willing to try anything!), a lobster tail dish, plenty of edamame to snack on and more.  If you’re a little torn on what to order (which you might be—the menu is quite large), don’t worry!  The very helpful and nice staff will be more than willing to point out their favorites or point you in the right direction.  If you’re into sake, you’ll definitely want to talk with the staff as they had a wide range of choices available.

Make a note to also try the siphon coffee, which is as entertaining to watch being made as it is delicious to drink!  We sipped on this rich brew while we enjoyed our delicious desserts.  Truly the perfect end to an amazing meal.

If you visit Social House, make sure you reserve at least two hours to dine, talk to the amazing staff as much as you can and let them guide you to their favorite items on the menu.  This is truly a most unique dining experience and one that you will remember for years to come.

CRISS ANGEL Believe | Luxor | www.cirquedusoleil.com/EN/shows/believe/default.aspx

We’ve nearly completed seeing all of the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas and were excited to see CRISS ANGEL Believe as it was one of only two we’d yet to experience. The show was breathtaking and you’ll be asking yourself again and again how he pulls off the many illusions that are featured in the show.  Criss Angel fans will certainly be happy as it’s everything you see on his television specials with the added thrill of being live and the special touches that are unique Cirque du Soleil. 

We got the unbelievable opportunity to interview Criss backstage and were impressed by how friendly, down-to-earth and willing to spend time with us he we was. He told us that the show had started out as a normal type of Cirque show with the costumes and acrobatics, but that the audience wanted more of Criss’s presence in the show.  This led to him being given creative freedom and partnering with Cirque du Soleil to create the Believe we saw, an awe-inspiring, funny, mind-blowing show was filled with unparalleled illusions.  If you’re a fan of magic or a Cirque fan, you’ll enjoy this incredible show.

Nine Fine Irishmen | New York New York | www.NineFineIrishmen.com

Nine Fine Irishmen, located in New York New York, brings out the ‘green’ in everyone who visits!  Let your Irish come out with a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage, Fish and Chips or Irish Banger or try something a little different with some Baked Brie, Herb Crusted Goat Cheese salad or Pan Roasted Red Snapper.  Finish off your meal with Drunken Whiskey Apple Cake or a Guinness Chocolate Bomb (what’s more Irish than that?).  Of course, don’t forget the Irish drink!  There’s plenty of Stout ales, Irish whiskeys, specialty Celtic drinks like The Dubliner (Jameson Irish Whiskey, Granny Sour Apple, Apple Juice and Sweet & Sour) and a selection of wines.

To make your dining experience even more memorable, there is live Irish singing and dancing that takes place every evening starting at 9 pm.  Nine Fine Irishmen has gathered together the very best musicians and dancers to put on a spectacular show called ‘Routes to Roots’.  The show is a colorful mix of Irish music in many forms and you’ll hear Irish jigs and reels, French-Canadian waltzes, tunes from the Appalachian mountains, bluegrass and Creole music, Klesmer from New York and the vaudeville dance hall music from the 1920s.

We loved the raucous atmosphere, the eclectic décor and the unique menu items.  Though we weren’t able to stay for the entertainment, we heard from many how much fun it was and hope to return to experience it next time we are in Vegas.  As a break from the slick nightclubs and posh restaurants that abound in Las Vegas, Nine Fine Irishmen is as fun as it is laid-back.

PURE | Inside Caesars Palace | http://angelmg.com/venues/pure

We’ve never felt quite so ‘VIP’ as we did when we visited PURE nightclub inside Caesars Palace on a Friday night.  We were led to a reserved booth and given bottle service, which included a bottle of Skyy Vodka and any mixers of our choice.  We were also attended by probably the most attentive staff we’ve ever seen in a nightclub, who were always stopping by to stir our ice, refresh our drinks or just make sure that we were doing okay.  We were in a special section that was reserved for VIPs, so we even had our own dance floor that was mere steps away from our cushy booth.  What a fun way to experience a high-end nightclub—plenty of room to sit if our feet hurt (which of course, they did), our own drinks right at the table so there was no standing in line necessary and all the people-watching you could handle!  Our group of four took turns exploring the rest of the club, and there’s a lot to explore!  Even if you have a reserved seat, make sure you take the opportunity to tour the entire club.  It’s breathtaking.

Of course, the gorgeous venue helped us to feel like stars as well.  Claimed as the most beautiful club in the world, the venue is a haven for celebrities and has been recognized with numerous awards, including No. 1 Club in the country by E! Entertainment.  With an unparalleled view of the Strip, PURE has 36,000 square feet of space with three different rooms, each feature its own DJ, sound system and style.  From start to finish, our experience at PURE was nothing short than the red carpet treatment and we recommend to anyone who wants the absolute best club experience in Las Vegas.

The Range | Harrah’s | www.harrahslasvegas.com

Although The Range is described as a steakhouse, we found in our dining experience that their seafood is just as good if not better than their steak selections!  We visited The Range on a Sunday evening and got to choose from an array of steak, seafood and chicken dishes in the comfortable, contemporary setting.  We’d recommend the Snow Crab Claws, which we did not order but watched as they were brought to a nearby diner—the presentation on this dish was truly incredible!  Other tasty options include the Chilean Sea Bass (macadamia nut encrusted bass with braised bok choy and orange sesame glaze served with Jasmine rice), Braised Beef Short Ribs (served with beef au jus, stewed carrots, onions and leeks) and awesome appetizers like Coconut Shrimp (fried jumbo shrimp served with a sweet mango chutney) and Cheese Fondue (smoked gouda, Boursin, cream cheese and parmesan).  Steaks range from the porterhouse to the ribeye to the filet mignon and everything in between!

Make sure you also take advantage of the seasonal menu, wine list featuring international and local vineyards and the decadent desserts prepared in-house.  A memorable and satisfying dining experience!

David Copperfield | MGM | www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/entertainment-schedule.aspx

If you’ll be in Las Vegas this spring or summer, you should make plans to visit MGM and see David Copperfield who will be in town and doing shows February-June at the casino’s Hollywood Theatre. David Copperfield has been hailed by audiences and critics alike as the greatest illusionist of our time and it’s easy to see why after experiencing this show.  You’ll also learn a bit more about the magician as there is some historical footage that is also shown and you’ll get to see some of his more memorable performances.  A nice touch if you aren’t very familiar with the magician’s work (as we were).  If you’ve ever wanted to see David Copperfield live, make plans now to visit Las Vegas before the end of June and get your tickets to see him at the MGM!

Fiamma Trattoria | MGM | www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/fiamma-italian-restaurant-bar.aspx

After seeing the David Copperfield show, make plans to stay in the MGM to experience Fiamma Trattoria, a fabulous restaurant that presents traditional Italian cuisine in sleek, gorgeous surroundings.  Featuring an award-winning wine list showcasing over 700 selections from all over the world, Fiamma’s is the perfect spot for the wine connoisseur and the lover of fine dining.  A sampling of their menu includes appetizers such as the Beef Carpaccio (thinly sliced tenderloin of beef, arugula and seasonal mushroom salad with parmesan flakes and truffle pearls) and Truffle Flatbread (fontina fondue, black truffles, mushrooms, cotto ham and arugula), pasta like the Bustarelle (beef, veal and pork ravioli with wild mushrooms and veal demi), a selection of gnocchi including the Spinach and Ricotta (brown butter, sage ricotta salata and toasted walnuts and the Ossobuco (with semolina baby gnocchi and peroni jus).

A wonderful restaurant for those wanting to experience something new and different in a beautiful atmosphere.  Highly recommended!