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Finding France in Vegas

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Posted by: laceyb	3/10/2007
Nothing says I love luxury like a few decadent days at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Nothing says I love Lacey like 3 self indulgent days and nights immersed in Champagne, gambling, good friends and endless feasts…to say the very least. Recently, I met up with a few friends in Sin City to celebrate and relax. Steve Wynn certainly didn’t spare any expense when erecting his 2 billion dollar baby. The enormous, slender superstructure glistens in the desert sun and is the exact color of a champagne bubble. Every inch is polished and sparkling with the tender glow only an unlimited budget can provide. I made it my personal mission to take on the Wynn and all of its glamour. Upon finding out where we were staying, I decided to immerse myself in the entire Wynn experience. Peter had booked tickets to their fantasy water show “Le Reve” which means the dream. The show is based on the dream of a red dress-clad starlet and is a cornucopia of elevated stages amidst an underwater fantasy. The extremely talented performers are lowered from the heavens, dropped into the watery theater and rise again to do dance some complicated acrobatics. With an eccentric array of lovable characters and deft-defying stunts, this made for one of the best Vegas shows out there. Next, we headed to Daniel Boulud Brasserie for some French country cuisine. It has a romantic interior with elegant, yet rustic touches. We started out with some tender Servruga caviar, and a bottle of my favorite Champagne, Krug. We moved on to sample most of the menu including a perfectly savory and supple steak tartar, a hearty and salty French onion soup and of course, steak frites. We were seated by the windows overlooking the Wynn’s lagoon. During dinner, we were entertained by a huge (we’re talking 20ft) green frog who appeared behind the waterfalls and jammed out to “low-rider”. Tres jolie! We also shared some interesting stories with our decidedly cool sommelier. He recommended an earthy and herbaceous Chateauneuf de Pape to compliment all of our dishes. He also enlightened us about the life of a Hawaiian surfer turned wine lover. We laughed and drank the night away till the wee hours. Next on the agenda was the spa. Peter and I were both due for massages. I opted for the 80 minute since my poor little shoulders are far too overworked. It was heaven. The spa itself is simple, and elegant. There are chic changing rooms styled like a dream dressing room, complete with mirrored vanities, curling irons, and top notch beauty products. I headed to the salon next, where I got the best manicure/pedicure ever. The ladies were obliging, friendly and full of thoughtful suggestions. What color? I’ll call it French Wine Red. I indulged in a paraffin wax treatment that made me soft and silky. I also got a quick trim and a blow out to make my locks long and luxurious. The cream of my gastro-tour in order of decadence was Alex, the cuisine of the French Rivera. I had been going thru a French food addiction, and this cured it. Alex is the epitome of all things rich and deluxe. Copious cream sauces, Kobe galore, and enough butter to last a lifetime. We opted for the 3 course menu instead of the 7 course tasting menu. We started the night out properly with some rare Kobe, and an elegant bottle of Perrier Jouet Rose’ Champagne. Interesting juxtaposition you say? Well, it suited this indulgent writer just fine. Next my attentive palate gave in to Roasted Langoustines with Foie Gras Quenelles. These lovely little crustaceans were bathing in a frothy sauce with bits of savoy cabbage and Porcini mushrooms. All served up in a charming mini copper skillet that would look perfect in my kitchen. Tyler had a stand out dish of roasted veal sweetbreads with fettucine “carbonara” and aged Parmigiano. Carbonara is probably my favorite pasta dish, so I was delighted with this crafty rendition. The Pancetta wrapped veal tenderloin with a macaroni and Black Truffle gratin had my name all over it. What is it about that godly mix of fatty pig, in all forms, and truffles that makes you feel as though things are right in the world? The veal was a happy edition, but was an afterthought in my opinion. We had since moved on to another hearty red wine. Bordeaux I believe. I must confess, the food simply took up far too much of my delighted attention to remember the name of the wine. I only know that it was a perfect compliment to the food and very French. Once again, I don’t feel it’s necessary to waste much room describing deserts. The plating was elegant, and we all enjoyed them. I finished with a passion fruit gratin with tropical fruits and mango sorbet. Usually I would opt for a cheese plate, but the food was far to intense to end so heavily. As it was, I didn’t get past the first few bites of my dish. Saving room for desert is an overrated attitude. Next time I shall drink mine. An espresso and a port will do nicely. So, constant readers, if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, look elsewhere! Thus concludes my French adventure. I think I found it in Vegas. Plenty of tantalizing food, representing 2 styles of cuisine, a role call of fine Champagne, and the greatest luxury of all, doing it up in style with great friends. Of course you know, I have to take back a little French something to make sure if never forget my time there. Whenever I glance at my wrist to see how late I’m running, Cartier reminds me to slow down and taste the Champagne.

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Comments (1)

Re: Finding France in Vegas	By hedgenyc on 5/13/2007
Great review Lacey, makes me want to go back to Vegas. I met you while you were tending bar a few weeks ago (i was with the party planing girl), and you directed me to your site. How do I contact you? There is no e-mail Lacey link