Thanksgiving in Las Vegas Brings Food Opportunities Galore
Posted by CLYDE
Thursday, December 03, 2009 7:17 AM

This is the first year we spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. It's a choice that needs to become a family tradition for sure. Plenty of people flock to Las Vegas during this holiday of food, fun, and hopeful thanks of hitting the big one.

Our usual trip to Vegas includes buffet after buffet. This trip we decided to go for less buffet and more good eating.

Our trip began with several nights spent at the Bellagio. After landing in Las Vegas close to midnight, food choices become slim. Luckily, Cafe Bellagio is open 24 hours a day and is located right next to their famous Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. We were there to see the end of their Fall decor.

The full menu is available during the early morning hours. The food was very good. Had to save room for breakfast the next day.

Breakfast was at Bouchon in The Venetian. I love my pastries and bread so I had to have the pastry basket.

We decided to have dinner at Thai Vegas Cuisine (Vegas Chinese & Thai or Charlie Vegas).

This is a hole in the wall that's near the Harley Davidson store downtown. I'm not sure how else to describe it. They have vinyl tablecloths and it's really a no-frills place, but the food is excellent. We have been there about 2-3 times on the previous trip, and once on this trip. While it is never packed, they seem to have more take-out orders. The food is so good, I can only guess people prefer to do buffets, etc.

Back at the Bellagio and late night eats at Noodles. The walls are decorated with shelves of noodles enclosed in clear containers.

Breakfast at Cafe Bellagio for some breakfast food.

We went to Rosemary's for Thanksgiving dinner. I found this place on the internet after it was requested we not eat on the strip, nor at a buffet, but try to find some place locals might go to. This place is in a strip mall with very unpretentious front. Looking at it from outside, you would not imagine that the service and food presentation was more of fine dining. But they have a come-as-you-are dress policy. We went for the $55 prix fixe -- a special Thanksgiving menu, though there is also a prix fixe with a different menu for all other nights. You can also order ala carte. The food and service were both excellent. My girlfriend had the trout and the skin was really crispy. We had a party of 12 and they have each staff come out with two plates, stand behind you till each server is in position, then serve your plates all at the same time. Choreographed serving! They also ask you beforehand about any food allergies, if you're seeing a show at a certain time after dinner, and if so, which show (to ensure you get out on time). They even call you a taxi when dessert is served, though make it clear you take your taxi when you are READY.

Other places we tried in Vegas during our trip included Hot N Juicy Crawfish. My girlfriend's sister found this place on the internet, so we tried it one day. They have crawfish, shrimp, crab, etc. You order by: type of sauce, heat of sauce, and how many pounds of each item. Your order is then tossed into plastic bags which you open at your table. This place is for people who do not mind getting messy. You have to wear a bib while eating off of a plastic covered table. No plates. No utensils. Just go for it with fingers. We all liked it. I think it's run by Vietnamese. It was also shown on Man vs. Food on the Food Network. I want to try to duplicate the sauce!

For a super elegant treat that I highly recommend try Alize (Palm Hotel). My girlfriend's other sister wanted to go here for the Vegas view. It had a dress code (stinkers!) but we actually found they are friendly and not snobbish - even humorous (when silver covers came out we were told "don't peek"). We decided to go for the 7-course tasting menu. The waiter enthusiastically said, "Oh!!! You're gonna love it!!!" when we said we'd do the tasting menu. You could also do the wine pairings but only my BIL and one sister drank wine that night. Alize is has a nice view of Vegas. We intend to go there again. The waiter said to keep in mind what you had that night, and although their menus change, if you remember what you had before, they can ensure you do not have repeat tastings. We got to chatting with the waiter a bit and told him about Hot N Juicy Crawfish. He told us his family really likes Joyful House (Chinese food). We will probably try that some day . . . since we're the types that crave local-tasting food (or rice!!).

Next up...Grand Canyon!