and probably has more celebrity chef fronted outlets than anywhere in the world.

And unlike Chicago, which has a rich dining history, Sin City has been serious about food for fewer than 15 years. It’s an amazing and often unheralded accomplishment. But recommending a great dining event doesn’t have to mean going to the fanciest place in town. Terrific food is all about the combination and flavors, textures and style that create a memorable moment for the mouth. These days food is entertainment. Here are some restaurants that are delivering on the experience that run the price spectrum.

ALEX

Those looking to splurge on a meal they will never forget must try ALEX. The epitome of French cuisine, the food here is enjoyed on several levels. Taste of course, but artistry and presentation are an integral part of the experience too. 

Located at the Wynn Las Vegas chef Alex Stratta works with only the finest and freshest ingredients available in the world. Items are shipped overnight from all corners of the globe in order to ensure guests literally taste the best flavors the world has to offer. The menu at Alex changes seasonally to better reflect the availability of ingredients.

The only way to properly appreciate a restaurant such as ALEX is via the tasting menu. Dishes change regularly but chances are you’ll enjoy many French favorites such as Osetra caviar, foie gras, sweetbreads, rabbit and Japanese Wagyu beef.

Each is dish is lovingly handcrafted. The foie gras for example is marinated and soaked overnight in milk before being cured for a full day in a pink curing salt. It’s then rolled, poached in water, rolled again and hung on a rack for another day before being sealed in a container of duck fat. Now that’s dedication. Also, half the enjoyment of this meal is the sheer artistry of the presentation. Each dish is like a museum piece that must be appreciated before being digested. The meal is even better when paired with wines hand selected by the extremely talented sommelier.

Alex is only one in 14 restaurants nationwide to achieve a Mobil five-star rating. A dinner here can cost between $150 and $350 per person on average depending on if a meal is paired with wines and personal preference. For more information and reservations call 702.770.3300 or visit them online www.wynnlasvegas.com. It’s closed Wednesdays.

Michael Mina Bellagio

A rising star in the food world, Michael Mina is one of those rare celebrity chefs that spends more time focusing on his food than on television appearances. Located in the far corner of the conservatory of Bellagio, Mina’s eponymous restaurant focuses on contemporary seafood infused with French influenced cooking techniques that are crafted from California and Mediterranean ingredients. He cut his teeth as Executive Chef at San Francisco’s renowned Aqua before coming to Las Vegas.

Mina is equally adept at creating wholly original dishes such as Michael Mina Signature Caviar Parfait as he is with creating updated versions of classic such as with his Maine Lobster Pot Pie. The latter features a light flaky crust as well as non traditional ingredients such as black truffles. Recommend the Tartare of Ahi Tuna, which is prepared with sesame oil, toasted pine nuts, garlic and chiffonade of mint. It’s an unbelievable fusion of flavors that when combined create a sensation that’s has a much deeper profile than most other tuna tartare dishes.

Executive Chef Anthony Amoroso brilliantly brings Mina’s menu to life and is in his own right is an emerging talent. The atmosphere here is low key and relaxed, with a design more reminiscent of an upscale bistro than a world class restaurant. While there is a traditional menu available, there are also several tasting menus geared towards vegetarians, seasonal items and one focused on highlights from his cookbook. Prices range widely depending on what’s being ordered, but on average it could cost about $125 per person. Reservations at Michael Mina Bellagio are recommended. Call 702.693.7223 for more information or visit www.Bellagio.com.

Vegas Casino Online $500 Special Welcome Bonus!

© Copyright 2007 Gambling Central's material. It may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.