Vegetarian logic ITT

Personally, I preferred Prime over SW. We ordered a porterhouse for two at SW, and they did a really clumsy job of slicing it in the kitchen. Plus, the sides were under-seasoned. Of course, I only ate there once-- so I'm guessing that those voting for SW have been there many more times.

At Prime, my steak was excellent (and I even got to slice it myself ) but I was most impressed by the sides. (Being as I didn't order a steak for two it isn't an entirely fair comparison though.) Beet salad was memorable and well-seasoned. I also preferred the ambiance, even despite the lack of a frog show and I'll go back.

The steaks at most high end places are going to be 9/10+ most of the time to the point that there is very little difference. Bad service experiences, or "not getting" the particular ambiance of a restaurant can turn you off a place. Some places are more geared to dinner for two and some are more geared towards dinner for six.

Quite often, the difference for me between "will do again" and "one and done" are the quality of salads and sides, as this is where most variance seems to take place. Some high end steakhouses just churn out the ubiquitous sides, mostly covered in butter, deep fried, creamed or all three ~ along with standard salad offerings. A restaurant that bothers to keep up with the seasons, offers unique and well thought out salads and sides make all the difference.

Judging based on the porterhouse for 2 is a huge handicap. I think that is something you order once in your life, learn your lesson and move on.

Agree. Basically, all of the high end steakhouses in Vegas are great, it's a matter of little differences and personal preference.

Had the porterhouse for two at Carnevino, one of the best steaks I ever had.

You run good.

Someone asked me for my favorite 15 restaurants in Vegas or so, and I wrote this up for him. Figured I'd share it here:

Was originally intended for just one person, so didn't proofread it or put much thought into it.

Pretty difficult to even attempt to pick the bones out of that. Great list. Has anyone had the Jazz brunch @ Wynn Country Club? I haven't yet, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't up there at least alongside Bouchon.

I will say that Tableau is far better than Bouchon for weekend brunch.

Great list and thanks for posting it!

How hard d is it to get reservations at the E? I already know that i want to go this summer bringing 3 other people but i read somewhere u can't make reservations until exactly 1 month in advance and I'm wondering if u can confirm if that is true. Otherwise whats the best way to go about getting 4 tickets?

Tableau has been replaced by the Tower Suites Cafe. Some of the great brunch dishes remain (White Chocolate and Orange French Toast and the Homemade Elk Sausage and Eggs) remain, but my favorite, Vol 'au Vent, which was confit duck thigh and eggs in a puff pastry, is gone. I'm sure it's still a good experience.

Great list Justin, but you used up a year's supply of "amazings" in one e-mail

Shouldn't be a problem as long as you can agree on one date with your friends (better if not a Friday or Saturday night). Call/email exactly one month in advance.

Also, great list Justin. Thanks for sharing

I'm pretty sure you're talking about The Fat Greek, which we've been to together a bunch of times. The Fat Greek is awesome. Great spreads: hummus, babaganoush, taramosalata, etc. Great gyros. Best falafel I've had in Vegas.

There's also a place called The Mad Greek, but it kinda blows. The Mad Greek is the one that also has a location in Baker, CA, about half way between Vegas and LA, that you see a bunch of billboards for along that drive.

I've got a golden ticket!

Went to Todd English the other day. Best oysters I've ever had...

I like that list. I'd put Bar Masa up there with Nobu and Blue Ribbon as well. And add SW to the list.

I think a couple overlooked date spots are Botero and Switch just for the ambiance.

Ya, meant Fat Greek, not mad.

Only been to Bar Masa once, but the omakase was super disappointing. My expectations were pretty high having been to Masa in NYC, but this wasn't even remotely close.

omfg no. The Vol au Vent was ****ing amazing.

Anyone else sorely disappointed with Sinatra? (Probably old news)

Agree with Switch, but Botero prolly too noisy as a date spot. (Unless you are hoping to nail it without having to listen to it..)

Yep - sucks it's gone. I tried it based on your recommendation - that's when I confirmed the Gobbo knows his food...

Depends on the date. My impression of Botero is that it's the place everyone going to XS goes before XS. Not the quiet and romantic kind of date to be certain.

I went back, and I won't be going back again. Ordered the same steak as last time (porterhouse). It was untrimmed and very underseasoned. I was with someone that I'd never eaten out with before, and he was footing the bill, otherwise I think I would have sent it back. I think Prime might be serving choice grade steaks now. Also the waiter rushed us (on a Monday), and kept trying to upsell us. They changed the beet salad, and while it was pretty, it was also underseasoned, and not well thought-out. I think I'm done with strip steakhouses for a while...