New Orleans - It Is What It Is! By Ella Patterson Global One Travel Writers
The two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is upon us and tourists, travelers and journalists are taking a look at the Crescent City's tourism efforts and promotions. Although World-wide news of New Orleans doesn’t leave much to the imagination about the Crescent Cityefforts; the government, locals and volunteers are working very hard to bring the city back. Their dedication is phenomenal. There are many coordinated activities and exciting specials running now through winter that will excite the novice and the seasoned traveler. There are so many good reasons to visit New Orleans that if you don’t put this city on your travel calendar you’ll be doing yourself injustice. It gets a little humid in the summer, but don’t let that change your mind. Do it for the history, culture and heritage of the Crescent City.After all the Crescent City is what it is… “The Crescent City!” Here’s even better news. Earlier this year, Mardi Gras attracted about 825,000 people and hotels reported over 90 percent occupancy in the spring, the New Orleans host two musicals you might know about: (The Jazz Festival, and the Essence Musical Festival) when combined entertained about 550,000 people -- The Essence Music Festival, http://www.essence.com/essence/emf/ my favorite;host musicians, singers, and music lovers from all over the world had more than 200,000 in attendance. Those two concerts along bring in more than $100 million in revenue to the city. To get more updates and local deals, check out New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/672-6124; www.neworleanscvb.com), whose website is well designed and easy to use. callYou may also contact the New Orleans Visitors Bureau for group discounts and hoards of city happenings. Fall in love with New Orleans all over again. New Orleans also saw its first annual Seafood Festival, a Cajun/Zydeco Festival and the Creole Tomato Festival earlier this summer. Orleans Parish now has 830 restaurants in the metro New Orleans area, which is more than 100 percent of pre-Hurricane Katrina levels. Notable additions include the new brasserie Luke, the fourth restaurant owned by James Beard Award-winning chef John Besh, located in the Hilton St. Charles (formerly Hotel Monaco). Other new destinations include Alberta, on Magazine Street, Iris, and Riche, a Harrah's casino-Todd English partnership. For more on the restaurant scene, visit the website www.nomenu.com. Coupons on deals on bars, restaurants, and other businesses abound. Check them out and download them before you arrive. Hotels as diverse as the Harrahs Casino & Hotel, Windsor-Court, Staybridge Suites Hotel, Creole Gardens B&B, and many others offer discounts on rooms. The World War II Museum, the Aquarium, and the Hermann Grima/Gallier House are just a few of the attractions offering deals on admission. Why don't you expereince a Haunted History tour, or a visit to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World? There are specials all the time; on dining, lodging, shopping, and tours, if you're interested in traveling before the season ends. For those who are unqiue - be sure to check out the city's indomitable spirit and its reputation for hedonism: Actually, you can learn much more by visiting the visitor's bureau's new site, 24 Nolawww.24nola.com, designed to give visitors the insight and open up your mind to the growing trend in travel promotion. You can create a 24-hour itinerary, find out where the original muffaletta was born, or discover the farmer's market. The editor's pick section, published weekly gives you a short description of destinations or activities, with links to add a comment, add to your itinerary, or view it via Google maps. Tales of The Cocktails From July 18-22, at the Hotel Monteleone), dive into a food and cocktail festival. Expert mixologists and chefs prepare five days of mixing and tasting demonstrations, dinner pairings, and cocktail parties. Spirited Dinners, walking tours of the Quarter, and many more events are offered. You'll have so much fun you'll forget the weather. What: A five-day event to celebrate and explore the history and spirit of the cocktail with great chefs, mixologists, best-selling authors and celebrities which takes place in New Orleans every summer. Events:Events include seminars and demonstrations on mixing cocktails, with food parings. There are cocktail hours with authors and celebrities, lunches and brunches with cocktail pairings, a walking tour of the French Quarter's famous bars and restaurants, and much more. How about the 2007 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition at Arnaud's, or Sake' To Me? The Spirited History of Alcohol As Medicine? Margaritas and Makeovers at Belladonna Spa? So very much more, I could get a little tipsy just writing about it. Spirited dinners:There are over twenty restaurants that participate in Spirited Dinners. Here you can have a wonderful enjoying great food and great cocktails during these intimate dinners. And, there's always the chef and the mixologist to get advise from on both the food and the drinks Package deals:Tickets for the events can be purchased individually or in package deals. Prices on seminars, lunch and brunch presentations and tours vary. You can get package deals which are ususaly better than individual tickets. Either way it's best to get tickets in advance forTales of the Cocktail before you come. Hotel Deals There are some great deals on hotels in New Orleans all year long. Several hotels are offering a third night free, while others have special rates. For the details go to the Official New Orleans Tourism Website. The marketing effort is comprehensive and, to some extent, many misperceptions still persist, such as the city is still underwater. A great deal of progress has been made in terms of recovery, Mary Beth Romig, director of communications and public relations for the CVB, says, "We speak a great deal about New Orleans being very much a tale of two cities. In many ways, it's business as usual, culture is alive and thriving, those historic parts of the city people know of are very much open and thriving. But there are parts of the city, particularly large parts of the residential neighborhoods, that have a long way to go in recovery." Part of that struggle, no doubt, will show up fictionalized or otherwise inspired by post-Katrina New Orleans in the television crime drama K-Ville, which will debut in the fall on Fox. The show follows two police officers, and in a move that lends itself to both storytelling authenticity and economic development, Fox is filming the series on location. Some of the cast is working with Habitat for Humanity on days off, helping to rebuild. Plantation Home A Beautiful Louisiana Plantation located near New Orleans... Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of "The Sugar Palace" when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Stay all day at our Louisiana Plantation and enjoy 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley. The Gardens of Houmas House Plantation have been developed as a lush 38-acre panorama of indigenous Louisiana plant life and stunning exotics designed to beckon visitors to extend their stay. Like the statues of the four seasons patiently await the arrival of each solstice and equinox along the River Road, the Gardens are planned to reflect the unique beauty of each part of the year. Many sitting areas have been provided around the property to invite guests to sit and experience the year-round grandeur of the ancient oak alley, the fragrance of spring and summer blooms and the sights and sounds of bird life, wildlife and plantation life of long ago. The Hampton Garden, the Upper Garden and the Croquet Lawn flank the dramatic and inviting Fountain Courtyard where many guests like to congregate following their tour of the Mansion. Houmas House Plantation, one of the South's oldest and most beautiful plantation estates, is the home of Latil's Landing Restaurant, Cafe' Burnside and The Wine Cellars of Houmas House. In the tradition of Old Louisiana Dining, Executive Chef Jeremy Langlois has created menus that will delight and please the finest of guests, and present you with an experience rivaling those of the great Sugar Barons of the 1800's. Located in the French House, built in the 1770's by Alexander Latil, and now the rear wing of the Houmas House Mansion is set for your dining experience. The 230 year old house, complete with original beamed ceilings, cypress mantels, wood burning fireplaces, and original wood floors, is set between the Garden Carriageway and the Hampton Fountain and Gardens. Along with a museum quality collection of art and artifacts, your dining experience will be accented by French Limoge china and dinner service, replicated from the originals of Houmas House, first created for Wade Hampton in the 1830's. Visit the Turtle Bar. stroll the extensive Gardens at Houmas House and make this a dining experience that you will always remember. We are open Wednesday through Saturday, (6 pm to 10 pm) and Sunday, (2 pm to 9 pm). Reservations are required and can be made by calling (225) 473-9380 or (888) 323-8314. Private Dining Rooms are available Relax with a refreshing mint julep, enjoy the breeze off the Mississippi and navigate through the shadows of ancient oaks. Embrace the Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road at your own pace and experience our hospitality as a welcomed guest. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is open on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.Telephone 225-473-9380 FAX 225-473-7891 Mailing Address Houmas House Plantation and Gardens 40136 Highway 942, River Road, Darrow, Louisiana 70725 Airlines Airlines are currently running a few sales to NO that may be helpful. American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300; www.aa.com) is having a sale on fall flights, valid September 1 through November 15. There is a fourteen-day advance purchase requirement, and a one-, two-, or three-night or Saturday stay may be required. The special has a blackout date of September 3 -- that's Labor Day. Sample fares to New Orleans include Baltimore or New York-La Guardia from $198; Cedar Rapids, Iowa from $228; Chicago, Tampa or Miami from $188; Phoenix from $298; Rochester, MN, from $258; and St. Louis from $228. United Airlines (tel. 800/UNITED; www.united.com) is running a sale for coast-to-coast savings, for travel August 16-January 11, 2008, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. There are a few blackout dates. Departures from Seattle to New Orleans, for example, are priced from $99 one-way. Hotels There seems to be no short supply of hotel specials, either. Bookit (tel. 888/782-9722; www.bookit.com has a special for the St. James Hotel, located two blocks from the French Quarter. Rates start at $69, about 50 per cent off regular prices, with no blackout dates. Also if you stay three nights or more you receive two free tickets to an IMAX theater. The four-star boutique hotel has rooftop terraces, courtyards, a pool, and the award-winning Cuvee restaurant. Bookit also has a deal for Bienville House Hotel, advertising rates from $60, ten per cent off a two-night stay, 20 per cent off for 3 nights or more, plus two free aquarium or IMAX admissions. The historic hotel was recently renovated, from the lobby to its rooftop. The AAA three-diamond rated Marriott (tel. 888/364-1200; www.marriott.com in the French Quarter is offering a sale that's valid for stays any night of the week, but you must reserve seven days in advance. The hotel is located just two blocks from Bourbon Street, Harrah's Casino, and the Audubon Aquarium; it's also within walking distance from Canal Street and Jackson Square. The promotion gives you about half off the regular rates and is valid for a deluxe room with one king or two queen beds Or try the company's luxury brand, JW Marriott (tel. 888/364-1200; www.marriott.com, The newly renovated hotel is located on Canal Street, in the city's central business district. The newly renovated guest rooms at the boutique hotel International House (tel. 800/633-5770; www.ihhotel.comare available. The hotel, itself a landmark Beaux Arts building, is located two blocks from the French Quarter and its décor is an extended homage to the city's heritage. Rooms were revamped by L.A. designer LM Pagano, who has lent her skills to Hollywood homes, and have ceiling fans, large windows, stereo/CD players, black and white photos of jazz greats, and other welcoming touches.
For those who want to help out a bit in the rebuilding effort the W Hotel New Orleanswww.whotels.com has a "Hands On New Orleans" package that allows you to do just that. Valid through December 31, you sign up for one day of volunteer work through Hands On New Orleans, an organization dedicated to assisting in the recovery efforts (tel. 504/899-5589; www.handsonneworleans.org. The package also equips you with necessary items, such as lunch for two to go, two pairs of work gloves, transportation to and from the location, two cocktails at the end of the day and one Bliss in a box, with hot salt scrub, body butter and more, for your sore muscles. The package price starts at $239 and ten percent of your room rate will be donated to Hands On New Orleans. Choose from stays at either the Poydras Street (tel. 504/525-9444) or French Quarter locations (tel. 504/581-1200).
##### _________________________
Harrahs New Orleans Food
8 Great Places to Eat in New Orleans
by Kelly Foss
New Orleans is famous for its food and restaurants, and rightly so. Local restaurants have mastered the art of making the common taste royal. It’s magical what they can do in a kitchen with some simple ingredients and their secret recipes. Even the lowly Shrimp Po Boys prepared anywhere else just don’t taste as good.##M:[more...]##
Recently I had the opportunity of visiting New Orleans and dining at eight very special eateries. Each was very interested in showing us, the out of town journalists, what they were capable of, and we dutifully obliged them. We were willing victims of this wretched indulgence.
The problem with visiting a city like New Orleans is that there are so many great places to eat and so little time. And, each has a lengthy menu that would require many visits to fully explore. So, where do you start? To begin with, pick a downtown hotel to make getting around easier. Try the new Harrah’s Hotel in the city center. The hotel is gorgeous, the service is great and the location couldn’t be better.
Here are the eight restaurants. If you’re not sure where to eat in New Orleans, these are really good places to go to and I’m confident that you’ll enjoy them as much as we did.
Riche – This fine restaurant is inside Harrah’s Hotel at street level facing Fulton Street in the heart of the city. The hotel is actually across the street from their casino, which is nice if you want luxury accommodations without the ever-present din of the gaming.
Riche serves signature French cuisine in a warm, intimate setting illuminated by a lively, open grill area and oyster bar.
The menu features flavors of garlic, mushroom, and aged cheeses which enhance luxurious cuts of meat and fish, braised, baked and poached to an authentic French taste.
I liked the Cajun Fried Oysters, the N’Awliins Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo and their unique Macaroni & Cheese. This is gourmet mac & cheese like you’ve never eaten before. The Shrimp Pernod on angel hair pasta was lauded by one of our writers.
Riche also has live music, jazz of course, which adds a decidedly New Orleans touch to the experience.
Brennan’s – This is one of the top restaurants in the country. What sets Brennan’s apart is their consistant high level of service and the quality of food. Executive Chef Randolph has been at Brennan’s since 1965 where he went right out of high school. We met him and he comes across as a very accomplished, yet down to earth chef who has mastered his craft by spending countless hours in the kitchen. This is the kind of man that you want to learn cooking from! The atmosphere in this restaurant is thick with history. As you enter the place you can feel it in the air.
Located on Royal Street in the French Quarter, Brennan’s has safeguarded its heritage without becoming irrelevant. Several famous dishes including Banana’s Foster and Eggs Hussarde were born at Brennan’s.
Brennan’s is known for its elegant breakfasts and brunches. In addition to the above mentioned dishes, Maude’s Seafood Okra Gumbo is wonderful. If you’re a turtle soup lover, their New Orleans Turtle Soup is especially good. Even simple strawberries and cream are memorable at Brennan’s.
Galatoire’s – Dining at Galatoire’s is as much about socializing as it is about actually eating. Both, however, are accomplished with great skill and artistry. This is a place to see and be seen in. Located right on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, Galatoire’s has been serving food from this same location for over a century. Unlike most modern restaurants, Galatoire’s cuisine is not the creation of a singular superstar chef but rather of a family that has carefully safeguarded a tradition of impeccable cuisine, service and ambiance. Consistently providing this exquisite experience is itself an art form that Galatoire’s steadfastly maintains. Galatoire’s traditions have been preserved with little change through the decades.
Its “no reservations” policy along with its intense popularity explain the famous waiting lines. It is said that local businessmen will pay people to stand in line for them and wait for hours for a table. If you can’t wait that long, you can make a reservation for their upstairs dining room. You might miss out on some of the people watching, but the menu is the same.
You might try the Green Salad with Garlic…this dish has lots of garlic. The Sauteéd Poisson with Crabmeat Yvonne was wonderful and the Lamb Chops Béarnaise is expertly done.
Grand Isle Seafood Restaurant – This restaurant is located right on the Fulton Street Mall in the city center across from the Convention Center. Designed to give the feel of a Coastal Louisiana Fish Camp, this restaurant celebrates the joy of local seafood. Whether spiced and boiled, fried, sautéed or grilled, the seafood comes from the waters off of Grand Isle, Louisiana to your table without touching the freezer.
The dining is casual and the atmosphere is open and sunny with large windows and light colored wood.
If you’re a seafood lover like I am, you may opt for the Seafood Platter which spares you the agony of having to decide what to get or, more importantly, what to avoid missing. To no one’s surprise, it was all very good. I don’t think there is a bad speck of seafood in this restaurant.
The real surprise was two of the deserts. The Popcorn Rice Pudding was an interesting variation on the original and the Lemon Ice Box Pie was just superb.
Besh Steakhouse – This is a steakhouse with a twist. The restaurant is a combination of Chef Besh's own ideas about traditional steakhouse menu items combined with a New Orleans influence. This spacious restaurant is an interesting combination of modern and traditional. There exists at once a comfortable dining environment and traditional service juxtaposed against a stainless, brushed metal kitchen and oversized Blue Dog artwork on the walls.
The menu also contains some pleasant surprises. Items like Plum Lacquered Pork Belly Spring Rolls and Tuna Tartare aren’t items you see on every menu. I saw an optimistic diner trying to handle their 38 oz. (not a typo) Cowboy Steak. It looked delicious and she was certainly enjoying it, but it’s just too much for one person to handle.
I was impressed by the Sweet Corn & Crab Bisque Soup and the Snake River Farms Kobe Beef Short Ribs. It’s unusual to discover well prepared Kobe Beef this far from…Kobe.
Tujague’s – This is the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans and it celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2006. At the end of the Civil War, a French immigrant family named Tujague…pronounced “tujack”… began by serving breakfast and lunch to the dock workers, market laborers and seamen who crowded that part of the riverfront. The restaurant’s style is as refreshingly unpretentious as ever. And the food is as delectable as it was in the days of the first Tujague’s.
It’s located in the heart of the French Quarter, just east of Jackson Square on Decatur across from the market. It is unmistakably a New Orleans classic neighborhood restaurant. The building is ancient and the interior has intentionally been kept simple and original looking. In a place like this, tradition and links to the past are much more valuable than modernism and change.
Tujague’s Complete Dinner menu is a Creole influenced, six course menu. It consists of an Appetizer of Shrimp Remoulade, Soup du Jour, House Specialty Beef Brisket with Creole Sauce, a choice of 4 Entrees du Jour, Dessert and Beverage.
Houmas House Plantation – This plantation home can trace its origin to the 1700’s when the land was sold to French settlers by the Houmas Indians. The plantation was originally established for growing sugar cane. Only 10 of the original 120 plus plantation homes along this part of the Mississippi River still stand and of them all, Houmas House is the best preserved and most original.
The site is located about 45 minutes north of New Orleans off of Interstate 10 going towards Baton Rouge.
In addition to the fascinating history of the place, it also offers fine cuisine and gourmet dining in the Latil’s Landing Restaurant. This restaurant is housed in one of the original structures on the plantation built about 230 years ago.
If the historic setting weren’t reward enough, the food will surely finish the job. The Bisque of Curried Pumpkin, Crawfish and Corn were very satisfying, as was the Roast Beet and Crab Salad. The Tuna Grace and the Filet Mignon of Beef will also delight.
And, how can you not have a sweet desert while dining at a former sugar plantation? Try the Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate desert or the Apple Gallette, or both.
Bambu – This multinational Asian restaurant is actually located near the Canal Street entrance inside Harrah’s Casino. The Casino is across the street from Harrah’s hotel. It is the perfect location for hungry gamers who need the occasional break and are looking for great food and a quiet place that is conveniently located. Even if you’re not already at the casino, a trip to Bambu’s is worth it.
It has an upscale yet casual feel, with décor inspired by the city of Shanghai. Symbols of good luck, including fish sculptures, bamboo and water, are featured prominently, along with a unique collection of backlit Asian ceramics.
Bambu serves Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese classics, as well as Chef Toy's own Asian-fusion creations.
We sampled a wide variety of dishes and they were all very good. Of them all, the Crab & Cream Cheese Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Diced Garlic Rib Eye Steak and the Shrimp Tempura & Vegetables were especially memorable. A truly unique item was the Tiger Roll. This super-sushi roll contained salmon, tuna, eel, masago, scallions and eel sauce.
Copyright Kelly Foss - Global One Magazine Travel Writer
Good food/good friends/good times
Three New Restaurants Headlining World-Class Dining Offerings at the Grand Canal Shoppers at the Venetian
A luxurious 500,000 square-foot indoor shopping center located within The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian is one of the most celebrated and popular landmarks on the Las Vegas Strip. Three new world-class, celebrity-chef restaurants recently joined the center’s stellar line-up of sumptuous dining offerings. They include David Burke Modern American Cuisine and Mario Batali’s Enoteca San Marco and .B&B Ristorante.
DAVID BURKE MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE Direct from “David Burke & Donatella,” New York. Celebrity Chef David Burke’s creative and whimsical creations deliver “the Art of the Meal.” Enjoy classic dishes with a modern fresh approach. 702.414.7111
ENOTECA SAN MARCO This second Las Vegas creation of Chef Mario Batali and winemaker Joseph Bastianich introduces guests of The Venetian to more casual Italian fare, such as homemade salami, artisanel handmade gelato, panini, and regional Italian specialities as only Batali can interpret them. Located in St. Mark’s Square, Enoteca San Marco provides the ideal vantage point to watch the crowd roll by as you sample Batali’s savory dishes and Bastianich’s wonderful wines. 702.677.3390
B&B RISTORANTE The first Las Vegas project from a renowned chef Mario Batali and winemaking partner Joseph Bastianich, B&B Ristorante features the duo’s acclaimed blend of exquisite Italian food and casual, hip elegance. Batali and Bastianich operate two other famed New York eaterires, Babbo and Lupa, among others. With a menu of cheeses, meat, game and seafood – along with an extensive wine list personally presided over by Bastianich – a table at B&B Ristorante is sure to be among the most sought-after in the city. 702. 266.9977
THOMAS KELLER’S BOUCHON Modeled on two-time James Beard Award-winner, Thomas Keller’s acclaimed Napa Valley eatery, Bouchon is known for its traditional French country cuisine. Like the original bouchons of France, it offers a wide range of delectable European delights, a raw seafood bar, extensive wine list and after-hours menu. Located in the Venezia tower with both indoor and outdoor patio seating. Open for breakfast, dinner and midday oyster bar daily and open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. 702.414.6200
AQUAKNOX Celebrated chef Tom Moloney sets a new standard of culinary excellence in an ocean-themed environment designed to entertain one’s every sense. Boasting fresh seafood flown in daily from around the world, a water-encased walk-in wine cellar and state-of-the-art open kitchen, AquaKnox is a seafood lover’s paradise. Open for lunch and dinner. 702.414.3772
CANALETTO By the creators of Il Fornaio. Executive chef Gianpaolo Putzu faithfully recreates the unique flavors of Venice’s regional recipes. Open for lunch and dinner. 702.733.0070
CANYON RANCH® CAFÉ A special brand of “spa cuisine” known for its impeccable gourmet and nutritional standards. Open for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 702.414.3633
EMERIL LAGASSE’S DELMONICO STEAKHOUSE Renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse has set the standard for outstanding service and presentation of the highest quality beef available at his Delmonico Steakhouse, an “All-American” restaurant with New Orleans influences. Open for lunch and dinner. 702.414.3737
B&B RISTORANTE The first Las Vegas project from a renowned chef Mario Batali and winemaking partner Joseph Bastianich. Proprietors of famed New York eateries Babbo and Lupa, among others, Batali and Bastianich’s newest venture will feature the duo’s acclaimed blend of exquisite Italian food and casual, hip elegance. With a menu of cheeses, meat, game and seafood – along with an extensive wine list personally presided over by Bastianich – a table at B&B Ristorante is sure to be among the most sought-after in the city. 702. 266.9977
GRAND LUX CAFE From the creators of The Cheesecake Factory. This restaurant offers Global cuisine with more than 150 menu items to choose from. Open 24 hours a day. 702.414.3888
KEVIN WU NOODLE ASIA An entertaining dining delight, Noodle Asia’s chefs prepare a marvelous Pan-Asian selection of noodle dishes and real Hong Kong dim sum – all cooked to order and ready in a flash. Open for lunch and dinner. 702.414.1444
ORCHID ASIAN CUISINE BY CHEF SIMON TO For connoisseurs of fine Asian dining, Orchid Asian Cuisine is the ultimate culinary destination. The creation of Chef Simon To, who was recently inducted into the exclusive Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of China, Orchid serves as an eclectic menu of authentic Asian delicacies. From Shark’s Fin Soup and Bird’s Nest Soup with Crabmeat to Abalone and Peeking Duck, plus an ever-changing menu of Hong Kong specialties, Orchid Asian Cuisine delights even the most discriminating palate. For reservations, call 702.414.2220.
JOACHIM SPLICHAL’S PINOT BRASSERIE An acclaimed French/Californian bistro by James Beard Award-recipient Joachim Splichal, whose accomplishments include Restaurateur of the Year by Bon Appetit, Pinot Brasserie is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an oyster bar. Recent awards include the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator and the Award of Unique Distinction from Wine Enthusiast. 702.414.8888
WOLFGANG PUCK’S POSTRIO Contemporary American cuisine featuring steak, seafood and pasta on the casual patio or in the magnificent dining room. Open for lunch and dinner. 702.796.1110
TAO ASIAN BISTRO & NIGHTCLUB This 44,000-square-foot nightclub, lounge and banquet facility offers some of Las Vegas’ hottest nightlife. The restaurant features Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines which include everything from Kobe beef to traditional Peking Duck – prepared by Chef Sam Hazen and other master chefs with years of training in their native lands. 702.388.8338
TAQUERIA CANONITA Inspired by the neighborhoods, streets and soul of Mexico City, Chef Daniel Marquez makes stylish use of first-rate organic ingredients, roasted meats and seafood in such favorites as tacos, tamales, tostadas and gorditas. Also featuring an innovative bar with rare blue agave and mezcal tequilas. Open for lunch and dinner. 702.414.3773
TINTORETTO BAKERY A quaint Italian bakery, market and café serving fresh breads, pastries, espresso and cappuccino. 702.414.3400
PIERRO SELVAGGIO VALENTINO Named “America’s #1 Italian Restaurant” by Wine Spectator and Forbes. Fine wine, stunning cuisine and unforgettable ambience. 702.414.3000
THE GRILL AT VALENTINO By Pierro Selvaggio. Fine Italian food in a warm and casual atmosphere. 702.414.3000
ZEFFIRINO RISTORANTE With Chef Gian Paolo Belloni. Italian seafood, meat and pasta dishes prepared with authentic Venetian techniques in a rich and elegant setting overlooking the Grand Canal. 702.414.3500 About The Grand Canal Shoppes: The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc. of Chicago, IL. It is home to more than 80 retail and specialty shops and an abundance of restaurants and fine dining establishments. For additional information, please call (702) 414.4500 or visit www.thegrandcanalshoppes.com
![Harrahs New Orleans Food. New Orleans is famous for its food and restaurants, and rightly so. Local restaurants have mastered the art of making the common taste royal. It’s magical what they can do in a kitchen with some simple ingredients and their secret recipes. Even the lowly Shrimp Po Boys prepared anywhere else just don’t taste as good.[more...]](../images/200_Harrahs_New_Orleans_Food.jpg)
