Meats, sweets, and solitude in Sin City

Meats, sweets, and solitude in Sin City 

This past week, my husband and I traveled to Las Vegas. It was my second time there, both under the same circumstances: a business trip.

Two years ago, we did it all wrong. I didn't do my research beforehand and became easily overwhelmed by the countless restaurants and activities- so much so that I didn't actually enjoy much of anything we ate or did and ended up disliking the city all together.  

This year, my approach was much different. Sure, I still had to work- but I didn't let that deter me from seeking out things I thoroughly enjoyed like food & spa time! 

Home-base 

The conference was being held at the Aria Resort & Casino, so naturally that is where we stayed. The resort is beautiful, clean, and features large sleeping rooms, great pools, multiple restaurants & shops, etc. It is the perfect size too, not big enough to get lost but also enough where you'd never have to leave the resort. 

A foodie fortress 

Although we were staying at the Aria, the Cosmopolitan (which was right next door) featured some culinary heavy hitters. I can not speak for the accommodations but believe me when I say: this place is the sh!t!

Momofuko 

David Chang's Momofuko has been on our list since we binge watched his series: Ugly Delicious. Originally, we had dinner reservations for the restaurant located in the Cosmo, but after checking out the lunch menu- I noticed that the same offerings were half the price- winning! We popped in at noon on the dot (we aren't excited or anything) and sat right away. Soon after, the friendliest waiter greeted us and from there one of my most memorable dining experiences took off. 

I love open air kitchens. Momofuku was actually the second restaurant we ate at during our trip which featured this dining element: Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres located in the SLS Las Vegas did as well. 

Anyway, Bobby and I explained to our kind-faced waiter that we were about to do some serious damage and order nearly the whole menu. He loved our plan and in turn, took us on a culinary adventure. 

He brought us spicy Cucumbers with togarashi and toasted almonds to start- on the house. This dish was deliciously refreshing with a kick. Shortly after, we received the Shrimp pork bun with spicy mayo, pickled red onion, and iceberg lettuce. 

We loved it- and because we did, he decided to bring out his favorite pork belly bun with hoisin sauce, scallion, and cucumber to accompany it. 

Next, we were served Sichuan lamb ribs with cucumber, chili yogurt- which were my personal favorite! 

This dish was a whirlwind of flavor featuring both Mediterranean and Asian fusion influences. It left me speechless.

Next on the food parade was kimchi marinated skirt steak served with ginger scallion rice and bibb lettuce to wrap (Bo Ssäm)- another culinary wow experience! The steak was so tender, the kimchi was just right,and when paired with the rice- umami! 

Next were noodles, both hot and cold. The hot was a Shoyu Pork Ramen with double (because our waiter liked us) pork belly & shoulder, and a slow poached egg. The cold were chilled Spicy Noodles with sichuan sausage, thai basil, and candied cashew. We were stuffed- but still in our glory!

Milk Bar 

Being stuffed has never stopped us before. After we gorged ourselves with delicious food, we headed right next door to dessert at Milk Bar. I'd be lying if I said the inclusion of puppies on their soft serve machine didn't draw me in! 

I went with the classic and legendary cereal milk soft serve with cornflake crunch and Bobby got the crack pie ice cream. 

This place definitely lives up to the hype! Both ice creams were rich and flavorful with strong ingredients that I couldn't even pinpoint. The homemade crunch was perfectly salty and sweet- please take me back! 

Late night shakes and Vegas buns 

Now, you'd think that after a massive lunch, we would have been done. Oh no, no, no...come 10pm we were hungry for more! We headed back over to the cosmo to check out Holsteins. The atmosphere is super cool and after snacking on some pizza flavored popcorn (think pizza goldfish) we both ordered the Fun-ghi beef patty topped with forest mushrooms, caramelized onion, gruyere cheese, frisee, and truffle mayo- need I say more? The burger was juicy the toppings were rich and the bun perfectly buttery toasted. 

Yeah, we did it- more ice cream. But this time it was liquefied- that makes it okay right?! This baby was the black and white topped with fresh whip- a.k.a. heaven. This was a cheat meal that I did not regret.  

Healthier Times 

Come Monday, we were ready to get back on track (or try to). The above salad was a pricey but delicious option from Bardot Brasserie in the Aria. The salad featured beets, goat cheese, pistachio and the elephant in the room- giant shrimp which were some of the best I have ever had in my life! 

Steak for 2 x 3 

This trip will go down in history as the time we realized we only ever want to order the steak for 2. Bobby and I would fight anyone who disagrees that a succulent filet, strip, etc. combo is maybe, probably, better then heaven itself. We had three of these babies throughout our trip and I am honestly not sure which I enjoyed most! 

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres

As mentioned earlier, Bazzar Meat featured a super cool open air kitchen where they proudly displayed their array of meats. We went with the “Vaca Vieja” an 8-10 year-old rib-eye from CA. This cut had a fantastic beef flavor that was slightly gamey- in the best way possible. 

We paired it with the Delmonico potatoes and the Super-Giant pork-skin chicharrón with greek yogurt, and za’atar spices.

SW Steakhouse 

Located in the Wynn Resort & Casino,SW Steakhouse offered a meal and experience that we would never forget. Although there is an extensive menu of Japanese Wagu, we could not resist the dry aged porterhouse. The crust on this steak was remarkable and of course, memorable. 

We paired it again with potatoes, but the star of the carb show was the deep fried apple pie with homemade vanilla ice cream.

 

STK Steakhouse 

On our last night, we found ourselves back at the Cosmo with seemingly no destination until we spotted STK. This steakhouse is one that I have always wanted to try- and luckily they had an opening right away! A walk in at a Vegas steakhouse- who would have thought?!

We ordered yet again, the dry aged porterhouse for 2 and were blown away. The filet was butter. In terms of literal butter- we also got the truffle butter (ah-maz-ing), creamy yukon mashed potatoes, and thick cut roasted asparagus.  

Another show stopper was their beet salad with pistachio pesto and goat cheese. Not to mention their monkey-bread type blue cheese topped heaven. 

Detox anyone? 

If you haven't picked up on this already, my husband and I can EAT. As much as we love fitness, we also love re-feeding our bodies with the most delicious and quality food whenever possible. 

When on vacation though- it is easy to over-fuel quite a bit- and this calls for a detox. Luckily for us and our bodies (which must have been in shock after the consistent caloric increase) the Aria has an amazing spa with a day pass that will run you just $50! The pass includes access to their:

- Jacuzzi area with cedar sauna and eucalyptus steam room  

- Meditation rooms 

- A private outdoor heated pool  

We spent 4.5 hours there just cycling through hot and cold plunges and sweating out the toxins. It was incredible and I highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity whenever you have the chance. 

Vegas is for everyone, after all 

My husband and I don't really drink (that is a mock-tail), we don't love to gamble, and we aren't really into musicals or extravagant shows. But, give us some great accommodations, food, and access to relaxation- and we are the happiest travelers we could ever be.