Fancy Times in Las Vegas

I didn’t gamble or go clubbing or even do much shopping, but I did enjoy a very fancy hotel stay and lots of delicious meals during my time in Vegas. A bit unconventional perhaps, but since Jesse was there for a work conference, I simply tagged along for the week! It also kicked off our little West Coast vacation over Memorial Day weekend: Victoria, Vancouver, & Seattle. Beautiful times in very different surroundings.

Glimpse the pretty side of Vegas, as seen through my lens:

We stayed in Encore at the Wynn, but I wandered around during the day, checking out all the other hotels up and down the strip. Wynn is all about over-the-top decor, and these giant flower sculptures definitely fit the bill.

On the right below, the atrium at Mirage.

The Flamingo and Paris.

Inside the shops at Forum.

Caesar’s.

Best brunch in Vegas (off the strip)! Eat. Delicious pancakes and everything else too.

My solo brunch at Bouchon Bistro… their bread pudding style French toast looks interesting, but it was way too sweet doused in all that syrup.

The Venetian is all classical elegance!

 

Mandarin Oriental (on the right).

Desserts at Sweets Raku (also off-strip). The menu is edible! Doesn’t taste like anything, but the raspberry sauce is delicious. We sat at a very nice marble bar counter surrounding their all-white kitchen, so we could see them making all the desserts.

My raspberry fondant dessert with a million components and the finale cream puffs.

Our last Vegas dinner: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in the MGM. One Michelin star, sleek and modern setting.

Robuchon is probably best known for his pomme puree (mashed potatoes). They were decadently velvety when we got to sample them with our quail dish, but when we each got a bowl with our entrees, it became clear they were probably 90% butter and 10% potato. Still delicious, but a bit much. Overall, a delicious meal!

 

 

And on our last half-day, breakfast at Tableau in the Wynn.

Til next time, Vegas! Despite not being a “Vegas person,” I find myself there repeatedly– and having a good time every time too.

Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco but often jetsetting around the world. Follow her on facebook for more photography and travel adventures.