Vegas Dining News for November 6, 2007

A few short bits of news this week, for those of you who like to eat your way around Vegas:

• Trader Vic’s is now open at Planet Hollywood. The 15,000-square-foot restaurant features both modern and traditional Pan-Asian dishes on its menu, similar to its popular Los Angeles sibling. The venue also includes a rather large outdoor patio overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and a second-floor ultralounge. Though it’s upscale, prices aren’t going to put a huge dent in the wallet. Appetizers range from $9 to $12 on average, with entrees in the $18-$25 range for lunch and up into the $30 range for dinner choices. Entrees come with a complimentary bread selection accompanied by four dipping sauces (BBQ, mustard, satay and wasabi). Trader Vic’s is open daily from 11:30am until midnight.

• Word comes that the Monte Carlo has closed their steakhouse, Blackstone’s Grill. In its place will reportedly be a new steakhouse called HIDE. Yes, all in capital letters. Not sure if I like that name for a steakhouse, either.

• Wolfgang Puck will open a Vegas version of his award-winning CUT steakhouse at The Palazzo at the Venetian this December, when the new tower opens. Matthew Hurley has been named to serve as the executive chef of the 160-seat restaurant and 60-seat bar and lounge. The restaurant will mark Puck’s sixth restaurant in Las Vegas.

• The opening of Diablo’s Cantina at the Monte Carlo has gotten off to a rocky start. No sooner had they had their grand opening party last month, when the restaurant was temporarily closed for over 50 health code violations, most involving improper food storage temperatures. It appears the Mexican eatery took care of its problems and it is now re-opened for business.

• To celebrate its redesigned Bubbles Bar, the Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace is now offering a special “Bites & Bubbles” menu. It includes tastes of several signature dishes like Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup and Oysters in Ice Gelee in addition to sumptuous starters like Beef Tartar with “Pommes Dauphine” and a delicately flavored Scallop and Parsley All Around. Charcuterie Plate, Caviar by the ounce, and Artisan Cheese Plate are especially suited to sharing. As with the dining room menu, all of Guy Savoy’s dishes are seasonal, meaning guests can experience something new nearly each time they dine. The menu is separated into “The Small Bites” (priced at $25 for two items, $30 for three items, and $40 for four items), “The Big Bites” (priced between $18 and $35) and “Sweet Bites” ($10 each).

• Save $15 off lunch at the acclaimed McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant by printing out this online coupon. Limit one coupon per table and the offer expires on November 9th.

• Acclaimed chef and chocolatier Francois Payard will open his Payard Patisserie & Bistro this month at Caesars Palace. Located next to Rao’s restaurant, this classic neighborhood pastry shop will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as late-night offerings and counter-service coffee. Specialty goods such as breads, pastries and chocolates will also be offered in this elegant atmosphere which borrows from pastry shops on Paris’ Left Bank.