DAY 1
3535 Tasting Menu: ESPRESSO BOURBON: Maker’s Mark Bourbon infused with espresso coffee beans and chilled with a diamond-shaped ice cube. BLACKBERRY BITE: Knob Creek Bourbon infused with blackberries and cracked black pepper, fresh lemon and sage, topped with Fever Tree Ginger Beer.
3535
STAR TREATMENT 3535 OUR PICK: The Thin Mint, made with Oreo-infused Skyy Vodka and rimmed with crushed Oreo cookies. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: If you’re not in the mood for a cocktail, don’t fret because 3535 features six wines on tap, as well as an array of Champagne selections. OUR PICK: Save room for dessert! We didn’t think we could muster up the energy to put one more bite into our mouths, but we’re glad we did. The Fried Ice Cream Boulder Sundae and Guy’s Cheesecake Challenge are melt-in-your-mouth mountains of goodness. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Guy’s bar features a frozen tap system that dispenses eight different shots for your party pleasure. Why? Shots strained or mixed with ice can become diluted, and who wants that?!
Once we settled in and explored the LINQ’s penthouse, we headed to the lobby for an exclusive cocktail tasting at the hotel’s newest infusion bar, 3535. A hanging chain-link façade encloses the bar’s floor-to-ceiling, multicolored vortex LED fixture. Once inside, 3535 took us away from the lively chaos of casino life and passersby streaming through the grounds. Beverage Operations Manager TJ McNally, a man with a passion for the industry made apparent in his light-hearted yet eager attitude, educated us on the bar’s offerings and the drinks we’d have the pleasure of trying. Trays upon trays circulated our small crowd as we gained knowledge of the unique and innovative custom-made infusions. Each sip sent us into a new conversation of, “I’ve never tried this!” or, “This is my absolute favorite!”
GUY FIERI’S VEGAS KITCHEN & BAR:
Roughly 12 samples later, our stomachs were craving something a little more substantial. Keeping the energy up, we headed to the lively atmosphere of Guy Fieri’s for unique spins on classic American food. But before we could eat, our server greeted the table with an excessive tray of Fireball shots. “You gotta take it!” our server laughed. “It’s Guy’s favorite liquor to consume.” Bottoms up!
If you’re looking for tapas, take yourself elsewhere. Guy’s is for going all out. From the shareables to the entrées, these plates are packed with sweet, savory and sensational grub. We got our hands on favorites like the Sashimi Won-Tacos made with sashimi-grade ahi tuna packed into crispy wonton shells with mango-jicama salsa, sweet soy, scallions and wasabi cream, the Dragon’s Breath Chili Cheese Fries made with Guy’s “low and slow” cooked chili topped with melted cheddar, pico de gallo, sour cream and scallions, and the tangy crispness of Morgan’s Greek Salad. For entrées, we devoured the 14-hour beef brisket and bacon mac-n-cheese burger.
OMNIA NIGHTCLUB:
If you’re living it up in Las Vegas, even a food coma can’t keep you down. Our last stop of the night was the brand new and brilliant nightlife experience of OMNIA, located just across the street from the LINQ at Caesars Palace. We arrived early, around 11 p.m., but the lines were already wrapped around the perimeter of the venue with crowds of excited partygoers prepared to dance straight into Saturday morning with Calvin Harris. Entering the multi-level nightclub, which spans 75,000 total square feet, was like entering a private kingdom. The sensory overload offered a sexy and vibrant ultra-lounge, main room, mezzanine and rooftop garden. We snagged a booth in OMNIA’s Main Room, where we sipped on Grey Goose and danced underneath the colossal LED chandelier that ties the entire venue together.
EL FUEGO: Sauza Tequila infused with mango, citrus and jalapeños, mixed with agave nectar, mango puree and housemade sour mix. THE MULE: Mint and ginger-infused Stoli Vodka with Domaine Canton Liqueur, muddled lime and topped with a splash of Fever Tree Ginger Beer. Don’t forget the candied ginger! WAT-A-PEAR: Watermelon and rosemary-infused Tito’s Vodka with St. Germaine Liqueur and fresh watermelon juice. THIN MINT: Mint Oreo-infused Skyy Vodka with a splash of cream, crème de menthe, crème de cocoa and an Oreo cookie crumb rim. CHAI PEANUT BUTTER CUP: Chai tea, vanilla bean-infused Ketel One Vodka, peanut butter and RumChata.
| OCTOBER 2015 | 211