Caesars
Caesars
A Chica’s Vision
Before she became the culinary powerhouse behind the award-winning menu at Chica inside The Venetian Resort, Chef Lorena Garcia was once a contestant on the cooking competition show, “Top Chef Masters.” Garcia was tasked with creating a pastry-type dish on a $50 budget for a 350-person poolside brunch hosted by Holly Madison. And oh yeah, she only had 45 minutes to do it. Facing a daunting challenge, Garcia turned to her Venezuelan roots to snatch the winning recipe. Her creation, of course, were buñuelos topped with fresh berry compote, white chocolate and condensed vanilla sauce. So, when it came time to create the dessert menu for Chica, chef’s victory made adding the buñuelos an obvious choice. Literally award-winning, these buñuelos (called “Lemon Donuts” on the menu) are as simple as they are delicious. Offering a crispy, firm shell with a warm, fluffy lemon ricotta interior, these donuts are then plated with a wild berry compote and white chocolate dulce de leche sauce. Remarkable in its simplicity, if not solely its taste, the importance of this dish stretches far beyond Chef Lorena individually and reaches into the Latin American community from which she comes. Mention buñuelos in Belize, El Salvador or even Panama and you will quickly learn how much of a staple this treat is amongst holiday and celebratory gatherings in their local neighborhoods. And when you stop to think about it, this is a theme among all of Lorena Garcia’s creations at Chica: honoring the ingredients of her country, while creating dishes that are approachable and enjoyable by all. So it makes sense when tasked with a seemingly impossible challenge on “Top Chef Masters,” Chef Lorena’s instinct was to lean into the traditions of her Latin American upbringing.
Lemon Donuts. Image Courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
The desserts at Chica, in Chef Lorena’s eyes, are quite literally an elevated introduction to the flavors and experiences of her Venezuelan heritage and travels throughout Latin America. Each
bite revealing a story from her past. Using her desserts as a vehicle to introduce you to the people and places she loves is an opportunity Chef Lorena will not pass up. Take the Tres Leches Dulce de Leche, which is, by tradition, a very humble dessert. As with many other Latin American families, Chef Lorena vividly recalls awaiting the Tres Leches cake at family functions with earnest. More specifically, as an impatient 5 year-old tagging along with her mother at the market, chef reminisces about the tiny cans of sweetened condensed milk that were given to her as a treat for behaving. This is just one example of the undeniable reverence to the Tres Leches cake. Chef Lorena, as always, is going back to what she knows. Starting with a soft, spongy cake soaked in white chocolate dulce du leche, condensed milk and regular milk, the dish reaches its fullest potential once topped with a torched meringue and dotted by a bright, pineapple fruit pico. Again, the traditional has become sensational, all without losing its approachability.
Whether you have an encyclopedia’s worth of experience with the fares of Latin America or if you’re just using your Las Vegas vacation as an opportunity to dip your toes into this culinary culture for the first time, it’s important to reiterate the significance of community and continuity. Chef Lorena has brought that with her to Chica -cultivating an environment where, like family, trust and teamwork take precedence. Because of this, her team is emboldened to experiment and take risks. Inspired by a discussion with her team, Chef Lorena believed in their passion and excitement. The result? A whimsical yet decadent dish that is trademark Chica: Churro Fried Ice Cream Pops. Three mouthwatering scoops of caramel ice cream delicately coated in cinnamon churro crumbs. Elsewhere, this would be enough. At Chica however, each scoop of caramel ice cream gets pierced with a miniature churro stick and served with equal scoops whipped cream and a sweet vanilla bean anglaise sauce.
Chica Las Vegas. Image Courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Another dish in which Chef Lorena defers credit to her staff is the Arroz Con Leche. This creamy rice pudding features a caramelized crust that holds the dessert together like a gentle hug. One look at the elaborate fuchsia colored garnish and you begin to realize this isn’t your standard Arroz Con Leche. But alas, there’s more. One taste of the dried apricot, candied pineapple and pomegranate rum sauce will transport you to the fresh fruit markets Chef Lorena frequented as a kid.
None of these ties to heritage and nostalgia would be complete without the most illustrious of Chica desserts: Marquesa de Chocolate. Chef Lorena’s favorite dessert on the menu, it’s everything she loves about her heritage and offers a gateway, of sorts, to Latin America through its robust flavors. Made with rich, 100% Venezuelan chocolate mousse, espresso-soaked graham crackers piled layers-upon-layers-upon-layers high and served with silky crema ice cream. This is the closest thing chef has to a time machine, as preparing the dish affords her an opportunity to reflect upon the modest Marquesa de Chocolate she enjoyed throughout her youth. Cramped inside a kitchen, surrounded by friends and family eagerly awaiting the chocolate-filled confection, although that Marquesa wasn’t quite as grand as its current form. Back then, graham crackers were soaked in milk, not espresso. And one layer was the finale, not the beginning.
Lorena Garcia. Image Courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
As you can tell, the dessert menu at Chica Las Vegas is more labor of love, a passing nod to heritage and culture, than it is a hastily, thrown-together afterthought. Press releases will revel in the use of imported ingredients, the innovative culinary techniques used and the grand spectacle of celebrity, sure. But for Chef Lorena, what this dessert menu is -no, what this restaurant is about, is inviting guests to experience a piece of who she is and where she comes from. So, lean into the unknown and the unfamiliar. After all, this is Las Vegas. And at Chica Las Vegas, a little dessert is an adventure all its own.
Park MGM takes Las Vegas hotels to the next level
Follow us as we take a stroll through Park MGM, the new Las Vegas hotel that elevates your Sin City expectations. This is truly a one-of-a-kind Vegas experience you won’t find anywhere else on the Strip. From being a foodie haven to refreshing cocktails at the new speakeasy and nightclub, On the Record, this hotel provides a true Vegas experience. And who could forget the stars headlining at Park Theater? You’ll go gaga for Lady Gaga and witness Cher strut her stuff. Everything you need is at your fingertips. With a premier location on the Las Vegas Strip, the finest things the city has to offer are just moments away. You can catch the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights next door at T-Mobile Arena, jump aboard the Big Apple Roller Coaster at New York-New York or catch the famous, awe-inspiring Bellagio Fountains. Park MGM has unlimited options, and they’re as enjoyable as a stroll in the park.
The Vibe
Patterned carpeting, dim lighting and world-class entertainment. While it’s true that each Las Vegas resort has its own unique identity and aesthetic, most of them are working from a similar playbook. Park MGM sent that playbook straight to the recycling plant and created something totally unique. Beginning in the remodeled lobby and extending throughout the resort’s 32 floors, Park MGM doesn’t so much scream fresh or dope, it just is. On a large scale, Park MGM has traded in the shock and awe for something more refined and intimate. Think world-renowned musician performing an acoustic set for their closest friends and family. And when we said it extends throughout the property, we meant it; whether that’s enjoying a handcrafted cocktail at Juniper Cocktail Lounge or sifting through vinyl at record store/speakeasy/nightclub, On The Record. Not to be redundant here, but even the hotel rooms inside Park MGM follow a similar motif. Don’t believe us? Take a look inside one of the rooms. The design is the picture of luxury but the earthy tones, curated art and minimalistic bathrooms give each space a distinct New York feel. But once hunger strikes, step into one of Park MGM’s restaurants and you’ll witness that same attention to detail. Roy Choi’s Best Friend is everything you want from a world-renowned celebrity chef but with the accessibility and humbleness of a traditional LA Koreatown eatery. Fresh or innovative is something that’s hard to come by in Las Vegas, but it’s a staple at Park MGM.
Entertainment
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Las Vegas, and Park MGM spared no expense in bringing the best of the best in live entertainment to Sin City. At Park Theater you have the opportunity to enjoy renowned musicians like Lady Gaga and Cher. We know it’s hard to choose between the two, but no matter who you see, it’s going to be a memory you won’t soon forget. Lady Gaga is always a good time and is full of jaw-dropping surprises, while Cher brings a stunning wardrobe, over-the-top wigs and all the classic hits you used to sing with your hair- curler-turned-microphone. Each of these headliners on their own are a Big Game half-time show. They’re brilliantly curated and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the stage until the final curtain drops. If you’re looking to diversify your entertainment lineup however, head next door and check out T-Mobile Arena. The arena hosts plenty of Las Vegas concerts, but it’s also home to NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. Arriving in the NHL during the 2017-18 season, the Knights have captured the hearts of sports fans from around the world.
The Spa and Pools at Park MGM
Pools in Las Vegas are known to have a certain reputation, and if you ask us, it’s one that’s well deserved because our pools are THAT great. When Park MGM decided to throw their hat in the ring, they did the most Vegas thing ever and threw in three. During a Las Vegas summer the pool can be just as important as your hotel room. It’s where you unwind on a daybed, party with friends beneath the shade of a cabana or cool off in the water. Following Park MGM’s less-is-more aesthetic, these pools use only subtle features to make them one-of-a-kind. Choose from either of the three pools, hot tub, two bars or lounge area to maximize your outdoor experience. If you’re choosing to visit the spa however, the phrase, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” takes on a whole new meaning. If we’re talking about relaxation in Las Vegas, it doesn’t get any better than inside The Spa at Park MGM. Just the thought of this lavender-and-eucalyptus-scented space has released our tension. Whether you’re looking for a custom massage, a hydrating facial or a steam room session, The Spa at Park MGM has the treatment and service your body most desires.
Restaurants
Every hotel in Las Vegas has food, but at Park MGM, we’re just going to say, “welcome to foodie paradise.” From the world-renowned Italian marketplace, Eataly, to Chef Roy Choi’s creation, Best Friend, these restaurants on the Strip deliver worldwide flavor all under one roof. Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, what better way to spend it than inside the French garden-inspired restaurant, Primrose? With natural light flooding through the windows, it’s an awesome way to start your day. You can even dine on the patio to enjoy your eggs with a side of fresh air. For lunch, embark on a foodie adventure through the famous Italian flavors of Eataly. You can buy your favorite Italian ingredients in their marketplace or try dishes at stations that serve pizza, pasta, gelato, fresh mozzarella and more. If you’re looking for a unique experience with your friends however, book a cooking class at the Chef’s Table. Here, well-seasoned executive chefs teach you and your friends how to perfect your favorite Italian dishes. Just because you’ve had an abundance of food for lunch doesn’t mean you get to skip out on Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar or Roy Choi’s Korean BBQ restaurant for dinner. Bavette’s has sides on sides on sides and you can bet that when the dry-aged tomahawk steak comes out, your mouth will water. For an added bonus, head to the back of the restaurant to imbibe some cocktails in the secret bar area. As far as Best Friend, after you’re done tasting almost all the dishes on the menu, head to the bodega where you can find one-of-a-kind merch for you to take home.
Nightlife
You’re not going to find a million square foot shrine to EDM at Park MGM. Instead, this is where you go when you’re in the mood for something more inviting, bespoke and interactive. And there’s nothing more bespoke than a handcrafted cocktail from Juniper Cocktail Lounge. Home to the largest collection of gin in Las Vegas, Juniper is as serious about the highlighted spirit as it is about having a good time. While gin is their specialty, they’re not limited to the nuances of the juniper berry. Craft is the name of the game here, so allow the bartenders to whip together a cocktail using a spirit of your choice. However, if you’re in the mood to get down with a larger crew of people, On The Record (OTR) is the place to be. A fully-functional record store upon first glance, it’s not until further inspection that you learn about OTR’s hidden speakeasy and nightclub. Retro speakers, vintage TV’s and cassette tapes transport you back in time, while the live performances in the main room keep things modern. We couldn’t talk about On The Record without mentioning the hidden vinyl parlor – this is a speakeasy after all. You’ll find a rotating list of guest “startenders” crafting cocktails based on your personal taste in music. But if you’re looking for an experience that sums up OTR, look no further than the three karaoke rooms. This is the perfect place to throw caution to the wind and channel your inner superstar. And now that we think about it, that’s the whole point of Las Vegas anyway, isn’t it?
Chef Cheveau, the Picasso of Pastries
Like Picasso and his paintings, Chef Cheveau can make a masterpiece out of any pastry that touches his hands. He’s so good at what he does, he took third place at the World Chocolate Masters. For those of you who don’t follow baking competitions with a passion, it’s the “Big Game” of the chocolate world. If that’s not impressive enough,
When Art Becomes Food… or is it the Other Way Around?
If you’ve heard that Las Vegas restaurants are some of the best places to eat, well, you’ve heard right. There’s an Eiffel Tower restaurant, a place to dine on “top of the world,” cheap restaurants and everything in between. And if you’re looking for one of those “unforgettable dining experiences,” look no further than Le Cirque inside Bellagio Las Vegas.
Every restaurant claims to be an “experience” these days, but how many of them actually back it up? With a perennial AAA Five Diamond Award rating, food that looks too pretty to eat and a playful, circus like interior, try telling your five senses that Le Cirque isn’t an experience. And we haven’t even mentioned tableside views of the Fountains of Bellagio. So check out the video to see some of Le Cirque’s renowned favorites come to life. Once you’re finished watching, wipe that drool off your face and get down to Le Cirque at Bellagio Las Vegas today.
Circa
Circa
Five of the best suites in Las Vegas
Live large and drink plenty. That’s the best motto to have when you’re shopping around for Las Vegas suites. There are a million, bazillion hotels in Las Vegas, so we’re going to let you in on a little secret, or five. You’ll find some of the best suites in these hotels: ARIA, The Palazzo Las Vegas, Caesar Palace, The Venetian Las Vegas and The Mirage. Click on the video below and take a gander at these beauties. They’re larger than life and decked out with the best hotel amenities. Think, your own personal backyard, a putting green, an elevator and even your own personal butler (you can call him Jeeves if you want). These five Las Vegas suites will make you feel like you’re on MTV. Say it with us, “Welcome to my crib.”
FLY LINQ takes Las Vegas zip lines to new heights
Experience the melting pot of tourists from new heights at FLY LINQ, a Las Vegas zip line that reaches up to 14 stories high. While you’re zip lining through the LINQ Promenade, you can look down and see unattended kids playing in the fountain, or our favorite activity, someone scarfing down animal fries at In-N-Out. But if you look straight ahead, you’ll see that you have one of the best views on the Strip, the High Roller. If you go at night, you might be able to catch the Las Vegas attraction light up for its show that happens every hour after dusk. Whether you’re sitting in a sling or in the superman pose, FLY LINQ is a Vegas experience that you have to check out.
Lucky Dragon
Lucky Dragon
What’s your Dorsey cocktail personality?
Smooth, sensual and sophisticated. You may think this is a description of the plush ambiance or rubbed-brass details you’ll find at The Dorsey, a bespoke bar inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But more so, these are the characteristics of the drink menu. Hand crafted and of the highest quality, these made-to-measure cocktails have been tailored to fit your most subtle nuances and even your current mood. This is not just another place to belly up at the bar, dear friends, this is an experience that is redefining nightlife in Las Vegas.
A glossy alternative to the traditional nightclub scene, The Dorsey is an infusion of contemporary music in a sexy, yet relaxed space. A space where experiences are curated, and one can have a night on the town from the comfort of worn-leather chesterfields. Welcome to the idea of cocktail couture, where what you fancy has been specially designed for you and where intimate, conversational corners are coveted as highly as the elevated libations.
The Dorsey Library inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Whether you’re a classic champagne sipper or prefer the malt and molasses of a youthful scotch, what you order can say a lot about your personality. A Reposado served neat may say you’re cultured, yet uncomplicated. Tiki tumblers more your style? Well aren’t you just the life of the party.
Cocktails vary as much as the people who partake in them. But at The Dorsey, there’s one thing they must all have in common: balance. For The Dorsey bartenders, it’s about creating a harmony with unexpected ingredients. Each component dancing together to produce the perfect flavor profile.
Anybody can shake up a drink and call it a “craft cocktail” these days. But it takes more than summoning your creativity with fancy swizzle sticks and paper umbrellas to embody the genre. True masters of the cocktail arts, like those found behind the bar at The Dorsey, create a multi-layered seduction of the senses.
The Dorsey at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Sight – Because often the first sign of attraction is visual. Precise ratios of liquid, whipped and textured foams, contrasting colors and etched glass create sexy accessories you want to be seen holding.
Sound – The clink of artisanal ice. The pop and fizz of effervescence. A slow glug into a glass that has been carefully chosen to accentuate the elixir inside. Cue the crescendo of ooh’s and ahh’s.
Smell – Then, there’s olfactory stimulation. A freshly-picked garnish is placed next to the straw, so your first flavor encounter is laced with essential oils. Fresh mint, sharp ginger, the warmth of cloves or crisp green apples are deliberately perched on a glass to emphasize fragrance.
Touch – For many patrons, the vessel the cocktail comes in matters just as much as what’s inside. After all, an elegant drink deserves an elegant glass. But there’s also a science behind it. Like wine, the shape of each glass provides specific aeration, so The Dorsey’s barware is carefully selected for both style and function. That is, unless you’re drinking out of one of their copper pineapples. Those were chosen for cheeky humor and sheer whimsy.
Taste – You won’t find artificial flavoring in these cocktails; The Dorsey only uses fresh and seasonal ingredients. Before assembly lines bottled your favorite spirits and accoutrements with preservatives, bartenders did the unheard of: they spent time juicing real fruit and shaving whole nutmeg. The Dorsey adheres to this classic cocktail lore by returning to authentic flavors and techniques.
You can already tell these are no ordinary cocktails. These cocktails have been painstakingly engineered, sourced for the freshest ingredients and selected for your discerning palate. So, pull up a seat for some of The Dorsey’s finest concoctions, and they’ve been chosen for you by the best of the best at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
French Pearl at The Dorsey inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Cocktail #1: French Pearl
Ingredients: Gin, fresh lime, mint leaves & French Pernod Absinthe
Why these ingredients: The gin’s woodsy bitterness needs to be evened out, and there may be no better opponent than the sugary softness of absinthe and fresh mint leaves. This cocktail is the antithesis of the mojito, it is boldly refreshing but not overpoweringly sweet.
Who it’s for: The classic sophisticate. Polished yet spunky, this cocktail is as timeless as old Hollywood and so are you. You are refined and always put together, often matching your ensemble with the perfect accessories. Your palate is well-versed and well-traveled, always preferring quality over quantity.
The Narrator at The Dorsey inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Cocktail #2: Narrator
Ingredients: Rye whiskey, Amaro CioCiaro, Punt e Mes & orange bitters
Why these ingredients: The spicy and dry nature of rye whisky blends well with the rich heaviness of cloves, cinnamon and allspice from the Amaro CioCiaro. When combined with the bright cherry notes of Punt e Mes, this concoction becomes bitter sweet. Think dark chocolate; it’s creamy but bold – tart but sugary.
Who it’s for: The indirect influencer. You don’t hog the spotlight, because you don’t have to. You exude confidence by being comfortable in your own skin, and people notice you because of it. You aren’t afraid of being a bit of a loner and have no problem approaching the bar by yourself. But, that rarely happens because people are curiously drawn to you.
The Easy Street at The Dorsey inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Cocktail #3: Easy Street
Ingredients: Vodka, cucumber, elderflower & lemon
Why these ingredients: A good vodka is an infusion of strength and subtlety, just like this cocktail. The elderflower, a tiny white European bud that recently became mainstream with help from the Royal Wedding, adds light floral notes. The fresh lemon and muddled cucumber lend themselves to an eternal summer.
Who it’s for: The daydreamer. You are often on the grind, multi-tasking and making countless decisions that leave your mind wandering through far-off lands in search of more relaxed experiences. Rather than reading every last detail of a menu to choose a drink, you want something delicious and refreshing without the effort and fuss. You’ll find the light and carefree feeling of summertime memories by the pool at the bottom of this glass.
Montañista at The Dorsey inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Cocktail #4: Montañista
Ingredients: Mezcal, Braulio Amaro & blanc vermouth
Why these ingredients: Mezcal, the latest liquor of the moment, embodies the smoky essence of roasted char, a unique departure from the wood-fired smoke you’d find in a scotch. When paired with the Italian herbal digestif, Braulio Amaro, the cooling properties ease the tensions of such a drastic contrast and provide a counterbalance. Similar to eating hot grilled vegetables in the Alps. Although most would think these notes are mismatched, they’re like a group of friends who are nothing alike but complement each other’s personalities. Blanc vermouth adds a citrusy sweetness and a grapefruit peel garnish adds brightness to complete the flavor profile.
Who it’s for: The daredevil. You thrive on discovering the exotic and unfamiliar, and would boldly slurp the worm straight from the mezcal bottle. Not unlike the courageous and thrill-seeking mountaineers this cocktail is named for, you look for memorable experiences that keep you on your toes and make you feel alive.
The Texico at The Dorsey inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Cocktail #5: Texico
Ingredients: Tequila, green apple, almond, dry vermouth, egg whites and Mexican cinnamon
Why these ingredients: This flavor profile is the ultimate marriage of bold and subtle symmetry. Agave soothes the bite of tequila and is paired with a crisp green apple and Mexican cinnamon – a softer and brighter counterpart that is spicier, yet less woody. The egg white softens and binds the flavors together for a not too sweet, not too dry combination.
Who it’s for: Those with a flair for adventure but not necessarily risk-takers. You may not jump head first into the unknown, but you’ll definitely dip your toe in the pond. This happy human cocktail is for those who would like to try new things but typically stick to tried and true staples they know they like. This is a great choice for those who want to push themselves for something new and a little outside the box.
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