The only thing more prevalent on the Las Vegas Strip than slot machines are restaurants. They range from all the typical fast-food joints you'll find practically everywhere else in the industrialized world to a few unique destinations replete with all that Sin City flare. In the casinos themselves the menus are diverse and pricey, but it's also easy to find reasonable bills with prix fixe selections. Surprisingly, some of the best deals for hungry gamblers can be found on dessert lists.
Creme Brulee Trio- Cafe Bellagio
The Cafe Bellagio at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino is one of the more casual dining experiences at the otherwise gilded resort. Tucked away in a quiet corner with a dazzling seasonal display, it's the type of restaurant in which most Americans would be comfortable. But, since it's Vegas, Cafe Bellagio is still on the fancier end of life. For a very reasonable $8.00 you can get the Creme Brulee Trio, a generally interesting and satisfying dessert. The first is a tart raspberry creme infused with what tastes like real berry juice. In the middle is a cool, smooth strawberry creme. Of the three, it's the only one that benefits from the dish being served cold. Third and easily the tastiest of the trio is the banana chocolate creme. That first bite with the hidden chocolate coolie is a nice surprise. Aside from some temperature issues, the only other problem with the Creme Brulee Trio is the unevenness of the caramelized sugar. Instead of creating a sweet crust, it really just leaves the occasional crunchy bit. It's not really enough to take away much from the dish.
Tiramisu- Fiamma
Fiamma is the requisite trendy Italian restaurant at the MGM Grand. Dimly lit and adorned with modern art, it oozes the kind of slick decadence people come to Vegas to see. The #1 reason to go there is the real pasta, but trailing close behind is the house tiramisu. Forget the bland, frozen stuff you'll find in practically every neighborhood meatball restaurant in America. Fiamma's is what tiramisu is supposed to taste like. The espresso flavor kicks from start to finish, the ladyfingers spring and the whole experience is creamy to T without being over-rich. Easily the highlight dessert of my recent visit.
Gelato- Cafe Gelato
In between some of the casinos on the strip are mall-like corradors with shops and quick eats. If you can walk by Cafe Gelato near the Bellagio and not stop in for a scoop or three, you're a stronger person than I. Their berry flavors, particularly Strawberry Creme, are out of this world. But if you must try one flavor, Coconut is the way to go. It's just sweet enough to feel like a treat and it pairs well with every other flavor in the shop. For $5.00 you can get three scoops. In Las Vegas, a price like that feels like a lie.
There's plenty to love about America's brightest city street. Even though Frankie never sang about ice cream and pastries, Las Vegas definitely has plenty in the sweets department to help vacationers indulge just a little more.
