Eating Las Vegas

I was in Las Vegas recently on a business trip, which is neither as glamorous nor exciting as it sounds. I did stay at the Bellagio, which is as wonderful as you think it is.

First, my intial flight was delayed three hours causing me to miss a connecting flight and be rerouted. In fact, my bags stayed overnight in Chicago while I (after twelve hours) moved on to Vegas. I suppose it's not an auspicious beginning for the Chinese New Year.

Until I arrived at the Bellagio, I didn't know it even was Chinese New Year. However, the hotel was decked throughouts with iconic Chinese images, especially the conservatory. Check out the video and look for the moving steam-breathing dragons

With aid and understanding from a co-worker, I persevered through the first conference day of greeting clients and meeting new people sans well-packed suitcase. And with a view like this, who would complain?

While the conference was certainly a success, the highlight of the trip for this food lover was dinner on Wednesday evening at Le Cirque. I had:

• Salade de Homard: "Le Cirque" Lobster & Avocado Salad, Black Truffle Vinaigrette (and two small shavings of Black Truffle.)
• Le Canard de Barbarie: Honey Glazed Barbary Duck Magret, Pumpkin & Duck Confit Parmentier, Roasted Chestnuts, Grapes au Foie Gras, Pommes "Souffle," Ruby Port Sauce
• Macaron aux Framboises, Sorbet de Roses, Litchi Emulsion: Raspberry Macaroon, Roses Infused Sorbet, Lychee Foam

Service was impeccable and food spectacular. The lobster melted in my mouth, the pumpkin and duck confit sang, and the roses infused sorbet propelled me into culinary heaven. Murmered business conversation matched the circus tent jewel-box surroundings.

And as we gathered our things to leave, the staff dropped off small golden silk boxes "for the ladies."

Perhaps this was the auspicious start to the new year elegantly wrapped as a delectable chocolate surprise.