LAS VEGAS: A real taste of the Las Vegas high life

Mar 1 2008 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

Caroline Innes discovers that eating out in Las Vegas is no gamble

THEY say "what goes on in Vegas - stays in Vegas" but that, unfortunately, is not the case. I put six pounds on in the week I spent in Sin City, and sadly brought all six of them home with me, too.

Once known for its all-you-can-eat buffets, huge coffee-shop breakfasts and classic red-velvet-and-leather-booth steak joints, Vegas has enjoyed a culinary renaissance of late.

No, make that a culinary revolution.

As talented chefs continue to flock to Vegas, the city is reinforcing its reputation as the newest world-class dining destination.

From the moment we stepped on the plane, our tastebuds were given a sample of just what we could expect once we landed.

Bmi is one of only three airlines to feature an on-board chef in the business cabin serving up main courses such as seared and roasted chicken breast with mushroom veloute, bacon and savoy cabbage and braised lamb shank with a rosemary redcurrant jus with swede and sweet pea mashed potato.

With every meal being prepared from scratch, we were able to specify our exact preferences - from what time we wanted to eat to exactly how we wanted our meals cooking.

Full to the brim after 10 hours spent indulging in pink Champagne and cocktails, we transferred to Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, in the heart of the legendary Las Vegas strip, by stretched limousine for our VIP check-in.

Occupying the former site of the Aladdin, Planet Hollywood has undergone a head-to-toe renovation.

Although when I travelled last year this was not yet complete, with stunning floor-to-ceiling Swarovski crystal chandeliers and cutting-edge glamour, it was clear that the hotel was positioning itself as one of the major players on the Strip and the hotel of choice for those wanting to party.

Where else would hardcore party-animal Amy Winehouse choose to stay when she flew into Vegas with newly-married husband Blake?

She was just one of the guests we met at an exclusive pool party, hosted by Planet Hollywood co-owner Sylvester Stallone, to celebrate the opening of the Hans Klok magic show, in Vegas.

Known as the fastest magician in the world, Klok, debuting in Vegas, was joined by Playboy Playmate and actress Pamela Anderson - both on stage and after at the opening-night celebration.

Hired models in body paint played in the pool in nothing more than G-strings, while the Beastie Boys, who had been hired to DJ at the party, kept everyone dancing. (And by everyone I include Baywatch legend David Hasselhoff, Burlesque star Dita Von Teese, and, of course, star of the night Pammy).

And the following night, as we arrived to eat at David Burke's self-named restaurant, we were introduced to The Chippendales, who were staying and performing at The Venetian.

But the 24-hour party city has more to offer those whose idea of a good time is not constant eating, drinking, shopping and gambling.

The true highlight of my stay was seeing the astonishingly beautiful and spectacular Cirque du Soleil's show, LOVE. Cirque du Soleil has become a Vegas institution, with four astonishing shows currently in production in the city.

But, working in Liverpool, I felt compelled to see LOVE - a celebration of the musical legacy of The Beatles.

Born from a personal friendship and mutual admiration between the late George Harrison and Cirque founder Guy Laliberte, LOVE brings the magic of Cirque du Soleil together with the spirit and passion behind the most beloved rock group of all time to create a vivid, intimate and powerful entertainment experience.

Using the master tapes at Abbey Road studios, Sir George Martin and Giles Martin have created a unique soundscape of The Beatles music, which is not only beautifully stunning but also incredibly emotional.

From its stunning opening, with the stage exploding in colour and showering the audience with petals as "Get Back" burst into life, this was a show to stir the senses like nothing I had seen before, and one I would recommend to anyone of any age.

With its non-stop excitement, fantastic nightlife, shopping and dining and year-round sunshine, a holiday in Las Vegas can be anything you want it to be.

Let's be honest, if Las Vegas hasn't got it - you probably don't want to do it anyway.

And with more and more Britons cottoning on to the fact that Vegas is much more than a gambling destination, the city of lights looks set to have an even brighter future.

* CAROLINE INNES travelled with Bmi, which currently flies direct from Manchester to Las Vegas three times a week. Flights depart on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from Manchester Airport Terminal 3.

The business cabin features both an onboard chef and flat beds. Fares start from £589 in economy (return including taxes) for travel in March, May, June, August, September and October. For further information or to book, visit www.flybmi.com or call the long haul reservations centre on 0870 60 70 222.

Further information on the Planet Hollywood Hotel at www.aladdincasino.com

* EXPERIENCE the baize-covered tables and fine dining for yourself, with the Viva Las Vegas trip. Priced from £999, it includes return flights from Manchester via Philadelphia, five nights at the Circus Circus Hotel, return airport/hotel transfers, services of a Mistral representative. Various departures October to March. For details of all USA & Canada holidays, call the Daily Post Travel Service on 0151 227 5987.