Missie Cindz Visits Las Vegas (blog post 1 out of 3)
I’ve never been a massive fan of food buffets, I actually hesitate when I hear the words – “Eat All You Want!” – it makes me think of hefty quantities rather than good quality produce, plus I always claim I don’t eat nearly enough to constitute a buffet to be “worth it”. Last week I took a foodie adventure over to Las Vegas to see what all the fuss was about with their food, sparkly hotels and casinos, and I even had a bit of a flutter myself on the bandits.
One thing travellers can bet on while in Las Vegas, it”™s the food. From the celebrity chefs to the late-night snack bars, vintage cafes and fast-food chains – the culinary brilliance of Las Vegas shines as bright as their neon signs. One thing in particular you simply must try are the “˜all-you-can-eat”™ buffets. I’ve been converted!…
In Vegas, it’s all about the buffets. These can range from inexpensive to pricey but filled with delicious options for everyone and to be honest some are worth forking over your dollars, but it should be noted, they seem to think we all love (and serve) crab legs! (what is it with these?) – and you can seriously eat until your tummy’s very content.
I wasn’t sure when I would be back in Vegas again, so I knew I wanted to try as much as my stomach allowed me to. I only had one shot to get this right and there’s been many great things said about the buffet at Bellagio, I was dying to go! I finally managed to go for an early lunch on a Friday.
Love them or hate them, Las Vegas just isn't the same without the buffets.
The Buffet at Bellagio, Las Vegas.
One of my favourites were their homemade Eggs Benedict. Yum!
OMG OMG OMG…
This place was HUGE. The time was 11.30am and it was already PACKED – our group queued 30 minutes before getting a seat, so definitely try to plan accordingly. The line wrapped along outside the casino – I thought if people are waiting in a queue this long for only to have lunch then it’s bound to be good buffet. The lunch price was reasonable at $19.95 + tax (around £14.00).
The buffet at the Bellagio has an incredible amount of choice. Each station – Asian, Italian, Grill/Rotisserie, carving, comfort/international, fresh salad and homemade desserts/cakes offered a plethora of options to entice me to return again and again, there were foods that didn’t catch my eyes but that was because there was so much on offer! The sheer WIDE variety of food options totally amazed me (I can’t remember the number of times I said “OMG!”) – they were all pretty amazing offering: prime rib, sushi, eggs benedict, different fish (cod, smoked salmon and more), etc…
One of my favourites were their Eggs Benedict (see photo above) – I’ve tried to make my own several times at home and have never seemed to get it right! But this place perfects it with this kind of creamy and slightly tangy hollandaise-like sauce, the soft English muffin and poached egg were made perfectly – soft and runny, just how I liked it. Again, I could’ve easily filled up on just eggs benedict and pizza!…However, what was even better than the food was the dessert. For those who follow my blog and know me, you will know how I have an incredibly sweet tooth. Their desserts were amazing.
I am a sucker for presentation, it was comforting to see all the different kinds of foods were already portioned and amazingly presented for me, allowing me/you to try more things than you probably would at a typical buffet. The mini desserts were really cute and perfectly portioned so that we could try EVERYTHING – something I think Sheffield restaurants should take note of too? (see photos above).
I found it exciting to load my plates with new food I had never tried. I cant remember what they were but I was impressed (a range of cold fish appetisers). The other sections had plenty of foot traffic so I didn’t take pictures. The lighting in the rstaurant was also dark, therefore my photos came out pretty dark and doesn’t do the food any justice – so I guess you’ll just have to try it out for yourself? go on, it would be rude not to!
When we were done (120 minutes later, I know, I sat there for almost two hours!), on our way out, people who were in front of us in the massive line were still far away from getting in. Another bonus eating at the Bellagio’s buffet, the buffets that I’ve been to in the UK usually charge extra for drinks (coffee, juice, coke), but not here, the only extra we paid for was for tipping the waitress for her fab service (plus that was optional too!).
Bottom line, if you only get one expensive buffet in Vegas and you want your moneys worth, do try the Bellagio. I’d say, it’s a fantastic deal and meal. High quality artisan and homemade food at a good price for those who like to try a bit of everything. However, you can be be smart and request a line pass (a fee will incur though, I’m not sure how much) but this will save you at least 30 minutes of waiting during peak hours, if not more!
Bellagio Las Vegas
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tel: (702) 693-7111
Buffet at Bellagio details
Breakfast 7:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. $15.95 +tax
Lunch 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. $19.95 +tax
Dinner 4:00p.m.- 10:00p.m. $29.95 +tax
Friday and Saturday Gourmet Dinner 4:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. $36.95 +tax
Sat & Sun Champagne Brunch 7:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. $24.95 w/o champagne,$29.95 w/champagne +tax
Missie Cindz Visits Las Vegas to be continued…
{Photos by Cindy Cheung}
