Our second day in Las Vegas left us waking up refreshed in Liz’s apartment, she had gone to work earlier. The night before Liz told me to first thing take a peek out her living room window and I was delighted to see this sight when I did:
For some reason I have always loved the desert, but not the heat. The sight of flat land with mountains all around is equally relaxing and enthralling to my soul. After relaxing for a bit and getting ready for our day Mike and I took a taxi to the strip. Hungry again our first goal was to eat. In reading some Buffet reviews we decided to take our chances a second time with a Las Vegas Buffet:
‘Not So Locally’ Gluten Free: Part 2
The Buffet at the Bellagio Casino and Hotel
The front end staff was friendly and knowledgeable about gluten free needs. Again, the chef was called to give me a tour of the buffet. The buffet was large and elegant, with numerous stations and a wide variety of certified gluten free food according to the Chef. He explained that anything he pointed out which was GF was cooked in it’s own pot or station and explained that they get approximately 5 Gluten Free diners a day so they make this a priority, although it does not state so on their website or menu. Many marinated dishes were marinated in gf marinades or sauces, expanding the options that were available. The Chef made several recommendations for me of what would be good this day, all of which I took. However, although this chef was more knowledgeable about what was in his food the GF options were still limited given the size of this buffet. Food quality was great to say the least. Everything was fresh, well cooked, unique and tasty! My favorite touch was the passion fruit sorbet, right down to the approved gluten free chocolate chips to top it off. Rumor also has it that if you go during Dinner you will get the chance to try some unusual meats, if that is your thing. If you need a gluten free Buffet in Las Vegas this place is a great stop. For 40$ for 2 for lunch it was a bit pricey for my tastes, but what can you expect in Las Vegas?
Gluten Free Options: .5
Atmosphere: 1
Price: .5
Hospitality: 1
Food Quality: 1
TOTAL: 4 Shamrocks
Following Lunch, Mike and I played some slots and continued to enjoy the scenery of Las Vegas. Liz was set to get out around 5 so we just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves.
Statue and Fountain in front of Caesars
All Smiles:
The real sky in Vegas even looks fake!
‘Brooklyn Bridge’
We met with Lizzy at New York, New York Casino and Hotel to head to dinner and a show around 6pm. A friend of Liz’s works for MGM so for dinner we hit up one of his recommendations, complete with gluten free options and special private seating:
‘Not So Locally’ Gluten Free: Part 3
Nine Fine Irishmen at the New York, New York Casino and Hotel
Being Irish, genuine gluten free Irish food is a blessing and this place was not a disappointment. All staff were friendly and gluten free informed. The gluten free menu contained numerous items, although I was disappointed to find out that they do not have dedicated fryer so anything fried was out of the question (which limited the appetizers I could have to zero). In terms of beverages, Magners and Redbridge were both offered, although the current batch of Magners had unfortunately not made it’s way from Boston in the snow and they were out. I opted for the Redbridge and the Lamb Stew:
I also got to try the Shepard’s Pie and two sides, the goat cheese mashed potatoes and creamed corn. I was not at all disappointed with the food and am now personally in love with goat cheese mashed potatoes. Although we had preferential treatment I am sure, and know, that they are great with any customer with gluten free needs. Mike and I went back there later in our vacation for lunch and were met with equal knowledge, caring and consideration (as well as a separate gluten free lunch menu). Price wise, the fare is similar to any pub pricing style, and well worth the cost! I highly recommend this location for anyone interested in a great gluten free dining experience.
Gluten Free Options: .5
Atmosphere: 1
Price: 1
Hospitality: 1
Food Quality: 1
(please excuse the odd formatting, it won’t change no matter what I try)
TOTAL: 4.5 Shamrocks
This wonderful dinner was followed by Zumanity, one of Cirque De Soliel’s newest shows (and I think it’s only ‘Adult’s only’ shows, which figures for Vegas). It was excellent none the less and very amusing. The four of us then headed out to Fremont Street for a night full of:
The Vegas Sky Line (& Mike and I)
Old friends (Liz, Mike and I):
More Vegas Sky Line:
The Fremont Street District (where it all started):
The original Vegas neon signs, ‘Living’ Sign Museum:
Viva Vegas!
Shark Tank Swimming Pool complete with slide (Golden Nugget):
Some of the original Neon Canopy sidewalk overhangs for the old casino’s
AND:
Lobster vending machines (gluten free obviously!)
I would have to say that Fremont street is a lot more enjoyable, for my tastes anyway, then the Vegas Strip. It is more old fashion style, more laid back and the signs are much more of what I expected for Vegas. Definitely check it out if you are in Vegas, and even ‘sneak’ into the Golden Nugget to take a look at their Shark Pool! We ended out night at a Piano Bar owned by a New York City Native, complete with a Billy Joel impersonator, and were ready and rearing to take on the second part of our adventure come sun up the next day!
More to come on that in the next post!
Celtic Celiac @ http://celtic-celiac.blogspot.com/
I’m having a valentine’s giveaway on my blog if you’d like to check it out. xx
devorelebeaumonstre.com
In my opinion price aside, Bellagio is much better choice for Dinner and the Wynn is a better choice for breakfast/lunch.
I didn’t try Wynn. Where is that located and do they have anything specific for gluten free?