Finding any spot in Las Vegas that has continued success after two decades is a rare feat. Enter Tao Asian Bistro at The Venetian Resort. Part nightclub, part lounge and part restaurant, the Asian-driven aesthetic and cuisine was introduced to Las Vegas in 2005, and the trinity of offerings haven’t lost one ounce of glitz and glamour or any of its delectable food.

Photo by: Jenn Kimmel Photography

“Tao’s success comes down to consistency and flavor,” said chef Ralph Scamardella, chief culinary officer for Tao Group Hospitality. “The food has always been bold, balanced and high quality. We focus on dishes that taste as good as they look, served with energy and precision. That combination keeps people coming back. As true as we are to classic, we are constantly trying to innovate and evolve and keep up with trends. That’s what makes us the great experience.”

That experience starts inside the lounge, where we suggest chilling until your table is ready and ordering up the lychee martini (ahead of its time 20 years ago, the lychee martini has become all the rage on menus across the city). It’s been on the menu since Tao opened its doors, and the simple blend of Grey Goose vodka, lychee liqueur and citrus is a divine combination full of refreshing flavor.

When the dinner bell rings, continue to the main dining room, where you’ll spot the ginormous Buddha that presides over diners (be mesmerized by the koi fish that swim around him). What’s also ginormous is the menu, tempting in all categories. “We respect traditional Asian flavors but present them with a modern edge,” Scamardella said. “Every dish is built on the balance of spice, acid, texture and presentation. Tao’s food is designed for impact, both in taste and experience.” Start with more day-one offerings: the satay of Chilean sea bass with a miso glaze that is shiny, sweet and seriously addictive and the pad Thai noodles with peanuts, mushrooms and tofu—add chicken or shrimp for more protein. “They’re guest favorites that define the brand: flavorful, approachable and consistently executed,” Scamardella said.

Photo by: Courtesy

Don’t skip out on the steamed dumplings, available in veggie, carnivore and pescatarian—crispy shrimp dumplings are new to the menu and already a hit! Also new to the menu are the cutesy Tokyo tacos, one-bite, handheld flavor bombs in recipes like sweet soy salmon, BBQ eel and toro caviar.

Round out the meal with a noodle dish. We suggest the chow fun stir fry and, one of chef’s favorite dishes, the crispy snapper in the “sand,” based on a traditional Chinese garlic salt-and-pepper dish that’s done with a whole fish and served with crispy minced garlic and Chinese dried olives.

End the symphony of dishes with dessert. The showstopper here is the giant fortune cookie, filled with a decadent white and dark chocolate mousse and surrounded with sliced fresh fruit. For that cutesy dessert photo, order the potted carrot cake—looks like the real thing you’d find in your garden, but it’s made with vanilla cream, miso caramel and candied micro carrots.

The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort 702.388.8338 or taogroup.com

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