Name some of your favorite steakhouses and why.
Bavette’s Steakhouse at Park MGM is one of my favorites! The original Bavette’s is in Chicago (my hometown), but dare I say, “Vegas does it better”? I love the ambiance (the theme is 1920s France) with the feeling of elegance and speakeasy vibes that transport you back in time. The atmosphere in Bavette’s is like dining on a set of a stunning vintage movie. The service is top-notch, and their steak and appetizers are amazing, with consistent positive guest feedback. Tender Steakhouse + Lounge at Luxor is another restaurant that I consider a lesser-known hidden gem. Tender is great at accommodating large parties, even at the last minute. Their chefs and management team are passionate about the quality of the food and service. Their steaks are wonderful! I love their tomahawk steak, which can definitely be shared among a group. Their sides are so indulgent, with hints of some Southern influence. The flaming shrimp appetizer is fantastic as well.
What great restaurants are open 24 hours a day?
My favorite 24-hour restaurant is Grand Luxe Cafe inside The Venetian. They have a huge menu to choose from and everything is delicious. They offer a to-go window as well. I’d also recommend The Kitchen at Common’s Club inside of The Virgin Hotel & Casino, and two off-Strip options, Blueberry Hill Family Restaurant and The Golden Tiki.
Where can a guest go to get their hair and makeup done?
Salon Mandalay Bay located on the beach level can do the job for any special event! Additionally, Look Style Society, located in Town Square Las Vegas, will do hair, makeup, nails and lashes. Town Square Las Vegas is an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex just south of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign” on Las Vegas Boulevard.
What spots on the Strip can the whole family enjoy?
Shows: Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand, Tournament of Kings and The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Excalibur, Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at V Theater in Miracle Mile Shops, WOW—The Vegas Spectacular at Rio Las Vegas.
Attractions: Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay for marine life fun. Luxor Exhibits: Discovering King Tut’s Tomb—The Experience, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and Bodies …The Exhibition are great daytime activities. Elsewhere, Flyover Las Vegas near MGM Grand; Excalibur and New York-New York arcades; Museum of Illusions; Arte Museum.
What are some top romantic dinner spots?
Bourbon Steak at Four Seasons; Jasmine (fine-dining Chinese) and Lago (coastal Italian) at Bellagio, which both have views of the Fountains; Eiffel Tower Restaurant on top of Paris Las Vegas; LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Can you share some speakeasy spots and how to get in?
Speakeasies are now a big part of Las Vegas culture! I’ve seen them continually increase in number and popularity. The ones I have visited and loved are:
• 1923 Prohibition Bar in the Shoppes at Mandalay Place (move the bookcase).
• The Barber Shop Cuts & Cocktails at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (go behind the barber chair).
• Damatosh Bar inside of the Omega Mart of AREA15.
• Caramella Hidden Lounge Speakeasy behind the candy shop inside of Caramella Restaurant in Planet Hollywood.
Are there any spots that offer dinner and a show?
The Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio; Marriage Can Be Murder at 5321 Cameron Street; Tournament of Kings at Excalibur; there is also Sunday Motown Brunch at the Ahern Boutique Hotel, which costs about $70 for the all-you-can-eat buffet and the show.
What are some of the best pieces of advice that you offer to your guests?
My best advice is transportation-related. The Mandalay Bay tram is a great way to get between Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur. You can easily walk to Dolby Live or T-Mobile Arena from the tram stop at Excalibur. I’d also recommend the Monorail for traveling down the Strip, starting from MGM Grand and ending all the way near SAHARA Las Vegas. To get to Allegiant Stadium, I’d suggest walking from the Mandalay Bay parking garage and traveling across the bridge rather than taking a taxi or rideshare there.
What are three attractions off the Strip that visitors should not miss?
Red Rock Canyon and/or Hoover Dam Tour with Pink Jeep; Fremont Street Experience; Mob Museum; AREA15.
What are your most-suggested shows to see and why?
• Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil—Amazing acrobatics, captivating dancing and a surprise that makes you feel super nostalgic at end of the show. It is upbeat and fun but also heartfelt. It tells a wonderful story about the musical legacy of Jackson, but also about this life in general, with stunning performances and phenomenal production.
• Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas—It is such a one-of-a-kind, unique show! I love the Wynn Theater, it is perhaps one of the most beautiful and state-of-the-art theaters that I have witnessed. Awakening is a mystical story about a hero’s journey that is woven with dialogue, live singing, dancing and acrobatics.
• Marriage Can Be Murder—A one-of-a-kind murder mystery dinner show that will have you wondering who you are sitting next to! The show has crowd participation, interaction and competition to solve the mystery that will keep you at the edge of your seat, and the dinner will keep you well fed.
• WOW—The Vegas Spectacular at Rio Las Vegas is a great variety show for kids, with fun water themed acts, circus elements and comedy.
• Absinthe—One of my all-time favorite Vegas shows. It is a modern-day circus show within the famous Spiegeltent outside of Caesars Palace. This is where you go for mischief, mayhem, and a good time!
What are some of the more affordable ways to enjoy Las Vegas?
Bellagio offers two world-famous free attractions. Guests can enjoy the seasonal floral displays at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, or walk around to see the stunning Fountains of Bellagio shows.
What lounges have the best views of Las Vegas at night?
Skyfall Lounge at W Las Vegas, Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay, The STRAT 108, SkyBar at Waldorf Astoria, Drais Beachclub at The Cromwell, Cheri Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas, Caramella’s balcony at Planet Hollywood.
What nightclubs offer the best experience for the price?
Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell has dance performances before the featured artist, which are always fun. Also, the DJ sets are usually at least 30-40 minutes, which is a great length. Hakkassan at MGM Grand is centrally located, has two levels and many different types of tables to choose from with a great mixture of music. Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay offers very reasonable food and beverage minimums for their tables, cabanas and daybeds as well.
What are some of the best Chinatown eateries?
Sushi Neko is my all-time favorite for sushi, especially if you like an all-you-can-eat deal. I also love Gabi coffee and bakery! This is a Korean cafe and bakery that offers such a fun picturesque environment, delicious drinks and awesome baked goods! The door is not labeled, so be prepared to pay close attention!
What spots transport guests back to old-school Las Vegas?
The Bootlegger, Peppermill, Golden Steer, Battista’s, Westgate Cabaret Theater, Golden Nugget, Neon Museum, Downtown Las Vegas.
What are some of the most unique spots in Las Vegas?
AREA15; Battista's Hole in the Wall Restaurant; Superfrico at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; Marriage Can Be Murder; Chihuly stained glass display at Bellagio and the chocolate Bellagio fountain at the Patisserie; DISCOSHOW at the Linq Hotel (bar and restaurant inside as well); Mike Hammer Magic Show downtown at the Four Queens (This is a Magic Comedy show with high audience participation); The Neon Museum; The Mob Museum; Las Vegas Springs Preserve; Red Rock Canyon.
If you could plan the perfect day in Las Vegas what would it entail?
My perfect day in Las Vegas would start off with a nice early morning workout in the luxurious gym inside of Spa Mandalay. Following my workout, I would get a massage service. After that, I would get picked up on the beach level by a shuttle for a Maverick Helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. When I return from my helicopter tour around 1 p.m., I would spend a couple hours at the Mandalay Bay Beach to swim and lay out in the sun. Perhaps I would even hop over to Moorea Beach Club to get a daybed or cabana or Daylight Beach Club if everyone in my group is over 21 (I’d make sure to speak to the concierge about getting on the guest list)! After the pool day, I would go back into the spa before they close at 6 p.m. to use the spa facility and wind down in the Jacuzzi, steam room and shower there before getting ready for a fun dinner. For dinner, we would go to The Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio to celebrate a special occasion, enjoying the live singing and dancing performances with amazing food. Afterwards, we would go to a later show (either a 9:30 p.m. Cirque Du Soleil or Absinthe at 10 p.m.) to experience an epic Vegas entertainment experience. Then we would head to one of our favorite nightclub spots: Drai’s, Hakkassan, Marquee or LIV, whichever would be featuring our favorite artist.
What restaurants are great for vegans and vegetarians?
Harvest at Bellagio features a great separate vegan menu, Border Grill at Mandalay Bay has labeled vegan items, Pancho’s Vegan Tacos, Chaga Root, Crossroads Kitchen at Resorts World Las Vegas, Veganos Kitchen, Veggy Street, Tacotarian, and Daikon Vegan Sushi.
What do you appreciate most about the VEGAS2GO publication?
I really appreciate that it is updated every couple of weeks! The map is so important and useful for our guests. I use the map every day while assisting our guests. I also love that there is a breakdown of what is located at each property. This is so helpful for newbies to Vegas and even longtime visitors as well.
When attending our ELITE events, what do you enjoy most?
I love learning about new venues, shows, attractions, as well as meeting the managers and creators behind them. I love and appreciate the ELITE team so much and all they do for the concierge/VIP and hospitality community. The drinks and food at the events never disappoint! We truly feel appreciated and taken care of. I love the networking aspect and the exposure to new people, including like-minded professionals who introduce me to new possibilities here in Vegas. I leave every event pampered, inspired and better equipped to take care of my guests.
Feel like a true Vegas insider with the free Vegas2Go app! Discover the best of Las Vegas—right at your fingertips. From must-try restaurants and top shows to nightlife, attractions, and offers, Vegas2Go puts the city’s hottest experiences in the palm of your hand. Download for free on either the Apple Store or Google Play Store today.
