What should a Aussie try in Vegas?

In all my years, I have NEVER seen anyone in an Australian pub drinking Fosters. In fact, I think it's basically just an export product now. In general, Victorians drink Carlton, Sydney-siders drink Toohey's and Queenslanders drink XXXX (it's not a curse word - it's the real name). This is very much a generalisation of course.

 

The Steakhouse at Circus Circus is amazing for delicious, affordable steaks, Triple George is good for comfort food and happy hour for sure, Hugo's is gourmet food, nothing like it downtown, table side salad cart and desserts, roses for the ladies etc.

 

My top picks for any carnivores who want great food for solid prices (e.g. your wine quote was great)

1) Holstein's burgers in the Cosmo. Ok, $18 bucks, but WITH fries, and it's a 1/2 pound of really great meat. Best burger on the strip for us so far...go for the Steak House or Funghi. When we get that, we have ONE meal per day, and that's it. It's huge, and delicious. Location: The Cosmopolitan

2) Todd English's Beef Carpaccio split with two people, if you want a little nicer ambiance, but still super affordable. It's an appetizer, raw beef (in case squeamish) two types of tapenades, polenta, shaved parmesan, olives, and field greens, and tons of good bread. It's $20 bucks, so $10 each, and if you run out of bread, they'll give you a second basket no charge if you need more, very generous. Location: The Bellagio

3) Ok Geogran, this one is for you. Diablo's steak nachos at Diablo's Cantina, Monte Carlo. $20 bucks, serves 2-3 people as a MEAL. Maxim Magazine and local newpapers always rank it as some of the best Nachos on the strip. Location: Monte Carlo

Beef Carpaccio @ Todd English's Bellagio:
Not shown: You also get a huge basket of bread and a generous side dish of two types of tapenades and olives, lots of great food, great price.

 

Correct Uraniun235 except in Queensland now it's XXXX Gold,a mid strength beer.[l like the Gold from the tap but do not like the canned/bottled version,go figure.]l really set the cat amongst the pigeons when l informed the locals at The Riviera about Fosters when l saw all there promotional material at the front bar when l was there last time.Yes l did stop and have one with them,ahhh just like home was the comment.What luck on my behalf having picked The Riviera to stay in last visit.My first visit to Vegas was The Sahara Casino,oops do you see where this is heading.No,No, l'm staying six nights at The El Cortez this time,if anything happens to them,well l'd have to reassess my gambling career.Yes El Cortez is my favourite,it just makes me feel like l'm in Vegas like no other,hence the reason l fly halfway around the world to be there.Stupid Australian l'm guessing.

 

Happy Hour has definitely got my attention now,will look into that.Thanks.

 

Have not heard of the Peppermill before,but will definitely search it out for a breakfast.Hopefully they will have the American bacon that was suggested to me by spicole.

 

Burger sounds great,at least l can share with the fussy other half.Carpaccio not so good in my opinion,l can eat raw beef at home any time.Maybe l don't have such a sophisticated palate that l could appreciate this meal.N.B. l seem to prefer the cheaper{not the real cheap}bourbons/wines.However it is much the opposite when it comes to whiskey/scotch.Go figure?

 

At Triple George consider the fried chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes, as close to Southern cooking as Vegas gets. Then a quick trip to Hawaii: order the loco moco at The Cal Aloha Specialties. Eggs over easy, hamburger patty, rice and brown gravy. It will change your ideas about breakfast!

 

Love it Townsville! Honestly a really good burger is a little piece of heaven for me, but so many are only so so. I really think/hope you won't be disappointed with Holstein's (go for medium, it's not too pink). If im going to pay $18 for a burger, it better be stellar (and generous on meat), and theirs are. Even the local staff get a happy look when you bring it up. They also have non-burger items for a non burger person. The fries are also very crisp and light. (I'm always surprised how some nicer places serve greasy fries.)

On bourbon/scotch, I can't help. I'm not a bourbon fan, and while I've had scotch I like, I'm a boring red wine gal....YOU have the sophisticated palate!

Have a GREAT trip, and let us know if you find any great places that pair great food with value!!!!!

 

Boring red wine,now that did give me a good laugh.You are in for one big treat if you ever come to Australia.My comment about cheap wine applies to reds especially.Ten dollars here buys a reasonable bottle,anything above that and you might have to keep an eye on the quantity that gets consumed.l usually buy the two litre bag in a box for restraint reasons.l'm sure you would be very impressed with our bottle shop range of wines that are produced here.

 

l'm willing to be converted,will try the breakfast,on list for things to do.Still in shock over the full rack of ribs l got at Magnolias last time l was there.

 

Can anyone comment on the Tequila suggestion,not one we see much of in Australia,mixers etc.Bourbons are everywhere here,maybe not the limited ones that are in the USA.Enjoying Gentleman Jack lately.

 

As the board's defender of all things Kentucky: Gentleman Jack is a fine example of Tennessee sipping whiskey, but it does not qualify for the exalted title of Bourbon. The charcoal filtering disqualifies it.

If you make it to the Peppermill don't forget to check out the attached cocktail lounge, it is like a trip back to Frank Sinatra's Vegas.

As for tequila the most popular drink after the margarita is a tequila sunrise: tequila and orange juice with a splash of red grenadine for color. If the tequila is good enough for sipping straight (most is not) it is sometimes served with a glass of sangrita, a sweet and spicy tomato and orange juice blend. If it's not good enough then lick salt, shoot it and bite a lime wedge.

 

Just for you Americans,as an Aussie l'd think it would be best to shoot the Tequila and then lick some Vegemite.End result will be the same,but more comforting to an Australian.If l make it to the Peppermill,you have recommended it,therefore l will go.The very reason for the initial query.l really do value all the comments that have been made so far.Eighteen days downtown requires a bit of forward planning,time flies when you are having fun.

 

As silly as it sounds l brought home my empty bottle/flask of Mc Cormick corn whiskey,l thought that was about as American as it could get.Would love to hear what you consider to be real Bourbon.A bloke does not often get a chance to sample such in Australia.We only get what the advertising crew can con us into believing is Bourbon.Thanks.

 

Suspicious,TSV,G"day and Highlands beef PNG.Mine worker maybe?No never been to PNG,sorry to say no interest at the moment.Unless someone wants to pay me big bucks to work there.My guess about you.

 

Corn whiskey is the original American moonshine. It is unpleasant to drink and that is why we turn it into America's original spirit, Bourbon. To be bourbon you have to start with at least fifty one percent corn mash, distill it to a certain proof and age it for at least two years in new charred oak barrels in an area that has four distinct seasons. When you are done you can add nothing to the product other than water. If the label says Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey you know it meets the rules. Longer aging brings better flavor. Comped downtown you'll find low end Jim Beam (aged 2-4 years) and high end Maker's Mark (aged 6-7 years with a red wax top). My favorite that you'll find almost anywhere is Woodford Reserve. If you do a shot have the bartender add a splash of water, just a few drops. It opens the flavor and reduces the burn. Cheers, I'll be downtown next week!

 

I was fortunate enough to have a few short trips (not in mining so I felt very much out of place!). Nice place but let's just say 'tough environment) so that was enough. Thought they might fly some PNG beef into FNQ so ask around.

Anyway, I'm very jealous of your trip. Enjoy.

 

No way l could see that happening,our quarantine laws would almost make that impossible.Costs involved.We export beef not import it.Your tough environment comment l can appreciate,l think l see it in the eyes of the PNG visitors to our local Casino.l'm sure you would know what l am referring to.Hence my comment on getting paid big money to work there.About my next trip,well l am having a hard time waiting for it,as you can imagine.Thank you for replying.

 

l tried to drink the Corn Whiskey with a dash of water,but as you say it is pretty rough.Therefore cola had to be added as there was no way l was going to let it get the better of me.Woodford Reserve it is and it will not be a nip served from the bar.A bottle shall be purchased for consuming in the rooms we stay at.That way l can have it any way l wish without bar staff skimping on me etc.Seventeen nights staying there so have you any other suggested Bourbons that l should sample whilst there.Lucky to get Vegas yearly so you could imagine l want to try as many things as possible.[Don't get them in Australia,just Jim.Jack and Makers etc.not the specialities you get over there.]Thanks.