“Power-lunch.”  The expression brings to mind politicos, movers, shakers, money-men, captains of industry, and others who get together over martinis and shepherd’s pie to make their deals.  Okay, maybe I’m coloring it in a slightly Mad Men-esque manner, but rest assured, the power-lunch is alive and well in Las Vegas; and following (in alphabetical order) are a half-dozen that I’ve deemed The Best.

The Country Club at Wynn Las Vegas – whether it’s the heavy-hitters enjoying an Arnold Palmer at the bar, or the suited folks discussing the goings-on at that week’s conventions, they are all there for the New American favorites prepared with New Orleans-flair by Chef Carlos Guía (with one of Las Vegas’ most verdant views as a Technicolor backdrop).  My faves at the CC are Chef Carlos’ Gumbo (with house-smoked Andouille sausage, shrimp and crawfish) and the Steakhouse Salad (with prime sirloin, warm tiny potatoes, arugula, grape tomatoes, crispy onions, and buttermilk bleu cheese dressing).  Also, anytime the Chef puts something with crab on the day’s list of specials, you know it’s gonna be worth trying! 

Olives at Bellagio – located midway down the luxe property’s high-end Via Bellagio, nestled amongst A-list retailers like Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Fred Leighton, Olives offers poker-players and power-shoppers alike an opportunity to take a load off, order some flatbread, and watch the spectacular Fountains at Bellagio.  Highlights from Chef Todd English’s kitchen include the Beef Carpaccio (with crispy Roquefort polenta, balsamic reduction, cipollini onions, scallion cream, garlic aioli, and parmesan), and the Cubano Panini (with slow roasted pork loin, ham, dill pickles, gruyere, mustard, pan cubano, and crispy fried pickle chips).

Palm Restaurant at the Forum Shops at Caesars – this New York transplant is a favorite of master-of-the-universe types – be they lawyers, judges, or bachelor-party revelers.  It’s one of those places where you know exactly what you’re gonna get – and it’s always great.  You might not go for a year or two, and then wonder why you don’t eat there more often.  The men’s room attendant in his Elvis-garb is a fun Vegas-y touch (Thank you, very much), but even more enjoyable is the menu, that includes one of the best burgers in town – the 12oz USDA Prime SteakBurger (served on toasted sesame brioche with lettuce, tomato and onion with seasoned hand cut french fries), as well as a surprisingly good Chicken Parm! 

Simon Restaurant | Lounge at Palms Place Hotel & Spa – it’s the power-lunch for the hipster crowd.  They’ve even got a trio of entrees on a special “Power Lunch” menu.  If you have a hankering for achieving the body beautiful, then check-out the 30-minute Power Workout/Lunch Combo, wherein Body in Mind proprietor Nina Waldman gives you an intense workout at Drift Spa and Hammam, before you cross the hall and enjoy a pre-chosen entrée from a selection of healthy meals, specially crafted by Chef Kerry Simon, such as a California Roll (made with brown rice and served with steamed edamame), a small Greek Salad, or a Granola Parfait.

Spago at the Forum Shops at Caesars – Whether taking a rest from a hard-core bout of cardio shopping, or meeting with the president of an out-of-town consortium, nowhere in town is there a higher per-capita group of Centurion card-holders likely to luncheon than at Wolfgang Puck’s legendary eatery, Spago – the restaurant responsible for kicking-off Las Vegas’ obsession with the celebrity chef.  Chef Eric Klein adds his own Alsacian touches to Wolf’s recipes, and we are left shouting “Bravo!”  Plus, they’ve got a surprisingly hip playlist of music.  Not to be missed: the Hearts of Baby Romaine Lettuce “Caesar” (creamy garlic Caesar dressing, lavosh crouton, and white anchovies) – I get mine with grilled chicken breast, and the Kurobuta Pork Wienerschnitzel (with warm potato salad, baby mâche, caper-butter sauce and lemon). 

Triple George Grill – a favorite of all the municipal muckety-mucks who work in fabulous Downtown Las Vegas, Triple George is your best bet for “bumping into” the Hon. Oscar Goodman before he leaves office this spring.  Taking its name from the gambling vernacular for a good tipper, the décor reminds me of the places I thought of as “grown-up” restaurants, when I was little – and that’s a good thing.  I’m a fan of the Baked Goat Cheese Marinara, the Chicken Pot Pie (chicken breast and assorted vegetables in sherry herb cream sauce), and the Downtown Reuben (tender corned beef with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing). 

The Power Lunch
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