Small in comparison to many of the other giants


along the strip, the SLS provides an intimacy of experience that you don’t find at its more grandiose neighbors. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve stayed at many of them and they are beautiful in their own right. But, wandering through the 16,797,000-square- foot CityCenter complex, though fascinating from a largess stand point, is a Herculean task. One that often leaves one to question, “Where the hell is my hotel room?” The SLS is definitely self-contained, but there is


more of a relaxing “vacation vibe,” partially due to the resort’s distance from the main strip. It’s not like being in another city—well wait, technically it is— it’s just outside the City of Las Vegas, apparently in a place called Winchester, Nevada! Who knew? The guest rooms and restaurants were designed


by Philippe Starck in collaboration with the global architecture/design firm, Gensler. It’s rumored that a handful of the suites were reimagined by musician and hottie, actor Lenny Kravitz. My suite was all in white and I adored the wall covering, which at first glance I thought wallpaper, but on closer examina- tion revealed itself to be fabric. Beautifully printed and reminiscent of 16th Century French interior panels, they don glorious arabesques of flora and fauna in black and white, with a lovely French mademoiselle peeking out from her gilded frame just over the pillows of your bed. Note: Don’t forget to look up, there’s a lovely view to be seen of your “nocturnal activities,” in the form of a conveniently placed mirror! The lobby and casino interiors are what you might expect, with one notable exception, the floating, rectangular screen suspended over the central bar; a fascinating montage of constantly shifting images. TheFoxtail pool complex, just off the casino floor is uber cool, offering a live DJ every Saturday and Sunday. The layout is unique with the bar seemingly floating in the center of the pool like a pontooned cabana. Get there early though, it fills up fast! Saturday began with a walk to the Bellagio (I’ll


surely take a car next time), at which I thoroughly enjoyed the latest exhibit at their Gallery of Fine Art. The exhibition featured Armenian–Canadian photographerYousuf Karsh, one of the greatest of the 20th Century. Some of the most recognizable, iconic portraits stared down at me: Martin Luther King, JFK, Salvador Dali, Ernest Hemingway, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marian Anderson, along with myriad other iconic faces, engrossing me for the better part of three hours.


Dinner that night followed at the SLS’s on


site restaurant, Cleo, a Mediterranean-inspired wonder as imagined by Chef Danny Elmaleh. Old Hollywood charm is the vibe and great service is the standard at this tapas-inspired, modern eatery. A lovelyMestres, Cupatge Reserva Rosé Cava started my journey, attended byCrispy Brussel Sprouts with capers and almonds in a vingrette, began my ascension to heaven. AWagu Kebab paired nicely with their2011Glen Carlou, Bordeaux Blendand theVenison that followed, well, let’s just say it was “wildly-delicious.” Stuffed, I finished with their Beet Salad; pickled beets, avocado, walnuts and pomegranate, and their sommelier suggested a2013Schloss Hallburg, Silvaner Dry Estate, I was impressed, it’s not an easy pair. I hopped an Uber to Treasure Island (three glasses


of wine in, always a good choice), and caught Mystere. I’d seen it before and wasn’t overly excited—silly me—I presumed it was going to be a repeat. Completely reworked and absolutely stunning, as Cirque shows always are, the mag- nitude of their skill and their sheer physicality is breathtaking. Never make assumptions! Sunday was all about lounging. Both in my room


and then later at the Luxor Pool forTemptation Sundays. A local favorite, the “gay” party has been a staple in Vegas for seven consecutive seasons on the strip. I so need to lose ten pounds, but the view was delightfully distracting, filled with beautiful men and women as only Vegas can offer.DJ Morningstar kept the ball rolling, both out of the pool and in it. The beachball tossed about between the occupants was a hit. Better learn to duck though, or you’re destined to be hit by random flying balls. Wait, there’s a visual I didn’t intend!


Rest and dress. Next, came dinner at Rivea, Alain Ducasse’s French and Italian Riviera-inspired won- der inside the Delano. Waiter Laurence made me feel at home and kept me entertained throughout the meal—what a wonder he was. Another sparkling rosé started the night, the Italian Franciacorta Contadi Castaldi, served with Roasted Panisse, a surprisingly delicious, delicate treat created with chickpea. Buratta Heritage Tomatoes followed, with the best mozzarella I’ve ever experienced. A pair of amuse-bouche arrived next: Beautifully seasoned SeabassWith Citrus Cells; grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime, followed by a personal favorite, Eggplant Tapenade; rich with Mediter- ranean zest. A wonderful French wine followed, Domaine Huet Clos du Bourg Vouvrey; minerally with honey notes, a perfect match to theAlaskan Wild Halibutmain course, flaky and superbly seasoned with fresh herbs, along with a stuffed squash blossom, diced lemon and cucumber. Fresh Corn In Cream arrived, again from the chef, with zucchini, red pepper and Fresno chili...I can’t even begin to rave. I was completely sated at this point, but Laurence insisted that I try a dessert, offering me something “light.” Anything but, theirLemon Tart, lemon curd, blueberry curd, with meringue, a Meyer Lemon Basil Sorbet, finished with a lovely Tawny Port, completely pushed my palette over the edge. What a wonderful way to fall away from such a garden of earthly delights. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, Las


Vegas without the gamble. So much there to enjoy: world class cuisine and art, entertainment offerings you can’t find anywhere in such variety and con- centration and clubbing at its best. Endless choices! Come for a weekend or stay for a week, you can’t possibly be bored...Or more entertained.


OCTOBER 2016 | RAGE monthly 41


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