Las Vegas Travel Guide: The Sphere and Dining on The Strip
Las Vegas is a city that constantly amazes with its mix of top-tier dining and cutting-edge entertainment. We explored some of the city’s finest food on our recent visit and attended an incredible show at the new Sphere venue. Although it was a sweltering 110 degrees, we had an outstanding time.
The New Sphere Venue
The Sphere at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas is a captivating and futuristic entertainment venue that blends cutting-edge technology with an immersive design. Its exterior boasts an awe-inspiring array of LED panels that showcase dynamic, colorful visuals, creating a mesmerizing light show that transforms the night sky. This synchronized symphony of light makes The Sphere a dazzling focal point on the Las Vegas Strip, attracting visitors from every corner of the world.
Stepping inside the world’s largest dome, The Sphere reveals a unique experience. The venue features a state-of-the-art 360-degree screen that surrounds the audience, enveloping them in a fully immersive world of sight and sound. This innovative technology creates an unparalleled atmosphere, where music, visuals, and technology converge to deliver unforgettable performances.
The Sphere is not just about technology; it also offers a comfortable and accessible environment for guests. The tiered seating ensures that every seat provides an excellent view of the stage, and there is a variety of food and drink options, ranging from gourmet cuisine to casual snacks, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
As a result of a lupus flare-up that impaired my mobility, I needed wheelchair assistance and the ADA service at The Sphere exceeded expectations. A dedicated staff member escorted me to my seat and ensured my comfortable return to the ride-share area after the show. Their professionalism made the experience seamless and enjoyable, despite any challenges I might have faced due to my disability. Without the exceptional services ADA accommodations provided, it would have been impossible for me to attend the show.
We attended a Dead & Company show that was truly a transformative experience. The screen's captivating visuals with the band's electrifying performance, created a sensory feast that left me awe-inspired. The crystal-clear sound and immersive visuals transported me into the heart of the music, making me feel as if I were part of the show.
Overall, The Sphere at The Venetian Resort is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary entertainment experience in Las Vegas. Its unique design, cutting-edge technology, and immersive atmosphere make it a place where art, innovation, and entertainment collide, leaving visitors with lifelong memories.
Food Scene in Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers an array of dining experiences, and we visited some of the best the city has to offer.
Breakfast at La Maison du Pain:
We started our mornings at La Maison du Pain in the Paris Hotel, where we ordered pain au chocolat paired with oat milk lattes. The buttery, flaky pastry filled with chocolate was the perfect way to start the day, and the ambiance of the Parisian-inspired café added to the charm.
Lunch at LAGO by Julian Serrano:
For lunch, we dined at LAGO by Julian Serrano at the Bellagio. Renowned chef Julian Serrano is celebrated for his inventive approach to Italian cuisine. At LAGO, I enjoyed three small plates: tuna tartare, a refreshing watermelon salad, and truffle arancini. The restaurant's striking design, featuring panoramic views of the Bellagio Fountains, enhanced the dining experience.
Dinner at CHICA:
Dinner at CHICA in The Venetian was a culinary highlight. This restaurant is the creation of Chef Lorena Garcia, a celebrated chef known for her innovative approach to Latin cuisine. We started with mezcal cocktails and fresh corn arepas topped with succulent short rib - a satisfying appetizer. For the main course, I ordered arroz negro, featuring tender grilled shrimp atop flavorful black squid ink rice with spicy mayo. My daughter had the short ribs topped with pickled onion and served with Cotija mashed potatoes. Both dishes were out of this world. From the vibrant Latin flavors to the lively atmosphere, our visit to CHICA was top-notch.
Late Dinner at Alexxa’s:
We grabbed a spot outside at Alexxa’s at the Paris Hotel for a late dinner one night as an alternative to Mon Ami Gabi located next door. Both locations offer prime views of the Bellagio Fountain across the street, and a perch to watch people from. At Alexxa’s we ate arancini, beef carpaccio, and raw oysters, which were delicious. Sipping an Angel’s Envy Old Fashioned while leisurely letting time roll by was a mood.
Late-Night Bite at Secret Pizza:
After a 4-hour Dead & Company concert at the Sphere, we grabbed a classic cheese slice at Secret Pizza, tucked away in The Cosmopolitan. It was perfect after such an extensive show, offering a hot, cheesy, and satisfying end to the night.
Brunch at Bouchon Bistro:
We hit Bouchon Bistro at Aria on Friday for brunch. This restaurant is part of Thomas Keller's renowned culinary empire. Keller, a renowned chef decorated with multiple Michelin stars, is celebrated for his meticulous and artistic interpretation of French cuisine. At Bouchon, I enjoyed the Croque Madame, a classic French sandwich with ham, Gruyère cheese, and topped with a perfectly fried egg. My daughter ate the Biscuit au Babeurre, a Bouchon Bakery buttermilk biscuit with black pepper gravy, bacon & sausage, cheddar & Fresno chili. The elegant décor and refined atmosphere complemented the exceptional food, providing a quintessentially French dining experience.
Honorable Mention: Carlos’ Bakery:
Carlos’ Bakery deserves a shout-out for being everywhere in Las Vegas. From full-service shops to vending machines, their presence is hard to miss. Whether I was in the mood for a classic cannoli or a quick sweet treat, Carlos’ Bakery was always within reach.
Also Recommended:
Gordon Ramsey’s Fish & Chips, Egg Slut, Yardbird, Sushisamba
Places to stay:
The best stays for your money: Fountainbleu, Venetian, Cosmopolitan, Waldorf, Crockfords.
Las Vegas continues to excel with its exceptional dining and state-of-the-art entertainment. From the flavorful dishes and incredible mezcal cocktails at Chica to the watermelon salad at Lago, the culinary experiences were varied and memorable. Despite the lupus flare-up, the excellent service I received at the Sphere ensured our experience was both enjoyable and stress-free. Las Vegas is a city that never fails to deliver an unforgettable adventure.
Ask me how to book a similar Vegas Experience Package!