Page 91 - Las Vegas Golf & Leisure Winter 2019

An evening of eating,
dancing & drinks

STORY BY HEIDI CHACKEL
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TAO LAS VEGAS

ne of my absolute favorite places to visit in Las Vegas is
TAO. It has so much to offer—whether I am looking for
Oa lounge, a fantastic meal, some late night dancing, or a
beach club during the warmer months—TAO has it all. And whether
you are tucked away in a corner enjoying a cocktail or are dancing the
night away, the vibe of all things TAO is superb.

From the moment you leave the crowded halls of The Venetian and
step into TAO, you are transported into another world. An abundance
of candles and bathtubs filled with rose petals line a dim entrance hall-
way that leads to the concierge on the bottom floor. The Asian décor
features lush red velvets and silks, Buddha statues, century old stones,
and even an infinity pool that is home to beautiful Japanese Koi. The
ambiance is truly incredible. Every time I go, I feel tension release as I
walk down the hall.

The bar and lounge on the bottom floor invite you for cocktails and
a plethora of scrumptious food items, as does the restaurant which en-
compasses the rest of the bottom floor as well as the second floor. Every
table in the 400-seat, two-level dining area is the best seat in the house
under the watchful eyes of the 20-foot Buddha statue. I wonder if he’s
checking my manners or how much I eat.

Corporate Executive Chef Ralph Scamardella has crafted an amaz-
ing menu that is full of culinary inspiration from China, Japan, and
Thailand—ranging from the signature Chilean Sea Bass to sushi and
sashimi, Dragon Tail Spare Ribs, filet mignon and their very special
Fortune Cookie dessert. The menu is extensive, split into three catego-
ries. First you have the Sake & Cocktail menu that features sake by the
glass or bottle, TAO specialty drinks, beer, and some fun non-alcoholic
beverages. And then comes the large dinner menu with sushi and
sashimi, rolls, dim sum, small plates, soups, BBQ, tempura, noodles
and rice, sides, and main dishes from the land, sky and sea. And last
but not least, the Dessert & Tea menu offers a variety of after-dinner
teas and liqueurs as well as some delicious desserts.

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