Mandalay Bay thanksgiving

If you can squeeze it in, a run downtown to Fremont street could be interesting. Go in the evening to see the canopy show. Unlike the strip, everything is close together and you could hit up a few spots for low limit gambling and drinks.

 

Chandelier is probably doable, but Parasol is definitely a hike -- you're talking opposite ends of the Strip, after all.

I'd suggest hitting up Foundation Room, since you're at Mandalay anyway, and it's a great view but a very different interior vibe.

 

True, but if the OP is already eating at La Cave, knock out parasol while you are there

My two cents, skip Latelier and try to get a reservation at Robouchon. The food is good at the junior version, but I do not like the ambiance. Plus, the food is even better at the main restaurant

 

Ah, I didn't catch that -- and yeah, I agree on L'Atelier. Though I'll also put in a plug for Picasso, which remains my favorite restaurant in Vegas; both the food and the atmosphere are phenomenal. L'Atelier is fine, but there are better places in town in my opinion. Consider putting Emeril's Fish House on the itinerary, too, which I think is one of the best lunch spots on the south end of the Strip.

Also, at the risk of sounding like a 5-year-old, Shark Reef is pretty awesome.

 

Depending on when you're going, it's not a big deal. It doesn't start turning into a club until about 10pm or later, and even then, it's much easier to get into then they'd like to pretend. It was more of a pain when it was a true private club, but nowadays, it's just a really nice restaurant and bar.

 

In all seriousness, look at Picasso. The regulars around here are probably going to mock me because I always talk about that place, but I really do think it's one of the best experiences in town. Two Michelin stars, phenomenal food, impeccable service, and on the Bellagio lake level with a fantastic view of the fountains. It's also one of the most reasonably-priced restaurants you'll find at that level of quality, topping out at about $135 for a five-course degustation menu. Obviously adding wine/cocktails brings up the cost (or going for the truffle menu they sometimes have), but I always describe it as "expensive, but not overpriced".

 

A second fan of Picasso here! Outstanding service, amazing food, beautiful room, particularly if you are an art lover, and the terrace is amazing if you can get it. Massive and daunting wine list but sommelier is helpful and not judge-y about unusual choices. Agree on expensive but not overpriced, because it is an experience. Plus they send you home with a wee gift box of delicious tiny baked goods. I don't know why, but that makes my heart happy.

Edit regarding expensive but not overpriced: I think the five course menu was $145pp when we went in August. With cocktails and a mid-priced wine, our bill was around $450 for two.

 

For more American food, there is a great option at MB: Burger Bar. Its in the Mandalay Shops and the food is excellent. Go really hungry and also get a milkshake

 

Burger Bar is outstanding. MB has fantastic food options for sure.

 

I'm a fan of Libertine Social at MB. Opened recently there and American food.

 

By the way, if you do Picasso, definitely ask the sommelier if they have any of the Tokaji around to pair with the foie gras. As someone who doesn't normally appreciate wine, it's an incredible combination. Trust me.