CITYSPOON

Tao restaurant and nightclub is regarded as one of the most popular venues in Las Vegas; it’s big, it gorgeous, and most of all, it’s very, very expensive – which attributes it to being among the wealthiest restaurants in the United States as well. So it should be no surprise that my visit there this past Thursday night – an evening which included: cocktails, dinner, drinks, and a booth at their club – was both fun and memorable.

When you first enter Tao – via the Venetian hotel – you feel as though you are entering a Buddhist temple; both sides of the entrance have rose pedal filled candle-lit bathtubs, with bikini-clad models seductively staring at you, making it very hard to remain focused on ANY task at hand. From there we entered the dark-yet-inviting bar/lounge area, where the wait for our table was minimal. The very attractive smiling hostesses then shuffled us upstairs to our extra large round table (there were about 15 of us). Without even a chance to scope out my surroundings, the waiter popped in, offering us water, menus, and of course food choices. Our appetizers were a very standard: vegetarian dumplings, chicken satay skewers, vegetable tempura, and assorted sushi rolls – I’d like to make notable mention that the food came quick, was piping hot, and tasted fresh. We devoured the food faster than they could bring it, and eagerly awaited our main course of New York Striploin; Korean short ribs; Shrimp, Chicken, and Beef fried rice; Salmon and Cod fillets; and of course, vegetables. The meal was delectable and not one piece of food was left standing, then the killer came – dessert. We ordered sugared donuts which came with milk chocolate, white chocolate and caramel dipping sauce; needless to say, they stood no chance at survival.

From here we did what most frivolous spending Gen-Y’ers would do: bottle service in Tao nightclub. The bouncer walked us up to our table, where the party was not only well under way, but also filling up faster than you could imagine. Our hostess brought us the menu and we, without question, ordered our bottles and began the night. The resident DJ 5ive spun a great set and kept the club – and our group – dancing the night away. And before I even realized what time it was, the lights were on and our sweaty group was ushered out, still dancing and hugging everyone in sight.

Normally, a night like that would lead to a bad hangover and a relaxing day by the pool at Tao beach, but regrettably I did not get the chance to experience it as well. However, many friends have and have said it is also among the best “beach” parties on the strip – so i’ll just have to take their word for it.

Regardless, Tao of Las Vegas is an experience in itself and a “must-go” place for tourists and locals alike; Vegas is expensive as it is, you may as well enjoy it the right way, right?