Asian authenticity merges with American fantasy
I travel to Vegas. A lot. While my trips to Sin City are mostly business, I balance work with dinners at a great restaurant - or two or three. One of my favorites (and a must visit every trip) is TAO, located within the Venetian.
Tao's philosophyPan-Asian
cuisine, which includes (but isn't limited to) Chinese, Japanese and Thai
delights, is delivered by wait staff outfitted like houseboys in a swirling
social scene that unfurls across three floors. The décor harmonizes the Zen of
Eastern philosophy while the food explores unbridled fusion.
It's no surprise that TAO (like its sister restaurant, LAVO) has a wicked and well-earned reputation as a naughty playground for celebrities. In a city built on the flamboyant obsession of sin, TAO Restaurant serves up heady flavors in a chic and bustling atmosphere.
Come explore TAO with me...
enter the Tao fusion experience ...Enter
TAO through neon red gates, similar to the red gates at the entrance of a Buddhist
temple, a symbol of our transition from the profane to the sacred. A tunnel
lined with tranquility pools filled with ginger blossoms and floating candles
leads you through the moon arches, emerging into an intimate lounge area. A sweeping
stucco bar surrounded by monk statues invite us in with soothing seduction.
Come. Enjoy a drink with me. Relax.
Buddha's wise oversightWhen our
table's called, we're led around the bar and into the 400-seat, bi-level
restaurant watched over by a two-story Buddha. A warm, earthy wall peppered
with inset candles casts a glow of serenity over the scene. But efforts to
maintain tranquility are sorely tested...This is not a quiet restaurant.
Shall we dine?
Opening the menu, we're welcomed to explore our gastronomic fantasies - and leave the rules behind. My best advice for dining at TAO - order as many different dishes as possible and share.
amazing appetizersLet's begin
our meal with hot edamame and spring rolls - there are five different kinds.
While we're nibbling, have a look at the dumplings. I adore the bamboo steamed
vegetable dumplings made with crunchy cucumbers but I'm happy to order the
chicken or pork as well if you prefer. Before we fill up on apps, I hear the satay
of chicken with peanut sauces is divine and let's check out the sushi and
sashimi bar as well - it's a long list. Still hungry? Larger dishes are
categorized by land, sky or sea.
best-in-the-world lettuce wrapsWe
finished our meal with a glorious Stolichnaya vodka-based drink called Nirvana and chocolate
spring rolls with kalamansi dipping sauce. Enough said.
Our meal ends with a quirky, often sexy, fortune cookie. The last time I visited with my partner, mine read: "Prepare for a tease." His read: "Sex is the most beautiful, natural and wholesome thing that money can buy." It is Vegas, after all.
fortune cookie temptationWhen's
the last time your meal started and ended with a seductive, teasing temptation?
For Tao reservations, contact the restaurant at 702-388-8338 or OpenTable.com. Read Tao restaurant reviews at Yelp and TripAdvisor.
Ever been to TAO in Vegas? I'd love to hear what you loved best - it might be our next favorite. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook - we'd love to hear your ideas!
To comply with the long list of regulating bodies, possibly even Geneva Conventions and in the interest of transparency, our visit to Tao was hosted. Commentary and perspectives are those of GoGirlfriend.
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