Many Spring-Breakers flock to the coasts each March in hopes of soaking up sun, consuming a large number of tropical beverages and hitting on scantily clad college students. But some people demand a more memorable Spring Break. Vagabond foodies seeking good food and drink with friends should look further inland - Las Vegas.
Shady things are happening in some Spring Break hot-spots, so do not discount Vegas for its lack of sandy beaches next to large bodies of water. For nearly half the price of some destinations, enjoy a room for four, a pool surrounded by smoking-hot eye candy, guaranteed adventure and free drinks.
Aside from these attractive features, Vegas is brimming with world-class restaurants run by the best chefs. And if high-class cuisine is not your style, the buffets display an extraordinary array of mouth-watering concoctions. Here are a few reasons Las Vegas is a foodie's Spring Break paradise.
Gourmet Cuisine
Madison has amazing fine-dining restaurants, but the number is miniscule compared to Vegas. Every resort on the Strip has at least one dining experience that is ultimately unforgettable, albeit expensive.
Take a high-life culinary tour of the world in a week: Shintaro at the Bellagio serves authentically prepared sushi and pan-Asian cuisine.
Next, visit Guy Savoy, a James Beard-winning restaurant, located in Caesar's Palace. It features elegant French cuisine designed by the namesake owner, a recipient of three Michelin stars. The magnum opus of his restaurant is the 10-course Menu Prestige, featuring a few of Savoy's signature dishes.
You will also find more fantastic restaurants opened by celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse and Top Chef"" Judge Tom Colicchio.
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
These eating establishments were once considered cheap, low-brow joints, but in recent years Las Vegas resorts have amped up the quality and culinary assortment. Tour the world in a single meal at any of these upgraded and impressive buffets.
Planet Hollywood's Spice Market Buffet often wins for ""Best Buffet in Vegas"" with its ample spread of world-class cuisine. The MGM Grand Buffet boasts all-you-can-eat prime rib, shrimp and Alaskan king crab legs. Try Cravings at the Mirage or Bayside Buffet at Mandalay Bay for breakfast. Looking for something off-Strip? The Buffet at The Rio is enormous and one of the largest in Sin City.
Quick Bites
Don't suffer between the breakfast buffet and an elegant dinner. Las Vegas also has an outstanding list of places to grab a quick bite any time of day - even at 2 a.m.
The Village eateries in New York, New York Hotel and Casino are frequently open late at night and offer pizza, Philly cheesesteaks, ice cream, Nathan's Famous hot dogs and a mean deli sandwich.
Café Gelato in the Bellagio has eye-opening espresso and creamy gelato in flavors to please every palate.
Dessert Delights
Las Vegas does not offer just the best breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also rated highly for the desserts.
The Chocolate Swan at Mandalay Place was created in Wisconsin and moved to Vegas in 2004. Some of the sweets in this shop include artisan chocolates, cake and tortes.
Wolfgang Puck's Postrio at the Venetian is a romantic dining atmosphere - reason enough to visit it for a sweet bite for two.
Bottoms Up
The cheapest way to develop a buzz in Vegas is to put $5 in a nine-line penny slot machine and wait for the cocktail waitress to make her way around. Order a drink (the sky is the limit) and wait for your special delivery. Tip her a dollar or two and order another drink. They are usually small servings, but if you can play the game you'll be feeling it in no time.
Don't want to throw your money away in the casino or waste time waiting? Hit up one of the Fat Tuesday bars located in several hotels. For about $10, get a yard-long margarita and add an extra shot for a dollar. Bring the container back for the next drink and save more money.
The best part about drinking in Vegas is the absence of an open intoxicants law. That's right; just take that daquiri out on the street without risk of getting a ticket.
Another great way to save money drinking in Vegas is to pack a bottle in your carry-on for the hotel room. Have each of your friends bring something different, and before you know it, you have your own beverage buffet.
Las Vegas is the perfect location for anyone who loves food, even if your Spring Break plans include all of the normal activities: laying in the sun, flirting, collecting phone numbers, drinking - a lot. Plus, there are always celebrities strolling around or hanging out at the clubs. It's true, I saw Neil Patrick Harris do a ballerina spin in the middle of the Mirage casino.
So if you're still looking for last-minute plans that will tantalize your tastebuds but keep your checking account balance above the red, look up vacation packages to Sin City. As they say, ""What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."" What other Spring Break hot spot can promise that?
