ML - Vegas Magazine

2013 - Issue 5 - September

Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.

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GUIDE imbibe Some occasions call for a drink more festive than a simple cocktail. Splendor in a Glass THESE BUBBLY-BASED COCKTAIL STANDOUTS ARE A REAL TOAST TO VEGAS. BY DEVIN HOWELL Although cognac is the drink of choice in André's Cigar Lounge, in the main dining room, revered French chef André Rochat's cuisine calls for a celebratory vibe. Imbibe one of the restaurant's most frequently ordered drinks: the French 75, made with gin, fresh lime juice, sugar, and Champagne. Monte Carlo, 702-798-7151; andrelv.com Bar Vdara The contemporary nongaming hub Vdara boasts a central bar that's a comfortable spot to mingle and unwind. Indulge in the Kiss of Pearsuasion, a blend of Absolut Pears vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and brut Champagne, while sampling the crispy tempura vegetables. The tranquil environment includes a reflecting pool and outdoor swings. Vdara Hotel & Spa, 702-5902111; vdara.com Comme Ça by David Myers The first sip of any of Comme Ça's one-of-a-kind handcrafted cocktails will instantly transport you to Paris. Try the tasty Prohibition Punch, one of the most popular cocktails in the restaurant's signature "18A" bar program, with dark rum, Grand Marnier, passion fruit purée, lemon juice, and Champagne. After one too many, slide into a comfy booth and satisfy your 148 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 148_V_BOB_G_Imbibe_Sept13.indd 148 hunger with cuisine by awardwinning chef David Myers. Cosmopolitan, 702-698-7910; commecarestaurant.com Daylight Beach Club Step into the colorful pool paradise that is Daylight Beach Club and pretend you're partying on the beaches of Ibiza. To get in the mood, indulge in some Champagne sangria, made with a blend of fine spirits, fresh fruit, orange juice, and Champagne. Then relax on one of the 70 daybeds or in one of the 23 cabanas that circle the pool. You'll need the energy come dusk, when Daylight transforms into the nighttime pool party Eclipse. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7777; daylightvegas.com Herbs & Rye Classic cocktails and a speakeasy ambience make Herbs & Rye a locals' favorite for handmade concoctions. Savor its renowned drinks (the menu is lengthy) while learning a thing or two about the history behind each libation from your waiter or bartender. And if you're a fan of bubbly, lean in for the Buck's Fizz, a mixture of orange juice, gin, Champagne, and Heering cherry liqueur. 3713 W. Sahara Ave., 702-9828036; herbsandrye.com Honey Salt This farm-to-table restaurant is an ode to simple food done right, using local ingredients as often as possible, even in the handcrafted cocktails. Sip on the Lady Blau Sparkle, a combination of Charbay blood orange vodka, Chandon, and bitters-soaked sugar. It goes great with Honey Salt's famous brown-bag-baked apple or peach pie. 1031 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-4456100; honeysalt.com BUBBLING OVER Imbibing with Will Costello, Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas's director of wine. Laguna Champagne Bar Conveniently located just steps from Palazzo's main casino floor, Laguna boasts a fun list of both classic and signature Champagne cocktails, plus all the Moët, Dom, and Veuve you want by the glass. (You can even add a hibiscus flower.) Go old-school with a Kir Royale, or order the more modern Flower Eclipse: St-Germain, fresh lemon juice, and Champagne. Palazzo, 702-607-7777; palazzo.com Twist by Pierre Gagnaire Dining at one of the few restaurants in town by a Michelin three-star chef calls for Champagne. Kick off an indulgent tasting menu with the Midnight Noir Champagne cocktail, made with Hennessy Black cognac, blackberries, amaretto, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Gérard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux 2010. Don't forget to take a trip up the glass staircase to see the restaurant's suspended wine loft. Mandarin Oriental, 702-5908888; mandarinoriental.com V What Champagne trends are happening right now? The biggest one is growerproducer Champagne, or "farmer fizz." These are small-production, handcrafted Champagnes with lots of character. But I would say nearly a third of our Champagne sales come from rosé. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOSGH (STRAWBERRY); HADLEY OBUSAN (L'AMERICAIN); COURTESY OF MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAS VEGAS (COSTELLO) André's Restaurant & Lounge What blends well with Champagnes? Any purée. Because of its concentration, the Champagne allows the aromatics and flavor to show without being so rich. Where do you get your inspiration? For the l'Americain, we wanted something along the lines of an unusual Negroni, but with bubbles and fruit. Mandarin Oriental's l'Americain. 8/5/13 7:31 PM

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