4 minute read
The STRAT (“Over the Edge,”
Libation Station
Electra Cocktail Club is sleek, sexy and offers some of the best handcrafted cocktails on the Strip. Try ordering from the Zodiac Cocktail Menu. Bartenders have created a special cocktail for each sign of the zodiac. If you’re in town this week celebrating your birthday, then you must be an Aries. The Aries cocktail mixes together Campari, mezcal, Plantation rum, lime and pineapple juices and ginger syrup and ginger candy. You’d be remiss to not try one of Electra’s most-famous cocktails, the frozen Penichillin, with Monkey Shoulder Scotch, smoky Scotch, lemon, ginger and honey. –Kiko Miyasato
The Palazzo, 702.607.1950
The STRAT, 702.380.7777
Over the Edge
At the top of the iconic tower at The STRAT are three thrill rides that will leave you feeling brave and bemused, dazed and confused, all at the same time.
The drop tower ride Big Shot, looking like the biggest ring-the-bell game you’ve ever seen, propels its riders straight up at approximately 45 mph from 921 feet to 1,081 feet. No, you can’t wear your flip-flops.
The X-Scream emulates the feeling of a roller coaster as a car rolls back and forth on a piece of track. Of course, it’s not exactly the gentlest of motions, and it may just startle you. Then, it’s time to get tipped over the edge—and if that doesn’t freak you out, we don’t know what will.
Wait, we do know what will: The arcing arms of the inverted centrifuge ride Insanity, which hangs you 64 feet over the edge of the tower while rapidly spinning (3 Gs). And it’s not even level—you will be spinning at an angle. Oh, sweet geez. All the rides have separate requirements, from age to height, weight and medical restrictions.
Bonus thrill points: Jump off the tower. Yes, you can, on SkyJump, a controlled plummet all the way to the bottom, 855 feet down. Chicken out? You? No way. –Nina King
Creole at Its Finest
Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, has set the standard for dishes like Creole seafood boil, jumbo lump crab cake, Carolina gold jumbalaya and gumbo, but there’s so much more to enjoy on this menu, which is always being updated and revamped to ensure your return visit is as memorable as the first.
Signature cocktails include the Emeril’s Strawberry Lemonade, made with Burnett’s citrus vodka, and the Bardstown bourbon coffee infusion (the bourbon is passed through medium-roast coffee, orange peels and various spices before being combined with orgeat syrup and chocolate bitters).
Start a meal with seared scallop and homemade spaghetti, featuring heirloom tomatoes and pistachio basil pesto, before enjoying delights like fried young chicken, accompanied by cauliflower “rice” hoppin’ John with black-eyed peas and bacon and preserved lemon salsa verde. –Ken Miller
MGM Grand, 702.891.7374
An Abundant Table
Family-owned restaurant Ping Pang Pong is known in Las Vegas for philanthropy, beautiful décor and great food. The sheer number of items on this local favorite’s menu is truly dizzying, with signature dishes and specialties vying for equal attention. Order classic apps like pork pot stickers, chicken lettuce cups and spring rolls to start, or try the grilled lamb chop to change things up. If you are in the mood for barbecue, the Cantonese barbecue items include a half roast duck, crispy pork belly and honey-glazed pork barbecue. There are chicken dishes like the Taiwanese-style three cup chicken, shrimp-stuffed chicken and kung pao chicken, and seafood dishes such as San Pan prawns or Dragonwell shrimp (with green tea flavor).
There are plenty of fried rice, noodle and clay pot options like the Night Market fried rice, starring sliced beef with Thai chilis, and anchovy and chicken fried rice. You’ll even find separate sections for lobster, red cod, eel and geoduck, with different preparations for each one. –Nina King
Take a Heroic Journey
Are you a true Marvel fan? Test your knowledge about that universe at Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., where you’ll be reminded of the origin stories of everyone from Captain America to Thor. You’ll also find a ton of info about each hero, and may glean details you had no clue about before. Take a gander at Captain America’s shield and motorcycle and several of the Iron Man costumes featured in the movies, as well as Hawkeye and Black Widow.
Throughout the attraction, you’ll find interactive elements that let you discover the true strength of the Hulk in Bruce Banner’s lab, and explore other dimensions with Thor. Not only will you check out the heroes, there might be a few villains featured, too.
And take your time—there are plenty of small details that you might overlook at first glance, like Ant-Man’s ants leading you on. –Nina King
Treasure Island, 702.894.7722
Gold Coast, 702.367.7111
Faves From the Pub
One of my favorite dishes in Vegas are the potato cakes from Rí Rá Irish Pub—and I literally order them every single time. With mashed potato, cheddar, green onion, sour cream and a balsamic glaze, these appetizers really do get you geared up for another course. The menu is packed with traditional Irish dishes like sausage rolls, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie, as well as twist on a Scotch egg made with deviled egg mousse. And you’ll need a beer, of course—choose from classic Guinness and other Irish brews, plus a wide selection of regional and global varieties. –Nina King
The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7771
