Va Bene Cafe at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Va Bene Cafe is The Cosmpolitan's version of a Starbucks with style. It's a polished and modern take on an Italian coffee bar serving paninis, gelato and salads in addition to coffee and pastries. Outside of Secret Pizza, this is the second cheapest place to grab a meal in the hotel.

Knowing I'll have a busy late morning heading to the airport and wanting to make the most of my last hours in Vegas, I opted for a healthy menu of a yogurt and berries parfait ($6), a banana ($1) and orange juice ($4.50). The selection of baked goods looked delicious also but I knew if I got hungry there would still be time to return and grab something quick before heading to the airport.

Va Bene Cafe is located on the second level of The Cosmopolitan. Hours: Daily 6am-11pm.

Scarpetta Restaurant at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Peeking into the entrance of Scarpetta, the restaurant looks like it may just
be bar with a few tables but hidden beyond is the main dining
room overlooking the Bellagio's lake and fountains.

The main dining past 11pm. A few guests remained but including myself
but I was never felt rushed to finish my last dish.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

For my last night at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, I knew I wanted to try one of the hotel's fine dining restaurants. Despite having already tried six of the on-site establishments, there were still seven left to try. I normally have an early dinner to beat the crowds but I opted to enjoy the Dr. Dog concert at the Boulevard Pool viewed from my private terrace. It was nearly 9pm so I wondered if I would be able to find a table.

Italian food is one of my favorites and so Scarpetta from Chef Scott Conant was my destination. One can be intimidated by unfamiliar Italian words in a menu and unusual preparation or ingredients or by the well dressed diners sipping glasses of wine and staff who feel they know more about all cuisines than you do. So it's a credit to the hostess and wait staff at Scarpetta that they eased me into a comfortable experience to enjoy what I came here for: the food.

The hostess asked if I was a guest of The Cosmopolitan, which I was, and found me a table with a view of the Bellagio. I ordered the Signature Tasting Menu ($110) which cured my indecisiveness. Though the tasting would be comprised of six dishes according to the number of selections, by evening end it appeared I tackled an undertaking of ten if you include the excellent bread of dipping sauces and a couple of extra plates offered by chef. But it was the best way to savor the array of Conant's signature dishes across the menu.

A selection of Italian breads (Filone, Ciabattini, Rosemary Focaccia and Stromboli) served with Mascarpone Butter, Citrus Olive Oil and Eggplant Capunata. The breads could have been a meal in themselves especially with the hearty capunata of chopped eggplant in a sweet and sour sauce.

A duo of Raw Yellowtail in olio di zenzero and pickled red onion and Tuna 'Susci' with marinated vegetables and preserved truffles. The fresh taste of the yellowtail melts in your mouth while the tuna is the perfectly paired appetizer.

Crispy Fritto Misto is comprised of layers of tender squid, vegetables, artichokes, herbs and lemon. It's crispy exterior reveals a sweet and tender seafood that lacks oily characteristics one would expect.

Creamy polenta with a fricassee of truffled mushrooms. A signature dish that will leave you wanting more of it.

The remains of the Roasted Sea Scallops, Truffled White Asparagus, Pink Grapefruit and Uni Aioli. I love scallops especially in this well executed dish.

Spaghetti with tomato and basil. It's all about the pasta which is made fresh daily at Scarpetta. Delicious simplicity.

Short Rib Agnolotti with brown butter horseradish and toasted breadcrumb. One of the best pasta dishes I've ever tasted. The crispy topping melded perfectly with the creamy sauce and savory pasta stuffing.

A flaky and bold Fennel Spiced Black Cod with concentrated tomatoes and black olive oil followed next.

Spiced Duck Breast with endive, preserved orange and cippollini onions. Thick pieces of excellently prepared duck which I would have preferred with a bit more sauce.

Amedei Chocolate Cake, Toasted Almond Gelato and Salted Caramel Sauce. A rich chocolate doughnut balance by the delicious gelato and sauce made for a decadent end to a wonderful dinner.

I have to admit I was dazzled by the presentation of every plate and I love how multiple servers proudly present and describe each dish. Leaving the restaurant I'm still thinking about the agnolotti. I could have taken a plate to go. But it's a reason to return to Scarpetta.

On the name 'Scarpetta': An Italian expression meaning 'little shoe' (or the shape bread takes when used to soak up a dish) that represents the pure pleasure of savoring a meal down to the very last taste.

The restaurant was dimmed for dinner and every table tonight was in use for most of my evening here. The long narrow dining room and bar feels cozy without being cramped. The atmosphere feels like a sleek modern restaurant transplanted from New York city if it weren't for the massive Bellagio marquee outside as a reminder of your true location. Prime tables have an unobstructed view of the Bellagio's lake and fountain show.

Click HERE to view the menu. Visit scottconant.com for more information. Scarpetta is located on the third level of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas resort. Hours: daily 6pm-11pm. Additional Scarpetta restaurants located in Beverly Hills, Toronto, New York and Miami Beach.

About Chef Scott Conant: He has appeared as a guest judge on the Food Network's "Chopped" and in various seasons of Bravo's "Top Chef." One of New York's most beloved and respected chefs through his deft touch and unwavering passion to create food that is unexpected and soulful. Rave critical reviews and enthusiastic following for Scarpetta in New York and Miami has established him as one of the country's preeminent Italian chefs. He also brings to The Cosmopolitan a second restaurant and wine bar called D.O.C.G.

"Scarpetta" means "little shoe" or the shape break takes when used to
soak up a dish.

Scarpetta's dining room has a cozy yet big city feel.

The restaurant's bar serves as the hallway to the dining room.

Guests seated by the window have a view of the Bellagio hotel tower...

....or a view of the Bellagio lake...

....or a view of the Bellagio marquee.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Chocolate Terra Cotta Warriors

Entrance to China Poblano. Notice the two take-out counters.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

In 1565 King Phillip II of Spain began connecting Mexico with mainland China through the Philippines bringing riches and wealth back to Spain. Acclaimed Chef Jose Andres is bringing this story to his restaurant China Poblano for a hybrid dining experience.

Initially looking at the menu I was confused. Which flavors did I want. Should I do just one or a combination of cuisines. A drink to start from the China cocktails section perhaps will force my palate into a decision. The China Paloma ($14, Don Julio reposado, house-made grapefruit lavender soda) is a delicious take on the classic tequila/grapefruit combination.

All the dishes are single serving sizes and the server suggests ordering two first. From the "From China" section of the menu, I start with the Rou Jia Mo Street Sandwich ($8.88) which is a mouth-watering rich-flavored red braised pork sandwich. Next comes the Pescado Frito ($6.50) from the menu's taco list. A soft taco filled with fried fish and ancho chile pickled onions, it has a rich sauce with the perfect amount of heat.

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Rou Jia Mo Street Sandwich

Pescado Frito
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Some will say the servings are small but the flavors are intense and satisfying that I opted to satisfy my sweet tooth next. At $16.88 the Chocolate Terra Cotta Warriors is an amazing dessert. A take on the clay warriors found in China, a foot-long chocolate statue graces the plate. It is hollow but filled with a chocolate peanut butter mousse surrounded by a delectable treat of caramelized bananas, sesame and chocolate dust.

The red accents is how the interior designer connects the Chinese aspects with the green, red and white of Mexico. It's where rendering of artist Frida Kahlo sits alongside images of Chairman Mao and red lanterns combine with Mexican masks. Take out windows and counter seating occupy corners at the front representing the diverse contrast of the two cuisines.

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At left is a China Paloma cocktail.

The color red ties the Chinese and Mexican decor of the restaurant.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

On the name China Poblano: "In 1609, the beautiful Asian Princess Mirnha was taken prisoner. Her pirate captors intended to sell her as a slave to the Viceroy of Mexico, who was seeking gorgeous women to grace his palace. When she arrived in Acapulco on a Chinese ship, people were awestruck by her exotic looks and fantastic clothes detailed with complex embroidery and dazzling sequins. Mexican women soon imitated her style, which became known as China Poblano." (Las Vegas Review Journal, 5/1/11).

Click HERE to view the menu. Visit chinapoblano.com for more information. China Poblano is located on the second floor of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11:30pm; Fri-Sun 10am-11:30pm; Fri-Sun: Brunch served until 2pm.

About Chef Jose Andres: A native of Spain, Jose Andres is chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup, and with partner Rob Wilder, is the team responsible for Washington's popular and award-winning dining concepts Jaleo, Zaytinya, Oyamel, America Eats Tavern and the critically-acclaimed minibar by jose andrew, as well as The Bazaar by Jose Andres, part of the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, and Jaleo and China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. Jose was named Outstanding Chef of the Year at the 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards.

Projected images of the likes of Chairman Mao and Frida Kahlo grace
the restaurant's walls.

Diners have choice to eat the counters or request for a table.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

With a name like the Wicked Spoon, how can you resist?

My selections for my first plate of dishes.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

There is no lunch buffet at the Wicked Spoon. This satisfies the Vegas diet serving brunch for those early risers who prefer to eat at 7pm but also satisfies a good majority of guests who wake much later after a long night of fun and still crave some breakfast food up until early afternoon.

I always viewed Vegas buffets as the ultimate-all-you-can-eat destinations to stuff oneself so one can skip a meal and enjoy more time gambling or attending other diversions on the Strip. Other resorts such as the Bellagio and Wynn feature upscale selections with finer ingredients albeit in the luxury environment. The Wicked Spoon has changed the rules and the other Las Vegas hotels are taking notice. Reports are this restaurant in The Cosmopolitan's West End Tower is becoming a foodie destination.

The restaurants itself is modern with obvious unique touches to the decor that is evident throughout the hotel such as unusual light fixtures to luminous columns. Many buffets feel like an oversized cafeteria atmosphere but the Wicked Spoon is a sophisticated dining room. Tables of various sizes can accommodate almost any party size including those wanting to sit on barstools with backrests along long high tables giving these diners a clear view of the entire dining room. From parts of the restaurant you can't even see the buffet stations. This is a clever design feature that satisfies those who want to see the food stations as entertainment but also those who prefer a more private dining experience away from the high foot-traffic.

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After this second plate of scrumptious choices, I was satisfied.

Gone is the cafeteria atmosphere replaced by a sophisticated dining room.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

For brunch, the lines are long and patience is a virtue. But once in the dining room guests are not corralled together but generously spread out. A server takes my drink order (coffee and orange juice) and water is served from your own bottle set on the table.

Purveying the several buffet stations and I see what makes the Wicked Spoon unique. Most of the dishes are prepared in personal serving sizes of tiny pots, pans, bowls and saucers. For example the fried chicken comes in miniature fry baskets and Thai noodles served in a mini version of the classic white Chinese take-out container. There is no self-serve ice cream station but a fully-staffed gelato bar featuring a colorful choice of flavors.

The effect of design and food represents a sophisticated buffet. There are no huge bowls of food that look glorious when freshly placed at a station and later looked picked over once the crowds descend. The entire buffet looks sparking and appetizing. Like other Vegas buffets the selections are vast and this one covers Asian, Latin and Italian cuisines in addition to classic American favorites. Some may be turned off by the pre-portioned dishes but no one is going to say take one or say you can't go back. It's encouraged to return as often as you like.

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The unique decor of The Cosmopolitan is carried into the Wicked Spoon.

An example of buffet selections served in personal sized pans.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The portioned dishes does keep your food choices separated on plate and they encourage guests to taste more of the food selections rather than just pigging out on a select few. It's a buffet with a rationale to savor each dish.

My initial choices are comprised of an eggs benedict, fruit crumble, birds nest soup, a refreshing orange flavor gelatin and potatoes au gratin. Many of these dishes are made in view of the buffet stations and the fresh taste of each dish is evident.

A misunderstanding caused my table to be cleared when I returned with a second plate but the server quickly re-set my table with a cloth napkin, silverware and drinks. She apologized more than once but I let her know I still enjoyed my meal.

My second plate was traditional brunch plate of fruit in yogurt, omelet in a single-serving pan, sticky fun, bacon, apple sausage and salmon, cream cheese on a toasted bagel. The only disappointment was the bagel which was like eating wood. Much as I wanted to take another survey of the buffet and try another set of dishes, my good sense told me to stop.

I highly recommend the Wicked Spoon for your next Vegas vacation.

The Wicked Spoon is located on the second level of The Cosmopolitan's West End Tower.
Daily Brunch Mon-Fri 8am-2pm ($22)
Weekend Brunch Sat & Sun 8am-3pm ($29 includes one Mimosa or one Bloody Mary)
Daily Dinner Sun-Thu 5pm-9pm ($35)
Weekend Dinner 5pm-10pm ($35)

The Asian buffet includes sushi and salads prepared for one.

The food it not piled at stations but are displayed generously making such
 plates of strawberry short cake stand out.

Two lines at a peak brunch time: one to pay and one to be seated.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Holsteins Shakes and Buns at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Holstein's located on the second level of The Cosmopolitan has two
entrances. This one leads to the main dining room.
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

'The Rising Sun' Big Buns burger. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

A "simple" chocolate shake. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

There's something comforting about eating at Holsteins Shakes and Buns at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. With a focus on specialty burgers and the warm colors of the dining room, I knew I wouldn't be hard pressed to immediately find something I'd like on the menu.

But I almost suffered from a case of indecision upon choosing just one of the restaurant's "Big Buns" burger but narrowed my selection to 'The Rising Sun' ($17, Kobe beef, teryiyaki glaze, nori furikake, crispy yam, spicy mayo and tempura avocado; served with shoestring fries). A chocolate shake ($8) rounded out this decadent late night meal.

The burger would depend on the right blend of Asian flavors. My affection for teriyaki sauce is renewed for a flavor that has come to be associated with a low-end American versions of Japanese fast food. The brightness of the avocado and yam balances with the kick of the mayo and sauce and with the juicy grilled beef patty. The burger is quite filling and the pot of crispy shoestring fries could have been a great appetizer in itself.

It's been a long time since I've had a shake of any flavor outside of the golden arches or from that place with that guy in the clown's hat. So one forgets how delicious a great hamburger goes with a satisfying shake. It was all the dessert I needed to close out my meal.

Next time I'd like to order one of the restaurant's Bam-Boozled Shakes such as the The Almond Joy (with Amaretto, Malibu Rum, toasted coconut and candied almonds) or Blueberry Pie (Stoli blueberry Vodka, blueberry compote, brown butter crumble) both priced at $11 each. Among the Big Buns burgers my eyes strayed to the Gold Standard ($17.50, dry aged sirloin burger with smoked bacon, goat cheddar, tomato confit, arugula and garlic-chive aioli) and the Billionaire Burger ($28, Kobe beef, foie gras, port onion marmalade, frisee and truffle mayo). These would have to wait until next time.

The restaurant was near it's closing time but the staff was still attentive in their service. Never made to feel once I was dragging out their work day just because I showed up 30 minutes to closing.

Holsteins is a new burger concept from Las Vegas restaurateurs Billy Richardson and Chef Anthony Medenbauer of Block 16 Hospitality.

Click HERE for the menu. Visit holsteinslv.com for more information. Hours: Lunch (daily 11am-4pm); Dinner (daily 4pm to midnight); Late Night (Fri, Sat & Mon 12am-2am).

The Big Buns come with a choice of shoestring (pictured above) or
steak cut fries. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Holsteins cow greets hungry diners. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The bar entrance to Holsteins. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler) 

The restaurant's main dining room. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

A quiet corner in the Holsteins dining room. (photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Secret Pizza Place at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

No fancy sign or entrance, just a discreet hallway leads to Secret Pizza.

Vintage album covers line each side of the hallway leading to Secret Pizza.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The quest to find cheap eats at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel is a futile effort by looking at a list of the hotel restaurants. Not listed on any directory or even on the hotel website is a pizza place that is so cool it has no name. This tiny eatery tucked at the end of a hallway on the hotel's third level is often referred to as Secret Pizza.

If you can't find it, just ask any employee at the Cosmopolitan and they will send you in the right direction. The hallway entrance to Secret Pizza is lined with vintage album covers and almost feels like walking back in time once the Galaga video arcade game comes into view in the eatery's small dining area comprised of counters and chairs against the wall.

It's a no frills place with a push letter menu board and likely one of the reasons why this is one of the best bargains on the Strip. Starting at $4.50 for a slice (50 cents for extra toppings) or $24 for a whole pizza pie, the eatery also offers up salads ($6-$8), desserts (cannoli and cheesecake, $4.50 each), red and white wine ($6), beer ($5-$6) and the usual selection of soft drinks. The drinks are even served up in a plastic red disposable tumbler with no cover.

I ordered a slice of pepperoni and though it may not look like something anything special, the pizza dough is made fresh and the cheese grated daily and topped with imported pepperoni. Resembling a thin crust pizza, the slice has crust with a chewy crunch and a bright tomato and cheese flavor.

Secret pizza is open from lunch and usually stays open until 4am. The place has become popular with late night clubbers and hotel workers in the area.

The no frills eaters that is has no name and now commonly known as
Secret Pizza.

A selection of the thin crust pizzas freshly made dough, freshly
grated cheese and imported pepperoni.

The tiny dining area includes a classic touch: a Galaga video arcade game.

The simple menu of Secret Pizza.

This pepperoni slice is unassuming but it has a crispy
curst and a bright tomato and fresh cheese flavor.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)