Trip To Vegas...looking For Safe Menus Or Places To Eat

[sparkles]

We are going to Vegas the end of the month and would like to know if anyone out there can give me some advice as to where we can go and have a nice dinner, cheap lunch, snacks (besides the M&M museum...), food in general, without me having to scope out the bathrooms first. I want to have a good time and not put a crimp in everyone else's good time. We are traveling with others so would like to have some kind of food ideas before we get there. I have been there before but that was PRE dx so help from anyone would be appreciated!!!!! I don't have other allergies or intolerances to worry about so that does make this slightly easier.... if having celiac disease can be easy!!!!

[jerseyangel]

Hi Sparkles,

Our resident expert on Vegas is Broncobux. If he dosen't see this, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you PM him for restaurant suggestions.

[mouse]

I would suggest that when you PM him that you also mention the price range you are looking at for lunch and dinner.

You might also mention where you will be staying and how far you are willing to walk, drive, cab it, for meals.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

Sparkles,

Where are you staying? For how long? Types of meals? How expensive?

Let me know and I can assist.

In other news, Las Vegas (Summerlin) is getting a "Gluten Free Bakery" -- It is supposed to open later this month or November (once the permits are approved).

How exciting!

Bronco

[mouse]

I hope they open the gluten-free bakery in Oct. We are going to be there the first week in Nov. I plan on getting beer on the way out of town. How awesome if we can stop at a bakery also.

[sparkles]

We are staying at the Excalibur. Walking is kind of a problem for me but there is always the shuttle and/or taxis. My step son is having a birthday while we are there and they would like to go to somewhere really nice and out of the ordinary. We are from Minneapolis so have lots of great food here (not always gluten-free) so I think someplace nice with fun atmosphere in Vegas. I really am not sure of the price range as this may be the one meal we really splurge on. Medium price range on the rest of the meals.... $10 for breakfast, $10-20+ for lunch, and $20 - 30+ for dinner (per person).... not including drinks.... I really am not sure how pricing for food is in Vegas but we have to eat and I would prefer not to spend time checking out the bathrooms.... so I am open to any price as long as my only meal choice is NOT lettuce with lemon juice and salt! I really appreciate any and all info that you can give me. Also if there are any super cheap places that might be ok too.... Otherwise, I might have to just open a pouch of tuna with cheetos and a coke with the Captain of course!!!! Thanks!!!!!

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

Sparkles,

If you guys go the show at the Excalibur called Tournament of Kings, they will serve you a gluten free dinner (just tell them when you make your reservation) - Its decent - rostissiere chicken with veggies.

Beyond that, I have never eaten at the Excalibur (usually too many kids and families, so I avoid the restaurants there)

The Mirage is the most gluten-free-friendly casino on the strip. They have several restaurants (Kokomo, Staxx, Samba, Carnegie Deli) that will cater to ya.

Mouse and I (and Lynn) have eaten at Kokomo's and Staxx. They are very accomodating (and a little bit pricey). If you go to Kokomo's ask to see the Head Executive Chef -- his name is Russ and he will come out to the table and talk about the menu with you. Ditto with Staxx - I forget the chef's name there, but he also comes to the table and talks about the menu (ask him to make you gluten free tator tots -- they are SOOOOO GOOD -- he stuffs them with cheese and bacon -- YUMMY!!!) The General Manager of Staxx is also celiac knowledgeable and friendly -- just call before you go. Both restaurants have great steaks, chicken and lobster.

Samba in the Mirage is also celiac friendly (again, make sure you tell the manager, server and chef). Samba is a Brazilian Style Steakhouse and has many good selections. For $30, you can get the all you can eat BBQ. the chef will tell you and the servers which BBQ you can have and which you can't. The servers actually bring the food on huge spears to the table and offer it to you until you finally say no. It is fun and really tasty.

For lunch, you and the hubby can split a Reuben (bread on the side and you bring your own bread) at Carnegie Deli -- trust me, it is big enough for 4 people -- LOL - Just make sure the bread is on the side and you can each make your own sandwiches (you can also get pastrami, just corned beef, etc if you don't like Reubens)

Also, In N Out Burger is directly across the Freeway on Tropicana -- again, talk to a manager and ask that your burger is cooked away from everyone els'e and order it "Protein Style (they wrap it in huge lettuce leaves. I always get a "Double Double, no sauce, no onion, protein Style Combo" -- The fries are gluten free -- they only use the fryer for fries, so no cross contamination there.

Also, in the Aladdin Casino, there is a PF Chang's (good chinese food with a gluten free menu)

On the strip across from Caesar's Palace is an Outback steakhouse.

In the Mandalay Bay, there is a restaurant called the Burger Bar - where you choose everything from the toppings of your burger and even the type of beef -- its really good too! (No fries though)

You need to be really vigilant at breakfast. Many Celiacs screw this up in Vegas. If you go to a Buffet, stick with obvious choices (omlette station, fruits, veggies) -- do not get bacon or sausage unless you know it is ok -- most buffets use the cheaper stuff with fillers -- no good!

When I travel, I live off of Cheese omlettes and fresh fruit for breakfast -- don't take a chance, its not worth it.

Hope this helps!

Bronco

p.s. I think "Bouchon" in the Venetian Casino has the best breakfast in town.

[sparkles]

Thank you so very much. Your list will really be helpful... especially for dinner. Thank you so very much. I am looking forward to a gluten-free vacation!!!!