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.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/124284
TASTE Mike Snedegar privacy, please TAO GROUP'S CELEBRITY-RELATIONS EXPERT, MIKE SNEDEGAR, DISHES ON THE LAS VEGAS HOT SPOTS WITH THE MOST EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE DINING ROOMS. T ao has bragging rights to one of the busiest tucked-away dining rooms in the country. The hot spot's pan-Asian fare has enticed Jay-Z and Kim Kardashian—plus high rollers from around the world. Things don't slow down at its sister restaurant, Lavo. The celeb magnet's flare for Italian has lured everyone from Rihanna to Drew Barrymore to its private room, adjacent to the Strip-side patio. When Mike Snedegar, who runs entertainment marketing for Tao Group, isn't hosting such privacy-craving A-listers, he relaxes in these five-star dining nooks. Tao, Venetian, 702-388-8338; taorestaurantlv.com. Lavo, Palazzo, 702-791-1800; lavolv.com Hank's Fine Steaks This Henderson gem draws the locals with steaks, martinis, an old-school ambience— and an extra-large private room. "When Cirque PR guru Cara Abrahams had her birthday there," says Snedegar, "we closed the place down." Green Valley Ranch, 702-6177673; greenvalleyranch.sclv.com N9NE Steakhouse This see-and-be-seen spot was the first to offer private access straight to a nightclub (Rain) and still packs them in. Snedegar recommends 98 The private dining room at Lavo is a favorite of celebs and high rollers. its famous garbage salad and potato gnocchi— and people-watching from the private room with a view. Palms, 702-942-6415; palms.com Scarpetta "The chef's table here is one of my favorites," Snedegar says of the eight-seater with a Strip view through floor-to-ceiling windows. "The restaurant is quiet, but back there no one cares if you're loud." Must-have items: the signature spaghetti with tomatoes and basil and classic fritto misto. Cosmopolitan, 702-6987960; cosmopolitanlasvegas.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEILA NAVIDI (STOLI); WARREN JAGGER (LAVO); COURTESY OF EMILIO SANCHEZ (SNEDEGAR) continued from page 96 custom-made Asprey of London crystal decanter and sterling silver stopper help boost the price). The Balvenie last year released a special 50-year single malt whisky in honor of its malt master, David Stewart, who has been with the Scottish Speyside distillery for half a century. The whisky was laid down in 1962, when JFK was president, and bottled in 2012. Only 10 bottles were released to the US, and The Talon Club at the Cosmopolitan snapped up the first. For the serious whisky drinker, the opportunity to sample a special release like this could be siren call enough to drop $3,400 for a single pour. For a more affordable yet still unique whisky experience, head over to Rí Rá, where a dram of Bruichladdich 1964 will set you back $550, a 40-year Glenfiddich sells for $650 a pour, and the lovely Dalmore 1974 goes for $350. Fans of Irish whiskey will find Knappogue Castle Vintage 1951 (from the company's old distillery) for $350 a serving. And when you're ready to go all-out for an unforgettable evening, head to Hyde Bellagio. For $250,000, Fountain Package guests sit center stage at the prime patio table overlooking the Fountains of Bellagio. Enjoy drinks and music throughout the evening, and when the music stops, your server delivers a gold box with a red button inside. After perusing the accompanying song menu, push the button An ice-cold glass of Stoli and enjoy a custom Fountain Elit Pristine Concert and a 30-liter bottle Himalayan Edition at Lily of Armand de Brignac "Ace of Bar & Lounge: Spades" Champagne. V $450. VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 096-098_V_SC_LocalFlavor_MAY/JUNE_13.indd 98 4/22/13 4:19 PM