Las Vegas’ Picasso serves up a romantic panorama of the spectacular dancing fountains of the Bellagio and a refined range of delicate Mediterranean-inspired dishes which draw on premium Spanish and French produce, from those regional areas that Pablo Picasso spent so much of his life.
There is always a risk when opening up yet another Michelin Star restaurant in Las Vegas. Location is the number one factor, get that wrong and you might as well forget the whole exercise. Competition here is fierce. Located along the Via Bellagio, the high style lavish fashion arm of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, you could not ask for a more central and stunning location – perched on the glistening shores of Lake Como. What draws clientele here over the handful of other Michelin star restaurants on the strip is the consistency. Picasso is always striving to exceed guests’ expectations.
Then there is the name. Head Chef Julian Serrano, explores the gourmet rooms of France once a year to seek new inspirations and creative innovations much like the master Pablo Picasso. “I begin with an idea, then it becomes something else” – a famed quote from the master himself which is reflected effortlessly in seasonally prepared elegant cuisine on offer from Chef Julian Serrano. “I’ve always respected and admired Picasso’s work, which is one reason I was interested in featuring his paintings in the restaurant. When guests hear the name Picasso they expect a fine dining, high- quality experience and that’s exactly what we offer in the restaurant, so the name seemed appropriate.”
Soft candles glow in the rustically dimmed restaurant. The décor is pastoral yet sophisticated with allure. A collection of original Picasso pieces including tile work and paintings feature on the walls valuing a whopping $220m. With a bi-annual curator from New York who looks after and expands the collection, as well as a vast array of extravagant floral arrangements, reconstructed weekly and at a cost of $40k a month, you can truly see that no stone is left unturned in this charming Mediterranean-style restaurant.
Boasting the finest white china and with graceful violin notes floating softly in the background, charm oozes with those wide views of the sparkling waters by day and glittering Vegas skyline by night. The restaurants design provides the perfect foil. Making a bold statement using simple yet strong profiles and materials, there is an underlying relaxed ambiance whether you are looking for casual-chic or stunningly-sophisticated – it seems something for every mood has been planned.
Knowing that diners are often much more captivated by their dishes than the décor, some of Serrano’s signature creations on Picasso’s menu include Lamb with truffle crust and Medallions of Fallow Deer as well as an extensive wine collection housing more than 1750 bottles from Europe’s finest vineyards.
The combination of flavours showcased in the cuisine burst and explode in your mouth. Artistically crafted to blend, contrast and stand alone, your tastebuds are truly tantalised and you will not be left disappointed. With inspiration from his staff and vast travels, Chef Serrano reveals that when he is travelling, whether it be for business or pleasure, he always makes a trip to a local market. He finds that markets are great places to discover new ingredients and to become inspired.
If seeking flair of true artistic inspiration of a cleverly crafted menu is your style, you will be sure to discover this unique dining experience at Picasso.
Picasso is an 11-time recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award from 2002 to 2012, a Michelin two star restaurant for 2008 and 2009 (the only two years Michelin rated Las Vegas) and its wine list has received the coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine for 2010 and 2011.
Picasso, Las Vegas
Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd Overpass, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Phone: +1 702-693-8105
Prices: $$$$
Hours:
Sunday 5:30-9:30 pm
Monday 5:30-9:30 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5:30-9:30 pm
Thursday 5:30-9:30 pm
Friday 5:30-9:30 pm
Saturday 5:30-9:30 pm
Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/picasso.aspx
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