Las Vegas is a brunch kind of town. With all the nightlife going on, breakfast often just happens at lunchtime. And nine months out of the year, the best place to brunch is near the waters of some of the city’s coolest hangouts, when LV’s party puddles are serving frosty libations to soothe the sun-ravaged soul, going so far as to offer frozen fruit, Evian misters, sunscreen service, poolside massages and even water shows. But one cannot live by cocktail garnishes alone. Fortunately, these new gourmet brunches make waking up in Vegas a little more appealing:
Sunday Brunch at Tao Beach
One of the newest brunches in town has a prime location: inside one of Las Vegas’ hottest pool-party scenes. All summer long, Tao Beach at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is a wild oasis where party animals gather poolside to get their fill of fun in the sun and guest DJs. But on Sundays, space is cleared and restaurant tables are rolled out for a white-tablecloth à la carte brunch experience that really delivers. Asian twists on traditional brunch favorites include the XO Omelet, eggs Benedict with tōgarashi [chili pepper] hollandaise, Kobe steak and eggs and Kung Pao chicken wings with sriracha ranch. On the lighter side, the crispy Tao Temple Salad of fresh greens and water chestnuts in a soy-yuzu dressing is refreshing with the complimentary glass of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine, or the citrus blossom lemongrass and sparkling yuzu sake cocktail. But whatever you do, do not miss the fortune cookie waffle: a vanilla-kissed batter studded with pieces of chocolate fortune cookie and served with fresh berries and cooling fortune cookie ice cream. It might not make you feel better about Monday’s impending arrival, but it certainly can’t hurt.,10 a.m. Sundays
Bubbles & Brunch at Overlook Grill
Three words: warm Monkey Bread. But you’ll want to try much more than just that ooey-gooey treat. From a breezy perch above The Strip at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and with views of the adjacent Boulevard Pool, the Overlook Grill offers a choice of indoor or outdoor seating while DJs spin the soundtrack of summer. The $40 prix-fixe brunch commences with bottomless Domaine Chandon or Mimosa. Then, the fun begins as a parade of dishes arrive for the table: beignets, Greek yogurt with grilled peach and mint honey and that warm Monkey Bread with caramel and toasted pecans. Dessert, too, is a family affair. But you get to choose your entrée from a substantial list that includes blue claw crabcake benedict, fish tacos and a Prosciutto and asparagus frittata, also available à la carte. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, à la carte or $40 prix fixe
Fountains Brunch, Jasmine
It’s not a pool per se — and diving in will only get you a personal introduction to the elite Bellagio security force — but the Fountains Brunch at Jasmine offers something no party pool can: an incomparable view of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Bellagio’s iconic dancing fountains. On Sundays, the water shows begin at 11 a.m. and run every 15 minutes during brunch, so there’s no chance that you’ll miss them while you’re perusing several gourmet live-action cooking stations. On offer are organic brown eggs your way at the build-your-own-omelet station, lobster-potato cake eggs Benedict and chocolate fondue from the pastry shop. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays, $58 per person
Photos Courtesy of TAO Beach, Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
