Are you old enough to remember that old political clich as Maine goes, so goes the nation? Of course, it isnt applicable anymore. All those Boston liberals moved to Maine to dodge taxes, and now, its just another Blue State.
But my gourmet dinner at the newly revamped Buffet at Aria did bring the phrase to mind. The buffet, in its present form, is a microcosm for what we are eating in America today. Twenty years ago, the idea of eating dim sum, Chicago style deep dish pizza and salumi, or sushi on a casino buffet would have been absurd. Today, they are de rigueur.
Actually, though, the recently re-opened buffet here is much improved, and makes more sense than the previous incarnation. First off, the color scheme, burnt orange and beige highlights, is more relaxed. Secondly, the casino has made better use of the space, so it now feels more open and inviting.
The buffet is divided into sections with names like Sweets, Diner and Asian, clearly displayed in signage above the various dishes. The desserts are now individual portion sizes, except for items such as deep dish apple pie, or a cinnamon swirl bread pudding, which are spooned up from large bowls. Many dishes are presented in Le Creuset pots, those French enamel Dutch ovens that are both so attractive and practical. Other dishes are displayed in Mason jars with open tops, an idea cribbed from the Wicked Spoon, the groundbreaking buffet across Harmon Avenue at the Cosmopolitan.
This is just another battle in the buffet wars. Caesars Palace fired a huge shot across the bow of their competitors when they opened Bacchanale Buffet, their extravaganza in the main casino. (The Caesars buffet has been doing a land office business; sometimes there are lines of up to two hours just to get inside.)
That wont happen here, nor has it happened at the Cosmopolitan. These buffets are what I call location challenged. Buffet at Aria is on the second level, next to the Zarkana Theater, up a long escalator from the casino floor, not a location youd pass by accident. (Wicked Spoon suffers from a similarly obscure, second level placement.) Oh well.
At any rate, here are some of the highlights you can expect if you dine here on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening, when fresh oysters and King crab legs are on the menu. I am impressed by the naan bread and tandoori chicken at the Tandoori station, and they also stock three or four Indian curries on a rotating menu.
Sushi is made to order while you watch; the unagi, or fresh water eel, is especially tasty. At the Carvery, youll find the obligatory turkey and roast beef, with the surprise of leg of lamb offered. Directly next to it, there is a Barbecue station, loaded with meats that have a nice smoke ring, made in the main kitchen downstairs. (The huge, meaty beef ribs rule. Pass on the fatty brisket).
At the Asian station, there are dim sum trios in individual bamboo steamers, plus four wok dishes, typically, a fried rice, a fried noodle, and two meat based dishes, each one still in their giant woks. The Italian station has terrific cold cuts, deep dish and thin crust pizza, Stromboli, garlic bread bites and pastas en casserole, such as lasagna.
But what impressed me the most was the Sweets. Here, there is a twirling display of house made gelati, French candies such as pates de fruits and fresh marshmallows in serving dishes, beautifully plated, imaginative pastries, Red Velvet whoopee pies, and a terrific pistachio apricot roll being just two, plus gluten and sugar-free options.
Toto, were not in Kansas anymore. In fact, I dont think Kansas is, either.
The Buffet at Aria serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call 590-7111 for information regarding hours and prices.
The Buffet at the Aria Best Las Vegas Buffet Prices & Coupons The Aria offers one of the best buffets in all of Las Vegas! LVA provides exclusive buffet prices, deals and coupons for the The Buffet. Buffet Las Vegas Hotels - ARIA Rooms at CityCenter When you think about Las Vegas buffets there are normally two requirements; quality and variety. The Buffet at ARIA focuses not only on having a wide selection of ... RESTAURANTS Las Vegas Hotels - ARIA Rooms at CityCenter An All New Way to Buffet - Now Open! All-You-Can-Eat, Homestyle Cuisine Done Right Learn More Buffet VEGAS.com - The Buffet at Aria VEGAS.com Find a review of The Buffet at Aria and other Las Vegas restaurants courtesy of VEGAS.com. The Buffet at ARIA - The Strip - Las Vegas, NV (877) 230-2742 "The Aria buffet has recently been remodeled. I was impressed! 1. The staff was very welcoming, professional, and gave overall great service. 2. The ... The Buffet at Aria, Las Vegas - Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor "I looked forward to having a dinner at the newly opened Buffet at Aria. The pictures ..." "I'm not a seafood eater, but if you are- THIS is the place for you! The ... The Buffet at ARIA - The Strip - Las Vegas, NV (877) 230-2742 "How many nice restaurants are there in Las Vegas on the strip alone? A lot. How many did we eat at? ZERO! Thanks to my husband's inability to wait ...
