This weekend, we and everyone we love traveled to Vegas to celebrate my sister Amy’s 30th birthday in grand style. My husband and I felt so happy that our siblings were all together to party and live a carefree weekend together.

For us, Vegas is always about the food. Before each Vegas trip (we go about 4 times per year), I discuss and decipher and research and suggest and decide and make reservations. I can’t really comprehend going to Vegas without planning each meal and having reservations, but I’m sure some people do it.

Coordinating a large group (~20 people) can be intense, but we all went with the flow and did what we wanted to do. We stayed at the Palms. I love that hotel because it’s so small. You don’t have to walk miles just to get to the elevators.

The main bday party was at a MAJOR suite at the Wynn. From the windows we could see the lake show on the ground. I didn’t realize it was so elaborate and whimsical.

Now on to the food…! I only took a few photos because I’m kind of over taking multiple flashy photos in restaurants nowadays. But you will get the gist.

First, our standby - Olives at the Bellagio. My husband is obsessed with their Maytag Martini made with Junipero gin. Handstuffed olives and a twig of rosemary add to the indulgence.

For the first time, we were seated on the patio adjacent to the fountains with an extensive view of the strip. This was wonderful until the wind changed and we had to duck and cover our food from the fountain water. It was so intense that they even had to bring out one of those “Piso Mojado” yellow signs for the floor. That is definitely a bad hazard of eating on the patio, as lovely as it was.

We also ordered a starter of Foie Gras and Duck Tenderloin, as well as the Tuna Tartare ($17) with cucumber, julienne, ginger glazed rock shrimp. Here they are:

At Amy’s suite party, her BFF Alex provided a delicious cake from a local Vegas bakery called Freed’s that apparently the New York Times said is the 3rd best bakery in the country. Everyone loved the cake! And it was so cute and Vegas-themed. Rumor has it that if you fill the plastic slot machine with water, it sprays when you pull the handle. Nice touch!

The next night we got a lovely private room at Prime at the Bellagio (yes, we might as well just start staying there since we end up there every night for their restaurants!). We sat at a gorgeous round table for 7 and an exquisite Lichtenstein tapestry adorned the wall behind us.

The starters were phenomenal - to this snacky girl, they were the most memorable part of the meal. This is the Steak Tartar and Carpaccio Plate which we also enjoyed when we ate at Prime last December.

I ordered the most amazing short ribs with a “spring roll” of grits. The portion was about 4 times what I would have expected it to be and I felt horrible about not being able to finish all my food. But I did the best I could!

Everyone in our party ordered red meat. Most people got the filet special which came with blue cheese truffled mac n’ cheese. Wow.

And here’s how we marked Amy’s birthday at Prime:

Mmmmm! I love chocolate!

So that is Amy’s amazing 30th birthday weekend as seen through the eyes of our meals. Viva Las Vegas and many more healthy, happy years to my little sister!

~Beth