Lost Shaker of Salt? Find Your Paradise at These New Vegas Restaurants!

When the neon lights of Las Vegas beckon, the feeling is pure "fins to the left, fins to the right" freedom. While some are drawn to the slots and shows, I know that the real treasure is often found at the dinner table. And lately, Vegas has been serving up some new culinary gems that are perfect for a romantic escape or a family feast. Forget your troubles and sink into that "Slack Tide" state of mind, because I've got the scoop on four spots that'll make your next trip unforgettable.

For the Romantic Getaway:

• Caramella Italian Restaurant & Lounge (Planet Hollywood): If your idea of paradise is a plate of indulgent pasta and a quiet corner with your sweetie, Caramella is your spot. Inspired by 1970s Italy, this place has a sleek, sophisticated vibe that feels like a classic film. The real magic? It's the secret cocktail lounge hidden behind a whimsical candy shop. It's a playful twist that's perfect for couples looking for a little mystery before or after a fabulous meal.

• Amaya Modern Mexican (The Cosmopolitan): Looking for a lively night out with your favorite parrot head? Amaya brings the vibrant, carefree spirit of coastal Mexico right to the heart of the Strip. With fresh ceviche, a show-stopping fajita board, and an impressive collection of tequila and mezcal, it’s a fiesta for your senses. This is the place to get lost in the moment, with a live DJ and even fire performers setting the stage for an unforgettable date night.

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  Stubborn Seed (Resorts World Las Vegas): For the couple that appreciates the finer things, Stubborn Seed offers a true culinary adventure. Helmed by a 'Top Chef' winner, this fine-dining spot serves up an exquisite tasting menu that's all about pushing boundaries while honoring classic flavors. It’s an elegant, intimate setting for a special anniversary or a celebratory dinner. It's the kind of place where every bite feels like a meticulously crafted reward for a life well-lived.

For the Family Feast:

• Taste of Asia (Suncoast Hotel and Casino): Sometimes, a perfect vacation meal is simply about great food that everyone will love. Taste of Asia is a delicious and unpretentious gem that specializes in authentic Chinese food and dim sum. With a huge menu of wok-fried favorites and classic dishes, even the pickiest little eaters will find something to enjoy. It’s a great option for a relaxing, no-fuss family dinner after a long day of adventure.

With all the new and incredible options popping up, planning a trip can feel like trying to navigate the ocean without a compass. That's where a trusted travel advisor can be your best friend, helping you chart a course to your perfect escape—whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a laid-back family meal.

Don't let the details steal your paradise. We're here to take the stress out of planning so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. To start charting your course to Las Vegas—or any other paradise you have in mind—contacting Come Monday Travel to schedule a consultation call.

Draw Four Fun: Your Next Adventure Awaits at the UNO Social Club!

Ahoy there, fellow travelers and seekers of paradise! Bruce here, ready to share some news that's as vibrant and unexpected as a wild card in your hand. Forget your troubles for a moment and imagine a place where the biggest decision is whether to go "Draw Two" or skip a turn. We're talking about the brand-new UNO Social Club, setting sail this July at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas!

Now, you might be thinking, "Uno? Like the card game?" And yes, you'd be right! But this isn't your grandma's kitchen table game. Mattel is launching an immersive experience that's all about fun, relaxation, and a little friendly competition, making it a perfect escape for couples or families with teens looking for something uniquely playful.

Picture this: you could be sinking into a themed hotel suite, a vibrant oasis designed to put you in that "Cheeseburger in Paradise" state of mind. Imagine private gaming tables where you can try out wild variations like Uno Golf, Uno Teams, or even the deliciously daring Uno Show 'em No Mercy. And what's a social club without a dedicated lounge and bar, complete with themed drinks and plenty of photo ops to capture your joyous moments? They even have a private bowling alley, because why not add more layers of fun to your escape? This is about creating unforgettable memories, stress-free.

For those of you with a competitive spirit, get ready for Uno tournaments where you can truly show off your "fins to the left, fins to the right" strategy. And for our Empty Nesters looking for new discoveries, or families with teens ready for unforgettable experiences, this sounds like a truly unique blend of paradise and play.

The best part? This Las Vegas launch is just the beginning! Mattel has plans for more pop-up locations across the country, so even if Vegas isn't on your immediate horizon, your chance to immerse yourself in the world of Uno might be coming to a port near you. These UNO Social Clubs are due to "pop-up across the country later this year, with experiences in bars and venues in major U.S. cities," transforming everyday hotspots into the ultimate game night destination with UNO-themed drink menus, tournament-style play, photo moments, and more.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the fun possibilities and not sure how to shuffle your deck to make this happen? That's where Come Monday Travel comes in! Bruce can handle all the details, from flights and hotels to making sure you snag those coveted reservations. Don't let time constraints for planning or the fear of making the wrong choices keep you from this exciting new adventure

Why not let Come Monday Travel chart the course for your next whimsical escape? Contact us today to schedule a consultation call and let us help you deal yourself into this incredible UNO Social Club experience, or any other dream vacation you're yearning for. We're here to ensure your only job is to relax, explore, and soak in every moment. 

Highway to the Danger Zone: Las Vegas is Calling, Maverick!

 Prepare for takeoff, adventurers, because Come Monday Travel is about to send you into the Danger Zone! Get ready to feel the need for speed like never before, as an incredible new immersive Top Gun experience is heading to Las Vegas in summer 2028!

Paramount Global and Advent Allen Entertainment are joining forces to bring the high-octane world of Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick to life on the Las Vegas Strip, right at The Strat Hotel. This isn't just a theme park ride; it's a full-throttle dive into the heart of the beloved film franchise, promising a combination of daring rides, live entertainment, and dining experiences that will leave you breathless.

Imagine stepping into the cockpit yourself with cutting-edge fighter jet simulators, or embarking on a pulse-pounding, high-stakes thrill ride brought to life with state-of-the-art technology. It’s an opportunity to truly embody the spirit of teamwork, excellence, and the exhilaration of flying, just like Maverick and his crew.

But the adventure doesn't stop in the air! Fans of Top Gun: Maverick will be thrilled to hear that Penny's iconic Hard Deck bar is being reimagined as a lively restaurant and piano lounge. Get ready to channel your inner Miles Teller and sing your heart out to "Great Balls of Fire" during live sing-alongs. Just make sure you’ve brushed up on Penny’s bar rules!

Mark Advent, co-founder of Advent Allen Entertainment and the visionary behind Las Vegas' New York-New York Hotel & Casino, shared his excitement, stating that the Top Gun films are "one of the most emotionally charged stories of our time." He's committed to delivering an experience that embodies the thrill of speed and the joy of flying. Pam Kaufman, President and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products and Experiences at Paramount, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Paramount's dedication to "delivering authentic, mind-blowing experiences for fans."

This groundbreaking attraction, currently operating under the working title "Top Gun Las Vegas," is set to be a game-changer in immersive entertainment. And here's some exciting news for those of you eager to spread your wings: Paramount and Advent Allen Entertainment are already exploring plans to launch similar Top Gun experiences in other locations across the United States and globally!

So, start counting down the days to summer 2028. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the original 1986 classic or were captivated by the 2022 sequel, the Top Gun Las Vegas experience promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of aerial action. Get ready to feel the rush, experience the camaraderie, and quite possibly, find your own call sign. This is one mission you won’t want to miss!

Aces of Taste: Hitting the Jackpot on a Vegas Food Tour

 Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to ditch the dazzling lights for delectable bites on a Vegas adventure that'll tantalize your taste buds! Forget what you think you know about Sin City – beyond the glitz and the games, a whole new world of flavor is bubbling up, and trust us, you're gonna want a taste.

Now, your trusty Come Monday crew, always on the hunt for a good story (and even better food!), recently found ourselves smack-dab in the middle of this delicious revolution. We were in town for VAX Connection, soaking up all the travel goodness, when the folks at The Tour Guy, in cahoots with the awesome Best Bet Vegas Tours, invited us on a culinary escapade. Consider it the extra scoop of ice cream on an already sweet trip! Dying to know what mouthwatering mischief we got into? Well, grab a napkin, friend, because here's the lowdown on the "Best Bites on the Strip" tour.

Pit Stop #1: Greenberg & Sons Delicatessen at New York-New York

Picture this: you're strolling through the neon jungle of Vegas, and suddenly, BAM! You're transported to a cozy, dimly lit New York deli. That's the magic of Greenberg & Sons at New York-New York. Seriously, the facade is so spot-on, you'll swear you just hopped a train uptown. Our mission at this first stop? Tackle their legendary mile-high corned beef sandwich. Spoiler alert: it lived up to the hype and then some. Juicy corned beef and pastrami piled high, tangy slaw, a slather of thousand island dressing, all nestled between slices of fresh-baked rye. Pure sandwich perfection, punctuated by a crisp pickle spear. As we savored each bite, our guide spun tales of Vegas's past, flashing photos of mobsters and the once barren landscape that blossomed into the Strip we know today. Talk about a flavorful history lesson!

Intermezzo #2: Eataly at Park MGM

With our Greenberg's goodness still dancing on our tongues (oh, that corned beef!), we moseyed on over to Park MGM and the sprawling foodie paradise that is Eataly. Walking into this 40,000-square-foot Italian marketplace is like stepping onto a charming street in Italy. You can grab a quick bite, settle in for a proper meal, or even snag some authentic ingredients to whip up your own culinary creations back home. We were instantly charmed by the bright, airy space, filled with natural light and lush greenery – a welcome oasis in the Vegas buzz. Our "bite" here? A slice of heaven: pizza topped with house-made mozzarella and the finest Italian imports, served on the cutest little ceramic plate. The silence as we devoured that cheesy goodness spoke volumes. Our guide also pointed out the subtle nature-inspired touches throughout Park MGM, from the "park" theme to the delicate details in the decor. Who knew Vegas could be so…organic?

Scene Change #3: Bāng Bar by Momofuku at The Cosmopolitan

Next up, we plunged into the youthful energy of The Cosmopolitan, one of the Strip's newer and undeniably hipper haunts. Our guide clued us in that this spot draws a younger crowd, so it made perfect sense that our third stop was tucked away inside Block 16, a trendy food hall brimming with everything from morning donuts to late-night tacos. Our guide, a true pro, had already secured us a table and returned with a spread from Bāng Bar by Momofuku. This place is all about spit-roasted meats with a delicious Asian twist. I went for the chicken teriyaki fold-up, a tangy and satisfying wrap packed with refreshing slaw and nestled in their signature Bāng flatbread. Beef, pork, and even eggplant options were also on offer. Honestly? It was so good, I found myself back there the very next day for another fix! And, keeping with the theme, we learned that Block 16's name pays homage to a once-infamous Vegas street. History is served!

Sweet Finale #4: Bellagio Patisserie at The Bellagio

No food adventure is complete without a sweet ending, right? So, before we bid adieu to Block 16, our guide posed the all-important question: "Gelato flavor?" After a quick round of orders, we set off for the iconic Bellagio. What struck me was how seamlessly each stop flowed into the next, and the Bellagio was no exception. We wandered through a hallway adorned with quirky art, past tempting dining spots like The Wicked Spoon and The Cosmopolitan's hidden Ski Lodge, finally descending into the elegant Bellagio Patisserie. Home to the world's largest chocolate fountain (a sight to behold!) and some seriously tempting French pastries, we eagerly awaited our gelato. And let me tell you, they were not shy with the scoops! My pistachio gelato was creamy, dreamy, and just the right amount of sweet. A perfect punctuation mark to our culinary journey.

Bonus Round: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

As if our taste buds weren't already singing, our guide treated us to a final flourish: a stroll through the breathtaking Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This free attraction is a feast for the eyes, with its ever-changing floral displays. During our visit, it was a vibrant celebration of spring, and we couldn't help but "ooh" and "ahh" at the towering, fragrant exhibits.

So there you have it, folks! Vegas isn't just about the bright lights and the thrill of the gamble; it's a surprisingly delicious destination waiting to be explored, one bite at a time. This food tour was an absolute blast, a fantastic way to discover a different side of the city and indulge in some truly incredible eats. 

If you are ready to head to Vegas for a taste of this incredible culinary scene (and maybe a little bit of that Vegas magic!), don't wait! Contact the Come Monday Travel crew today. We're ready to help you craft your perfect Las Vegas getaway, complete with delicious food tours and all the dazzling experiences the Strip has to offer. Let's start planning your adventure now!