Paris to the Four Seasons: A very Vegas Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Paris: Eiffel Tower is one of many hotel restos dishing up a holiday feast. Credit: http2007.

By Jennifer Olvera

Vegas: It’s a happening place year-round. Come Thanksgiving, though, Las Vegas vacations feel downright celebratory. Given the feast will arrive – in all its gut-busting glory – before you bat an eye, you should probably start planning, pronto. Whether you choose to gamble the weekend away or hit a few shows, there’s one thing you can count on Thanksgiving weekend: the bird is the word.

For a touch of swank and a serious seasonal spread, settle in at the 11th-floor Eiffel Tower restaurant in the Paris Las Vegas, a replica of the original landmark and one of many Las Vegas hotels with restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day. Beyond a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll contend with butternut squash soup, salad of autumn greens, turkey plate with all the trimmings and – should space allow – Southern-style pecan pie or pumpkin soufflé for dessert.

Of course, if meat’s your mate, make fast tracks to Charlie Palmer Steak in the Four Seasons Las Vegas. For Thanksgiving dinner, this meatery will serve a three-course meal consisting of duck confit salad with truffled egg, herb-roasted turkey and spiced pumpkin pie.

For an untraditional take, there’s always the fiery feast at Gonzalez y Gonzalez in New York New York Hotel & Casino. Chipotle turkey barbacoa and green chili stuffing will get blanketed in enchilada and queso sauces, and arrive with sweet potato mash and cooling cranberry-orange relish. Then there’s the boisterous, come-casual setting that’s sure to appeal to an all-kinds clientele.

If you’re looking for a twist on tradition, you could always head to Fiamma at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, where meals kick off with spinach-beet salad or lobster bisque, followed by chestnut-stuffed turkey with truffle gravy and prosciutto-studded butternut squash gnocchi. But the piece de resistance? Luxe pumpkin-mascarpone cheesecake.

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Jennifer Olvera is a Chicago-based author, editor and food enthusiast, who travels often – usually in search of her next great meal.

Tagged: Las Vegas