BurGR restaurant at Planet Hollywood has quickly become one of the hottest burger joints in Vegas, but now it’s even hotter.

The restaurant recently lit up a cool new decorative feature along the restaurant’s outer wall, a 30-foot-long, glass-enclosed wall of flames.

No s’mores on the menu? Oh, well.

The fire shoots out of two sculptured, serpentining steel burners, making the restaurant an even more eye-catching addition to the diverse dining options at Planet Hollywood.

Here’s a video we captured yesterday, and from the looks of it, we may have consumed far too much caffeine. You know, directors like J.J. Abrams (“Star Trek Into Darkness”) actually shake their camera to create a sense of motion and a sense of energy. So, please don’t complain. It’s not “poorly done,” it’s “energetic.”

As you can imagine, the fire wall puts off some heat, which is why it’s been built with an additional layer of clear insulating material (see below).

Bonus: Still makes a great hand warmer.

The fire wall is a perfect fit for the BurGR menu, with offerings like “snap dogs” simmered in hot sauce and Jalapeno Poppers (five regular poppers, and one surprise popper that might melt your face off).

We’re 44% sure you can handle it.

Never fear, though! There’s a wall of ice at BurGR, too. A dizzying selection of beer is dispensed from it, actually.

Are you more an ice person or a fire person?

Stop by for a look at the new fire wall, and see more photos from BurGR at Planet Hollywood.

This year’s Vegas Uncork’d food and wine festival by Bon Appétit (May 9-12, 2013), was a non-stop series of high-profile events highlighting Sin City’s best chefs, sommeliers and restaurants.

Among the more popular events of Vegas Uncork’d were a “Master Series” of hosted dinners at Caesars Palace, where guests had the opportunity to rub elbows with celebrity chefs and sample the cuisine at the hotel’s world-class restaurants.

Chef Bobby Flay’s brain has approximately 11,400 ingredients in it. We counted.

Eight “Master Series” dinners happened simultaneously on May 10. We know because this blog visited every single one.

Chef Michel Richard chats up guests at Central.

The restaurants featured were Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Mesa Grill, Nobu Restaurant, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Rao’s, Central, Payard Patisserie & Bistro and Old Homestead Steakhouse.

Old Homestead Executive Chef Michael Gill has been responsible for some of this blog’s favorite steaks, ever.

Yes, these restaurants are all at one Las Vegas hotel. We marvel at this daily, especially because that’s not even a complete list of Caesars Palace restaurants.

Frank Pellegrino makes sure every guest leaves with a smile at Rao’s Italian restaurant.

At each “Master Series” event, chefs made presentations before each course, sharing thoughts about the dishes as their top-secret cooking techniques. Oh, all right, they aren’t too secret. Several of the chefs have books and TV shows.

Chef Gordon Ramsay is one of the aforementioned chefs with TV shows. Nearly 12, at last count.

Perhaps the biggest draw of Vegas Uncork’d was the Grand Tasting on May 10. About 50 award-winning chefs and 2,500 foodies join together for an orgy of food and libations. Virtual orgy. We probably should have made that part clear up-front.

A sign of things to come.

The gathering began with a lively red carpet.

Can chefs be both congenial and competitive? You’re kidding, right?

After the arrivals, the chefs and their teams manned their stations and provided guests a rare culinary experience, with bites from their restaurants and a chance to schmooze with those who have helped make Las Vegas the premier restaurant destination in the world.

Chef François Payard gets his macaroons in a row.

The Grand Tasting was held in the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace, which looks like something out of a Hollywood movie, except Hollywood movies don’t typically have their own Ramsays or Flays.

Yeah, it’s sort of a big deal.

We did mention there was food at this event, right? The new Nobu Restaurant at Caesars Palace won some extra points for artistic merit.

This Nobu Restaurant item had an intimate moment with this blog’s face.

A special area at the Grand Tasting was reserved for a sneak preview of restaurants coming to The Linq, the new restaurant and entertainment promenade from Caesars Entertainment. And we are not just mentioning this because there were cast members from “Jubilee!” at Bally’s on-hand, although that certainly didn’t hurt. See below.

Look! “Jubilee!” showgirls in their street clothes. Much easier on the neck muscles without those heavy head dresses, definitely.

Restaurants from The Linq giving guests a taste of what’s to come were Brooklyn Bowl, F.A.M.E., Off the Strip Bistro & Bar, Flour & Barley Pizzeria and others. See some of the other tenants coming to The Linq.

We can’t wait!

The final day of Vegas Uncork’d included a backyard-style BBQ, with an Italian twist, at Rao’s, and a traditional English Sunday Roast at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace.

Here are a slew of Vegas Uncork’d photos this blog somehow found time to share in between visits to the treadmill. What’s not to love about Vegas Uncork’d, we asked rhetorically?

Yes, May is National Burger Month. But at KGB at Harrah’s Las Vegas, they treat every month like National Burger Month. How do we know this? Because each month, the restaurant, brainchild of Chef Kerry Simon, rolls out a new Burger of the Month special, each more piquant and pleasing than the last, whatever “piquant” might actually mean.

Yes, there’s also vodka. Can we please try and stay focused for a minute?

Currently, the featured burger is a Carne Asada Burger, with a carne asada-marinated beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, grilled lime-marinated onions and peppers, guacamole and crispy tortilla chips. Take note: The jalapeno cheddar bun has a sassy kick to it.

“Carne asada” in Spanish means, “No, we will not be sharing, but nice try.”

Each monthly burger special is paired up with a shake, straight from the ever-creative minds of Chef Simon and his team. The Carne Asada Burger comes with a Mexican Hot Chocolate shake.

Yes, Mexican Hot Chocolate. Don’t question Chef Simon. He’s been on “Iron Chef USA.”

The cavalcade of burgers doesn’t have to end with the end of National Burger Month, of course. In June, the Burger of the Month at KGB is the Mushroom Swiss Burger. It comes with a mango milkshake. Don’t freak out. It’s probably not as healthy as it sounds.

Leftovers aren’t outside the realm of possibility.

Looking ahead to July, it’s a Breakfast Burger, with an eight-ounce burger topped with apple wood-smoked bacon and a fried egg. That swoon you just heard is that of people who are really, really into burgers topped with friend eggs. (Hint: There are a lot of them.)

Hangover helper! Not that anyone would ever have a hangover in Las Vegas, of course.

This burger forgoes the usual fries, and goes straight for the tater tots.

We’ve considered going on an all-tater diet.

The shake for the July special is the Creamsicle Shake, and yes, if you’re drooling, you’re a human being rather than a mannequin.

Creamsicle shake, would you accept this blog’s proposal of marriage?

So, the next time you’re at Harrah’s, or anywhere within a 60 mile radius, stop by KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers and ask about the Burger of the Month deal. Tell them we sent you. And that we asked you to bring us back some tater tots.

The seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit festival is officially under way in the city known as much for its restaurants as its neon.

As is the tradition, this year’s event began with a “saber off” ceremony (the removal of a cork via a dramatic, sabering motion), wherein this blog was drenched with expensive champagne.

It’s all fun and games until somebody gets their camera sticky.

Vegas Uncork’d, a four-day food-lover’s extravaganza is resplendent with dinners, wine and food tastings, cooking demonstrations and all things gastronomical.

Some of the town’s best chefs take part in the event. We forced several of them to have their photo taken.

Restauranteur and chef Greg Sherry, of Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars, this blog’s favorite restaurant on The Strip. Yes, we have a favorite, just like normal people.

A variety of hotels on The Strip host Vegas Uncork’d events, and a highlight of the festival is the Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. Lots of chefs. Lots of food. Lots of wine. Oh, yes, there will be trash-talking.

It is important that you do not attempt to get between this blog and a Grand Tasting. We’re just saying.

Caesars Palace’s Chef Guy Savoy of Restaurant Guy Savoy, and Frank Pellegrino of Rao’s. Don’t get all jealous about the Old Homestead thing, you two.

We finally got to meet “Hell’s Kitchen” winner Christina Wilson. Her prize was a gig at Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas. Happily, she seems to have made it through her Probationary Period.

Let’s just say Christina Wilson went through a very public job interview.

About 40 chefs took part in the Vegas Uncork’d saber ceremony. We are sharing some of the ones from Caesars Entertainment hotels, because we’re sort of biased like that.

Chef Francois Payard of Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace has forgotten more about chocolate than the rest of us will ever know.

Although you have procrastinated masterfully, there are still tickets available to some of the Vegas Uncork’d events.

Chef Jeremy Berlin is Executive Chef at the new Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace. We get the impression he takes food very seriously.

Vegas Uncork’d runs through May 12, 2013, so get on that.

Find out more at the official site, VegasUncorked.com.

The weather in Las Vegas is absolutely gorgeous, and dining outside is a wonderful way to take advantage of the sunshine.

This blog completely sympathizes with those around the country still in the throes of winter. (Sorry, Minnesota and Wisconsin.) And what better way to “sympathize” than to “share photos of people enjoying outdoor dining” while also “gloating a little”?

1. Serendipity 3

This restaurant in front of Caesars Palace has ample seating, warm breezes and ranks among the best places to people-watch on The Strip.

When packing for Las Vegas, sunglasses are as essential as Elvis sideburns and the phone number of a good bail bondsman.

Note: There are two seating areas at Serendipity 3. One faces The Strip (above), and the other faces, well, this.

This view is what's described on review sites like Yelp as, "Akin to having your eyeballs dipped in newborn kittens."

2. Central Michel Richard

Central Michel Richard recently opened its centrally-located patio, and diners can order lunch to-go at the restaurant’s bar for consumption on the patio, complete with an ample supply of umbrellas for shade.

Once the sun goes down, there's a DJ, and Central's patio takes on a nightclub vibe.

3. Rao’s

With a great view of the Garden of the Gods pool complex, Rao’s is a terrific spot to enjoy a take-out order and play a little bocce while catching some rays.

Why do they call it "antipasto"? This blog is pro-pasto.

4. La Salsa

This popular restaurant at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace also has outdoor seating next to a replica of the Trevi fountain.

"The Pulse of Vegas Blog: Calling things 'hidden gems' since 2009."

5. Margaritaville

Even regular diners at Margaritaville at Flamingo Las Vegas aren’t always aware of the restaurant’s third floor patio, complete with a bar, lots of tables and a spectacular view of Caesars and The Strip.

We see a massive amount of nachos in your future.

We weren’t kidding about the nachos thing.

Somebody was just photobombed by a sweet pink phone case.

6. Carlos’n Charlie’s

This tequila-fueled party spot at Flamingo Las Vegas boasts a patio with sun, fun and drinks the size of bathtubs. More Carlos’n Charlie’s.

You want mellow, do lunch. You want "I can't feel my face," do dinner.

7. Mon Ami Gabi

Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas is easily one of the more well-known spots to dine outside in Las Vegas. Great service, consistently good food and people-watching make it an essential part of any Vegas visit.

Mon Ami Gabi is even more awesome than our awesome photo of her. Yes, it's a she.

8. Cabo Wabo Cantina

There aren’t too many places where you can dine outside and hang out with a bona fide rock star, but Cabo Wabo Cantina fits the bill. Even when Sammy Hagar (The Red Rocker) isn’t in town, the lively outdoor seating at Cabo Wabo at Planet Hollywood is worthy of an ovation.

Bonus: Balloonage.

9. Pink’s

The dogs are plentiful at this Planet Hollywood eatery, as is the sunshine and ogling at this intimate seating area facing Las Vegas Boulevard.

Nothing too fancy, but plenty of fresh air and vitamin D.

10. P.F. Chang’s

What’s not to love? Check out some pics from our recent visit to this fixture at Planet Hollywood, including our encounter with some new, 96-ounce cocktails.

We avoid sitting right behind the horse. Just a personal preference.

11. PBR Rock Bar & Grill

The fun at PBR Rock Bar at Planet Hollywood can’t be contained inside, so it overflows into the restaurant’s perfectly-situated outdoor patio. Step inside for a ride on the mechanical bull, or just watch as hundreds of Vegas visitors stroll by. Many in sun dresses and inappropriately-short shorts. We’re just saying.

Note the lack of snow-blowers.

So, pick your spot and enjoy Sin City’s fabulous weather and diverse dining. But don’t wait! This window of wow-worthy weather may not last forever. One time, in 1987, we had a day in May where it was, brace yourself, overcast for upwards of 20 minutes!

Just kidding. Never happened. But we didn’t want the people in Minnesota and Wisconsin to feel too badly. Probably.

Throughout May 2013, Las Vegas resorts in the Caesars Entertainment family will offer special deals and freebies on dining and shows as part of Military Appreciation Month. Here are some of the highlights.

Bally’s Las Vegas

Tickets to “Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding” are buy-one-get-one-free for general and VIP tickets. The hotel’s Blu Pool is offering free admission and half-price bottle service to active military members.

Planet Hollywood

BurGR restaurant is offering a two-for-one burger entrée. Spice Market Buffet offers a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday.

Fly-overs not included.

Flamingo Las Vegas

Comedian George Wallace will offer one free ticket to members of the military, past and present. “X Burlesque” is offering $20 off General Admission and VIP tickets, along with a free shot glass. “Legends in Concert” will provide free Golden Circle or Main Floor admission. Paradise Garden Buffet will offer a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday.

Harrah’s Las Vegas

The pool at Harrah’s offers free admission and half-price bottle service. KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers is offering a two-for-one burger entrée. Toby Keith’s: I Love This Bar & Grill is offering a complimentary military burger and French fries to active military members with valid ID. Flavors Buffet offers a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday. “Defending the Caveman” is offering a free admission with each paid admission.

Just prior to a deployment. This is the place in the blog post where we tend to get a little weepy.

The Quad

Frank Marino’s “Divas Las Vegas” has an ongoing half-price ticket offer. Comedian-juggler Jeff Civillico is offering up to four free tickets with a military ID. “Recycled Percussion” is providing an ongoing 50 percent discount.

Paris Las Vegas

Taylor Hicks is offering 10 two-for-one tickets to anyone who presents a military ID at least two hours before show time. Comedy-hypnotist Anthony Cools is providing a two-for-one ticket deal. Le Burger Brasserie is offering a two-for-one burger entrée, and Le Village Buffet is offering a two-for-one lunch buffet, Monday through Friday. The hotel’s pool will offer free admission and half-price bottle service.

Did you know the Caesars Foundation donated $100,000 to the USO to support services offered at the USO Las Vegas center at McCarran International? Now, you do. Vets Woody and Terry seemed appreciative, despite our forcing them to have their photo taken.

Rio Las Vegas

“Chippendales” has an ongoing 50 percent off discount for military members. VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub will offer free admission. All-American Bar and Grill is offering a two-for-one burger entrée. Carnival World Buffet is offering a two-for-one lunch, Monday through Friday.

Caesars Palace

The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis is offering free admission and half-price bottle service. Shadow Bar offers free admission and half-price bottle service. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is offering a two-for-one burger entrée.

We never take freedom for granted, especially in Las Vegas.

Please note that the show deals are for active and retired military, and restaurant offers are for active military only. Just show a government-issued, military I.D. to take advantage of all these great deals.

And our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all those who serve so selflessly in our nation’s armed services. In Las Vegas, they get to be a little selfish. Or a lot. This blog doesn’t judge.

It’s Vegas, just deal with it.

In Las Vegas, pole dances are free, but lap dances are usually $20 a pop.

Thanks to the roaming balloon-maker at Carlos’n Charlie’s restaurant at Flamingo for the balloon sculpture this blog probably does not condone.

If you’re ever in the mood to master the pole yourself, check out Stripper 101 at the V Theater in The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. You might also enjoy X Burlesque University at Flamingo Las Vegas.

When you’re in Vegas, there are only so many activities and meals and cocktails you can squeeze in, so you have to make them count. A great way to get more bang for the buck is prix fixe menus. The restaurant narrows down your options, and you get several courses (typically, three) at a fixed price.

The brunch prix fixe menu at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas is not just a solid value, it also makes for an unforgettable Vegas experience, complete with one of the most stunning views on The Strip. Or anywhere, for that matter.

This blog does not use words like "stunning" lightly.

Related: Yes, that’s Table 56. Read more about the best table in Sin City.

Start off with some delicious cheese gougères. We called them “cheese puffs,” mainly because we are a blog, not a gastronome. We’d say not to fill up on these, but you’re going to, anyway.

Fancy, but not pretentious. Just like this blog.

There are two options for the appetizer course. Choose either marinated warm shrimp (below), with chiffonade (a fancy way of saying “cut into long strips”) of red and white cabbage and an herb vinaigrette, or a mushroom and spinach strudel, with cave-aged Gruyère cheese.

You know it's a good sign when your meal is already memorable, and you're just getting started.

Both appetizer options are great. Tip: Make sure your companion orders the other thing, so you can try both.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant is solely responsible for this blog becoming a strudel fan. Our mom is so proud.

The two entree options are equally tempting.

One is the smoked salmon, with a gorgeous presentation, topped with an omelette galette. We looked up “galette,” and still don’t know what it means. This is why we leave the cooking to the top-notch culinary team at Eiffel Tower Restaurant, thank you.

As much art as salmon.

The second entree is steak and eggs, a flat-iron steak and poached egg, with Yukon Gold potatoes and mushrooms. Had it. Loved it. Still not regretting the cheese puffs, though.

This is not your grandpa's steak and eggs. Although, if you're a grandpa, it could be.

The dessert is delicious, which should come as no surprise, since Eiffel Tower Restaurant has a French theme, and the French tend to know something about desserts.

The brunch dessert is the frozen Grand Marnier strawberry souffle, topped with crunchy pistachios.

The second best view at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant is a close-up of this souffle as it enters one's face.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Eiffel Tower Restaurant has a slew of hand-crafted cocktails, each more photogenic than the last.

Just ask them to make something pretty. Done deal.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant bartenders are well-equipped to make classic French specialties such as the scrumptious piña colada, below. Yes, it’s French. Because if you say something with confidence, people think it’s true.

Top things to do in Las Vegas: 1) Piña coladas. 2) Get caught in the rain. 3) Make love at midnight.

Oh, and since you’ll be full at this point, you’ll want to take home an edible keepsake. Might we suggest some Eiffel Tower Restaurant chocolate. There’s light or dark, with a hint of sea salt for that sweet-savory thing we hear so much about.

They make great gifts. Which you can eat later in your hotel room. Possibly at midnight.

The Eiffel Tower Restaurant brunch is $39, a steal when you consider the gourmet-quality food and old-school, ever-outstanding level of service.

This is truly some of the most elevated dining in Las Vegas (literally and figuratively), at a price that won’t break “la banque.” Which we’re 81% sure is French.

The individual-sized portions at the Bacchanal Buffet inside Caesars Palace are pretty much made-to-order, which means the food comes out so hot, the buffet gives out colorful little plastic thingys to help protect your digits. We think they make a great Vegas keepsake.

We'll say it. They're adorbs.

Get ready to use your finger protector thingy a lot at the Bacchanal Buffet. There are nearly 500 things on the menu. (We’re not kidding.) Find out more about the buffet voted the city’s best by USA Today.

What’s not to love about P.F. Chang’s at Planet Hollywood? The food’s great, the place is always packed, and readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal consistently pick the popular chain as the best Chinese food in Sin City.

The stage is set.

That’s all fine and good, but now P.F. Chang’s features something that’s won this blog over, too.

Giant. Frosty. Cocktails.

In Vegas, as in life, size matters.

P.F. Chang’s recently introduced three 96-ounce signature beauties sure to quench your thirst as you roam the Las Vegas Strip. They’re a great value, too, at $17, just slightly more than your typical puny cocktail at many casino bars and lounges in Sin City.

First up is the cocktail that’s won this blog’s heart, the Tequila Tai Punch. “Punch” being the operative word.

Yes, we have a crush on a beverage, and we don't care who knows it.

This beauty features Hanger One Mandarin Blossom vodka, El Tesoro Platinum Tequila, agave nectar, orange bitters and a blend of juices.

It’s adorable the way P.F. Chang’s calls these “Tiki for Two” glasses, as if someone would actually share their cocktail. Just adorable.

Next, it’s the Rye Man Down cocktail, with Knob Creek rye whiskey, Domaine de Canton (French ginger liqueur, we looked it up), as well as lemon and pineapple juices. Don’t skip the candied ginger garnish, or this blog may have to briskly slap you on the thigh.

Doing Vegas the way it was intended to be done.

Lastly, it’s Chang’s Mai Tai. Why do we call a Mai Tai a “signature cocktail”? Mainly because “we didn’t know what else to call it,” other than flat-out delicious.

Bring a friend. Or friends. All of them.

Chang’s Mai Tai includes Bacardi light rum, Hiram Walker Orange Curacao, fresh juices and a float of Myer’s dark rum and Bacardi 151 rum.

Of course, no blog lives by rum, dark or light, alone, so we dove into the menu to bring you some photos of the restaurant’s wok-fired dishes, both popular favorites and new offerings.

At Italian restaurants, you fill up on bread. At P.F. Chang's, you fill up on this.

Some of the highlights: Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps (pictured above, and we’re still thinking about it), the Tuna Tataki salad and Dynamite Shrimp appetizers, Crispy Honey Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Crispy Honey Shrimp and the Norwegian Salmon (either lemongrass-grilled or Asian grilled).

Some sea bass, in all its "right before we inhaled it" glory.

The weather’s gorgeous, so ask about P.F. Chang’s patio seating.

Bonus: One of the best people-watching spots in town.

Crush any remaining cravings with desserts like Banana Spring Rolls, Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake (below) and Tiramisu.

P.F. Chang’s is full of surprises!

Not everything has to come from China. It just has to be made from awesome.

Enjoy, and you’re welcome.

Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay has another culinary hit on his hands with BurGR at Planet Hollywood, and the restaurant recently introduced new menu items to heat things up yet again.

BurGR (it’s written that way as a nod to the chef’s initials) has been winning over customers with its burgers boasting a unique blend of three beef cuts: short rib, brisket and chuck. The new offerings give diners some additional non-beef options.

First up is the Southern Yardbird Burger, with a chicken burger, sharp cheddar and mustard barbeque sauce, topped with a pickle and butter lettuce.

We're thinking some sort of wash is used so the seeds adhere to the gorgeous buns, but what do we know? We are a blog.

Next is the Fish & Crisp sandwich, with ale-battered cod, salt and vinegar crisps and fresh dill tartar sauce.

Which, we’ve just confirmed, is impossible to read without salivating.

"Crisps" are like fries, only Britisher. Which we acknowledge may not be a word.

The sandwich we couldn’t help but try was the new Damnation Chicken Burger.

This flavorful enticement includes fiery hot mayo and Maytag blue cheese, with a celery and carrot slaw. As the Damnation Chicken Burger implies, this one has a kick.

Insider tip: Order a shake to help douse the flames.

Chef Ramsay appears to have also read this blog’s mind by concocting a new shake to go along with the new burgers.

The shake has two layers, with an indulgent Oreo shake sitting beneath a generous portion of crème brûlée pudding. Some customers mix the layers, others use their over-sized straw to start at the bottom (the Oreo shake part) and work their way up.

A sweet, succulent stratification! A phrase this blog is trademarking immediately.

We bet the burgers at BurGR are unlike any you’ve ever had. If we lose that bet, we’ll gladly have another Oreo and pudding shake on your behalf. We’re self-sacrificing like that.

Find out more about BurGR at Planet Hollywood.

Our friends at Vegas Player magazine breached security (unless we just made that up) and went into the kitchen at the new Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace to capture an interview with Executive Chef Jeremy Berlin, who oversees the kitchen at this traditional English pub.

Executive Chef Jeremy Berlin is a great person to invite to pot luck dinners. We're just saying.

Here’s an inside peek at Chef Berlin as he prepares one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, Sauteed Scottish Salmon with Butter-Braised Cabbage.

Chef, you had us at “rendered bacon fat.”

It’s not many eateries that have three menus. At Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, there’s one for lunch, a pub menu and grill menu.

If one were trying to get this blog to eat cabbage, butter-braising it would be a great way.

And don’t even get us started about the nearly 40 beers on tap and more than 60 bottled versions.

OK, get us started.

See more food and drink here.

Chef Berlin was recently featured in Vegas Seven magazine, so take a look, and stop by Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill when you’re at Caesars Palace.

We’ve decided we don’t visit Harrah’s Las Vegas enough. Why? Because there’s so much to love! Here are 15 things this blog is loving about Harrah’s right this very minute.

1. This Shirt

Who wouldn’t want to stroll down The Strip with a little Hugh Hefner vibe going on? Get this long-sleeve tee in the gift shop at Harrah’s.

Waxing not included.

2. Pool Season

It can never arrive too soon, or stay too long.

Insider tip: Go up the stairs on this end of the pool for some sweet rooftop tanning action.

3. Poolside Mimosas

Speaking of the pool, don’t miss the eye-opening mimosas at the pool’s bar. There’s a deal going on at the moment, but we can’t remember what it is, for obvious reasons.

Champagne glasses are for babies.

4. Cheap Keno

Looking for a great value in the casino? Check out the keno “Stimulus” deal below. You get to play 100 keno games for a nickel each, for a total of $5. “Catch-all” means you have to hit 100% of the numbers you select. Tough, but not impossible. And did we mention your total investment is $5?

Insider tip: You can buy-in for 1,000 keno games at once at Harrah’s. Do it as you’re heading back home, and check to see if you’ve won online at KenoUSA.com. Yay, technology.

See all the stimulus jokes we're not making? Maturity is this blog's calling card.

5. Brandi

What we meant to say is we’re loving Numb, where Brandi works as a bartender. Unlike many of its slushy drink bar competitors, Numb is a full bar, with a number of delicious signature cocktails.

Thanks for playing along, Brandi.

6. 500-Degree Plates

After trying Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, it’s going to be weird going back to a regular steakhouse. That’s because Ruth’s Chris serves its amazing meat on plates baked to 500 degrees. That means your steak is sizzling when it arrives, and that makes a great steak incredible.

"Would you like a side of aloe with that?"

7. The Purple Strap-On

Hey, that’s not our name for it! The Purple Strap-On is sold at everyone’s favorite place to party mid-Strip, Carnaval Court. You get the equivalent of 8-10 cocktails (see below for scale), which would normally cost $100 or more, for $40.

Bonus: You get to hang out with a Vegas legend, Brian Thomas. He formerly did a stint as Lucky the leprechaun at the now-closed O’Sheas casino, and was recently featured on “Counting Cars,” the reality show on the History channel.

Two of our favorite things in Las Vegas.

8. French Kiss Oysters

Oyster Bar at Harrah’s has some die-hard fans! Here’s a little tip: Before you visit, download the Oysterpedia app. You’ll need it to keep up with all the varieties of oysters at this popular Harrah’s hot spot. We used the free app to learn French Kiss oysters come from Neguac, New Brunswick, Canada and have a flavor profile that’s “high in salinity, with a sweet finish.”

French Kiss oysters, like many Las Vegas performers, have "deep cups." Hey, it says so in the app!

9. Jerry Lee Lewis

So, in an ensemble show like Million Dollar Quartet, you’re not supposed to play favorites. Everyone is equally awesome and contributes to the overall blah, blah, blah. Seriously, though, Martin Kaye, who plays Jerry Lee Lewis in the hotel’s new musical, steals the show and will blow you away with his unbelievable talent, musical and otherwise. We promise.

Martin Kaye, one of the many talented performers in "Million Dollar Quartet." Happy now?

10. The Dessert Station at Flavors Buffet

Flavors Buffet doesn’t get a lot of glory, but it’s dependably good, especially the desserts. When you think you’re done tasting everything, there’s another dozen or so offerings beyond that, and the temptations never seem to end. Our tip: Start your Flavors Buffet visit with dessert. Rules, schmules. It’s Vegas.

Tell the tarts at Harrah's we sent you.

11. This Bank of Slots

We love to play slots, but the machines below hold a special place in this blog’s heart.

Can you tell what makes them special?

Why do we love them, despite the fact we’ve never played them? Because they’re aspirational! See, on these machines, you have a choice to make your “coins” worth $100 or $500. And it’s two coins a spin. That means if you see someone playing them, they could be betting $1,000 per spin. Hey, in Vegas, it’s go big or go home!

They don't call them "high limit" slots for nothing.

12. Craps With Fresh Air and Sunlight

Hey, we love a casino with a little smoke for atmosphere as much as the next blog, but at Harrah’s Las Vegas, the craps table is close to a wide open door (facing Carnaval Court and The Quad), so you get fresh air and real sunlight.

The ideal mix of inside and out.

13. IcePan

This one’s never leaving our list of things we love at Harrah’s, ever. Made from scratch, this low-cal, no-additives ice cream can alter your state of being and magically transport you to your happy place.

The Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream is made from both actual strawberries and actual cheesecake.

14. KGB Burgers

It seems like KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers adds new menu items almost hourly, which makes it worthy of frequent visits. Below, some kind of heavenly concoction of sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese and a fabulous set of buns.

Watch for monthly specials that pair burgers and KGB's signature shakes.

15. This

Stop by the Higuchi Gallery shop at Harrah’s for this monster. Hey, we did say “go big or go home,” right?

That oughta hold you.

We feel like we’re just getting started! Now, stop daydreaming and get back to work. Or, alternatively, “Come to Las Vegas. The official opposite of work.^{” TM}

Royal India Bistro is the newest culinary offering at Rio Las Vegas, and serves up some seriously authentic Indian dishes you won’t soon forget.

Let the salivating begin.

Royal India Bistro replaces the former Gaylord India restaurant, in the same location at Rio Vegas.

The interior of the restaurant is newly-redesigned, brighter and with charming decor flourishes reflecting Indian culture.

We'll get to the food. We're trying to set the mood.

We love the new look of the place.

Fancy, but not too fancy.

Authenticity and freshness appear to be the top priorities at Royal India Bistro. Restaurant manager Phulpreet Singh (“Phul” for short, pronounced “full,” which will become increasingly relevant as your meal progresses), says, “We have focused on north Indian cuisine, centered around the Punjab region of India.”

Every dish at Royal India Bistro is a cultural adventure all its own, drawing upon the experiences of the restaurant’s staff and time-honored food preparation techniques. See the menu.

“One of the unique aspects of our restaurant is our use of clay ovens,” says Singh. “Our naan and other breads are baked fresh, on-site. It’s very hot, more than 450 degrees. Our bread is made-to-order.”

The naan dough is stuck to the wall of the super hot ovens for baking. Heaven in the making.

Honestly, this blog would be perfectly happy with a meal of Royal India’s naan alone. It’s otherwordly.

“We make a traditional naan bread from northern India, with garlic and papadum (smashed, sun-dried garbanzo beans),” says Singh.

It is difficult to overstate this blog's affection for the naan.

Oh, all right. Take-backs on the “naan only” thing. The restaurant’s Chicken Tikki Masala, easily its most popular menu item, is perhaps the best we’ve had in Las Vegas.

We watched as our Chicken Tikki Masala was prepared, and every dish has a dizzying number of ingredients, each more colorful, and tasty, than the last. The chefs at Royal India Bistro are as much alchemists and chefs.

Slogan: "So good, your face will bribe you to return."

Meat used in the various dishes is prepared on skewers, placed in the aforementioned clay ovens. A great way to sample the restaurant’s flavorful meats is The Sizzler with lamb chops, Tandoori chicken, Seekh kabobs, garlic chicken and chicken tikka kabobs. It’s a monster, so bring a friend!

It's called The Sizzler because it comes out sizzling. Please try and keep up.

Vegetarians will be happy to find a healthy selection (see what we did there?) of specialty dishes, such as the Navratan Karma (below), with vegetables and farmers cheese and nuts, cooked in a cream sauce. We loved it, and we are not even a vegetables person.

Good Karma.

The restaurant offers a buffet lunch, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., that’s well worth a look.

The buffet area, replete with awesome.

Of course, one does not live by naan alone! Probably.

The restaurant’s intimate bar has a Happy Hour, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring lots of cocktails with “ini” at the end, such as the Mangotini (picture below), Appletini and Hibiscus Martini.

We have no idea if the Mangotini is a traditional Indian cocktail, but by the time you're done, you won't care.

Check out the full menu on the Royal India Bistro site, or find out more on the official Rio Las Vegas site.

Yes, you can dine at the bar. We know how you are sometimes.

Enjoy more photographic goodness from our visit to Royal India Bistro, a delicious diversion just 2.6 minutes off the Las Vegas Strip.

Come for the party, stay for the laughs. Carlos’n Charlie’s restaurant at Flamingo Las Vegas has the best sense of humor of any restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, and we’ve got photographic proof.

Just to set the tone.

Obviously, we’re not dealing with your run-of-the-mill Las Vegas restaurant here.

Carlos'n Charlie's keeps its tongue planted firmly in its cheek.

When you enter Carlos’n Charlie’s, it’s immediately clear you’re required to have a good time.

Cash or credit card.

Make sure to stroll out onto the restaurant’s patio, where more amusement awaits. Related: Carlos’n Charlie’s recently got a new DJ booth outside, which should amp up the party even more. Fair warning.

Photo ops galore, obviously.

Carlos’n Charlie’s is full of surprises. For example (spoiler alert!), the quarter pictured below. Just a quarter, right? Not at Carlos’n Charlie’s. Trying to pick this one up will result in not only a hernia, but also a certain amount of public humiliation. It’s permanently affixed to the floor.

This blog would never fall for a prank like this, and that's the story we're sticking to.

And our final amusing thing at Carlos’n Charlie’s? A heartwarming sentiment in the restaurant’s gift shop.

Oh, like you haven't had that feeling.

Oh, and Carlos’n Charlie’s also serves food and drinks. We probably should’ve mentioned that. Stop by when you’re at Flamingo Las Vegas.