Sophisticated Fun: Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Late Night Party

By: Finance Foodie

The last time I was in Las Vegas (at the tender age of 10), $2.99 all-you-can-eat buffets, $50 / night rooms at the Circus Circus, and the gauche bright lights of gambling parlors defined the Strip. But fast forward to present time, and just like Old Times Square, the Strip has transformed itself from a destination of unapologetic seediness into a mecca of sophistication, dominated by mega resorts that cater to every lifestyle need. No longer is the Las Vegas Strip purely a gaming destination; it has also become a center for 5-star cuisine, world class shopping, and glamour-puss accommodations.

Source: blog.vegas.com

Opening December 2010, the newest kid on the block will be the Cosmopolitan. This ultra-luxurious City Center rival features 3,000 hotel rooms, almost a dozen fine dining options (including NYC notables STK and Scarpetta), nightclubs, spas, pools, and over 100,000 square feet of gaming space. Basically, a condensed version of New York’s Meatpacking district, with gambling, shipped over to the West Coast.

During my NYCWFF weekend, I attended a party to celebrate the opening of this new entry into an already crowded Strip (thanks Simone for the invite!). The party was held at The Xchange, a party venue with a fabulous rooftop that held an even more fabulous view of the Hudson. But the real highlight of the evening? An open sushi and raw bar from Blue Ribbon Sushi!

Please pardon the grainy Blackberry photos – this obviously looked much cooler and tastier in real life!

Since an outpost of this popular NYC sushi spot will included at the Cosmopolitan, it was only fitting that the NYC Blue Ribbon chefs were on site, preparing their sea urchin, tuna, salmon, and whitefish creations all night long! Party guests also were treated to a delicious cocktail open bar, a photo booth to commemorate (or in some cases, remember) the night, and a complementary two-night stay when the hotel opens.

…Looks like I know where I’ll be playing / staying on my next vacation!

Check back soon for more of my New York Wine and Food Festival weekend, including the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Late Night Party and the Grand Tasting!