Craftsteak

Long considered a staple of the Strip, and one of star chef Tom Colicchio's restaurants, Craftsteak is located in the MGM Grand Hotel and still performs. The restaurant has been home to incredible eats and wine since the early 2000s. And, if there is anything to believe about longevity, it is to say they are doing things right.

The interior is unexpected, as you enter through a very small door adjacent to some other restaurants and shops towards the back of the casino – but the interior is gorgeous: dark browns and reds, leather, mood lighting and sharp knives. Everything someone dying to carve up a steak in the right atmosphere wants.

Traditional steakhouse fare is served with great execution but nothing ‘outside the box’ will be offered. That's okay though – the quality and execution are just right.

Sommelier Troy Grensteiner has been a staple of this restaurant for almost as long as the restaurant has been here. He is intimately aware of what the clientele is looking for and balances this even better with surprises of wines they may not be aware of.

The front of the list is always reserved for partner wineries, who often drop their pants on price to be featured upfront. This means amazing deals on wines which could be 30-40% more expensive down the street. These change often so it is worth perusing each week's selection.

The list contains hundreds of selections from all over the world, with a very value-oriented selection of Burgundy that’s not to be missed. Some hidden gems from the Loire Valley can be found as well. But, the real meat and potatoes come from the Napa Cabernet section: verticals going back to the 1980s, unsung heroes and the classics are all there.

One highlight of the menu and the wine programme equally is the port wine sundae. Using vintage port and silky vanilla ice cream, this unique opportunity to experience bliss in a glass should not be missed. Some may call it sacrilege. I call it impressive.