First day, Late evening and first bites in Vegas

Arrived late evening and decide to surf couple of place for apps. First place, I was trying to get was Jose Andreas , Jaleo for tapas, no luck packed , no room even at the bar. Ok Second choose, was Jose and read other new restaurant China Poblano. Was thinking, kind of weird concept, but if you know Jose Andreas, u have to realize that man does everything well thought and most of the time takes very unpredicktible path . China and mexico ..C' mon ...but let me tell it works ..only complain I have from this place is maybe prices ( like all the food prices in Vegas was cosmic ) and small portions..but the food itself was perfeckt ..hand rolled shumai skins...tortillas made to order... Shumai dumplings one with pork belly other with shrimp was perfect and succulent good , U can never get anything like that in a most chines restaurants in US . Mojito shrimp with black garlic was little grease ...well very greasy ..but caviche ..oh my..loved the twist for added crunch with amaranth seeds and toasted pecans, had very nice clean , lime flavor, perfect balance . Oh and his margharita ( sorry no pix , was too thirsty ) with salty " air " or cloud was a nice twist . Even my siad she likes traditional salt on rim better, I do too was a nice twist specially from the man who bought us here from Adria El Bulli lecithin technique ....as much as I'm sick of clouds and airs this man has all the rights to do this , and do this right .

Next stop Jasmin, fancy chines restaurant in Bellagio . Iwanted to try there famous pecan duck and pancakes, and see table side duck carving presentation. Too bad they were packed so we just ordered at the bar all available small plates . Since we did not liked the bartender , and atmosphere was very cold and unpleasant , we pounded small plates in no time and left . Was good, nothing memorable..Scallop, trio ( hot n sour, wonton and egg drop) soups, spring roll ...kobe short rib skewer and miso chilean see bass lettuce wrap was a highlight to me .

Circo is famous Le Circue, more casual place. Most of the time if me and my wife see italian on a menu as a concept we always run away . As much as we love true regional italian food, I can not stand bad american italian . I also seen enough people with home made italian cooking restaurants rolling stacks of frozen lasagnas at a restaurant depot, but thats another topic :) but back to Vegas..but Circo C mon we loved it ...and let me tell you it was simply perfection. There is a reason why this family have been in this business for decades . Simple elegant , clean presentations, perfect balance, cooked just right , calamari with tomato sauce ( ohhh who knows me know about my feelings about bad italian frozen breaded callamaris ...to veal marsalas made with cooking marsala and chicken base, yak) ..this one simply crisp , clean, sweet ..My wifes Beef Carpaccio, classic presentation made just the way it should look and taste. What I loved about it was classic old school presentation and flavors , was just perfect way to finish our evening, folowed with a glass of Chianti and cheese plate finale . Day two to be continued ..