The nickname Sin City itself suggests that this is a place to indulge in just about anything. But that doesn’t mean you have to dine out on rich foods all the time. Vegas is home to a number of organic and regionally sourced restaurants that can be healthy and delicious choices. Here’s a look at the Haute 5 organic and regionally sourced restaurants in Las Vegas.
Canyon Ranch Grill
Take your dining experience to a quiet spot that specializes in organic ingredients at the Canyon Ranch Grill, an offshoot of the famous spa at the Venetian and Palazzo. Many of the grill’s meats, dairy products, oils, grains and greens are organic and served with a gourmet flair. The menu even contains the calories for each dish. Try the Mongolian barbecue salmon made with organic farm-raised salmon, brown rice and stir-fry vegetables for 380 calories, or the Bar 10 Ranch grass-fed beef burger at 405 calories. Go for one of the Square Meals made with foods that promote health such as fresh fruits and vegetables, organic lean proteins and oils, fiber-rich whole grains and beans. Canyon Ranch Grill also features a variety of homemade soft drinks and juices along with organic and sustainable spirits, beers and wines. All are available for breakfast and lunch every day.
Canyon Ranch Grill at the Palazzo, 702.414.3600, www.canyonranchspaclub.com/las_vegas_nv/restaurants/
American Fish
When MGM Mirage opened CityCenter last December, it became one of the world’s largest sustainable developments. The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded LEED Gold certification to Aria’s hotel tower, convention center and theater, Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, Veer Towers and Crystals retail and entertainment district, making it the highest LEED achievement of any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas.
That commitment trickled down to the restaurants at CityCenter as well. American Fish, Michael Mina’s fifth entry in the market and his best, sets up a culinary campfire dinner with dishes prepared with authentic regional products. Look for Copper River salmon and Great Lakes walleye served with greens appropriate for the season.
American Fish at Aria at CityCenter, 1.877.230.2742, www.arialasvegas.com/dining/american-fish.aspx
Sage
Artisanal meats, seasonal produce and sustainable seafood are the names of the game at Chicago-based chef Shawn McClain’s Sage at Aria in CityCenter. The ingredients here come fresh from California and the Pacific coast, so look for the menu to change as produce comes in season. We can only hope that McClain is successful enough at Sage to consider bringing a version of Green Zebra, his Chicago-based vegetarian restaurant, to Las Vegas.
Sage at Aria at CityCenter, 1.877.230.2742, www.arialasvegas.com/dining/fine-dining.aspx
Bradley Ogden
Bradley Ogden places an emphasis on relationships at his eponymous restaurant at Caesars Palace. He relies on the ranchers, farmers and fishermen along the West Coast and throughout the country to provide his fresh and organic ingredients. Chef Ogden’s menu offers a multi-generational interpretation of American cooking. Look for free-range chicken and grass-fed beef paired with fresh organic produce and organic cheeses. Try the prix-fixe menu that changes with the seasons.
Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace, 702.967.4000, www.caesarspalace.com/casinos/caesars-palace/restaurants-dining/bradley-ogden-detail.html
Garfield’s Restaurant
Off the Strip and on the shores of Lake Jacqueline at Desert Shores sits Garfield’s Restaurant. Executive chef Jean-David Groff-Daudet prepares delicious dishes that emphasize the SlowFood movement, a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. Look for fresh fish such as blackened mahi mahi and glazed black cod on the menu. Salads such as the Napa Chinese salad and warm spinach salad use certified organic greens, while the beef is locally and naturally raised.
Garfield’s Restaurant, 2620 Regatta Dr., 702.925.8333, www.garfieldslasvegas.com
