Move over Bellagio and Cosmo as there is a new sheriff in town when it comes to buffets. On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the long awaited opening of Caesars Palace’s new buffet Bacchanal took place.
I’m happy to report I was one of the many to tryout the newest buffet on the Strip. Like everyone else I wanted to see what a $17 million buffet looked and tasted like.
If my doctor reads that I ate as much as I did, it was done for my readers because they need to know. So, Doc, give me a pass on this one.
The Bacchanal concept is simple. There are nine different stations that could, if needed, be stand alone restaurants. Yes, folks, it’s that good.
I ventured to the seafood station first and was greeted with oysters on the half shell, giant shrimp and an array of crab. There was snow crab, Alaskan king crab and stone crab to choose from. All were on a bed of ice but for that extra touch you can have your crab served hot if you prefer.
Just load up your plate, hand it the server and he will happily steam your crab for you, which was a very nice touch. The crab selection was amazing and I have to admit we hit this station twice.
There is an Asian station, Mexican station, Italian station and one I couldn’t help making several trips to – the Smokehouse station. If you love to eat meat this station will be your favorite as there are so many different choices it will make your head spin.
This station had everything from a Texas BBQ complete with ribs, tri tip and beef brisket to prime rib and lamb chops. I have to admit the lamb chops and I became very good friends on this visit. The meats were cooked to perfection.
As you walk around the buffet from station to station you will be surprised to see the chefs from each of the stations walking around and talking with the guests and answering questions about their food creations.
Fresh sushi was available along with many Chinese and Japanese favorites. They even had Peking duck as an offering.
The bread section had to be the biggest array I have ever seen in one buffet. I was constantly surprised with the degree of detail and uniqueness on display. Do you like honey on your biscuits? Well you can have it, but it’s not honey from a jar. Rather, it’s honey actually dripping from a honeycomb.
I guess if we want it any fresher we will have to have a swarm of bees present. I came nowhere close to sampling everything as on any given day you are looking at 500 different food dishes to choose from.
Once you finish all the main entrees you still have to venture to the dessert section, which offered everything from gelato to crepes and their signature dessert soufflés. On my visit I had two banana soufflés. Yes they were that good.
The Bacchanal Buffet would make Caesar himself proud. I give it my top rating – 4 Forks.
Marco D’Angelo is the senior handicapper at Pregame.com. He co-hosts FIRST PREVIEW every Thursday night at 11 pm on ESPN 1100 AM/98.9 FM. Follow him on twitter: @MarcoInVegas.
Contact him at [email protected]Today.com.