Las Vegas is less than 10% the size of NYC, yet it has only one less Five Star restaurant than the Big Apple. This is a foodie town! The point is, there are lots of choices for an over-the-top meal, but Picasso is my favorite for a host of reasons.

The gorgeous dining room is rustic, yet elegant with vaulted ceilings and exposed wood beams, terracotta tile, and hanging pottery. The dining room has 11 paintings and 14 ceramics by Picasso. 74 miniature security cameras protect these works of art. Where else can you enjoy dinner with near priceless artwork spread around the room? The outdoor patio, open seasonally, has 16 tables overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. This may be the most romantic spot in town.

Executive Chef Julian Serrano was born in Madrid and studied in Marbella. He is a two-time James Beard Award winner and has earned two Michelin Stars at Picasso. His cuisine is a blend of Spanish and French flavors and textures.

The menu changes often, but I selected the Prix Fixe and started with Jamon de Bellota, Iberico, Cinco Jotas with toasted bread, fresh tomato. This incredible cured ham is made from free-range, acorn-fed pork and cured for over two years. Next up was Sauteed Ruby Red Shrimp with roasted zucchini, crispy artichoke, tomato confit and piquillo pepper vinaigrette. My main course was an exquisite Roasted Milk-Fed Veal Chop served with rosemary potatoes and au jus. Never had a better veal chop. Dessert was a Blueberry Panna Cotta – with strawberry compote, pistachio sable, pistachio-lemon meringue, blueberry-olivares soup and creme fraiche lemon sorbet.