December Culinary Quick Bites from The Venetian Resort

From a special brunch, to making a statement with that ugly Christmas sweater, eating cookies or caviar, The Venetian Resort is the holiday destination for delicious seasonal menus and fun.

DEC. 11: BUDDY & LISA’S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

BUDDY V’S RISTORANTE

Feast on holiday favorites from Buddy ‘Cake Boss’ Valastro and his wife Lisa at Buddy & Lisa’s Christmas Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Buddy V’s Ristorante.

Interactive stations will be set up throughout the restaurant featuring more than 60 traditional Italian favorites from a collection of Valastro family recipes including antipasto, seafood, the carvery, the farm egg station, French toast, Sunday-style frittata, mac n’ cheese carbonara, Grandma’s meatballs, chicken parmesan, a kid’s corner and a special holiday sweet table.

The cost is $55 per person, $25 per child under ten; tax and gratuity not included. Add all-you-can drink libations including “craft your own” bloody mary bar, sangria, mimosa, Bellini, domestic beers and wines by the glass for $20.

DEC. 19: UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER GETS YOU A DRINK

BLACK TAP CRAFT BURGERS & BEER

Gather your friends and celebrate at the Black Tap Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Dec. 19, from7 – 10 p.m. with D.J. Soxxie. Diners who wear their favorite Christmas sweater – good or bad – will receive a complimentary Winter Noggin’ cocktail with their meal.

TREND ALERT: DID SOMEONE SAY CAVIAR?

Caviar is having a new moment in Las Vegas. Restaurants throughout the city are employing the delicacy in numerous ways: from the raw bar at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon, to the menu at Estiatorio Milos. It’s even popped up on several holiday menus this year. Chef David Chang, for instance, is playfully pairing osetra caviar with his homemade “hot chips” to create an “ah-ha” moment for holiday diners.

ESTIATORIO MILOS

Estiatorio Milos is now offering Royal Belgian Ossetra Caviar for the month of December. The large pearls provide an amazing, balanced taste that goes great with plenty of small, savory pancakes called blinis. Served with plenty of blinis – a small pancake made using a traditional Greek Orthodox recipe – and all of the proper condiments. It’s the luxurious way to get into the festive spirit.

BOUCHON

At Bouchon, Regiis Ova Sturgeon caviar is served with traditional accoutrements and toasted brioche throughout the year. Regiis Ova (“Royal Egg” in Latin) is the caviar company founded by chef Thomas Keller, in partnership with caviar expert Shaoching Bishop.

I’LL BE HOME FOR COOKIES

CARLO’S BAKERY

Fans of TLC’s Cake Boss will find the perfect selection of Italian Christmas goodies including themed cupcakes and trays of cookies in varieties like icebox, fig, long jellies, round jellies and hazelnut. “From my dad, I learned we don’t fool around during the holidays,” said Buddy Valastro, star of the hit TLC reality series. “It’s the time when we work the hardest. Everything has to come out perfect.” And when cravings come for a late-night slice of cake, guests can try the new Carlo’s Bakery Cake ATM, which will offer gorgeous holiday goods at all hours.

BOUCHON BAKERY

Bouchon Bakery by Thomas Keller is making the holidays merry and bright with special holiday treats during the month of December including, chocolate or lemon Buche De Noel (Yule log cake), peppermint bark, white and milk chocolate, gingerbread macaroons, gingerbread people and cream puff décor with winter chocolate.