Blossom at the Aria in City Center -- Las Vegas, NV

Blossom -- 6.5 Rating Average Cost $50-$75



If you get the chance while visiting in Las Vegas to eat before a late Frank Caliendo Show over at the Monte Carlo, try the 'Blossom' in the Aria, one of the finest Asian restaurants in Vegas. Blossom makes Shanghai Lily's fall a notch or two when looking for fine Asian dining in the Sin City. New to the dining scene in Vegas as all of the eateries in Aria, this one is sure to be a solid hit.

Ordered to Table:

Shiitake Mushrooms in Sweet Vinaigrette Sauce - $10 --Served as an appetizer, this is one to try. The reduced vinaigrette is wonderful to the taste again and again. The plate is served with raw tiny angel hair carrot and zucchini slaw. Shared by the table, making all anticipate the quality of the meal to come. Even if you are not a mushroom fan, try these, and you'll evolve!

Peking Duck - Bone in 1/2 Duck - $79 -- What a fine taste of the East. Perfectly cooked with crispy skin. If you are a dark meat connoisseur, this one will be a winner for you. A wonderful orange marmalade and pepper sauce are added condiments for the entree. No game taste here, just pure joy in the consuming. The wait staff is incredible here, changing plates and hot towelettes to keep things organized and clean on the table. This is such a difficult dish for the home cook, and should only be eaten when some else can do it as well as Blossom. This is one of the top ten meals of all time for this Critic. Worth the money, worth the try!

Kung Pao Chicken - Medium Spicy - $26 -- The great worry when ordering any Kung Pao dish is the heat that comes with it. True to the advertised menu, it was a medium and pleasant heat. The roasted red bell peppers blended with cubed zucchini and an unsalted whole peanut delivered more than what one would expect. Give this one a go, and get it served with the Pan-fried Red Rice cooked with Egg White, Dried Scallop and Vegetables or the String Beans in the Spicy XO Meat Sauce.

Banana Passion Dumpling -- $12 -- This is one of the four French deserts served at the Blossom. Pineapple bits and peach sauce tapioca was beyond decadent, and they more than compliment the banana dumpling. Everyone at the table raved. Incredible desert!

The staff up and down was attentive and assuring to the diners. 30% gratuity was easy to give for the experience. If you are unsure about the Asian experience, Blossom and the staff will make it pleasurable for sure.