Let’s do Mandalay

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

What more can be said about a city that’s been immortalized in countless songs and movies? Sure, it did seem that, for a while, everything famous about Las Vegas had to do with leaving it (thank you, Fools Rush In).

Still, there seems to be a stigma about Vegas...that unless you want to gamble or walk up and down the Strip, there’s nothing for you to do. But that’s certainly not the case anymore. And, to be honest, it hasn’t been for some time. That’s probably why Allegiant Air has been so successfully booking flights out of our airport. With one-way seats going for as little as $13.99 (before taxes) on certain weekends, it seems almost ridiculous not to experience Las Vegas in 2011.

After all, the hotels and casinos that line the Strip offer world-class entertainment, five-star cuisine, and luxurious spa-packages for those who want to indulge in their Vegas vacation (not to be confused with the Chevy Chase movie of the same name), without spending too much time in front of the slot machines...we’ll save that for a future issue.

Take, for example, Mandalay Bay. This resort and casino is one of the first places you see when driving by the Strip on I-15 (coming from Bakersfield, that is). It’s also one helluva hotspot. It’s on the southend of a trio of hotel/casinos that are linked (including Excalibur and The Luxor), you know, for easy access. However, you’ll quickly discover that there’s not nearly enough time in the day (or weekend) to see everything Mandalay Bay has to offer, let alone two other resorts.

Imagine, if you will, waking up at the crack of 9 a.m. in your luxurious hotel room (either in Mandalay Bay or the other two connected hotel spots, THEhotel or Four Seasons) to make sure you get to your Swedish massage in time. Mandalay Bay has two spas to choose from, one is bathhouse (yes, that’s supposed to be lowercase) and the other is Spa Mandalay. Spa Mandalay offers a Redwood Sauna, a Eucalyptus Steam Room, whirlpools, a cold plunge, and don’t forget about that Swedish massage. If you’re not feeling very Scandinavian, Spa Mandalay also offers an aromatherapy massage, Shiatsu massage, and hot stone massage. And the list of body treatments, including scrubs, peels, buffs, and polishes, will have you reeling.

And because Mandalay Bay is home to some of the most amazing restaurants on the Strip, you’ll have your pick of dining options.

Lunch at Border Grill will sate your appetite. Since opening in March of 1999, this place has been synonymous with modern Mexican cuisine. And you’ll be treated to a menu designed by celebrity chefs, no less. Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, from Food Network’s want nothing more than to spice up your day. Border Grill offers two floors of patio dining in a hip, urban cantina. The Marinated Skirt Steak, Pescado Veracruzano, and Rock Shrimp are all signature dishes, but you’d be wise to order the Ceviche...it’s beyond fabulous.

For an unforgettable dining experience, Aureole is a must.

According to Mandalay Bay’s website (mandalaybay.com), “Charlie Palmer’s renowned New York Aureole enjoys a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in the United States. Palmer, honored as the “Best Chef” in New York by the James Beard Foundation, opened Aureole at Mandalay Bay in 1999, earning the prestigious Four Diamond Award each year since. In both 2008 and 2009, Aureole was awarded a Michelin Star...”

So, obviously, the food is amazing. But since presentation is such an important part of a dining experience, you’ll find yourself wowed by how your wine order gets to you. “Aureole’s visual trademark is a four-story wine tower with its very own Wine Angel Stewards, who gracefully ascend the tower to retrieve bottles.” We’re talking “Mission: Impossible”-style moves, here. Aureole offers amazing four-course dinners (Parallel tasting menu) complete with wine-pairing and a variety of desserts in addition to fantastic main course options like Pancetta-wrapped Monkfish, Blue Cheese-Crusted Beef Tenderloin, and a Duo of Veal Loin and Rare Tuna Loin Vitello.

But you can’t be eating the entire time you’re visiting (or you shouldn’t), so Mandalay Bay is home to the kinds of attractions that’ll get your heart pumping.

At the Shark Reef Aquarium, “come face-to-face with some of the earth’s most fascinating creatures in North America’s only predator-based aquarium and exhibit. See sharks of all kinds, along with sawfish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, moon jellies and the rare golden crocodiles. In all, there are over 2,000 animals in 1.6 million gallons of seawater.”

And, believe it or not, there’s also a Dive with Sharks Program. “Dive-certified Mandalay Bay guests will now have the opportunity to SCUBA dive in the 1.3 million gallon, 22 foot deep Shipwreck Exhibit, surrounded by sharks, rays, sawfish, green sea turtles and schools of fish.” If you don’t think that’ll burn some of the calories you had for lunch and dinner, think again. Visit www.sharkreef.com for more information.

Mandalay Bay also houses four different entertainment venues including the Mandalay Bay Events Center (12,000-seat sports center), Mandalay Bay Theatre (1,600-seat venue for musicals, comedy headliners, and Broadway shows), Mandalay Beach (outdoor entertainment in an 11-acre beach area), and the House of Blues (which needs no explanation).

Still, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention The Lion King. Not only because we’d have to deal with an angry pride of lions (too much?), but because the show is, to put it in the words of our executive editor, “way awesome.”

What else can you say about “The World’s Number One Musical” on stage in Vegas?

Well, a lot more can be said.

The Las Vegas production of The Lion King is now in its second year at Mandalay Bay, and “over 50 million people worldwide have come to discover the wonder, majesty, and truly one-of-a-kind experience that is The Lion King. [The show] continues to amaze with astounding visuals that will make this a show you’ll remember forever. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by an enormous company of international performers, whose detailed costumes, carved masks, and intricate makeup will transport you to the gorgeous vistas of the African savanna.”

Most people are aware the show is based on the 1994 Disney feature, but in case you were under a rock for part of the 1990s, this is a show not to miss. Lionkinglasvegas.com

After the show, you’ll be riding an emotional high, so why not ride it out in one of the highest spots you can be? On the 64th floor of THEhotel resides the Mix Lounge. “This fashionable hotspot is one of the most stylishly hip lounges around.” If you’re ready for cocktails, an innovative bar menu, and a unique blend of music spun by savvy DJs, every night is an event. You can reserve a table indoors or step out on the balcony and enjoy breathtaking views of the Strip. Bottle service is available. Mix Lounge opens at 5 p.m.

Before you head back to Bakersfield, cap off your whirlwind weekend in Vegas by stopping off at Fleur by Hubert Keller for lunch. Top Chef Master Hubert Keller presents tiny plates of big-flavor. And we mean tiny and we mean big-flavor. Each dish is inspired from some part of the world, so you’ll leave with an educated palate. Reservations are recommended.

The flight home, just like the flight there, is only 45 minutes long, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend the night reveling in the details of your trip before you have to get back into the reality of your workweek.

But remember, there’s always next weekend.

Photos Courtesy Mandalay Bay

Article appeared in our 28-1 Issue - April 2011