b'THE WHERE THE WHAT WRAP-UPSHOWS TO EAT TRENDS TO DOWICKED SPOONWhats a trip to Vegas without a trip to a buffet?The Las Vegas Review-Journal named the Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan the Best Buffet in the city and I cant argue with that ranking.On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I headed to the Spoon for brunch to see what all the hype was about. I paid my $28 and was ushered into a sleek, brightly-lit room with rows and rowsYOU NEVER FORGET of trays.A buffet might bring to mind quantity over quality, but theYOUR FIRST BUFFETWicked Spoon had both in spades. Buffet goers can pick up a personal basket of fried chicken, their own takeaway box of fried rice, a mini pan of orecchietteBY LENORE FEDOWpasta in tomato sauce, or choose from an array of sushi.It wont be easy, but those who visit the Spoon have to saveI made my first trip to Las Vegas this February. room for the dessert buffet, named the best in Vegas by localIt was a four-day trip with travel from New York City taking up a big NPR station KNPR. chunk of time, so planning was essential. The mini desserts are akin to art, each designed with an eyeI shopped around for reasonably priced flights and booked a suite at the for detail down to the last sprinkle.Luxor. I even scored a deal on tickets to O by Cirque du Soleil.Theres a full gelato bar, cheesecakes, carrot cake, chocolateWhen all that was out of the way, the most important question of all tarts topped with a decorative mini spoon, and glass candy jarsarose before me unanswered: Where was I going to eat?filled with meringues. I spoke to friends and family who had traveled to Vegas before, jotting From Monday to Thursday, brunch will run diners $28 whiledown recommendations for places on and off the Strip. dinner is $42.I hunched over my MacBook and Googled furiously, scanning list after From Friday to Sunday, brunch is $36 while dinner is $49. Iflist of the top 10 this or that to eat while in Vegas.youre in a hurry, you can do express takeout for $20 but that is,Amid a sea of search results, I found a bright and shining beacon in the of course, limited to all you can reasonably carry.Wicked Spoon.Reservations for parties of 13 or more can be made online orI mean, whats a trip to Vegas without a trip to a buffet?by calling 877-551-7776. After a scenic morning drive back from the Hoover Dam, I headed to the Wicked Spoon for brunch.As I noted in the article, a buffet might bring to mind quantity over quality, but this is not the case at the Wicked Spoon.I saw a woman sit down at the table across from me who had taken a full pizza instead of a single slice and, honestly, I couldnt blame her one bit.Photo courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las VegasMy plate was piled high with my own mini basket of fried chicken, roasted pork, duck-fried lo mein noodles, and a small pan of orecchiette pasta in tomato sauce.Also as noted in the article, saving room for the dessert buffet is a must, as theres a full gelato bar, cheesecakes, carrot cake, chocolate tarts, and glass candy jars filled with meringues.Full disclosure: I have a voracious sweet tooth. I would take a cheese-cake over a cheesesteak any day.The desserts at the Wicked Spoon are as delicious as they are beautiful. Im ashamed to say that I couldnt finish everything on my plate, which WICKED SPOON included a square of chocolate cheesecake, a carrot-shaped carrot cake, a THE CHELSEA TOWER AT THEchocolate tart topped with a decorative mini spoon, a chocolate-filled and COSMOPOLITAN cream-topped waffle cone, and a bite-sized cherry meringue.3708 S. LAS VEGAS BLVD., LEVEL 2 I still find myself thinking about that half-eaten mini carrot cake some-times, waking up in a cold sweat wondering what could have been. Sigh.BRUNCH: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday If the Wicked Spoon isnt on your list of must-visit restaurants in 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday to Sunday Vegas, add it now.DINNER: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday From Monday to Thursday, brunch will run you $28 while dinner is $42. 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday From Friday to Sunday, brunch is $36 while dinner is $49. If youre in a 3 to 9 p.m. Sundayhurry, you can do express takeout for $20. All you can carry out.16 MARKET ISSUE 2019 Continued on page 18'