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| - Knocking off two stars right off the bat:
minus 1 star for the cheesy Venetian gondola rides/gondoliers/canals, blue sky fresco (sprinkler heads and all), human statue, and other assorted eye-rolling faux Venetian touches. Sure, I know that's why it's called The Venetian and it's all part of the sugary syrup that draws the huddled masses to Vegas...it's just not for me...I tend to lean towards authenticity.
minus 1 star for mall stores like Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole, Brookstone, and Ann Taylor. I'm surprised I didn't see a Spencer's Gifts selling black light posters of St. Marks. I guess The Bellagio nabbed all the good high-end designers (Gucci, Armani, Chanel, Hermes, etc).
The 2 stars go to their choice of celeb chef restaurants - Batali's B&B and recently opened Enoteca San Marco (with truly impressive wine lists)...Keller's Bouchon (same killer steak frites, breads & pastries)...David Burke...Puck's Postrio...and um, Chef Buddha's TAO (like the one in NYC, tasty and forgettable).
And the last star goes to Breathe, an oxygen bar that did wonders for my hangover.
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