Chef Emeril Lagasse, a ubiquitous presence on cable's Food Network, is becoming nearly as common in Vegas as in his adopted hometown of New Orleans. Seafood is the specialty here, flown in from Louisiana or from anywhere else that he finds the quality of the ingredients to be the very finest. Be sure to start off with one of Lagasse's savory "cheesecakes": a lobster cheesecake with tomato-tarragon sauce, topped with a dollop of succulent Louisiana choupique fish caviar. It's a heady, rich appetizer that may be completely unlike anything you've ever had. Oysters on the half shell are also a favorite, served with two tangy dipping sauces. And try the barbecued shrimp, which come in a garlic-and-herb butter sauce that will have you mopping your plate with bread. For an entree, try one of Lagasse's sauce-enhanced fish dishes. Meat eaters will also be very happy with the utterly tender and flavorful filet of beef with tasso (Louisiana Cajun dried ham), hollandaise sauce, and homemade Worcestershire.

It's difficult to recommend one particular dessert from the vast menu, but a slice of the banana-cream pie with banana crust and caramel drizzle is one of the finest desserts you will ever have.