‘New School’ Vegas Buffets Hone in on Foodie Cravings

There was a time when Las Vegas buffets shared Strip marquees with production shows. Comedians joked about these bland, questionable buffets, especially the “Plate of Plenty” at Circus Circus and its low, low prices: breakfast $1.40, brunch $2.49 and dinner $3.49.

Today buffets still promote endless food consumption, but focus on the quality of the food, promoting the freshest ingredients and interactive dining experiences. Sure, prices have increased, but they still tend to be reasonable depending on the meal of the day and the resort. Two buffets revamped in the past few months offer foodie-inspired cuisine while still serving up the plentiful choices and endless portions hungry visitors expect.

The Tropicana Las Vegas’ latest food offering is Savor the Buffet, another restaurant revamp following Robert Irvine’s Public House and Oakville Steakhouse openings. Promoted as a gourmet, crave-worthy happening, Savor offers distinctive dining, featuring made-to-order pasta, thin, crispy top-your-own pizzas that cook in just two minutes, and internationally inspired cuisines. The buffet style gives the opportunity to sample uncommon fare like the BLT Benedict, cajun chicken and grits or chicken scaloppini with prosciutto and white beans.

Savor is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with prices starting at $21.95 for breakfast and between $31.95 and $34.95 for dinner. www.troplv.com/dining/savor-the-buffet

In 2016, Station Casinos LLC acquired Palms Casino Resort, which is undergoing a $485 million property renovation including a swanky, trendy buffet concept. Korean barbecue fans will recognize the 274-seat casual buffet’s minimal name, A.Y.C.E., or “all you can eat.” The open food hall-setting and communal tables serve group gatherings and unexpected social engagements.

The diverse menu offers a chef-driven selection: scratch-prepped recipes presented in a creative, technique-focused style utilizing classic cooking methods like wood burning grills, slow-turning rotisseries, smokers and a hearth oven. There are seven food stations: the Greenery; the Hearth; the Roastery; the World Pan … think wok; Smoke & Fire; Revival, which focuses on wellness, power-boosting super foods and specialty diets and; post-meal, Sweet & Light. A.Y.C.E. opens daily at 8 a.m. Breakfast is $12.99, lunch $15.99, dinner and Sunday brunch $21.99. www.palms.com/ayce-buffet.html

-Jackie Brett, Custom Publishing Writer