Vegas is his oyster, and steak, crab ...

Ed “Cookie” Jarvis is the world’s reigning buffet-eating champion. By winning the Battle of the Buffets held at the Aladdin’s Spice Market last year, the 6-foot-6, 409-pound Jarvis added to his list of titles -- nearly 30, at last count. Though he lives in Nesconsett, Long Island, the 38-year-old real estate agent has visited Los Angeles half a dozen times for contests held by the International Federation of Competitive Eating and as a budding actor in the TV series “Las Vegas.” He’s also been known to frequent the real Vegas. So what would he do on a West Coast swing? Dig in.

Pick a country

When I’m in Vegas, of course I like to hit the buffets. My favorite is the Aladdin; second would be Paris. If you want to go to a buffet with super spectacular food: the Bellagio, though I prefer the various restaurants there.

Aladdin, though, has got the most variety. You pick a country, you get their food. Belgian waffles, lox, bagels, truffles, desserts galore -- it’s an eater’s dream. I don’t think I’ve had one thing there I didn’t like.

By foot or flight

I love to go on the Vegas helicopter rides. I’ve taken them over the Strip, the big excursion around town, the ride to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon, with a stop for brunch.

Whenever I come out to Las Vegas, it always seems like there’s something new. I could walk the Strip every morning and never get bored.

Before I was a professional eater, I was a professional dater. I used to go clubbing in New York six nights a week. So, even though I’ve slowed down with a wife and two kids, I’ve been to Studio 54 at the MGM. And at the Rum Jungle in Mandalay Bay, they have all these dancers up on platforms; it reminded me of the discos of old, the kind of clubs we have out here. Real dark, and not too smoky.

I gamble a little bit, but I’m not a huge gambler. I like playing the slots. Sometimes I play a little roulette and 21. Most of the time my wife wins; I’m the one who donates.

Weighty problem

As for shows, I went to “EFX,” which was a great show. I’ve seen Louie Anderson, and David Copperfield was outrageous. But I wanted him to make some of my fat disappear; that would be some magic. Make me into a thin guy. Penn & Teller are great too.

You know, some of the stuff you just can’t see in New York. For example, you can’t see Wayne Newton in New York. Not my personal preference, but he’s a good guy. Celine Dion is there too; I wouldn’t pay $200 to see her, but she’s there.

A glutton’s guide

When I’m in L.A., I enjoy Santa Monica and going down to the pier. I originally came out for the Glutton Bowl. L.A. is like New York; you can eat anything. We ate at a couple of places in Universal City, including Planet Hollywood -- you can’t go wrong with their Caesar salad.

I’ve tried Pink’s, and I think they’re OK, but a little overrated. I’ve been eating Nathan’s hot dogs so long, so I’m partial to Nathan’s.

I’ve also been to Manhattan Beach, shooting the show “Las Vegas.” But the schedule was so hectic, I didn’t get to go anywhere. All I remember was the Marriott, where they shot the show. To make it look like Vegas, they brought in slot machines, palm trees and tables -- at 5:30 in the morning!