Seasons

Seasons at Bally's changes its menu with the seasons of the year. This provides for the freshest available produce and ingredients, and makes this venerable Las Vegas restaurant one of the finest in the city.

Opened as Gigi's in the old MGM back in 1973, Seasons has won wide acclaim for its exquisite and classical French decor, graceful and impeccable service, and fine continental cuisine. From the beginning, graceful maitre d' Ilario Pesco has greeted guests in a warm and courtly style, and directed his dining room staff to offer service at the highest level.

The ambience at Seasons represents the ultimate in elegance, with etched glass, gild-edge mirrors and detailed carvings, crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling swag draperies. Guest can choose from 8 private alcoved dining areas, with each one seating up to ten people comfortably. In the past, each table at Seasons came topped with a giant vase full of fresh flowers. On our most recent visit, I asked Ilario what happened to them and he told me they've been removed because too many people were accidentally knocking them over! I'm hopeful Seasons will find a way to return these beautiful arrangements because I feel they add so much to what is already a wonderful atmosphere.

At Seasons, you'll be waited on by a trio of servers, in addition to the attention given by Ilario himself. Unobtrusive, but always within eye contact, the elegantly attired staff, execute service from quiet rolling carts and is well informed on sauces, wines, garnishes and ingredients.

The kitchen is under the command of Chef de Cuisine Michelle Re' of Nice, France, and his assistant Terry Connault of Normandy, France. Their continental cuisine emphasizes accents on flavorful sauces and artful presentation. For appetizers, we opted for the Ballotine of Savory Roquefort ($12.00) and the Essence of Wild Mushrooms Soup ($7.00). My wife's salad was superb, with baby mache greens and a walnut vinaigrette. My soup came with herbed profiteroles (small cream puffs) and I found it equally sublime. For entrees, we selected the Colorado Loin of Lamb ($34.00) and the Filet of Beef ($31.00). The lamb is roasted in a pinenut crust and comes with goat cheese ravioli. The filet is glazed with a port and Stilton cheese sauce and comes accompanied with crispy rosemary potatoes. Both entrees were magnificent. We ended our meal with an excellent soufflé ($12.00) and a special after-dinner coffee named in honor of Ilario. The Caffe Ilario is a flaming drink prepared tableside. It contains coffee, khalua, cognac and cinnamon and perfectly ended our meal.

The wine list at Seasons is what you expect from a top gourmet restaurant - expensive and deep with the finest in French, Italian and California varietals. We opted for the Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne and found it a nice accompaniment to our splendid meal.

Dining at Seasons ends with the ultimate "piece de resistance." A fresh rose is given to all ladies as they exit. It's presented personally by who else, but the charming matre de Ilario Pesco.  Located in Bally´s Hotel/Casino (Las Vegas Blvd. South & Flamingo Rd.), reservations are suggested (Tel: 702-739-4111). Open Tuesday - Saturday, 6:00 - 11:00pm.