REVIEW: Buddha and the Band
There is a strange disconnect to the spectacular collection of ancient Buddhas lovingly displayed at Tao Las Vegas and the overly loud techno music that takes over as the dinner hour wanes and star gazing begins in earnest (celebrities seem to flock here). 
Open for dinner only, the food and setting beg to be shared with a romantic partner. Rose petals fill bathtub-size basins, candles flicker throughout, hundreds of serene Buddhas – including the 20-foot Buddha floating on an infinity pool– seem to fill every nook and perfectly designed cranny. It really couldn’t be lovelier.
The food is less impressive. The perfectly adequate but uninspired cuisine is a cross-section of Asian food styles including dishes such as sushi, Thai noodles, Japanese pot stickers and Peking Duck. The Japanese Seaweed Salad Sampler ($10), however, is a standout, featuring multi colored and textured seaweeds. To end, order the impressive Giant Fortune Cookie, filled with white and dark chocolate mousse ($10). Adults who want to meditate on the serenity of a full stomach, may prefer to make reservations for the early part of the evening and be out by the time the 42,000 square foot nightclub begins to vibrate with sound and sexual healing.
Tao Las Vegas
The Venetian
3377 Las Vegas Blvd. South
702.388.8338
opens at 5 p.m.
about $75 per person with drinks
Image courtesy of Goya Photography.
