There’s no excuse for boredom while visiting Las Vegas for IBIE 2016.
 

Every three years, the baking community flocks to Las Vegas for IBIE. From Oct. 8-11, bakers, equipment manufactures and ingredient producers will gather at the largest trade show in the industry, where opportunities for generating business and acquiring new information abound. Amazing food, entertainment and eye-catching spectacles are also in abundance. Here’s a quick look at some of the best things going during the big event.

Good eats

Las Vegas is known for having more master chefs per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. With so many great places to eat, it can be hard to even know where to start. These are a few current stand-outs.

Eat, headed up by Chef Natalie Young, is thought by many to be the best breakfast and lunch spot in town. Nicknamed “Downtown’s New Comfort-Cuisine Queen,” Ms. Young serves up dishes such as Huevos Motulenos and Truffled Egg Sandwiches, as well as more standard egg, waffle and sandwich options.

Sushi lovers should check out Sushi Tanaki in Chinatown. Chef Tanaki offers classic Japanese cuisine and adventurous sushi and sashimi options in a comfortable, wood-  and brick-adorned environment and at a surprisingly reasonable price point.

For upscale dining, IBIE attendees could do far worse than Picasso in the Bellagio. Decorated with original paintings by its namesake, Picasso offers French and Spanish cuisine by executive chef Julian Serrano. It is one of the highest-regarded restaurants in Vegas, holding two Michelin stars, the AAA Five Diamond Award, and a 28/30 Zagat guide rating.

Another fine culinary hit is internationally famous (or infamous) chef Gordon Ramsay’s Steak. Featuring a modern, London-themed atmosphere and dishes like Roasted Beef Wellington, Hudson Valley Foie Gras and Sticky Toffee Pudding, Steak offers a world of rich flavors for those who can pony up the funds.

No business like show business

After a day full of seminars and meetings, IBIE attendees may want to catch one of the many shows playing.

One of this year’s most impressive shows is Le Rêve — The Dream. Inspired by a Picasso painting by the same name, this water-based show explores the surreal and occasionally dark world of the subconscious during sleep. Synchronized swimmers, ballet dancers and aerialists are sure to astound as they perform in a 1.1 million-gal water tank installed in the Wynn Theater.

Mystère is the longest-running Cirque du Soleil in Vegas and for good reason. Considered to be the most “pure” Cirque de Soleil experience in town, this show features death-defying acrobatics, flashy costumes and a beautiful, percussive score. It will be running at Treasure Island the entire duration of IBIE and is a great option for those new to the Cirque du Soleil franchise.

For Beatles fans, the Cirque du Soleil show LOVE is sure to please. This production takes a career spanning journey through the catalog of the fab four on a 360-degree stage. The furthest seat is a mere 98 ft. from the action, giving the audience an up-close look at the entire psychedelic spectacle.

Jabbawockeez, winners of the television show ‘America’s Best Dance Crew,’ will be performing their unique brand of hip-hop dance at the MGM Grand. This dance troupe wears white masks and gloves, pulling the focus onto the unity of the group and off of individual performers.

The city of lights

Las Vegas isn’t just for extravagant shows and gourmet eating. Visitors should make sure to make time to take in all that the city has to offer.

For a birds-eye view of the Strip, visitors can head to the High Roller, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. Towering 550 ft above the LINQ Promenade, this attraction gives thrill seekers the opportunity to drink in the full scope of Vegas, day or night.

Of course, Las Vegas is probably best known for its many casinos. Those looking to try their luck can head to the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Mirage, Wynn or many other gambling establishments for a round or two of blackjack, poker or slots.

 There are plenty of options for those wanting to get out of the noise and flashiness of the Strip as well. Golfers can talk business on of the myriad of golf courses in the area, including Royal Links, Los Prados, Durango Hills and Badlands clubs. The Springs Preserve is also nearby, featuring scenic hiking trails, botanical gardens and a nature museum.

For drinks after a hot day, consider a trip to Frankie’s Tiki Room. Half Hawaiian, half Vegas kitsch, patrons can sip on rum drinks and listen to lively music. Commonwealth, Velveteen Rabbit, and Oak & Ivy are other great places to grab a cocktail.  Cigar enthusiasts may want to take a trip to En Fuego Cigars. Two block left of the Strip, En Fuego features a walk-in humidor with signature hand-rolled cigars at modest prices, and a comfortable lounge to smoke them in.

There’s definitely something for everyone in Las Vegas. More than just a great place to do business, it’s a place to enjoy yourself at the same time.