Don't be a bully. Those cities you mentioned are 100 times the size of Las Vegas. That said, Las Vegas competes nicely. I also think restaurants in those cities are more of a "trap" once you factor parking, tipping the maiter d' and overpriced drinks into the equation. Aureole will cost you 40% more in New York than Las Vegas with one exception. The head chefs and top wait staff all moved to Las Vegas three years ago to design their dream restaurant. I think you will get a better experience with a cheaper price at the Aureole in Las Vegas.

More James Beard award winners cook in Las Vegas than any other city in the world. The Belagio Hotel alone hosts 6 James Beard award winners. The Picasso is the countries number one restaurant and rests close to Le Cirque and Aqua. Walk across the street to The Palm, Spago's and Chinois. Emril has a couple of restaurants in Las Vegas. I can keep going but there is already a board dedicated to dining.

This board is about "traps". Perhaps, you won't get your type of food in Las Vegas, but it is world class and reasonably priced. Perhaps, you won't get the best river rafting, but rafting the Colorado through the Grand Canyon is spectacular and reasonably priced. Perhaps, you won't golf on the best courses, but there are plenty to chose from. Perhaps, you won't get the best hotel, but you will get a great hotel at a bargain price.

I just don't see the "trap".