Once a vast wasteland of buffets, Las Vegas has come of age in dining and drinking. Added to the list of celebrities are some of the top names in the culinary world. Visitors now have their choice of fine dining experiences, both on and off the strip.

Famous for his California-style food and original restaurants, Wolfgang Puck has graced the city with several ventures. One of his establishments, Chinois, provides a relaxed patio dining along with private rooms, popular with famous guests. The influence of new epicurean alternatives has breathed new life into the older gourmet rooms as well.

Topping both the Zagat survey and the Las Vegas Review Journal's Reader's Poll, Drai's Restaurant serves dinner and high tea. Located inside the Barbary Coast Hotel, this enchanting restaurant also offers excellent live entertainment three nights a week.

If you like a fine dining experience with a spectacular view, ascend to the top of the Stratosphere Tower for an evening at the Top of the World Restaurant. There is not a bad seat in the house since the room slowly rotates one complete turn each hour.

Some restaurants have stood the test of time in Las Vegas and one of those is the Benihana in the Las Vegas Hilton. It has long been the popular choice for Japanese food, both for the exhibition-style cooking and the amazing special effects. Another fine choice for Asian specialties is Mayflower Cuisinier. Chef Ming See Woo has secured several awards for the restaurant including a five-diamond rating from the American Academy of Restaurant Sciences.

Frank Sinatra was a frequent visitor to Battista's Hole In The Wall, where you will be served as if you are family. The Tillerman is well known with locals for an outstanding array of fresh seafood dishes and fine steaks. Of course, the Steakhouse at Circus Circus has been lauded since its opening as one of the best in the business.

Visiting the Mohave Desert does not preclude enjoying fine seafood. Chef Emeril Lagasse produces award-winning lobster, fish and crab delights at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Awards have also been garnered by the Rosewood Grille, multiple winner of the "Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Perhaps you'd be tickled by dining with a cyborg from the Terminator, or Freddy from Friday the 13th. If so, drop in at Planet Hollywood where you will see authentic movie props and maybe a real star or two.

There are also great places to eat outside of the Strip and convention areas. Bob Taylor's Ranch House, for instance, is located in the northwest portion of the valley. It has been a favourite of locals and celebrities since the '50s. Even Elvis loved this joint.

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down the strip and enjoy a nightcap or a bit of dancing. If you prefer something exotic, Rumjungle is sure to delight you. If you're looking for a top VIP room, check out RA located in the Luxor or Rain in the Palms Casino Hotel.