Shellfish in the Desert? Sin City has the Answer

Special dishes including a lobster quesadilla, lobster artichoke dip and lobster tacos put a twist on old favorites by incorporating your favorite crustacean. Lobster Sliders put the fun back in sandwiches with lobster tossed in roasted garlic and sweet chili aioli served on three mini buns. And for an extra splurge and a true East Coast meal, you can select a live 1.25- to 1.5-pound Maine lobster prepared in front of your eyes at the "choose your own" lobster bar. "Being from Hawaii, I'm all about fresh seafood," executive chef Gene Villiatora says. "I'm really excited to bring these fun dishes with a twist to downtown Las Vegas."

If your love for seafood extends to more than lobster, head down the street to the historic Golden Gate Hotel and Casino for Vegas' original shrimp cocktail, served since 1959 when Frank, Sammy and Dean frequented this downtown property.

When your shellfish cravings take you to the Strip, there are many options. Stop by American Fish by Michael Mina in Aria for delicious homestyle shrimp and grits. Looking to spice up your love life? Try an aphrodisiac. Richard Camarota's market oysters, made with Piquillo pepper and Tobasco sorbet in an aged tequila mignonette at Sage, also in Aria, is sure to fire up your evening.

After a day at the tables you can savor either a 2- or 3-pound succulent pan-roasted Maine lobster with black truffle emulsion at Wolfgang Puck's Cut in the Palazzo, a contemporary take on the classic steakhouse. Alternatively, at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in the MGM Grand you can delight in the chef of the century's crispy langoustine fritter with basil pesto, poached baby Kusshi oysters with French salted butter or Maine lobster in a spicy broth and shaved lime.