Avenue Café, MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Casinos are the engines that drive Vegas and build its magnificent pantheons. It makes sense, then, that the most successful Vegas hotels find ways to keep their clientele on property. See the sites, fine, but stay with us and our casino, please.

One of the best ways that they do this is by removing the temptation to ever leave the building. In America's largest hotel MGM Grand, for example, you can enjoy convivial sports bars, cutting-edge nightclubs, diners, buffets, Copperfield magic, comedy clubs, delis, spas, and of course Starbucks (lots and lots of Starbucks) - all within a few feet of gambling.

Front and center on MGM's temptation removal is Avenue Cafe. Like pretty much anything in the major casinos, Avenue Cafe is set up to handle hordes of hungry and fatigued gambler/diners, so their staff members are patient and efficient. The setting is cheerful and muted, with art on the walls and good lighting.

Liza seated us where we requested, gave us a big smile, and subtly started upselling their specials, two of which we selected: velvety lobster mac and cheese and a cocoa-infused coffee martini, the former almost too rich and flavorful and the latter a crisp offset. Our other dish was a breakfast burrito with hearty chorizo, well-prepared scrambled eggs, and queso fresco, accompanied by pico and sour cream in clever, small mason jars. Once again, the terms rich and flavorful apply.

Shoutouts: The aforementioned Hostess Liza for her bright cheer and good salesmanship, Manager Solanje for her gracious, thoughtful presence, and server Jennifer for her good knowledge and attentiveness. All three, along with the preparers in the back, helped ensure that we'll tend to stay put when breakfast time comes around.

I've always heard it said that the beautiful palaces in Vegas are not built on winners. While this is true, one can always visit Avenue Cafe and hit a private little jackpot.