I've been coming to the Beau Rivage for years now, but this was
my first time seeing it since 2019. The casino and hotel has been refreshed
with a new look and new eateries; it feels more focused on catering to all of
your needs rather than just pumping you with high-energy entertainment.
Upon entering the lobby, gorgeous live hydrangeas welcome you
as pretty garden-inspired light displays shimmer around and above you. This is
one of the loveliest, if not THE loveliest, displays I've ever seen here.
While I passed by the new Daiquiri Shop and Topgolf Swing
Suite on my way through the building, I did not stop at them. I had a reservation
at The Beau's newest restaurant and was looking forward to seeing what it had
to offer.
Salt & Ivy sits outside of the casino floor near to is
near to the stately entrance of The Beau. As such, you have the pleasure of
dining in the sunlight solarium which allows you to watch the passers-by
walking through the regal garden entrance. It's almost like dining in a castle.
I was lucky enough to have my meal as the sun was setting, so I got to experience
the restaurant in both sunlight and under the night sky.
My meal started off with a plate of Burrata. The pesto-kissed cheese had the prefect amount of balsamic drizzle with
bits of fresh cherry tomatoes, figs, and bacon around to top your pita as you
please. The big bed of fresh arugula can double as a salad, so it can function
like a two-in-one dish.
Next up was the prettiest bowl of soup I've ever
seen. The French Onion Soup arrived in the cutest provincial bowl with a lightly-baked cheese crust. The soup oozes
over the side of the bowl when you push into the hot cheese. This soup is not
horrendously salty like some French onions soups can be. The fresh thyme sings
through the savory broth. I honestly don't know how they clean the excess
cheese from the bowl; it becomes delightfully chewy when it enters your mouth
adding a unique mouthfeel to this soup.
The entrees at Salt & Ivy range from pastas to steaks to seafood.
I chose to experience the Tuna Steak which came with steamed veggies and mashed
potatoes. The potatoes were the first taste of the plate: velvety smooth
and very garlicky. The steaming vegetables were perfectly peppery and
complemented the thick slightly sour, slightly sweet glaze on the big piece of
seared tuna. I ordered my fish medium rare, and it was so tender that it fell
off my fork a few times. Your mouth will not quickly forget the flavor of the
moist fish coated in this intoxicating sauce that enlivens every corner of the
mouth.
Though I could have happily walked away satiated after the
main course, I needed to try out not one, but two of the desserts. The Key Lime
Pie was so cute! The confection
comes in a jar; layers of graham cracker crumbs are separated by whipped cream
and a light, slightly tangy key lime custard.
The Warm Brownie a la Mode is the opposite of the Key
Lime Pie, but I can't decide which tasted better. You need to eat it fast if
you get it. The huge warm brownie quickly melts the vanilla ice cream which
cascades over the chocolate-drizzled plate slowly and beautifully. Your cherry
could topple into the sweet melty goodness if you don't dig in fast
enough.
Even though my belly was full, I wanted to stop at one of the
latest additions to The Beau for a nightcap. One of the former retail stores has
been transformed into an impressive bar called Black Clover Lounge. The
decadently-decorated lounge is a sophisticated place to have an
expertly-crafted whiskey cocktail. I opted for the Night in Paris Champagne Flight
featuring four high-end champagnes: Veuve Clicquot Brut, Veuve Clicquot Rose,
Billecart Salmon Brut, and Ruinart Rose, though the All Rye, All Rye, All Rye
Flight was a popular choice with the other patrons. I think that this is an
amazing use of the space that is removed from the hustle and bustle of the
casino floor so that you can have a deep conversation with your friend in one
of the luxurious couches or make some new friends at the social bar.
Finally, I was able to make it to my room. I absolutely loved
the new look! The rooms have richer gem colors and floral/tropical accents.
Some of the rooms have been made into Stay Well rooms that have updated amenities
including a shower infuser, top-notch air purification, aromatherapy, and more.
While The Beau Rivage has a refreshed look and new dining and
entertainment spaces, it's still the Las Vegas-caliber casino and resort that
you know and love. Summer at The Beau will be red hot with surprising
headliners, a busy casino floor, and a huge pool to cool off in.
