Although the Vegas Nobu does not offer the full-on experience you'd get in NYC, this is still a top-notch Japanese restaurant. As if I needed to say "Japanese" when Nobu has become synonymous with quality sushi and sashimi

Sushi and sashimi are obviously the main draw, however landlubbers will not be disappointed as there are appetizers, entrees and specials suited to these tastes.

We started our meal with the freshest, most delicious edamame I've ever tasted. To the uninitiated, edamame are Japanese soybeans served (usually) in the pod and salted. You half-suck/half-squeeze the two or three little green beans out of the pod using your fingers and lips, discarding the pod. They sound much more exotic than they really are and if you try them, you'll likely find them to be addictive. The taste is hard to describe... like lima beans, but not chalky? That's not quite right. The inside of peas? Maybe a little bit. Anyway, I now prefer edamame to popcorn--I swear!

While my friends sampled everything from eel to tuna, rolls to straight raw fish, I ate a sizzling beef tenderloin with a soy reduction. What it lacked in originality (my fault - I need to get over my seafood aversion), it made up for in pure flavor. I don't know if it was the presentation, the preparation, the quality of the base ingredients... but it was out of this world.

Service, during my August visit, was notable. Attentive without being obnoxious. Friendly and informative. No question received odd looks or condescension. They didn't even make fun of me for not eating sushi.

But take your credit card as the costs definitely add up.