Five new Las Vegas restaurants bring over-the-top milkshakes and upscale Chinese food

New food choices on the Las Vegas Strip bring sweet Crazy Shakes at the Black Tap and a grab-and-go eatery from Giada De Laurentiis. Here are five of the newest restaurants in what has become a true culinary capital.

1. Black Tap

Black Tap at The Venetian is the Vegas outpost of a small New York City chain of burger bars known not only for its comfort food — think lots and lots of burgers — but also for what it calls Crazy Shakes: colorfully concocted milkshakes in flavor combos you are unlikely to find elsewhere.

For a huge sugar rush, seek out the Bam Bam ($15), which is blended with Fruity Pebbles cereal and topped with Rice Krispies treats, a strawberry Pop-Tart and, of course, loads of whipped cream.

2. China Tang

China Tang at MGM Grand adds to the resort’s already impressive list of restaurants (Joel Robuchon has two dining rooms here). The extensive menu at this upscale Chinese restaurant lists prices in U.S. and Hong Kong dollars. (The original China Tang is indeed in Hong Kong.)

The menu includes lobster, which can be ordered one of seven different ways and costs $135 per pound. Another seafood entree: the restaurant’s signature wok-poached grouper filet ($48) with Sichuan peppercorn and sun-dried chile.

Other selections include traditional Beijing roasted duck ($138) served in two courses. Many rice and noodle dishes are also available.

3. Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace has been packing in the guests since opening in early January. The winner of Season 17 of chef Gordon Ramsay’s popular TV show “Hell’s Kitchen” is at the helm of this restaurant.

Presumably, the cooks in the open kitchen won’t have as much difficulty preparing Ramsay’s signature beef Wellington ($49) as some past contestants have.

4. Osteria Costa

Osteria Costa at the Mirage celebrated its grand opening Thursday This Italian eatery boasts a variety of pizzas and pastas plus “secondi” including pollo Parmigiana ($28) and grilled branzino ($38).

5. Pronto by Giada

Pronto by Giada at Caesars Palace departs from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis’ upscale, namesake restaurant across the street at the Cromwell. De Laurentiis has created a grab-and-go eatery that maintains an emphasis on Italian dishes – whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or a quick snack.

For dessert, there’s gelato ($4.50 for one scoop) and cake by the slice, including the colorful Italian Rainbow Cake ($6).