CNN’s Brianna Keilar Shares Her Go-To Restaurants in Las Vegas

On Wednesday night, presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump debate one last time at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus. Some of CNN’s top political reporters have shared their favorite places to dine in Las Vegas. Next up, Brianna Keilar, CNN's senior political correspondent, responsible for covering important stories on politics and policy, while serving as the lead reporter covering Hillary Clinton and the Democratic field for the 2016 campaign season. She has three favorites in Las Vegas, plus she plans to get married here after the Nov. 8 election.

Which restaurants do you turn to when you’re not working?

Lotus of Siam — It's a James Beard Award-winning Thai restaurant hidden in an unassuming strip mall away from the action. I go almost every time I'm in town.

Peppermill — Peppermill still stands as one of the best spots for a hearty breakfast after an early morning of television live shots.

Bouchon— Thomas Keller and exquisite dining are synonymous. The bistro in the Venetian is the ideal spot to get away from the bustle of the Strip and enjoy a classic French dinner.

What dishes are most memorable?

Garlic prawns at Lotus of Siam — large fried shrimp in garlic sauce that you can devour shells and all. The crunch and the flavor are an unforgettable combination. Lotus specializes in Northern Thai cuisine so I go heavy on that section of the menu. It's spicy but so good! I love the Nam Prik Ong — red chili dip with ground pork and tomatoes, served with veggies and fried pork skins.

The options at Peppermill are endless but the Southern fried steak and eggs holds (and stops) my heart. It sure makes waking up at 1:30 a.m. local time to do television more bearable. BONUS: Late night tropical drinks in the fireside lounge!

Bouchon — A glass of wine, a steamed artichoke and moules au safran (mussels steamed in white wine, dijon and saffron) are simple and delicious.

Why do you enjoy going there?

Lotus of Siam is simply the best Thai restaurant I've ever been to and I love trying new dishes. They also have an extensive wine list, heavy on Riesling, the antidote to spicy food.

At Peppermill you walk in the door and you're transported 30 years back to '80s Vegas. The waitress uniforms, the indoor forest and the purple (so much purple)...it all feels perfect. Did I mention the fireside lounge?

Everything at Bouchon is done just right. Sometimes after a day in the ever-changing news cycle, it's nice to walk into a restaurant and know you're having a fantastic meal, no surprises.

Would you like to include any other information?

It just so happens I am getting married in Vegas after the election. Planning a wedding during this extremely busy election cycle has been made possible by the unparalleled quality of dining and hospitality in Las Vegas and the convenience of it's location in a battleground state. I've been able to fit in venue walk throughs and tastings after political rallies. And I don't have to sweat the details about the rehearsal dinner or reception. It's Vegas! I know it's going to be great.