Alexxa’s Bar
Iced Tea – Lemon, Sweetener
Summer Fling Sangria – Riesling, Basil, Strawberries, Blueberries
Bubbly Sangria – Sparkling Wine, Peaches, Strawberries
Goat Cheese Toast – Pears, Honey, Toasted Walnuts
Texas Queso – Pico de Gallo, Fried Pretzel Bites
Chicken Wings – Soy Pineapple Honey Glaze, Toasted Peanuts
Fish n’ Chips – Tempura Batter, French Fries, Grilled Lemon, Malt Vinegar, Ketchup, Tartar Sauce
Calzone – Marinara, Ricotta Cheese, Sausage, Basil, Peppers, Mozzarella Cheese, Arugula Side Salad
Meatball Sandwich – Melted Mozzarella Cheese, Marinara Sauce, Ciabatta Bread, Arugula Side Salad
Double Espresso – Ice
Blueberry Corn Cobbler – Blueberries, Corn Cookie Crumble, Vanilla Ice Cream
Apple Spice Cake – Almond Crumble, Candied Pecans, Spiced Caramel, Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Naked Cake – Lemon Cake, Lemon Buttercream, Fresh Raspberries
Butterscotch Crème Brulee – HeXX Dark Chocolate
Lychee Granita – Raspberry Gelee, Calamansi Candied Pineapple, Fresh Fruit, Coconut Sauce
Yuzu Panna Cotta – Pistachio Cake, Strawberry Prosecco Consommé, Candied Pistachio
Although Alexxa’s Bar replaced HeXX’s Candy store nearly eighteen months ago the concept remains poorly differentiated, a fact ownership clearly finds undesirable as judged by frequent menu changes, though that may just be a benefit to fans as it offers plenty of reasons for return visits.
Serving from 4:00pm until 2:00am daily, but additionally acting as overflow during HeXX’s popular Brunch and thus adding further confusion to where one Restaurant “ends” or the other “begins,” those looking for Alexxa will find the space facing right away from Las Vegas Boulevard, a menu of shared plates and Bar full of Top-shelf Spirits particularly tempting as temperatures grow warmer.
Not lacking a fantastic view of Bellagio’s famous fountains, no doubt part of HeXX and Mon Ami Gabi’s year-long al fresco appeal, it is by friendly servers that guests are greeted and seated, tables and high tops both available for groups while furniture for lounging surrounds a small stage populated nightly by bands and DJs including the likes of Shaquille O’Neal.
Smart to start with Sangria, a bounty of seasonal flavors still not enough to dissuade return customers from a sweet Summer Fling or “Bubbly” with Stone Fruits and Strawberries, course one started off cheesy in a good way, Texas Queso marred only by too little Pretzel Bread for so much spicy Cheddar while thick slices of Texas Toast were lightly grilled in support of creamy Goat Cheese, crisp Pears and Walnuts drizzled in Honey.
Moving next to fried Foods, plump Wings spun Asian by Soy-soaked Pineapple while Fish n’ Chips take notes from Japan in using Tempura rather than Beer Batter, it was only after finishing every bite of moist and flaky Flesh that two Italian options arrived, Chef Carlos Buscaglia’s time at Fiamma and Due Forni showing in smashed Meatballs on Ciabatta plus a generously sized Calzone stuffed with Sausage and Peppers.
Opting for Coffee to accompany Dessert, a pair of favorites from HeXX plus Alexxa’s bargain-priced Naked Cake joined by three soon-to-debut items created by Pastry Chef Miranda Prince, those looking for a true taste of Summer are strongly urged to stop by for Blueberry Cobbler punctuated by crumbled Corn Cookies while guests fond of a lighter finish will not be disappointed by Yuzu Panna Cotta brightened by Strawberry Prosecco Consommé or Lychee Granita that tastes as fresh as it sounds without seeming limited despite being Vegan, Gluten-less and Dairy-free.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Although ownership continues to struggle with separating Alexxa’s Bar from HeXX it has nonetheless proven fortuitous for guests, and although the menu may not seem quite as cohesive now as it did at first the flavors and portions still offer a great bargain considering location as well as ingredients.
RECOMMENDED: Summer Fling Sangria, Goat Cheese Toast, Fish n’ Chips, Calzone, Naked Cake, Blueberry Corn Cobbler, Lychee Granita.
AVOID: Not so much “avoid,” but perhaps more “disappointing” that there isn’t nearly enough Pretzel Bread to sop up all the Queso.
TIP: All Desserts save for the Naked Cake come from HeXX’s menu, and the Granita as well as the Panna Cotta have yet to “officially” debut.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.alexxasbar.com
