Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House
Razz-Matazz – Antagonic Gin, Marie Brizard Raspberry, Fresh Lime Juice, Wilks & Wilson Millicent Lime Mint Syrup
Iced Tea – Lemon, Sweetener
Ahi Poke – Taro Chip, Sweet Soy, Sesame
Cornbread – Butter
Chicken & Waffle – Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings in a Waffle Cone, Sweet Sesame Kochujang Glaze
Fried Florida Frog Legs – Spicy Creole Tomato Glaze, Radishes, Celery Ribbons
Sweet Corn Hushpuppies – Spicy Cajun Caviar, Preserved Lemon Horseradish Crème Fraiche, House Cured Egg
Baby Sweet Gem Wedge – Our Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, Crispy Bacon, Red Radish, Heirloom Cherry Tomato, California Blue Cheese
Pecan Crusted Redfish – Creamy Anson Mills Heirloom Grits, Peppers, Onions, Pattypan Squash, Creole Meuniere
Hand Cut Creole Fries – Ketchup
Carne Asada Fries – Grilled Marinated Beef, Queso, Salsa Roja, Pico de Gallo, Lime Crema, Cotija
Beer Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly – Red Eye Reduction, Koji Purple Sweet Potatoes, Chicharon
Lobster Mac & Cheese – Herb Crust
Shrimp & Andouille Jambalaya – Dirty Rice
Illy Double Espresso – Ice
Warm Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp – Oatmeal Streusel, Buttermilk Ice Cream
Emeril’s Banana Cream Pie – Chocolate Shavings and Caramel Sauce / New Orleans Pecan Pie – Shortbread Crust, Caramel Sauce, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Bread and Butter Bread Pudding – Whiskey Anglaise
At the beginning of this current “Celebrity Chef” era there were few names on Emeril Lagasse’s level, and although the Massachusetts native who made his name cooking in Louisiana has slowly faded from television his three Las Vegas Restaurants remain popular destinations with Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House now pushing twenty-four years old inside the MGM Grand.
A survivor amidst shutters and re-brands, the space formerly housing Fiamma actually hosting its VIP opening as Ambra Italian Kitchen + Bar on this particular evening, it was promptly at 6:30pm that seven guests sat down inside the elegant space, General Manager Tyler Anderson having already coordinated a menu tallying approximately $90 per guest before tax, tip and Drinks.
Offering excellent customer service across two-and-a-half hours, Soft Drinks and Cocktails including the seductively sweet Razz-Matazz arriving quickly, it was following an Amuse from Chef Ken Lum that dinner got rolling, a big basket of Corn Bread conquering the willpower of many who typically abstain thanks to its moist yet crumbly consistency and light sweetness.
Choosing broadly from New Orleans Fish House’s Dinner and “Mardi Gras Happy Hour” menus, an inspired take on Chicken & Waffles with spicy Wings in an oversized Ice Cream Cone arriving first, it was continuing the theme set by Gochujang/Kochujang that Frog Legs impressed thanks to Creole Glaze, juicy flesh easily slipping from Bone before the first course ended with a generous Wedge Salad and Sweet Corn Hushpuppies topped in tangy Crème Fraiche plus Emeril’s own “Spicy Cajun Caviar.”
Built for celebrating, another table with 50th Birthday balloons having an excellent time beneath high ceilings and soft lighting while Pearl Jam played at modest volume, it was not long before Entrees and Sides flooded the table, Carne Asada Fries and their naked siblings each circulating quickly while Macaroni and Cheese topped by Lobster also made fast friends as a result of more Meat than the $22 price tag might suggest.
Happy to see Lagasse’s legendary Redfish still executed faithfully, seasonal Squashes refreshing the palate between Pecan-crusted bites, suffice it to say that Beer Braised Pork Belly is probably not for those counting calories but thanks to slow roasting and robust Sauce the results are exemplary.
Finishing up housemade Pork Rinds, plus a big scoop of Rice teaming with Shrimp and Sausage, it was saving little space for Dessert that the table was once again filled, seasonal Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp tangy and rustic while individual Pecan Pies and steamy Bread & Butter Bread Pudding battled for top billing with the longtime title-holder for World’s Best Banana Cream Pie.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Although Sin City makes it easy to visit a new Restaurant 365 days per year, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House remains one of the Strip’s most consistent eateries thanks to big flavors from Chefs Ken Lum and Sean Roe while GM Tyler Anderson leads an excellent FOH.
RECOMMENDED: Cornbread, Fried Florida Frog Legs, Sweet Corn Hushpuppies, Pecan Crusted Redfish, Kurobuta Pork Belly, Emeril’s Banana Cream Pie, Bread and Butter Pudding.
AVOID: The Amuse was out of place, and Wine mark-ups were deemed steep by those with more knowledge on the subject.
TIP: Happy Hour is usually offered at the bar from 3-6pm and 9:30pm to close, though items were included in this meal as it was pre-arranged and paid for.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor
www.mgmgrand2.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/emerils-creole-cajun-restaurant.html
www.emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-new-orleans-fish-house
