Thanksgiving
Turkey
Ham
#allthethings
Saint Honoré
Dubai Doughnut – Toasted Kataifi, Pistachio Cream
S’mores Doughnut – Chocolate Ganache, Marshmallows, Graham Cracker
Apple Crumble Doughnut – Apple Pie Filling, Apple Chantilly Cream
Pumpkin Spice Doughnut – Maple Icing, Pumpkin Spice Cream
Thanksgiving Doughnut – Cranberry Filling
The Cannoli – Ricotta Cannoli Filling, Chocolate Ganache
Owned by former influencers-turned-marketing Alexandra Lourdes and Lin Jerome Saint Honoré advertises itself as “the first Couture Doughnut & Beignet Patisserie,” or another way of saying artisan Doughnuts targeting ladies with expendable income by way of cute décor.
Part of Refined Agency with Cafe Lola, a success since 2018, Saint Honoré focuses on a Brioche base made daily and decorated elaborately such that even basic flavors feature bits of gold leaf and a price of $4 despite Icing that cracks and falls off.
No doubt focused on more than just how things taste, neon and a wall of foliage demanding photos featuring polished nails gripping Pastry, the first thing that stands out besides high prices is the heft of each Doughnut thanks to eggy-Dough over-penetrated by Oil.
Prone to seasonal change, “Pumpkin Spice” and a Berliner with Cranberry filling befitting Turkey Day, S’mores eats predictably rich while the Cannoli is better at Pink Box.
Also offerings Vegan and Gluten-free choices, plus laminated “Doughsaints” on the weekend, those seeking Saint Honoré’s best bite should be prepared to spend $10.00 for a Dubai Doughnut that is crispy but creamy while the seasonal Apple Crumble is also enjoyable.
www.ilovesainthonore.com
Take It Easy Roasters
Short Rib Empanada
Chicken Tinga Empanada
Garlic Shrimp Empanada
Guava y Queso Empanada
Apple y Cajeta Empanada
Espresso Eclair
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pop Tart
Big Cinnamon Roll
Lemon Blueberry Scone
Pandebono
Pistachio Croissant
Although Makers & Finders was slow out the gate on Main Street it cannot be argued that Josh Molina was one of the first investors in Las Vegas Arts District, and now with three locations from Downtown Summerlin to Henderson his “Take It Easy Roasters” stands somewhere in the middle both in terms of location as well as branding.
Focused on good Coffee with less bustle than Makers & Finders, a tucked away space on Wynn Road off Spring Mountain generating far less foot-traffic than Molina’s other concepts, it is inside that guests will find friendly service plus a Pastry case featuring both sweet and savory Empanadas as well as other Baked Goods.
Catering to dietary preferences including Vegans, a number of Milk-alternatives offered for Lattes and other Beverages, Espresso features a good Crema plus bold acidity well suited to items such as Choux filled with Espresso Cream, Pistachio Croissants or a “Big” Cinnamon Roll beneath Cream Cheese Frosting.
Taking a Colombian twist with Pandebono, think bagel-shaped Pao de Queijo, Empanadas are crisp but flaky with ample filling while seasonal Pop Tarts are the same with added sugar shellacking – in this case atop Pumpkin Cream Cheese.
www.easystreetlv.com
Glaze Doughnuts
Apple Fritter
S’mores Doughnut
Black Sesame Doughnut
Matcha Green Tea Pistachio Doughnut
Horchata and Churro Doughnut
Samoa Doughnut
Blueberry Cinnamon Toast Doughnut
Oreo Vanilla Doughnut
Doughnut Holes
Red Velvet Cake Doughnut
Special K 2.0 Doughnut
The Islander Doughnut
Twist Doughnut with Maple Glaze
Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnut
Oreo Peanut Butter Doughnut
Lemon Poppyseed Doughnut
Sir Mocha Lot with Coffee Glaze Doughnut
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing family recipes from a Texas Doughnuttery to Sin City in October 2015, guests entering Glaze Doughnuts will notice little has since changed about the shop in 8 years while a soft base and creative toppings earn “Best of Las Vegas” accolades annually.
Located on Fort Apache Road, fair prices and friendly service undoubtedly part of Glaze’s appeal, what the shop lacks in selection is more than made up for in quality compared to the likes of Dunkin, Krispy Kream or other spots nearby.
Largely built on Yeast Rings, though undersized Fritters perform admirably, fans of simplicity will find Maple Frosting far more subtle than most while Chocolate and Vanilla Glaze are also of excellent quality with or without additions such as Cereal or Candy.
Not over-the-top, but balanced and complex, Caramel and Pecan dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Peanut Butter and Oreo do the same, though if one is seeking Glaze’s top choice the decision comes down to Blueberry Cinnamon Toast, Churros and Horchata or Matcha Green Tea Pistachio that delivers sweetness beneath toasty notes.
www.glazedoughnutslv.com
Starbread Bakery
Señorita Bread
Donuts
Malasadas
Ube Square
Begun in Vallejo circa 1988 it was not until 2021 that Las Vegas got its first Starbread Bakery, and although Filipino folks line up for Nelly and Romy Maranan’s Señorita bread the shop at 2381 East Windmill Lane also offers everything from savory Croissant Sandwiches to Brookies, Donuts and Ube “Squares” akin to Hawaiian Mochi.
Well priced in an era of $8 “artisan” Donuts, the signature sugary batons served warm with a good amount of butter just $3 for five pieces, additional choices are fair-to-middling with two-bite Donuts basic beneath commercial Glaze while Malasadas are under-filled and artificial tasting.
www. starbreadca.com
Shanghai Taste
Hot Tea
Kao Fu
Shanghai Shrimp & Pork Wonton Soup
Sheng Jian
House Fried Rice with Chicken
Shanghai Scallion Pancake
Shanghai Style Pork Ribs
Shrimp & Cucumber Xiao Long Bao
Crab Yolk Xiao Long Bao
Traditional Shanghai Xiao Long Bao
Shanghai Fried Rice Cake
House Fried Fat Noodles with Beef
Chocolate Xiao Long Bao
Now expanded to Dallas and the Southwest Vegas Valley 4 years after opening, despite growing competition, it was as a party of four that diners once again enjoyed an outstanding meal at ShangHai Taste on Wednesday.
Tucked inside Suite 104 of a two-story complex on the corner of Arville Street and Spring Mountain Road, a ground floor flagship since day one, it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to Chinese-born Chefs working inside the restaurant’s glass prep-room, and with Chef Jimmy Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu well-known to fans the fact that everything on-site is made from scratch should come as no surprise.
Seating approximately 40 guests from 11:00am until 9:00pm seven-days-a-week it was with warm greetings that twelve items were received, many old favorites but some items not enjoyed in a while.
Affordable without skimping on Ingredients, all thanks to Chef Li and Joe Muscaglione’s dedication, a distinctive feel is ensured by the fact that almost every single item on-site is imported from or near Shanghai, and starting with Soup Dumplings, or XLB, fans will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard whether made with Pork, Shrimp, Crab or Beef.
Able to accommodate most dietary preferences, fried Soup Dumplings in two varieties a winner to all but vegans, those eschewing all Animal products will likely gravitate to green Dumplings, though even more interesting bites are found in the form of Cold Bean Curd Noodles slicked in Scallion Oil or sticky-sweet Wheat Gluten.
Built on family recipes handed down to Chef Li, his Fat Noodles with choice of Protein always a crowd-pleaser, Dumplings taste wonderful with or without spicy Oil or Soy while Fried Rice rivals the best in town.
www.facebook.com/ShanghaiTasteLV
Tea Time In Wonderland
Drink Me – Morello cherry lime elixir
Eat Me – Sugar cookie
Ceylon black iced tea
WHO ARE YOU SALAD – Butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, chives, cranberries, feta cheese, almonds, apple cider vinaigrette
Chinese steam cheese bao
Blueberry Scones – Chantilly Cream, Butter, Jam
CURIOUSER SANDWICHES – Roast beef, horseradish aioli / Cucumber, chive cream cheese / Smoked salmon, dill, capers, tomato / Waldorf chicken salad croissant
ROSE GARDEN DESSERTS – Red velvet cake, cream cheese mousse / Linzer tart cookie / Orange yuzu semifreddo / Coconut Panna Cotta Rose, Raspberry Coulis
Located at the top level of Caesars’ Forum Shops Electric Playhouse offers Motion Based Games without the need for headsets or controllers, and although all are a lot of fun the immersive Dining Experiences offer culinary enthusiasts a fun way to enjoy lunch or dinner in theme augmented reality.
Currently a collaboration between Culinary Director Vivian Sorenson and Pastry Chef Keris Kuwana “Teatime in Wonderland” allows guests to follow the White Rabbit for four courses plus a story and interactive staff, each bite predictably delicious while the visuals are integrative and engaging.
www.electricplayhouse.com/dining/vegas-teatime-in-wonderland
Leafs and Grounds
Cranberry Orange Scone
Banana Pumpkin Scone
Caramel Apple Scone
Cream Cheese Danish
Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
Located in the shadow of Southern Hills Hospital Leafs and Grounds opened at the end of 2022, their popularity slowly growing by word of mouth attesting to Sin City’s best Scones and a locally grown feel that taps into Pacific Northwest Coffee culture.
A novelty in Las Vegas, the shop slowing things down compared to Dutch Bros or Starbucks and doing things their own way without a slew of influencers, guests arriving Tuesday through Sunday from 6am until 3pm will find a family owned spot with plenty of room to linger, work, and read.
Using Lavazza for a variety of Lattes and specialty Coffees, a proper grinder and Espresso machine attesting to doing things the right way, Pastries are made on-site by the Mother and children with a duo of Empanadas fully loaded beneath a golden shell while Danishes are so flaky that a fork and plate are mandatory.
Onward to Scones, flavors announced daily on Instagram, suffice it to say these aren’t the typical British rounds in need of Clotted Cream or Jam, but rather something like a layered Southern Biscuit loaded with Butter and complex flavors ranging from Banana Pumpkin to Caramel Apple.
www.leafsandgroundscoffee.com
Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish
On The Flip Side – LYRE’S WHITE CANE, COLD-BREW COFFEE, CREAM OF COCONUT, VANILLA, NUTMEG
Sourdough Bread – Butter
Yellowtail – Calabrian chili, white balsamic soy
Snow Beef Tortellini – Hokkaido snow beef, green peas, red wine demi
Rigatoni alla Vodka – Calabrian chili
French Onion Soup – Gruyère cheese, san marzano tomato
Thick Cut Bacon – Dry cured, applewood smoked
Wedge – Iceberg, bacon, tomato, blue cheese dressing, red wine vinaigrette
Tomato Caprese – Beefsteak tomato, mozzarella di bufala, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar
12oz Rosewood Farms American Wagyu Country Fried Steak – Sausage Gravy, Biscuit
Dry Aged Mediterranean Branzino
16oz Brandt Farms Ribeye
Nicco’s 28 Burger – french fries
Creamed Corn
Baked Yam – cinnamon sugar brûlée
Mushrooms – Spinach, pearl onion
Nicco’s Steak Sauce, Truffle Butter, Maitre d’Butter, Béarnaise
Key Lime Pie – whipped cream, raspberry dust
Peanut Butter Brookie – Fudge brownie, peanut butter cookie, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, peanut butter cup
Warm Butter Toffee Cake – Sour cream butter cake, toffee sauce, crème fraîche ice cream
Banoffee Tart – Dulce de leche, banana, mascarpone cream
Opened as the signature Steakhouse at Durango Casino & Resort “Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish” resides just off the gaming floor adjacent The George, though immediately upon entry anyone familiar with the likes of Scotch 80 or Jean Georges will quickly realize there’s a lot more to the Restaurant than the usual Beef and Sides.
A quiet space despite its location, the foyer leading to a full bar in front of the main dining room, Nicco’s looks chic but feels familiar thanks to plush carpets and linens amidst wood, brass and a gleaming open kitchen led by former Nice Hospitality Chef Michael Tomorsky.
Bound by the needs of an off-Strip Casino, Filet Mignon and Dry Martinis aplenty, a deeper dive on Nicco’s menu attests to top-tier sourcing including everything from A5 Japanese Wagyu to Fresh Fish and organic Produce from nearby Farms.
Lower priced than like-concepts on Las Vegas Boulevard, but certainly not lacking for creativity, Appetizers such as Yellowtail Crudo or French Onion Soup perform admirably while a duo of housemade Pastas including spicy Rigatoni and Snow Beef Tortellini declare Nicco’s willingness to put in extra work.
More than just Steaks, though Brandt Farms Ribeye is faultless, Salads and Sides show well in classic form while the “28 Burger” earns its price tag with two-Patties fortified by A5 scraps and crispy golden Fries better than any other in the area.
Not forgetting Mediterranean Branzino, dry-aged but still moist without accoutrements, those seeking something more comforting will be glad to know that thick-cut Bacon and Wagyu Country Fried Steak with Sausage Gravy are as good as “Breakfast for Dinner” gets.
A stretch to find room for Dessert, especially as each of Nicco’s eight options are sizable for only $12, those seeking something with fruit should consider Florida-quality Key Lime Pie while those desiring decadence won’t go wrong with the Peanut Butter Brookie, Banoffee Tart or steamy Toffee Pudding with typical sweetness countered by Crème Fraiche Ice Cream.
www.durangoresort.com/eat-and-drink/niccos
Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Sourdough Bread, Whipped Butter
Lawry’s Famous Spinning Salad – Spinach, Romaine Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Beets, Croutons, Egg, Vintage Dressing
Iron Skillet Mushrooms, Garlic, Fresh Herbs
Lawry’s Fries, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Crispy Onions, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
Garlic Shrimp, Lemony Butter, Herbs
Yorkshire Pudding
Medium Rare Lawry’s Cut Prime Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Creamed Corn, Creamed Spinach, Au Jus
Located at Hughes Center since 1997 Lawry’s The Prime Rib can safely be described as a Las Vegas icon, and although both Dallas and Beverly Hills have outposts that does nothing to dampen an Art Deco dining room and service on par to what one will find at some of The Strip’s top Steakhouses.
www.lawrysonline.com/lawrys-the-prime-rib-las-vegas
Pavo Bakery
Pan de Muerto
Concha
Sugar Croissant
Besos
Oreja
Tricolor Cookie
Guava Pan Dulce
Tucked away in the San Gabriel Valley, an area now better known for Taiwanese Breakfasts or handmade Noodles, El Pavo Bakery & Restaurant has been around since 1962 when Don Pedro Vasquez immigrated from Mexico with an idea to serve Food from back home.
Serving everything from Beans, Burritos and Tamales to Birthday Cakes and Pan Dulce it is inside the sizable shop that guests are invited to self-select yeasty Concha or Besos made the right way with thick Guava Jam and shredded Coconut.
Fortunate to visit when Pan de Muerto was warm from the oven, several sizes suitable for families of all sizes, Cookies trend a little bit harder than many while Croissants, Oreja and filled Danishes are not only well-crafted but offered at an excellent price.
www.elpavobakery.com
Stella West Hollywood
Panzanella Estivia – persimmon, heirloom tomato, Lambrusco, sheep ricotta
Carpaccio di Manzo – Wagyu tongue, scallion pistachio salsa verde, saba
Su Filindeu – roasted bone brodo with pecorino primo sale & lamb neck
Orecchiette – pistacchio pesto, Brentwood corn, fresh pecorino cheese
Bigoli – octopus & ‘nduja ragù, peperoncini, basil, wild fennel pollen
Mortadella di pistacchi pizza – stracciatella cheese, pistacchio pesto, basil
Fresh Corn Polenta
Chanterelles & Ragu Bianco
Polipo – spanish octopus, ‘nduja, pistacchio verde, warm butter
Cassata Siciliana – Sicilian pistachio, chocolate, & ricotta cake
Sfogliatella – Raspberry & crema diplomática, mint
Linzer
A collaboration between restaurateur Janet Zuccarini and Chef Rob Gentile, Stella occupies rarified real estate in West Hollywood and makes good use of it with traditional recipes bolstered by California’s bounty and a “scene to be seen” atmosphere.
Spread across several rooms and two stories, all of it twice as loud as necessary per Los Angeles standards, it is from the lounge that guests are led through a space intended to maximize capacity while at the same time maintaining Art Deco flair and old time elegance.
Housing an open kitchen downstairs, live fire stretching back to a Pasta room like that at Felix, guests are encouraged to begin with pricey Crudo or imported Cheese unnecessarily topped by Caviar while those who know a gimmick when they see it will instead opt for seasonal Salads like Panzanella Estivia or faultless Beef Tongue with assertive green Salsa and Saba.
Already the recipient of praise for a $59 bowl of “the world’s rarest Pasta,” think thin noodles in Bone Broth with tender Lamb and Cheese, Bigoli is a better bet thanks to Octopus and Calabrian Sausage while Orecchiette with local Corn outpaces “Fresh Corn Polenta” that falls somewhere between Cornmeal and Kernels from a can.
Performing well in terms of service, everyone professional but not lacking for personality, Mushrooms in White Wine hardly justify $29 while the $50 “half” Octopus finds four stingy tentacles and the third of five Pistachio dishes ordered without even noticing.
More impressed by a $34 Roman Pizza, Mortadella di pistacchi offering a crisp base with just enough flex beneath Stracciatella, the only real justified “must order” at Stella is their $39 Cassata Sicilliana featuring Ricotta, more Pistachios and Chocolate and even this is outpaced by a textbook Sfogliatella at less than half the cost.
www.stellawesthollywood.com
Fluffy McCloud’s
Princess Cake, Pistachio Yoyoyoyo, Waffle Cone
Banking on LA’s love of retro-kitsch Nick Fisher opened Fluffy McCloud’s in July 2023, late hours to match his bar El Prado across the street spawning a Social Media following seemingly focused more on details like the jukebox and Gumball machine than the Ice Cream itself.
Focused on Organic ingredients, steep pricing at least justified in that sense along with the Echo Park address, it is adjacent a clanking marble run that guests order from hipster servers nonchalantly offering tastes of everything from Coffee to Vegan Honeydew.
Skipping the extra $4 for #gramworthy Concha Sandwiches, quite the upcharge for $0.69 Pan Dulce, two small scoops on a Waffle Cone will set guests back $8 plus tax and tip for convincing Pistachio with or without “yoyoyoyo” and Princess Cake that tastes like Marzipan lacking the Jam.
www.fluffymccloudsicecream.com