Located adjacent Shanghai Plaza at 4240 Spring Mountain Road California’s Mr. BBQ entered a growing All-You-Can-Eat Korean Barbeque scene in late-2022, the term “P.A.Y.C.E.” suggesting premium quality at a price of $48.99.
Open 11am until 11pm or later daily, a lively atmosphere plus pop-art and booming music creating a scene completed by televisions showing sports, it was without a wait that six guests sat down to dinner where grills with hidden ventilation assure patrons won’t go home smelling like smoke.
Offering Soju Cocktails, Korean Beers and Soft Drinks, the former highlighted by one that tastes like Tang and another thickened by Yogurt, Banchan arrives fast featuring everything from Kimchi and Sea Cucumber to airy Potato Salad and marinated Radishes.
Served at a suitable pace with grills changed quickly Proteins run the gamut from Prime Ribeye to Galbi, the Wagyu Beef Tongue previously unseen but entirely delicious as was the Pork Jowl and Belly.
Also conjuring up Stews and Egg Souffle, plus Offal for the brave, additional highlights include Squid and Chicken marinated in fiery Gochujang and a scoop of Ice Cream that comes just before an admittedly modest check.
Bánh Bèo (Shrimp Flakes Steamed Rice Cake) Served with green beans, green onions, shallots
Patê Thịt Ba Chỉ (Pork Belly & Pate Bánh Mì)
Nem Nướng Cuốn (Grilled Pork Patties Spring Rolls) Served with fried egg roll wrapper, lettuce, cucumber, mints, chives, pickle vegetables and peanut sauce
Bánh Bột Chiên Trứng (pan fried rice cake with egg) served with soy and pickled vegetables
Bún Riêu (Crab Meat Tomatoes Vermicelli Noodle Soup) Served with shrimp, blood cubes, meat loaf, tofu & tomatoes
Xíu Mại (Meatball Sandwich)
Hủ Tiếu Đồ Biển (Seafood Rice Noodle)
Debuted in 2018 amidst more Pho Restaurants than one would assume necessary Cô Anh Sandwich & Noodle Kitchen takes on traditional Vietnamese fare without relying on just Bone Broth with Herbs, the tiny dining room between Honey Pig and a Tea Shop instead featuring everything from housemade Bread and Pork Belly to Bún Riêu complete with Blood Cubes.
Operating without a website or Social Media, all 28 seats nevertheless filled six days a week from 8:00am until 4:00pm, the abundance of Vietnamese diners suggest immediately that Cô Anh is doing something right and this is soon confirmed by golden Patê Chaud filled with near-molten Pork.
A larger menu than one might assume for such a small kitchen, Hainanese Chicken oddly present alongside several types of Bánh Mì served on freshly made Bread, Appetizers include delicate Spring Rolls sporting grilled Pork Sausage and Bánh Bột Chiên Trứng beneath grated Egg Yolk.
Popular for Egg Soda, though those looking for something a bit more familiar can select Hot Tea or Vietnamese Ice Coffee, Meatballs come a bit too tightly formed in complex Broth while the aforementioned Bún Riêu and Hủ Tiếu Đồ Biển are a bargain considering the abundance of Seafood and portions easily shared by two.
Lean Brisket, Fatty Brisket, Smoked Turkey, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links, Pulled Pork
Apple Pie
Banana Pudding
Chocolate Cake
Open from 11:00am until 9:00pm daily at Suite 110 of 6115 South Fort Apache Road, and Sin City’s best place for Barbecue ever since the Henderson original debuted in January 2016, it was for dinner Thursday that the smell of Big B’s Texas BBQ filled the downstairs, family quick to gather for an abundance of smoked Meat, Dessert and Sides.
Named after its Pit Master and changing the long-held belief that Las Vegas is not a Barbeque town ever since the original opened, Big B’s Texas BBQ features the work of Brian Buechner and Natalia Badzjo, the husband and wife team taking a hands-on approach to every aspect of the operation from build-out to driving in fresh piles of wood as needed from the Lone Star State.
Available for dine-in, take-out, catering and delivery, all presented by one of the most pleasant staffs in town, over-ordering is easy regardless of preference for Pork or Beef including Ribs, pulled-style or Brisket with a good smoke ring whether fatty or lean.
Texas through and through, the aforementioned wood just one reason why Big B’s Proteins outpace growing competition, sides are highlighted by Creamed Corn and thick-cut Onion Rings plus Sin City’s best BBQ Beans and Mac n’ Cheese.
Never forgetting Cornbread that seems to get better every time Dessert is a pick ‘em including Pecan or Apple Pie, Chocolate Cake or fresh made Banana Pudding as good as any one will find down South.
Risen like a phoenix from the ashes of Ramir Bolanos DeCastro’s beloved Purple Potato it is as a Bakery that the former Yonaka Chef’s legacy continues to grow via Donuts, Cookies, Ube-based treats and Filipino Pastries.
Previously offered for delivery or takeout only, but now brick and mortar at 6370 W Flamingo Rd #20, it was Tuesday that sixteen items were procured for tasting and shared by a group during birthday festivities.
Never actually gone from the local food scene, the rebranding of Yonaka and Purple Potato followed by a consulting gig at McCarran, Chef DeCastro’s current lineup continues with Croissant, Ring and Polvoron Bismarck Donuts, this day featuring a dozen varieties ranging from Pistachio to Cookie Butter and several styles featuring Flan.
Also adding a Churro French Maple Layered Donut for colder weather, complete with Whipped Cream, fans of Coconut should still head straight for lavish Young Coconut Pie or the daily-special Donut when available.
Scaling back “Monster Cookies” to approximately 4” Ube features a crisp rim and molten center while additional specials such as the Tres Leches Cake and Salted Chocolate Yema Brulee Pie sell out early for good reason.
Designated as the 24-hour spot for sweets and savories inside Fontainebleau Chez Bon Bon brings French heritage to Las Vegas by way of the original Miami landmark.
Led by Joseph Leibowitz and Patrice Caillot, members of Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ executive team, it is inside the brightly lit space that guests will find everything from Sandwiches to Viennoiserie plus a full-fledged Crepe station ready to prepare Ham and Cheese or Strawberries in Cream.
Serving La Colombe Coffee at prices comparable to Starbucks Monday morning found business slow, and although the Blueberry Muffin was fairly basic one would have a difficult time deciding whether a thick Almond Croissant, Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish or laminated Cinnamon Roll is best as all compare favorably to Dominique Ansel and Bouchon.
Toqued by Alain Ducasse protegee Laetitia Rouabah La Fontaine at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a hidden gem, its subdued facade giving way to a soft-lit dining room with exemplary service led by General Manager Chad Jahn.
Visited prior for dinner, Chef Rouabah’s skills showcased across Duck and Sole, Brunch on Easter was a far more lively affair featuring a top notch Burger, Croque and classics such as Lyonnaise Salad plus Crêpes Suzette.
Staffed by Strip veterans attentive to details, the bar program built around complex flavors and top-shelf Spirits, Chef Rouabah’s upbringing outside Paris is immediately evident in faultless Buckwheat Pancakes preceding Crudites and Fruit.
Fresh off six years leading New York’s Benoit Brasserie, an opportunity earned through time at Ducasse’s Michelin 3* Flagships in London and Paris, Easter found Rouabah exploring classics including Rack of Lamb while Souffle Pancakes reference Japan and nearby Spring Mountain Road.
Priced appropriate to the sort of spot serving Lobster Benedict Desserts range $12-18, an all-new Profiterole showcasing Choux in a ring while aforementioned Crepes are brightened by flash-fired Grand Marnier and Orange Zest.
Born in Logan Utah Crumbl took the city by storm, their Instagramable rounds offered in thirty stores across six states by 2019 and now in all fifty states with six in Las Vegas including the Durango location opened in May 2020.
Created by Sawyer Hemsley and Jason McGowan, rapid expansion through franchising yielding mixed results from store to store as evidence by Social Media, it was after nine variable experiences that the westside storefront proved competent, the staff exceedingly pleasant whilst describing each choice.
Undoubtedly popular in part due to photogenicity, though a sterile interior oversells the fact that everything is made from scratch, the first thing those entering will notice is Crumbl’s limited collection of just six weekly flavors, four specials alongside Sugar slathered in seasonal Icing plus Chocolate Chip that uses all Milk Chocolate and trends too sweet.
Still a young company, so much success despite only starting in September 2017 certainly enviable, best bites came from specials that included “Lemon Crinkle,” Citrus well represented while the consistency was soft but crispy along the rim.
Offered onsite or via delivery from 8am until at least 10pm Monday through Saturday it was next that Strawberry Pretzel Pie riffed on a Utah classic while Double Fudge Brownie was overly rich.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name Carrot Cake set a high standard with two spiced-layers stacked around Cream Cheese Icing with extra on top.
Located at 9435 West Tropicana Avenue inside Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center and open 24-hours Pinkbox Doughnuts remains Las Vegas’ premier spot for Artisan Doughnuts, just as it has since debuting over a decade ago.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Often beginning with a Fritter, this day no different and the resulting bite packed with Cinnamon plus Fruit, it was after others made selections that Purple Rain continued the gluttony, its Cake Crumble and base a 1-2 punch of textures.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, “Fudging Love You” packed with Chocolate Cheesecake between layers of Frosting, the “Hockey Puck” succeeds thanks to Ding Dong inspiration while a Buttermilk Bar shows Roberto Armanino knew early-on to nail the basics.
Replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, the “Blue Face DoughCro” sees layers separate nicely beneath naturally-flavored Frosting while specials including Stuffed, Don’t Be Salty and Mama’s Tres Leches are also highly recommended.
Guava Cheesecake Donut – Pie Crust Crumble, Caramel Drizzle
Now serving Sin City for nearly four years it was via online ordering that Wicked Donuts were picked up on Friday, execution more dialed-in than prior with a bevvy of new choices.
Offering roughly two-dozen flavors daily, in addition to freshly-fried minis available in a keto-friendly fashion, any discussion of Wicked Donuts should begin with the base, buttery Brioche or toothsome Cake enjoyable beneath tangy Buttermilk or Vanilla Glaze, though upgrading to Chocolate or Maple is highly advised.
First indulging in old favorites, Caramel Sutra continuing to occupy rarefied air as one of Las Vegas’ best Donuts while the Cointreau Crème Brulee outperforms many plated Deserts, holiday choices including one with a Cadbury Egg melted on top proved to be fairly basic.
Eschewing Artificial Colors or Preservatives, a fact pertinent to Cream-filled choices including a delightful Cannoli Cream Puffernut, suffice it to say that most will not last long whether it be decadent Tiramisu or the more nuanced “My Favorite Martian.”
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled or coated in Cinnamon-Sugar, “Guava Cheesecake” continues to make lips pucker while “Blue Suede Banana” riffs on the King’s favorite minus Pork but plus Dark Chocolate.
CRISPY PAPAYA SALAD – Deep fried papaya topped with papaya salad sauce, fresh carrot, shrimp and peanut
PAD SEE EWE – Flat wide rice noodles stir fried with chinese broccoli, egg & black soy sauce
BEEF PANANG CURRY – chili paste & coconut milk, red bell pepper
PAD THAI ROASTED DUCK – noodles with ground peanuts, bean sprouts, egg & green onion
ROTI WITH HOUSEMADE COCONUT ICE CREAM
Begun by Suweera Thongthaisiri and Sutsawat Promkul in 1976 Weera Thai-Larb Ped still stands in Chiang Mai, and since 2010 son Peter Thonguthaisiri has opened three Weera Thai Restaurants here in Las Vegas expanding on that concept.
Most recently launched at the corner of Rainbow and Warm Springs, an expansive footprint including the fast-paced kitchen open from 11:00am to 10:00pm daily, it is amidst flowers and medium woods that guests are invited to begin with Cocktails, Thai Tea or Coffee.
Referencing Isaan traditions and Thai Street-Food, golden Pastry packed with Chicken Curry decidedly the latter, Suweera’s ground duck with Herbs, Lime and Chili is a signature for good reason while Thai Beef Jerky is excellent with or without dipping Sauce.
Less impressed with Tom Kah, thin and without the expected complexity, Issan Sausage is best saved for Lotus of Siam which will leave more room to indulge in deep-fried Papaya Salad served with Dressing on the side to preserve its texture.
Offering crispy Duck with an assortment of Rice and Noodles, its addition to traditional Pad Thai magnifying neither though both are good, Pad See Ew proved a bit stick while Beef Panang Curry came loaded with Meat and a good bit of heat.
Diverse across the Dessert menu, Durian and Taro offered alongside fried Bananas and Mango Sticky Rice, those seeking something less commonly found in Las Vegas should consider Roti that is crispy but pliable beneath housemade Coconut Ice Cream.
Apple Crostata – Cinnamon Streusel, Vanilla Gelato
Bombolloni – Nutella, Lemon
Established in Summerlin as the pandemic waned, and now “the Usual Place” for residents of Las Vegas’ affluent suburb, dinner on Wednesday again found Al Solito Posto firing on all cylinders for a taste of Chef James Trees and team’s East Coast Italian Food.
A replacement for Brio Italian Grill at Tivoli Village, approximately 180 indoor seats plus several on the patio, it was after greetings at the hostess’ stand that four guests were led to a table, service attentive and friendly without the theatrics of Carbone.
Boisterous but not exactly loud in the lounge it was after deciding on Beverages that seventeen items were selected, complimentary housemade Focaccia plus Garlic Herb Olive Oil mixed tableside soon to arrive and consumed nearly as quickly.
Happy to see Chef Adam Rios at the pass Appetizers consist of Soups, Salads and Antipasti, the Meatballs tight but not overworked adjacent a triangle of Cornmeal while the Pizza and pair of Salads each put Cheeses to good use with the former particularly impressive.
Utilizing fresh Ingredients across the board, both Starters and Entrees a veritable bargain despite outpacing most of Las Vegas Boulevard, course two featured four Pastas plus slowly-simmered Gravy loaded with Meatballs, Spare Ribs and housemade Fennel Sausage.
Able to handle big volume thanks to skilled cooks plus a sizable kitchen Pastas are made on-site daily, and although Eggplant on Casarecce was good Al Solito Posto’s filled options including Duck Ravioli and brilliant Tortelli with Scallops make for tough competition.
A significant overhaul of the old menu, though Las Vegas’ best Lasagna remains unchanged, additional entrees see Chicken Parm shine thanks to less fuss while enormous African Prawns served Scampi-style and Mushroom Risotto are faultless.\
Sad to see the Rainbow Cake scrapped, though Hazelnut Semifreddo and an Italian riff on Tres Leches now stand as two of Sin City’s most inspired Desserts, Tiramisu arrives in the form of Cheesecake while the Pie-sized Apple Crostata remains a texturally masterful showstopper served piping hot with a side of Vanilla Gelato waiting to be melted on top.
Despite signage suggesting Summer House Santa Monica the location inside Durango Casino & Resort is actually Lettuce Entertain You’s first branch of the “California-inspired Restaurant” out west, and regardless of what might be inside the Cookie Bar out front is a sight for sore eyes.
Taking a Spago-esque approach to Market-fresh fare, think Pizzas and Pastas plus plates from an all-wood grill, it is for roughly $5 each that guests will find a dozen or more daily baked good including everything from classic Chocolate Chip with big dark chunks to Rice Crispy Treats with or without bits of Oreo in the mix.
A natural feeling space bathed in light, Rockwell Group taking on LEYE’s first off-Strip venture, guests not fond of Cocoa will find “Birthday Cake” far outpacing crumbl’s famous Frosted Cookie while both glazed Lemon and an Oatmeal Scotchie eat soft and chewy within a gently crisp rim.
Again impressing with a Vegan Snickerdoodle, whatever fat is utilized tasting buttery and rich, Summer House’s Apple Oatmeal Cookie reminisces of Autumn Apple Crisp in portable form while both the flourless Chocolate Cloud and Peanut Butter round are faultless.
DIABLO SKULL EN FUEGO – Choco Flan, Mexican Chocolate Mocha Sauce, Red Fruit Salsa
CHURRO CHURRO CHURRO – Chocolate, Strawberry & Dulce De Leche Churros, Tres Leches Crème Anglaise, Mexican Chocolate Sauce
While opinions vary widely regarding upscale Mexican Cuisine, particularly as relates to the sort of place launched in an off-Strip Casino by Clique Hospitality, Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant hits it’s mark with a sexy set-up, traditional flavors and just enough pizzazz to make it all stand out.
Debuted with Durango Casino & Resort in late-2023, a swanky bar and flowered hallway plus servers packed into tight clothes pushing the concept, it is while music bumps overhead that guests are invited to choose from Cocktails featuring Tequila or Mezcal alongside complimentary Chips & Salsa.
Headed by Donald Thompson II, fresh off years with Clique at Hearthstone, Mijo focuses on big flavors from the start with appetizers such as Shrimp and Scallops flamed in Liquor or gooey Cheese given a kick by Poblano Peppers.
Less impressed by basic Guacamole, though a decent portion for its price, Street Corn comes as a side or blended with Lobster atop a Tostada and outperforms expectations thanks to smokey Chipotle Mayo also offered as dip for fried Yuca.
Predictably offering Tacos, both Carnitas and Beef cooked low and slow with robust flavors, those seeking a signature should consider Chef Thompson’s Birria Short Rib that falls from the bone ready to be packed in soft Tortillas before a Consommé bath.
Not pumping the brakes for Dessert, “Churro Churro Churro” delivering three flavors plus two Sauces, Diablo Skull En Fuego ups the ante for tableside presentations thanks to a full-size skull melted to reveal Chocolate Flan and macerated Berries.
Last visited for Dinner in November 2023 Saturday once again found Esther’s Kitchen firing on all cylinders, the frequently-changing menu expanded to match a more sizable space located just around the corner from James Trees’ revolutionary original address.
Now serving Las Vegas for over 5 years, every available superlative already used to describe James Trees’ Restaurant that revitalized the Art’s District, it was with a packed house that six guests sat in a secluded corner with Baker Dylan Jobsz’s city-best Sourdough starting things off.
Seasonal and rustic in a good way, exacting standards and impeccable service forever part of Esther’s appeal, it was with a focus on new items that two Sourdough Pizzas emerged from a wood-burning oven hot-n-bubbly, a well-developed cornicione proud to surround Confit Duck with Cherries as well as the more classic combination of Mortadella and Pistachios.
Modifying Gnocco Frito for early Spring, light Dough fried and filled with airy Chicken Liver, one would be hard-pressed to name a dish with more umami than Mussels baked beneath Calabrian Sausage though “Vitello Tonato” upgraded by Sweetbreads and Salted Zucchini gives it a try.
Pasta-centric as always, classics still present but this day’s focus on items such as Radiatore with Roman-style Tripe and Mint, suffice it to say that there are no wrong options whether its Tagliatelle Ribbons with Clams or hand-formed Beet Pansotti with Goat Cheese and Poppy Seeds.
Spicing things up with Pasta alla Zucca amidst housemade Pork Sausage, though fans of more mild Swine should consider an immaculate Chop served alongside Beans, Agnolotti packs a ton of flavor thanks to Gorgonzola mellowed by Pears while Carrot Risotto continues the kitchen’s strong showing with Vegan and Vegetarian dishes.
A lot of Food for not a lot of cash, all of it rooted in technique but never compromising flavor for looks, Dessert consisted of Esther’s forever refining Butterscotch Budino plus a bitter Chocolate Tart, though the real stunner proved to be an all-new Pavolva giving Tiramisu a face-lift by way of varying textures.
Classic Chicken Sandwich – Fried Chicken Breast, Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning, American Cheese, Dill Pickles, Spicy Rooster Sauce, Potato Roll
Chicken Tenders – Chili Garlic Sauce, Everything Rooster Sauce, Donut
Cookies & Cream Donut
Strawberry Lavender Donut
Cinnamon Brown Sugar Donut
Pastelito Donut
Old Fashioned Milk Glazed Donut
Lavender London Fog Donut
Key Lime Donut
Cereal Glaze Donut
Chocolate Orange Donut
Milk Glazed Chocolate Cake Donut
Chocolate Glazed Classic Donut
Carrot Cake Donut
Familiar with Michael Solomonov long before his JBFA awards, a meal at Zahav still memorable nearly fifteen years later, Station Casino’s announcement that Federal Donuts & Chicken would open at Red Rock created great anticipation even though the quick-casual concept targets an entirely different demographic than the icon of Israeli cuisine.
Solomonov and partner Steve Cook’s first West Coat concept, one originally launched in 2011 with a focus on fresh Donuts, twice-fried Chicken and La Colombe Coffee, guests will find Federal Donuts & Chicken just off the food court with opening hours from 7am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday.
Not a space for ornate design like Pink Box or Wicked, but rather classic Cake Rings fried and topped with quality Ingredients, Solomonov banks on nostalgia with “Hot & Fresh” options including Cinnamon Sugar or Lavender Strawberry, though the best of he group is Cookies & Cream featuring all the flavors of an Oreo ground to dust.
This time partaking in Chicken, three Sandwiches plus Tenders served with a naked Donut, Federal’s Bird is cured overnight in Garlic plus Mustard and double-fried such that the interior is juicy beneath a crunch dusted in Buttermilk Ranch that shines through various housemade Sauces.
Favoring the BBQ Sandwich and not forgetting Fries dusted in Za’atar, more Middle Eastern flare the Baharat in their Donut Batter, it is easy to taste the quality of Chocolate used on “Classics” while a frequently-rotating “Fancy” collection sees Chocolate Orange an ‘acquired taste’ in comparison to tangy Key Lime with textural crumbles on top.
Joining fellow Philadelphian Marc Vetri in Summerlin, though there’s no word as to whether Solomonov will pursue a full-service Restaurant, staff at Federal Donuts & Chicken exudes professionalism and if they suggest either Carrot Cake or “Cereal Glaze” its a good idea to say yes.
Bomboloni – Pistachio, Coffee, Vanilla, Nutella, Berry Jam
S’mores Cookie Pie – Warm chocolate cookie pie, toasted marshmallow, chocolate ganache, graham cracker crumble
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 with Cocktails using clarified Milk Punch or infused Spirits, fans of a Spritz will find “Cloud 9” well suited to Appetizers such as Snow Beef Carpaccio or Braised Short Ribs with Peruvian Chilis that outpace over-worked Meatballs propped up by whipped Cheese plus Tomato Sauce.
Joining an ever-growing arms race for Sin City’s best Steakhouse, a duo of housemade Pastas including spicy Rigatoni versus Snow Beef Tortellini declaring Nicco’s willingness to put in the work, neither Thick-Cut Bacon nor grilled Langoustines with Smoked Paprika-Meyer Lemon Butter should be ignored before moving on to the main event.
More than just Steaks, Station Casinos’ fondness of Prime Rib shown in a faultless dry-aged cut with Jus, Sides show well in classic form while the “28 Burger” earns its price tag with two-Patties fortified with A5 scraps and crispy golden Fries.
Not forgetting Aged Mediterranean Branzino, a dish not found elsewhere in town that will surely please epicures, those seeking something more comforting will be glad to know that Domestic Wagyu Country Fried Steak with Sausage Gravy is every bit as delicious as it sounds.
A stretch to find room for Dessert, especially as each of Nicco’s eight options are sizable for only $12, those seeking something light should consider delicate Donuts stuffed with Cream or Jam while those okay with a little decadence won’t go wrong with the Peanut Butter Brookie, S’mores Cookie Pie or steamy Toffee Pudding with typical sweetness countered by Crème Fraiche Ice Cream.
Born in Logan Utah Crumbl took the city by storm, their Instagramable rounds offered in thirty stores across six states by 2019 and now in all fifty states with six in Las Vegas including a South Strip location that moved from where Blue Diamond opened as the first in Sin City.
Created by Sawyer Hemsley and Jason McGowan, rapid expansion through franchising yielding mixed results from store to store as evidence by Social Media, it was after nine variable experiences that the westside storefront proved competent, the staff exceedingly pleasant whilst describing each choice.
Undoubtedly popular in part due to photogenicity, though a sterile interior oversells the fact that everything is made from scratch, the first thing those entering will notice is Crumbl’s collection of weekly flavors, though on this week nine choices were presented including both overly-sweet Chocolate Chip and Semi-Sweet Chunks plus Sea Salt.
Still a young company, so much success despite only starting in September 2017 certainly enviable, best bites came from specials that included Oatmeal Raisin, Dulce de Leche and Buttermilk Pancake, all the classic flavors well-represented including excellent slick Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting.
Offered onsite or via delivery from 8am until at least 10pm Monday through Saturday it was next that Key Lime performed well thanks to tart top-notes while Raspberry Danish riffs on the concept in terms of taste if not texture.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name its safe to say that Mint Brownie Batter made due on its promise while the “Brookie” saw both halves as expected.
Last visited two years prior Cake World Bakery continues doing good business in DTLV, the Panaderia at 220 North Maryland Parkway flying well below Las Vegas’ PR-driven radar despite being located at that same address for over two decades.
Not to be mistaken with the similarly named Cake World on North Tenaya Way, the focus of both spaces on Mexican Pan Dulce and custom-orders but entirely unrelated, Cake World Bakery is owned and operated by Juan Castenada who immigrated from Guanajuato in 1959, the son of a baker eventually picking up the family trade after a couple of career changes and never looking back after opening the single-story blue shop in 2002.
Certainly not a part of town frequented by tourists or even middle-class locals, though the slow gentrification of East Fremont including the likes of nearby PublicUS has created a cultural shift that makes the small Bakery’s barred windows seem a bit overly-cautious, guests entering Cake World Bakery will immediately find themselves greeted by either Juan or one of his family members, a pair of racks decked out in Pastries separating seating from the kitchen while chillers reside to the right full of Cakes and Beverages.
More English-fluent than other Panaderia in town, both in person and over the phone, it was after several minutes indecision that an order was arranged in addition to two Birthday Cakes for separate occasions.
Inexpensive as those familiar with such places might anticipate, a half-dozen Pan Dulce and the two Cakes tallying just $65, it was home that items were cut and tasted, the Concha starting things off and better than any other in Las Vegas while Elephant Ears crackle with Butter beneath caramelized Sugar.
Saving the Cakes for last, Carrot with Raisins beneath Cream Cheese Frosting dense and moist, fans will be happy to know that Chef Castenada’s many years in the business have yielded a textbook Tres Leches recipe that arrives soaking-wet while maintaining textural complexity thanks to smooth Custard between layers of Cake and the addition of chopped Strawberries.
From the day CRAFTkitchen opened it raised the bar for breakfast Valley-wide, and now with an expanded footprint Jaret and Tami’s little place in Henderson seeks to upgrade “After Hours” with Happy Hour and Dinner offerings Thursday through Saturday.
Eight and a half years now, the Blinn’s investment of money, time and talent paying off thanks to their commitment to quality and community, it was arriving at 6:15pm that three guests were seated in the Restaurant’s new half, several familiar servers all moving quickly but purposefully under the direction of a returned-GM.
Taking on a new light thanks to the full bar, living walls and art from the Blinn’s daughter still flanking diners to each side, it was shortly after seating that menus including a full Cocktail list were presented with ample explanation of plates listed as just one word.
Less busy than Brunch, though it is only a matter of time before word spreads, fans of Jaret’s Monkey Bread will find a dinner iteration packed with Ricotta and Garlic while the Charcuterie Board pairs three each Meats and Cheeses with housemade Lavash.
More concise than Brunch, though CRAFTkitchen’s Burger makes an appearance as Sliders on fluffy Potato Rolls, Entrees offer choices accounting for both Vegans and those with Celiac including faultless Risotto made even more creamy by Mascarpone.
Global in its scope, handmade Pappardelle with Short-Rib Ragu and Chicken Milanese offered alongside snappy Mushrooms dressed in Korean Chili Paste, fans of Robuchon’s Potatoes will find Blinn’s no less smooth despite Garlic while Polenta “Tots” are as addictive as one might guess.
Not forgetting charred Carrots, a now-ubiquitous Side that nonetheless continues to impress, those with knowledge of Jaret’s background in Pastry will smartly order one of each Dessert and be prepared to debate which one is best – a tough choice between classic Sticky Toffee Pudding and Ube Bread Pudding fried like French Toast Sticks.
