Endo Edibles

August 29, 2020
11:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Soul Foo Young, Las Vegas NV

Soul Foo Young

Crispy Fried Whole Wings with Fries

Hot Water Corn Bread (Corn Pon)

Fried Catfish Fillet Dinner – Macaroni & Cheese, Yams, Corn Pon

Bruce Leroy – 3 Crispy Fried Whole Wings, Veggie Fried Rice

Pork Fried Rice

Veggie Egg Foo Young

Chardonnay Cake

Brought to Sin City by way of Louisiana-via-Illinois, Soul Foo Young offers “Asian Southern Cooking” within walking distance of North Las Vegas, and in an era where foodies, Food Trucks and fusion reign while “appropriation” is scorned the Restaurant continues to garner high praise.

The brainchild of Artisha Hall and mother Georgia Harvey, a craving for “Midwest-style” Chinese-American Cuisine combined with years of working inside Soul Food kitchens yielding the concept in 2013, it is on West Owens between MLK and J Street that guests will find the small space tucked next to Uppercuts Barber Shop.

Not the nicest part of Las Vegas, though safe by daylight inside a well-kept strip-mall, COVID-19 precautions currently limit Soul Foo Young to take-out and delivery, a number of apps as well as the Restaurant’s website facilitating sales, though the latter’s efficacy is – at best – questionable.

At the current location for nearly three years, and only recently re-opened after a brief pause, it was minutes prior to the scheduled 11:15am pick-up that doors were found locked, a small sliding window revealing someone who spoke as though they owned the place quoting “just a few more minutes.”

Returning to the car, 100ᵒF heat necessitating Air Conditioning and wasted gas while a young African American man received his Food, it was finally at 11:35 that further explanation of the delay was requested – everything from an ER visit to “11:15 is only fifteen minutes after we open” used as an excuse before the wrong order was presented, and subsequently blamed on the “3rd Party Ordering system” that exists as ordersoulfooyoung.com.

No longer making Egg Rolls or Beef Tamales listed on the website, but finally apologizing with a complimentary slice of Cake, it was eighteen minutes later that Food was unpacked for guests waiting back home, Pork Fried Rice delivering a smoky Barbeque slant quite different from the usual Americanized Chinese.

Turning next to Soul Food, seven “Whole Wings” included between the signature “Bruce Leroy” and an order with Fries, a combination of Spices gives the Poultry good flavor beneath crunchy Breading, though dollar-for-dollar moist Catfish wrapped in fried Cornmeal was a more enjoyable choice.

A better Soul Food spot than most for Vegetarians, Soy-soaked Rice with Eggs, Scallions and Bean Sprouts rivaling sticky Yams plus rarely seen Corn Pon for Mrs. Harvey’s best sides, those seeking a real “reason” to go out of their way for this spot will find it in Egg Foo Young that comes an inch thick and properly cooked with saporous Brown Gravy, plus a container of White Rice.

THREE STARS: Truly a family affair, and proudly taking a unique approach to both Soul Food and “Midwestern-Chinese,” Soul Foo Young is a worthy stop for those in the area or fans of Egg Foo Young, while everything else save for the Corn Pon can be found equally good or better, at a similar price, without excuses and on-time.

RECOMMENDED: Veggie Egg Foo Young, Hot Water Corn Bread, Yams, Catfish.

AVOID: The failure to mention mushy Mac n’ Cheese, flaccid Fries and Cake that tastes like Boxed Mix with Chinese Five-Spice is covered here.

TIP: Currently offering delivery and take-out from 11:00am to 9:00pm Tuesday through Friday and 11:00am to 6:00pm Weekends, though that start time seems a little arbitrary.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.ordersoulfooyoung.com

August 26, 2020
6:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Osteria Fiorella, Las Vegas NV

Osteria Fiorella

Seeded Sourdough Bread, Durum Focaccia, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar

Sal’s Meatballs – Whipped Ricotta, Garlic Durum Focaccia

Ricotta Gnocchi – Brown Butter, Crispy Leeks

Pappardelle – Duck Ragu, Black Olives

Corn Agnolotti – Pickled Blueberries, Basil

Mortadella Pizza – Pistachio Pesto, Mozzarella Cheese

Veal Chop Parm – Bufala Mozzarella, San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Basil

Bonet – Custard, Peaches, Blueberries, Strawberries, Figs

Cookie Gelato Sandwich – Black Cherry Gelato, Sprinkles, Whipped Cream, Hot Fudge, Caramel

Jenny’s Old School Ricotta Pie – Macerated Berries

Peach + Blueberry Tart – Honey Gelato

Tricolor Cake – Pistachio Gelato, Pistachios, Raspberry Jam

Born stateside and trained in the kitchens of Bergamo Italy Marc Vetri’s name may not carry the weight of some “Celebrity Chefs,” but at his eponymous Restaurant in Philadelphia there has nonetheless been a book full of reservations for two decades, and in November 2018 the husband, father, musician, author and humanitarian transported his iconic dining room 56 stories above the Las Vegas Strip only to see it soon-shuttered by COVID-19.

In many ways Sin City’s biggest opening of that year, Station Casinos’ willingness to invest in Fine Dining admirable even though such risks appear to be part of what eventually devastated The Palms, fans of Chef Vetri and Off-strip dining were granted a reprieve by way of Osteria Fiorella which took over the old Terra Rossa at Red Rock Casino in early July.

Begun as a pop-up, but officially announced as a permanent fixture with signage just last week, Osteria Fiorella takes its name from Vetri’s Pasta Bar back in the City of Brotherly Love, and although none will mistake the immense dining room with tiled kitchen plus patio as part of South Philly’s Italian Market the 1970’s soundtrack and warm service is nonetheless welcoming to all.

Reservations-requested and masks-required, thermal scanning at the Casino entrance providing an added layer of safety, it is upon seating that guests are offered the choice of disposable or QR code menu, socially-distanced seating keeping noise levels modest even during a surprisingly busy Senior Wednesday.

Dividing the decisions into six sections, all priced approximately 25-40% less than those familiar with Vetri Cucina may recall, complimentary Bread began the evening right with two styles, Seeded Sourdough robust and well-suited to good Olive Oil while Durum Wheat Focaccia acts best as a fluffy means to sop up Sauce, as is intended with Sal’s tender Veal, Pork and Beef Meatballs abutting whipped Cheese and stewed Tomatoes.

Honoring old-school Italians across the menu, Fiorella a former Sausage shop owner and Sal Marc’s father, Pasta-making follows time honored tradition with an eye toward modernity, ribbons of Pappardelle peerless amidst Braised Duck and salty Olives while seasonal Sweet Corn dazzles at the center of Agnolotti pockets decorated in pickled Blueberries plus Basil.

Never overlooking Vetri’s legendary Gnocchi, so light they might float off the plate were it not for Brown Butter and frizzled Leeks, Salad and Contorni sat the sideline in favor of a Wood-Oven Pizza topped with imported Mortadella plus vibrant Pesto served alongside the $58 Veal Chop Parm that can easily feed two with its golden-crisp Meat, top-tier Cheese and bright Tomatoes.

Turning Dessert over to Pastry Chef Ashley Costa, one of Las Vegas’ most under-discussed talents dating back to her days at Carnevino, Osteria Fiorella’s sweets trend a little more casual than what was once served high atop The Palms, but whether one opts for a creamy Custard Bonet or elegant Tart made with Seasonal Fruits they most certainly should not miss out on Tricolor Cake that eats like a supersized version of the iconic Cookie or Jenny’s Cinnamon-rich Ricotta Pie – though the daily Gelato “Sandwich” is also delicious and well-portioned for a couple.

FIVE STARS: On August 27th 2010 this author flew from Ohio to Philadelphia just to taste the Food of Marc Vetri, both that meal as well as another two years later equally remarkable, and although much has changed both personally and globally in the decade between the simple truth is that Chef Vetri remains one of America’s greatest Italian Chefs while GM Matteo Giacomazzi’s hospitality and Desserts from Chef Costa further elevate Osteria Fiorella into a destination for both casual diners and gourmands.

RECOMMENDED: Sal’s Meatballs, Ricotta Gnocchi, Corn Agnolotti, Veal Chop Parm, Jenny’s Old School Ricotta Pie, Tricolor Cake.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Currently open Wednesday through Sunday 4:30pm to 9:30pm. @osteriafiorella on Social.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.redrockresort.com/eat-and-drink/osteria-fiorella

Posted in Bread Basket, Dessert, Food, Gnocchi, Ice Cream, Italian, Las Vegas, Nevada, Osteria Fiorella, Pizza, Pork, Vetri Tagged Agnolotti, Agnolotti Pasta, Ashley Costa, balsamic, Balsamic Vinegar, Basil, Beef, Beef and Pork Meatball, Beef and Pork Meatballs, Beef Meatball, Beef Meatballs, Black Cherries, Black Cherry, Black Cherry Gelato, Black Olive, Black Olives, Blueberries, Blueberry, Bone-In Veal Parm, Bonet, Braised Duck, Bread, Brown Butter, Bufala Mozzarella, Bufala Mozzarella Cheese, Butter, Cake, Cakes, Caramel, Cheese, Cheese Cake, Cheesecake, Cherries, Cherry, Chocolate, Chocolate Fudge, Cinnamon, Classic Beef and Pork Meatballs, Cookie, Cookie Gelato Sandwich, Cookies, Corn, Corn Agnolotti, Cow, Cows, Cream, Crispy Leeks, Crust, Custard, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Duck, Duck Ragu, Durum Focaccia, Durum Wheat, endoedibles, Fig, Figs, Focaccia, Focaccia Bread, Food, Foodie, Fudge, Garlic, Garlic Bread, Garlic Durum Focaccia, Gelato, Gnocchi, Gnocchi Pasta, Homemade Beef and Pork Meatball, Homemade Beef and Pork Meatballs, Honey, Honey Gelato, Hot Fudge, Ice Cream, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jam, Jelly, Jenny’s Old School Ricotta Pie, Las Vegas, Leek, Leeks, LV, Macerated Berries, Macerated Berry, Marc Vetri, Matteo Giacomazzi, Meatball, Meatballs, Michael Uzmann, Mortadella, Mortadella Pizza, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Nevada, NV, Oil, Old School Ricotta Pie, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Osteria Fiorella, Pappardelle, Pappardelle Pasta, Parmigianino-Reggiano, Parmigianino-Reggiano Cheese, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Peach, Peach + Blueberry Tart, Peaches, Pecorino, Pecorino Cheese, Pepper, Peppers, Pesto, Pickle, Pickled Blueberries, Pickled Blueberry, Pickles, Pie, Pies, Pig, Pistachio, Pistachio Gelato, Pistachio Pesto, Pistachios, Pizza, Pork, Pork Meatball, Pork Meatballs, Ragu, Raspberries, Raspberry, Raspberry Jam, Raspberry Jelly, Red Rock, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Ricotta Gnocchi, Ricotta Gnocchi Pasta, Ricotta Pie, Sal’s Meatball, Sal’s Meatballs, San Marzano Tomato, San Marzano Tomato Sauce, San Marzano Tomatoes, Sauce, Seed, Seeded Sourdough Bread, Seeds, Sin City, Sourdough, Sourdough Bread, Sprinkle, Sprinkles, Station Casinos, Strawberries, Strawberry, Sugar, Summerlin, Sweet Corn, Tart, Tarts, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Tricolor Cake, Vanilla, Veal Chop, Veal Chop Parm, Veal Meatball, Veal Meatballs, Veal Parm, Veal Parmigiana, Vegas, Vinegar, Wheat, Whipped Cream, Whipped Ricotta, Whipped Ricotta Cheese

August 24, 2020
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Graffiti Bao Catering [8] + Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies [2,] Las Vegas NV

Graffiti Bao

Prawn and Pork Spring Rolls – Plum Sauce

Mandarin Orange Duck – Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Orange Zest

Sweet Sesame Beef – Chinese Broccoli, Honey, Sesame Seeds

Royale with Cheese Bao Buns – Angus Beef, Cheese, Pickles, Onions, Special Sauce

Kung Pao Chicken Bao Buns – Natural Chicken, Bell Pepper, Chili Sauce

Vietnamese Crab Fried Rice – Lump Crab, Thai Basil, Mint, Lime, Fish Sauce

Crispy Chili Garlic Noodles – Super Green Noodles, Crispy Garlic, Soy Sum, Chili Oil, Chicken

Braised Short Ribs – Chili Jam, Mint, Lime, Bao Buns on the side

Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies

Bronx Chop Salad – Spicy Copa, Pepperoncini, Roasted Peppers, Provolone, Gem Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Red Wine Dressing

Vodka Pep Pie – Vodka Sauce, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, Red Onion, Old School Pepperoni

Bianco Pie – Ricotta, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, White Sauce, Rosemary, Red Onion, Pistachio, Honey

The Ol’ Sausage Pie – Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, Italian Sausage, Peppers, Onions, Oregano

Proscuitto and Pesto Pie – Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, Pesto, Proscuitto di Parma

Cannoli – Ricotta, Mascarpone, Confectioner’s Sugar, Oreo Cookies, Heath Bar, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Started as a counter-service concept inside T-Mobile Arena, Graffiti Bao has been making itself known to Southwest Las Vegas since September 2019, the opportunity to cater Marc Marrone’s Food in February going over so well with staff that delivery from 7355 South Buffalo Drive has been requested seven times since.

Previously discussing Chef Marrone’s background here, time with Tao Group unequivocally involved in Asian Cuisine capable of satisfying both discerning diners and those content with chains, it was on August 6th that Marc additionally folded Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies into the same space, the homage to his late-grandmother equally inspired and easily incorporated into Monday’s office lunch experience.

Always timely, Graffiti Bao employees clad in PPE arriving with service ware and several trays at 11:30am, Crab Rice was predictably the first stop for many, and although the funky Fish Sauce and restrained heat were once again highly praised Graffiti Bao’s Sweet Sesame Beef went just as quickly with the entire tray gone by noon.

Continuing with Orange Duck, the quality of Graffiti Bao’s sourcing shows well from Protein to Produce, two styles of the Restaurant’s eponymous Buns satisfying diners on this day with a third tray of folded Bao serving as a delivery mechanism for Marrone’s tender Short Ribs with Chili Jam, Mint and Citrus.

Rounding out the Asian allotment with Crispy Chili Garlic Noodles and Spring Rolls, the latter often overlooked but amongst the best of their kind thanks to an oilless exterior housing plenty of meat and flavor, Gemma Gemma’s continued the smorgasbord with a “Bronx Chop Salad” beautifully blending Meat, Cheese and Vegetables with Red Wine Dressing on the side.

Arguably Las Vegas’ hardest working Chef, particularly since the onset of COVID-19, Chef Marrone’s current collection of 6” “Signature Pies” changes daily, and with each built atop 72-hour fermented Dough that eats light with a crispy edge the designation of *best* comes down to personal preference, though in the opinion of this author Vodka Pep and Bianco got the nod on this day.

Almost willing to forgo Dessert in favor of another slice topped in charred Onions, Pistachios and Honey, at least until Marc’s Social Media account teased a photo of Cannoli, fans in search of Sin City’s best Shell will want to take a close look at what Gemma Gemma’s has to offer, an almost-laminated shatter giving way to sweetened Cheese filling studded with a choice of fun toppings.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies sees Chef Marc Marrone add yet another concept to his cadre, and alongside Graffiti Bao’s unparalleled customer service it will be difficult to order one without the order (at least monthly) from now on.

RECOMMENDED: Royale with Cheese Bao Buns, Sweet Sesame Beef, Crispy Chili Garlic Noodles, Braised Short Ribs, Mandarin Orange Duck, Bronx Chop Salad, Vodka Pep Pie, Bianco Pie, Cannoli.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: See the website for current offerings and follow @graffitibao + @gemmagemmapizza + @chefmarcmarrone on social for specials.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.graffitibao.com + www.gemmagemmapizza.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Catering, Dessert, Food, Gemma Gemma Pizza, Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies, Graffiti Bao, Graffiti Bao Catering, Graffiti Bao Southwest, Italian, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pizza, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, A la Vodka, ala Vodka Pie, ala Vodka Pizza, American Cheese, Angus, Angus Beef, balsamic, Balsamic Vinegar, Bao, Bao Bun, Bao Buns, Basil, Bean, Bean Sprout, Bean Sprouts, Beans, Beef, Beef + Broccoli, Beef and Broccoli, Beef Rib, Beef Ribs, Beef Short Rib, Beef Short Ribs, Bell Pepper, Bell Peppers, Bianco Pie, Bianco Pizza, Braised Short Rib, Braised Short Ribs, Bread, Breast, Breasts, Broccoli, Bronx Chop Salad, Bun, Buns, Burger, Burgers, Butter, Calabrian Pepper, Calabrian Peppers, Candy, Cannoli, Cannolis, Catering, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cheese Blend, Cheese Pizza, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburgers, Chicken, Chicken Breast, Chicken Breasts, Chicken Skins, Chickens, Chili, Chili Jam, Chili Oil, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chili Sauce, Chilis, Chinese Broccoli, Chocolate, Chop Salad, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookies, Copa, Cow, Cows, Crab, Crab Fried Rice, Crabs, Cream, Crispy Chili Garlic Noodle, Crispy Chili Garlic Noodles, Crispy Garlic, Cup n Char, Cup n’ Char Pepperoni, Curry, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dough, Dressing, Duck, Egg, Eggs, endoedibles, Fish Sauce, Folded Bao, Folded Bao Bun, Folded Bao Buns, Food, Foodie, Fried Rice, Garlic, Garlic Chili Sauce, Garlic Sauce, Gem Lettuce, Gemma Gemma Pizza, Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, Graffiti Bao, Graffiti Bao Catering, Graffiti Bao Southwest, Hamburger, Hamburgers, Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Heath, Heath Bar, Herbs, Honey, Italian Sausage, Jam, Kung Pao, Kung Pao Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken Bao, Kung Pao Chicken Bao Bun, Kung Pao Chicken Bao Buns, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, Lime, Limes, Lump Crab, LV, Mandarin, Mandarin Orange, Mandarin Orange Chicken, Mandarin Orange Duck, Mandarin Oranges, Mandarins, Marc Marrone, Mascarpone, Mascarpone Cheese, Michael Uzmann, Mint, Mints, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Natural Chicken, Nevada, Noodle, Noodles, NV, Oil, Old School Pepperoni, Onion, Onions, Orange, Orange Duck, Orange Peel, Orange Zest, Oranges, Oregano, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreos, Pahrump Valley Farm Tomato, Pahrump Valley Farms, Pahrump Valley Farms Tomato, Pahrump Valley Farms Tomatoes, Pastries, Pastry, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Cup, Peanut Butter Cups, Peanuts, Pecorino, Pecorino Cheese, Peel, Peels, Pepper, Pepperoncini, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Peppers, Pesto, Pesto Sauce, Pickle, Pickled Onion, pickled onions, Pickled Red Onion, Pickled Red Onions, Pickles, Pig, Pistachio, Pistachios, Pizza, Plum, Plum Sauce, Plums, Pork, Pork Sausage, Powdered Sugar, Prawn, Prawn and Pork Spring Roll, Prawn and Pork Spring Rolls, Prawns, Proscuitto, Proscuitto and Pesto, Proscuitto and Pesto Pie, Proscuitto and Pesto Pizza, Proscuitto di Parma, Provolone, Provolone Cheese, Provolone Picante, Red Onion, Red Onions, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Red Wine, Red Wine Dressing, Reese's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Rib, Ribs, Rice, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Roast Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Roasted Pepper, Roasted Peppers, Rosemary, Royale with Cheese, Royale with Cheese Bao, Royale with Cheese Bao Bun, Royale with Cheese Bao Buns, Royale with Cheese Bun, Royale with Cheese Buns, Salad, Salads, Sandwich Cookie, Sandwich Cookies, Sauce, Sausage, Scallion, Seed, Seeds, Sesame, Sesame Beef, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake, Short Rib, Short Ribs, Sin City, Soy, Soy Sauce, Soy Sum, Special Sauce, Special Soy, Special Soy Sauce, Spicy Copa, Spring Roll, Spring Rolls, Sprout, sprouts, Sugar, Super Green Noodle, Super Green Noodles, Sweet Sesame Beef, Sweet Soy, Sweet Soy Sauce, Thai Basil, The Ol' Sausage, The Ol' Sausage Pie, The Ol' Sausage Pizza, Toasted Chili, Toasted Chili Sauce, Toasted Chilis, Todd Lunger, Toffee, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Vanilla, Vegas, Vegetable, Vietnamese Crab Fried Rice, Vinegar, Vodka, Vodka Pep, Vodka Pep Pie, Vodka Pep Pizza, Vodka Sauce, White Rice, White Sauce, Wine, Zest

August 24, 2020
8:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Purple Potato Sweets [2,] Las Vegas NV

Purple Potato Sweets

Caramel Polvoron Donuts with Leche Flan Filling

Oatmeal Mango Cranberry Monster Cookie

Matcha Chocolate Chip Almond Monster Cookie

Chocolate Chip Walnut Ube Fudge Monster Cookie

Nutella Monster Cookie with Chocolate Chips

Ube Monster Cookie with White Chocolate Chips and Cashews

Double Chocolate Yema Monster Cookie with Filipino Sweet Custard Filling

Calamansi Cheesecake

Named after a popular crop in the Philippines, and a favorite nutritious snack of Chef Ramir Bolanos DeCastro, Purple Potato unfortunately shut its doors in the middle of 2019, the closure after just 21 months largely a result of location rather than Food as the healthy Bowls and quick-casual Sandwiches were almost universally well-received.

Now a year older and wiser, SARS-CoV-2 having entirely reshaped an Off-Strip dining scene that Chef Ramir helped to initiate with Yonaka in early 2013, Purple Potato recently reemerged as an online shop featuring the Restaurant’s signature “Monster Cookies” alongside other Ube-based treats and Filipino Pastries.

Well-priced and delivered free to Las Vegas as well as Henderson, this day’s order acting as Breakfast for an office of twenty-five, it was prior to 7:15am that Ramir arrived porting several boxes, his all-new Caramel Polvoron Donuts arguably even better than the reference-standard pockets stuffed with Ube that were tasted in July.

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 Cheesecake, this day featuring Calamansi that adds bright Citrus notes to velvety Cream Cheese atop a robust Graham Cracker Crust.

Onward to an old favorite, six Monster Cookies weighing in at 10 ounces each, Chocolate Chip Walnut Ube Fudge is still remarkable thanks to its heterogeneous texture while Oatmeal Mango Cranberry Monster Cookie fares equally well, though for those seeking something more #instagramworthy the brilliant purple Ube with White Chocolate and Cashews and Double Chocolate with Filipino Sweet Custard Filling are equally delicious and more unique.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone it is great to have Purple Potato back in any format, and although Sushi, Bowls and Wraps are currently not offered Chef Ramir Bolanos DeCastro’s Desserts are better than ever with no lack of creativity and bargain pricing, plus free delivery.

RECOMMENDED: Caramel Polvoron Donuts, Ube Monster Cookie, Chocolate Chip Walnut Ube Fudge Monster Cookie, Oatmeal Mango Cranberry Monster Cookie, Double Chocolate Yema Monster Cookie.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: COVID-19 precautions are followed with touch-free delivery available for free (within 25 mile radius) on all orders over $30. Delivery days are Mondays & Fridays. contact@purplepotatolv.com for more information.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.purplepotatolv.com

August 22, 2020
6:00 PM
by: Uhockey

Suite 16 Seafood House, Las Vegas NV

Suite 16 Seafood House

Suite 16 Seafood Salad – Toasted Pistachio Dressing

Chinese Toothpick Sausages & Kimchi

Sicilian Style Seafood Rice – Lobster, Scallops, Clams, Squid, Shrimp, Cod

Spicy Garlic Butter Seafood Rice – Alaskan King Crab, Scallops, Clams, Shrimp, Cod

Curry Hurry Seafood Rice – Lobster, Scallops, Clams, Squid, Shrimp, Cod

Creamy Creamy Seafood Rice – Alaskan King Crab, Lobster, Scallops, Clams, Squid, Shrimp, Cod

Peach Oolong Tea

Although partners Jimmy Li and Joe Muscaglione have their work cut-out for them in making ShangHai Taste successful during a global pandemic, it is within the duo’s former Niu Gu that a new concept titled Suite 16 Seafood House debuted on August 24th.

Tucked inside Mountain View Plaza at Spring Mountain and Jones, just behind China Mama, it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to stylish décor surrounding a raw Shellfish bar, and following Chef Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and the already-mentioned Restaurants it is no surprise that everything on-site is made-to-order from scratch daily.

Seating approximately ~20 guests from 5pm, the menu still a work in progress but poised to expand, it is upon checking in at the hostess stand that guests are led to booths or tables, service predictably professional and the space itself spotless with all staff donning PPE.

Visually similar to Niu Gu, and again eschewing the usual hundred-item hodgepodge of plates intended to please everyone, Suite 16 instead focuses on three bases and four Sauces, while Appetizers including funky bite-size Sausages and a generous $9 Salad with lots of Seafood serve to whet the palate.

Working without a Liquor license, Mr. Muscaglione’s extensive knowledge of Tea finding both hot and cold options offered alongside bottled Soft Drinks, it was while music played quietly that four guests partook in all Suite 16’s current styles, “Sicilian” coming first with Tomatoes, Olives and Capers building the complex Broth surrounding a base dubbed “the Lobster Club.”

Fair-priced considering the Ingredients, Shellfish currently flown in five days a week, bowl two featured a base called “the Full House” with King Crab standing alongside Zucchini, Scallops, Clams, Shrimp and Cod amidst plenty of Garlic, the spice-factor turned up and then progressing to sweat-inducing by way of “Curry Hurry” that the majority of diners decreed their favorite.

Not skimping on Rice quality, a well-known Chef in the group commending Jimmy’s choice of Grains that have flavor and texture to stand up against each Sauce, “Creamy Creamy” rounded out the evening smoothly with subtle sweetness that tastes almost Thai in inspiration.

N/A: Not yet officially open at the time of this visit, Chef Jimmy Li and Joe Muscaglione are once again taking a chance in Chinatown, and much like its predecessor Suite 16 represents a wholesale shift in culture for the area with results anything but guaranteed despite fresh Seafood, great service and fair prices.

RECOMMENDED: Seafood Salad, Spicy Garlic Butter, Creamy Creamy.

AVOID: N/A, though for this author’s tastes the Curry Hurry was a bit too hot.

TIP: Open daily from 5:00pm until 9:00pm.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.facebook.com/Suite16Vegas

Posted in Crab, Food, Las Vegas, Lobster, Nevada, Niu Gu, Suite 16, Suite 16 Seafood House Tagged Alaskan King Crab, Alaskan King Crab Leg, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Alaskan King Crabs, Basil, Broth, Butter, Calamari, Caper, Capers, Chinese Sausage, Chinese Sausages, Chinese Toothpick Sausage, Chinese Toothpick Sausages, Chinese Toothpick Sausages & Kimchi, Clam, Clams, Cod, Cod Fish, Crab, Crabs, Cream, Creamy Creamy Seafood Rice, Creamy Seafood Rice, Curry, Curry Hurry Seafood Rice, Curry Seafood Rice, Dressing, endoedibles, Fish, Food, Foodie, Frisee, Garlic, Garlic Butter Seafood Rice, Green Tea, Hot Tea, Iced Tea, Jimmy Li, Joe Muscaglione, Kimchee, Kimchi, King Crab, King Crabs, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, Lobster, Lobsters, LV, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, Niu Gu, NV, Oil, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Onion, Onions, Oolong, Oolong Tea, Peach, Peach Oolong Tea, Peach Tea, Peaches, Pepper, Peppers, Pistachio, Pistachio Dressing, Pistachios, Rice, Salad, Salads, Sauce, Sausage, Sausages, Scallop, Scallops, Seafood, Seafood Rice, Seafood Salad, Shrimp, Shrimps, Sicilian Style Seafood Rice, Sin City, Soup, Spicy Garlic Butter, Spicy Garlic Butter Seafood Rice, Squash, Squid, Stew, Sugar, Suite 16, Suite 16 Seafood House, Suite 16 Seafood Salad, Tea, Toasted Pistachio, Toasted Pistachio Dressing, Toasted Pistachios, Tomato, Tomatoes, Toothpick Sausage, Toothpick Sausages, Vegas, White Rice, Zucchini

August 22, 2020
11:35 AM
by: Uhockey

Peru Chicken #2, Las Vegas NV

Peru Chicken #2

Pollo a la Brasa – Whole Chicken

Yuca Frita – Fried Yucca

Plantino Frito – Fried Plantain

Lomo Saltado – Beef, Onions, Tomatoes, Sauce, French Fries, White Rice

Chaufa de Pollo – Chicken Fried Rice

Porcion de Chicharron y Camote – Peruvian style Pork, Deep-fried Sweet Potatoes

Tallarines Verde – Linguini, Spinach, Basil, Clove, Walnut, Queso Fresco

Papa a la Huancaina – Boiled Potatoes, Creamy Yellow Pepper Sauce

Picarones – Peruvian Pumpkin Doughnuts, Fruit Honey

The second of three locations, Peru Chicken at 3886 West Sahara Avenue seeks to fill a niche in Las Vegas, and via combination of classic recipes plus fair prices the Restaurant provides a commendable representation of what is commonly seen throughout similar casual venues in Lima.

Self described as “specialists in Grilled Chicken and authentic Peruvian Food,” the latter always polarizing on domestic grounds considering the difference in Ingredients, it was through Peru Chicken’s website that an order was placed for 11:00am pick-up, not one item ready on arrival which led to a twenty-minute wait amidst socially distanced seating.

Happy to see all staff and guests in PPE, women’s soccer on television while Spanish music played overhead, it was just after 11:35am that all items were unpacked at home, Pollo a la Brasa juicy but not quite crisp as it probably is on-site while sides of fried Yucca and Plantain were excellent both on their own and when dipped into medium or spicy Aji.

Sticking to traditional dishes, $17 for Lomo Saltado a good deal for tender Beef and sautéed Vegetables served over Rice plus Fries, suffice it to say that Chicharron was a bit overcooked and thus dried out while China’s enduring influence was visible in well-seasoned Chaufa.

Fairly sure crinkle-cut Sweet Potato Fries aren’t “Peruvian,” but willing to admit they are enjoyable, Papa a la Huancaina definitely fits the bill as “authentic” and delicious, as do made-to-order Pumpkin Donuts and al dente Linguini with a Pesto-like Sauce and top notes of Baking Spices.

THREE AND A HALF STARS: Making a concerted effort to replicate several Peruvian dishes, Peru Chicken on Sahara performs admirably, though Chicken lacks the aromatics found in South America while staff’s unapologetic take on timeliness and a few dishes that seemed rushed suggest room for improvement.

RECOMMENDED: Yuca Frita, Lomo Saltado, Tallarines Verde, Picarones.

AVOID: Chicharron.

TIP: Open at 10:00am, full menu visible at GrubHub with online ordering and delivery available

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.facebook.com/PERU-Chicken-2-1669827833268387

Posted in Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Peru Chicken, Peru Chicken #2, Pork Tagged Aji, Aji Pepper, Aji Peppers, Aji Sauce, Basil, Beef, Boiled Potato, Boiled Potatoes, Breast, Breasts, Butter, Camote, Carrot, Carrots, Chaufa, Chaufa de Pollo, Cheese, Chicharon, Chicharron, Chicharron y Camote, Chicharrone, Chicharrones, Chicharrons, Chicken, Chicken Fried Rice, Chickens, Cinnamon, Clove, Cloves, Cow, Cows, Cream, Creamy Yellow Pepper Sauce, Deep-fried Sweet Potato, Deep-fried Sweet Potatoes, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Egg, Eggs, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, French Fries, French Fry, Fried Plantain, Fried Plantains, Fried Rice, Fried Sweet Potato, Fried Sweet Potatoes, Fried Yucca, Fries, Fruit, Fruit Honey, Fry, Homemade Pig Skin Chicharrone, Homemade Pig Skin Chicharrones, Honey, Las Vegas, Leg, Legs, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, Lime, Limes, Linguini, Linguini Pasta, Lomo Saltado, LV, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, NV, Oil, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Onion, Onions, Papa, Papa a la Huancaina, Papas, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, Peru Chicken, Peru Chicken #2, Peruvian Donut, Peruvian Donuts, Peruvian Doughnut, Peruvian Doughnuts, Peruvian Pork, Peruvian Pumpkin Donut, Peruvian Pumpkin Donuts, Peruvian Pumpkin Doughnut, Peruvian Pumpkin Doughnuts, Peruvian style Pork, Picarone, Picarones, Pig, Pig Skin, Pig Skins, Plantain, Plantains, Plantino Frito, Pollo, Pollo a la Brasa, Porcion de Chicharron y Camote, Pork, Pork Skin, Pork Skins, Potato, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Donut, Pumpkin Donuts, Pumpkin Doughnut, Pumpkin Doughnuts, Pumpkins, Queso, Queso Fresco, Rice, Roast Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Sauce, Scallion, Scallions, Sin City, Skin, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Fries, Sweet Potato Fry, Sweet Potatoes, Tallarines, Tallarines Verde, Thigh, Thighs, Tomato, Tomatoes, Vegas, Walnut, Walnuts, White Rice, Whole Chicken, Wing, Wings, Yellow Pepper, Yellow Pepper Sauce, Yellow Peppers, Yuca, Yuca Frita, Yucca

August 20, 2020
11:20 AM
by: Uhockey

Johnny C’s Diner Catering [5,] Las Vegas NV

Johnny C’s Diner

Pasta Salad – Broccoli, Grapes, Almonds, Honeydew, Basil, Chia Seeds, Lime Vinaigrette

Pulled Pork Sliders – JC’s Cornbread, BBQ Sauce

LJ3 Sliders – Special Sauce, American Cheese, House Pickles

Housemade Dill Pickles, Housemade Bread & Butter Pickles

Pancake-Pork Sausages “Corn Dog style” – Blistered Maple Syrup, Cracked Pepper, Powdered Sugar

Hot Wings – Cholula Aioli, Ranch Dressing

Summer Melon Platter

“Duck a l’Orange” – Foie Gras, Orange Segments, Buttermilk Pancakes, Maple Syrup

Peach Cobbler – Brown Sugar Streusel

Having previously discussed Johnny C’s Diner here, plus four faultless catering gigs, it was an honor to call on Chef Church and his team for another #supportlocal Lunch on Thursday, Sous Chef Sam Brooks and Johnny arriving on time with a bounty of items carefully packed and temperature appropriate from fifteen minutes away.

All-in approximately $20 per diner, a cost more than warranted by quality Produce and portions that guaranteed several staff members also went home with dinner, it was from daily specials plus seasonal Fruits and Vegetables that lunch was constructed, Johnny’s Seasonal Market Salad on this day featuring Pasta plus a diversity of flavors and textures married together by Citrus.

Leaning further into Summer with a beautiful Melon platter, four organic varieties out of California plated alongside Strawberries and Grapes, those seeking *heat* instead of sweet found it in Cholula Chicken Wings, complaints that Johnny’s Sauce was too mild last time certainly not repeated as the whole tray was depleted in thirty minutes.

Again including containers of housemade Pickles, delicious on their own and better atop “LJ3 Sliders” matching Beef griddled medium to Cheese and Special Sauce, those seeking Sin City’s best Pulled Pork should not forget Johnny C’s simply because they don’t specialize in BBQ, each morsel slathered, tender and tangy with JC’s Brown Butter Cornbread providing a makeshift Bun.

Turning the clock back to Breakfast, Pancake-Pork Sausages on a stick anything but Jimmy Dean, those with more adventurous palates can instead enjoy their Buttermilk Batter topped in perfectly seared Duck Liver and Oranges before finishing up with steamy Peach Cobbler topped in Brown Sugar Streusel.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Johnny C’s combination of products and talent is nothing short of remarkable while the price-point is an undeniable bargain for quality Cuisine capable of pleasing a wide range of palates.

RECOMMENDED: Every single dish served this time was exemplary.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Currently open Monday through Sunday: 8:00am until 3:00pm for Take-Out and Dine-In. Follow @johnnycsdiiner on Social Media for events as well as specials. Call 702-263-0146 for reservations (encouraged) and use convenient online ordering or Chownow for take-out.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.johnnycsdiner.com

Posted in Breakfast, Catering, Cornbread, Dessert, Foie, Foie Gras, Food, Johnny C’s, Johnny C’s Diner, Johnny C’s Diner Catering, Las Vegas, Nevada, pancake, Pancakes, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, 100% Maple Syrup, 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Aioli, Almond, Almonds, American Cheese, Barbecue, Barbecue Sauce, Barbeque, Barbeque Sauce, Basil, BBQ, BBQ Sauce, Beef, Black Pepper, Black Peppers, Blistered Maple Syrup, Bread, Bread & Butter, Bread & Butter Pickle, Bread & Butter Pickles, Breaded Chicken Wing, Breaded Chicken Wings, Broccoli, Brown Butter, Brown Butter Corn bread, Brown Butter Cornbread, Brown Butter Pecan, Brown Butter Pecans, Brown Sugar, Brown Sugar Streusel, Bun, Buns, Burger, Burgers, Butter, Buttermilk, Buttermilk Pancake, Buttermilk Pancakes, Catering, Cheese, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburgers, Chef’s Salad, Chef’s Seasonal Market Salad, Chef’s Seasonal Salad, Chia Seed, Chia Seeds, Chicken, Chicken Wing, Chicken Wings, Chickens, Chive, Chives, Cholula, Cholula Aioli, Cholula Hot Sauce, Citrus, Citrus Vinaigrette, Cobbler, Confectioner's Sugar, Corn Bread, Cornbread, Cow, Cows, Cracked Pepper, Cream, Deep-fried Chicken Wing, Deep-fried Chicken Wings, Dessert, Desserts, Dill, Dill Pickle, Dill Pickles, Diner, Dressing, Duck, Duck a l’Orange, Duck Liver, endoedibles, Foie, Foie Gras, Food, Foodie, Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken Wing, Fried Chicken Wings, Grape, Grapes, Greens, Hamburger, Hamburgers, Honey, Honeydew, Honeydew Melon, Hot Sauce, Hot Wing, Hot Wings, House Fried Chicken Wings, Housemade BBQ Sauce, Housemade Bread & Butter Pickle, Housemade Bread & Butter Pickles, Housemade Dill Pickle, Housemade Dill Pickles, Housemade Dressing, Housemade Hot Sauce, Housemade Pickle, Housemade Pickles, Housemade Ranch Dressing, JC's Cornbread, John Church, Johnny Church, Johnny C’s, Johnny C’s Diner, Johnny C’s Diner Catering, Las Vegas, Lime, Lime Vinaigrette, Liver, LJ3 Slider, LJ3 Sliders, LV, Maple, Maple Syrup, Market Salad, Melon, Melons, Michael Uzmann, Musk Melon, MuskMelon, Nevada, NV, Orange, Orange Segment, Orange Segments, Oranges, Pancake, Pancake-Pork Sausage, Pancake-Pork Sausage “Corn Dog style", Pancake-Pork Sausages, Pancake-Pork Sausages “Corn Dog style", Pancakes, Pasta, Pasta Salad, Pastries, Pastry, Peach, Peach Cobbler, Peaches, Penne, Penne Pasta, Pepper, Peppers, Pickle, Pickles, Plugra, Plugra Butter, Plugra Honey Butter, Pork, Pork Sausage, Pork Sausages, Powdered Sugar, Pulled Pork, Pulled Pork Slider, Pulled Pork Sliders, Pure Maple Syrup, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Roll, Rolls, Salad, Salads, Sam Brooks, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sausage, Scott Carson, Sin City, Slider, Sliders, Sour Cream, Special Sauce, Spiceology, Strawberries, Strawberry, Streusel, Sugar, Summer Melon, Summer Melon Platter, Summer Melons, Syrup, Tomato, Tomatoes, Vanilla, Vegas, Vinaigrette, Watermelon, Watermelons, Wing, Wings

August 20, 2020
7:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Wicked Donuts [2,] Las Vegas NV

Wicked Donuts

Maple Iced Raised Donut – Maple Icing

Lemon Poppy Cake Donut – Lemon Glaze, Poppyseed Sprinkles

Original Glazed Raised Donut – Vanilla Bean Glaze

My Favorite Martian Strawberry Green Tea Raised Donut – Matcha Maple Icing, Strawberry Icing, Strawberry Compote

Apple Pear Fritter – Spiced Apple Pear Vanilla Cardamom Glaze

Pink Lady Raised Donut – Sugar Rolled Donut, Hibiscus Icing, Hibiscus Crystals

Glazed Buttermilk Cake Donut – Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Glaze

Cookies & Cream Raised Donut – Vanilla Milk Icing, Oreo Crumble

Blueberry Bliss Cake Donut – Blueberry Glaze

PB&J Raised Donut – Peanut Butter Icing, Strawberry Jam

Lemon Meringue Pie Raised Donut – Lemon Glaze, Pie Crust Crumble, Lemon Curd, Toasted Meringue

Sticky Sinn-a-Bun Cake Donut – Sticky Glaze, Pecans

Chocolate Iced Cake Donut – Chocolate Ganache

Tasted for the first time five days prior, it was via special request that two-dozen Wicked Donuts were delivered to the office on Thursday, the fact that many were still warm-to-touch attesting to freshness even though execution varied from excellent to below-average.

Already discussing Pastry Chef Robert Teddy’s background here, and told more recently that Wicked Donuts had “let the kitchen manager go” as a result of inconsistency, it was from the soft-opening menu that thirteen styles were tasted, classics both Raised and Cake buttery with premium handmade toppings including real Vanilla Bean and rich Chocolate Ganache.

For now rotating options daily until the official Grand Opening, Maple Iced Brioche a thing of beauty with the flavor of upscale French Toast, fans of Lemon not looking to go all-in on “Premium” Lemon Meringue Pie will likely be pleased by “Lemon Poppy Cake” while those seeking something a little more sinful should take a look at Wicked Donut’s idea of Cookies & Cream.

Getting “fancy” with Blueberry Bliss, the taste of real Fruit enrobing a crispy golden ring that eats like good Pound Cake, it is unfortunate that neither Apples nor Pears found their way to the center of a Fritter that is frankly disastrous while “My Favorite Martian” tastes good despite this specimen entirely lacking the promised Strawberry Compote.

Improving with the Pink Lady, Granulated Sugar and two forms of Hibiscus blooming sweet yet delicate across the palate, PB&J continues to occupy rarefied air as one of Sin City’s best Donuts while the Praline-esque Sticky Sinn-a-Bun outperforms many Restaurant’s plated Deserts at a fraction of the price.

THREE AND A HALF STARS: Acknowledging the perils of “soft opening” in an era where everyone can post their opinion online within minutes, an experienced palate will immediately notice Wicked Donuts quality dwarves anyone locally from Toppings-to-Base, but until recipes are dialed-in it is hard to know whether what one orders is what they’ll receive.

RECOMMENDED: Sticky Sinn-a-Bun, Lemon Meringue Pie, PB&J, Pink Lady, Maple Iced, Lemon Poppy, Blueberry Bliss.

AVOID: Apple Pear Fritter.

TIP: Awaiting the Grand Opening, Wicked Donuts is Drive-Thru only, and per signage “6:30am until Sold Out.” @wicked_donuts and @wickeddonutsusa on Social.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.wicked-donuts.com

Posted in Breakfast, Catering, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Wicked Donuts Tagged 100% Maple Syrup, 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Apple, Apple Fritter, Apple Pear Fritter, Apples, Bismarck, Bismarck Donut, Bismarck Donuts, Bismarck Doughnut, Bismarck Doughnuts, Bismarcks, Blueberries, Blueberry, Blueberry Bliss, Blueberry Bliss Cake Donut, Blueberry Bliss Cake Doughnut, Blueberry Glaze, Bread, Brioche, Brioche Donut, Brioche Donuts, Brioche Doughnut, Brioche Doughnuts, Brown Sugar, Butter, Buttermilk, Buttermilk Cake, Buttermilk Cake Donut, Buttermilk Cake Doughnut, Buttermilk Glaze, Cake, Cake Donut, Cake Donuts, Cake Doughnut, Cake Doughnuts, Cakes, Cardamom, Chocolate, Chocolate Donut, Chocolate Donuts, Chocolate Doughnut, Chocolate Doughnuts, Chocolate Frosting, Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Iced Cake Donut, Chocolate Iced Cake Doughnut, Chocolate Iced Donut, Chocolate Iced Doughnut, Chocolate Icing, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Compote, Cookie, Cookies, Cookies & Cream, Cookies & Cream Donut, Cookies & Cream Doughnut, Cookies & Cream Raised Donut, Cookies & Cream Raised Doughnut, Cookies ‘n Cream, Cream, Creme, Crumble, Crumbles, Crust, Crystal, Crystals, Curd, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, endoedibles, Filling, Flower, Flowers, Fluff, Food, Foodie, Fritter, Fritters, Frosting, Ganache, Glaze, Glazed Buttermilk Cake, Glazed Buttermilk Cake Donut, Glazed Buttermilk Cake Doughnut, Granulated Sugar, Green Tea, Hibiscus, Hibiscus Crystal, Hibiscus Crystals, Hibiscus Flower, Hibiscus Frosting, Hibiscus Glaze, Hibiscus Icing, Icing, Jam, Jelly, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemon Curd, Lemon Frosting, Lemon Glaze, Lemon Icing, Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie Raised Donut, Lemon Meringue Pie Raised Doughnut, Lemon Poppy Cake, Lemon Poppy Cake Donut, Lemon Poppy Cake Doughnut, Lemons, LV, Maple, Maple Frosting, Maple Iced Donut, Maple Iced Doughnut, Maple Iced Raised Donut, Maple Iced Raised Doughnut, Maple Icing, Maple Syrup, Matcha, Matcha Maple Frosting, Matcha Maple Icing, Meringue, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Milk Icing, My Favorite Martian, My Favorite Martian Donut, My Favorite Martian Doughnut, My Favorite Martian Strawberry Green Tea Donut, My Favorite Martian Strawberry Green Tea Doughnut, My Favorite Martian Strawberry Green Tea Raised Donut, My Favorite Martian Strawberry Green Tea Raised Doughnut, Nevada, NV, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreo Crumble, Oreos, Original Glazed, Original Glazed Raised Donut, Original Glazed Raised Doughnut, Pastries, Pastry, PB&J, PB&J Raised Donut, PB&J Raised Doughnut, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Peanut Butter Filling, Peanut Butter Icing, Peanuts, Pear, Pear Fritter, Pears, Pecan, Pecans, Pie, Pie Crust, Pie Crust Crumble, Pies, Pink Lady, Pink Lady Donut, Pink Lady Doughnut, Pink Lady Raised Donut, Pink Lady Raised Doughnut, Poppy Seed, Poppy seed Sprinkles, Poppy Seeds, Poppyseed, Poppyseed Sprinkles, Poppyseeds, Praline, Pralines, Pure Maple Syrup, Raised Donut, Raised Donuts, Raised Doughnut, Raised Doughnuts, Robert Teddy, Sin City, Spiced Apple Pear Vanilla Cardamom Glaze, Sprinkle, Sprinkles, Sticky Glaze, Sticky Sinn-a-Bun, Sticky Sinn-a-Bun Cake Donut, Sticky Sinn-a-Bun Cake Doughnut, Strawberries, Strawberry, Strawberry Compote, Strawberry Frosting, Strawberry Glaze, Strawberry Icing, Strawberry Jam, Strawberry Jelly, Sugar, Sugar Donut, Sugar Doughnut, Sugar Rolled Donut, Sugar Rolled Doughnut, Summerlin, Syrup, Tea, Toasted Meringue, Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Glaze, Vanilla Bean Glaze, Vanilla Beans, Vanilla Milk, Vanilla Milk Icing, Vegas, Wicked Donuts, Yeast Donut, Yeast Donuts, Yeast Doughnut, Yeast Doughnuts

August 18, 2020
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

CRAFTkitchen Catering [10,] Henderson NV

CRAFTkitchen

Mini Cuban Sandwich – Slow Roasted Pork, Niman Ranch Ham, Swiss Cheese, Housemade Pickles, Dijonnaise, Housemade Cuban Roll

CK House Slider – Grilled Grass-Fed Beef, Cheddar Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, House Pickles, CK Potato Bun

Mini “K.F.C.” Korean Fried Chicken – Korean-inspired Fried Chicken, Sriracha Slaw, Ube Bun

Turkey Avocado on Wheat Sandwich – Sliced Turkey, Smashed Avocado, Swiss Cheese, Tomato, Micro Greens, Housemade Whole Wheat Bun

Cobb Salad – Chopped Romaine Lettuce, Organic Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Boiled Egg, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Grape Tomatoes (House Potato Chips, CK Ranch Dressing, Point Reyes Blue Cheese on the side)

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Carrot Cake

Peach Kouign Amann

Nutella Kouign Amann

Triple Chocolate Cookie

Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Always happy to #supportlocal with one of Sin City’s very best, CRAFTkitchen again catered lunch on Tuesday, Chef Blinn predictably arriving early with all the necessary serviceware and this time wowing staff with several current menu items plus one old favorite.

Making the twenty minute trek from Henderson, several trays delivered temperature-appropriate from a Restaurant that knows a thing or two about catering, it was around 11:30am that eleven dishes were unpacked, the Cobb Salad with accoutrements on the side favored by many while all-new Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes proved so popular that two trays were emptied in thirty minutes.

Always well-portioned and fair-priced, a group of twenty-five getting their fill with plenty of leftovers packed to-go, entrees consisted of four sized-down Sandwiches, Chef Blinn’s impressive baking skills on display with Housemade Buns including Ube surrounding spicy Fried Chicken and an even lighter Potato Roll that nonetheless stands up admirably to Grass-fed Beef, Bacon, Cheddar and Pickles.

Continuing with a delightful Cuban, slightly inauthentic but bettered by ingredients such as Niman Ranch Ham, Housemade Pickles and Sauce plus a toasty golden Roll, those seeking something “lighter” found their needs met by sliced Turkey stacked with Tomatoes and Avocado on a multi-grain Bun.

Not about to forget Dessert, two trays of Las Vegas’ best Carrot Cake receiving universal praise, it was as an added bonus that four additional Baked Goods were provided, CRAFTkitchen’s signature Kouign Amann dressed first in Peaches then Nutella while two Cookies were textbook in terms of texture from crispy rim to soft-center.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone CRAFTkitchen has always gone the extra mile to assure off-site dining is every bit as delicious as inside the Restaurant on South Eastern, and in the era post-COVID 19 it will be that same dedication which draws guests back, reminding guests of what made Jaret and Tami’s place great to begin with.

RECOMMENDED: Cuban Sandwich, Korean Fried Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, Carrot Cake, Peach Kouign Amann, Nutella Kouign Amann, Triple Chocolate Cookie.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Patio or Dine in Reservations Recommended. Curbside & Delivery Available. 10% automatic Food discount via “Online Ordering” on CRAFTkitchenlv.com vs. other delivery apps. Open 7 days, 8-3pm.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.craftkitchenlv.com

Posted in Catering, Craft Kitchen, CRAFTkitchen, CRAFTkitchen Catering, Dessert, Food, Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, Almond, Almonds, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Avocados, Bacon, Beef, Bleu Cheese, Blue Cheese, Boiled Egg, Boiled Eggs, Bread, Breast, Breasts, Bun, Burger, Burgers, Butter, Buttermilk, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Cabbage, Cake, Cakes, Candied Almond, Candied Almonds, Carrot, Carrot Cake, Carrots, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburgers, Chicken, Chicken Breast, Chickens, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Chocolate Chunks, Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Chopped Lettuce, Chopped Romaine Lettuce, CK House Slider, CK Potato Bun, CK Ranch Dressing, CK Slider, Cobb, Cobb Salad, Coconut, Coconut Flake, Coconut Flakes, Coconuts, Cole Slaw, Compote, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Cow, Cows, CRAFTKitchen, CRAFTkitchen Catering, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cream Cheese Icing, Cuban Bread, Cuban Roll, Cuban Sandwich, Cubano, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dijon, Dijon Mustard, Dijonnaise, Dressing, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, Flake, Flakes, Food, Foodie, Fried Chicken, Frosting, Garlic, Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, Grape Tomato, Grape Tomatoes, Grass Fed Beef, Greens, Grilled Beef, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Grass-Fed Beef, Ham, Hamburger, Hamburgers, Hazelnut, Hazelnuts, Henderson, House Pickles, House Potato Chip, House Potato Chips, House Slider, Housemade Cuban Bread, Housemade Cuban Roll, Housemade Pickle, Housemade Pickles, Housemade Whole Wheat Bun, Icing, Jam, Jaret Blinn, Jelly, Kimchee, Kimchi, Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, Korean-inspired Fried Chicken, Kouign Amann, Las Vegas, Lettuce, LV, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Michael Uzmann, Micro Greens, Milk Chocolate, Mini Cuban Sandwich, Mini “K.F.C.” Korean Fried Chicken, Mini “K.F.C.” Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, mustard, Nevada, Niman Ranch, Niman Ranch Ham, Nutella, Nutella Kouign Amann, NV, Onion, Onions, Organic Chicken, Organic Grilled Chicken, Pancake, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Pastries, Pastry, Peach, Peach Compote, Peach Jam, Peach Jelly, Peach Kouign Amann, Peaches, Pepper, Peppers, Pickle, Pickles, Point Reyes, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Point Reyes Cheese, Pork, Potato, Potato Bun, Potato Buns, Potato Chip, Potato Chips, Potatoes, Preserves, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Roasted Pork, Roll, Romaine, Romaine Lettuce, Salad, Salads, Salt, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sea Salt, Seed, Seeds, Sesame, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Sin City, Sliced Turkey, Slider, Sliders, Slow Roasted Pork, Smashed Avocado, Smashed Avocados, Smashed Potato, Smashed Potatoes, Smoked Bacon, Spread, Sriracha, Sriracha Slaw, Sugar, Swiss Cheese, Tami Blinn, Toasted Coconut, Toasted Coconuts, Tomato, Tomatoes, Triple Chocolate Cookie, Triple Chocolate Cookies, Turkey, Turkey Avocado on Wheat, Turkey Avocado on Wheat Sandwich, Turkey Breast, Ube, Vanilla, Vegas, Wheat, White Chocolate, Whole Wheat, Whole Wheat Bun, “K.F.C.” Korean Fried Chicken, “K.F.C.” Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich

August 15, 2020
11:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Rosallie [26,] Las Vegas NV

Rosallie Le French Café

Plateau de Fromage – Paris Ham, Brie Cheese, Reblochon Cheese, Soft Goat Cheese, Comte Cheese, Homemade Fig Jam, Candied Pecans, Apple Slices, French Bread

Summer Fruit Croustade with Pastry Cream

Blueberry Bostock

Pain au Chocolat

Summer Fruit Danish with Pastry Cream

Apricot Danish

Brioche with Strawberries and Pastry Cream

Palmier

Almond Croissant

Cinnamon Roll with Frosting

Butter Croissant

Located just north of the I-215 on South Rainbow Boulevard, Rosallie Le French Café represents a work of passion from Jonathan Pluvinet, the native of Nice whose family owned a similarly named restaurant back in France.

Already Las Vegas’ premier bakery for French Pastry, guests visiting after a brief COVID-19 closure will find safe social distancing and PPE-use in practice, plus a bounty of old and new favorites from lead Baker and General Manager Christophe.

A recent favorite for catering, but even better when dining amidst Chef Pluvinet’s handmade furniture and décor, Saturday at 11:00am found the space filled to every-other-table capacity while guests enjoyed a wide range of Salads, Sandwiches, Tartines and Viennoiseries.

Taken to-go on this occasion, Rosallie’s works soon shared amongst six, many guests began with well-sourced Cheese alongside handmade Rolls plus candied Nuts and Fig Jam, the latter particularly delicious with spreadable Goat Cheese and also on Christophe’s wispy Butter Croissant.

Summer-focused as relates to several items, both a traditional Croustade and Danish offering mixed Berries on a cloud of Pastry Cream, additional seasonal highlights included a ripe Apricot Danish plus Bread Pudding-like Brioche that dates back decades to the baker’s Grandmother, currently topped with Strawberries.

Always happy to indulge in Bostock, fresh-baked Brioche slathered in housemade Almond Paste with Blueberries baked in, a Palmier predictably disappeared quickly while laminated Pain au Chocolat, Cinnamon Roll and Pluvinet’s world-class Almond Croissant required self-restraint so that those who eat slower could get a taste.

FIVE STARS: From the day Jonathan Pluvinet opened Rosallie on South Rainbow the need to visit Las Vegas Blvd for great French Pastry vanished, and although competition has sprouted up none are in the same class as what he and former Jean-Philippe maestro Christophe are baking daily.

RECOMMENDED: Summer Fruit Croustade, Blueberry Bostock, Apricot Danish, Brioche with Strawberries and Pastry Cream, Palmier, Almond Croissant, Cinnamon Roll with Frosting.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Follow @rosallielefrenchcafe on Social Media for specials at both locations.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.rosallie.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Breakfast, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Rosallie, Rosallie 'Le French Cafe' Tagged Almond, Almond Croissant, Almond Croissants, Almonds, Apple, Apple Slice, Apple Slices, Apples, Apricot, Apricot Custard Danish, Apricot Custard Danishes, Apricot Danish, Apricots, Blueberries, Blueberry, Blueberry Bostock, Blueberry Brioche, Bostock, Bread, Brie, Brie Cheese, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche Toast, Brioche with Strawberries, Brioche with Strawberries and Pastry Cream, Butter, Butter Croissant, Butter Croissants, Cake, Cakes, Candied Pecan, Candied Pecans, Cheese, Chevre, Chevre Cheese, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Roll, Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting, Cinnamon Roll with Cream Cheese Icing, Cinnamon Roll with Frosting, Cinnamon Roll with Icing, Cinnamon Rolls, Comte, Comte Cheese, Confectioner's Sugar, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cream Cheese Icing, Croissant, Croissants, Croustade, Custard, Custard Danish, Custard Danishes, Danish, Danishes, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, endoedibles, feta, Feta Cheese, Fig, Fig Jam, Figs, Foodie, French Bread, Fromage, Frosting, Fruit, Goat Cheese, Ham, Homemade Fig Jam, Housemade Brioche, Housemade Brioche Bread, Icing, Jam, Jelly, Jonathan Pluvinet, Las Vegas, LV, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, NV, Pain, Pain au Chocolat, Palmier, Palmiers, Paris Ham, Pastries, Pastry, Pastry Cream, Peach, Peaches, Pecan, Pecans, Pig, Plateau de Fromage, Pork, Preserves, Puff Pastry, Puree, Raspberries, Raspberry, Reblochon, Reblochon Cheese, Roll, Rolls, Rosallie, Rosallie Le French Cafe, Sin City, Soft Goat Cheese, Strawberries, Strawberry, Sugar, Summer Fruit, Summer Fruit Croustade, Summer Fruit Croustade with Pastry Cream, Summer Fruit Danish, Summer Fruit Danish with Pastry Cream, Toast, Vanilla, Vegas, Viennesoire, Viennesoires, Viennoiserie, Viennoiseries

August 15, 2020
10:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Wicked Donuts, Las Vegas NV

Wicked Donuts

Mojito Lime & Mint Raised Donut – Lime and Mint Glaze

Original Glazed Raised Donut – Vanilla Bean Glaze

Blueberry Bliss Cake Donut – Blueberry Glaze

Glazed Atomic Cherry Raised Donut – Cherry Filling, Pink Cherry Fluff

Caramel Sutra Raised Donut – Salted Caramel Glaze, Caramel Crème Center, Caramel Popcorn

PB&J Raised Donut – Peanut Butter Icing, Strawberry Jam

Lemon Meringue Pie Raised Donut – Lemon Glaze, Pie Crust Crumble, Lemon Curd, Toasted Meringue

She Devil Red Velvet Cake Donut – Cream Cheese Icing, Red Nonpareils

Chocolate Iced Raised Donut – Chocolate Ganache

Wicked Boston Crème Donut – Chocolate Ganache, Pastry Crème Bullseye

Blue Suede Banana Donut – Peanut Butter-Banana-Crème Filling, Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Bananas

Sticky Sinn-a-Bun Cake Donut – Sticky Glaze, Pecans

A former Food Network winner on Cake Wars, but perhaps better known by locals for M. Antoinette Cakes, La Sugarie at the Venetian and confectionary sculptures inside Neiman Marcus, Chef Robert Teddy has now decided to take on gourmet fried Dough at Wicked Donuts in Summerlin.

Currently in soft-opening mode at 9490 West Lake Mead Boulevard, the inside debuting “soon” which has so-far led to drive-thru lines spilling over into the street, Wicked Donuts officially started selling on August 8th, though through a series of pop-ups at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf some guests may already have had a chance to sample Chef Teddy’s unique Brioche-style base.

Trained by Belgian master Pastry Chef John Espelund, and later educated at The Art Institute of Seattle, Robert self-describes himself as “an artist first and then a Chef,” but no matter which order the bearded baker wears his two titles Wicked Donuts menu sets a high bar for both visual appeal and taste.

Still in the midst of renovating a former Jack In The Box, lengthy waits in the safe social distance of one’s own automobile drawing the ire of social media “Karens” surprised to find small-batch Artisan flavors gone quickly, Wicked Donuts lists its hours like many of America’s best Doughnutteries, “6:30am until 2:00pm, or Sold Out” daily.

Following an aggressive Rockabilly theme, Robert himself (alongside others) responsible for high-style packaging, prices range just $1.25 to $2.95, or about half of top-tier spots like Side Car and Blue Star for hand-made Dough, Frosting and Toppings without Artificial Colors or Preservatives.

Eventually planning to sell 24+ flavors, but currently rotating options daily until the official Grand Opening, guests seeking “simple” will find Classics such as Glazed and Chocolate Iced, though between a buttery crumb, real Vanilla Bean and true Chocolate Ganache the flavors are far more developed and less sweet than spots using commercial mixes sold by US Foods or Sysco.

Getting “fancy” with Blueberry Bliss, the taste of real Fruit enrobing a crispy golden ring that eats like good Pound Cake, additional $2 choices include Boston Crème indistinguishable from the northeast icon while Mojito scales back the Mint in favor of Citrus.

Unfortunately finding “She Devil Red Velvet” a touch dry, the addition of Cocoa Powder perhaps in need of additional Fat to compensate, additional offerings on Wicked Donuts’ “Premium” line fare better, PB&J and Lemon Meringue Pie both pitching their namesake flawlessly while Sticky Sinn-a-Bun eats like a New Orleans Praline quadrupled in size.

Planning to add Vegan, Keto and Gluten-free options once at full-speed, “Spotlight” provides a good description for Chef Teddy’s most elaborate creations, and although “Blue Suede Banana,” riffs well on Sin City’s obsession with Elvis, even better are “Atomic Cherry” with its airy pink Topping and “Caramel Sutra” featuring soft Brioche and lightly salted Glaze wrapped around a creamy Caramel center.

FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Acknowledging the perils of “soft opening” in an era where everyone can post their opinion online within minutes, an experienced palate will immediately notice Wicked Donuts quality dwarves anyone locally from Toppings-to-Base, and it does so with better Ingredients at a price that is more than fair.

RECOMMENDED: Sticky Sinn-a-Bun, Wicked Boston Crème, Lemon Meringue Pie, PB&J, Caramel Sutra, Glazed Atomic Cherry.

AVOID: She Devil Red Velvet.

TIP: Awaiting the Grand Opening, Wicked Donuts is Drive-Thru only, and per signage “6:30am until Sold Out.” @wicked_donuts and @wickeddonutsusa on Social.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.wicked-donuts.com

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Wicked Donuts Tagged Banana, Banana Cream Filling, Banana Crème Filling, Bananas, Bismarck, Bismarck Donut, Bismarck Donuts, Bismarck Doughnut, Bismarck Doughnuts, Bismarcks, Blue Suede Banana, Blue Suede Banana Donut, Blue Suede Banana Doughnut, Blueberries, Blueberry, Blueberry Bliss, Blueberry Bliss Cake Donut, Blueberry Bliss Cake Doughnut, Blueberry Glaze, Boston Cream, Boston Crème, Bread, Brioche, Brioche Donut, Brioche Donuts, Brioche Doughnut, Brioche Doughnuts, Brown Sugar, Butter, Cake, Cake Donut, Cake Donuts, Cake Doughnut, Cake Doughnuts, Cakes, Caramel, Caramel Corn, Caramel Cream, Caramel Crème, Caramel Crème Center, Caramel Glaze, Caramel Popcorn, Caramel Sutra, Caramel Sutra Raised Donut, Caramel Sutra Raised Doughnut, Cheese, Cherries, Cherry, Cherry Filling, Cherry Fluff, Chocolate, Chocolate Donut, Chocolate Donuts, Chocolate Doughnut, Chocolate Doughnuts, Chocolate Frosting, Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Iced, Chocolate Iced Raised Donut, Chocolate Iced Raised Doughnut, Chocolate Icing, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Cocoa Powder, Cream, Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese Icing, Creme, Crumble, Crust, Curd, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, endoedibles, Filling, Fluff, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Ganache, Glaze, Glazed Atomic Cherry, Glazed Atomic Cherry Raised Donut, Glazed Atomic Cherry Raised Doughnut, Icing, Jam, Jelly, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemon Curd, Lemon Glaze, Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie Raised Donut, Lemon Meringue Pie Raised Doughnut, Lemons, Lime, Lime and Mint Glaze, Lime Glaze, Limes, LV, Meringue, Michael Uzmann, Mint, Mint Glaze, Mints, Mojito, Mojito Lime & Mint, Mojito Lime & Mint Raised Donut, Mojito Lime & Mint Raised Doughnut, Nevada, Nonpareil, Nonpareils, NV, Original Glazed, Original Glazed Raised Donut, Original Glazed Raised Doughnut, Pastries, Pastry, Pastry Cream, Pastry Crème, Pastry Crème Bullseye, Pastry Crème Filling, PB&J, PB&J Raised Donut, PB&J Raised Doughnut, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Peanut Butter Filling, Peanut Butter Icing, Peanut Butter-Banana-Crème Filling, Peanuts, Pecan, Pecans, Pie, Pie Crust, Pie Crust Crumble, Pies, Pink Cherry Fluff, Popcorn, Powder, Praline, Pralines, Raised Donut, Raised Donuts, Raised Doughnut, Raised Doughnuts, Red Nonpareils, Red Velvet, Red Velvet Cake, Robert Teddy, Salted Caramel, Salted Caramel Glaze, Salty Caramel, She Devil Red Velvet Cake, She Devil Red Velvet Cake Donut, She Devil Red Velvet Cake Doughnut, Sin City, Sprinkle, Sprinkles, Sticky Glaze, Sticky Sinn-a-Bun, Sticky Sinn-a-Bun Cake Donut, Sticky Sinn-a-Bun Cake Doughnut, Strawberries, Strawberry, Strawberry Jam, Strawberry Jelly, Sugar, Summerlin, Toasted Banana, Toasted Bananas, Toasted Meringue, Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Bean Glaze, Vegas, Wicked Boston Crème, Wicked Boston Crème Donut, Wicked Boston Crème Doughnut, Wicked Donuts, Yeast Donut, Yeast Donuts, Yeast Doughnut, Yeast Doughnuts

August 13, 2020
5:30 PM
by: Uhockey

Monzú Italian Oven + Bar, Las Vegas NV

Monzú Italian Oven + Bar

Squash Blossoms – Ricotta, Mint, Pecorino

Polpettine – Meatballs, Lemon Leaf, Pecorino

Olive Ascolane – Mixed Meat and Soffritto stuffed Green Olives

Aspic di Pomodoro con Fettunta – Heirloom Tomato Aspic, Grilled Bread, Sweet Basil, Garlic

Monzú Artisanal Sourdough Bread Tasting – Cultured Butter, Anchovy, Caciocavallo, Pomodoro

Ravioli con Radicchio – Grilled Radicchio & Mascarpone Filling, Orange Butter, Aceto Balsamico Manodori

Spaghetti alla Chittara “Mare e Monti” – Squid Ink Spaghetti, Mussels, ‘Nduja, Corn Crema

Vegas Meets Italy Pizza – Scamorza, Ricotta, Pistachio, Dates, Tomatoes, Arugula, Prosciutto, Date Cream / ‘Nduja Pizza – Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, ‘Nduja, Walnuts, Honey

Crespelle al Forno – Crepe Lasagna, Meat Sauce, Bechamel, Peas, Eggs

Involtini di Pesce Spada e Melanzane – Swordfish and Eggplant Roulade, Currants, Heirloom Tomatoes, Shaved Fennel

Torta di Limone all’Olio d’Oliva – Lemon Crema, Olive Oil Gelee, Vanilla Mascarpone, Whipped Cream

Granita di Anguria – Watermelon Shaved Ice, Citrus Curd, Pistachio, Borage Flowers, Watermelon Foam

Sfingi di San Giuseppe – Ricotta, Honey, Orange Zest

Semifreddo Affogato – Cocoa Sable ‘Gelato,’ Coffee Tuile, Espresso

Double Espresso – Ice

Inhabiting the former Nora’s space since March of 2018, Phase 2 of Nevada’s reopening finds Pizzeria Monzú rebranded as Monzú Italian Oven + Bar, Chef Giovanni “Gio” Mauro recently partnering with James Beard Foundation Semi-finalist Nicole Brisson to expand on a concept many already consider to be one of Las Vegas’ very best.

Named for an old Sicilian term of reverence, and rightfully serving “Authentic Sicilian-Inspired Cuisine” per the Restaurant’s website, guests may recall Gio not only as a son of the family that operated Nora’s for decades, but also for North Las Vegas’ Old School Pizzeria where Mauro’s “respect for ingredients” philosophy has been on display since 2011.

Inhabiting two-stories at 6020 West Flamingo Road, hours from 4:00pm until 10:00pm Wednesday through Sunday finding tables well-spaced in full view of the kitchen, it after a quick temperature check that masked patrons are granted entry, service predictably professional yet friendly though management’s decision to allow one employee to work with shield and no mask is unfortunate.

Playing a mix of music overhead, just loud enough to drown the din without being obtrusive, it was after perusing Food and Beverage options that Chef Brisson was given carte blanche, a mix of Gio’s classics and plates inspired by “Female Chefs who have influenced our cooking” marching out in four courses over 120 minutes.

Committed to seasonality, and eschewing commercial Yeast in favor of natural fermentation utilizing a starter derived from Apricots alongside 300+ years of tradition that began on the Island of Ischia, dinner commenced with a pitcher of Cocktails alongside three “Taverna Snacks,” fried Olives salty but balanced while Meatballs wrapped in Lemon Leaves and stuffed Squash Blossoms tasted precisely like something one might find in Naples.

Next taking a look at Monzú’s Bread, first topped with a vibrant Tomato Terrine from the August “Four Course Chef’s Tasting,” suffice it to say Chef Brisson’s considerable knowledge of Italian cuisine shines through in everything she touches, Ravioli con Radicchio assertively bitter but still accessible while Spaghetti alla Chittara “Mare e Monti” brings the fire with imported ‘Nduja finding its foil in naturally sweet Corn Crema.

Slowly savoring Monzú Artisanal Sourdough Bread Tasting, warm with Butter followed by garlicky grilled slices topped in Anchovies and Pizza-like wedges with a developed cornicione, the actual Pizza at Monzú follows Roman “Pizza alla Pala” ideals, high-hydration and lengthy fermentation creating a crisp base and easy digestibility with pronounced yeastiness.

Splitting one Pie into two of a dozen Topping-combinations, spicy Calabrian Sausage smartly accented by Honey and Blue, those seeking something even more unique will no doubt find it in “Vegas Meets Italy Pizza” where dueling Cheeses form a soft backdrop to Pistachios, Dates, Tomatoes, Prosciutto and Arugula.

Not about to miss Gio’s Crespelle al Forno, its multitude of layers lacking the tooth of traditional Lasagna and instead eating like a cloud of Meat, Cheese and Sauce, August’s “Involtini di Pesce Spada e Melanzane” stands out with inspiration from Nora Mauro as firm flesh comes across moist yet flavorful with a faint bit of sweetness to counter the bold aromatics of Fennel.

Turning Desserts over to former Joel Robuchon Pastry Chef Nicholas Forte, a quartet of items running the gamut from modern to tradition, those who don’t love Coffee will probably want to skip Semifreddo Affogato that comes with a tableside shot of Espresso, and even though it is indeed good this riff on Tiramisu nonetheless falls short of classic Sfingi stuffed with Ricotta Cream as well as seasonal Lemon Cake and the refreshingly light “Granita di Anguria.”

FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Familiar with Chef Giovanni “Gio” Mauro’s work at Old School Pizzeria in North Las Vegas, it was after five months of self-imposed restrictions that dining out resumed on Thursday, and with Chef Nicole Brisson currently offering a hand Monzú Italian Oven + Bar proved a worthy contender in any discussion of Sin City’s best Italian Restaurant.

RECOMMENDED: Polpettine, Aspic di Pomodoro con Fettunta, Monzú Artisanal Sourdough Bread Tasting, Spaghetti alla Chittara “Mare e Monti,” Vegas Meets Italy, Crespelle al Forno, Sfingi di San Giuseppe.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Dine-in available from 4:00pm until 10:00pm Wednesday through Sunday with reservation, or Curbside pickup and No-contact delivery during similar hours facilitated by GrubHub.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.monzulv.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Italian, Las Vegas, Monzu, Monzú, Monzú Italian Oven + Bar, Nevada, Pizza, Pizzeria Monzú, Pork, Tiramisu Tagged Aceto Balsamico, Aceto Balsamico Manodori, Aceto Manodori, Affogato, Americano, Anchovies, Anchovy, Artisanal Sourdough Bread, Artisanal Sourdough Bread Tasting, Arugula, Aspic, Aspic di Pomodoro con Fettunta, balsamic, Balsamic Vinegar, Balsamico, Basil, Bechamel, Béchamel Sauce, Beef, Bleu Cheese, Blossom, Blossoms, Blue Cheese, Borage, Borage Flower, Borage Flowers, Bread, Butter, Caciocavallo, Caciocavallo Cheese, Cake, Cakes, Calabrian Sausage, Cheese, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Citrus, Citrus Curd, Cocoa, Cocoa Sable, Cocoa Sable Cookie, Cocoa Sable Cookies, Cocoa Sable ‘Gelato’, Cocoa Sables, Coffee, Coffee Tuile, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Corn Crema, Cow, Cows, Cream, Crema, Crepe, Crepe Lasagna, Crespelle, Crespelle al Forno, Cultured Butter, Curd, Currant, Currants, Dark Chocolate, Date, Date Cream, Dates, Dessert, Desserts, Double Espresso, Egg, Eggplant, Eggplant Roulade, Eggplants, Eggs, endoedibles, Espresso, Fennel, Filling, Fish, Flower, Flowers, Foam, Food, Foodie, Garlic, Gelato, Gelee, Gio Mauro, Giovanni "Gio" Mauro, Giovanni Mauro, Gorgonzola, Gorgonzola Cheese, Granita, Granita di Anguria, Green Olive, Green Olives, Grilled Bread, Grilled Radicchio, Grilled Radicchio & Mascarpone Filling, Heirloom Tomato, Heirloom Tomato Aspic, Heirloom Tomatoes, Honey, Ice, Ice Cream, Iced Americano, Involtini di Pesce Spada e Melanzane, Las Vegas, Lasagna, Lemon, Lemon Cake, Lemon Crema, Lemon Curd, Lemon Leaf, Lemon Leaves, Lemons, LV, Manodori, Mascarpone, Mascarpone Cheese, Mascarpone Filling, Meat, Meat Sauce, Meatball, Meatballs, Melon, Melons, Michael Uzmann, Mint, Mints, Mixed Meat and Soffritto stuffed Green Olives, Monzú, Monzú Artisanal Sourdough Bread Tasting, Monzú Italian Oven + Bar, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Mussel, Mussels, N'duja, Nevada, Nicholas Forte, Nick Forte, Nicole Brisson, Nora Mauro, NV, N’duja Sausage, Oil, Olive, Olive Ascolane, Olive Oil, Olive Oil Cake, Olive Oil Gelee, Olives, Onion, Onions, Orange, Orange Butter, Orange Zest, Oranges, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pea, Peas, Pecorino, Pecorino Cheese, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Pistachio, Pistachios, Pizza, Pizzeria Monzu, Polpettine, Pomodoro, Pomodoro Sauce, Pork, Prosciutto, Prosciutto di Parma, Radicchio, Ravioli, Ravioli con Radicchio, Ravioli Pasta, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Rosemary, Roulade, Sable, Sable Cookie, Sable Cookies, Sables, Sauce, Sauce Bechamel, Sausage, Scamorza, Scamorza Cheese, Semifreddo, Semifreddo Affogato, Sfingi, Sfingi di San Giuseppe, Shaved Fennel, Shaved Ice, Sin City, Soffritto, Sourdough, Sourdough Bread, Spaghetti, Spaghetti alla Chittara, Spaghetti alla Chittara “Mare e Monti”, Spaghetti Pasta, Squash, Squash Blossom, Squash Blossoms, Squid Ink, Squid Ink Spaghetti, Sugar, Sweet Basil, Swordfish, Swordfish and Eggplant Roulade, Toast, Tomato, Tomatoes, Torta di Limone all’Olio d’Oliva, Tuile, Vanilla, Vanilla Mascarpone, Vegas, Vegas Meets Italy, Vegas Meets Italy Pizza, Vinegar, Walnut, Walnuts, Watermelon, Watermelon Foam, Watermelon Shaved Ice, Whipped Cream, Yeast, Zest, ‘Nduja Pizza

August 13, 2020
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Big B’s Texas BBQ Catering [8,] Las Vegas NV

Big B’s Texas BBQ

Side Salad

BBQ Beans

Mac & Cheese

Lean Brisket, Fatty Brisket, Smoked Turkey, Beef Hot Links

Pecan Pie

Big B’s Texas BBQ opened its second location just prior to Halloween 2019, and on Thursday during Phase Two of Las Vegas’ COVID-19 re-opening plan the Restaurant at 6115 South Fort Apache Road showed again why any discussion of local smoked Meat has began and ended with Brian and Natalia’s brand since 2016.

Named after its Pit Master, and changing the long-held belief that Las Vegas is not a Barbeque town ever since the original opened in Henderson, 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.

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 original debuted in January 2016, it was just prior to lunch that the smell of Big B’s Texas BBQ began to drift down the hallway, staff quick to arrive for what was once again an overabundance of smoked Meat, Dessert and Sides.

Already an office favorite, and even more convenient since “II” opened down the street, guests this afternoon found familiar favorites hot and fresh, the inclusion of all necessary plates, utensils and serviceware a given just as has always been the case.

Currently available for dine-in and take-out, COVID-19 precautions seeing all employees clad in PPE, it was really no surprise when Macaroni and Cheese as well as Hot Links were quickly depleted, with a pair of gooey Pecan Pies soon to follow.

Texas through and through, wood driven up from the Lone Star State just one reason why Big B’s Brisket and Turkey outpace growing competition, the choice of lean versus moist generally sees the former go first at this office, though thanks to a deeply penetrating ring of smoke both live up to high standards – as do Sin City’s best BBQ Beans imbued with their trimmings.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone it was a disastrous lunch from Famous Dave’s that got the #supportlocal idea going in May of 2018, Big B’s Texas BBQ immediately stepping up and becoming a go-to both then and now with the experience never less than exemplary.

RECOMMENDED: Fatty Brisket, Hot Links, Smoked Turkey, BBQ Beans, Pecan Pie.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Now open 11:00am to 9:00pm daily at Suite 110 of 6115 South Fort Apache Road, call (702) 844-8206 for take-out and the city’s best dollar-for-dollar catering value.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.bigbztexasbbq.com

Posted in Big B’s, Big B’s Texas BBQ, Big B’s Texas BBQ 2, Big B’s Texas BBQ Catering, Catering, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada Tagged Barbecue, Barbecue Sauce, Barbeque, Barbeque Sauce, BBQ, BBQ Bean, BBQ Beans, BBQ Sauce, Bean, Beans, Beef, Beef Brisket, Beef Hot Link, Beef Hot Links, Big B's, Big B's Texas BBQ, Big B’s Texas BBQ 2, Bread, Breast, Breasts, Brian Buechner, Brisket, Butter, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cow, Cows, Cream, Crust, Crusts, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Dessert, Desserts, Dressing, endoedibles, Fatty Beef Brisket, Fatty Brisket, Food, Foodie, Hot Link, Hot Links, Jalapeno, Jalapeno Pepper, Jalapeno Peppers, Jalapenos, Las Vegas, Lean Beef Brisket, Lean Brisket, Lettuce, LV, Mac & Cheese, Mac and Cheese, Macaroni, Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Macaroni Pasta, Michael Uzmann, Natalia Badzjo, Nevada, NV, Onion, Onions, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pecan, Pecan Pie, Pecan Pies, Pecans, Pepper, Peppers, Pickle, Pickles, Pie, Pies, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Red Onion, Red Onions, Salad, Salads, Salt, Sauce, Sausage, Side Salad, Sin City, Smoked Pork, Smoked Turkey, Smoked Turkey Breast, Sugar, Tomato, Tomatoes, Turkey, Turkey Breast, Turkey Breasts, Vegas

August 11, 2020
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Egg Sammie Catering, Las Vegas NV

Egg Sammie

Meat n’ Potatoes Sammie – Parmesan Scrambled Eggs, Red Wine Beef Short Rib, Crispy Hash Brown Waffle, Arugula, Pickled Red Onion, Horseradish Crema, Housemade Brioche

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sammie – Griddled Egg, Dill Pickles, Crack Sauce, Housemade Brioche

Bacon + Egg + Cheese Sammie – Soft Scrambled Eggs, Applewood Smoked Bacon, White American Cheese, Yum-Yum Sauce, Housemade Brioche

Soy Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi Sammie – Griddled Egg, Pickled Vegetables, Cilantro, Sriracha-Hoisin Aioli, Housemade Brioche

Crispy Smashed Taters – Smoked Salt, Crack Sauce

Jalapeno Bacon

Cheesy Taters – Soft Poached Egg, Gruyere Cheese Spun Mash Potatoes, Black Salt, Chives, French Baguette

Croissant Beignets

Previously impressed by Saturday take-out, everything on Egg Sammie’s smart and concise menu benefitting from Chef Marc Marrone’s tireless commitment to quality, a Tuesday #supportlocal Lunch at the office found an entirely new group of diners impressed by everything from Potatoes to the Restaurant’s eponymous Sandwiches.

Ordered for twenty-five, delivery at 11:30am timely from the hands of staff appropriately dressed in PPE, it was with all items temperature appropriate that first-shift quickly ravaged Fried Chicken as well as Bacon + Egg + Cheese Sammies, the Poultry with Pickles and a hit of “Crack Sauce” gilded by Egg Yolk while crispy Pork was softened by scrambled Eggs and surprisingly flavorful American Cheese.

Traveling just a short distance down Warm Springs Road from Rainbow, a tray of spicy Bacon holding up equally well as Egg Sammie’s reference-standard “Crispy Smashed Taters,” suffice it to say that “Cheesy Taters” riffing-on EggSlut’s empire-builder one-up the original thanks to Aligot-like constancy and just the right amount of seasoning.

Not about to forego Meat n’ Potatoes, Red Wine Short Ribs and cheesy Scrambled Eggs layered beneath a “Hash Brown Waffle” on golden Brioche, Pork Belly Banh Mi performed well without getting too funky for the average American thanks to thick slices of Swine, Pickled Vegetables and Sriracha-Hoisin Aioli.

Best described as “Quick Casual,” but not skimping on Ingredient quality or labor based on a look at Chef Marrone’s Social Media feed, lunch wrapped up with Croissant Beignets, a whole tray of the two-bite Cronuts eating lighter than expected, but plenty sweet thanks to a mountain of Powdered Sugar.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Egg Sammie may have stumbled upon an idea built to thrive in the “new normal,” a combination of skill and good Ingredients paired to low-prices and portability allowing guests to dine however they choose without sacrificing freshness, quality or perceived notions of dine-in safety.

RECOMMENDED: Crispy Smashed Taters, Cheesy Taters , Meat n’ Potatoes Sammie, Soy Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi Sammie.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Open 6a-2p weekdays and 8:00a-3:30 weekends at 7379 South Rainbow Boulevard Suite 170. Follow @egg.sammie on Social Media.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.facebook.com/eggsammie/

Posted in Breakfast, Catering, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, Egg Sammie, Egg Sammie Catering, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Waffle, Waffles Tagged Aged Cheddar, Aged Cheddar Cheese, Aioli, Aligot, American Cheese, Applewood, Applewood Bacon, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Bacon, Bacon + Egg + Cheese, Bacon + Egg + Cheese Sammie, Bacon + Egg + Cheese Sandwich, Baguette, Baguettes, Banh Mi, Banh Mi Sandwich, Beef, Beef Rib, Beef Ribs, Beef Short Rib, Beef Short Ribs, Beignet, Beignets, Black Salt, Bread, Breakfast Potato, Breakfast Potatoes, Breast, Breasts, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche Toast, Butter, Buttermilk, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sammie, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, Carrot, Carrots, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cheesy Taters, Chicken, Chicken Breast, Chicken Breasts, Chicken Sandwich, Chickens, Chive, Chives, Cilantro, Confectioner's Sugar, Cow, Cows, Crack Sauce, Cream, Crema, Crispy Hash Brown, Crispy Hash Brown Waffle, Crispy Hash Browns, Crispy Potato, Crispy Potatoes, Crispy Smashed Tater, Crispy Smashed Taters, Crispy Tater, Crispy Taters, Croissant, Croissant Beignet, Croissant Beignets, Croissant Donut, Croissant Donuts, Croissant Doughnut, Croissant Doughnuts, Croissants, Cronut, Cronuts, Dessert, Desserts, Dill, Dill Pickle, Dill Pickles, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Egg, Egg Salad, Egg Sammie, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, French Baguette, French Baguettes, Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fried Egg, Fried Eggs, Griddled Egg, Griddled Eggs, Gruyere, Gruyere Cheese, Gruyere Cheese Spun Mash Potato, Gruyere Cheese Spun Mash Potatoes, Hash Brown, Hash Brown Waffle, Hash Browns, Hoisin, Hoisin Aioli, Horseradish, Horseradish Crema, Housemade Brioche, Housemade Brioche Bread, Housemade Brioche Toast, Jalapeno, Jalapeno Bacon, Jalapeno Pepper, Jalapeno Peppers, Jalapenos, Las Vegas, LV, Marc Marrone, Mashed Potato, Mashed Potatoes, Meat + Potatoes, Meat n’ Potatoes, Meat n’ Potatoes Sammie, Meat n’ Potatoes Sandwich, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, NV, Onion, Onions, over easy egg, Over-Easy Eggs, Overeasy Egg, Overeasy Eggs, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Parmesan Scrambled Egg, Parmesan Scrambled Eggs, Pastries, Pastry, Pepper, Peppers, Pickle, Pickled Red Onion, Pickled Red Onions, Pickled Vegetable, Pickled Vegetables, Pickles, Poached Egg, Poached Eggs, Pommes Aligot, Pork Belly, Potato, Potatoes, Potatoes Aligot, Powdered Sugar, Red Onion, Red Onions, Red Wine, Red Wine Beef Short Rib, Red Wine Beef Short Ribs, Rib, Ribs, Salad, Salads, Salt, Sammie, Sammies, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Scrambled Egg, Short Rib, Short Ribs, Sin City, Smashed Tater, Smashed Taters, Smoked Bacon, Smoked Salt, Soft Poached Egg, Soft Poached Eggs, Soft Scrambled Egg, Soft Scrambled Eggs, Soy, Soy Braised Pork Belly, Soy Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi, Soy Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi Sammie, Soy Braised Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwich, Spicy Aioli, Sriracha, Sriracha-Hoisin Aioli, Sugar, Sunny-Side Egg, Sunny-Side Eggs, Sunny-side Up Egg, Sunny-side Up Eggs, Sunnyside Egg, Sunnyside Eggs, Sunnyside Up Egg, Sunnyside Up Eggs, Toast, Todd Lunger, Vegas, Vegetable, Vegetables, Waffle, Waffles, White American Cheese, Wine, Yolk, Yolks, Yum-Yum Sauce

August 8, 2020
11:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Oiga, Mire, Vea Colombian Cuisine, Las Vegas NV

Oiga, Mire, Vea Colombian Cuisine

Papa Rellena – Potato stuffed with Rice, Pork, Beef, Chicken

Arepa Paisa – White Corn Cake, Butter on the side

Pastel de Yucca – Yucca Root Pie stuffed with Rice, Egg, Beef

Bandeja Paisa – Grilled Steak, Pork Rind, Red Beans, Rice, Chorizo, Colombian Sausage, Fried Egg, Arepa, Ripe Plantain

Bistec – Beef Steak, Yucca Root, Potatoes, Creole Sauce, Ripe Plantain, Rice

Arroz con Pollo – Yellow Rice, Chicken, Peas, Carrots, Tomatoes, Peppers

Beef Empanada – Turnovers stuffed with Beef, Potatoes, Aji on the side

Bunuelo – Fried Bread with White Corn Flour, Cheese

Although most Las Vegas residents’ idea of Latin or South American fare begins and ends with the nearest Taco shop, a closer look at the local scene shows evidence of everything from Peruvian to Brazil and Argentina while Oiga,Mire,Vea has represented Colombia since the turn of the century.

Located at 2580 South Decatur Boulevard since 2000, not far from West Sahara but somewhat hidden inside the South Sahara Pavilion, Oiga,Mire,Vea bills itself as the “first authentic Colombian restaurant to establish in Las Vegas,” and from the moment one enters it’s mini-mart foyer hospitality is at the forefront.

Family owned and operated, with COVID-19 precautions finding all staff masked with sanitizer at-the-ready, it was via pre-order that two large bags were found sealed and ready to go, a quick perusal of the landscape finding not only an on-site bakery and packaged goods, but sizable dining room more than adequate for social distancing.

Not an especially pretty spot, though a mural in the main room suggests lush landscapes and gorgeous architecture back home, it was less than ten minutes later that eight items were unpacked for sharing, first bites of a Papa Rellena seeing skin break crisp to fluffy Rice, Potatoes and mixed Meat within.

Offering several housemade Condiments with the fare, vibrant green Chimichurri slanted more towards Garlic than heat a fine addition to warm Arepas or various Proteins, Pastel de Yucca from the bakery offer tremendous value on the dollar at nearly 8oz for $3.49 while those looking to eschew Rice should seek out Empandas that are remarkably rich but oilless for just $1.49 each.

Onward to Entrees, several Social Media sources suggesting high prices in comparison to what is served, suffice it to say 4oz of overcooked Beef smothered in Sauce alongside three types of Carbs did not justify $13.99, though Colombia’s traditional Bandeja Paisa with Steak, Pork Rinds, Chorizo, Sausage and sides was a delicious deal for just three dollars more.

A bit underwhelmed by Arroz con Pollo, the dearth of Poultry and previously frozen Vegetables doing little for otherwise enjoyable Rice, guests expecting a Mexican rendition of “Buñuelo” will possibly be disappointed by Oiga,Mire,Vea’s more savory version featuring Cornmeal plus Cheese and a texture not unlike Brazilian Pão de Queijo.

THREE AND A HALF STARS: With Colombian Cuisine still a rarity in Sin City Oiga,Mire,Vea takes its culture serious, and although some dishes were better than others the overall experience is enjoyable while staff’s commitment to safety as well as customer service is commendable.

RECOMMENDED: Pastel de Yucca, Bandeja Paisa, Beef Empanada, Bunuelo.

AVOID: Arroz con Pollo, Bistec.

TIP: Follow @oiga_mire_vea_colombiancuisine on Social for specials, Grubhub or Yelp! online ordering with pick-up or delivery available.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.facebook.com/OigaMireVeaColombianCuisine

Posted in Bread Basket, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Oiga Mire Vea, Oiga Mire Vea Colombian Cuisine, Pork Tagged Aji, Aji Sauce, Arepa, Arepa Paisa, Arepas, Arroz, Arroz con Pollo, Bandeja Paisa, Bean, Beans, Beef, Beef Empanada, Beef Empanadas, Beef Steak, Bistec, Bread, Buñuelo, Bunuelos, Butter, Carrot, Carrots, Cheese, Chicken, Chickens, Chimichurri, Chorizo, Colombian Sausage, Corn, Corn Flour, Cow, Cows, Creole Sauce, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, Empanada, Empanadas, endoedibles, Flour, Food, Foodie, Fried Bread, Fried Egg, Fried Eggs, Garlic, Grilled Steak, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemons, LV, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, NV, Oiga Mire Vea, Oiga Mire Vea Colombian Cuisine, Onion, Onions, Papa Rellena, Papa Rellenas, Pastel de Yuca, Pastel de Yucca, Pea, Peas, Pepper, Peppers, Pig, Plantain, Plantains, Pollo, Pork, Pork Rind, Pork Rinds, Potato, Potatoes, Red Bean, Red Beans, Rice, Ripe Plantain, Sauce, Sausage, Sin City, Steak, Sugar, Tomato, Tomatoes, Turnover, Turnovers, Vegas, White Corn, White Corn Cake, White Corn Flour, White Rice, Yellow Rice, Yolk, Yolks, Yuca, Yuca Root, Yuca Root Pie, Yucca, Yucca Root, Yucca Root Pie

August 6, 2020
11:20 AM
by: Uhockey

Naked City Pizza Catering [5,] Las Vegas NV

Naked City Pizza Catering

Naked Salad – Spinach, Lettuce, Red Peppers, Mozzarella Cheese, Tomatoes, Red Wine Vinaigrette

Chicken Wings – Blue Cheese, Ranch Dressing

Pepperoni Pizza Half Sheet – Naked City Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Cup n Char Pepperoni

The Helen Yee Pizza Half Sheet – Naked City Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Cup n Char Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon, Naked City Fries

Guinea Pie Half Sheet – White Garlic Sauce, Spinach, Grandma’s Meatballs, Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese

Buffalo 22 Half Sheet – White Sauce, Mozzarella, Cup n Char Pepperoni, House Italian Sausage, Crispy Garlic, Hot Honey, Roasted Garlic Crust

Buffalo Chicken-Bacon Mac n’ Cheese – Pasta, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Bleu, Buffalo Wings, Bacon

Gnocchi Gratin – Potato Gnocchi, Gorgonzola Dolce, Cream, Bread Crumbs, Fresh Herbs

Disneyland Day Monte Cristo – Ham, Swiss Cheese, Turkey, Bread, Battered and Fried, Raspberry Jam, Naked City Fries

Triple Chocolate Brownies / Macarons

Historically the first Restaurant ever tapped to #supportlocal with lunch at the office, and reprising their catering role several times since, it was on Thursday that Naked City Pizza once again put on a show with classics and novelties alike.

The sixth time bringing Christopher and Michael Palmeri’s Pizza Shop off-site, visits to half of their four locations currently off-limits amidst COVID-19 restrictions, it was minutes prior to 11:30am that a pair of longtime employees arrived with eleven items, easily enough Food for twice the number of guests with plenty of leftovers.

Not exactly a short distance to travel, yet presenting everything temperature appropriate with PPE to assure customer safety, it was not long before first-shift lunchers called dibs on Slices, Cup n’ Char Pepperoni predictably proving popular atop melted Mozzarella and housemade Sauce with plenty of Herbs, as did Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives famous Guinea Pie featuring White Garlic Sauce and Grandma Palmeri’s Meatballs.

Slinging Sin City’s best Chicken Wings, and additionally offering spicy bits of Poultry amidst Pasta Spirals, Cheddar, Mozzarella and Bacon, another heaping portion of Pasta arrived with tender Potato Dumplings in a bloomy Bleu Sauce restrained by Cream, Herbs and Breadcrumbs.

Lightening the load with a big Salad and housemade Dressing, Naked City’s Ranch predictably becoming dipping Sauce for the Crust of many, fans of Monte Cristo Sandwiches should pay close attention to Thursdays when Chef Palmeri occasionally pays homage to Disneyland, the fried Bread surrounding dueling Meats plus Swiss textbook when slathered with Raspberry Jelly.

Happy to admit Naked City’s hand-cut French Fries are better on-site, though the crispy spears atop “Helen Yee” are a fun contrast to three Meats that will raise some eyebrows, Dessert consisted of Brownies and Macarons, though an argument could be made that Naked City’s Buffalo 22 Pizza works just as well thanks to Hot Honey slicking Cheese, Pepperoni, House Italian Sausage and plenty of Garlic.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone there is a reason Naked City Pizza has been serving Sin City for over a decade, and so long as Christopher and Michael continue to work as hard as they always have there is little doubt that any order will delight a crowd whether at the Shop or delivered.

RECOMMENDED: Guinea Pie, Buffalo 22 Pie, Buffalo Chicken-Bacon Mac n’ Cheese, Gnocchi Gratin, Monte Cristo Sandwich

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: www.nakedcitylv.com/catering for large parties, and follow @ncpslv for specials such as the bargain family packs.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.nakedcitylv.com

Posted in Catering, Dessert, Food, Gnocchi, Italian, Las Vegas, Macaron, Macaroon, Naked City, Naked City Catering, Naked City Pizza, Naked City Pizza at The El Cortez, Naked City Pizza Catering, Naked City Pizza inside PT's, Naked City Pizza on Arville, Naked City Pizza on Eastern, Naked City Pizza on Paradise, Naked City Pizza Shop inside PT's, Naked City Pizza Shop on Eastern, Nevada, Pizza, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, Bacon, Basil, Batter, Beef, Beef and Pork Meatball, Beef and Pork Meatballs, Beef Meatball, Beef Meatballs, Bell Pepper, Bell Peppers, Bleu, Bleu Cheese, Blue Cheese, Bread, Bread Crumb, Bread Crumbs, Breadcrumb, Breadcrumbs, Brownie, Brownies, Buffalo 22, Buffalo 22 Half Sheet, Buffalo 22 Pie, Buffalo 22 Pizza, Buffalo Chicken, Buffalo Chicken Mac n’ Cheese, Buffalo Chicken-Bacon Mac n’ Cheese, Buffalo Wing, Buffalo Wings, Butter, Catering, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Leg, Chicken Legs, Chicken Wing, Chicken Wings, Chickens, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chips, Chris Palmeri, Christopher Palmeri, Cocoa, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookies, Cow, Cows, Cream, Cream Cheese, Crispy Garlic, Crust, Cup n Char, Cup n’ Char Pepperoni, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dill, Disneyland Day Monte Cristo, Disneyland Day Monte Cristo Sandwich, Disneyland Monte Cristo, Disneyland Monte Cristo Sandwich, Dressing, Dumpling, Dumplings, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Fresh Basil, Fresh Herb, Fresh Herbs, Fries, Fry, Garlic, Garlic Bun, Garlic Buns, Garlic Crust, Garlic Sauce, Gnocchi, Gnocchi Gratin, Gorgonzola, Gorgonzola Cheese, Gorgonzola Dolce, Gorgonzola Dolce Cheese, Grandma Palmeri's Meatball, Grandma Palmeri's Meatballs, Grandma’s Meatball, Grandma’s Meatballs, Gratin, Guinea Pie, Guinea Pie Pizza, Ham, Herb, Herbs, Honey, Hot Honey, Hot Italian Sausage, Hot Sausage, House Italian Sausage, House Vinaigrette, Housemade Sausage, Iceburg Lettuce, Italian Sausage, Jam, Jelly, Las Vegas, Leg, Legs, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, LV, Mac & Cheese, Mac n' Cheese, Macaron, Macaron Cookie, Macaron Cookies, Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Macarons, Marinated Tomato, Marinated Tomatoes, Meatball, Meatballs, Michael Palmeri, Michael Uzmann, Mike’s Hot Honey, Monte Cristo, Monte Cristo Sandwich, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Naked City, Naked City Catering, Naked City Fries, Naked City Fry, Naked City Las Vegas, Naked City Marinara, Naked City Pizza, Naked City Pizza Catering, Naked City Red Sauce, Naked City Tomato Sauce, Naked Salad, Nevada, NV, Onion, Onions, Palmeri, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Pecorino, Pecorino Cheese, Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Romano Cheese, Pepper, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza Half Sheet, Peppers, Pig, Pizza, Pork, Pork Meatball, Pork Meatballs, Potato, Potato Gnocchi, Potatoes, Powdered Sugar, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Raspberries, Raspberry, Raspberry Jam, Raspberry Jelly, Red Bell Pepper, Red Bell Peppers, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Red Sauce, Red Wine, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Garlic Crust, Romano Cheese, Salad, Salads, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sausage, Sausages, Sin City, Spinach, Spiral Pasta, Sugar, Swiss Cheese, The Helen Yee, The Helen Yee Pizza, The Helen Yee Pizza Half Sheet, The Naked City Pizza Shop, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Triple Chocolate Brownie, Triple Chocolate Brownies, Turkey, Vanilla, Vegas, Vegetable, Vegetables, Vinaigrette, White Garlic, White Garlic Sauce, White Sauce, Wing, Wings

August 4, 2020
11:20 AM
by: Uhockey

Meraki Greek Grill Catering [4,] Las Vegas NV

Meraki Greek Grill

Greek Rice

Greek Salad – Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Pepperoncini, Greek Vinaigrette

Gyro – Carved Beef/Lamb Mix

Chicken Gyro

Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onions (for Gyro Kit)

Keftedakia – Greek Style Grilled Meatballs, Ouzo, Herbs

Pastitsio – Penne Pasta, Tomatoes, Ground Beef, Bechamel, Cinnamon, Feta Cheese

Tzatziki – Authentic Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Garlic

Hummus – Garbanzo Beans, Tahini, Lemon

Pita

Falafel – Chickpea Fritters, Herbs

Galaktoboureko – Phyllo Dough, Citrus Semolina Custard

Ravani – Sweet Semolina Cake, Citrus Zest, Pistachio

Now a regular part of the lunch rotation, former Estiatorio Milos Chef Nikos Georgousis and Girair ‘Jerry’ Goumroian of Henderson’s The Great Greek all-but rescuing the plaza on Rainbow at Tropicana in early 2017, it was amidst COVID-19 precautions that catering was ordered on Tuesday, and difficult as it may seem to believe these guys just keep getting better.

Nothing less than an Off-Strip sensation since opening its doors, and pivoting nicely to off-site dining during the pandemic, it is with Phase Two that guests may opt for dine-in or to-go, Meraki’s servings always more than generous and prices so affordable that one sometimes wonders how the Restaurant is even making a profit.

Defined as “doing something with soul, creativity and love,” a spirit embodied by courteous employees taking all necessary precautions, it was at precisely 11:30am that Jerry and another employee arrived with several easy-stacking boxes containing temperature-control trays, this simple extra step guaranteeing Food is indistinguishable from that served inside the Restaurant.

Serving a diverse crowd on this occasion, but doing so with an impressive spread of Proteins, Produce and imported Ingredients, Hummus remains a highlight in terms of taste and texture while Keftedakia, or Greek-style Meatballs earned praise for bold flavors and a smooth grind with slight char accentuating the Herbs and Ouzo.

Asking for Feta and Dressing on the side of Meraki’s Greek Salad, both Olives and Yellow Peppers predictably devoured fast by staff, Greek Rice also received high praise for its fluffiness and flavor while the Gyro kit allowed ample customization of the Beef and Lamb Meat or Chicken with Tomatoes, Lettuce, Onion and tangy Tzatziki made with “authentic” Greek Yogurt.

Happy to find no shortage of Pita, soft and warm rounds gratuitously slathered with dueling Spreads, Vegetarians were further treated to crisp and oilless Falafel lightly perfumed by Onions, Herbs and Spices before indulging in daily-special Pastitsio featuring Penne Pasta, Tomatoes, Ground Beef and creamy Bechamel plus hints of Cinnamon.

Not forgetting Dessert, still-warm Galaktoboureko featuring Citrus Semolina Custard amidst Phyllo Dough still Las Vegas’ most splendid discovery of 2020, Ravani riffs on similar flavors in a more toothsome manner with Sugar-soaked Semolina Cake and crunchy Pistachios.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Meraki Greek Grill offers budget-friendly, fresh and well-crafted Fare with impeccable customer service, Girair and his team’s attention to detail making Meraki Las Vegas’ premier off-Strip spot for Mediterranean cuisine for the last three years.

RECOMMENDED: Hummus, Tzatziki, Gyro, Pastitsio, Keftedakia, Galaktoboureko, Ravani.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Open 11-9 Tuesday through Saturday and until 8pm on Sunday. Full menu for on-site dining, takeout and catering accurate per the website. Follow on Social Media @merakigreeklv for specials.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.merakigreekgrill.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Catering, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Meraki, Meraki Greek, Meraki Greek Grill, Meraki Greek Grill Catering, Nevada Tagged #supportlocal, Authentic Greek Yogurt, Baked Phyllo, Baked Phyllo Dough, Bechamel, Béchamel Sauce, Beef, Bourbon, Bourbon Vanilla, Bread, Cake, Cakes, Carved Beef, Carved Beef/Lamb Mix, Carved Lamb, Catering, Cheese, Chick Pea, Chick Peas, Chicken, Chicken Gyro, Chickens, Chickpea, Chickpea Fritter, Chickpea Fritters, Chickpeas, Cinnamon, Citrus, Citrus Custard, Citrus Semolina Custard, Citrus Zest, Cow, Cows, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Custard, Dessert, Desserts, Dill, Dough, endoedibles, Falafel, feta, Feta Cheese, Food, Foodie, Fresh Herbs, Fritter, Fritters, Galaktoboureko, Garbanzo Bean, Garbanzo Beans, Garlic, Girair Goumroian, Girair ‘Jerry’ Goumroian, Greek, Greek Rice, Greek Salad, Greek Spices, Greek Style Grilled Meatball, Greek Style Grilled Meatballs, Greek Style Meatball, Greek Style Meatballs, Greek Vinaigrette, Greek Yogurt, Greens, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Meatball, Grilled Meatballs, Ground Beef, gyro, Herb, Herbs, Honey, Hummus, Imported Feta Cheese, Jerry Goumroian, Kalamakia, Kalamata, Kalamata Olive, Kalamata Olives, Kalamatas, Keftedakia, Lamb, Lambs, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, LV, Mama’s Rice Pudding, Meat, Meatball, Meatballs, Meraki, Meraki Greek, Meraki Greek Grill, Meraki Greek Grill Catering, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, Nikos Georgousis, NV, Oil, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Onion, Onions, Ouzo, Parsley, Pasta, Paste, Pastitsio, Pastries, Pastry, Penne, Penne Pasta, Pepperoncini, Pepperoncinis, Phyllo, Phyllo Dough, Pistachio, Pistachios, Pita, Pita Bread, Ravani, Red Onion, Red Onions, Rice, Romaine, Romaine Lettuce, Salad, Salads, Seed, Seeds, Semolina, Semolina Cake, Semolina Custard, Sesame, Sesame Paste, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Sheep, Sin City, South Rainbow, Sweet Semolina Cake, Tahini, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tzatziki, Vanilla, Vegas, Vinaigrette, Warm Pita, Yogurt, Zest

August 1, 2020
11:05 AM
by: Uhockey

Sinful Subs [2,] Las Vegas NV

Sinful Subs

French Fries

Krusty Mac – American Cheese, Mozzarella, White Cheddar, Yellow Cheddar, Parmesan

Meat Styx – Grandma’s Homemade Meatloaf, Wonton Skin, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy

Pastram-Bomb – Grilled Pastrami, Mustard, Smooshed Fries, Swiss Cheese, Mozzarella

Baller – Hand Made Meatballs, Housemade Marinara, Melted Mozzarella Cheese

TV Dinner – Oven Roasted Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy

Skinny Dip – Grilled Shaved Sirloin, Sautéed Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, Mayo, American Cheese, Mozzarella, Au Jus

Rainy Day – Triple Decker Texas Toast, American Cheese, Mozzarella, Tomato Basil Soup

Italian Chick-en Vegas – Hand Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Housemade Marinara, Melted Mozzarella Cheese

Originally titled Seven Sinful Subs, but since expanding that idea to a few more Sandwiches and dropping the number, Vic Vegas’ Sinful Subs on Maryland Parkway opened its doors in 2016, a subsequent move to 5135 South Fort Apache Road finding the space a little tucked away while quality has improved under new ownership.

Part of a large complex also containing The Magic Noodle and Sweet Addiction, 10:30am to 9:00pm hours amidst COVID-19 precautions featuring well-spaced seating and staff clad in PPE, it was via Grubhub that pick-up was arranged for 11:00am, everything pre-paid and ready which limited time inside to less than a minute during which Van Halen played on overhead speakers.

Decorated similar to the UNLV-adjacent shop, but merely 4 miles from home, it was no more than fifteen minutes later that six diners were ready to indulge, five sides of Fries at 99-cents each offering great flavor with fried Mashed Potato consistency while “Meat Styx” cracked crisp to a Meatloaf middle that tasted good on its own but better when dipped in a sidecar of Pureed Potatoes with Gravy.

Moving on to “Krusty Mac,” the thick Sauce and Shells a bit too salty in areas with an abundance of crumbled Parmesan topping, suffice it to say that those in search of Cheese need look no further than Sinful Subs’ “Rainy Day” with three slices of Texas Toast sandwiching what seems like a pound of melted American and Mozzarella.

Fond of Vic’s Tomato Basil Soup, both on its own and as a dip for the Grilled Cheese, additional Sandwiches intended to be dunked include the “Skinny Dip” with Peppers, Onions and Jus plus “TV Dinner” that eats like Thanksgiving on a Bun complete with Corn-on-the-Cob and Cranberry Sauce.

Remiss to not mention Sinful Subs’ Bread, grilled golden and able to withstand several toppings, “Italian Chick-en Vegas” offers Parm on par with many local sit-down Restaurants thanks to a hand-breaded and fried-to-order Cutlet topped in housemade Marinara and melted Mozzarella while the “Baller” attempts similar but falls short as the Meatballs are overworked and dense without a lot of intrinsic flavor.

A bit more expensive than familiar chains, approximately $20 a person including tax + tip for these six Sandwiches and Sides, Sinful Subs’ “Pastram-Bomb” finished things off both herbaceous and smoky thanks to medium-thick Pastrami, Swiss and “smooshed” Fries with Mustard on the side.

FOUR STARS: Now a broader concept from when it first opened, Sinful Subs continues to outpace all the national chains in terms of quality as well as creativity, though at higher prices with the occasional inconsistencies such as the “Baller” which used to be excellent.

RECOMMENDED: Meat Styx, Pastram-Bomb, TV Dinner, Italian Chick-en Vegas, Tomato Basil Soup.

AVOID: Baller, Krusty Mac.

TIP: Check out Instagram @sinfulsubs for Specials, and be aware that online ordering mandates a side for each Sandwich, $0.99 to $1.49 extra, while ordering in person includes Chips for free.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.sinfulsubs.com

Posted in 7 Sinful Subs, 7 Sinful Subs by Vic Vegas, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Sinful Subs, Sinful Subs by Vic Vegas Tagged 7 Sinful Subs, 7 Sinful Subs by Vic Vegas, American Cheese, Au Jus, Baller, Baller Sandwich, Basil, Beef, Beef Sirloin, Bread, Breaded Chicken, Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Breast, Breasts, Bun, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Breast, Chicken Breasts, Chicken Cutlet, Chicken Parm, Chicken Parm Sandwich, Chicken Parm Sub, Chicken Parmesan, Corn, Corn on the Cob, Cow, Cows, Cranberries, Cranberry, Cranberry Sauce, Cutlet, Dressing, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, French Fries, French Fry, Fried Chicken Breast, Fried Chicken Breasts, Fries, Frred Chicken, Fry, Grandma’s Homemade Meatloaf, Grandma’s Meatloaf, Gravy, Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Grilled Pastrami, Grilled Shaved Sirloin, Grilled Sirloin, Hand Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Hand Made Meatball, Hand Made Meatballs, Handmade Meatball, Handmade Meatballs, Homemade Meatloaf, Housemade Marinara, Italian, Italian Chick-en Vegas, Italian Chick-en Vegas Sandwich, Jus, Krusty Mac, Las Vegas, Lettuce, LV, Mac & Cheese, Mac and Cheese, Mac n' Cheese, Macaroni, Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni 'n Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Macaroni Pasta, Marinara, Marinara Sauce, Mashed Potato, Mashed Potatoes, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Meat, Meat Styx, Meatball, Meatballs, Meatloaf, Melted Mozzarella, Melted Mozzarella Cheese, Michael Uzmann, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, mustard, Nevada, NV, Onion, Oven Roasted Turkey, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Parm, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Pasta, Pastram-Bomb, Pastram-Bomb Sandwich, PastramBomb, Pastrami, Pig, Pork, Potato, Potatoes, Rainy Day, Rainy Day Sandwich, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Roasted Red Pepper, Roasted Red Peppers, Roasted Turkey, Roasted Turkey Breast, Roll, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauteed Onion, Sauteed Onions, Seven Sinful Subs, Seven Sinful Subs by Vic Vegas, Shaved Sirloin, Sin City, Sinful Subs, Sinful Subs by Vic Vegas, Sirloin, Skinny Dip, Skinny Dip Sandwich, Smooshed Fries, Smooshed Fry, Soup, Stuffing, Sub, Sub Sandwich, Sub Sandwiches, Subs, Swiss, Swiss Cheese, Texas Toast, Toast, Tomato, Tomato Basil Soup, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Soup, Tomatoes, Turkey, Turkey Breast, TV Dinner, TV Dinner Sandwich, Vegas, Vic Vegas, White Cheddar, White Cheddar Cheese, Wonton, Wonton Skin, Wonton Skins, Wontons, Yellow Cheddar, Yellow Cheddar Cheese

July 30, 2020
11:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies, Las Vegas NV

Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies

Roni Roni Pie – Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, Basil, Pepperoni

Tomato Pie – Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Pahrump Valley Farms Tomatoes, Basil

Sunday Sauce Pie – Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, Nana’s Slow Cooked Pork Ragu

ala Vodka Pie – Vodka Sauce, Gemma’s Cheese Blend

Cheese Pie – Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Gemma’s Cheese Blend

Roast Pork Italian Torpedo – Broccolini, Provolone Picante, Pan Drippings

Roast Beef Italian Torpedo – Herb Mayo, Pickled Red Onion, Arugula

Gorgonzola Wedge – Bibb Lettuce, Pickled Onions, Tomatoes, Bacon, Blue Cheese Dressing

Caprese Salad – Burrata Cheese, Balsamic Vinegar, Pahrump Valley Farm Tomato, Red Wine Dressing

Lemon Herb Chicken Cutlet

Calabrian Braised Rib Tips

Eggplant Caponata

Oreo Zeppoli

Arguably Las Vegas’ hardest working Chef, particularly since the onset of COVID-19, it was after several flawless lunches from Graffiti Bao and Locale that Marc Marrone agreed to debut his newest concept last Thursday, and just like everything else tasted to date Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies shine as a result of passion, practice and Ingredient quality.

Officially launched August 6th, pre-orders for Tuesday and Thursday take-out currently offered online, Gemma Gemma’s is a tribute to Marrone’s late-grandmother Anita Gemma Marrone while the cartoon Pizzaiolo on each box pays homage to Marc’s father, with whom he grew up making Pizzas as a child.

Citing Gemma Gemma as the person who inspired his culinary career, it is at a price-point similar to that of Graffiti Bao that Marrone has built a menu of Pies, Sandwiches, Salads and Entrees, everything including Bread made in-house just as it is under Marrone’s leadership at Egg Sammie.

Kicking things off with 6” “Signature Pies,” each built atop 72-hour fermented Dough that eats light with a crispy edge not unlike Detroit-style, Gemma Gemma’s opening menu features three varieties customizable to guest preferences, the Vodka Sauce standing out thanks to light heat while locally grown Tomatoes and Marrone’s slowly simmered Pork Ragu from Locale Italian Kitchen are also exemplary.

Catering a Caprese and Wedge Salad, neither on the opening week menu but both receiving rave reviews from staff, upcoming Entrees include pounded Chicken Cutlets kissed by Citrus and slow-cooker-style Ribs that are at times a bit fatty but fall-from-the-bone tender and vibrant in terms of taste thanks to Tomatoes, Herbs and Calabrian Peppers.

Not forgetting a few spoons of Eggplant Caponata, Capers and Peppers competing for the spotlight with Vinegar tying everything together, guests seeking something other than Pizza should dive right into $8 Italian “Torpedos,” both Beef and Pork succulent and well-seasoned amidst Cheese and Veggies plus fluffy Hoagie Rolls amicable to soaking up all the Juices.

Finishing with Oreo Zeppoli, which in Gemma Gemma’s case are Sandwich Cookies fried in makeshift Funnel Cake Batter, additional items on a menu sure to evolve include Garlic Bread, Garlic Parm Wings and “Mozzarella Stix” all at prices ranging $7-$9.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies sees Chef Marc Marrone add yet another concept to his cadre, and based on the project’s first catering gig Southwest Las Vegas has yet another option to be thankful for.

RECOMMENDED: Tomato Pie, Sunday Sauce Pie, Roast Pork Italian Torpedo, Roast Beef Italian Torpedo, Eggplant Caponata.

AVOID: A few of the Rib Tips were a touch fatty and would have been benefited by better trimming, while others were almost all-Meat and no Bone or Fat.

TIP: See the website for current offerings and follow @gemmagemmapizza + @chefmarcmarrone on social for specials.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.gemmagemmapizza.com

Posted in Catering, Dessert, Food, Gemma Gemma Pizza, Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies, Italian, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pizza, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, A la Vodka, ala Vodka Pie, ala Vodka Pizza, Arugula, Bacon, balsamic, Balsamic Vinegar, Basil, Beef, Bibb Lettuce, Bleu, Bleu Cheese, Blue Cheese, Blue Cheese Dressing, Braised Rib Tip, Braised Rib Tips, Bread, Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Breast, Breasts, Broccoli, Broccoli Rabe, Broccolini, Burrata, Burrata Cheese, Butter, Calabrian Braised Rib Tip, Calabrian Braised Rib Tips, Calabrian Pepper, Calabrian Peppers, Capers, Caponata, Caprese, Caprese Salad, Catering, Cheese, Cheese Blend, Cheese Pie, Cheese Pizza, Chicken, Chicken Breast, Chicken Breasts, Chicken Cutlet, Chickens, Chocolate, Cookie, Cookies, Cow, Cows, Cream, Cutlet, Deep Fried Oreo, Deep Fried Oreo Cookie, Deep Fried Oreo Cookies, Deep Fried Oreos, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Dough, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Dressing, Eggplant, Eggplant Caponata, Eggplants, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Fried Chicken, Fried Oreo, Fried Oreo Cookie, Fried Oreo Cookies, Fried Oreos, Gemma Gemma Pizza, Gemma Gemma’s Square Pies, Gemma’s Cheese Blend, Gorgonzola, Gorgonzola Cheese, Gorgonzola Wedge, Gorgonzola Wedge Salad, Hand Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Hand Crushed Tomato Sauce, Herb, Herb Mayo, Herb Mayonnaise, Herbs, Italian Roast Beef, Italian Roast Beef Sandwich, Italian Roast Pork Sandwich, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemon Herb Chicken Cutlet, Lemons, Lettuce, LV, Marc Marrone, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Michael Uzmann, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Nana’s Slow Cooked Pork Ragu, Nevada, NV, Onion, Onions, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreo Zeppoli, Oreo Zeppolis, Oreos, Pahrump Valley Farm Tomato, Pahrump Valley Farms, Pahrump Valley Farms Tomato, Pahrump Valley Farms Tomatoes, Pan Dripping, Pan Drippings, Pastries, Pastry, Pecorino, Pecorino Cheese, Pepper, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Peppers, Pickle, Pickled Onion, pickled onions, Pickled Red Onion, Pickled Red Onions, Pickles, Pig, Pizza, Pork, Pork Ragu, Pork Rib, Pork Ribs, Provolone, Provolone Cheese, Provolone Picante, Provolone Picante Cheese, Ragu, Red Onion, Red Onions, Red Wine, Red Wine Dressing, Rib, Rib Tip, Rib Tips, Ribs, Roast Beef, Roast Beef Italian Sandwich, Roast Beef Italian Torpedo, Roast Beef Sandwich, Roast Pork, Roast Pork Italian Sandwich, Roast Pork Italian Torpedo, Roast Pork Sandwich, Roni Roni Pie, Roni Roni Pizza, Salad, Salads, Sandwich, Sandwich Cookie, Sandwich Cookies, Sandwiches, Sauce, Sin City, Sugar, Sunday Gravy, Sunday Sauce, Sunday Sauce Pie, Sunday Sauce Pizza, Todd Lunger, Tomato, Tomato Pie, Tomato Pizza, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Torpedo, Torpedo Sandwich, Vanilla, Vegas, Vinegar, Vodka, Vodka Sauce, WEDGE, WEDGE SALAD, Wine, Zeppoli, Zeppolis

July 29, 2020
11:30 AM
by: Uhockey

CurlyTop Baker, Henderson NV

CurlyTop Baker

Curly Oatmeal Chip Cookie – Oatmeal, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Tiger King Crunch Cookie – Sugar Coated Cereal Flakes, Orange Sugar, Chocolate Jimmies

Cookies n Cream Cookie – Crushed Sandwich Cookies, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Walnut Potato Chunk Cookie – Potato Chips, Dark Chocolate Chunks, Walnuts

Curly Velvet Cookie – Cocoa, White Chocolate Chips

Chocolate Explosion Cookie – Cocoa, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chunks

Potato Chipper Cookie – Potato Chips, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Mega Chip Cookie – White Chocolate Chips, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chunks

Chocolate Chunk Cookie – Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chunks

CurlyTop Campfire Cookie – Dark Chocolate Chunks, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Marshmallow Bits

Raspberry B&W Cookie – White Chocolate Chips, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Raspberry Jam

Curly French Toast Cookie – Cinnamon, Cinnamon Sugar Cereal, Maple

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie – Bacon, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chunks

Owned by Angela Pepe, CurlyTop Baker began as a project to feed Las Vegas’ homeless population, and operating out of a commissary kitchen in Henderson the staff has not only donated nearly 30,000 Cookies since inception, but also a portion of the proceeds.

Offered at ~$2 per palm-sized round, and baked fresh daily from high quality Ingredients “including real creamy Butter, pure Vanilla and cage-free Eggs” it is via E-mail or online shop that options can be perused before placing orders, over eighteen CurlyTop varieties available with the added ability to customize.

Known to distribute Cookies across the Valley each week, and offering shipping as well as pick-up at 2540 Anthem Village Drive, it was midday Wednesday that four dozen Cookies were collected at noon, limited hours something of an encumbrance though curbside delivery is complimentary during Covid-19 times.

Largely building on a single base with various Toppings and Mix-ins, a golden edge and soft-center occasionally crumbling as a result of Batter spread too thin, CuryTop’s “Chocolate Chunk” can best be thought of as Angela’s reference point, the mix of Semi-Sweet Chips and Dark Chocolate Chunks texturally pleasing whether together or alongside White Chocolate, Bacon, Walnuts or Potato Chips.

Continuing with the same Dough, but adding toasty Oats to create a reference-standard “Curly Oatmeal Chip Cookie,” those seeking something a little sweeter will find it in either Oreo-studded “Cookies n Cream” or “CurlyTop Campfire” with Graham Cracker Crumbs and melted Marshmallows.

Getting a bit messy with “Raspberry B&W,” though the Cookie’s taste and consistency is splendid, those less fond of Chocolate will find CurlyTop’s “Curly French Toast” not unlike a Snickerdoodle with added crunch while pop-culture referencing “Tiger King Crunch” dials things up a notch with Crystal Sugar and Frosted Flakes.

Adding good Cocoa to the base for two more, “Curly Velvet” moist but fairly one-note, “Chocolate Explosion” delivers on its name from edge-to-edge with both Chips and Chunks melted into a chewy Cake-like matrix.

THREE AND A HALF STARS: Dollar-per-ounce more expensive than many of Las Vegas’ best Cookies, CurlyTop Baker offers a wide range of options while adhering to a high standard of customer and community service, though in certain cases more focus on consistency than creativity would be welcomed.

RECOMMENDED: Curly Oatmeal Chip Cookie, Chocolate Explosion Cookie, Raspberry B&W Cookie, Curly French Toast Cookie.

AVOID: Curly Velvet Cookie is one-note, Cookies n Cream Cookie is too sweet, Tiger King Crunch Cookie almost seems stale as a result of the toppings.

TIP: E-mail info@curlytopbaker.com for details and pick-up hours which vary inside a fairly tight window (11a to 1p on this particular day.)

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.

www.curlytopbaker.com

Posted in Catering, CurlyTop Baker, CurlyTop Baker Cookie, CurlyTop Baker Cookies, Dessert, Food, Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, Angela Pepe, Anthem, Bacon, Bacon Chocolate Chip, Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie, Bread, Butter, Cereal, Cereal Flake, Cereal Flakes, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Chocolate Chunks, Chocolate Explosion, Chocolate Explosion Cookie, Chocolate Jimmies, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar Cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, Cocoa, Cookie, Cookies, Cookies n Cream Cookie, Cookies ‘n Cream, Corn Flake, Corn Flakes, Cornflake, Cornflakes, Cracker, Crackers, Cream, Crumb, Crumbs, Crushed Sandwich Cookie, Crushed Sandwich Cookies, Curly French Toast, Curly French Toast Cookie, Curly Oatmeal Chip, Curly Oatmeal Chip Cookie, Curly Velvet, Curly Velvet Cookie, CurlyTop Baker, CurlyTop Baker Cookie, CurlyTop Baker Cookies, CurlyTop Campfire, CurlyTop Campfire Cookie, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Chunk, Dark Chocolate Chunks, Dessert, Desserts, Egg, Eggs, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Frosted Flake, Frosted Flakes, Graham, Graham Cracker, Graham Cracker Crumb, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Grahams, Henderson, Jam, Jelly, Jimmies, Las Vegas, LV, Maple, Maple Syrup, Marshmallow, Marshmallow Bit, Marshmallow Bits, Marshmallows, Mega Chip, Mega Chip Cookie, Michael Uzmann, Nevada, NV, Oat, Oatmeal, Oats, Orange Sugar, Oreo, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreos, Pastries, Pastry, Pig, Pork, Potato, Potato Chip, Potato Chipper, Potato Chipper Cookie, Potato Chips, Potatoes, Raspberries, Raspberry, Raspberry B&W, Raspberry B&W Cookie, Raspberry Jam, Raspberry Jelly, Red Velvet, Sandwich Cookie, Sandwich Cookies, Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chip, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Sin City, Sprinkle, Sprinkles, Sugar, Sugar Coated Cereal Flake, Sugar Coated Cereal Flakes, Syrup, Tiger King Crunch, Tiger King Crunch Cookie, Vanilla, Vegas, Walnut, Walnut Potato Chunk, Walnut Potato Chunk Cookie, Walnuts, White Chocolate, White Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Chips

Soul Foo Young, Las Vegas NV

Suite 16 Seafood House, Las Vegas NV

Peru Chicken #2, Las Vegas NV

Johnny C’s Diner Catering [5,] Las Vegas NV

Rosallie [26,] Las Vegas NV

Wicked Donuts, Las Vegas NV

Big B’s Texas BBQ Catering [8,] Las Vegas NV

Egg Sammie Catering, Las Vegas NV

Oiga, Mire, Vea Colombian Cuisine, Las Vegas NV

Meraki Greek Grill Catering [4,] Las Vegas NV

Sinful Subs [2,] Las Vegas NV

Archives

Recent Posts

By City

Blogs I Love

Archives

Recent Posts

By City

By Popularity

Blogs I Love