Endo Edibles

April 26, 2014
2:18 PM
by: Uhockey

Buldogis Cafe, Las Vegas NV

Buldogis Café

Monte Cristo French Toast – Turkey, Ham, Cheddar, Fried Egg, Raspberry Jelly, Fire & Ice Spring Salad

Soy Caramel Chicken Wings and Waffle

Chili Cheese Dog – Beef Chili, Cheddar, Green Onions

Gang-nam Dog – Roasted Pork Belly, Cucumber, Nori, Sesame Seed

Euro Special Fries – Pork Belly Bacon, Cheddar, Herb Blend, Garlic Mayo

From a small storefront and food trucks peddling Korean inspired hotdogs to a proper restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner one could best describe Boyzie Milner’s new Buldogis Café an expansion on concept; all the familiar faces accounted for and joined by a few new friends in a homey little space on Spring Mountain Road. Originally opened as early as 7am but since trimming its hours to an eleven o’clock start it was just after 1:15 on a Saturday afternoon when my family and I entered the lightly decorated space and without another patron present as Biggie Hypnotize’d us a bit too loudly from overhead the menu was perused – a quintet of items both time-tested and trendy ordered and paid for at the counter even though full table service was provided by the lone waitress/server/busser/hostess from beginning to end. Beginning first with three Buldogi classics, two all-beef hotdogs and one order of fries, it should go without saying that both the franks and the house-made toppings were excellent and although fries proved a bit limp the combination of garlic and pork proved surprisingly light, the later gracing the briny Gang-nam for a smoky sapor that I only wish would have been present in the watery ham atop the underwhelming, bready, and overcooked Monte Cristo that arrived alongside an equally doughy waffle thankfully rescued by reference standard Korean Fried Chicken, crispy and lacquered with briny soy-caramel – by far the best bite of the afternoon and the best Korean Fried Chicken I’ve found in town. Obviously a work in progress and still looking to find its footing amongst the staunch competition of Spring Mountain suffice it to say that sticking to the classics is a safe bet at Buldogis café while wandering to more Americanized novelties is a risk; one Milner and team might better approach by being as creative as they are with the dogs – the pork belly and a quick trip to the deep fryer could do wonders for that sandwich.

TWO AND A HALF STARS: Clearly not yet garnering the traffic to justify their original early mornings and proving largely unpopulated throughout the course of our sixty minute Saturday lunch it would seem to me that Buldogi’s Café suffers largely in its lack of differentiation from the original; the hot dogs and wings expectedly well made but neither of the brunch options particularly novel nor nearly on par with versions elsewhere in The Valley.

RECOMMENDED: Gang-nam dog and soy-caramel chicken wings.

AVOID: Pairing an over-fried egg with simple griddled bread plus deli-meat no better than your local Von’s the “Monte Cristo” was entirely forgettable while both the waffle was only memorable as a lightly crisped sponge for the remaining soy-caramel, neither of them benefitted by chilly artificial maple syrup in any way at all.

TIP: While not personally offended by such things it warrants mention that uncensored rap plays prominently over the restaurants speakers; those with kids or strong opinions on the matter may wish to look elsewhere as even the casinos see it fit to omit F-bombs and racial slurs.

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

http://buldogis.com/

Posted in Breakfast, Buldogi's Cafe, Food, French Toast, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Waffles

April 26, 2014
9:07 AM
by: Uhockey

O Face Doughnuts, Las Vegas NV

O Face Doughnuts

“Traditional” Old Fashioned with crème fraiche

Yeast Raised

Bacon Apple Fritter

S’mores

Apple Pie

Blackberry with Lemon Zest

Lemon Rosemary Meringue with Blueberry Puree

Boston Cream

Cleverly named, conveniently located, and featuring the skills of a true pastry chef one might say that 6th Street’s “O Face Doughnuts” is Sin City’s first true ‘gourmet’ doughnuttery and officially open now for just one week my first take on the place can best be summed up with one word; Potential. Owned by Sonny Ahuja and featuring the talents of Crystal Whitford, both present when the doors to the cutesy space clicked open at 9:00am, the most conspicuous item missing as I arrived was unfortunately that which I had come for…the fried dough inexplicably delayed as a team of four worked diligently in the open kitchen to feed a growing crowd. Clearly working out kinks on the fly but never once frazzled as each of several dozen options were rolled, fried, and glazed it was nearly one hour and one hundred patrons into the morning that I watched Whitford and her team work before I made my eight selections and paying the $18 tab my sampling began, a piping hot apple fritter tinged with crispy bacon proving closer to monkey-bread in its large pull-apart structure and supple crumb. Moving next to a duo of classics, suffice it to say that whatever led to the morning delay and rushed prep-work yielded far too oily an old fashioned along with a flaccid yeast-raised ring but moving on to the filled options the chef’s skills shined as house-made creams, compotes, purees, and curds all impressed inside yeasty pockets with an array of delicate glazes. A strong believer that failing to prepare is preparing to fail but also attuned to the difficulties intrinsic to opening a new business I look forward to seeing how O Face grows and evolves but based on first impressions and a brief conversation with Chef Whitford and staff as they worked I’m rather confident O Face will soon find its footing and fill a long empty gap in DTLV.

THREE STARS: Having been to most of the “best” doughnut shops in America and watching the trend spread from PDX to Brooklyn and back through the Midwest the strength of O Face will be decided by their creativity, quality and consistency – the former already apparent while the later two will hopefully come with time. Bolstered by business from Fremont East and folks from the Downtown Project this isn’t a place soon to shutter – I’d say give them a few weeks to get their bearings before deciding for yourself.

RECOMMENDED: Bacon-Apple Fritter, S’mores, Fruit Filled Options.

AVOID: Classics like raised or old fashioned – there are plenty of other spots in town doing them better at 1/2 the $1.25 tab.

TIP: For now, avoid arriving too early if you want to see the full selection – items and specials change daily.

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

http://www.ofacedoughnuts.com/

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, O Face, O Face Donuts, O Face Doughnuts, Pork

April 26, 2014
7:07 AM
by: Uhockey

Grand Lux Cafe (Venetian,) Las Vegas NV

Grand Lux Café

Coffee

Red Velvet Pancakes – Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes with a Hint of Cocoa, Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting

Caramel Banana-Nut French Toast – Our Brioche French Toast Topped with Sauteed Bananas, Pecans and House-Made Caramel Sauce

Fried Chicken and Waffles – Topped with Crispy Fried Chicken Strips and Pecan Honey-Butter Sauce

Warm Sticky Bun Bread Pudding – Served with Whiskey Sauce, Sugared Pecans and Whipped Cream

“The Best” Carrot Cake – Citrus Cream Cheese Icing

An ‘upscale’ concept from the team behind The Cheesecake Factory I’d probably walked past Grand Lux Café one hundred times before realizing the ever bustling restaurant was open 24/7, a strong selling point given my early waking hours that led to further investigation of a menu that seemed perfect for a touristy weekend with visiting family. Somewhat brasserie in design with gold garnish and heavy fabrics plus a “patio” on the casino floor it was moments to seven on a Saturday morning that our trio was seated overlooking the Venetian’s lingering late-night revelers alongside the morning check-outs and with immense menus soon perused selections were made – a sweet and gluttonous affair slow to arrive and marred by slow refills as staff seemed to be idling into shift change. Admittedly more than a little puckish when plates were delivered nearly forty-five minutes later it was with relieved but bemused smiles that the three of us first laid eyes on the constituents of our $80 affair and although what was ordered would have been better suited for a half-dozen, the majority of it was worth the wait – an aggressively spiced carrot cake loaded with nuts plus shredded coconut and some of the thickest custard-drenched French Toast I’ve found both amongst the city’s best.

TWO AND A HALF STARS: Featuring average service and solid American food in big portions at a fair price I cannot really say that I found Grand Lux Café any more ‘upscale’ than it’s ubiquitous sister but happy to indulge in a gluttonous breakfast complete with dessert I definitely understand the appeal. Certainly not a place worth the hour long weekend waits nor somewhere I’ll be visiting for dinner I look forward to seeing how The Palazzo location stacks up the next time I’ve friends or family in town. Touristy? Sure…but what better city to occasionally embrace that role?

RECOMMENDED: Carrot Cake and French Toast – both reference standard for the 702.

AVOID: Bread Pudding was average and served lukewarm, chicken was too greasy though the waffle’s buttery crunch certainly helped.

TIP: If available a seat on the ‘patio’ overlooking the casino floor makes for great people watching, particularly as the late night crowd stumbles home in drunken disarray; be weary of shift changes when the hour approaches 8:00am, however, as tables seem to occasionally get ‘lost.’

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

http://www.grandluxcafe.com/

Posted in Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Grand Lux Cafe, Grand Lux Cafe Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pancakes, Waffles

April 19, 2014
6:54 PM
by: Uhockey

Andre’s, Las Vegas NV

Andre’s

2002 Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne

Venison Croquette with Apple Moustard

Marti Foie – Foie Gras, Honey, Tahitian Vanilla, Vodka with Candied Walnuts, Caramelized Pears, Pear Sorbet, Fruit Salad

Baguette and unsalted butter

Andre’s Classic Lobster Thermidor – Cognac, Gruyere, Mustard, Asparagus, Mushrooms

2008 5 Puttonyos Royal Tokaji

Pan Seared Duck Foie Gras – Verjus Reduction, Dried Fruit and Almond Custard Tart

Seared Jumbo Sea Scallop – Curried Beurre Blanc, Carrot Ginger Puree, Pickled Fennel

2009 Talbott Kali Hart Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Sauteed Sweetbreads – Minus 8 and Bing Cherries, Sauteed Spinach in Puff Pastry

Pan Seared Duck Breast – Spiced Orange Gastrique, Duck Jus, Duck and Pistachio Sausage, Currant and Couscous Cake, Sauteed Kale

Port Salut – Cherry Compote, Macadamia Tuile

Mango Sorbet – Caramelized Hibiscus, Tapioca

Cadbury Egg Soufflé with Creamy Chocolate Sabayon Sauce

Brandied Cherries

Almond and Coconut Truffles

Located next to Yusho in the renovated Monte Carlo Andre’s had long resided on my Vegas “to do” list and with the new Spring menu launch coinciding with Easter Traditions I finally opted to pay homage to Chef Rochat’s celebrated dining room for a refined experience far too uncommon in this city of modern glitz and glamour. Referred to by some a ‘stodgy’ with fine porcelain, silver, and lush fabrics to accompany formal service plus a cigar and cognac lounge my experience at Andre’s began a few days prior with an E-mail to Ms. Jana Lane Southard requesting a copy of the menu plus a supplemental classic to the chef’s tasting and with both requests granted to the tune of a small surcharge the dinner that followed was a true fete of three plus hours of near-perfect food and drink. Noting up front that beverages were not requested, but instead comped to the tune of me leaving more inebriated than I’d prefer, it was to a glass of brisk bubbly that I was welcomed and proceeding next to the almost-too-rich-for-one “Marti Foie” with a quartet of accoutrements my palate was soon warmed with a gamy croquette serving notice of bold flavors to come. Moving past mundane bread and frankly disappointing chilled butter it was with my upcharged request of demi-portion of Rochat’s classic Thermidor that my tasting began and served in a high-arched bowl the only thing more impressive than the portion was the prep as the butter-poached crustacean proved snappy-sweet amidst a sea of cognac custard studded with tender vegetables and light aromatics. Opting next for a caramelized seared steak of grade-A foie gras over savory fruitcake tinged with verjus and paired with Tokaji it was only course three that proved anything less than perfection as a slight over-sear dulled a freshly shucked scallop amidst flavors plucked from Robuchon, a small gaff not repeated in the plump sweetbreads or duet of duck – both amongst the most memorable preparations I’ve found in the state of Nevada. Transitioning to cheese, an area where I think Andre’s could certainly expand its selection, before an impressive palate cleanse it was at long last that a dessert long anticipated arrived; a tall and proud soufflé with a tableside finish proving whimsy and perfection can indeed coexist as cocoa, cream, and cinnamon melded seamlessly into an ethereal pudding. Rounding out the night with brandied cherries, chocolate, and a swig of cognac before settling the tab with a hefty tip it was with nothing but smiles that I exited Andre’s; my only regret being that I’d waited so long to do so.

FOUR STARS: Offering the full 7-course tasting plus extras for $135 Andre’s proves a veritable bargain compared to Le Cirque and Picasso with largely superior cuisine and although lacking in terms of bread, cheese, and luxuries lavished by Gagnaire, Savoy, or Robuchon the value on the dollar should impress all but the most jaded. A beautiful room with refined service and classic French cuisine seen far too infrequently in this city of modern glitz and glamour Chef Rochat’s eponymous restaurant serves notice that although times are changing “fine dining” most certainly is not dead.

RECOMMENDED: The thermidor, soufflé, offal, and game meats are not to be missed.

AVOID: Modernized or “fusion” dishes best left to Gagnaire or Robuchon.

TIP: Portions and pours at Andre’s trend towards large, particularly for diners not accustomed to the richness of French cuisine or those with low alcohol tolerance.

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

http://andrelv.com/

Posted in Andre's, Bread Basket, Dessert, Foie, Food, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Lobster, Nevada, Souffle, Sweetbreads, Tasting Menu

April 19, 2014
3:58 PM
by: Uhockey

Popcorn Girl, Las Vegas NV

Popcorn Girl

Las Vegas Mix – Butter, Sea Salt Caramel, Yellow Cheddar

S’mores

Birthday Cake

Located steps from my door with a second shop in Henderson Laurie Sabol’s “Popcorn Girl” was one of those places I knew would find my patronage eventually, a visit from family proving a perfect opportunity to stop in for welcoming gifts…and a whole lot of sampling. Tucked away in one of the many nondescript strip-malls along the urban sprawl of West Charleston a visit to Popcorn Girl begins ten-feet from the door with the beckoning smell of butter and on opening the door to cross the threshold the welcome builds in a sea of fresh, smiling faces happy to discuss the store’s artisan style and 100+ choices of house-made popcorn, candy, and fudge. At first a bit overwhelming in variety as bright hues decorate a variety of tins and four different menus it would take mere seconds to identify me as a first timer and handed a menu-map plus an invite to sample “as much as you like” I took full advantage – butter popcorn still warm, salted caramel sticky and sweet, and underwhelming vanilla discarded with recommendations to try the ‘birthday cake’ – a similar base lightly battered and dredged in cake mix. Served in sizes ranging from $2 to designer party baskets well into the hundreds samples of Butterfinger, green apple, and bananas foster would follow and eventually settling on two mini-bags to compliment my guests’ arrival baskets the results were well received; both the marshmallow and graham mixed S’mores and customized Las Vegas mix earning well earned praise for a total tab under $8.

FOUR STARS: A veritable bargain compared to Chicago institution Garrett’s with better product, more selection, and a shorter line plus vastly superior customer service it would take a true distaste for popcorn to not be enchanted by Popcorn Girl and with options priced to every budget I’ve little doubt I’ll be visiting frequently to fulfill gift-giving needs…or just to sample my way through the immense menu.

RECOMMENDED: Birthday Cake, Salted Caramel, and most of the chocolate menu.

AVOID: Candied options like the vanilla and green apple taste a bit artificial.

TIP: Both the Chicago and Vegas Mixes are blended to order so if you want white cheddar, unbuttered, or a different caramel option just ask.

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

http://www.popcorngirlvegas.com/

Posted in Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Popcorn Girl

April 19, 2014
1:09 PM
by: Uhockey

Forte European Tapas, Las Vegas NV

Forte European Tapas

Thick Pita – served with olive oil

Spanish chorizo chips con salsa tartufada

Chebureki – Georgian style deep fried beef dumplings

Marcona Almond Stuffed Dates wrapped in bacon and topped with Jerez Sherry Reduction

Calamares rellenos en su tinta – stuffed baby squid marinated and served in their own ink over Spanish herb rice

Adjarski Khachapurri – Georgian boat shaped bread filled with picked cheese and a cracked egg

Bulgarian Easter lamb with spring salad, arugula mashed potatoes, lamb jus

Sofiiska baniza – Feta cheese rolled in hand made phyllo dough and baked

Thracian Clay Pot – Bulgarian-style charcuterie, egg, tomatoes, peppers, onion, feta baked in a clay pot

Biscuit Cake – honey biscuits, mascarpone, chocolate, Lavazza Espresso, spiced rum, walnuts

Baklava – Walnuts and lemon honey syrup

Literally hidden by a gated patio in a strip-mall on Rainbow but featured in numerous publications as well as ‘Diners, Dives, and Drive-Ins” Forte European Tapas had been of interest to me even before moving to Las Vegas and recently opting to open its full menu for lunch a visit was planned – six persons cramming into a small high-top near the front door for a multi-course meal marred by hassled service and uneven culinary techniques throughout. Small in size and kitsch in décor with heavy woods accented by posters, graffiti, and Christmas lights as American pop played overhead it was less than sixty-seconds after the final member of our party arrived that orders were requested and having twice deferred only to be given the first of two strainers of warm bread a somewhat rushed order was placed with a request for items to be appropriately paced – a concept that, along with beverage refills, proved as foreign as the food with the table soon overburdened and serviceware for sharing few and far between. Opting for specials and staples from diverse regions including Spain, Greece, and nations of the former Soviet Union it was with oddly ‘truffled’ store-bought potato chips mixed with dry chorizo that our tasting began and rolling next into the duo of oily Chebureki and overcooked dates propped up by an outstanding sherry reduction it was with good fortune that the meal would soon improve, the tender whole squid restuffed with their tentacles and cooked in ink subtly sweet over aromatic rice. Left precious seconds to digest and discuss a second wave of food soon smothered the table once more and finding far more success than round one both of the breads proved superlative with big flavor and a pleasant degree of grassy funk that I only wish had been present in the tender but flavorless lamb, a ‘special’ by title only and completely forgotten compared to the bombastic mélange of meat, cheese, and vegetal aromatics contained in the clay pot. At this point sated but happy to finish with something sweet, two-parts each of baklava and biscuit cake rounded out the afternoon with the former benefitted not by lemon nor liberally applied simple syrup while the latter proved exquisite; a delicate balance of crunch and cream with mild sweetness harkening tiramisu but dressed up with honey and nuts that were perhaps stolen from the baklava and used here to better effect.

TWO AND A HALF STARS: While budget friendly and certainly different in offerings than other Vegas restaurants, Forte is at best a spot for nationals to feed a craving or for locals to dip a toe in something new. Suffering from understaffing and unevenness in preparation a careful group could certainly put together a good meal of the various tapas but those looking for a repast in the style of the represented regions will likely leave feeling both rushed and underwhelmed.

RECOMMENDED: Breads, Biscuit Cake, and the Clay Pot.

AVOID: Specials were not very ‘special’ and fried items proved greasy and overcooked.

TIP: English is a second language for the entire staff; be very specific and persistent in requesting refills and share plates.

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

http://www.barforte.com/

Posted in Bread Basket, Dessert, Food, Forte European Tapas, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork

April 19, 2014
8:01 AM
by: Uhockey

Bachi Healthy Life Kitchen, Las Vegas NV

Bachi Healthy Life Kitchen

Bella Farms Foie Gras de Canard – Blackberry Jam + Marcona Almonds + Cornichons + Cranberry Walnut Wheat Bread

Strawberry Guava Jam

Almond Brioche French Toast – Dipped in Coconut Custard with Tropical Fruits, Chocolate + Whipped Butter + Whipped Cream + Pure Maple Syrup + Blueberry Syrup + Coconut Syrup

Count meet Bachi HLK – Smoked Turkey + Gruyere + Blackberry Jam

A new breakfast and lunch concept from the team behind Las Vegas’ own Bachi Burger, Bachi HLK – or Healthy Living Kitchen – was amongst my most anticipated openings of 2014; the focus on quality sourcing and ‘green’ production values with a multitude of house-made items ready to cater to diverse diners and dietary needs encompassing everything I look for in a restaurant…and then I saw the menu. Located on West Russell in one of Spring Valley’s several strip malls and officially open 8a-4p seven days a week my arrival at Bachi HLK was greeted by the smell of fresh oranges being squeezed at the room-length open bar and soon finding smiling service from a young man named Brent I was offered my choice of seats – an exquisite experience amongst elegant blonde woods and an open floor plan marred only by slightly-too-loud pop music during my hour long solo visit. Featuring all all-day menu spanning appetizers and eggs to griddles, sandwiches, and salads it was to a veritable who’s who of personal favorites that I found myself tempted and opting for a trio even at the early hour of 8am the meal started with a bang, a creamy 2.5oz torchon of foie gras every bit on par with that at Bouchon but with better bread and house-made jam for $5 less. Already smiling as I tended to my liver it was at my request that the next plate was fired in the open kitchen and arriving with cheese still bulbbling the HLK take on a Monte Cristo was truly divine as briny bird with a hint of smoke found new light in aged gruyere while supple griddled brioche dusted with powdered sugar provided an eggy canvas for thick jam, some already onboard and more on the side. At this point sated but curiosity not yet satisfied it was with a bit of indecision that I sorted between pancakes, beignets, banana bread, and chicken on waffles but going with my instincts the final plate of the morning would prove the bet of the trio; a six stack of almond-coated custard rounds rousing the flavors of a pina colada only to be bolstered by a trio of all-natural syrups plus whipped cream and salted butter; the comparison again to Thomas Keller’s work on-strip with the “bread pudding style”, but Bachi’s more subtle and texturally appealing – a strong bit of praise considering the accolades and Michelin Stars garnered by the former.

FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Finally a destination breakfast off-strip; a place where superior ingredients receive proper treatment and results shine. The question becomes how exactly HLK will fit in given their Green Valley location as prices trend high and design harkens trendy downtown.

RECOMMENDED: Everything I ordered was delicious and beautifully prepared, but no matter what make sure you sample the house made jams, syrups, and jellies.

AVOID: Sitting too close to the front; speaker volumes seem higher the further one is from the Kitchen.

TIP: Grand opening is 4/26 and 4/27; 10% off all food orders.

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

www.bachihlk.com

Posted in Bachi Healthy Life Kitchen, Breakfast, Foie, Food, French Toast, Las Vegas, Nevada

April 19, 2014
7:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Camille by Manon, Las Vegas NV

Camille by Manon

Caramel and White Chocolate Chip Flan

Apple Tart

Chocolate Almond Croissant

Bear Claw

Macarons – Salty Caramel, Peanut Butter, Pistachio, Cherry, Blueberry, Coffee

Located on Rainbow in a repurposed fast-food parlor complete with drive-thru and far more seating than Patisserie Manon on West Charleston my visit to Camille was largely a result of Bachi HLK’s changed hours and having not been terribly impressed by the original my disappointments carried right over with only two of ten selections proving memorable in the least. Copiously praised for their haphazard macarons, uglier than most albeit far cheaper, suffice it to say that artificial flavors and colors are the rule at Manon and although the caramel and cherry both offered a crisp break into creamy filling the others were frankly gummy and unappealing even for $1.10. Moving on to laminated pastry, a tiny bear claw proved neither French nor interesting with a dearth of filling while a pancaked croissant covered for artificial almond tones with too much chocolate and questionable freshness as it was cool to touch even seconds after staff opened the doors. Taking a cue from a young server for my final selections as they hadn’t yet made anything choux it was in butter pastry that I finally found some reprieve for Camille and although I’m rather certain the apples on my tart came from an HFCS-labeled can the lattice itself was lovely, a trend equaled in the base of the decadent flan with sweet eggy tones punctuated by pockets of cocoa and a ribbon of caramel.

ONE AND A HALF STARS: Clearly doing well enough to justify a second storefront there are simply too many good French pastry shops in Las Vegas to waste time or calories on most of Manon’s goods no matter how low the prices or convenient the location.

RECOMMENDED: Although not particularly French, the flan is excellent (and large enough to share.)

AVOID: Macarons and anything else that seems time or labor intensive.

TIP: Having watched the team prep for the morning there is little doubt in my mind that Manon carries stock over from day to day; perhaps taking staff recommendations to heart is the way to go.

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

http://www.patisseriemanon.com/

Posted in Breakfast, Camille by Manon, Coffee, Croissant, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Macaroon, Nevada, Patisserie Manon

April 12, 2014
5:17 PM
by: Uhockey

Yonaka Modern Japanese, Las Vegas NV

Yonaka Modern Japanese

Cucumber Basil Martini – Sake, Basil, Cucumber, Lemon

Compressed Cucumber, Tomato, Salmon Eggs, Micro-basil

Crispy Brussel Sprouts – Lemon, Chili, Mint, Puffed Rice

Beet Fries – Rosemary, Sea Salt, Housemade Kewpie-style mayo

Karaage – Fried Chicken, Jalapeno, Mint, Basil, Onion

Sake Orenji – Scottish Salmon, Orange Supreme, Yuzu Tobiko, Orange Oil, Maldon

Nana Iro – Yellowtail, Grapefruit, Avocado, Cherry Tomato, Fennel, Chili Sauce

Suika Saka – Lean Tuna, Watermelon, Jalapeno, Mint, Cilantro, Basil Oil

Palate Cleanser – Winter melon, apple, mango, mint, micro-basil, strawberry water

Meat Candy – Twice Cooked Caramel Glazed Pork Belly, Kimchee Apple, Cilantro

Niku Berry – Wagyu, Strawberries, Enoki, King’s Trumpet Mushroom, Fennel Fronds, Fried Egg Puree, Thai Chimichurri

Sakana Yaki – Grilled Black Bass, Raibow Cauliflower, Cauliflower Dashi, Cucumber, Crème Fraiche

Age Maki – Baby Yellowtail, Avocado, Yuzu Kosho, Cilantro, Tempura

Foie Gras Nigiri – Liver, cous-cous

Corn Urchin – Grilled Corn, Uni-miso Butter, Uni, Negi

Greenies – Green Tea Brownie, Strawberry, Mint, White Chocolate

Chokobeets – Chocolate, Beet Ice Cream, Cocoa Nib

Kanmi-O – Peanut, Strawberry, Maple, Bacon, Banana

Mango Cotta – Mango, Pistachio, Coconut

Reinvigorated in my interests for Modern Japanese ‘fusion’ by a March experience with the Beard Award winning cuisine of Chef Tyson Cole at Uchi it was with guarded optimism that I assented to a friend’s suggestion to finally visit Yonaka; a three hour and sixteen course tasting of dynamic flavors and pristine balance proving the best I’ve experienced in Las Vegas this calendar year. Located in a typical strip mall on West Flamingo and featuring a concept self described as ‘Japanese tapas’ the evening began with the simple decision of bar versus table and opting for the later amidst a warm yet stark interior it was to the tune of a shared $95 omakase plus several supplements that the meal unfolded – an invigorating paco-jet concentrated cucumber amuse setting the stage for what would follow. Beginning first with a trio of fried happy hour bar-snacks from which the ‘best’ would be impossible to select and then transitioning into several amply portioned plates both cold and hot it was early on that a consistent pattern of superlative proteins over bright citrus and subtle aromatics emerged, the Suika Saka and Sakana Yaki particularly enthralling while the slightly overcooked Niku Berry’s beef proved that a mélange of mushrooms can truly save a plate, particularly served point/counterpoint with tart early-season strawberries. Rounding out savories with the crunchy Age Maki, an inspired take on Mexican Street corn dressed with briny uni, plus a $9 bite of slightly overseared foie gras cribbed direct from Austin it was at long last that we transitioned to sweets, a trio ordered but four delivered and all amongst the best I’ve experienced from Eastern influenced cuisine – the mango ‘yolk’ of the panna cotta and banana pudding-come-crème brulee Kanmi-O both on par with the pastry at Robuchon or Twist at half the price.

FIVE STARS: Michelin quality Japanese Fusion just off the strip. A sharable Omakase plus most items a la carte under $15 delivered with superlative service make Yonaka perhaps the best “fine dining” value in Sin City.

RECOMMENDED: Omakase and every single dessert.

AVOID: Seared items trended weaker than those fried or raw, the foie gras and Wagyu both suffering slightly from the heat but not ‘bad’ by any means.

TIP: The happy hour menu is ONLY offered at the bar, however they’ll happily serve you the beet fries at the table if you ask nicely.

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

http://www.yonakajapaneserestaurant.com/

Posted in Dessert, Foie, Food, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Sushi, Tasting Menu, Yonaka, Yonaka Modern Japanese

April 12, 2014
1:28 PM
by: Uhockey

The Cupcakery, Las Vegas NV

The Cupcakery

Southern Belle – Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting

Bugsy – Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Kir Royale – Raspberry Cake with Champagne Frosting

El Rolo – Rich Chocolate Cake piped with Dulce de Leche with Chocolate Ganache

Zoolander – Zucchini Cake with pecans, chocolate chips, pineapple and Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet & Salty – Caramel Cake with Swirled Cream Cheese Frosting, Caramel, Himalayan Pink Salt

Formerly with several locations spread across the valley but recently supplanted on the Strip by Corner Cakes it was a brief meeting that brought me to Lake Meade Boulevard’s “The Cupcakery” and with smiling staff serving up several novel interpretations of their eponymous treat it seems unthinkable to me that anyone would eschew such a place in favor of its abhorrent substitute. Featuring no less than eighteen varieties on my Saturday visit with all selections made in-house of largely organic ingredients, pure butter, and no preservatives each $3.25 creation of owner Pamela Jenkins begins with an impressively moist base featuring light sweetness and a supple crumb before building upward to a variety of frostings, the majority cream cheese, ready to serve the sweet tooth but never to overwhelm – the result a series of balanced bites with subtlety and nuance at the fore, In many ways overwhelming in options given cakes both traditional and trendy it was with the dainty Kir Royale that my tasting began and progressing light to heavy it was next the appropriately titled “Sweet & Salty” that wowed, the pink crystals a textural masterstroke and veritable palate cleanser to slightly under-spiced carrot cake and the inspired chocolate freckled Zoolander instantly rousing memories of Autumn in Ohio. Tasting bites throughout the afternoon interspersed with sips of La Colombe’s Corsica it was perhaps an effect of my coffee predilections that my final two tastes of The Cupcakery would prove most memorable and as good as the prototypical Red Velvet was in delivering light cocoa beneath aggressive tang it was the seasonal “El Rolo” that stole the spotlight, an Amedei-like smokiness to the dark chocolate proving an ample foil to intensely sweet liquid caramel.

FOUR STARS: Excellent quality cupcakes in unique flavors with an eye on balance, texture, and ingredients.

RECOMMENDED: Chocolate anything.

AVOID: Carrot Cake – it is not bad, but in a city where great carrot cakes exist you’d be better off with the Zoolander to satisfy vegetal interests.

TIP: They offer samples at the register and cupcakes on par with Sprinkles for $1 less.

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

http://www.thecupcakery.com

Posted in cupcakes, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, The Cupcakery

April 12, 2014
12:24 PM
by: Uhockey

District One Kitchen & Bar, Las Vegas NV

District One Kitchen & Bar

Tamarind Chicken Wings

Green Papaya Salad – Shrimp, Pork, Mint, Crushed Roasted Peanut

Fish Tacos – Yellowtail, Avocado, Cilantro, Cherry Tomato

Oxtail Pho

The Big Bone Soup – Bone and Marrow Soup

Slow Braised Pork Belly in Young Coconut Juice – Boiled Egg, Steamed Jasmine Rice

1lb Shrimp D1 Goodness, Medium Heat

Occupying the former home of Cravin’ Cajun and serving up modern Vietnamese cuisine in a room one part hipster-industrial and one part sports bar it was with a group of five that I sat down at District One Kitchen & Bar just minutes after noon and focusing our order on variety the results proved ‘variable’ at best. Clearly untrained and understaffed to handle a restaurant nearly 3/4 full by 12:30 it was with a trio of appetizers that our meal began and with beverage refills scarce as servers ran in circles perhaps it was fortuitous that none of the first round proved remotely spicy, the hamachi tacos bright and crisp at $3 each while dull, limp wings and the vinegar tinged salad proved entirely forgettable…and not particularly ‘Vietnamese’ at all. Moving next to larger scale items, a duo of pho dishes would prove respectable if not particularly well presented; the supple oxtail imbuing long rice noodles with a meaty sapor while an enormous proximal femur laced its broth with fat to balance ample scallions, though heat remained mute even in the presence of sliced jalapenos. Moving finally to the items that showed the kitchen’s promise, suffice it to say that tender pork belly first braised then rendered soft in coconut milk proved by far the most complex option of the afternoon despite its unexpected sweetness and although a seemingly odd choice, the throwback ‘get down n’ dirty’ shrimp finally delivered in the spice department, a pound of the snappy shell-ons again leaving my water-glass empty while wondering why we hadn’t just gone to Crab Corner or Hot n’ Juicy instead.

TWO STARS: An “everything to everyone” menu that seems to dumb down tradition in order to target a larger audience.

RECOMMENDED: Fish tacos, pork belly.

AVOID: Papaya salad, chicken wings, expectations that anything will be particularly funky or interesting.

TIP: Service is perfunctory and reactionary with little regard for assisting one another. Anticipate your needs and ask for items like knives, sharing plates, and refills early/repeatedly or be prepared to wait.

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

http://www.facebook.com/DistrictOneLV

Posted in District One, District One Kitchen & Bar, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork

April 12, 2014
7:34 AM
by: Uhockey

Wake Up Coffee Cafe, Las Vegas NV

Wake Up Coffee Café

Fig Strudel

Bird’s Nest Pastry

Chocolate Chip Blondie

Walnut Roll

Cannoli

Baklava

Phyllo Napoleon

Honeymoon Cake

Baba Rum

Having driven past the small Charleston storefront daily for nearly five months it was finally this Saturday that I decided to stop in at Wake Up Coffee Café, the husband-and-wife owned Armenian bakery greeting myself and a pair of local police officers with hot beverages and breakfast savorires alongside a tempting display of cakes, cookies, and pastries ranging several continents and cultures. Allowing the cops to go first as I browsed the options with the enviable task of spending a $20 gift certificate I was immediately taken aback by the low prices displayed below each item and fortunately en route to a brief morning meeting my selections ran a nine item gamut, the total bill a mere $21.45 and only a soggy cannoli and overly sweet baba proving anything less than impressive. Admittedly a touch slow in service as the owner tended to both the café and drive-thru it was with a warm fig strudel that my Wake Up tasting began and with shattering layers around sweet fruit my hopes for the rest soared, the boxed options experienced two hours later with much sharing and praise from my two colleagues but the glut of the bounty left to me. Trending light to rich alongside bold coffee both the macaroon-crisp walnut roll and reinterpreted napoleon offered serious textural contrast overlying mild flavors while traditional takes on the chocolate chip strewn blondie and dense baklava rivaled the city’s best – a sentiment I can only assume to be true of the novel cream-meets-crunch Bird’s Nest and a condensed milk sweetened graham and walnut butter “Honeymoon Cake” similar to the more appropriately titled “Dream” Cake at Manan.

THREE AND A HALF STARS: A first generation Armenian immigrant couple turning out excellent ethnic pastries in a cozy room with a convenient drive-thru at bargain basement prices. The “American Dream” in a city full of dreamers.

RECOMMENDED: Honeymoon Cake, Bird’s Nest, Baklava.

AVOID: Cream filled selections like the cannoli or baba as they are made the night prior and prone to ‘sog.’

TIP: Currently offering $10 restaurant.com certificates (must spend $20) and soon to launch a Groupon, though low prices for good quality should not dissuade a full price visit.

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

https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpCoffeeCafe

Posted in Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Wake Up Coffee Cafe

April 12, 2014
6:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Roxy’s Diner, Las Vegas NV

Roxy’s Diner

Coffee

Cinnamon Roll French Toast

French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Cheddar, Biscuit, Maple Syrup, Jelly, Honey

Butter Pecan Bread Pudding

Carrot Cake

Located in the lobby of The Stratosphere and operating 24/7 since its inception Roxy’s Diner had always struck me as the sort of restaurant targeting the hotel’s drunken late nights but with a recent menu update and a fresh coat of paint I suddenly found the place calling my name, a 6:00am breakfast proving well worth the trek. Large in size and copious in choices from the ‘all-day’ menu as Marilyn Monroe films and 50s décor flourish beneath an era appropriate soundtrack it was to smiling service that my arrival was met and although coffee refills occasionally required reminder nothing about kitschy cuisine lacked in the least. Beginning first with a duo of French Toasts, one part savory and one thoroughly sweet, suffice it to say that when compared to central-strip 24/7s like Central or Carnegie Roxy’s portions trend large for the price and although the sandwich was quite good with crispy bacon and fluffy eggs between supple bread it paled in comparison to the cinnamon roll’s gluttonous spiral complete with frosting and further gilded with a warm maple sidecar. Setting aside parts of the first course “to-go” (a ridiculous $1 surcharge for the box on my bill) and turning attention to desserts it was to another duo that I was treated and although I’m rather certain the bread pudding suffered a delay en route given the lukewarm temperature and melted ice cream the flavors were quite pleasant, a compliment equally offered to a sizable $6 carrot cake rife with cinnamon and thickly frosted with citrus-tinged cream cheese.

THREE STARS: A 50’s styled diner executing at the level expected for a diner with some clever twists and big portions at low prices compared to the central strip.

RECOMMENDED: Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Carrot Cake

AVOID: Taking items “to-go,” as even leftovers will carry a $1 surcharge.

TIP: There are waitresses and ‘coffee servers’ – these are two independent roles and they don’t always seem to communicate. Identify your coffee server early on if you’re the sort to drain a pot in the course of a meal.

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

http://www.stratospherehotel.com/Casino/Dining/Roxy-s-diner

Posted in Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Roxy's, Roxy's Diner

April 5, 2014
6:14 PM
by: Uhockey

Yusho, Las Vegas NV

Yusho

Last Word – London Dry Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino, Lime, Egg White

Rapid Descent – Genever, Orange Curacao, Lemon, Eau De Vie (not photographed)

Shigoku Oysters

2xFried Chicken – Kanzuri, Green Tea Lime

Octopus – Haricot Vert, Egg Yolk, Enoki Mushroom

Duck Breast – Shitake Marmalade, Scallion

Veggie Tempura – Seasonal Selection, Daikon Ponzu

Charred Eggplant – Japanese Mint, Plum, Peanuts

Duck Leg – Plum BBQ, Herbs, Steam Buns

Japanese Griddle Cake – Squid, Green Papaya, Thai Basil (Okonomiyaki)

NY Aged Strip Steak – Wagyu, Nori, Mushroom, Peppercorn

Pork Shoulder – Kimchi, Cilantro

Doughnuts – Tofu, Sweet Potato, Rosemary

Soft Serve – Coffee, Fernet Caramel, Pop Rocks, Nori

In a city full of displaced Chicagoans longing for their beef, dogs, and deep dish it would seem odd to some that one of the most exciting Windy City imports to Sin City in years has arrived in the form of Japanese Street food but having been lucky enough to attend the soft opening this Saturday suffice it to say that Yusho is poised to buck the trend of “celebrity chef” Strip-side dining. Owned by Matthias Merges and nothing short of stellar in its Avondale location where service, sourcing, and skills befitting his Michelin starred past found new footing in reinterpreted yakitori, a visit to Yusho at the Monte Carlo begins with the space, a jazzed up version of the original with a long floorplan plus eye-popping colors juxtaposing the gleaming open kitchen and with knowledgeable servers brought in from icons like Savoy and Robuchon without any pomp or pretense the ‘experience’ unfolds like few others – casually refined and a whole lot of fun, the kitchen and front of house doing each other justice even on day one. Speaking to the cuisine itself, having already visited the original twice a few selections were made while allowing the kitchen carte blanche otherwise and beginning with pristine oysters each of the eleven courses that followed proved superlative, the signature 2xChicken as good as ever while eggplant, pork shoulder, and crispy duck served with bao all served notice that that Fat Choy is no longer the only game in town. Surprised by the nutty, acid kissed octopus before being wowed by both the umami-laden wrapped Wagyu and a fluffy okonomiyaki serving up funk and heat tempered by fruit it was finally with a duo of desserts that we concluded and although the softserve remains a worthy staple it was the doughnuts that stole the show, an unexpected lightness from the tofu beneath sophisticated herbal notes and crystallized ginger, just barely sweet. Admittedly a fan of Chef Merges dating back to a meal partly responsible for stoking my love of fine dining during his tenure at Charlie Trotter’s only time will tell whether such a radical departure from the Vegas ‘norm’ will yield success, but with a great team already in place and a dynamic cocktail menu including several draught options alongside the sort of food this city has not yet seen I know I’ll be back soon because whether for drinks, bites, or a full meal Yusho is the sort of restaurant Las Vegas Boulevard needs.

http://montecarlo.com/restaurants/yusho.aspx

Posted in Coffee, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, Octopus, Pork, Yusho

April 5, 2014
2:54 PM
by: Uhockey

Carlo’s Bakery, Las Vegas NV

Carlo’s Bakery

Chocolate Cannoli and Cannoli

Chocolate dipped Pecan Wedge

Butter Crumb Danish

Red Velvet Cupcake

Carrot Cake Cupcake

Napoleon

Chocolate Meringue

7-Layer Cookie

Admittedly surprised by the passionate service of red sauce classics at Buddy V’s and Chef Valastro’s hands on approach to business during an early walkthrough of his imported Hoboken storefront it was with seemingly appropriate expectations that I approached the newly minted Carlo’s Bakery during its first official Saturday at The Venetian but with high prices, meager portions, and pedestrian pastry besmirched by long lines and paltry service suffice it to say the “cake boss” has a lot to learn. Clever in design and diverse in craft with cakes, cannoli, cookies by the pound and more sold in the Italian tradition of tickets and hand bills Carlo’s problems begin at the door where several starry eyed customers forget tickets in the face of photo-ops and proceeding to the counter the issue is multiplied by mislabeled product, the fledgling staff all the more confused with items frequently forgotten by many early reports – in my case a $3 creampuff for which I was charged but never received. Moving next to the product, prices not substantially different from the east coast flagship but still dramatically inflated given the name on the door, my tasting began with a pair of pre-filled cannolis and with sog already setting in suffice it to say better can be had at Montesano’s for half the price, any true Italian realizing filled-to-order is the only way to go. Admittedly disappointed but moving on to more, a duo of $3.50 cupcakes smaller and far less inspiring than Sprinkles or Bouchon would follow and proceeding to a duo of forgettable cookies I was thankful when three forms of puff pastry finally proved memorable – the fresh-cut Napoleon I’d watched the team layer, frost, and cut in the kitchen a flaky masterpiece and the still-warm cinnamon strudel danish a pastry well worth the five bucks. Obviously new and clearly capable of sustaining a few bumps in the road on the backs of adoring fans it will be interesting to see just how long Buddy and team can ride the initial wave of hype, but featuring the only legitimate Italian Bakery on the strip I’m sure they’ll be around long enough to justify waiting to visit unless one is a true fan – and even then I’d suggest checking out Freed’s or Montesano’s first.

TWO AND A HALF STARS: Paying a premium for the location and celebrity chef ‘experience.’

RECOMMENDED: Puff pastry, specifically items you watch them make fresh.

AVOID: Anything filled and left to sit.

TIP: Get there early and grab a ticket or be prepared to wait; check your order before you leave.

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

http://www.carlosbakery.com/

Posted in Breakfast, Carlo's Bakery, Dessert, Food, Italian, Las Vegas, Nevada

April 5, 2014
12:46 PM
by: Uhockey

Cathay House Restaurant, Las Vegas NV

Cathay House Restaurant

XLB

Shu Mai

Steamed BBQ Pork Buns

Lobster Special with Ginger Noodles

Egg Custard Tarts

Baked Egg Yolk Buns

Baked BBQ Pork Buns

Crispy Garlic Smelt

Baked Coconut Buns

Crispy Duck

Sticky Pork Ribs

Shrimp and Crab Balls

Having found KJ Seafood and Dim Sum at the Rio a good value for high quality cart service as a packed dining room assured freshly circulating plates throughout our ninety minute stay it was with a group of five that I sat down at Spring Mountain staple Cathay House hoping to further dispel rumors of Sin City’s subpar dim sum but with slipshod service and too few patrons even on Saturday at noon the results were, at best, mixed. Starting at the door where hasty greetings lead us to the back room it would be less that thirty seconds after seating that the blitzkrieg began – baskets and steamers that had clearly been propped against the wall shoved in our faces with several selections requiring an unannounced trip to the kitchen microwave – and kicking off with a trio of steamed options it was only BBQ Pork buns that proved competent as rubbery XLB and Shu Mai skins undermined otherwise juicy contents. Still frenetic in pace as a $16 lobster special with slippery noodles swimming in ginger found its way to the table alongside a trio of excellent baked pastries it would unfortunately not be long before these gems were lost amidst overly salted garlic smelt and a dry coconut sponge, the duo immediately leaving me parched as beverage refills lagged. Admittedly underwhelmed at this point but willing to go one more round it was at long last (actually only 40 minutes) that Cathay House would rally with a strong finish from a duo of kitchen fresh carts – the crispy duck, sticky pork ribs, and supple shrimp balls all piping hot and reference standard leaving me to wonder what could have been had everything else been delivered fresh.

TWO STARS: Cheap and quick or Affordable and rushed; glass half full or glass half empty?

RECOMMENDED: Baked Egg Yolk Buns, Crispy Duck, Shrimp Balls

AVOID: Anything they suggest needs to be rewarmed, anything wrapped and streamed.

TIP: Request a seat in the main room and pay attention to the kitchen door, only order what is truly fresh.

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

http://www.yelp.com/biz/cathay-house-restaurant-las-vegas

Posted in Cathay House, Cathay House Restaurant, Crab, Food, Las Vegas, Lobster, Nevada, Pork

April 5, 2014
9:17 AM
by: Uhockey

Terrace Point Cafe and Drugstore Cafe, Las Vegas NV

Drugstore Café and Terrace Point Café

Magic Cookie Bar – Coconut, Caramel, Shortbread, Chocolate, Pretzels

Almond Croissant

Frosted Cinnamon Roll

Maine Lobster Benedict – Poached Eggs, Lobster, Roasted Corn, Asparagus, Bacon Waffles, Béarnaise, Skillet Red Potatoes

Chicken and Waffles – two fried chicken breasts, poached egg, bacon-scallion waffle, spiced maple syrup

Red Velvet Pancakes – White Chocolate Shavings, Chocolate Chip Nibs, Vanilla Cream Glaze

Captain Crunch Coated Brioche French Toast – Salted Buttered Pecans, Caramelized Banana, Toffee, Maple Syrup

Located in The Wynn overlooking the resort’s lush gardens and pools Terrace Point Café had long been on my breakfast ‘to-do’ list and with a Saturday morning meeting behind me our 9:00am arrival found myself and a friend squarely in the middle of the restaurant’s morning bustle, a friendly but overburdened server named Hector providing service for the subsequent two hours. Open for breakfast and lunch featuring a well culled ‘all-day’ menu of novel takes on staples from each it was with minimal delay that options were perused and opting for one course savory and a second sweet it would not be long before plates arrived, each surprisingly well portioned and pristinely prepared to justify an admittedly high tariff. Beginning with butter-poached lobster atop savory waffles and a bed of fresh vegetables liberally topped with creamy béarnaise alongside two crispy fried chicken breasts stacked amidst supple waffles crowned with an egg and Crystal infused maple syrup suffice it to say that both ingredient sourcing and preparation technique proved every bit worthy of Steve Wynn’s reputation and yet as good as these were the sweets that followed were even better, the crunch-yields-custard French Toast among the nation’s best even before adding pure maple syrup while the mountain of fluffy pancakes sandwiching layers of vanilla tinged cream cheese resembled a true Red Velvet cake big enough to share…amongst four. Truly an enjoyable morning bathed in the warm sunshine of immense windows and high ceilings it was admittedly with some regret that we neglected to taste any of Terrace Point’s pastries but returning later that day after a bit of Fashion Show shopping I opted to make amends at grab-and-go sister, Drugstore Café – a trio of three items proving equally competent to that served in the dining room with both a decadent brioche cinnamon roll and rich “magic” cookie bar proving delicious and slightly superior to the twice-baked almond croissant; a shattering shell and great texture marred by just a bit too much sweet frangipane; a good choice for the strip but a far cry from Bonjour or Sugar Bee’s for city’s best.

http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/Restaurants/CasualDining/TerracePointCafe

Posted in Breakfast, Croissant, Dessert, Drugstore Cafe, Food, French Toast, Las Vegas, Lobster, Nevada, Pancakes, Pork, Terrace Point Cafe, Waffles

March 29, 2014
5:03 PM
by: Uhockey

Rollin’ Smoke Barbeque, Las Vegas NV

Rollin Smoke Barbeque

AYCE Plate 1 – Brisket, Pulled Pork, Spare Ribs, Corn Nuggets, Hush Puppies

Banana Pudding

Corn Bread

AYCE Plate 2 – Beef Rib, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Meatloaf, Loaded Mashed Potato, Fried Onion Strings

Peach Cobbler with Blue Bell Ice Cream

Having recently returned from a Lone Star State tour of smoked meat Meccas ranging from Black’s and Snow’s to Pecan Lodge and Franklin it was with modest expectations but high hopes that I approached Rollin Smoke, a space many locals and critics have hailed as the best barbeque in Las Vegas, and opting to explore the menu through a generous $24.99 all-you-can eat program I must say I walked away a (very full) believer. Located on South Highland where outdoor smokers and burning hickory alert the senses to something more than industrial surroundings Rollin Smoke is as small and homey as many a’ Texas or Kansas City ‘cue spots and staffed by Razorback pitmaster Trey Holland plus a dedicated team of enthusiasts the service is every bit on par with that down south – a true love of the art noted in lengthy answers to questions about woods, temperatures, and process while simultaneously making sure every guest is content. Featuring a diverse menu with spices and rubs harkening the style of BBQ found across the south but a bit more aggressively sweet than that in Texas it was with a trio of smoked meats, two must-order sides, and buttery cornbread that I began and although brisket was a bit drier than I’d prefer the smoke was prominent and flavor was on point – a trend extending to fatty ribs and supple pulled pork that lacked not for juices, the latter falling just short of KC’s Oklahoma Joe’s reference standard. Still nibbling at the creamy corn nuggets as plate two arrived it was here that I sampled Holland’s two most raved items and with a blackened caramelized crust overlying tender flesh and melted collagen the beef rib wowed just as much as the signature meatloaf, absolutely rife with hickory notes and light heat amidst a delicately packed beef. Ignoring decent but mundane chicken and mac n’ cheese I found inedibly bland compared to the rich potatoes and previous fried sides it was with a duo of desserts that I rounded out the tasting and suffice it to say that while banana pudding tastes straight from a box the focus should instead be directed to the cobbler, a bubbling bowl of soft peaches with buttery pie crust crowned with Texas’ own Blue Bell vanilla – a perfect end to a pretty damned good meal by any standard.

http://rollinsmokebarbeque.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Cornbread, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Rollin Smoke, Rollin' Smoke Barbeque

March 29, 2014
2:29 PM
by: Uhockey

Sprinkles, Las Vegas NV

Sprinkles

Red Velvet – Cream Cheese Frosting

Cuban Coffee – Light Chocolate Cake, Coffee Frosting, Cinnamon, Cocoa

Triple Cinnamon – Buttermilk Cake, Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, Cinnamon Sugar

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Peanut Butter Pretzel Chip Cookie

Salted Oatmeal Cornflake Cookie / Salty Caramel Ice Cream – House Made Caramel, Fleur de Sel

Snickerdoodle

Having first visited Sprinkles when it was a single shop in Beverley Hills as far back as January 2007 and watching the brand, its portfolio, and its prices grow while portions have shrunk I was admittedly curious to see how the hour-long waits of old would translate to a supersized store in The Linq, a Saturday morning visit just after opening mitigating any queue and a sizable order proving that the brand has actually aged well. Friendly in service and large in footprint with ice cream to the right, cupcakes to the left, and the ever popular (and hilariously confusing to Euro-tourists looking for cash) ATM outdoors it was to the tune of $27 that an order of three cakes, four cookies, and a scoop of ice cream…plus several tastes…were procured and taking a wobbly seat beneath the boom of Beyonce followed by Bee-Gee’s the indulgence began. Starting off with a cookie sandwich, crafted carefully with intense caramel ice cream flecked with crunchy salt between two subtly spiced cookies, and then moving to the stunning peanut butter/pretzel amalgam plus a slightly oversalted chocolate chip it was with an early sugar buzz that attention next turned to Sprinkles’ mainstays; each of the $4.25 cupcakes featuring a moist yet light base with subtlety serving to balance intense frostings – the triple cinnamon particularly impressive even if it was the Red Velvet that spawned an empire. Typically favoring a more dense crumb and higher frosting-to-cake ratio suffice it to say that although originally a skeptic I’ve little doubt that this will not be my last stop at Sprinkles and while still not the best in the city (or even on the strip) both the Carrot Cake and a “Sprinkles Sundae” are calling my name.

http://www.sprinkles.com/

Posted in Breakfast, cupcakes, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Las Vegas, Nevada, Sprinkles

March 29, 2014
12:27 PM
by: Uhockey

Flour & Barley, Las Vegas NV

Flour & Barley

Sesame Bread Sticks

Meatballs – Beef, Veal, Pork with Tomato Sauce, Parmesan, Salsa Verde

Mozzarella en Carozza – Italian Bread, Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Basil, Tomato Sauce

Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich – Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Arugula on Ciabatini

Margherita – Mozzarella and Basil

Calabrese – Meatball, Sausage, Prosciutto Cotto, Mozzarella, Calabrian Chili, Salsa Verde

Carbonara – Mozzarella, Pancetta, Cauliflower, Cracked Black Pepper, Farm Egg (added Sottocenere Truffle Cheese)

Located in The Linq and part of a relentless wave of new artisan pizzerias throughout Las Vegas, Block 16’s “Flour & Barley” seems, at first glance, to be just another “me too” restaurant concept but with a well culled menu of Southern Italian plates to round out an interesting collection of wood fired pizzas it was with modestly high expectations that I sat down to lunch with four others on Saturday. Originally seated outside but later transitioning indoors as thumping music and debris from a nearby palm tree made the former unpleasant it should first be said that the interior of the restaurant warrants a look even for those opting for a ‘slice’ at the Linqside window as design flourishes such as repurposed barstools and lighting are built to wow and moving past expected freshman service mistakes to the meal that transpired, most of it was good – no more and no less. Beginning with appetizers, expectedly suffering from on-strip pricing much like the pies, a trio of plates arrived after rather forgettable breadsticks and with the meatballs and whole-milk mozzarella ham sandwiches both pleasant enough only the eggplant really shined; the breading harkening panko and the meaty vegetable supple without being oily in the least. Focusing next on Pizza, one white and two red, a quick look at the crust shows a good char begetting a crisp chew to mixed flours imbued with either semolina or corn, and moving on to ingredients both meats and cheeses shined – a truffled addition to the Carbonara adding great depth to a pie that easily stole the show from overly sugared San Marzanos hampering the simple Margherita and spicy Calabrese. Passing on desserts based on a complete lack of creativity and the presence of Sprinkles next door it was to the tune of $125 after taxes and tip that we settled the tab and while I’m rarely one to quibble prices suffice it to say there are better pizzas and superior red sauce Italian values to be found throughout the Valley…even on strip I can name at least five.

http://www.flourandbarley.com/

Posted in Bread Basket, Flour & Barley, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pizza, Pork, Truffle

Buldogis Cafe, Las Vegas NV

O Face Doughnuts, Las Vegas NV

Grand Lux Cafe (Venetian,) Las Vegas NV

Andre’s, Las Vegas NV

Popcorn Girl, Las Vegas NV

Forte European Tapas, Las Vegas NV

Bachi Healthy Life Kitchen, Las Vegas NV

Camille by Manon, Las Vegas NV

Yonaka Modern Japanese, Las Vegas NV

The Cupcakery, Las Vegas NV

District One Kitchen & Bar, Las Vegas NV

Wake Up Coffee Cafe, Las Vegas NV

Roxy’s Diner, Las Vegas NV

Yusho, Las Vegas NV

Carlo’s Bakery, Las Vegas NV

Cathay House Restaurant, Las Vegas NV

Terrace Point Cafe and Drugstore Cafe, Las Vegas NV

Rollin’ Smoke Barbeque, Las Vegas NV

Sprinkles, Las Vegas NV

Flour & Barley, Las Vegas NV

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