Located in North Park and known for Vegan Donuts plus Montreal style Bagels Nomad Donuts has earned something of a cult following, the shabby-chic design coupled with friendly service often seeing sell-outs prior to closing time.
Founded by Brad Keiller, his creations frequently featured as pairings to Beer by local breweries, it was midday that Nomad’s racks were found somewhat picked over, though several unique ideas still remained.
Priced on par with similar spots in San Diego, four Donuts around $18 with tax and tip, Nomad’s Cruller unfortunately lacks the eggy-interior usually associated while Rings are fluffy but compromised by Frosting with a granular consistency.
Fortunate to snag the last Cinnamon Roll, a baked spiral that is loose and moist despite a good amount of Cinnamon, Maple Icing is still more gritty than preferred but finds itself balanced out by crispy Bacon crumbles.
Buckeye Frenzy, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Housemade Waffle Cone
From humble beginnings in the North Market to calculated nationwide expansion Jeni’s will always hold a special place in the heart of this Buckeye, every visit since senior year of college offering something new and delicious and on this sunny Sunday highlighted by all the flavors of a Buckeye with Crispy Rice juxtaposing Almond Brittle.
As the only Michelin Bib Gourmand breakfast joint in America Morning Glory has definitely earned its accolades, though for those interested in a peaceful Brunch the space known for two-hour waits and n-bomb laden music at high decibels may not be worth the effort.
Owned by Consortium Holdings, a no reservations policy and central positioning in Little Italy creating a scene each day, it is after a line up stairs to put one’s name on the list that guests are free to wander until texted, the same staircase eventually yielding access to a second story space lined in pink and kitsch.
Purporting “breakfast dim sum,” the cart barely ever moving through tightly-packed tables, diners are invited to select from a supersized menu full of odd fonts and globally inspired fare ranging Fried Rice to Japanese Pancakes and Georgian Boat Bread.
A difficult decision for just two, Souffle Pancakes an obvious choice that compares favorably to those found in the San Gabriel Valley, it was at the bar that Quesabirria proved competent despite lacking the complexity of many while the Skillet Pancake is shareable by a family and loaded with good Ingredients.
Owned by the SDCM Restaurant Group behind Kettner Exchange Devil’s Dozen debuted in 2015, a Little Italy address predictably generating lines that the shop’s limited size continues to struggle with now.
Narrow across the alley from KEX, a single window beneath the rooftop patio in charge of selling fried Dough plus elaborate Lattes to the Soy or Oat Milk crowd, guests can expect to wait, wait and wait some more while one guest has their whole six-drink order prepared even though others just desiring Pastries could easily be addressed in the meantime.
Thirty minutes to move three orders, the online ordering system never once operational across two days, those with persistence will find the Donuts themselves mostly-well constructed, the raised options light and springy regardless of toppings while the Old Fashioned is unfortunately a bit dry.
Prone to frequent change, Gluten-free choices available on weekends for those feigning an allergy, do consider the “Cosmic Brownie” if available as the Brioche ring marries semi-cooked Batter to airy Whipped Cream and Sprinkles.
Dubbed Kettner Exchange, a Little Italy address and flowing indoor-outdoor environs prone to youthful crowds fueled by fancy Cocktails, Michelin’s idea of “Bib Gourmand” gets pretty convoluted in a setting where small plates top $25 and entrees for two include a $110 Steak.
Named in honor of San Diego founding father William Kettner the Restaurant from Chef Brian Redzikowski focuses on bold global flavors while a two story space with views of the Pacific deserves the architecture awards it has won.
Lined with glass, fireplaces and driftwood adjacent dueling bars, the upstairs approximating a Las Vegas club complete with cabanas, guests are invited to indulge in complimentary Popcorn while waiting for drinks that include a spicy Tequila “Dirty Verde” or smoother “Miami Slice.”
Self-described as “Contemporary American,” though Redzikowski’s fondness for Asian flavors is evident across everything from Mapo Tofu to “Spicy Shrimp” with Shitakes, Birria Wontons come three to an order with bold Consomme further fortified by caramelized Bone Marrow.
Not holding back with Garlic Noodles slicked with Chili Oil and tossed with Royal Red Shrimp, nor fried Frog Legs in Szechuan Glaze, Kettner Exchange’s Duck Meatball is a signature for good reason thanks to a loose grind and good Tomato Sauce atop creamy Grits.
Increasingly a “scene” as the night goes on, though service is cordial and efficient, Desserts include a riff on Nancy Silverton’s famous Budino plus the more impressive Brentwood Corn Ice Cream from a mold with textural accoutrements.
Located in Diane Village towards the northern end of San Diego Barrio Donas “represents the multilayered cultural experience that comes with living in San Diego,” and now with a second location in Old Town one might say Jonathan Garcia and Janet Martinez have earned a place amongst the best fried Dough south of Los Angeles.
Started in the Garcia family bakery pre-pandemic and still going strong guests are encouraged to arrive early as favorites frequently sell out, Martinez’s culinary skills on display across Brioche that harness childhood memories from Pan Dunce and the flavors of Mexico.
Also offering Deli favorites, best saved for another time, it is inside branded boxes that Donuts are carefully packed in flavors ranging from toasted Coconut and Fruit-filled Bismarks to “Mi Rey” with Ferrero Rocher and Macadamia Nuts.
Comfortable for dining in, whether with Jamaica or Café de Olla, Barrio Donas’ best bites come from glazed rings featuring Horchata Glaze or sticky Mazapan that comes flavored with Vanilla or Chocolate.
Arroz con Leche Pancakes – arroz con leche, raisins, cinnamon, arroz con leche cream
Churros & French Toast – churros, banana, berries, caramel sauce, dulce de leche ice cream
The product of years of work from Chef Jose J. Flores Cocina de Barrio can rightly be called a San Diego success story, three locations starting in Hillcrest all considered not only great for brunch but also as a place to enjoy Oaxacan classics.
Home to bottomless Mimosas and walls built for the #gram, a youthful crowd of mixed races populating every patio seat and most of those inside, it is after friendly greetings that guests are seated in an open-air room where music plays loud and service is great.
Perhaps best described as Modern Mexican, though plates such as the Tlayuda and Enmoladas made with hand-pressed Corn Tortillas and earthy Mole suggest a strong background in classic cooking, most tables will begin with Cocktails that range from Palomas and Mules to fanciful Popsicle-topped options including La Tia Chata.
Faring well with Ceviche, local Shrimp standing up well to winter Citrus and Habaneros, items “From the Griddle” veer towards fun in the case of French Toast with Dulce de Leche or fluffy Flapjacks under a ladle of Rice Pudding made right.
Currently open from 10am until 8pm daily at 3620 South Jones Boulevard Ppang Co is Las Vegas’ newest Korean Bakery, and based on an early look the sizable space is looking to make an impact in terms of variety and comfort.
Part self-service Bread Bar, but also with a case of Cakes and Pastries, guests are invited to select amongst a wide range of sweets as well as savories including everything from Hot Dogs to Olives.
Not too busy yet, staff proving pleasant and well-informed, it was across a dozen choices that Breads proved soft and springy – the Kugelhopf an early highlight thanks to subtle sweetness in comparison to a Coconut Croissant that was both poorly laminated and heavy.
More impressive with a Fig Danish, likewise the Blueberry version, pastries centered on Cream Cheese are a little too plain and should be avoided in favor of items like the caramelized Almond Cookie and delicate Blackberry layer Cake.
Last visited for Dinner in September Wednesday once again found Esther’s Kitchen firing on all cylinders, the frequently-changing menu filled with past favorites in addition to new plates executed at a fair price with exacting standards.
Now serving Las Vegas for over 5 years, every available superlative already used to describe James Trees’ Restaurant that revitalized the Art’s District, it was with a packed house that three guests sat near the pass with Baker Dylan Jobsz’s city-best Sourdough starting things off.
Seasonal and rustic in a good way, Esther’s sizable Charcuterie Board best shared by a group, Meatballs remain the city’s best whether atop Noodles or on their own while Cauliflower Alla Romana remains just as it has been since day one for good reason.
Adding Gnocco Frito for Autumn, the dough fried and filled with Ricotta beneath Mortadella and Pistachio Pesto, Pizza sees a lengthy ferment yield crisp Dough with a moderate rise whether topped in Brussels Sprouts or creamy Squash Panna and Smoked Mozzarella.
Pasta-centric as always, iconic Ricotta Gnudi now found bathed in Truffle Fonduta, new items include ribbons of Pappardelle with Lamb and Tortellini matching Clams to Leeks with a good amount of Citrus.
Unfortunately sold-out of Goat, Branzino atop Harissa Farrotto standing in admirably, an off-menu special showed what the kitchen is capable off-the-cuff as Duck Confit, Liver and Skin all came together thanks to Huckleberries and Saba.
A lot of Food for not a lot of cash, all of it rooted in technique but never compromising flavor for looks, Dessert consisted of Esther’s forever refining Butterscotch Budino plus a seasonal Pavlova and bitter Chocolate Pistachio Tart.
Serving Las Vegas since January 2022 and now a James Beard Award Foundation finalist, Anima by EDO merges Italian and Spanish Cuisine into a whole new experience with several of Chef Oscar Amador’s signatures making their way over from the flagship.
Run by industry veterans from front-of-house to kitchen it is following warm greetings at the door that guests are led to a choice of diverse seating options, banquets in the back most quiet with a full view of murals from local artist Apolo Torres.
More “approachable” than EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine per General Manager Roberto Liendo, though certainly never lacking for creativity, Dinner at Anima begins with Appetizers ranging from Olive Oil Gelato with Caviar to briny Oysters following Baby Scallops topped in Thai-influenced Sauce.
Serving Charcuterie from the former Barista station near the door, top tier Iberico perfect alongside “Catalan Olive Oil Bread,” housemade Pastrami now arrives atop Croquettas while Hamachi unveiled in a swirl of smoke takes flight thanks to Duck Liver and Apples.
Focused largely on new items, though the Bikini Sandwich cannot be forgotten, Anima’s Black Mussel Tostada packs a lot of punch prior to Brussels Sprouts charred in a pile with Corn Nuts, Hummus and Chilis.
Going all-in on Pastas, three recently added, the “best” of Squash Caramelle and Crab Culurgiones with Lobster in Absinthe is a toss-up as each are marvelous in Sauces that accentuate the protein while simultaneously adding nuance.
Not forgetting tender Short Ribs in Vodka Sauce the night’s entree consisted of Iberico Pork alongside Oscar’s famous Patatas Bravas before rounding out the night with Passion Fruit Creme Brulee and all-new Pistachio Tiramisu from Tayden Ellamar.
Red Velvet Cake Doughnut with Cream Cheese Frosting
Special K 2.0 Doughnut
Cinnamon Roll
Blueberry Cinnamon Toast Doughnut
The Islander Doughnut
Peanut Butter Reese’s Pieces Doughnut
Horchata and Churro Doughnut
Matcha Green Tea Pistachio Doughnut
Salted Caramel Pearls and Pecan Doughnut
Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnut
Apple Fritter
Blueberry Cake Doughnut
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing family recipes from a Texas Doughnuttery to Sin City in October 2015, guests entering Glaze Doughnuts will notice little has since changed about the shop in nearly 8 years while a soft base and creative toppings earn “Best of Las Vegas” accolades annually.
Located on Fort Apache Road, fair prices and friendly service undoubtedly part of Glaze’s appeal, what the shop lacks in selection is more than made up for in quality compared to the likes of Dunkin, Krispy Kream or other spots nearby.
Largely built on Yeast Rings, though undersized Fritters perform admirably, fans of simplicity will find Maple Frosting far more subtle than most while Chocolate and Vanilla Glaze are also of excellent quality with or without additions such as Cereal or Candy.
Not over-the-top, but balanced and complex, Salted Caramel Pearls and Pecans dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Peanut Butter and Oreos do the same, though if one is seeking Glaze’s top choice the decision comes down to Blueberry Cinnamon Toast, Churros and Horchata or Matcha Green Tea Pistachio that delivers sweetness beneath toasty notes.
Founded in partnership with the Las Vegas Pizza Alliance, Novmber 4th marked Las Vegas’ third Pizza Festival, and with participants including Good Pie, Pizza Rock, Metro Pizza, Superfrico and others the event at The Industrial Event Space was a tremendous success both for vendors and those fortunate enough to attend.
Truly a showcase for local talent, and well-spaced across the outdoor venue downtown, it was shortly before noon that VIP guests gained entrance to taste more than twenty different Slices, each place showcasing their unique signature style, from classic Sicilian and Grandma to modern and even Gluten-free or Vegan.
More celebration than competition, Metro’s John Arena having long-fostered collaboration amongst would-be competitors, which Slice was “best” became moot almost immediately, though truth be told that honor would be a two-way tie between Signora Pizza Truck’s Fried Pie and Superfrico’s Detroit with Mortadella.
Only $75 for all-you-can eat Slices plus a take-home box, VIPs also offered a lounge with Music, more Food from James Trees’ Restaurants and plenty of cold adult Beverages for $50 extra, it seems impossible to imagine that any guest left hungry or disappointed…except perhaps for the fact that they’ll have to wait twelve months for the event to (hopefully) take place once again.
Located at 9435 West Tropicana Avenue inside Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center and open 24-hours Pinkbox Doughnuts remains Las Vegas’ premier spot for Artisan Doughnuts, just as it has since debuting over a decade ago.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Often beginning with a Fritter, this day no different and the resulting bite packed with Cinnamon plus Fruit, it was after others made selections that Purple Rain continued the gluttony, its Cake Crumble and base a 1-2 punch of textures.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, “Cranberry Cutie” packed with juicy Fruit beneath Confectioner’s Sugar, “The Blow Torch” succeeds thanks to crackling Sugar over Custard while a Buttermilk Bar shows Roberto Armanino knew early-on to nail the basics.
Replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, each “DoughCro” sees layers separate nicely beneath Frosting while specials including Gobble-Licious and The Mayflower are also highly recommended.
Unquestionably Las Vegas’ top choice for French Pastry over the past 8 years Rosallie Le French Café continues to show well on-site or to-go, a Tuesday morning delivery finding Pastries carefully arranged with several still warm and both the Croissants as well as the Danishes still the best in town.
Risen like a phoenix from the ashes of Ramir Bolanos DeCastro’s beloved Purple Potato it is as a Bakery that the former Yonaka Chef’s legacy continues to grow via Donuts, Cookies, Ube-based treats and Filipino Pastries.
Previously offered for delivery or takeout only, but now brick and mortar at 6370 W Flamingo Rd #20, it was Thursday that twenty items were procured for tasting, savories skipped in favor of recently-added Donuts, Brioche and Cookies.
Never actually gone from the local food scene, the rebranding of Yonaka and Purple Potato followed by a consulting gig at McCarran, Chef DeCastro’s current lineup continues with Croissant and Polvoron Bismarck Donuts, this day featuring a dozen varieties ranging from Thai Tea to Pistachio and several styles featuring Flan.
Also adding Churro & French Maple Layered Donut for Fall, complete with Whipped Cream, the Salted Yema Polvoron Donut remains indelible though fans of Coconut should still head straight for lavish Young Coconut Pie or the daily-special Donut when available.
Scaling back “Monster Cookies” to approximately 4” Ube features a crisp rim and molten center while additional specials such as the French Silk-style Salted Milo Pie and Ube Brulee Cinnamon Roll sell out early for good reason.
As the eldest occupant of Global West Plaza and the oldest Persian Restaurant In Las Vegas Zaytoon is more easily overlooked than many local eateries, but using the same recipes for decades the space on Durango is a breath of fresh air in a time when authenticity is often lacking.
Family owned and the combination of eatery plus market, the later featuring imported goods as well as groceries, plates come from a kitchen steeped in tradition such that everything from Lavash to several styles of Baklava are made on-site daily.
Muslim owned and Halal-certified, a name that translates as Olive seemingly appropriate for peaceful confines, guests can expect Kabobs served at a fair price though the real highlights come from Stews such as bold Ghormeh Sabizi and Fesenjaan that is complex but not overly sweet like many.
Plain Cake Donut with Strawberry Glaze and Sprinkles
Maple Long John
Chocolate Cake Donut with Chocolate Frosting and Sprinkles
Blueberry Cake Donut
Glazed Apple Fritter
Chocolate Long John
Bear Claw with Apple Pie Filling
Cinnamon Roll
Glazed Old Fashioned Donut
Glazed Raised Donut
Twist with Granulated Sugar
Crumb Bun
Glazed Twist
Opened in the waning days of 2017 and visited once a few months later Sunrise Donuts has improved slightly in the interim, the menu now more focused while an early opening and closure at 2:00pm has replaced 24/7 service.
Not far from the Highway Patrol or 215 it was early-afternoon that eighteen fried Pastries were delivered, low prices undeniably part of the appeal and more on par with Krispy Kreme or Winchell’s than Pink Box or Glaze.
Surely frying from a Mix, the price alone evidence of that fact while anyone familiar with old-school Doughnutries across America can easily spot the difference between these and something involving a little more effort, it remains surprising to see Cherry Cake alongside the more typical Blueberry version, an instant reminder of childhood in the Midwest provided by each bite.
Better for Cake than Yeast, both bars and rings of the latter lacking the springy texture of competitors, Frostings taste decidedly artificial thus making the Old Fashioned and Apple Fritters a superior choice for those who can’t make it elsewhere.
A longtime resident of Sun West Promenade Surang’s Thai Kitchen recently changed hands, the new name “Mama Surang Thai Kitchen” paying homage to its founders while cookery is now in the hands of a native of Thailand who worked with Alex Stratta and Guy Savoy.
Now back from their homeland after the pandemic, a husband and wife team with their children frequently helping out around the Restaurant, Mama Surang Thai Kitchen is found on Fort Apache between Hacienda and Russel with minimal signage but a welcoming atmosphere.
Far from lavish, minimal décor and a few tables filled by locals, Surang’s menu focuses on traditional Thai flavors with just a hint of fusion utilized to accentuate flavor without compromising high quality Ingredients.
Cooked to order in a small kitchen, take-out occasionally delaying service, guests are invited to begin with Iced Coffee or Thai Tea with Cream plus appetizers such as fresh Spring Rolls filled with crunchy Vegetables.
Intended such that “every plate serves an experience,” a bowl of Tom Kha richer than that of Lotus of Siam, Surang’s Beef Salad at spice “Level 5” finds plenty of seared Steak mellowed by Lime Dressing on a bed of mixed Greens.
Next offered “Crispy Fish Delight,” Flouder flash fried and teaming with Red Peppers amidst Beans with sharp notes of Ginger, Surang’s Drunken Noodles go all-in by comparison to the rest of Vegas featuring everything from crispy Pork to Baby Corn and Mushrooms.
Making several styles of Curry each day, Chef’s suggestion of Panang with spoon-tender Short Ribs an absolute delight in terms of taste and texture, Dessert stays traditional featuring faultless Sticky Rice and a ripe Mango out of Mexico.
Already the rare Las Vegas recipient of a James Beard Foundation Award, Chef Saipin Chutima named Best Chef: Southwest in 2011, Lotus of Siam needs no introduction – though its recreation on Flamingo and fanciful digs at Red Rock suggest the Chef’s children have bigger things in mind about the Restaurant’s legacy going forward.
Having visited the unassuming icon of Thai Food several times prior, Friday evening found the concept from Tao Group owner Lou Abin and Lotus of Siam’s Bua Food Group at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa as busy as it is beautiful.
Built out of former Buffet space, lanterns and hanging vines creating a vibe across spaces from bar to the back, it is with a truncated version of Chutima’s Northern Thai traditions that Lotus at Red Rock pays homage to the original with service more appropriate to Summerlin.
Requesting everything level five of ten, Thai Coffee a prudent choice for those looking to quell the fire, Dinner began with a hot pot of Chicken Tom Kha alongside Issan Sausage that is snappy, sour and worth every word of praise.
Not forgetting better-than-expected Egg Rolls or Nam Prik Ong teaming with Chilis, Vegetables and Pork Rinds used as delivery mechanisms, Garlic Crispy Prawns continue to earn “Mom’s Highlights” status with edible Shells still on and varying textures from bite to bite.
All in on Noodles and Curry, Chicken Pad See Ew well executed but lost in the wake of Cashew Chicken and Pad Thai with Shrimp, Rice is well-utilized in sopping up the Sauce from Crispy Duck Chu-Chee, Panang Curry with medium rare Ribeye and aromatic Yellow Curry with Chicken and Vegetables.
Not exactly “known” for sweet stuff, though the Red Rock iteration seems intent on correcting that, Dessert arrived featuring everything from time-honored deep fried Bananas to Chocolate Fondant and Pineapple Upside Down Cake served warm with Coconut Gelato.
