Endo Edibles

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

July 28, 2020
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Johnny C’s Diner Catering [4,] Las Vegas NV

Johnny C’s Diner

Chef’s Seasonal Market Salad – Garden Greens, Strawberries, Watermelon, Cucumbers, Blue Cheese, House Vinaigrette

House Chips

Turkey- B.A.E.L.T. – Bacon, Avocado, Egg, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Wine Drunken Onions, Brioche

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich – Fried Chicken, Mozzarella, Marinara, Basil, Toasted Bun

Grilled Cheese – Brie, Apples, Shaved Almonds, Mike’s Hot Honey, Brioche

Avocado Toast – Haas Avocado, Red Wine Onions, Sliced Onions, California Tomatoes, Brioche

Banana Bread French Toast – Whipped Cream Cheese, Bourbon Brown Butter Almonds, Local Fig Compote

Fat Elvis French Toast – Bacon, Banana, Peanut Butter, Strawberry

Having previously discussed Johnny C’s Diner here, plus three faultless catering gigs, it was an honor to call on Chef Church and his team for another #supportlocal Lunch on Tuesday, Sous Chef Sam Brooks and Johnny himself 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 the upcoming “Phase Two” menu that lunch was constructed, Johnny’s Seasonal Market Salad now leaning into Summer with Cucumbers, Watermelon and Tomatoes while Avocado Toast didn’t skip on its eponymous topping between golden Brioche, sliced Tomatoes and dueling Onion textures.

Diving next into three Sandwiches, enjoyed alongside a handful of Johnny C’s buttery housemade Potato Chips, those who enjoy the Diner’s “Hen House” will be happy to find a similarly fried Breast given the “Parm” treatment on a toasted Bun while the Turkey- B.A.E.L.T. comes stacked-high with drippy Yolk in comparison to the more compact flavor-bomb Grilled Cheese with Brie, Apples, Spicy Honey and Almonds.

Not about to forgo Dessert, the upcoming menu’s Banana Bread French Toast with whipped Cream Cheese and boozy Figs again earning praise from a wide array of diners, those who believe “everything is better with Bacon” will find their opinion verified by “Fat Elvis French Toast” adding fresh California Strawberries to a griddled rendition of the King’s favorite indulgence.

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: Chef’s Seasonal Market Salad, Housemade Dill Pickles, Potato Chips, Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Grilled Cheese, Fat Elvis French Toast, Banana Bread French Toast.

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, Dessert, Food, French Toast, Johnny C’s, Johnny C’s Diner, Johnny C’s Diner Catering, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, Almond, Almonds, Apple, Apples, Avocado, Avocado Toast, Avocados, B.A.E.L.T., Bacon, Banana, Banana Bread, Banana Bread French Toast, Bananas, Basil, Bleu Cheese, Blue Cheese, Bourbon, Bourbon Brown Butter Almond, Bourbon Brown Butter Almonds, Bourbon Fig, Bourbon Figs, Bread, Breast, Breasts, Brie, Brie Cheese, Brioche, Brioche Bread, Brioche Toast. Bread, Brown Butter, Bun, Buns, Butter, California Tomato, California Tomatoes, Catering, Cheese, Chef’s Salad, Chef’s Seasonal Market Salad, Chef’s Seasonal Salad, Chicken, Chicken Breast, Chicken Breasts, Chicken Parm, Chicken Parmagiana, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Chicken Parmesean, Chicken Parmesean Sandwich, Chicken Parmigiana, Chickens, Chive, Chives, Citrus, Citrus Vinaigrette, Compote, Cream, Cream Cheese, Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Dessert, Desserts, Diner, Dressing, Drunken Onion, Egg, Egg Yolk, Egg Yolks, Eggs, endoedibles, Fat Elvis, Fat Elvis French Toast, Fig, Fig Compote, Figs, Food, Foodie, French Toast, Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken Breast, Garden Greens, Greens, Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Haas, Haas Avocado, Haas Avocados, Honey, Hot Honey, House Vinaigrette, Housemade Dressing, John Church, Johnny Church, Johnny C’s, Johnny C’s Diner, Johnny C’s Diner Catering, Las Vegas, Lettuce, Local Fig, Local Fig Compote, Local Figs, LV, Marinara, Marinara Sauce, Market Salad, Michael Uzmann, Mike’s Hot Honey, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Nevada, NV, Onion, Onions, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Pastries, Pastry, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Peanuts, Pepper, Peppers, Pickle, Pickles, Red Wine, Red Wine Drunken Onion, Red Wine Drunken Onions, Red Wine Onions, Roll, Rolls, Romaine, Romaine Lettuce, Salad, Salads, Sam Brooks, Sandwich, Sandwiches, Sauce, Scott Carson, Shaved Almond, Shaved Almonds, Sin City, Sliced Onion, Sliced Onions, Slider, Sliders, Spiceology, Strawberries, Strawberry, Sugar, Toast, Toast. Bread, Toasted Bun, Tomato, Tomatoes, Turkey, Turkey Breast, Turkey- B.A.E.L.T., Vanilla, Vegas, Vinaigrette, Watermelon, Watermelons, Whipped Cream Cheese, Wine, Yolk, Yolks

July 25, 2020
1:47 PM
by: Uhockey

Dunkin’ Donuts (3481 South Durango Drive,) Las Vegas NV

Dunkin’ Donuts

Apple Fritter

Granulated Sugar Raspberry Filled Donut

Powdered Sugar Custard Filled Donut

Strawberry Frosted Donut

Vanilla Frosted Donut

Blueberry Muffin

Toasted Coconut Donut

Powdered Sugar Chocolate Crème Donut

Glazed Jelly Donut

French Cruller

Like many Americans this writer’s earliest memory of Donuts come from Dunkin’, and given the company’s feverish East-coast following plus locations around the globe there is no doubt the brand deserves recognition for commoditizing such an iconic Pastry, even if the product falls far-short of gourmet by modern standards.

Trans-fat and Artificial-dye free since 2018, a change that nonetheless sees each par-baked piece of Dough laden with over a dozen “Food Additives,” it was by request that three-dozen were ordered from the drive-thru at 3481 South Durango, a few small mistakes but no “deal-breakers” quickly remedied and compensated by a complimentary Blueberry Muffin.

Opting to revisit old memories, a reluctant decision having visited over 80% of America’s “Best” Doughnut Shops over the past decade, it was sharing with others that Dunkin’s Apple Fritter proved fairly competent and largely greaseless, a limited amount of Fruit remedied by lots of Glaze and swirls of Cinnamon.

Recalling a fondness for DD’s Strawberry Frosting as a youngster, its delightfully artificial taste unfortunately compromised by the flavorless ring beneath, a switch to Cake from Yeast found the Blue-Vanilla specimen slightly better while both Jam-filled Donuts were frankly disastrous and cloyingly-sweet.

Unimpressed also by a Chocolate Crème Bismarck, its inside pasty with perhaps one tablespoon of filling, Custard fared slightly better before finally biting into the aforementioned Muffin with a suitably moist crumb and crunchy Sugar topping.

Already quite sure that rumors of Dunkin’ not frying their Donuts is urban legend, the Cruller removing any doubt as the exterior tasted prominently of Oil, the only Donut which justified its calories was Cake covered with Toasted Coconut, the contrasting textures and subtle sweetness rivaling what one might find at a good mom ‘n pop place.

TWO STARS: Like many iconic American chains it is difficult to argue with decades of success, but with advances in Food science and an abundance of locally-owned Donut Shops in almost every American city the only thing Dunkin’ has going for it nowadays is name recognition and lower-than-average prices for lower-than-average products.

RECOMMENDED: Blueberry Muffin, Toasted Coconut Donut.

AVOID: Jelly Donut, Chocolate Crème Donut, French Cruller.

TIP: Pre-ordering and delivery offered by all the usual Apps and rewards available using the Dunkin’ App on Android or iPhone.

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

www.dunkindonuts.com

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Dunkin’ 3481 South Durango Drive, Dunkin’ Donuts 3481 South Durango Drive, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada Tagged Apple, Apple Fritter, Apple Fritters, Apples, Bismarck, Bismarck Donut, Bismarck Donuts, Bismarck Doughnut, Bismarck Doughnuts, Bismarcks, Blueberries, Blueberry, Blueberry Muffin, Blueberry Muffins, Bread, Butter, Cake, Cake Donut, Cake Donuts, Cake Doughnut, Cake Doughnuts, Cakes, Chocolate, Chocolate Crème, Chocolate Crème Donut, Chocolate Crème Doughnut, Cinnamon, Coconut, Coconuts, Confectioner's Sugar, Cream, Creme, Cruller, Crullers, Custard, Custard Filled Donut, Custard Filled Doughnut, Dessert, Desserts, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Dunkin’, Dunkin’ 3481 South Durango Drive, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dunkin’ Donuts 3481 South Durango Drive, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, French Cruller, French Crullers, Fritter, Fritters, Frosting, Fruit, Glaze, Glazed Jelly Donut, Glazed Jelly Donuts, Granulated Sugar, Granulated Sugar Raspberry Filled Donut, Granulated Sugar Raspberry Filled Doughnut, Icing, Jam, Jelly, Jelly Donut, Jelly Donuts, Jelly Doughnut, Jelly Doughnuts, Las Vegas, LV, Michael Uzmann, Muffin, Muffins, Nevada, NV, Pastries, Pastry, Powdered Sugar, Powdered Sugar Chocolate Crème Donut, Powdered Sugar Chocolate Crème Doughnut, Powdered Sugar Custard Filled Donut, Powdered Sugar Custard Filled Doughnut, Raspberries, Raspberry, Raspberry Filled Donut, Raspberry Filled Doughnut, Raspberry Jam, Raspberry Jelly, Shredded Coconut, Shredded Coconuts, Sin City, Sprinkle, Sprinkles, Strawberries, Strawberry, Strawberry Frosted Donut, Strawberry Frosted Doughnut, Strawberry Frosting, Strawberry Icing, Sugar, Toasted Coconut, Toasted Coconut Donut, Toasted Coconut Doughnut, Toasted Coconuts, Vanilla, Vanilla Frosted Donut, Vanilla Frosted Doughnut, Vanilla Frosting, Vanilla Icing, Vegas, Yeast Donut, Yeast Donuts, Yeast Doughnut, Yeast Doughnuts

July 25, 2020
11:00 AM
by: Uhockey

Metro Pizza on Sky Pointe [13,] Las Vegas NV

Metro Pizza Sky Pointe

Bread and Butter

86th Street Square Pie – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Half with Old School Pepperoni

Old New York – Thick Sliced Mozzarella Cheese, Italian Tomato Sauce, Basil, Half with Sausage

The Gotham Pizza – Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Sausage, Green Peppers, Ground Beef, Onions

Detroit Red Top

Roast Pork, Sautéed Hot Peppers, Bitter Greens, Provolone Cheese, Oregano

Prosciutto Di Parma, Homemade Fig Balsamic, Burrata Cheese, Figs, Bob’s Basil

Although founders John Arena and Sam Facchini can take credit for Las Vegas’ evolution as a destination for Pizza, it was Pizzaiolo Chris Decker’s @everythingbutanchovies Instagram account that prompted a visit last Saturday, and even amidst Stage Two of COVID-19 precautions the Food and hospitality more than justified a forty-five minute round-trip.

Now the flagship of John and Sam’s family of pizzerias since November of 2012, with an expansive footprint including Lulu’s Bread & Breakfast, it was donning a mask that Metro Pizza on Sky Pointe was entered mere minutes after opening, Chef Decker already hard at work with six Pizzas plus two Loaves of Bread ready and waiting.

Dubbed “America’s Neighborhood Pizzeria” since the early eighties, though past and present so much more, it was with everything carefully transported home that goods were unboxed and photos snapped, complimentary table Bread still oven-warm with crisp Crust and soft center while a small “Gotham” not personally tasted was devoured quickly by guests.

Featuring generous portions and prices far lower than Ingredient quality or craftsmanship might dictate, Metro’s Old New York came next, the simplicity of Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce and Basil gracing fermented Dough from Cornicione to center while Chris’ Detroit Red Top utilized the same Ingredients in an entirely different manner with unprecedented lightness surrounded by a crispy Cheese lattice.

Asking Chris for one of his #instagramworthy masterpieces despite the circumstances, and seeing Chef come through with a pair, the “better” of Roast Pork and Bitter Greens versus Fig, Burrata and Prosciutto largely came down to personal preference, though both had to be carefully weighed against saving stomach capacity for at least a slice – or four – of Metro’s reference-standard “86th Street” Sicilian.

FIVE STARS: Serving Las Vegas for four decades and continuously evolving the concept while slowly growing the brand it would be difficult to say anyone has contributed more to Sin City’s love of Pizza than John Arena, and although any brand featuring more than one space may suffer from inconsistency Metro sets a high standard by rewarding their old customer base with predictable greatness while Chris Decker’s creativity looks towards a new era and without ever neglecting the basics – the same synopsis as always since it warrants repeating.

RECOMMENDED: Anything offered as a special from @everythingbutanchovies Social Media feed is worth asking about. So is the 86th Street Square Pie. And, really, any of the Pizzas.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: 1395 East Tropicana Avenue, 4001 South Decatur Boulevard, 6720 Sky Pointe Drive and 1420 West Horizon Ridge Parkway all still open with On-site Dining, Curbside Pickup and No Touch Delivery.

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

www.metropizza.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Food, Italian, Las Vegas, Metro Pizza, Metro Pizza Centennial, Metro Pizza Sky Pointe, Nevada, Pizza, Pork Tagged 86th Street, 86th Street Pie, 86th Street Pizza, 86th Street Square Pie, 86th Street Square Pizza, 86th Street Square Sicilian, Arugula, balsamic, Balsamic Vinegar, Basil, Beef, Bitter Greens, Bob’s Basil, Bread, Burrata, Burrata Cheese, Butter, Cheese, Chris Decker, Cow, Cows, Crust, Detroit, Detroit Pie, Detroit Pizza, Detroit Red Top, Detroit Red Top Pizza, Detroit Square Style Pie, Detroit Style, Detroit-style Red Top, Detroit-style Red Top Pizza, Dough, endoedibles, Fig, Fig Balsamic, Fig Balsamic Vinegar, Figs, Food, Foodie, Garlic, green pepper, Green Peppers, Greens, Ground Beef, Homemade Fig Balsamic, Homemade Fig Balsamic Vinegar, House Marinara, House Marinara Sauce, Italian, Italian Sausage, Italian Tomato Sauce, John Arena, Las Vegas, LV, Margherita, Margherita Pizza, Marinara Sauce, Metro, Metro Pizza, Metro Pizza Centennial, Metro Pizza on Sky Pointe, Metro-style Square Pie, Michael Uzmann, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Nevada, NV, Oil, Old New York, Old New York Pizza, Old School Pepperoni, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Onion, Onions, Oregano, Pepper, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Peppers, Pie, Pies, Pig, Pizza, Pork, Pork Sausage, Prosciutto, Prosciutto di Parma, Provolone, Provolone Cheese, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Roast Pork, Roasted Pork, Romano, Romano Cheese, Sam Facchini, Sauce, Sausage, Sautéed Hot Pepper, Sautéed Hot Peppers, Serrano, Serrano Pepper, Serrano Peppers, Serranos, Sicilian, Sicilian Pie, Sicilian Pizza, Sicilian Slice, Sin City, Stella, Sugar, The Gotham, The Gotham Pizza, Thick Sliced Mozzarella, Thick Sliced Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Vegas, Vinegar

July 22, 2020
11:30 AM
by: Uhockey

ShangHai Taste Catering [2,] Las Vegas NV

ShangHai Taste

House Fried Rice with Shrimp

Scallion Chicken Salad

Shanghai Fried Rice Cake with Chicken

House Fried Fat Noodles with Shrimp

Kao Fu

Old Fashion Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs

Traditional Shanghai Xiao Long Bao

Sheng Jian

Red Bean Xiao Long Bao

Slow to recover from the global pandemic, Shanghai Plaza is finally showing signs of increased customer confidence, a number of masked patrons forming short lines at Tea Houses, Bakeries and Ice Cream Parlors flanking Chef Jimmy Li’s ShangHai Taste.

Tucked inside Suite 104 of 4266 Spring Mountain Road, limited seating in the era of social distancing making take-out as good an option as dining in, it was via contacting the Restaurant directly that catering was coordinated, managing partner Joe Muscaglione arriving at 11:30am-sharp with nine items in potions large enough for sharing.

Still the top destination in a two-story complex at the corner of Arville Street and Spring Mountain Road, family recipes handed down to Chef Li comprising a concise menu of scratch-made plates, it was with all items carefully-packed and temperature appropriate that most got started with Fried Rice, a bit of tooth welcomed amidst Shrimp, Egg and Soy while Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs were a surprising staff-favorite thanks to tender Flesh easily stripped from the Bone.

Now the second time delivered, though Jimmy’s years at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu found several familiar with his authentic brand of cooking, fans of Soup Dumplings, or XLB, will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard, and whether one prefers Pork, Crab or even Gluten Free the textures and flavors are great, as too are the fried version entitled Sheng Jian with Sesame Seeds.

Again impressing with House Fried Fat Noodles, each strand slick and slightly chewy tossed with Shrimp, Scallion Chicken Salad was expectedly aromatic but strangely refreshing while Stir-fried Rice Cakes traditionally known as Chao Nian Gao remain a personal favorite thanks to sticky-soft pillows with Salt and a bit of sweetness.

Only offering two Desserts, neither “American” by any stretch, fans of Red Bean Paste should not pass on Jimmy’s lightly sweetened Red Bean Xiao Long Bao, though guests with a sense of adventure may instead consider the steamed Wheat Gluten Kao Fu with Mushrooms that is considered savory but walks a fine line thanks to the complex Sauce featuring fermented Soy, Lily and Ginger.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Chef Jimmy Li and Joe Muscaglione face an uphill battle much like the rest of Las Vegas’ Restaurants following COVID-19, but for those seeking Chinatown’s best Shanghainese Cuisine there is simply none better when accounting for cost, quality and customer service.

RECOMMENDED: Sheng Jian, Traditional Shanghai Xiao Long Bao, Shanghai Fried Rice Cake, House Fried Fat Noodles, Old Fashion Shanghai Style Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Kao Fu, Red Bean Xiao Long Bao.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Open daily from 11:00am until 9:00pm. Call 702-570-6363 or hop on Yelp! to make reservations.

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

www.facebook.com/ShanghaiTasteLV

July 20, 2020
11:30 AM
by: Uhockey

Locale Italian Kitchen Catering [4,] Las Vegas NV

Locale Italian Kitchen

Locale Caesar – Caesar Dressing, Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan Cheese, Ciabatta Croutons

Oven Baked Garlic & Mozzarella Bread – Homemade Pomodoro Sauce (side)

Rigatoni alla Grappa – Spring Peas, Sundried Tomatoes, Alexander Grappa

Sunday Sauce Gnocchi – Herbs, Olive Oil, Nana’s Slow Cooked Pork Ragu, Pecorino, Parmesan Cheese

Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi – Black Pepper, Pecorino Romano

Chicken Parmagiana – House Breadcrumbs, Pomodoro Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella

Anita’s Meatballs – Calabrese Peppers, Chris Bianco’s Tomatoes, Polenta

Giant Prawn Scampi – Grilled Lemon, Escarole, Pinot Grigio, Garlic

NY Cheese Pizza – Chris Bianco’s Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Pecorino Cheese

Bianco Pizza – Charred Red Onions, Rosemary, Ricotta, Pistachio, Honey, Porchetta

Margherita Pizza – Chris Bianco’s Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Local Basil

3 Way Tomato Pie – Pahrump Valley Farms Tomatoes, San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Dried Tomato Skins, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Capers, Garlic, Thyme

Pepperoni Pizza – Soppressata, Chris Bianco’s Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Peach Yogurt Cake

Vegan Oreo Cheesecake

While some prognosticators suggest SARS-CoV-2 could topple as many as 1/3 of America’s Restaurants Locale Italian Kitchen has continued to serve Las Vegas from the pandemic’s earliest days, and now Andy Hooper’s spot at Mountain’s Edge is now back at full-steam with Marc Marrone leading the way.

Nothing short of a destination in the Southwest, an area long in need of culinary enlightenment, Phase Two of Nevada’s reopening sees Locale offering dine-in and take-away from Monday through Sunday, the menu evolving daily and now “closer to the Restaurant’s original vision” according to those involved from the beginning.

Already delivered to the office twice under Chef Marrone’s tenure, both events and Fourth of July takeout exceeding expectations, Monday’s delivery came from Marc and Andy consisting of fifteen items, an unparalleled abundance at bargain prices considering both Ingredients and portions.

Professionally packed and temperature appropriate, a mix of regional Italian plates and Chef Marrone’s family recipes, nearly a decade at Tao/Lavo further contributing finesse, lunch began with Caesar Salad benefited by crisp Lettuce and handmade Croutons while Housemade Garlic Bread delighted many alongside five different Pizzas including the smoky-sweet Bianco and 3 Way Tomato Pie featuring locally grown Produce from Pahrump Valley Farms.

Forgoing Contorni on this occasion, save for perhaps braised Escarole beneath U8 Shrimp that will make lovers of Scampi swoon, additional Secondi consisted of Sin City’s most robustly flavored Meatballs on a bed of Fontina Cheese Polenta and Chicken Parmagiana that eats lighter than most thanks to vibrant Pomodoro.

Adding a trio of Pastas, Rigatoni alla Grappa with Spring Peas and Sundried Tomatoes riffing on Vodka Sauce with impressive results, fans of Gnocchi need look no further than Locale for the lightest Potato Dumplings in Las Vegas, their buoyancy a brilliant foil to slowly-simmered Tomatoes and Pork Ragu or classic Cacio e Pepe.

Doubling down on Dessert, no Bombolini but instead two types of Cake, Vegans will undoubtedly be thrilled by Oreo Cheesecake using dairy-free “Milk” and Pistachios for consistency while Omnivores can enjoy the same, or indulge in something even more delicious by ordering a moist yet crumbly slice of Yogurt Cake.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Locale Italian Kitchen continues to serve excellent Food made from local Ingredients at a price point that is more than generous, and under the leadership of Marc Marrone the Food only seems to be getting better with each subsequent order.

RECOMMENDED: Bianco Pizza, 3 Way Tomato Pie, Rigatoni alla Grappa, Sunday Sauce Gnocchi, Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi, Giant Prawn Scampi, Anita’s Meatballs, Yogurt Cake, Vegan Oreo Cheesecake.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Follow @localelv on Social Media for hours, updates menu and specials.

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

www.localelv.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Catering, Dessert, Food, Gnocchi, Italian, Las Vegas, Locale, Locale Catering, Locale Italian Kitchen, Locale Italian Kitchen Catering, Nevada, Pizza, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, 3 Way Tomato Pie, 3 Way Tomato Pizza, Alexander Grappa, Andy Hooper, Anita’s Meatball, Anita’s Meatballs, Basil, Beef, Beef and Pork Meatball, Beef and Pork Meatballs, Beef Meatball, Beef Meatballs, Bianco, Bianco Pizza, Black Pepper, Black Peppers, Bread, Breadcrumb, Breadcrumbs, Broccolini, Brown Butter, Butter, Cacio e Pepe, Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi, Caesar, Caesar Dressing, Caesar Salad, Cake, Cakes, Calabrese Pepper, Calabrese Peppers, Caper, Capers, Caramelized Onion, Caramelized Onions, Catering, Charred Onion, Charred Onions, Charred Red Onion, Charred Red Onions, Cheese, Cheese Cake, Cheese Pizza, Cheesecake, Cherry Tomato, Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken, Chicken Parm, Chicken Parmagiana, Chili, Chilis, Chive, Chives, Chris Bianco’s Tomato, Chris Bianco’s Tomatoes, Ciabatta, Ciabatta Bread, Ciabatta Crouton, Ciabatta Croutons, Citrus, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Corn Meal, Cornmeal, Cow, Cows, Cream, Crouton, Croutons, Crust, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Danny Crinson, Dessert, Desserts, Di Napoli, Di Napoli Tomato, Di Napoli Tomato Sauce, Di Napoli Tomatoes, Dressing, Dried Tomato Skin, Dried Tomato Skins, endoedibles, Escarole, Fontina, Fontina Cheese, Food, Foodie, Fresh Herb, Fresh Herbs, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Garlic, Garlic + Mozzarella Bread, Garlic and Mozzarella Bread, Garlic Bread, Giant Prawn, Giant Prawn Scampi, Giant Prawns, Gnocchi, Gnocchi Pasta, Grappa, Gravy, Grilled Lemon, Grilled Lemons, Ground Beef, Hand Made Meatball, Hand Made Meatballs, Handmade Meatball, Handmade Meatballs, Herb, Herbs, Homemade Beef and Pork Meatball, Homemade Beef and Pork Meatballs, Homemade Pomodoro Sauce, Honey, House Breadcrumb, House Breadcrumbs, Italian, Italian Prosciutto, Juice, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, Local Basil, Locale, Locale Caesar, Locale Caesar Salad, Locale Catering, Locale Italian Kitchen, Locale Italian Kitchen Catering, LV, Marc Marrone, Margherita, Margherita Pizza, Market Tomato, Market Tomatoes, Meatball, Meatballs, Michael Uzmann, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Nana’s Slow Cooked Pork Ragu, Nevada, NV, NY Cheese Pizza, Oil, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Onion, Onions, Oreo, Oreo Cheesecake, Oreo Cookie, Oreo Cookies, Oreo Crust, Oreos, Oven Baked Garlic & Mozzarella Bread, Oven Baked Garlic and Mozzarella Bread, Pahrump Valley Farms, Pahrump Valley Farms Tomato, Pahrump Valley Farms Tomatoes, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Parmigiano, Parmigiano Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Pasta, Pastries, Pastry, Paulo Duran, Pea, Peach, Peach Yogurt Cake, Peach Yogurt Cakes, Peaches, Peas, Pecorino, Pecorino Cheese, Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Romano Cheese, Pepper, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Peppers, Pig, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Grigio Wine, Pistachio, Pistachios, Pizza, Polenta, Pomodoro, Pomodoro Sauce, Porchetta, Pork, Pork Ragu, Potato, Potato Gnocchi, Potatoes, Prawn, Prawns, Ragu, Red Onion, Red Onions, Ricotta, Ricotta Cheese, Rigatoni, Rigatoni alla Grappa, Rigatoni Pasta, Roasted Tomato, Roasted Tomatoes, Romaine, Romaine Lettuce, Rosemary, Salad, Salads, Salt, San Marzano, San Marzano Tomato, San Marzano Tomato Sauce, San Marzano Tomatoes, San Marzanos, Sauce, Scampi, Sea Salt, Shallot, Shallots, Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Shrimps, Sin City, Skin, Skins, Slow Cooked Pork Ragu, Soppressata, Spring Pea, Spring Peas, Sugar, Sunday Gravy, Sunday Sauce, Sunday Sauce Gnocchi, Sundried Tomato, Sundried Tomatoes, Thyme, Toasted Pistachio, Toasted Pistachios, Todd Lunger, Tomato, Tomato Pie, Tomato Pizza, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Skin, Tomatoes, Vanilla, Veal, Vegan, Vegan Cheesecake, Vegan Oreo Cheesecake, Vegas, Vinegar, White Wine, Wine, Yogurt, Yogurt Cake

July 18, 2020
11:26 AM
by: Uhockey

David Wong’s Pan Asian [3,] Las Vegas NV

David Wong’s Pan Asian

Panang Curry – Beef, White Rice, Green Beans, Bell Peppers, Basil, Coconut Milk

Malaysian Yellow Curry – Beef, White Rice, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Onions, Bell Peppers, Peanuts, Coconut Milk

Basil Fried Rice – Shrimp, Chicken, Tomatoes, Onions, Garlic, Basil, Green Beans, Bell Peppers, Egg

Stir-Fried Linguini – Chicken, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Basil, Onions

Pad See-Yew – Beef, Pan-fried Flat Noodles, Chinese Broccoli, Black Soybean Sauce, Egg

Pad See-Yew – Chicken, Pan-fried Flat Noodles, Chinese Broccoli, Black Soybean Sauce, Egg

Volcano Chicken – House Special Sauce, Green Onions, Lettuce

Pad Thai – Chicken, Pan-fried Rice Noodles, Bean Sprouts, Chives, Carrots, Peanuts, Egg

A true mom n’ pop business, he the business half while she does most of the cooking, it was as part of a group of six that Take-Out was ordered from David Wong’s Pan Asian on Saturday, the Restaurant’s inside now open with Social Distancing markers in place while to-go orders were carefully packed and ready by 11:30am as requested.

Well suited to work amidst COVID-19 restrictions, the small space having for years done brisk carry-out business, “Pan Asian” refers to an embrace of several styles of cooking ranging from Vietnamese to Malaysian to Thai, the menu having undergone many changes over the years but now largely dialed-in and augmented by daily Chef’s specials.

Available for delivery via third party applications, but easy to order via David Wong’s Website, it was after perusing the same thorough descriptions offered via double-sided laminate in-house that eight plates were picked, each providing plenty of Food despite prices that have only changed by a few pennies since 2011.

Opting for mild to medium spice levels, Lisa Wong’s idea of anything hotter deemed a bit much for this group, lunch started with Pan Asian’s signature “Volcano” Chicken, each breaded bite tangy but not *hot* while Stir-Fried Linguini dialed up the intensity while still maintaining balance thanks to Tomatoes and Asparagus.

Passing on Drunken Noodles this time, instead doubling down on Pad See-Yew with Chicken as well as Beef, fermented Black Beans played well off still-snappy Broccoli and slick Noodles while Malaysian Yellow Curry saw Steak stand out amidst Peanuts, Onions and two types of Potatoes

Again selecting Pad Thai, a generous portion that lacks Fish Sauce funk but still performs admirably, Basil Fried Rice remains a crowd pleaser with plump Shrimp and chunks of Chicken Breast hidden amidst tender Grains and Vegetables while Panang Curry with Beef offers bold aromatic notes and a finish that is subtly herbaceous.

FOUR AND A HALF STARS: Tucked away in a tiny shopping plaza on South Durango Drive it is likely that many have driven past David Wong’s Pan Asian dozens of times without even noticing the Restaurant is there, and yet in reality the kitchen has been serving the West Side of Las Vegas for nearly nine years while amassing a large number of Chefs and industry folks who consider it a part of their regular dining rotation for good reason.

RECOMMENDED: Stir-Fried Linguini, Chicken Pad See Yew, Basil Fried Rice, Beef in Panang Curry.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Online ordering and phone-ins available, Open 11a-8:45p Monday through Saturday even though the website suggests they are open Sunday.

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

www.orderdavidspanasian.com

Posted in David Wong's, David Wong's Pan Asian, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pan Asian Tagged Asparagus, Basil, Basil Fried Rice, Bean, Bean Sprout, Bean Sprouts, Beans, Beef, Bell Pepper, Bell Peppers, Black Soy bean, Black Soybean, Black Soybean Sauce, Bread, Broccoli, Carrot, Carrots, Chicken, Chickens, Chinese Broccoli, Chive, Chives, Coconut, Coconut Milk, Coconuts, Cow, Cows, Cream, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Curry, David Wong, David Wong's, David Wong's Pan Asian, Egg, Eggs, endoedibles, Flat Noodle, Flat Noodles, Flatbread, Food, Foodie, Fried Chicken, Fried Rice, Garlic, Green Bean, Green Beans, Green Onion, Green Onions, House Special Sauce, Las Vegas, Lettuce, Lime, Limes, Linguini, Linguini Pasta, Lisa Wong, LV, Malaysian Curry, Malaysian Yellow Curry, Michael Uzmann, Milk, Nevada, Noodle, Noodles, NV, Onion, Onions, Pad See Yew, Pad Thai, Pan Asian, Pan Fried Flat Noodles, Pan-fried Flat Noodle, Pan-fried Rice Noodle, Pan-fried Rice Noodles, Panang Curry, Pasta, Peanut, Peanuts, Pepper, Peppers, Potato, Potatoes, Rice, Rice Noodle, Rice Noodles, Roasted Peanut, Roasted Peanuts, Salad, Salads, Sauce, Shrimp, Shrimps, Sin City, Soy bean Sauce, Soybean, Soybean Sauce, Soybeans, Special Sauce, Sprout, sprouts, Stir-Fried Linguini, Sweet Potato, Sweet Potatoes, Tomato, Tomatoes, Vegas, Volcano, Volcano Chicken, White Rice, Yellow Curry

July 16, 2020
11:02 AM
by: Uhockey

CRAFTkitchen Catering [9,] Henderson NV

CRAFTkitchen

Southwestern Chicken Salad, Green Goddess Dressing

Elotes Dip, Lime Tortilla Chips

Spanish Rice

Cilantro Lime Black Beans

Cotija, Cilantro, Lime, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo

Corn Tortillas

Flour Tortillas

Shrimp Ceviche

Chicken Tinga Tacos

Pork Carnitas Tacos

Churros

Chocolate Tres Leches

Strawberry Kouign Amann

Triple Chocolate Cookie

Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Caramel Cookie

Peach Almond Croissant

Thrilled to #supportlocal with an office favorite, CRAFTkitchen once again catered lunch on Thursday, Chef Blinn predictably arriving early with all the necessary items and this time presenting attendees with a Latin-themed meal before heading to Utah and a weekend of coaching his son’s baseball team.

By no means a “Mexican” Restaurant, but nonetheless offering Meats such as Carnitas and Chorizo daily as part of Omelets, Bennys and more, it was around 11:20am that Jaret arrived porting several trays and bowls all maintained at appropriate temperatures, a build-your-own Taco bar particularly impressive thanks to condiments including housemade Guacamole, Lime Tortilla Chips, Pico de Gallo and Salsa.

Always well-portioned and fair-priced, a group of twenty-five getting their fill with plenty of leftovers packed to-go, it was beginning with aforementioned Tacos that several Hispanic employees praised both Tinga-style Chicken and slowly simmered Pork, the light acidity of each pairing nicely with mashed Avocados bright with Garlic plus julienned Radish, diced Onions and more.

Additionally impressing with Ceviche, each individual shooter chilled with Shrimp bathed in Citrus, it was after eyeing “Elote Dip” with skepticism that word quickly spread of it being delicious, all the flavors of Street Corn delivered amidst the texture of Korean Corn Cheese while CRAFTkitchen’s Beans and Rice also performed admirably.

Not about to forget Dessert, a platter of Chocolate Tres Leches plus two trays of Churros receiving universal praise, it was as an added bonus that four larger Baked Goods were provided, CRAFTkitchen’s signature Kouign Amann currently dressed in fresh Strawberries while two Cookies and an Almond Croissant stuffed with juicy Peaches were also textbook in terms of texture and a reminder of Jaret’s many years as an executive Pastry Chef from Bellagio to Red Rock.

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: Elote Dip, Shrimp Ceviche, Chicken Tinga, Cilantro Lime Black Beans, Churros, Strawberry Kouign Amann, Peach Almond Croissant.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: See the website for sample catering items or contact the Restaurant directly with a budget and let them do what they do best.

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

www.craftkitchenlv.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Catering, CRAFTkitchen, CRAFTkitchen Catering, Croissant, Dessert, Food, Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, 3 Milk, 3 Milks, 3 Milks Cake, Almond, Almond Croissant, Almond Croissants, Almonds, Avocado, Avocados, Bean, Beans, Berries, Berry, Black Bean, Black Beans, Butter, Cajeta, Cajeta Caramel, Cake, Cakes, Caramel, Carnitas, Catering, Ceviche, Cheese, Chicken, Chicken Salad, Chicken Tinga, Chicken Tinga Taco, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Chickens, Chile Rojo, Chile Rojo Sauce, Chile Verde Sauce, Chili, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chilis, Chip, Chips, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Caramel Cookie, Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Caramel Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Milk, Chocolate Tres Leches, Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, Churro, Churros, Cilantro, Cilantro Lime Black Bean, Cilantro Lime Black Beans, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar Donut, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnut, Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnuts, Confectioner's Sugar, Cookie, Cookies, Corn, Corn Tortilla, Corn Tortillas, Cotija, Cotija Cheese, CRAFTKitchen, CRAFTkitchen Catering, Cream, Croissant, Croissants, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dip, Donut, Donuts, Doughnut, Doughnuts, Dressing, Dulce de Leche, Elote, Elote Dip, Elote Dip with Lime Chips, Elotes, endoedibles, Flan, Flour, Flour Tortilla, Flour Tortillas, Food, Foodie, Frosting, Green Goddess, Green Goddess Dressing, Guacamole, Henderson, Icing, Jam, Jaret Blinn, Jelly, Kouign Amann, Las Vegas, Lemon, Lemons, Lettuce, Lime, Lime Chip, Lime Chips, Limes, LV, Mayo, Mayonnaise, Michael Uzmann, Milk Chocolate, Nevada, NV, Onion, Onions, Pastries, Pastry, Peach, Peach Almond Croissant, Peaches, Pepper, Peppers, Pico, Pico de Gallo, Pig, Poblano, Poblano Pepper, Poblano Peppers, Poblanos, Poppy Seeds, Pork, Pork Carnitas, Pork Carnitas Taco, Pork Carnitas Tacos, Preserves, Rice, Roasted Tomatillo, Roasted Tomatillos, Rojo Sauce, Salads, Sauce, Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Caramel, Shrimp, Shrimp Ceviche, Shrimps, Sin City, Sour Cream, Southwestern Chicken Salad, Spanish Rice, Strawberries, Strawberry, Strawberry Jam, Strawberry Jelly, Strawberry Kouign Amann, Strawberry Preserves, Sugar, Taco, Tacos, Tami Blinn, Three Milks, Three Milks Cake, Tomatillo, Tomatillos, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tortilla, Tortilla Chip, Tortilla Chips, Tortilla Strip, Tortilla Strips, Tortillas, Tres Leches, Tres Leches Cake, Tres Leches Cakes, Triple Chocolate Cookie, Triple Chocolate Cookies, Vanilla, Vegan, Vegas, Viennesoire, Viennesoires, Viennoiserie, Viennoiseries, White Chocolate

July 14, 2020
11:15 AM
by: Uhockey

Meraki Greek Grill Catering [3,] Las Vegas NV

Meraki Greek Grill

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

Greek Rice

Tzatziki – Authentic Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Garlic

Hummus – Garbanzo Beans, Tahini, Lemon

Pita

Chicken Gyro

Gyro – Carved Beef/Lamb Mix

Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onions (for Gyro Kit)

Keftedakia – Greek Style Grilled Meatballs, Ouzo, Herbs

Falafel – Chickpea Fritters, Herbs

Galaktoboureko – Phyllo Dough, Citrus Semolina Custard

Mama’s Rice Pudding – Bourbon Vanilla, Cinnamon

A part of Las Vegas for over three years, former Estiatorio Milos employee 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 just as prior the experience was across-the-board exemplary.

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 arrived with several easy-stacking boxes containing temperature-control trays, this simple extra step guaranteeing Food is indistinguishable from that served inside the Restaurant in terms of quality.

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 diners delved into a pair of Desserts, Mama’s Rice Pudding winning over several Hispanics familiar with Arroz Con Leche while still-warm Galaktoboureko featuring Citrus Semolina Custard amidst Phyllo Dough remains arguably the best thing tasted yet in 2020.

RECOMMENDED: Hummus, Tzatziki, Gyro, Keftedakia, Galaktoboureko, Rice Pudding.

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, Beef, Bourbon, Bourbon Vanilla, Bread, 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, 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, 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, Paste, Pastries, Pastry, Pepperoncini, Pepperoncinis, Phyllo, Phyllo Dough, Pita, Pita Bread, Pudding, Red Onion, Red Onions, Rice, Rice Pudding, Romaine, Romaine Lettuce, Salad, Salads, Seed, Seeds, Semolina, Semolina Custard, Sesame, Sesame Paste, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Sheep, Sin City, South Rainbow, Tahini, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tzatziki, Vanilla, Vegas, Vinaigrette, Warm Pita, Yogurt

July 11, 2020
11:05 AM
by: Uhockey

Tacos El Compita #2, Las Vegas NV

Tacos El Compita #2

Birria de Chivo

QuesaBirria – Birria de Chivo, Salsa Verde, Onions, Corn Tortilla, Cheese, Birria Oil

Compita’s Nachos – Cabeza, Corn Tortilla Chips, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fresco

Combinaction al Gusto – Lengua, Salsa Verde, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Corn Tortillas

Combinaction al Gusto – Carne Asada, Salsa Roja, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Corn Tortillas

Combinaction al Gusto – Pollo, Salsa Verde, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Corn Tortillas

Combinaction al Gusto – Al Pastor, Salsa Roja, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado, Corn Tortillas

Serving Las Vegas for over a decade, Tacos El Compita has earned a reputation as one of the spots Mexicans go for no-frills favorites, and although currently limited to take-out amidst COVID-19 precautions the Restaurant at 7622 Westcliff Drive is still pulling big crowds.

One of three current locations, a few miles west of the original at Charleston and Jones, it was minutes after 11:00am that nearly twenty guests were found waiting at six-foot social distance, markers on the floor assuring staff and customer safety while employees and guests were all clad in personal protective equipment.

Cash only and open at 8am, though credit cards can be used with long waits avoided by using online ordering, it was having prepaid that Food was ready by 11:15am, cooks working quiet at top speed while soccer played on a television in the background.

Carefully packed with Sauces and warm Tortillas on the side, the Salsa Bar currently closed for obvious reasons, it was ten minutes later at home that Styrofoam containers were opened, the smell of Peppers and Onions having already perfumed the car and first bites of Birria remarkably tender despite a fairly small portion of Meat compared to Bone.

Better off with El Compita’s signature “QuesaBirria,” available as Beef or Goat with plenty of melty Cheese inside a Tortilla griddled with Birria Oil, Compita’s Nachos also fare well with Chips standing up nicely to Cheek, Guac, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo and Queso Fresco that was visibly seen microwaved prior to service.

Passing on the best-selling “5-Taco Plate,” instead allowing guests to build their own with four styles of Meat, it was only by request that Tortillas were included by busy Staff, and although the Beans and Rice are mostly forgettable the Tongue as well as Carne Asada are both great while Chicken and Pork are a step behind but also enjoyable.

THREE AND A HALF STARS: Well priced, and operating with customer safety in mind during the pandemic, Tacos El Compita #2 is best thought of as a stand or truck with brick-and-mortar boundaries, a no-frills experience that has its appeal but also suffers certain limitations.

RECOMMENDED: QuesaBirria, Compita’s Nachos, Cabeza, Lengua, Al Pastor.

AVOID: Birria de Chivo was 60% Bones and Staff would have included no Tortillas if not reminded.

TIP: Located at 7622 Westcliff Drive and currently open from 8a-9p daily. No website but menu and ordering available via Grubhub as well as Seamless.

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

Posted in Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork, Tacos El Compita, Tacos El Compita #2 Tagged Al Pastor, Avocado, Avocados, Bean, Beans, Beef, Beef Cheek, Beef Cheeks, Beef Tongue, Birria, Birria de Chivo, Birria Oil, Bread, Cabeza, Carne, Carne Asada, Cheek, Cheeks, Cheese, Chicken, Chickens, Chip, Chips, Chivo, Cilantro, Combinaction al Gusto, Compita's Nachos, Corn, Corn Chip, Corn Chips, Corn Tortilla, Corn Tortilla Chip, Corn Tortilla Chips, Corn Tortillas, Cow, Cow Tongue, Cows, Cream, endoedibles, Food, Foodie, Goat, Goat Birria, Guacamole, Las Vegas, Lengua, Lettuce, Lime, Limes, LV, Mexican Rice, Michael Uzmann, Nacho, Nachos, NV, Oil, Onion, Onions, Pepper, Peppers, Pico de Gallo, Pig, Pollo, Pork, Pork Al Pastor, Quesabirria, Quesadilla, Quesadillas, Queso, Queso Fresco, Rice, Salsa, Salsa Verde, Sauce, Sin City, Sour Cream, Steak, Tacos El Compita, Tacos El Compita #2, Tomato, Tomatoes, Tongue, Tortilla, Tortilla Chip, Tortilla Chips, Tortillas, Vegas

July 9, 2020
11:20 AM
by: Uhockey

Graffiti Bao Catering [7,] Las Vegas NV

Graffiti Bao

White Rice

Scallion Pancakes – Special Soy, Scallion Dressing

Burrata – Scallion Pancakes, Garlic 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

Spicy Sticky Fried Rice – Peanuts, Chili Peppers, Braised Duck, Yellow Curry

Chicken Egg Fried Rice – Roasted Chicken, Toasted Chili Sauce, Crispy Chicken Skin

Spicy Chili Eggplant – Thai Basil, Bell Pepper, Red Onion

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

BBQ Pork Bao Buns – Sweet Soy, Chilis, Shiitake Mushrooms

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

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

Sweet Sesame Beef – Chinese Broccoli, Honey, Sesame Seeds

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

Nutella Bao Buns

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 six 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 folks that typically gravitate to Panda Express, it was at 11:20am that Graffiti Bao employees arrived with everything necessary, PPE in-place and safety never in question.

Opting for staff-favorites, in addition to new items from a list that offers far more diversity than its brevity suggests, 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 the end of lunch.

Opting for Orange Duck this time, instead of Chicken, the quality of Graffiti Bao’s sourcing shows well from Protein to Produce, three styles of the Restaurant’s eponymous Buns satisfying diners on this day with the BBQ Pork a favorite for many but the Kung Pao Chicken and Pulp Fiction referencing Royale with Cheese also pretty tough not to love.

Neglecting White Rice to save stomach capacity for more interesting things, at least three whole Scallion Pancakes devoured including one order alongside Burrata and Garlic Chili Sauce, Crispy Chili Garlic Noodles won out over Lo Mein or Basil Chow Fun this time while a first time order of Marrone’s Braised Short Ribs with folded Bao actually incited an adoring e-mail from the sponsoring speaker.

Shifting off-menu, Marc’s Spicy Chili Eggplant living up to its name and praise thanks to Peppers, Onions, lightly sweet sauce plus plenty of Thai Basil, another new dish titled “Spicy Sticky Fried Rice” will hopefully find a spot on Graffiti Bao’s menu soon as Duck, Curry, Peanuts and Chilis marry beautifully with a great diversity of textures.

Finishing with Dessert Bao, but not before a scoop of Graffiti Bao’s Fried Rice with crispy Chicken Skins, it was with several staff members packing leftovers that the afternoon passed quickly while already looking forward to the next time Marc and his team come to lunch.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Graffiti Bao sets a very high standard in terms of customer service, while every Item across five orders has been nicely presented, displaying “Fusion” without being compromised and appealing to a broad range of diners.

RECOMMENDED: Scallion Pancakes, Burrata, Royale with Cheese Bao Buns, BBQ Pork Bao Buns, Sweet Sesame Beef, Crispy Chili Garlic Noodles, Spicy Sticky Fried Rice, Chicken Egg Fried Rice, Braised Short Ribs, Mandarin Orange Duck.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Southwest location is open: Monday through Saturday from 11:00am to 9:30pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 9:00pm. Follow @GraffitiBao for specials including Industry discounts and community support projects during the pandemic.

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

www.graffitibao.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Catering, Crab, Dessert, Food, Graffiti Bao, Graffiti Bao Catering, Graffiti Bao Southwest, Las Vegas, Nevada, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, American Cheese, Angus, Angus Beef, Bao, Bao Bun, Bao Buns, Barbecue, Barbecue Pork, Barbeque, Barbeque Pork, Basil, BBQ, BBQ Pork, BBQ Pork Bao, BBQ Pork Bao Bun, BBQ Pork Bao Buns, BBQ Pork Bun, BBQ Pork Buns, 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, Braised Duck, Braised Short Rib, Braised Short Ribs, Bread, Broccoli, Bun, Buns, Burger, Burgers, Burrata, Burrata Cheese, Catering, Cheddar, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburgers, Chicken, Chicken Egg Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Skins, Chickens, Chili, Chili Eggplant, Chili Jam, Chili Oil, Chili Pepper, Chili Peppers, Chili Sauce, Chilis, Chinese Broccoli, Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Chocolate-Hazelnut, Cow, Cows, Crab, Crab Fried Rice, Crabs, Crispy Chicken Skin, Crispy Chicken Skins, Crispy Chili Garlic Noodle, Crispy Chili Garlic Noodles, Crispy Garlic, Curry, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dressing, Duck, Egg, Egg Fried Rice, Eggplant, Eggplants, Eggs, endoedibles, Fish Sauce, Folded Bao, Folded Bao Bun, Folded Bao Buns, Food, Foodie, Fried Rice, Garlic, Garlic Chili Sauce, Garlic Sauce, Graffiti Bao, Graffiti Bao Catering, Graffiti Bao Southwest, Hamburger, Hamburgers, Hazelnut, Hazelnuts, Honey, Jam, Kung Pao, Kung Pao Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken Bao, Kung Pao Chicken Bao Bun, Kung Pao Chicken Bao Buns, Las Vegas, Lime, Limes, Lump Crab, LV, Mandarin, Mandarin Orange, Mandarin Orange Chicken, Mandarin Orange Duck, Mandarin Oranges, Mandarins, Marc Marrone, Michael Uzmann, Mint, Mints, Mushroom, Mushrooms, Natural Chicken, Nevada, Noodle, Noodles, Nutella, Nutella Bao, Nutella Bao Bun, Nutella Bao Buns, NV, Oil, Onion, Onions, Orange, Orange Duck, Orange Peel, Orange Zest, Oranges, Pancake, Pancakes, Pastries, Pastry, Peanut, Peanuts, Peel, Peels, Pepper, Peppers, Pickle, Pickles, Pork, Red Onion, Red Onions, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Rib, Ribs, Rice, Roast Chicken, Roasted Chicken, 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, Sauce, Scallion, Scallion Dressing, Scallion Pancake, Scallion Pancakes, Scallions, Seed, Seeds, Sesame, Sesame Beef, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seeds, Shiitake, Shiitake Mushroom, Shiitake Mushrooms, Shiitakes, Short Rib, Short Ribs, Sin City, Skin, Skins, Soy, Soy Sauce, Soy Sum, Special Sauce, Special Soy, Special Soy Sauce, Spicy Chili Eggplant, Spicy Fried Rice, Spicy Sticky Fried Rice, Spread, Sprout, sprouts, Sticky Fried Rice, Sticky Rice, Sugar, Super Green Noodle, Super Green Noodles, Sweet Sesame Beef, Sweet Soy, Sweet Soy Sauce, Thai Basil, Toasted Chili, Toasted Chili Sauce, Toasted Chilis, Todd Lunger, Vegas, Vegetable, Vietnamese Crab Fried Rice, White Rice, Yellow Curry, Zest

July 7, 2020
11:25 AM
by: Uhockey

Metro Pizza Catering [5,] Las Vegas NV

Metro Pizza Catering

Chopped Italian Salad with Ranch Dressing and Italian Dressing

The Metro – Thick Crust, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Extra Mozzarella Cheese

86th Street Square Pie – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Old School Pepperoni

Brooklyn Jr – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil

Zamboni Pizza – Sausage, Old School Pepperoni, Roasted Red Peppers, Mike’s Hot Honey, Mozzarella Cheese

Pepperoni Pizza – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Pepperoni

Old New York – Thick Sliced Mozzarella Cheese, Italian Tomato Sauce, Basil

Triple Play – Thin Crust, Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Triple-Portion Chicago Sausage

Meatball Sliders – Melted Provolone, Fresh-Baked Garlic Knots

Ziti – Meat Sauce

Serving Las Vegas for nearly forty years one might well assume Metro Pizza has the delivery game down to a science, and even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic John Arena and Sam Facchini’s Pizzeria remains irreproachable in terms of customer service.

Featuring locations North, South, East and West, with the catering department now back online, it was minutes prior to 11:30am that delivery arrived porting Food, utensils, plates and condiments, each carefully packaged such that Salad was chilled with everything else piping-hot.

Suitable for almost any budget, though late-2019 changes have created a more concise menu, it was focused on old favorites plus one surprisingly un-tasted options that seven Pies plus Knots, Salad and Pasta were received for under $15 per guest, the all-inclusive cost predictably yielding enough for all plus an assortment of leftovers.

Now the twelfth time delivering to this office, in addition to a dozen or more visits to locations on Decatur, Horizon Ridge or Sky Pointe, it was beginning with Salad that many once again praised Metro’s duo of housemade Dressings, though those more concerned with eating while Food was still temperature appropriate predictably went straight for familiar Pepperoni or the “Zamboni” Pizza complete with two Meats, Roasted Peppers and a generous drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.

Moving next to Meatballs, the combination of Pork and Beef with almost no binder sandwiched between fresh-baked Garlic Buns, it was a little surprising that staff largely passed on Metro’s Old New York given its classic composition, though “The Metro” with extra Cheese and square-cut “Triple Play” beneath a mountain of Sausage stood no chance and were quickly devoured.

Not about to pass by 86th Street, the cold-fermented Sicilian remaining defiantly light despite its thickness even after traveling ten miles, the offering of “Brooklyn Jr.” allowed those who inexplicably “don’t like” Pepperoni to also get their fill while Ziti topped in Meat Sauce is a simple but enjoyable Italian-American classic.

N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone there is a reason John and Sam have been successfully serving Las Vegas for so long, a good part of it skill and doing things the right way, but also by focusing on the customer to deliver on their promises no matter how big or small the budget.

RECOMMENDED: 86th Street Square Pie, Meatball Sliders, Zamboni, Old New York, Chopped Salad.

AVOID: N/A.

TIP: Catering Menu Available here – www.metropizza.com/catering/ and contact metro_catering@embarqmail.com or 702-256-3719 to order.

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

www.metropizza.com

Posted in Catering, Food, Italian, Las Vegas, Metro Pizza, Metro Pizza Catering, Metro Pizza on Decatur, Nevada, Pizza, Pork Tagged #supportlocal, 86th Street, 86th Street Pie, 86th Street Pizza, 86th Street Square Pie, 86th Street Square Pizza, 86th Street Square Sicilian, All Beef Meatball, All Beef Meatballs, Basil, Beef, Beef Meatball, Beef Meatballs, Bread, Brooklyn Jr, Brooklyn Jr Pizza, Butter, Cheese, Cheese Pizza, Chicago Sausage, Chopped Italian Salad, Chopped Salad, Chris Decker, Cow, Cows, Crouton, Croutons, Crust, Cucumber, Cucumbers, Dark Chocolate, Dessert, Desserts, Dressing, endoedibles, Extra Mozzarella, Extra Mozzarella Cheese, Food, Foodie, Fresh-Baked Garlic Knot, Fresh-Baked Garlic Knots, Garlic, Garlic Knot, Garlic Knots, Hand Made Meatball, Hand Made Meatballs, Handmade Meatball, Handmade Meatballs, Honey, Hot Honey, Italian Dressing, Italian Salad, Italian Sausage, Italian Tomato Sauce, John Arena, Knot, Knots, Las Vegas, Lettuce, LV, Meat, Meat Sauce, Meatball, Meatball Slider, Meatball Sliders, Meatballs, Melted Provolone, Melted Provolone Cheese, Metro, Metro Pizza, Metro Pizza Catering, Metro Pizza Decatur, Metro Pizza on Decatur, Metro-style Square Pie, Michael Uzmann, Mike’s Hot Honey, Mozzarella, Mozzarella Cheese, Nevada, Noodle, Noodles, NV, Oil, Old New York, Old New York Pizza, Old School Pepperoni, Olive, Olive Oil, Olives, Onion, Onions, Pasta, Pepper, Pepperoni, Pepperoni Pizza, Pepperoni Sicilian Pizza, Pepperoni Sicilian Slice, Peppers, Pie, Pies, Pig, Pizza, Pork, Pork Sausage, Provolone, Provolone Cheese, Ranch, Ranch Dressing, Red Pepper, Red Peppers, Roasted Red Pepper, Roasted Red Peppers, Romano, Romano Cheese, Salad, Salads, Sam Facchini, Sauce, Sausage, Sicilian, Sicilian Cheese Pie with Pepperoni, Sicilian Cheese Pizza with Pepperoni, Sicilian Pie, Sicilian Pizza, Sicilian Slice, Sin City, Slider, Sliders, The Metro, The Metro Pizza, Thick Crust, Thick Sliced Mozzarella, Thick Sliced Mozzarella Cheese, Thin Crust, Tomato, Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes, Triple Play, Triple Play Pizza, Triple-Portion Chicago Sausage, Vegas, Zamboni, Zamboni Pie, Zamboni Pizza, Ziti, Ziti Pasta

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