Poached Thai Prawn Roll – Lettuce, Pickled Carrots, Cucumber, Mint, Coriander, Basil, Vermicelli Noodles, Prawns, Rice Paper, Chili Sauce
Locally owned and operated, not far from Nadi Airport, The Coffee Hub serves as one of Fiji’s top spots for Breakfast thanks to good Beans, friendly service and an expansive menu of sweets as well as savories served in a laid-back environment with complimentary WiFi.
Favored by Fijians as well as tourists, “Bula” greeting guests regardless of origin, Sunday morning found most patrons grabbing Pastries to go though whether enjoyed elsewhere or on site both Donuts and Banana Bread are sweet yet balanced with a bit more density than traditionally found stateside.
A veteran of hospitality, with the air conditioned space recently upgraded in terms of floral décor, it is perhaps fifteen minutes after ordering that plates arrive from the kitchen including a generous Prawn Roll for ~$8USD and three stacked Pancakes infused with Coconut plus local toppings just $9USD.
Located at 9435 West Tropicana Avenue inside Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center and open 24-hours Pinkbox Doughnuts remains Las Vegas’ premier spot for Artisan Doughnuts, just as it has since debuting over a decade ago.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Often beginning with a Fritter, this day instead turning to the “Cherry Bomb” for Fruit, it was after a “Dirty Twist” that Love Bug continued the gluttony with a soft crumb, Cheesecake and Vanilla shell a 1-2-3 combination of textures.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, “Holy Cannoli” packed with sweetened Cheese beneath two kinds of Chocolate, the “Hockey Puck” succeeds thanks to Ding Dong inspiration while Ol’ Fashioned Rings and Buttermilk Bars show Roberto Armanino knew early-on to nail the basics.
Replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, “Vegas Cream” and “Mr. Blueberry” each achieve high marks while “Mango Tango” upgrades the traditional Bismark by way of tangy filling, Chamoy and Tajin.
Crispy Fish Delight – Flounder, Red Curry Paste, Lime, Ginger, Bell Pepper, Green Beans, Basil
Holy Crab Fried Rice – Lump Crab, White Rice, Cilantro, Onion, Green Onion, Egg
Basil Beef – Green Bean, Onion, Bell Pepper, Basil
Cashew Chicken – Onion, Green Onion, Bell Pepper, Dried Chili, Cashew Nut
Beef Pad Se Ew – Wide Rice Noodle, Broccoli, Egg, Soy Sauce
Shrimp Pad Thai – Rice Noodle, Bean Sprout, Green Onion, Egg, Peanut, Sweet & Sour Tamarind Sauce
Sticky Rice with Mango – Strawberry, Coconut Milk, Peanut
A longtime resident of Sun West Promenade Surang’s Thai Kitchen changed hands in Autumn 2023, the new name “Mama Surang Thai Kitchen” paying homage to its founders while cookery is now in the hands of a native of Thailand who worked with Alex Stratta and Guy Savoy.
Now back from their homeland after the pandemic, a husband and wife team with their children frequently helping out around the Restaurant, Mama Surang Thai Kitchen is found on Fort Apache between Hacienda and Russel with minimal signage but a welcoming atmosphere.
Far from lavish, minimal décor and a few tables filled by locals, Surang’s menu focuses on traditional Thai flavors with just a hint of fusion utilized to accentuate flavor without compromising high quality Ingredients.
Cooked to order in a small kitchen, take-out occasionally delaying service, guests are invited to begin with Iced Coffee or Thai Tea with Cream plus appetizers such as fresh Spring Rolls filled with crunchy Vegetables, Thai Beef Jerky or traditional Chicken Satay
Intended such that “every plate serves an experience,” a bowl of Tom Kha richer than that of Lotus of Siam or Weera, Surang’s Silver Noodle Salad at spice “Level 5” finds diverse textures accentuated by acid while fried Spinach is oilless and light.
Next offered “Crispy Fish Delight,” Flouder flash fried and teaming with Red Peppers amidst Beans with sharp notes of Ginger, Surang’s “Entrees” offer good depth of flavor whether Cashew Chicken or Basil Beef.
Making several styles of Curry each day, Chef’s suggestion of Panang with spoon-tender Brisket an absolute delight in terms of taste and texture, Yellow comes across a little flat by comparison while Pad Thai executes well without reinventing the wheel.
Impressing with Pad Se Ew, ribbons of Rice slicked in Soy with Beef and Broccoli, Holy Crab Fried Rice is “Chef Special” for good reason while Dessert stays traditional featuring faultless Sticky Rice and a ripe Mango out of Mexico.
Despite signage suggesting Summer House Santa Monica the location inside Durango Casino & Resort is actually Lettuce Entertain You’s first branch of the “California-inspired Restaurant” out west, and regardless of what might be inside the Cookie Bar out front is a sight for sore eyes.
Taking a Spago-esque approach to Market-fresh fare, think Pizzas and Pastas plus plates from an all-wood grill, it is for roughly $5 each that guests will find a dozen or more daily baked good including everything from classic Chocolate Chip with big dark chunks to a gooey Blondie with Butterscotch bits in the mix.
A natural feeling space bathed in light, Rockwell Group taking on LEYE’s first off-Strip venture, guests not fond of Cocoa will find a “Confetti Cookie” far outpacing competitors while both glazed Lemon and “Cinnamon Roll” eat soft and chewy within a gently crisp rim.
Not forgeting the Vegan Snickerdoodle this time, whatever fat is utilized tasting buttery and rich, Summer House’s Apple Oatmeal Cookie reminisces of Autumn Apple Crisp in portable form while additional choices all warrant their $4-6 pricetag.
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing family recipes from a Texas Doughnuttery to Sin City in October 2015, guests entering Glaze Doughnuts will notice little has since changed about the shop in 8 years while a soft base and creative toppings earn “Best of Las Vegas” accolades annually.
Located on Fort Apache Road, fair prices and friendly service undoubtedly part of Glaze’s appeal, what the shop lacks in selection is more than made up for in quality compared to the likes of Dunkin, Krispy Kream or other spots nearby.
Largely built on Yeast Rings, though undersized Fritters perform admirably, fans of simplicity will find Maple Frosting far more subtle than most while Chocolate and Vanilla Glaze are also of excellent quality with or without additions such as Cereal or Candy.
Not over-the-top, but balanced and complex, Ube and Coconut dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Peanut Butter and Jelly do the same, though if one is seeking Glaze’s top choice the decision comes down to Blueberry Cinnamon Toast, Churros and Horchata or Matcha Green Tea Pistachio that delivers sweetness beneath toasty notes.
Lean Brisket, Fatty Brisket, Smoked Turkey, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links, Pulled Pork
Apple Pie
Banana Pudding
Open from 11:00am until 9:00pm daily at Suite 110 of 6115 South Fort Apache Road, and Sin City’s best place for Barbecue ever since the Henderson original debuted in January 2016, it was for dinner Saturday that the smell of Big B’s Texas BBQ filled the downstairs, family and friends quick to gather for an abundance of smoked Meat, Dessert and Sides.
Named after its Pit Master and changing the long-held belief that Las Vegas is not a Barbeque town ever since the original opened, Big B’s Texas BBQ features the work of Brian Buechner and Natalia Badzjo, the husband and wife team taking a hands-on approach to every aspect of the operation from build-out to driving in fresh piles of wood as needed from the Lone Star State.
Available for dine-in, take-out, catering and delivery, all presented by one of the most pleasant staffs in town, over-ordering is easy regardless of preference for Pork or Beef including Ribs, pulled-style or Brisket with a good smoke ring whether fatty or lean.
Texas through and through, the aforementioned wood just one reason why Big B’s Proteins outpace growing competition, sides are highlighted by Creamed Corn and thick-cut Onion Rings plus Sin City’s best BBQ Beans and Mac n’ Cheese.
Never forgetting Cornbread that seems to get better every time Dessert is a pick ‘em including Pecan or Apple Pie, Chocolate Cake or fresh made Banana Pudding as good as any one will find down South.
Maple Ol’ Fashioned – Old Fashion Doughnut, Maple Frosting
Cinna-Roll Out – Glazed Raised Cinnamon
It’s Ya Birthday – Yeast Doughnut, Vanilla Frosting, Birthday Cake Filling, Blonde Oreos, Vanilla Icing, Party Décor
Nutella Face DoughCro – Croissant Doughnut, Glaze, Nutella, Powdered Sugar
Fudging Love You – Yeast Doughnut, Chocolate Frosting, Chocolate Frosting bottom, Chocolate Whip, Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocolate Chips
Don’t Be Salty – Yeast Doughnut, Caramel Cheesecake, Caramel Icing, Vanilla Icing, White Whip, Sea Salt
Located at 9435 West Tropicana Avenue inside Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center and open 24-hours Pinkbox Doughnuts remains Las Vegas’ premier spot for Artisan Doughnuts, just as it has since debuting over a decade ago.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Often beginning with a Fritter, this day no different and the resulting bite packed with Cinnamon plus Fruit, it was after a “Dirty Twist” that Love Bug continued the gluttony with a soft crumb, Cheesecake and Vanilla shell a 1-2-3 combination of textures.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, “Fudging Love You” packed with Chocolate Cheesecake between layers of Frosting, the “Blow Torch” succeeds thanks to Creme Brulee inspiration while a Maple Old Fashioned showed Roberto Armanino knew early-on to nail the basics.
Replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, the “Blue Face DoughCro” sees layers separate nicely beneath naturally-flavored Frosting while specials including Don’t Be Salty and various “DoughCros” are also highly recommended.
Opened as the signature Steakhouse at Durango Casino & Resort “Nicco’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish” resides just off the gaming floor adjacent The George, though immediately upon entry anyone familiar with the likes of Scotch 80 or Jean Georges will quickly realize there’s a lot more to the Restaurant than the usual Beef and Sides.
A quiet space despite its location, the foyer leading to a full bar in front of the main dining room, Nicco’s looks chic but feels familiar thanks to plush carpets and linens amidst wood, brass and a gleaming open kitchen led by former Nice Hospitality Chef Michael Tomorsky.
Bound by the needs of an off-Strip Casino, Filet Mignon and Dry Martinis aplenty, a deeper dive on Nicco’s menu attests to top-tier sourcing including everything from A5 Japanese Wagyu to Fresh Fish and organic Produce from nearby Farms.
Lower priced than like-concepts on Las Vegas Boulevard, but certainly not lacking for creativity, Appetizers such as Snow Beef Carpaccio or tempura-battered Crab outpace Tuna with Balsamic while Crab Cakes offer minimal filler and lots of Meat.
Joining an ever-growing arms race for Sin City’s best Steakhouse, a duo of housemade Pastas including spicy Rigatoni versus Snow Beef Tortellini declaring Nicco’s willingness to put in the work, neither Thick-Cut Bacon nor Bone Marrow with Marmalade should be ignored before moving on to the main event.
More than just Steaks, though dry-aged grass-fed Australian Wagyu is exceptional, Sides show well in classic form while the “28 Burger” earns its price tag with two-Patties fortified with A5 scraps and crispy golden Fries.
Not forgetting Dover Sole, de-boned and sauced tableside, those seeking something more comforting will be glad to know that Domestic Wagyu Country Fried Steak with Sausage Gravy is every bit as delicious as it sounds.
A stretch to find room for Dessert, especially as each of Nicco’s eight options are sizable for only $12, those seeking something with fruit should consider delicate warm Apple Crisp while those desiring decadence won’t go wrong with the Peanut Butter Brookie, towering Chocolate Cake or steamy Toffee Pudding with typical sweetness countered by Crème Fraiche Ice Cream.
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing family recipes from a Texas Doughnuttery to Sin City in October 2015, guests entering Glaze Doughnuts will notice little has since changed about the shop in 8 years while a soft base and creative toppings earn “Best of Las Vegas” accolades annually.
Located on Fort Apache Road, fair prices and friendly service undoubtedly part of Glaze’s appeal, what the shop lacks in selection is more than made up for in quality compared to the likes of Dunkin, Krispy Kream or other spots nearby.
Largely built on Yeast Rings, though undersized Fritters perform admirably, fans of simplicity will find Maple Frosting far more subtle than most while Chocolate and Vanilla Glaze are also of excellent quality with or without additions such as Cereal or Candy.
Not over-the-top, but balanced and complex, Ube and Coconut dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Peanut Butter and Jelly do the same, though if one is seeking Glaze’s top choice the decision comes down to Blueberry Cinnamon Toast, Churros and Horchata or Matcha Green Tea Pistachio that delivers sweetness beneath toasty notes.
Cold Sliced Ox Tongue with Sichuan Sauce, Cucumbers
Crab Yolk Xiao Long Bao
Traditional Shanghai Xiao Long Bao
Steamed Mahi Mahi Dumplings
Steamed Vegan Dumplings
Bean Curd Noodles with Shrimp and XO Sauce
Three Chili Shrimp
House Fried Fat Noodles with Beef
Sheng Jian
Shanghai Fried Rice
Shanghai Fried Rice Cake with Shrimp
All the best from Jimmy Li and Joe Muscaglione at the all new ShangHai Taste Southwest. First day the burners are on, Grand Opening June 8th at 8060 South Rainbow. All the old favorites plus some new dishes.
MANGO SORBET – Graham Crumble, Passion Fruit Gelée, Mezcal Candied Pepitas, Roasted Mango Skin Purée, Pineapple, Basil
Serving Las Vegas since January 2022 and now a James Beard Award Foundation finalist plus Yelp! Winner for best new Restaurant, Anima by EDO merges Italian and Spanish Cuisine into an elegant experience from Chef Oscar Amador.
Run by industry veterans from front-of-house to kitchen it is following warm greetings at the door that guests are led to a choice of diverse seating options, banquets in the back most quiet with a full view of murals from local artist Apolo Torres.
More “approachable” than EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine per General Manager Roberto Liendo, though certainly never lacking for creativity, Dinner at Anima begins with Appetizers ranging from Eggs with three types of Roe to upgraded Vitello Tonato preceded by Baby Scallops topped in Thai-style Sauce.
Not forgetting Hamachi unveiled in a swirl of smoke with Duck Liver and Apples or Artichokes with savory Vinaigrette, EDO’s Cracker-thin Bikini Sandwich cannot be ignored even in the face of dazzling Octopus or longtime favorite Beef Carpaccio atop Bread filled with liquid Cheese.
Happy to see the layered Bravas, followed by two new Pastas including springtime Gnocchi and rolled Lasagna, Anima’s Iberico Pork has been reinvented again amidst Tomatoes and Garlic while tender Black Cod gets poached in Olive Oil before being plated between Olives and Negi Donuts.
The first visit in nearly three months, an almost entirely different menu attesting to the skills of Chef Oscar and Tayden Ellamar. Dessert saw sharable Pistachio Tiramisu and Roberto’s family-recipe Flan paired to a newly launched “Coconut Bomb” and housemade Mango Sorbet dazzling with an array of textural additions.
Risen like a phoenix from the ashes of Ramir Bolanos DeCastro’s beloved Purple Potato it is as a Bakery that the former Yonaka Chef’s legacy continues to grow via Donuts, Cookies, Ube-based treats and Filipino Pastries.
Previously offered for delivery or takeout only, but now brick and mortar at 6370 W Flamingo Rd #20, it was Tuesday that fifteen items were procured for tasting and shared by a group during weekend festivities.
Never actually gone from the local food scene, the rebranding of Yonaka and Purple Potato followed by a consulting gig at McCarran, Chef DeCastro’s current lineup continues with Croissant, Ring and Polvoron Bismarck Donuts, this day featuring a dozen varieties ranging from Pistachio to Guava Cheesecake and several styles featuring Flan.
Also adding a Churro French Maple Layered Donut for colder weather, complete with Whipped Cream, fans of savory selections will be delighted to know Ramir recently added breakfast items including a burger and Tocino Rice Bowl complete with glazed Pork Belly and aromatic Rice.
The only place in town for Ensaymada, traditional Cheese or Ube Cream, additional specials such as the Tres Leches Cake and Butterscotch Brioche Donut sell out early for good reason.
Described as a “Faith-based” business Abel’s Bagels opened late-2022 at 7150 S Durango Blvd Suite #130, owner Nick Pace of an organic juice bar in Roslyn New York hoping to bring “authentic” New York Bagels to Sin City along with other favorites from “Nook’s Organic.”
Inspired by the Bible’s Abel and Mr. Pace’s commitment to quality it is from 7am Monday through Saturday and 8am Sunday that Abel’s offers not only hand-rolled, boiled and baked rounds but also Sandwiches, Smoothies and Acai Bowls.
Sourcing good Ingredients and Coffee, high-gluten Flour the backbone of any proper Bagel, Abel’s collection includes all the favorites save for Egg while Cream Cheese is offered on its own or with up to three mix-ins ranging from Fruits or Vegetables to Macha and Peanut Butter.
Friendly in terms of service, though prone to selling out of top choices early on weekends, Bagels run $1.75 a piece with discounts by the dozen for specimens with a good skin and light crackle that quickly gives way to a chewy center that performs at nearly New York standards whether flecked in Seeds or dotted with Raisins.
Cookies & Bites – Almond Orange, Lemon Butter, Chocolate Tahini
A concept from Tao Group owner Lou Abin and Lotus of Siam’s parent Bua Food Group Naxos Taverna at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa suggests “approachable Mediterranean Seafood-focused cuisine cooked from the soul,” though a recent look sees soaring prices and #influencer comps as the eatery’s main focus.
Fronted by Kallisto Oyster Bar and bathed in blue, an airy dining room of light woods espousing the Island from which it takes its name, Naxos’ menu comes from Chef Mark Andelbradt and ranges widely from traditional Greek recipes to Steaks or Salmon targeting tourists and Summerlin soccer moms.
Offering whole Fish shown on ice, plus fresh Pita baked in an open kitchen, it is from servers happy to up-sell that many will begin with “Dips, Spreads & Breads,” $55 up from just $30 a year ago yielding five choices from which Tzatziki, Coal-Roasted Eggplant and Beet-Citrus Tartare are all well-executed.
Inspired by the taverns of Greece, though oddly using Turkey’s Nazar Boncuk in marketing, a good majority of Naxos Wine and Spirits derive from the Islands while small shares such as Hamachi Crudo and Prawns wrapped in Kataifi outpace Zucchini & Eggplant Chips done better at Strip-stalwart Estiatorio Milos.
Not forgetting recently-added Saganaki balanced by Port Wine and Lemon Thyme, easily the most compelling dish not compromised by Vegas Steakhouse pricing, Lobster & Crab Diavolo packs a lot of heat while $28 “Appetizer” Octopus and $15 Spuds are laughable compared to spiced Carrots in cooling Yogurt for less.
Now offering brunch, just check the #gram for sponsored content, Naxos’ Dessert menu offers surprises including swirled Froyo mixing Ricotta Cheese with Olive Oil and all-new Soufra that eats like Galaktoboureko with Blueberries and Lemon Gelato on top.
Such an egregious knock-off that they got sued by Crumbl Crave Cookies comes from owner Trent English, phrases such as “Because adulting is hard” and “Game changer” strewn all over a fancy website of options that change weekly now expanding across the nation though franchising.
Sold on a back-story of the founders’ eating disorder, though one needs to dig deep below glossy boxes, stark-white interior and an intentionally familiar logo to discover anything but photogenic Cookies and Soda with added sweeteners, it was side-by-side in the same week that Crave’s “Horchata Churro” outpaced crumbl’s while “Lemon Bar” lacked Curd or anything to add moisture to a dry base.
Reportedly “crafted with top-tier ingredients that would make even the snobbiest food critics nod in approval,” Oreos, Biscoff and subpar Chocolate proving…something…it is safe to say Crave’s Chocolate Chip is slightly better than crumbl’s Milk Chocolate thanks to crisp edges and a soft center while “The Crookie” is another knockoff, but well-executed.
Cookie a la Mode – Chocolate Chip Cookie, Vanilla Ice Cream, Maraschino Cherries, Chocolate Sauce
Churros – Batter Rolled in Cinnamon Laced Sugar, Infused with Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream
Described as “Las Vegas’ premier sports lounge & kitchen,” a location inside UnCommons thus far assuring a lack of crowds or the sort of patrons more commonly found at PT’s Tavern, General Admission casts a large net including everything from Burgers and Wings to Salad and Sushi.
“Defined to redefine what bar Food is and can taste like,” a lofty goal considering The George, B.A.R. and Sporting Life all nearby, General Admission checks starts the party right by checking boxes for plenty if TVs plus comfy seats and fit waitresses dressed in Spandex.
Graciously not playing iheartradio over the game, Knicks vs 76ers on half the screens while Leafs vs. Bruins occupied the rest, drinks ring in at expected prices while shareable Appetizers such as Loaded Nachos and “Tokyo Tots” outpace $3 per bite Gyoza reportedly filled with Wagyu Beef.
Sold out of Kettle Chips, one the options for General Admission’s Nachos, Carnitas Sliders fare well thanks to a slow braise and vibrant Salsa while both New York Pastrami and a Double Double Smash Burger execute their concept on a good Bun with appropriate Condiments.
Not exaggerating the “spicy” part of Spicy Rigatoni, the housemade Vodka Sauce providing quite a kick, Chicken Fingers atop taste a lot like those at Delilah while sides including Fries, Onion Rings and Street Corn are par to other Sports Bars in Vegas.
Sold on Dessert by the waitress, though Salt & Straw is mere steps away, suffice it to say those in search of Churros are better off at Mijo across the street while the “Cookie a la Mode” is thin and forgettable in comparison to Summerhouse or Crumbl both less than 1/2 mile away.
Born in Logan Utah Crumbl took the city by storm, their Instagramable rounds offered in thirty stores across six states by 2019 and now in all fifty states with six in Las Vegas including the Durango location opened in May 2020.
Created by Sawyer Hemsley and Jason McGowan, rapid expansion through franchising yielding mixed results from store to store as evidence by Social Media, it was after nine variable experiences that the westside storefront proved competent, the staff exceedingly pleasant whilst describing each choice.
Undoubtedly popular in part due to photogenicity, though a sterile interior oversells the fact that everything is made from scratch, the first thing those entering will notice is Crumbl’s limited collection of just six weekly flavors, though on this week the overly-sweet Chocolate Chip was replaced by Semi-Sweet Chunks plus Sea Salt.
Still a young company, so much success despite only starting in September 2017 certainly enviable, best bites came from specials that included “Blueberry Muffic,” Fruit and Butter well represented while the consistency was soft but crispy along the rim.
Offered onsite or via delivery from 8am until at least 10pm Monday through Saturday it was next that Churro doubled-down on a Snickerdoodle beneath Frosting while Triple Chocolate Chip was expectedly rich.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name Peanut Butter Munch nonetheless fares well in comparison to a Classic Sugar Cookie that changes frequently without ever really being remarkable.
Last visited in February 2023 Friendly Donut House remains a Henderson staple for good reason, opening hours as early as 4:00am daily finding shelves full of fried Dough paired to pleasant customer service.
The sort of place built for Veterans to linger over Coffee, a strip-mall on South Boulder Highway playing host to regulars for decades, fans of classics will find lightly fried Yeast rings beneath Glaze while those who favor Cake can choose Vanilla or Chocolate with Sprinkles, Cinnamon Crumble or plain.
Also offering Longjohns and squared-Bismarcks, the later piped with Cream or Custard, Buttermilk Bars are textbook thanks to penetrant Sugar plus Icing in a variety of flavors while the Bear Claw and Apple Fritter are easily Sin City’s best and well-worth the drive, cost and calories thanks to the golden exterior and Cinnamon-spiced Fruit inside.
