Begun as a trendy spot selling naked Layer Cakes during the pandemic it was October 2023 when Sophia Smith finally opened Butter & Crumble in the former Tante Marie’s Cooking School at 271 Francisco Street in North Beach, and since that time the Bakery has been prone to selling out long before its posted hours Thursday through Sunday.
Still offering Cakes online for pre-order, staff of the kitschy pink space blasting Billie Eilish occasionally popping out to cross-off another sold-out item, those arriving after 10:00am on weekends can expect little to be available whether they wait fifteen minutes or nearly an hour.
Using half the shop for an open kitchen, another quarter for retail and just two seats, it is at the counter that orders are placed while one woman folds boxes and another gathers items from a ticket and calls out names.
A lesson in inefficiency, tough business does not seem to be lacking, Sunday’s limited sampling consisted of a soggy Strawberry Cinnamon Swirl and big Chocolate Chip Cookie sporting three types of Valrhona Chocolate while better bites came from moist Banana Bread beneath Cream Cheese Frosting.
When Michelin-starred French bistro Nico closed in 2019 owners Andrea and Nicolas Delaroque pivoted to Pastry, and although $45 for 5 items might seem pricey in most markets the ingredients and execution are every bit on par with what one sees in Lyon or Paris.
Located at 710 Montgomery Street near the Embarcadero, Delaroque’s Pâté en Croûte visible from a doorway where diners are forced to wait for indecisive guests and servers lacking a sense of urgency, it is once inside that one can peruse a full selection including imported Jams and Wines plus everything from Viennoiserie to Choux.
Opting to sit outside, all items carefully plated but the server never once cracking a smile, Nico’s Canele strikes a good balance of crunch to Custard while the Financier is moist with toasty notes provided by Hazelnuts.
Only offering Pâté en Croûte in portions suited for sharing, eyes instead turning to an Almond Croissant sliced and sandwiched around Blueberries with floral accents, $14 each for the Paris Brest and Fig Tart proves justified as the taste and texture of each are absolutely faultless.
Perhaps equally so famous as sister space Nopa it was 2009 that Nopalito opened just north of the Panhandle, and since that time a focus on organic Produce and sustainability has found the Restaurant widely regarded as one of the best Mexican eateries in the Bay Area.
A labor of love from Veracruz native Gonzalo Guzman, a youth in the fields and techniques passed down from his mother yielding traditional flavors bolstered by California’s bounty, it is at 306 Broderick that guests are greeted warmly by staff offering a menu including everything from slow-cooked Pork to handmade Tortillas.
Upscale yet casual, a true “Bib Gourmand” punching above its weight class in a city where very little is a bargain, Cocktails are simple yet effective while those craving the likes of Chilaquiles or a fluffy Concha to-go will appreciate hot or coldbrew Coffee from a take-away window.
Open all-day with no reservations, a concise indoor-covered patio setup with wood and organic elements offering comfortable seating, Appetizers lean heavily on Vegetables and whether one chooses creamy Esquites or smoky Cauliflower adjacent Orange slices the results are equally impressive.
The author of JBFA winning cookbooks and a retail line, recently celebrating their quinceañera, it might be expected that Nopalito’s Pozole brings the sort of complexity possessed by few others while Enmoladas utilize Corn Tortillas with appropriate flex to house a good amount of Cheese then smothered in Mole that is equal parts sweet, smoke and earth.
Opened in 2023 by the owners of Saint Frank Coffee it was on May 19th of this year that Juniper swept the “Best Croissant in San Francisco competition,” and since that time the Cafe on Polk Street has been prone to lines and sell outs long before their stated 3pm closing time.
Originally known for their Choux, currently highlighted by a combination of Pineapple Puree and Coconut Milk Diplomat inside a crunchy yet yielding shell, it is from the hands of San Francisco Baking Institute graduate Amy Chen that guests can find Viennoserie both traditional and as far reaching as Black Sesame Kouign Amann.
Featuring their own Beans in a variety of drinks, plus vibrant green Matcha Lattes, limited seating sees diners lined up along a counter to enjoy freshly toasted housmade Whole Grain Bread beneath Avocados and Lemon Oil or a laminated Cinnamon Roll kissed by Orange Peel.
Named after a follower of Francis of Assisi, his generosity and hospitality renowned, customer service far outpaces the likes of Nico or Craftsman & Wolves while choices such as the Gluten Free PB&J Blondie fair nearly as well as buttery coils with a delicate crumb that crack briskly before falling on the table and floor.
Tiramisu Donut – Coffee, Cocoa, Masarpone Cream, Rum Espresso
Offering roughly two-dozen flavors daily, in addition to freshly-fried minis available in a keto-friendly fashion, any discussion of Wicked Donuts should begin with the base, buttery Brioche or toothsome Cake enjoyable beneath tangy Buttermilk or Vanilla Glaze, though upgrading to Chocolate or Maple is highly advised.
Eschewing Artificial Colors or Preservatives, a fact pertinent to Cream-filled choices, suffice it to say that most will not last long whether it be decadent Tiramisu or the more nuanced Guava Cheesecake.
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled or coated in Cinnamon-Sugar, Cointreau Crème Brulee continues to impress in its subtlety while Bella Nutella is rich but not too sweet with plenty of textural variability.
KOJI MARINATED HANGER STEAK ROSSINI, Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Potato Puree, Red Wine Demi-Glace, Black Truffle
AERATED CHEESECAKE, Shortbread Crumble, Passion Fruit Curd
CREMOSO DE CHOCOLATE, dark chocolate fudge, olive oil, sea salt, crostini
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 Tomato Salad preceded by Cauliflower Gazpacho.
Not forgetting Hamachi unveiled in a swirl of smoke with Duck Liver and Apples, or creamy Mushroom Croquettes, EDO’s longtime favorite Beef Carpaccio atop Bread filled with liquid Cheese also remains a very memorable bite.
Taking a different look at Carbonara via crispy Chips with two textures of Lardo and a hint of smoke Summer’s best Pasta sees Sweet Corn with Guanciale and Bone Marrow get showered with Australian Truffles tableside.
Skipping Bikinis and Bravas this time, though the later finds itself cubed amidst Iberico Pork with Tomatoes and Garlic, Chef Tayden Ellamar’s take on Steak Rossini finds itself even more decadent than most French Restaurants thanks to a buttery Potato bed and faultless Red Wine Demi.
The first visit in nearly three months, several new items attesting to the skills of Chefs Oscar and Tayden, Dessert saw shareable Fudge paired to a newly launched “Aerated Cheesecake” with an array of textural additions.
Hidden amidst liquor stores and laundromats just a few blocks from the Sphere India Palace has been serving Sin City for nearly 30 years, owners Surjit Heera and Devinder Singh choosing to focus more on Food and service than atmosphere inside a space that is larger than it appears.
A cornerstone of the local Indian community, busses frequently making stops with a throng of guests, it is from a list of North Indian plates that guests are invited to choose from Appetizers, Entrees and Stews both Vegetarian and Omnivore.
Fronted by friendly staff, fare prices despite good Ingredients a key to India Palace’s success, classics come in the form of Paneer Cheese cooked in Onions and Peppers plus golden-fried Samosas stuffed by Peas and Potatoes.
Opting for Mango Lassi, though a bar including Indian Beer is available, housemade Chutney accompanies complimentary Papadum ready to prepare the palate for Lamb or Chicken from the Tandoor or Amritsari Fish crisp beneath Chickpea Flour.
Attuned to the classics, Butter Chicken here indistinguishable from others in town, those seeking something with more spice should consider either Chicken Vindaloo or Aloo Gobi balancing Turmeric and Cumin with Curry.
Not forgetting cooked Spinach and Cheese, a counterpoint to creamy Rogan Josh and bone-in Karahi Goat, Naan comes soft and fluffy in various forms amenable to soaking up the Sauce from all of the above plus Shrimp Korma.
Currently only offering a Buffet for special occasions, and “sold out” of Dosa, Dessert runs a traditional gamut of Kheer or Gulab Jamun, though the standouts are fragrant Gajar Halwa and Ras Malai featuring thick Cream perfumed by Cardamom.
Unquestionably Las Vegas’ top choice for French Pastry over the past 9+ years Rosallie Le French Café continues to show well on-site or to-go, a Tuesday morning delivery finding Pastries carefully arranged with several still warm and both the Croissants as well as the Danishes still the best in town.
Glazed Donut Bread Pudding, three rum caramel, vanilla crème anglaise
Ground-breaking since opening Carson Kitchen’s greatness has seemingly become so expected that many are prone to overlook it, but on Sunday Afternoon 124 South 6th Street was jammed-packed for a 10th Anniversary menu that continues to exude creativity, quality and the sort of Food that challenges without compromise yet always seems delicious and familiar.
Fortunate to have tasted every new plate at Carson Kitchen since summer of 2015, Chefs Harwell, Simon and team forever rethinking even longtime best-sellers, it was alongside drinks that dining began shortly, all well-suited to iconic Chicken Skins, bubbling Bacon Jam and Tempura Green Beans with Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese.
Continuing with more Skins, equally enjoyable today as in 2014, Hot Dog “Burnt Ends” stand out thanks to sticky BBQ Sauce while seasonal Salads are highlighted by Broccoli Crunch and the ever-reinventing “Young Beet Wedge”
Rarely forgetting the Meatballs, now larger but still faultless in texture, “Killer Shrimp” and Buffalo Pork Belly prove a good segue to Flatbreads including Hot Honey Mushrooms or Pepp on Pepp that is forever present for good reason.
Sent a complimentary Mac & Cheese for first timers “one of each” Dessert proved just enough when talking about Las Vegas’ best Brownie and Donut Bread Pudding but maybe still too little for Banoffee “Pie” spiked with Bailey’s.
Part of Town Square since April of 2019, but a known entity near San Diego for forty years prior, The Broken Yolk Café has captured Las Vegas’ attention by offering “high quality, homemade Food in large portions” to the tune of Southwest and Henderson locations plus the recently opened space at 201 South Las Vegas Boulevard.
An expanding concept with over thirty-nine locations across five states, Sin City’s newest just yards from Fremont Street, it is after securing parking that guests approach a freshly built space capable of seating hundreds, though for a Restaurant so new service is outstanding from the General Manager to servers, bussers and even folks at the hostess stand.
Made (more) famous by an appearance on “Man vs Food” it is from a multi-page menu that guests seeking variety are invited to make choices, a full-bar offered from open to close daily also provided to tempt those who desire more than just Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Priced competitive to Cracked Egg or Babystacks, and approximately half the cost of other Las Vegas Boulevard Breakfasts, it was with Coldbrew Coffee and Cocktails that things got underway, a Frozen Mangonada well-suited to South-of-the-border specialties while “Cinnamon Toast Cereal Milk” and “Strawberry Gin Fizz” each act as light sippers that compliment The Broken Yolk Café’s Diner fare.
Opting to dine lighter than usual, though a check-average of approximately $20 per guest will leave most over-sated, first bites came from extra-large Biscuits made from scratch with Butter, a gentle yeastiness amidst good rise attesting to quality with or without added Honey while Onion Rings cook up crispy.
Focusing on items marked as “BYC Favorites,” many of these recipes dating back four decades, it was after splitting a warm Blueberry Muffin that attention turned to a spicy Ranchero Skillet with fried Potatoes plus Chorizo and a Chilaquiles Bowl with dueling Sauces cooked into the Chips.
Not about to pass on French Toast and Pancakes, the latter offered solo or stacked in seven varieties including Gluten Free, those unafraid to indulge are highly encouraged to order swirled Cinna-Cakes drizzled with Vanilla Icing, and although “Crunchy French Toast” looks better on the menu than it does as plated the flavor is still excellent – though not quite on the level of Tiki Toast that perfectly suit’s “The Ninth Island” with thick slices of Hawaiian Bread, Berries and Caramel Sauce.
Italian for “to crave” Bramàre comes from Batch Hospitality and the owners of Table 34, their new eatery at 3900 Paradise Road described as a late night Cocktail bar and Italian tapas-style Restaurant built on timeless craftsmanship with a modern twist.
The brainchild of Evan Glusman and Constantin Alexander, their decision to purchase Table 34 from longtime owners bringing Chef Joe Valdez III over to Bramàre, it is once eyes adjust to sultry lighting that guests will notice brick juxtaposing wood and dark suede while music bumps softly overhead.
Planned to remain open late, “about 3am” by report, it is at the Bar led by mixologist Oscar Takahashi that top-shelf Spirits fuel modern interpretations of classic Cocktails including an Old Fashion or Negroni plus modern takes on Espresso Martini and Pisco Sours.
Divided into small, medium and large plates plus Pizza and Pasta, each section featuring Ingredients uncommonly found off-Strip, groups will benefit by inquiring about portion sizes before ordering as most items come shareable – the Soup with lots of Cheese served piping hot while Focaccia is outshined by “The Toast” which eats like Grilled Cheese in its spicy and idyllic form.
Going Gluten-free for fried Mushrooms, a crisp batter surrounding Hon Shemijis topped by Garlic-Chili Sauce, Broccolini as well as Caponata are classics executed well while the Iberico Pork Secreto comes beautifully cooked and sliced alongside creamy Polenta logs.
Not forgetting handmade Pastas or Pizzas, the later from a gas oven with crisp Crust and innovative toppings, Valdez’s “Anacardi” is an ode to his father featuring Salami, Cashews and Olives while Artichoke’s find themselves upgraded by Heirloom Tomatoes plus Truffle Cream.
Also executing a simple Margherita with skill, plus another Pie supporting Mushrooms and Calabrian Sausage, Pastas are highlighted by Tortelloni stuffed with Mortadella and Cockscomb Noodles in smoky yet rich Red Sauce flecked by crispy bits of Salami.
Exceeding $100 for “Large” Plates, two served divided in half providing plenty for a party of ten, Iberico Pork Porchetta arrives with juicy Flesh surrounded by an equal amount of fat atop cheesy Polenta while more than a pound of Skull Island Prawns decorate Tagliatelle in aromatic Shellfish Broth.
Not a place to forgo Dessert, four selections plus Gelato comprising Bramàre’s early offerings, it is safe to assume no Tiramisu in town resembles this version with Chocolate-dipped Grissini as utensils though the real star of the show is fried Focaccia served in bubbling Blueberries that is best enjoyed with a Coffee Mocktail called Caffe Lungo Bosco featuring Baking Spices and Morel Mushrooms.
Mint Chip Ice Cream – Sugar Cookie, Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, Mint Chip Mousse, Whipped Cream
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 occasionally one may find “Mystery Cookies” including specials from the previous week.
Still a young company, so much success despite only starting in September 2017 certainly enviable, best bites came from specials that included “Blueberry Crumb Cake,” flavors of Fruit and Citrus well represented while “Strawberry Ice Cream Bar” brought mellow Vanilla notes.
Offered onsite or via delivery from 8am until at least 10pm Monday through Saturday it was next “Mint Chip Ice Cream” took on the namesake before “Monster” added all-the-things to a Peanut Butter base.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name suffice it to say the “German Chocolate Cake” comes with a fork for good reason, and bite-for-bite is light with all the elements of the original plus Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting for richness.
Some say the best Restaurants are those that a guest wants to revisit even before leaving, and over the course of thirty-five meals served across eight years Bardot Brasserie has redefined “the best” at Brunch, not only in terms of Food but setting and service that all continue to shine under the direction of Chef Mike Astin.
Once again filled on Saturday it was at noon that Aria’s second floor was found lively, a familiar front-of-house greeting four diners who were seated comfortably at a table to the side of all the action.
Still doing big numbers, no small feat in a city with such diversity of options, it was with confirmation of no allergies or intolerances that Carte Blanche was deferred to a team that has earned unwavering trust, a mix of new and old soon to follow.
Served at a careful pace, Mimosas and Coffee guiding new-French classics, course one updated Bardot’s Deviled Eggs served alongside Sugar-crusted Grapefruit lent additional texture by toasted Pistachios.
A less-hearty affair than usual, several guests bowing out last-minute affecting GM AJ Gonzales’ plans, course two nonetheless delivered a top-shelf display of Shellfish on ice while Seasonal Tomatoes enlivened by Vinegar played well with Olives.
Not about to miss the famous French Toast, two thick wedges arriving with plus-size quenelles of Vanilla Cream and Almond Brittle, Bardot’s Beef Wellington created by Josh Smith continues to shine just as the vertical Macaroni does with or without Black Truffles shaved tableside.
Nearly too full for Dessert, but only nearly, Bardot’s Macaron remains a must for Chocolate lovers but still loses the spotlight to a sharable Almond Pithivier that eats akin to France’s King Cake.
www.michaelmina.net/restaurants/las-vegas/bardot-brasserie
HUDSON VALLEY DUCK, Manzanilla Olives, Palo Cortado, Escabeche Sauce
PEACHES IN SPANISH VERMOUTH, Green Beans, Almond Praline, Ginger, Cilantro Oil
Opened in 2018, with Anima by EDO debuted early 2022 and since a JBFA Semifinalist, EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine remains Las Vegas’ most exciting Restaurant thanks to its unrivaled ability to look backwards while at the same time pushing boundaries rarely approached by off-Strip dining.
Inspired by Catalonian traditions, Chef Oscar Amador Edo’s upbringing in Barcelona gifting him with a respect for diverse Ingredients and an ability to craft poignant bites that highlight rather than hide them, it was as a party of three that guests were accommodated near the back, GM Roberto Liendo charged with creating a Menu Degustacion including both regularly offered items and nightly inspirations.
An acronym for “Extra Day Off,” though EDO itself is open from 5pm until 9pm daily, it was with most of the Restaurant’s other 32 seats full by 6:00 on Wednesday that things were underway quickly with guests enjoying Sparkling Wine alongside vibrant Gazpacho as well as one-bite Ora King Salmon beneath an acidic veil.
Less Seafood-centric than usual, a cone with the essence of Catalonian Tortilla followed by Pork Pate and a shaped Cracker, imported Fuet rests above delicate Tomato Espuma while Octopus “Head Cheese” gets a jolt from Vinegar-based Sauce.
Complimenting the next round with housemade Coca Bread as a Bikini Sandwich featuring Australian Truffles, a different look at one of EDO’s classics, grilled Lettuce and aged Beef gets a bump from Caviar before a modernist “sheet” of White Asparagus over Mussels and Oysters.
Next serving thin slices of Cuttlefish with Mushrooms and Onions akin to Mole, flavors impossible to find elsewhere in Sin City, snappy Shrimp shine amidst Eggs and Potatoes just as Rabbit does surrounded by Morels cooked in Sherry.
Innovative from start to finish, an all-new soupy Rice dish from the tasting menu combining Shellfish with Pork, Sherry again makes an appearance in two-styles of Duck with Olives before a finale placing Green Beans adjacent Peaches and Almonds as Dessert.
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 occasionally one may find “Mystery Cookies” including specials from the previous week.
Still a young company, so much success despite only starting in September 2017 certainly enviable, best bites came from specials that included “Patriotic Fruit Pizza,” flavors of Fruit and Citrus well represented while “Strawberry Cake” brought mellow Vanilla notes.
Offered onsite or via delivery from 8am until at least 10pm Monday through Saturday it was next Cinnamon Crunch took on the namesake Cereal before Double Fudge Sandwich delivered layers of richness.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name suffice it to say the “Cookies & Cream Cheesecake” comes with a spoon for good reason, and bite-for-bite is light with all the elements of an Oreo but not overwhelming in its sweetness.
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, Caramel and Pecan dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Peanut Butter and Oreo 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.
Located at 9435 West Tropicana Avenue inside Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center and open 24-hours Pinkbox Doughnuts remains Las Vegas’ premier spot for Artisan Doughnuts, just as it has since debuting over a decade ago.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Often beginning with a Fritter, this day no different and the resulting bite packed with Cinnamon plus Fruit, it was after others made selections that Purple Rain continued the gluttony, its Cake Crumble and base a 1-2 punch of textures.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, “It’s Ya Birthday” packed with Funfetti beneath lots of Frosting, “Raspberry Squeeze” succeeds thanks to housemade Jam while “Suga Daddy” shows Roberto Armanino knew early-on to nail the basics.
Replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, “Vegas Cream” and “Banana Puddin’” each achieve high marks while “It’s Ya Birthday” and “Raspberry Squeeze” each upgrade traditional Bismarks by way of their unique Filling.
Not forgetting a CroDough with laminated layers Pink Velvet remains a signature for good reason while “The Big Samoan” and July’s “Creamy Chaos” add even more diversity to the largest lineup in Sin City.
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 $5-6 each that guests will find a dozen or more daily baked good including everything from classic Chocolate Chip with big dark chunks to Rice Crispy Treats with or without bits of Oreo 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 “Birthday Cake” far outpacing crumbl’s famous Frosted Cookie while both glazed Lemon and a Vegan Snickerdoodle eat soft and chewy within a gently crisp rim.
Recently impressing with an Oatmeal Scotchie, think crispy but sweet with just a bit of flex, Summer House’s Apple Oatmeal Cookie reminisces of Autumn Apple Crisp in portable form while the “Cookie in a Cup” offers bite-sized bits of the whole collection.
From the day CRAFTkitchen opened it raised the bar for breakfast Valley-wide, and on Saturday Jaret and Tami’s expanded space in Henderson again dazzled with quality and creativity plus service that attests to well-trained employees working with a sense of pride.
Approaching nine years old just prior to Halloween, the Blinn’s investment of money, time and talent paying off thanks to their commitment to quality and community, it was arriving at noon that three guests were seated on the Restaurant’s left half, several familiar servers all moving quickly but purposefully with smiles on their faces.
Still as bright and tidy as day one, living walls now bolstered by a bar and hanging plants while art from the Blinn’s daughter flanks a Coffee Bar and Pastry cases full of delights, it was shortly after seating that beverages were served, brewed to order Coffee bold and balanced while Lattes found added depth in Milk with a tiny Biscotti at their side.
Surrounded by folks of all ages, a “35-40 minute wait” avoided by calling ahead, it was with five of the aforementioned Baked Goods that dining got started, the Lemon Blueberry Muffin moist despite a lack of Animal Products while Jaret’s Cinnamon Rolls and Danishes outpace most of Sin City’s.
Continuing with Kouign Amann, pockets of melted Butter visible amidst flaky layers, one would be hard-pressed to decide which was tops between this and recently debuted Cookie Dough Croissant that live up to both halves of their promise.
Equally indecisive regarding Pancakes, both a Buttermilk Stack and Kid’s Birthday style offered, suffice it to say there’s no fault in fresh Peaches with Cream nor a Croissant Sandwich layered around Eggs, Cheese and thick Apple Wood smoked Bacon.
Adding Fries from the “regular” menu, though calling CRAFTkitchen’s Sweet Potatoes with Maple Bacon Aioli anything but exceptional is a mistake, this weekend also featured an Italian Cold Cut Sandwich with all the right stuff brightened by Pesto on housemade Ciabatta.
The Pastries are still good, as one might expect from Chef Beth Ryan-Small, but between paid influencer posts and Kyle Cunningham’s pandering for investors The Coffee Class is nearly impossible to “like” in comparison to other locally owned bakeries around Las Vegas.
Delivered to the office on Friday, Beth’s Scones still the best in town, Croissants clearly come from outsourced Dough though the fillings offer improvement while Poptarts are universally good regardless of season or flavor.
