Dave Feldman's Profile
Reservations for lunch?
LOS is closed for lunch on weekends. I've never made a reservation for lunch and since they've greatly increased capacity several years ago, I've never had to wait. If you are ordering off the menu, which I highly recommend you do, you can sit in the room with the wine racks and avoid the traffic to and from the buffet.
Wicked Spoon Buffet Yea or Nea?
Very well could be true. I haven't been to Wynn's buffet for a few years, but this is the first "downhill" report I've heard about it.
Around the world in 5 days, Las vegas culinary trip
I love the combination of Joel Robuchon and Peepshow on the same night.
Wicked Spoon Buffet Yea or Nea?
The ambiance at the Wicked Spoon is more conducive to hanging out with old friends and chatting than most of the buffets in town, including the upscale ones. I don't think the food quality at WS is quite as high as the Wynn or Bellagio and possibly even Planet Hollywood, but the food is beautifully presented and the price is slightly lower. I've only been to the WS once, but it's my impression it is quieter, too.
Bachelor party dinner 12-15
Can you really get out the door for less than $100 a head in a private room at Carnevino?
Bento by MOzen at Mandarin Oriental
Thanks for this report, Sapa. I've tended to have bad luck with pan-Asian restaurants and I've never considered going to Mozen for dinner. You made me interested!
Seeking very spicy food!
If you didn't specify how hot you wanted your food, you probably received about a 4 on their 1-10 scale.
Lotus of Siam Help
I share your love for the short rib khao soi. The first time I ever had ANY khao soi was at Lotus more than ten years ago (which was always #1 on the Northern menu). I was luckier than you -- I was by myself and didn't have to share. But I hope you do continue experimenting with menu. I've probably eaten at Lotus 100 times by now, maybe more, and I still haven't tried everything on the menu.
Some friends of mine, the forces behind BigEmpire.com, used to run a weekend once a year, and then write hilarious trip reports about them after the fact. From the second Soiree on, we made it a point to have a banquet at LOS on Saturday night. In the late 90s/early 00's I was so obsessed with LOS that I was plotting what I would eat at LOS the next day while I was eating at LOS. Matt captured that well in his trip report:
"After unloading the cameras, Stinky, Amy and I met Feldy at a Thai restaurant named Lotus of Siam. Feldy just would not stop talking about this place. "Oh, Lotus of Siam, this," and "Lotus of Siam, that." "I'm going to name my first child Lotus F. Siam," and "Oh, your recent surgery reminds me of a funny story that has nothing to do with Lotus of Siam. Speaking of Lotus of Siam"
Deciding between Mesa Grill, Spago, and Mon Ami Gabi... NEED HELP!!!
I'd be a useless source: at there once, more than ten years ago, with a different chef at a time when it was a less ambitious restaurant.
Deciding between Mesa Grill, Spago, and Mon Ami Gabi... NEED HELP!!!
You are not alone. The two times I've been to Mesa Grill, the only element that impressed me was the bread basket.
Gordan Ramsey Steak at Paris
We don't get many opening night reports! Thanks for the timely and generous review.
Chef Dave Santos (formerly of Hotel Griffou) private dinners
Geez, the email from them did include instructions. Unfortunately, I just saw your email. I hope it worked out -- Friday's Cinco de Mayo meal was terrific.
Chinese
Chandavki,
I think you are the first person on CH to specifically say you like the KJ at the Rio better. Could you explain why? More interesting menu? Better execution?
Downtown/Freemont Street Steakhouse??
Vic and Anthony's is, indeed, in the Golden Nugget.
David Santos at City Grit - Crazy Good
Just got back from a fabulous Cinco de Mayo six-courser.
I wouldn't worry about the atmosphere at City Grit -- especially when it isn't too crowded, you can enjoy many of the benefits of the other location. The meals tend to be shorter (tonight's ran long) because of more staff, etc. Dave seemed to be high on the upcoming Portuguese dinner at City Grit, because there's going to be a Portuguese winemaker doing pairings.
David Santos at City Grit - Crazy Good
Sorry I didn't make a more timely reply. Yes, you pay for the meal in advance and tip there (and pay for any wine consumed). The two times I've done a David meal at City Grit I've paid the tip in cash, but it's probably possible to do it along with the wine bill -- I'm not positive.
I'd expect the meals to take 2-3 hours, depending on the menu. I do have a preference for the dinners on Roosevelt Island, for three main reasons: they are more intimate, and more conducive to conversation, especially meeting new people; they are quieter (City Grit has nothing to muffle sound when it is crowded); and you don't have as much access to the chef, although David will come out to introduce at least some of the dishes as well as come out to mingle after the meal is over.
Of course, City Grit is more convenient for most Manhattanites, and chances are you'll have a fabulous time.
4th Trip this year-trying different places-thoughts?
Yes, they'd call you a cab at LOS.
4th Trip this year-trying different places-thoughts?
It's up to you. Many locals go to lOS on their lunch hour and are iin and out in less than an hour. But the ala carte menu is the same at lunch as at dinner, and you can enjoy a multi- course feast with wines that could take a couple hours -- no one will chase you out.
vegas happy hour hot spots
I didn't even realize La Scala is still open. Sounds great.
Anyone have any comments on BJ's Brewhouse and Restaurant
Thanks for reporting back. We receive lots of questions about beer in LV but so few reports.
Taiwanese Mini Pots at Booming Spot Mini Pot
Thanks. This is right up my alley, especially because some of my miserable friends don't like hot pots.
Taiwanese Mini Pots at Booming Spot Mini Pot
Thanks for the tip! Does it get this name because the hot pots are smaller than usual?
Late night eats in Vegas (budget friendly)
One good way for them to decompress is to visit the Peppermill on the North Strip: maybe first have a foufou drink at the Fireside Lounge, and then an early breakfast or a big salad or hamburger and split a sundae in the coffee shop. It's quiet and roomy.
diners and dives in vegas.
To be honest, I've never totally understood the concept of DDD, as it covers such a wide range of non-fancy restaurants. For example, is the Hash House on Decatur a diner? I have a feeling FIeri would be more likely to visit Hash House A-Go-Go, except that's a chain. I guess the Black Bear Diner on West Tropicana is closest to the feel of a Fieri-like dive, and yet in its own way, the Peppermill feels more like "real" Vegas. And for that matter, both places are "chains," albeit small regional ones.
Thanks for advice, restaurant itinerary booked
I think you'll be happy. The plates vary in size. The grilled items are usually just a couple of bites, but some are much bigger. One important point: don't feel that you have to order everything at once. It's perfect OK to take it slow and order as you go along. I like the way you ordered the four, especially placing Raku after e.
diners and dives in vegas.
I'm not in Las Vegas, and I'm barely a man, but thanks for the kind words, P.D. and Juno. Are you there, Andre?
Chowdown Report: Lao New Year Festival @ Wat Lao Saysettha (Santa Rosa)
The photos are so beautiful -- to me, papaya salad is one of the most picturesque dishes in any cuisine. I'm envious.
