ciaobelly's Profile
Does anyone know where I can watch Top Chef in Vegas?
Nope, Marcel is with Jose Andres' Bazaar in Beverly Hills and I think Hung is in NYC at a haute kosher restaurant...can't remember the name. Not sure where you could catch it publicly.
Vegas-I recently discovered oysters and fell in love
I am a big oyster lover too. You might want to try....
-RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay
-Seablue at MGM Grand
-DB Brasserie at Wynn
Questions re: Raku, Alize (Las Vegas)
It is!! Get the foie gras with rice noodles in a rich broth, the housemade tofu layered amongst tomato and crispy baby conger eels, ditto on the salmon belly, any of the skewered items, hamachi collar, etc. The menu is large, but the dishes are small and affordable... so order away! The tea they serve is super toasty and rich, as is the soy condiment on the table with a togorashi-style spice option via shaker.
Nobu @Hard Rock? (Vegas) For an LA 'hound?
If you want to break the bank with a one-of-a-kind experience....Bar Charlie at Restaurant Charlie, Palazzo.
Breakfast in NW Las Vegas
Agreed! I used to frequent the one on Cheyenne. Excellent grub in a laid back atmosphere.
Substituting on Tasting Menus in Vegas
Is Tableau still open? You might want to check on that one.
Restaurants are extremely accomodating, especially since every guest these days has food "issues" (i.e. no nuts, no shellfish, vegan, vegetarian, pregnant, gluten allergy....ahhh!) The best thing to do is call and let them know of any allergies, afflictions or dietary restrictions you may have so that they may alert the chef.
Restaurant Charlie - Palazzo - Las Vegas
Sorry, so curious now. Was your wine service administered by a dark-haired gentleman? I wonder if it was not Desi, and perhaps one of the assistants? Just had to ask...it doesn't sound characteristic of my experiences, and I truly respect your opinions. I am not a Rosemary's fan and I think our experiences and their variances in quality are important to determining a restaurant that is consistent on all levels.
Restaurant Charlie - Palazzo - Las Vegas
Desmond is young, which makes his knowledge, elegance and passion for wine even more impressive. He is humble, poised and I think that can be intimidating to some, but more so should be taken advantage of by us that dine. If you get the chance to "tap" his keen sense for all that is wine, spirits, sake and beer, consider yourself lucky :) Take a look around, the world of wine is breaking the mold with youthful, spirited sommeliers and mixologists. Just my thoughts...
Raku - Las Vegas
Check out this:
http://www.eatinglv.com/2008/07/raku-rocks/
and from a late July reply to LongIslandChef....
"For your next trip, make sure you try out Raku, a really great new authentic Japanese Robatayaki place on Spring Mountain. It seats maybe 30 ppl....think foie gras custard udon soup, house-made tofu with tomato, kombu and baby fried conger eel, robata skewered duck tongue...awesome and adventurous. I was nervous to post about it, afraid I might not get in after they get popular! They open from 6pm to 3am. Check em out locals!"
Go go go.....and let us know your thoughts ;)
I know you all will be glad when my Vegas trip is over with...another question
I think you both have touched on two important aspects of Vegas dinining.....1) Consistency - it really is the mark of a truly exceptional restaurant and something that Vegas often wavers on (this is also deemed by the vantage point of the diner) and 2) Value - Vegas is expensive!!! It's like getting a popcorn at the movie theater or a coke at the airport....it's gonna cost ya when you enter those casino doors. Not to say my meals at Guy and JR weren't worth the price, it just might be of different values based on your perception.
Had a great meal at DB. It was sincere and fun, but Alex is a classy, ballet-inspired setting. DB is more casual. You decide...maybe even do both or save one for next time? What is your final line-up? Do you feel like wearing a dress or jeans? Do you want to enjoy your dining companion or are you looking to be entertained by a water show? Do you want an intimate experience or more movement? Do you want to possibly be inspired by the food or have classic french bistro?
Hope these questions and comments help.
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
For your next trip, make sure you try out Raku, a really great new authentic Japanese Robatayaki place on Spring Mountain. It seats maybe 30 ppl....think foie gras custard udon soup, house-made tofu with tomato, kombu and baby fried conger eel, robata skewered duck tongue...awesome and adventurous. I was nervouse to post about it, afraid I might not get in after they get popular! They open from 6pm to 3am. Check em out locals!
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
http://www.eatinglv.com/2008/07/djt-closessigh
...more evidence from the food critic from KNPR and Channel 8.
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
It's alright (climberdoc), I understand the grain of skepticism. I have worked in beverage in Vegas for nearly 10 years and have friends and aquaintances up and down the strip. These were the direct words from a pal at the hotel. In reference to spike42, I also have caught the newscasts. This was a 2nd round of lay-offs, the first apparenty knocked out 30% of the F@&B Team. They have roughly 1/5th of the rooms closed. That means nearly 1,000 rooms that are unfinished or failed to close. I had friends stay there, and while they said the rooms were beautiful, they were delayed for 3 hours in check-in, sent to the lobby for comped drinks among a large crowd of similar travelers. Go ahead and call the hotel on Friday and ask about the restaurant....my source who was on staff said that they were changing the menu to burgers and salads.
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
Really enjoying the reviews too! Just a heads-up from a Vegas foodie....The Donald laid off his entire dinner staff on Monday due to budget cuts. He is reformulating DJT into a burger joint! That is the buzz around town. I too enjoyed (what I guess was) a "last supper" at the restaurant. So, anyone making reservations, beware it is undergoing serious changes.
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
I have been seeing a lot of diners have been taking advantage of a specal Summer Tasting Menu that many MGM restos offer to lure in guests during the hot, slow Vegas summer. I believe it is $60 per person and might be right if you're on more of a budget.
I usually like the heirloom tomato salad, roasted jerusalem artichokes, kobe tartare, porterhouse for two, kobe skirt steak (can you feel my heart beat faster? ha!), some form of roasted mushroom (hen of the woods is very popular here) and potato (puree, blue cheese mashed, gratin, etc), creamed spinach and corn. Honestly, never have I had room for dessert, but they always bring little mignardises to munch on with the bill.
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
I would have to agree...Crafsteak has absolutely stellar food and service, killer scotch selection, great (ahem...but marked-up as only Vegas can) wine. I frequent N9NE and have since they opened 8 years ago. The food is tasty, the atmosphere is extremely hip and sleek, and the service is usually familiar and upbeat. Crafsteak is where you go to dine and relax, N9NE is where you go with your friends before a night of partying, to be part of the club-type see-and-be-seen atmosphere, more fun, young. You get my drift?
Best restaurant for a date in Vegas
I would agree with Nobhill....ask for a private booth in the bar area, they are paneled by glass partitions = very private. Get her a cable car martini and she will be putty in your hands....haha if that's the kind of date you are looking for!
One other rec....DJT the new restaurant at Trump hotel has these super private romantic booths. They are elevated and recessed into the wall with luxe purple velvet curtains. When I saw the dining room I thought Robuchon at the Mansion meats Fleurs de Lys. From what I saw the wine list is loaded with about 200 choices under 100, they had a myriad of menus to give.....over 60 beers by the bottle, sake lists, cocktails, half bottles of wine and the menu was really reasonable. They have both a la carte and also a tasting menu there they call "the deal" for 125 a head. Really cute! Food is bold and unique with a largely asian/med fusion influence. They do a lot of cart service (champagne, cheese and even cognac). At the end of the meal they drove by a complimentary cart of little cookies and chocolates to choose from. I really loved it. It blew me away and I wasn't even expecting it. My SO asked for a private and romantic booth. The staff was really professional, young and fun. Apparently most of them come from Guy Savoy, Bradley's, Robuchon and Bouchon.
Either way you go.....please do us a write up....and good luck!
Just Returned from Las Vegas
My meal at Guy LV was 5 and a half hours.....not by choice. For what it's worth ;)
The Return Of......My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
Found two reviews on yelp!.:
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=djt&find_loc=las+vegas&ns=1&rpp=10
Restaurant Charlie - Palazzo - Las Vegas
Eujeanie, if your husband "hates" sushi, then do not do the kaiseki experience. It encompasses all preparations of fish, but with a sincere focus on sashimi, and raw preparations. I think you would be happy with the menu in the main dining room. That menu features cold and hot apps, entrees, sides and desserts. The menu looked very asian influenced, but there were some dishes that we enjoyed in the kaiseki bar that were adapted from the main room. I think he would be able to find/pick and choose dishes that satisfy his needs there. The servers said the food is extremely a la carte (meaning not too big, not many accompaniments on the plate). Chef Trotter is well known for not using much dairy/fats in his cuisine, so you can do many courses without needing a coronary (you can still walk as opposed to my dinner at The Mansion! Ha!). So if you were going to eat in the restaurant, I would probably do 4 courses, cold ap/hot ap/main and sides/dessert. It could get pricey for sure. The cuisine seems pretty pristine. I guess you will have to tell us what you think. I enjoyed my meal in the kaiseki bar, but I love fish in any state, and the chef there was really wonderful and engaging.
Restaurant Charlie - Palazzo - Las Vegas
In my humble opinion, skip Aquaknox, David Burke and/or Pinot Brasserie....some of the worst meal experiences I have had in my life.
In reference to Restaurant Charlie, I was under the impression that they would ultimately do anything to offer you a great experience. As I understand, they are waiting so that they may execute the a la carte menu better, and will offer a tasting menu down the line, but if you ask for the chef to cook for you, they will accomodate.
The kaiseki bar is $175/8 course and $250/15 course. The wine pairings are the same price as the tasting menus. This is where I ate......it is definitely not for those price conscious diners, but if you are adventurous and want a memorable omakase experience...this is it.
The restaurant is not cheap, but the cuisine is pretty unique. I am curious to see whether it floats or sinks in Vegas.
Staff changes @ Picasso in Las vegas?
Nope, Desi will be at Charlie Trotter's new place at the Venetian Palazzo.
Critique our 4 nights in Las Vegas
If you are going to Alize, and it is just you and your hubby, you might want to ask for one of their "couples" tables. I'm not sure if this is exactly what they call them, but there are two tables in the restaurant, where you sit side by side, and they absolutely have the best view facing outward on the city lights. Just a recommendation. Have fun!
My Upcoming Las Vegas Vacation
In my opinion only:
-My meal at David Burke was less than remarkable (to be kind). Good call canceling your res.
-Chef Carlos Buscaglia, currently at FiAMMA at MGM, is doing a great job at the helm. Eat there. The hand cut pastas are outta sight. Try the braised short rib raviolini with piave cheese and barbera wine glaze...mmmm and the fusili with prosciuto, peas and parmesan. Visit Kerry and Kent at the bar for a good time.
-My favorite steaks are sill at N9NE and Crafsteak. N9NE simply has a hipper, nightlife vibe. Craftseak is the place for great scotch and more of a boys club, dark wood, cigar box atmosphere.
-You will really appreciate the artistry and craft of L'Atelier, being a chef. Pop your head into the Mansion side if you can.
-Seablue has made quite a comeback. It has once again become one of my favorites in Vegas. Over the past year they have changed the menu and exec. chef, and have finally found their way. Try some trio appetizers (soups, steamed) and the brochettes/skewers are amazing!
-If you are debating about sushi choices, I'd stick with Okada or do Shibuya or Nobu.
-I would do Alex over Picasso any day.
Have fun! Your list will keep you busy. Report back. Ciao!
Vegas, my kinda town - for dinner anyway
Don't get me started....after reading your post I had a coma-induced gaze as I remembered B&B's bomboloni with gianduja dipping sauce....ahhh....and salmon rillette's are my fave too.
Vegas, my kinda town - for dinner anyway
Dawn,
My bacon-friend! It is too funny, as I'm reading your post I realize we have similar tastes, b/c when I frequent the above restaurants I order the same. You must hit up Lotus next time....awesome wines at cheap cheap cheap prices and killer Thai.
You did Vegas right.
-belly
White Truffles - LV?
Nooo! Living in the city, and being immersed in the industry, I really enjoy hearing about others' experiences in our restaurants.....and yes, the prices are crazy! It is practically a Vegas standard to employ a 3 X mark-up across the board on wine. It is absolutely insane. When I went to California and saw the wine prices I nearly jumped for joy and felt the need to "drink-up" b/c the prices seemed a steal! :0) haha! If you stick to small, feature-grower champagne, southern Italian reds, northern Italian whites and some nice German and Alsatian choices, you can usually still find a nice deal.
P.S. How insane is the epi with lardon?! I could eat bacon bread all day.
Cheese tastings or classes in Vegas?
I used to take classes at the Creative Cooking School on Sahara. I'm not sure if they are still running.....but worth a look. They would have different themes such as chocolate, tapas, wine, etc. SO fun!
White Truffles - LV?
You won't or shouldn't see white truffles until winter (white truffle season). Guy Savoy and Robuchon will feature truffle laden menus....and Bartolotta at Wynn.
