palmdoc1's Profile
Jiro Dreams of Sushi - Village Square
Jiro Dreams of Sushi is finally opening here at Village Square (NW corner of Sahara and Fort Apache) today.
Which high end places (twist, la atelier,etc...) have a bar menu?
+1 for Guy Savoy. Excellent food, five bites (small plates) for $50 and bread service. It really is an excellent value. Good champagne btg list too.
Raku grill vs. Sushi Raku at Caesars
Raku and Sushi Roku are in no way affiliated. Raku is better, by far.
Las Vegas, Japanese, Sushi Off Strip
Based on two meals in the past week, it seems to be the new gold standard for Las Vegas.
Sage or L'Atelier de Joel Robouchon?
Elle, I couldn't agree more(and I really like L'At). Last weekend we had 8 courses and, although I nearly ate myself ill, I found the food to be uniformly excellent and at a price point nearly 1/2 of what I'd have spent at L'At. Pairings ranged from good to outstanding as well.
Where to watch Mayweather/Cotto fight while eating/drinking well?
Sadly LVI, it may be a pipe dream. I doubt anyone will be able to help you for the reasons mentioned above. Anywhere decent that might show it would be doing so illegally. We have attempted the same at several restaurants in the past (i.e., offer to purchase through cable/satellite provider) and often times the provider's settings prohibit the purchase outright. Unlike the UFC which offers packages to bars etc., boxing does not. If you want to watch Cotto smack Floyd around in real time, it probably will have to be on CCtv.
Late night eats in Vegas (budget friendly)
Pho Kim Long is a popular option, cheap and open 24 hrs. Pho's pretty good too.
Old Homestead?
Went last night, it was ok. LaFrieda PH for two ($98) was good, not great, though cooked correctly and seasoned well. But I don't think I would return any time soon. Service was marginal and I do not like the space/buildout. Imo, too many other options in town that have as good or better product, great service, better winelist and nicer ambience.
Blue Fin Tuna / Expensive Dining
Depending on which cut you want to try and wild vs. kindai, Bluefin is found at many Las Vegas restaurants: Bar Masa (wild akami and o); Blue Ribbon (kindai akami and o); Shibuya (kindai o); Sen of Japan (kindai o); Raku (usually a hybrid cut of akami - chu); Nobu (wild o) to name a few.
KK makes a good point that the top quality (o-toro especially) is rarely seen here. From time to time Bar Masa will have a near-reference worthy offering, but such an example is rare. Top quality akami is easier to find.
If you are going to try it just once, you may want to select a place that offers several cuts, for comparison.
Yummy Sushi and Grill - West Lake Mead
Been here several times over the past few months and thought it deserved a brief highlight. Not to be confused with the Henderson location(unaffiliated), Yummy Sushi is located on 7331 West Lake Mead. From the strip mall parking lot, Yummy's glassed exterior, replete with large pictures of sushi rolls and the like, appears similar to many of LV's ayce crap joints. Once inside, however, you will find something more. Candidly, when a friend took us here I was skeptical. I was pleasantly mistaken.
Eric, the head chef and proprietor, is trying to provide quality ingredients. He focuses on seasonal Japanese ingredients. Past visits have included kinmedei, kanpachi, hon hamachi, shima aji, real tai, ahi/bluefin, and assorted shellfish. He has a preference for using live scallop and live uni (which I disagree with and always find to be a gamble), but the overall quality of his product is very good. Unlike Sen’s emphasis on Hawaiian fish, Eric really does try to source the best product he can given his limited customer base, restaurant size, and fiscal resource.
Sashimi and nigiri are what make a visit worthwhile. The rice is well seasoned and serviceable. The kitchen food is not different from any of the dozens of places in town – that is to say unremarkable. He is working on the sake list as well. I ate at Bar Masa and Yummy within days of each other and found little discernable difference (in fish quality) for a fraction of the cost. If you enjoy quality raw Japanese fish and shellfish, you may want to check it out.
Upscale Dinner for Two, first trip to Vegas, Swan Room at Aureole or Sage?
I'd pick Sage. Swan is nice without a doubt. A beautiful setting, though I think Sage's room is nice as well. My last few meals at Aureole, with one in Swan room, were good. For me however, Aureole's menu (overall) feels dated and tired - stale presentations with little evolution. I feel the same way about many of Mr. Palmer's places, thus the above is not without bias I suppose.
Another consideration that may factor into your decision is whether you plan to drink, be it btg, bottle, or pairings.
PJ Clarkes Oyster Riot HH - too good to be true
"$1 oysters from 2:45-6:00 Monday through Friday. Top, top quality. Our chef selects one varietal per day. Why just last week, a couple was in and had 150 oysters, Hama hama as I recall." The lunchtime bartender told us this during a hamburger and beer lunch a few weeks back. I was excited to say the least. The promise of Bouchon quality oysters at ACME Oyster prices, count me in for 4 dozen minimum. Needless to say, the maxim holds yet again. It was too good to be true. In retrospect, I wisely started with an order for a mere dozen. After 25+ minute wait, they arrived. Five minutes later, half were left on the plate, our tab requested and the journey across the street to Bouchon commenced. Fortunately, a pristine St. Simon dozen and lovely Sancerre removed any trace of the previous offenders. We may have caught PJC on a bad day. I'll be back for the burger and pulled chicken sandwich but not for $1 oysters - lesson learned.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Carnevino Bar Dining
Of late there seem to be a number of posts concerning steakhouse bar/lounge dining. With that preface, we stopped by Carnevino last night (at bar) for dinner. This has always been my #1 LV steakhouse and last night only served to reinforce that status....though it hasn't received much love here recently. The bar and restaurant were packed. Had a 90 day dry-aged bone-in NY ($61). It was outstanding and one of the better steaks I've had in recent memory - incredible depth of flavor, perfect texture and temperature - the ultimate advertisement against vegetarianism. The service was excellent as well. The bar crew are knowledgeable, generous, and well-trained. Professional while personable, they really seem to care and want everyone to have a great evening. In my experience, this is an increasingly rare commodity in restaurant bars. Made for an all around A+.
Jaleo or Todd English's Olives on Sat. night?
While not the best, Prime is still very good. If you have time, try to squeeze in a pre-dinner cocktail on the patio (between Prime and Picasso).
Butterfly decor?
Jasmine at Bellagio
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Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
BEST MENU'S UNDER $100 PP ...what's your Favorite?? Help me Decide!!
Your post is very broad as most every place in town has a menu for under $100 exclusive of booze,tax,tip. If you look at some past posts, you can get an idea of what sounds good and then ask for input on those. Some general ideas to start, bouchon, comme ca, mon ami gabi, l atelier, guy savoy, robuchon, eiffel tower, le cirque, twist, etc.
Recommendations please!
LVI, I did. Curiously enough, I went to Sullivan St. location twice in the past and thought it ok. But, the one proper meal I've had at the Vegas location was pretty good (in candor, we didn't give the menu a good run through). Decent selection of some lesser knowns, and a seki aji and kamasu that were very good. Can't comment on the rice as we had whole fish/sashimi. We ate at a table, so obviously not a full-on sushi bar experience. I too have seen negative comments, especially regarding the sushi bar as a whole, e.g. no fresh wasabi, very strange. I'm not sure I would hurry back, as I'd much prefer to go to BarMasa for the $$, but it was good.
Magic. My comment about the cab - it is not too far, but going to run you about $25/each way. Map approximates 14.8 miles roundtrip. More questions. What is pp budget with drink+tax+tip? You mentioned traditional rolls, is that more what your party enjoys?
Recommendations please!
Appears this is a first post. Where are you from...that is, what is your reference for good sushi? If you have reviewed old posts you may have seen that LV is not a New York or LA in terms of sushi. Agree with LVI, I would go to Bar Masa if price is of no concern. It is expensive but arguably the best LV has to offer. Recently, had a very decent meal at Blue Ribbon, high fish quality as well. I eat at Sen weekly, but if you don't have a rental car it loses value.
I like Verandah, but really love the roast chicken/waffles too so I frequent Bouchon more often. The brunch at Jasmine is also very good, albeit a little pricey. Good food and beautiful place to spend an late morning/early afternoon(though you said location is not important to you).
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Sushi Ota omakase?
Personally, I prefer Ota over Kaito. Ota is usually about $85-$110/pp exclusive of sake(outstanding, reasonably-priced list) and beer. We've eaten at Kaito twice recently, both times with Kaz, and there is no doubt the product quality is oustanding. But Ota's pacing and direction give the edge to Ota-san, imo. As noted, Ota is more of a kaiseki-hybrid.
Good Butcher
The Butchers Block. 7625 South Rainbow. Solid selection, cheap for prime, and Ron's a nice guy. My favorite in town.
For a splurge, I'd check out Bryan Flannery (online). Expensive of course but simply outstanding. In my experience, not a stretch to say they are one of the best butchers in US.
Dinner with a view - Sunday night
Tough combo. Can't remember the exact quote but something like a restaurant's elevation is inversely proportional to food quality. North facing - window seat at Scarpetta. Not too high but nice view of Bellagio fountains. MIx has a great view but the booths along the windows face away. Nove's great view if on correct side of restaurant. IMO, Mix, Top of the World, Nove all are marginal, though Mix best of bunch. If price is not a factor, maybe focus on great food with a beautiful dining room (many).
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Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Lunch/Brunch Recommendations
Milos deal.
For burger - http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/741912
Bar Masa Locals Deal
Our server was not sure how long it would last, but currently BM is offering 50% off sake/wine bottles(any format) up to $500 for locals. Their list is already reasonable - for the strip - so most, including higher-end JG, JDGs, are basically $2-8 corkage fee after the discount. RW week menu is a good deal too. The sushi portion(2 piece nigiri) consisted of chu-toro, tai, sake, kinme dai, and shimaaji.
LV restaurant week 2011
Thus far -
Morels lunch Mon - Another place never really cared about going but food was pretty good as was the service. Would return for lunch.
Blue Ribbon on Mon night. Worth checking out but no booze pairing. Good value and that fried chicken is so tasty. Food and service were great.
MOzen for lunch Tues. I love Mozen, and will take any excuse to go. Food/service always great.
Blossom on Tues night. - Another winner. Food was good, not great, but menu/pairing good value. Service was excellent as well. Glad we went.
Sushi Roku for lunch Weds. - Nothing special. Sushi portion was very weak(freshness/cuts). Went last year and it was much better.
Mix Weds night. - I've wanted to try this place for a while, but reviews were always mixed(sorry). Not impressed. RW menu is decent, we got a few additions to try, but I didn't like it overall. Layout is funky (1/2 booths that face each other with 2 top in middle), food marginal,imo. Service though was spectacular. Wouldn't go back.
Note: It really annoys me when you have to ask for the menus. See Blue Ribbon & Roku.
Jean-Georges Steakhouse or Prime?
Agree with gweilo, if those are your two choices. Ate at JG last week, steaks were bad, apps were bad, and service was the worst we've had in recent memory. It is hard to believe the two places are related. Prime 100%, nicer room as well.
If it is your bachelor party, plan around 830-9. A nice dinner will finish between 11-12 most likely (assuming cocktails, apps, wine, etc.). That's perfect for nightlife whether it be nightclub or that other kind of club. Congrats
Recommendations Please
2000fair's response, while not helpful to you, is correct. Your criteria are so broad you will not get a response. Within walking distance to Flamingo/LV Blvd is basically your only relevant criteria given your price range. This includes Aria, Cosmo, Mandarin, Caesars, Bellagio, etc., each of which have many "decent" spots - 40 or more in total.
My advice - search the boards and come up with 4 or 5 that you think look promising and then ask for input on those.
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Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Any wood fired bread?
Not sure if it's wood fired but I love Bon Breads. I've never purchased directly from them, but places it supplies like Parma and Roccos. Bouchon also has some great bread and will let you purchase it.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
