missyang's Profile
At Last: the best Indian in Las Vegas
Sorry I went MIA, but I am glad that everyone was able to fill in the blanks! I am actually traveling in Houston and just today got to go and check out what I used to think was my standard for yummy Indian (Madras Pavilion). I am THRILLED to report that Namaste blows them away. I too hope they can keep up the freshness and selection. Everyone go!!!
At Last: the best Indian in Las Vegas
My husband and I moved here from Atlanta, and there is some great Indian food in Atlanta. We have tried almost every Indian restaurant in Las Vegas and resigned ourselves to "the best" Las Vegas had to offer, but today I am on cloud 9 because I do believe Las Vegas has an Indian restaurant that is not only the best in Las Vegas, but possibly one of the best ever.
If you remotely like Indian head directly to the lunch buffet at Namaste. I think it is only open between 11am-2:30pm. They are located directly next to Lotus of Siam in Commercial Center.
953 E Sahara A#6
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 892-9695
The buffet is the freshest and probably the tastiest I have ever encountered-- so colorful and diverse, at least 6 solid vegetarian options. I have to make it back to Houston to eat Madras Pavilion before I make my final decision, but husband thinks Namaste is better. And, the place is beautiful and clean inside, which is always a bonus.
Lastly, one of the proprietors is named Elvis. Seriously. If that is not a sign, then....
Taking 21 yo son to Vegas
So, here I go again, but before LOVE you should definitely cruise through TI and stop by the bar at ISLA for some Mexican beer and AMAZING nachos. The fish tacos are pretty solid as well. If he likes Asian, you should definitely consider some Spring Mountain Road establishments, which will be easily accessible from the Wynn. ICHIZA (4355 Spring Mountain Rd # 205 Las Vegas, NV 89102-8784 (702) 367-3151), a Japanese restaurant which specializes in pub style, small plates, has a great vibe even if the food isn't quite Raku. I would think a 21-year old would love the energy and offerings there. There are also several Korean BBQ places along Spring Mountain Road of which Honey Pig is my favorite, but there is a new all you can eat Korean BBQ place next to Raku (5030 Spring Mountain Rd), which might be more up the alley for a 21-year old guy-- lots of HITE beer and red meat. Red 8 at Wynn would also be a great option for Asian. It is solid and has a great atmosphere. Wazuzu at Encore could also be an Asian option, a bit nicer, but it features the "greatest hits" of a variety of Asian cuisines from Chinese to Thai to Japanese, even Korean. It just depends on whether you want to stay on the Strip or venture out. However, I would definitely recommend XS at Encore as a nightclub option if that is part of the plan. For a late night dessert, the Peppermill could be a memorable, more vintage Vegas experience. Or for a classic steak dinner experience consider The Steak House at Circus Circus or the Golden Steer-- more vintage Vegas than celebrity chef. If you want to do a super nice dinner after LOVE and your son really LOVES Asian, I highly recommend Wing Lei at Wynn. It is the only Chinese restaurant in America with a MIchelin star. The duck is famous.
Indian Food in Vegas (possible buffets?)
Two other options: India's Grill (222 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas - (702) 880-8893)-- our new favorite, closed on Monday-- and there is Mt. Everest (3641 W Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 892-0950) which is the newest around and closer to the strip. India's Grill is only $6.99 for lunch, and as I said, it is where we have been going to get our Indian fix. I recommend it highly, especially because they keep it a bit spicy. However, we have had the buffet at Mt. Everest twice and been pleased.
Las Vegas Dumplings and Shaved Ice
Unfortunately, they do close around 11pm, so not a late night option. They do not have soup dumplings-- homemade soup dumplings are one of the things that don't seem to exist around Las Vegas. Someone should open up a Din Tai Fung style place here. I think it would be HUGE. China Mama (on Jones) has soup dumplings, but consensus seems to be that they are not homemade.
As for other things that are consistently good at Champion, the spicy beef noodle soup is yummy, especially in the "colder" winter, and they have good night market style soup (clear broth with fish/meat balls). Oh, and their scallion pancake is good, but not the super thin crispy style, it is "hamburger" style, so it is thick and stuffed with leeks, tofu and glass noodles.
Dave, definitely try the shaved ice and report back. It is such a great summer treat!
Las Vegas Dumplings and Shaved Ice
If you love Chinese dumplings filled with pork or chicken and vegetables, you have to try Champion Gourmet on Spring Mountain at Decatur, 2nd floor of shopping center above SF Supermarket. (5115 Spring Mountain Rd Las Vegas, NV 89146-8717 (702) 388-1168) If your mom made dumplings, these will rival them. My husband is Taiwanese, and his mom makes incredible homemade dumplings, and even he sometimes slips and says that Champion's are better.... whoops!
They also have the best Taiwanese-style shaved ice desert in town-- a pile of shaved ice topped with delicious things. Of course, my favorite is the red bean, but you should just ask for everything, determine your favorite, and then you can custom order next time.
Lots of people go there to eat shabu shabu, so if that is your thing you can try it too. And, you can buy the best Chinese-style beef jerky by the pound there as well.
The owner is super nice, and all of the staff is helpful if you don't speak Chinese.
It is definitely one of the local places that I don't want to see go away, so eat some dumplings.
Cheap Eats In Vegas?
If you even remotely enjoy nachos, go to Isla at Treasure Island and order the Isla Nachos. Amazingly yummy with a delicate cheese sauce, guacamole, a bean sauce.... some heat. Not your typical nachos. We obsess about them and pretty much take all of our visitors to go eat them. Definitely enough for a meal and cheaper. You can also grab a crepe at Jean Philippe Patisserie at the Bellagio. They have a savory one with turkey, and it comes with a little salad. I think it is like $9-12?? Good. You should search out Happy Hour specials too. For example, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba at the Fashion Show mall has some tasty happy hour specials. My friend always goes and feasts on the calamari which you can request grilled instead of fried. OH, and wichcraft at MGM is Tom Colicchio's "sandwich shop". When you go you may think "$10 for a sandwich!", but they are delicious and definitely a meal's worth, and compared to other options on The Strip, definitely a bit more affordable. (http://wichcraftnyc.com/) Noodle Exchange at the Gold Coast: you can get a big plate of yummy noodles and a side order of sauteed vegetables (listed under the appetizer section) for like $13 total, and it is enough to share! Okay, that is all for now.
Italian Food on or near the Strip Plus
If you want to try someplace different, not with the celebrity draw, but delicious, authentic yet adventurous Italian you should try Ago at Hard Rock. New chef there, and he is awesome. I am not sure of your budget, but I would think it is along the lines of a Batali restaurant in terms of price.
Breakfast-- for something easy and quick try the crepes at the Bellagio Jean Philippe Patisserie. Quick, easy, cheaper, or if you want to go all out have brunch at Bouchon at the Venetian. They have the best quiche ever, and it is not too expensive-- like $13?
As for Tapas, all the locals rave about Firefly (http://www.fireflylv.com/). I am a local, but I have not tried it yet.
best korean bbq in las vegas :)
I think it is time to revisit Korean BBQ in Las Vegas. We absolutely LOVE the Honey Pig (4725 Spring Mountain Rd # K Las Vegas, NV 89102-8712 (702) 876-8308)-- great galbi and delicious mit banchan. Plus, they use a panchan, which I think delivers superior grilling.
Has anyone tried to the new All-You-Can-Eat place next to Raku? It is on our list to try, but if anyone has feedback definitely share it!
Las Vegas Local Love + Deals
Thank you for responding, Dave. Amena is great too. I especially love to buy bags of their pitas: so fresh and soft. I should definitely do a head to head comparison of the falafels. I did really like them at Amena too.
Las Vegas Local Love + Deals
Today's message is inspired by this economic woe. I hate to talk about it because I think talking about it makes it worse, but I know that local restaurants are suffering a bit and everyone likes a good deal, economic woe or not, so I wanted to start a post praising local restaurants that we should help get through this tough spot and restaurants that are running deals we should all know about. I have 3 right now:
1. Hedary's Mediterranean (7365 W. Sahara): As a recent transplant, my husband and I have been on the search for good falafel, solid Mediterranean. Yes, I know, everyone says go to Paymon's, but the joints are so big, and the menu so big, you get a little uneasy (Should I really be eating spaghetti at the same place I eat falafel?), and then I think it is a little pricey. Anyways, Hedary's has the best falafel by far that I have had in Vegas. They include fava beans in the mix, and they bring out pitas all puffed up from the stone. The Greek Salad is HUGE with enough oil and tasty vinegar and feta for 3 salads. If you are a vegetarian, you will find plenty to love. Plus, it is all very affordable. My husband and I split the falafel appetizer and a greek salad, and we are stuffed. When we were there the other night a couple came in from the Strip, they used to live in Fort Worth and said the Hedary's there was there favorite restaurant; they were thrilled to be at the one here in Vegas.
2. Tofu Hut (3920 Spring Mountain Rd): After 11pm, they have all you can eat Korean BBQ starting at $11.99. Heck, even our favorite spare ribs are $16.99, and did I mention all you can eat!
3. Memphis BBQ : We go to the location at 1401 S. Rainbow Blvd, and while the BBQ might not be blow your mind good, it is solid, and my husband likes the St. Louis ribs. BUT, the real story here is that on Sunday they have all you can eat fried chicken (moist and delicious, not overly crusty) with FIVE all you can eat sides for $11.99! As for sides, the baked beans have SEVEN different beans with a bit of sweetness; the baked sweet potatoes are delicious, and the fried okra is the BEST I have ever had not counting at a close relatives' house (I am from Georgia). I think I ate 3 cups full.
That is all I have for now. We are off to try Food Express at the new Palace Station location. After 2 bad experiences at Ping Pang Pong, we are looking for a new, late night Chinese, casino experience. Not sure why the need, as there are options on Spring Mountain, but it gives us an excuse to try something new.
Please share your thoughts!
A Foodies Spring Break
Oh, you should head over to the LA board for suggestions, but when I visit LA I always have to eat Korean BBQ. They have some great spots, but I don't know names. Check out the LA board for specifics.
A Foodies Spring Break
For a foodie in Phoenix, I think it is pretty much obligatory that you have to eat at Pizzeria Bianco, selected as the best pizza in America by Bon Appetit. Expect a CRAZY long wait, and depending on your wait time you might think the pizza is AMAZING or over-hyped, but either way you kind of have to try it. I personally thought the pizza was AMAZING, but I had good company and didn't have to wait too long.
Bollywood Grill, Rainbow & Sahara - Las Vegas
Have you been recently and tried the buffet? I would say it is 100% worth it. My husband and I recently moved to Vegas from Atlanta and have been desperately searching for solid Indian food. (Atlanta has some very delicious options. Oh, how we miss Madras Chettinaad.) I think we have been to practically every place in Vegas, and we went to Bollywood right after it opened to eat dinner. We had much the same experience as you arcos (not so great and definitely overpriced), but we decided to go back for the buffet. The buffet had some issues (namely things weren't hot), but we voiced are concern. Still, not willing to give up (we felt there was potential), we went back a third time, and everything had finally come together. Granted, the decor is odd, but I must say that the buffet has offered us the best Indian we have had in Vegas. It is $10.99 and has a wide selection. We eat there at least once a month now.
