gmonkey's Profile
Tips for novice food writer
THIS. "Delicious" is an empty word, as are "goodness," "delight," etc. While these words heap a lot of praise, they tell the reader nothing about what makes it so good.
Learn a little bit about proper and classic cooking techniques (French and otherwise), and what all the mother sauces are supposed to taste like. If you learn what a proper hollandaise is supposed to taste like, when a restaurant serves you a "cajun hollandaise" you can pinpoint what makes (or doesn't make) it "cajun."
The bottom line of any dish is: does it taste good? It might look like sh*t on a shingle, or be a completely out of the water deconstruction of chicken and waffles, but when you take a bite of it, does it please you?
Eat everything. And if you're bringing a dining companion, make sure they like to eat everything too.
And it was stated above, but it bears repeating: read, read, read to help develop your voice.
New and Different in Vegas
Actually, you're in luck... the chef who was at Commander's Palace is now at Louis' Las Vegas at Town Square (a new shopping venue out by the Fry's on the South Strip), doing what they call "low country cuisine." It's really solid. Louis' Las Vegas is the fine dining option, while right across the way, Louis' Fish Camp is more casual/bar atmosphere.
For all the Top Chef fans out there ...
"'And she really seems to be into Eric Ripert."
Well, duh, who isn't? He's French, a chef AND dreamy. (swoon!)
Childhood literary chow memories
My first vivid culinary reading memory is from The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, specifically after the "magic" has come and brightened up the cold, dreary attic that Sara Crewe is living in after her father dies and she's relegated to becoming the school's help.
The descriptions of the foods that they awaken to, after an awful night, has always stuck with me, and I remember reading these passages over and over again:
"Imagine, if you can, what the rest of the evening was like. How they crouched by the fire which blazed and leaped and made so much of itself in the little grate. How they removed the covers of the dishes, and found rich, hot, savory soup, which was a meal in itself, and sandwiches and toast and muffins enough for both of them. The mug from the washstand was used as Becky's tea cup, and the tea was so delicious that it was not necessary to pretend that it was anything but tea. They were warm and full-fed and happy, and it was just like Sara that, having found her strange good fortune real, she should give herself up to the enjoyment of it to the utmost. She had lived such a life of imaginings that she was quite equal to accepting any wonderful thing that happened, and almost to cease, in a short time, to find it bewildering."
Something's still missing in food media...
Part of the beauty of being a foodie is the eating part. Eat more. Eat something you saw in one of those magazines that took your breath away or something you've never eaten before. Try one new restaurant that looks appealing to you, yet you've never heard anything about. Experiment at home by making dishes you like at your favorite restaurants in your very own kitchen. And, if you can, travel.
New Top Chef 'Chicago' Ads
Oh good, it's NOT just me! I don't know why, but I got all super excited. I suppose that's the point to build up the anticipation, what with the clock ticking down and everything. It gives me goose bumps.
I'm a little embarrassed I just typed that. =)
Gyros and Patty Melts, Las Vegas
Looking for best gyro sandwiches and patty melts available in Las Vegas. I know Paymon's is pretty good, but am looking for other options.
And I know patty melts can sometimes be a dime a dozen, but there has to be at least ONE great specimen out there!
Thanks for the help!
LV-Soup Dumplings
Dim Sum at Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast sometimes has it. You have to ask for it specifically. But when I've had it there it hasn't been the super thin wrapper that you'd expect (like from say Yank Sing in San Francisco), it was kind of thicker. The soup was still in there, though. That's the only place I've been able to find it.
I think maybe Shanghai Lilly at Mandalay Bay may have it? But not too sure.
Where do you get it from, I'm always looking for it!
LV- Chinese Banquet
If you're willing to pay the price, Shanghai Lilly at Mandalay Bay would be a really nice option. It's beautiful and the food is amazing (especially the Peking Duck!)
Petrossian Bar@Bellagio or Verandah@Four Seasons?
I think Las Vegas Life has a story in this month's issue about tea at both those places... and one other. Maybe the one at Lake Las Vegas?
I've done both myself. Sandwiches are better at Petrossian, ambience is better at Four Seasons.
Vegas Italian - B&B or Enoteca San Marco
B&B is a little more upscale and Enoteca a bit more casual. Both are solid as far as food. B&B has tripe and beef cheeks on the menu, if you're into that sort of thing (both dishes are great). Enoteca is much more laid back with probably more traditional snacky-type Italian dishes. A group of 7 will fit in well in either spot. service is very accommodating.
Asian Noodles near Farmer's Market
You seem to be the resident expert on the noodle situation!
How about Chinese soup noodles, with nice egg noodles, maybe some dumplings and or/ barbecue in that area?
Asian Noodles near Farmer's Market
Oh, sorry! Any Asian cuisine restaurant that has really good noodle dishes. I'm not picky as to what kind of Asian, just that they're tasty!
Asian Noodles near Farmer's Market
Greeting,
Will be stopping in at the Farmer's Market by Fairfax (?) this weekend, wanted to be pointed in the direction of noodles I can't miss!
Thanks!
Spicy Food in Las Vegas
Bump!
Really? There aren't any spicy concoctions that anyone can speak of in one of the hottest places in America?
Spicy Food in Las Vegas
Greetings, all!
Looking to see where you like go for your hot and spicy fix in Sin City! Any cuisine, any dishes, looking for all options!
Thanks in advance.
Anniversary Dinner in Vegas
Despite the word "steakhouse" in its name, ENVY Steakhouse at the Renaissance is wonderfully romantic, good wine list and a good solid menu that isn't all steaks, and way more sophisticated than say, Ruth Chris or Morton's.
www.envysteakhouse.com
If cost isn't too much of an issue, try Tableau at Wynn.
Dim Sum at Ping Pang Pong
For those who have had the dim sum there, I've heard they serve the xiao long bao, or soup dumplings. This is the first I've heard of this dish being served in Las Vegas.
How were they there? Are there any other places that serve them?
