The interior of Sparrow + Wolf is an absolutely beautiful space — romantic, elegant, hip, cool — with equally amazing food. We tried a good number of the dishes and every one of them was good. The duck, pork shoulder and wings stood out as the beset of the group, but none disappointed. Drinks were… Continue reading Sparrow + Wolf
Tag: 5 Stars
Fox Smokehouse BBQ
It’s off the beaten path from more popular areas of Boulder City, and the location in a small strip mall may not look like much, but the barbecue was amazing! The beef ribs were a showstopper, not only because of their massive Flintstone-esque appearance, but because the flavor from those huge, tender chunks of meat… Continue reading Fox Smokehouse BBQ
Bomb Tacos
Located in the same plaza as Other Mama, The Rice Shop, Zaytoon and others, Bomb Tacos took over the space formerly occupied by a couple other taco shops. But this is nothing like its predecessors. It’s run by Robert Solano, formerly of Mundo, and he brings a level of sophistication to the food that other… Continue reading Bomb Tacos
Jean Philippe Patisserie
For anyone craving sweets, this spot is a must. It’s a much large space than their sister spot in the Bellagio and has a larger selection. They’ve got some of the most beautiful and artistic pastries in town with flavors that equal their beauty. Pastries are perfect any time of day. Their almond croissant was… Continue reading Jean Philippe Patisserie
Kame Omakase
Chef Eric is doing some special stuff in this small space adjacent to his a la carte sushi restaurant, Yummy Grill. There are 8 spots at the omakase counter so if you want to experience it you better plan ahead and get reservations. I dined with friends and once seated we were treated to over… Continue reading Kame Omakase
Paina Cafe
Laying claim as the founders of the term “poke bowl” this mini chain out of Hawaii (3 locations on Oahu and one in Las Vegas) does the dish justice. They’re a clear cut above the increasingly popular fast-casual poke spots around town because they do it right. They have real poke — raw fish that… Continue reading Paina Cafe
Salted Malted Bakery & Creamery
I have a backlog of reviews I need to write from places I’ve visited five months ago. Salted Malted is one of them and I’m pushing this to the top of the queue, unfortunately, because they’re closing for good this weekend. This place is fantastic. I loved their chocolate chip cookies. It’s everything a great… Continue reading Salted Malted Bakery & Creamery
Cafe Breizh
Spring Valley is home to yet more top-tier talent in Jerome Marchand and Pierre Gatel. The latter’s credentials are impressive — an early career in New York with Francois Payard and Alain Ducasse followed by over a decade at the Wynn and Encore. You won’t find more beautiful, artistic, well crafted pastries anywhere off the… Continue reading Cafe Breizh
JinJu Chocolates
This is the second outpost for Chef Jin Caldwell. More spacious and better decorated than the original spot at the Container Store, the space is beautiful, a chocoholic’s dream. It’s full of chocolates, pastries, cakes, and drinks. Cakes by the slice are available and they’re a must. The milk chocolate PB&J cake has a subtle… Continue reading JinJu Chocolates
Shang Artisan Noodle
A popular spot with an ever-growing fan base, Shang Artisan Noodle’s open kitchen provides a meal and a show. The best spot to take in the action is at the counter where you can watch their skilled chefs create hand-pulled noodles and effortlessly slice dough to create their knife-shaved noodles. The pork and cabbage potstickers… Continue reading Shang Artisan Noodle
Rosallie
Opened in 2015 by Frenchman Jonathan Pluvinet, Rosallie is a family business that began in the 1980s with Pluvinet’s parents’ cafe of the same name operating in the south of France. Filled with items created by family recipes, this cafe has quickly become a go-to destination in Las Vegas. The pastries are exceptional. It may… Continue reading Rosallie
Flock & Fowl
There’s something beautiful about the simplicity of the food at Flock and Fowl. At first glance poached chicken might not sound very appetizing but their Hainan chicken rice ($9.99) is special. De-boned, skin-on chicken is plated with a scoop of rice and three house-made sauces. Fork-tender meat and bold flavors can be attributed to a… Continue reading Flock & Fowl
Wine Cellar & Tasting Room
Located below the main floor of the casino inside the Rio is a hidden gem that goes unnoticed by most locals and tourists. I attended a Yelp event here a few months back that included a tour through a storage room and passed display cases showcasing rare bottles from places near and far. One of… Continue reading Wine Cellar & Tasting Room
SUZUYA Pastries & Crepes
Having been here a few times over the years, I can safely say this is one of my favorite bakeries in town. Desserts have a subtle sweetness making them good for a light snack or the perfect ending to a meal, as opposed to heavy desserts that you would instantly regret. Their cheesecake is unlike… Continue reading SUZUYA Pastries & Crepes
The Station 66 Italian Bistro
Station 66 Italian Bistro was, by far, the best dining experience of our trip through northern Arizona. I loved everything about this place. Service was top notch,the interior is spacious and cool, there’s an outdoor patio with music, and most importantly the food and drinks were great. Wine and beer flights are available for $15… Continue reading The Station 66 Italian Bistro
Chef Series Dinner at Niu Gu
Always late with my posts, it’s finally time for me to write about one of the best meals I’ve had this year — back on May 21. Organized by Michael Uzmann and hosted by Joe Muscaglione at his restaurant Niu Gu, the fourth installment of Uzmann’s Chef Series meals was spectacular in its diverse selection… Continue reading Chef Series Dinner at Niu Gu
Chef Series Dinner at Glutton
Organized by Michael Uzmann (endoedibles.com), his “Chef Series” highlights the talents of local chefs. This third installation of the series teamed Bradley Manchester of Glutton with Jaret Blinn of CraftKitchen to showcase their interpretation of breakfast classics. From start to finish the two chefs and their teams showed why their restaurants are two of the… Continue reading Chef Series Dinner at Glutton
Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
Popular with locals and tourists alike, this tiny spot doesn’t have much signage but you’ll know you’ve reached your destination when you see the line out the door. Inside is a small kitchen and counter and restrooms. No seating. Outside there’s some seating along the wall and railing. I’m not a big fan of fish… Continue reading Oscar’s Mexican Seafood
CRAFTkitchen
You can add my review to the ever growing list of write-ups praising this spot. After a couple visits it’s safe to say this is one of the best (if not THE best) breakfast/brunch/lunch spots in town. The short rib hash ($15.95 + $1.75 for a poached egg) was as amazing as it looks with… Continue reading CRAFTkitchen
Glutton
***Update: business closed*** The goofy logo and brand doesn’t do this place justice. At first glance you might think this spot specializes is fried food or low brow cuisine in obscene-sized portions, but it’s anything but that. It’s refined, thoughtful, and well executed. The talent behind this gem (Bradley Manchester) comes from an unlikely source… Continue reading Glutton
Tart Bites
I tried 2 things from this bakery — cake pops and a wedding cake. It was for my brother’s wedding. The cake was absolutely gorgeous — a small, single tiered cake covered in icing that looked like white and purple roses. It was a stunning beauty with equally great flavors. Moist and thick, there were… Continue reading Tart Bites
Gelatology
Desyree Alberganti. Every serious foodie, Yelper, critic, and blogger is familiar with her name. And, all were saddened when she left Art of Flavors, the groundbreaking gelato shop in Downtown Las Vegas. But, all are equally as thrilled for her return. Now with her own shop in the southwest valley, she’s back and better than… Continue reading Gelatology
Rollin Smoke Barbeque
I’ve had this place bookmarked forever and finally had a chance to go a while back. It’s got a “dive bar” feel thanks to it’s location off of Highland Drive (down the street from some strip clubs) and the old, weathered building it’s in. But, that just seems to solidify their reputation as the town’s… Continue reading Rollin Smoke Barbeque
Sweets Raku
Sweets Raku is a true gem, a special spot for dessert and wine where the food is as beautiful as it is delicious. Part of the appeal is watching dishes being created in front of you in the open kitchen. This sister restaurant to the nationally acclaimed Raku, located a few doors away in the… Continue reading Sweets Raku
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
I’ve been in love with southern food since a family trip through the south back in 1982. Since then I’ve had my share of southern dishes, but a recent trip to Yardbird in the Palazzo/Venetian for a friend’s birthday has given me an even greater appreciation for the cuisine. Their version of chicken and waffles… Continue reading Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Other Mama
Sit at the bar at Other Mama and you’ll understand how passionate the folks are who run this newly opened restaurant in Spring Valley. You won’t meet a friendlier group willing to tell their story. Led by Dan Krohmer, a chef who trained under Morimoto, worked for Michelin-starred chef Omae, and celebrities such as Taylor… Continue reading Other Mama
Giada
Simply put, one of the best meals I’ve had in a while. After recent disappointing meals at other Italian spots on the Strip this was a huge relief. Cocktails, named and inspired after the movies of Giada’s grandfather Dino De Laurentiis, are excellent and reasonably priced for the Strip at $15 each. Don’t overlook the… Continue reading Giada
O Face Doughnuts
***Update: business closed*** I’m no donut expert. I try not to eat the stuff too frequently because my slow metabolism can’t handle them at my advanced age. But, for my money O Face is the place to go when I’m craving a fancy schmancy donut. Their selection is about as creative and varied as any… Continue reading O Face Doughnuts
Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen
I didn’t think I’d find a massaman curry better than the one at Chada Thai. But, I did at Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen. Located in a small strip mall on Rampart, this is definitely no secret. If you come on the weekend be prepared for a long wait. The interior is tiny with tables too close… Continue reading Nittaya’s Secret Kitchen
Joel Robuchon
I can finally cross this place off my bucket list. It’s been on there since I saw it profiled on a Travel Channel show more than a decade ago. It’s a formal space that’s fit for any special occasion — like my birthday. Seating is comfortable, especially if you can get one of the corner… Continue reading Joel Robuchon