Mexican food has been my initial plan for dinner my final night in Las Vegas. I had the place all picked out. It had astounding ratings on Trip Adviser. It was the best-of-the-best when it came to Mexican food in Las Vegas. And I was psyched to go and try it. Why? Because I love Mexican food with a passion. It’s everything I love. Spicy, filling, salty, and full of textures and flavors. Not to mention, being a vegetarian with a few food allergies, the food at a Mexican restaurant is pretty easy to navigate through and manage a safe meal.
But my first night in Vegas I ate at Nobu, a Japanese restaurant nestled inside the Hard Rock Hotel, and I was blown away by the cuisine and the entire dining experience. Not only did the waiter advise me of anything that wouldn’t be vegetarian, he let me know they did have a gluten-free soy sauce available and that he would advise the chefs of my food allergies. The food was more than I anticipated and everything I craved when it came to Japanese cuisine.
Sushi is my love. And Nobu offers up some of the finest vegetarian sushi I have ever had. I craved more of it and this would be my last chance I had before leaving Vegas and continuing on to California for the rest of my vacation. Hence, the change in dinner plans.
I eagerly returned to Nobu and my friend and I were seated at the table we were at our first night. It was like returning to an old haunt. Sushi was still on my mind, so I knew what I was going to order. Instead of soup as my appetizer this time, however, I opted for the Edamame Salad. My friend, having been blown away by the flavors of the Miso Soup on the previous visit, stuck with what she knew was good and had it again.
The Edamame Salad was brought out in a bowl, with a second bowl to discard the outer shells in. It was like nothing I had ever had or done in a restaurant. Eating with my hands was the only option and it was a fun way to enjoy my food in a fancy restaurant. I shared some with my friend, who I was surprised enjoyed it as much as I did.
When the appetizers were gone, I put in my order for my sushi rolls. I ordered the same kinds I did the previous visit – the Vegetable and Oshinko rolls, this time done as hand rolls instead of cut. I mean, I had to add a little variety, right? And my friend totally stepped out of her food comfort zone and ordered the Squid “Pasta” with Light Garlic Sauce, with an order of Broccoli Tempura and Shitake Tempura.
Oh, we never even thought twice about that Mexican place once our meals were placed in front of us. I must admit, I was delighted with my sushi, once again. And after eating each hand roll, I had to get the Oshinko in a cut roll to savor even more. Yeah…it was hard to make myself stop. It always is when it comes to sushi. Once again, just amazing flavors all paired beautifully. The vegetables and rice, rolled up to perfection. The pickled vegetables were the right hint of sour tartness that I craved and blended perfectly with the wrap and rice. It was the perfect marriage of Japanese flavors. Best sushi…anywhere.
And my friend was blown away by every bite of her squid “pasta”…but even more by the dipping sauce she received with her tempura order. It was another amazing dining experience at a place we opted to go to twice instead of branching out. This isn’t something I make a habit of, but when a restaurant wow’s me like Nobu did…I knew I needed one more fix there before departing.
I will never, ever regret that decision.
I once again finished off the evening with their green tea and declined on the dessert this time because I had other plans for that. But that’s saved for my next blog.
I’ve said it once…and I will gladly say it again. Japanese food doesn’t get much better than what is served up at Nobu. If you happen to be in one of the cities that is the home to one of chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s restaurants…go. Go often. And enjoy. Because with food like what Nobu serves, you will honestly keep going back for more…and even cancel other plans for another taste of something so good!
Itadakimasu!
The Celiathlete 