Restaurants – Page 21 – The Celiathlete

July 11, 2011July 11, 2011

Top Chef serves up amazing Italian food at Cafe Firenze

Top Chef. It’s one of my guilty pleasures. Any food show is, naturally. Celeb chef cooking shows on Food Network, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Adam Richman’s Man v. Food, Gordan Ramsay’s The F-Word, Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen. So, yes…I enjoy watching chefs from every level and every walk of life duke it out on Top Chef as much as the next person.

And that was how I found Fabio Viviani. First seen on Top Chef: Season 5 – New York, Viviani was one of my personal favorites to cheer for. He ended up in the top four before being cast off, but he returned and won fan favorite. Anyone who watched would understand why. So, when I was making plans with my friends for a good place to eat Saturday afternoon, we all agreed that Viviani’s restaurant in Moorpark, California, Cafe Firenze, would be an ideal place to dine.

Cafe Firenze's Bowl of Steamed Mussels in a White Wine Broth with Crostino

We arrived for our reservation right when the restaurant opened. We were seated in a booth in the back, where I had a fine view of the kitchen, which only added to my excitement. We settled in with water and perused the menu for a moment. I already had an idea of what I wanted, but an appetizer was in question. We decided to split an order of Steamed Mussels in a White Wine Broth with Crostino. This was one of my friend’s first experience with mussels…and now she is addicted to them. If a restaurant has them…she wants them. But nothing has equaled Cafe Firenze’s version. Especially with the sauce they were served in. Light, but full of flavor. It was the perfect compliment to the seafood bite of the mussels. In fact, I think my three friends set themselves to mopping up every bit of that sauce with the complimentary bread that had been brought to the table.

The entrees were next. And each of us ordered something different. Tawn ordered the Fettuccini Four Cheese and Sausage; Indy ordered the Penne alla Vodka, Cathy won the prize for best deal with her “personal” Margherita Pizza, which was the size of a regular pizza pan; and I got the Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Ricotta. We had good conversation and good photo ops while we awaited our food. And I had the chance to watch the chefs in the kitchen prepare each meal from scratch…including the pasta. Yes…I loved where we were seated!

Cafe Firenze's Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Fresh Ricotta

When our meals arrived, none of us were disappointed. Cathy indulged in every bite of her pizza. Indy’s penne was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing. Tawn enjoyed her fettuccini so much, she swore she saw Jesus in her plate. And as for me…the gnocchi was out of this world. Soft, delicate, and served with a sauce that was packed with bold flavor. The ricotta was the perfect match to the sweet tomato sauce. It was topped off with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, which only served to enhance the dish. I savored each bite and shared it with my friends. Just awesome food. Fresh, delicious, and made to order. It doesn’t get better than that.

After we polished off our meals, we allowed food to settle. Tawn, Indy and I settled in for a round of cappuccinos. Interesting thing about this cappuccino was that the longer it sit, the more delicious it was. All three of us noticed that, so we didn’t down it quickly. We sipped it slowly, discussing desserts. And just in time too…as the dessert menu was brought out to us.

Once again, we all decided to get something different. Tawn ordered the Tiramisu; Indy ordered the Panna Cotta; Cathy got her usual at Italian restaurants, the Cannoli; as for me…I went with the gluten-free option: the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

As we waited for our desserts we were blessed with an even better surprise. Fabio Viviani was in the restaurant. He had the day off, but had stopped in and delivered our desserts to us. What an amazing surprise. The best moment of the entire time at the restaurant was when he came around that corner and all four of us blinked up at him and in the girliest tone all said, in unison: “FABIO!” It was…epic! He was very nice, asking how we enjoyed our meals and being kind enough to take pictures with us. We eventually let him get back to what he was doing, but it was the topper of the day. Honestly! I was floating on a Foodie Cloud Nine. Meeting a chef hero…cross that one off the bucket list!

Desserts were now in front of us, and I managed to come down from my chef high and take my first bite of the chocolate cake. It was moist and rich, melting against my tongue. It was topped with a vanilla gelato with chocolate sauce and coffee cream. Yes…it was as amazing as it sounds. It was completely different texture and taste from the flourless cake I had at Nobu in Vegas. But this stood on its own. The flavors came alive in my mouth, every bit of chocolate, vanilla, and coffee meshing in perfect harmony and drawing me into another heavenly food coma. If gluten-free desserts meant more flourless chocolate cakes like this, then I’m one happy allergic foodie. I still dream of this dessert.

Cafe Firenze was at a level all its own. The Italian ambiance was authentic. The food was beyond all expectations. The desserts were one step closer to heaven. And the opportunity to meet Fabio Viviani topped off the experience. Nothing could ever compare to this level of Italian goodness outside of Italy itself. Then again, Fabio hails from Florence, Italy. If the food was anything but authentic, I would have been disappointed. This isn’t a Buca di Beppo or Olive Garden. This is a state of Italy in California. And oh…it tastes so good!

Me and Fabio — Top Chef Fabio Viviani with me at his restaurant, Cafe Firenze, Moorpark, California

July 11, 2011

Vegan tacos make a stand in California…

The best way to do Los Angeles is with locals. Seriously. No one knows of better places to eat than those who live somewhere and have ventured out of the usual food comfort zone. In Los Angeles, it’s easy to step away from the fast food joints and chain restaurants. New food experiences abound around every corner. Every flavor. Every culture. It’s all there…somewhere…just waiting for you to step inside and give it a try.

When I ventured to Los Angeles, I let my friend Indy and her husband Evan take the reins and show me good places to eat. We all know I’m a bit of a challenge when it comes to eating out. But not in Los Angeles. California is a different beast.

After arriving in Los Angeles, it was already time for lunch and I was famished. We had tossed around ideas of where to eat prior to the trip, but that all went to the wayside. Mexican was the overall feeling of the group, and since I ditched my Mexican restaurant plans in Vegas the night before, this was just what I craved. Their suggestion: Hugo’s Tacos.

It was a short drive from their home in The Valley to this little taco stand. It looked a bit shady from the outside, but that’s part of the thrill of these little eateries. No indoor seating…it’s all done outside. Perfect, because the weather that day was beautiful, sunny, and ideal for a meal on the deck.

It took me a moment to peruse the menu board, but I finally decided on my meal of choice. Since this was a taco stand, I figured I would go with the tacos…which on the menu are labeled gluten-free. Better yet…they can be done vegan-style. Yeah…I was one happy diner.

I decided on two different types of tacos: a Mixed Veggies and Herbs with Jalapeño and Tomatillo Salsa and a Soy Chorizo, Potato and Zucchini with Jalapeno and Tomatillo Salsa. I made it a combo, which included chips and salsa plus a drink. Diet Coke for this girl, please!

I settled in with friends and waited for my order to come up. When it did, I totally understood why they were so excited about taking me to this place. Not only was it friendly to my food allergies…but it also catered to the vegetarian part of me. How many places can do that successfully. And, to top it all off, the food was amazing.

I tried the Soy Chorizo, Potato and Zucchini taco first. The soy sausage had the right hint of spice, and the salsa was the perfect compliment to it. I never would have thought of putting potato or zucchini in a taco, but these were the perfect match for the soy chorizo. Honestly. The cool texture of the sauteed vegetables meshed perfectly with the bite of the vegan sausage. The Mixed Veggies and Herbs taco was next. I loved this. The veggies alone would have been bland, but mixed with the herbs, they took on a new flavor level. The hint of heat from the salsa was the perfect pairing with this taco. Again, not something I normally would have thought to put in a corn tortilla, but it worked. It was a taco experience like no other.

The chips and salsa were the perfect compliment to this taco fiesta. The cool pico de gallo mixed with the corn tortilla chips gave the right mix of salty and sweet. Just what you would expect from proper chips and salsa. Not what you would expect from a tiny taco stand in Los Angeles. But they say the best things come in small packages. I couldn’t agree more.

I left more than satisfied with my lunch that day. It was the ideal place to eat in a city that never ceases to amaze me with it’s culinary culture. I wish more places like this existed in the Midwest where I live. I guess for now, I’ll just have to return to Los Angeles for more treats like this.

Good things really do come in small packages. If you don’t believe me, get to Los Angeles and try this little taco stand out. Hugo’s Tacos may be small, but they serve up big flavor in a big way!

VEGAN TACOS — Hugo's Tacos vegan tacos: (left) Mixed Veggies and Herbs taco and (right) Soy Chorizo, Potato & Zucchini taco

July 10, 2011

A banana split before we split…

Everything comes full-circle at the end of a trip. And my culinary adventures through Las Vegas came to an end with a sweet treat instead of a fine dining establishment. I found myself back in familiar ground. After all, the convenience of being in the resort I’m staying at merits one more visit…but this time for dessert…not breakfast.

That’s one of the best qualities of Mr. Lucky’s 24-7. As a diner-like establishment that is open every hour of every day, it has quite the selection on its menu. And dessert is what I was craving this time.

For weeks I had wanted nothing but a banana split. I love the exciting mix of flavors that comes in a good banana split…and coming from Indiana, finding someone who does this particular dessert well is not easy. My hopes all came to rest on the shoulders of the staff at Mr. Lucky’s once more.

What I received lived up to every expectation and then proceeded to exceed them. The dessert itself was a proper banana split, made with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream, topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry…and served with strawberries and crushed pineapple. Every flavor that should come in this particular dessert was present, and my first bite came with the ripe banana split in half and buried beneath the scoops of cold, delicious ice cream.

Dessert heaven!

My friend had never had a banana split in her life. And she was blown away by this one. Good way to start when it comes to first experiences with a new dessert. Me…I grew up on banana splits and had some of the best (and biggest) in some unexpected places. I wasn’t sure this would measure up to my childhood memories of summer treats of larger-than-life banana splits from the Lincoln Del in Minnesota…but it was just as good. The portion was sizable, more than what I anticipated for the price. And the assortment of flavors, the way they mixed and mingled and tasted as the ice cream melted and the different fruits were scooped up with each bite. Yes…this was the perfect banana split and just what I needed after craving one for so long.

Mr. Lucky’s 24-7 did it again, and this time with something other than their epic breakfast foods. They serve up one hell of a banana split…and gave me my last delicious taste of Las Vegas before I departed the following morning.

I wonder if anywhere else will make one as good as this. A banana covered in three flavors of ice cream and topped with every topping imaginable never tasted so damn sweet.

Lucky me!

DESSERT EPICNESS! — Mr. Lucky's 24-7's Banana Split

July 10, 2011

Nobu wows with sushi that won my heart and made me cancel my other dinner plans!

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!

Nobu's Hand Roll Sushi: Vegetable and Oshinko

July 10, 2011

Breakfast so nice…I had to dine there twice!

Vegas has amazing food strewn throughout the city. So, what was it about the quaint diner tucked away inside the Hard Rock Hotel that brought me back for another filling breakfast? Well, my first experience there had been so mind-blowing, that I had to see if a subsequent one could exceed all expectations. I should have known with Mr. Lucky’s 24-7, I would not leave disappointed.

On a previous visit, I was treated to the VIP dining experience at Mr. Lucky’s 24-7. By VIP I mean I alerted my server to a food allergy and he went to inquire with the chef about how something was cooked…and the chef sent him back with the list of ingredients of the butter the hash browns were cooked in so I could be certain my dining experience was going to be safe. No other restaurant I have eaten in has taken that level of precaution or attempted to ensure that level of security in what I was going to order. Leave it to a dive-y diner inside a resort casino to bring that level of comfort to a simple customer so early in the morning.

But, it was what made me want to go back. Why take chances with any other place when I knew the quality of food at Mr. Lucky’s…as well as the care in which it would be prepared for me? A safe bet, perhaps. Not stepping outside of my foodie-comfort zone…perhaps. But, once again I was not led astray by my decision to eat somewhere I already had been.

When you find a good thing, don’t mess around with it.

I did, however, opt for something else on the breakfast menu, forgoing my usual safety net of the omelet. I was on my last day in Vegas before heading out to California and seeing two of my best girls who I hadn’t seen in four years. So, paying homage to one of them, my fashionista Mexican mamacita from the Fresno area, I went out on a limb at breakfast and in her honor…ordered the Huevos Rancheros, which were two fried eggs served over corn tortillas with black beans, monterey jack cheese, ranchero sauce, pico de gallo, and guacamole (no sour cream for this girl!) with a side of hash browns.

Judging from the size of the omelet the morning prior, I knew I would be in for a treat. What I didn’t realize was how these were not just Huevos Rancheros. When the food reached the table, I realized I had been given desayuno épica…EPIC BREAKFAST!!

This was my first time ever having Huevos Rancheros and what a way to start out. The flavors meshed so well. The texture of the beans with the corn tortillas and the over-easy eggs blended well with the spice of the sauce, the sweetness of the pico, and the coolness of the guacamole. I topped it all off with a healthy drizzle of Cholula hot sauce (aka: the best hot sauce EVER!). When I say epic…I’m not kidding. I was in a food coma after eating the entire plate of food, including my hash browns, but every bite gave me a new blast of flavor. It might have been full, but it was so pleasing to my palate I had to keep eating. I only wish I had ordered that on my prior visit so I could have eaten it twice. Yes. I think Huevos Rancheros need to be added to my ‘need to order whenever it is on the menu and served with corn tortillas’ list. I savored every bite.

Vegas does have a lot to offer. Buffets, fast food, little dives, celeb chefs. But when it comes to breakfast done well and breakfast done right, get over to the Hard Rock Hotel and pull up a booth inside Mr. Lucky’s 24-7. Order something that you normally wouldn’t and be amazed and enticed by the food you get presented with. Savor it. Or gobble it down. Either way, it’s a filling meal for a good price. Better still…it’s guaranteed to be good!

July 10, 2011

French bistro food a winning bet at Bouchon in Las Vegas

Bouchon. Very French, oui? That’s the brilliant thing about Las Vegas…it literally has a little of everything. And thanks to the extraordinary culinary mind of Thomas Keller, one of the most renowned chef’s in the world, Vegas has a touch of French class with delicious bistro food.

I knew little about French food coming into this restaurant. What captured my attention was the name attached. Thomas Keller. Foodie nerd…that’s me. Pair that with an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” where he visited Las Vegas and ate at Bouchon, raving about the frites (fries)…and I knew…next time I was in Sin City, I had to try this place out.

Bread and nuts — Bouchon's homemade bread and toasted pistachios

My friend and I were seated immediately upon our arrival for our reservation. Our table was beautiful. Simple. Understated. But illuminated by the natural light of summer in Las Vegas. Nothing was overdone. And that was part of the beauty of it. Our server came over and poured us water. As he did so, he inquired if we would be interested in any wine. Neither of us are wine drinkers, and while the experience would have been amazing, we passed. He unfolded our menus for us (they are paper and guests are allowed to take them with them upon leaving) and told us of the specials that night. It was then that we alerted him of my food allergies and dietary restrictions, and he assured me that I would have no problem finding something. That being said, he pointed out that the soupe du jour that night was vegan – roasted potato leek soup with a black truffle oil. The very description of the soup was enough to win me over, so both my friend and I unexpectedly ordered the soup as a starter.

The rest of our order was taken and we eagerly anticipated our first taste of food from one of Thomas Keller’s restaurants. The food nerd inside me was squeeing with delight. As we waited, we were brought homemade bread and a small bowl of roasted pistachios to wet our appetites while we waited. My friend threw herself on the bread, and I enjoyed the nuts.

Soupe du jour — Bouchon's Soupe du Jour: Potato & Leek Soup with Black Truffle Oil

And then…the soup arrived. It look fantastic. Most soups with any sort of potato base are heavy, but not this one. It was light and the swirl of truffle oil added just the right about of flavor without overpowering the essence of the root vegetables in the soup itself. In fact, the truffle oil made the soup the perfect trifecta of seasoning and taste. One spoonful and Thomas Keller and his restaurant won my heart. Each ingredient melted on my palate and I soon polished off the bowl. My friend used the bread to mop up every last drop. Yeah…it was that amazing. And that was just our starter!

Since I am a vegetarian, there was only a few items that I could order on the menu. Pair that with a gluten-intolerance, and quite a bit more got knocked out of the running. Never fear though. Restaurants normally have a salad that will work and that held true for Bouchon. My entree of choice that night was the Salade Maraîchère au Chèvre Chaud, which consisted mixed greens with red wine vinaigrette, warm goat cheese and herbes de Provence. I ordered it with a side of the much raved about Pommes Frites…because whenever Anthony Bourdain says the fries are better than the ones from his restaurant, Les Halles, you know they have to be amazing. I certainly wasn’t going to miss out on trying them. My friend, following Bourdain’s lead, ordered the Steak Frites, which she has henceforth deemed one of the best medium-well steaks ever made for her (it was still juicy, while being cooked to an actual medium-well) and topped with a shallot-butter that she wants to baptize her children in. Apparently, it was mind-blowing.

Bouchon's Salade Maraîchère au Chèvre Chaud

When the entree was brought out, I already knew that, despite being a salad, it was going to be a good one. The thing with salad is, they don’t always have to taste alike. Salads can be a mishmash of amazing flavors that tantalize and tease taste buds. Or they can be bland. While this salad was minimal as far as ingredients go, the flavors were WOW! The goat cheese practically melted in my mouth. The herbes de Provence provided a bit of flair to what would have otherwise been a rather bland pile of mixed greens. And the red wine vinaigrette was the right hint of tart to marry the flavors together. Salads can be boring, or they can take “rabbit food” to the next level. Bouchon takes it to the next tier.

As for those much-raved about frites, Anthony Bourdain was right on the money. Thomas Keller trained his chefs at Bouchon right. Because fries are fries…in most cases. They can either be really good…or really bad. Most of the time it has to do with the cut and the how they are cooked, or how long for that matter. I do not like mushy fries. Steak fries are not my favorite cut. Neither are curly, nor crinkle-cut. Shoestring fries are generally my favorite because they come out with a crisp crust on them that lends bite to the potato. At Bouchon, the Pommes Frites were above and beyond any other fries I have ever eaten in my life. And I LOVE my fries. Bourdain is one of my culinary heroes for a reason. He has good tastes in deep-fried potato-y goodness. Bouchon doesn’t just serve up a sizable portion of frites on the side, they do a damn good job of cooking them to perfection. The waiter thought there was way too many frites on the table between my friend and I, but we polished them all off. Not one went to waste. Normally, I don’t finish my fries because there are so many of them…but that wasn’t the case here. I almost wished I had more. You think you’ve had fries…then you eat at Bouchon and you realize they set the bar for french fry standards and those waffle fries from Chick-Fil-A will never equal what you just consumed. Considering the paragraph on the Pommes Frites is now longer than that on the soup and the salad…just believe me. Try it for yourself and no other restaurant fries will ever compare. Nowhere. No way. No how! It isn’t a pompous French thing to call them Pommes Frites and serve up average fries. No…these have every right to be pompous and French. They earned it.

Dark chocolate mousse with burnt orange cream — Bouchon's Marquise au Chocolat

Despite being full, dessert was a must. The dessert menu was presented to us and after a bit of discussion, my friend and I decided that we would split Marquise au Chocolat, a dark chocolate mousse with burnt orange cream. The dessert won my heart with dark chocolate. The orange cream was an added bonus. And when it arrived, we couldn’t have been happier with our decision. It looked like a slice of cake, laid out and surrounded by dollops of edible-orange goodness. Picture-perfect. And the taste…manna from heaven. Everything paired perfectly. The citric bitterness of the orange cream paired with the smooth dark chocolate and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the mousse. It was fantastic. Down to the last bite, which was smeared through the last of the burnt orange cream so that nothing went to waste. I finished off the evening with an after-dinner cup of tea that just polished off the perfect meal.

There is French bistro food and then there is Bouchon. Thomas Keller set out to do something amazing in Vegas, and he succeeded. Bouchon, tucked away in the Venezia Tower of The Venetian in Las Vegas, is one of those must-go places. When I return to Vegas, I will be making another reservation for a dinner there. Despite all of the culinary treats that are hidden away in Vegas, I can’t help but think of what new treats might be served up on the menu here. And I can’t wait to sink my teeth into those Pommes Frites once again. Make a reservation. Dress up. Dine. It’s a feast so pleasing to the any palate that there is literally something for everyone. Even this gluten-free vegetarian. Amazing food outweighs the celebrity name and the Michelin stars any day. From the moment you step into Bouchon, you feast upon great ambiance, great service, and great food. How can it get better than that?

It can’t.

Take it from this vegetarian foodie.

Bouchon...amazing food! — This Vegetarian Foodie ♥'s Bouchon

June 18, 2011June 18, 2011

No gambling with the food and service at Mr. Lucky’s 24-7!

While on vacation, I always like to fortify myself for a busy day with a hearty breakfast. Sometimes a lunch isn’t guaranteed so something filling and delicious is what I seek out. Not wanting to wander all the way down to the strip before eating, I took the elevator from my hotel room in the Hard Rock Hotel down to Mr. Lucky’s 24-7, a 24-hour diner-style restaurant that has been recognized as one of Vegas’ “Best Late Night Snack Stops” since 2003 in the Las Vegas Weekly Reader’s Choice Poll.

Okay…so it’s good enough for the drunk…but so is Taco Bell. But, how does Mr. Lucky’s 24-7 measure up for the most sober person in Vegas…bright and early (6 a.m. early – I was still on Eastern Time Zone time, I swear!) on a Wednesday?

We were seated immediately, beside a huge mural of Jim Morrison. Already the ambiance was to my taste. The menu was classic diner-style with a little of everything. Breakfast foods ranging from egg dishes to pancakes to baked goods (muffins, bagels, toast). They also have salads, soups, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, fajitas, nachos, a variety of appetizers and even some desserts. The menu had a little of everything and a little of something…for anyone…or a group to share. Whatever you preferred.

With my food allergies, eggs are usually a safe gamble for me. So I stuck with that plan and ordered off the breakfast menu. I opted for Veggie Omelet done with egg whites. Since I couldn’t have the toast or English muffin that came with it, the server gladly substituted watermelon for me. I was thrilled because I LOVE my fruit. And…since my roommate is my acting food deputy, she inquired as to whether the hash browns that come with it were gluten-free. Since the server was unsure, he hurried back to the chef to inquire. He returned shortly after with the ingredients to the butter the hash browns were cooked in…the one ingredient in question when it came to the hash browns. Both my roommate and I inspected them and it passed. So, I was totally getting my hash browns! And this made me stupidly happy because I love my breakfast potatoes like no one else!

The food arrived in short order and I wasted no time diving into it. Even after the delicious food the night before, I was ready for some food. The melon was absolutely ripe and delicious! So happy to have a server suggest that as a substitute without me even having to inquire. I can’t do that around where I live. No one understands a gluten intolerance. Out West…they get it and they work with you! The omelet was AWESOME!! The vegetables were perfectly done. Nothing too wilty. Nothing runny. Delicious…especially when topped off with some hot sauce. Nothing goes better with eggs than hot sauce. I swear…it’s one of my favorite things! And the hashbrowns were perfect. Brown and crispy…yet still soft inside. The perfect hash brown.

The portions were HUGE…and not over-priced. So you really get a good deal here. And yes…I ate it all. Like I said, lunch wasn’t guaranteed…and in fact, we didn’t actually have lunch that day. So the big breakfast was just what we needed to get us going and energized for another full day on the Vegas strip.

Not only was this restaurant very careful with my food and mindful of my allergies…they worked with me and even took the extra precaution of sending out the ingredients in something so I could make sure it was safe. That’s not just awesome, that’s rockstar! And once again, after eating here…we decided the following morning we’d return to try something else off the menu.

When it demands a return, then it’s gotta be good. This diner-style restaurant did everything right with its food and service. Yeah…there is a reason it continues to receive accolades in Reader’s polls. It really is that delicious. Even when sober…even when eating breakfast…the food was dine-in delicious!

Veggie Omelet, hash browns, watermelon — Mr. Lucky's 24-7 Veggie Omelet (made with egg whites), hash browns and watermelon

June 15, 2011

A culinary explosion of the palate at Nobu

I just returned from an amazing culinary excursion of the West. If there was good food to eat, I was going to find it. And this trip proved my instincts to be right on par.

My culinary vacation began with a dinner at the world-renowned Nobu restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located in the Hard Rock Hotel, this beautiful restaurant is tucked away in a quiet section and you immediately feel the difference upon entering. My roommate and I had reservations for 7:00 pm. We showed up about 15 minutes early, and were immediately seated. The first thing the waiter did, after unsheathing our chopsticks was to ask what we knew about the restaurant. Since we were Nobu-newbies, he went through the history of the restaurant briefly, then offered suggestions from the menu, including Nobu’s signature dish: Black Cod Miso. We alerted him to my food allergies and he assured me the kitchen had gluten-free soy sauce should I need it, as well as any sushi dish could be done vegetable style. He left us alone as he went to fill our drink order and we pondered the menu for a moment.

Upon his return, we placed our orders. My roommate went with one of the recommended dishes: the Miso Soup followed by the Rock Shrimp Tempura with a Creamy Spicy Sauce. I was craving vegetarian sushi. So I put in for the Mushroom Soup and a cut roll of the Vegetable Sushi and a cut roll of the Oshinko Sushi.

The soup arrived first. And this was going to be it. Our first taste of the much-raved over Nobu food. I picked up my spoon, eyeing the floating bits of mushroom in the broth before taking my first sip. And it was good. Beyond good. While most vegetable-based soups can run bland, this exploded with flavor, without being overpoweringly earthy. It was fantastic. My roommate gave it a try as well, although her favorite soup is still the Miso. We finished our soups and had time to let it digest before our dinners arrived.

The cut rolls were absolutely stunning. The Vegetable Sushi roll was cut in circular slices, stuffed with rice and a variety of vegetables. The Oshinko Sushi roll (pickled vegetables) exploded with flavor. This one was cut into smaller, square pieces and all displayed against a dark green banana leaf with ginger and wasabi on the side. Their ginger, by the way, was awesome. And I normally don’t like ginger. I opted to try the vegetable one first and took one bite and immediately fell in love with it. It was the best vegetarian sushi I had ever tasted. Packed with flavor…not bland or dull. But the real treat was the Oshinko. The pickled vegetables packed a powerful punch that played well against the rice. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever let cross my palate. It alternated between the two throughout the meal and polished off each roll, savoring every bite.

With the appetizer and main course down, we decided that since we were on vacation we’d treat ourselves to dessert. With my gluten intolerance, this can sometimes be a challenge. But, not at Nobu. We ordered the Bento Box, a flourless chocolate cake with a white chocolate sauce, shiso syrup and green tea ice cream. Was that ever worth the splurge. I have never, ever had a cake melt in my mouth before, but this did. Like butter. It was soft, creamy, dreamy, chocolate goodness paired with a green tea ice cream that paired so well with the gooey chocolate cake that it was an unbelievable party in my mouth. My roommate commented upon finishing that if it wouldn’t go against all dining etiquette, that she would lick the box it was served in. I also tried their green tea with my dessert and it was warm and delicious. All proceeds from the tea sold went toward helping Japan. A worthy cause…delicious tea.

Nobu was more than a splurge. It was a dining experience. No one should visit any city one of these restaurants are in without going. The tastes, the food, the ambiance…it all plays into one of the most amazing dining experiences. And the food…well, that’s a culinary vacation all its own. And one so good, that my roommate and I cancelled our Thursday night dinner reservation to return. But that is another blog…

Vegetable sushi — Nobu's Cut Roll Sushi: Vegetable (round) and Oshinko (square)

May 29, 2011May 29, 2011

Cockles and muscles and…veggie burgers…Molly Malone’s dishes out awesome, affordable pub grub!

Sweet Molly Malone’s. Located in the Highlands of Louisville, Kentucky (with satellite restaurants in St. Matthews and Covington), this pub was one of the first local Irish pubs that I went to upon moving here. Since then, I’ve made friends with the men who go there to watch rugby, sat in during the World Cup, and taken friends there for trip planning, catching up, and…birthdays. Oh yes…this is one of those places that you just want to brag about.

It can’t get much more authentically Irish than this. Molly Malone’s is owned by a gentleman who hails from County Cork, Ireland. The chef…is also from Ireland. They serve, *gasp* Irish food. Shepherd’s Pie, Fish & Chips, Irish Lamb Stew, Bangers & Mash, Corned Beef & Cabbage…it’s all on that menu. Along with some pasta dishes (one is vegetarian), burgers (one is vegetarian), and sandwiches (one is a vegetarian Portobello mushroom sandwich!).

Irish food that not only is authentic but delicious. And no one can beat the selection this pub has on tap, including Magners…my favorite cider, which I was introduced to in Ireland back in 2007. Molly Malone’s has it all. And that is why I continue to go back there. It’s my go-to pub. My hometown bit of Ireland. Granted, Louisville has a plethora of Irish pubs to choose from. Yet, in a pinch, Molly Malone’s is where I would go. The food is good, the atmosphere rocks, the staff is awesome, and the price is right. Two pubs in downtown Louisville on Fourth Street are twice as much in cost as entreés at Molly Malone’s.

On a recent stop at Molly’s for lunch, I placed an order for the Black Bean Burger, their homemade veggie burger patty consisting of beans, nuts and grains. It comes with lettuce, tomato and red onion with a Cajun ranch sauce, and served on a Kaiser roll. Being one who can’t have bread, I ordered it without the bread. I didn’t even miss it. Piling it high with the veggies, I sliced it up, poured a bit of the dressing over it and ate it like that. It was delightfully spicy. The right amount of kick – not too much. It was soft, warm, and matched perfectly with the spicy dressing. For one who normally would have gotten the Portobello sandwich, this was going off the reservation for me…and now it might be what I always get there. I’m in love with the combination of flavors and the way each hint of spice plays off the other. SO delicious.

Louisville has a lot to offer when it comes to Irish food. There are so many Irish-themed pubs in the vicinity of the city that it could make anyone’s head spin. But, trust me…Molly Malone’s is far superior to all of them. Not just in the quality of the food, but the cost too. And you will find this pub’s regulars very engaging and very inviting. That speaks highly of this establishment.

Good Irish pub grub…amazing suroundings…alive, alive, o!

Molly Malone's Black Bean Burger (no Kaiser roll)

May 27, 2011

Jeni’s sinful scoops are worth the price!

There are fewer things in this world as indulgent and as delicious as ice cream. But not all ice creams are created alike. Some walk a fine line of being too bland, some too rich.

On a recent journey to Columbus, Ohio, my friends and I stopped into Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for dessert. What we got was an array of different flavors, ones you would not see anywhere else. And, wow, were we ever anxious to try them. My roommate got two scoops of The Buckeye State, peanut butter flavored ice cream with the crunch of delicious dark chocolate mixed in. My friend mixed and matched, opting for one scoop of the Salty Caramel and one scoop of the Bourbon Butter Pecan.

Initially, I had every intention of getting the Queen City Cayenne flavor, which is a rich chocolate flavor with a kick of cayenne pepper in it. I’m glad I sampled it first because, while tasty, I don’t think I could have managed two scoops of it. Since I was really feeling chocolate that day, I instead got two scoops of the Dark Chocolate, intense chocolate flavor with a fudge texture. It was like eating brownie batter, honestly. And I loved every spoonful of it.

Since we all had different kinds, we all sampled each others. And yeah…this is honestly some of the best ice cream around. Ever. And I have eaten a lot of ice cream in my life…in a lot of different places. Sure, Jeni’s comes with a cost. But they use local ingredients to make their ice creams. You can’t get much better than that. Local business supporting local businesses. Yes…that in itself makes it worth the cost. The two scoops, about a serving, or 1/2 cup, of regular ice cream ran $4.00. But it was four delicious dollars well spent.

If you happen to be traveling through Ohio and spot a Jeni’s…stop and treat yourself to some of their ice cream. With an array of flavors and even seasonal ones appearing on their menu…you’ll have more than enough reasons to keep going back. I recommend you do because ice cream doesn’t get much better than that. And I’ll scream that from the rafters any day, anywhere.