Where I come from, In-N-Out Burger is like folklore. You hear friends in California talk about it all the time. You hear about how they go their for lunch or dinner, what they eat, the strange orders that they get to feast on. And it’s all foreign…because you do not live in California.
That was why it was a necessity to visit In-N-Out Burger while in Los Angeles. For dinner one night, this was just what we did. My friends I was with were not aware of a veggie burger on the menu (which you can only find online, as the original menu is the only thing posted at the restaurant), so my order was easy. Now that I know one exists, I know what I’m getting next time. Veggie Burger…protein style. That means a veggie burger in a lettuce wrap. No bun. Yeah…I was given a crash course in In-N-Out lingo!
So what did this vegetarian have at In-N-Out Burger? Their fries. Animal style. What is animal style you ask? That means the fries are served up with a topping of melted cheese, grilled onions, and “spread,” which is a Thousand Island dressing of sorts. I mean…I wanted something authentically In-N-Out Burger-ish. So, that’s what I got.
Oh yeah…this was fried potato taken to the next level of greasy-spoon goodness. The institution that is In-N-Out Burger is still in existence today because of combinations like this. I downed not just my order of fries, but half of my friend Indy’s as well. And now that I know there is more out there for a vegetarian, I can’t wait to return to California and try something else from the unlisted menu…but with the fries…animal style. Always.
When in California, feast on something the natives call their own. Treat yourself to fast food goodness. This isn’t Burger King or McDonalds. This goes above and beyond that. This is In-N-Out Burger. So get your fix…animal style…protein style…3 x 3, 4 x 4, or however you like it…but do it. It’s a must for anyone visiting California. Even vegetarians!
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.
Cafe Firenze's Cappuccino
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!
Cafe Firenze's Flourless Chocolate Cake
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!
Top Chef Fabio Viviani with me at his restaurant, Cafe Firenze, Moorpark, 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.
Hugo's Tacos' side of Chips & Salsa
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!
Hugo's Tacos vegan tacos: (left) Mixed Veggies and Herbs taco and (right) Soy Chorizo, Potato & Zucchini taco
Mr. Lucky's 24-7, inside the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
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.
Nobu, inside the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
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.
Nobu's Edamame Salad
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.
Nobu's green tea - proceeds from the sale of their tea went to help with Japan's earthquake relief
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!
The Venetian has become one of my favorite casinos to visit on the Las Vegas strip. It just seems like it has the best-of-the-best when it comes to shops, restaurants, and ambiance. One afternoon, I needed something cold to soothe my palate. What I found was Cocolini, an Italian gelato counter in the heart of the Grand Canal Shoppes in St. Mark’s Square in The Venetian casino.
I admit, the price for the small cup threw me for a loop. EXPENSIVE! I could have bought a pint of Ben & Jerry’s at the CVS near my resort for what I paid for the scoop of sorbet I ended up ordering. But I was craving and this was what I wanted. And Cocolini had quite the selection of flavors in both gelatos and sorbets to choose from. I had my work cut out for me.
It took awhile to finally get someone to wait on me. There was really no order to how people walked up to the counter, and the staff just picked who they felt like serving next. But when I finally voiced that I was next, I ordered the sugar-free strawberry sorbet. Not only is sorbet lactose free, but it’s fat free as well. WIN!
I paid the exhorbent price and went to take a seat on the steps looking out at St. Mark’s Square. I admit, the sorbet was good. It was creamier than a sorbet should be, however, but still…the flavor was what caught my attention. Rich, despite being sugar-free, and exploding with a fruity burst in each taste. That’s not always easy to do when something is sugar-free. I give Cocolini major props for that.
Since then, however, I have had a real Italian sorbet, and in comparison, Cocolini doesn’t even come close to the correct texture for this sweet treat. Yet, going into this blind, I enjoyed my sorbet, letting each scoop I took of it melt down on my tongue and allowed the flavor to linger as long as it could. It was one of the best sugar-free strawberry treats I have ever eaten, to be honest. Full of flavor and packing a WOW-factor punch to the untrained Italian palate.
The cost of the small cup I received, however, was definitely a minus. While I found the product they offered to be up-to-par taste-wise, I didn’t like the wallet-busting cost it came with. Definitely worth a try if you are seeking a cool, tasty treat while in Vegas…but know that it does come with a price. Next time, I think I’ll go to a more authentic gelato/sorbet shoppe and put my money into a more genuine experience.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, inside The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
Normally, all chain-type restaurants are immediately negated from my blogosphere. However, as I had never sampled anything from this more Western-based coffee chain, I decided that this is one chain worth blogging about.
After my epic coffee fail with the French patisserie in the Paris Las Vegas, I was in search of something to cleanse my palate and give me renewed hope for a good coffee experience in Las Vegas. What I found while wandering around The Venetian was The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. This chain is a Los Angeles-based coffee chain that began in 1963 and has built up its realm in 750 locations in 22 different countries. That kind of longevity should speak volumes of the product they offer as it is, but I needed to see for myself.
I had my reservations, I admit. The prices are a bit high, but we are out West in a tourist-driven city. It is to be expected. But after the Latte of Disgust the previous day, I was a bit reluctant to plunk down the cash on a whim. But I needed a caffeine rush, so I decided to take a chance.
This was a much better experience. Sometimes being a part of a chain isn’t such a bad thing. I stepped up to the counter and placed an order for a small hot mocha latte with dark chocolate and a shot of peppermint for my friend. She loathes all things coffee and has to have something with a flavor, preferably mint, to stomach it. For myself, I went for a dark chocolate ice-blended mocha latte with non-lactose milk (finally, somewhere that doesn’t just give the option of soy milk for those who are lactose intolerant).
The moment of truth arrived when I was handed my drinks. I delivered one to my friend, who savored hers with a chocolate croissant from Bouchon Bakery. She let hers cool down to the temperature she likes, then took her first sip. And I think she actually died and went to caffeinated heaven. She loved the texture, flavor, and taste of the mocha I created for her. WIN!
As for me…I’ve had dark chocolate ice-blended drinks before at another coffee chain I adore that is based out of Minneapolis (Caribou Coffee, anyone?). What The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf gave me was a different style, a different texture, a different flavor. And I was so happy that I couldn’t compare the two of them, because both are distinct and wonderful in their own way. The non-lactose milk was a much-needed break from soy milk (as someone who has a gluten allergy, not all soy milks are safe!), and added a completely different spin on what I normally would have had soy milk with. I loved it. And I drank it down with such zeal. I couldn’t stop raving about the deep chocolate flavor, the hint of espresso that kicked in after each sip. It was iced coffee done right, done well, and up-to-par. My faith in Las Vegas coffee had been restored.
And who would have thought a coffee chain would be the one to do it? If you happen to be out West and spot one of these coffee shops…go in and buy one of their many drinks. Make one of your own. Do with it what you will. Because you are guaranteed to have a delicious drink at the other end.
Well done coffee. I applaud The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf chain for their commitment to excellence when it comes to their product. I will most certainly be back next time I venture out West.
Dark Chocolate Ice-Blended Mocha Latte from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Café Belle Madeleine, inside Paris Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
I am always in search of the best coffee experience anywhere I travel. I used to work for Starbucks, and I used to hate coffee. But, that changed. And now, I make it a point to have a cappuccino or latte or something everywhere I visit. Why? Because the greatest things in life, the best moments, the best conversations happen over a hot cup of coffee.
I have yet to make my way over to France to get the ultimate café experience. Until I make that journey, I thought to try out a café while in Las Vegas. What better place to get coffee than in Paris Las Vegas? I mean, the french know espresso better than anyone. And this resort as close to Paris as I can get for now. Why not go all out?
Decision made. Now it was a matter of choosing the place. My friend and I settled on Café Belle Madeleine. I’ve noticed since my trip high praise from those who sampled their pastries and their gelatos. But I have a gluten allergy so pastries are out of the question. And I was not in the market for gelato that day. Espresso was what I craved so when I stepped up to the counter, I ordered a small sugar-free white chocolate soy latte. My friend opted for her first cappuccino…ever.
Orders placed, we paid for our drinks and eagerly awaited our anticipated caffeine rush. We were able to watch the drinks being made and soon after we were handed our order and we went to seat ourselves at one of the round tables and just take in Paris Las Vegas as we would on the street of Paris, France.
I blew across the lid of my to-go cup and took my first sip. Every anticipation of latte greatness disappeared immediately. The flavor was awful. The soy milk tasted like they burned it by heating it above the standard temperature for espresso drinks. I thought it was just a shot that ran too long, so the bitter flavor was overpowering everything else. I managed a few more sips before I gave up on it. Nothing improved it. It was just overdone and lacking the punch of a real latte. I ended up throwing it away and sulking back to the table to watch my friend finish off her cappuccino, which she ended up having to add cold milk to in order to truly enjoy it.
Needless to say, I was beyond disappointed. I understand I should have returned it to the counter and inquired if something else could be made instead, but I was so unimpressed with the drink that I didn’t even want to give Café Belle Madeleine another try. Unfair, perhaps, but I just couldn’t stomach anything else at that point. It turned my stomach and it took the rest of the day to settle it.
While Café Belle Madeleine may be known for their pastries, I highly recommend trying out somewhere else if you are searching for good coffee or espresso. My experience left me unimpressed.
I think I’ll leave my high expectations for espresso drinks in the hands of a real French café next time, and not at the whim of a patisserie in a Las Vegas casino. Lesson learned.
Epic coffee fail.
Sugar-free White Chocolate Soy Latte from Café Belle Madeleine, inside Paris Las Vegas
Mr. Lucky's 24-7, inside the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
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!
Bouchon, located inside The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
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.
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.
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.
Bouchon's Pommes Frites
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.
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.
Bouchon's hot tea
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?
The Celiathlete 