Max Jacobson
Party Pairings
Got guests coming over? A couple of professional epicures share tips on matching wine, cheese and meat
Any Las Vegan who calls himself a foodie owes a debt of gratitude to Bob Howald and Kristen Sande. The couple operate the only true gourmet food shop around, Valley Cheese and Wine, which they opened in 2006 in a quiet strip mall at 1770 Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson (341-8191).
They have struggled through a down economy—“I keep crossing my fingers, hoping the recession is over,” Howald says—but aren’t ready to throw in the towel, thanks to a loyal following.
Read More »The Eastern Front
A globe-hopping collection of tasty eats awaits in this Henderson hot spot
The stretch of Eastern Avenue that runs from Interstate 215 to Anthem may be the most diverse “restaurant row” in the Valley. As soon as you exit the freeway you see an In-N-Out Burger and a Coco’s, and continuing south, you get to Richmar Plaza, which features Grimaldi’s, where you can enjoy coal-fired pizzas and good beer on the patio, and one of the city’s best coffeehouses, Espresso Culture & Cuisine. People often make the trip across the Valley just for those two hot spots.
Read More »Fast-food winners, a home-cooking bistro and Vegan vegan
Here is some info relevant to burger lovers: According to a fast-food survey by the Zagat people, the best burger comes from the Virginia-based chain Five Guys.
We don’t have Five Guys here, but take heart, we do have In-N-Out Burger, which took Top Food among large chains. We also have Dairy Queen, which ruled Best Milkshakes, McDonald’s (where else) for Best Fries, and Bonefish Grill, which won Top Regional Seafood. But wait … Bonefish just shut down its Henderson location.
Read More »Two More Square Deals
Lolita’s Cantina and Miller’s Ale House are bound to draw more crowds to Town Square—for good reasons
There has been so much restaurant turnover in Town Square, one loses track. These two newcomers, however, both rate to be around for a while.
Lolita’s Cantina and Tequila Bar recently replaced the estimable but ill-timed Louis’ Fish Camp and offers more than 100 different tequilas. Its disjointed dining spaces, DJ and cool holograms make it feel more like a nightclub than a restaurant. But chef Tacho Kneeland, who once ran the kitchens at the Pink Taco, is doing serious food, and the turnout has been encouraging.
Read More »Lunch on the clock, a retro sugar fix and modern barbecue
When I heard that Simon Restaurant and Lounge at the Palms was offering a 30-minute power lunch, I had to try it. With a stopwatch, of course. What I discovered was that the staff members live up to their end of the bargain, but they give you so much food at once you might still go over the time limit.
Read More »A new dinner treat, sausage heaven and a wholesome Elixir
Even in the dog days of summer, the food scene here is as lively as it is during the peak tourism season. François Payard, the pastry and chocolate genius who has a venue at Caesars Palace, recently unveiled a dinner menu in his tiny, wedding-cake-like dining room, and it’s killer. Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro has been open for breakfast and lunch since it opened, and it reopens for dinner in early September.
Read More »Fusion’s Evolution
At Match, the dishes range from Korean barbecue to Russian stuffed cabbage, and somehow it all deliciously works together
Fusion restaurants have become a way of life, and if you have any doubts, check out Match, a cosmopolitan tapas bar and Korean barbecue. At first, the concept seems a little goofy. But strangely enough, it works.
Read More »Have You Been Missing Out?
Discover one of the best steak deals in town, at the newly revamped Twin Creeks
There is a lot to cheer about at the Silverton these days. CEO Craig Cavileer recently announced that he would restore part of employees’ slashed salaries, and a new menu and thorough renovation have made its steak house, Twin Creeks, a compelling off-Strip destination.
Mains from the “Classics” portion of the menu may be—no kidding—the best deal in Las Vegas. How about a bone-in rib-eye with blue cheese and bourbon barbecue sauce, plus a choice of salads and two side dishes—such as the terrific house creamed corn, a fully dressed baked potato or tender steamed asparagus—all for $27?
Read More »High-end vegan, a happy cocktail and Lolita’s surprise
Alex Stratta, the double threat at Wynn who runs the Alex and Stratta restaurants, has lost 80 pounds and looks incredible. What he hasn’t lost is his world-class technique, which he recently showed off in a dinner at Alex celebrating his Grand Award from Wine Spectator for the restaurant’s wine list. Stratta prepared waves of bite-size appetizers such as Peruvian-style ceviche subtly flavored with cumin, then dazzled our table with spiced duck breast with Black Mission figs and American Wagyu short ribs.
Read More »Brash Vision, Quaint Charm
Cuisine one of many reasons for a Las Vegan to visit Macau
One of my friends called my trip to Macau a busman’s holiday. He couldn’t have been more wrong. Macau, joined at the hip to China’s mainland, is largely thought of as the Asian Las Vegas, but it is also really a fascinating place with a long history and deep culture.
Portuguese traders first settled in Macau in the 16th century and administered the region until it reverted back to China in 1999. However, the Macanese retain autonomy, separate passports and freedom of movement not enjoyed by mainland Chinese.
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