By now it’s common knowledge that
MGM Grand's Fiamma dining room. |
More and more, restaurateurs that have proven concepts that
work in the Big Apple are realizing that opening up another outlet in
Here are some of our favorite East Coast gone West Coast dining picks.
What was most interesting to us was how some of these
dishes, which were first introduced 17 years ago in
Bobby Flay: Mastermind behind the Mesa Grill in Las Vegas. |
Save room for dessert too. Each one is an unforgettable spin on a classic, such as the Espresso-Pine Nut-Toffee Ice Cream Sandwich with Milk Chocolate Wafers and Warm Toffee Sauce. Plus, there’s an extensive tequila menu focusing on premium and ultra premium varietals, as well as an extensive wine list.
Fiamma Trattoria
Located at the MGM Grand’s Studio Walk, Fiamma is an updated
spin on its
The relaxed menu complements the contemporary design of the space, which features custom bamboo “nest” lighting, “woven towers” and a “wave wall.” The gnocci is a major accomplishment and prepared with sautéed lobster, baby portobellos, roasted leeks and a black truffle crema. Also try the Short Rib Ravioli with Barbera Wine and Imported Pecorino Romano or the Seared Diver Sea Scallops with Wild Mushrooms and a Smoked Bacon Potato Purée. The menu changes seasonally, so new items are regularly introduced, while others are retired.
There is also a nice selection of wines and a great handcrafted cocktail menu that uses a variety of ingredients, such as muddled fruits and fresh juices. Desserts too are not to be missed. One “must try,” created by Executive Pastry Chef Elizabeth Katz, is the crispy Amaretti and Ricotta Beignets served with a trio of scrumptious dipping sauces. They are perfectly crisped on the outside while soft and delicate on the inside.
For more information, visit www.mgmgrand.com, or call 702-891-7600. Fiamma is open Sunday - Thursday, 5:30 p.m to 10:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
RUB BBQ
Sure it has barbecue prepared in the
RUB BBQ features standard dishes, such as Barbequed Ribs prepared St. Louis-style, Barbequed Sausage and Pastrami. They’re all prepared the way barbecue should be, slow-cooked over wood in pits for 14 hours. Specialty menu items include Burnt Ends, smoked twice until crispy and lightly sauced; Szechwan Smoked Duck; and The Taste of the Baron, which includes a tasting of beef, pork, ham, pastrami, turkey, chicken and sausage, topped off with a quarter-rack of ribs. We must suggest the baked beans, which might be the best we’ve ever had. Be warned however, because of the extended prep time, certain selections may run out. The Burnt Ends, which are particularly popular and extremely delicious, is one item that’s known to vanish. So be sure to suggest that your clients get there early.
Recipes are from Executive Chef Paul Kirk, who has won more than 400 awards, including champion of the American Royal Open (the largest barbecue competition in the world) and seven World Barbecue Championships.
For more information, check out www.riolasvegas.com or call 866-746-7671. It’s open Monday – Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 11p.m. and Wednesday – Sunday from 11a.m. to 2a.m. There is also live music on the weekends. Call for a schedule.
BLT Burger
While chef Laurent Tourondel has made his name on the east coast creating a variety of concepts, he chose to bring this temple of comfort food to the Mirage. Opening later this spring, the extremely casual and comfortable restaurant is all about the burger, fries and shakes.
But what makes Tourondel’s style so approachable is his lack
of pretention. Although he is a classically trained French chef, Tourondel is
not afraid to deliver extremely tasty fresh food designed for a mainstream
palate. BLT Burger is about taking traditional foods and giving them a nudge in
a new direction. So aside from the traditional hamburger made from sirloin,
short rib, chuck or brisket, there are also
Expect an energetic atmosphere, since the restaurant space is being designed to accommodate a bank of flat-screen TVs and will feature a rock ’n’ roll soundtrack as well as an illuminated bar. This is a great place for a late night bite. For more information, check out www.mirage.com or call 702-791-7111.