Voilà, the three culprits.
Jar, Beverly HillsSuzanne Tracht
Providence, West HollywoodMichael Cimarusti
CraftSteak, Las Vegas (MGM)Tom Colicchio
No doubt these restaurants which boast "casual" fine dining have had their business boosted significantly by the Bravo series, which is, admittedly, the only reason that I was so enthused to offer my own patronage. But my God, they deserve it. You've really never lived until you've tasted good food. I regret to say that I have barely any good photos of the actual food, because the lighting in these places are terrible for picture-taking, but amazing for your appetite, apparently.
Craftsteak offered a menu of "American" cusine, whatever that means. It's during these times that I regret my dietary restrictions (however self-imposed that they are). We started with a mozzarella salad which was so simple, but mind-blowing. Slices of mozzarella with hazelnut, olive oil, heirloom tomatoes, and fennel. Courtney ordered a kobe beef entrée which she couldn't finish for the life of her and eventually spoiled because we didn't have ice in the ice box (ha). But I ordered a King Salmon with braised artichoke. The ingredient that actually tied it all together was the salted poached tomato. Who would have thought? The sides were equally noteworthy: sautéed spinach and a garlic & leek gratin. The latter dish was sweet and milky. Perfect!
Providence was amazing for more than just the obvious. The service was amazing! I've never experienced so much ass-kissing in my entire life. Given the prices on the menu it's almost understandable, but I was grinning from ear to ear. We ordered oysters for starters, had a delightful little platter of amuse bouche compliments of the chef, and finally for the entrées a maine lobster risotto for myself, and a striped sea bass for Courtney. And, wow. If I ever return, I'd order what she did because I wanted to switch when she wasn't looking.
Maine Lobster Risotto
Striped Sea Bass
Finally I will end my food gushing with Jar. This was only just yesterday, but I went with Mike (a fellow foodie) and, of course, it was good times all around. We were a bit overdressed, I think, because the man next to us was wearing a godawful Hawaiian shirt and the lady across from him who I can only assume to be his younger, more attractive wife, was wearing a simple daydress. Mike was dressed to the nines with a skinny tie, dress shirt, slacks, and a coat. Adorably European. Me? I was in a more casual cocktail dress, but, what am I saying? On to the food. A monster of a lamb shank with carmelized onions for him, and for me, softshell crabs with an apple curry sauce. Mashed potatoes, french fries, and Japanese purple yams with crème fraîche and chives for our sides. THE JAPANESE PURPLE YAMS were perfection. Probably my favorite out of the entire meal. I gave in and tried a sliver of Mike's lamb, but only because he looked like he was going to die of happiness, and I'm a sucker for happiness. So. Good. However, I regret to say that the dessert was "eh."
Of course every delicious meal is paired with a fun digestive event to follow. In Vegas we had the privilege of seeing "LOVE" by Cirque du Soleil. We had amazzzzzzinnng seats and my Beatles-lovin'-artist side cried tears of happiness from when she sat down to when the show ended with "All You Need is Love." Standing ovation! Providence was followed by the musical stylings of Iceland born Emiliana Torrini and Anya Marini. Both lovely & refreshing. Emiliana actually sang "Gollum's Song" in one of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Funny. Finally last night we watched Inglorious Basterds, which, I hate to say, because normally I'm so feminine & delicate (HA), but I loved. But enough with descriptions, how about some photos?
Emiliana. She's so cute!
Courtney & I at Third Street, before rushing to Providence.
At the Venetian!
Palazzo.
Probably the yummiest gateau chocolat (within the US) I've ever tasted.
Funny thing about Vegas. You can find little beautiful scenes like this, nestled within montages of plastic breasts and sex.
After dinner, @ the Bellagio gardens
Lounging in our room, before heading to the Spa.
MGM Check-in! A first for the both of us. -squee-
Hehe.
Craftsteak offered a menu of "American" cusine, whatever that means. It's during these times that I regret my dietary restrictions (however self-imposed that they are). We started with a mozzarella salad which was so simple, but mind-blowing. Slices of mozzarella with hazelnut, olive oil, heirloom tomatoes, and fennel. Courtney ordered a kobe beef entrée which she couldn't finish for the life of her and eventually spoiled because we didn't have ice in the ice box (ha). But I ordered a King Salmon with braised artichoke. The ingredient that actually tied it all together was the salted poached tomato. Who would have thought? The sides were equally noteworthy: sautéed spinach and a garlic & leek gratin. The latter dish was sweet and milky. Perfect!
Providence was amazing for more than just the obvious. The service was amazing! I've never experienced so much ass-kissing in my entire life. Given the prices on the menu it's almost understandable, but I was grinning from ear to ear. We ordered oysters for starters, had a delightful little platter of amuse bouche compliments of the chef, and finally for the entrées a maine lobster risotto for myself, and a striped sea bass for Courtney. And, wow. If I ever return, I'd order what she did because I wanted to switch when she wasn't looking.
Maine Lobster RisottoStriped Sea BassFinally I will end my food gushing with Jar. This was only just yesterday, but I went with Mike (a fellow foodie) and, of course, it was good times all around. We were a bit overdressed, I think, because the man next to us was wearing a godawful Hawaiian shirt and the lady across from him who I can only assume to be his younger, more attractive wife, was wearing a simple daydress. Mike was dressed to the nines with a skinny tie, dress shirt, slacks, and a coat. Adorably European. Me? I was in a more casual cocktail dress, but, what am I saying? On to the food. A monster of a lamb shank with carmelized onions for him, and for me, softshell crabs with an apple curry sauce. Mashed potatoes, french fries, and Japanese purple yams with crème fraîche and chives for our sides. THE JAPANESE PURPLE YAMS were perfection. Probably my favorite out of the entire meal. I gave in and tried a sliver of Mike's lamb, but only because he looked like he was going to die of happiness, and I'm a sucker for happiness. So. Good. However, I regret to say that the dessert was "eh."
Of course every delicious meal is paired with a fun digestive event to follow. In Vegas we had the privilege of seeing "LOVE" by Cirque du Soleil. We had amazzzzzzinnng seats and my Beatles-lovin'-artist side cried tears of happiness from when she sat down to when the show ended with "All You Need is Love." Standing ovation! Providence was followed by the musical stylings of Iceland born Emiliana Torrini and Anya Marini. Both lovely & refreshing. Emiliana actually sang "Gollum's Song" in one of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Funny. Finally last night we watched Inglorious Basterds, which, I hate to say, because normally I'm so feminine & delicate (HA), but I loved. But enough with descriptions, how about some photos?
Emiliana. She's so cute! Courtney & I at Third Street, before rushing to Providence.At the Venetian!Palazzo.Probably the yummiest gateau chocolat (within the US) I've ever tasted.Funny thing about Vegas. You can find little beautiful scenes like this, nestled within montages of plastic breasts and sex. After dinner, @ the Bellagio gardensLounging in our room, before heading to the Spa.MGM Check-in! A first for the both of us. -squee-Hehe.Thanks for tuning in! Remember to listen to that inner fatty of yours.
Blogging is fun and addicting, I am adding you to my list of people to stalk! Rarrrr
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