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| - TL;DR - go on the downtown Lip Smacking Foodie Tour...its worth every penny!
Recently for my birthday my boyfriend bought us tickets for the Lip Smacking Foodie Tour of downtown. Going into the night we knew that we would be attending a few different restaurants and trying various items at each location. We also knew that we would be starting at Carson's Kitchen. Having eaten at Carson's Kitchen previously I was excited, but also skeptical that we would only be eating at restaurants that I had experienced before.
We arrived at Carson's kitchen about 15 minutes before the start of our tour and met our guide Donald. Donald was very personable and inviting, he asked about where we were from, we are LV locals, and how we found out about the tour. We sat down at a table with two other women who were joining us for the tour. We also sat down with one of the restaurant staff, Matthew, and he explained every dish we received. We talked about the passion behind the food, the idea of the restaurant, and the man who was behind it. Matthew talked extremely highly about the original owner/chef whom had recently passed away but they were doing everything to carry on his amazing vision. We did not order the drink package so I ordered a Gin/cucumber drink that was amazing and my boyfriend ordered a spicy vodka drink that he enjoyed as well. For dinner we received the Crispy Chicken Skins, "Devil's" Eggs, Roasted Young Beets, and Veal Meatballs, all of it was delicious. Previously at Carson's Kitchen we had the roasted beets and they were a favorite of ours. Our new favorite discovery was the crispy chicken skins. This came with a honey sauce that was slightly smoky and absolutely amazing. After talking in depth about each part of the food Matthew made sure to keep up very entertained and we can't wait to go back.
Our next stop was to Itsy Bitsy Ramen & Whiskey. On our way over we learned more about the Carson hotel from both Matthew and Donald. Donald also showed us the location of the Laundry Room, a secret speakeasy that can only be entered with reservations by texting a number that changes every few months. At Itsy Bitsy we had a Snow Crab Hand Roll, Shrimp Pot Stickers, Japanese Sweet Corn, and the Chef's Ramen Selection (a Miso ramen with pork belly). While I thought all the food was good, especially the Japanese sweet corn (to die for!), I do not think I would have ordered these foods myself. I think when my boyfriend and I go back to Itsy Bitsy we would order a different set of items.
After leaving Itsy Bitsy we went to Inspire to take a break from food and have a drink. I thought that it was just going to be sitting on the roof of Inspire and having a drink but it was so much more. Donald had a staff member give us a tour of the whole place, which was one of the best parts of the foodie tour. We learned about the theatre they have there, that they use to have a book maker on staff but had to get rid of them due to lack of interest. We also learned about a members only club, Tokyo 365. This was awesome because we got to see inside the club (only 10 seats and one staff member) and talk to the bartender. Their tag line is that they make artisanal ice, yup, and while we didn't get to see the bartender at work I asked what the hardest shape anyone had ever asked for was and he said he had to make a skull once and I was pretty impressed.
Our last stop was at Glutton where we had Ahi Tuna Tacos, Braised Pork Flatbread, Wood Roasted Cauliflower, Pickled Tomatoes, Caramel Corn Profiteroles, and Peach Cobbler. Everything at Glutton was delicious, especially the signature cocktail that was a kind of mango piña colada. When we return to Glutton I would order the pickled tomatoes and roasted cauliflower with some new additions from the menu. After our dinner the chef came out and talked with us, you could tell he was nervous at first but after asking him about his menu you could see how fired up he got talking about all his favorite menu items and about how when he tried to change the menu a group of old ladies threatened to never come back because they thought the cauliflower was so good, we agree!!
Overall this was an amazing birthday present and amazing night. Donald did a great job showing us parts of downtown that we have walked by so often not knowing they were right in front of us as well as treating us to a great meal. I can't wait to try the strip lunch and strip dinner tours. I hope in the future they expand the downtown tour to more restaurants so we can try some more! Thank you Donald for an amazing night!!
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