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| - Boring buffets and overpriced steakhouses are de rigeur in Vegas, which made me that much more intrigued by Yardbird. Could Southern-inspired comfort food really manage to stand out -- especially somewhere as over-the-top as the Venetian/Palazzo hotel-casino megacomplex?
The answer to that is an unqualified YES.
Yardbird is one of the best things going in the Venetian/Palazzo, and on the Strip in general.
Of course, step one is just finding the damn place. Yardbird is buried deep in the resort, and you have to muddle your way through the endless expanse of the Venetian casino just to find it. The hike is worth the trouble, though. The slot machines and poker rooms become a fading memory once you make your way into the dark, stylish restaurant.
I was at Yardbird with a few friends (and reservations, which are an absolute must). After we were seated, we immediately started with a round of appetizers to share. First up were deviled eggs with dill, chive, and trout roe. These deviled eggs were easily the best I've ever had. They were enormous, packed with flavor, and had an incredibly silky texture. The combination of egg and dill -- spiked with the saltiness from the trout roe -- is pure heaven.
Next was Yardbird's signature dish, the fried green tomato BLT. And believe me when I say that this dish is totally worth the hype. Perfectly fried tomatoes (without an iota of extra grease), nicely smoked and crisped pork belly, smoky and spicy tomato jam, fresh and crispy frisée, pungent pimento cheese, and tangy pickled lemon vinaigrette make every bite a party in your mouth. The flavor in this dish is just out of control.
I was already almost full after these appetizers, so I opted for something (quasi-)healthy as my entree -- the farmers salad, with a side of fried chicken on top. The salad itself was excellent, with abundant fresh veggies and a hard-boiled egg for protein. But the superstar was really the fried chicken, which was some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. It beautifully crisped on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated with a wonderfully peppery mix of spices. Total perfection all around.
My friends each loved their entrees. One had the shrimp and grits, while another had the special of the day, which was a gluttonous mess of fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, bacon, and gravy. You know it's a fantastic meal when everyone is so enamored with their dish that nobody wants to share.
Another plus is that the prices at Yardbird are surprisingly reasonable. Most brunch spots on the Strip charge twice as much for food made with half the quality and care.
Yardbird is just fabulous. It's probably my favorite casual spot on the Strip these days. I foresee additional visits here in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future.
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