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| - Been on a negative trend for reviewing lately, so I'm glad to be able to drop this 5'er for Honey Salt. What's the formula for a 5-star restaurant in Las Vegas that caters to locals? Read on and discover.
Turns out, the formula's not rocket science. I've been three times now and can attest.
First, a 5'er must know what it intends to be, and then be able to pull it off in a genuine, honest fashion. HS has been there, done that.
Second, you must have: knowledgable and affable waitstaff that doesn't intrude, does pay attention even when you-the-customer are distracted as I was over a baseball game, is timely and demonstrates foresight to your needs, does the bill right the first time, doesn't make excuses, doesn't rush and doesn't lag. *manNod to Paul, good show* Even the hostess was attentive to seated customers when she wasn't greeting people at the door. No one has tunnel vision in this place, nor are they territorial. Love it. Functioning like a Team. A-Team.
Next, a 5'er must have comfortable, spacious interior that doesn't crowd customers on top of one another in a desperate attempt to seat more cashcows. I place a custom HS cloth napkin on my lap and am already happy. Ooo, marketing that works. Honey Salt has a high ceiling and cushy chairs and benches that are quality even for short folk. Our feet touch the ground, flat! They have dining room seating, bar seating, a private dining room, and outdoor seating. You have a view of the kitchen from almost every corner of the joint, giving you that scent and scene of fresh and personal. Knock down that fourth wall! (*thespian joke for the uninitiated)
On the element of freshness, the waitstaff, GM, and other proud employees will tell you all you need to know about the local farm-to-table they are able to promote here in this desert oasis. There's a hydroponics display at the entrance, an example of where they source much-if-not-all of their greens and herbs. Ask and they shall tell. No secrets, no mysteries.
An enticing happy hour that will pull even the most closed-minded tourist off the Strip. Many/most drinks are half price. They are on a current trend of half-pricing select plates on Mondays, too. Get it while it's hot.
Demographics of customers. I've seen it all here in my three visits--elders, middle-aged couples, young couples, singles (yours truly), and even mildly well-behaved tykes. Somehow, it all works. And I dislike tykes in casual upscale places! But it works here, and again the waitstaff are a central reason for that being the case. There's a mood for everyone, as well, from the happy hour music and bar-TV selections (placed so as not to be distracting to diners) to the dimmed ambiance atmosphere of late evening that settles and comforts our high-strung Las Vegas-weary spirit.
Last but not least, to the food. Prior to this last visit, I've gone with a group or with another friend, so I've tasted just about everything. All has been stellar, no MEHs, not a one. The first visit was as a stop for a group mac&cheese tour. There were four that day, and the reason I came back was because HS won handily and is in the runoff for when our last tour concludes.
And do you KNOW what 5'ers don't need? A blasé basket of boring bread and cold, hard butter when one sits down, or nothing at all. That display always strikes me as a casual, "fk you for coming here, thanks!"
So good on you, Honey Salt! I laugh at myself for being so taken by their complimentary start, but it's unique and oh so perfect: crisped parmesan lavash with their signature honey butter drizzled with olive oil. Light and incredible flavors to get your 'buds a'whirling. A+ from the get-go.
A brief visit to the dessert table, there aren't many places that can tempt me to splurge, but every time here it has happened. From last visit's brown-bag apple cobbler whose named begged it to prove itself better than it sounded (WAY better, plain awesome), to today's strawberry shortcake which took a little extra time to prepare as they whipped up a fresh batch of cream. The dessert menu is another that rotates seasonally, so always be sure to come back for more. No tired old flourless chocolate cakes here, rest assured.
And a final honorable mention to the drinks, in a department all their own. My wines, my beers, and a rotating offering of 'tender-inspired personalized cocktails, all have been just right to compliment anything you happen to order. There is care and precision at every turn, taste, and sip.
I was so perfectly content slow-dining by myself today. Honey Salt is cozy, fluid, upscale yet casual, and diverse in plates and flavor. You will SUCCEED here, diners, I assure you.
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