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| - It probably wasn't a good idea to watch the MTV True Life show about kids obsessed about losing weight before leaving. IT also probably wasn't a good idea to eat a Cream Cheese and Salsa dip at 430 and a Spinach Artichoke dip at 530.
That said, you can not refuse a morsel of the absolutely amazing meal you will be offered here. First, situated here in the downstairs of the Ritz Carlton you are free from the noisy clang clang of slot machines and other casino noises you might here in say Spago. Nope, there is nothing Vegas about this place.
The staff greet you warmly from the minute you arrive and throughout the meal. Jose, our server, made us feel like we were dining in his restaurant, offering up ideas as well as jokes and compliments, reading our palettes and choices and selecting the most perfect wine to accompanying the meal.
The meal was, did I mention I stuffed myself before I arrived?
I tried to order a soup and salad but Jose would hear none of it. I tried to look at my food as something I will just taste to see how good it is, how I would do it at home and then leave it alone...EXCEPT each course was amazing. First, the lavoush pops in your mouth with a cacophony of seasonings and a rosemary Parmesan scent wafting around in your mouth after every chew. Then a butternut squash soup latte served in a coffee mug with cream foamed by a cappuccino maker sitting on top garnished with fresh ground Cinnamon and pumpkin biscotti. Then an asparagus salad we never ordered that had the most delectable smear of dressing. Simple and the asparagus cooked to perfection.
"you're a vegetarian, no fish, eh?" and then my salad, presented in threes not one dollop or mishmash came when my companion's salad arrived but was supposed to her first course. Trust Jose and the kitchen staff. I could not help but eat every bit, the candied pecans, the Cowgirl Creamery Brie Crostini, the apple and endive salad.
To my surprise came my companion's creamy, rich risotto, a bed for a masterfully extracted and presented lobster. I received gnocchi. Might I say, I hate gnocchi. IT is never good. The gnocchi at Verbena in Oakland changed my mind, if served well its ok but I only order as a last resort. Here it was given to me unordered and OH, ohhhhhh, words can not describe this magical little puff that melted in my mouth as it slide past my lips.
Did I mention that I was full when I arrived? Because the desert wine accompanied the mandarin lemon sorbet served in a champagne glass we didn't order. All that was said was "O he likes chocolate" and with a gleam in his eye, Jose nodded "Say No More!" and so then after the surprise sorbet came a chocolate tasting including a cup of Mexican hot chocolate and chocolate brulee.
Can I rate this place 10 stars? Could I pay more, please? The food is excellently priced for what you order and then what you are surprised with is beyond words, beyond superlatives.
If I had anything negative to comment on, and if you are going to operate at this stature, there must be some, I would say that the space itself is too open in a Michael Mina sort of way, that the napkins resembled picnic napkins and were a constant source of displeasure. With aforementioned lavoush was a cinnammon raisin bread that seemed ill placed for dinner, a sourdough that was lacking in taste and another grainy bread that was quickly forgotten. I mention this because I hear its up for remodel and hope that these issues get addressed, that and the chairs sucked us in and seemed more appropriate for Andre the Giant. At 6 foot, I shouldn't feel like I am sitting at the adults table.
That aside, whether you are staying here at the Ritz or somewhere on the Strip, make absolutely sure you get yourself here for at least a dinner. It's about a $30 cab ride from the strip and can be found at the corner where Exemplary Service meets Orgasm Inducing Food.
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