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| - If you are not in the mood to drive near the strip for some old school Vegas food, drive up to this place in Summerlin and have a seat. This species of restaurant is dying because of the change in taste from old school dishes to more modern fare. Don't sigh and scroll down just yet; despite the mixed reviews, there is something to read here about the Carmel Room.
First, the fact that it's in the JW Marriott in Summerlin is honestly surprising, given the fact that this restaurant belongs in a shabby shopping strip near hotel row. Carmel room is unexpected, a somewhat hidden gem basked by the glow of slot machines and paved with tacky carpet. Once you enter the doors of the restaurant, you notice the private table seating and the old school restaurant layout. From fourteen glasses laid out for every drink made by man at each table setting, to the waiters in the old school black and white uniforms, it's really entertaining. Their menu is just as classic, with seared scallops served on the shell to fish over creamed spinach. What I am a sucker for is escargot, and they have it--with a twist.
Although their old school food is passe, they do try to make it a bit modern to up the ante. For example, their escargot appetizer is shelled escargot topped with little discs of buttery puffed pastry instead of a side basket of french bread. Their scallops are seared perfectly and served on the shell, and if you order the steak, it's all on it's own on a hot plate with the sides in those cute carafes.
Overall, the meal is nice, the food is a kick back to the old days, and their location is interesting. I liked my first experience here, and I would honestly go there again just to show a friend or two this place. However, the food itself, although done right, wasn't enough for me to return as a regular like I do at other old school stops in Vegas.
Don't listen to me--find out for yourself.
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