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| - The Golden Ticket.. who does not want that Golden Ticket. No, it does not lead you to the Wizard of Oz or to a Chocolate Factory, it gives you an opportunity to spend about 2 hours enjoying a chef tasting menu from Jose Andres and his peeps! One of a few secret society like tasting that you kind of have to dig a little deeper than an Open Table restaurant search. Not very marketed or promoted but definitely a spot for foodies to enjoy.
The reservation process was very easy, yet unconventional. These days, you Open Table, or call in the RSVP but here, you must email them details of your party and date. There are no phone numbers, just email correspondences. They have 2 seatings per night, 5.30/ 8.30, and only 9 spots. Yes, 9! It's a chef tasting so they like to make it intimated and small, which is definitely what you want.
We couldn't make the initial RSVP and they were happy to change it but since there is a pretty decent waiting list, unless there are replacement guest that can attend in place of you on their waiting list, you will be charged a cancellation fee if you do not provide notice within 14 days prior to your confirmed reservation.
We arrived early around 5.15, per emailed instructions. There was no secret knock, no secret password, no secret handshake, no funny chicken dance we needed to do, we just checked in with the smiling hostess/ host at Jaleo and were seated at a holding table with the rest of the nights' guests. After exchanging pleasantries and the usual introductions amongst everyone, the one of two hosts of the evening prepared us with drinks instructions and what to expect throughout the evening. He briefed us on the wine/ cocktail pairing options and the al e carte drink menu available throughout dinner. Around 530, the host escorted us to the room in the corner of the restaurant, inconspicuous to everyone else, where all the magic happens.
The décor was beautiful, you are surrounded by what seems like tea drawers. Red was the key color, slippers dawn the ladder leading to, perhaps the yellow brick road or the chocolate factory, but who knows, and who really cares, you're about to be fed! Nine high top chairs around a bar like counter where Cody Jeffs and his 2 other sous chefs prepares 19 bomb-dot-com courses for you. A cast of Jose Andres' hands greets you with a lavender wet napkin to prepare you for dinner. In the next two hours, you are transported to Spain. After a brief introduction of all those involve, we start. With all 19 courses, Cody, prepares in front of you and narrates each dish. In order to get through all 19 dishes, they are amuse like portion, which is perfect to not overwhelm you. Your respective pre ordered cocktail/ wine is served during dinner and you do is sit back relax and enjoy. Any and all questions food related or person for the chefs are welcome, crude humor and banter is encouraged, especially when you've had a coupe of drinks, it's to be expected. Just keep in mind, since there are only 9 stops, try not to be a douche.
The menu is not changed very frequently, although minor adjustments can be made. Despite the menu not being made public, they will cater to any and all reasonable dietary restrictions, just let them know. To enjoy the entire experience, I won't disclose the menu, you're just gonna have to go and check it out! Word to the wise: UNLESS YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGIES, JUST EAT EVERYTHING THEY PUT IN FRONT OF YOU!
From host, to the service staff to the chefs, the experience was perfect! The attention to detail, impeccable. The company was the best part. The food was.. let's just say if that is what they eat in Spain, I will be moving to Spain. Sure, everyone's taste buds and preferences are subjective and you may not like foam on your plate, or like things that blow up in your mouth, or fancy cook yet runny egg yolks, or can pronounce 'kokotxas', or enjoy frozen foie gras, or even drinking truffle mist, you will have a wonderful experience. For those who are not 'sweets' people, I promise you will enjoy those 5 dessert courses. There is nothing to complain about!
Definitely sign and comment on their guest book at the conclusion of dinner. You will be part of more than 9,700 guest that have experienced this awesome food journey that started 3 years ago. Who said there was no culture in Vegas, I just spent 2 hours in the middle of the Strip across the street from Paris, next to Bellagio, learning about Spain. After a couple of drinks, I'm just glad they did the math for you at the end: $198pp, plus drinks, plus taxes, plus gratuity/ service charge. And yes, if you live in the US, they will send you the Golden Ticket. For those who do not, you will be presented with you are the end of dinner along with menu, that everyone receives, of all that you had.
Thank you Jose Andres, thank you to the serving staff, thank you to Cody Jeffs and his fellow sous chefs for an awesome Hump Day dinner, and an awesome experience!
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