| rev:text
| - I've been to Mesa Grill in Caesars palace several times for dinner and I admit I'm clearly infatuated with Bobby Flay's style of cooking even if he is an ass. The atmosphere is comfortable, the dress casual, and the place has been hopping every time I've been. I definitely recommend making reservations a couple days in advance if you want to eat at a reasonable time, but if you don't, there is a bar in the waiting area where you can have a few tasty Mesa Grill margaritas.
The service was very good the times I've been and I think I found the best waitress I've ever had here. Not only was she very responsive and knowledgeable with the menu, she told us what was "just alright" and was genuinely friendly. I'm talking about someone who will sit down next to you and engage you a bit, instead of just feigning interest and listlessly read through the specials.
In short, the food here is a flavor explosion in your mouth. For starters, I recommend the very rich Goat Cheese Queso Fundido and the flavorful Yucatan Chicken Tacos even though the portion sizes are small for the price. A selection of complimentary breads comes with the meal and they are quite unique. Use caution with the Blue Corn Cake Muffin, though, because it's very crumbly and likely to end up all over you if you aren't careful.
For the entrée, I can't rave enough about the New Mexican spice rubbed pork tenderloin. I've never had Pork that cuts like butter and rests in the perfect amount of spicy goodness. Other contenders are the Coffee rubbed filet mignon and the chipotle glazed rib-eye. For side dishes, don't pass up the roasted corn or Chorizo-goat cheese tamale. Salmon is usually my favorite dish, but the Ancho Chile-honey glazed salmon was just alright.
The last time I was there I couldn't find the dessert I had the time before. When I asked about it they told me that they had a new pastry chef. I decided to try the pineapple buttermilk upside down cake from the new dessert menu and it was divine. I don't need the menu anymore; this is an automatic order.
So, why 4 stars instead of 5? First, the reservations; when you call ahead you have to give them your credit card number so they can charge you $50 a head in the event that you don't show up without cancelling before 3pm the same day. That seems ridiculous to me considering that they would have no problem filling the seats with walk ups. Second, the food is pricey for the quantity. I know its Vegas, but a little bigger portion for the appetizers wouldn't hurt them too much. Finally, if you come with a big party they stick you in a not so attractive back room on a large folding table covered with a cloth. Aside from being a bit tacky, it makes you feel isolated from the bustling atmosphere in the main dining room. While none of these are show stoppers, it was enough to dock them a star.
I'll be back to try the rest of the menu.
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