| rev:text
| - Review #500
Allow me to preface this review by thanking Yelp for providing me the opportunity to become part of such a friendly and positive social community. I am thankful, as well as grateful, for all the acquaintances and friendships that I have nurtured and developed over the past five years. Since becoming a more active member last year, I have attended numerous enjoyable and lively events, met many fun and humorous people, gained knowledge on the art of photobombing, co-hosted three UYEs, and established new friendships.
Though this review is about a restaurant, it's significant since my meal at Tender was with two wonderful friends I met thru Yelp. At the same time, my main purpose of traveling to Las Vegas was to meet and reunite with old/dear friends.
And so, I dedicate my 500th review to Yelp, good friends, good food, and good times. Now, on to the review:
a TENDER moment.
Truly some of the best food and service I have experienced has been in the gambling capital of America, Las Vegas.
Many thanks to fellow yelper, Rod U., for introducing me to his "kitchen" while vacationing in Las Vegas recently. Located on the casino level of the Luxor, the bar area is inviting while opening up to the remainder of the spacious restaurant. Though Tender doesn't look very grand or large from the outside, surprisingly the restaurant stretches farther within (as I soon found out after a visit to the restroom).
Since Rod had dined here numerous times (and actually regained his Dukedom during the trip), I allowed him to take the lead on where to sit and what to order. Rod's area of choice: the bar, of course. Now, for those of you who are not fond of bar seating, I implore you to rethink your decision. Bar seating is quite enjoyable and entertaining to say the least. It was clearly no surprise that Rod knew practically all of the bartenders working on both of our visits. Mike and Robin stand out, particularly, in my memory for their outgoing and social personalities.
FOOD:
*Tomato salad (shared): A special consisting of various types of tomatoes from the Napa Valley served with mozzarella cheese and spattered with olive oil. It was exquisite. The perfect start to our meal. Recommended if available.
*Chilled salmon tasting: Three types were served including house cured gravlax, hot apple-wood smoked Skuna Bay salmon, and cold smoked Atlantic salmon. Absolutely delicious. I'd order this appetizer again for sure.
*Lamb Tasting: This dish included lamb rack chop and lamb loin porterhouse. Served with couscous and rosemary garlic lamb sauce. Having only tried lamb once before, I decided to be adventurous. The lamb was prepared well, and I enjoyed this dish immensely. Cuts and portion size were just right.
The second dinner/visit with Rod and Terry K proved to be more enjoyable, humorous and full of laughter. It seems its always a party with these two whether in Hawaii or on the mainland. Of course, we all sat at the bar where we could engage in good conversation with the staff and amongst ourselves. Plus, another round of drinks is quicker to order at the bar (*wink).
FOOD:
*Escargot (shared): A nice start to the meal. Small portions shared between the three of us.
*Bone Marrow: Generous portion that looks intimidating, until you realize the actual portion must be separated from the bones themselves. Very delectable. For those that have yet to try bone marrow, take a chance and do try it at least once.
*Pork Chop: I was shocked when the dish was finally set before me. The portion is a behemoth certainly. My fear was I wouldn't be able to make a dent after all the appetizers we ordered. The meat was tender and preparation just perfect.
DRINK:
Martinis and wine were the beverages of choice for dinner. An extensive wine list is available.
DESSERT:
*Espresso martini: The perfect end to a delicious meal. That is all.
SERVICE: Friendly, accommodating, meticulous, with superb attention to detail. And I'm not just talking about the bartenders. All staff we encountered exhibited such exceptional customer service. Waters were readily refilled, rounds of drinks were quickly provided when requested, plates were cleared away and silverware replaced in a timely manner. Appetizers and entrees were also delivered within a reasonable amount of time from when orders were placed. There were some great conversations had with the bartenders especially, as they asked about where we were going and what we planned to do while in Vegas. All the while they were also seeing to other patrons and filling drink orders for the restaurant. Just an outstanding showing of camaraderie, teamwork, and exceptional service overall. A job well done.
BOTTOM LINE: A memorable and delicious meal shared with two wonderful friends, whom I never would have met were it not for Yelp. Cheers to good friends and good food!!
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