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| - 3.5 stars; I really want to round up to 4, but just can't do it. Loved the atmosphere and service, even loved a couple dishes, but not enough to round up. I had high hopes and, sadly, RM didn't deliver.
We dined upstairs and started in the lounge with some champagne and oysters. The GM, Paul, was very friendly and chatted us up right away. He came back to check on us a bit more as we enjoyed our nibbles. While I have no doubt that he is a friendly, nice guy, I'm sure another reason he spent so much time with us was the lack of customers elsewhere in the restaurant (for the most part, anyway).
The oysters were incredibly fresh and tasty, as expected. They aren't cheap, for sure. At 3.75/an oyster, I've never paid more, not at Daniel Boulud and not even at Providence! The champagne was also a bit pricey at 25 bucks a glass, but prosecco would not have worked. The lounge is comfortable, but overlooks the throngs of people roaming about Mandalay Bay. It's a bit jarring to be in such a fine dining atmosphere but to watch the antithesis just outside a window.
We adjourn to our table to begin the tasting menu. Service was great! Three different servers worked with us, answered our questions, and maintained the same friendly atmosphere we experienced in the lounge. I went with the tasting (75) and the wine pairing (55); Jim G. went with the tasting and a drink. The food:
Grilled Octopus: Sadly, too rubbery and lacking in flavor. I think I've learned that if I'm not at Osteria Mozza, I'm not ordering octopus.
Steak and Potatoes: Prime Beef Tartare, cornichons, potatoes, and other yummies I can't remember. The menu says "untraditional garnish." Surprisingly good! So simple, but well put together and great quality.
Green Eggs and Ham: Andraki Farm Egg, Jamon Serrano, and Asparagus three ways; super yummy! Interesting flavors and great combinations. Cute presentation.
Hot and Cold Foie Gras a la Japonne ($15 supplement): Best dish of the night! On one side of the plate, there was a lush piece of foie gras, seared perfectly, served on top of crispy sushi rice. Heaven. On the other side, a cold mousse of foie gras nestling underneath a beautiful piece of uni (sea urchin). Ridiculous. So good. Can I have two? Actually, it's too rich to eat two, but still. There was also a palate-cleansing shot type thing that came with it; totally gross!
We had the Walu and the Alaskan Salmon. They were ok nothing special, sadly.
We then had the China Pig and Rabbit Trio ($15 supplement). Also ok; well prepared, but nothing amazing. The morel risotto that came with the rabbit was very nice though.
For dessert, we had the Irish Car Bomb (Guinness Ice Cream, Bailey's Ice Cream, Beer Suds, and chocolate pop rocks) and the Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Bar ("Nitro Dots," marinated strawberries, and spearmint). The car bomb was good, but more interesting as an idea than as a dessert. The Strawberry Shortcake Bar was super good! It tasted like the Good Humor bars many of us had as kids. I did find it odd that a fine dining establishment was trying to replicate a 75 cent bar we bought from the ice cream man as kids! It was good though =)
We ended with an interesting tea presentation. There was a carafe with what looked lime lemongrass on our table. Water and dry ice was added for a cool effect (literally and figuratively). The cold tea was tasty and refreshing, particularly after such a filling meal!
Again, great service and innovative cuisine. However, the tastes didn't quite match up with the ambitions or the prices. I respect Chef Moonen for only using sustainable fish and for being creative with food, but, for the same price I can have much better food. Ultimately, that has to be my gauge for my review.
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