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| - This restaurant is the original and last piece in a set of powerhouse French establishments in Las Vegas. After dining at Alize at the Palms and Andres at the Monte Carlo, coming to Andres (the Original) was like, well, coming home.
Being off-strip and closer to downtown gave one a sense of what old Vegas must have been like. At first sight, Andres is a very unassuming house in a quiet neighborhood. After a prompt and friendly greeting, we were shown to our table. The interior was like stepping into maison de la grand-mare (grandma's house). It was warm, inviting, intimate and very cozy.
Our menus were handed to us and because we made reservations in advance, they were customized with our names on it. What a nice and personal touch that was! The menu was chock full of French traditional and comfort foods. A surprising and welcome change from all the fusion, eclectic and nouveau selections seem that dominate the Vegas culinary landscape.
If I'd eaten lighter during the day, I would have gone for the 7-course tasting menu. However, I was anxious to try Andre's house specialties. French being my cuisine of choice made ordering decidedly easy.
I had the Seared Fois Gras on a lightly sweet, caramelized apple, creme anglaise and aged port wine reduction and my friend, the Melange of Field Greens with a yummy herbed goat cheese, circular cardamom cracker and light balsamic vinaigrette. That really got our appetite going.
Even though I knew I wouldn't be able to finish it, I bravely ordered the Lobster Thermador - which has been a staple on their menu for decades. As promised, it was decadent - the full lobster, split down the middle, filled with big chunks of lobster meat and a sublime creme sauce with mushrooms and white wine. I absolutely enjoyed it!
My friend ordered the veal chop, topped with Gruyere cheese and stuffed with the less-salty French ham. He polished off his plate fast! I was able to try a little bite. Though not a fan of veal, I thought the meat was tender and the Chanterelles Veal Jus Madeira sauce was excellent!
Because I saw the dessert cart ahead of time, I opted out my usual souffle. I chose the brulee lemon tart on a shortbread crust. It came with a raspberry sauce with some fruit and was fabulous. I was happy to see the light texture mirror the lemon curd I make at home. My friend had the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
This dining experience was fabulous and very memorable. The friendly and attentive staff were definitely the creme de la creme! ;) Note: I just read that this location will be closing down which saddens me a little. However, I'll take comfort knowing that its spirit will live on in similar surroundings that will pay homage to the original Andres.
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