As a public service, and in recognition of the fact that my loyal fans can’t possibly keep up with all of my food reporting venues here in Las Vegas: here is the script for today’s Food For Thought, heard on KNPR-Nevada Public Radio 88.9FM (www.knpr.org). And for you hardworking folks too frazzled and overworked to actually read something, you can click here to hear my commentary.
The Palazzo Restaurants – Part Deux
After skewering some places at our newest mega-hotel last week, I thought I’d report on three places in the Palazzo that I really like. Before I list them, however, I thought a comment was in order about something the designers have done that makes the Big P so much more convenient to locals wishing to drop by for a bite.
If you recall the nightmare of trying to park in the Venetian – with it’s funereal valet, inadequate spaces, and time consuming trek through the lot and casino to get anywhere – you’ll be happy to know that all flaws have been cured – and sins forgiven – with the design of the underground lot at the Palazzo. With two entrances to it – off Spring Mountain or the Strip – you are deposited within an escalator ride of the main casino floor; where you pop right up in the middle of it; and easily stroll to any one of the twelve or so restaurants surrounding you.
Easy access is but one of the reasons I’ve found it so easy to cruise over there to sample all the restaurants. One of my favorites is Mainland – that has the distinction of being the only truly youthful and “hip” restaurant in the bunch – and also the only place in the Palazzo that mere mortals can afford. The design puts one in mind of a giant, pastel colored, psychedelic, mushroom patch. The music is retro-techno and cool in its own right, and the Asian noodle dishes here are spot on for flavor and authenticity. Nothing costs more than fifteen bucks on the menu – which is more than you’ll pay on Spring Mountain Road, but no place there has perfect ramen with pork two ways that you can enjoy while being gazed upon by the Zen-like stares of Mao-tse Tung and Elvis.
Once you’ve had your fill of duck potstickers and fabulous pho, head back downstairs to the Dal Toro Ristorante and automobile showroom, because nothin’ screams “economic downturn” like buying a Lamborghini with your linguine! Yes for the first time anywhere, and with timing that couldn’t be worse, a Lamborghini dealership, café and restaurant have opened on three levels at the Palazzo. Named after the Lamborghini logo – hey if you owned one you’d know these things! – the northern Italian food won’t make you swoon but, does hit all the right flavor notes on the pizzas, pastas and seafood I’ve tried. And they also make the best mojito I’ve ever had – which is just the right lubrication before shopping for a 1.8 million dollar Bugatti.
Shhhhh here’s a tip: they don’t want the hoi polloi to know this for fear of creating a run on their inventory, but if you pay cash for a car, the linguine’s FREE!
After all that Eye-talian engineering, what you’re gonna need is a shot or three of espresso. Upstairs you’ll find Espressemente Illy, one of two great coffee companies in Italy: Lavazza is the other. This Illy outpost is the first of its kind in America and makes espresso so good it will make you weep. No mixes, no powders, no blenders and no C/D’s for sale. ‘Nuff said.
Next week on Nevada Public Radio we’ll feature the best restaurant in the Palazzo, and what may be our best steakhouse.
Mainland is a lot of things…but good I don’t think is one of them. True I went early on, so they didn’t have a lot of the dishes I wanted to try. I went with a Chef friend of mine so we tried a couple of apps, and main noodle dishes. The starters were Ok, however nothing was too memorable – except for the fact that each noodle dish featured overcooked, mushy noodles. Because the flavor profiles were there, and I trust your taste, I’ll give them another try. But if they don’t have the sour fish soup this time, and the noodles are still mushy, I’m done! As for Dal Toro…it’s one of the most ridiculous concepts I’ve heard of in my time here. Are they a restaurant? A dealership? A coffee shop? An exotic car showplace? What??? But hey, it’s Vegas baby, medicore Italian food and Lambos seem to go together like peas and carrots in this town…
Hit Mainland last night and liked it quite a bit. I had the mainland ramen, which was good; the shrimp toast and roasted duck dumpling starters were quite good too. Glad there’s a place like this — ie decent food at reasonable (not great, but reasonable) prices — on the strip. The design of the place is very cool as well.
That said, there were about 10 other people in there at 8pm on a Friday night, maybe 20 or so when we left about 9:45. Hopefully it will be able to overcome the lack of traffic in the Palazzo shops.
One more thing… while the quality of the coffee at Illy is undeniable, but their prices are a kick in the pants. $8 for some gelato, an extra 75 cents if you want to drink your coffee in the place instead of to go.