Category: Reviews

CJ’s TEXAS BBQ

Dear Readers: We at ELV planned on doing a CJ’s v. Salt Lick ‘cue smackdown, but on two recent occasions have been put off by Salt Lick’s emptiness and weird hours (opening at 2:00 PM on Saturdays?). It has all the signs of some place that’s not sticking around, so we decided to highlight the superior ‘cue at CJ’s.

Quite frankly, we’d forgotten how good CJ’s is. Moist, peppery brisket (that we wish was a bit more peppery and a bit smokier), perfect chicken and righteous ribs (all for $17 including one soft drink), only served to remind us what a rip-off RUB was (is).

Skip the thick, dark sauce (that could be used to frost cakes in a pinch), and dip your meat into the vinegary, hot stuff.

Added bonus: jalapeno cornbread that you’ll want to eat lots of, and brisket chili spiked with those same jalopy peppers that takes a back seat to no bowl in town.

And did we mention the whole kit and kaboodle came to $17.22?

CJ’s TEXAS BBQ

7865 West Sahara Ave. #104

Las Vegas, NV 89117

702.233.0190

www.cjtxbbq.com

 

Helen’s Birthday

ELV’s friend Helen celebrated a birthday not long ago, and asked him where she should go for a celebratory meal. Her requirements were: great food (but nothing unpronounceable), not too dressy, good service, comfortable but not stuffy surroundings, kick-ass cocktails…and chocolate.

She didn’t want sumpin’ too hi-falutin’, but did want every bite to be memorable; so our staff suggested NOBHILL (not really a) TAVERN, and even though Chef Sven Meade wasn’t in the house, his team made sure every bite was.

For the chocolate, we repaired to L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon next door for a feast of Kamel Guechida’s creations.

And it was good. Actually, everything* was great.

And our friend Helen turned 26 in style.

The End

NOBHILL (not really a) TAVERN

In the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

702.891.7337

www.michaelmina.net

http://www.mgmgrand.com/dining/nobhill-tavern-restaurant.aspx

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* The sustainable paddlefish caviar was so good we hardly miss oscetra anymore; Michael Mina’s signature lobster pot pie, while expensive ($54), is rich, seafood comfort food at its best; the steak-off between American Black Angus and A-5 Kobe from Japan was a meat education in itself; and no one in town does a better free-range chicken than the deep-fried beauty they put forth here.