When it comes to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, it might be tempting to think that you are stuck with a fine-dining scene and the foofaraw that entails. Although you can certainly find that at his two fine-dining restaurants in Vegas, Hell’s Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay Steak, you might be surprised to find out that Ramsay also operates other venues that you won’t need to dress up for, including Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill.
The casual environment here is a good representation of the pub, with an interesting décor that stacks kegs around the walls. Seating is comfy, and a number of chairs have oh-so-cute dog pics embossed on the fronts. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. (and that’s when the bar opens, too). Start your lunch off with a cocktail or two, like Avon Came Upon Sin, a refreshingly light sip of Ketel One cucumber and mint vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, rhubarb and lemon juice. The Park Lane is a pretty little thing with Empress gin, Fever-Tree tonic water and adornments of juniper berries, thyme and lemon, making the typical gin and tonic soooo delicious. The drink menu has plenty of options for wine lovers and, of course, for those who enjoy a pint, everything from Magners to Chimay and Guinness, and several local brews, as befits a proper pub.
If your appetite is light, order a Scotch egg or pigs in a blanket, both served with HP sauce. The Scotch egg features a bright yellow and white egg standing out against the thick layer of sausage. If you fancy one of Ramsay’s signature dishes, try it here, from seared diver scallops to the classic beef Wellington. But you can also get a corned beef brisket Reuben—it’s pretty darned thick, accompanied with Gruyère and sauerkraut on rye. Fish and chips is a U.K. fave, and here the cod is light, the breading not overly crisp, and the fries thick-cut, as they should be. Dig into mushy peas with mint, and that simple combo will surprise you with its goodness.
Accompany those esteemed dishes with flavorful side dishes like the forest mushrooms with poached egg, three-cheese mac and cheese or crispy Brussels sprouts. The poached egg is wonderful when released over the dish of mushrooms, and the sprouts have the unusual addition of a sriracha glaze, bacon and pickled onion. With the cheesy, cheesy mac, you could make your meal right there.
Unless you need dessert, of course, and being at a Gordon Ramsay venue, how could you not order the sticky toffee pudding? It’s a rich, ooey-gooey cake that works perfectly with the vanilla ice cream it’s served with. You might try the chocolate Wellington or the strawberry trifle, but are you sure you want to stray off the toffee path? Didn’t think so.
Caesars Palace, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. 702.731.7410
