On the Strip: Morimoto Las Vegas
“This is a very interesting city,” says famed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto about Las Vegas. “You can see different generations of grandparents and parents and kids, every single level having fun on a different level. And we have to understand every single thing about the palates of each generation.”
That’s why his stunning signature restaurant is a paragon of contrasting flavors and textures, allowing diners to customize each dining experience no matter how many times they’ve visited Morimoto Las Vegas (MGM Grand, 702.891.3001). Spicy tuna tacos are dressed with avocado and lime while yellowtail “pastrami” offers a hint of familiar flavors in a completely new format. Sticky tamarind ribs and pork gyoza dumplings are perfect dishes for sharing, and the laksa noodle soup of tonkotsu broth, coconut milk and red curry pork is soul food refined. It takes a master like Morimoto to elevate the concept of something-for-everybody to exciting new levels.
Off the Strip: Bok Bok Chicken
Bok Bok mediterranen
Mediterranean franchise Bok Bok Chicken has quickly taken over Las Vegas with four locations (bokbokchicken.com) scattered across the valley and a fifth set to open soon at the Town Square shopping and dining complex just south of the Strip. Its family-friendly flavors are best represented by the tender, juicy rotisserie chicken used in pitas, panini, salad and soup, but the Bok Bok menu has plenty more to offer. Flame-broiled, marinated beef shawarma and crisp, savory falafel are equally popular pita options and the fattoush salad, with watercress, tomato and cucumber, is an ideal side dish.
#trending: La Strega
Rigatoni Bolognese
What’s that foodie buzz you’re hearing from Summerlin? It’s all about La Strega (3555 S. Town Center Drive, 702.722.2099), an Italian eatery from former Strip chef Gina Marinelli. Feast on creamy burrata with spring garlic salsa and house-made bread, grilled sardines with “scampi sauce,” rigatoni with wild boar Bolognese and chicken Milanese with polenta, dandelion greens and salsa verde. Reservations are a must; La Strega’s tables are already among the hottest in the city.
