yummy, Yummy, YUMMY:
The food here was among the best in Vegas! The wait staff was very attentive and really cared for your satisfaction. You simply must check out Rick's place while you are in Vegas!
by Carter on February 17, 2010
Excellence that you can taste!:
Being huge fans of Top Chef Masters, and seafood in general, we could not resist stopping here for lunch after checking into the Mandalay Bay for our romantic getaway in Las Vegas for Valentine's Day weekend, especially after at least 3 friends had recommended the place. We were not disappointed!
Being an oyster lover, the very first thing I ordered was the Oyster Sampler - 1/2 dozen oysters, 1 each from different locations on the East & West coast, US and Canada. Each one was fresh, delicious and unique, exactly as promised, perfectly shucked, and a real treat. They were presented beautifully and in the order they were listed on the menu so I knew exactly what I was eating, so I could take notes and compare them. The oyster lover's dream come true.
My husband has an allergy to onions, and after explaining that to the waitress, she could not have been more helpful. She consulted with the manager and the chef, then they went out of their way to make sure that what he order was prepared to Rick Moonen's exacting standards - but without the onions, or even a trace of onion in any of the sauces or side preparations. It was clear that they cared and it showed. She was training a new waiter at the time, who assisted us from time to time, and even he was just as impeccable in his service, better than some experienced waiters we have seen in other places, making it clear that RM Seafood is very selective in their hiring process.
I had never had it before, so I just had to try their "Shot & Slam" roll: a sushi roll of Uni and seared Fois Gras, with a balsamic reduction sauce. This was served with a "shot" - a small glass of Japanese beer and Sake. Needless to say, I was not disappointed! The combination of Uni and Fois Gras was pure genius and the sauce was spot on perfect. The Uni was incredibly fresh, the Fois Gras seared to perfection and the entire thing was melt-in-your-mouth heaven.
The fact that Chef Rick's entire concept for the restaurant is based on sustainability simply makes it that much more attractive. This is a top-notch place, with first rate food that is well deserving of its reputation. I highly recommend this place to any seafood lovers visiting Las Vegas whether you stay at the Mandalay Bay hotel or not.
If you want to go for lunch or dinner, make sure you make reservations, but if you just want to visit the Raw Bar, stop by and check it out. Who knows - you may even get to say "Hi" to Chef Rick! He's known to be there most nights and often walks the floor visiting with guests.
by InterFuzed on February 17, 2010