Vegas Cuisine 2: High Quality food at “Fix” in the Bellagio
With a low-key, lush, dark-wooded ambience overlooking the Bellagio casino, “Fix” surprised with amazingly well-executed dishes, making me wonder why I can’t find more restaurants with such high quality in NYC.
I started with a duck salad appetizer (picture 1) that was so tasty, harmonious and well-balanced that this dish will stay with me for a long time. The duck was cooked perfectly, served in generous portions and melded beautifully with the salad. P.’s deconstructed Caesar got raves from him (picture 2). Simple can be fantastic, as long as it is executed well.
We both had the same main course: a sea bass dish with risotto, baby shrimp, and lobster broth (picture 3), which was great.
Desserts were awesome! I ate a “cake and shake” dish (picture 4), melding a delicious chocolate cake with a coffee shake…yum! P. ate a spiraling creme brulee (picture 5) that he ate with deep intensity to a conclusion before I could have a taste (just kidding, P.!)
Vegas Cuisine 1: P.’s Birthday Celebration at “Picasso”
P. has always been a high roller and an artist, so what better way to celebrate his birthday than at the 2-Michelin star Picasso in Vegas? The chef, Julian Serrano, of Spanish descent, obviously views himself as an avante-garde artist with his food, which did not disappoint.
The setting is a handsome, stately room with views of the Bellagio fountains which sway and swoon every 15 minutes, and the walls are graced by actual Picasso paintings.
My first course was a delicious warm quail salad with sauteed artichokes and walnuts. The bird was delicate and exciting, without being too gamy. It was just the right tantalizing introduction to a high quality evening (picture 1). P. had a cream of squash soup with shrimp, which he enjoyed (picture 2). Our wine was a delicate 2002 Volnay with a very long finish (picture 3).
For the second course, I ate a boudin of fresh lobster, shrimp and scallops, offset by a very tasty tomato coulis (picture 4), while P. ate black bass with saffron sause and cauliflower mousseline (picture 5).
My third course of venison with apples and a zinfandel sauce was exceptional (picture 6) - I have not had better venison in the States (only Switzerland compares). P. ate swordfish, which he seemed quite happy with (picture 7).
The desserts were so beautiful (pictures 8 and 9) - both chocolate and both irresistable. Petit fours rounded out the evening (picture 10).
If you are in Vegas and want to celebrate a special occasion, Picasso is highly recommended. Just ask for a table with in front of the windows, with a direct view of the Bellagio fountains when you book.