When a dining devotee has a craving, a hunger hankering, it consumes all thought. This happens to me quite often. I get this idea in my head that I NEED a specific taste and it begins to slowly consume my mind until I feed the beast and my yearning subsides. On this particular Saturday night I was set on my intent for some vibrant wine, cheese, and above all my number one desire, lobster bisque. Being a creature of habit has its pros as well as its cons. First off I know what I want. When I go out with a certain menu in mind, ill be damned if I don't reach my mark. I would gladly travel miles out of my way if my target is within reach at the end. Thankfully, living in this decadent city, most urges can be met with minimal effort. The down fall of course is that haunting sensation, the mouthwatering reminder that you don't have what you want, and that drives me crazy. Thankfully I just so happen to have a best girl friend who works at Delmonico Steak House where they offered just the scratch my itch was aching for.
My routine would normally consist of a solo seat at the bar accompanied by a glass of Pinot Noir. Given that tonight was about feeding my culinary craves, I decided to try something out of the ordinary with my vino. My instincts led me to order a glass of Malbec which was completely out of the blue for me. Now I am obsessed. I can confidently say that I have a new favorite red wine. I couldn't have asked for a more accomplished glass to go with me meal.
As I sat in the lounge observing Vegas coming unglued, the service staff brought out water and bread to start the night. The bread service was very generic with dinner rolls and butter. Very traditional and just what a rich restaurant should offer without going over the top and overwhelming a single diner like myself. Sticking with my piquant customs I started my meal with an Italian burrata and tomato salad. Providing an exceptional caprese for a girl like me will win my heart every time. The presentation was par but I was a little disappointed with the proportions. There can never be enough cheese for me but this dish could have definitely used a little more generosity with the burrata compared to the large amount of tomatoes. Still it was just what I was looking for.When I am asked whats my favorite dish, which happens frequently, I say without any hesitation lobster bisque. That is one of the delicacies that I would venture great distances for. Once it was a 45 minute car ride but well worth my travels. Thankfully on this night it was just a hop skip and a jump across the street to the Venetian. They brought out a steaming pot and served it table side. I don't really think dumping the soup in the bowl causing splatters and having the lobster plop in the dish is what the chef had in mind. Then again, when I sit in the lounge of a classy restaurant I don't expect a cocktail waitress to give me attitude and lack of service just because I look young, but hey...not everyone knows proper restaurant manners.
The bisque was acceptable. I have had many better thought out lobster bisque experiences but this did the trick in subsiding my thirsting appetite. The absence of that creamy richness that bisque prides itself on was a little disheartening but that wouldn't stop me from recommending it to someone in the area.
A lot of people get turned off from the idea of dining independently. I absolutely love it. I get to order whatever I want without sharing a single bite and the entertainment is endless when your time is absorbed by the entrancing characters that inhabit our glittering city. Dinner and a show! I couldn't ask for more when it comes to a spontaneous culinary fix.
http://www.emerilsrestaurants.com/delmonico-steakhouse
