Vegas Brunch Fav: MESA GRILL

mesa grill
Bobby Flay’s  MESA GRILL  Las Vegas

shrimp corn tamale, mesa grill

When the JetBlue flight touches down at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, many people get that familiar tingly feeling. Excitement, adrenaline, gonna win big this time! But our thrill comes not only from fantasizing about hitting the $10 million MegaBucks jackpot (although that’s part of it). Our unique-to-Vegas sensation is mainly about hitting the Culinary Jackpot.

We agonize over our restaurant reservations well in advance of the trip, painstakingly coordinating visits to hot new Chefs, old favorite Chefs with new venues, various cuisines and locations. This time, my brother Don imposed a requirement – we could not eat anywhere we had previously eaten. Except, of course, Mon Ami Gabi @ Paris, because it’s our favorite spot for al fresco breakfast and the bar is our afternoon hangout for drinking vin gris and enjoying the Bellagio Fountains.

Another trip to Vegas, another trip to culinary heaven. Thanks to Don’s edict, this recent journey introduced us to Andre’s @ Monte Carlo, the bar at Michel Richard’s new Central @ Caesar’s, Bradley Ogden @ Caesar’s, Sirio @ Aria.

And brunch at Bobby Flay’s MESA GRILL @ Caesar’s:

APPETIZERS
shrimp corn tamale

Tiger Shrimp + Roasted Garlic Corn Tamale
Corn-Cilantro Sauce

*This signature appetizer is a real winner. Very rich, great for sharing.

muffins, mesa grill
Assorted Breads

*Mini Jalapeño Muffins

goat cheese queso fundido

Goat Cheese “Queso Fundido”
Rajas + Blue Corn Tortilla Strips

*Kristy’s favorite, bar none.
The cheese comes out of the Bakers Pride oven bubbling hot in the Staub mini enameled cast iron dish,
it is then topped with “rajas,” rags of sliced peppers.

smoked salmon dill quesadilla, mesa grill

Smoked Salmon + Dill Quesadilla
Red Onion + Creme Fraiche

BRUNCH WINE
2010 Berroia Bizkaiko Txakolina

A Delightful Spanish White
2010 Berroia Bizkaiko Txakolina

A charming pale straw-color Spanish white wine produced from a blend of 85% Hondarribi Zuri with the balance of Riesling and Folle Blanche. Floral aromas with hints of mineral and green apple. Crisp, fruity with a hint of sweetness, well-balanced, this wine had a light spritz-y quality.

*A perfect morning wine. 🙂

spicy bloody mary, mesa grill

Bloody Mary is a good choice too.

SALAD
baby romaine salad, mesa grill

Baby Romaine Salad
Roasted Garlic Dressing
Warm Hominy Croutons + Parmesan Crisps

BRUNCH ENTREES
spiced pork sandwich, mesa grill

New Mexican Spiced Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Grilled Red Onion, Arugula, Ancho Chile Mayonnaise, Southwestern Fries

*Don, Ron, and our server all give high marks.

mesa burger

Mesa Burger
Grilled Vidalia Onion + Horseradish Mustard
Southwestern Fries

*My mother first couldn’t get over the size, then proceeded to enjoy this burger with knife and fork.
Perfect crust outside, medium rare and very juicy inside. Flay is the Burger King.

yucatan grouper, mesa grill

Yucatan Style Grouper
Blue Crab Succotash Sauce

*Lori Lynn’s top pick.
I would order this fish every time. The grouper was dense yet flaky, moist, smoky.
The sauce a perfect balance of textures and spicy/creamy flavors. The colors a delight for the eye.

KITCHEN SCENES
mesa grill kitchen

Burger Station

*Where the magic happens.

bakers pride oven

Bakers Pride Oven

Service was prompt, but not rushed. Knowledgeable, friendly, professional.

BAR
mesa grill bar

The entire restaurant has an aura of vitality. The energy was everywhere from the dining room to the open kitchen to the bar. Mesa Grill mirrors the excitement that is Vegas. As soon as the moratorium on eating at restaurants we’ve already visited is lifted, we will be right back @ Mesa Grill.

bobby flay, mesa grill las vegas
Bobby Flay was in the House, on a book tour signing copies of his latest cookbook Bar Americain.

In the mood for more Vegas culinary jackpots? Visit Gastronomic Wonderland!
And please stop by later in the week to Taste With The Eyes other highlights from this recent trip…

22 thoughts on “Vegas Brunch Fav: MESA GRILL”

  1. Culinary jackpot, indeed! Love Flay – he uses all my favorite flavors and I look forward to seeing your photos and reviews of the other places. Lucky girl…you spend a lot of time in LV!

    I just posted a similar piece about hotel restaurants in PR. These places may be pricey but when they’re good, you’re right…it’s a culinary jackpot!

  2. Oh, this is FABULOUS! His Vegas restaurant is on my bucket list! The last time I was in Vegas, I hit a few good ones – my favorite was The Palms – but it’s grown so much since then!

    I can’t wait to see your next entry….I’m drooling with anticipation!

  3. So glad you loved it! We will be in Vegas over the holidays and I planned on calling Mesa Grill for reservations this week! Your photos and experience definitely confirmed my decision.

  4. Lori Lynn, you did it again, I am sitting here, my senses at high alert, gobbling up all that food, er, gorgeous pictures of great food (writing “sitting here, salivating” somehow does not seem to do justice for the rather strong reaction your images provoked)! You make me miss America, albeit in a good way, if that is possible. You are making me dream about all that good food and great cooks the USA is blessed with, and that unfortunately all too many non-Americans have no idea of.

    Big hug,
    Merisi

  5. I AM SO JEALOUS!!!! I was just there and met Hubert Keller at Fleur in Mandalay Bay. I was at Ceasars almost every day and was hoping to see Bobby Flay. Next time I am there I will eat at Mesa. Thank you for sharing!

  6. Wow! It’s only 8.30am and I am literally drooling after looking at those fantastic photos and want to try everything! When I finally make it to Vegas I will definitely have Mesa Grill on my list of places to go to. Thanks for sharing such a great experience and congrats on making the Top 9 with your beautiful pics!

  7. Ohhh, the tiger shrimp and roasted corn tamale looks amazing! Yes, it takes a great deal of effort to plan ones gastronomic adventures before a trip to LV! I love Mesa and have been there for dinner several times, will have to visit for brunch in December when I’m there. Look forward to reading about the others 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.