stuffed piquillo peppers/ goat cheese/ mushrooms
Las Vegas
On this night we sat at the bar at Julian Serrano in the Aria Resort & Casino. Color, food, people, energy! Serrano wanted his eponymous restaurant to offer flexibility and comfort to all guests; from a quick bite to a long meal, small bites to larger portions, and what he calls economics – spend a little or spend a lot, he’s serving Spanish foods of his homeland with an International flair…
The Brut Rosé was a terrific complement to many of the dishes.
By The Glass: Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rosé
An elegant French coral colored sparkling wine. Full-bodied, this wine is crisp and dry, with hints of cranberries and strawberries.
my kind of bar snacks/ marinated olives/ onions/ garlic
fresh calamari a la plancha/ lemon parsley e.v.o.o.
Sherry Tasting
The Sherry tasting was a highlight.
Spain = Sherry
Some Sherry is intended for dessert. Some are dry and served with tapas.
1. Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla
Very pale, straw color. A tangy, dry, fresh sherry from Andalucia. With flavor that lingers, it has a unique saltiness reminiscent of the seaside where it is produced.
2. Lustau Dry Amontillado Los Arcos
Tawny gold color. Distinctive nutty bouquet, with flavors of caramel, roasted nuts, dried figs and raisins. This sherry has a touch of sweetness with a lingering dry finish.
3. 2002 Bodegas Toro Albala Don PX Pedro Ximenez
This wine is made from Pedro Ximenez grapes dried on mats in the sun in order to concentrate the sugar and flavor. Grown in the Montilla-Moriles region of Spain. Thick and sweet and sticky! Flavors of raisins, toffee and caramel. The finish is so long, I think I can still taste it…
It’s Time to Fall in Love with Sherry!
beef and cheese/ prime tenderloin/ brie cheese/ honey/ walnuts
salmon with truffle/ truffle béchamel/ portobello mushroom
Interior design by famed Spanish design group Gente de Valor, in their first U.S. restaurant combining the elements of a Spanish restaurant with the more casual patio area (below) and more formal dining area (above) and bar (below) into one interior space. It’s fabulous!
sherry for dessert/ Lustau Palo Cortado Península
Dark amber color. Concentrated nutty pecan aromas with a hint of lemon zest. Finishes with delightful dark chocolate overtones. Not too sweet.
¡hasta la próxima, js!
I’ve always preferred small bites. The tapas entice and allure. Must revisit Sherry -am woefully ignorant. Thanks for the edible tour.
Gosh, that salmon with truffle looks *amazing*. I’ve no idea what it could taste like, but my imagination is running like mad here 🙂
My goodness! You must have had your fill with the sherry tasting. I know what you mean about those sweet cloying dessert wines. I like how said that you could still taste it.
The calamari a la plancha looks terrific!
That looks like a wonderful evening! And good reminder about the versatility of sherry.
Looks fantastic! The salmon with truffle bechamel has definitely caught my eye.
Lori,
Your new blog design is fabulous!! Your Las Vegas article is great too. I’ll be back to enjoy more of your posts. I’m going to share it with some friends too.
Abby
I know I would enjoy this place…it’s got all the elements I love. Good job on capturing the ambiance, food and drinks.
Love all the pictures of this big meal. Looks lavish!
Your photos are incredible! So crisp and clear and beautiful!
This is amazing, never been to Las Vegas, I love the clear pictures of that calamari, even the olives are sensational. Not sure its the atmosphere or the food, but everyone has told me that its fabulous. I appreciate the feeling I had this little tour and got a little taste for whats there, love the slots so I end up on cruises all the time….someday, you have inspired me to go there with this post 🙂
Hi Claudia! If you are a foodie (and I’m sure you are) you will adore Vegas!
LL
Great post. I love Las Vegas, though haven’t been there in a few years. Makes me want to book a trip.
Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed it.
I should remember this place next time I visit Las Vegas! Everything looks so delicious! I love your large beautiful photos!!
Wow, what a meal in a very beautiful restaurant. This restaurant is going on my must-try list for our next pass through Vegas.
Hi Dara- we loved it, and the Aria Resort too!
LL
I agree with Joan, you capture the ambiance of dining so well. I already told you your photos should be in Chicago magazine, now Vegas! You do some good eating girl!
Thanks Marie! Chicago is one good eating-town! Vegas too!
What a terrific and unique experience! I would love to do a sherry tasting like this! All the tapas look excellent here!
Hi Natasha – Sherry is our new addiction! You’d like this I’m sure!
LL
Wow, your post is like a very nice magazine feature! What fantastic photos! Love the tapas!
Happy Mother’s Day to you, and your site just is like walking into a beautiful mansion every time I come over here…great job you do my dear!
Hi Chef E – you are too kind!
LL