Often overshadowed by the ever-popular smoked salmon, smoked sablefish is an under-the-radar gem, prized for its silky buttery texture and savory smoky depth of flavor. A Sable Bagel is a great way to showcase the sable. It offers an indulgent combination of flavors and textures that make it a standout among smoked fish bagels.
This toasted sable bagel features a layer of cream cheese topped with red onions, tomatoes, sliced new pickle, and capers, creating a refreshing and contrasting open-faced sandwich. A touch of horseradish and jalapeño rings add a spicy kick.
We brought home a couple great bagels, take-out smoked sablefish, and new pickles from our favorite deli here in Vegas, The Bagel Cafe. All their hand-sliced smoked fish are flown in weekly from Brooklyn, N.Y.
Restaurant Style
Pasta with Scallops, Lobster
Asparagus, Sage Truffle Butter
A most memorable meal at Ferraro’s inspired me to recreate one of their many fabulous menu items: the Pappardelle Mimmo. This seafood pasta, a favorite of the chef, was simply outstanding. We shared all our dishes at dinner and agreed that the pappardelle is now one of our favorites too.
Established in 1985, Ferraro’s Ristorante is located near the Las Vegas Strip. It is a family-owned business that prides itself on offering authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on traditional methods and recipes, high-quality seasonal ingredients, and homemade “everything” including sausage, meatballs, pastas, breads, desserts and more.
The restaurant is especially noted for its warm inviting atmosphere, superb service, and extensive wine list that features a wide selection of Italian and international wines. It’s no wonder that Ferraro’s has garnered a loyal following among Las Vegas locals and visitors alike…and that Gambero Rosso recently recognized them as one of the top Italian restaurants in the world.
Taste With The Eyes re-creation of Pappardelle Mimmo
Ferraro’s Ristorante Las Vegas
Ferraro’s Antipasti
Burrata con Zucchine
Burrata with grilled zucchini and herb oil
Carne Battuta
Prime beef tartare, Reggiano truffle reduction, black truffle crostini, hazelnuts
Burrata di Puglia with Celery Root,
Black Truffle, and Hazelnuts
A most memorable meal high atop the Las Vegas skyline inspired me to re-create this amazing burrata salad. We all loved how the earthy raw celery root, the toasty crunchy hazelnuts, and baby kale, chard and spinach dressed with a captivating black truffle vinaigrette paired with the luscious ball of burrata. It was unique and brilliant.
The breathtaking Vetri Cucina is located on the 56th floor of the Palms Casino Resort with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Chef Marc Vetri hails from Philadelphia but has spent a good deal of time immersed in the soulful cooking of Northern Italy. He is known for his authentic, handcrafted, innovative style of Italian cuisine.
House Salumi Board – 24 mo Prosciutto di Parma & House Made Salumi with Seasonal Accompaniments
Burrata di Puglia with Celery Root, Black Truffle, and Hazelnuts
Spinach Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Ricotta Salata
Grilled Swordfish with White Beans, Dandelion Greens, and Citrus Butter
Grilled Wagyu Bavette with Bagna Cauda and Crispy Sunchokes
Lime Cheesecake with Gingersnap Pecan Crust and Toasted Meringue
Seared Sea Scallops, Crispy Prosciutto
Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach
The inspiration for this super dish comes from another Las Vegas restaurant, this time, Superfrico at The Cosmopolitan.
Their current menu serves roasted sea scallops with cannellini beans, smoked butter, and prosciutto. A past menu served the scallops with chickpeas, Calabrian chile, and kale. Here, with a nod to both the old and new menus, I heat the chickpeas with a smoked paprika butter, then add baby spinach to wilt.
The pan-seared buttery sea scallops have a rich, sweet flavor. Prosciutto brings savory salty notes and when cooked, it develops a delightful crunch while retaining its intense umami taste. Nutty, earthy, and slightly creamy chickpeas are paired with tender garlicky spinach where the paprika butter adds complexity, depth, and an alluring smokiness. It is one tasty Vegas-style dish that comes together in minutes with very little prep!
Michael Mina Restaurant
Bellagio, Las Vegas
and
The Black Cod with Black Truffle Dashi
Nestled within the luxurious Bellagio resort in Las Vegas, the Michael Mina restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience that reflects the Chef’s commitment to culinary innovation and top-notch service. Boasting an upscale atmosphere, the restaurant’s interior design is chic and contemporary, creating a stylish backdrop for a most memorable meal.
Chef Mina is renowned for his modern take on American cuisine. He often combines classic flavors with a fresh perspective, resulting in dishes that are both sophisticated and approachable.
The Miso Black Cod with Aromatique Vegetables and Black Truffle Dashi is a superb dish in true Michael Mina style, an elegant presentation with dashi poured at the table.
Black cod is glazed with a miso-based marinade. The fish has a delicate, buttery texture and rich umami flavor. It is broiled to perfection and the result is a beautifully caramelized exterior with a slightly crispy texture and a lusciously moist and flaky interior. The sweet and savory miso glaze not only enhances the natural sweetness of the black cod but also imparts a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
Black truffle dashi adds a layer of sophistication, a heady aroma, and a sumptuous touch. The dish showcases the culinary artistry of balancing flavors and textures while highlighting the natural qualities of the black cod.