READY, SET, EAT: 4 NEW MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS IN LAS VEGAS

Zuma
by Brian Lipton

One of the undeniable pleasures of visiting Las Vegas, whether for business or pleasure, is sampling the culinary creations whipped up by some of the world’s most famous chefs. And even if you could try every eatery in one visit, the reality is that new ones open at a remarkable pace. So here are four of the latest restaurants hoping to make their mark in this one-of-a-kind city, all open and ready for you to sip, sup, and savor.

GORDON RAMSAY’S FISH & CHIPS

Gordon Ramsay Fish and ChipsSure, London-based Gordon Ramsay may have made his strongest impression on Americans by screaming and shouting on television, but he’s also an extraordinary chef. Now, he’s bringing some of his native country’s most beloved dishes to this casual eatery at the entrance to the LINQ – a perfect place if dinner is just one stop on your evening itinerary. Enter (and exit) through the British phone booth and take in the namesake dish (in case, you’re unfamiliar; chips are French fries), which can be followed by – what else? — sticky toffee pudding. (3545 Las Vegas Boulevard South, 702.322.0529)


MOMOFUKU LAS VEGAS

Momofuku Las Vegas David Chang, whose star has reached supernova status over the past decade, has collaborated with executive chef Michael Chen and Canadian-based The Design Agency on this stunning addition to the Cosmopolitan. The eclectic, pan-Asian menu at this outpost of Momofuku includes Fuku chicken sandwiches, house-made Ramen, fried chicken with caviar and bo ssam, kimchi stew, and oxtail soup and pork-neck stew. As any of Chang’s many followers will tell you: be adventurous, and you won’t be disappointed! (3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South, 877.551.7776)


MORIMOTO LAS VEGAS

MorimotoTo his fans, Masaharu Morimoto will always be the true “Iron Chef.” But even if you don’t own a TV, you need to stop into his long-awaited new restaurant at the MGM Grand. Diners can order such succulent dishes as seared snapper with Thai curry and mussels, braised black cod with a ginger-soy reduction and Morimoto’s famous Duck Duck Goose with duck meatball soup, duck confit fried rice and gooseberry compote, as well as a wide selection of sushi, sukiyaki prepared with Wagyu beef, and even a tuna pizza. Unsurprisingly, there’s a sterling collection of sakes to wash these delicacies down, as well as specialty cocktails and more. (3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, 702.891.3001)


ZUMA

ZumaAnother (and even newer) addition to the Cosmopolitan is international sensation Rainer Becker’s acclaimed restaurant, which takes its inspiration from the popular Japanese izakaya, which emphasizes the equal importance of different preparations. Accordingly, Zuma features three kitchens – the main kitchen, the sushi counter, and the robata bar – and encourages guests to share selections from each of them. Highlights of the multi-pronged men include sea bass sashimi with yuzu, truffle and salmon roe; blanched baby spinach with creamy sesame dressing; baby chicken oven roasted with barley miso on cedar wood; spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chili, and sweet soy sauce; and sake-glazed chicken wings with seas salt and lime. And don’t forget the cocktails, which also spotlight such native ingredients as sake, shochu, yuzu, and shiso leaves. (3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South, 877.551.7776)