Friday, April 22, 2005 | 8:29 a.m.
With sales of Mexican food products soaring -- according to Gourmet Retailer, more than $2 billion just a few years ago -- that's reason enough to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5.
Isla Kitchen & Tequila Bar at TI is joining in the celebration from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. A special Cinco de Mayo menu (one day only) includes a choice of two appetizers -- shrimp quesadillas or tamal de huitlacoche with shredded pork shoulder and two entrees -- pechuga de pollo Azteca and filet mignon a la Isla. Of course, Isla's full menu will also be available.
Super $5 house margaritas will be made by Isla's own sultry Tequila Goddess, who will be on hand to create the perfect margarita while imparting tequila tales and deciphering the secrets of making perfect margaritas. It's the tequila that makes the difference, and the Goddess knows all about tequila.
Isla Kitchen hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly.
Flame Throwers American-Mexican Grill: New to Las Vegas is Patrick Baca's Flame Throwers American-Mexican Grill. Located at 3655 S. Durango Road in the Global West Plaza (unit 27), Flame Throwers' specialty is stuffed & smothered burritos or sopapillas -- large flour tortillas or deep-fried sopapillas stuffed with rice, beans, meat and cheese or sour cream.
Also featured are Santa Fe tacos, Mexican hamburgers, chili cheese fries, Santa Fe taco salad, carnitas and more. Salsas can be ordered mild Santa Fe, medium Chimayo or hot Flame Thrower. There's also a Veggie Head made with a buckwheat tortilla and other interesting American-Mexican spins. Modestly priced casual fare in a casual setting.
For more info call 646-2223. More than likely Patrick will answer.
Dinner at The Capital Grille: With a friend in tow, I recently made my way to The Capital Grille in the Fashion Show. With all of the Strip construction going on, I'd expected to have a difficult time reaching this steakhouse, but with a little planning getting there was a cinch.
Circling the mall by going down Fashion Show Drive took me right to valet parking. This is one of the best doors in town, with enough attendants to make parking a breeze. A few steps from the valet station is the elevator that takes you to The Capital Grille on the third level.
Fashion Show is the first Las Vegas location of The Capital Grille.
We were immediately shown to our table. Within minutes the menus and wine list arrived. But instead of deciding what to order, we were entranced by the view. The Strip, the construction, foliage. All of the sights were in our view as if it were a photograph.
The Capital Grille is nationally recognized for dry-aging steaks on the premises and for its relaxed elegance. It's peaceful, not quiet, yet the sounds that surround do not intrude upon conversation at the table.
The Capital Grille is a classic steakhouse offering such appetizers as steak tartare, cold shellfish platters, smoked salmon and lobster and crab cakes ($11.95-$42.95); clam chowder, Capital Grille pea soup and French onion soup, ($5.95-$6.95); and classic steakhouse salads such as Caesar salad and spinach salad with warm bacon dressing.
I opted for the lobster-crab cake; my friend was thrilled to order the steak tartare, remarking that it was no longer offered in some steakhouses. My lobster-crab cake was generously filled with lobster and crabmeat and garnished with a corn relish. It was beautiful and delicious. My friend was ecstatic. The tartare was seasoned with her favorite tastes.
We shared a spinach salad. Baby spinach drizzled with warm bacon dressing was dressed lightly -- the spinach still crisp, although slightly wilted by the dressing. We appreciated the light hand used with the dressing.
The steak selection included a sliced 14-ounce sirloin ($33.95). It was my choice. A 20-ounce sliced sirloin was also offered. My lamb-loving friend chose the double-cut rib lamb chops ($32.95). As side dishes we had cottage fries and onion strings -- every bit as good as they sounded and enough for two more diners -- and creamed spinach. My steak was done as I'd ordered it. I don't hesitate to return a steak that's overcooked. This was exactly as ordered. The lamb chops, according to my friend, were perfection.
We tasted the signature key lime pie, had a spoonful of the coconut cream pie, another signature, and a spoonful of the creme brulee.
The Capital Grille's wine list has earned Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" many, many times. Featured are more than 900 selections, including 24 by the glass. The Captain's List showcases 450 rare wines, including prized older vintages. Another highlight for wine lovers -- guests have the option to lease personal wine lockers and work with The Capital Grille staff to order and stock their favorite wines.
When I drive I don't drink, but I did take a sip of my friend's Stoli Doli, the house signature, an infusion of chilled Stolichnaya vodka with pineapples, a jolly good blending. It was just one of the many cocktails and martinis listed.
The Capital Grille has three private dining rooms, a Club Room, The Wine Cellar with floor-to-ceiling wine racks and The Tasting Room that connects to the Wine Cellar, offering seating options for up to 40 guests.
When you dine at The Capital Grille, take a brief tour of the environment. It's worth seeing.
The Capital Grille is open seven days a week. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; Dinner is offered 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The Capital Grille lounge is open 11:30 a.m. to close Monday through Friday and 5 p.m. to close Saturday and Sunday. A full menu is available at the lounge throughout the day.
Managing Partner John Cunin has worked at Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, Calif., was general manager at Masa's in San Francisco and most recently served as general manager of Bradley Ogden's restaurant in Caesars Palace. He is an elegant gentleman. Executive Chef David Sacco has a resume that includes a degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., and was the executive chef at Les Artistes Steakhouse at Paris Las Vegas.
Reservations are recommended but not required, and can be made by calling 932-6631 or going online to www.thecapitalgrille.com.
Epicurean Affair at Mandalay Bay: Nonstop entertainment, drinks and epicurean delights are hallmarks of every Epicurean Affair. The 15th annual Epicurean Affair on Wednesday at Mandalay Bay will take place at 7 p.m. and will include such fine restaurants as Aureole and Border Grill. Among the restaurants appearing for the first time are Craftsteak at MGM Grand, Crustacean Las Vegas at Aladdin, TI's Dishes and the Palms' Little Buddha Restaurant Sushi Bar & Lounge.
Epicurean Affair is open to the public. Tickets are $100 in advance; $125 at the door. For tickets contact Nevada Hotel & Lodging and Nevada Restaurant Associations at 878-9272 or 878-2313.
Short orders
Wolfgang Puck Express at McCarran: Wolfgang Puck Express has opened in McCarran International Airport's new D gates. Open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., this is not your usual airport fare.
Travelers can chow down on such creations as a breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs, bacon and three cheeses; crispy cornflake French toast; basil and tomato omelets. Lunch and dinner items include rotisserie chicken, a honey-smoked turkey sandwich and other items not usually available in airports. All items are priced from $4.95 to $8.95. Dine-in or take-out. It's a great idea.
The Wolfgang Puck Express, owned and operated by Host Marriott, is a sister company of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. Who's training the cooks? If it's the Puck group this might be the start of something big.
Bishop Gorman wine & beer tasting: Bishop Gorman High School will host its 11th annual wine and beer tasting and auction at the Hilton Center at the Las Vegas Hilton on May 7. The event is sponsored by DeLuca Liquor and Wine, Ltd. and the Las Vegas Hilton. Advance tickets are $75 per person or $95 at the door. For reservations or more information call the Development Office BGHS -- 732-1945, ext. 328.
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