Bar Centro

After you walk around a bunch, you probably want to rest your feet some.

We decided to sit down and grab some coffee.

Besides pastry and coffee, they do have a full bar and other food as well. 

It's great after a day of shopping to grab a snack.  Got the palmier dipped in chocolate, I mean, who doesn't like that?!

Also grabbed a cup of Ginger Spice Chai for the afternoon pick-me-up.

Totally did not know but this is also ran by Jose Andres, no wonder the bites and drinks are not the run of the mill cafe type.  It is delicious and our feet thanked us for giving them a break.

Bar Centro

inside Shops at Crystals 

3720 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89158

https://www.thebazaar.com/location/the-bazaar-bar-centro-las-vegas-nv/

 

Ding Tai Fung - Vegas

Went back to Ding Tai Fung for lunch in Vegas.

It was weird this time that when we arrived, whether you have a reservation or not, they make you go to the big line, then they have a staff that filter and checks you in and send you to another area to wait.

While you wait, you can watch them make your dumplings. 

Got the honey lemonade, it was zingy-er than I expected.  But it's a good drink to start.

We got the Crab & Pork Xiao Long Bao to start.  Pretty delicious with good crab essence, just wish more soup comes out of the dumplings. 

Then we got shrimp and pork shui mai. It is definitely more flavorful than the XLB.

Got some green beans with garlic.  Being super healthy in a trip of over-indulgence. 

We got the Veggie fried rice there's bits of mushroom in there.  Nice balance. 

For dessert, we got the red bean buns, nice and warm and delicious.  Great way to close out lunch.

Tip for here, just as I said before, anything worth going will need a reservation.  We booked ahead of time and we get in front of the walk-ins.  That serves well especially right at the opening time.  Also, if you're not familiar with the casino, be sure to arrive early to find the place.  This is somewhat hidden on the casino floor just be sure you have extra time. 

Ding Tai Fung

inside Aria

3730 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89158

https://dtf.com/en

 

Tea Lounge at Waldorf Astoria

 We went back to Waldorf for tea, of course, we were back for the view.

I will say, they move the lounge while the true lounge is being worked on, but the view is not too shabby.

 And it's $64 per person and everyone gets their own pot of tea.  The beauty of that is that you each order a pot and you can share to taste other tea. 

Tea set is just as pretty.  It came with jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd. 

Tea set is presented in this tier holder. 

You have the savory sandwiches tier.

The Scone Tier - there is a plain scone and blueberry scones, so nice and warm.  Goes well with the clotted cream. 

and dessert tier - there are pecan tart, peppermint dome, gingerbread macaron, and eggnog choux.

There are salmon sandwich with marble rye and mayo.  Curry Chicken Salad, and Egg Gougere in a puff pastry.

Of course we have to have our Prochetta with multi-grain bread and mayo.

It is such a nice set. Obviously make a reservation, there are 3 seating times and each of those times have 3 time slots, so you got many options.

 I will say since they are borrowing the bar, the seating is not just exclusive to the tea lounge.  But the servers still tries for an excellent service.  As you arrive, you just go up to the 23rd floor and that's where the tea is. 

Tea Lounge at Waldorf Astoria

3752 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89158

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/laswdwa-waldorf-astoria-las-vegas/dining/

Le Thai

 When in Vegas, I'd like to go downtown.  It's very kitsh, stereotypical Vegas there.

But that's where they still have alot of the neon signs.  Mind you, the Neon Museum's bone yard is not far, should you have time to do a side trip off Strip. 

It's been 4 years since I've been to Le Thai.  But true to all good places in Vegas, a reservation guarantees an easier in, than walk-up.

First off, we got the Chicken Skin, I think we all liked the sauce and it's truly more like chicken meat chunk with skin, than chicken skin by itself.  

Then we got the Papaya Salad, it's green papaya (not the orange one you have in mind).  It comes with peanuts, Thai chili, carrot, tomato, lime.  It came with a little sticky rice.  You can opt to make it a tad more spicy with a kick, but it's still good either way.  The texture is nice and crunchy. 

We also got the Awesome Flat Noodle with tofu, it has green scallion, noodles, bean sprouts, and stir fry them together.  

Of course we got their famous Short Rib Fried Rice.  It is so flavorful, the meat is top notch, it's no wonder this dish is the best seller in the shop.  So much so that they have T-shirts and Baseball cap for sell. 

We also got the 3 color curry, it's a blend of red, yellow, and green curry, that way it's not too spicy, but has enough flavor.  Of course, I love my curry over rice, it was soooo good.  We added chicken for some protein.  It was delicious.

The place is located right outside of Fremont Street, so before and after meal, you can take a walk, watch the Fremont Street acts, and the light show.  The place is lively no matter if you are in it or right outside of it. 

As mentioned before, having a reservation makes life easier for all food worth having in Vegas.  I will say, this shop, does do confirm, and re-confirm.  That does tell you that they're so popular that they want to make sure the tables are available when you get there.  So don't ignore the texts the day of, when they ask you to re-confirm. 

Le Thai

523 Fremont St

Las Vegas, NV 89101

702-778-0888

https://lethaivegas.com/

Eggslut

Basically every time I come to Vegas, this is my must stop. 

Even though Eggslut is known for having a line...

That just signifies the food is worth waiting in line for. 

1 Must-Get, 1 Delish: Truffle Hash Brown, a must!!! Also best enjoy while hot.  I carried the breakfast back to our room, and it was less enjoyable cold. 

Then got the egg, bacon, cheese sandwich.  It's a pretty decent size sandwich.  It also fills you up for the morning and then some.  

The tip about Eggslut is that they have a few sandwiches on offering, just figure it out and they do churn them out quick.  For Vegas in particular, if you want a good breakfast from here, get up early!  They open at 7am, I was in line at 7:40a, and got back in 30 mins time.  As with anything in Vegas, the later you get up, the longer the line.  Eggslut's line has been known to be 45 mins plus.  You'd know when you walk up the line was cut up to make room.  

Pro-tip: if the line is till the end of the hallway, that's about 45-50 minutes wait.  Between 2nd and 3rd poster in the hallway is about 30 mins wait.  Anything more than that, bring patience or better luck next time.  Staff are friend, food is quick.  Just came prepare, but hey, if you have time in line, study what you want while you wait.

Eggslut

inside Cosmopolitan Hotel

3708 Las Vegas Blvd South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/eggslut.html

https://www.eggslut.com/

 

Dominque Ansel - Vegas

First thing we do when we land at Vegas is to eat something yummy of course!

Heard about Dominique Ansel's Marche in Paris, but didn't realized that he took over the creperie that has been in Paris forever.   It's even located at the exact same spot.

As we were placing orders, I remembered a documentary I saw recently talking about World's Best Hot Chocolate.  I immediately ask the cashier if they have it. 

When she said yes, I was giddy!

I present to you: the Blooming Hot Chocolate

Not only does it come in a nice presentation of the tray, they give you the marshmallow that sits in white chocolate shell.  When you put it in, it will bloom, and here's your flower.  

But it's not just the presentation, which is snazzy.  The hot chocolate itself is superb.  Reason being you can taste the quality of chocolate they use is no joke.  Talk about an experience.  From look to taste, it delivers.

Grabbing a quick breakfast, we did a savory and a sweet crepe.  For savory, we got the Forestiere - which has generous amount of prosciutto, Guyere cheese, crispy bacon (yes we love our meat), bits of mushroom and a sunny side up egg in the middle.   You get meat in every bite, and it's very filling for breakfast. 

For sweet, to offset the savory, we got the Lemon Sugar crepe, which has candied lemon chunks, butter, sugar, cream, more lemon chunks, powder sugar and so on.

To our delight, it was light and fluffy.  Not heavy like a chocolate would've been.  The combo of the two hits the spot just right.  

The Marche also has sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, rotisserie/roast, pastries which is what he's known for,  coffee and even wine because you're in Vegas.  This is a great quick stop for a snack, or breakfast type place.  We went mid-morning Vegas time, and line was moving fast.  Also seating right at the shop and the little area next to it.  You can feel like you're a Parisian having your crepe and enjoying people watching.

Dominique Ansel Marche

inside Paris Hotel

3655 Las Vegas Blvd South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/restaurants/dominique-ansel-marche

 

Sandoitchi

Ok kids, this is the last week for Sandoitchi's pop up in H-town.  Here's what I got:

(L) Yuzu Arnold Palmer & Strawberry Matcha Latte (it was ok so-so)

Of course, lots and lots of food... duh!

First up: Egg Sando - you never had egg salad until you have these....

For appetizer, I got the Crispy Satsuma-Imo - which is fancy way to say crispy sweet potato, topped with Furikake seasoning, dipped in chili oil and yuzu creme fraiche.  It's not overpowering by the chili oil and the creme fraiche, as a matter of fact it's a true umami type flavor.  The potato was a tad hard, they made it too crunchy though.  But the thought was good. 

Of course, if you put Lobster Roll on there, I would not turn away.  As a matter of fact, for a premium sandwich, they put it in a special box.  So fancy!

Got a Classic Chicken Katsu Sando for good measure.  That has fried chicken in the center, cabbage, Tonkatsu sauce, which totally makes the flavor and Japan's famous kewpie mayo.  So good. 

For dessert, got me a fruit sando - so pretty.  Almost didn't want to eat it.  I will say, what makes me fall in love with Sandoitchi is that the bread is milky but the cream used here is never sugary.  It lets the fruit brings the flavor out and it's yummy.

Sandoitchi pop up is happening now thru last day on Jan 25th at Norigami location this time.  They are at first come first serve basis, meaning there's no ordering ahead.  You arrive, place your order at the hostess stand.  Grab a seat and watch them make your sandwich, which is nice when it's made to order.  And you can either enjoy it there or take it to go.  

Sandoitchi

https://www.sandoitchi.com/pages/events-page

 

7 Leaves

Stopped by to get a drink. 

I decided to get the Green Thai Tea

Never had that before, but I love how it's all different colors before I mix it all up. 

So the flavor is pretty good, less sweet than the regular Thai tea, but also have a bit different texture than Thai tea, presumably from the matcha powder mix.  Less sweet over all, good option to have.  I originally going to mung bean milk tea, but this was a good alternative.

7 Leaves 

9798 Bellaire Blvd

Ste B

Houston, TX 77036

832-409-5538

https://7leavescafe.com/

 

Brian's Bitchin' Bakery

I stayed away long enough, finally gotten back to having some of Brian's Bitchin' desserts.

This is my first time trying his tres leches. 

This is pandan flavored sponge cake, pandan infused tres leches, coconut milk cream, and dusting of matcha powder. 

Texture is super light and spongy.  The flavor is light, not super heavy-handed.  It's a good sharing dessert with 2-3 people. 

Had to get a couple cookies, of course.  This is the Pandan, Ube, S'more combo.  The S'more is in the middle, so when you bite into it, it has a chewy fluffy texture. 

Of course, must get the chocolate chip cookie.  

As usual, all cookies I heat it up for 10-15 seconds before enjoying it.  Of course, a nice soft ooey, gooey chocolate chips is exactly what we need for the cold day with a cup of tea. 

Brian Bitchin' Bakery

https://www.instagram.com/briansbitchinbakeryofficial/