Mesa Grill

Those who watch the Food Network Channel are familiar
with the Iron Chef. Two prominent chefs compete against
each other to make as many unusual dishes as possible,
scoring points with the judges on taste, creativity and
presentation. The catch is they must use the secret
ingredient, which is unveiled just before the competition
starts, in every dish and it all must be completed in exactly
one hour. The idea sounds boring, but as a cook you can't
help, but admire their talents and as a food lover you're
very aware how lucky those three judges are. After seeing
Chef Bobby Flay win a couple of times we became familiar
with the name. So seeing his name on the menu outside of
his Southwestern restaurant in the Caesar's Palace was just
too good to be true. We knew this would be as close to
being a judge on the Iron Chef as we'll ever get.

His Mesa Grill Restaurant seemed uncomplicated, but sleek
with plenty of martini flare. We chose to dine at a
comfortable sofa for two in the bar which was still open to
rest of the restaurant. Things were lively with an open
kitchen and a full house. This much business at 10:30 on a
Tuesday night was a good sign. Looking at the drink menu,
which specializes in tequilas, my husband was doubtful this
place could survive the long haul. He felt a martini list was
necessary for success, until he tried the food....

It was impeccable, flawless as far as we were concerned.
How brilliantly he pulled off a Spicy Tuna Tartar
Southwestern style! This was set on seasoned tortillas,
with avocado and a small mound of baby greens that
shouldn't be ignored. A Tiger Shrimp & Roasted Garlic Corn
Tamale far surpassed my expectations. Normally dry and
meager on filling, this tamale was a homey version, utilizing
cream and fresh corn. The Cotija Crusted Quesadilla with
wild mushrooms , cascabel chiles and white bean truffle
humus received it's Southwestern flavor from a dusting of
chile powder. We loved this, but yearned for more of the
mushrooms and humus. The Goat Cheese Fundido was so
light, baking green chiles and jack cheese together, topping
it with goat cheese and green onions, with blue corn tortilla
chips begging to be dipped. Reaching our limits we couldn't
leave without trying an entree, choosing the New Mexican
Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. This was superb! It was
incredibly tender and drizzled in a Bourbon Ancho Chile
Sauce resembling a sweet molasses. My husband said it
was the best pork he'd ever tasted.

We couldn't believe our luck! The food here had the "Pow!"
of Southwestern fare without leaving us heavy. After this
experience I agree, Bobby Flay is a true champion!

Prices: Spicy Tuna Tartar $14, Tiger Shrimp Tamale $16,
Cotija Crusted Quesadilla $14, Goat Cheese Fundido $12,
Mexican Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin $32

Located in the Caesar's Palace Hotel in Las Vegas

Telephone (877) 346-4642