Cutting edge training as a first responder has the opportunity to take a firefighter all over our great nation. Whether to learn about explosive ordinance (New Mexico), chemical/biological weapons (Alabama), or my latest adventure, nuclear/radiological awareness, which had me jet setting to one of the world’s food meccas, Las Vegas. Oh, what’s a hungry firefighter to do with so much to choose from?
Las Vegas’s well-chronicled transformation from ‘sin city’ to a culinary destination has caught the attention of all. Many a foodie, celebrity chef and TV personality has leant their take on Vegas, so when Anthony Bourdain paid a recent visit, I took notice of where he went. Often he’ll make a conscious choice to sample some of the local’s selection, outside the hustle and bustle of all the lights and high prices. One of his selections peaked my interests, a place called EAT.
South of the strip, where only the locals and lost gamblers stumble too is where the restaurant is located. Directly off the street, plenty of paid parking lines the sidewalk if you get there early enough. As I meet my parents in Vegas (they still live in Southern California), I was looking forward to treating them to some quality breakfast. This place seemed to fit the bill.
The atmosphere was appropriately en vogue with an open kitchen, computer bar, hanging light bulbs and black and white art, very much now but so not Vegas, a nice touch. The crowd was also not about the show, locals these people were and they were focused on the food and conversation. Service was generally good with an attentive wait staff that was both knowledgeable and good-natured.
As I was officially done with my training and the Air Force food from the air base I was sequestered at, I told the waitress that I’d need two, count them, TWO full plates. Something sweet and savory seemed in order so to get a baseline of their fare, I started with their Golden Brown Pancakes. Appropriately fluffy and with a hint of brown sugar, they were solid. (note that I used some of the strawberry compote from the cinnamon biscuits which helped to elevate these flap jacks)
I went to the waitress and asked her for favorite dish and she lite up and offered up the Truffled Egg Sandwich, which incidentally enough was the restaurants most demanded. These were perfectly scrambled eggs (not an easy skill) lightly touched with truffle oil over an open face buttered brioche baguette topped with thick bacon. Wow. The skillet potatoes on the side were there as well, but come on, the sandwich was where it was at. This was a 4-Alarm dish for me and well worth the drive alone.
Because the pancakes and sandwich may not have been enough, I ordered us some Cinnamon Biscuits. Why? Living in the south, I’m been keen to try regional biscuits to experience the nuisances. These were not layered like I prefer, but well seasoned and browned nicely. The strawberry compote (made daily) was the balanced sweet to the butter.
Shrimp and grits were the order for my Mom, seemingly to remind her of her southern upbringing. The power of food… Anyways, after the obligatory ‘there not as good as yours’, she admitted they were well seasoned with bursts of heat, silkiness from the poached egg and bite from the shrimp. The grits themselves were slightly overcooked (and hence congealed) but the taste was on point. Well done.
My dad had eggs and toast. He always has eggs and toast. Breakfast for my dad = eggs and toast. He said they were fine, but then he said the same thing after a root canal. Life is short; please learn to live a little.
Overall, the price was right for the food delivered. Nice atmosphere, solid service, good conversation and a food memory for life. These Vegas locals know their food, value their time and have found a home at EAT. I tip my hat to you Mr. Bourdain, nice recon for the masses, I ATE well. A solid recommend.
Date: May 2014