Delectable food is a love letter to the soul; it feeds in ways far beyond caloric energy. For February 14 and beyond, I offer these recommendations from my heart to your belly.
Bramàre
In Italian, bramare means “to crave,” and I cannot get enough of the house-made pastas and sexy sauces. Amber-lit with comfy booths, this new modern Italian spot on Paradise will impress even the pickiest date. bramare.com
China Mama at Palace Station
An authentic Chinese food staple on Spring Mountain boasts a beautiful new location at Palace Station. If one can fall in love with meat, I’m smitten with the grilled lamb chops topped with crushed black pepper and butter. The drawback: some service timing issues, but let’s see if time will get them into their groove. palacestation.com/eat-and-drink/china-mama
La Cave
The 2010 hot spot at Wynn got a striking remodel that’s cozy and organic. Along with the architecture, the menu got a revamp, including a mouthwatering seared ahi tuna with roasted fennel, shishito pepper, and dashi broth. It’s worth a revisit to this Morton family legend. lacavelv.com
Poke Market by Chef Michael
Fine dining chef Michael Nguyen returns to his Hawaiian roots with a casual spot at Uncommons for fresh marinated fish. Dine in or pick up a pound and enjoy a little aloha at home. You’ll mahalo me later. pokemarketlv.com
Caspian’s Rock & Roe
Caspian’s Rock & Roe at Caesars is a creative take on tiny fish eggs. The crabby caviar tacos tantalize with a tangy dill chimichurri. There’s also a speakeasy behind the sea captain painting to keep the party pumping. caspianslv.com
Chéri Rooftop
Audrey Hepburn, who said, “Paris is always a good idea,” would be beguiled by the new Chéri Rooftop under the Eiffel Tower. The sumptuous lobster cobb is packed with Maine lobster, avocado, grapefruit, frisée, and a tangy lemon-thyme vinaigrette. Saint-Tropez being a bit inconvenient, this Strip alternative does just fine for a bougie brunch. cherirooftop.com
