Three weeks ago I wrote about Chef Gordon Ramsay and Chef Tom Colicchio. Then last week I reviewed BurGR by Gordon Ramsay. As promised, this week I’m reviewing Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill. To be fair to my other inspiration, Chef Tom Colicchio, I will review CraftSteak Las Vegas in the coming weeks so that I can post some promised recipes.
Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is an upscale pub located in Caesars Palace Las Vegas. John and I arrived a little early and were asked to wait. There was no one there, so we walked around a few minutes and when we got back there was a long line in front of the pub. Shame on us for leaving, but the line went quickly and we were seated in the back of pub.
The room held several televisions along the walls showing different games. It was a relaxed atmosphere that allowed you to sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy each other’s company.
Our server was a funny and knowledgeable young man who didn’t steer us wrong in our selection of beers. Along with the beer came the complimentary different kinds of breadsticks, one of which was pretzel. It was so moist and delicious that you didn’t need to break your teeth trying to chew it like some places we visited. The bread came with two small bowls; a butter spread and a cheddar cheese spread. The cheddar cheese spread was incredible, just the right amount of spice as to not over power the taste of cheddar.
John and I decided to forgo the small plate selections as we didn’t see anything we wanted to try. It was a small and pretty basic selection list. We did order the Corn Soup and Herb Caesar Salad to start. Our server asked John if he liked anchovies as the caesar traditionally had a strong taste of the little darlings. John assured him that this would not be a problem. He also said good choice on the corn soup and left to put some tables together for a large party.
During our wait, our server checked back on us to see if I liked my beer. We had a little bet going as to whether or not I would like the amber beer over my preferred dark ale. I’m sorry to write that I can’t remember the name of the beer but it was freaking good. It had a nice wheaty taste with a backend coolness I didn’t expect.
The server won the first round, so we all won.
After waiting a little while, a runner came with the salad and soup. The flavor of the corn soup with the crab, fava beans, and basil cream were simply sublime. There was a little of bite of spice which I love, and the creaminess of the soup wasn’t so thick as sometimes can happen with this type of soup. John said the caesar salad was a little disappointing and after having a few bites of it I can see why. The salad was bland and you did not get the taste of the anchovies as we were anticipating after talking to our server. Because of the lack of anchovies, the salad did not taste like it was seasoned.
Unfortunately, after getting half way through my soup I found a shell. I discreetly took it out of my mouth and placed it on the plate holding the bowl. At first I didn’t let it deter me from eating more as I found the soup flavorful, but then after a few more bites, another shell. I flagged down our server who seemed horrified at my finding and he apologized. He quickly grabbed my bowl and said he would get me another. I told him that was all right, I was fine, and didn’t want another bowl. He asked if I was sure and assured me he would take care of it. About 8 minutes later he came back to our table to apologize again and to tell me the chef was having someone go through the crab to make sure all the shells were taken out. I told him I was just glad they were making sure no one else got shell in their mouths. He did deduct the soup from our bill.
Unfortunately we lost the second round. No winners here.
Next were our entrees. John ordered the Traditional Shepherd’s Pie. This “little” bowl held beef & lamb stew, root vegetables, and was topped by mashed potatoes. John took his first bite and I just watched his eyes close with a huge smile. He looked at me and told me this is what he’s been waiting for in a shepherd’s pie. He said how he loved that the beef and lamb were shredded, and the blending of the carrots and peas with the essence of seasoning in the gravy made it sing. With the mashed potatoes on top, what more could a man want. He made me promise to make a traditional shepherd’s pie when we got home. And, I would like to make a note here that yes, he badgered me until I made one last week and complimented me that it was almost like the one he got at the pub. High praise indeed.
On the recommendation of our server, I ordered the Braised Beef Cheek. The cheeks came with mashed potatoes, roasted spring onion, and broccoli raab. Oh my goodness! The cheeks were so tender that they practically melted in your mouth. I didn’t even need the knife. The flavor blended with the potatoes, onion, and raab, with the sauce seasoned to perfection. The dish was in harmony and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Chalk one up for our server. He clearly won this round, as well as his customers.
Even though the dishes appeared small, and I do love small bites, there was a good amount of food on the table. I was full and John was absolutely full as he ate his and some of mine. We left putting the first course out of our minds, and with the feeling of contentment as we hashed over the main entrees.
I would definitely go back to Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill. We both found our visit there enjoyable, relaxed, and a savorous journey we didn’t want to end, but had to as our stomachs would have exploded.
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