One of the best things about staying in the MGM Grand complex was having such a wide array of fabulous eateries all housed under the same roof. Why, when we were feeling lazier than usual (and that's saying something because we're two of the laziest people you've never met) we didn't even have to venture outside and brave the natural light or desert breezes. And thus was a night of hungrily hippin' and hoppin' from one establishment to the next set in motion.
Jay and I tend to avoid Italian cuisine on vacation because it's so prevalent in Stinktown but the happy hour / lounge menu at Fiamma caught our eye, in part, because it didn't have a time limitation like many of the other MGM establishments. While there is no celebrity chef affiliated with Fiamma, the restaurant has been a 4-diamond AAA award recipient for the past four years in recognition of its traditional Italian fare and extensive wine list. Jason and I were immediately won over by their cozy fireside lounge which we had to ourselves when we first arrived. I kid you not; there was no one else there when we sat down. It was quiet and intimate and almost romantic for Vegas ... until approximately 647 drunk and disorderlies shattered the mood by joining us.
Thankfully the rapid arrival of our snacks and drinks, and a fun little table for two, distracted us from the crowd around us. Jay and I ordered two items to share: traditional meatballs with butter, sage, and white wine sauce; and a cheese and olive plate. The cheese selection included parmigiano reggiano and fontina while the olives, I was pleased to note, were segregated from my cheese and soaking in their own gacky oils.
I'm not normally a fan of meatballs but these were quite good - I think it must have been the sauce which was just lovely. I enjoyed the cheese as well but wish the restaurant would have included some balsamic vinegar for dipping. As for the drinks, they were among some of our favorites that evening and we did try quite a few while visiting four different establishments. Jason ordered an Italian Fire: Grappa, Strega, Tangerine Juice, and Moscato. He said this was a really flavorful, strong drink that would probably put hair on your butt if you drank too much. I ordered La Bomboniera: Boulard Grand Solang Calvados, Lemon, Cava, and Cinnamon. It could have been either too sweet or too tart but the bartender struck just the right balance and it was perfect - like drinking bubbly, alcoholic apple cider with a lemon kiss.
All in all this was a short but highly satisfying stop with good food and service and freaking amazing drinks. It was enjoyable enough that on our next visit to Vegas we might think about having a real dinner there ... if we don't get distracted by something else along the way!
Feed us ... more!
Why sit at the bar when you can sit at the fire?
FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!
I haven't seen a TV tray in decades!
Olives and Cheese
Traditional Meatballs
Italian Fire & La Bomboniera
No comments:
Post a Comment