Rick Moonen loves the fare at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon.Credit: Sabin Orr
RICK MOONEN, LAS VEGAS
Chef and cookbook author Rick Moonen has been a leading advocate for the sustainable seafood movement for 25 years and has worked alongside the likes of L'Hostellerie Bressane's Jean Morel and Le Cirque's Alain Sailhac. His critically acclaimed flagship restaurant, Rick Moonen's RM Seafood restaurant is at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place in Las Vegas. Moonen is appearing at the Lizard Island Food and Wine Event, May 17-21. See www.lizardisland.com.au; www.lasvegas.com/au; www.rmseafood.com
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN LAS VEGAS?
I love sitting at the bar at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, MGM Grand, and having chef Steve cook some amazing food for me and my wife. See www.mgmgrand.com
LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
My Cauldron (a cast iron fire-pit-come-barbecue). I set up a full outdoor experience in my own backyard where I can put together whatever I want, including a Kentucky Burgoo that is just mouth-watering. Food-wise I am having a renewed love affair with kohlrabi, which is a cultivar of cabbage.
For those who want to see another side to Las Vegas, a new restaurant that I love at the moment is Other Mama, located on Durango Drive, about 20 minutes from The Strip. They have great prices and cocktails along with sushi, kimchee fried rice – anything goes and it is casual and has a great vibe. See www.othermamalv.com
WHAT IS LAS VEGAS' BEST KEPT FOOD SECRET?
Kame Sushi on West Lake Mead Boulevard. They serve a live seafood tasting menu that is very unique and very good. See www.yummysushivegas.com
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
Red Rock Canyon. It's the best hiking and cycling around and a great way to decompress in the desert, not to mention Red Rock Canyon is only located 30 minutes from The Strip, so really easy to access. On the way home I like to grab lunch at Saffron, Flavors of India in Northwest Las Vegas. Their samosas are the best in town and even though I love my meat, they have an incredible vegetarian tasting menu that I enjoy. I would also highly recommend the chicken wings. See parks.ca.gov; www.saffronflavorsofindia.com
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN LAS VEGAS?
Carbone at ARIA. It has a fun atmosphere with fantastic food and the energy is totally my style. See www.aria.com
PLACE TO GO FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT?
The Mansion at MGM. It just can't be beat. See www.mgmgrand.com
BEST TIME TO VISIT AND WHY, FOOD-WISE IN LAS VEGAS?
Summer is great. It's so hot outside but the hotels and restaurants are all nice and cool and it's not tourist season so getting a great reservation or table is much easier. Or Chinese New Year because you can get authentic dim sum at many of the top Chinese restaurants.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID FOOD-WISE IN LAS VEGAS?
New Years' Eve – Las Vegas is always so busy on New Year's Eve, so getting a dinner reservation can be difficult.
WHAT'S HOT IN THE AREA RIGHT NOW?
The anticipated opening of Topgolf is percolating and the launch of the T-Mobile Arena is as hot as it gets. See topgolf.com/us/las-vegas/; t-mobilearena.com
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