Michael Hepworth
LasVegas,NV(Spiritsman)2/17/14/–This upscale version of a gastro pub at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is the Michael Mina version that opened in the summer of 2013 replacing his Seablue restaurant in the same spot. What you have is a spacious and relaxing area that serves gargantuan portions of well prepared food at fair moderate to high prices. The standard classic rock style music plays the background, and there is a large craft beer list and a fairly comprehensive cocktail selection all priced at $13. The wine list is compact enough with about thirty to Choose from, where bottles are uniformly priced at $65, and there are only five wines to choose from by the glass, plus one dessert wine from Portugal.
There is also an extensive beer menu with some hard to find English beers to choose from, and this is the celebrity chef’s take on a British pub, and he loves the concept. It is also working, and on a good night I have heard that up to 900 people walk through the doors.
The menu is also carefully constructed and just about the right size with eight snacks and bites, seven appetizers and six salads to choose from. Burgers and sandwiches have five choices, steaks that are wood fired include skirt, rib eye, New York and Filet. There are also ribs and barbecue including St.Louis style either half-rack or full, but the main entrees are rather limited in scope
Mina has assembled a lively team to run the place led by manager Patricia Murtaugh, And although his visits are infrequent, I understand he was fairly hands on in setting everything up and running. Service is brisk and very smooth, and thee is also a chef middleman who ensures that everything leaving the kitchen is exactly as it should be.
The 1842 Nachos ($16) is a dish that is more than enough for three people and a good option to kick off a meal here. Heritage Pork Chili, cheddar, black bean & jicama relish & pickled fresno peppers spice up this version just right. Ahi Tuna Poke ($18) comes with avocado shrimp crackers and butter lettuce and unfortunately did not last on the plate long enough to give it justice..
One of the specialties of the house is the Michael Mina Tomato Bisque Soup ($18) with lobster grilled cheese and is considered a bit of a signature dish from the high profile chef.
Also tried the 1842 Burger ($19) with caramelized onions, mushrooms and truffle Aioli, and the all natural American beef used makes this a stand out. Pretty much a meal in itself, and the quality of the meat really shines through.
The fish tacos ($24) come three on a plate and of course are a substantial meal by themselves. Included are sweet & sour cabbage, chipotle aioli and pico de galla. The fish was as fresh as you could get, and I believe it was cod, and like the burger is pretty much a meal in itself.
I did go in on a quiet Monday lunchtime, so cocktail consumption was limited even though I was not driving. I had the Iceberg Slim reasonably priced at $13, Plymouth Gin, fresh lemon, velvet falernum and basil. All the carbonated drinks are created in house and ice-cube infused with hibiscus.
The wine list contains about 30 wines to choose from and they all cost the same $65. Best bets would appear to be the 2010 Pinot Noir from MoMo Vineyards in Marlborough in New Zealand or the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc from J.Christopher in Willamette Valley in Oregon.
However if you have had a good day in the casino you might want to splurge a bit on some wine from the secret cellar with prices from $92 up to $311. That includes champagne Eglu-Ouriet ($211) and Jean Vesselle ($139) from France.
Michael Mina Pub 1842-3799 Las Vegas Blvd South.
703-891-3922
Hours :Monday-Thursday 11.30 am-10 pm
Friday 11.30 am-Midnite
Saturday 10.00 am-Midnite
Sunday 10.00 am-10 pm
Michael Hepworth
287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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