Hakkasan Las Vegas
As any of you who have visited will know the Hakkasan culinary experience really is a cut above, and so when the Dapper Chapper favourite invited us to their Las Vegas restaurant on our recent visit there we absolutely jumped at the chance. And as expected, it did not disappoint.
Located inside the MGM Grand Hotel, Hakkasan Las Vegas is unique in the fact that it is the only location that has a world class nightclub attached with a long list of resident superstar DJs.
The décor of the restaurant is much like the London venues, dark and intimate with a cool vibe. We dived straight into the cocktail list, knowing from experience that the list is innovative and extensive. The waiter looking after us was incredibly helpful in assisting us making a decision. Hakkasan Las Vegas is no different to any of the other locations where the service is absolutely spot on. Perfectly attentive without being overbearing and all staff are incredibly knowledgeable on all areas of the menu.
The drinks we decided upon were the Return to Eden cocktail which is only available at this location and consists of St. George Botanivore gin, Crème Yvette, lychee, grape, Champagne and rose essence foam. A beautiful looking drink with a distinctive and delicious taste. Also the Blood & Sand made up of Dalmore 12 yr scotch, Antica Formula vermouth, Cherry Herring, Umeshu Aragoshi plum liqueur, blood orange and orange wood smoke infusion. The smoking glass that arrived at the table and the beautiful orange wood smoky smell really added to the experience.
As for food, no visit to Hakkasan is complete without having their signature Duck Salad which we had decided on before we had even walked through the door. We also wanted to try something from the ‘Only in Vegas’ part of the menu so were recommended the Crispy Quail with Chinese wine and Chilli sauce which was perfectly cooked and a perfect balance of flavours. We also had the Seared Scallop with fresh mango and chilli sauce which was melt in the mouth with the perfect amount of kick from the chilli.
Again for our main course we couldn’t resist something from the ‘Only in Vegas’ menu so had the Steamed Chilean Seabass in spring onion and Shaoxing wine and also the Stir fried lobster in lemongrass with tobiko. The lobster dish in particular was a really unique flavour, but as with everything at Hakkasan it was an absolute taste sensation. I honestly believe that there is not a bad dish on their menu!
When we mentioned that we had never tried Sake before, it was not long before the Sommelier was at our table discussing the different types. We were lucky enough to try a few different types, a Junmai which is a pure rice sake and a Gingo where more of each rice grain is polished away. The Sommelier’s knowledge was incredible and so interesting as we had no idea how Sake was made. We are now definitely Sake converts!
When dessert arrived it was an absolute feast for the eyes with all of their best sweet dishes laid out on a platter for us to try, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Bombe, Pear & Chestnut Cake, Spiced Apple & Fig tart and Macarons. We are not usually cake fans but have to say the Pear & Chestnut cake was the highlight for us. While enjoying all these desserts we were sipping a Riesling and Pinot Noir desert wine which were the ideal accompaniment and the perfect way to end.
We knew we would be in good hands with Hakkasan but this seriously was an unforgettable dining experience. The setting feels exclusive, the service is impeccable and most importantly the food surpasses expectations. If you are lucky enough to be visiting Vegas we could not recommend it highly enough.