#killermeal

Wow, what a great start to 2016, this José Andres tapas joint in the Cosmo LasVegas is a must-visit and I am sure it will end up in my Top-10 of 2016.

The location is on the 3rd floor, high above the bustling casino and 1 floor up from the quicker serve restaurants (see China Poblano) and situated in kind of an upscale food-court of sorts near STK and the award-winning Scarpetta from Scott Conant.

Let’s jump into the food, I started with the Jamón Ibérico de bellota Fermin - at $35/oz it was well worth the price. It was rich an delicious, complemented with a nutty sheep’s milk cheese (Idizábal con membrillo), quince paste and a side of the pan con tomate. Some nice red wine and for most that is a complete meal.

Next I moved onto what I went there for, the Patatas Bravas, it is how I judge a tapas restaurant. Only one from my past stood up to these, Toro in Boston. This version, however, was prepared a bit different than most. The small potato was sliced into discs, skin-on, and deep fried. On the plate they were each set on end and given a dollop of aioli to create the perfect bite. What pushed these over the top was the sauce. Almost a tomato confít or tomato jam on first taste and then followed by a rich, full spicy finish. That sauce will haunt my dreams. 

Next, lets talk molecular gastronomy. I had the olives stuffed with anchovy and piquillo peppers, like a taste of Spain in your mouth. But the bonus was some essence of olive mixed with xanthan gum and colored to look like a little olive. But, when you slide it off the spoon into your mouth, it explodes and is filled with olive goodness in liquid form. Must try, not just for the form but for the taste as well.