Food Review: Las Vegas

Delilah

Written by Zowie & Edited by Cashaé

Caught a Vibe

I wish I had a time machine… to go back in time and simply stay in the cocktail area for drinks and maybe an appetizer. Even though we had a reservation for 3 at 10pm, we were directed to wait for 20 minutes in the cocktail area until our table was ready. This would have been fine if it was full, but there were tons of open tables with a view of the stage. Our cocktail waitress was very nice and attentive, even though it was a club-like atmosphere. We ordered the Kylie (a tequila-based drink), the Slip of the Tongue (a play on the Adult Star martini) and the JoJo.

Lemonade?

We enjoyed them well enough but noted that they all tasted similar even though there were supposed to be 3 different flavor profiles. All 3 drinks tasted like lemonade. Later one in our party mentioned that none of them were made to order, simply poured from a pitcher and garnished. As soon as we finished our drink, we were led down the staircase to our table tucked into a corner by the tableware and the exit patio door, which was constantly opened in February, with an obstructed view of the stage. Our server seemed kindly enough but stated that the main kitchen was closing in 10 minutes if we wanted to order any entrees and to order as soon as possible all at once. We explained that we weren’t sure if we wanted that much food, but he insisted we order immediately. This was a lie as tables next to us were able to order regular menu entrees at midnight.

The Let Down

 We ordered the Chicken Tenders and Crab Cake for appetizers. As a lover of both, I was deeply disappointed. The tenders tasted like burnt herbs and the crab cake was bland with the texture of oysters. All 3 of us ordered the ribeye, but we in error ordered multiple macaroni sides (It was so loud in the room and he didn’t notify us when we asked if sides were already ordered.) We, also, ordered the latkes and carrot souffle, of which he described as a delicious recipe that “he cooks for all family holidays.” The food left so much to be desired. The steak had an odd aftertaste and the server chose the sauce for us instead of asking which was preferred. Apparently, the steak also came with an undercooked “fondant potato” as an unlisted included side. The latkes were reminiscent of greasy McDonald’s hash browns and the macaroni was doused in truffle oil. The carrot souffle was nothing like he described. Upon delivery of the entrees, we inquired about the extra side, but he said 2 of us ordered the sharable portions unbeknownst to the other. We weren’t offered to have it taken back or any of the barely touched food for that matter, simply offered dessert and the check.

The Nerve

Other than the disappointing food, the atmosphere was suitable for a quick drink and club entertainment. The volume was loud, so table conversation was very difficult, but the singer and band were great, like an unintentional Christina Aguilera impersonator. The dress code is listed as elegant and dressy for ladies and collared shirts or polos for men. No shorts, sports apparel, or athletic shoes are allowed. This was enforced for only some of the patrons, notably ones of color who didn’t appear to be wealthy. We saw others who seemed to have more clout in velour tracksuits, regular t-shirts, and basic athletic shoes. No photography or online posting is allowed as well. This was confirmed by the cocktail waitress and our main server, but we were blinded by flash photography by the banquette in front of us as they sat on top of the banquette. The table to the left of us walked up to the stage and recorded the stage performance with flash on her phone. When we tried to take a photo of the birthday girl in our party, security threatened to confiscate our phones even with an explanation in person and on our reservation.  We witnessed a patron making a drug transaction in front of the waitstaff. Our server told us he was leaving for the night and brought someone else to our table. However, he never left. He simply no longer served us and served the other tables in the area, who were able to order regular menu entrees at midnight or later, even though we were cut off before 10:30pm. Upon receipt and review of the check, the server mentioned to the security personnel to watch us and he didn’t think we had enough money to pay for the bill. We were the only noticeably Black women in the entire establishment and were the only ones to be approached by security the entire time. People came and went out the side doors with no interference, or completely left their table paying their tab in cash before the server could verify the check was paid in full.