7. Pamplemousse

So this is a long review, but I like details about why something was good or not, so I thought others might too. My fiancé brought me here for Valentine’s Day, and I must say we had a good time—in spite of the restaurant. The food was hit-and-miss. The salad was two slices of tomato, each topped with a slice of moz, a tiny sliver of olive, a sprinkling of greens, and a rather bland balsamic vinaigrette. Making tomatoes the main component of a dish in February is always a mistake, and, as expected, they were under-ripe and flavorless. The actual appetizers were very good—or at least they would have been had they been served hot. We both had a puff pastry with a creamy sauce (mine was mushroom and his was seafood) and it had great flavor, but cold cream sauce is not delicious. The main course was VERY good—really the only saving grace (thank heaven—or we might have gotten grumpy). My fiancé had a rack of lamb, one of his favorite choices when we go out, and he said it was the best he’s had. I had a duck breast in a raspberry-cranberry sauce. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce was awesome—not too sweet and with a kick of heat. The sides were ok—asparagus, potato balls, and another out-of-season tomato this time with a greasy bread crumb topping—but they were the same side for every dish. I understand that restaurants try to limit the menu because of the number of diners, but I thought that was poorly done (particularly for $70 a plate). My dessert was TERRIBLE. I had a ginger crème brulee, but the custard was curdled so it was lumpy and separating. The fiancé’s profiterole was good though. I had wine with dinner, a Malbec, not good. The service was really the terrible part. We were greeted at the door with mass confusion. There were lots of people there and about three of them talked to us, but no one seemed to know who was responsible for seating us. We were given the worst seat in the house (against the wall, next to the main walkway, and under the speaker)—unlucky, but I guess someone has to sit there. We had three different servers at first, then I think the head waiter took over our table (he was in a suit and seemed to be in charge). I was given a drink because I wanted wine, but didn’t take my fiancé’s order. We had to stop the bread guy and ask him to get fiancé a glass of iced tea. Our waiter brought his tea along with a used sugar bowl—it had empty packets and only sweet and low left. When my dessert was curdled I pushed it to the side and my date was nice enough to share his dessert, and our waiter saw but didn’t say anything. Then he came and took my fiancé’s empty dish but left mine, without speaking to us. Then he wouldn’t take my dish or make eye contact, despite the fact that he walked by a million times and was really obtrusive during the whole beginning of the meal. Finally, after 15 minutes or so, I went to the bathroom so he could finally take my plate—and sure enough he did. The restaurant did give each lady a red rose, which was a nice touch. Despite all my complaints, we had a great time and the main dish was actually very good. For a $70 a plate meal, I expect all the courses to be good—or at least not have obvious mistakes (served cold, out-of-season tomatoes, and curdled custard). Overall I got the impression that this is a restaurant that is resting on its laurels and not trying to get repeat customers.

Do not let the outside of this building fool you. The food is wonderful, the staff and decor is charming and warm. We plan to go back the next time we are in Vegas