Two happy girls on a champagne campaign.
One of the best parts about living in Las Vegas for a foodie like me is that so many food and wine festivals come through town. The Food & Wine All-Star Weekend did not disappoint — especially the decadent champagne tasting at Bar Masa. From start to finish, it was truly one of the best events I’d ever been to! The menu was ridiculous, and we got to sit with who-ever we wanted. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. We had a blast!
But who cares about the company (kidding) when surrounded by all of this food and amazing champagne!
The tasting started at 3 pm at Aria’s Bar Masa, by the famed Chef Masa Takayama, who introduced all of his dishes himself. Chef Masa’s restaurant is known for stark minimalist decor and the freshest fish. An average MGM comp (comps are an entire Las Vegas side culture I can’t get into right now) doesn’t even cover dinner at his NYC restaurant, or much at Bar Masa for that matter. This man knows his way around five-star cuisine. As we sat down, I immediately knew this was my kind of party. Look at the settings!
The second course: toro caviar. How some people claim they don’t love caviar is crazy to me — I think it is the most magical thing! Did I mention that Chef Masa’s cohost was Top Chef’s Gail Simmons. It was an amazing afternoon!
The pairing? A champagne I had never, ever tasted before: Angel. The bubbly is made with three varieties of grape, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, from the French vineyards of the highest level. Plus, the bottle was gorgeous! It even had a velvet finish on the neck.
The next course was a surprise moment of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. While the gold-flaked trigger fish is to thank for how photogenic the dish was, it was the kick of truffle that took the dish to the next level.
The food was so good that we were silent as we ate. Anyone who loses her- or himself to a good meal knows what I mean!
The only thing better than Angel champagne? Angel Platinum!
The “surprise” final course? Two things I don’t usually care for: ice-cream and coffee. But when at the hands of a culinary genius, I felt nothing but excitement. The first bite of Chef Masa’s truffle ice-cream was something I will never forget, followed by the most delicious espresso. This definitely took dining up to the next level!
Vegas, you’ve been an adventure lately. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Abby
Latest posts by Abby (see all)
- Big house, tiny private beach: girls’ weekend in Costa Rica - May 21, 2013
- Daydream of the Week: Sunny Beach Bulgaria - May 15, 2013
- Top five sushi restaurants in Las Vegas - May 9, 2013
Subscribe via RSS
4 Comments
Looks pretty good… maybe that’s the side of Vegas I should check out!
Ugh my dream meal! Caviar is the best of the best!!!!!!! You look so pretty!
Lindsay, you do know it is now my goal in life to get you back to Vegas!
Andi, you BELONGED there… it was my dream meal, too!
Oh my lands!! What a fantastic array of deliciousness.
You have the BEST culinary adventures. 