Las Vegas 2011 #1 - e by Jose Andres

Returned to Vegas this month with Brandy, but this time we joined my family.

I will share some of the highlights across a few posts, starting with our dinner at e by Jose Andres.

E is a super-secret 8-seat, one-room restaurant within a restaurant (Jaleo) in Vegas' new Cosmopolitan hotel. We were fortunate enough to obtain a reservation through a business acquaintance who formerly closely worked with Jose at ThinkFoodGroup and also Ferran Adria at el Bulli.

At e, you're able to interact directly with the chefs, who prepare most of the 20+ courses directly in front of your eyes in a (Japanese sushi/hibachi -style) bar-type setting with really quirky decor, supposedly representing an insane snapshot of Jose Andres' mind. My reservation confirmation was every bit accurate to call it a "show." The service is all handled by one "host" and the 4 chefs. The food was, well, amazing.

My only major complaint was actually the other diners! We unfortunately dined with people that give "foodie" the bad connotation it has. I genuinely believe a couple of folks were there just to have a bad time. I am not sure why they spent the time and money they did just to complain. It really put a dark cloud on the dinner, as it was impossible to ignore them, having only 7 people at an 8-person table in one room with essentially no music. They were real assholes.

Regardless, between e, Jose's Made in Spain on PBS, and more, Jose Andres is easily my favorite food personality right now, and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience.

Now, a few snapshots....

Jose's Gin and Tonic

The best!

Spanish "Clavel" and Caramelized Pork Rinds

Yes, an edible flower served on an actual mold of Jose's hand!

Crispy Chicken Skin in Escabeche

Amazing!

Jose Taco & Artichoke with Caviar

The "taco" is Iberico ham with caviar - so good!

"Sandria"

Sangria soaked and compressed watermelon

Ajo Blanco

A marcona almond soup - the best dish of the night!

Chickpea Stew with Iberico Ham

Those aren't real chickpeas - they are pureed chickpeas with Iberico Ham reformed as chickpeas - so porky, rich and amazing

Catch of the Day

Fluke, I think. Awesome.

Rosemary Wild Mushrooms in Papillote

Morels cooked in rosemary infused liquid cooked in a pouch. To die for. Morels are so excellent.

Secreto of Iberico Ham

Iberico Ham sirloin? with chanterelles. This gave the best steak ever a run for its money.

Apples & Red Wine "Fredy Giradet"

Watch Jose Andres' "Made in Spain" on PBS and look for this dish. It is sooo good. The apples are soaked in red wine.

Like I said, crazy decor.

Wine glass rack. The car catalogue is supposed to represent Jose's brain.

Prep area