This Holiday Season, It’s a Matter of Taste at The Forum Shops

 

 A MATTER OF TASTE

 
Bite-Sized Morsels and Tasty Tidbits from the Restaurants at The Forum Shops at Caesars in
Las Vegas
 
December 2011
 
In addition to being distinguished as one of the finest luxury shopping streets in the world, The Forum Shops at Caesars is long recognized for its eclectic collection of restaurants and unique eating options. With 12 eateries to choose from, dining at The Forum Shops is sure to satisfy your cravings this holiday season.
 
ENJOY WHAT’S CRACKIN’ AT JOE’S STONE CRAB THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
 
Just in time for cooler weather, Joe’s Stone Crab has recently rolled out its seasonal winter menu. As if you needed an excuse to indulge in delicious cold weather comforts, now you have one. Stop by Joe’s Stone Crab and order up one of their seasonal fish dishes including the tender Maple Glazed Salmon with green apple, celery root and hazelnuts, Parmesan Crusted Flounder, Arctic Char with pretzel crust and tarragon remoulade, or Chilean Seabass with miso glaze and bok choy. The hearty Pork Chop with cider glazed apples, cabbage and onions, is sure to hit the spot. What’s the perfect complement to any meal? Joe’s savory Wild Rice Pilaf or Ham and Peas Mac and Cheese. Top things off with one of Joe’s irresistible homemade pies – including the likes of Key Lime, Boston Cream, Old Fashioned Apple and Chocolate Fudge, or special seasonal Pumpkin Chiffon and Sweet Potato Pecan Pies – and your day just got that much sweeter.
 
Defined by a standard of hospitality and style born in the early 1900s, Joe’s offers a dining experience that is both comfortable and timeless. Located in the heart of Las Vegas on the Strip, Joe’s continues the legacy that began in Miami inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. Upon entering the multi-level restaurant, guests are welcomed by friendly tuxedo-clad staff, and every guest is sure to receive the kind of warm reception and caring service that has defined Joe’s for nearly a century.
 
The vast dining room boasts mahogany paneling, crisp tablecloths and elegant chandeliers creating a classic ambiance. The large and inviting full-service bar is an intimate, laid-back area filled with tall boy tables and comfortable bar stools – the perfect place for sipping on cocktails, taking in the big game or catching up with friends over a delicious bite. Looking to grab a quick lunch? Feast on all your favorite dishes in the café which is set in the lively Forum Shops.
 
As Las Vegas’ premier dining destination for prime steaks, the freshest seafood and world renowned Florida Stone Crab claws, Joe’s Stone Crab’s distinctive cuisine is nationally acclaimed. Whether you’re delighting in a night on the town, in-between a winning hand at the black jack table or simply want to enjoy a great meal, Joe’s Stone Crab provides the ideal setting. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.joes.net/las-vegas or call 702-792-9222.
 
Joe’s Stone Crab Ham and Peas Mac and Cheese
 
INGREDIENTS FOR MAC & CHEESE BECHAMEL:
1 ½ tsp                                      Clarified Butter
1 Tbl                                           Leeks, sliced
½ Tbl                                           Shallots, sliced
2 ½ Tbl                                       Butter, cut into pieces
2 Tbl                                           Flour
2 cups                                       Milk
1 each                                       Bay Leaf
Pinch                                         White Pepper
 
INGREDIENTS FOR HAM AND PEAS MAC & CHEESE:
2 cups                                       Medium Shell Pasta (cooked, reheated)
¼ cup                                         Country Ham, small dice (3/8”)
2 cups                                       Mac & Cheese Bechamel
½ cup                                         Aged White Cheddar Cheese, grated
2 Tbl                                           Peas
Pinch                                         Cornbread Crumbs
Pinch                                         Chopped Chives
 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAC & CHEESE BECHAMEL
Make the Roux: In a rondo, sweat the leeks and shallots over medium heat until soft. Do not brown. Add butter and melt. Add flour and stir with a spatula until smooth. Continue to cook the roux over low heat until a light blonde color, for approximately 5 minutes, scraping sides and bottom of pan with rubber spatula to prevent scorching.
 
In a separate pan, while the roux is cooking, heat milk over medium-high heat until just scalded (until it just begins to boil). Next, to make the Bechamel, slowly pour the scalded milk into the roux while mixing with a wire whip. Continue to mix until smooth and free of lumps. Then, bring to a simmer, using a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and bottom to prevent scorching. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, scraping sides and bottom frequently. Next, stir in the white pepper. Lastly, strain through fine chinois.
 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR HAM AND PEAS MAC & CHEESE
Brown the ham in a sauté pan until light brown on one side. Add Bechamel and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, and add hot pasta and cheese. Toss to mix. Transfer to gratin dish and sprinkle with cornbread crumbs. Bake in 450°F convection oven for 6 minutes, or until golden brown.
 
TO SERVE
Add a pinch of chopped chives.
 
 
 
The Forum Shops at Caesars Restaurants:
 
BOA Steakhouse  
BOA Steakhouse retains the finer qualities of the traditional American steakhouse, while boldly repackaging the concept with a sleek, modern design and a contemporary menu. Its menu celebrates twists on classics and over a dozen ways to dress the signature Prime Steaks.
 
Hours of Operation: Mon–Thu: 12:00 pm – 10:00pm, Fri-Sat: 12:00 pm – 11:30pm, Sun: 12:00 – 10:00 pm
Reservations or more information: (702) 733-7373 
 
The Cheesecake Factory
For more than 30 years The Cheesecake Factory has served more than just delicious food and cheesecakes, we helped our guests share lasting memories with family & friends. The Cheesecake Factory menu boasts more than 200 menu selections made fresh from scratch each day including Appetizers, Pastas, Seafood, Steaks, Salads, Sandwiches, and more.
 
Hours of operation: Mon-Thu: 10:00am – 11:30am, Fri-Sat: 10:00am – 12:30am, Sun: 10:00am – 12:30am
Reservations or more information: (702) 792-6888
 
Il Mulino New York
For more than two decades, chefs/founders Fernando and Gino Masci have delighted guests and gourmands from around the world with the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine and an absolute devotion to exemplary service. Il Mulino reflects the infectious enthusiasm and joy the Mascis take in bringing the Italian tradition of fine food and hospitality to your table. Simple, straightforward, wholesome and always fresh – it’s the Il Mulino tradition.
 
Hours of operation: Lunch, Mon-Sat: 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Dinner, Mon-Wed: 5:00pm – 10:30pm
Thu-Sat: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Reservations or more information: (702) 492-6000
 
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Joe’s serves freshly cracked Florida stone crab claws with its signature creamy mustard sauce; the menu also showcases fresh seafood flown in daily from around the world, including seasonal specialties such as Madagascar shrimp, Nantucket Cape scallops, and fresh Alaskan king crab and Copper River salmon. A meal at Joe’s would not be complete without a slice of its world-famous signature key lime pie.
 
Hours of operation: Sun-Thu: 11:30 am–10 pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30 am–11 pm 
Reservations or more information: (702) 792-9222
 
La Salsa Cantina
The Southwest is famous for its Mexican restaurants, and La Salsa Cantina is superb, Serving freshly-prepared, gourmet Mexican food. Also try the award-winning margaritas, featuring the original La Salsa Margarita by the Yard.
 
Hours of operation: Mon-Thu: 11:00am – 11:00pm, Fri-Sat: 11:00am – 12:00am, Sun: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Reservations or more information: (702) 735-8226
 
Max Brenner, Chocolate by The Bald Man
Chocolate is not just about taste; it also represents romance, sensuality and decadence. A worldwide phenomenon with a menu primarily made from chocolate, the brand new Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man recently debuted. Perfectly situated across from what will be North America’s largest H&M this winter, Max Brenner at The Forum Shops also holds the distinction of being the largest with two levels consisting of 9,400 square feet. 
 
Hours: Sun. through Thurs., 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Reservations: (702) 462-8790
 
P.J. Clarke’s 
After 125 years, New York’s most spirited bar and eatery, P.J. Clarke’s opens its first West Coast location at The Forum Shops at Caesars.  A landmark watering hole in the Big Apple, the eatery and saloon has been known for decades for its ambience and the high quality of the food served simply. Featuring timeless American fare, classic burgers, and bourbon, expect a raw bar with shrimp, lobster, oysters and Long Island clams on the half shell, chicken pot pie, fish and chips, baked macaroni and cheese with peas and bacon and Mile High Shrimp sandwiches.  And of course, Meyer beef from Montana’s Blackfoot River Valley, P.J. Clarke’s only supplier for its steaks and famous hamburgers.
 
Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Reservations: (702) 434-7900 
 
The Palm – Las Vegas
For over 80 Years, The Palm has been serving USDA Prime Aged Steaks, Jumbo Nova Scotia Lobsters, the freshest available Palm Fish and our own heritage Italian cuisine in a remarkable atmosphere of warm, genuine hospitality. The Palm is more that a restaurant… it’s a unique experience. Elegant Private Dining Rooms are available for all special events.
 
Hours of operation: Mon-Sun: 11:30am – 11:00pm
Reservations or more information: (702) 732-7256
 
Planet Hollywood
It is the dining experience inspired by the glamour and excitement of the big screen.  Planet Hollywood offers an extensive Hollywood memorabilia collection featuring props from blockbuster movies and classic TV shows, while the diverse menu offers guests’ favorites.  Exotic salads and award-winning burgers are only a few of the many signature flavors guests find, in addition to taking home a piece of Hollywood with the latest fashions and collectible souvenir gifts.
 
Hours: Sun. through Thurs., 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fri. through Sat., 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Reservations: (702) 791-7827
 
Spago
Acknowledged as the spark that ignited the Las Vegas culinary phenomenon, Spago is the preeminent trendsetter in cuisine, service and style — synonymous with fine food and celebrity clientele. Executive Chef Eric Klein’s menu features seasonal American cuisine with influences from around the world and trademark Wolfgang Puck touches.
 
Hours of operation: Mon-Thu: 11:00am – 11:00pm, Fri-Sat: 11:00am – 12:00am, Sun: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Reservations or more information: (702) 369-6300
 
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku is known for its fine contemporary sushi served in a sensual, sophisticated environment, with a menu that offers traditional sushi and sashimi with a splash of California innovation.
 
Hours of operation: Sun–Thu: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Fri-Sat: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Reservations or more information: (702) 733-7373
 
Trevi Italian Restaurant
Trevi Italian Restaurant is named after the most famous fountain in the world located in Italy. Trevi creates an Italian Brasserie that transports guests to the piazzas and streets of Rome.  The restaurant features café dining with elaborate street lamps surrounding a fountain and walk-up gelato/espresso bar.
 
Hours of operation: Mon – Thu: 11:00am – 12:00am, Fri- Sat: 11:00am – 1:00am, Sun: 11:00am – 12:00am
Reservations or more information: (702) 735-4663
 
 
 

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