When I first moved to Las Vegas I can’t tell you how many times I heard, “I remember when there was nothing past Rainbow.”
For locals, there is a certain amount of street credit to remembering where Vegas use to “stop” during its rapid growth over the past 2 decades. Now that I’ve lived here for 9 years, I too have my own stories and complaints, like all of the California license plates on the roads.
I’ve always said Las Vegas is an oasis. It is about how you want to see it and use it. Because of its reputation for having a lackluster frontage, I used to swear that I would not open a restaurant in a strip mall. But after 6 years of operating in one, I could not be happier. I’ve found that people who know how to use the city, will find you if the product is great. However, living in the desert, is like living on an island when it comes to food securing, it’s all about getting the product shipped here for the right price.
It’s not any easy place to operate and offer what some other major cities do at ease. As a chef and local resident, I know it can be difficult to understand the quality of a market’s product just by driving around town. Many great businesses in Las Vegas open and close without anyone noticing. Growing up in Northern California, I’m very particular about where my food comes from, and I want to know that the operator has passion for what they are selling.
In today's culture of big advertising, we are trained to think the little shop behind the 7-Eleven couldn't be that good. Las Vegas proves that notion wrong. We are the Wild West of new business, attracting people from all over the world due to Vegas' reputation for opportunity and growth. Now, I’d love to share some of my favorite finds.
If you eat meat, I find the best way to approach deciding what to cook for dinner, is to decide what will be the main protein. To accomplish this, I’d suggest stopping by newcomer, Featherblade Craft Butchery located at Durango and West Charleston. Open 7 days a week, Martin Kirrane and his team provide English style cuts of meats, vowing for responsible sourcing and transparency in all processes. Before moving to Las Vegas with his wife in 2019, Kirrane worked at top butcheries in London. What I love about Kirrane’s operation is you have the opportunity to talk directly to him when deciding what to cook. Let Kirrane or his staff know what you are looking to cook and let them guide you to exactly what you want or maybe something you’ve never heard of. They can also provide cooking suggestions, or you can pick up something pre-marinated that’s ready to hit the grill. It’s a beautiful thing to build a relationship with your local butcher. You can go down a journey of education and understand everything about where the meat came from to how to serve it. You truly get a sense of the love for the craft when you walk through Featherblade’s door. I suggest trying one of their dry-aged roasts.
Now that you have your meat, head down Durango until you get to Zaytoon Restaurant and Market. Zaytoon is the oldest Persian restaurant in Las Vegas and is run by multiple generations of an Iranian family. Their food has been featured in publications across the country from The New York Times to the Los Angeles Times. If you need lunch while you shop, I suggest the Koobideh Kabob plate with half rice and half salad. Just to the left of the cafe, you will see isles of imported spices and groceries from all parts of the world such as Turkish pistachios, baklava, and pita. Be sure to see the large selection of soft cheeses and delicious preserves. I also love to buy my produce here because they always have a variety of unique things and fresh herbs, and friendly staff is always available to answer any questions.
If you’re more of an adventurous person, I suggest making the time to head to Gilcrease Orchard by the 215 Las Vegas Beltway and U.S. Highway 95. They have limited hours for shopping, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but it’s worth the effort. This is a working farm and a staple herd in town. Experience this family friendly getaway, while also getting some sunshine and good-for-the-soul direct from farm shopping. Since they only sell what they grow, availability is very seasonal. During the summer and fall months you can enjoy all kinds of squash, cucumbers, melons, peaches and fresh apple cider for low prices and the freshest quality. Wear some comfortable closed-toed shoes and bring some water so you can enjoy the full experience and maybe pick some of your own fruit. This is truly a unique experience in the Las Vegas Valley.
If you are in the mood to cook an Asian-inspired meal for dinner, visit the Japan Creek Market just off the 215 and Eastern. Still fairly new, it has become the premiere Japanese market in Las Vegas. From kabocha squash to sweet mochi, this place has it all. It takes a little time to walk through and understand the difference in some products, but they are the only people in Las Vegas to carry Meiji tofu, which is a non-GMO, single sourced tofu from Los Angeles. If you’re in the mood to keep things raw, I suggest their portioned sashimi quality fish. You need to slice it when you get home, but it makes for a fun dinner with the family. There are not many places I would buy fish for raw consumption in town, but this is one that has been great for me. Always shop with your eyes! If it doesn’t look good, it probably isn’t.
Lastly, it’s time to pick up a treat on the way home. For this, I highly recommend MG Patisserie on Rainbow and Sunset. Master Pastry Chef, Michael Gillet owns and operates this magical place, filled with every pastry you can imagine. Former Executive Pastry Chef for Caesars and Station Casinos, Gillet has brought his passion from his French upbringing to Las Vegas. Open every day, except Monday, you can grab morning items like almond croissants or apple Danishes. If you’re a nighttime sweets person, I suggest the individual tiramisu or the mini fruit tarts. You can’t go wrong with anything here, so follow your instincts and be sure to get a variety for everyone to share. Insider tip - get there early because when he runs out, he’s out.
With Las Vegas being one of the fastest growing cities in the country, we are constantly becoming more diverse in our community and dining needs. You may have just moved here or lived here since Durango drive was just a pile of dirt, but this city is reinventing itself daily.
I encourage you to take the leap of faith of opening some doors and seeing what this city has to offer because you may be passing the best thing you’ve never had.
Dan Krohmer is the owner of Other Mama restaurant, regularly named one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas. He has been a chef for nearly 25 years and was recognized as a 2019 James Beard finalist for Best Chef SW and Eater’s 2017 Las Vegas Chef of the Year.