{Travel} é by josé andrés (Las Vegas)

The best dinner and show in Vegas!

Jeff had never been to Las Vegas before, so when I had a work trip scheduled, I was delighted that he could join me. And since we always try to travel around food experiences, he researched and learned about é by josé andrés. This is an intimate restaurant within a restaurant (Jaleo) right on the strip in the Cosmopolitan hotel. The dinner was a wonderful display of creativity and for us, having never been to minibar by josé andrés, a fantastic example of molecular gastronomy.

Theatrics aside, the food tasted incredible. And the experience itself had that touch of magic.

The Golden Tickets

With only 8 seats available for each of the 2 dinner seatings, é is a difficult, but not impossible reservation to make.  Exactly one month prior to the date we wanted, we factored in the time difference (they're on PST) and emailed the restaurant (reserve@ebyjoseandres.com). We got an automated email to confirm that our email was received. Then during the next business day, we got an email saying we have 2 seats available but can only reserve it by completing, signing, and scanning/faxing a form (which included dietary restrictions and credit card number). Once we scanned and emailed the signed form, we got another email confirming our reservation. The tough part was now over. And yes, despite this process, the dinner was well worth it. 

Making the Gin and Tonic (top pics); Spanish "Clavel", Beet Jewelry, Caramelized Pork Rinds (bottom pics)

Apple "Brazo de Gitano" (surprisingly savory); Nitro Almond Cup (with caviar)

Crispy Chicken Skin in Escabeche; Jose taco; Oliva Sferica Ferran Adria (olive); Bocata de "Calamares" (melt in your mouth uni)

Cava Sangria (Watermelon Sangria)

Artichoke "Puree" with Vanilla (and shaved black truffles)

Lobster with Citrus & Jasmine

Chickpea Stew with Iberico Ham

Turbot with Bone Marrow (and coffee grinds)

Rosemary Wild Mushrooms in Papillote

Secreto of Iberico Pork with Squid

Orange Pith Puree La Serena

Flan

Crunchy Pan con Chocolate; Arroz con Leche

Fizzy Paper; 25 Second Bizcocho; Air Chocolates

Jose Andres Gin and Tonic (gifted to us by our fellow diners who were full from their drink pairing) has a perfect spherical ice cube; Book carrying the bill and the sealed menu to take home

Since the tasting menu changes all the time, we thought it was best to show you what we ate without going into too much detail. The flavors and textures of every dish surprised us with delight.  The tasting menu is $160/person before tax and tip. The drink pairing is an additional $105 ($65 for non-alcoholic pairing). The whole experience was well worth it, putting this dinner amongst our most favorite dining adventures.