Las Vegas: China Poblano

 

Before the Black Keys concert in Vegas a couple of weekends ago, we descended upon China Poblano for eats. The five of us ordered a slew of dishes and it was great fun delving into both a Chinese and Mexican menu by Jose Andres.

While we looked over the cocktails list, we ordered queso fundito for the table. My goodness, there was very little of it. A mere single layer of cheese. For those who enjoy wacky sized portions, this may not be ideal.

I ordered the Mai Taiwan, supposedly a fun variation on a traditional mai tai. While it wasn’t bad per se, there was an odd fruit flavor I just couldn’t place. The orchid is edible.

The tacos were the best thing I ate this night. The carnitas tacos came with little puffs of pork rinds.

Both the siu mai and har gow were tiny and mushy. I would not order these again, no matter how fancy the gold leaf is on the siu mai.

I didn’t get the dan dan noodles. There was no discernible peanut flavor but they were super spicy. They’re no Chaun Yu Noodle Town dan dan mian, for sure!

I did enjoy the vegetables; the dancing eggplant and the lotus root with pea sprouts (Nice, but Naughty) were great but I have heard Chef Jose Andres has a thing for veggies.

The next set of courses were more in line of what I think of for Chef Jose Andres. The shrimp with celery were delicate and I liked the quail dish (Like Water for Chocolate). The scallop ceviche was a bit odd to me but it was a nice presentation and way of having it (popping it off the key lime).

The fruit (Gaspacho Morelia) featured chunks of pineapple, cucumber, jicama, dragon fruit, queso fresco and chile pequin. I didn’t try it but my friend said it was just like the fruit from street vendors.

Overall, I wouldn’t mind trying another Jose Andres restaurant but I think I’ll stick with the Latin/ Spanish food.

China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan

3708 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 651-2432