Ep 12. Las Vegas

In season 1 episode 12 of The Zimmern List, host Andrew Zimmern takes us on a food-filled adventure through Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling casinos, Las Vegas is also a top food destination with a variety of cuisines and unique culinary experiences.

Zimmern starts his journey at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where he visits Wicked Spoon, a buffet-style restaurant with an impressive spread of international dishes. He samples everything from fresh seafood to hand-rolled sushi and even macaroni and cheese made with truffle oil.

Next, Zimmern makes his way to Esther’s Kitchen, a cozy Italian-American restaurant in the Downtown Arts District. He can’t resist trying the restaurant’s signature dish, the polenta board which is served with a variety of toppings like wild mushrooms and ragu di cinghiale (wild boar).

Zimmern’s next stop takes him to Lotus of Siam, a renowned Thai restaurant on the outskirts of the city. The restaurant has been recognized by several food critics, including Jonathan Gold of the Los Angeles Times, for its authentic and flavorful cuisine. He tries dishes like khao soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup, and nam kao tod, a crispy rice dish with sour pork sausage.

The host then visits one of the most popular food destinations in Las Vegas - the Strip. He starts at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, a French restaurant with three Michelin stars. Here he tries the restaurant’s famous truffle langoustine ravioli and enjoys the lively atmosphere of the open kitchen.

Zimmern then heads to Momofuku Las Vegas, a modern Asian restaurant located inside the Cosmopolitan. He eats the restaurant’s signature pork belly bao, a steamed bun filled with tender and flavorful pork belly, and orders the restaurant's famous roasted rice cakes with pork sausage and Chinese broccoli.

Finally, Zimmern wraps up his Las Vegas food tour with a visit to Spago, a restaurant owned by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. Here he tries the restaurant’s wood-fired pizza with roasted vegetables and mushroom ragu, as well as Puck’s famous smoked salmon pizza.

Overall, the episode showcases the diversity and quality of the Las Vegas dining scene. Zimmern’s picks range from high-end restaurants to more casual spots, all of which offer unique and delicious dishes. The episode is a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Las Vegas and looking to experience the city’s incredible food culture.