Presentation is everything

23 floors into the Las Vegas sky line, a secret book opens to reveal a host of oriental delights

Indulge me for a moment. This is an explosive start. An example of how a simple set of Oriental ingredients can be transformed into a fairy tale.

Mandarin bar, Las Vegas serves a simple rice paper roll in a tangy mint, mango and pineapple sauce, within which hides a lobster, salmon, cucumber and carrot combination. The platter, concealed inside a book adds a sense of wonderment, opening a treasure trove to reveal a vibrant dish that teases all of the senses.

The first in my collection of ‘best kept secrets’.

Mandarin Bar
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas
23rd Floor
2752 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas
Nevada USA

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/fine-dining/mandarin-bar/

The journey begins…

Over the cliff tops of Branscome towards my Sunday lunch

My fondest childhood memories seem to be consistent with a love of fresh food. Whether it was the anticipation of a hearty beach side Sunday lunch, earned by completing a gruelling but liberating 3 mile cliff top walk, or the fragrant scent of Thai Green Curry emanating from the family kitchen; I always did kick the trend of settling for the usual kids’ fayre of Turkey Dinosaurs, Chips and Peas.

Inspired by my father’s cooking, my experiences of fine to far from fine dining, and my own developing culinary expertise; I hope to take my readers on a journey through the very best restaurants, recipes and best kept secrets across the South of England and beyond. It won’t be all plain sailing…my critique pulls no punches and drives straight to the heart of what we all look for from that first bite…’Wow’.

Simplicity is best. I’ll be looking for the greatest examples of how a simple and fresh set of ingredients can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece.