Sin City is home to a lot of restaurants and bars, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Las Vegans aren't unearthing. To help guide us to these potential discoveries, we've enlisted some of our city's food players to share their recommendations for a weekly feature dubbed Dining Confidential. Know a chef who wants to share some top dining spots? The tipline is open.
Todd Harrington [Photo: Chelsea McManus]
It's been about a year since Eater Vegas last checked in with Todd Harrington on his favorite restaurants in Las Vegas. The chef behind Central Michel Richard at Caesars Palace runs a 24-hour operation, a gig he's held since Richard opened the restaurant. Here he shares three different restaurants he enjoys when he's not working.
Where do you enjoy eating when you're not working at your own restaurant?
Marché Bacchus is a great place that I can take my wife to for lunch or dinner. It's got a great feel as soon as you walk in. It's almost like everyone is a VIP there. It's also a great place to shop for wine before dinner. They always have such personal service and it's always nice to visit an industry friend like Dave Middleton.
Honey Salt is a non-pretentious place to go with exceptional food and a kick-back attitude. The executive chef, Joe Zanelli, was my boss and mentor at an Encore Las Vegas before I came to Central. Vegas is such a small town and it's nice to see familiar faces no matter where you go.
Andre's at the Monte Carlo is a guaranteed great meal. I have taken friends and family here many times when they come from Philly to visit Vegas. It's just a sure thing. There's also some more history here as well, in 2012, the executive chef of Andre's, Chris Bulen, and I battled at the Back of House Brawl at Tommy Rocker's. It was good fun and a memorable experience for me.
What dishes are most memorable?
?Marche Bacchus has an ever-changing menu, which I love, but the last time I went, I had the duck confit cassoulet (very authentic flavors) and the wife had the scallop entrée. Both were very good.
Honey Salt has two amazing dishes, the first being the fried chicken sandwich I had for lunch, and the second was the homemade meatballs.
Andre's had venison that was extremely good. I am from Philadelphia and grew up with venison on the weekly menu during hunting season.
Why do you enjoy going there? ?
Marche Bacchus is kind of a "hidden" place that isn't overrun with every day clientele. I feel that it almost attracts foodies. That alone, makes me happy to return.
Honey Salt just opened a few months ago and it already has created such a good name for itself. And it's always packed with industry people. You can tell that the love is definitely in the food there.
Andre's is a special occasion restaurant that can never disappoint. You can never go wrong with a sure thing.
· All Coverage of Central Michel Richard [~ELV~]
· All Dining Confidentials [~ELV~]
