How's the Food at Carbone?

Have you been waiting to dine at Carbone at Aria? Al Mancini calls it “[a] truly exceptional dining experience [that] begins well before you take your first bite of food, and remains with you well after you’ve left the building, in the telling and re-telling about the meal.” But not all is perfect. While saying it’s “one of the most memorable dining experiences in town,” he says two of the most important features were a let down. His captain failed to walk him through the menu and dishes weren’t prepared table side. Among the dishes he tried, he called the tortellini al ragu “just a little bland” and the spaghetti Julian “the most interesting take on spaghetti I’ve ever had” with its Santa Barbara uni. Just be sure to ask about the back story on that one. He didn’t like the way the meatballs were spiced but he would be willing to feed his “ octogenarian aunt” the veal parmesan. [Vegas Seven]

After what seems like a long absence, Jim Begley returns to check out the kosher Aníse Tapas & Grill. He recommends the shawarma dishes that include an “outstanding” hummus con carne, stuffed mushrooms and fajitas as well as the moussaka sliders topped with harissa, tzatziki and fried Japanese eggplant. “Given the propensity of yarmulkes during recent visits, it’s obvious the local Jewish community has taken notice.” [LVW]

Brock Radke checks in at Anchor Bar at the Venetian to see if the wings there are worth the hype. “If I was a hotel guest finishing up a late night of Vegas partying with the squad, I’d be awfully tempted to grab a bucket of 50 ($60) and forget about late-night room service.” [LVW]