As a former restaurant owner, restaurant consultant and someone involved in the hospitality industry for 50 years, it is always exciting to discover a dining gem.
This is the case with Vintners Grill, a real winner tucked away in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin. The service was extraordinary, with our waiter, Edward, demonstrating complete knowledge of every item on the menu. My fellow guests have an assortment of food allergies and sensitivities, and unlike so many other restaurants, these personal needs not only presented no problem, but we’re all addressed seamlessly.
The food matched the high bar set by our server. Crispy Calimari escorted by a sweet and tangy curried tip started the meal in good fashion. The silky parsnip soup with goat cheese crumbles, walnuts and micro greens was a unique and satisfying bowl.
Entrees were impeccable. The quality of the proteins was exemplary. The prime, dry aged beef, cooked a perfect medium rare was everything a great steak is advertised to be. I had the bone in ribeye and my son-in-law had the NY strip. At no extra charge, the kitchen happily allowed us sides of a crimini mushroom sauce, green peppercorn sauce and balsamic glaze. Each of these sauces made my palate celebrate. My daughters sea bass and my wife’s diver scallops were also cooked expertly, their texture and taste subtle and charming to the tooth and tongue.
Just when we thought we had reached the heights of satisfaction, we were overcome with delight by the desserts we ordered. Having eaten Creme brûlée prepared so unremarkably by so many, we normally don’t order it anymore. Breaking that pattern turned out to be a lucky choice. I’ve never had better. The custard was rich in vanilla flavor and the ideal consistency of creamy. The counterpoint of the caramelized sugar crust helped make this sweet repast flawless. No less exciting were the cappuccino tiramisu, escorted by a whipped dollop of marscapone and fresh sprig of mint, the upside down apple cake and the cool and luscious pear sorbet topped with fresh blackberry. The coffee served in French press was robust and delicious even drunk black.
The girls are allergic to alcohol, so I am afraid I can’t offer first hand knowledge of the alcoholic beverages. However the wine list was well chosen.
It should be mentioned that the prelude to the meal was a tray of fresh breads and rolls. The bread lover I am, all 5 choices were tried and enjoyed with fresh butters adorned by infused oils. The waiter’s assistant, Carlos, efficiently dashed to the kitchen to obtain plain fresh butter for the members of the party with food sensitivities. Our water glasses remained filled throughout the meal and the service was a mix of friendliness and subtlety we really appreciated.
Las Vegas has no shortage of fine restaurants, but this meal is the equal of any I’ve had. The price of this experience was reasonable and a good deal less than I’ve paid for much less inviting dining experiences. Writing this review makes me wish I were dining there again, this...
Read moreI tried this restaurant for the first time ~6 years ago for a dinner event and although I don't recall what I ordered, I do remember that the food, service, and atmosphere were outstanding. I kept this restaurant on my special list to return for a second time because I wanted to revisit this place with only my family so I could have a quieter and more personable setting. After years have passed, the day had finally arrived; my family and I visited Vintner Grill (VG) on 30 May 2024.
When we walked in, we were greeted very nicely by the hostess and were escorted to our table once she confirmed (and we validated) our reservation. Our table/booth was very comfortable; as you sit there, you can't help but notice the beautiful décor this restaurant has, along with the relaxing and clean feel it provides. Sitting in the back of the restaurant definitely has a different feel to it compared to sitting towards the entrance (that's where we were during my initial visit to VG). Our server, Eldifonso, did a remarkable job throughout the evening which is always appreciative since a restaurant experience is always a total package deal (food quality/quantity and service). He was personable, attentive, and very efficient; thank you, Eldifonso.
Throughout the evening, we ordered the Classic Old Fashioned (w/Four Roses Bourbon), Pearfection, glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and Coke for our drinks; Crab Cakes and Caesar Salad for appetizer; Halibut, Sea Bass, and Crab Ravioli for our main entrées; Lava Cake, Créme Brûlée, and Carrot Cake for dessert. To start, the majority of the drinks were superb; it was the first time I tried an Old Fashioned with Four Roses. Needless to say, it won't replace my favorite bourbon, but it was still magnificent. The Pearfection was only ok; you couldn't really taste the pear flavor at all - mostly the lemon (or lime). Appetizers were wonderful and whereas some folks may have complained about not having enough dressing on the Caesar Salad, I thought it was perfect since I'm not one of those that has a "salad with my salad dressing." The main entrées were hands-down superb, and the desserts provided us pure bliss!
The prices are very reasonable considering the quality, quantity, service, atmosphere, and restaurant location. I like the idea that this is hidden away from the main street to which you would never know it existed unless you conduct a Google search of nearby restaurants in that area, or happen to be at one of the businesses close by. This restaurant does not disappoint - I highly recommend VG to all locals...
Read moreSeptember 10, 2023
Since opening in 2006, we have been loyal patrons of Vintner Grill as our go-to restaurant for special occasions and treating visitors from out of town, as well as just a fine place to go for a consistently great meal surrounded by lovely décor.
To celebrate my husbands’ birthday and our anniversary, which are four days apart, we booked a table for last night. Upon arriving we were greeted, and I use that term very loosely, but an unfriendly hostess, who had a gentlemen seat us at a table near the bar.
After we were seated, we realized that friends who we hadn’t seen for a long time were at the bar, so naturally we got up to speak with them. After no more than 30 seconds greeting and hugging our friends, the unhappy hostess rushed over and yelled at us to clear the area immediately, as though we were blocking a fire exit or something.
The reprimanding way she spoke to us didn’t sit too well, especially with my husband, who asked to speak to the manager. The waiter pointed out who it was, and we recognized him as the man who had seated us. Our friend that was dining with us had seen the manager guzzling down a large glass of wine in plain sight of the customers after our arrival, which struck him as odd.
Once the manager finished up what he was doing he came to our table, and my husband told him what happened and how rude the hostess was, and that he was so upset he felt like getting up and walking out. The manager appeared to be listening, but the look on his face was one of complete uninterest. When the explanation was finished, the managers’ response was “If that would make you feel better that’s what you should do”.
The three of us looked at each other in disbelief that this was his solution to the situation, so we got up and left.
To try to salvage the rest of the evening, we went to Hawthorn Grill located in the JW Marriott, where we were greeted with a smile and enthusiasm, even though we didn’t have a reservation. We then experienced a fantastic evening of great food and service. Our waiter had noticed that there was a birthday card on the table and brought my husband a special dessert for the occasion.
We still aren’t sure why some of the main staff at Vintner Grill act like someone peed in their Cheerios that morning, but I would suggest the owners find out what is making them so miserable. I find it sad that after nearly two decades, Vintner Grill is off our list, but at least we have Hawthorn Grill for those times we need to treat ourselves...
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