Jaleo, Las Vegas

Jaleo is one of the restaurants led by chef José Andrés in Las Vegas, where I was recently for a business trip.  

"Housed within The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, this Jaleo destination is reimagined to include the excitement and spectacle of The Strip. The centerpiece is the Paella Grill, an open-fire wood grill specially designed to cook paellas in the authentic Spanish way and one of only three in the world. The menu features all of the traditional classics, while being prepared and presented in the exciting way that Las Vegas is known for. No matter how many times you’ve been to our DC-area locations, you’re bound to be surprised at Jaleo Las Vegas."

I've loved the playful nature and delicious bites I've had from his other restaurants (ZOMG, the foie gras cotton candy at Bazaar and seriously the best yogurt I've ever had in my life from Tres at the SLS Beverly Hills), so even though I had other dinner plans, I couldn't help but stop by for a takeout bite of one item that really caught my eye: a caviar cone!  I couldn't leave Las Vegas without getting one.

Entrance.

Jaleo is located inside the Cosmopolitan hotel, on the 3rd floor alongside a few other restaurants, above the food court area with the more casual places.  It is open to the walkway around, and has an inviting red interior.  There is also a bar off to one side with counter seating, which is where I ordered from for takeout.

Cono de caviar.  $15.

"A crispy cone of brik pastry filled with créme fraiche and caviar and topped with gold flakes."

This really was a tasty bite.  Ok, two bites, but it could be done in one if you didn't care to savor it.  

The cone was perfectly crisp, lightly sweet.  Filled with rich creme fraiche.  And yes, overflowing with caviar.  A great combo of textures (crispy, creamy) and flavors (rich, salty), and just a fun way to serve caviar, a slight spin on a classic offering.

I enjoyed it, but I did wish the tip of the cone was filled with caviar, sorta like a chocolate filled Drumstick, because the last bite was all just cone and creme fraiche, and it would be even better to have that last bite be a more complete one.  **** still though, and I'd gladly get another.

Cones are also available with eggplant/red pepper/anchovy, or sobrasada/goat cheese/honey, or tuna tartar/whipped avocado, all of which sound perfectly reasonable, but, why get one of those, when caviar is an option?  Vegas, baby!