Jaleo - Tapas by Chef Jose Andres

To further my fangirl status for Chef Jose Andres, my family and I went to Chef Andres's other Las Vegas restaurant, Jaleo. Jaleo is also located in the new Cosmopolitan Hotel. It has traditional Spanish tapas with Chef Andres's touch.

The design of the restaurant is open and inviting. We were so fortunate to get the coolest table in the house - the foosball dining table! As soon as we were seated, we were given the ball to play throughout our meal. (Read more about the table in the pictures below.)

The food is delicious, inspiring, and awesome. Andres manages to retain the essence of traditional Spanish tapas while integrating his playfulness. The tapas become even tastier than the traditional ones because of how he can enhance flavors and textures and use excellent ingredients. Plus, his presentation of tapas makes you want to order more and more plates to see how they'll come out. Unfortunately, our one disappointment was the presentation of the paella (simply on a plate). The next time I'm back in Vegas, I need to go back to see if they'll improve on that. Plus, it's a great excuse to eat more of his food.

His playful personality really comes out in his food. What a cool, fun, chef! Really, let's be BFFs, Chef!

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about each picture.

Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slide show here.

China Poblano - Chinese & Mexican Cuisine Fused Together by Chef Jose Andres

You know a restaurant is pretty amazing when it instantly becomes one of your favorite places halfway through the meal. That's exactly the experience I had at Chef Jose Andres's new restaurant in Las Vegas, China Poblano.

China Poblano mixes Chinese cuisine and Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is brightly decorated with both cultures. There is a dumpling/steaming side of the restaurant, and a taco side of the restaurant. The menu has both Chinese and Mexican items, and a fusion of selections..including some extremely awesome tacos. Plus, I had one of the coolest and one of the tastiest margaritas I've come across. The price can get pretty high if you order a lot like my family, but you have to keep in mind this is a hotel restaurant and by a celebrity chef.

Jose Andres has skyrocketed to be my number one favorite chef at the moment. His food is vibrant, delicious, and fun. And, he has trained his staff to be friendly and personable, much like his TV and Twitter personality.

Does anyone know if there is an application form to petition to be Jose Andres's BFF (Best Friend Forever)?? If you know, please please let me in the know! I would like to petition my parents, brothers, and myself to all be his BFFs.

Place your cursor above "Notes" to read more about each photo.

Check out my Flickr album if you can't see the slide show here.