Michael Mina’s Pub 1842 at the
MGM Grand in Las Vegas
|
|
By Michael Hepworth
In the summer of 2013, Michael Mina replaced his Seablue restaurant at the MGM Grand with his version of an upscale gastropub. The results are a spacious and relaxing area that serves gargantuan portions of well prepared food ranging from fairly moderate to high prices. The standard classic rock style music plays in the background and is accompanied by a large craft beer list and a fairly comprehensive cocktail selection all priced at $13. The wine list is compact enough with about thirty to choose from and is uniformly priced at $65. Six wines are available by the glass, including one dessert wine from Portugal.
The extensive beer menu includes some hard to find English selections, as this is the celebrity chef’s take on a British pub and apparently he is not the only one who loves the concept. On a good night I have heard that up to 900 people walk through the doors.
The menu is also carefully constructed and just about the right size with eight snacks and bites, seven appetizers and six salads. Burgers and sandwiches offer five choices and steaks that are wood-fired include skirt, rib eye, New York and filet. There are also ribs and barbecue including St.Louis style, offered in either half-rack or full, but the main entrees are rather limited in scope.
Mina has assembled a lively team to run the place and is led by manager Tricia Murtaugh and although her visits are infrequent, I understand she was fairly hands on in setting everything up. Service is brisk and very smooth, and there is also a chef who ensures that everything leaving the kitchen is exactly as it should be.
In the summer of 2013, Michael Mina replaced his Seablue restaurant at the MGM Grand with his version of an upscale gastropub. The results are a spacious and relaxing area that serves gargantuan portions of well prepared food ranging from fairly moderate to high prices. The standard classic rock style music plays in the background and is accompanied by a large craft beer list and a fairly comprehensive cocktail selection all priced at $13. The wine list is compact enough with about thirty to choose from and is uniformly priced at $65. Six wines are available by the glass, including one dessert wine from Portugal.
The extensive beer menu includes some hard to find English selections, as this is the celebrity chef’s take on a British pub and apparently he is not the only one who loves the concept. On a good night I have heard that up to 900 people walk through the doors.
The menu is also carefully constructed and just about the right size with eight snacks and bites, seven appetizers and six salads. Burgers and sandwiches offer five choices and steaks that are wood-fired include skirt, rib eye, New York and filet. There are also ribs and barbecue including St.Louis style, offered in either half-rack or full, but the main entrees are rather limited in scope.
Mina has assembled a lively team to run the place and is led by manager Tricia Murtaugh and although her visits are infrequent, I understand she was fairly hands on in setting everything up. Service is brisk and very smooth, and there is also a chef who ensures that everything leaving the kitchen is exactly as it should be.
|
The 1842 Nachos ($16) is a dish that is more than enough for three people and a good option to kick off a meal here. Heritage pork chili, cheddar, black bean & jicama relish and pickled fresno peppers spice up this version just right. Ahi Tuna Poke ($18) comes with avocado shrimp crackers and butter lettuce, and unfortunately did not last on the plate long enough to give it justice.
One of the specialties of the house is the Michael Mina Tomato Bisque Soup ($18) with lobster grilled cheese and is considered a bit of a signature dish from the high-profile chef. |
|
I also sampled the 1842 Burger ($19) with caramelized onions, mushrooms and truffle aioli—the all natural American beef used makes this a stand out. The fish tacos ($24) come three on a plate and includes sweet & sour cabbage, chipotle aioli and pico de gallo. The fish, which I believe was cod, was as fresh as you can get and like the burger is pretty much a meal in itself.
I did go in on a quiet Monday at lunchtime, so cocktail consumption was limited but I enjoyed the Iceberg Slim (Plymouth gin, fresh lemon, velvet falernum and basil) which was reasonably priced at $13. All of the carbonated drinks are created in house and the ice-cubes are infused with hibiscus.
The best bets on the wine list would appear to be the 2010 Pinot Noir from MoMo Vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand, or the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc from J.Christopher in Willamette Valley, Oregon. However, if you have had a good day in the casino you might want to splurge a bit on some wine from the secret cellar with prices from $92 up to $311. That includes champagne Eglu-Ouriet ($211) and Jean Vesselle ($139) from France.
www.michaelmina.net
I did go in on a quiet Monday at lunchtime, so cocktail consumption was limited but I enjoyed the Iceberg Slim (Plymouth gin, fresh lemon, velvet falernum and basil) which was reasonably priced at $13. All of the carbonated drinks are created in house and the ice-cubes are infused with hibiscus.
The best bets on the wine list would appear to be the 2010 Pinot Noir from MoMo Vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand, or the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc from J.Christopher in Willamette Valley, Oregon. However, if you have had a good day in the casino you might want to splurge a bit on some wine from the secret cellar with prices from $92 up to $311. That includes champagne Eglu-Ouriet ($211) and Jean Vesselle ($139) from France.
www.michaelmina.net
