MORELS - Las Vegas

Our reservation at this elegant yet sexy, French-inspired bistro was set for 6:30 p.m. and, upon arrival, we were probably 1 of 5 couples there.  Not to worry as more people started arriving about 45 minutes after we were seated (by the time we left, the place was full of patrons). 

As soon as our hostess seated us, she provided us a "fromage" (or cheese) menu which, unfortunately, we didn't order from.  Though, I did hear a few times in my life that the French know their cheeses but my husband wasn't in the mood for it.  Ahh c'est la vie!

The manager came by to quickly greet us and to tell us "Happy Anniversary" which then our waiter provided us a couple glasses of bubbly - and, might I add, was probably some of the best champagne we've tasted.  But, then again, it's not like we usually have champagne so how do we truly know (one might wonder).     

We were served a couple of fancy-looking rolls that reminded me of over-sized chubby bow-ties (I wish I took a photo but use your imagination) and a spread that looked (and tasted) delectable.  One side of the dish had soft butter sprinkled with what appeared to be pink, himalayan salt while the other side contained an olive concoction.  

Spread for the Rolls

Interior

Before I get to the food - I MUST talk a little about the interior...My fave color, blue, was the main color in the space.  Already I felt relaxed and at home!  Shades of smokey-grey, champagne, ebony, bone white, coffee brown, and mauve were also apparent in the color story - you may think the color combination sounds strange but the mix of the warm and cool tones worked well together.  Tile work, chic chandeliers, and paintings of naked human silhouettes were seen throughout the lounge and dining areas as well.   

Appetizer

This section of the menu presented more "normal" looking appetizers but - what the hell - we decided to live a little.  

We ordered the Prime Beef Tenderloin Tartare.  This dish came outfitted with truffled potato chips (which looked a bit like Ruffles), a single quail egg, and a sprinkle of sea salt off to the side.  

Before dipping the chips in the tartare, we "broke" the egg and mixed it in and then sprinkled the salt over it.  We didn't know if that was the correct way but we remembered what one waiter did to a similar dish from one of our past dinner dates in WA. 

This dish is obviously raw so, before you decide to knock it, TRY IT.  My husband used to be a bit more picky when we first got together but he's acquired some culinary tastes over the years simply by trying them.  Trust when I say this tasted AMAZING.   

Chef's Prime Beef Tenderloin Tartare

Entree and Sides

There were other entrees on the menu, but we ordered the steaks because, well,  that's what they're specialty is.  We both ordered our steaks 'medium' - I always tease my husband about ordering his 'well-done' because, really, what's the point in having a steak?  All the flavor would be gone and the meat would be...dry.

Also ordered was a half bottle of pinot noir to wash everything down - this provided us 2 glasses each.        

Husband's Order: All Natural (grass fed) New York Sirloin, 14 oz

My Order: Filet Mignon 8oz

Sides are ordered separately.  For this type of restaurant, we weren't surprised.  We ordered the Jumbo Grilled Asparagus and Mashed Potatoes (not pictured).  They weren't large portions by any means so we weren't too worried about not being able to finish anything.    

Jumbo grilled asparagus w/ fried egg, parmesan, and olive oil

By the time we were done with our steaks (okay, he ate the rest of mine), we were too stuffed to order dessert.  We stayed about 15 minutes after our meal to talk and let the food digest a bit.  Again, our conversation ended up being mainly about our kids.  Sometimes, we're a bit rusty when it comes to talking about other things.  Do any other parents out there have the same issue?

It was about 8:30 p.m. and time to call it a night.  Once the check was paid, we set off - full and happy.  I went back up to our room to kick off my heels and relax while he wandered the casino.  A night we both could call ideal.  

Anniversary dinner photo taken by our waiter

Overall, we had a great experience.  The background music wasn't too loud (actually, I'm not sure if there was any music but, if there was, it must not have been up too high since we could hear each other talk); the food was great; and the decor added to the cool ambiance felt throughout our evening.  We'll definitely be back!

​When you're in Vegas, try out Morels - morelslv.com/

~XOXO, Mari