Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill

After experiencing major turbulence on our flight from Seattle and about a half hour walking different towers and hallways trying to find our room, we were famished. 

We wanted to eat somewhere close so we went downstairs to the casino area in search of a restaurant...any restaurant.  After passing a few places that looked as though they were either closed (or on the verge of closing), we came across this cool little place called Sugarcane.  This restaurant is located in the Venetian (as it transitions from Palazzo) in the Grand Canal shopping area. 

We quickly checked the menu and came to find what looked like island-inspired or global fare.  So, in we went and the hostess was able to seat us rather quickly.

Cocktails

While Vuong went safe and ordered a Stella, I decided to go for one of their signature drinks - the "Spice of Love."  This consists of Grey Goose vodka, passion fruit puree, mango puree, and fresh jalapeno.  A bit sweet and tart but with a little kick.  It wasn't spicy in a bad way but I could definitely taste the jalapeno.  The texture is a bit on the thicker side (hence the puree reference) so it made it all the more interesting.   

An unusual concoction,  it certainly touched on several of my taste buds.  But by all means, this wasn't horrible at all.  This drink is best for those seeking unusual and contrasting flavors.  This definitely is not my usual cocktail of choice but I'm glad I was able to give it a try.  I'd order this again.  

Spice of Love

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From the Hot Kitchen and Open Fire Grill

Because it was so late (almost midnight and they close at 1 a.m.), we didn't want to order a lot of food.  So we ordered shareable plates.  Portions were small but decent and they were presented artfully on simple dishware.  

Beef Short Ribs, Korean-style

Dish #1: The Korean-style Beef Short Ribs 

​Individual ribs were strategically stacked on top of one another.  Sprinkled over them was a handful of sprouts and sliced red peppers.  

We don't have much Korean food so not really sure what made it "Korean."  Although, any Korean dish we ate in the past had some type of spice to it so that could be why it's deemed "Korean-style."

The ribs had a bit of a slightly spicy yet sweet glaze on them and the meat was  tender enough that you didn't have to struggle getting it off the bone. 

The thing we appreciated about this dish is that, although these were ribs, they weren't messy to eat at all.     

Dish #2: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Vuong and I can agree that the reference "crispy" is a little bit of an exaggeration.  The potatoes aren't truly crispy but they did have a nice bit of crusting around the edges.

These were seasoned nicely and sprinkled with what looked like fresh, parmesan cheese, and placed on top of salsa verde and romesco sauce.  If you don't know what romesco is, it's a red bell pepper-based sauce.  I had to look that up because I thought it was some type of tomato puree.

This was probably Vuong's favorite dish out of the 3 we ordered.  The seasoning and sauce is what made this dish, in my opinion.   

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Pig Ear Phad Thai

Dish #3: Pig Ear Phad Thai

I'm almost sure that some of you shunned away from the words "Pig Ear".  This was my favorite dish of the 3.  Vuong liked it as well and thought it wasn't bad.  He ate quite a bit of it, actually!

If you're feeling adventurous, definitely give this dish a shot.  I didn't see much papaya as it was on the very bottom.  Most of it was made up of the slightly crispy and sweet, sliced pig ears.   Sprouts and carrots were sprinkled on top and helped to balance out its sweet flavor.

This was an easy dish to eat and is definitely one to re-order when we're back in town!    

I didn't take many shots of the interior because, unfortunately, I was tired and hungry and really just wanted to eat.  LOL!  I can tell you that this restaurant is nicely decorated.  The interior kind of reminds me of a Southern plantation with a tropical vibe.  Dark beams, checkered flooring, and tropical ceiling fans dressed the space.

Overall, another great experience and this place is perfect for someone to dine solo even!  The portions aren't huge (as most dishes we've found, so far, in Vegas restaurants) so one can easily drop in for a quick bite.

For more information on this place, visit sugarcanerawbargrill.com/lasvegas/

~ XOXO, Mari