Americana Awards

Americana Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: After honing his skills at Aureole and Charlie Palmer Steak, chef Stephen Blandino opened his own restaurant at Desert Shores. Americana overlooks the picturesque Lake Jacqueline and has tables next to the water's edge, while those inside come with views via floor-to-ceiling windows. Both foodies and art lovers will appreciate the intriguing food-themed work of renowned artist Vladimir Kush, whose prints are scattered throughout the space.

Likes: Not only is the view of the lake enticing, but so is the artful presentation of each dish.
Dislikes: The outdoor seating is limited, so book early if you plan on sitting lakeside.

Food & Drinks: The menu presents a wide mix of fare representative of all facets of American food culture. An ideal way to experience the cuisine is with the five-course meal, which may include big eye tuna wrapped in Japanese A-5 Wagyu atop avocado mousse finished with Pixie tangerine and ponzu caviar; grilled octopus enhanced with purées of celery root and poblano pepper; smoked New York strip with garlic puréed potato and bone marrow that dramatically arrives inside a smoke-filled cloche; and tangerine-scented cheese cake with blueberry coulis and blood orange sorbet. Something fun for the kids and young at heart is a cotton candy machine, which churns out flavors of grape, blueberry, cherry and vanilla. Complementing the culinary offerings are equally refined wines, such as the French Bertrand Senecourt Beau Joie Special Cuvée Brut Champagne and Château de Sancerre Blanc; an extensive spirits collection of more than 50 choices of bourbon, whiskey and rye; and classic cocktails with a twist, like the Jackie O. White Cosmo made with Belvedere vodka and white cranberry juice. Sunday brunch, served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., brings favorites like french toast, shrimp and grits and carne asada fries with flat-iron steak and melted cheese.