Libertine Social Awards

Libertine Social Restaurant Review:

A lively main lounge, Arcade bar (which doubles as a room for private events), two dining areas and a patio comprise a range of atmospheres at this Mandalay Bay gastropub. Throughout are a hodgepodge of artwork, collection of neon signs and quirky displays including one featuring representations of lips. The “Social” in the eatery’s name refers in part to the sharable menu by chef Shawn McClain, which is well represented by the potted foie gras with plum mostarda; summer corn agnolotti with chanterelles; and modern fried egg with sweet corn and caviar served in a hollowed egg shell. The most interesting of the larger dishes is the Petaluma chicken with two presentations on the same plate: deep-fried thigh and moist breast cooked sous vide, served with truffled potato. The food is backed up by 14 taps with beers not found on most menus, such as the sour wild ale, Goose Island Madame Rose; retro classic cocktails, like the Casino Cocktail with gin, maraschino liqueur, Angostura orange bitters and lemon juice; and “Swizzle” cocktails, which are icy, frothy drinks made tableside and as a result of rapid swizzling with five-pronged swizzle sticks. The creativity continues with cocktail-inspired desserts, like the margarita donuts --- old fashioned crullers infused with tequila; and Manhattan made with rye whiskey bread pudding.