Momofuku Awards

Momofuku Restaurant Review:

Chef/founder David Chang, whose Momofuku empire has expanded to more than a dozen restaurants in New York, Sydney, Toronto and Washington, D.C., brings his first West Coast location to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. As you enter the space, you’re sure to notice the custom neon signs, while a striking feature in the dining room is the five-panel mural by artist David Choe depicting Chang’s beloved Rottweiler. Some seats, including those in the private dining room, overlook the Strip. As for the cuisine, it’s difficult to label, as it takes inspiration from all over the globe, including Japan, the U.S. and Korea. Begin with the spicy cucumbers with togarashi and toasted almond, and scallop poke with avocado purée and crispy potato, dishes that are meant for sharing. The ramen selections are easily a meal, with the likes of pork belly ramen with poached egg and chickpea with scallion, bok choy and chickpea miso. Exclusive to the dinner menu are steamed whole branzino with brown butter dashi, and rotisserie chicken and fried bones with sweet chili glaze. Complementing the fare are 350 wines hailing from Germany, France, Italy and California; 20 sakés; and an assortment of Japanese whiskeys. Desserts are procured from the adjoining Milk Bar with choices of blueberry & cream and cornflake-marshmallow cookies, cake truffles, and soft-serve ice cream in unique flavors such as fruity cereal milk.