By Don Chareunsy
Bar-Kada Hospitality Managing Partners Marisa Martino and Rudy Aguas opened their modern American restaurant Palate in The Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas in May boasting “colorful cuisine, local art and community.” The dynamic duo also behind Basilico in Southwest Las Vegas have hit the mark with all three.
Dinner was a home run the first night by Executive Chef Sterling Buckley, who infuses flavors that are inventive and daring – and they work. Coincidentally, Jason has been our server the three times we’ve dined at Palate, and all the staff and servers have been friendly.
Our dinner: Lady in Green, Scallops “Tiger Style,” miso pork belly, Duck Dynasty, outstanding scallops and grits, strawberry rhubarb cobbler, macaroni and cheese and cocktails including Smokin’ Section (we ordered the last one of the night), The Rose (served with a rose) and Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off. Everything was excellent.
Brunch service is delightful (don’t ignore the homemade biscuits and jams, and the fried chicken sandwich was a hit) and includes live music, on a particular Sunday a talented songstress at the piano.
The third meal at Palate, dinner again, was a focused visit for the Southern Hospitality, a large-format dinner featuring eight pieces of fried chicken, kimchi macaroni and cheese, carrots and biscuits. It was flavorful and filling comfort food for the soul, and it was worth the wait.
On certain nights, you’ll find GM Gene Belvis wearing a Patrick Nagel/Duran Duran T-shirt. Evening and weekend business has been very good, but weeknights have been quiet. The short rib has been a customer favorite, but we haven’t had a misstep at the pleasing Palate yet.
The glam royalty design, by Martino, is fabulous and luxe and features rich red and purple velvet chairs, chandeliers and local art, including by Martino’s mother. Congratulations, Palate, and bon appetit!
