China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Chocolate Terra Cotta Warriors

Entrance to China Poblano. Notice the two take-out counters.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

In 1565 King Phillip II of Spain began connecting Mexico with mainland China through the Philippines bringing riches and wealth back to Spain. Acclaimed Chef Jose Andres is bringing this story to his restaurant China Poblano for a hybrid dining experience.

Initially looking at the menu I was confused. Which flavors did I want. Should I do just one or a combination of cuisines. A drink to start from the China cocktails section perhaps will force my palate into a decision. The China Paloma ($14, Don Julio reposado, house-made grapefruit lavender soda) is a delicious take on the classic tequila/grapefruit combination.

All the dishes are single serving sizes and the server suggests ordering two first. From the "From China" section of the menu, I start with the Rou Jia Mo Street Sandwich ($8.88) which is a mouth-watering rich-flavored red braised pork sandwich. Next comes the Pescado Frito ($6.50) from the menu's taco list. A soft taco filled with fried fish and ancho chile pickled onions, it has a rich sauce with the perfect amount of heat.

(story continued below)

Rou Jia Mo Street Sandwich

Pescado Frito
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Some will say the servings are small but the flavors are intense and satisfying that I opted to satisfy my sweet tooth next. At $16.88 the Chocolate Terra Cotta Warriors is an amazing dessert. A take on the clay warriors found in China, a foot-long chocolate statue graces the plate. It is hollow but filled with a chocolate peanut butter mousse surrounded by a delectable treat of caramelized bananas, sesame and chocolate dust.

The red accents is how the interior designer connects the Chinese aspects with the green, red and white of Mexico. It's where rendering of artist Frida Kahlo sits alongside images of Chairman Mao and red lanterns combine with Mexican masks. Take out windows and counter seating occupy corners at the front representing the diverse contrast of the two cuisines.

(story continued below)

At left is a China Paloma cocktail.

The color red ties the Chinese and Mexican decor of the restaurant.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

On the name China Poblano: "In 1609, the beautiful Asian Princess Mirnha was taken prisoner. Her pirate captors intended to sell her as a slave to the Viceroy of Mexico, who was seeking gorgeous women to grace his palace. When she arrived in Acapulco on a Chinese ship, people were awestruck by her exotic looks and fantastic clothes detailed with complex embroidery and dazzling sequins. Mexican women soon imitated her style, which became known as China Poblano." (Las Vegas Review Journal, 5/1/11).

Click HERE to view the menu. Visit chinapoblano.com for more information. China Poblano is located on the second floor of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11:30pm; Fri-Sun 10am-11:30pm; Fri-Sun: Brunch served until 2pm.

About Chef Jose Andres: A native of Spain, Jose Andres is chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup, and with partner Rob Wilder, is the team responsible for Washington's popular and award-winning dining concepts Jaleo, Zaytinya, Oyamel, America Eats Tavern and the critically-acclaimed minibar by jose andrew, as well as The Bazaar by Jose Andres, part of the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, and Jaleo and China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. Jose was named Outstanding Chef of the Year at the 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards.

Projected images of the likes of Chairman Mao and Frida Kahlo grace
the restaurant's walls.

Diners have choice to eat the counters or request for a table.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Secret Pizza Place at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

No fancy sign or entrance, just a discreet hallway leads to Secret Pizza.

Vintage album covers line each side of the hallway leading to Secret Pizza.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The quest to find cheap eats at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel is a futile effort by looking at a list of the hotel restaurants. Not listed on any directory or even on the hotel website is a pizza place that is so cool it has no name. This tiny eatery tucked at the end of a hallway on the hotel's third level is often referred to as Secret Pizza.

If you can't find it, just ask any employee at the Cosmopolitan and they will send you in the right direction. The hallway entrance to Secret Pizza is lined with vintage album covers and almost feels like walking back in time once the Galaga video arcade game comes into view in the eatery's small dining area comprised of counters and chairs against the wall.

It's a no frills place with a push letter menu board and likely one of the reasons why this is one of the best bargains on the Strip. Starting at $4.50 for a slice (50 cents for extra toppings) or $24 for a whole pizza pie, the eatery also offers up salads ($6-$8), desserts (cannoli and cheesecake, $4.50 each), red and white wine ($6), beer ($5-$6) and the usual selection of soft drinks. The drinks are even served up in a plastic red disposable tumbler with no cover.

I ordered a slice of pepperoni and though it may not look like something anything special, the pizza dough is made fresh and the cheese grated daily and topped with imported pepperoni. Resembling a thin crust pizza, the slice has crust with a chewy crunch and a bright tomato and cheese flavor.

Secret pizza is open from lunch and usually stays open until 4am. The place has become popular with late night clubbers and hotel workers in the area.

The no frills eaters that is has no name and now commonly known as
Secret Pizza.

A selection of the thin crust pizzas freshly made dough, freshly
grated cheese and imported pepperoni.

The tiny dining area includes a classic touch: a Galaga video arcade game.

The simple menu of Secret Pizza.

This pepperoni slice is unassuming but it has a crispy
curst and a bright tomato and fresh cheese flavor.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Bars of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Vesper & Bond

The Chandelier Bar may be the the premiere location for drinks at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas but the hotel's other casino bars have an identity of their own. The Vesper Bar and Bone are among these bars but are open to the casino floor and therefore have no formal entrance. The unique look of each one becomes an invitation even if you don't have a drink. Their names are a nod to one 007 agent.

VESPER
Located next to the registration lobby and at the west entrance to the casino, the Vesper Bar is often busy with those waiting to check-in or to check-out. Vesper is a drink made with gin, vodka and Kina Lillet and invented and named by secret agent James Bond as featured in the the 1953 novel Casino Royale.

The metal mesh above the bar is meant to like a cloud. Combined with shimmering whites and silvers, the space is given a dream-like feel.

(photo credit: marriott)

BOND
Bond is the Cosmopolitan's casino lounge in overdrive filled with house music and glowing lights in the evening. Located just off the hotel's northeast entrance, the bar bleeds into the casino floor space located along Las Vegas Blvd. Day or night the bar's windows offer a front row view of the Las Vegas Strip. A rotating selection of artists and DJ's come to play at Bond. Click HERE for the event calendar.

I took the photos below during the middle of the afternoon while the bartender was setting up shop. There are no walls or doors so in the daytime when the bar is closed, it offers a restful space within the hotel and away from the noise and Las Vegas heat outside.

(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

"The Chandelier" sign inviting guests to to its third level bar.

Main view offered to visitors entering the Cosmopolitan from the
second level pedestrian entrance.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Destined to become an icon of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the Chandelier Bar's 10,000 square feet rises three stories and is encased in a shimmering beaded curtain of two million crystals.

The bottom of the Chandelier bar becomes one of the casino bars open to the gaming floor. A winding staircase wraps the interior leading to the second level which is completely inside the chandelier and is the only molecular mixology bar in Vegas. This leads to the third level which can also be accessed via the hotel's retail space which is at level two.

It's one of the elements of the Cosmopolitan that I read so much press about and it is indeed an awesome sight to see and immediately commands to be photographed by guests as they enter the hotel. The Chandelier has become one of the latest hot spots in the city and was proclaimed as one the best bars in America in 2011 by Esquire magazine in its annual survey. The magazine proclaims:

"Whereas many casino bars feel like sad, removed half-empty afterthoughts lined with hookers tapping at video-poker machines, the brand-new Cosmopolitan has erected its entire structure around the bar. The three-level Chandelier bar serves as the hotel's beating heart -- or like the glimmering power-generating chest device that keeps Iron Man alive...It's not like any bar you go to back home, and that's the point. But it does pour a serious drink -- an not just for Vegas, and not just of the hard-to-screw-up variety. There is where you drink in Vegas."

Two million crystal strands envelops the bar.

Like a glass curtain, onlookers can get a peak at the second level
which is completely encased in the chandelier.

Get a sense of the true height of the bar from a view from the
casino floor.

From one of the hotel's escalators many onlookers can't help but
reach out touch the crystals that are within arm's reach.

No real lights are suspended along the crystal bead strands. But the
chandelier glow by reflecting lights inside and outside of the bar.

The second level of the chandelier is proclaimed to be the only
molecular mixology bar in the Vegas.

Just inside the hotel's main casino entrance along Las Vegas Boulevard,
one can see all three levels of the Chandelier bar.

The Chandelier's third level bar.

The Chandelier bar on its first level is open to the casino floor.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Chandelier bar's curving staircase wraps around a ice-like glass core.
(photo: James Medcraft)

Truvia Flows Freely at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Even four years after its introduction, Truvia is still not stocked as commonly as those pink, blue or yellow packets in restaurants and coffee shops. But I was surprised at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, the sugar substitute was available on the table at the Overlook Grill. Most of you may say so what.

There's a good reason why Truvia is hard to find when dining out. In a Wall Street Journal report, it appears that places like the coffee counter at a Whole Foods Market in Maryland keep the Truvia behind the counter. You have to ask for it because according to the retailer, "People take a lot more than they need."

The manufacturer of Truvia is aware of the problem and is in the process of developing a dispenser that would limit the number of packets a consumer can take at once.

The appeal of Truvia is it is a natural alternative to aspartame, saccharin and other chemically derived sugar substitutes. Many consumers say the taste and texture of Truvia is closer to sugar than Equal, Sweet'N Low or Splenda. Some like the crunch of the product.

Critics complain about the aftertaste that is common with such sweeteners. But the reason why people are willing take more than one or two packets at the coffee counter is the retail price which can be double the cost for the same amount of packets of its competitors.

Visit truvia.com for more information.

Overlook Grill at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Overlook Omelet
(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Overlook Grill is one of the casual dining restaurants at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas but this one sitting adjacent to the hotel's Boulevard Pool is the perfect option for those enjoying the poolside atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor dining is available but depending on the Vegas temperature, indoor may be the better choice.

There's nothing fancy option the menu choices. It's straightforward American cuisine. But this is the Cosmopolitan so there are a couple of dishes with a twist such as the Red Velvet Waffle, Scotch Egg or Charred Beef Tenderloin Salad with Thai Vinaigrette.

For breakfast this a.m., my choice is Overlook Omelet ($17, prepared with bacon, tomatoes, avocado and monterey jack cheese) with a fresh squeezed orange ($4) and coffee ($4). This has to be most fluffiest prepared omelet I have ever seen. The velvety texture of the egg in each bite envelops its fresh ingredients. This omelet is such a standout that it elevates the standard sides of fried potatoes and English muffin.

Click HERE to view the menu. The Overlook Grill at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas located on Level 4 of the Eastside Tower. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm and Fri-Sun 8am-6pm.

The Overlook Grill is located on the Cosmopolitan's Level 4.

Outdoor dining overlooks the hotel's Boulevard Pool.

Entrance to the Cosmopolitan's Boulevard Pool is adjacent to the
Overlook Grill.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Henry at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Entrance to The Henry

Cinnamon Roll French Toast
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

It's 2am at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and the hotel houses one restaurant to fill your appetite needs 24 hours daily. The Henry is the Cosmopolitan's diner/bar offering classic favorites that the hotel claims are revamped for the Las Vegas Strip.

Looking at the menu, the selections appear pretty traditional but that's a good thing as there are lots of alternative upscale fare at the hotel's other restaurants. The list of lunch specialities gives the customer an idea of the comfy cuisine available: French Dip, Piled High Reuben; Chicken Pot Pie and (tempura fried) Fish 'N' Chips. "The Henry Burger" available after 5pm sounds pretty satisfying with caramelized onions and mushrooms, sharp cheddar on a soft potato roll.

But at this time of night my attention is directed to the offerings on the "Late Night at The Henry" section of the menu. I'll likely eat a full breakfast later in the morning, so I look for something simple but sweet: Cinnamon Roll French Toast (dipped in french vanilla custard, candied pecans, maple syrup and creamery butter; $15).

The bread of this heavenly delight is tender and the slices cut thick as the aroma of warm cinnamon rises from the dish. I enjoy every bite with a generous helping of maple syrup. A cup of illy coffee ($5) rounds out the meal.

The service is fast and friendly as it should be at this time of night as only three other tables were occupied. But I liked that there is a hostess on duty and late night diners not pigeon-holed to one corner of the restaurant. The restaurant is open to the casino but banquettes serve as a perimeter for diners.

Click HERE for menu. The Henry is located on the casino level near the East Side Tower at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. Breakfast Mon-Fri 6am-11am; Brunch Sat-Sun 6am-3pm; Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; Dinner Mon-Sun 3pm-12am; Late Night Mon-Sun 12am-6am.

Tables and banquettes centered at The Henry

A class wall shields one section of The Henry from the casino.

The bar at The Henry.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The World's Most Expensive Hot Dog

Serendipity Foot Long Haute Dog. (photo: Serendipity 3)

New York City is famous for its hot dog vendors. Now the city is also home to the world's most expensive hot dog according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Sold at Serendipity 3 the hot dog costs $69 and must be ordered 24 hours in advance.

The hot dog starts with a pretzel bun imported from Germany, spread with pure butter with white truffles, a pure beef hot dog grilled with white truffle oil, and topped off with medallion of duck foie gras with black truffles. The condiments are heirloom tomato ketchup, dijon mustard infused with white truffles and carmelized vidalia onions cooked in white truffle oil.

The restaurant is also home to the $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae. Visit serendipity3.com for more information about the New York restaurant.

Fast Foods You Can't Get in the USA

There are some fast food dishes found at McDonald's in Hawaii that you can't find on the mainland USA. These include portuguese sausage, spam and rice, saimin noodles and fruit punch. Recent limited specials have included taro pie and coconut pie as a dessert option in lieu of the traditional apple pie. But travel around the world and you'll find even more unique items on the fast food menu.

The good people at Smarter Travel has found these non-stateside delicacies:

(photo: andrea.y/flickr)

McDonald's, France: Macarons. These extra fancy delights come in such exotic flavors as mandarin and mango.

(photo: Pizza Hut)

Pizza Hut, Japan. Seafood Pizza. The pizza is topped off with a combination of tuna with mayonnaise, squid and prawn. Photo above is the Winter Double King Pizza, an amped up seafood pizza.

(photo: McDonald's)

McDonald's, Australia, Rosti Brekkie Wrap. A flour tortilla wrap stuffed with ham, egg, cheese and grated fried potato. A rosti is a potato cake.

(photo: norsez/flickr)

KFC, China: Breakfast Congee. Rice porridge with pork, pickles, mushrooms and preserved egg served with a side order of Youtiao (fried dough sticks). The photo above shows the a side of fried tofu and soy milk.

(photo: peteri/flickr)

Starbucks, Japan: Coffee Jelly Frappuccino. Cream and coffee-flavored gelatin that you suck through the straw.

(photo: sodahead.com)

Burger King, Germany: Chili Cheese Nuggets. Deep fried gooey cheese flecked with chili peppers.

(photo: Domino's)

Domino's, France: Kebab Pizza. Topped with roasted chicken kebab, lightweight cream, tomato sauce, mozzarella, green peppers, onions and oregano.

(photo: Dunkin' Donuts)

Dunkin' Donuts, China: Curry Beef Donut. As if you didn't know, this savory option is filled with curry and beef.

(photo: Pizza Hut)

Taco Bell, India: Chocodilla. Instead of a quesadilla stuffed with cheese, these are stuffed with hot molten chocolate.

(photo: ivanlian/flickr)

McDonald's, India: McSpicy Paneer. Deep-fried cheese in a bun.

McDonald's in India offers a "Spicy Delights" menu and orders can be placed online for delivery. I think that's a great idea to make it easier for us to expand our wastes. Visit smartertravel.com for the full article.