Roberta’s at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino
By Debbie Hall of Celebrity Chef Connection

Allow me to begin by stating I am not a food critic. Yes, I have a broadcast show about food and I write about food, but I don’t write about how this dish didn’t have enough salt or that dish had too much garlic. I want to share places that I enjoy, ways to make your dinner parties fun and new food items to try. But this time, I am sharing my opinion in the first person because I am encouraging all of you who read this column to dine at Roberta’s at the El Cortez.

I have lived in Las Vegas for 30 years and I KNOW how people feel about coming downtown. It is one thing for me to try to urge those in Green Valley to try a place in Summerlin, but to mention downtown, well! FORGET IT is most people’s response. But it is easy to go downtown from I-15, US 95 and even 215, there is plenty of security and free parking and this place is worth the trip.

Think of it as an excursion back into time. The El Cortez Hotel and Casino is truly one of the last of the original casinos. They have kept the traditions of customer service with some new ideas. Roberta’s is light, spacious with incredible service, huge portions and reasonable prices. In fact, Roberta’s has won “Best of” in years past and I see why.

I dined with Bill and Terry of Vegas Resource and our meal was an incredible experience. Believe me, the three of us dine out quite a bit and are fortunate to enjoy some of the best Las Vegas has to offer. But all three of us are going on the record as Roberta’s is one of the best we have enjoyed in a long time!

The Panko Crusted Fried Shrimp with Honey Dijon Mustard Sauce is huge and taste of the shrimp exploded with a goodness I have not experienced in a long time. Bill and Terry had the Shrimp Cocktail that was just as good with generous portions and tangy sauce. Our salads were fresh, filling and mine was topped with anchovies, which I know is an acquired taste but one I have.

I ordered the 20oz Porterhouse Center Cut from the Short Loin with a deep fried lobster tail. The steak just melted in my mouth and was cooked to perfection. The deep fried lobster tail was quite the experience for me since I usually order it broiled. The coating was light and spicy and added to the succulent lobster meat joined with melted butter (so smooth without a single lump). My sides were a big baked potato (okay, I went with tradition) and crisp asparagus with the richest of sauces.

Terry ordered the Filet Mignon broiled to perfection with a smooth creamed corn enhanced by the most delicious cheese sauce I have ever tasted (yes, we all shared). Bill got the Roast Prime Rib with whipped potatoes and more creamed corn. We can’t forget the dessert which included Strawberry Shortcake, New York Cheese Cake, Chocolate Molten, Chocolate Layer Cake, Flan, Tiramisu and Fresh Seasonal Berries & Cream – NO we didn’t them all! But they all sounded so good, even after our very big meal.

But dining is more than food. We want to thank Manager Ivory Scott and his staff for taking such good care of us. The room is spacious with comfortable seating and nice lighting. There are HD Screens on the walls with the most phenomenal travel videos ever but you can still hold a conversation. This is a find and if you want a wonderful experience, you must go to Roberta’s. Did I mention their wine list? It is quite good and if you are wine drinker, you are certain find that wine to your liking.

I am officially going on record that I LOVE Roberta’s at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino. I know you will if you give it a chance.

Roberta’s
El Cortez Hotel and Casino
600 Fremont St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
702.385.5200
www.elcortezhotelcasino.com