Xihns Seafood and Oyster House

Kath: There is a true Jem buried in the heart of downtown Shelton: Xihns seafood and Oyster House.

 Many of us don't think of Shelton as a city to dine out in, but Xinh's was a plesent surprise! 

Xihn comes to us from Vietnam, bringing her unusual and delightful culinary skills.  Xinh’s food is neither Vietnamese nor American, but rather cooking from the heart as she expresses the flavor memories of her homeland with the shellfish grown in nearby waters. Imbued with her special warmth and wit, Xinh’s food is known to her many loyal fans, simply and uniquely, as “Xinh’s food”. Some call it “Xinhful”. Xinh has indeed found her natural talent… making people happy with her food. If you haven’t tried Xinh’s Clam & Oyster House yet, you are in for a treat.

The atmosphere is unpretentious but the food is magnificent. Deserving of the label "fine dining", but presented in a casual setting. It is not unusual to find the chef chatting it up with the diners and often there are gales of laughter permeating the room, along with the delightful aromas coming form the kitchen.

 Kath had The Maila Clams with Black Bean and Hoisin Sauce. Fresh manila clams sauteed with garlic, lemon grass, celery, green onion in a black bean hoisin sauce served with jasmine rice. I pretty much skipped the rice, and sopped up the sauce with the lovely fresh bread that is served with every meal. Yum.

Liz had Black Tiger Prawns with Curry Sauce. Prawns sauteed in a Vietnamese style curry, flavored with coconut milk, lemongrass, cayenne pepper, ground peanuts and seafood sauce, served with jasmine rice.  That Curry was amazing! Liz shared with me. I almost always have the clams when I eat here, but this made me think I should be more adventurous. Succulent.  There is no other word for it.

This is actually one of my favorite places to eat...but don't tell too many people, its already very busy!!! I do recommend calling ahead, its sometimes very full.

Cost of dinner: about $30.00 each, including salad,beverages, and gratuity. (I didn't keep the slip.)

Xihns Oyster and Seafood House

221 W Railroad Ave ste D

Shelton Wa 98584

(360) 427 8709

www.xihnsrestaurant.com

Mesa: Bobby Flay in Las Vegas

Liz recently had the occasion to travel to Las Vegas.  She was super excited to dine at MESA located in Caesers Palace.

What Liz says about them: 

While Katy, Justin, and I were in Vegas, we came across MESA Grill in Caesar's Palace.  We checked out the menu and went in - I have to admit I totally geeked out and was SO excited to be in Bobby Flay's restaurant!  We had the nicest service!  We got cornbread muffins and a variety of breads with butter to start off with.  My favorite was the jalepeno/jack cheese bread.  I ordered the Tiger Shrimp and Roasted Garlic Corn Tamale with Corn-Cilantro Sauce

 which I was told had been on the menu since the restaurant opened.  It was delicious!  We all took pictures of our food because they all looked so beautiful!  Katy ordered the Smoked Chicken and  Black Bean Quesadilla wit

h Avocado + Toasted Garlic Creme Fraiche and Justin ordered the Blue Corn Crusted Alaskan Halibut and Salsa Cruda with Sweet 100 Tomatoes, Capers, Nicoise Olives, Fresh Basil + Oregano.  We were all very pleased with our meals and itwas an excellent experience!

Liz was so excited, she took a picture of her dinner!

What they say about themselves:Bobby Flay brings his passion for bold and innovative Southwestern fare straight to the heart of the region that inspired it at Mesa Grill, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The desert outpost of the acclaimed New York City Mesa Grill opened to great success in 2004. Bobby developed his signature style of American cookery, marrying the flavors of southwest with his love of grilling at Mesa Grill. Bobby presents dishes like New Mexican Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon-Ancho Chile Sauce, Sweet Potato Tamale, and Crushed Pecan Butter. In a nod to the West, he also includes a Chiptole Glazed Rib-Eye with Red and Green Chile Sauce. Las Vegas’ proximity to Mexico gives the restaurant access to some of that country’s highest-quality tequila and mezcal offerings, and the expansive wine list has a global reach yet maintains an emphasis on top American wines. The combination of Mesa Grill's magnificent decor, the exciting vibe of the casino atmosphere and Bobby Flay's stunning range of textures, flavors and colors incorporated into his menu continue to electrify diners year after year.

LOCATION: Caesars Palace Las Vegas

877.346.4642

WEBSITE: http://www.mesagrill.com/lasvegas/