Ep 4. Vegas

The Best Thing I Ever Ate is a food program where chefs and food experts share the best dishes they have ever eaten in different categories such as comfort food, street food, desserts, and more. In season 8 episode 4, the focus is on the vibrant food scene in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas is known for its glamorous, over-the-top casinos and hotels, but it is also a culinary destination, with numerous world-class restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines. The episode starts with Duff Goldman, a pastry chef and owner of Charm City Cakes, sharing his favorite dessert in Las Vegas. He visits a restaurant that specializes in French and Italian desserts and recommends their warm chocolate cake with liquid center, which he describes as "the ultimate chocolate experience." He is impressed by the technical skills and attention to detail of the pastry chef, who creates a dessert that is both rich and delicate.

Next up is Boqueria, a Spanish tapas bar, where chef Esther Choi tries a dish called arroz negro, which is black rice with squid ink and seafood. She praises the dish for its bold flavors, tender squid, and the complexity of the sauce. She mentions that the dish reminds her of paella but with a darker, more intense flavor profile.

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, who is known for her appearances on Iron Chef America and Chopped, heads to Jaleo, a restaurant that serves modern interpretations of traditional Spanish dishes. Her pick is the ham and cheese platter, which features a selection of cured meats, aged cheeses, olives, and bread. She loves the combination of salty and savory flavors and the textural contrast of the crispy bread and the soft cheese.

The episode also features Vic Vegas, a chef and poker player who has his own restaurant in Las Vegas. He visits the Lotus of Siam, a Thai restaurant that has earned accolades from food critics, and recommends their khao soi, a northern Thai dish made with egg noodles, coconut milk, and curry. He raves about the richness of the broth, the tenderness of the chicken, and the crunchiness of the noodles. He also admires the attention to detail in the presentation of the dish.

Another notable dish featured in the episode is the hot chicken sandwich from Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, a restaurant that specializes in Southern comfort food. Chef Monti Carlo, who is a regular contributor to The Best Thing I Ever Ate, tries the sandwich and is blown away by the juicy, spicy chicken, the soft brioche bun, and the cooling effect of the pickles and coleslaw. She declares it as one of the best sandwiches she has ever had.

The episode concludes with a visit to the Sugar Factory, a candy shop and restaurant that offers decadent desserts such as milkshakes, sundaes, and cakes. Chef Tregaye Fraser tries the King Kong sundae, which is a massive dessert that consists of dozens of scoops of ice cream, toppings such as candy, cookies, and sprinkles, and a giant lollipop on top. She describes the sundae as a "work of art" that is both indulgent and playful, and says that it is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Overall, the Vegas episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate showcases the diverse and vibrant food scene of Las Vegas, and features some of the most delicious and memorable dishes found in the city. The chefs and food experts share their passion for food and their admiration for the culinary talents that make Las Vegas a world-class destination for food lovers.