Twist by Pierre Gagnaire (Las Vegas, NV) [2]
Twist by Pierre Gagnaire
Waldorf Astoria
3752 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89158
Dining date: 9/1/18
I’ve dined at Pierre Gagnaire’s Twist once before and have been meaning to return. Recently, the hotel housing the restaurant (Mandarin Oriental) was sold to the Hilton group and it’s been unclear how long Twist will be be around. I figured it would be a good chance to try the restaurant one more time.
The restaurant offers a number of tasting menus (5, 6, 7 courses), in addition to a la carte options. For this meal, we went with the six-course ($185). Some of the best view of The Strip are included – we were lucky enough to get a window table.
The amuse bouche consisted of six distinct bites.
WATERMELON Campari, Elderflower, Tomato Seeds, Burrata Ice Cream, Dill Blossom
SUMMER SQUASH CHAWANMUSHI Petite Summer Squash, Pea Tendrils, Crème Fraîche, English Peas, Uni, Smoked Trout Roe
SQUID AND PRAWN Squid with Prawn Mousse, Prawn with Green Curry, Fregola with Red Currant, Bisque of Lobster
SEARED FOIE Summer Fruit Chutney, Grilled Savoy Cabbage, Cherry Coulis with White Balsamic, Black Currant Sorbet, Braised Rhubarb
AMERICAN WAGYU Black Australia Truffle, Artichokes, Celeriac, Spinach Velouté
PIERRE GAGNAIRE DESSERTS
MIGNARDISES
The meal at Twist was good, but did not live up to the memory of my last meal here. While nothing was bad, there were few dishes that really stood out. ‘Squid and Prawn’ was a highlight – the sweet seafood was complemented by a deep lobster bisque and curry accents. Foie gras was also a good dish; the rich, fatty liver was brightened by the chutney and cherry coulis. The American wagyu was also delicious, as expected. The beef was tender and succulent, heightened by a black truffle sauce. While the desserts were numerous, they failed to really deliver. Most seemed sloppily-made and unfocused; I would’ve preferred one or two more refined dishes. I don’t know how much longer Twist will be around, but this was likely my last time dining here.