He's Crafty ('wichcraft -- Las Vegas, NV)

I'm all for keeping things small. I think that once you spread yourself too thin, a la Wolfgang Puck, the quality of your brand is bound to suffer. I've seen far too many restaurants slide into suckdom when the allure of fame and fortune got the best of their owners/chefs/general peeps in charge. Tom Colicchio is an exception to this rule.

His Gramercy Tavern is still one of my all time favorite spots in NYC. When I heard the accolades for his sandwich joint (cleverly titled 'wichcraft, a play on words from another of his big restaurants -- Craft), I just had to try it. I've only eaten at the one in Las Vegas, although there are several in NYC. Lucky bastards.

My first experience with 'wichcraft was in October. When I returned to Vegas for my birthday, I knew exactly where to eat my birthday lunch.

My sandwich of choice is a roasted turkey, avocado, bacon and balsamic onions on a roll. A very delicious roll. This is one tasty sammich. I liked it so much that it's all I've ordered there. It's served warm and I was shocked at how fresh the ingredients were (we are in the middle of the desert after all). On my first visit, my aunt had the chicken breast, roasted red pepper, mozzarella and pesto on country bread, while my friend, J, a vegetarian, had the grilled gruyere and caramelized onions on rye bread. They had to concede that it was worth it (I had badgered them into going -- apparently a sandwich restaurant isn't worthwhile or something. Fuck that). We also shared a very nice, very fresh green salad.

Then I tried to order a s'morewich (seriously, how good does that sound?) and was thwarted. And I wept.

When Jon returned with me for my birfday, he got the roast beef, lettuce, red onion, tomato and horseradish mayo on a roll. He was also a skeptic, and also ate his words. He was very impressed with this here sandwich. Dude, I know a good sandwich.

And magically, the s'morewich was there for the taking. Two graham crackers smeared with luscious chocolate ganache with little marshmallows sandwiched in between. Then one half is dipped in chocolate (milk or white, your choice). I'm getting majorly turned on just thinking about it. It was the most perfect treat. If you like s'mores, that is. And if you don't, well, there's a special place for people like you and it's called the party pooper corner. Go there now.

'wichcraft also has cool ass drinks, like Cane Cola, and they've even got breakfast sandwiches if you just can't wait. Plus, the counter staff couldn't be nicer. Really. I got my s'morewich for free when they heard it was my birthday. Awww, yeah. Free s'mores is really a perfect birthday gift if you ask me.

Next time you hit Sin City, grab a little bite at 'wichcraft for me. On second thought, bring some back. Better yet, let's start writing letters to that there Mr. Colicchio to talk him into opening one here in SF. It's the best thing between sliced bread.

xoxo
Joy

"To eat is a necessity. To eat intelligently is an art."
-- La Rochefoucauld