China Poblano

Reviews 5

AN

Andrew Le

Cafe Sierra for the Lobster Buffet This place is pretty bad in which I have to share my experience to save others from trying it. Back to this review, its finals week, Im procrastinating and I wonder to myself. LA Food and Prices spoils me. San Diego forces me into this misconception of what prices should be as everything is 1-3 more dollars expensive in San Diego than it is in L.A while quality is just the same if not worse. Now youre thinking 1-3 dollars isnt that much but when you add in another 1-2 dollars in tips. thats 5 dollars more per meal. As a starving college student on a low calorie diet ( trust me im down 60 lbs) I probably shouldnt be eating out so I shouldnt complain. But even the poorest college student has to have their starbucks every morning. Now on to the story, being that its in Vegas, I was pretty much drunk the whole time, from Thursday night until Saturday, completely drunk ALL day. I ended up needing nail polish. oh lord. Being as how I was drunk the whole time I forgot to eat. Being hungry I looked around for food and saw a pizza place, I should have went there cause it was a lot better than China Poblano. But at the time I saw, "Oh wow Chinese food and Mexican food? this is interesting lets check this place out" The first thing you notice about the place is very fancy cause it Vegas, but your jaws gape and your eyes bulge when you see the prices. The prices here ranges a fancy restaurant but the food is no where near fancy. Now when I was in line it looked at the taco they had here were actually pretty fresh as I saw them make it from scratch, however, it seems like the Chinese food here comes from some back room in the back where you do not see how they attempt to make your food. Back to this review. I order Swallow A Cloud which already has the imagery of swallowing some strange white liquid as the liquid itself was actually brown, but I should have been weary when they give Chinese Won Ton the name of "Swallow A Cloud" I did absolutely no swallowing as I threw away most of the Won Ton that I ordered. But seriously, who came up with these names. Now youre trying to swallow misty white cloud, sounds sketch right? well you shouldnt even attempt because it was absolutely horrible. The description state that is "fresh"white noodle and wonton but it tasted no where near "fresh" as it was absolutely horrible. You get 3 small pieces of wonton, half a handful of crappy package noodles, and a unflavorful broth for 20 bucks. At the time I was thinking, 20 bucks, it CANt be that bad. I should have went to wicked spoon or panda express. i have absolutely no idea how this place gets 35 stars Id probably have more luck finding "chinese" food across the street at Panda Express. What a sad statement right?

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OM

Omar S

I live local to the DC area, so Ive had a lot of Jose Andres cooking in his various Washington restaurants-- some of my favorite places and food, although at all of them, meal+drinks at non-happy-hour prices will put a dent in your wallet. I was curious to see how his Vegas efforts were doing, so checked this one out on a recent Vegas trip. Even in a town full of esoteric and unusual design, it has an eye catching design and great decor. The number of tables inside is limited, but there are 2 large bars, and various randomish seating outside. Its pretty unique looking, bright colors. Theres a carryout window. Service was over-attentive. The female server thought the habanero salsa was far too hot to possibly have by itself (we found it hot but enjoyed it by itself)... That salsa and chips were both very good. A chinese-mexican fusion taco wasnt worth repeating. A barbacoa taco was some of the best barbacoa Ive had! Drinks pricey but strong. The GF had one with ground-mezcal-worm on the rim, I had one less exciting-- both great. The prices are highish-- this is a fancy restaurant, its Jose Andres, and its on prime real estate. A full dinner will set you back if you have much appetite at all. Two tacos, a small steak entree, two drinks, and chips/salsa were about $75 after tip. This is Vegas, and there is people-watching-- theres a fair amount of foot traffic from people staying at the Cosmopolitan. If youre looking for American-Chinese food (you know, the crap they serve in altogether far too many suburban joints) or for Tex-Mex, this isnt the place. For some top-shelf drinks and innovative cooking, youve come to the right place. Just expect dinner to be expensive!

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Nicholas Viers

China Poblano is an experience. One half Chinese cuisine and one half Mexican fare--though the two do not often meet on the menu in the typical "fusion" way. We opted for the chefs experience to sample appetizers, salad, entrees, and desserts along with the cocktail experience for pairing along side our meal. The cocktails were very much complementary that comprised of tequila and Chinese alcohols. (Admittedly, I know very little of Chinese liquors so I have completely blanked on what specifically I consumed.) The service was great and the decor better. The walls are lined with luchador masks and oversized picture frames that cycle between the visages of famous Mexican and Chinese peoples. I believe five stars should be issued for a perfect (or near-perfect meal and experience). I had only issues with the seating (the fixed bench was just a bit too far away from the family style table) and with one overcooked dish (the shrimp was dry and chewy) so I will refrain from marking down even one star because those two instances did not detract to the point where I felt like a complaint was necessary. In addition, the menu is not inexpensive for the "small plates" style experience--but thats On The Strip Vegas prices for you. As of the writing of this review, I believe that China Poblano is worth checking out.

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Michael Davis

This is hip, kind of cool spot in the Cosmopolitan Hotel/Casino across from the club and next to Holsteins. They have a tapas style mix of Chinese and Mexican flavors. Some items were good (Their Blood orange Margarita was delicious, but $15 for 1 or $79 for a pitcher....come on!). The Chilaquiles was nice (a tad too much green sauce though), the pork and shrimp wontons were crap (about the worst I have ever had). My wife ordered some spicy noodle dish (Dandan something) which had a weird taste to it and was too spicy (just hot, hot). I ordered a Queso Fundito which was really good and the Guacomole was good as well. Its a mixed bag, some items are good to decent, some are terrible-But in the end, the cost was way too high for what kind of food you were getting. Service was hit and miss, some food came out fairly quick, other parts of our order took entirely way too long to come out. Glasses of water would be refilled on the money for a few times, then we didnt see our server for like 30 minutes...Took forever to get the bill too. Next time, make a run to Pick up Stix, then go through the drive through at Taco bell, youll have better food for less than 10% of the cost.

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MI

Mihir Meghani

Outstanding service, ambiance and vegetarian food options. I had lunch and dinner here. They have a separate vegetarian menu and can accommodate vegans and those who dont want eggs. They have fresh fruit based drinks (aqua frescas) that change daily - be sure to try this. They guacamole is made fresh & was very good. The spring rolls are very good - not very oily & with a good variety of vegetables. The tacos are unique, soft wrapped, light & full of flavor. I enjoyed both the hongos taco & the refried bean taco. The chips are cooked in the morning in vegetable oil before any meat items are cooked. Finally, the terra cotta chocolate desert was very good. Bottom line - great vegetarian food with taste & creativity. The service was very very good. The atmosphere is nice. For a party of 2, I would get 2 tacos, the spring rolls, & the guacamole, adding on another taco or two if hungry, along with the aqua fresca.

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