So you may wonder how I decide where I’m going this week to eat and write my review.
Well this week the place I ended up at started with a simple picture at 8:30 a.m. I was sitting at my desk Wednesday morning putting the final touches on my notes for the First Preview Radio Show and I saw a tweet from one of my buddies on twitter.
There was a picture attached to this tweet. Since this was from Marc @MeltzVegas and included a picture there is a very good chance it’s food. Once again my man didn’t disappoint.
It was a picture of a burger and tator tots. Someone had posted the picture and he re-tweeted it. So there I am thinking that looks good and then learn it was from a place that just opened.
I’m thinking I might head there for lunch so I tweet back saying just that. Instantly my food buddy tweets back to let me know if I want company he’s available. And just like that the decision was made. I’m off to Carson Kitchen right after the radio show. The Kitchen is located downtown at 124 S. 6th Street, Suite 100.
For a place that just opened up word is getting around fast.
We arrived at noon and there was a 30 minute wait. It was Wednesday afternoon! The atmosphere is the trendy industrial look, which is cool but I’m here for the food.
I opened the menu and the first item on the appetizer list caught my eye right away. In fact, I believe I let out a very enthusiastic, somewhat loud “no way.” as I was reading.
They had an appetizer of crispy fried chicken skins. I know some of you may have just said no way but if you are like me and think the crispy skin is the best part of the chicken you will love these. They are served with a smoked honey glaze for dipping. Nice appetizer for $6.
Next up was what sandwich I would order. All of the sandwiches come with a side of the tator tots. It was between the Butter Burger and the Short Rib Sliders. I decided on the Butter Burger, which I have to tell you was a huge fresh burger patty served with Boursin cheese, Cheddar, lettuce and tomato.
My burger was cooked the way I like it – pink in the middle and juice running out when you bite it. The burger was messy because the patty was so big and juicy but I’m ok with that.
My side order of tator tots was served in a little steel bucket. I can tell you they lived up to the advance billing, as these were crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. They were dusted with some kind of seasoning mixture I absolutely loved.
I liked all three items ordered but admit the tator tots were my favorite.
Carson Kitchen is the creation of Kerry Simon and, based on what I saw and tasted, he has a hit on his hands, giving the downtown area another cool spot to have a drink and a bite to eat.
Carson Kitchen is open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
The wait staff was very friendly and knowledgeable of the entire menu. I give Carson Kitchen a solid rating of 3.50 Forks out of 4.
Marco D’Angelo is the senior handicapper at Pregame.com. He co-hosts FIRST PREVIEW every Thursday at 10 a.m. on ESPN 1100 AM/98.9 FM. Follow him on twitter: @MarcoInVegas. Contact him at [email protected].