to devour...: Julian Serrano

Aria, Las Vegas

Julian Serrano is very well respected in the industry and after knowing he opened his own restaurant at Aria, it has been on my to-try list, especially after reading about it in Esquire magazine and was rated as one of the best restaurant in 2010. This is a much needed tapas restaurant on the strip with simple satisfying fresh ingredients.

Recipient of the Wine Spectator's best of award of excellence

Julian Serrano has spent over a decade at the Picasso, another well-respected restaurant in the city which I also adore. He has won two prestigious James Beard Foundation awards and regarded as one of the finest culinary talents in the nation.

The flamboyant colors of the restaurant was inviting. The open air decor with the bright color theme was easily visible from the lobby of Aria - surely it can't be missed.

Ahi Tuna, "Molecular" Raspberry, Wasabi skewers

On its menu, there are items called "new taps", which includes the foams and words like molecular for adventurous diners. - so we decided to try the Ahi Tuna. A raspberry jellied delight atop a square perfectly sesame seared ahi tuna with wasabi salt. The result is amazing. The sweetness of the raspberry was nicely tempered by the heat of the wasabi and the tuna that leave a little tingling feeling at the end. It is visually appealing and tasteful.