The Carmel Room

Ahh, the ladies and friends LOVE the Carmel Room at the Rampart Casino because the atmosphere, service, and the menu are all as comforting as the name containing the word Carmel– which is pretty darned close to the word caramel! We dine at the Carmel room at least once a month to kick back and enjoy a relaxing dinner in a superior room. Truth be told it’s rarely full and we don’t know why! It’s one of Vegas’ best kept secrets, I guess.

First, let’s talk décor: I don’t know about you ladies, but when I go out for a fine meal I DETEST a brightly lit room. The Carmel Room actually reminds us of “old Vegas” with dark paneled walls, crisp table cloths, soft music and, best of all, private alcove dining upon availability. The alcoves are cool in that you can curtain yourself off to make your table totally private. And, for the frosting on the cake: no beaming spotlights glaring off the glass!

The service is old fashioned as well. The maitre d actually takes a ladies arm and guides her and her party to the table. Two servers are assigned and we usually ask for Jonathan as our lead server. He always goes out of his way to make our experience a great one. Talk about “old Vegas” you can even get dishes made tableside.

Now for the best part: the food! The Carmel Room promotes itself as having an eclectic menu featuring some classic dishes along with some more innovative offerings. For my way of thinking the menu is pretty classic good old American food. The prices are moderately expensive but the portions are not huge. The food served is advertised as organic and I must say all of the vegetables are wonderful.

Some of our favorite appetizers are the Fire and Ice Oyster Combination ($12) consisting of 3 oysters on the half shell and 3 Oysters Rockefeller. Again, the oysters are not huge but very tasty. The Oysters Rockefeller are sufficiently puffy and dreamy. On my last visit, I broke the oyster mold and ordered the Roasted Diver Scallops ($11). I received another petite portion of 3 scallops sitting on a bed of spiced spaghetti squash, but it was delectable, and I did not offer to share. If I’m really feeling decadent, the choice is the Escargot Bourguignon ($9). Expect a piping hot plate of bubbling garlic butter and tender escargot sitting on a lovely pastry pillow—perfection! If you’re a salad girl, don’t pass up the wilted spinach salad ($9) prepared to order tableside.

The Carmel Room menu is not huge but be sure to ask about specials not appearing on the menu. The most prevalent selections involve some type of steak but there are sufficient amount of seafood entrees available to keep everyone happy. Entrees range in price from $26 to over $40. If you’re in the mood for a classic, try the Veal Oscar with asparagus tips and crab ($28), the Braised Lamb Shank with wild mushroom risotto ($32), or a wonderful Beef Wellington with foie gras ($31). Ironically, one of the tastiest dishes is the cheapest on the menu: Stuffed Shrimp over angel hair pasta in garlic wine sauce ($26)—true comfort food.

All sides are $7 and can be split between 2 people. Carmel has over 100 wines on their menu from Europe and Napa. For dessert try the soufflé combo with 3 different sauces. It is to die for– and I’m not a big dessert person. Since it’s not on the menu, I have no idea what we usually pay but you must order any of the soufflés when you order your dinner to allow for the baking time.

So, ladies, if you’re ever tooling around the Summerlin area (15 minutes NW of the strip), drop into the Carmel Room and give it a try. Even though it’s not too hard to get in, make a reservation just in case. There is no bar area or cocktail lounge so you will want to be seated right away unless you plan on gambling if you have a wait. Once you check it out, please give us YOUR review of the intimate, romantic, Carmel Room at the Rampart Casino.

The Carmel Room at the Rampart Casino

221 N Rampart Blvd.

Las Vegas NV 89145

866-999-4899

702-507-5900

Hours: 5-9pm S-Th

5-10pm F-S

Banquet Room available for up to 20

Chef: Steve Varga

Hint: look for discounts to the Carmel Room at www.restaurants.com