|
|
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba Review
Courtesy of Cheflive.com
Want to experience a bit of Germany and the Bavarian Culture in the City of Lights? Then it's time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the first authentic replica of the world's most famous beer hall. Hofbrauhaus remains Munich's most famous attraction and now we have it here in Las Vegas, located across from the Hard Rock Hotel on Paradise Road. It is an exact replica of Hofbrauhaus Munchen complete with "Schwemme" (Beer Hall), Biergarten (Beer Garden), bar, music, food, towers, and turrets, windows, balconies and even the roof tiles are all a recreation of the original structure in Bavaria.
The Godfather of Tapas hits Vegas:
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba has been dishing out tapas for over 16 years at a location in Chicago, under the direction of Gabino Sotelino, the proclaimed American "Godfather of Tapas”. Gabino was tapas before tapas was cool. The original location of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba in Chicago proved to be a difficult place to find a seat, as people quickly discovered the variety of dishes and different wines and sangrias offered by Chef Gabino and his staff.
Another location was in order! What better place to open the window to everyone, than from the world’s most famous thoroughfare, Las Vegas Boulevard!
 Tapas originated in Spain many years ago. The idea was to bring small portions of various dishes to the table, just a little at a time, in order to keep bar patrons interested in sticking around and drinking more. Many of the tapas bars were outside back then, so minimizing the time that a dish stayed on the table was just common sense.
Since then, thanks to Chef Gabino, the tapas concept has transformed into something else entirely. While they have adhered to the original miniaturized plates and friendly style of sharing dishes, the dishes themselves have elevated to that of fine dining quality.
Now diners can enjoy exquisite nouvelle cuisine prepared in grand style at a top-notch destination, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba Las Vegas.
 Entering Cafe Ba Ba Reeba right off the Vegas strip, on a rare cold Las Vegas evening, we were welcomed warmly by the sight of imported cheeses, Serrano ham hanging from the ceiling, the tinkling of ice as Sangria poured freely, and a most beautiful interior.
Three different private rooms of varying sizes allow for groups to gather, the bar is large and rectangular, up front in true tapas style, the restaurant spreads out behind it in a most grand display. Dark cherry wood and oversized light fixtures that differ from room to room are evidence of a design team with a lot of inspiration.
There are wide open tables or high back booths for those who wish for a little more privacy. The patio, unused this chilly December day, spills right out onto "the strip”.
If you like to people watch, there is no better place!
The food is a fine representation of traditional tapas, complemented by plenty of spectacular delights and diversions.
We started with three dishes. First, a salmon and scallop ceviche in citrus that pinged the taste-buds with bright explosions of flavor that change with each bite. A tasting plate of Serrano ham, chorizo, sausage and Manchego cheese gave us something to really sink our teeth into. There is a lot of flavor here, grab the bread, pour yourself some Sangria. You are in Spain now, if for a brief moment in time. My favorite dish of the day, the one I will order every time I go regardless how adventurous I am feeling? The chicken salad with curry. An indescribable combination of a velvet curry sauce and tender chicken pieces serve chilled, I had trouble sharing this one.
 My friend ordered shrimp and garlic, I was surprised at how the garlic was toasted and intense, the shrimp delicate, not overcooked. It’s nice to be spoiled. The calamari was separated into two; the top sauteed in butter, the tiny tentacles fried to a crispy crunch. When the beef rioja short ribs arrived, I thought a fight would break out. Fortunately there were two, and a generous helping of mashed potatoes topped with flakes of Manchego cheese. I actually cut the beef with a tiny tapas fork. The sauce that came with it made it simply melt in my mouth. Lastly, a real surprise, a beef tenderloin slathered with a piquant blue cheese that exploded with flavor. This is something I will try to duplicate at home, never would I have thought this combination could be so pleasing.
 The whole idea of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba is to enjoy yourself. There are so many items on the menu that inspire, you will need to go back several times to get a real feel for the vast selection. At a cost of 5 or 6 dollars average per item, this should be easy to do. If you like Paella, theirs is some of the best.
I get the biggest kick, however, out of the eye popping, flavor fantasia dishes that are Chef Gabino’s signature, many picked up from frequent journeys to his homeland of Spain.
 When dessert comes to the table, you will have to make room. Like the other dishes, there is a great deal of attention paid not only to the flavor, but the textures and overall appearance. Bananas and caramel are sprinkled with a crunchy nut crumble. The velvet chocolate truffle was amazing, rich and creamy. The lemon cake with tangy lemon sauce went the other direction, sweet and tart. Hints of lemon meringue memories, warm summer fresh-cut-grass Sundays, flowed over my palate and through my mind.
It is no wonder this restaurant has enjoyed the success it has in the short time it has been open.
There are dishes at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba that everyone can enjoy. No one will leave hungry, regardless of their dietary needs or peculiar culinary quirks. The wine list offers close to 200 varieties, there are 6 kinds of Sangria, and complete bar selection. There is an abundance of classes and tastings that you can attend, whether to learn how to prepare awesome dishes or to pair wine.
I had three different people recommend I try Cafe Ba Ba Reeba and tell people about this place, that it simply must be shared. I might suggest you get over there before the word gets out.
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
3200 Las Vegas Blvd South, Ste 1144
(Fashion Show Mall)
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Reservations recommended: 702-258-1211
Restaurants: If your information needs inclusion, updating, or you would like us to perform a more in-depth write-up (no charge), please click to contact our office.
|
|
|
|
August 2008
 David Copperfield
Aug 21-31
Cher
Aug 26-27
Barry Manilow
Aug. 27
Air Supply
Aug. 28-31
G. Love and Special Sauce
Aug. 29
Kiss
Aug. 29
3 Doors Down, Staind & Hinder
Aug. 29
Bill Engvall
Aug. 29
Ramon Ayala
Aug. 29
40 Years Ago Today
Aug. 29
Barry Manilow
Aug. 29-30
Chris Rock
Aug. 29-30
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
Aug. 30
Ice Cube
Aug. 30
The Tubes
Aug. 30
Stanley Clarke
Aug. 30
David Spade
Aug. 30-31
Lewis Black
Aug. 30-31
Cher
Aug 30-31
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Aug 31
September 2008
Judas Priest
Sept. 1
Bob Dylan
Sept. 1
David Copperfield
Sept. 1-30
Cher
Sept. 2-3
Barry Manilow
Sept. 3
Motorhead
Sept. 4
Collective Soul
Sept. 5
Shinedown
Sept. 5
Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters
Sept. 5
Barry Manilow
Sept. 5-6
Alice Cooper
Sept. 5-7
David Brenner
Sept. 5-7
Cher
Sept. 6-7
Cher
Sept. 9-10
Donny & Marie Osmond
Sept. 9-13
The Temptations
Sept. 11-14
Billy Idol
Sept. 12
Paul Rodriguez
Sept. 12
Polo Polo
Sept. 12
Gabriel Iglesias
Sept. 12-13
Brad Garrett & Ray Romano
Sept. 12-14
Black Crowes
Sept. 13
Enrique Iglesias
Sept. 13
Jaguares
Sept. 13
Al Green
Sept. 13
Casamayor vs. Marquez
Sept. 13
Marco Antonio Solis
Sept. 13
Jesse McCartney
Sept. 13
Alejandro Fernandez
Sept. 15
Vampire Weekend
Sept. 15
Terry Fator
Sept. 15-17
Cher
Sept. 16-17
Donny & Marie Osmond
Sept. 16-20
Janet Jackson
Sept. 19
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Sept. 19
Jay Leno
Sept. 19-20
Boyz II Men
Sept. 19-21
Tower of Power
Sept. 19-21
Annual Hoodie Awards
Sept. 20
Lindsey Buckingham
Sept. 20
Kid Rock
Sept. 20
Children of Bodom
Sept. 20
Cher
Sept. 20-21
Cher
Sept. 23-24
Donny & Marie Osmond
Sept. 23-27
Barry Manilow
Sept. 24
Foo Fighters
Sept. 25-26
Atmosphere
Sept. 26
Jay Leno
Sept. 26-27
Barry Manilow
Sept. 26-27
The Osmond Brothers
Sept. 26-28
Frozen Fury XI
Sept. 27
Charlie Murphy
Sept. 27
Louis C.K.
Sept. 27
Cher
Sept. 27-28
Donny & Marie Osmond
Sept. 30
Cher
Sept. 30
|
|
|
|
You'll want to come back time and time again to explore our comprehensive helpful Las Vegas information.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 20, 2008
|
|
|
New Show Review - Barry Manilow Writes The Songs, Performs With Passion In Las Vegas
|
|
|
Free Streaming Video - Introduction To Limit Texas Hold'em!
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 13, 2008
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe August 6, 2008
|
|
|
New Show Review - Bette Midler Is "The People's Diva" In The Showgirl Must Go On
|
|
|
Photo Story Feature - M Resort, Spa and Casino Las Vegas Tops Off Tower, Open Early 2009
|
|
|
Free Streaming Video - Introduction to Seven Card Stud Poker!
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 30, 2008
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 30, 2008
|
|
|
Free Streaming Video - Introduction to Omaha Eight Poker!
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 16, 2008
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Cirque du Soleil's KA - Set Fire To Your Boundaries And Ignite Your Imagination
|
|
|
New Las Vegas Photos - Palms Hotel and Casino
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Indeed, The Rat Pack Is Back In Las Vegas
|
|
|
New Las Vegas Photos - Orleans Hotel and Casino
|
|
|
Free Streaming Video - Introduction to Omaha High Poker!
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 9, 2008
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Titanic The Artifact Exhibition - Moving, Memorable and Haunting
|
|
|
Free Streaming Video - Basics of Texas Hold'em Poker!
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - X Burlesque - Sharp, Sexy, and Entertaining
|
|
|
Loose Slots And How To Still Enjoy The "New" Las Vegas
|
|
|
New Las Vegas Photos - Fremont Street Downtown Las Vegas Hotels and Casinos
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe July 2, 2008
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Menopause The Musical - Laughing With Lifes Changes
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Stripper 101 - Saucy, Sexy Sin City Fun
|
|
|
New Las Vegas Photos - Vegas Strip Views From Top Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 25, 2008
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Blue Man Group Las Vegas - A Show With No Rules
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Gordie Brown - A Las Vegas Evening With A Lifetime Of Celebs
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 18, 2008
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Experience The Spice Of Life at V The Ultimate Variety Show
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Crazy Girls Keeps It Simple, Yet Sensual and Captivating
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe June 11, 2008
|
|
|
New Las Vegas Photos - Ditch Friday Pool Party at Palms Las Vegas
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Las Vegas Showgirls Shine On In Jubilee! at Bally's
|
|
|
New Las Vegas Photos - LA Sunset Tan 2008 Sexy Swimwear Debut at Palms Las Vegas
|
|
|
Read Our Latest Free Newsletter - Access Vegas Insider Vibe May 28, 2008
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Take A Plunge Into The Mystical World Of Cirque du Soleil's Mystere
|
|
|
Las Vegas Show Review - Elton John Songs Improve With Time In Red Piano
|
|
