Bistro 555 - Greektown Hotel

Greektown Casino – Detroit
Bistro 555
http://www.greektowncasino.com

Do you like to gamble? Whether you answer yes or no to this question, you can still enjoy the delightful cuisine offered by some of casino’s finest restaurants. I recently visited the new Greektown Hotel and Casino in Detroit and found my meal at the hotel restaurant exquisite. Bistro 555 is located on the second floor of the hotel and overlooks the lobby. There’s a quaint little bar and lounge area to have a drink if you’re waiting for a friend or a table. The atmosphere is simply sophisticated and relaxing. You’ll find it enjoyable no matter the occasion or the company.

Now onto the food! This had to be one of the best meals I’ve had dining out. We started with an appetizer of crab cakes that were very good. I’ve had crab cakes many times at restaurants and these were just as tasty as any. Next the salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion with balsamic vinaigrette was excellent! However, the best part of my meal was the main dish. We each selected the orecchiette pasta flavored with olive oil, crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil and thyme topped with Salmon. You also have the choice of shrimp or chicken. First of all, the pasta stayed hot throughout most of the meal which is always a good thing. I like my pasta as hot as I can stand it. Second, the flavor of these simple ingredients was amazing and really blended well with the pasta and the fish. Finally, this salmon was cooked to perfection. It is the best salmon I’ve ever had really. Not seasoned with anything, but so moist and flavorful. My only regret is that I couldn’t finish every bite. I even took a break so I could eat more. I felt guilty even leaving a little.

Since I also like to cook and try new recipes all the time, I attempted to recreate this meal at home. I bought all of the ingredients and it was very easy. I started with olive oil and garlic in a small skillet. Once that cooked for a minute or so, I added the crushed tomatoes (not too much of the juice though) along with dried basil and thyme. You can use fresh herbs as well. I blended the hot mixture with the cooked pasta and topped with the grilled salmon. It tasted almost as good. The flavor of the sauce could have been stronger and the salmon wasn’t nearly as good. I guess I need a little more practice cooking salmon. It was still pretty tasty though and will go on my list of quick meals to make at home.

I’d like to add a little plug for the hotel as well. The service and rooms are top notch. The valet attendants, concierge and front desk staff are all very friendly and accommodating. The room was gorgeous! It had a huge bed with very comfortable pillows and bedding. You can watch TV on a large screen mounted on the wall. You also get your standard desk and sitting chair in the room. The sink is separate from the bathroom, which is nice when you’re sharing a room and one person is taking a shower. Best of all, you get to sleep in a blue glass building!! How many times have you done that?!

Anyway, if you’re looking for a quick getaway (and great food), check it out! http://www.greektowncasino.com

Nuevo Acapulco es Muy Bueno

If you love great Mexican food in an authentic atmosphere, you will cherish your time at Nuevo Acapulco. They have the best Mexican food I’ve tasted in Cleveland. Not to mention the nicest wait staff with impeccable service. Your dinner will be on the table in no time.

You will start out your visit with a big basket of warm tortilla chips and tasty salsa at no charge. We also like to get a side of guacamole and queso to enjoy with our chips. While you’re chowing on the chips, you will spend a bit of time perusing the menu with plenty of great dishes to choose from. It all sounds so good it’s difficult to decide on one. That is why I always select from the combo section where you can get 2 or 3 different items. No matter what you decide, I recommend the chicken for your choice of meat. You will get a generous portion of the tenderest chicken ever!

My favorite combination is the crunchy taco, tamale and enchilada. I don’t usually finish it all, but the leftovers are good too. If the main dish isn’t enough to satisfy you, you will receive a generous portion of rice and refried beans. These beans are sooo good, you won’t want to stop eating them. Actually, it’s all that good. I usually just continue eating until I’m stuffed. There’s never room for dessert. I’m sure they are just as delicious as the rest of the food.

I have tried the frozen margarita which is very tasty. However, I’m normally a beer drinker so I got buzzed pretty quickly from the tequila.

Nuevo Acapulco has two great locations to serve you in North Olmsted and Berea. Check out the website for more information. You really have to try this place. Even if you live on the other side of town, it’s well worth the drive!!

I’d love to hear about your favorite Mexican restaurant. Feel free to share your experiences at Nuevo Acapulco or elsewhere.