Going to Las Vegas in the past proved complicated for a vegan diet. This recent trip I took there was much easier. As I was looking for a place for lunch one day with a friend we stumbled upon China Poblano in the Cosmopolitan(yes, I witnessed the fire). At first I had a feeling of dread as I am tired of these random fusion places that never quite work out well. I thought it might turn out like this Onion article. But as we were seated and explained that it was both Chinese and Mexican "street food" which is a trendy way of saying small plates, I was relieved that I wouldn't have to eat a Teriyaki flavored taco. Because that just does not need to happen.
The staff was helpful and offered up easy to modify suggestions for vegan food. Mostly as easy as leaving off cheese. I ended up here three times due to the convenience factor. Once it was very crowded and I will admit the people were more than a little...trying to be around. Even as far as boys catcalling girls as they walked by the tables. But that has nothing to do with the place it's self.
My one complaint I'd say is that a lot of the food is really salty. Which is good because of the need to replenish your salt in Las Vegas as you tend to sweat a lot more here but not great because you also don't go outside that much if you don't want to and well, then it's a bit much.
The staff exhibited amazing patience dealing with the large parties coming in. Many of them drunk and rude. I have to say that because they deserve the praise. I realize this is Las Vegas but people don't have to be jerks.
Anyway, I really enjoyed my 18 monk noodle dish with wheat noodles and enoki mushrooms as well as the lotus root chips with anise salt. There were other things shared around such as tacos and glass noodles, all of which was tasty. I suppose it's not a bad thing to have salty food when you're also drinking a lot. The Cosmopolitan seems to be one of the trendy, cool places to be right now as well as the Aria. I stayed at the Vdara so the access to this place was pretty easy for me as these are all connected. I would certainly say it's worth a visit as it's more reasonably priced as well and we never had to wait too long for a table at lunch. Just be polite to the staff. They've been dealing with idiots all day.
