43°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

José Andrés’ Jaleo wants you to try sherry

The team at Jaleo is on a mission to get you to try sherry.

Sommelier Mario Luna explains that the Spanish fortified wine is a key component of tapas. Unfortunately, he says, it’s the one most diners overlook.

“When you come into Jaleo, you’re (looking through) the eyes of chef José Andrés. And everyone learns about tapas when they come in. But Sherry is a foundation of tapas. Sherry, jamon, queso, pan con tomate — that’s the building blocks of tapas.”

The first three — ham, cheese and grilled bread with tomato, for those who don’t speak Spanish — are popular staples at his restaurant, but sadly, he says, many guests skip the sherry.

“So people (only) get to experience three-quarters of it.”

To get the word out, Luna hosted a luncheon Dec. 5 for invited guests, where he paired four different sherries with everything from the aforementioned items to chicken croquetas, patatas bravas, sautéed spinach and pork sausage.

Jaleo at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers between 17 and 20 varieties of sherry on its menu at any given time, priced between $11 and $18 a glass, or $16 to about $1,000 a bottle. The restaurant also offers the spirit in two different flights, for those interested in sampling more than one.

Contact Al Mancini at amancini@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlManciniVegas on Twitter and Instagram.

THE LATEST
 
Randy’s Donuts opens its 4th shop in Las Vegas

The new store features a signature mix of more than 60 doughnut varieties, plus new breakfast items and a drive-thru.

Top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this week

Singer Jennifer Hudson, Christmas movies and dancer Derek Hough lead this week’s entertainment lineup in Las Vegas.

1st look inside new downtown bar from chef James Trees

The latest project from the owner of Esther’s Kitchen features cocktail and snack pairings, nods to street art and a determination to make happy hour cool again.

How Ethel M Chocolates got its start in Henderson

Chocolatier Forrest Mars came out to Las Vegas to retire, but after learning about Nevada’s unique liquor laws, he decided to start a new brand instead.

 
Vegas-only dishes and more on the menu at new Strip steakhouse

Consider the caviar Twinkie. What is essentially a buttery cornbread forms the Twinkie cake; the yuzu crème fraîche stands in for vanilla cream filling. The caviar, of course, is wholly Vegas.

Top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this week

The return of Nevada Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” the NBA Cup and an immersive “Nightmare Before Christmas” top this week’s entertainment options.