Q: positive

A: Is this becoming a nationwide trend? It's apparently the age of the chain gastropub. And I gotta say, I like it. Culinary Dropout is part of the Fox Restaurant Concepts conglomerate of restaurants; the original Culinary Dropout is in Fox's homebase of Scottsdale. I can haz franchising rights in Texas? I'd heard good things about Hard Rock's atmosphere, and while that mostly disappointed, Culinary Dropout was a fine time. We made reservations for 9 people on a Saturday night, which were completely unnecessary. The restaurant was about half-full, though part of the reason is it's huge with a great, casual patio. We immediately got a free serving of Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue--delicious--a result of a duplicate order. Great start. I was mostly drawn to the impressively diverse, if pricey, beer menu. Woe is me; instead of embracing diversity, I ended up sticking to the very delicious Joseph James lager all night. There's some good stuff on there, and if you've lost all your money gambling on the tables there's also a "paper bag special" for $3. Our waitress described it as Bud Select or something of that ilk; we stayed away but I found it cheekily fun. Menu prices are quite reasonable after getting eye-gouged by the Vegas exchange rate. The Meatloaf--my choice, was exceptionally large and quite filling. Ends were more than a little burnt, but I enjoyed the "meaty" part and enjoyed the sides. The Shaved Prime Rib Dip got huge raves from our waitress, who was excellent all night, as well as my fellow diners who ordered it. The Fish & Chips and 36-Hour Pork Ribs were called as decidedly average. It's a really great ambiance, and if the Hard Rock had more of the "zoo" atmosphere that I was promised, I think the night would've been even better. As it is, it's a short cab ride from the strip and was still a great time regardless.

Q: negative

A: I would NOT recommend this restaurant. Uninteresting menu, overpriced tapas, and the atmosphere was strange. It was a weekend night and there were few people in the restaurant. The large size of the restaurant made the lack of people very noticeable. The server was a very nice younger man and he did a great job, in spite of the mediocre food and weird atmosphere.

Q: positive

A: Superb. A grand, luxurious dining room. Meticulous and attentive staff. Food that should be displayed in a museum. Wifey and I were absolutely floored by our meal at Alex. This is a place that leaves nothing to chance, the wait-staff obviously make it a personal mission to go above and beyond your expectations. From the minute we were seated in that gorgeous dining hall, no less than seven different staff members rushed over to do their thing. While that sounds intimidating, their movements were so well-choreographed and smooth, that they were barely even perceptible... unless you're paying attention. Since I'm a nosy busy-body, here's my count: 1) Maitre'd escorts us to table. 2) Two staff members pull our seats. 3) Another staff is placing wifey's purse on a cutesy (and completely over-the-top) velveteen footstool. 4) Someone is placing napkins on our laps. 5) Water-boy is filling glasses. 6) Waiter is standing at attention with menus. Hot damn! A guy could get used to service like this. The attention makes me a little melancholy and reminds me that wifey would never cater to me like this... sigh. We order the signature tasting menu and let the wave of food hit us. The amuse bouche was something else. Friggin' modern art on a plate. From there, things got only better. I'd describe the menu as contemporary and seasonal, with a heavy emphasis on French technique. Ended the meal with a flurry of desserts, petite fours, hand-made chocolates, and fresh baked madeleines. Almost exploded from too much food. A very memorable meal, and the best service we've experienced in the western united states.

Q: negative

A:
Food was moderate and exceptionally overpriced. Service was good, venue was enjoyable. I think price and the expectation built about this place ruined it for me, only because it winds up this is a very expensive place trying to be a LEGITIMATE expensive place. Instead, it's just overblown. I can see how college couples and the nouveau riche would find House of Tricks to be a cut above; after all, if you're paying a lot of money, it MUSt be a good place, right? Warning to those who have experienced real "fine dining" and eaten domestically and abroad: this is NOT the real deal - move along to something else.