Refreshing cocktails like the El Mojito are perfect for Spring time
By Bob Barnes
The Deets
What to wear: Pretty much anything you feel like, as casual is the rule here
Where: 11011 W. Charleston (inside Red Rock Casino)
When to go: Sunday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday brunch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Make a reservation here.
Elevated American Cuisines
Since its opening in 2014 at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, Hearthstone has garnered acclaim for its varied menu of rustic American cuisine with wood-fired flavors and classy décor comprised of reclaimed wood and brick with an open feel, bright ambience and eclectic vibe encompassing a charcuterie station, oyster bar, pizza station and long mixology bar. Now coming to the forefront is the restaurant’s cocktail collection, which stands out as having several creations you won’t experience elsewhere.
Classic Cocktails with a Twist
The changing of the seasons brings new food and drink menus. The cocktails, designed by General Manager Johann Balidio and his bar team, are described by Balidio as classic cocktails with distinctive twists. After starting as a server and moving up through the ranks to the general manager position, he’s learned a lot along the way, including how to create a unique, popular cocktail, which is the perfect way to describe the El Mojito.
Unlike the popular drink made with rum, Balidio’s version uses Casamigos Blanco Tequila, muddled strawberry, agave, lime and mint. After it was introduced last summer, it surpassed the Blackberry Bliss as the top seller, which is no small feat, for the Bliss made with Grey Goose Vodka, housemade blackberry shrub, lime and ginger beer is also a surefire winner.
Other winners rounding out the cocktail collection are the Sidecar, a nontraditional recipe for its use of Remy Martin Cognac instead of brandy with Cointreau, lemon juice and orange blossom water spritz; and the Aviation with Botanist Dry Gin, Creme de Violette, Luxardo Cherry Liqueur and lemon juice.
New Season, New Menu
While enjoying the unique cocktails you’ll want to try some of Executive Chef Lee Davidson’s new menu creations, which began plating on March 1. New appetizers include Wagyu beef tataki with chili oil, ponzu and crispy garlic; and tuna pizza with black garlic soy aioli, pickled pearl onions and white truffle.
There are also new entree items such as crispy duck served with steamed pancakes and julienne sliced cucumber and scallions; spaghetti lobster homard with a generous ½ lobster, maple smoked bacon and brandy cream; and plant-based options including roasted baby carrots with sesame almond crunch and spicy vegan yogurt and buffalo cauliflower served with a vegan blue cheese sauce.
Now that the spring weather is optimal, consider making yourself at home at Hearthstone’s spacious outdoor patio where you can toast to a relaxed environment while sipping on the aforementioned sublimely creative cocktails. Show up Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and you can get everything on the happy hour menu (appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails) for $7.
