I was departing Vegas in less than 24 hours and my quest to find the best Bloody Mary was in jeopardy.
I consulted my carefully researched list of other establishments. After learning from my experience at Hash House, I did a little more digging and discovered that yes, many of these specialty bloodies were only available on the weekends.
This posed a problem as my flight was early Saturday afternoon; however, I soon realized that nothing was preventing me from having a Bloody for breakfast before boarding the plane.
After confirming that they did in fact have the Bloody Mary bar I had read so much about, I quickly made reservations at Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris Hotel for 9am on Saturday morning.
From the moment I arrived, I knew that this Bloody was going to be the “Pièce de résistance” of the trip— we got a table outside on the patio, our waitress was nice, the food looked delish and the Bloody Mary cart was teeming with fresh ingredients and in full view.
Spice: You play mixologist! The top of the bar is lined with every hot sauce under the sun. Also, add horseradish, Worcestershire, etc.
Mix: Choose from Clamato, Tomato Juice or a mix I had never heard of—Dr. Swami and Bone Daddy’s. I used this opportunity to try the new mix and must say it was very good!
Vodka; You call it! I chose Tito’s.
Chaser: None offered.
Fixin’s: A wide variety to choose from, mostly consisting of fresh veggies such as: cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled carrots, and peppers, plus lemons, limes and olives. (Notably missing to midwest folks: meat and cheese!)
Price: $11
This bloody was absolutely amazing—my compliments to the bartender—that’d be me! I had a ton of fun building my bloody.
BEFORE
AFTER
I finally hit the jackpot in Vegas and just in time, too! I highly recommend Mon Ami to anyone looking for a Bloody Mary fix in Vegas. The only downfall is that the Bloody Mary cart is ONLY available on weekends.
Given the Vegas nightlife scene, one would really think that there would be a big market for Bloodies there; however, I found it really difficult to find a good one that was available on a daily basis.
I realize by now that fixin’s overloads and beer chasers are primarily a Midwest thing, but I’ve got to believe that in the city of excess, a Sobelman’s or O’Davey’s-style Bloody Mary would go over well there.Not once did I spy a beefstick, shrimp, bacon or cheese cube on my journey.
I’d be tempted to open up a specialty Bloody Mary bar there if I had any restaurant experience. I can see people making a pilgrimage to it and really having some fun with it. If you have the capital and wherewithal to do this, let me know, I’d be happy to help consult!
Regardless, Vegas, you redeemed yourself at the last minute. Until next time!
