Wb Stage 16

Since its celerity-laced opening, WB Stage 16 has certainly earned its fair share of write-ups and reviews. The initial appeal of this unique establishment inside the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian is easily attributed to the brilliant design by Fitch (Worthington, Ohio) and Mark Artus' advocacy in creating different dining environments instead of a single expansive set. The result is four soundstages--Batman, Casablanca, Gold Diggers, and Ocean's Eleven--that seat 350 plus two bars, a balcony area, and screening room. Design aside, WB Stage 16 retains patron interest because of the dishes developed and prepared by Chef George Jacquez. One of the best is the lobster and wild mushroom strudel, wrapped in rice paper with baby greens and Stoli vanilla vodka butter ($29.95). The rich combination of tastes and contrasting flaky crust convincingly argues why lobster should not be simply cooked and served with butter. It is even better than the Ancho cinnamon pork ten ... more

Since its celerity-laced opening, WB Stage 16 has certainly earned its fair share of write-ups and reviews. The initial appeal of this unique establishment inside the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian is easily attributed to the brilliant design by Fitch (Worthington, Ohio) and Mark Artus' advocacy in creating different dining environments instead of a single expansive set. The result is four soundstages--Batman, Casablanca, Gold Diggers, and Ocean's Eleven--that seat 350 plus two bars, a balcony area, and screening room.
Design aside, WB Stage 16 retains patron interest because of the dishes developed and prepared by Chef George Jacquez. One of the best is the lobster and wild mushroom strudel, wrapped in rice paper with baby greens and Stoli vanilla vodka butter ($29.95). The rich combination of tastes and contrasting flaky crust convincingly argues why lobster should not be simply cooked and served with butter. It is even better than the Ancho cinnamon pork tenderloin ($24.95) recommended by one server, which given the pork's thickness could be accompanied by more sauce.
The more modestly priced fish and chips ($19.95) is also a winner. An extremely generous number of golden fried white fish fillets are served with a mountain of thick-cut chips and pan-fried cabbage salad. The light brown ale batter and consistently excellent preparation (neither too dry nor too moist) makes an otherwise simple dish memorable.
Like all of WB Stage 16 eclectic mix of American, Mediterranean, Asian, and European entrées ranging from $9.95 to $29.95, the food presentation is always flawless. Las Vegas visitors traveling with children will be equally impressed that ''Cooking for Kids'' is a permanent part of the menu with $7.95 dishes ranging from burgers to herb crusted lemon sole. The sentiment is not wasted. Staff makes guests with children feel welcome, sometimes offering celery and carrot sticks to accompany an adult-ordered appetizer.
Advise that children try the appetizers anyway. The portobello mushroom and zucchini fries ($8.50) are served with a ''spicy'' (not so spicy) pomodoro sauce and ranch dressing. They are a great culinary treat only overshadowed by the wok fried duck spring rolls ($9.95), which is Asian vegetable salad stuffed in pastry-like rolls served with a mango-cactus pear jam. While the duck rolls are a must try, other worthwhile appetizers include Petaluna escargot and wild mushrooms ($9.75) and lobster and shrimp stuffed shiitake mushrooms ($11.95).
WB Stage 16 has always emphasized food first and service second, which unfortunately proved too true for comfort despite concierge-placed reservations. While past walk-in experiences raised expectations, missed opportunities and miscommunication made the second visit average, not exceptional.
Some missteps may be dismissed as unusual (a hostess making a personal call while guests with reservations waited an unusually long time to be seated), others suggest a need to improve communication: WB Stage 16’s delicious assortment of breads and signature spreads were forgotten until after the appetizer, the second-server had to ask who ordered which meal and thrice moved an empty drink glass to place food on the table, but never thought to offer a refill or even notify the server.
Perhaps it was the pace of the more sedate setting inside Casablanca's Rick's Café, but the experience was less engaging than previous experiences when servers asked questions beyond the basic ''Found anything yet?'' and supervisor/manager visits seemed commonplace. One would think it would be the otherway around with a concierge-referred guest receiving comparable attention to a larger group that was seated later (even the chef stopped by long enough to say hello to them). To be fair, it is doubtful the hostess ever told the server, who warmed up on her own toward the end of the meal.
With this in mind, concierges may want to request the Batman or Gold Diggers room for casual dining-minded guests because they seem better suited to the surroundings. Also, the extensive wine list consists of 18 wines by the glass and large selection American reds and whites. Red and white imports are limited to Shateau La Gardine ($78) and Antinori Chianti Classico Rivera ($46).
Still, WB Stage 16 is great choice for guests with well-mannered children, large groups, and post Grand Canal Shoppes strolls. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations are recommended, but they are very accommodating for walk-in guests. The stunning, award-winning lounge makes any wait enjoyable.
Overall: 3 1/2 keys from Key News * Las Vegas (www.keynewslasvegas.com), which is published by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association. Reprinted online with permission. less