From his first foray into the local dining scene at Roy’s to his latest venture as chef at Inyo Asian Variety, chef Gregg Fortunato has been part of the Las Vegas restaurant galaxy for more than a decade. The New York native—who also worked at the Palms’ Little Buddha and the Cosmopolitan’s original Blue Ribbon—has embarked on a new chapter, heading up Downtown’s 7th & Carson, the small plates-focused restaurant that replaced Glutton this past summer.
The menu is divided into quarters—“oven,” “earth,” “sea” and “land”—but that doesn’t make choosing any easier. Just about everything’s worth trying and sharing, making it perfect for dates or larger groups.
The cocktail program, helmed by Oscar Takahashi, also demands exploring. Order from the list or have him create something unique before you dive into the braised oxtail toast ($11)—tender, juicy oxtail slathered in a dark and savory beer gravy and topped with cheese curds and sea salt. The menu also borrows from a number of different cuisines. For a light but savory option, try the lamb sausage pizzetta ($14), which finds the Greek flavors of a traditional gyro—lamb, feta, pickled red onion, yogurt and dill—mingling on grilled flatbread. The lemonfish ceviche ($13), tossed in a green tomato gazpacho and served with crispy sweet potato chips, is a light and refreshing choice, which sets up the octopus ($13), grilled to perfection with the perfect amount of char and served with white beans, serrano peppers and a smoked paprika vinaigrette.
Heavier, rib-sticking dishes are peppered throughout the creative menu, including smoked pork belly ($13)—thick chunks of fatty and juicy meat crisped on the outside and paired with an intense truffle honey, Bay Blue cheese crumbles and chicharrons.
Whatever route you take, don’t skip the C.F.C. wings ($11), golden-brown fried chicken sprinkled in a spicy “house dust” and served with honey and hot sauce. It’s one dish you can’t miss, no matter how many times you’ve visited or how many of these fun small plates you’ve tried.
7th & Carson 616 E. Carson Ave., 702-868-3355. Thursday-Monday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.