Mesa Grill

Description:

• In 2007, Atlantis carved this Southwestern-chic enclave out of a beachfront spot on the lobby level of the Cove, its boutique-style hotel-within-a-hotel. Don't presume that this is a down-home joint for chili, beer, and barbecue. It's actually rather haute, distinctly gourmet, and run by celebrity chef Bobby Flay. Begin a meal here with a shrimp-and-roasted-garlic cornmeal tamale with fresh corn and cilantro sauce, or perhaps the raw tuna nachos with mango hot sauce and avocado cream. Follow that with the 16-spice chicken or honey-glazed salmon. There are at least three succulent preparations of grilled steaks, plus an excellent vegetarian main course: the cornmeal-crusted chile relleno filled with goat cheese, wild mushrooms, and a smoked red-pepper sauce. Well-flavored side dishes include collard greens, sweet-potato gratin, black-eyed peas with rice, and cilantro-pesto mashed potatoes. Note: Children under 12 are discouraged from dining here.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010