The Salt Lick (Red Rock style)

On my journeys in the great big festering neon distraction, I frequently search for some Texas in my life. Most things that claim to be "Texan" are undoubtedly disappointing considering my knowledge and experience of the real thing. For example, the casino Texas Station is about as Texan as Outhouse Steakback or Fosters are Australian. I have found some of the essentials such as Topo-Chico. Only one store in this entire city sells the precious uber-carbonated liquid, and it's a 7-11. They sell them because the bottle reminds the owner of her native Indian products. Never the less, I am grateful to have the ability to get them. Otherwise it would be Perrier or Jarritos. But I digress...

My roommate the Dali Lamar (aka DJ Graytape) casually asked me if I knew about The Salt Lick. My eyes lit up at the mention of some Austin-ness. He went on to explain that Red Rock casino just opened a Salt Lick. That casino is literally on the other side of the valley from my hood. So I used to excuse of my family being in town to satiate my curiosity. After the long drive (40 minute) to Red Rock, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Salt Lick placed as a major attraction. Upon initial entry of the restaurant, my skepticism began to rise. The fake wood walls made to look old and dingy were as fake-ly Texan as other things I've seen in the desert. Once the menus arrived, and I placed my standard Salt Lick drink order of Lone Star, I began doubting my intuition. The smells of burning wood, BBQ sauce, and smoking briskets truly reminded me of the original Salt Lick. Being pigs, we ordered the family style serving. So here is a run down by dish to the original:
1. Brisket - just as good as Driftwood

2. Sausage - just as good as Driftwood

3. Ribs - a little drier than Driftwood, but seasoned the same

4. Potato Salad - not quite German style. It had too many eggs in it. Much more in line with west coast PS than it should have been. Maybe it was just a bad day for the PS.

5. Cole Slaw - the only real disappointment. I am normally not a slaw fan, but I dig the un-creamy, limey flavored style of SL. It wasn't as bad as KFC, but not the delicacy like Driftwood. It wasn't limey enough, and was missing the signature caraway seeds. Still not bad.

I inquired of the waitress how the SL came to Las Vegas. Apparently SL is world famous. Someone in the Station Casino family knew of SL and asked the owners what it would take to bring it to Las Vegas. So my guess is a large check. The original owners had some influence in the new versions from the tables and chairs to the cooking process. I now know that there are 2 SL's in Las Vegas. One is in Red Rock Casino, and the other is in the Colorado Bell . If only it were more geographically friendly to my house. If only...

My apologies for the different fonts. Blogger is gumping on me.

More of my LV experience to come.