Marcus Collins of the Texas Tenors Dining at Americana
Food & Beverage Magazine | FB101.com-
Marcus Collins, one third of the celebrity musical group The Texas Tenors, recently was in Las Vegas and visited Americana restaurant on Lake Jaqueline at Lakeside Event Center for some of Chef Stephen Blandino’s fabulous dishes.
“It was so nice to take an afternoon and spend time at my favorite restaurant off the Las Vegas Strip. It’s a great atmosphere, so welcoming and relaxing. like an oasis in the desert. Enjoying incredible food while sitting by the lake is a beautiful experience
Blandino started out with a generous Charcuterie and Cheese Board for Collins and his two guests. This beautiful display comprised of three cheeses and three meats with grilled baguette slices and some fun, fresh honeycomb and house- made fig jam was a great way to begin the exciting lunch. “We use all American cheeses and like to source our ingredients from the best Artisan American producers,” said Blandino.
Next was what the chef described as Silverado Corn Chowder Soup with sweet corn, poached prawns, fingerling potatoes, poured tableside.
“I wanted to have another bowl of this delectable chowder, but decided to wait and enjoy the other selections chef was presenting,” said Collins.
This included a Beef Short Rib, braised slow and long, making it very juicy, accompanied with garlic mashed potatoes and baby vegetables.
Collins was looking forward to biting into one of the specials of the house, the American Prime Burger consisting of all prime beef ground with aged cheddar cheese caramelized onions, served on a potato bun with chef’s secret Jaqueline Sauce and Sea Salt Fries.
What’s a meal without dessert? Blandino rounded up the lunch with three mouthwatering sweets. A Banana Foster Cheesecake with Candied Pecans ~ Chantilly Cream, a Chocolate Glazed Peanut Butter Bar with Peanut Brittle and Vanilla Gelato and Vanilla Crème Brulee with mixed berries.
Collins praised the chef for an outstanding meal and for the ambience of the surrounding. The Texas Tenors, who are the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of America’s Got Talent, currently are on their “Tenth Anniversary Tour” since first appearing on AGT in 2009.
Since that time they have released 4 studio albums, 2 PBS Specials, 4 DVDs, multiple singles, a children’s book, 3 Emmy Awards, and the group’s most recent albums “Rise” and “A Collection of Broadway and American Classics” both debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Chart. Collins said TTT appeared with The Boston Pops Symphony for the spectacular July 4th celebration, joining Queen Latifah.
Blandino said, “It’s wonderful to have someone as talented and well-traveled as Marcus appreciate my restaurant and the food. I’m looking forward to seeing him return soon.