A Wealth of Gourmet Flavors: Block 16 Urban Food Hall

​By: Bob Gourley

One of my favorite places to dine when I was a kid was a food court just north of Los Angeles International Airport. There were various stalls with international food choices everywhere. Being the food novice that I was then, I opted for American picks only and the hot turkey sandwiches were to die for.
 
I still like food courts and there is a great one at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. It is called Block 16 Urban Food Hall and it has some upscale choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

When I arrived, I checked out each area and decided to have a sandwich from Lardo. The name fits as I ordered a gargantuan version with lots of meat, lettuce and a homemade sauce that blended well with the other ingredients.
 
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is another spot that draws a crowd. It is one of the few places in the valley that serves up Nashville hot meat.
 
One of the fun choices you face is deciding just how much spice your mouth can take. I suggest starting with a mild sauce. You can always work up to more later.
 
If you are looking for a spirited libation with some gastro-pub food sit down at the bar at Ghost Donkey. They feature Mexican specialties like nachos and a slate of drinks like south-of-the-border spirits and artisanal brands.
 
Asian tastes are represented at Pok Pok Wing. James Beard award-winning Chef Andy Ricker has brought his Portland concept to the valley with picks like Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings that are immersed in sticky glaze.
 
Tekka Bar features handrolls and sake. The rolls are made-to-order tableside for maximum freshness. Seafood options including blue crab, yellowtail and salmon.
 
After my huge sandwich I wanted something sweet, so I went to Milkbar which was quite a sensation when it opened a couple of years ago. Even though they aren’t located technically at Block 16 they are so close you will be able to amble over and pick something out quickly.
 
Chef Christina Tosi is the mastermind of the place and she has crafted some of the most unusual desserts you will find. I recommend a cone or cup of soft serve.
 
I have never had anything like this. Not only is the consistency as creamy and silky-smooth as anything but the flavors are unique too.
 
Don’t expect to see traditional strawberry or chocolate. Here you will find things like Cereal Milk that tastes as though you are enjoying the last vestiges of a bowl of your favorite breakfast food.
 
There are cakes, pies and even truffles and they offer gift packages for holidays celebrations.
 
After all of the dishes I sampled I thought I was through but then I spotted District: Donuts, Sliders, Brew. They began in New Orleans and this is the first location in the west.
 
They have biscuit and donut sandwiches plus lunch and dinner items like pork belly sliders and waffle cheese fries. I especially enjoyed looking at their specialized donuts and picked out a large one to take home for breakfast. I knew I would be thinking about this treat all night and would anxiously await savory bites in the morning.
   
 You can find just about anything you want at District 16.
 
District 16 Urban Food Hall, Cosmopolitan Hotel, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd., South,
Las Vegas. www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.