Creative Place for Breakfast and Lunch: Craft Kitchen

By: Bob Gourley
 
Henderson is known for a lot of chain restaurants. Nothing wrong with that but the tide seems to be turning toward more individually owned locations and that is a good thing.
 
One of the newer local spots is Craft Kitchen.

​Chef Jaret Blinn’s philosophy is to “feed people how you would want to be fed.” His credentials are impressive having spent time at Ritz Carlton hotels in Maui, San Francisco and Lake Las Vegas. He also had stints at Le Cirque and Circo at the Bellagio.

​When he put together Craft’s fare, he wanted a creative approach to breakfast and lunch. One of his specialties is creating pastries and everything he touches is made from scratch. The restaurant has also garnered “Best of” in several categories.

The modern look is accented with wall hangings of plants that are framed. I had to ask if the plants were real and the knowledgeable waiter said they were not but the pieces still add a fresh look to the place. There is also a glass-enclosed private dining room that is available for small gatherings. 

On a recent visit my choice was The Veg Omelet and it was full of organic spinach, sautéed mushrooms, cherub tomatoes, micro greens and roasted garlic cream sauce. It had a soft, creamy consistency that melted in the mouth. 

They have various other creative items, like Pork Carnitas Benedict made with two poached eggs, smashed avocado, English muffin, cilantro plus tomatillo salsa. A side of chipotle hollandaise sauce is included.

You can tell that Chef Jared likes to amuse. One of the selections is “Chicken and What?” Yes it is buttermilk fried chicken paired with a waffle but the syrup is anything but ordinary…pickled jalapeno syrup with some heat with sweet.

Another twist on a classic is “Smoked Salmon and Pretzel” made with a house-made roll, sliced tomato, cream cheese, shaved red onions, fried capers and micro greens. French toast is given a new direction with Crème Brule Stuffed Toast with vanilla bean custard filling, caramelized toast top, fresh whipped cream, maple syrup and strawberry garnish.

Their Midday menu is just as interesting as breakfast. As you might guess there are some memorable salads like the Greek with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, marinated feta cheese, cucumbers, shaved onion, garlic hummus and creamy dressing.

A grilled cheese sandwich is served with pulled short ribs, melted Havarti, onions and peppers sitting between toasted sourdough bread. On my next visit I want to try their take on a Cuban, a sandwich I love to indulge in. Slow roasted pork, Niman Ranch ham, Swiss cheese, CK pickles and dijonnaise are pressed on a Cuban roll and then delivered with side house salad.

Drinks become meals here. The Power Greens is a collection of everything healthy, including spinach, kale, celery, Granny Smith apple, ginger and a kiss of lemon juice. If that doesn’t float your boat consider the Immune Quencher with carrot, beet, kale and orange juice.

After looking at the attractive display of baked goodies at the entrance you will probably find it hard to exit without taking something home. But please do that so you can continue the great experience.

Craft Kitchen, 10940 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 107, Henderson. (702) 728-5828. Open for breakfast and lunch. www.craftkitchenlv.com. ​