As the host of a national cooking television show about his native Spanish cuisine and having trained with the highly acclaimed Spanish chef Ferran Adria at El Bulli restaurant, celebrity Spanish chef and restaurateur Jose Andres has moved beyond the gastronomy world of Washington DC to open two sister restaurants at the ultra-cool The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. China Poblano, a casual Mexican-Chinese fusion joint, dishes up casual and affordable tacos and noodles. Next door, classic Spanish eatery Jaleo offers expertly-crafted authentic paellas, croquetas, and other tasty Mediterranean dishes served in a small-plates format. Though China Poblano is billed as a fusion restaurant, most dishes fall into either the Chinese or Mexican camp. Street-food specialties include the superb tacos al pastor, smoked pork sandwiches, and siu mai dumplings. The highlight of the inventive cocktail menu is the Salt Air Margaritas with a specially concocted salt foam to accompany the potent citrus flavors. If there's a wait for your table, you can order take-out window to tide you over until your table becomes free.
