After miserable experiences this week at Seablue (MGM Grand - see my review) and David Burke (Venetian) I was beginning to wonder if it was possible to find decent service anymore in Las Vegas. Fortunately McCormick and Schmicks has restored my hopes. McC&S is a chain with restaurants in most major cities. What's clear is that they have perfected high quality seafood and service, and their size allows them to develop excellent quality control methods over ingredients, preparation and service. There were 16 of us in my group tonight and the service was unexpectedly professional and attentive (our server was ""S-Jill"" on the check; she did us the favor of not introducing herself as if we were supposed to become chummy best friends like so many restaurants seem to encourage.) Our orders were take at the right time and everything was delivered when desired; the wine galsses didn't run empty and she didn't annoy us with the constant ""How's the food?"" interruptions like the waitress at David Burke. Instead we had meticulously prepared food. For starters we had fresh perfectly shucked oysters with a trio of sauces (watch out for the horseradish as it will definitely clear your sinuses) and wonderfully crispy calimari also with a trio of sauces. My halibut was a suprising delight, grilled and served over rice and gingery julienned vegetables, in a base of a rich citrusy saffron sauce with balsamic drizzle. It was much more enticing than this description sounds as the flavors and textures complimented each other beautifully. Even with cocktails, dessert, some nice wines from Stags Leap and Clos du Val and a generous tip well above 20% the total was less than $100 per person. Yet this meal was far better in every way than the meals I had earlier this week at Seablue and David Burke, both of which were over $200 per person. I'll be back again.
Pros: Great food and service, reasonable prcies (especially for LV)
Cons: Slightly loud didning room, but nothing like the din in most resaturants on the strip
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