Garfield’s emphasizes slow-food philosophy
Chef Jean-David Groff-Daudet is hardly a Johnny-come-lately to the slow food movement. While growing up and training in France, using ingredients obtained from as close to the source as possible — and then preparing them as cleanly as possible — was just the way things were done.
And, now, as executive chef at Garfield’s Restaurant, "Chef JD," as patrons know him, is bringing clean and natural cooking to a whole new group of diners.
The 140-seat, nautical-themed restaurant at 2620 Regatta Drive, which opened about a month ago, overlooks Lake Jacqueline at Desert Shores in northwest Las Vegas. Groff-Daudet describes its menu as "American cuisine with a French twist," with everything created using "organic and/or natural products" and prepared "nice and clean and neat."
Fish are wild-caught, poultry is free range, meats are organic or natural, and ingredients are obtained from as close to the source as possible. In fact, Groff-Daudet says, "we try to buy everything locally."
Even the burgers — a classic grilled burger with cheese ($12) and a quarter-pound California burger with melted Jack cheese, arugula, guacamole and red onion ($13) — are fashioned from naturally raised beef ground that day. Also on the menu are salads, seafood dishes, steaks, chicken dishes, omelets, crepes, soups and organic juices, while a children’s menu offers everything from a PBJ sandwich to a "Little Sailor" chocolate mousse.
Groff-Daudet describes the ambience as cool and "very casual," fitting for the location. "We’re on the lake. You don’t feel (like you’re) in Las Vegas. You feel somewhere on the East Coast, or maybe Newport Beach."
Garfield’s Restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 to 9:30 p.m.; and for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The lunch menu is available at the bar from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Starters: Croquette of shrimp with aioli dip, $11; grilled artichoke with garlic dip, $9; crab cakes with mustard sauce, $11
Soups and salads: Roasted pumpkin soup (Wednesdays only), $8; La Scala chopped salad, $7.50 (appetizer) or $10.50 (main course)
Entrees: Glazed black cod, $29; stuffed Pacific halibut with salmon mousse and shrimp, $23; crispy "seven hours" leg of lamb, $21
Extras: Homemade veggie burger with melted Jack cheese, $11; thin crust four-cheese pizza, $13
Desserts: Homemade ice cream and sorbet, $8; lemon tart with raspberry coulis, $8; hot chocolate souffle with vanilla sauce, $11
Information: 925-8333
