The taxi-tops seen around Las Vegas to promote P.J. Clarke's at the Forum Shops

“Lunch?”  It is with this seemingly simple one-word query that roughly 40% of the calls between my friend Evan and me, begin.  And this call was no different.  It transpired, a week or so, ago; as Jacob, Evan and I tried-out a restaurant that was new to all of us, and tickled my fancy.

“Sure.  Lemme ask Jake…” (then, in background “Hey!  You wanna grab some lunch with Evan?!?!  Okay!”) “He’s in, too.  Where d’you wanna go?  Spago?”

“Ate there, yesterday.  What else ya got?”

The raw bar at P.J. Clarke's at the Forum Shops

“The sushi place in Phase III?  The zhu-zhy one from LA.  Why can’t I remember the name?  You know…  The one with that great chicken salad?  Aaargh!!!!”

“Sushi Roku?  Okay.  Sounds good.  But I’m on crutches.”

“Yeah.  Sushi Roku.  Oh.  And you can take the elevator up, so it’s not too bad.  In an hour?”

“Make it an hour and a half.”

Crispy Parmesan Tater Tots with Roast Red Pepper Aioli

So, we arrive at Phase III of the Forum Shops, and (as we got there a bit early, we popped into Pucci and Sony) suddenly, I was struck with the idea for a last minute substitution.

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

“Hey.  How far are you?”

“Five minutes.  You?”

“We’re here.  How about P.J. Clarke’s?  I’ve been meaning to try it for months, plus, it’s on the first floor, next to the elevator, so it’s actually easier on you.”

“Okay.  Fine.  See you, there.”

Vodka Rocks with Water and Lemon

So Jacob and I went into the restaurant, and the people at the door were attentive, genial and showed us immediately to a banquette.

Jacob ordered his signature cocktail (Vodka Rocks with Water and Lemons) whilst I perused the menu and took some photos.

We placed an appetizer order, and as we did so, Evan hobbled in.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Farmstead Cheddar Toast

I like reviewing restaurants with restaurant folks in tow, because I enjoy getting a foodie’s-eye view; letting me focus on things like the server’s cuteness-factor, or how the restroom décor is in keeping with that of the venue, and – most important – my ability to partake of my two favorite people-watching games, “Whore/Not a Whore” and “Gay or European?” using the other patrons as material.

Maine Lobster BLT with Country Bacon

P.J. Clarke’s was firing on all cylinders with regard to all three of these, before Evan even entered the place, which is very inviting, with its New York history, and its Forum Shops location.

Now, I suppose you’re waiting to find out about the food.  All of us enjoyed ourselves, completely.  According to Jacob, they used only a whisper of water in his cocktail.  Then, remembering that the original P.J. Clarke’s was where Johnny Mercer penned One for My Baby (And One More for the Road), Jacob was prompted to order another, so he could confirm that this wasn’t an aberration.  (It wasn’t.)

Fish & Chips with Bass Ale Rémoulade

I know everyone is all up-in-arms, touting P.J.’s burger, so I figured I’d try some other stuff.  We ordered some starters, including a fantastic Creamy Tomato Soup with Farmstead Cheddar Toast (I insisted that everyone break-off some bread and dip it into the soup), Crispy Parmesan Tater Tots with Roast Red Pepper Aioli (the only thing about which I wasn’t particularly crazy), and the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (which really lived-up to its name with a quartet of absurdly large shrimp).

Mile High Corned Beef Reuben with 'Kraut and Swiss

Then, Jacob ordered the Maine Lobster BLT with Country Bacon (that was firm and moist and pretty terrific), and Evan found the Fish & Chips with Bass Ale Rémoulade (made with one large plank of haddock) to be a damned fine piece of fish; while I got the Mile High Corned Beef Reuben with ‘Kraut and Swiss (which was among the best Reubens I’ve had in some time, albeit a bit messy).

The potions are quite large, but not absurd; the servers are friendly; but don’t loom over you; and all told, P.J. Clarke’s is a fantastic place to grab a hearty lunch and watch the people go by, while you kibbitz with your friends.

Lunch at P.J. Clarke’s
Forum Shops at Caesars – Phase III
Click HERE to view Lunch Menu

Get into it!