An uncommon Wednesday afternoon
Sometimes there is no time to “get away,” but an afternoon out with a partner or friend (or if you are lucky, that person who is both) can condense into a few hours a bit of relaxation, perhaps with a bit of luxury and maybe a sprinkling of decadence, that will leave you feeling content and spoiled.
That was my Wednesday afternoon. Over the weekend, Michael and I knew it would be crowded everywhere. How much better to have a Wednesday afternoon to visit a new place while it is quiet?
Discovering the Uncommons
A few weeks ago, my friend Victoria and I headed to lunch after a gig, and she suggested All’Antico Vinaio. She had discovered this Italian sandwich shop in Milan when she was working a gig there and discovered that they had a location in Las Vegas.
We each got a sandwich and had them cut in half to share. We could barely eat one-half! But they are so delicious. Sadly, they are not as good after sitting in my fridge, so the half that Michael got to taste at home did not do these sandwiches justice. I knew we would have to go back so he could try one.
Exploring the Uncommons
The shop is located in the Uncommons, a designed neighborhood of offices, shops, residences, and restaurants.
It was going to be hot, and the sandwich shop had little seating inside (and typically a long line), so I thought we would check out the new wine bar “Wineaux” first and then get sandwiches to go. Then I learned of the ice cream shop at the Uncommons, Salt & Straw…
So, we drove down and parked in one of the garages (locals can park for 2 hours free. Each hour beyond that is $3.) They have plenty of charging stations also, which are reasonably priced.
We strolled the grounds to see what was there. There are a few shops to explore and lots of food options, including restaurants like Amari, Urth Caffe, Sunlife Organics juice bar, Mercadito for Cuban sandwiches and coffee, and General Admission, a sports bar. Todo Bien, a tequilería, and Teaspoon, a boba tea shop, round out the food options. There are several more coming.
The desert museum palo verde trees were covered in golden blooms, and the central courtyard was shaded at all the edges. As warm as it was, sitting outside was still a comfortable option, and there were plenty of people taking advantage of it.
Wineaux at the Uncommons
We finished our stroll at Wineaux, the Wine Bar that opened here in April. We had not yet had an opportunity to try it out, so today was the day. It was a quiet Wednesday afternoon. Daniella greeted us and told us to find a table where we would be comfortable. We found a table by the window (good lighting for photos, you know), and she brought us menus.
They have a “Savories & Bites” menu, as well as a by-the-glass menu on top of their list of bottles available. More than a “Wine Bar,” they also are a shop with a wide selection of wines (that are 25% off when they are to-go), plus gourmet foods and wine accessories. They also have a club, where they have curated bottles for members each month and they do tastings several times each month.
We took our time, choosing several dishes and then deciding on the wines to pair with them.
We settled on the Romesco Spread of sprouted cauliflower, preserved peppers, and marcona almonds, Spanish white anchovies with lemon, preserved peppers, arugula, and olive oil, and a flatbread with prosciutto, fig, camembert, and arugula.
For wines, we chose a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, a Garnacha from Navarra, Spain, and a Rosé of Barbera & Dolcetto from Piemonte, Italy. Looking at the list, I was at a loss for a choice to go with the Spanish anchovies. I was thinking of something Italian or Spanish from the coast that would have notes of saline, and there was not anything like that on the by-the-glass menu. Daniella suggested the Grüner Veltliner as a perfect match. I would not have thought of this, but it was perfect.
All of the wines that we chose By the Glass ranged in the $9 to $14 range. The bites, $15-19. There are things on the menu and list that are both more and less expensive. This really is a place for everyone.
After the fun of tasting and pairing, we passed on dessert so we could try the ice cream shop, but the chef here does make a mean dessert if you choose to make this your one-stop for the day. We also bought a couple of bottles to take home, which they kindly held for us while we continued our stroll.
Salt & Straw
We headed next to Salt and Straw. This ice cream shop started in 2011 in Oregon with 2 cousins. They began with a cart, working with local chefs, brewers, and farmers to get ideas and products for Wonka-style flavors of ice cream. Even today, with locations in 40 cities, they work with local farmers and makers for their ice cream blends. They have some classics that they always have and several that are new rotations each month.
I used the word “classics,” but those are “Salt & Straw” classics. You won’t find vanilla here… their classics run along the lines of Pear & Blue Cheese, Honey Lavender, and Strawberry honey balsamic w/black pepper.
The Seasonal flavors when we visited were Jasmine Milk tea & Chocolate Almond Stracciatella, Rhubarb Crumble w/ toasted anise, Lemon Mari Gold Amaro Sherbert, and Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese.
Michael got a double scoop of the Rhubarb Crumble & Toasted Anise, and I got a scoop each of Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese and Strawberry honey balsamic w/black pepper. Two scoops are MORE than enough. We struggled to get through most of our ice cream, delicious as it was! We had to sit for a bit in the Quad to digest before I could even think about going to get our “to-go” sandwiches. (Does it sound delicious? They ship nationwide)
All’Antico Vinaio
Finally, it was on to All’Antico Vinaio. They have a list of 16 sandwiches, that each come on freshly baked schiacciata bread. The concept for this shop comes from Florence (Firenze in Italian), where the Mazzanti family has been making these sandwiches since 1991. It is considered one of the best street foods in the world! They have 7 locations in the US, several in NYC, 2 in California, and one here in Vegas.
The sandwiches are made to order, with the meat freshly sliced for each sandwich. Ingredients include classic Italian meats like salame Toscana, porchetta, lardo, mortadella, and prosciutto and then grilled vegetables, spicy eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, stracciatella and then creams. These cream spreads are amazing! They have pistachio cream, nduja cream, and truffle cream…go to their site and check out the amazing lineup. I will recommend “The Odd Couple” with porchetta, gorgonzola and pistachio cream, as my favorite so far, but I plan to make my way through the menu. Sadly, each time that I’ve had these sandwiches, I have been so infatuated that I have neglected to take a picture!
We arrived home full and happy. The car was quiet on the way home. We were full and content. We enjoyed the sandwich for dinner (tip: don’t put them in the fridge; they will get soft and soggy.)
There is plenty to explore and enjoy at the Uncommons. I look forward to future visits. Share your discoveries at the Uncommons in the comments!
Links for more information
While the Uncommons and Wineaux are unique to Las Vegas, Salt & Straw, and All’Antico Vinaio have multiple locations. Salt & Straw has locations throughout the US, and All’Antico Vinaio has locations around the world. So, even if you are not in Vegas, you can find some of the delicious things we enjoyed!
*All opinions are our own. We were not paid or compensated in any way for these reviews.
Robin Renken is a wine writer and Certified Specialist of Wine and WSET 3 Certified. She and her husband Michael travel to wine regions interviewing vineyard owners and winemakers and learning the stories behind the glass.
When not traveling they indulge in cooking and pairing wines with food at home in Las Vegas.
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