Khotan

Khotan, located on the second floor of Treasure Island, boasts a breathtaking view of the Strip and the Sirens of TI show below. The large outdoor patio is a prime location to watch the activity while enjoying the weather.

Inside, pass by a wall full of gold drawers and a room filled with newspapers. Stop and take in the floor-to-ceiling jade and ivory case filled with figurines from Treasure Island Owner Phil Ruffin’s personal collection. Look up to a ceiling made entirely of bird cages and this is where your journey begins at the Asian fusion restaurant.

Mix the intoxicating atmosphere with delicious cuisine and you have one of the most intriguing dinner spots on the Las Vegas Strip.

On the casino level, it looks as though Khotan is nothing more than a small but ample bar. Don’t be fooled. March yourself past the sake-guzzling group of gentlemen to your left and straight on to the hostess stand to access the second level restaurant and bar.

After a quick ride on the elevator, settle into an overstuffed booth or stately armchair and prepare for the feast.

Start with the crispy asparagus. Tender stalks of asparagus are encrusted with Japanese rice crackers and served with a tobiko hollandaise sauce. The crispiness and slight hint of spice on the crushed rice crackers, mixed with the tender asparagus is a simply heavenly treat by itself. Dunk in the accompanying hollandaise sauce and you’re in for a real treat. Of course, butter makes everything better.

A mouthwatering tuna tartare includes tender chunks of ahi tuna served over fresh diced avocado and taro root chips. The balance of the crunchy root chips and creamy avocado with fresh tuna is phenomenal in texture and in taste.

For meat lovers, indulge in the Thai beef salad. It has all the elements of traditional steakhouse fare with an Asian twist. Sweet heirloom tomato slices are layered with mixed chopped cucumber and baby heirloom tomatoes. The mixture is then topped with thick-cut beef slices marinated with Thai spices. The Kurobuta pork chop is also an excellent choice. This extra thick, yet tender pork chop is a large serving and served bone-in.

Khotan’s sushi chefs are on their “A” game. A fresh and tender squid, tuna and sweet sea scallop nigiri are a few highlights on the sushi menu. All sushi options can also be served sashimi style for $4 extra.

The showstopper is one of Khotan’s signature dishes. Called “the whole fish,” an entire catfish from head to tail is presented at the table. The Cantonese-style catfish is baked and flash fried for an extra crispy exterior. Inside, tender moist filets of catfish are very mild. The catfish is served with a ponzu dipping sauce. Though the fish comes whole, it’s fairly easy to tackle. However, if you do not feel comfortable, your server will be happy to help fillet it for you.

Just when you thought you couldn’t be impressed any more, settle in for dessert. A crunchy spring roll has a sultry dark chocolate filling, full of flavor yet surprisingly delicate and soufflé-like in texture.

Khotan serves delicious food in an atmosphere that seems far away from the Treasure Island hotel. That is, until you hear the faint sound of the Sirens' cannons blasting in the background.

-- Review By Nikki Neu