2800 W Sahara Ave Suite 5A, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Wednesday – Sunday 5 p.m – 11 p.m
Cash and Card Accepted
There is a certain expectation that comes with walking into a high-end American French Bistro in Las Vegas. Typically, guests come for an experience that truly feels worth the price. Being known for its French-American fusion dining and its “made with love” dishes, Forke offers quality ingredients in every plate.
Finding the restaurant was somewhat of a challenge. The GPS gave pretty inaccurate directions and the surrounding apartment buildings made it unclear if we were in the right place. It took around ten minutes to locate the restaurant and even then the main entrance was behind a building, making the exterior underwhelming.
Once I stepped foot inside, the first thing I noticed was how clean and calm the atmosphere was. Even on a weekend night it wasn’t overly loud like a lot of Las Vegas restaurants. The lighting was dim with everything having a wood-like finish. One feature I found especially interesting was a hidden bookshelf that opens into a separate old-style speakeasy area.
As I scanned through the menu, I noticed how limited the selection was. I did keep in mind that Forke focuses on a smaller lineup of French-American dishes, however I found myself wishing there were a few more entree options. I believe that if a broader range were offered, the overall menu would be stronger.
To start off, I tried the Tomato Caprese Salad ($14), which was presented beautifully in a flower arrangement. Five tomato slices were paired with a small mozzarella ball and seasoned basil, along with thinly cut onions and balsamic glaze. The flavors all balanced well without one being overpowering. The one critique I have about this dish is the small portion of mozzarella. For five tomato slices, one small portion of cheese felt off. A larger amount would have elevated it a bit, but it was overall a really fresh and well-executed starter.
Shortly after, the Center-Cut Filet au Poivre ($46) arrived. Cooked perfectly to medium rare, the steak was extremely tender and flavorful. It was complemented by a white sauce with cognac cream and peppercorns that added a great texture. The flavor of the steak was something I’d never really tasted before. It was buttery and a bit acidic at the same time. The main drawback would be the fact that this entrée does not include a side. Although it is typical for some entrees to be served without sides, the pricing of the add-ons felt expansive. After already spending $46 on the filet, paying an additional $12 for fries made the overall cost rise quickly.
The side that I decided to order was the Parmesan Fries ($12). These fries were excellent when cooked properly. They had a seasoned and crisp exterior, while the interior was soft. Furthermore, the taste of the fries themselves was amazing with the perfect mix of parmesan and basil. Sadly, the cooking of the fries was inconsistent, with some of them being overdone and hard to eat. Despite this, some fries in the same basket were cooked perfectly and offered a great contrast to the steak.
The biggest disappointment would have to be the Crème Brûlée ($16). The portion was small, and the flavor was mild. Three small strawberries accompanied the dessert, which felt insufficient as a garnish. The presentation left me unengaged and unsatisfied with the dessert. For the cost, I would have expected a bigger portion than the one I received. For me, this was the least memorable dish of the evening.
While the individual dishes at Forke had their ups and downs, the total cost felt somewhat reasonable for everything that I ordered. In total it was $84 for everything that I ordered. Considering that this is a bistro, the entree didn’t cost as much as other places may have priced it.. Having said that, certain dishes like the fries and Crème Brûlée were too expensive and not worth ordering again. However, even if I skip the fries next time, I’m already planning my return for that Center-Cut Filet au Poivre.
