Week 38: eat.
/eat.- Las Vegas, Nevada
707 Carson St. (at 7th)
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 534-1515
www.eatdtlv.com
Las Vegas is easily the brightest city on earth considering the more than 15,000 miles of neon tubing on it’s 4-mile strip, alone. Undoubtedly, sparkle is indeed the sin city’s signature color. So, it stands to reason that the only biscuits to be found might be the imposturous gems dripping from well-coifed socialites. Patrick T Cooper- Spoils Columnist for The Global Traveler offers this biscuit wisdom, “Safety and security are paramount when it pertains to your crown jewels. In your rigorous travels and every day regiment, be not afraid to replicate your family heirlooms. Ask your jeweler for a biscuit. Trust me it will be the smartest investment you will ever make.”
Among the usual celebrity sitings, there’s a smattering of biscuit cameo appearances on the strip. But, head on over to Downtown Las Vegas and folks are lined out the door for Chef/Owner Natalie Young’s Cinnamon Biscuits at eat. the breakfast and lunch joint downtown. Served with a warm strawberry compote, these sweet little numbers could easily be shared as a dessert, or perhaps star as the main event. Like everything on Young’s menu, the ingredients are responsibly sourced, and made from scratch. This is truly “good food for good people made with love in Downtown Las Vegas.” Upon entering eat., it’s immediately apparent this place is about way more than the beautiful food and service. The “all-are-welcome atmosphere” of the joint shines right down to the fact that these folks are willing to share their knowledge. Limited kitchen scholarships are available for those who give a damn.
Talk about good people.
Lovingly referred to by locals as “Chef Nat,” this is one lady with sheer determination. Overcoming addiction and years of discrimination as a gay, African-American woman was no match for Young. Here, she shares her “Journey Never Stops” story for American Express.
Keep in mind, Downtown Vegas was once THE Vegas. As the strip grew brighter, Downtown struggled to keep their lights on. In most recent years, the once disheveled Downtown Vegas community experienced a renaissance, thanks in large part to the Downtown Project. This organization’s dedication to “helping revitalize part of downtown Las Vegas through investment in small businesses by inspiring and empowering people to follow their passions to create a vibrant, connected urban core” proves worthy time and time again. So far the organization has allocated $350 million toward revitalization, with $200 million in real estate and development, $50 million in small businesses, $50 million in tech startups through VegasTechFund, and $50 million in arts and culture, education, and healthcare. And to date, 50 Downtown businesses, along with a host of events and services have benefited from a most valuable belief in humanity.
Young says that she is grateful for the chance the Downtown Project took on her, and proudly was first to pay her loan back in just over one year’s time.
It just goes to show that life doesn’t always offer us a pan of biscuits to sop our plates in anticipation of pie. The way we play the hand of cards dealt us is what makes all the difference. While Chef Nat’s Cinnamon Biscuits are certainly deserving of the Nevada edition of “50 States of Biscuits,” it’s her kind of tenacity and strength that this great nation of diverse people was and is built upon that truly makes her aces in our book.
Now, back to those sparkle biscuits…
Writer's note: I looked high and low for the best Vegas biscuit. Special thanks to International Biscuit Festival's Chadwick Boyd for his recommendations. If you haven't tried his Cauliflower Drop Biscuits with Cheddar, Bacon and Leeks, you just may need these for the holidays!
Click HERE for a similar recipe!
Written by:
Melissa D. Corbin
Corbin is a Nashville-based freelance food and travel journalist. She’s also the founder of Corbin In The Dell, a company connecting those who care where their food comes from through content development and strategies that matter. Follow her on instagram @melcorbin and twitter @mdcorbin.
