Las Vegas Weekly

March 28, 2012 · 10:51 PM

Counter Intelligence: Walzog’s Crab Bash; Ogden, Greens & Proteins a hit

By Robin Leach

Executive chef David Walzog's Crab Bash at Lakeside in Wynn Las Vegas on Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Photo: Wynn Las Vegas

Hot off the grill! It’s Maryland blue crab season, and Wynn executive chef David Walzog, who hails from Baltimore, threw a Crab Bash patio barbecue to introduce the summer seafood menu at his restaurant Lakeside and the patio dining season.

The delightfully casual lunch came with printed photo instructions on how to open Maryland blue crabs and use the accompanying mallet. David, who is a three-time nominee for the James Beard Award for Rising Chef, created an outdoor menu with Maryland blue grabs, of course, grilled lobster, sausage, crab cakes, peel-and-eat shrimp, corn, sliders, fries, white sangria, beer and Baltimore dessert favorites, all eaten atop the Baltimore Sun serving as a tablecloth.

I discovered a unique trick for cooking corn, and David followed the recipe that takes 4 minutes in the microwave. The corn is delicious and squeezes right out of the husk without silk or peeling. “That’s the greatest,” said David. “Perfectly cooked and no shucking or anything.”

David also demonstrated how to crack open a Maryland blue crab in about three steps -- six steps less than our printed instructions! The 275-seat indoor-outdoor Lakeside celebrated its first anniversary in October after changing over from Daniel Boulud’s brasserie.

A NEW CAREER? Caesars Palace chef Bradley Ogden won raves when producer Lee Abbott screened their TV pilot at an overflowing 211-seat theater in the Bacara Hotel in Santa Barbara, Calif. Lee is now off to pitch networks and sponsors with the show, “Real Food,” that also features chef Bryan Ogden, Bradley’s son.

Photo: Courtesy

Marie Osmond and Jeff Kovatch at Greens and Proteins in Henderson.

SPREADING THE HEALTH: The new heart-healthy cafe Greens & Proteins in Henderson, just off I-215 and Eastern near Las Vegas Athletic Club, is proving such a hit with patrons, including Hollywood, sports and Las Vegas stars, that the owners are considering opening three more locations in short order. I recommend the Thai ginger soup, vegan pizza, ostrich burger with tofu fries and the amazing Wellness Drink.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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