Le Cafe du Lac has been open nearly two years, but you’re forgiven if you haven’t been there yet. Unless you happen to live in Lake Las Vegas—or the far eastern edge of Henderson—it’s not exactly around the corner.
But its casual French cuisine is well worth the drive out to MonteLago Village, especially if you’re up early on the weekend craving something beyond the skills of your neighborhood egg and pancake factory. Start with a pastry (or three) from the array on display. The chocolate twist ($3.80)—packed with flavor but not overly sweet—is an excellent choice, but it’s tough to go wrong with anything crafted by French chef/owner David Gazzano, formerly of Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace.
From there, the choice is clear: the open-faced smoked salmon panini ($12.90), a cross between a salmon Benedict and a traditional bagel with lox. Slices of salmon and slivers of red onion are placed atop pressed wheat bread coated in cream cheese, then topped with a perfect poached egg, microgreens and capers. Break the yoke, and the swirl of tastes and textures will transport you to paradise.
Or maybe you’re already there. Le Cafe du Lac sits alongside the man-made lake, so you might as well linger at one of the outdoor tables, order more and enjoy the surroundings. The menu is made to explore, from savory, gluten-free buckwheat galettes like the La Complete ($9.95)—showcasing ham, Gruyère and a sunny-side up egg—to Nutella banana ($8.90) and pear ($11.90) crepes to a sandwich selection that includes a Swiss cheese omelet on a divine croissant ($8.95), chicken on a baguette ($9.95) and albacore tuna on ciabatta ($9.95).
Basically, the only bad move you can make with Le Cafe du Lac is never driving out there.
LE CAFE DU LAC 40 Costa Di Lago, 702-580-1277. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
