Robert Lomeli left his jobs as executive chef at Top of the World at the Stratosphere and formerly Hecho en Vegas at the MGM Grand to open a new Mexican restaurant spanning 8,000 square feet on Decatur Boulevard.
Mariposa Cocina & Cocktails opened in the former Shiraz space, bringing a contemporary menu from with the help of consultants Antonio Nunez of The Stove in Henderson and Lanny Chin of The Slanted Door at the Forum Shops at Caesars.
Lomeli describes the menu as a twist on traditional Mexican cuisine using high quality ingredients. Guacamole negro, grilled corn equities, queso fundido a la raclette, and nachos made table side with carne asada, carnitas, or chicken tinga start the menu, along with pozole roja, huarache de huitlacohe, and a roster of tacos stuffed with black beans, Mayan al pastor, marinated shrimp, and spicy lobster and skirt steak. Entrees include red chili roasted Colorado lamb chops, carne asada, mole poblano, Mexican paella, and slow-braised lamp shank.