MAROON at the SAHARA Las Vegas…

For my 49th Birthday this year I treated myself with a flight to Las Vegas and a ticket to see Mary J. Blige. But my biggest treat to myself was making a Reservation at MAROON: A CARIBBEAN STEAKHOUSE (EXPERIENCE) by Kwame Onwuachi, which is located inside of the SAHARA Hotel & Casino. I honestly don’t know where to start.

I’d first heard about the Opening of MAROON back in April 2026, and immediately made a reservation, for 1. I have been a fan of Kwame Omwuachi ever since I purchased his EGGPLANT colored nail polish when he teamed up with the ORLY brand back in 2022. It was the Perfect Shade of Purple. Ironically, That was when I learned he was a chef. *Don’t Judge Me! Betta Late Than Neva*

I received a confirmation email the day before while on my flight and was excited that They were excited to see Me the next evening at 5’O’clock PM! It truly be the little things that excite me and make me feel loved.

Here is a short clip of me walking through to the hostess stand when I arrived…-> MAROON at the Sahara Entrance

The host greeted me and wished me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and then I was escorted to my table. I was in awe of the décor, color scheme and even the Artwork on the walls. The low lights gave it an Elegant and Cozy vibe. And the Playlist was Fiyah! It definitely let you know you were in a Black Owned Establishment! Although I was alone, I still felt like I was at a family members house, gathering with friends and family with all of the other guest sharing this space and energy with me.

But Wait! Don’t get it Twisted. MAROON is Fine-Dining at its Finest! And in All of my years, I’d never had an Experience Quit like This! The fact that they paid attention to details was an added bonus. I had written an essay (I talk way too much); I put on the Reservation something like, “I was going to be in town alone to celebrate my 49th Birthday” and that, “I would be going to see Mary J. Blige.” (who had a Residency in Vegas).

When I got to my table, there was a Birthday Card with my name on it. I opened it to see the staff had signed it, AND I was brought a complimentary glass of Champagne by one of my favorite Black Owned, Women Owned Brands, McBride Sisters Collection – Sparkling Rosé (Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand). Sooo Good!

Here is a video I captured: Complimentary Glass of McBride Sisters

Here is the link to check this brand out: McBride Sisters Collection

I looked over the menu and read each description and my mouth watered. I knew I wanted to do a Full course with Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert and Lots of Wine. I had to remind myself to Not Overdue it on the food because I would not be taking any leftovers to the show with me. I also didn’t want too much Wine because, I did not want to be alone in Vegas, outside drunk.

    

To my surprise, each item could serve the purpose of both, Appetizers and Entrée and there was an option “To Share”, which, when I looked to the table over from me, made me bypass that part of the menu this time around. It would have been more than I could handle alone.

So I started with the BBQ Brussels (Callaloo Rundown, Mad Herbs, Crispies, Tamrind). When I say the presentation had me drooling as the server brought it to my table. Then she explained more about what my mouth was about to experience and then, first asked if she could mix it up for me, and then asked if she could serve me. WHAT!!! Yes and YES!

Here is the video and I’m sure you can smell the goodness from this short clip. BBQ Brussels at MAROON Las Vegas

When I asked for Silverware, I was told it was in front of me and I was like, OK, My Age is starting to take my Vision because I did NOT see Knives, Forks or Spoons but then I was told to pull the drawer out in front of me and OH SHYT! Talk about Some Fancy Shit! I was really in a whole different league of Dining Out for sure. I was Fascinated to say the least.

My Gawd! That 1st bit was Amazing. I couldn’t help but savor each flavor as it mixed around my palate. It was enough for two but I’d waited all day to eat so please believe I finished Every Bit! And if I wasn’t classy, or at home, I’m sure I would’ve licked the plate. (Judge Ya’Muhva, lol)

Now when it came to my main course, I knew I wanted fish but I couldn’t decide on which one. I was able to narrow my choices to the Crispy Chilean Sea Bass which had Brown Stew, buttered Escabeche, and Cilantro. The Banana Leaf Snapper had Tamarind Chutney, curried Okra and Squash. If you know me, you know I went with the Latter. The picture and video below doesn’t do justice.

 

Check it out here: Maroon Las Vegas Banana Leaf Snapper

Make no mistake, I did a “Wine Pairing”, so in between bits, at various points, selected Wines were brought out to me by the Wonderful and Famous in his own right, Chris Gaither, (@WhoMeImChrisG) who started in Hospitality over 20 years ago and found his love for Wine. He is an Amazing Sommelier and it was an Honor being served and having Wines explained to me in a tone and pace that simply made my mouth water.

My 2nd glass of Wine but 1st pairing with my meal, was from South Africa. To know me is to Know, ever since my trip to Africa, South African Wine is my Favorite. It was a Chenin Blanc 2021, made by a Black Woman, Winemaker, Gynore Hendricks. It comes from Swartland. the label is called Great Heart. Please believe, I definitely ran out of Wine before the meal. It was Sooo Good!

If you Love Wine like I do, Especially Wine from South Africa, Check Out -> GREAT HEART WINE

Here is the Presentation of the Wine being served: Chenin Blanc 2021 by GREAT HEART

My next Wine selected came from France. La Fete Wine is one of the 1st Black Owned Rosé Wines to come out of Saint Tropez although the CEO and Founder, Donae Burston, is from Baltimore, Maryland. I’m not usually a fan of Rosé but I must say, it was Not bad.

Here is the link to check this brand out: Le Fete Wine

Next Up was another Black Owned Brand by André Mack and this brand comes out of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This Red Wine, which I’m Never a fan of as far as taste, ‘stain’ (because more than likely, I’m spilling some), and typically Red Wine makes me sleepy. However, this was definitely a 1st time, as well as a, “Save the Best for Last,” moment and Hands Down, out of all of the Wines I’d tried so far, O.P.P was by far my Favorite!

And, YES, it is a play on the Classic, “O.P.P”, by the Legendary HipHop Group, Naughty By Nature. In This case, O.P.P stands for “Other People Pinot Noir“. That alone makes it Dope! It was the added touch to add to my Snapper as I continued to savor the flavors. I let this glass linger a little bit longer because I didn’t want to risk overdoing it by getting another glass. ~Not ME being Responsible! lol~ Besides, I still had a long night ahead and it was only 6 P.M.

Here is the video of the Presentation by Sommolier Chris,  MAROON – tasting O.P.P

Here is the link so you can check the brand out: André Mack: Maison Noir Wines

To end my dining experience I was brought out a Delicious piece of Rum Cake. It was round, with red grapes on the side and a small bit of a white pudding cream, a red chocolate with Rum drizzled throughout the cake… Oh My GAWD! After the 1st bite, I then ordered a Double shot of Espresso because I’m Fancy… as I finished my Birthday Treat which was courtesy of Chef Kwamé and his staff.

From the Decor, to the Food, to the Hospitality, this by far was one of theE best dining experiences I’ve ever had alone or with company. Truly Priceless. But (as far as price…) for the amount of food I recieved, everything was priced decent. I didn’t even have to dig into my Emergency stash and without telling you my exact amount, before the tip I gave, my total was under $200.

So, Treat Yaself, Dont Cheat Yaself! I know from here on out, each time I’m in Vegas, and I’m there at least twice a year, I will be making MAROON at the Sahara one of my check offs on my Itinerary! It was worth Every Dime Spent! I’m going to become their ‘Regular’ guest for sure.

I left feeling full off of Food and Love.

Thank You so much for reading and I hope you get to have just as good as the experience I had at MAROON. When you get there, tell them I sent you. (Feel free to refer to this Blog, lol)

AND AS ALWAYS, SPREAD LOVE, ITS THE BKLYNTYE WAY!