tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58010862288664757842024-03-13T04:47:25.298-07:00Bite of Vegasatdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-34597128292854814852012-09-04T18:42:00.000-07:002012-09-04T18:42:18.255-07:00Finally, the Full August Voter Registration Report!Last week, we got a sneak peek of <a href="http://nvprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/08/first-look-at-august-voter-registration.html?m=0">the new voter registration statistics to come</a>. Tonight, <a href="http://blogs.rgj.com/politics/2012/09/04/nevada-democrats-extend-voter-registration-lead-outpace-gop-by-almost-56000-voters/"><em>The RGJ</em>'s Ray Hagar pointed out the reality of the big picture</a> now before us.
<blockquote> Nevada Democrats now hold a 55,716 advantage in number of registered voters in Nevada, according to the August voter registration statistics from the Secretary of State. In July, the advantage was about 48,000.
As is becoming an embarrassing trend for the Nevada GOP, the voter registration numbers of unorganized non-partisans are greater than that of the Republicans.
In August, 6,575 voters registered as non-partisans. Only 5,042 registered as Republicans. Democrats more than doubled the GOP voter registration efforts, gaining 12,163 registered voters.
Of the 1,122,236 active registered voters statewide, 41.28 percent (463,229) are Democrats,36.31 percent (407,513) are Republicans, and 16.66% (1 86,941) are nonpartisans.
If this keeps up, Nevada will no longer be considered a battleground state. </blockquote>
But wait, there's more! Here are some more details on the new numbers:
- In NV-03, the newly regained Democratic registration advantage grew a bit more since last week's Clark County report, edging up from 0.14% to 0.17%. Last month, Republicans had a slight 0.24% edge here.
- We now know the full results for NV-04. Districtwide, Democrats' registration advantage grew from 9.96% last month to 10.56% now.
- Overall for Clark County, Democrats grew their registration advantage from 11.88% at the start of last month to 12.53% now.
- And up north, the Republican registration advantage in Washoe County shrunk from 1.63% at the start of last month to 1.55% now. Believe it or not, this is the "bright spot" for Nevada Republicans!
So yet again, the best the Nevada G-O-TEA could do was hold back some Democratic gains in Reno. Otherwise, they fell even further behind as Democrats ramped up voter registration yet again in and around Las Vegas. Wow.
And you know what? Ray Hagar is right. If this continues, it will become even clearer that Nevada is indeed a Blue State... And Nevada Republicans just can't adjust to the new realities of our state.
atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-87135498472309030642011-07-21T15:00:00.000-07:002011-07-21T15:00:24.568-07:00BREAKING: Las Vegas Enters 21st Century, Markets to LGBTQ Tourists<i>(Originally from <a href="http://nvprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/07/breaking-las-vegas-enters-21st-century.html">Nevada Progressive</a>)</i><br />
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I have been wondering for some time when the Las Vegas gaming/tourism powers that be would wake up and smell the lavender. <a href="http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2011/jul/18/gay-dollars-vegas-style/">I guess they're finally getting there</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
Print ads, websites and YouTube spots tout the offerings of Wynn Las Vegas, Paris, Luxor, Mandalay Bay and several other Strip operators that have steadily increased their efforts to lure dollars that reflexively went to the traditionally open-minded resort destinations of Palm Springs, Key West, Miami Beach and Provincetown. The LVCVA produces suggestive ads—two women with shapely legs playing footsie, a pair of fit young men holding hands on a golf course as Wynn Las Vegas looms in the background. They’re alluring images at the start of what Wynn Las Vegas marketer Michael Weaver dubs the “post-gay consumer marketing world,” a period when ad agencies seek to reach individual customers with the promise of luxury, entertainment, good food and sensuality—a classic quartet of offerings on the modern-day Strip.<br />
<br />
Las Vegas consistently ranks among the top business and leisure destinations for the 4,296 LGBT travelers surveyed by Community Marketing. New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas typically hold the top three spots, with lesbians between the ages of 18 and 54 choosing Las Vegas as their favorite getaway. Gay men widely preferred New York City and San Francisco. “Las Vegas is really show-driven and those shows have a very gay spin—Cher, Bette Midler, Cirque du Soleil, Elton John. It’s good for Las Vegas to bring them in,” says Community Marketing’s [David] Paisley.<br />
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“Las Vegas is its own animal. It’s true that Vegas doesn’t have its own gay neighborhood like other cities do,” Paisley says, “but from a tourism perspective, Las Vegas is about the Strip. Gays and lesbians are coming to Las Vegas for the same reason everyone is coming to Las Vegas.”</blockquote><br />
<br />
So <a href="http://www.visitlasvegas.com/how-to-vegas/gay-vegas/">LVCVA</a> finally has a full <a href="http://www.visitlasvegas.com/planning-tools/lgbt-travel/out-and-about/">LGBTQ travel site</a> up, and other casinos and tourist attractions are catching up to what Caesars, Wynn, and MGM have been learning over the last decade.<br />
<br />
Speaking as a gay person myself who follows what's happening on The Strip, I can tell you there's still far more work to be done to let queer folk feel comfortable enough to visit Las Vegas and visit more often. Even though I often walk blithely around my Henderson 'hood with an "I <3 Castro" or HRC t-shirt, many gay couples are still afraid to hold hands while walking Las Vegas Blvd. What's wrong with this picture? Unfortunately, part of the reason why many LGBTQ tourists still feel ambivalent about Vegas is because of the huge mistake Nevada embarked upon a decade ago when <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada_Question_2_(2002)">Question 2 passed and discrimination was written into the Nevada Constitution</a>. And though we've now somewhat corrected the situation with <a href="http://nvprogressive.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-of-2009-7-sb-283-what-we-have-what.html">domestic partnerships</a> and long awaited progress on <a href="http://nvprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/05/not-all-news-from-carson-is-bad.html">transgender civil rights</a>, that's still far from full equality.<br />
<br />
Another part of the problem is that until very recently, there was never really talk of a comprehensive plan to fully market Vegas as "THE gay travel destination". Even <a href="http://www.vegasinc.com/news/2011/jul/18/20-answers-are-las-vegas-businesses-attracting-gay/">local business leaders</a> recognize we have a problem. We are more than just nightclub revelers and kinky sex machines. We want to sleep, we want to eat, we want to shop, and we want to explore.<br />
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At least we're now seeing LVCVA make the effort. That's a big start, and we're now moving in the right direction. Now if we can only get rid of that pesky Question 2...<br />
atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-52675420030372930672011-07-21T13:15:00.000-07:002011-07-21T13:15:28.226-07:00Sorry Again for the Long Wait.I guess I was on summer vacation. Oh yes, and you can look at my other blog to see where the time went. ;-)<br />
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As you can see, it's been a struggle at times to keep updating here. At one point, I was even thinking of calling quits (seriously). But as I was thinking more this week, I figured now is as good time as ever to bring in some changes, some new elements, some new flavors.<br />
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So let's see where this goes on perhaps my millionth relaunch of this site. I have a long queue of reviews to go up, and in the next week I'll also have some new recipes for home.<br />
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Bon appetit!atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-55022875182198231202011-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-23T07:00:03.922-07:00Burger BarIt was an old favorite in need of a return visit. I just had to stop at <a href="http://www.burger-bar.com/lv_main.html">Burger Bar</a> at Mandalay Bay last weekend with a friend and catch up on some old favorites.<br />
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I still remember the first time I was there and I first tried their veggie burger. Wow... Something that wasn't taken from a freezer and formed in some factory many moons ago? It was truly love at first bite. ;-)<br />
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And amazingly enough, I'm still in love. Who knew pumpkin, potatoes, caramelized onions, green peas, lentils, and brown rice could all come together so beautifully in a meatless burger patty?<br />
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The sweet potato fries were also quite enjoyable. They were soft inside, but not soggy or overly greasy outside. And they had a subtle sweetness that kept me on edge... In a good way.<br />
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So it was most definitely a happy return to Burger Bar last week. I'll just have to remember to return more often for my other fave burger on The Strip.<br />
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Style: Beach Casual Cal-Ital<br />
Price: $<br />
Open: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
---<br />
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Food: 4.8 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 3.0 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 1.9 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.7 (out of 10)<br />
Very Burger-licious! :-D<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/220411/restaurant/The-Strip/Burger-Bar-Mandalay-Bay-Las-Vegas"><img alt="Burger Bar (Mandalay Bay) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/220411/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-75885532154277495302011-05-17T17:01:00.000-07:002011-05-17T17:01:15.781-07:00Quick Bite: Papa Joe's Pizza in "Surf City USA"Huntington Beach doesn't just claim to be "<a href="http://www.surfcityusa.com/">Surf City USA</a>"... <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2007/05/13/176686/the-question-remains-which-city.html">The city sued</a> to <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-129626-surf-bureau.html">win that title</a>! So when it comes to the casual, laid back, California coastal lifestyle, Huntington Beach takes its place as the center of it all (ironically enough) very seriously.<br />
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Funny enough, I experienced some of this in action last week when I was in OC. My dad and I were at the beach, and all of a sudden he got hungry. And since he didn't want to walk too far for dinner, we settled for a quick bite at <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/20/246161/restaurant/OC/Papa-Joes-Pizza-Huntington-Beach">Papa Joe's Pizza</a>, just across PCH from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington_Beach_Pier">The Pier</a>. It's had a long and storied history in Surf City (how often do you hear THAT in Las Vegas??!!), at one point <a href="http://www.ocweekly.com/2002-02-07/food/papa-joe-s-pizza-is-good/">even facing possible extinction</a>, but it's survived and still stands at its prime location near The Pier.<br />
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OK, so this place has plenty of history. How about the food, dammit?! Well, don't expect <a href="http://biteofvegas.blogspot.com/2011/03/settebello-still-satisfies.html">Settebello</a>.<br />
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The top layer of mozzarella did taste a bit too "industrial processed" for my liking. However, the cheese layer underneath was OK and the sauce was actually nice. Oh, and I actually liked the crust. Perhaps I've been spoiled by so many fine, artisan Vegas "pizzazz" to enjoy some old OC flavor. Whatever. I'm a proud picky eater! ;-)<br />
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But even considering my proud picky eater sensibilities, I just can't diss this OC classic. At the very least, go and enjoy the "old school surf city" experience while you can.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/20/246161/restaurant/OC/Papa-Joes-Pizza-Huntington-Beach"><img alt="Papa Joe's Pizza on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/246161/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-22749000944756691022011-05-11T07:40:00.002-07:002011-05-13T13:38:32.583-07:00Quick Bite: Gypsy Den & Another Side of Orange CountyWhen my dad and I needed a pick-me-up last weekend, Gypsy Den in Downtown Santa Ana was there for us.<br />
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They do light meals, coffee, pastries, and more in a very hippie-dippie way an "outsider" wouldn't expect "Behind The Orange Curtain".<br />
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Below is a glimpse of what we experienced...<br />
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Perhaps you'll find even more interesting sights, sounds, and tastes when you stop here and experience what <a href="http://www.aplaceforart.org">Santa Ana's Artist Village</a> has to offer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/20/243511/restaurant/OC/Gypsy-Den-Santa-Ana"><img alt="Gypsy Den on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/243511/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-77979469825244570962011-05-10T10:20:00.000-07:002011-05-10T10:20:42.045-07:00What I Missed @ Home<a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/may/09/photos-vegas-uncorkd-wins-raves-steve-wynns-vegan-/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=lvsmorning">Sigh</a>...<br />
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<blockquote>The hugely successful, four-day Vegas Uncork’d food and wine festivities wrapped yesterday after everything from a beachside barbecue to a late-night star chef DJ session to elegant and exotic Mother’s Day brunches. All were the topping on the cakes served by a cadre of celebrity chefs during the 96-hour, fifth annual, nonstop dining extravaganza.<br />
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Bon Appetit and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority sponsored the festival, which proved not only that Las Vegas is Star Chef Dining Capital of the World, but also that this ultimate, top level of star power could only happen on the Strip.<br />
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There were more than 24 food-related events during the marathon of meals, and they sadly ended yesterday with first-time Uncork’d brunches at Chef Guy Savoy’s self-named restaurant at Caesars Palace and at current Top Chef Masters contestant Mary Sue Milliken’s Border Grill at Mandalay Bay. The barbecue at Mandalay Bay Beach on Saturday night feature Chefs Charlie Palmer, Alain Ducasse and Rick Moonen serving behind the grills and Megan Romano presiding over an amazing array of desserts, and Hubert Keller spinned the wheels of steel at his nearly Fleur.</blockquote><br />
Sounds like so much fun... And sadly, I had to miss it! <br />
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And wow! Who would have thought this could happen?!<br />
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<blockquote>But the one event that stood out was the debut vegan experience co-hosted by hotel mogul Steve Wynn and Tal Ronnen, a vegan culinary pioneer and bestselling author of The Conscious Cook: Delicious Meatless Recipes That Will Change the Way You Eat, along with the award-winning chefs of the Wynn and Encore.</blockquote><br />
Finally, people are waking up and realizing meat isn't necessary for a great meal. When one gets creative, the possibilities really can be endless for great vegetarian and vegan cuisine. I hope this starts a trend for more daring vegan dishes at more Vegas restaurants. Or at least, it would be nice not to be mocked for going meatless. ;-)<br />
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Hopefully, I'll be able to stay in town next May so I don't have to miss this kind of fun again!atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-89436537167516137772011-05-09T13:07:00.000-07:002011-05-09T13:14:26.402-07:00Amore at Mezzaluna?Ah! There's nothing like a sunny, hot day at the beach to start one's Orange County odyssey. And when in Orange County, do as the Orange Countians do... Which is to "lunch" in style on PCH!<br />
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And that I did at <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/CafeMezzalunaDP">Cafe</a> <a href="http://www.mycafemezzaluna.com/">Mezzaluna</a> in Dana Point. It's right off Pacific Coast Highway in Monarch Beach, just across the street from The Ritz-Carlton and Salt Creek Beach. But for such a tony 'hood, the prices were pretty low.<br />
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However, the quality of the food wasn't. I ordered ravioli alla vodka, and I got house made pasta stuffed with ricotta and herbs, then topped with tomato sauce spiked with vodka and a touch of cream. The dish had a good balance of tang, spice, and creaminess. It felt like just the right dish to order on a hot, sunny beach day.<br />
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And along with the ravioli came a basket of garlic bread. It was like the garlic bread that comes with delivery pizza, only done with real garlic and parmesan, and baked fresh on site. I'm usually not crazy for this kind of "garlic bread", but this was good stuff and I couldn't stop dipping it into the excess tomato vodka sauce. So far, so good.<br />
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Since I had worked up an appetite with all my morning beach excursions, and I was about to do more at Salt Creek, I treated myself to dessert. Their New York Cheesecake tasted as authentic as one from an Orange County Cal-Ital ("California style Italian", that is) joint can get away with serving. It was rich and sweet, but still had that nice cream cheese tang, and it was more than light enough to keep me from getting an upset tummy.<br />
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All in all, I had a lovely lunch at this pleasant Monarch Beach hideaway. It reminded me of the many things I miss about Orange County, such as the pristine beaches, relaxing sea breezes, and quaint holes in the wall serving good grub that won't bankrupt me. It's not that often I get to enjoy any of that back home in Vegas.<br />
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Style: Beach Casual Cal-Ital<br />
Price: $<br />
Open: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
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Food: 4.6 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 3.0 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 1.9 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.5 (out of 10)<br />
Very Satisfying Good Grub<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/20/241167/restaurant/OC/Cafe-Mezzaluna-Dana-Point"><img alt="Cafe Mezzaluna on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/241167/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-42464384494727252612011-05-07T14:44:00.000-07:002011-05-07T14:44:09.001-07:00Z'Tejas Es Z'Bueno!While I was saddened to have to leave town just as <a href="http://unicaworld.com/foodwinekitchen/out-and-about/6588/a-saber-uncorked-champagne-starts-vegas-uncorkd/">Vegas Uncork'd was arriving</a>, I at least had a few Orange County culinary delights to comfort me. Z'Tejas was one of them.<br />
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It's always been one of my favorite restaurants here, and it's been a favorite because it serves great food. It's an interesting Tex-Mex joint from Austin that marries together plenty of Mexican spice with Southern soul... And it actually isn't hokey!<br />
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This time, I was in the mood for something sinful (maybe I was homesick for "Sin City" already?), so I ordered their new mac & cheese dish. And much to my delight, it arrived hot, rich, creamy, and cheesy! I was certainly feeling better.<br />
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What also helped was the irresistible cornbread served beforehand. It was baked fresh and served piping hot. I could still taste the sweet corn kernels, and it tasted even better with the butter served alongside.<br />
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And for dessert? Since I wasn't missing this, I just had to try the key lime cheesecake! It had a lovely, citrusy, tartness balanced by a nice, delicate sweetness. It definitely ranks among the better cheesecakes I've eaten.<br />
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Don't believe me? See below!<br />
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<br />
I know it doesn't make up for missing the most fabulous foodie weekend in Las Vegas. But for Orange County, I could do far worse. I really can't complain. ;-)<br />
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Style: Casually Elegant Southwestern<br />
Price: $$<br />
Open: Lunch & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
---<br />
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Food: 4.8 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 3.0 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 1.9 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.7 (out of 10)<br />
Outstanding, Destination Eating!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/20/249254/restaurant/OC/ZTejas-Southwestern-Grill-Costa-Mesa"><img alt="Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/249254/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-71415881897447284392011-05-06T11:44:00.000-07:002011-05-06T11:44:27.359-07:00La Cave Revisited<a href="http://twitpic.com/4s05wt" title="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/4s05wt.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"></a><br />
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<br />
Remember <a href="http://biteofvegas.blogspot.com/2010/12/betting-on-michelin-stars-la-cave-at.html">my fabulous time at La Cave in December</a>, right after it first opened? Well, I hadn't had a chance to visit in a while... But I finally returned a few days before I left town. And much to my delight, the food still delighted me. And to make my evening even better, I discovered its pool view terrace!<br />
<br />
Where should I begin? How about drinks! I ordered a mojito, and I got a good wallop of good rum! It was sweet and refreshing, but not sickly sweet and showing off enough lime tartness to keep it interesting and fun.<br />
<br />
I had another flatbread/pizza, but I still wanted to switch it up, so this time I ordered one with prosciutto, caramelized onions, arugula, and a light cream sauce. It all came together beautifully. The salty prosciutto, sweet onions, and pepper arugula made for a great contrast of flavors. And the bread still tasted as fresh and soft as ever.<br />
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What also put a smile on my face is perhaps my new favorite dessert, the American Chocolate Cake at La Cave! I know I'm a sucker for nearly anything chocolate, but I have a hard time seeing anyone turn away all that rich chocolate ganache covered in rich chocolate fondant. It's just so sinfully delicious!<br />
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And now that summer pool season is raging in Las Vegas, do try to snatch a table outside if dining around sunset. The views of Wynn's breathtaking pool are captivating. For a moment, one might forget about the sweating hoi polloi gorging on footlong margaritas and nasty buffets when noshing here. ;-)<br />
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Style: Elegant Casual<br />
<br />
Price: $$$<br />
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Open: Lunch & Dinner<br />
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<br />
The Rating<br />
<br />
---<br />
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Food: 4.9 (out of 5)<br />
<br />
Service: 2.9 (out of 3)<br />
<br />
Ambiance: 2.0 (out of 2)<br />
<br />
Overall: 9.8 (out of 10)<br />
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Outstanding, Destination Eating!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/1562388/restaurant/The-Strip/La-Cave-Wynn-Las-Vegas"><img alt="La Cave (Wynn) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1562388/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-1783911748226616242011-05-06T10:49:00.001-07:002011-05-06T10:49:48.340-07:00While Vegas Uncork'd Kicks Off...I'm actually out of town. Jeez, just my luck!<br />
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Yes, kids, I'm back. It's been a busy month, but I do have a backlog of restaurant reviews to post here. <br />
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Also, I do have a special treat for you. You'll have to wait to see what the surprise is! <br />
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And at some point, I'll have to figure out how to rejigger my schedule to post more often and regularly here. ;-)atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-74233850704122542562011-04-09T14:36:00.000-07:002011-04-09T14:36:08.530-07:00Sens-Asian-al Jazmine?OK, one more Reno post. Before I forget, I must mention <a href="http://www.jazminereno.com/">Jazmine</a>. Why, you ask? Well, look below!<br />
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Is it anything like the amazing grub, whether it's Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese, that you'll regularly find in our own dear Chinatown? Nope. But for Reno, it will do.<br />
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Until China Mama opens a Washoe County outpost, it's OK to settle down here and grab some potstickers. The veggies inside did taste fresh, and the potstickers did keep me satisfied. And the egg rolls were fried just right... Not too greasy, but still crispy outside.<br />
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I also ordered the braised tofu with black mushrooms and bok choy. Everything was quite tender to the mouth, and the tofu actually acquired some good flavor from the salty-sweet soy marinade used. But at the same time, I could still taste the natural flavors of the veggies. All in all, not bad.<br />
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So while I may not be flying to Reno any time soon to drive to South Meadows in search of "the perfect Asian meal", at least I know I can come here for good grub. (Did you hear that, <a href="http://biteofvegas.blogspot.com/2011/04/bite-of-reno-sadness-at-santa-fe.html">Santa Fe</a> fans?)<br />
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Style: Casually Elegant Pan-Asian<br />
Price: $$<br />
Open: Lunch & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
---<br />
<br />
Food: 4.5 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 2.9 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 1.8 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.2 (out of 10)<br />
Solidly Good Grub<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/266/1192896/restaurant/Jazmine-Reno"><img alt="Jazmine on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1192896/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-70219979641389287572011-04-08T16:06:00.000-07:002011-04-08T16:08:01.210-07:00Bite of Reno: Sadness at Santa FeHave you ever been let down by something that was meant to be "THE experience of a lifetime"? Isn't it saddening? Frustrating? Annoying?<br />
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That's how I felt after dinner at Santa Fe in Reno.<br />
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See that food? There was really nothing special about it. The bread tasted like it was from a mass production factory. The soup tasted like it was from a can.<br />
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And wait, it doesn't stop there! The chicken tasted extra greasy, and the pork chops were really dry. So this place is supposed to be a "local legend" and they can't even serve decent pork chops?<br />
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And what was "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basque_cuisine">Basque</a>" about any of this? I saw a pimiento pepper here and vaguely "Spanish" spices there. As Gertrude Stein would say, "There's no THERE there."<br />
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At least the ice cream at the end was OK... But I could tell that was also from somewhere else. Dreyer's, perhaps?<br />
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I've made far better Basque food at home. Maybe this just wasn't a good weekend at Santa Fe, so I won't say "NEVER!!!" just yet. However, next time I will ask more questions if someone in Reno tells me about this place I "just HAVE to try!!!" If it weren't for the low prices, I would have been even more let down. Without a doubt, I won't be complaining about spending a few extra dollars next time to enjoy a quality Spanish meal locally at Julian Serrano or Jaleo.<br />
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Style: Family Style Neighborhood Hangout<br />
Price: $<br />
Open: Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
---<br />
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Food: 2.3 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 1.7 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 1.5 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 5.5 (out of 10)<br />
Bitter Aftertaste, Don't Bother With This Dud<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/266/1193165/restaurant/Santa-Fe-Hotel-Reno"><img alt="Santa Fe Hotel on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1193165/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-82399704036428426182011-04-02T18:54:00.000-07:002011-04-08T16:01:19.436-07:00Bite of Reno: 5th Street Bakehouse<a href="http://twitpic.com/4gatwb" title="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/4gatwb.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"></a><br />
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These were some of the sights and tastes of <a href="http://5thstbakehouse.com/">5th Street Bakehouse</a> in Reno last weekend.<br />
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I had a "California Breakfast" sandwich that was out of this world. The bread was super fresh, along with the tomato and avocado. The egg was cooked superbly, and was quite fluffy. All in all, I had a good time with that sandwich... And I'm not usually into breakfast sandwiches.<br />
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In addition to that lovely sandwich, I also sampled their delectable pastries. In particular, the peanut butter toffee scone really put a smile on my face. It was rich and sweet, but not overly or sickly sweet. The scone also had a flaky texture that made it that much more enjoyable.<br />
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Oh, and this place also knows how to do coffee right! My white mocha tasted the way a mocha should, meaning I could still taste the coffee. And thankfully, they used good quality coffee.<br />
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And you know what the best part about this breakfast was? It felt "down home"... In a good way. I never felt rushed. We held our table as we awaited more friends. Magazines were available at a table near the front door. <b>It truly felt like a neighborhood cafe</b>.<br />
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Getting back to <a href="http://biteofvegas.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-do-people-eat-in-reno.html">what I talked about yesterday</a>, Reno's culinary culture is quite different from Vegas'. Here, true neighborhood hangouts are few and far between. There, it's just another day at the favorite corner bakery. Here, breakfast on The Strip can be an elaborate affair with eclairs and sushi and sparkling champagne... While breakfast off The Strip is considered "decent" if it didn't come out of a freezer or paper bag. But in Reno, this may actually be awaiting you upon awakening.<br />
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Strange, isn't it?<br />
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Style: Bakery, Neighborhood Hangout<br />
Price: $<br />
Open: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
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Food: 4.9 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 1.8 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 2.0 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.7 (out of 10)<br />
Outstanding Destination Eating!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/266/1529529/restaurant/5th-St-Bakehouse-Reno"><img alt="5th St. Bakehouse on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1529529/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-3530716920364623912011-04-01T18:48:00.000-07:002011-04-01T18:48:43.645-07:00How Do People Eat in Reno?Over the weekend, I will be posting reviews from the places I ate during my Northern Sojourn. There was some good grub... And some not so good grub.<br />
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But before I get into specifics, I want to talk about this. <b>Reno is just so gawd-damned different!</b> No, really. Think about it.<br />
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Reno is proud of its history. And food wise, it cuts both ways. It means there are great culinary institutions in Northern Nevada that stand the test of time, regardless of whatever the hot new foodie trends of the minute may be. However, it may also mean that some places can slack off because they think they can just rest on their past laurels. Honestly, I tasted some of both last weekend.<br />
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And in The North, they know what they like. Just because something is hot down here in Vegas doesn't mean Reno or Carson will be following along any time soon. If our foodie fad of the moment is tapas or gourmet burgers or fussified Frenchie fare, Reno may still be happy with down home, local "cowboy cuisine".<br />
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I'll get into the specifics more this weekend. I just wanted to prepare you first for what's about to come. Bite of Vegas just took a bite of The North! ;-) <br />
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<a href="http://twitpic.com/4er73g" title="Amazing rural #Nevada scenery near Minden #fb on Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/4er73g.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Amazing rural #Nevada scenery near Minden #fb on Twitpic"></a><br />
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<a href="http://twitpic.com/4eba6m" title="Now leaving #Reno for #Nevada&#039;s Capital #CarsonCity #fb on Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/4eba6m.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Now leaving #Reno for #Nevada&#039;s Capital #CarsonCity #fb on Twitpic"></a><br />
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<a href="http://twitpic.com/4dxpyt" title="#MtRose #Reno #Nevada #sunrise :-) #fb on Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/4dxpyt.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="#MtRose #Reno #Nevada #sunrise :-) #fb on Twitpic"></a><br />
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<a href="http://twitpic.com/4dxol5" title="#thuglife in #Reno #Nevada :-D #fb on Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/4dxol5.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="#thuglife in #Reno #Nevada :-D #fb on Twitpic"></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-6782927225758467072011-03-25T13:34:00.000-07:002011-03-25T13:34:28.122-07:00Road Trip!This weekend, I'll be heading north. Yes, that's right. I'll be going to Reno, then to Carson City!<br />
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And while up north, I'll take some time out to taste what's happening. Stay tuned to see what I discover. ;-)atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-85024862250894321092011-03-24T14:31:00.000-07:002011-03-24T14:31:08.094-07:00Settebello Still SatisfiesMy birthday was earlier this month, and I didn't quite know what to do for my special day. After I had a meeting in West Las Vegas that developed into a sort of "surprise party", a friend suggested Settebello.<br />
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Oh, good old Settebello!<br />
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No really, it serves as THE go-to pizzeria here in Henderson. And thankfully, my last time there was just as delicious as the first.<br />
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And the margherita con funghi remains my favorite go-to pizza there. The delightfully earthy flavor of the mushrooms actually complements the bold, rich tomato sauce. The fresh mozzarella melts well on top of the sauce and the mushrooms, and none of these overwhelm the just right (crispy outside, chewy inside) crust.<br />
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And even better, I found a new guilty pleasure for dessert! It may be ridiculously simple, but the Banana-Nutella Pizza with shaved almonds helped me forget for a moment that I was growing yet another year older. The same great pizza crust is used, but this one is (of course!) topped with sliced bananas and sweet, creamy Nutella. And as an admitted "Nutella freak", I was happy. ;-)<br />
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All in all, Settebello still keeps me satisfied, still keeps me smiling, and still keeps me coming back for more.<br />
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Style: Pizzeria<br />
Price: $$<br />
Open: Lunch & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
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Food: 4.9 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 1.8 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 2.0 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.7 (out of 10)<br />
Outstanding Destination Eating!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/223127/restaurant/Las-Vegas/Settebello-Pizzeria-Napoletana-Henderson"><img alt="Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/223127/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-79934770210182379072011-03-23T19:34:00.000-07:002011-03-23T19:34:50.388-07:00Holstein's... RevisitedI know, I know, it ended up being nearly a month! I'm ashamed of myself. :-(<br />
<br />
But after nearly a month of being tied down by other obligations, I'm back... And I recently had a chance to revisit <a href="http://biteofvegas.blogspot.com/2011/02/as-cosmo-goes-best-burger-ever.html">a new favorite</a>.<br />
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And once again, my Urth Burger was out of this world! I'm still trying to figure out how Holstein's manages to make a veggie burger so "meaty", so bursting with farm fresh veggie flavor, so absolutely delicious! It's really great on its own... Really! But if you're not a strict vegan, add the Point Reyes Bleu Cheese for an even more otherworldly experience.<br />
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The fries were again super fresh. The popcorn was still addictive. Oh, and this time I had the chance to try a chocolate malt. And jeez, was that rich and bursting with down home chocolate goodness!<br />
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Someone help me. I think I'm falling in love with this place. ;-)<br />
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(For the first time EVER, I'm giving a perfect score to a non French-i-fied high-society uber-bucks fine dining joint. Lordy help me!)<br />
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Style: Upscale Burger Joint<br />
Price: $$<br />
Open: Lunch & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
---<br />
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Food: 5.0 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 3.0 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 2.0 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 10.0 (out of 10)<br />
Have I found "THE Perfect Burger"??!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/1551449/restaurant/The-Strip/Holsteins-Cosmopolitan-Las-Vegas"><img alt="Holstein's (Cosmopolitan) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1551449/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-77160425720086151152011-02-26T15:34:00.001-08:002011-02-26T15:34:48.841-08:00Sorry for the Wait...Again, life intervened. I feel like a terrible blogger this weekend, but I promise to have more good stuff up soon. Stay tuned...atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-16680056847814235202011-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:002011-02-21T07:00:22.248-08:00My First Take on PJ Clarke'sBar food. We hate to admit it, but we absolutely love it. And I was finally able to stop at a bar with some exemplary bar food that... Well, let's say they're raising the bar.<br />
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For quite some time, <a href="http://www.eatinglv.com/2011/01/p-j-clarkes-first-bites/">I've been hearing</a> about this place. But last week, I finally had a chance to taste the magic of <a href="http://pjclarkes.com/Vegas/">PJ Clarke's</a> for myself. I was at a special event, and I had a very special opportunity to sample all sorts of goodies for dinner.<br />
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Before dinner, I tried a few appetizers. (Disclaimer: I couldn't snap photos of these.) The bacon wrapped dates had the perfect marriage of sweet, savory, and salty. The mini sliders were quite beefy, which should satisfy just about everyone who enjoys the flavor of that ever elusive "All American Beef Burger". And I don't think I've had so much fun with tater tots as I did with PJ Clarke's!<br />
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From there, it was onto dinner... And all the kitchen mayhem! For some reason, the servers were having a hard time serving dishes where they needed to be, leading to a bit of mass confusion. Some dishes were served out of order, and at one point it was quite difficult to order a drink. Maybe this was just because of the event? Maybe it was just a super busy night and the restaurant was overwhelmed?<br />
<br />
Well, at least the food itself provided no confusion or consternation! <br />
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The salads weren't bad, though they weren't phenomenal either. My friends and I were served a spring salad with standard raspberry vinaigrette, and some sort of "chicken salad" with dandelion greens and shaved parmesan. I guess John Curtas was right in that regard.<br />
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However, from there onward, I was in for some amazing grub. We were served two giant buckets full of steamed mussels, and my goodness did they taste fresh! And by fresh, I mean these tasted direct from the ocean. I have a feeling I need not worry about being served nasty, "freezer burned" seafood here.<br />
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The mac and cheese followed, and then I knew I was in LOVE! At first, I didn't quite know what to think. I'm used to stick-to-one's-ribs thick mac and cheese, so I was surprised when I saw this mac & cheese with more of a soupy sauce. However as soon as I tasted it, I was smiling. The sauce may have been loose, but it was still quite rich and full of fresh, sweet peas and fatty bacon. <br />
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Following the mac and cheese, I was surprised by the crab cake. It was full of sweet crab meat, but not too heavy or bogged down by too much mayonnaise. I've usually not been into crab cake, but I was actually liking this!<br />
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And then, dessert arrived. Oh jeez, where do I start! The chocolate pudding was quite divine, as it had just the right amount of sweet, a rich and deep chocolate flavor, and a lovely house made whipped cream topping. The bourbon bread pudding was quite hearty, and dazzled with its hearty custard and "bejeweled" raisins. Oh, and the apple cobbler just screamed, "America, F*ck Yeah!" to me... And yes, that's a compliment. ;-)<br />
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Were there some bumps in the road on my journey to great American Bar Food at PJ Clarke's? Honestly, yes. Hopefully, the service kinks will be worked out and the salads will be more interesting. Otherwise, the (rest of the) food was quite solid... Enough to catapult it to the best of the bunch. And perhaps as PJ Clarke's grows into its new digs at The Forum Shops, it will become as much of a Vegas landmark as it already is a New York legend.<br />
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Style: Gastropub<br />
Price: $$$<br />
Open: Lunch & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
---<br />
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Food: 4.7 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 2.4 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 2.0 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.1 (out of 10)<br />
Good Eats, Worth the Trip<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/1561175/restaurant/The-Strip/P-J-Clarkes-Las-Vegas"><img alt="P.J. Clarke's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1561175/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://twitpic.com/420008" title="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/420008.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"></a>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-69934280430363059402011-02-08T14:33:00.000-08:002011-02-08T14:33:45.651-08:00ACTION ALERT: Let's Reopen Bet on the Farm!In case you haven't heard yet, Las Vegas' best farmers' market was recently shut down. Why, you ask? Well, let's just say I've yet to hear a good reason for it.<br />
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And why exactly should we care? I'll let <a href="http://tastinglasvegas.com/2011/02/08/why-the-bet-on-the-farm-market-is-good-for-las-vegas-soul/">Mr. TLV explain</a>.<br />
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<blockquote>While I won’t say that Las Vegas is as culturally devoid as most naysayers say, I will say that for a metropolitan area of approximately 2,000,000 residents, we have quite a bit of catching up to do. What little cultural treasures we have is usually some kind of import from New York, Montreal or Los Angeles. Most of the residents here are imports themselves, which increases the difficulty in creating a sense of community. For the most part, generations of families haven’t grown up together in Las Vegas. Neighbors have rarely seen the baby boy next door get married to his high school sweetheart some 25 years down the line. We are a young community, just starting to grow our roots and develop the same way much older metropolitan areas have done so. The Bet On The Farm Market is exactly the kind of nutrition we need to grow into the community that I believe everyone wants us to be. [...]<br />
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One of the few things that is for Las Vegans, by Las Vegans (that’s actually good for us) is no longer available to us. It’s a shame that bureaucratic red tape is preventing Las Vegans from experiencing one of the great things that develop a metropolitan area into a thriving community. I can only hope that whatever needs to be done to get this treasured market up and running again is done in an expeditious manner. It would be an incredible shame to see this branch of our budding community wither away and die. </blockquote><br />
So what can we do about it? OK, here's where we need you lighting up your keyboards and phones. Here's the list of <a href="http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/electedofficials/Pages/Default2.aspx">Clark County Commissioners</a>. I highly recommend you write your Commissioner and let him/her know how much you care about Bet on the Farm, explain how important Bet on the Farm is to sustaining our community (in more ways than one!), and why it should be allowed to reopen as soon as possible. In addition to contacting your Commissioner, it may also be a good idea to write a letter to <a href="http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/countycommissioners/districtf/Pages/default.aspx">Clark County Commission Chair Susan Brager</a> as well.<br />
<br />
What happened last week was tragic, but we need not allow this to continue. Please let your voice be heard, and let's get to work getting Bet on the Farm reopened!atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-85475221669115582042011-02-07T17:42:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:37:04.077-08:00As Cosmo Goes... The. Best. Burger. EVER??!!Back in 2009, I had my first experience at <a href="http://lbsburger.com/">LBS</a>, an upscale "burger joint" way out in the mysterious hinterlands often referred to as <a href="http://www.summerlin.com/">Summerlin</a>. I've constantly been amazed by the superior quality of the food, the interesting vibe of the place, and the surprising value they offer...<br />
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But can the folks behind LBS score a successful sequel on The Strip? So far, I'm inclined to say yes. <a href="http://www.holsteinslv.com/">Holstein's</a> really took so much of what I love at LBS, and takes it to an even higher level at Cosmopolitan.<br />
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My recent lunch out was off to an interesting start with a small bucket of "truffle popcorn" awaiting me. I must admit the popcorn was quite addicting. It had great flavor without being too greasy.<br />
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Pretty soon, my cocktail arrived. I ordered a Blood Orange Cosmo, and it arrived full of great, refreshing, sweet orange flavor. Just what I needed.<br />
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Yep, this was just what I needed to relax and whet my appetite for more. And oh my goodness, did I get more! My "Urth Burger" was a house made vegan patty that didn't taste like "imitation meat" or "random veggie blob", but rather a hearty patty full of great flavors and complemented well by the nice bun and tangy Point Reyes Blue Cheese (that I added onto the burger). This, for me, is the hallmark of a truly great burger palace. If it can take the often maligned "veggie burger" and turn it into this wonderful, edible masterpiece, than it can do pretty much anything!<br />
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The shoestring fries were also a nice complement on the plate. They tasted fresh. They weren't overly greasy. They were addictive. <br />
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Of course, no great lunch is truly great without a stunning dessert, so I gave into temptation and ordered the "chocolate slider with fries". Basically, it turned out to be a plate of a "slider" consisting of rich chocolate ganache sandwiched between two delectable chocolate cookies. YUM! And even better, it came with these pillowy soft and delicately fried churro "fries" along with a cup of tangy strawberry "ketchup" for dipping. Was it gimmicky? Perhaps? But was it so damned good that I really didn't care? ABSO-F*CKING-LUTELY!!!<br />
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So what else can I say about Holstein's? The food was phenomenal. The atmosphere was groovy. The service was quite friendly. And I finally found the perfect "veggie burger". Did I just find heaven? ;-)<br />
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Style: Upscale Burger Joint<br />
Price: $$<br />
Open: Lunch & Dinner<br />
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The Rating<br />
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Food: 4.9 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 3.0 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 1.9 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.8 (out of 10)<br />
Outstanding, Destination Eating!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/1551449/restaurant/The-Strip/Holsteins-Cosmopolitan-Las-Vegas"><img alt="Holstein's (Cosmopolitan) on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1551449/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a><br />
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<div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed370.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo146%2Fatdleft%2FHolsteins%2520Cosmo%2520LV%252002-04-11%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" /><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/atdleft/Holsteins%20Cosmo%20LV%2002-04-11/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-40770285546587523052011-02-03T16:36:00.000-08:002011-02-03T16:36:25.656-08:00Money Can't Buy You Class... But It Will Buy You AssRemember the discussion that ensued when <a href="http://biteofvegas.blogspot.com/2011/01/final-thoughts-on-alex.html">Wynn Las Vegas suddenly and shockingly decided to close Alex</a> last month? <br />
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Well, <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/feb/01/booze-sales-boost-casinos/">this</a> just confirms what we were saying all along.<br />
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<blockquote>Beverage revenue rose 7 percent during the last fiscal period, to $909.6 million, for the 39 Strip casinos generating annual revenue of at least $1 million. Strip beverage revenue rose 2 percent in fiscal 2009. The Strip accounted for 66 percent of beverage revenue from the state’s highest-grossing casinos.<br />
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The booming nightclub industry in Las Vegas, including the emergence of a 24-hour, pool-centered party scene and a slew of elaborate new clubs and drink menus, is partly responsible for the increase, analysts say.<br />
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New clubs and lounges at CityCenter, Encore and Hard Rock Hotel, which opened a rooftop bar and pool as part of its expansion last year, are among the new venues noted in the report.<br />
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Today’s opulent nightclubs offer a potentially more expensive experience than the more mundane drinking holes of years past, said Brian Gordon, a principal with Las Vegas consulting firm Applied Analysis.<br />
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During conference calls with Wall Street analysts last year, Wynn Resorts CEO Steve Wynn highlighted the runaway success of Surrender nightclub and the attached Beach Club at Encore, which opened May 25.<br />
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The performance of its nightclub venues in Las Vegas stands in “sharp contrast to the softness in the market,” while generating high profit margins, Wynn told investors. The company reported a 16 percent increase in food and beverage revenue in the third quarter, in large part because of the new venues, surpassing revenue generated in other departments, with the exception of gambling.</blockquote><br />
It's all about the money, honey. And right now, the money is being made in the day/nightlife industry. That's why MGM, Caesars, Wynn, and LVS are all falling over each other to open more clubs and revolve more and more of the other amenities in their casinos around their nightclubs.<br />
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<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kEDvlSAMhQU?hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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When just looking at the bottom line, why should Steve Wynn care about maintain extraordinary culinary standards at his hotels' restaurants when the money is being made at Surrender, XS, Encore Beach Club, Tryst, and Blush, and Wynn executives suspect most within the target demographic group for their clubs don't really care for the "fru-fru eating" offered at restaurants like Alex? Never mind that Wynncore now risks losing its entire foodie reputation. It's all about the dollar signs, baby.<br />
<br />
So are we supposed to expect more of this in the future? Or is this just another fad that will change and/or die? And does Las Vegas' reputation as a great foodie destination hang in the balance?atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-27687470338459974712011-02-01T17:23:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:36:12.068-08:00Porchlight Always OnSometimes, the best things in life come unexpected. That happened to me yet again last month when I discovered <a href="http://www.porchlightgrille.com/">Porchlight Grill</a> on the west end of Spring Valley, near Summerlin. It's not easy to impress me, and most often "mini casinos" with restaurants attached don't... But this was different. Read below to find out how.<br />
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As always, photos from both visits are included at the bottom.<br />
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Tucked away at a strip mall at Durango and Desert Inn is an interesting little "mini casino" that honestly surprised me. I typically don't rush to neighborhood "mini casinos" for dinner, but some friends suggested it and I went along. What's the worst that could happen?<br />
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To my surprise, I wouldn't even have to think of that. I tried a thin crust pesto pizza with goat cheese and mushrooms, and I was really enjoying it! The pesto was especially interesting, since it was packing heat! It tasted like serrano chile(s) were probably used, and they went well with the tangy goat cheese and earthy mushrooms on the crispy flatbread.<br />
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I also tried the spicy fries, and these were surprisingly addictive. I kept going back for more, as they had an interesting spicy mesquite seasoning.<br />
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Oh, and since we're talking about a mini casino here, I must say I merrily downed my Midori Sours. All in all, I had a good time here and I would definitely have no problem coming back whenever I'm in the 'hood.<br />
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And I indeed last week for a party some friends were throwing there. I had a great linguine with (again, spicy!) pesto, along with an out-of-this-world brownie sundae. Funny enough, I didn't know I could get a brownie with the sundae there, but the manager brought out a hot, fresh one to complete it! Heh, customer service at its best. ;-)<br />
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Style: Neighborhood Casual<br />
Price: $<br />
Open: 24 Hours<br />
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The Rating<br />
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Food: 4.6 (out of 5)<br />
Service: 3.0 (out of 3)<br />
Ambiance: 1.7 (out of 2)<br />
Overall: 9.3 (out of 10)<br />
Good Eats, Worth the Trip<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/18/1420076/restaurant/Spring-Valley/Porchlight-Grill-Las-Vegas"><img alt="Porchlight Grill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1420076/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a><br />
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<div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed370.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo146%2Fatdleft%2FPorchlight%2520LV%252001-2011%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" /><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s370.photobucket.com/albums/oo146/atdleft/Porchlight%20LV%2001-2011/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5801086228866475784.post-85452975041893421612011-01-28T20:38:00.000-08:002011-01-28T20:38:20.170-08:00Apology in OrderSorry again for the long wait. Let's just say I've been preoccupied with a number of other, less appetizing issues. <br />
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But fear not, for I have a new review coming this weekend! And watch out, I may have something else to say on the latest foodie news as well.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more... ;-)atdnexthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18339904136472258194noreply@blogger.com1