Wonderful Dining Options In Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a myriad of wonderful dining options offering many cuisines to choose from. You can find something to satisfy your hunger any hour of the day or night.  I have highlighted  the top 4 restaurants  that my husband and I enjoyed during our last trip to Vegas, including our menu selections.


4.  Border Grill at Mandalay Bay  $$

     Authentic Mexican food with a modern twist, featuring light and healthy dishes loaded with flavor
     We enjoyed the following:
   
     Appetizers

• Border Classics two chicken panuchos • two green corn tamales • two plantain empanadas
• Border Guacamole creamy avocado • jalapeño • cilantro • lime 

     Entrees

• Yucatan Pork achiote pork slow roasted in banana leaves • caramelized onion • orange

         cinnamon sautéed plantains • guacamole • handmade corn tortillas

• Grilled Skirt Steak charred corn relish • black beans • handmade flour tortilla

     Dessert

•  Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cake rich, delicate chocolate truffle cake
   with prickly pear lychee sauce and raspberries

     Margaritas/Cocktail

• Cadillac Margarita sauza reposado • freshly squeezed lime juice • grand marnier
• Pomegranate Margarita ambar • fresh pomegranate • lime
• Classic Mojito cruzan light rum • muddled fresh mint • lime • splash of soda

     My husband is not particularly fond of guacamole but even he enjoyed the guac here!


3.  Wicked Spoon Buffet at The Cosmopolitan  $$

     Vegas is know for it's multitude of buffet offerings.  I personally am not a buffet connoisseur;
      however, on  this last visit I found a gem.  WSB has re-invented the "buffet."  Most dishes were
      served tapas style.  I was overwhelmed by the choices available.  The selections my husband
      and I enjoyed the most were:  roasted beet salad, olive assortment, snow crab legs, bone
      marrow, prime rib bone-in, sea bass, shrimp and grits,  truffle risotto, chocolate dipped
      strawberries, and gelato.


2.  Pamplemousse le Restaurant  $$$

    This establishment, Vegas' oldest French restaurant, transported us to the Rat Pack era.  We felt
    as if we were at a secret "hide-away."  The restaurant was very romantic, offering a table dimly lit
    by candlelight, a vase of fresh flowers, and soft French music.  Our dinner began with the famous
    Crudite, a work of art, which was a large basket filled with fresh vegetables, Dijon vinaigrette, and
    crispy French bread and butter.  Our menu selections were as follows:

     Appetizer

• Escargot Bourguignone  with Chablis, butter, garlic and parsley

     Entrees 

• Braised Lamb Shank with Red Zinfandel sauce  (we both ordered )

     Sides

• Sauteed Spinach 
• Mashed Potaoe Moussline
• French Green Beans

     Desserts

• Chocolate Lava Cake with chocolate sauce, homemade vanilla ice cream and whipped cream
• Grand Marnier Souffle with homemade vanilla ice cream and whipped cream

    We selected a bottle of Sweet Merlot to accompany our meal.

1.  Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant    $$$

     If you want a boring dinner DON'T go here.  This restaurant offered a unique dining experience.
     Our journey through Morocco started with being seated in the traditional low (but comfortable)
     style.  We then participated in a ceremonious hand cleansing.  Silverware was available;
     however, it was more enjoyable to eat with our fingers in the traditional manner.  The meal was
     a 6 course prix fixe menu as follows:

• Appetizer -  Moroccan Shrimp Scampi
• Soup -     Harira (lentil, rice lemon and spices)
• "Salad" -  Hummus, Zaáluk (eggplant/tomato dip), olives, cucumbers, beets, and carrots
• Entree -   Beef  kabob
• Main Entree -  Moroccan couscous with chicken and vegetables  (requested silverware)
• Dessert - B'Stilla (Moroccan pastry stuffed with fruits and nuts) served with mint tea

    We selected a bottle of Chateau Kefraya to accompany our meal.

The meal was not rushed, courses were served in accordance with our enjoyment pace.  We were able to eat and converse.  Not to mention, being entertained by the belly dance performances that amplified the experience. 

Note:  Some of these restaurants did require taxi service, which was an average of 20.00 plus tips.  (round trip from Four Seasons Hotel)  You should always carry small bills for tips.

Tip:  Use Open Table  to make dining reservations when applicable.  


Until the next post, "live in love!"


Callista

Scoot City Tours Review

On this trip my husband and I decided to do something a little different than the normal Las Vegas tour.  We were so glad we chose Scoot City Tours.  This excursion was approximately 4.5 hours, including complimentary pick up and drop off.  The actual tour was about 3.5 hours.  The 35 mile tour included a 13 mile scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon.  This natural wonder has been designated a  National Conservation Area, the seventh in the nation and Nevada's first.

The vehicle that we drove was an open-air, two-passenger, three-wheeled scooter-car.  It was powered by gasoline.  There were no pedals, gears, or clutches; it was operated by controls on the handlebars.  The cars were brightly painted red, blue, green, and yellow.  When convoying together the scooter-cars were lovingly referred to as a pack of "skittles."  The vehicles have been deemed street-legal,  having lap restraints, blinkers, side mirrors, and a windshield.


Our tour started out with our guide Curtis, who picked us up promptly at 8 am at our hotel.  Curtis was the type of guide that we would want to conduct all tours we take.  He was very courteous and knowledgeable about Las Vegas. He gave us a mini-tour of the city and informed us of useful tourist tips as we picked up other guests and made our way to our scooters. We arrived at the storage facility where we met other guests and our second tour guide, Eli, who also gets kudos for his great service. 

Drum roll........ I was like a kid in the candy store when choosing our red scooter-car.  After selecting our "skittle," we got an introduction to the vehicle, operating instructions, safety training, and signed a short waiver form.  Our guided tour started from the storage facility parking lot.  Curtis was our lead guide and Eli took up the rear.  They made sure everyone was safe and no one got separated.  They even had the street lights timed down to a science.  We cruised through Summerlin, an exclusive community of Las Vegas.  We felt like celebrities, getting honks and waves.  As we approached Red Rock Canyon, the breathtaking views transported us to another world; however, we were only 17 miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas strip.  The first stop was the visitor's center, where we browsed the educational exhibits, got souvenirs at the gift shop, and used the facilities.  Note: Get souvenirs now, your return trip will not stop here.  Our second stop allowed us to test our hiking/ climbing skills.  The third stop was High Point Overlook, which had an elevation of approximately 5000 feet.  We were able to use telescopes that offered up to 70 miles of visibility towards Los Angeles.  Our fourth stop was a perfect spot where Eli took the photo pictured above. Note:  At any stopping point during your journey you can switch driver/passenger.  After leaving Red Rock Canyon we made a fifth stop.  This stop was at a convenience store, where the vehicles were re-fueled and it gave us an opportunity to purchase snacks.  Then we drove back to the storage facility.  When the tour was over our wonderful guide, Curtis took us back to the hotel for 12:30 pm.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Scoot City Tours.  My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing ride and feeling the wind blowing through our hair (well my hair at least).

Note:  bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and your camera/camcorder.  A cooler,  filled with bottled water will be provided for you.

Another very important note:  Scoot City Tours sometimes offers a discount via Groupon.  This makes it an extremely good deal, although it is well worth the normal $125 per person fee.

Until the next post, "live in love!"

Callista 

15 Awesome Things To Do In Vegas

There are many awesome things to do in Vegas.  Yes, the obvious is gambling, but there is so much more.  You can  do everything from exploring the strip to "sky diving."  I have highlighted the top 10 attractions my husband and I thought were awesome on our last visit, as well as the top 5 shopping venues.

10. Fremont Street Experience
9 .  Mirage Volcano
8 .  Fountains of Bellagio
7.   The Roller Coaster at New York New York
6.   Parasol Up Parasol Down at Wynn Las Vegas
5.   The Strip
4.   Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
3.   Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
2.   "O" Cirque du Soleil
1.   Scoot City Tours  (full review coming soon)

Shopping

5.   Fashion Show Mall
4.   The Shoppes at The Palazzo
3.   The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian
2.   Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
1.   Crystals at City Center 

          Shopping tip:  After you have decided on the couture purchase you are going to make, the 
          next decision is whether you are going to walk out with it, in your "hot little hands," or
          have it  shipped directly to your home.  Inquire with store personal how the nexus sales tax
          law applies to your home state in relation to NV. 


Until the next post, "live in love!"

Callista

Vegas Baby!

Our featured destination in this series is the fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada.  We start this post with a dilemma.  Usually, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."   However, because we love sharing our adventures with you, we break the rules just this once.  This time we tell all, or at least most.  We do have to keep some secrets! 

The best time to go and a fabulous place to stay

There is no scientific method for predicting hotel rates in Vegas.  Generally, July and August are off-peak months due to the high heat index.  December is another low month (except during New Year's Eve).  Vegas is always trafficked by tourists. There always seems to be some type of convention or event taking place. If these events attract a large volume of people, when added with other tourists, then it will dictate higher room rates. 


There are quite a few fabulous places to stay in Vegas.  On this trip, our hotel of choice was the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas.   The hotel accommodations are located atop the Mandalay Bay tower, comprising the 35th to 39th floors,  which are accessed by express elevators.  The hotel is very intimate, compared to most Las Vegas hotels, consisting of only 424 rooms.

Our preferred room category on this trip was the "premier strip-view room."  The room has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering amazing views of the strip, sunrise/sunset, and the mountains.  The room amenities include:

• writing desk
• internet access
• 42 inch plasma TV
• down duvets and pillows
• marble bathrooms
• terry bathrobes
• hair dryer
• daily newspaper
• in-room safe
• refrigerated private bar
• coffee and tea station
• twice daily housekeeping w/turn-down
• (special amenities)  This visit was during my birthday, upon arrival the hotel had a complimentary birthday cake waiting for me in our room!

Other amenities of the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, include house car service within a three mile radius (when available), a fitness center, and a full service spa.  The hotel has an outdoor pool and two whirlpools, guests also have access to the Mandalay Beach, which offers a wave pool and lazy river. We recommend that you bring tubes and a pump in your luggage for the lazy river.  You can purchase tubes there; however, they are very expensive compared to what you would pay at your local sporting goods store. There is no rental option. Complimentary sunblock is available for Four Seasons guests by their pool.

The dining options available are the Charlie Palmer Steak, Verandah, and in-room dining 24 hours a day.  Guests also have signing privileges at Mandalay Bay.  We really enjoyed breakfast from the Verandah restaurant.  The apple-chicken breakfast sausage is not to be missed.


Coming soon Awesome things to do (in Vegas)

Until the next post, "live in love!"

Callista and Bryan

Luggage Scale Review

Have you ever been in a rush to make it to your plane only to have your luggage over the weight limit capacity?  Tell the truth, I know I'm guilty.  It took a couple of trips to the airport check in counter, having underwear flinging in a rush to redistribute items between bags, to convince me that I needed a solution.  It was quite embarrassing, yet hysterical, having a long line of people waiting and watching,  all the while arguing with my spouse as to why or who over-packed.  (He always does.  He says, he likes being prepared.)  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

After this happened twice I vowed to never let it happen again; so I went on a quest to find the best luggage scale possible at a fair price.   I came upon the EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale.

Here is my review:

The best way to review this product is to compare luggage scale designs

Pros

• two-handed grip  vs  one handed ... more stable for accuracy

• one and a half inch nylon strap with snap buckle  vs  thin metal open hook also more stable for accuracy

• weighs in lbs and kgs  vs  only lbs....great for domestic as well as international travel

Cons

• battery life ... on/off button can easily be activated while enclosed in packed luggage  (most other designs have the same type mechanism)

• strap on snap buckle is not sewn down which makes it easy to slip apart while weighing heavy luggage  (most other strap designs have this same flaw )

Bottom line

The EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale is very sturdy, accurate, and cost-effective.      I purchased it for $19.95.  The average excess baggage fee is $30.00, thus after only one use this product offers a very good ROE.

Until the next post, "live in love!"

Callista

Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says Louisiana is food.  So, from my heart, my kitchen, and that little cook book in my head,  here is a cuisine idea for you to re-create at home. "Bon Appetit"

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 large onion minced
1 large bell pepper minced
3 stalks celery minced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 10 oz. bag frozen cut okra (thawed)
1 lb peeled deveined shrimp
1 lb smoked sausage cut into 1/2" rounds
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon thyme

Cooking instructions


Heat oil in a large heavy stock pot over med-high heat.  Stir in flour with a silicone spatula; bring heat down to medium and continue stirring until the mixture becomes a dark golden brown color. (approximately 20 min.) Now you have a Louisiana roux.  Next, stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.  Pour in water and bring heat up to high.  Add sausage and okra; when a roaring boil starts, turn heat down to medium.  Add bay leaves, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme.  Stir gently, cover and allow to cook for 20 min.  Add shrimp, stir and bring heat down to med-low.  Cook uncovered for 10 min. or until shrimp are done.  Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serve over cooked white rice (garnish with green onions if desired)
Serves 8

Louisiana culinary tidbit, the mixture of onion, bell pepper, and celery is called the "trinity."

Until the next post, "live in love!"

Callista


 

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Our featured destination in this series is our hometown, Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana.  First, we greet you with the warm southern hospitality our town is known for.  Now,  "Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!" (Let the good times roll)

The best time to go and a fabulous place to stay

Our recommendation for accommodations when visiting  Baton Rouge is the historic Hilton Baton Rouge Capital Center, a AAA four diamond hotel.  The Hilton was originally known as the Heidelberg Hotel, built in 1927; it was later re-named the Capital House Hotel.  In 1982 the hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  There has been over $70 million in renovations restoring the hotel to the original state of grandeur.  The Hilton has 290 elegantly appointed guest rooms.  Every room has a view of either the Mississippi River or Downtown Baton Rouge.  Our preferred room category is  the "king bed riverview."  We especially like staying here during  the  4th of July festivities.  The view of the fireworks over the river is amazing.  However,  July is one of the two peak months, the other being February. 

If you are like us and have  java cravings,  you're in for a real treat.  Every room has a coffee maker with the famous locally brewed Community Coffee.  You'll also get the weekday  Baton Rouge Advocate and USA Today newspapers to enjoy with your coffee.  Another amenity  we could not live without, and we're sure you would agree, is complimentary high speed internet.  The Hilton also features a pool/ garden deck with a view of the Mississippi river, a fitness center, and Bumble Lane (a luxurious full service spa).

Awesome things to do

• Self-guided walking tour of the hotel's historic/architectural elements via a hotel map 

• The Shaw Center for the Arts/LSU Museum of Art

• Manship Theatre (Broadway quality performances, concerts and more)

• USS KIDD Navy Warship and Museum/Veterans Memorial

• Louisiana Arts and Science Museum/Pennington Planetarium

• LSU/"Mike" the tiger habitat

Wonderful dining options

• Breakfast - Louie's Cafe in Tigertown/LSU

• Lunch - The Kingfish (hotel restaurant)  our recommendations: "Tournedos Louisianne" and   "Bananas Foster Beignets"

• Lunch - Zoe's Kitchen  in Perkins Rowe or Towne Center (both feature boutique shopping)

• Lunch or Dinner - The Chimes in Tigertown/LSU or Coursey Blvd

• The Viking Cooking School Outdoors/Viking Chef Experience at the hotel

Nightlife

• Tsunami, a rooftop sushi bar overlooking the Mississippi river (Specials: Tuesdays 4pm-10pm and Wednesday-Friday 4pm-6pm)
  

• Sullivans Bar/ Ringside (specials on Thursdays 5pm until)
  

• Belle of Baton Rouge Casino (or anytime of the day)

• Hollywood Casino (or anytime of the day)

Myth or Fact?

It is said  that the hotel is haunted. Some claim to see a woman in a white dress wandering   the halls. On the 8th and 9th floors there have been reports of mysterious knocks on doors during the night.  Several housekeepers say  they have heard music and voices coming from room  912 when it is not occupied. It has also been reported that the elevator will occasionally go directly to the  8th floor prior to going to the floor requested.   You decide!



Louisiana recipe from yours truly, coming soon!

Until the next post, "live in love!"

Callista and Bryan