Las Vegas Highland Games

This past weekend marked the 10th annual Highland Games here in Las Vegas. Despite this fact, this was my first year in attendance. Sprawled out over Floyd Lamb park, the Highland Games offered two full days packed with entertainment ranging from the games themselves to live music and dance competitions in addition to stalls for shopping and information on various aspects of Scottish heritage.

Being that this was a work weekend for me I had a whirlwind experience on Saturday afternoon, that thankfully did include catching the Opening Ceremony. The parade was truly a sight to behold with troupe after troupe of experienced pipers and drummers in addition to clan representations. It was moving and something I wish my grandfather had been around to see because he would have loved every second of it.

Not surprisingly, the highlight of my afternoon was the food. While the usuals were on the scene boasting chicken fingers, funnel cake, and hot dogs it was the Scottish varieties that I couldn't pass up. While it was difficult to choose, the fresh scones with strawberries and cream and the grilled bangers topped with a heap of caramelized onions were my front runners. If you've never had a grilled banger, make a run to your local international food store. Just one bite is enough to transport you overseas.

A few tips if you plan to attend next year, which I would recommend... Arrive early! Floyd Lamb parking is not well suited to large events and if you show up later in the day you will be making a trek to get to the entrance. Bring a few cold waters with you. While you aren't allowed to bring coolers in you will want to tuck some in a tote bag. While much of the area is shaded, the sun shifts frequently and March afternoons see the temperatures rising. Finally, if you plan to stick around for the entertainment, bring a folding chair. Your feet will thank you.

On Intentions, Actions, and Some Pretty Great Sausage

Spring is here! And with that new season comes new intentions. I've been thinking more about that this past month, about setting intentions. That phrase has been everywhere lately, but it doesn't sit well with me. This weekend, it was my pastor that actually pinpointed why, "Good intention doesn't last two minutes. Intention must turn into action." How many times have I "intended" to make changes that fell flat weeks, or even days later? Blog more often. Eat better. Wake up earlier. I have a cycle of setting intentions, eventually failing, getting upset with myself, and then starting all over again. Why? Because without a plan, a realistic action plan, good intentions don't do a whole lot on their own.

Having a plan means having somewhere to pick up after failing. It means having something measurable to look back on and evaluate. It requires action, not daydreaming. It's also a little scary, but in the best and most exciting way.

So, I'm starting simple. Something that routinely makes my intention lists is making the most of where I live. In fact, it's even in my manifesto for this blog in the form of celebrating all things local. That's so vague though. The real question is how am I going to celebrate all things local? To start, I can start putting more local favorites onto my weekly grocery list. Las Vegas has a burgeoning local food scene that lends itself to not only fantastic restaurants, but some pretty fantastic tools for the home cook as well.

First up? If you haven't tried the sausages from Sprouts market you are missing out. With at least 8 flavors on a daily basis from the basic Italian to the interesting chicken additions (apple and parmesan are two of my favorites) there is truly something for everyone. They are made in house and they are a great bang for your buck. In the coming weeks I'll be sharing some of my favorite recipes to pair them alongside. Something simple to kick off the weekend? Pair their chicken parmesan sausage (pictured above) with your favorite risotto be it homemade or from a box.

What are you shaking up for Spring? Let's cheer each other on as we turn our goals into actions.

Crazy Pita

Last week I had the opportunity to check out the new Crazy Pita in Town Square. There are few things that I love more than good Mediterranean food, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Tucked directly behind Guitar Center, what Crazy Pita lacks in ambiance it more than makes up for with their menu. Boasting a variety of rotisserie favorites, offerings from the grill, and signature pitas it is a must visit for a quick bite.

Lamb being one of my favorite dishes, I couldn't pass up their lamb pita. Pitas come dressed with marinated tomatoes, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce. What I appreciated was the fine chop on the slaw. Instead of overwhelming the lamb it was instead the perfect compliment. Cool and refreshing to lighten up the grilled lamb. And that lamb? Delicious! The generous portion was grilled to perfection. Tender and lightly seasoned, all wrapped up in a warm, soft pita. While the fries didn't pop in the same way that the pita did they weren't a poor choice either. If you opt for a $.99 charge the range of side options does open up to include a small portion from their sides and snacks menu.

Overall, Crazy Pita is a worthy new addition to the Town Square restaurant scene. If you're a fan of Greek cuisine take advantage of this amazing weather we've been having and check it out.

DISH Las Vegas 2013

On Thursday I had the chance to attend the 5th annual DISH Las Vegas benefitting Three Square. Three Square is a local food bank who's mission is, "to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community." If you want to learn more, check out their website. They are doing some seriously amazing work.

The event itself featured 35 local restaurants as well as entertainment from The Million Dollar Quartet and Everclear. It's no secret that these sort of events are a favorite of mine (I love getting to try such a wide range of flavors in a single space), and this one was particularly well put together. Each restaurant had a distinctive booth space with plenty of room to walk between stalls and a number of easily accessible trash bins. With restaurants ranging from N9NE Steakhouse to Tao the food itself was incredibly diverse showcasing some pretty spectacular offerings.

Those aforementioned flavors are easily my favorite part of events like these. Foods ranged from a seafood bar on ice to freshly made cotton candy and just about everything in between. Within that, shellfish was definitely the theme of the night. Mini-bread bowls filled with chowder, lobster kimchi fried rice, crab ravioli, oysters on the half shell... Delicious! Other personal favorites of mine included a spoon of braised beef nestled on a bed of polenta and the BEST salmon sashimi tossed in sesame seeds. True foodie bliss. With shellfish seemingly on trend, I'm looking forward to seeing what dishes come out of that in the coming year.

Good food for an even better cause? This is certainly going on my calendar for next year and is an event I would recommend looking into if you're in Las Vegas come next September.

Breakfast at NOBU

It's no secret that a good breakfast ranks as one of my favorite things. Breakfast in bed? Even better. While my stay at NOBU Hotel is a story for another day I had to take a moment to reflect on what was one of the most amazing meals I've ever had. Available only through room service, the breakfast menu from NOBU boasts a varied array of familiar breakfast fare with an updated twist. Choosing was difficult, but in the end their Vanilla Scented Waffle, Pork Belly Bacon, and Black Sesame & Sakura Pastries won out.

Best. Waffle. Ever. Nice and crisp out the outside without losing any of the necessary fluffy interior. The vanilla was a lovely accent flavor, leaving room for the yuzu whipped cream and fresh fruit to shine. The stand out from this dish was absolutely the whipped cream. Denser than average, the cream played the role of both butter and sauce to perfection. Lightly sweet and perfectly tart it paired particularly well with the banana.

Try this at home by cutting back on the sweet. The surprising standout flavor of this waffle was the fact that it wasn't the typical dessert-like affair dripping with syrup and powdered sugar. The light sprinkle of sugar was just enough to pair with the whipped cream. For the cream itself, again lay low on the sugar, a light sprinkle will help you capture that flavor. Whip for a few minutes longer than you normally would and if you can't find yuzu try some grapefruit zest to capture that tart flavor.

Bacon is already pretty fantastic, but pork belly takes it over the top. The thick cut and crisp texture were a bacon lovers dream. I was also impressed with the generous portion.

Try this at home by roasting up some thick slices of bacon or pork belly in the oven. Set your oven to 400°F and cook for about 15-20 minutes on a sheet pan. Having trouble finding pork belly? Check out your local Korean market. The butcher section often offers several different varieties and cuts for less than the price of normal supermarket bacon.

Saving the best for last, these pastries were crazy delicious. Both had the flaky lightness of a typical danish or croissant, it was the filling that took the flavors over the top. The black sesame was filled with black sesame paste that was nutty, rich, and very nearly savory. The sakura danish was boasted a beautiful custard and soaked cherries with that lovely spiciness that is characteristic of the sakura flavor.

Unless you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen you can try this at home by exploring your local Japanese bakery. While you may not find these exact flavors, you're sure to find some yummy treats that capture that balance between sweet and savory.

Want to recreate a luxurious breakfast in bed experience at home? Open the blinds and let in the natural light if you can! Bring in a portable table (card table, folding table, even a tv tray) and cover with white linen. Even an inexpensive white cloth will dress up the occasion. Keep the table top simple. Clean, white dishes and a simple flower arrangement are all you need to let the food shine as the focal point.

Springtime in Las Vegas

Spring in Las Vegas is one of my favorite things about living in this city. Our winter may lack the harsh weather that plagues much of the country, but there is a certain somberness the hangs in the air that begins to lift in March. It's that brief, brief window before summer hits full force to explore. Hotels reveal their seasonal installations of flowers and butterflies. New, lighter menus make their way into restaurants across the valley. It's a fresh start.

Now that I work unconventional hours I have the opportunity to explore while much of downtown is still quiet. Tuesday mornings are particularly perfect for this. The location of interest this time around? The Venetian. In my quest to try 50 new restaurants I had set my sights on breakfast at Bouchon, and making the trek down there necessitated a stroll around one of my favorite spots in Las Vegas.

Breakfast being the first order of the day I made my way through the hotel lobby to Bouchon. Tucked away by the pool stepping into the restaurant is like stepping back in time into old Hollywood. Patterned tile, brass accents, beautiful palms. Truly a wonderful experience. Menu fare ranges from French favorites to breakfast staples with a twist. Being a french toast fanatic the choice was easy. Thinly sliced, cinnamon soaked apple layered with a bread pudding style base topped with a lightly sprinkling of powdered sugar and just the right amount of whipped cream. Delicious and definitely somewhere I would like to explore further.

Making my way back to the shops I was struck by how beautiful it was without the usual chaos of crowds. Though none of the shops were open, it was the perfect chance to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Long corridors give way to gas lamps, an unexpected surprise, and soon-to-be on duty gondoliers practicing their opera. The sort of moment I'm hoping to have more of as I become more intentional about exploring this city.

The cherry on top of the morning? The spring installation at the Palazzo. Hanging flowers and pink blossoms against the shiny fountain backdrop. One of those sights that just made me smile.

Here's to exploring. Here's to searching out new experiences in this city that's been my backdrop for so many years now. In a meeting this week we were told that one of the keys to success is to be successful with where you're at. I think that applies to happiness too. It's so easy to grasp at happiness "if only". A different house, a different city, a different set of circumstances. We daydream about the lives we want to lead and the people we want to be. At the end of the day that's the fast track to discontent. We are where we are for a purpose and that's something I want to start embracing more.

A Cupcake Adventure

Today I want to talk about cupcakes. On New Year’s Day I was craving an adventure spurred on by a post on Retro Bakery’s facebook page. Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. What could sound more perfect on a crisp winter afternoon? All the chocolate and marshmallow goodness of cocoa, but in sumptuous cupcake form. Of course I had to investigate.

Let’s start with the icing. Marshmallow buttercream with actual mini-marshmallow chunks. Smooth and sweet, but not in a cloying way. Just underneath this fluffy top layer rests a small shot of chocolate filling. This is what brought the hot chocolate theme home for me. If the hot cocoa you grew up on as a child had a solid form, this would be it. I appreciate that the filling didn’t overpower the cake, it was just the right amount of sweet nostalgia. The cake itself is a basic, but solid chocolate that stood up to the airy lightness of the rest of the dessert. Delicious.

Verdict: Everything I love about hot cocoa in one delicious cupcake.

This is the special flavor for January so be sure to give them a try before the month is up! It’s worth the drive, especially at only $2.65 each. Of course I couldn’t resist picking up my usual favorites too. The Maple Bacon and Cookies & Cream are always winners in my book. Have you been to Retro Bakery? What’s your go-to flavor?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I'm not much of a Thanksgiving person. Secretly, I love the Christmas decorations that started going up as soon as Halloween was over. I started actively listening to holiday music back in September. I've already purchased my wrapping paper for the year. I'm ready. And this year, like I'm sure I say every year, I'm determined to make the most of this holiday season.

Things are a little different this year. Last year around this time I was working two jobs that just about covered my bills. I was exhausted pretty much all of the time. I wasn't even home long enough to help decorate the family tree. In a stark contrast, this year my job energizes me instead of wiping me out. I have time to spend with friends and family. I can afford to go Christmas shopping. So I'm making lists. I'm shopping early. And I'm determined to make the most of the season this year.

So, imagine my pleasant surprise when my venture to The District at Green Valley Ranch turned into a holiday treat. The streets were lined with bauble filled trees and the garlands were going up as I strolled from shop to shop. Coupled with a successful shopping trip, Anthropologie is a gold mine of awesomeness right now (I finally found some curtains that I'm smitten with!), and lunch at the Elephant Bar it was pretty much the perfect afternoon.

Are you getting in the Christmas spirit or do you prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving?

Trick-or-Treat

Have you been “BOOed”? I’ve seen the trend going around in year’s past, but finding some coffee cake and a printable on my desk marks this as my first year participating. To “BOO” someone you leave a treat on their desk (or at their door if you’re doing this in the neighborhood) along with a copy of the instructions (which can be printed out here). That person then makes a copy of the instructions and leaves them, along with a treat, on two more desks/doors. The goal is for the holiday cheer to spread around to everyone by Halloween.

The treats themselves are a fun way to get creative. Since you’re choosing who the recipient is you really have a chance to get personal and leave them something you know they would enjoy. For me the choice was easy. If you know me, you know I’m hooked on The Market LV at Tivoli Village. Upstairs, Cupkates by Kate occupies a charming cupcake-themed space filled to the brim with everything from the sweets themselves to some adorable charm jewelry. They recently started carrying some holiday-themed cake pops that are as cute as they are delicious. Moist vanilla cake mixed with frosting and enrobed with either white chocolate or colored jimmies depending on the style. Yum. When I saw these I knew I couldn’t resist.

Some other fun ideas? Split a batch of homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Grab a muffin from a favorite local bakery to greet your coworkers when they get there in the morning. Hit up a thrift store for some Halloween-themed mugs and pair them with a packet of hot cocoa or apple cider. Put together a mini-bag with a few pieces of their favorite bite sized candies.

What Halloween treat would you most like to find on your desk come Monday morning?

Bottles and Burgers

Originally posted on February 10, 2012.

Sometimes you just need a good burger. The keyword here is good. I’d been trying to satisfy the craving with mediocre (and worse) fast food fare, it wouldn’t quit. So off to Bottles and Burgers it was. I had been there once before without my camera, but I wasn’t going to make that mistake twice.

Stepping into the restaurant you may notice that the atmosphere is having something of an identity crisis. Trust me when I say to overlook this; the dining room is bright and open and the chairs are comfortable. Also important, at least in my book? The staff is friendly and clearly in love with the food they are working with. Very few things make me more excited at a restaurant than an engaging waitress that is willing to offer up sincere opinions on the menu options.

I started off the afternoon with a Vignette Wine Country Soda in Rosé. I couldn’t resist the idea of what is essentially a designer grape soda made with the grapes they would use in making that varietal in wine. I wasn’t disappointed either. This had all of the bright, fresh tang of a rosé without the burn (and price tag) of its wine counterpart. The perfect thing on a warm afternoon.

Moving on, the Block Sixteen caught my eye immediately. Caramelized onions and aged cheddar? Sign me up for that. This was complete burger perfection. Well-seasoned beef balanced by the casual sweetness of the brioche and onions. Sharp notes of aged cheddar playing off of the heat of the chipotle aioli. Perfection. This may be a personal thing, but I loved the balance of textures too. The heavier patty (please go with their recommendation of medium!) against the airy brioche left me feeling satisfied, but not sluggish. The crisps were a pleasant surprise, particularly as fries are a la carte on their menu. Thin, crisp, and mildly spicy; the potato flavor shines through.

Since I opted out of the fries in this case, I decided to treat myself to a little something sweet. Worth it! I had the mini-cherry cupcake with almond cream cheese frosting. Despite being small in stature, this dessert packs a flavor punch. Again, it was the perfect balance between dense frosting and a wonderfully tender cake. The fresh, juicy cherries studding the cake were a welcome addition; I was expecting a more typical addition of dried cherries. Though, at this point I should have known better than to expect the expected. The bittersweet cherries were balanced bliss against the sugary sweet almond frosting. The perfect sweet bite to finish off a wonderful meal.

For me, a perfect meal is something that engages all the areas of flavor and Bottles and Burgers had that in spades. At the entrance of Tivoli Village, this is a new reason to become a regular at what is already one of my favorite places in the city.