The next stop was Big Bend, and this was our final stop in this portion of the park.
Kolob Terrace is next.
September 8, 2010
Zion II
After the Emerald Pools hike, we went to Weeping Rock. It's known for its vertical gardens.
The next stop was Big Bend, and this was our final stop in this portion of the park.
Kolob Terrace is next.
The next stop was Big Bend, and this was our final stop in this portion of the park.
Kolob Terrace is next.
September 7, 2010
Zion National Park
Last weekend we took off for Utah, Zion National Park was our ultimate destination. I've made you wait a week for photos, but finally I deliver. This adventure was also the topic of my LLV column on Friday. Check it out, Vegas Values: Weekend Getaway to Zion.
I-15 NV toward Utah
I-15 AZ making our way to Utah
Arriving in St. George, UT
Sushi in St. George, tastiest thing we ate all weekend. From Benja Thai & Sushi, the Chile specialty roll.
Making our way to Zion National Park
First stop at Zion, Court of the Patriarchs
Virgin River near the Emerald Pools
Falls at the lower Emerald Pool
Underneath the falls
Water fun in the middle Emerald Pool
Sights on the way to the upper Emerald Pool
Yes, there was internet. Never out of reach for long with blackberry.
Upper Emerald falls
Heading back toward Zion Lodge
More water fun
And more sights
More to come...
I-15 NV toward Utah
 |
I-15 AZ making our way to Utah
Arriving in St. George, UT
Sushi in St. George, tastiest thing we ate all weekend. From Benja Thai & Sushi, the Chile specialty roll.
Making our way to Zion National Park
First stop at Zion, Court of the Patriarchs
 |
Virgin River near the Emerald Pools
Falls at the lower Emerald Pool
 |
Underneath the falls
 |
Water fun in the middle Emerald Pool
Sights on the way to the upper Emerald Pool
Yes, there was internet. Never out of reach for long with blackberry.
Upper Emerald falls
Heading back toward Zion Lodge
More water fun
And more sights
More to come...
Thunder!
The one thing I miss since living in Las Vegas is thunderstorms. It's been a year since I last saw one. It was Labor Day Weekend, in fact. I remember Frank and I drove up the side of the mountain to watch the lightning over the valley while we were waiting for Shane to get in from Phoenix.
Then, this morning rather than waking to the usual bright blue skies, I was surprised to see dark skies and hear thunder. Figures the storm would arrive during the day when I wasn't able to enjoy it. Right before I was ready to head out the door, the skies opened up, it rained at the house for the first time since a drizzle we had back in June. When I say it opened up, it really did. It poured fast and hard. Tropicana was flooded by the house, but once I neared work, only a few miles down the road it was completely dry - gotta love the desert.
The highlight of our weekend was the final days of Restaurant Week. Aside from that the house got some much needed attention. I steam cleaned the carpet and because I'm so rockstar, I cleaned the rest of the house, too. And I did laundry. Then, on Sunday Frank and I tackled the landscaping. We cut the grass, raked and trimmed the trees and pruned the bushes. Said and done, the house and yard look great and the garbage men were less than thrilled to find six over-filled trash cans and a 3.5 foot tall pile of palm fronds. Needless, to say this Labor Day weekend was loaded with actual labor.
I was happy to see large crowds on the strip this weekend. Both Aria and Palazzo were the busiest I've ever seen them. Occupancy was great at Frank's properties, too. Even if the increase is short-lived, it was good to see so many visiting our fine city. Best overheard conversation this weekend was while Frank was walking through the casino, two douchy guys are talking about the tail they plan to get. One guy asks the other how he scores so much pussy, his reply? Go ugly early. Nice. Look out ladies, there are some real charmers out there.
I owe photos from Zion, last week was filled with Restaurant Week details, I never got around to them. Must correct that... stayed tuned.
Then, this morning rather than waking to the usual bright blue skies, I was surprised to see dark skies and hear thunder. Figures the storm would arrive during the day when I wasn't able to enjoy it. Right before I was ready to head out the door, the skies opened up, it rained at the house for the first time since a drizzle we had back in June. When I say it opened up, it really did. It poured fast and hard. Tropicana was flooded by the house, but once I neared work, only a few miles down the road it was completely dry - gotta love the desert.
The highlight of our weekend was the final days of Restaurant Week. Aside from that the house got some much needed attention. I steam cleaned the carpet and because I'm so rockstar, I cleaned the rest of the house, too. And I did laundry. Then, on Sunday Frank and I tackled the landscaping. We cut the grass, raked and trimmed the trees and pruned the bushes. Said and done, the house and yard look great and the garbage men were less than thrilled to find six over-filled trash cans and a 3.5 foot tall pile of palm fronds. Needless, to say this Labor Day weekend was loaded with actual labor.
I was happy to see large crowds on the strip this weekend. Both Aria and Palazzo were the busiest I've ever seen them. Occupancy was great at Frank's properties, too. Even if the increase is short-lived, it was good to see so many visiting our fine city. Best overheard conversation this weekend was while Frank was walking through the casino, two douchy guys are talking about the tail they plan to get. One guy asks the other how he scores so much pussy, his reply? Go ugly early. Nice. Look out ladies, there are some real charmers out there.
I owe photos from Zion, last week was filled with Restaurant Week details, I never got around to them. Must correct that... stayed tuned.
September 5, 2010
Dos Caminos
Sadly, another restaurant week is through. 365 days to save my pennies so we can do it all again next year.
Saturday, we had a fantastic meal at Sage, but I'm gonna make you wait for those details until Friday. Until then, I leave you with our final meal at Dos Caminos.
Dos Caminos wasn't originally in the running for selections this week, but it fit our timing needs. We couldn't do dinner tonight. Dos Caminos was open all day, we missed the lunch cut-off so we dined in for early dinner.
We sampled the restaurant week menu and ordered off the regular menu.
First, we got started with chips and salsa. Chips were excellent, the salsa trio was pretty bland, considering it was supposed to be mild, medium and hot. The habanero salsa was pretty weak, it needed A LOT more kick.
Next up were our appetizers Queso Fundido and Vegetable Clayuda Herbed flat bread, goat cheese, pumpkin seed pesto. The flatbread was different, and that's why I chose it. It was a nice blend of fresh flavors. The fundido outshined it, however. You can never go wrong with ooey gooey cheese. This version was executed particularly well. The chorizo on the side was quite enjoyable.
On to the entrees, Cochinita Pibil for him. Which happens to be a favorite dish of mine from the Yucatan. Unfortunately, this rendition did not bring me back to Mexico. It lacked flavor and it was far too wet. I had the lobster chile relleno. A sophisticated version of a classic dish. It was very tasty.
Lastly, we split Café de Olla Mousse Cake. It was large so I was happy we opted to share. It was also very good. The mousse wasn't too sweet and the cake was nicely moist.
Service was attentive. Overall, everything was satisfactory. It was a nice end to our gluttonous week.
Saturday, we had a fantastic meal at Sage, but I'm gonna make you wait for those details until Friday. Until then, I leave you with our final meal at Dos Caminos.
Dos Caminos wasn't originally in the running for selections this week, but it fit our timing needs. We couldn't do dinner tonight. Dos Caminos was open all day, we missed the lunch cut-off so we dined in for early dinner.
We sampled the restaurant week menu and ordered off the regular menu.
First, we got started with chips and salsa. Chips were excellent, the salsa trio was pretty bland, considering it was supposed to be mild, medium and hot. The habanero salsa was pretty weak, it needed A LOT more kick.
Next up were our appetizers Queso Fundido and Vegetable Clayuda Herbed flat bread, goat cheese, pumpkin seed pesto. The flatbread was different, and that's why I chose it. It was a nice blend of fresh flavors. The fundido outshined it, however. You can never go wrong with ooey gooey cheese. This version was executed particularly well. The chorizo on the side was quite enjoyable.
On to the entrees, Cochinita Pibil for him. Which happens to be a favorite dish of mine from the Yucatan. Unfortunately, this rendition did not bring me back to Mexico. It lacked flavor and it was far too wet. I had the lobster chile relleno. A sophisticated version of a classic dish. It was very tasty.
Lastly, we split Café de Olla Mousse Cake. It was large so I was happy we opted to share. It was also very good. The mousse wasn't too sweet and the cake was nicely moist.
Service was attentive. Overall, everything was satisfactory. It was a nice end to our gluttonous week.
September 4, 2010
Circo
We first discovered Circo last year during Restaurant Week. We had a fantastic meal and I've thought about their tiramisu ever since.
When this year's Restaurant Week rolled around I couldn't help but repeat Circo. I do not regret my choice.
Circo was our fifth meal during Restaurant Week. We had 7 o'clock reservations. We were led to our table, overlooking the Bellagio Fountains, right away.
We snacked on delicious fresh breads before our starters arrived, we had the Caesar and Field Green with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Each were nicely dressed, fresh and crisp.
Next, we both had Egi's Ravioli of Sheep's Milk Ricotta, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Butter Sage Sauce. We had it last year, too. Perfectly cooked pillows are stuffed with flavorful goodness. Again, it was wonderfully scrumptious.
Dessert was tiramisu with coffee ice cream. Perfection. It's as simple as that.
Service was exceptional throughout the meal. I doubt I can wait another year before returning. I can already hear the pasta and tiramisu calling me back.
When this year's Restaurant Week rolled around I couldn't help but repeat Circo. I do not regret my choice.
Circo was our fifth meal during Restaurant Week. We had 7 o'clock reservations. We were led to our table, overlooking the Bellagio Fountains, right away.
We snacked on delicious fresh breads before our starters arrived, we had the Caesar and Field Green with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Each were nicely dressed, fresh and crisp.
Next, we both had Egi's Ravioli of Sheep's Milk Ricotta, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Butter Sage Sauce. We had it last year, too. Perfectly cooked pillows are stuffed with flavorful goodness. Again, it was wonderfully scrumptious.
Dessert was tiramisu with coffee ice cream. Perfection. It's as simple as that.
Service was exceptional throughout the meal. I doubt I can wait another year before returning. I can already hear the pasta and tiramisu calling me back.
September 3, 2010
Michael Mina
Last night I met Frank at Bellagio for our 7 o'clock reservation at Michael Mina. We were seated in the farthest corner of the restaurant, there is a small room next to the main dining room, we were in there. It was peaceful, you'd never guess you were a couple hundred feet from the craziness in the Conservatory.
We were started with an amuse-bouche of watermelon topped with red onion, feta and balsamic vinegar. It was clean and refreshing.
Then, we were offered breads: Italian and sourdough, both were warm and fresh. I preferred the Italian. After noshing on breads, we were brought our appetizers. Frank had bibb lettuce salad with Maytag Blue Cheese, Summer Corn, Bacon, Red Wine Vinaigrette. It was fresh and delicious, the vinaigrette was fantastic. I had the Heirloom Tomatoes Gazpacho with Spiced Crab Salad, Avocado, Summer Herbs. It was like biting into a fresh tomato only I was slurping it off a spoon. Yum. The crab salad was excellent, too.
When it came to the entree I was torn, I planned to order the halibut which sounded fantastic, but the Lobster Pot Pie that Michael Mina is famous for was included on the Restaurant Week menu for a $30 supplement. Regular price for this dish is $78, this meant I'd get it plus a starter and dessert for $80.10. It sounds like a no brainer, but I've never been a fan of lobster. I tend to find the chewy texture off-putting, but on the other hand there was no better place for me to try it. Frank left it to the fate of eenie meenie miney mo and the winner was the lobster pot pie. I did not regret it. It was superb. I prefer the lobster claw to the rest of it, but overall it was very tasty. The brandied cream sauce was lush and velvety. It's really a beautifully composed dish, I'm happy I experienced it.
Frank ordered a filet that was splendidly prepared it was one of the tastiest I've had in quite sometime, it was served with a short rib cottage pie, like shepards pie, with short rib, carmelized onions and whipped mashed potatoes. It was warm and comforting, not too mention delicious.
By some miracle we still had room for dessert. Frank had Michael's Root Beer Float with Sassafras Ice Cream, Root Beer Sorbet, and Warm Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies. The float was pretty good, but the cookies, oh! the sweet heavenly cookies were the star. They would've been perfect served with a glass of cold milk for dipping. I had the Summer Blackberries over Caramelized Brioche and Cinnamon Toast Ice Cream. Eh, it wasn't very special. Neither the brioche or ice cream were a success. Thankfully, I have a dear husband who kindly shared his heavenly cookies.
After dinner, the manager came by to check on us. We chatted a bit, mainly gushing how much we love Michael Mina's restaurants. He returned and poured us each a glass of a nice dessert wine. I don't recall what it was, but it was not cloyingly sweet like most dessert wines. We both really enjoyed it. Then, finally to end the meal our server delivered a plate of small treats with the check. The coconut macaroons and shortbread cookies were simply wonderful, as was the entire meal. The food, the service, it was all stellar. Michael Mina saved Restaurant Week.
We were started with an amuse-bouche of watermelon topped with red onion, feta and balsamic vinegar. It was clean and refreshing.
Then, we were offered breads: Italian and sourdough, both were warm and fresh. I preferred the Italian. After noshing on breads, we were brought our appetizers. Frank had bibb lettuce salad with Maytag Blue Cheese, Summer Corn, Bacon, Red Wine Vinaigrette. It was fresh and delicious, the vinaigrette was fantastic. I had the Heirloom Tomatoes Gazpacho with Spiced Crab Salad, Avocado, Summer Herbs. It was like biting into a fresh tomato only I was slurping it off a spoon. Yum. The crab salad was excellent, too.
When it came to the entree I was torn, I planned to order the halibut which sounded fantastic, but the Lobster Pot Pie that Michael Mina is famous for was included on the Restaurant Week menu for a $30 supplement. Regular price for this dish is $78, this meant I'd get it plus a starter and dessert for $80.10. It sounds like a no brainer, but I've never been a fan of lobster. I tend to find the chewy texture off-putting, but on the other hand there was no better place for me to try it. Frank left it to the fate of eenie meenie miney mo and the winner was the lobster pot pie. I did not regret it. It was superb. I prefer the lobster claw to the rest of it, but overall it was very tasty. The brandied cream sauce was lush and velvety. It's really a beautifully composed dish, I'm happy I experienced it.
Frank ordered a filet that was splendidly prepared it was one of the tastiest I've had in quite sometime, it was served with a short rib cottage pie, like shepards pie, with short rib, carmelized onions and whipped mashed potatoes. It was warm and comforting, not too mention delicious.
By some miracle we still had room for dessert. Frank had Michael's Root Beer Float with Sassafras Ice Cream, Root Beer Sorbet, and Warm Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies. The float was pretty good, but the cookies, oh! the sweet heavenly cookies were the star. They would've been perfect served with a glass of cold milk for dipping. I had the Summer Blackberries over Caramelized Brioche and Cinnamon Toast Ice Cream. Eh, it wasn't very special. Neither the brioche or ice cream were a success. Thankfully, I have a dear husband who kindly shared his heavenly cookies.
After dinner, the manager came by to check on us. We chatted a bit, mainly gushing how much we love Michael Mina's restaurants. He returned and poured us each a glass of a nice dessert wine. I don't recall what it was, but it was not cloyingly sweet like most dessert wines. We both really enjoyed it. Then, finally to end the meal our server delivered a plate of small treats with the check. The coconut macaroons and shortbread cookies were simply wonderful, as was the entire meal. The food, the service, it was all stellar. Michael Mina saved Restaurant Week.
September 2, 2010
RM Seafood
We had 7:00 reservations at RM Seafood. The restaurant used to be set up for two levels, the lower was casual and the upper was fine dining. Once the economy turned the restaurant could only support the lower casual level, it was still that way on our visit. We were seated between a family with two young boys and two nicely dressed ladies, the rest of the dining room was just as varied. There were far more families there than I would expect. One sat on the patio, and their boys were playing in the main restaurant it was a huge distraction. Anyway, onto the meal...
We came in for the Restaurant Week menu, but they also have a prix-fixe menu for $55. Frank opted to go with that so we could sample a wider variety.
We started with a crab california roll and clam chowder. The sushi was dry as can be. Not too pleasant. I've come to the conclusion I'm not a fan of clam chowder. This version was decent, but some of the clams were so chewy they were inedible.
Usually you are started with a bread basket, but ours didn't make it to the table until we were mid-way through our appetizers. I wasn't particularly fond of the biscuits or the cornbread, but the latter was better.
Moving on to the entrees, Frank had RM's version of Cioppino. It had a thin broth and pasta that was undercooked, and the seafood was all overcooked. It was not a successful dish on any account. I had diver sea scallops with sweet and sour eggplant topped with crispy soben noodles. The scallops were a little chewier than I'd like, but otherwise it was a fine dish. It just wasn't my preferred preparation.
Things got interesting once dessert rolled around. My strawberry cream puff was terrible. Quite possibly the driest one to ever pass my lips, I couldn't eat it. I picked out the strawberries and enjoyed the sorbet. Frank had the Fat Elvis, which were warm chocolate bacon banana spring rolls. They were tasty, surprisingly the gooey chocolate and smoked bacon went well together. It was a tasty sweet and salty bite.
Service was acceptable, we had a few mishaps in terms of timing and missing utensils, but troubles were quickly corrected.
Three for three, we've failed to be impressed so far this Restaurant Week. I'm hopeful we got the not-so-great eggs out of the way early and it'll be great eats from here out.
We came in for the Restaurant Week menu, but they also have a prix-fixe menu for $55. Frank opted to go with that so we could sample a wider variety.
We started with a crab california roll and clam chowder. The sushi was dry as can be. Not too pleasant. I've come to the conclusion I'm not a fan of clam chowder. This version was decent, but some of the clams were so chewy they were inedible.
Usually you are started with a bread basket, but ours didn't make it to the table until we were mid-way through our appetizers. I wasn't particularly fond of the biscuits or the cornbread, but the latter was better.
Moving on to the entrees, Frank had RM's version of Cioppino. It had a thin broth and pasta that was undercooked, and the seafood was all overcooked. It was not a successful dish on any account. I had diver sea scallops with sweet and sour eggplant topped with crispy soben noodles. The scallops were a little chewier than I'd like, but otherwise it was a fine dish. It just wasn't my preferred preparation.
Things got interesting once dessert rolled around. My strawberry cream puff was terrible. Quite possibly the driest one to ever pass my lips, I couldn't eat it. I picked out the strawberries and enjoyed the sorbet. Frank had the Fat Elvis, which were warm chocolate bacon banana spring rolls. They were tasty, surprisingly the gooey chocolate and smoked bacon went well together. It was a tasty sweet and salty bite.
Service was acceptable, we had a few mishaps in terms of timing and missing utensils, but troubles were quickly corrected.
Three for three, we've failed to be impressed so far this Restaurant Week. I'm hopeful we got the not-so-great eggs out of the way early and it'll be great eats from here out.
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