Todd's Unique

We kicked off Restaurant Week with dinner at Todd's Unique. I was told years ago this place is a neighborhood gem and I figured it was about time we gave it a try. We had reservations for a five at 6:30. We arrived a bit early and there was no room at the bar so we went to the Coyote Cafe next door for drinks. They had old school video poker and ice cold Modelo Especial.



When we returned to Todd's they prepped our table and we were promptly seated. We made our selections and nibbled on bread while we waited for the first course. Each of us chose the Sweet Corn Ravioli with Chipotle Sauce to start. It was tasty but very rich.



For entrees, two Filet Medallions with Wild Mushroom Cabernet were had, one with the lobster tail for $20 supplement There were also two Prime Rib of Pork with Apple Pan Sauce and Sausage Stuffing. And I had Grilled Steelhead with Meyer Lemon Aioli, and Toasted Cous Cous. I was told the lobster tail was very good, those that had the filet were happy. The pork was decent, but overcooked. My trout seemed to be one of the better choices, I enjoyed it.







Majority of us had the Hazelnut Creme Brulee. Myself included, even though I generally do not like creme brulee. It was the hazelnuts sold me. I did not regret my choice. There was also an order of Vanilla Ice Cream and Butterscotch Pudding which was too sweet for my liking.





The food was solid, but nothing blew me away. It doesn't rival options on the strip, but it's good to support the little guy and you can stretch your dollar at Todd's. Long lulls between courses was the weakest link. It was no fault of the wait staff, they were attentive, the kitchen must have been in the weeds. I think they were overwhelmed by the restaurant week crowd. At least, I hope that was the excuse.

Wetlands Park

Did you know Las Vegas has Wetlands? That's right we do. Wetlands in the desert, it's pretty remarkable. This gem will make you feel like your hundreds of miles away when you're actually minutes from the strip. When Tropicana ends on the eastside you'll find the Wetlands Park. A good sum has been spent out there as of late. There is a visitors center that is due to open next month. Several trails and a play area for kids. It's a nice little refuge in our backyard.













Sad. Reason #177 not to litter.

Color Run 2012

Saturday was the Color Run. It's a 5k benefiting Three Square Food Bank. We started on Las Vegas Blvd and weaved a few blocks east coming up on the recently shuttered Western and we finished on Fremont near El Cortez. Each 1K we hit a color check point and we were doused in colored dust. It was great fun! People were having a ball. It's the first 5k I saw people enjoying drinks before and after.

Frank and I ran the first K to yellow and then walked the rest of the way. I didn't want to overdue it - I was happy enough that my ankle held up that long. Plus, Frank shin was giving him fits.

All clean, white and bright just past the start...



Then, let the color splashing begin!









The costumes were such fun. I loved that we saw the Colonel.













No one escaped being colored.























After the 5k, Frank was determined to play blackjack. We couldn't find at open seat at El Cortez. We tried again at Fremont, but came up empty until we hit the craps table. He bought in and began to roll...



He rolled twenty or so rolls before the pit phone rang. I just knew the call was about us. Sure enough the pitposs came over and told us we had to leave. He had bets spread across the table. They colored them up and sent us on our way. Our dust was not welcome.

The weather couldn't have been nicer, and the Color Run was great fun! I'm already looking forward to next year.

Photo a Day: Week 8

February 19, 2012 ~ The power of a .44 Magnum is insane!


February 20, 2012 ~ PB & J picnics on the cliffs in La Jolla, CA will become tradition.


February 21, 2012 ~ Happy Mardi Gras


February 22, 2012 ~ regrowing green onions actually works.


February 23, 2012 ~ Picked up the gear for the Color Run, we're all set for Saturday.


February 24, 2012 ~ Today's bauble.


February 25, 2012 ~ The Color Run was indeed colorful.

Christmas Comes Twice

Well, that's what it is like, anyway. The most glorious week of the year is now two. That's right, restaurant week is making a spring debut, it begins on Monday. Then, it will return for its regular stint in September.

The only shame of it is that we're supposed to be sticking with a strict healthy diet while Frank competes in the Get Fit weightloss challenge. We've already cheated while we were in San Diego - it was worth every extra calorie, too. But I think we might get out for a meal or two. It benefits charity after all.

We're both walking in tomorrow's Color Run. Which also supports Three Square. It takes place downtown. I'm very much looking forward to it.

I don't suppose the 5k will erase the effects of one of these meals, would it?

30.12 Addiction
1. FIRST COURSE:
Choice of: French Onion Soup; Sherry French Onion Soup & Gruyere Croutons or Mac Bites; Deep Fried Smoked Gouda and Cheddar Mac& Cheese tossed in Parmesan Cheese and Served with Garlic Aioli
2. SECOND COURSE:
Mixed greens with Toasted Walnuts and a Citrus Vinaigrette
3. THIRD COURSE:
Choice of: Short& Sweet; Seared then Braised Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Puree, Crispy Potato Strings, Smoked Salt, and a Wild Honey Port-Burgundy Sauce ~OR~ 5 Spice Seared Tuna; Seared Rare Tuna, Spicy Tempura Crunch, Caramelized Onions and Drizzled with a Prickly Pear-Ponzu Vinaigrette
4. FOURTH COURSE:
Gossip Sundae

20.12 Lunch Due Forni
1. FIRST COURSE:
Choice of: Eggplant Caprese; Roasted Eggplant, Bufala Mozzarella, Basil Pesto ~OR~ Caesar; Romaine Hearts, Herb Croutons, Parmesan, Garlic Vinaigrette
2. SECOND COURSE:
Choice of: Panino; House Made Sausage and Pepper Panino ~OR~ Margherita; San Marzano Tomato, Bufala Mozzarella, Fresh Basil
3. THIRD COURSE:
Choice of: Dolci; Sweet Bufala Ricotta, Toasted Pistachios, Artisanal Honey ~OR~ Gelato; Choice of Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry

30.12 Dinner Due Forni
4. FIRST COURSE:
Choice of: Eggplant Caprese; Roasted Eggplant, Bufala Mozzarella, Basil Pesto ~OR~ Caesar; Romaine Hearts, Herb Croutons, Parmesan, Garlic Vinaigrette ~OR~ Tortellacci; Wild Mushroom, Large Tortelli, Butter, Pecorino Romano
5. SECOND COURSE:
Choice of: Pizza; Margherita San Marzano Tomato, Bufala Mozzarella, Fresh Basil ~OR~ Calzone; Turkey Meatballs, Mozzarella, Ricotta, San Marzano ~OR~ Pizza Speck---- Recla Smoked Prosciutto, Bufala Mozzarella, Roasted Mushrooms, Fresh Parsley
6. THIRD COURSE:
Choice of: Dolci; Sweet Bufala Ricotta, Toasted Pistachios, Artisanal Honey ~OR~ Gelato; Choice of Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry

30.12 Lunch Mozen Bistro
1. FIRST COURSE:
Courses served Bento box style: MURGH MAKHANI; Tandoori roasted marinated chicken, in creamy Indian curry; YAM NEUA- Grilled prime strip loin, tossed with cucumbers, mint, shallots and Thai sweet basil with bird’s eye chili – lime vinaigrette;
2. SECOND COURSE:
Courses served Bento box style: BULGOGI- Stir fried marinated beef tips served with Kim chee & jasmine rice; TOM YUM GOONG- Shrimp, lemongrass and kafir lime in a rich broth, flavored with chili and cilantro;
3. THIRD COURSE:
Courses served Bento box style: WASABI PRAWN - Crispy shrimp tossed in wasabi aioli, mango-chili relish and tobiko SUSHI & SASHIMI; Spicy Tempura roll, salmon & tuna sashimi
4. FOURTH COURSE:
Five Spiced Flourless Cake with Sesame Florentine

50.12 Dinner Circo
1. FIRST COURSE:
Choice of: Mozzarella di Bufala; Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella from Camapania Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Genovese Basil, Balsamic Vinegar ~OR~ Fritto Misto; Calamari, Green Beans and Zucchini “Fritti”, Cherry Tomato Sauce ~OR~ Carpaccio di Manzo; Beef Carpaccio, Pickled Vegetables, Parmigiano Reggiano, Baby Arugula, Limoncello Dressing
2. SECOND COURSE:
Choice of: Ravioli; Egi’s Ravioli of Sheep’s Milk Ricotta, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Butter Sage Sauce ~OR~ Quaglie alla Griglia; Grilled Napa Valley Quails, Semolina Gnocchi, Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, Marsala Wine Reduction ~OR~ Il Salmone; Grilled Scottish Salmon, Baby Spinach and Citrus Salad, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
3. THIRD COURSE:
Choice of: Tiramisù Tradizionale; Traditional Tiramisù ~OR~ Panna Cotta; Vanilla Panna Cotta, Seasonal Fruit

30.12 Dinner Todd’s
1. FIRST COURSE:
Choice of: Grumpy’s Salad; Our Version of The Wedge ~OR~ Cream of Heirloom Tomato ~OR~ Sweet Corn Ravioli; Chipotle Sauce and Micro Herbs
2. SECOND COURSE:
Choice of: Roast Prime Rib of Pork; Apple Pan Sauce and Sausage Stuffing ~OR~ Grilled Steelhead; Meyer Lemon Aioli, Toasted Cous Cous ~OR~ Filet Medallions with Wild Mushroom Cabernet Sauce ~OR~ Surf and Turf with a Maine Lobster Tail ($20 supplement) ~OR~ Vegetable Risotto, Parmesan Cheese
3. THIRD COURSE:
Choice of: Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry and Vanilla Sauce ~OR~ Hazelnut Crème Brûlée ~OR~ Salted Butterscotch Pudding; Fresh Cream ~OR~ Assorted Housemade Ice Creams

Yep, that's my list of those being considered. I sent it off to Frank for his thoughts... We'll see where we end up.

San Diego: Part II

Sunday, we stopped at Con Pane for another Italian, then we were off to Camp Pendleton to meet up with friends. Bill took us to a couple tactical and hunting stores then we went to the shooting range on base. It was very busy and there was more women there than I've ever seen at a range before.

The guys were going to rent S&W 500, but they ended up with a 44 Magnum since it was a bit less coin and still a nice bang for the buck. Bill has a .40 Springfield XD it was my first time shooting that caliber. I still prefer 9mm and like the .45 best. I also much prefer shooting outdoors than in the range, I'm reminded of that every time. There are just too many distractions when with 23 other guns going off every few seconds. I wasn't meant for combat. I did fire the 44 Magnum. That is one heavy gun and the power is positively insane especially when coupled with the hairpin trigger. You see a burst of flames before you even release the trigger. It's so fast and smooth.



Frank's target shooting with the 44 magnum at 15 yards.



44 magnum vs .40









Good times! We grabbed a bite at Senor Pancho's in Oceanside. I had a couple carne asada tacos that were greasy and wreaked havoc on my stomach for the next few hours. We went back to Bill's, we visited a bit and played with James. Later, we returned to the hotel and napped.

Then, we set out for more Mexican. This time, we went out to La Puerta. It's another favorite spot. You can't beat the $2 ice cold Pacifico. I also think they have the best tortilla chips. Muy Bueno! We walked over to the Tipsy Crow, but they were way too busy. When we saw they didn't have Thunderweizen either we continued on our way. We later bellied up to Gaslamp Tavern. We drank Pacifico drafts until they called last call. We then walked back to the hotel and hit the sack.

Monday, we packed up and checked out. We went to El Indio one last time. I tried the Chile Relleno this time. Their version is pretty good. We shopped a bit. Then, went to Con Pane for PB & J to go. We drove up to La Jolla and had a picnic at our new favorite spot. We sat on the edge of the cliff and soaked it in as long as we could.







Then, sadly, it was time to go. 4.5 hours later we pulled into the driveway, and we were missing it already.