The Classic Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, Named One Of The 100 Best Steakhouses In The United Sates Keeps The Tradition Alive and Well.

Las Vegas has had a long love affair with steakhouses for decades attracting Hollywood royalty and entertainment to its neon lights a steak perfection. In modern times, not much has changed with “celebrity chefs” opening some of the world’s best steakhouses right on the famed Las Vegas strip.
Recently, one classic restaurant in Las Vegas added even more accolades to its plate.   Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House was recognized as one of the 100 Best Steakhouses in America for 2016 by OpenTable. 

Del Frisco’s has been a favorite of corporate leaders and conventioneers for many years. Its known for offering a classic steakhouse dining experience, complemented by a huge award-winning wine list. Many of the staff have taken care of returning guests with their warm and genuine hospitality.

Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata with Aged Balsamic Reduction & Pesto

 It has been long overdue since our last visit so we decided to enjoy this classic steakhouse once again. The first stop of course was the long beautiful bar that features on the best happy hours in town with a touch of class and sophistication.  Taking our seats amongst men and women in business suits we could not be more impressed with the staff, clientele, cocktails and live piano lounge music. The experience started with and Old Fashioned with Knob Creek Bourbon, Muddled Cherry, Orange, Sugar & Bitters. Staying in the classic cocktail mode, the Pecan Maple Manhattan featuring Pecan Infused Smoked Maple Knob Creek Bourbon, Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters and Praline Bacon for a perfect touch.


 Del Frisco’s has many repeat guests and they have a secret. Knowledge of a secret menu that is!   Only those with prior knowledge know to order the off-menu delights, many inspired by Del Frisco’s regulars and local celebrities.

 Wine a is a very big part of the Del Frisco’s experience. This historical dining venue is home to many top female sommeliers who recently created Somm Wars, a friendly three-city wine competition, which will become an annual event. In looking over the extensive wine list, our eyes locked on some of the Non-Traditional rarest vintages and bottles we have seen in quite some time.

 Taking our seats, Executive Chef Fernando Guerrero and General Manager Torryn Orriss joined us beaming with pride over their most recent award. Looking over the menu, many items caught our attention. Our palates ready and a bottle of wine on the table we were ready to start our culinary journey of the evening.

 A perfect way to start is the Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata with Aged Balsamic Reduction & Pesto. A classic dish with colors jumping off the plate and flavors that have your taste buds awaking with joy. Moving on, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Cajun Lobster Sauce is rich and creamy with a perfect hint of spice to add to your gastronomic pleasure. If you desire even more lobster (as we did) add the Lobster Macaroni & Cheese to your menu selections as well.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Cajun Lobster Sauce

Del Frisco’s of course is known for its award-winning steaks and we just had to indulge in one of their signature specialties, the 16 oz Prime Ribeye. This steak prepared medium rare is 16 oz of pure pleasure that takes you to another dimension with every succulent bite. There is more, much more. The Prime Braised Short Rib with buttered root vegetables, chateau mashed potatoes & braising sauce is just plain falling off the bone good.



Del Frisco’s has had a fine reputation for decades. After our visit, we have to say they have not lost  anything over time. In fact, they can show some of the current steak houses how to keep that classic steakhouse feel.

Forever Resorts offers many choices for lodging, dining and adventure for the entire family.

 

Las Vegas is the place to  indulge in world class entertainment, dining and gambling, but only a few hours north awaits a world of natural beauty that will captivate any traveler.

Anniversaries create memory making celebrations and in Southern Utah and Arizona, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate as many areas boast decades of engaging star gazers and adventure seekers.  On our recent journey we stopped in at several historic venues that are operated under the Forever Resorts umbrella where we learned more about the history that put these places on the map. Forever Resorts offers everything you could imagine from boating, lodging, and adventure in many of the most picturesque areas of the United States and worldwide. Aside from being a leader of exhilarating outdoor adventures, Forever Resorts is also an authorized concessionaire of the National Park System.
Recently we had the opportunity to explore the natural wonders, cuisine and lodging in our neighboring states of Utah and Arizona.

Our first stop was in Kanab Utah, also known as “Little Hollywood”, the second leg of our trip took up a bit further north to the northern Rim of the Grand Canyon and then on to breathtaking Bryce Canyon where the centennial celebration of America’s National Parks system is evident with the reported 30%  increase of local and  international visitors. Sweeping vistas, mind boggling geologic formations, and night skies filled with celestial wonders, have captured the heart and spirits of adventure seekers for millenniums.
Las Vegas is often thought of as the place to indulge all the senses but only hours from the Las Vegas strip lays areas of great natural beauty that will entice every area of exploration.  We opted to engage our inner pioneer and begin with a trip into Utah, a state that boasts some of the Nation’s most incredible terrain and 5 National Park. Driving along through the barren desert one could only contemplate what could possibly be worth seeing out here in this seemingly empty space, but remarkably there is a world of wonder. Just an hour out of town is the fabulous Valley of Fire, with its stunning red, cream and lavender undulating rock formations, and continuing to Utah, there are more natural wonders to experience.



 
Just a few hours by car, we pull into Kanab promoted as a “scenic tourist town with a friendly western spirit where tens of thousands of tourists stop to enjoy the “Old West” quality of life each year”.  Kanab is also home to Best Friends Sanctuary, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the world and one can feel the positive energy of the area just by that fact alone. With the stunning red rocks soaring in every direction, we quickly understood why this place drew the Hollywood crowd in the golden age of the American Western. Parry Lodge aka ‘Utah’s little Hollywood, has been attracting visitors and A-Listers for 85 years.  In 1931 the Parry Brothers, Whit, Chaunce and Gron turned their home into a tourist lodge and restaurant to help house and feed the movie companies that were seeking out this unique area for the movies that were being made.  According to the Utah Film Commission over 900 movies were filmed in the area, spanning a half of a century, ranging from the 1939 western “Stagecoach” to the 2001 remake of “Planet of the Apes”.




We had the good fortune to stay in the Joey Bishop room which seemed appropriate since we just came in from Las Vegas. All the rooms are endowed with the names of the Hollywood notables such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Lana Turner. These quaint cottage rooms were the quarters that these stars called home. The Frank Sinatra room is the most sought after, so make your reservation early. In fact, Sinatra paid for the swimming pool at the Parry Lodge so he and his crew could cool down after a hot day of filming.
As we walked into the quaint white washed dining area, adorned with Hollywood head shots, we remarked to the front desk agent, “If these walls could talk”, and to our surprise he stated that the upstairs was where the Rat Pack had their own personal bar back in the day. Although the bar is no longer there, this indeed was the space Sinatra and his pals were known for entertaining until the wee hours of the morning. Although the Parry Lodge boasts an 85 year history, it has all the modern conveniences and lovely meals to keep guest coming back again and again. Hollywood may have left its mark here, but this lodge is a star in its own right as it continues to shine as a place of respite and relaxation.

We meandered across the street to the Iron Horse restaurant and Saloon, which has garnered the reputation as one of the local’s favorite mainstays, with its kitschy old western town facade and even a faux out house.  Oversized statuesque horses embellish the entrance of this family dining establishment just as ceremonial lions would guard a palace. This is not a traditional sit down restaurant, but more of old fashioned dining hall, with communal seating, a salad bar and the meats grilled to order. Guests must order at the bar, which is the only full service bar in Kane County, and once ordered, a food runner brings your meal straight from the open grilling area to your table with the side of your choice.  We opted for the rib eye and bison, with a side of the house baked beans and coleslaw. We were greatly please with the perfect medium rare on the rib eye and being the first time we tried bison, we were pleasantly pleased with the texture and flavor of the meat.

A convivial atmosphere pervaded as more people filled the dining area. Satiated and content, we headed back to our room at the Parry Lodge.  The bartender mentioned that tonight was the town’s fiddle circle at the Parry Lodge and being curious to the ways of Kanab, we wanted to find out what this locals music fest was all about.  The night sky glittered brilliantly as fiddle music fluttered from the large barn located in the parking lot behind the hotel. The barn once housed animals used during the movie shoots; even the Lone Ranger’s horse had a “movie” stall in this historic building.  Still bearing the nostalgia of days gone by, the building has been preserved for community plays, music and Parry lodge’s noted summer movie nights where the noted Hollywood Westerns are still on the big screen. Tonight was slated for the meeting of the town’s fiddle players. We peered in to observe the musicians, sitting in a circle peacefully playing their blue grassy music.  Noting the communal serenity of the music makers while they exuded the “Old West Spirit” through their lilting melodies, we ended our evening on a blissful note.

After a soak in the old timey claw foot bathtub, and a good night’s rest, we got an early start for our adventure in the popular slot canyons. Only accessible by a powerful off road vehicle, we joined Brent Johnson of the Forever Adventure Hummer Tours, for a trek into the pink desert to the famous slot canyons of Kanab. Brent, a rugged and knowledgeable individual, has been a guide in the area for decades, and we knew immediately we were in for a true insiders look at the area. As we headed down the road in the well equipped but very comfortable Hummer, Brent filled us in on the Hollywood history of Kanab and other FYI facts that you don’t get from a tour book. As we headed towards a very hilly area, Brent added, “You see that blue port-a-potty located on the right side of the road, there is a path up the hill to a rock encrusted with dinosaur tracts.” Intrigued by the prospect at seeing dinosaur fossils, we opted to attempt that hike at a later date. For now we turned off the road and careened through low lying cacti, and desert brush. For over jealous adventure seekers, be forewarned this area is meant for regional experts who know how handle these potentially hazardous environs with the proper off road vehicles. Venturing out into these areas on your own, could be a very costly or potentially fatal.  Investing in a guide with Forever Resorts Adventure Tours will save you time, energy and a big out of pocket towing expense. Brent told us harrowing stories of hikers and off-roaders that has lost their way. As we neared our destination, there entrenched sat a brand new pick-up, wheels embedded into the deceptively soft sands. “It happens every day”, said Brent with a sigh.

Not a mile down the road, we encountered a real life cattle round up with cowboys, lassos and cattle dogs nipping at the heels of the herd as they stampeded up the sandy slopes. Brent quipped, “Well, you don’t see that every day.” It was exhilarating to see the teamwork and drama as everyone worked in unison to keep the cows going up the steep sandy slope, as a few errant cattle frantically sought to escape the arduous ascent. A renegade steer jolted towards the Hummer, but the cattle dogs and a roping cowboy put an end to his escape attempt. With a near cow collision, we again saw the importance of safety first in any outdoor venture.

We finally reached our destination, after a slight delay of cattle traffic; we eagerly began our next leg of our adventure through the slot canyon. Slot canyons are narrow canyons comprised of sandstone and limestone that can measure several feet in width to several hundred in width and depth. They are considered rare due to very specific climactic and geologic characteristics that must happen in the formation of these unique and stunning canyons. Utah is home to the largest percentage of slot canyons in the world.  As we wandered through these towering stone walls, weathered and wavy with brilliantly colored sandstone, light caressed the craggy ledges creating a cascade of illusion, a stream of light that often looked like water pouring from the cracks. Memorized by Mother Nature, we snapped as many pictures as possible to share with others of these magical moments in this unique space.

Too soon, our journey with Natures light and color was over, and we headed back into the Hummer. As we proceed through the back country, Brent gave us an insider look at the Best Friends Sanctuary which is the largest employer in Kane County. Much of the property we were going through is owned and maintained by the Sanctuary and seeing the extensive and well maintained enclosures for all types of animals made us extremely  grateful that such a place exists in the world.

The golden leaves of the aspen seemed to be waving good bye as we sped away from our jaunt through Kanab, embarking on yet another lovely leg of the journey. This year the National Park system celebrated their centennial and we wanted to be part of the hoopla. The first national park in the world was established in 1872 at Yellowstone and within ten years the National Park System was formed, bringing a unified National Park management system by presidential order on August 25, 1916. While embarking upon the north rim of the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park within a limited amount of time, we were in awe that such realms of astounding natural wonder exists within a few hours from each other.

 After a great day of exploring the area, we moved into our quarters at the historic Forever Resorts Bryce Canyon Lodge.  Opened in 1925, The Lodge is one of our national parks’ architectural treasures. Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who defined the rustic style architectural sites such as Old Faithful Lodge at Yellowstone, and the Ahwanee at Yosemite, Bryce Canyon Lodge has maintained its original structure but with all the modern amenities that active vacationers and families enjoy. We loved the elegant dining hall with white linens, engaged servers, and world class cuisine. The rustic ambience of the Lodge leads to the endearing quality of timelessness that the National Park System has upheld for a century.



Bryce Canyon National Park was first established as a national monument in 1923. We were fascinated and intrigued by its famous sculpted landscape known as the hoodoos. What’s a hoodoo? It is a very specific geologic formation that is found only in this area because a unique process of thawing ice crystals within the sedimentary rocks over hundreds of years. The authentic regional climate of the area provides just the correct formula within the rocks to create these towering statue-like monoliths rising from the floor of the canyon.  Hoodoos look like creatures rising from the canyon floor and just ask any of the park rangers about the Native American tale that coincides with this lore.






Our visit to the much less visited North Rim of Grand Canyon was just a few weeks from the closure of the park for the winter season. Although many of the park facilities including the historic lodge were already closed we did manage a few hours to hike along the walkways that supported astounded onlookers. As we noted from the response of ourselves and others, Ahhhh is a universal word for “how can this even be possible.”

Mother Nature has managed to continue to capture the attention of thousands of on-lookers in a trance of tremendous awe, but we also felt an enormous amount of gratitude for Forever Resorts in their consistent efforts in maintaining and modernizing some of the most historic lodges in America. Creating memories that will last a life time is the common goal of travelers and we found a few of our own just a short drive from the Neon Lights of Las Vegas. For more information on Forever Resorts and all there offering go to foreverresorts.com

Carmel Valley California is the place to explore, enjoy and elevate your senses.

A few miles off scenic highway 1, lies the winding road to Carmel Valley; a place that offers a treasure trove of dining, leisure activities, and of course, wine tasting. Carmel Valley now boasts one of the fastest growing wine regions in the nation and with a plethora of quaint wine tasting rooms to choose from, count on spending a few days getting acquainted with the area’s terroir and tasting options. 

Garland Regional Ranch, a 4000 acre park that includes hiking, biking and horse riding trails along the pastoral setting of the meandering Carmel River is a favorite for the outdoor enthusiast. Whatever your wanderlust may be, Carmel Valley is the place for exploring, enjoying and elevating your senses. A few standouts that we came upon on our short visit to the area were Bernardus Lodge, Earthbound Farms and the newly opened Folktale Winery that provided a great example of Carmel Valley’s ability to transport the traveler into a world that is synergistically connected to Mother Earth’s bounty.

From the farm stand that started it all years ago, to being a premier brand of organic foods, Earthbound Farms is a household name that is trusted nation-wide. This stop is inspirational, delicious and educational and will please and captivate even the youngest of travelers. A world of health and wellness waits at this quaint “farm stand” with the lovely rows of organic fruits and veggies, and a small made to order all- organic kitchen where you can customize a smoothie or pick a healthy menu item to be eaten outside in the lovely picnic area surrounded by nature’s abundance. After your meal take a tour of the organic gardens or a guided flower walk. Patrons can pick fresh herbs at their leisure.

 The retail store offers gourmet groceries and an array of lovely gift items. Seasonal events are presented including the very popular lavender festival. Corporate programs can also be held on the premise as well.  Families with young children will love the bug walks or taking a cautionary look at the bee enclave,(don’t worry these insects are far more interested in doing their job then bothering children). Although children are more than welcome at Earthbound Farms, please leave fido at home due to the organic farming restrictions. Every family member will be well nourished, educated and entertained at Earthbound Farms, where nature and nurture are intertwined to provide the best in organic produce and wellness education.

Put this on your bucket list; a stay at highly acclaimed Bernadus Lodge and Spa located minutes from Earthbound Farms where using local produce in preparing the freshest and most delectable meals have such notables as Bradley Cooper and Leonardo DiCaprio spending time dining within the kitchen enclaves of Lucia restaurant. 

This acclaimed resort, surrounded by glorious flora and fauna lends the perfect setting to veteran chef of 2 decades, Cal Stamenov, in creating award winning cuisine that is inspired by nature. Mother Earth’s glorious bounty has been transformed by Chef Stamenov in pleasing the appetites of well healed travelers and devoted locals alike with the awards that showcase his culinary artistry and excellence including the World’s Best Awards for Travel and Leisure –July 2016, and “Top 10 Resort Hotels in California”, Best Overall Restaurants, California Central Coast “Top 10 Diner’s Choice” Winner for Open Table 2016.  Restaurant Lucia is a dining sanctuary that will captivate your culinary desires and elevate them into a new awareness and appreciation for Chef’s artisanal ability. 

Several dishes were highlighted on our recent visit that showcased the local fare.  The Monterey Bay abalone with smashed garden potatoes accented with Australian truffle and scallion, Pacific gold oysters from Morro Bay with a ginger-shallot mignonette, and the local grilled king salmon with Hass avocado and summer squash. Chef Cal sources and forages for the freshest sustainable and decidedly delectable ingredients in creating the most memorable meal of a lifetime whether you are a carnivore, a vegetarian or a vegan. And don’t forget to pair your menu selection with a Bernardus wine that will lend to the complete culinary salute to the Monterey Peninsula.

Food, fun and don’t forget the wine. Carmel Valley has a myriad of wine tasting rooms and a mini-chateau winery and tasting area known as Folktale. 

The Folktale winery just celebrated their first anniversary with a new sequel filled with passion and purpose. With a penchant for perfection, President and CEO Gregory Ahn is building upon the former Chateau Julien brand by adding family friendly areas, notable music and speaker series events, coupled with property tasting tours and venues for wine

Roys in Las Vegas Provdies Excellence From Celebrity Chef Roy Yamaguchi Steps Away From The Famed Las Vegas Strip.

Many have missed the signature Roy’s on west Charleston Blvd in Las Vegas but the Hawaiian spirit is still going strong. Located on east Flamingo Road, Roy’s continues to bring the Island flavor and taste to tourists and locals alike.

The menu continues to reflect the brilliance of chef Roy Yamaguchi the James Beard award winner, seasoned restaurateur, and culinary icon that brought Hawaiian fusion to the public.











The warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with large tropical floral paintings, bamboo, and island accents make the desert seem a million miles away.

 Come by during the Aloha hour where many locals seek refreshment from the heat of summer. With a $7 price on all signature cocktails and appetizers, this is the place to get away from it all without leaving Las Vegas completely. What better way to quench your thirst than with a Roy’s Island Mai Tai. The 1940’s classic is just a bit more tropical with a float of Cruzan Black Strap Rum. The 1988 (cocktail), with Finlandia Grapefruit, Soho lychee, and Patron Citronge, is also a delicious choice.

Along with your cocktail, the ebi roll is a must with shrimp tempura, coconut, cream cheese, mango, and creamy avocado accented with a habanero aioli nitsume. The lobster pot stickers with spicy togarashi and miso butter sauce is another perfect option for a starter. Now that your appetite has been awakened, move over to the dinner menu to experience the main event.

Roy’s trio is the way to go with a sampling of three of the best fish dishes on the menu. The hibachi grilled salmon, the misoyaki “butterfish,” and the roasted macadamia nut crusted surrounded by creamy Yukon mash and a shiso béarnaise is a must.

What wine pairs with well with these menu choices? A Pinot Noir of course! The Au Bon Climat La Bauge au Dessus Santa Maria Valley, California 2009, is the perfect pairing with signature notes of ripe red cherries, cola, and a hint of smoke and a light-to medium body that embraces the food as a welcomed friend.

For those who are gluten free, Roy’s will please with seared sea scallops enveloped in potato purée, pork belly, fennel, apple, and a honey coriander glaze. Dessert awaits in this tropical oasis. Let your server know at least twenty minutes ahead to prepare Roy’s melting hot chocolate soufflé.

This flourless chocolate cake oozes with a decadent molten dark chocolate center, a raspberry coulis, and enough vanilla bean ice cream to cool things down just a bit.  Tropical ocean breezes may elude you in Las Vegas, but Roy’s will have you remembering the taste and flavors of the Islands for years to come.

Adelsheim Winery continues to create outstanding Chehalem Mountain Pinot Noir in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

David Adelsheim, a pioneer in the Oregon wine industry, got his start by creating maps designating the prime vineyard zones Yamhill County in 1973 when wine growers rallied to save the county’s hillsides from the encroaching residential development. With his help he assisted in creating the center of Oregon’s wine industry. Being a novice wine maker, he traveled to Burgundy to work as an intern at Lycee Viticole. After learning about the clones that would best work in the area, Dijon clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made their way to Yamhill County. Fast forward to 2012, when David Adelsheim receives the lifetime achievement award for his lifetime of service to the establishment and growth of the Oregon wine industry; a humble start in 1973 has now come full circle.

From working in a small basement winery in 1978 to producing 1,300 cases for commercial release, Adelshiem Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir continues to honor David Adelsheim pioneering spirit.
The 2014 Chehalem Pinot Noir evokes the spirit of the Oregon wine community with its understanding of terrior and viticulture.

 This pinot noir is made from LIVE-certified, Chehalem Mountains grown fruit: 88% from their estate vineyards, and 12% from their partners.  “We are trying not to get in the way of what the fruit has to offer,” said winemaker Dave Page.  Having a true understanding of the area’s unique characteristic is pivotal in producing a wine that reflects the signature elegance of the Pinot Noir grape. “Our longstanding commitment to the Chehalem Mountains goes back to 1971 when we purchased our first property. We also established the area’s first winery. We now sustainable farm and manage more than 180 estate acres in Chehalem Mountains AVA. We believe is one of the very best regions in Willamette Valley (and perhaps the world) to produce Pinot noir of purity and expression,”said David Adelsheim, Co Founder and President of Adelsheim Vineyard.

 A visit to Adelsheim is an adventure into the Willamette valley, where sustainability and respect for the grapes and terrior is the guiding principal in creating Adelsheim’s masterful wines.
With classic notes of cocoa nibs, toasted anise seed and black cherry, Breaking Ground offers a trip to Willamette valley in a glass. Light to medium body in the glass with supple acidity and a lovely lingering finish, this Pinot Noir is the perfect pairing for Salmon or a chocolate mousse. At $45 a bottle this wine is well worth it’s humble price point. For more information click here:https://www.adelsheim.com/
Cuisineist Tasting Panel :   94 Points July 2016

Sequoia Grove's Mike Trujillo Takes Our Editors Through His Wines Sip by Sip At STK in Las Vegas.

From the 24-acre Estate Vineyard and 50-acre Tonella Ranch Vineyard located in the heart of Rutherford Sequoia Grove’s President and director of wine-making, Mike Trujillo, boasts that the superb climate and gravelly-loam soils impart distinct flavor for their outstanding wines. Their Rutherford Estate Cabernet and Napa Chardonnay thrive in superior growing conditions along with the Bordeaux varietals that make up their flagship wine, Cambium. Spending a few moments with Mike at STK steakhouse in Las Vegas we learned a few things about the wines and the man behind the bottle.

 

30 years ago on a chance trip to visit a friend in Napa, Mike ended up staying on and continues to produce exquisite Napa Valley wines with the same passion and excitement as he felt the first day he arrived in Rutherford.

We could not start the tasting without a mention of their stellar Napa Valley Chardonnay. Hand-harvested, cluster-sorted and whole cluster pressed to preserve the pure varietal characteristics. No secondary malolactic fermentation has allowed the freshness of the fruit to shine through in every glass with a hint of minerals, ripe stone fruit, and toasted almonds.

We joined him at the renowned STK Steakhouse in the Cosmopolitan Resort and tasted through his wines. One of which is the most noted wine in the portfolio, The Cambium.  Executive Chef Stephen Hopcraft’s signature seared Foie Gras: 2.5 oz. of foie gras served with huckleberry gastrique, and foie butter and miniature pancakes, melded perfectly with this special wine.
Beginning with a very  limited production of 350 cases, The 2012 Cambium is a perfect blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Tonella (Rutherford), Morisoli (Rutherford) and Stagecoach (Atlas Peak) vineyards, Cabernet Franc from Tonella (Rutherford) and Frediani (Calistoga) vineyards and Merlot from Henry Brothers (Howell Mountain) vineyard.


“We wanted to go bigger by complexity with the Cambium,” explained Mike. It is indeed a stellar wine for those seeking a sophisticated pairing for a special dinner in Las Vegas or for that momentous occasion. The wine, hand harvested and aged 22 months in French oak barrels lends to the rich tannins and the underlining superb structure that ranks this Napa wine as a superior. The 2012 is deep dark ruby in color with rich aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate and a hint of tobacco. The palate is composed of the richness of black currant and dark plum highlighted with the subtle elegance of vanilla oak. The finish is long with elegant soft tannins.


Mike is truly pleased with the outcome of this vintage, and demand has proven that it is indeed one of his flagship vintages. Sequoia Grove has proven to be one of the premier Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Napa Valley with their flagship Rutherford Estate alongside their Stagecoach, Lamoreaux, and Tonella Cabernet Sauvignons that are available through their wine club and on-line.
Sequoia Grove has proven to be the place that Mike has honed his passion for winemaking and you can sense the beauty behind the bottle in every glass.

While visiting the Napa Valley make sure your wine-tasting agenda is marked for a stop at the gorgeous Sequoia Grove tasting room for your chance to indulge in Napa’s finest wines. For more information click here:www.sequoiagrove.com

The Vaudois Riviera Near Vevey Switzerland Houses Great Cuisine, Wine and State Of The Art Modern Times Hotel.

Our journalistic path has taken us to many countries over the years. Switzerland however has to be at the top of the list. It is diverse and never disappoints in its majestic grandeur and superb offerings. Once again, Switzerland surprised us with a hotel that has quite a surprising theme.






Canton Vaud is located on north shore of Lake Geneva not far from Lausanne. There have been settlements here as early as the 2nd millennium BC.Under Rome, it was known as Viviscus or Vibiscum. This part of Switzerland is the French speaking region and lives up to it in all aspects of daily life.


The town of Vevey is noted for being the final home of comedy legend Charlie Chaplin and his family from 1952 to 1977 and now showcases the newly opened museum honoring Chaplin’s work, Chaplin’s World. It is also known as the world headquarters of the food giant Nestlé, founded in 1867.  And why do you ask? There is a long sweet history in this historic city. Milk chocolate was invented in Vevey by Daniel Peter in 1875.




Arriving at the train station we were whisked away by our driver to the new Modern Times Hotel. As you enter, you can’t help but be drawn to its sleek contemporary design and original décor. The Modern Times is conveniently located between the lake and mountains at the heart of the Vaudois Riviera.


Enjoy your room with a magnificent view of mountains and sweeping green while sheep graze upon the outside pastures. The Times Bar just off the lobby is a great way to spend some time and indulge in an array of snacks with a libation of your choice.





After day of exploring Lake Geneva’s offerings and beauty or the nearby Chaplin’s World museum, you work up an appetite. You don’t have to go further than Times Grill in the Modern Times hotel. This venue features a modern chic décor honoring the legendary Chaplin featuring panoramic windows, and whimsical depictions of the “Tramp “bringing a spirit of frivolity and fun to the dining experience. The huge outdoor patio offers world class vista views and unmatched tableside service.  Our attention was drawn to the show-grill where guests can enjoy the open kitchen and dine on quality local products prepared right in front of them.






The team of Chef exécutif ,Mr Fabien Thomas and Directeur of Food & Beverage, Mr Cyril Dederding, have teamed up to provide excellent cuisine, wine and hospitality. First off, enjoy Plat du jour.


No matter what day it may be it will be excellent. The Escalope de foie gras grillé, topinambours, éclats de noisetteset chips d’artichaut (Grilled slice of foie gras, Jerusalem artichokes, hazelnut and chips of artichoke) is not to be passed up.

For a tasty side dish Crème d’aspergesverteset blanches en duo, Belperknollefromage de vache au poivre)   (Green and white asparagus cream, cow milk cheese with pepper) is the perfect complement to most of the dishes.
Finish big and  slice into La côte de BœufSuisse , 800g pour 2 personnes (Swiss T Bone chop,28.2oz, suitable for 2 people) . Pair it with a fabulous Swiss Wine from the area and you have a guaranteed hit.





The Modern Times Hotel with its tribute to the iconic Charlie Chaplin is special. Whether you are there for business in historic Vevey or a vacation, their attentive staff, excellent dining and lounge options will provide a comfortable experience with a Chaplin touch.

Pawn Stars Rick Harrison Opens Pawn Plaza In DownTown Las Vegas.

 

Rick Harrison has found the key to capture the attention of many treasure hunters waiting in the long lines outside his Gold &Silver Pawn Shop. With his expanding popularity it seems that the mini-outdoor mall adjacent complex was another brilliant move to pacify the media masses.
Using bold pops of eye primary colors and a bevy of converted shipping containers, Rick Harrison now has a way to maintain the masses as they wait to pawn their wares.



Inna Gadda di Pizza, featuring pizza that is both reminiscent of a good old boys NY pizzeria has a corner container eatery that is worth visiting. Owner, Ralph Cautela, has found just the right place for you grab a cheesy slice or send your kids off to while you’re waiting for you turn at turning trash into treasure.

Cautela’s Secret Pizza kitchen at the Cosmopolitan is his first pizza venture here in Las Vegas. Although not so secret anymore, many have found that hidden gem within the Cosmopolitan Hotel as a nice respite among the high end restaurants within the hotel. Cautela has found being out the open is a better gig when you are next to a Pawn empire.




Another dining option is the Smoke’s Poutinerie,, A Canadian chain that has some of the boasts gravy laden fries and cheese curds that is best known in this country and up north as Poutine. Aye, it is something to worth trying, if only once. To calm down the excesses of pizza and poutine and dose the flame of summer heat, Rita’s Italian Ice is the coolest concoction on restaurant row.

 With Italian ices or frozen custards that will keep Gram or the kiddies refreshed and relaxed as you for your number to come up. If you get to the Plaza early or need an afternoon pick me up, Pawn Donut and Coffee will satisfy the caffeine connection with the sugar boost needed to keep up your strength while you face the wishful crowds. And, you don’t need to go to Highland drive amongst the seedy strip clubs with the kids to grab some good old BBQ, Rick’s Rolling Smoke Barbeque & Tavern are now right on the block to be enjoyed with all the other offerings.

With the signature ribs, sliced brisket, beef hot links and a full bar, everyone waiting for their claim to fame will have somewhere to go to celebrate their good fortune or to soothe the bruised ego when things don’t add up at the Pawn Shop. Pawn Plaza is a good way to spend the day while pawn dreams are being made or a place to console you with some great food.

CliQue Lounge rolls out the newest “tableside cocktailing” experience.

How we love a good presentation and that especially goes for how our dining or drinking experience is served up to us with a Vegas Strip price tag. The newest hip CliQue cocktail lounge at the Cosmopolitan continues to draw the marvelous millennium crowd who crave an experiential take beyond a static presentation.

CliQue Lounge and Bar has found a way to entertain, engage and bring that interactive experience to the Cosmopolitan cocktail crowd. Clique, the most recent addition to the Cosmo’s impressive bar set, showcases a plush lounge area with ample open seating that is not just a sidebar from the gaming scene.

 CliQue offers the newest take on enjoying a cocktail with a chic  component that you will not soon forget. The carts are equipped with all the latest mixology gadgetry, ample spirits and the freshest mixers and ingredients. The Mixologist arrives tableside and with finesse and skill prepares a libation that will leave you impressed. 

 

This innovative tableside mixology program is honing a path of mixology excellence. “Tableside Mixology is a personalized experience.

 Not only are the Mixologists being challenged to show off their personalities but it also is about really breaking down the components of the cocktail, giving an education on the flavor characteristics, making it personal experience,” said partner Jason “Jroc” Craig. 

We had the opportunity to watch spell bound as several of the cocktails were manifested by master Mixologist Justin D’Angelo. We enjoyed the Bow Street Banana with Pedro Ximenez Sherry and chocolate bitters laden with banana infused Jameson. But there was no smoke and mirrors in this cocktail, just a wee bit of smoke piped into the glass for that extra bit of intrigue and drama. After a sip of the sultry smoky sherry, the bite of caramelized banana added just the right amount of sweetness to this perfect pairing.

A well-crafted list of cocktails is available tableside or from the bar for your drinking pleasure. Also enjoy savory bites such as the filet sliders or the ahi tuna that are worth sharing from the culinary creations of Chef Brian Massie. CliQue Lounge and Bar at the Cosmopolitan will be the place to impress your Clique or Just about anyone who craves a cocktail experience.