Mama Bird flies into Southern Highlands with Southern Comfort food.

Las Vegas off strip dining has caught fire over the last 5 years, giving rise to chefs fanning passion for their craft while creating gratification amongst their guests’ miles away from the neon lights. 

 Recently the embers have fallen in Southern Highlands with a newer culinary hotspot, Mama Bird whose Southern Kitchen’s grills and smokers are heating things up with their authentic southern comfort food that brings back mouth-watering memories of anyone born in the south or beyond.

Waking into Mama Bird, diners feel welcomed as a hungry chick waiting for Mama’s goodness. While entering the communal dining space complete with checkered tablecloths and quaint memorabilia, enticing aromas urge one to pull up a chair, look over the menu, relax and prepare for a down home meal experience.

 “We are a southern inspired kitchen and smokehouse that celebrates and revives what it means to enjoy home-made, backyard-smoked dishes with a modern take on traditional creations,” said manager Zachary Substanley.

A brilliant way to begin is Liam's Ginger Beer, house made, hand crafted and non-alcoholic. It’s made fresh from just four natural ingredients: purified water, fresh ginger, hand squeezed lime juice and raw sugar.  With no preservatives or artificial flavors this Ginger Beer is crisp and refreshing, providing the perfect thirst quencher to whatever menu item you may choose. 

Breakfast provides a plethora of choices with the added bonus of being able to order this items-all day. No matter how you enjoy your eggs, whether scrambled, sunny side up, over easy, over medium over hard as well as soft whites, raw yoke or firm yoke, poached or basted, Mama Bird delivers with “eggs-pert” preparation. Other breakfast items will have you crowing with delight.  Dig into the Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Fried Chicken and Waffle and even Chicken Fried Steak as well as the Here Piggy, Piggy Omelet- a brilliant bacon sausage omelet featuring Mama’s seasoned potatoes and the “everything” biscuit with a shoulder of bacon and American cheese.

Begin with their Wicked Deviled Eggs-candied jalapeno and of course bacon. Fried Chicken sandwiches are all the rage right now. Mama’s Fried Chicken Sandwich on a fresh potato roll, pickle, tomato and their own “comeback sauce” holds it own with the best.  Pro tip for spice lovers-order it “M.M.A.D HOT”.

Get your appetite ready and dive into a Fried Chicken Plate with your pick of tenders, boneless thigh or boneless breast. After all, Mama’s is known for their Barbecue Plates so there is really no excuse not to indulge.

 First up, the Salt & Pepper Smoked Brisket is intensely prepared, redolent and tender, a must in curing a carnivore’s craving or indulge in the succulent Pecan smoked Baby Back ribs that will keep you coming back for just one more bone to pick. Why choose between them? Get them both by the half slab or half pound for the true Mama Bird experience.

Save room for the sweet treats that please the palate with refreshing choices such as The Watermelon Soft Serve. However, who doesn’t like desert in a jar?  The Hummingbird Cake Jar filled with banana, pineapple, pecan, coconut, and cream cheese frosting melded together in a jar of sweet and decadent flavors. 

And of course, the Oreo Red Velvet Cake with fan favorite Oreos, chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting turns a traditional treat into a sophisticated dessert.

Owner Robert Chiti and manger Zachary Substanley have created a very special venue with their delightful focus on hospitality and elevated comfort food and look to expand their operation in the near future. Mama Bird is the kind of setting where you feel so much at home-you could set a spell and savor the flavors- We did and we hope y’all do the same!

Bledsoe Family Winery Opens Its Walla Walla Winery At The Box Factory Location.

Not long-ago Drew Bledsoe was throwing touchdowns in the NFL. Shortly after his retirement in 2007,  they planted their first vineyard. Now  its  has now been more than ten years since they set out on their vineyard  adventure. Throughout those years Drew learned and waited patiently for just the right time to open Bledsoe Family Winery. During this same time, the family established long-term sources from some of Walla Walla’s oldest blocks of vines.

“We are thrilled to be able to share our passion for wine with a community that has created so many wonderful opportunities and memories for our family,” said Drew Bledsoe, who moved to Bend with his family shortly after he retired from football in 2006. “Bend has long been a beer and outdoors town, both of which have become interwoven into the fabric of the town. And we felt that the timing is right to pair great wine with the area’s beloved outdoor-oriented culture, too, and to do so in a way that is both unique and fun. This has long been a dream for us.”

Walking in, guests are greeted by soaring ceilings, walls lined with staves that have been repurposed from Bledsoe Family Winery wine barrels, and large, roll-top doors that make for a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. 

The white quartz countertops are contrasted by a large barn mural on one of the interior walls that pays homage to the Bledsoe family’s Flying B ranch. in Ellensburg, Wash.

The tasting room also offers indoor and patio seating on the first floor, a mezzanine for private tastings and events, and a lineup of wines available for purchase by the glass or bottle.

Director of winemaking Josh McDaniels explained “The Bledsoe Family Winery tasting room is designed to be open and accessible for all to enjoy,We want our guests to be able to enjoy a great wine in a beautiful space, while at the same time creating a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere, a hallmark of both Bend and Walla Walla.”

In addition to their brilliant line up of exceptional wines, the wine club only, White Label project stands alone. It was was created specifically for their wine club members only as they explore vineyards, varietals, and are moved by small lots. 

2017 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley white label is exceptional. The Pinot Noir is sourced from
from the Ridgecrest vineyard planted in 1980, and the first vineyard to be planted on the Ribbon Ridge AVA. It is a blend of two renown clones, Pommard and Wadensvil was fermented in small, open top tanks with 30% whole cluster inclusion. The wine was then aged without racking for 16 months in 50% new French oak. One the nose- aromas of earth, red berries and black tea jump right out of the glass. On the palate red cherry, all spice and perfect acidy all come together in a nice balance at the finish with soft tannins. A visit to the brand new winery in Walla Walla is a must stop for any Oenophile and lover of fine Oregon wines.

Freed’s Bakery to Sprinkle Las Vegas in Sweets This Fall.

 

Freed’s Bakery Dessert Cake, Courtesy of Freed’s Bakery

Freed’s Bakery, from the Food Network's Vegas Cakes  is will open in  October. Located in Summerlin, this newest venue will be its fourth location since the the family-owned bakery was established in Las Vegas in 1959.

 

“My family opened Freed’s Bakery in Las Vegas 60 years ago,” said Max Fried, general manager of Freed’s Bakery. “We are thrilled to be growing with the Las Vegas Valley with the addition of our new Freed’s Dessert Shop in Summerlin.”

 

Guests will enjoy  signature pastries, cookies as well as  other baked goods, including the renown  Freed’s strawberry shortcake- a decadent delicate white cake filled and iced with sweetened whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries in addition, their cannoli  filled with a blend of sweet ricotta, cinnamon, and chocolate chips is sure to please as well as the Parisian cake, layered and iced with Belgian chocolate blended whipped cream and topped with chocolate shavings. Of course Custom orders, including wedding cakes, birthday cakes and more, will be facilitated by the company’s 8,500-square-foot full-service flagship store, Freed’s Bakery, located at 9815 S. Eastern Ave.  The Summerlin dining scene will get a while lot sweeter this fall.  

Summerlin’s Tivoli Village Set for Guests To “Rediscover” With New Additions.

 “I am elated to see all of these new happenings take place simultaneously at Tivoli Village,” said Andrea Schubert, Assistant General Manager of the property. “We chose the tagline “Lifestyle Rediscovered” for our rebrand as all of this new life at Tivoli Village really urges our guests to not only to discover the new, but also rediscover what has been here since its inception in 2011.” he stated. And with that he announced the new additions to open this fall. 

Locale craft brewery Hopnuts Brewery is expected to open in late August. On the culinary side, for Mexican cuisine, El Dorado Cantina should open its doors to guests in the Fall. For design aficionados, the newly opened KSKitchen and Bath which boasts itself as an interactive bath and kitchen design center will be joined by Nick Alain’s flagship Las Vegas-based showroom is set to open this fall. Alain is a designer that is better known for his work with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump.

Getting into the seasonal spirt, Spirit Halloween will plan to takeover during the months of September-October where you can choose your costume and indulge in a spooky top-of-the-line animatronics. In November, join in and partake in “Taste of Tivoli” event surrounding these new happenings that will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Local favorite Chef James Trees and his Ada’s, a pizzeriaand ice creamery continues to receive rave reviews.  Who doesn’t enjoy a Foie gras pizza and their Peach & Ricotta ice cream! Looks like Tivoli is making some changes that should fit right into the Summerlin lifestyle.

JW Marriott in Las Vegas Continues To Add World Class Dining Venues To Its Culinary Line Up.

 Jade Asian Kitchen & Noodles recently opened to rave reviews from visitors and locals alike.  The upscale Asian venue is just a small part of resort’s 20 anniversary and ongoing renovation. The menu at Jade takes guests on journey to China and Japan featuring authentic regional dishes.

 Its all about the dining experience at Jade offering cuisine from a traditional Chinese wok, a full sushi bar with a brilliant selection sushi rolls and sashimi, ramen and noodles. The robata grill pleases all with dishes over Binchotan-charred coals as well as Teppanyaki.

At the helm of Jade is veteran Chef Ayoung Chang, who headed kitchens at the MGM resorts in Las Vegas and Mississippi. Chang impresses with the very traditional General TSO’s Chicken, a beautifully wok-fried chicken, vegetables and of course General TSO’s sauce. 

For the carnivores, Sichuan Beef with spicy dark sauce and jalapeno is a must as well as the Wok Charred Filet Mignon with seasonal vegetables and Gochujang sauce. 

The signature rolls are all outstanding with the Troy signature roll consisting of seared salmon, spicy tuna, lotus root, fennel, bonito truffle crunch, and habanero aioli being a real standout.

 The Noodle Bar’s Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen with pork, rich soy broth, BBQ pork, mushroom dadegi, seasoned soft egg, vegetables and noodles will keep you coming back again and again.

For the vegan and gluten-free guests, Jade as a nice selection of vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan and gluten-free. 

In addition to the tremendous culinary offerings Jade has a brilliant selection of Japanese Whisky, 20 different sakes and a full wine and beer list. 

Stop in, take a seat and enjoy Signature Jade cocktail with matcha green tea, sake and coconut cream and enjoy your culinary journey through Asia.

Legendary Pasta Mia East and West Standing the Test of Time with Classic Italian Fare In Las Vegas.

Las Vegas has long been known for its Classic Italian Cuisine but surviving and thriving in the competitive culinary world is tumultuous-many come and go with little or no fanfare throughout Vegas’ constantly changing restaurant culture.

There are those who by sheer will, determination and gracious hospitality stand the test of time, serving award winning cuisine year after year. Pasta Mia East and West proprietor and Chef-Owner Armando Martinez has done just that, continuing garnering brilliant reviews for his Northern Italian Cuisine starring his pasta and linguine with fresh mussels and other dishes that have spanned three decades and yet, continue to satisfy a new generation of discriminating diners.

Walking in, guests can’t help but notice the immaculate linen adorned tables and the quaint garden patio. Huge floor to ceiling murals featuring pastoral Italian scenes set the tone for an authentic Italian experience. Martinez joined us at our table and discussed his many years in the industry. “I have been in this business for over 30 years,” he smiled. “I was an opener for the renown Piero’s Italian Restaurant. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to serve Celine Dion, Andre Agassi, Brooke Shields and many other celebrities and noted locals but it is has been the dedicated families that keep coming back that have kept me in the kitchen these many years,” Chef Armando added. 

Being inspired by Martinez’s sincerity and passion, we were in great anticipation to see what gastronomic delights were in store for us as he retired into his kitchen to prepare our dining experience. Knowing some of the dishes that have been on the menu for decades, our palates eagerly expected serious culinary skill as the famous Lasagna Bolognese arrived at our table signaling the beginning of a memorable evening.

The ideal way to begin is the Mozzarella Caprese Salad featuring vibrant fresh tomatoes, house made mozzarella, spicy authentic olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, and fresh basil.  

Chef Amarndo’s superb Chicken dishes whether its Marsala, Parmigiana, Vesuvio or Piccata, are all beautifully composed- dictated by time tested ingredients and dedicated culinary practice. Being known for house made pasta, Pasta Mia’s classic Penne alla Vodka with thinly sliced Pancetta Ham in a creamy tomato sauce and of course- touch of Vodka-is a must try.

 A gift from the sea, the Orange Roughy Francese, an alchemic blend of delicate fish filets adorned in white wine, lemon and butter is simple but supremely satisfying and one of the most requested menu items. Another brilliant entrée choice is the Pollo Pizzaiola. 

The juicy Chicken Breast sautéed with generous garlic, capers, oregano, fresh basil and red bell peppers accented in a light tomato sauce pairs beautifully with many of the fine Italian or American wines offered on Pasta Mia’s thoughtful wine list. For the grand FINI, Pasta Mia's own Cheesecake is a defining way to end the evening. 

Chef Martinez splits his time between Pasta Mia West and Pasta Mia East. The menus are essentially the same. Featuring authentic Northern Italian cuisine night after night. Pasta Mia East has a charming full bar and an outstanding happy hour.  Regulars stop in year after year to partake in a very reasonable bar menu serving Garlic Bread $1.99, Meatballs $5.99 and a fresh Caesar Salad $4.99, Fried Calamari $5.99 and even Steamed Clams $8.99. 

For a libation there are many choices from Domestic Beer $3, Imported Beer $4, Red & White house wines $4 and even Well Drinks for $5. And to add to the experience, enjoy live music at Pasta Mia East as well.

Both locations will take you on an exceptional time-tested culinary journey. You can taste dedication and passion in each bite.  No matter what part of town you may be in, East or West, Chef Armando’s award winning Northern Italian Cuisine will have you coming back year after year.

Celebrate Bastille Day with Commanderie de Peyrassol’s Cuvée de la Commanderie Rose from Provence.

Summer is here and so is Bastille Day. The best way to celebrate with our French compatriots the turning point in the French Revolution is a nice crisp Rose wine. We tasted our way through France and found the Commanderie de Peyrassol’s Cuvée de la Commanderie, a bright Rose from the Provence region.

This Commanderie de Peyrassol is from a 700-hundred-year-old estate founded by the Knights Templar and draws on a long-documented history and masterful winemaking making this Rose a real stand out.

Taking a detailed look at the wine, it features a classic blend of grapes, Cinsault-dominant, but softened with a touch of Mourvèdre and is a brilliant example of a Provençal style Rose. On the palate the well-balanced acidity makes it an excellent complement to many summer dishes from escargot to even hamburgers on the grill.

At the winery, the grapes were harvested separately during the night when temperatures are coolest, then de-stemmed and pressed. After fermentation they were aged in stainless steel vats, producing a delightful, exciting wine.

In the glass, it  grabs your attention with its light rosy appearance. On the nose, wild berries: gooseberry and raspberry jump out of the glass, confirmed on a palate that is crisp, silky and enhanced with an elegant touch of minerality. Cuvée de la Commanderie is an ideal aperitif, to accompany tapas, but also goes well with all varieties of grilled fish, beef tartare and fresh berry desserts. Enjoy this star from Provence all summer long.

The VDARA Hotel & Spa In Las Vegas Adds Yet Another Luxury Ammentiy

Vdara Hotel & Spa Debuts Luxury Club Lounge Elevating Las Vegas Hospitality Experience

The  Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas has added yet another amenity the  Vdara Club Lounge.     Guests enjoy a luxury secluded space with gourmet meals, a dedicated concierge service and a nightly social hour complete with complimentary libations.

Vdara Club Lounge is a deluxe amenity for guests staying in the hotel’s Luxury Suites, City Corner Club Lounge Suites and Studio Fountain View Club Lounge Suites. Guests who choose any other accommodations may also access Vdara Club Lounge for a nightly fee ($75 Sunday – Thursday; $100 Friday – Saturday).

“Vdara Club Lounge is designed to enhance our guests’ travel experiences,” said the resort’s General Manager Mary Giuliano. “The intimate setting allows us to deliver our award-winning hospitality with a more personalized approach that has a little something for everyone – whether they need a delicious bite, a recommendation for the evening, or just a quiet space to work.”

Vdara Club Lounge
Located on the hotel’s second floor, Vdara Club Lounge is a well-appointed retreat where guests have access to:

• Pre-Arrival Concierge: Ensuring each Vdara Club Lounge guest has a customized and stress-free stay, Vdara’s concierge contacts guests prior to arrival to assist with booking restaurant reservations, show tickets and any other needs. The dedicated concierge is available at Vdara Club Lounge to assist guests in-person throughout the duration of their stay.
• Delectable Bites: A rotating selection of fresh gourmet cuisine from Vdara’s culinary team is handcrafted daily to keep guests nourished from morning to evening. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.; light snacks are available from 11 a.m. –
  6 p.m.; and desserts are offered from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Catering to guests on-the-run, a selection of grab-and-go items are stocked throughout the day.
• Social Hour: Each afternoon from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., guests can enjoy the Club Lounge’s Social Hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and select beer and wine. Outside of those hours, beer, wine and craft cocktails are available for purchase.

• Collaborative Work Spaces: Vdara Club Lounge provides a naturally lit, comfortable and quiet place for guests to work. Access to convenient business services make productivity easy for guests away from the office.

Scottsdale Arizona Distilleries Are Produceing Unique Premium Spirits By Nature.

Scottsdale Arizona has long been known as a place to relax amongst nature’s grandeur, luxury resorts and world class dining. This playground in the high desert now offers excellent small batch, family owned distilleries that pay homage to the region.

Scotchdale Whisky Is a Story About Friendship and A Dream Come True in Arizona. Most often one can find an interesting story behind a brand and Scotchdale certainly, is no different. Many times, when good friends get together over a whisky, ideas start to flow faster than the spirit itself. John McDonnell and Travis Ranville, two Scotch whisky aficionados and friends came up with a brilliant idea, making Scotch whisky inspired by their locale of Scottsdale Arizona.

Their entrepreneurial dream kicked into high gear; Scotchdale would be crafted using only the finest blended malt whisky. With that in mind, their sojourn took them to the Highland and Speyside regions of Scotland in search of Scottish distiller Angus Dundee. As a premier distiller, Dundee had what they were looking for, a high quality, pure malt whisky.

  

Scotchdale is aged in charred American oak bourbon barrels for 8 years. In the glass there are notes of honey, chocolate, caramel, of course oak and coffee on the back end. They combine into a fine whisky that is sure to impress even the most discerning Scotch whisky drinkers. “We used the coolest blends to tame the Arizona heat- we have the most livable whisky!”they said with a smile.

Only launched in 2018, John and Travis are doing quite well. Scotchdale, inspired by local flavors and landscape is available at over 50 bars, restaurants and retailers in the area and growing fast. Like it anyway you chose. It’s brilliant neat, on the rocks and of course in a cocktail such as Rob Roy, Rusty Nail and even a Blood and Sand.

Local Mixologist, Chuck Fowler created “A Hikers Peak” just for Scotchdale. Why not give it a go!
Recipe:
2 oz Scotchdale
0.50 oz cinnamon syrup
2 dashes mocha java bitters
Grated cinnamon
Lemon/ orange oil express

Blue Clover Distillery founded by Founded by Weston Holm along with Duane and Scott Koch are longtime friends who came from a wide variety of backgrounds. This combination of generations of experience in farming and construction they built the distillery literally from the ground up. “Our background influenced everything we do, from the DIY construction of the distillery to the name itself. “Blue” pays respect to the Danish farming heritage, while “Clover” signifies our Irish love for fire and great spirits” said Weston Holm.

Relatively new one the scene like many of Scottsdale’s distilleries, they have obtained a reputation of producing premium small-batch spirits in a short amount of time. The Blue Clover Vodka is 80 Proof distilled from gluten free corn. Even the water used is from a reverse osmosis system that gives it the spirits clean taste and then passes through charcoal filter and left to rest until ready.

Blue Clover Gin is very smooth and unique in many ways. The Gin is 85 Proof and Distilled from Corn. Taking into consideration of their location in Arizona, they were inspired by Blood Orange, Rose and Peach all of which are used as the main botanicals.

 Using a proprietary multistage process, the gin is bright a fresh in the glass with all the aromas of the botanicals coming through. 

 Unique to Blue Clover is they have a full bar and a restaurant for guests to enjoy. Take a seat at the bat and sip on the Marshalls Way- a brilliant use of Blue Clover Grapefruit Vodka, Blue Clover Strawberry Vodka, Pomegranate, with a dash of Lemon & Lime