Sip , Taste , Dine and Explore Scottsdale Arizona.

  Scottsdale, a 45 minute plane trip from Las Vegas offers an wide array of tourist attractions, including award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, cultural attractions, world class golf courses, including the TPC course at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and of course, some of the best resorts and spas in the  Southwest.

Whether you have enough disposable income to keep the golf caddies and hotel valets happy, or just once a year vacationer, there are many options to choose from while visiting this lovely city. With over 225, 000 residences, many call Scottsdale home, and for those visiting, you will get a good idea of why this city has been a favorite for retirees and newbies alike.

From the historicTaliesin West, the iconic estate that once served as Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter residence, adjacent to the Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, to the many other cultural and historic offerings of the area, you will find something for everyone on your vacation wish list. Among some of the favorite things for the outdoor enthusiast, are the many hiking trails that lead to Camelback Mountain’s Cholla and Echo Canyon as well as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

If you would rather have a bird’s eye view, hot air ballooning is the best way to experience a tranquil ascent over the Sonoran Desert. On this trip we had a memorable time of flying with the Hot Air Expeditions Inc., enjoying the expertise of our captain as we made our way above the saguaro, and rolling hills of the desert.  As we drifted silently and pleasurably above the desert floor, we were again amazed at the ability to move upwards of 5,000 feet in a basket, held up by some rope, hot air and a large piece of fabric. Once back on the ground, we received our Certificat’d Ascension En Machine Aerostatique, to the clinking of champagne glasses and a well deserved round of applause to our flight crew and captain. Indeed,a unique way to spend your early morning hours in the desert. www. HotAirExpedition.com

Among one of the local tourist attractions, where your feet keep grounded to the local flora and fauna, is the The Desert Botanical Garden offering some of the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world. Not only can you get your cactus collections counted, you can also dine at the lovely restaurant, Gertrude’s, which is conveniently located within the premise. After hours of meandering through the spiny gardens, The Desert Botanical Garden’s full-service restaurant, located just inside the main entrance, is a tribute to garden founder Gertrude Divine Webster and her vision to create a place where nature lovers could share a healthy meal.  By using sources from local artisans and farmers as well as herbs grown onsite, the freshness and flavor are sealed into every meal. We had the fine opportunity to try this unique restaurant within the garden and were amazed at the fresh organic offerings and the extensive wine list. We decided to try the Blue Marlin that had just been flown into the area, beingthe inaugural dish of this large sea creature from Hawaii, we were pleasantly surprised.

 The fish reminded us of a sword fish but a bit more tender, as it was well prepared with a buerre blanc sauce and local seasonal veggies.  Accompanying our meal was a bottle of Pasqua Passimento, Romeo and Juliet.  This elegant and velvety red blend of Merlot, Corvina, and Croatina, was a lovely and robust addition to the meal. It especially paired well with the red wine and chocolate torte.  After a morning of hiking through the gardens, Gertude’s was the perfect interlude before our next adventure.www. Gertrudesrestaurant.net

Now that we have had a sample of some of the outdoor activities, we needed a check into our accommodations. This evening we were staying at the world class Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. With it’s highly acclaimed restaurants, including Richard Sandoval’s La Hacienda, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak house, state of the art meeting facilities, outstanding Well & Being Spa (formerly Willow Stream Spa), six sparkling pools and two newly renovated 18-hole championship golf courses, including the home to the Annual PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open. We were well aware that we were at are one of the best resorts in the world. Exemplary customer service, impeccable grounds, and even a sweet Golden Retriever who greets the guests are examples of elevated hospitality.

Being able to experience one of the country’s most acclaimed Mexican cuisine restaurants, La Hacienda, was indeed a lively and memorable experience. Each appetizer and entrée was a reflection of skillful European cooking techniques, elevating the vibrant flavors and texture of Mexican cuisine. We loved the tequila tasting with the rattle snake fangs and tail as innovative props to get you to pay attention to diversity of tequilas. The highlight was the flaming cocktail that created a chorus of ooh’s and ahh’s throughout the restaurant; A wonderful way to say Adios to a grand dining experience.

In nearby Mesa, the newly opened Sheraton Mesa Hotel is a wonderful place to stay and explore the area. The boutique property has 180 rooms in the heart of the city's new multi-million development, Mesa Riverview.  If sports is your thing step into the open-air lobby and take a seat in Stats Sports Grill. This 10,000-square-foot lounge with separate bar and living room areas is adjoined by a modern, glass-enclosed wine cellar featuring 300 wines from around the globe. The Food and Beverage program is headed up by executive Chef Cameron Bolender. His expertise shines in the quality of the steaks prepared with many different types of butter that pleases your palate to no end.  It’s all about the butters here, steak sauce is not an option.  This resort has a very unique feature in that it overlooks the Chicago Cubs spring training home, Sloan Park, and Mesa's stunning Red Mountain.

Chef Cameron Bolender.

 

Gilbert Arizona has become a vibrant locale for delicious cuisine and tasty libations over the last few years. We visited Postino East Wine Café right on the main street in downtown Gilbert. This venue has a selection of 40 hand-selected unique wines many of which are from Arizona. We also tasted through simple, delicious food featuring local ingredients like Bruschetta, Panini’s, salads and soups. Postino is an upbeat, warm, friendly and has atmosphere that brings people together.

Arizona just kept surprising us at every turn. It is a land of abundance beyond imagination.  We heard about yet another surprise that was really going to open our eyes. Ancient Grains at Hayden Flour Mills inside Sossaman Farms. We literally tasted Arizona history at this family-owned flour mill that has even been featured in the documentary “The Grain Divide”. They are focused on native seeds and growing heirloom wheat with minimal processing, much or which is used in Italy and in some of the finest kitchens in the country. Guests that visit can indulge in a multi -sensory culinary experience that starts with a tour of the Hayden flour milling operation and gives them an option to participate in baking classes and educational seminars. 

Check your calendar before visiting Scottsdale. We timed it just right and took our seat at the internationally-renowned farm-to-table dining series, Outstanding in the Field. This culinary road show is the brainchild chef Jim Denevan designed to bring together world-renowned chefs, local farms and ranches, iconic tables, and guests for a night unlike any other. It makes total sense that this fall’s event featuredthe top rising star in Arizona’s local culinary scene, Gio Osso.  This rising chef has been named one of America’s Best New Restaurants by both Esquire and the James Beard Foundation. Chef  shows off an ever-changing Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring handmade pastas and premium seasonal produce sourced from some of Arizona’s most celebrated farmers.

In 1988 Chris Bianco opened Pizzeria Bianco inside the back corner of a neighborhood grocery store and has taken pizza to a whole new level. A stop into this pizzeria is mandatory for a true taste of what has been going on in Arizona for quite some time. Little did he know that his little Pizzeria he would be such a driving force in the slow food movement and specifically the artisanal pizza front. Chris won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2003, helped spawn a generation of independent and artisanal pizzeria’s, lending his advice, wisdom and food philosophies to dozens of fellow chefs and restauranteurs. For him, the food is a result of his relationships and his intention. Relationships with the farmers, the local producers, his family, customers and staff; and the respect and intentions he approaches his recipes with. 

chef Charles Wiley

Scottsdale Arizona is full of history and the Hotel Valley Ho is certainly part of it. Built in 1956, Hotel Valley Ho has classically cool roots and still stands strong today as a must-stay destination in Downtown Scottsdale. Oh if these walls could talk! This iconic hotel was host to many celebrities including Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, among others, Hotel Valley Ho gained notoriety and quite the fun reputation. Known as “one of the best-preserved mid-century hotels in the country,” by Alan Hess, architect and author of numerous mid-century modern texts, the Hotel Valley Ho is the place where our cool came out to play on our visit.  Dine at ZuZu and enjoy the gastronomic delights from celebrity chef Charles Wiley, you will not be disappointed.

Perhaps the hottest new dining venue is FnB Restaurant.  Arizona wines are making some big news lately so we visited and partook in the Arizona wine experience with Pavle Milic, part-owner of FnB. This trendy, quant restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy local wines during lunch and dinner. At the helm you will find Chef Charleen Badman, a James Beard nominated chef, known for her elevated vegetable creations, like her braised leeks with mozzarella and a fried egg. She was named one of the 10 best restaurant dishes of 2010 by Food & Wine. Right next door take a sip at  owner Pavle Milic’s other venture, Bodega/AZ Wine Merchants, an oenophile paradise with varietals grown and bottled in the Grand Canyon state as well as local produce and artisanal products from MJ Breads, Queen Creek Olive Oil and Maya’s Farm.  

Pavle Milic

 

Scottsdale is full of lovely boutique restaurants, many of which are quite good. We would be remiss if we did not stop into Chef Gio Osso’s Virtu Honest Craft. His menu has been described as “wandering Mediterranean,” Chef Gio soared to national praise for his cuisine at the now-closed Estate House in downtown Scottsdale.  The very unique rotating menu features hand-made pastas, braised oxtails, house-made sausages and a 30 bottle global wine list, craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. Recently Chef Gio pocketed yet two more prestigious awards that include the #1 Restaurant of 2013 by The Arizona Republic as well as being named one of the top 20 best new restaurants by Esquire Magazine.   

If you are looking to explore, taste and sip locally sourced products with nationally acclaimed chefs, Scottsdale Arizona offers some of the best experiences we have had in a very long time. 

San Luis Opispo Wine Country Also Offers a Beach and A Lovely Place To Get Away From It All.

Avila Beach, a little gem of a beach town on the Central Coast of California could be one of the best beach venues for families and honey-mooners alike. Taking the winding road from Highway 1 , just a side step form San Luis Obispo, we came upon one of our favorite get-away places.

 
Entering Avila we decided to try out the La Fonda Hotel right off the main street of this quaint little town. The La Fonda is a flattering mix of Mexican and California influences combined with brightly painted walls, Mexican pottery, tile work and cultural art throughout the warm and inviting hotel.
We were greeted warmly at the front desk and walked up to our lovely suite to take look at the view from our porch and the undulating waves of the Pacific. Each room is reminiscent of a small Casita, filled with warmth, color and texture and all the amenities that accompany a world class resort, which is pet friendly for those traveling with their fur babies.

Here is a brief overview from the La Fonda.
World-Class Amenities Include:
• Complimentary 'Hospitality Suite' featuring Fresh Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies, Freshly Brewed Peets Coffee, Tea, Fruit and Bottled Water available 24-Hours a day
• An indulgent manager-hosted Wine Reception held each evening featuring Two Local Wines & All You Can Eat Hors d'oeuvres from 5-6:30PM
• Homemade Pies, Baked Fresh every evening from 8-10PM
• Chocolate Chip Croissants prepared by a Local Bakery and Organic Orange Juice each morning from 6:30 – 11AM
• Decadent Nacho Bar featuring Fresh Fruit Virgin Margaritas, Taco Works Chips, Four Local Salsas, Corona, and Mexican Coca-Cola from 12-2PM
• Complimentary use of Movies, CD's, Books, Board Games, Magazines, Beach Chairs, Towels and Umbrellas
• VIP Welcome Basket including Restaurant and Wine Tasting Discounts
• Commemorative Arrival & Departure Gifts

 
What more could one desire, and if you do so desire, the amiable concierge will gladly help you plan out any other excursion that you may want to try will in the area.

The staff took great care to provide these services and more during our stay.Our favorite amenity was the homemade pie hour at 8-10 p.m. nightly.
Having met some new found fellow traveler friends, we made a point to meet up together after our many different excursions around the lovely San Luis Obispo area for this nightly occasion. As we all convened back at the hotel, we were met with the enticing smells of freshly baked pies wafting through the lobby. Such a comforting and unique backdrop in spending the remainder of our evening, while bantering back and forth about our lovely adventures, as we indulged in fresh apple, blueberry and cherry pies.

We felt right at home in a most pampered and luxurious manner. With our stomachs richly filled and warm memories engaging our minds, we made our way to our luxurious suite. Along with all the other marvelous amenities and coastal beauty, Avila beach will remain one our favorite places to retreat for some much needed R&R. Our future visits will definitely include a stay at LaFonda a hotel. This is a place that you and your furry friends with become quite “ Fond” of.

The New Hot Off Strip Venue Other Mama. We See Whats Behind The Sucess With Chef Dan Krohmer.

As a food writer every once in a great while you run into a restaurant that from the moment it opens you know it is special. We watched the build out of Other Mama with great anticipation and have been regulars ever since they opened their doors.

Recently we sat down with Chef/Owner Dan Krohmer at Other Mama to get an intimate look at the man behind the Other Mama.

Chef/Owner Dan Krohmer

Q: Chef, Other Mama has achieved great success right from the beginning. Why do you think that happened so quickly?

DK: Many people that are journalists such as yourself, have experience at dining and reviewing all kinds of restaurants. When you talk about Other Mama and what your experience has been like,it creates a buzz with other professionals and locals. People are excited to see what’s going on off the strip. People here are invested in their community and looking to bring in good product and serve it in a non-pretentious at reasonable prices.

Q: What got you to Japan?


DK: I went to Japan and met up with the owners of sushi restaurant I worked at in Sacramento and fell in love with Traditional Japan along with the cherry blossoms and the whole thing, so I stayed. I asked to stay and worked illegally for like $300.00 a month. I did not know any Japanese at the time. I just kept my head down and absorbed. I think everyone should be a minority at some point in your life.




Q: How did you get a chance to work for famed Chef Morimoto?

DK: I got recruited as a Sous Chef after my Japanese training and farm to table experience. I worked for him for about two years before I saw that we was not too much into the kitchen so I transferred to the Sushi Bar where I gained huge experience from him for 2 ½ years.

Q: Tell me about the name Other Mama

DK: My Dads parents weren’t around much, working a lot in Bakersfield. My Great Grand Mother pretty much raised my dad and his brothers and sisters, they called her Other Mama. That’s how she was introduced to us as kids.




Q: The Cuisine at Other Mama is an interesting blend of Asian and American flavors. What is your philosophy on the menu you created?

DK: We take a lot of pride in everything we do here from our salts to our oils. We care about our customers like they are our family. I wanted to keep it neutral after doing Japanese cuisine for so long. I did not want people coming in expecting certain cultural necessities. We just want to be ourselves and celebrate what ingredients we have at the time.

We are not fusion. Obviously we are very seafood based and not following cultural boundaries. For example, Could this certain clam is best presented in a Spanish dish, and then we do it that way. We want to be free to do things as we want to do. I want you to walk out satisfied that you feel like you just walked off a yacht feeing sexy, having enjoyed the abundance of the sea. I learned there is a psychology at a sushi bar. Never let your customers leave full. Have them leave satisfied and wanting to come back. I love the artistry and composition of sushi. I learned don’t have your arms crossed, don’t turn your back on a customer, never have a dirty cutting board, show and give respect to everything you are doing. Sushi is simple but you are always thinking about how you can do it better. Sushi is a lifestyle and s state of mind.




Q: You have traveled and worked for years in this business. What advice would you give someone who is in culinary school or who is an aspiring Chef?

DK: Make sacrifices. It’s not an overnight process. The longer you wait to show what you can do, the better off you will be. Become the best chef you can possibly be before venturing out on your own. The more you sacrifice the better you will be.

Other Mama has become an overnight success. The doors open nightly (closed Tuesdays) at 5pm and it is highly suggested to get there early. It’s not long before the bar and restaurants are at capacity with many enjoying a very special experience. The Salmon Sashimi is one of the best we have had. Check the menu board for an excellent selection of Oysters delivered daily. You can’t go wrong with Caviar & French Toast w Crème Fraiche. This dish is an explosion of contrasting flavors that will keep you coming back for more. For Kim Chi lovers try the Pork Belly Kim Chi Fried Rice with Wild Mushroom and a Fried Egg.

Libations are a big part of Other Mama as well. Try one of their homemade infusions. Their signature cocktails are named after fine southern ladies such as the Billie-Joe which is a tasty blend of Hendrick’s Gin, Luxardo Maraschino, Cucumber & Basil. Or Dive into the Trixie, a perfect combination of Jameson, Canton Ginger, Lemon and Cayenne.

Come early to secure your seat at Other Mama. Chef Dan and his staff will make you feel right at home. It won’t be long before you are apart of Dan’s Other Mama family.

DJT At Trump Las Vegas Offers An Off Strip Expeience to Be Remembered For A Lifetime.

The name of Donald Trump is often filled with images of opulence, luxury and sometimes controversy. Recently we had the opportunity to re-visit DJT, the upscale dining venue at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas that is the reflection of the name it represents. Hidden away from the hotel row of Las Vegas Strip, Trump hotel is a gold monolith that rises above the ordinary for those who crave a five star experience without the din of casino gambling in the background.

Being both family and dog friendly, we saw many young two legged and four legged visitors entering the hotel for a peaceful stay away from the flashing neon lights, cigarette smoke and roulette wheels.



As the impeccably dressed valet opens our car door, the gleaming gold, marble and glass of the entrance gives way to more opulence as we proceeded into the lobby of the Trump Hotel. We walked up to the hostess stand amid a stunningly decorated dining and carefully ascended into a very private circular booth with plush indigo violet velvet curtains (that can be pulled together for more intimacy). We were greeted by the effervescent Kyuri Cheun. After her upbeat and energetic welcome and introductions to staff, we were well on our way to trying the seasonal chef’s tasting menu and the new beautifully crafted cocktails list.



We started out with a with a creamy “Red Beret” followed by the Pamplemousse old-fashioned, the “Strawberry Fields” , an extraordinary Moscow Mule , “The Jockey “and rounding out our tasting was the refreshing “Watermelon Basil”. Each cocktail was handcrafted with the freshest ingredients to ensure that the flavors come sparkling through without being overwhelmed by the alcohol.



One of the highlights of staying at DJT is the great care and attention to detail that is infused in everything that you may nibble or taste. We were impressed with the quality of each cocktail and the passion of which the mixologist stirred or shook to make sure that only the best is presented in the glass.

Many people comment, “How do you drink or eat so much and yet maintain your sensibility and weight”? Our answer is always a little bite or taste at a time. Being presented with an excellent array of food and drink it is often difficult to say no to over indulgence but our philosophy in our culinary journey has been creating a sense of moderation and respect to ourselves and to our hosts. DJT seasonal menu is both stunning, fresh and presented in the loveliest setting and with utmost sincerity.

Amuse of seared lamb loin with a pea puree

We did find it difficult to say no to consuming everything presented to us. We started our evening with an amuse of seared lamb loin with a pea puree. This rich lamb gem got our palates working for the next course of Ahi tuna with Spanish octopus. The Ahi was exceptionally fresh and the octopus cooked delicately, making it a perfect way to begin our evening’s menu.

Ahi tuna with Spanish octopus.

One of our favorite dishes of the night was the gazpacho, anchovy accented with heirloom tomatoes. The soup had a lovely creamy texture. The saltiness of the anchovy was offset by bits of plump juicy heirloom tomatoes.

gazpacho, anchovy accented with heirloom tomatoes.

The fresh cod dish was next on the agenda and again the fresh ingredients spoke for themselves. Paired with Trump’s own label Sauvignon Blanc, the dish became even more alluring.

Fresh Cod Dish

The meat course of wild boar was a good choice over the typical steak that is often offered on a menu. The parsnip puree was a welcomed addition of sweetness to the mild gaminess of the meat. The wild boar entrée is a good choice for those who want something beyond the ordinary.

Wild Boar

Satisfied and satiated, we finished our meal with a cappuccino and light and decadent Passion Fruit Panna cotta with white chocolate and raspberries.

A perfect ending to a lovely meal that is one of the benefits of staying at a hotel that reflects the name of someone who epitomizes excellence.

Dont Miss " The American Whiskey Experince" at Andiron Steak & Sea in Downtown Summerlin.

Join us on this very special evening

One of our favorite venues is  Andiron Steak & Sea in Downtown Summerlin. Join us as they host an intimate whiskey pairing dinner created by Managing Partners Chef Joe Zanelli and Steve Jerome, along with Southern Wine and Spirits. The dinner will take place on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 7 p.m. and reservations are required by calling Andiron Steak & Sea at 702-685-8002. Don't miss out on your seat at the table.

The American Whiskey Experience is $90 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity:

 
Amuse Bouche:

Peaches & Pecans

Course 1:

Sea Scallop with Summer Corn

Wild Turkey 101, grapefruit, maple syrup

Course 2:

Porcelette Hog “Two Ways”

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Course 3:

Grilled Prime NY Strip over Apricot Wood

Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey

Course 4:

Chocolate Mousse Tart with Raspberries &  Caramel Sea Salt

Michter’s US1 American Unblended Whiskey

Passion Fruit Macarons

School is in Session in Downtown Summerlin at Public School 702.

Need a place to hang out during the blazing heat of summer? Public school 702 is now open for all those teachers who want “an education in the art of food and beer” and just about anyone who needs a little refreshment from the sweltering heat of Las Vegas.


Public School 702 is the newest addition to the restaurant line up in Downtown Summerlin and they know what essential ingredients are needed to create a space that is inviting and a menu that incorporates great fresh ingredients in a up-beat and flavorful manner. This new gastropub has a décor that has educational nuances, including a cocktail menu printed with blue lined composition paper, mathematical flashcards circling the ceiling around the bar along with lab-style communal tables and world globe light fixtures. With 14,000 square feet of bar and restaurant space, there is a seat for everyone. Beer lovers should rejoice because beers from local breweries are available along with 24 beers on tap, with 11 rotating seasonally. If beer is not your drink of choice, various artisanal cocktails as well as wine on tap and in the bottle are available for your selection.



We stopped in to see what Public School 702 educating the public about in one of the newest dining and drinking spots in Las Vegas. Our “education” began with one of their signature starters, the speck and eggs. Who doesn’t like a good deviled egg? These four beauties came with the creamy yolk accented with a touch of spice in an egg white cloud. The speck lent that savory crunch with a touch of visual taste appeal (and is a one of the best deviled eggs we have tried in this town). Next on our plate was the Grilled Watermelon & Heirloom salad. The refreshing watermelon and vine ripened heirloom tomatoes arrive in a generous portion sprinkled with the pungent feta cheese drizzled with balsamic. The salad has a nice textural component from an abundant sprinkling of marcona almonds. For the entrée, it just had to be the Prime Flat Iron Steak with Truffle Butter. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare, emanating signature pinkness, cut into strips and adorned with a side of chorizo mac and cheese. The succulent steak was highlighted with the Truffle Butter, not over powered by it. The mac and cheese had a nice creaminess, and the bits of chorizo added a bit of heat and texture.





Sporting an amazing wrap around outdoor patio and engaging games for the younger crown such as as an over-sized Jenga, Connect Four, and shuffle board, this venue is not only for the 21 and over crowd but for the entire family. For those that are over 21, stop by for the happy hour menu Monday-Friday 3:30-6:30. One of the most affordable bottomless Bloody Mary’s in town is available on the Brunch menu Saturday and Sunday for a mere $10. Educating the palate and encouraging further culinary investigation is what Public School 702 is planning to do. For more information: PSonTap.com 1850 Festival Plaza Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135 (702) 749-3007

The Veuve Clicquot en Route Truck Is Coming to Spread Bubbly Love In Las Vegas.

The Clicquot en Route truck with its signature yellow color will continue in honoring Madame Clicquot, the woman who helped create the brand. Before the time of electronic media, Madame Cliquot managed all of the brand’s business through letters to suppliers and agents. The Clicquot en Route truck commemorates the personal attention that Madame Clicquot’s legacy continues to share today. Come out and join Veuve Clicquot and us to celebrate the Clicquot Mail Truck's arrival in Las Vegas! The mail truck hosts a special photobooth, Veuve samples and surprises and encourages visitors to write and mail a letter just as Madame did years ago. We want everyone to join in to welcome the arrival of the some of the France’s best champagnes.

Everyone loves a bit of the bubbly, and in our opinion the best bubbles only come from Champagne. One of the most beloved of Champagnes, Veuve Clicquot is transporting a great celebration of savings with very special offerings this week only at four of Las Vegas’s favorite restaurants: Park on Fremont, Hearthstone at the Red Rock Resort and Casino, Hard Rock Cafe' and the historic Flamingo Hotel.

 It all begins with a Clicquot en Route offering at Park on Fremont Veuve Clicquot. Yellow Label will be available by-the-glass for $13 and by-the-bottle for $58 while Non-Vintage Rosé will be available by-the-glass for $17 and by-the-bottle for $72 from 8:00pm – 10:00pm on Thursday, June 18. With the purchase of two glasses of champagne, guests will receive complimentary mac and cheese balls or house-made fried pickles. With the purchase of a bottle, guests will have the choice between a complimentary strawberry summer salad or fried chicken and waffle sandwich.

On Friday, June 19 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., stop by the Hearthstone and purchase 2 flutes of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label of Non-Vintage Rosé and receive your choice of truffle honey popcorn or honey olive cake. Additionally, purchase a bottle of Yellow Label and receive your choice of heirloom watermelon salad or baked ricotta, or purchase of a bottle of Rose and satisfy your hunger with a choice of tune poke or mushroom flatbread.

On June 20, spend your Saturday with Veuve Clicquot at the Nirvana Pool at the Hard Rock Café. From 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.. Cool off with a Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label infused snow cone or indulge in one of Veuve Clicquot’s signature Yellow Label cookies.  End your weekend on a high note on Sunday, June 21 at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label mimosas will be available for $16 while bottles will be avialable for $160. 

We hope that we see the iconic Veuve Clicquot Yellow Lablel and the Non-Vintage Rose gracing your table during these special events. There is no better way to say “celebrate” than with a glass of Veuve Clicquot. Las Vegas join The ‪#‎ClicquotMail National Tour as they will be en route traveling nearly 15,000 miles and visiting more than 20 cities from now through October!
Visit www.ClicquotMail.com to learn where we’re headed and follow along at www.Twitter.com/VeuveClicquot for real-time event updates.

Michelin Star Chef Alex Stratta Is Back And Plating Up Artistry At Tapas By Alex In Summerlin.

Alex Stratta is a name synonymous with excellence.
This Michelin award winning Chef is now bringing his culinary magic to the common diner via his newly opened Tapas by Stratta restaurant. The Tapas concept although seemingly the recent rage in bringing an affordability and approachability to the masses here in Las Vegas, has been around for a very long time.

The word “tapas” is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, “to cover.” According to The Joy of Cooking, “the original tapas were the slices of bread or meat which sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips. This was a practical measure meant to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry. The meat used to cover the sherry was normally ham or chorizo, which are both very salty and activate thirst. Because of this, bartenders and restaurant owners began creating a variety of snacks or appetizers to serve with sherry, thus increasing their alcohol sales. The tapas eventually became as important as the sherry.”




Far removed for those days of practical culinary improvisation, we see this concept of small plates popping up from many major culinary Chefs who are bridging the gap between fine dining and affordability. The concept is to share and create an experience with conversation and various small plates instead of focusing on one main entrée. And…We don’t have to worry about the fruit flies invading our sherry, since Chef Alex has honed his culinary skills to now bring a much more sophisticated approach to the Tapas style dining experience.

Nestled amongst the myriad of restaurants in the rustic faux Italian town square of Tivoli Village, Chef Stratta has opened his version of a Spanish Tapas style restaurant that has transformed the now defunct PoppyDen with bright warm beige yellow walls, eye catching red-orange seating, décor highlighted with an eclectic mix of white framed mirrors and lively original Chef Stratta paintings.

As we relaxed into the seats, we were anticipating our turn to try some of the Tapas offered by this amazing Chef. He stated, “This is a labor of love.” And by creating everything from the artwork on the walls to the artwork on the plate, we are thrilled that he has poured his creative soul into this new venture.

We took a look at the menu and found the food to be pleasantly thought out and superbly executed. Starting with the Slow Roasted beet salad with cheese, candied walnuts. The the creamy and pungent taste of the cheese provided an inviting contrast to the dense-semi sweet beets along with the crunch and texture of the candies walnuts to get us off to a great start.

Next on the plate was the Jamon Iberico Spanish ham with tiny cigar shaped crackers. These crunchy treats are paper thin and delicate with a mild saltiness, which provided us a true taste of Spain. A nice sharable plate we highly suggest are the charred Padrón peppers with garlic chips, and onion crisps. Although not too hot, they were an perfect companion to our Tapas line up.

Our favorite of the evening was the special beef cheeks. They were meltingly tender with a deep rich flavor highlighted even further with little bits of Medjool dates,spiced with jalapeno, sprinkled with sesame seed, on a bed of pureed chic peas and braised red wine sauce. Each bite was exquisitely prepared and the meat melted with the spicy sweetness of the sauce. We had to reboot and to halt the motion of the fork in order to try our next dish that was the special Paella of the evening.

Highly recommended was the Paella with squid ink that created an inky blackness, and fresh seafood flavor. It’s cooked to order in shallow pans using bomba rice, dense rice that is similar to Arborio rice. Rice is the most important ingredient in paella, which is the reason many paellas are called "arroces" in spain.

The rice is cooked to a socarrat. Socorrat, from the Spanish verb socarrar (meaning to singe), is an intrinsic part of paella, which when done properly creates a crisp bottom crust that needs to be scraped from the metal pan. The deeply toasted texture lends the dish its signature quality.

We were glad we saved this dish to share later in our culinary journey. Although Tapas is known as small plates, there was nothing small about the flavors and textures of each dish. With several of these plates, we were well satisfied.


Amid, our tasting and conversation, we indulged in the house sangria, of wine and fresh fruit mingled together that was refreshing and thirst quenching. Of course we had to indulge in a glass of Tempranillo to further our “Spanish” cuisine experience. Although the wines by the glass were very reasonable we felt the wine list needed more flexibility in price and range.

Last but now least, was the Flan. Being a native Miamian, Flan was something that was the dessert of choice while growing up. Not just any Flan will do, this one has a firm, dense,creamy texture, layered with a caramel sauce that adds to the sweetness but doesn’t overwhelm with too much sugar.

Growing pains are normal in any new restaurant, and we believe Chef Stratta ‘s depth of culinary excellence far exceeds any beginning hiccups. Adjusting to a more approachable dining experience creates a learning curve for everyone involved. We can only hope that many will come by to share several outstanding Tapas crafted by one of our cities greatest chefs. Having this caliber of restaurant aside from the glare of the neon, is both refreshing and exciting.




Tapas by Alex Stratta is open Dinner:
5:30PM to 9:30PM (Sunday-Thursday)
5:30PM to 10:30PM (Friday & Saturday)With a seven day happy hour menu available from 4:30-6:00 pm.For reservations call 702-483-3555 or visit tapasalexstratta.com