It was a distinct treat to be able to sample from Las Vegas area restaurants that were new to us when we attended the recent USA Today Wine and Food Experience. But, as you know me, it was the spirits and wine that took center stage first! If you want the short story see my social media below, these are the highlights:

Photos: Edward Bushman

Held at Tivoli Village, we enjoyed shorter lines to sample food and drink that we normally DON’T encounter during California events. Score one for Nevada! We really enjoyed our Remy Martin brandy cocktails when we arrived, and then sipped our way through well-made tequilas served in small pottery cups from Dos Caras, Uncle Nearest bourbon and rye straight and in cocktails, having my favorite Dole Whip based cocktail from Golden Tiki but this time they swapped out the rum for a Negroni, Chinola was interesting with its passion fruit spirit on its own and in a cocktail, Ketel One had their botanical vodkas that have a lower ABV – probably because they go down too easy and you don’t need to add anything to them to enjoy them straight! The Zacapa rum from Guatemala was new for me, I tried it on its own and in a rum Old Fashioned; both were delicious. Garrison Brothers and Frey Ranch distilleries are always good to find at events, love me some brown spirits!

There was also plenty of wine, our favorites being everything offered from Paso’s J Lohr, including a sparkling wine we’d never had before. There were also Coppola reds and Napa wines from Paraduxx and Duckhorn, among others. The wine tables were abundant and the wine lovers took full advantage of the unlimited pours.

As far as the food, I mentioned that I got a real taste of some new-to-me places that I want to go back to visit. For one the well-seasoned steak skewers – among other items like salmon sushi – offered up by Anima By Edo will make me want to go to The Gramercy for a full dine-in experience! Ditto for the Harlo Steak in downtown Summerlin that served a dish that included a squid risotto, prawn and a flavorful steak. Hussong’s torta with beef, Brussels sprout and Cole slaw was yumworthy. The shrimp ceviche that Crab Corner Maryland Seafood House made was also very delicious. Boar’s Head had a giant tent with demonstrations which allowed guests to leave the experience with their own charcuterie in a jar, as well as cups to fill with samples! And last but not least a tasty Shepherd’s Pie hit the spot, thanks to Hennessey’s Tavern.

Social Media

Well, what looks good to you from last Saturday’s USA Today Wine and Food Experience – AKA #VegasWFE – that we thoroughly enjoyed? The food or the drinks? Shout out to spirits we loved alone and in cocktails from @DosCarasTequila @UncleNearest_LV @GoldenTiki @Chinola @GarrisonBros @FreyRanchDistilery @StRemyBrandy @KetelOne_US @ZacapaRumUSA + wine from Coppola, JLohr, Paraduxx and Duckhorn! Then there was the “best local chefs, including Oscar Amador with @animabyedo, Gina Marinelli from @harlosteak, Claudia Hernandez at @hussongslv, Ryan Nuqui with Kusa Nori in @resortsworldlv …” as well as @InTheBlackCookieCo @EvelPie Ichiza, Crab Corner, Hennessey’s Tavern + MANY MORE! Tune into EveWine101.com on November 17 (once I’ve had the chance to recover) for all of the tasty details!

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#EveBushmanWhatsInYourGlass #EveBushmanWhatsOnYourPlate  #VegasWineFoodExperience #LasVegasWFE #USATWFE #howtotivoli #FoodEvent #CockailEvent #LasVegas #LasVegasEvent #Foodie @tivolivillagelv @USATodayWineFood

From Website

USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience

Taste, sip and savor with us in 11 cities!

Looking for a culinary adventure? Look no further than the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience, a nationwide tour of events that celebrate the best local food and drink in 11 cities from August through November.

Taste foods from acclaimed local chefs, emerging talent and culinary leaders. Sip premier wine, beer and spirits from the best mixologists and sommeliers. Savor the experience with live demonstrations and music in an elevated afternoon with friends. Don’t miss the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience, coming to a city near you!

https://www.facebook.com/USATODAYWINEFOOD

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.