In the fall of 2020 we purchased a home in Las Vegas in a community called Spanish Trail located in Spring Valley, 10 minutes from the strip.  At the same time, I started posting reviews and photos of the experiences we have been having in the Las Vegas dining/drinking scene. As they are known for impeccable service, we have rarely been disappointed. So recently I decided to share some of our experiences here on our website.

If you are a fan of Vegas, travel, dining, and drinking – I hope you enjoy it! (For more photos/videos – 90% of these photos – except those in press releases – are taken by Staff Photographer Edward Bushman) go to my Instagram account.) If you are a press agent please send your news regarding Las Vegas restaurants, bars, and wineries to Eve@EveWine101.com to be featured.

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For February 14, 2023: Al Solito Posto Hosts Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

What: Al Solito Posto is hosting a special three-course meal in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

When: Tuesday, February 14th, 4 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Where: Al Solito Posto – Tivoli Village, 410 S. Rampart Blvd #180 Las Vegas, NV 89145

Who: Chris Mattson, General Manager of Al Solito Posto, Executive Chef Adam Rios.

The dinner will feature three courses by Executive Chef Adam Rios and a complimentary glass of bubbles, antipasti and Al Solito’s house made focaccia. The regular menu will also be available. The dinner is priced at $100 per person and reservations can be made at www.alsolito.com or by calling 702-463-6781.

This special menu includes:

Welcome Glass of Sparkling Wine

Focaccia & Antipasti Board

First course: Choice of:

• Oyster on the half shell

• Wagyu Beef Carpaccio

• Crab Cake with Bitter Greens

• Heirloom Tomato Caprese

Second Course: Choice of:

• Seared Branzino

• Truffle Risotto

• Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

• Roasted ½ Lobster

Dessert: Choice of:

• Raspberry Budino

• Tiramisu Cheesecake

About Al Solito Posto

Al Solito Posto is a modern neighborhood restaurant offering refined Italian classics and hand-crafted cocktails in the heart of Las Vegas’ Tivoli Village. “Al Solito” promises to have you look at well known dishes like Minestrone, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Chicken Marsala with new eyes, while the sophisticated, extensive bar menu (some highlights: A barrel-aged Boulevardier, Negroni Bar, spritzes and spirit-free selections) delight all lovers of a fine cocktail. Italian wines, naturally, dominate the cellar.

Under the watchful eyes of Chef Partner James Trees, Al Solito Posto has been touted in its first year as one of the hottest new restaurants in Las Vegas of 2021 by media including Robb Report, Thrillist, USA Today, and Eater–and even spotlighted in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2021. Locally, both Las Vegas Weekly and Desert Companion included it in their 2021 Restaurant Awards: Las Vegas Weekly anointing it “Staff Pick: Best Neighborhood Italian” while Desert Companion bestowed it with “Excellence in Service & Management.”

Al Solito Posto, 420 S. Rampart Blvd. #180, Las Vegas, NV 89145

Reservations and guest services: (702) 463-6781 info@alsolito.com

alsolito.com

Two From Ada’s Wine Bar For February 14 and 16:

Courtesy Ada’s Wine Bar

Ada’s Wine Bar is teaming up with Chris Barnes from José Pastor Selections to host a five-course wine dinner focusing on the beauty and integrity of Spanish wines. 

When: Thursday, February 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Ada’s Wine Bar – Tivoli Village, 410 S. Rampart Blvd #120 Las Vegas, NV 89145

Ada’s Wine Bar Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper; Sous Chef Mick Skarda; Lead Somm Kat Thomas; Chef/Partner James Trees.

Details: The dinner will feature five courses from Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper and Sous Chef Mick Skarda complementing the flavors of each Spanish wine selected by Barnes. Mr. Barnes will guide guests through the one-night-only pairing menu, which includes:

Welcome Glass – 2021 Anima Mundi ‘Cami del Xops’ Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Catalonia, Spain

First Course – Amberjack Crudo, Geoduck Escabeche, Paella Nero Socrate

2021 Dolores Cabrera ‘La Araucaria’, Listan Blanco, Valle de la Orotava Blanco, Canary Islands, Spain

Second Course – House-Made Seafood Conserva, Fried Pan Con Tomate, Saffron Aioli

2018 Cantalapiedra ‘La Otea’, Verdejo, Castilla y León, Spain

Third Course – Pressed Roasted Suckling Pig, Arroz Con Papas, Cranberry Gastrique

2019 Guimaro ‘Camino Real’, Mencia Blend, Ribeira Sacra, Spain

Fourth Course – Reserva Creekstone NY,  Coconut-Vanilla Tortilla Española, Piquillo Pepper

2017 Akutain, Rioja Alta Reserva, La Rioja, Spain

Fifth Course – A Special Creation from Ada’s Lezlee Rawles

NV Gómez Nevado Sierra Morena ‘Abocado’, Arís, Palomino, PX, Andalusia, Spain

Tickets are priced at $160 per person not including taxes and gratuity and can be purchased at adaslv.com. Must be 21 or older to attend the event.

About Chris Barnes

Chris Barnes has worked in various sectors of the food and wine industry for over twenty years. After graduating high school, Barnes left his hometown in Western New York, working in farm-to-table kitchens across America. This interest in conscientious eating led Barnes to work in specialty food sales and education, eventually leading to wine. After attending culinary and restaurant management programs at the French Culinary Institute in New York City, Barnes pursued his passion for wine working at Chambers Street Wines in Lower Manhattan for over five years, learning about wines from around the world. There he was a buyer for Iberian wines, helping blaze the trail for traditional and low-interventionist wines from Spain and Portugal. After visiting Spain several times with José Pastor, in 2012 he became the National Sales Manager for José Pastor Selections, focusing on helping Americans discover natural wines from Spain. Barnes currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is a proud father of a nine-year-old daughter.

AND:

Ada’s Announces Special Valentine’s Day Menu

Ada’s Wine Bar is hosting a special three-course meal in celebration of Valentine’s Day

When: Tuesday, February 14th, from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Ada’s Wine Bar – Tivoli Village, 410 S. Rampart Blvd #120 Las Vegas, NV 89145

Who: Ada’s Wine Bar Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper; Sous Chef Mick Skarda; Lead Somm Kat Thomas; Chef/Partner James Trees.

Details: The dinner will feature three courses from Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper and Sous Chef Mick Skarda complementing wines hand-selected by Ada’s Lead Sommelier Kat Thomas.

Tickets are priced at $70 per person for dinner only, plus $65 for the wine pairing, plus taxes, fees and gratuity. The regular menu will also be available al la carte. Tickets must be purchased in advance at adaslv.com.

The special menu includes:

Amuse and Sparkling Toast

First Course – Amberjack Crudo with mussels escabeche, cava felée, and blood orange

OR  Ensalada Radicchio with crispy garbanzo, beets, blood orange, Manchego, and Piquillo pepper vinaigrette.

Second Course – Sangria-Braised Short Rib with sherry-braised mushrooms, and parsnip purée OR Saffron Pappardelle with roasted garlic, Aleppo chile, golden beets.

Third Course – Chef Lezlee’s Loving Creation

About Ada’s Wine Bar

From James Beard Finalist Chef James Trees and LEV Group, Ada’s Wine Bar presents wines of the world, accompanied by classic and creative shareable plates, boards and more. Chosen for their intrigue, value and delight, the innovative wine list includes whites, roses and reds from around the world, categorized by descriptors such as “zesty, bright & aromatic” or “bold, spicy & rich” rather than region or grape. Along with nearly 100 bottle selections (starting at $30), nearly two dozen wines by the glass are offered ranging $9-20. Sparkling wines, sherries, amaros and beers are also available. The carefully curated menu is inspired by Chef Trees’ love of sharable, social food, in collaboration with Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper formerly of Employees Only in New York. Led by Advanced Sommelier Kat “Wine Goddess” Thomas, the floor team is composed of accomplished sommeliers and wine enthusiasts.

Offering indoor and outdoor seating, Ada’s Wine Bar has a fresh inviting atmosphere including kitchen-facing wraparound wood bartop, tufted banquettes and hightop group tables.

Ada’s Wine Bar 410 S. Rampart Blvd # 120 Las Vegas, NV 89145

Guest services: (702) 462-2795 info@adaslv.com

Instagram:  @adas.lv Facebook @adaslasvegas

January 2023: Gaetano’s to Host Cocktail Dinner to Kick Off 2023

Gaetano’s is teaming up with Campari America and Cocktail & Sons Syrups to host a five-course cocktail dinner pairing Gaetano’s classic Italian dishes with Italian inspired cocktails.

When: Thursday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Gaetano’s – 10271 S. Eastern Ave. #111 Henderson, NV 89052

Who: Kinson Lau of Campari America and Max Messier of Cocktail & Sons Syrups; Nick & Sarah Palmeri, Owners of Gaetano’s.

Details: The menu will feature dishes hand selected to match the style of each original cocktail. During the dinner, Palmeri, Lau, and Messier will guide guests through the one-night only pairing menu, which includes:

Aperitivo- Homemade Potato Chips and Castelvetrano Olives

Cinzano Vermouth and Fever Tree Soda

First Course – Speck, Burrata Stracciatella, roasted peppers, grilled crostini

“Up in the Alps” Wild Turkey 101, Braulio Amaro, Cocktail & Son’s Syrups Ginger Honey syrup

Second Course: – Homemade Casarecce pasta Arrabiata (Calabrian chiles)

“Amalfi Margarita” Espolon Blanco, Italicus, Cocktail & Son’s Syrups Margarita Mix

Third Course – Braised Beef Short Rib with Broccoli Rabe

“Sicilian Old Fashioned” Wild Turkey 101, Amaro Averna, Cocktail & Son’s Syrups Spiced Demerara syrup

Dessert – Tiramisu

“Espresso Martini” Espresso, SKYY Vodka, Cocktail & Son’s Syrups Oleo Saccharum syrup

Tickets are priced at $125 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made through Open Table. No coupons or offers can be applied. Credit cards required to hold reservations. Must be 21 or older to attend the event.

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About Gaetano’s

Founded in Calabasas, CA and located in Henderson, NV since 2002, Gaetano’s is a second generation family-owned restaurant serving classic Italian recipes. Owners Nick and Sarah Palmeri offer a seasonal selection of house-made pastas, entrees in an elegant dining room with five-star service. The restaurant also features regular wine dinners and a popular happy hour.

About Max Messier and Cocktail & Sons

Max Messier is an award-winning bartender currently living in New Orleans, Louisiana. Messier has created beverage programs in San Francisco, New York City, and New Orleans over the past fifteen years as a service industry professional. He enjoys metal music of all types, spending time with his family and consuming massive amounts of media.

Cocktail & Sons is the brainchild of husband and wife team Max Messier and Lauren Myerscough, award winning bartenders and spirits consultants based in New Orleans, LA. With a successful track record of producing notable cocktail programs in high-profile bars and restaurants, they decided to focus their culinary efforts towards revitalizing the forgotten concept of the home bar. They pulled out all of the recipes they had concocted over the years and worked in tandem to produce a line of all-natural, handcrafted syrups and mixers designed for classic and modern cocktails and sodas.

Gaetano’s

10271 S. Eastern Ave. #111 Henderson, NV 89052 | 702-361-1661

Facebook: @gaetanosristorante.lv | Instagram: @gaetanosristorante

January 2023: TheList.Vegas Presents A New Way To Enjoy Las Vegas’ Vibrant Arts and Events Scene

Las Vegas, Nev. (Jan. 10, 2023) – Founder and Publisher Andrew Kiraly is excited to announce the launch of TheList.Vegas, a new Las Vegas events calendar created by locals, curated for locals. Accessible online at thelist.vegas, The List is a daily curated guide to local Las Vegas’ vibrant local arts, culture, and entertainment scene, emphasizing events by up-and-coming performers and artists.

Says Kiraly, “As a writer and editor in Las Vegas for decades, I came to realize so many amazing entertainment offerings and cultural events didn’t get the attention they deserved, being overshadowed by large tourist-focused productions on the Strip. TheList.Vegas aims to fill in the gaps and help shine a light on our city’s rich entertainment culture that thrives far beyond the offerings mainly for tourists.”

TheList.Vegas is easy to navigate and simple to use, filtering events into Hot Lists based on particular trends, seasons, and themes.

TheList.Vegas also offers a free weekly newsletter, 6 Picks, as well as Hella: A Las Vegas Blog, in which Kiraly riffs on the arts and culture scene in freewheeling fashion.

About The List

TheList.Vegas is a Las Vegas events calendar created by locals, curated for locals. With an emphasis on the city’s vibrant local arts, culture, and entertainment scene, The List aims to be easy to read and simple to use. It presents a diverse sampling of happenings, genres, and venues in the hope that it inspires locals to explore and embrace their city.

About Andrew Kiraly

Native Las Vegan Andrew Kiraly is a longtime writer and editor based in Southern Nevada. From 2010 to 2022, he served as editor of Desert Companion, Nevada Public Radio’s award-winning city-regional magazine. Prior to that, he was a writer and editor at local alt-weeklies The Mercury and Las Vegas CityLife for decades. He graduated from the original Las Vegas High School (go Wildcats!) and also has an MFA from UNLV’s Creative Writing program.

January 2023: Southern Glazer’s of Nevada Academy Reopens After Two-Year Hiatus

LAS VEGAS January 3, 2023 – Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits and Beer of Nevada (Southern Glazer’s of Nevada) announces that it is reopening their renowned Academy, Southern Nevada’s top beverage education center, in February after temporarily suspending in-person instruction because of the pandemic in 2020. The Academy returns with a full catalog of courses including its distinguished and comprehensive Academy of Spirits, Mixology and Fine Service.

The Academy plans to offer more than 15 classes in 2023 including Masterclass sessions and seasonal classes. The mainstay Academy of Spirits, Mixology and Fine Service course has been an important part of the Academy’s core curriculum since it was created. The course covers all things wine, beer, and spirits in great depth. Students will learn about the history, geography, culture, service technique, and impact of their favorite wines and spirits over 12-weeks or a new accelerated 5-day boot camp.

The Academy has served Southern Nevada since 2000 and has been critical in training thousands of food and beverage specialists in Las Vegas. Hospitality is the primary economic engine in Las Vegas and the Academy supports the industry by educating service professionals and preparing them for further certifications in wine and spirits. Accreditation through Southern Glazer’s of Nevada’s Academy is considered a top training among the Valley’s top bars and restaurants, and a strong pre-accreditation resource for international beverage examinations like The Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

“We are excited to reopen the Academy to in person instruction,” said John Landry, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. “The number of new and upcoming resorts and restaurants in Las Vegas is growing daily, so the need for highly-trained food and beverage professionals has never been greater. Supporting the hospitality and beverage industry in Southern Nevada requires more than innovation in distribution — teaching people about trends and best practices keep the industry growing.”

Master Sommelier Joseph Phillips and Mixologist Livio Lauro, both employees of Southern Glazer’s and respected experts in their respective fields, curated the 2023 course catalog. Joseph “Joe” Phillips was a part of the original team who opened the Bellagio in 1998, after previously managing award-winning wine programs for Aqua, Sensi, and Michael Mina. Livio Lauro is recognized as one of the most instrumental figures in the resurgence of the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) and is the founding President of the Guild’s Master Accreditation program, which is the premier national testing body for bartenders in the United States.As part of Southern Glazer’s of Nevada’s commitment to education, the Academy will also be available to host supplier, trade and customer events that create unique value for suppliers and partners.

JANUARY 13, 2023 UPDATE: “As a show of support to the hospitality industry and continuing to move Las Vegas forward from the pandemic, Southern Glazer’s is proud to announce that all Academy classes in Q1 will be free for trade customers interested in fine wines, spirits and beer. To apply and view the full list of offerings, visit Southern Glazers Academy   ” 

 About Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada

Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada is the state’s leading beverage distribution company and a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. In 2022, Southern Glazer’s was listed as one of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity. In 2021, Southern Glazer’s was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, as well as named by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly.

For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.

January 2023: Did you know that the dates have been announced for the 2023 Universal Whisky Experience??? YES they have! Save April 21 and 22 in your calendar now and check out UniversalWhisky on Instagram, Facebook and their website for details and tickets when available! I know I will! (If you can’t wait check out the website FindRareWhisky now!) From Daily Ovation, now FlavR Report Magazine, “Universal Whisky Experience is about providing the connoisseur, collector, enthusiast and premium spirits consumer, the most exclusive, luxurious and intimate whisky and spirits enjoyment at an elite luxury resort in the world capital of entertainment.”

Friends (Eve is blond in center) attending the 2022 Universal Whisky Experience

December 2022: We went to our first off-strip restaurant that has gaming! LOL! We don’t gamble but we have felt like we really can’t embrace the Las Vegas lifestyle without going to a restaurant with gaming at least once! Good whisky pals suggested the place, aptly named WSKY, where we not only had a huge whisky/whiskey pour list but also interesting cocktails, happy hour food and a full menu too! The drinks were: my extra-yummy Blackberry Sage Manhattan, pictured with a dram of bourbon and a beer! Then working our way through the menu: WSKY Poppers with bourbon bacon jam, Chicken Pot Stickers, the WSKY Chopped, Philly Cheesesteak with lots of Tots, T and T Burger with potato chips (in the sandwich) and a Southwest Chipotle Chicken Salad!

December 2022: We went to our first WhiskeyFest Las Vegas put on by Whisky Advocate Magazine that was held in several conference rooms at Resorts World! We snagged an extra hour (with VIP entrance) and got to try some very rare and old whiskies! We weren’t able to hit every table and try every spirit – tequila, vodka and gin were also offered – but we think we covered a lot of ground! And I even snaked a seat in one of the expert seminars!

December 2022: Due to our good pickleball friends, Allan and Debbie Creel, we’ve discovered another great Italian restaurant in Las Vegas: Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen. Debbie is Calabrian and so is the owner (Giuseppe with a bright red Italian Meat Slicer that matches his red Vespa). We enjoyed: Gnocchi with Eggplant, Pasta with Sausage and Calabrian Sausage with vegetables! Later we did a quick tour of the wine cellar to discover a 1986 vintage bottle of Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, 1998 and 2000 Vintage Krug Champagne and many many many more! Wine and food lovers heaven indeed!

December 2022: My husband Eddie picked Delmonico’s in the Venetian for his birthday dinner where our friend and Bar Manager Erik Kluver – aka @Scotchy_Scotch_Scotch – took care of making us some fabulous whiskey-based cocktails and surprised us with a couple of tastes of the unique Los Magos Sotol distilled spirit and Paladar Amburana Tequila (Amburana is the name of the wood used for the barrels) to our delight! Our incredible dinner included French Onion Soup, Pan Seared Scallops for me, Filet Mignon with Potato Croquettes for the birthday boy, and of course they served up a special birthday dessert!

December 2022: Wow! What a fun sampling of fresh seafood at Legends Oyster Bar and Grill we had! Started with some super tasty fresh oysters, then worked ourselves over to try a large and tasty crab cake, clam chowder, then a colossal shrimp cocktail and of course, Martinis! There is a full menu of entrees we never even got too! Next time!

December 2022: BrewDog Las Vegas Celebrates Grand Opening Weekend with $1 Million Dollar Bar Tab

(Las Vegas, NV) Dec. 5, 2022– Renowned international brewery BrewDog celebrated its Las Vegas grand opening over the weekend with its biggest giveaway to date. On Friday morning, BrewDog celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting with Clark County Commission Chair Jim Gibson, who presented a proclamation to the team. On Friday evening, BrewDog opened to the public, awarding one lucky guest a $1 million dollar bar tab. On Saturday evening, BrewDog hosted a free rooftop performance from rock band, We Are Scientists.

December 2022 Highlighted Holiday Events:

Hanukkah Catering:

138°

• Celebrate Hanukkah in Henderson with 138’s Hannukah dinner package offering Chef Matt Meyer and Chef Alex Resnik’s takes on all of your favorite traditional dishes like matzoh ball soup, potato latkes, noodle kugel, and more!

  • Dinner is available for dine in or take out serving 4-6, $199 + tax

  • Reservations can be made at 138restaurant.com or by phone (702) 272-0839

  • Available December 18th- 24th (Closed Mon 12/19) .

Christmas/Holiday Catering:

Island Sushi & Grill

• Offering their full catering menu with a special promotion of $10 gift card for every $100 ordered before Dec. 18

L2 Texas BBQ

• Offering a complete Christmas dinner for 4-6 people, $169, order by 12/21 for pick up on 12/24. Call 702-749-6326 or email info@l2texasbbq.com  to order. See attached flyer for details.

Christmas ‘Week’ At The Golden Tiki

• Celebrate Christmas island style at The Golden Tiki, which has been double decked out for the entire season and will also offer five days of special Holiday happenings incl:

  • Tuesday, 12/20 Onesie Night: Christmas movie watch party with popcorn and cookies available! Wear your Holiday pajamas and receive a free holiday shot!

  • Wednesday, 12/2 Naughty or Nice Night:  Every guest receives a “naughty/nice” scratch off and our very own Santa (AKA Big Ed, shhh), will be giving gifts to all the naughty guests.

  • Thursday, 12/22, Ugly Sweater Contest: The “Best” worst sweater winner will receive a $250 gift card.

  • Friday, 12/23, How Trevor & The Swinging Johnsons stole Christmas: Wear your most festive Grinch attire and celebrate the season with live music!

  • Saturday 12/24, A Very Tiki Christmas: Special Christmas performances by Dino a la carte and the Kokonut crew! .

  • Sunday 12/25:  Closed 6 a.m.- 3 p.m. for our family to spend with their families

Christmas Eve Events:

Gaetano’s

• Gaetano’s will be open Christmas Eve 4 p.m.-8:30 pm offering their twist on the traditional Feast of Seven Fishes!

  • Gaetano’s is offering you the choice of choosing your seafood dishes for the evening a la carte from seven (actually, eight) selections. Buon Natale!

  • Reservations can be made by phone (702) 361-1661 or at gaetanoslasvegas.com

Al Solito Posto

• Open for Dinner from 4 p.m. with regular menu, some special surprises planned! Reservations recommended.

Esther’s Kitchen

• Open for Dinner from 4 p.m. with regular menu. Reservations strongly advised.

Christmas Day Openings/Closures:

• Open Christmas Day

  • Golden Tiki: Opens at 3 p.m.

• Closed Christmas Day

  • 138°

  • Ada’s Wine Bar

  • Al Solito Posto

  • Esther’s Kitchen

  • Evel Pie

  • Island Sushi & Grill

  • Gaetano’s

  • L2 Texas BBQ

  • Pikey Coffee Co

  • Texas Meltz

New Years Eve Events:

Ada’s Wine Bar

• Special four course menu and complimentary toast priced at $100

• Optional wine pairings by Lead Somm Kat Thomas available starting at $65

• Reservations are required at the time of ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased at adaslv.com

138°

• 138° is offering a very special four course dinner to help ring in the new year, priced at $149 per person + tax. Reservations can be made by emailing info@138restaurant.com or by calling (702) 272-0839.

Al Solito Posto

• Open for Dinner from 4 p.m. with regular menu, some special surprises planned! Reservations recommended.

Esther’s Kitchen

• Open for Dinner from 4 p.m. with regular menu. Reservations strongly advised.

New Years Day Events:

Al Solito Posto

• Ring in the new year at Al Solito Posto’s brunch, with some special surprises this first Sunday of the new year!

• Reservations can be made by phone (702) 463-6781 or at alsolito.com

New Years Day/ New Years Eve Openings/Closures:

• Open New Years Eve

  • 138°

  • Ada’s Wine Bar

  • Al Solito Posto

  • Esther’s Kitchen

  • Evel Pie

  • Gaetano’s

• Open New Years Day:

  • Al Solito Posto is open for brunch; Closed Monday, January 2nd

  • The Golden Tiki open regular hours

• Closed New Years Day:

  • 138°

  • Ada’s Wine Bar

  • Esther’s Kitchen

  • Evel Pie

  • Gaetano’s

  • Island Sushi

  • L2 Texas BBQ

  • Pikey Coffee Co.

  • Texas Meltz

December 2022:

Chef Sam Marvin Launches New Exclusive Beef Experience, Butcher In A Box

Las Vegas, NV (November 30, 2022) Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Sam Marvin, will now bring his high-quality steak right to customers’ doorsteps with his new high-quality butchery membership experience that features all Tasmanian cuts, Butcher in a Box. The Holiday shop offers four gift options: 2 brand new Limited Edition Holiday Boxes, A Year of Butcher in a Box 2023 and Digital Gift Cards.

Executive Chef and Owner of Echo & Rig Las Vegas, Sacramento and Green Valley Ranch (opening in December, 2022), Chef Sam Marvin has again reimagined what fine-dining can be starting with the best of Tasmanian cuts. Those who find themselves far from one of Chef Sam’s beloved steakhouses can now enjoy his renowned butchery experience from the comfort of their home. Butcher in a Box features the highest quality cattle sourced from the grasslands of Tasmania. Home to “the cleanest air on Earth” volcanic nutrient-rich soil, Tasmania is an ideal environment for raising grass-fed cattle. All products are 100% grass-fed, graded four to five stars, naturally marbled for flavor, and free of any added hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs.

The launch box will feature a Cape Grim focused all grass-fed and grass-finished assortment of Tasmanian cuts, including Dry-Aged NY Steaks, Filet Mignon, Bone-In Ribeye, Dry Aged Tomahawks, and Vintage TriTip. Pricing for the monthly club subscription is set at $225/month. Members will receive exclusive access to The Club, the Butcher in a Box’s online community featuring recipes showcased by Chef Sam Marvin himself, wine pairings for the month’s cuts, a curated spotify playlist for members to cook to, a special gift to compliment their experience, and more.

Butcher in a Box can be delivered nationwide and ordered at https://www.butcherinabox.com/, while access to the limited edition boxes can be found at https://www.butcherinabox.com/limitededition.

About Chef Sam Marvin:

Chef Sam Marvin is the Owner and Executive Chef of Echo & Rig Steakhouse in Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranch and Sacramento. A California native with serious classical French training, Chef Sam earned his cooking stripes working in top-rated Michelin star restaurants. He previously owned and operated Bottega Louie in Downtown Los Angeles, before branching out with his own brands in Las Vegas and Sacramento. His Las Vegas Echo & Rig restaurant was named LV Weekly’s “2021 Best Las Vegas Steakhouse.”

December 15 Wine Dinner at Ada’s Wine Bar:

Ada’s Wine Bar is teaming up with US Importer & Certified Sommelier, Roland Herrmann from Maisons Marques + Domaines to host a five-course wine dinner that will take guests’ palates around the world.

When: Thursday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Ada’s Wine Bar – Tivoli Village, 410 S. Rampart Blvd #120 Las Vegas, NV 89145

Who: US Importer & Certified Sommelier, Roland Herrmann from Maisons Marques + Domaines; Ada’s Wine Bar Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper; Sous Chef Mick Skarda; Lead Somm Kat Thomas; Chef/Partner James Trees.

Details: The dinner will feature five courses from Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper and Sous Chef Mick Skarda, complementing the flavors of wines from around the world hand-picked by Herrmann. Herrmann will guide guests through the one-night-only pairing menu, which includes:

Courtesy Ada’s Wine Bar

First Course – Beet-Cured Ocean Trout with pink rose apple, elderflower, horseradish

2019 Domaines Schlumberger, Pinot Blanc ‘Les Princes Abbés,’ Alsace, France

Second Course – Butter Poached Oyster Tagliatelle with caviar, creme fraiche, chive

2020 Pio Cesare, Chardonnay ‘L’altro,’ Langhe, Italy

Third Course – Pork Loin Roulade & Baby Back Ribs with pain perdu, blueberry au jus, blueberry BBQ

2019 Delas Frères ‘Domaine Des Grands Chemins’, Crozes-Hermitage, France

Fourth Course – Elk Loin – braised elk shoulder with parsnip and potato purée, juniper au jus

2017 Marques De Murrieta, Rioja Reserva, La Rioja, Spain

Dessert Course – Chef Lezlee’s Selection

2019 Inniskillin, Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Canada

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Tickets are priced at $180 per person plus taxes and fees and can be purchased at adaslv.com. Ticket price does not include gratuity. Must be 21 or older to attend the event.

About Roland Herrmann

Herrmann has 20+ years’ experience in the restaurant business opening over 15 restaurants around the country for renowned chefs such as Joachim Splichal from Patina in Los Angeles, Steven Pyles from Star Canyon in Texas and Allen Sternweiler, Dean Zanella and Susie Crofton in Chicago. He has worked throughout the US, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Chicago, Washington DC, Las Vegas and Hawaii. He has been in the wine trade for over 22 years; 4 years in distributor management and 18 years representing one of the most prestigious portfolio’s in the industry (Cristal, Dominus, Petrus, Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, Domaines Ott, Merry Edwards, Pio Cesare,…) and has traveled extensively throughout the wine regions of the world.

Maisons Marques + Domaines is owned by Champagne Louis Roederer, one of the original Champagne houses and one of a select few that have been family owned their entire history. Roederer also owns several prestigious properties, such as Pichon-Lalande in Bordeaux, Domaines Ott in Provence, Delas in the Rhone and Roederer Estate + Scharffenberger Cellars in California. MMD also imports wines from a few other select families, including Petrus and other right bank chateau of Christian Moueix, Pio Cesare in Italy, Domaines Schlumberger in Alsace, Marqués de Murrieta in Spain and Meerlust in South Africa.

About Ada’s Wine Bar

From James Beard Finalist Chef James Trees and LEV Group, Ada’s Wine Bar presents wines of the world, accompanied by classic and creative shareable plates, boards and more. Chosen for their intrigue, value and delight, the innovative wine list includes whites, roses and reds from around the world, categorized by descriptors such as “zesty, bright & aromatic” or “bold, spicy & rich” rather than region or grape. Along with nearly 100 bottle selections (starting at $30), nearly two dozen wines by the glass are offered ranging $9-20. Sparkling wines, sherries, amaros and beers are also available. The carefully curated menu is inspired by Chef Trees’ love of sharable, social food, in collaboration with Chef de Cuisine Jackson Stamper formerly of Employees Only in New York. Led by Advanced Sommelier Kat “Wine Goddess” Thomas, the floor team is composed of accomplished sommeliers and wine enthusiasts.

Offering indoor and outdoor seating, Ada’s Wine Bar has a fresh inviting atmosphere including kitchen-facing wraparound wood bartop, tufted banquettes and hightop group tables.

November 30 Whisky Dinner Event at 138° (138 Degrees) with Smoke Wagon:

What: Chef/Owner Matt Meyer and Lead Bartender Adam Carroll of 138° (138 Degrees) are teaming up to present their first special dinner, featuring a one-night-only five-course Smoke Wagon whiskey pairing menu.

When: Wednesday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: 138° – 1450 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy. Ste. C-205, Henderson, NV 89012

Who: Aaron Chepenik, Co-Founder & Distiller of Smoke Wagon; Chef/Owner Matt Meyer, Lead Bartender Adam Carroll of 138°.

Details: For the new 138° restaurant’s first special dinner, they have chosen to team with local Nevada distillers Smoke Wagon, using their whiskies and bourbons both in Chef Meyer’s food menu and Carroll’s creative custom cocktails. Special Guest Aaron Chepenik, co-founder and distiller of Smoke Wagon, will also guide the tasting while talking about Smoke Wagon’s brand. The five-course dinner menu includes:

First Course – Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon Apple Aperitif

Crudo Dry-Aged Salmon Belly, Cider Agua Chile, Crispy Apple

Second Course – Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon Sour

Bourbon-Braised Short Rib Wellington

Third Course – Dry-Aged Fat-Washed Smoke Wagon Rye Manhattan Style

Dry-Aged Steak, Bourbon A1, Sauteed Spinach, Lyon Potato

Fourth Course – Smoke Wagon Small Batch Calling Cocktail

Bourbon-cured Foie Gras, Torchon Luxardo Relish, Rye Crisp

Fifth Course –  Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Bourbon Chocolate Marshmallow Martini

Bourbon Ice Cream Sandwich on Cinnamon Graham Cracker

Tickets are priced at $125 per person plus tax and fees and can be purchased at 138restaurant.com. Must be 21 or older to attend the event.

About 138° 

138° is Chef Matt Meyer’s new dining concept located in the heart of Henderson. Focused on ethical and local sourcing, 138 features a unique dry aging program, killer burgers, craft cocktails, and brunch. Chef Matt was previously Chef/Owner of Served and Matteo’s Gourmet, where he won Best Breakfast and Best Brunch awards from Desert Companion and Las Vegas Weekly respectively.

138° Restaurant | 1450 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy. Ste. C-205, Henderson, NV 89012

702-272-0839 |  info@138restaurant.com | Follow 138° on Instagram and Facebook

November 2022: George Clooney and Rande Gerber Host Casamigos Tequila Celebration at Hearthstone in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – November 17, 2022 – Tequila titans George Clooney and Rande Gerber came together at Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar inside Las Vegas’ Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa yesterday with nearly 100 members of the Casamigos Tequila team – the first gathering of its kind in over three years. Though the longtime friends and tequila aficionados famously sold Casamigos for $1 billion to Diageo in 2017, they’re still passionately involved as the handsome faces behind the brand they founded together in 2013.

Dressed casually in jeans and button-up shirts, Clooney and Gerber got behind the bar and poured shots of Casamigos tequila, toasting what will soon be Casamigos’ 10-year anniversary. Hearthstone’s ace bartenders use Casamigos in two of the restaurant’s most in-demand cocktails – El Mojito, made with Casamigos Reposado tequila, agave, and fresh lime juice, strawberries and mint; and the Casarita, made with Casamigos Blanco tequila and fresh lime juice, and served in a glass with a tajin rim.

Hearthstone, one of the most popular neighborhood restaurants in Las Vegas, presented a lavish feast prepared by Executive Chef Donald Thompson, including New England lobster rolls with brown butter aioli and served on a brioche bun; prime rib French dip sandwiches, made with sliced prime rib and topped with caramelized onions; and lollipop chicken wings.

About Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar:

Serving carefully crafted house-made cuisine made from high-quality sourced ingredients and an expansive wine list, Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar can be found at Red Rock Casino in Summerlin. The menu reflects a simple approach to food, including artisanal salads, shared plates, charcuterie selections and signature entrees. Hearthstone is open 4 – 10 p.m. from Sunday – Thursday; 4 – 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found on the website at https://hearthstonelv.com/, by calling (702) 797-7344, and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For Thanksgiving 2022: The Golden Tiki Hosts Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 23rd, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

3939 Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102

Details:  Beginning during Happy Hour, The Golden Tiki’s Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will feature the classic CB “menu” including jelly beans, popcorn, pretzels, gourmet buttered toast, served on the ceremonial ping pong table. Also featuring the official launch of The Golden Tiki’s new seasonal cocktail creations including:

• Pumpkin Mai Tai – Hawaiian rum, Dominican rum, orange curacao, pumpkin orgeat, lime & winter spices

• Pumpkin Batida – Amburana Cachaca, Prata Cachaca, pumpkin orgeat, pineapple, coconut cream & pumpkin spice

• Hibiscus & Coconut Chai Tea Latte – hibiscus coconut rum, Lemba Spiced Rum, and pumpkin chai tea

• CB Cooler: Jack Rye, Jack Apple, Dress The Drink Velvet Falernum, Cinnamon Raisin Syrup, cranberry, lemon, and pineapple.

• Holiday Bird in Chinatown: duck fat infused cognac, plum hoisin vermouth , and blood orange bitter

Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Charlie Brown character. Reservations via the website thegoldentiki.com/reservations are strongly recommended, but walk-ins will also be welcome per availability. The regular cocktail list and menu will be available. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Golden Tiki

Located in Chinatown, Las Vegas, The Golden Tiki is the vision of Managing Partner Branden Powers–whose experience in the Tiki world dates back 25+ years to the Islands lounge in San Diego’s Hanalei Hotel. The Golden Tiki spared no expense in recreating the classic mid-century tiki bar, reminiscent of the legendary Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s. The hand crafted cocktail menu features nostalgic classics and new creations, alongside a massive list of rum selections and craft beer. Featuring the work of renowned artists Tiki Bosko, Billy the Crud, Bill Collins and Oceanic Arts, the one-of-a-kind decor also boasts a unique collection of celebrity ‘shrunken heads,’ an astounding array of artifacts, and Bud ‘n Al’s Oasis, the world’s only adult animatronic bird show.

Accolades include Top 5 Tiki Bars In The Country (Food Network), Ten Best Nightlife Destinations In Las Vegas (USA Today), Best Tropical Drinks In Las Vegas (Trip Savvy), Top Drinking Destinations In Las Vegas (Virgin Holidays), Best Bar, Readers’ Choice 2018 (Las Vegas Weekly) & Best of The City nods from Desert Companion & Vegas Seven. Culinary Excellence Award for Drink Specialist – 2019 (Nevada Restaurant Association) for Adam Rains, Head Bartender.

The Golden Tiki 3939 Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102

Guest Services: (702) 222-3196

Instagram @goldentiki | Facebook: @thegoldentikivegas | Twitter: @goldentikivegas

November 2022 and ONGOING: Sommelier Matthew-Loren, aka “The Lord of Wine” and my fellow judge in the 2022 Proof Awards, has multiple dates and Las Vegas venues for The Sommelier Series tastings:

Join Sommelier Matthew-Lorèn as he makes a guest appearance at the hottest restaurants throughout Las Vegas.

Here, he will take you through a series of rotating wine-dinner themes such as A TASTE OF BURGUNDY, A TOUR OF ITALY, CALIFORNIA CLASSICS, OLD WORLD VS. NEW WORLD, and more.

Experience these boutique and rare wines as Matthew-Lorèn guides you through the flight with an intimate, table-side presentation. Personally educating on the country of origin, regional history, understanding wine structure, and a comparative analysis between the various wines.

All wines are expertly paired with custom dishes inspired and prepared
by our celebrity chefs.

An RSVP is required as this event will sell out. More information can be found here.

November 2022:

A new study found Nevada is the No. 12 unhealthiest state in America, which is unwelcomed news to those who want to go up for seconds on Thanksgiving.

The holidays are the perfect time to eat, drink, and be merry but Americans should be mindful not to fall off the wagon completely. Excessive drinking, eating, stress, and travel causes more emergency room visits, and a 4% increase in cardiac deaths from holiday heart attacks.

Life Extension has released a study on the Healthiest States This Holiday Season after analyzing eight key metrics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spanning diet, exercise, alcohol intake, and mental health in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Key findings that led to Nevada’s No. 12 ranking show 82.3% of adults are in good overall health, 54.8% have good mental health, 76.5% exercise regularly, 75.8% eat vegetables daily, 5.1% are heavy drinkers and 15.4% smoke.

The 10 healthiest states are Utah, Massachusetts, D.C., Connecticut, Maryland, Hawaii, Illinois, Colorado, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.

3 Tips to Indulge Intelligently This Thanksgiving  

1)     Swap Decadent Dishes for Healthier Version: Enjoy all the flavors but watch your portion size and swap some decadent dishes for healthier versions. For example, oat cookies instead of sugar cookies, or mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.

2)     Do Not Skip the Thanksgiving Turkey:  Some people stay away from turkey because they think it makes them tired – this is a myth! It is the overeating and heavy carbs in side dishes causing the post-meal food coma. In fact, the tryptophan in turkey offers multiple health benefits, particularly when it comes to improving your mood.  

3)     Do Not Eat Your Emotions: Spending time with family on Thanksgiving can be stressful which leads to overeating. To offset culinary excess, exercise regularly, take herbal supplements that promote weight loss, and eat healthy snacks throughout the day.

November 2022:

RationAle Brewing™ Expands into The Silver State, Bringing its Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer to Nevada

SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 10, 2022 – RationAle Brewing™, the San Diego-born, Sonoma-brewed non-alcoholic craft beer brand, announces plans to build upon its successful partnership with Breakthru Beverage Group, a leading North American distributor of the world’s top beer brands, and move across state lines into Nevada, for increased on-premise and in-store distribution, this month. In Summer 2022, RationAle partnered with Breakthru to bring its Brews without the Booze™ to Colorado, and plans to leverage the relationship to continue to crush society’s drinking rules, one state at a time.

Breakthru Beverage Nevada is a statewide leader in the distribution of fine wine, spirits and beer. The Northern Las Vegas facility features Breakthru’s flagship Alchemy room, complete with a 30-foot-long bar top with three full cocktail training stations, state-of-the-art bar equipment and a one-of-a-kind draft training system.

“Expanding into Nevada is particularly noteworthy for RationAle, given it’s home to Sin City, a destination internationally revered as a hub for alcohol and overindulgence,” shares Jamie Fay, Founder and CEO of RationAle Brewing. “As a non-alcoholic beer brand that maintains the quality and taste of craft beer, we’re excited to provide locals and tourists alike with more options to crush their favorite brews within the settings they have chosen to moderate their boozing.”

Launched in late 2021, RationAle has added variety, flavor and innovation to the fast-growing U.S. non-alcohol beer category, providing brew-loving consumers with delicious options to enjoy craft beer in moderation. All of RationAle’s completely-crushable, non-alcoholic craft brews are served in 12oz. cans, made with high-quality ingredients and in small batches, maintaining the bold, refreshing taste of traditional craft beer.

“We here at Breakthru Beverage in Nevada have been looking for a solid non-alcoholic craft beer to add to our portfolio for a while. We finally found it with RationAle Brewing,” shares Deacon Nauslar, Vice President of Beer, Breakthru Beverage Nevada. “Currently, RationAle is small but with a lot of ‘runway’ ahead of it and we couldn’t be more proud to be its distributor in the great state of Nevada. Here’s to RationAle Brewery in 2023 and beyond!”

As Breakthru continues to make targeted investments, this expansion aligns with Breakthru’s broader beer strategy and the category’s position within the company’s total beverage alcohol portfolio.

RationAle’s expansion into Nevada follows its Oregon growth, partnering with Bigfoot Beverages and Maletis Beverage, and its partnership with Karl Strauss Brewing Company, to strengthen distribution throughout Southern California with its full lineup, including: Citrus Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, Mexican Lager and New England IPA.

RationAle’s Brews without the Booze™ are sold in six packs of 12 oz. cans, available via RationAleBrewing.com, and continue to carve out desirable beer fridge real estate in strategic retail and on-premise partners, throughout California, Colorado, Oregon and Nevada, including Whole Foods Market, Market of Choice, Erewhon Market, Mollie Stone’s, Olivers, Lassen’s, and Seaside Market.

To learn more and shop for RationAle Brewing, visit http://www.rationalebrewing.com.

About RationAle Brewing™:

RationAle Brewing™ offers an innovative variety of small-batch, non-alcoholic craft beers for those seeking to embrace moderation while drinking consciously and living boldly. Founded in 2021 by Jamie Fay and officially launching into the non-alcohol craft beer category in early 2022, RationAle is rooted in embracing moderation without sacrifice, quickly establishing itself as the official beer of moderation. RationAle’s four brews without booze are produced using a proprietary distillation technology to gently remove alcohol from the brewed beer, with minimal effects on its integrity and overall quality.

With the recent launch of The Original Rationale West Coast IPA and New England Hazy IPA, RationAle’s 12 oz. cans (at $16/six-pack) are now available online at http://www.rationalebrewing.com, shipping nationwide, in addition to retail and on-premise locations throughout California, Colorado, Oregon and Nevada.

About Breakthru Beverage Group

Breakthru Beverage Group is a leading North American beverage wholesaler driving innovation in the marketplace with a nimble and insightful approach to business. Breakthru is proud to be family-owned and operated, bringing valued expertise to its operations across the U.S. and Canada. The company employs more than 7,000 associates representing a portfolio of premier wine, spirit, and beer brands totaling more than $6 billion in annual sales.

November 2022: After 2 days of wine judging I took a break and enjoyed some new-to-me spirits at Lee’s Wine Experience last night! Seen in the photos is my new favorite gin with LAVENDER from Mulholland Spirits, everything from American-made Westward Distillery especially the single malt that had spent time in a Pinot Noir Cask, Nevada-made Frey Ranch for their bourbon and rye, a Sidecar cocktail made with Courvoisier VS Cognac, Four Roses Small Batch Select bourbon, Happy Dad Hard Selzer stole my attention with their gluten-free watermelon flavor with electrolytes + a yummy BC Beverage Company bourbon in the hands of my husband Eddie! And the bottle shot grid shouts out to a fabulous new-to-me single malt: Black Bull 12 + 21-year-olds and their peated expression, Legendary Duke Founders Reserve Bourbon (yes, that’s the one named after John Wayne), Pappy Van Winkle has a new Irish single malt by Limavady, a nice and spicy “Midnight” by Pendleton, and finally Broken Barrel” Luciferous” single malt as well as their cask strength single barrel bourbon!

November 2022: Thanksgiving Things & Other Important News

Holiday Alerts

Thanksgiving Openings/Closures

• Open

  • The Golden Tiki

  • L2 Texas BBQ – Open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for dine-in and pickup (see details on special Thanksgiving To-Go menu below)

  • Island Sushi & Grill – Open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for dine in (grill & poke only/no sushi) and pick up

• Closed Thanksgiving Day – 138°, Ada’s Wine Bar, Al Solito Posto, Esther’s Kitchen, Gaetano’s, Pikey Coffee Co

  • Texas Meltz – Closed Wed. 11/23 – Sun. 11/27

Keep an eye out for some Black Friday/Small Business Saturday Deals!

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Planning an event? Consider hosting it at:

• 138° – Has two private rooms!

• Ada’s Wine Bar – Offers Affordable  buyouts!

• Al Solito Posto – Can host parties of just about any size with family-style dining.

• The Golden Tiki – Dine in the legendary Pirate’s Lair with barrel service also available.

• L2 Texas BBQ – Has a private heated patio with dedicated monitor systems.

Looking to bring home some fantastic catering? Gaetano’s, Island Sushi & Grill, and L2 Texas BBQ all offer custom catering menus!

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Everything Else Important!

138°

• Brunch Service begins this weekend! Fans of Chef Matt Meyer’s legendary brunch at Served will be thrilled to hear that he is launching brunch service at 138° this weekend. Available Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reservations recommended at 138Restaurant.com.

• Special Offer! All 70+ Dry Aged Steaks are only $85 (usually priced per lb.) thru November!

Gaetano’s

• Gaetano’s has named The Feast of Friends as the agency of record for PR, Branding and Marketing. We are thrilled and proud to be working with this venerated Henderson family-owned establishment.

• Antinori & Prunotto Wine Dinner – Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. – Celebrate Owner Nick Palmeri’s 39th birthday with a special Italian wine dinner. Tickets $150 per person not including tax & tip. Reserve your spot by emailing info@gaetanoslv.com or calling 702-361-1661. More info.

Pikey Coffee Co.

• Pikey Coffee Co., the motorcycle themed coffee shop located off of Decatur and the 215, is now open!

  • Pikey Coffee serves locally roasted, exclusive blend espresso and coffee with over thirty six flavors to choose from that can be concocted into almost any drink of your imagination including lattes, frappes, affogatos, and twistees!

    • Don’t worry, there are plenty of options for non coffee drinkers including tea lattes, Snowstorms, 10 different flavors of hot chocolate, soft serve, and Pikey’s very own Street Legal energy drink, made fresh every day!

    • Ride in on your bike and receive 10% off your order–always!

• Pikey Coffee Co. will be popping up at the Harley Davidson Poker Run on Thursday, November 12th from 8 a.m.- 10 a.m.! Grab a coffee, hot chocolate, or Street Legal energy drink before you ride off!

Island Sushi & Grill

• Ever had Spam Sushi? Check out ISG’s latest specials:

  • Spam Roll featuring Spam and Tamago topped with Furikake and Eel Sauce for $7.99.

  • Dah Supah Loco featuring Hamburger Patty, Portuguese Sausage, Spam, and Kalua Pig topped with Brown Gravy & Eggs for $16.99

  • Adobo Style 18 oz. Bone-In Beef Short Rib for $21.99.

  • 808 Trio featuring Teriyaki Beef & Chicken with a choice of Poke for $17.99.

• Everything Pumpkin – New seasonal treats include pumpkin custard-filled Malassadas and Pumpkin Custard Pie, starting Friday, Nov. 4.

• Happy Hour – Every day from 2-5 p.m. featuring 20% off All Cocktails, Sake, Beer & Wine 20% off. Additionally, all sushi is 50% off all day, dine-in only (excluding weekly/daily specials).

Ada’s Wine Bar

• Somm Sunday returns this Sunday, November 6th with special guest Emily Baddcock, Head of Sales at Alt Imports! Baddock will provide guests with the background, tasting notes and characteristics of some of her favorite Alt Imports wines.

  • Special pours can be purchased by the glass or as a flight. As always at Ada’s, take home bottles are 25% off. Reservations via the website adaslv.com are strongly recommended, but walk-ins will also be welcome per availability

• Need expert advice on wine to serve this holiday season? Wine Goddess Kat Thomas and the Ada’s team can find the perfect wine for any occasion!

Al Solito Posto

• Al Solito Posto is thrilled to host a special UNLVino dinner on Monday, November 14th with proceeds benefiting the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality. There are only 40 seats total available for this special event, and reservations can be made here.

• Happy Hour is back! Available at the bar from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Al Solito’s reintroduced happy hour features new spritzes and shareable bites including:

  • Dishes:

    • Fried Lasagna Bites: Handmade pasta, bolognese, herbed ricotta

    • Crispy Calamari: Calabrian chili aioli, marinara, lemon

    • Caramelized Onion, Potato, and Thyme Pizzetta

  • Spritzes:

    • Rome with A View: Campari, dry vermouth, lime, fever tree club soda, prosecco

    • Bitter Aperol: Aperol, Fever Tree Grapefruit, prosecco

    • Italian Ambrato: Martini ambrato, Fever Tree elderflower, prosecco

• New seasonal dishes:

  • Butternut Squash Agnolotti: hazelnut brown butter, sage

  • Lamb Shank Osso Buco: herb gremolata, nonna’s potatoes

Esther’s Kitchen

• Esther’s fall cocktail menu has arrived featuring all the flavors and feelings of the season. A few standouts include:

  • Hallowed Ground: garlic-infused Centum Herbis, gin, Cocchi Americano, basil, pecorino. Herbal and sharp. A savory gin sipper with enough bite to keep the vampires at bay.

  • Pignoli Sour: Amaretto, Avua Amburana Cachaça, roasted pine nut, lemon, egg white. A classic style sour with cherry, nuts, and spice. a pignoli cookie in a coupe that won’t spoil dinner.

  • Breakfast in The Nude: mezcal, Aperol, lemon, demerara, cinnamon smoke, mole. A bright fall crusher with a rich finish on the rocks.

Evel Pie

• The Reaper is here, and it’s so hot, you’ll have to sign a waiver!

  • Take the Reaper challenge and try America’s hottest pizza! Think chili everything, served flaming hot – literally!

• November Charity Pie of the Month – Evel Pie presents a custom pie each month benefitting a different local charity. November’s flavor is a Fall Sausage and Cider Marinated Mushroom pizza featuring sausage, coriander, cider-marinated mushrooms, diced fresh fennel, and mozzarella, on a white base. Pizza is available by the slice only for $7 each with $1 benefitting HopeLink of Southern Nevada.

The Golden Tiki

• Save the Date! The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving returns Wed. Nov. 23 starting at 4 p.m. Details to be announced verrrrrry shortly!

L2 Texas BBQ

• Thanksgiving To-Go Special – Choose a whole turkey or whole smoked ham with coleslaw, mac n cheese, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and a large pumpkin pie. Feeds 4-6 people for $175. More info, including link to order, will be announced soon.

• Happy Hour – Available Mon-Fri from 2-5 p.m. includes $2 off all beer, wine, & cocktails plus single apps, all meltz, and all burgers.

Texas Meltz

• Now offering BBQ by the pound!

• Saturdays Only! Purchase any meltz and automatically receive a free meal upgrade including fries and a drink.

October 2022: Finally got a chance to check out Unique Eats Las Vegas – thanks to Aaron and Jonelle Gilden – and it was delicious! We started with two of their specialty coffee drinks, then Eddie devoured his meal – Eggs Benedict with a side of their thick wheat toast, and I tried their chicken salad sandwich that was loaded with sliced green grapes, butter lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and mayo. That bread, the same as Eddie’s, is to die for. And if you like your French fries extra crispy like we do, theirs are perfection!

October 2022: Oh what a night we had at our Las Vegas Drammers Club meeting recently with Glenmorangie National Brand Ambassador and Master of Scotch – among other esteemed certifications – Daniel Crowell aka @GlenMoDan at Monzu Las Vegas! Here are some notes on some amazing bottles – just the art and bottle shapes alone surprised us! (To see all of the bottle shots click this.)

1st, “The Lighthouse” aged 12 years, had aged in sherry and bourbon casks. The 2nd was my favorite of first three, the “extremely rate” 18-year-old, with art by Azuma Makoto who had originally created a sculpture to commemorate the whisky. Our 3rd was “A Tale of The Forest”, surprisingly peated, and it was the first time this whiskey was poured in Nevada. 4th “Signet” single batch had some of the barley roasted after malting, aged in new oak, sherry oak, and ex bourbon oak – lots of old Glenmorangie oak. #5: “Grand Vintage” 1998, bottled just this year. 23 years in oak, for final 4-5 years it was aged in charred American oak, after 18 years in bourbon barrels, Grand Vintage Series, $900. I loved the spice on this one.

Now moving to Ardbeg which is known for their peat, we had two, both cask strength. The 1st, “Uigeadail”, wasn’t as peaty as expected, used both bourbon and sherry oak casks, (sherry oak lessens peat notes according to Crowell) it was 8-14 years old so it had no age statement on the bottle. The 2nd “Corryvreckan” was peated, lot of smoke, an interesting nose, no age statement, 11-12 years old, with bourbon oak and virgin toasted French barriques.

October 2022: We went back to Monzu Las Vegas (On Flamingo near Jones) for a special friend’s birthday celebration this past month and tried many more items from their menu: We loved the fresh bread that came with olive oil and ricotta cheese – so we asked for a second helping, exquisitely flavored Squash Blossoms (eaten too fast for a photo!) Farcita sausage and salad, the giant tube Carbonara, my pal’s “amazing” Pork Chop Ciambotta, and my Crespelle al Forno “crepe” Lasagna that was super light and super filling. Aperitifs included Anguria Paloma – with house-infused fennel vodka, Bellini, Negroni and Black Manhattan. For photos of all of the food see this. (Note: the last time we went to Monzu was for an Amaro tasting – try that too!)

September 2022 – event is in November and we’ll be there:

Lee’s Discount Liquor 19th Annual Wine Experience

Sat Nov 5, 2022 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

UNLV Thomas And Mack Center, 89154

LOCATION

UNLV Thomas And Mack Center, 89154

September 2022: LAS VEGAS – Make plans now to attend the Tropicana Wine Mixer to enjoy one of the best evenings of the year. Tickets are on sale now as Tropicana Las Vegas welcomes locals and tourists to its second wine event Saturday, Sept. 24.

Appreciate a night of wine, food, and fun at Tropicana Las Vegas. Enjoy a mixer like no other, including 5 winemakers and Master Sommelier Joseph Phillips that will have you sipping your way through Havana Room. Guests will also receive a souvenir menu of the wine selections to receive a stamp for each tasting while learning more about each wine. Plus, there will be live entertainment and raffles throughout the evening!

The winemakers and selections include:

TWE Global Wines is one of the world’s largest wine companies and offers excellent wines, including Frank Family Chardonnay, Etude Pinot Noir, Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet, and Stags Leap Winery Petite Sirah.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates features exceptional wines from the world’s premier regions and legendary wine producers, offering Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, Calafuria Rosato Rosé, Patz and Hall Sonoma Chardonnay, and Stags Leap Cellars Artemis Cabernet.

Riboli Family (San Antonio Winery) remains the oldest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles with over 100 years of winemaking with choices of San Simeon Storm Watch, Riboli Family Cabernet, Maddalena Chardonnay, San Simeon Viognier, San Simeon Grenache Rosé, and Opaque Darkness.

Constellation Wines is an American producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits and will highlight Robert Mondavi Sauvignon blanc, Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir, and Robert Mondavi Cabernet.

Trinchero Family Estates, family-owned and operated in Napa Valley since 1948, is a leader in the wine industry representing 50 acclaimed wine and spirits brands and a global presence in nearly 50 countries. Regaleali Le Rosé, Vignaioli (Ceretto) di Santo Stefano Moscato, Iron + Sand Cabernet, and Cotarella Sodale will showcase some of its best.

Guests will also enjoy small plates from Tropicana’s finest restaurants, including Oakville Tuscan Grill, Robert Irvine’s Public House, and Red Lotus Asian Kitchen.

The fun kicks off Saturday Sept. 24 beginning at 7 p.m., and with an upgrade to a VIP ticket, guests can enjoy an early hour of wine fun (VIP tasting hour from 6 to 7 p.m.) and as a VIP ticket holder enjoy exclusive tastings of Opus One and Moet champagne and take home a set of two souvenir Tropicana champagne flutes.

General admission tickets are priced at $100 and special VIP tickets with early admission are priced at $150. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.troplv.com/entertainment/wine-and-spirits-dinner-series or www.ticketmaster.com.

September 2022: Have you had Texas-made Blue Bell ice cream? You can’t get it in CA but you can get it in NV! This flavor, Bride’s Cake, was recommended to me by a fellow almond lover. If you like Good Humor Toasted Almond bars (also not easy to find), Marzipan candy or Amaretto liqueur look for this! So decadent! The label describes it as: Almond flavored ice cream with cake pieces and Amaretto flavored cream cheese icing.

Photo from Blue Bell’s Facebook page.

September 2022: Who loves Oyster Bars? Apparently we got very lucky a couple of weeks ago when we visited the Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Summerlin and walked right into Brigg’s Oyster bar, after 6pm on a Thursday night, and plenty of seats were open at the bar! The house oysters were fresh and the clam chowder filling! We can’t wait to go back and explore more of the menu!

August 2022: From Las Vegas Food Writer Al Mancini

Another opening date to announce: Chef Shawn K. McClain‘s new Sahara restaurant, Balla Italian Soul, will open its doors to the public on Friday, September 30. If you were around when Sage was the crown jewel of the Aria restaurant collection (yeah, I said it, and I stick by it), then you already know why this is big news. If you weren’t, well, then I guess you still have something to learn. But don’t worry, the wait is nearly over.

August 2022 for a special Drammers event October 2022:

August 2022: Have you been to Tres Cazuelas Artisanal Latin Cuisine on Spring Mountain a few minutes away from the Strip? Our mouths had been watering after seeing a few social media posts by our pals Steve and Vashti Roebuck…so we asked them to invite us and they obliged. Got to meet the chef, and the owner Angelo Reyes too! We enjoyed: the very pretty Octopus Salad, buttery and smoky Pork Belly, and Baked Oysters for our Tapas, then for our dinner Eddie and I had Beef Tenderloin and Pork Chop over roasted vegetables. We will definitely be back for more!

August 2022: Who loves Indian food? I swear I think we’ve discovered nearly a handful of great Indian restaurants in Las Vegas, and the latest is about two miles away: Curry Leaf Las Vegas! We went for the first time a few weeks back with a couple of pickleball pals, and when we returned they remembered us. We loved everything we had both times (if you are new to Indian food you can order how “spicy” you want it) and pictured here is Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma and Aloo Stuffed Naan!

August 2022: From Las Vegas Food Writer Al Mancini:

“Flanker’s extensive menu of elevated American fare features scratch burgers, sliders and shareable tacos, among other handheld favorites. A healthy selection of salads and bowls and weekend brunch items round out the offerings. Food items can be paired with an expansive selection of draft and bottled beer. A full beverage program is being created by award-winning mixologist Francesco Lafranconi, Carver Road’s vice president of beverage and hospitality culture.”

August 2022:

August 2022 (September event):

August 2022:

July 2022:

July 2022 – and wine dinner event for August 25, 2022 at 7pm:

July 2022:

July 2022: When was the last time you went to a bar…60 stories up? We had just seen a show on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, and our pal suggested we check out the Legacy Club at the Circa Resort and Casino. Just walking through the Circa (21 and over only) was a blast – dancers above the gaming tables, the world’s largest sportsbook and the big neon sign of Vegas Vicki were plenty to look at! Then we checked in – we didn’t have reservations but we got lucky – and took the elevator to the 60th floor. We could see the Stadium Swim from there, as well as a 360 degree view of Vegas! Not to mention their big enclosed case of gold bars! The bar was outstanding! I ordered a Nolet’s gin Martini and the bartender expertly made it with Dolin dry Vermouth and Angosturra orange bitters, Eddie requested Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur instead of vermouth in his Ketel One Martini and our pal ordered the Nopalita8 cocktail with Teremana Tequila, Montelobos Joven, Prickly Pear Sour, Fever Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale and Cranberry Juice.

July 2022: Who appreciates a fresh made-to-order Beignet? My husband Eddie does! (Our reward after two hours of Pickleball!) We had the option of having Nutella Oreo, Berries and Cream or Churro styles but we chose the classic plain topped with powdered sugar at Saint Honore in Las Vegas. And before you ask, yes, we’ve had Beignets at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans too and these are just as good! For those of you looking for something else check out the rest of the photos and video that show their “award winning couture doughnuts” too!

July 2022: From Grapevine Las Vegas

June 2022:

BRINGING A TASTE OF LAS VEGAS TO THE MOUNTAIN:

MT CHARLESTON LODGE INTRODUCES ‘PINE DINING’

CHEF DINNER SERIES THIS SUMMER

Pine Dining Will Include Weekend Pop Ups from Prominent Las Vegas Chefs

with All Proceeds Donated to Local Nonprofits

LAS VEGAS (June 27, 2022) – Iconic Southern Nevada landmark, Mt Charleston Lodge, launches an exclusive summer chef series on the mountain this July. Starting July 23, the site of the beloved Mt Charleston Lodge will be transformed into Pine Dining: A Summer Chef Cookout Series. Hosted in an elevated temporary structure, the framework will feature panoramic windows for 360-degree views of the mountain, with access to indoor and outdoor seating. Pine Dining will provide a way to celebrate memories of the Lodge and make new ones before the rebuild begins, bringing the community together on the mountain once again.

“After almost 10 months since the Mt Charleston Lodge fire, our family looks forward to reuniting with friends from near and far on the mountain this summer,” says Ellis Island General Manager Christina Ellis. “Pine Dining will launch a new chapter for the Lodge, creating a special experience to celebrate great food and beautiful views, at a site cherished by so many members of our community and beyond!”

The Pine Dining Lineup

Throughout the ongoing series, local chefs will take over the mountain with a unique menu and experience to match. Pine Dining features a lineup of heavy-hitter local chefs, some as standalone experiences, with others collaborating on themed weekend events.

Saturday Chef Cookouts – Saturday experiences will consist of cookout-style food stations with samplings curated by individual chefs or chef collaborations. Bar service will be available.

Sunday Chef’s Table Dinners – Pine Dining will become an intimate, VIP chef’s table dinner. Chefs will walk small groups of guests through a coursed menu, creating an intimate, chef’s table dining experience that includes food and beverage pairings.

The first Pine Dining events will feature

July 23 & 24 – Chef James Trees of Esther’s Kitchen, Al Solito Posto, Ada’s Wine Bar, and new concept L’Aristrocrat

Proceeds benefitting The ALS Association

July 30 & 31 – Justin Hall of Main Street Provisions

Proceeds benefitting The Cupcake Girls

August 6 – Colin Fukunaga of Fuku Burger and Dan Coughlin of Le Thai

Proceeds benefitting Nevada SPCA

August 13 & 14 – Nicole Brisson of Brezza, Bar Zazu, and AMARI

Proceeds benefitting The Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund

Transportation

Parking is unavailable on the mountain. A shuttle service with pick up destinations throughout the valley will be available to purchase with Pine Dining tickets.

Tickets and Lodging

Tickets are available at Mtcharlestonlodge.com/pinedining. Mt Charleston Cabins are also available for booking for guests looking to make a weekend out of their mountain experience.

Additional chef popup events and those tickets will be announced and released in early July. Follow @mtcharlestonlodgelv on Instagram and @mtcharlestonlodge on Facebook for more updates.

June 2022: Have you tried the restaurant Honey Salt in Summerlin? New pals took us there for lunch, we had a great table in the shade outside, and enjoyed our lunch on maybe the last cool day of Spring. Photos include my massive Bacon Grilled Cheese with a Caesar Salad, the Fried Chicken Benedict made with Biloxi Chicken, poached eggs, spinach and Hollandaise on a Wilferman’s English Muffin, my husband had a decadent Biloxi Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich topped with creamy slaw and house Duke’s dressing on a brioche bun with a Caesar Salad and lastly we have an Egg White Frittata made with spinach, roasted tomato, fromage blanc and market greens. The last three pics are of the Brunch Menu. Their Instagram says, “Farm-to-table inspired home comfort food” and I have to agree.

May 2022: From Las Vegas Food Journalist/Podcaster Al Mancini, “As someone who was (like many others) pretty obsessed with Japanese whisky ten years ago, and has recently been exploring various variations on American whiskey aged in sherry casks, this looks really interesting to me. And pairing it with BBQ from the Cosmo culinary team makes this event a no-brainer for me.

All I have right now is the info I got in a press release — but I’m hoping to get some more into on the booze from Jessica over at Suntory Beam that I’ll be able to share with you on an upcoming podcast. As for the food, here are some of the big takeaways from the press release:

“The one-night-only East Meets West celebration of cuisine, bourbon and culture, will be led by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Executive Chef, Mark Crane, and James B. Beam American Whiskey Ambassador, Edwin Cruz, atop the iconic Boulevard Pool on Saturday, June 11 from 7 – 9 p.m.”

“Menu highlights include Grilled Duck Breast Skewers, Okinawa Purple Sweet Potato with ginger scallion sauce; BBQ Wagyu Short Ribs carved from the bone coated with Legent Bourbon BBQ Sauce and served with a potato roll a house made dill pickle; and Derby Pie, a chocolate and walnut filled pastry. To top off the meal, James B. Beam American Whiskey Ambassador, Edwin Cruz, will give an interactive, educational mixology experience creating complimentary cocktails featuring the new Legent bourbon.”

May 2022: Yes, we’re at it again, outdoors with our favorite cocktails: “His” Ketel One Vodka Martini with lemon peel and “Hers” Hendrick’s Gin Martini with orange peel.This is our favorite drink to linger over! Love it when it comes with a little bit of frozen crystals on top too! This time we were at the Marlin Bar attached to the Tommy Bahama store in the “Town Square” mall on Las Vegas Blvd South.

May 2022: When was the last time you enjoyed live music at a “Grand Brunch” – in a beautiful restaurant decorated with “an Amalfi Coast vibe”, a stunning chandelier bar as the centerpiece, a menu that didn’t break the bank and of course plenty of Instagram-able moments? We found all that and more, as the saying goes, at Dolce and Chianti Cucina and Cocktails ten minutes from the strip!

Our party of four enjoyed a Lemondrop Martini, Espresso Martini and Bloody Marys to start as we listened to a very good duet on stage. Before we got any more relaxed we ordered and enjoyed: Short Rib Frittata with Pesto and herb Ricotta, and a large house salad; Bacon Sausage Flatbread that also had garlic, Mozzarella, spicy sauce and chives; Smoked Salmon Flatbread with dill cream cheese, red onions, fried capers and Arugula; and a Grilled Chicken Panini with Arugula, pesto, tomato, Mozzarella and a side of Steak Fries! It was all so delish! Also want to shout out to Hospitality Leader Joseph who took solicitous care of us. We will definitely be back!

May 2022: Have your ever tried Bulgarian food? We found a restaurant in Las Vegas, “BG Bistro”, and it’s the ONLY Bulgarian restaurant on the west coast! Our party fell in love with everything: the menu, the staff, the ambiance and the drinks! We are now their latest “ambassadors” and will definitely be back. We got to meet and talk to co-owner Vladimira and had a very friendly Bulgarian server named Kristiana. We had that day’s special: Lamb shank stewed for several hours with sautéed potatoes, carrots and a green Bulgarian vegetable – this was $20 and enough for two! We also enjoyed a cucumber, tomato, red onion, marinated red peppers and shredded Bulgarian Feta cheese “Shopska” salad along with an appetizer of breaded and pan-seared zucchini with a yogurt, dill and garlic sauce. Finished with their Bulgarian Tiramisu made with biscuits and a nice tasting of their imported Bulgarian spirit that’s a bit like grappa, “63 Special Select Grape Brandy”, with 40% ABV. Check out their website to see the menus, the different seating options in a huge space and more photos. Ten minutes from the strip at Tropicana and Jones. Go early if you want to order one of their daily specials – they sell out!

May 2022: We were invited to a wine dinner at Aromi last night. (Find my Yelp review with more photos here.) We didn’t know what the multi-course menu would be and we didn’t care. The photos show the Tuna Tartar with greens to start, spinach fettuccine with a Boar ragu and creamy Parmesan sauce, white fish over a cauliflower puree, Duck over Risotto with Marsala sauce, Rib Eye with vegetables was our last plate before a dessert that included Tiramisu, gelato and a chocolate cream puff! Edith and others took great care of us, explaining each dish – I wish I had written it all down! We had learned that Chef German Castellanos had recently taken over the restaurant and our hosts planned the evening to celebrate and support him. I hope you do the same. Aromi is located at 2110 N Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89128. Reservations: 725-204-6196.

April 2022: Favorite sushi and Yakitori Izakaya restaurant in Las Vegas? Preferably one that doesn’t offer All You Can Eat? (We’ve not had the best experience ordering off the menu when a restaurant focuses on AYCE = think cold tempura that was made ahead.) Finally asked our sushi chef at a local sushi bar at home in Santa Clarita where he goes, as he said he visited Vegas often. He quickly mentioned Hachi. I looked them up, learned they get busy, made reservations for the time they opened, got a couple of seats at the sushi bar…and then worked our way through their amazing menu! Didn’t get a photo of everything but here is my Yamahai Junmai Ginjo sake in a can!

April 2022: How as the Universal Whisky Experience at the Wynn? Stay tuned to EveWine101 on May 6 to get all of the tasty details! For now feel free to have a virtual taste from my favorites: 26 Year Old Grande Couronne Glenfiddich, Ichiro’s Malt The Single Cask, Michter’s 20 Year Old Bourbon, Glenmorangie 18 Year Old, Komagatake Single Malt Japanese Whisky and their IPA Cask Finish, Frapin XO and Extra Cognacs, Kavalan Sherry Cask (single cask) and their Sherry Oak, Stellum Rye Cask Strength, Bhakta 27-07 (Brandy + Armagnac), Jefferson’s Ocean Rye, Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart and their 18 Year Old, 21 Year Old Balvenie and Royal Salute 21 Year Old! 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 Enjoyed many drams with our friends in Las Vegas and those that traveled in from much further parts too! (Photo is me with whisky loving pals.)

April 2022: When was the last time, if ever, you enjoyed single malt whisky with a Master Distiller? One known as The Nose? Color me happy to join a few other fans of The Dalmore this afternoon for “Masterpiece in the Making. An intimate seminar and tasting of the legendary Single Malt. Hosted by Richard Paterson.” We started with a cocktail, then sampled quite a few tasty drams, had a lesson, bought a special signed bottle, got new “antlers” and ended up in a Speakeasy below Wally’s Wine in Resorts World! See my story in photos and videos now! (Thanks to Susy Vitolo for taking such good care of our group too!)

April 2022: How old were you when you went to a Handel’s homemade ice cream shop? I was today years old when I discovered our first, in Summerlin! So Damn Good! Frozen custard is so rich, ice is too light, but real homemade ice cream – in amazing flavors like Blueberry Cheesecake and Chocoholic Chunk that we had – blew us away! This is from their Instagram, “Handel’s Ice Cream Las Vegas. Voted #1 ice cream parlor in the state of Nevada by MSN.com 2017. Voted Top 10 Sweet Spots in Las Vegas 👇🏻 Best of Las Vegas 2018. 11am – 9pm daily.”

April 2022: What are your thoughts on a Dirty Martini? Does it have more than a splash of olive brine, blue cheese stuffed olives, gin or vodka? I have been fighting having one since the one time I ordered a Martini in a bowling alley and it came colored green with six olives and made over ice – I couldn’t even drink it! LOL! But YOU people kept telling me I’m missing out. So when I was in a Yardhouse restaurant with good pals, and they had it as a special on the menu, I did order it – but not toooooo dirty, with gin and those yummy blue cheese stuffed olives. Pretty good! But I’m not a complete convert yet, as I really enjoy a good Gin Martini – made with good Gin – pretty dry and with an orange peel the most!

April 2022: Zack @LeftyKnewand his wife Cristina @Clarke_Bar_ wanted to check out Osteria Fiorello in the Red Rock Casino during their recent visit. We had wanted to try the bar, especially the section that is outside overlooking their fountains, so we agreed! We also agreed to try these dishes, which would you order: Burrata cheese with salt-roasted beets, aged Balsamic and Arugula alongside their Sweet Onion Crepe that lasted like French Onion soup sans soup. Rigatoni with Fiorello sausage ragu and Parmesan. Almond Tortellini with white truffle butter and Parmesan! There were ZERO leftovers!

April 2022:

Attended my first Pizza Expo last year at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Why would a wine and spirits writer attend a pizza show? Well, considering that all that wonderful cheesy crusty meat-lovers-and-more pizza HAS to be paired with wine or spirits, and I’m there. We got to try some amazing new products, new toppings and new sides. The row of pizza ovens alone made your mouth water! Couldn’t wait to see what the 2022 event had to offer. This was my social media post (photos by Ed Bushman here) with just a sample of what we tried:

Greek Olive Oils! (Pizza Expo Photos by Ed Bushman.)

Are two conventions in two days too much? Not for us! Yesterday it was the International Pizza Expo where besides pizza, we sampled all of the things that go with pizza including Ken’s Salad Dressings, Grappa and American Whiskey from Gia Distillery, Bel Evo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rians La Crema Brûlée and Sicilian Olives from Atalanta Corporation, Melinda’s Hot Sauce, Red Star Yeast, Piancone Epicureo Balsamic Vinegar, A’Siciliana Limonata and Aranciata, La Banderita Tortillas, the wine bar at the Stanislaus booth, Piknik Althena Dolmades, Caputo Cheese, BelGioioso Cheese, Hillshire Farm Pork Chorizo, Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Villa Dolce Gelato Italiano, Liokareas Cold-Fused Olive Oils, Stella’s Gourmet pizza cookies, Ambrosia bar fruits, Sabatino Tartufi Truffles…

Some of the details not mentioned above included:

Ken’s salad dressings are always amazing, this time I inhaled their Balsamic Vinegar dressing that not only works on a salad but also is a great dipping sauce for pizza, fish, chicken and steak.

Having Grappa at the end of a night of pizza and wine is one of my favorite things, so having a yummy Grappa from Moscato grapes by Gia Distillery was just perfect.

Bel Evo Olive Oil, tasted with a little bread, was mouth-watering. I could easily imagine it on a plate with some Piancone Epicureo Balsamic Vinegar for the perfect side dish with any dinner, pizza included.

The Vanilla Bourbon Crema Brûlée and Sicilian Olives from Atalanta Corporation were also yummy. The olives before dinner, or in a Martini with dinner, and that Crema Brûlée – imported from France – is for after dinner, if you have any room left in your tummy.

Melinda’s Craft Pepper Sauces makes more than one kind of hot sauce, check them out for your pals that need hot sauce on – or nearby – their pizza!

A’Siciliana Limonata and (blood oranges from Sicily) Aranciata is a lesser-known sparkling fruit soda company from Italy, and just as good as any other you may have tried. Simply perfect for when you don’t need wine or spirits to enjoy your pizza!

The La Banderita Tortillas served at the Expo were huge wraps for a burrito or a flat bread type of pizza.

I regret not trying the tomatoes from Stanislaus, “THE REAL ITALIAN TOMATO COMPANY” but I did appreciate sitting in their large booth, tasting Coppola wine and being serenaded by their guitarist.

I simply adore stuffed grape leaves and would love to see this offered more frequently at Italian restaurants as a side. The great tasting ones from Piknik Althena were a great find at the Expo.

Served with flavored olive oil, Caputo Cheeses were a first for me. Yummy stuff that deserves attention on or off your pizza.

Finding large display cases of BelGioioso “Italian cheese made in the USA” made my day! Why? My Italian mama, who passed away this year, was a huge fan of their sharp Provolone. So, of course, I had to have a slice…or two. Their cheeses are easily found in the deli section of most supermarkets.

Hillshire Farm had a huge booth, making soft tacos with all different kinds of their meats. The Pork Chorizo was amazing, and I had no clue that they even made it, and I will definitely look for that on my next pizza!

I was looking for the Blue Bunny Ice Cream booth from the moment I got to the Expo. They serve up a small crunchy topping cone and a layered sundae. Always delicious. This time one of the staffers at the Stanislaus booth saw me with my cone, called me over, and told me to try it with their olive oil. It was life changing. Both should be offered in a pizza restaurant IMHO!

How about a salted caramel ice cream sandwich from Villa Dolce Gelato Italiano to cleanse your palate after that pizza pie you had for dinner? Yes please! Gelato is the ticket!

Do Greek olive oils, made from Greek Kalamata olives of course, with infusions like basil, sage or garlic sound good to you? Trying Liokareas Cold-Fused Olive Oils without any bread or vinegar…and they were really different. Look for these oils and buy them!

Greek Olive Oils! (Pizza Expo Photos by Ed Bushman.)

If you love shaved truffles on pizza or pasta look for Sabatino Tartufi Truffles that come in different flavors for that perfect taste you are looking for.

You know those big cookies some restaurants serve in the round tin, topped with ice cream? The brand Stella’s Gourmet Pizza Cookies is the real deal, moist and full of flavor. And you know what else I’m going say…another perfect pizza finisher after pizza!

Personal note: No actual pizza mentioned above? I sampled a lot of pizza made with different types of cheeses, sauces, dough and toppings, and I must say that if you have any allergies, or a need to only eat vegan or vegetable-made cheeses, toppings or crusts, pizzerias have many options for you these days.

https://www.instagram.com/pizzaexpo/

https://www.facebook.com/PizzaExpo

https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in 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 Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

April 2022: How old were you when you went to a Handel’s homemade ice cream shop? I was today years old when I discovered our first, in Summerlin! So Damn Good! Frozen custard is so rich, ice is too light, but real homemade ice cream – in amazing flavors like Blueberry Cheesecake and Chocoholic Chunk that we had – blew us away! This is from their Instagram, “Handel’s Ice Cream Las Vegas. Voted #1 ice cream parlor in the state of Nevada by MSN.com 2017. Voted Top 10 Sweet Spots in Las Vegas Best of Las Vegas 2018. 11am – 9pm daily.”

April 2022: From Las Vegas Food Writer/Food Critic Al Mancini, reprinted with his permission, “NOBU AT PARIS LAS VEGAS IS NOW OPEN

April 2022:

What I’ve Learned About the Las Vegas Wine, Spirits and Dining Nightlife In a Year (reprinted from the  89113 Magazine)

There are so many places to eat and drink in Las Vegas that I can safely say that in the first year we’ve lived here we have barely scratched the surface of what is out here. We have been welcomed by new neighbors in Spanish Trail community for wining and dining, from people I only knew on social media that now include us for blind wine tastings in their home or favorite restaurants, and been invited as guests in the Spanish Trail country club for wine dinners and more casual wine flight nights.

The Las Vegas area, of course, is known for its impeccable service to an international community. So I believe that the people living here are an extension of that: welcoming, giving, and truly interested in entertaining guests in style. We have been made to feel so comfortable the first six months that the last six have been a whirlwind of invitations both given and received, and I can safely say that we are socializing much more in Vegas than we expected.

As I had retired the consulting arm of Eve’s Wine 101 with the move, which means all of my big event planning, because of the “open arms” we’ve enjoyed in Vegas I haven’t missed the planning and marketing work I would normally be doing.

Why Is Vegas Different

Besides the feelings I touched on above there are probably more sommeliers working in Las Vegas than any other city the average person is likely to visit. So when I get to go to a blind tasting in a friend’s home there are no less than three or four working sommeliers in attendance. Their wealth of knowledge and experience makes me so happy, reminds me of the times I’ve judged wines as well as the certification classes I’ve attended.

The wine groups here, at least the ones I’ve attended, started out as groups via the Meet Up website, then they splintered off into smaller groups of people. When the gathering is in a private home usually everyone brings a bottle and a dish to share, and of course you can’t go wrong doing that! I end up sampling almost everything, and then committing to a glass of whatever I liked the best!

At the restaurants and bars there seems to be an earnest desire to make the experience personal. I’ve had restaurant wait staff learn our favorite cocktails and offer them as soon as we sit down, sharing items not on the menu, have incredibly prepared chef menus for the night, introduce their family if they work there too, check on our table more than once and even been a part of inside jokes! It’s like being at home and having an expert family member cook, serve and clean up! We couldn’t be made to feel more comfortable.

Our whisky interests have been more fulfilled than before. We had come to Vegas annually for the Universal Whisky Experience – the epitome of classy whisky tasting and learning events. After moving here I was invited to a local meeting of the Las Vegas chapter of the Drammers Club, and we’ve since attended a few meetings at Vegas resorts led by founder Charlie Prince who never fails to bring us bottles we have never tried before. At one meeting we met a fellow scotch whisky lover that is also the bar manager at Oak and Ivy in downtown Las Vegas – a bar that is well known for its brown spirit cocktails. And though not whisky, we’ve found a favorite bar for fun Tiki drinks and live entertainment too: The Golden Tiki.

Have you noticed that I haven’t mentioned any resorts? Of course there is amazing dining and the same solicitous service on the strip. It’s just that as a local you learn to avoid the crowds and traffic by staying away from the strip. There are many restaurants we’ve enjoyed between our home in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, that is ten minutes from the strip. And if we do crave some strip time we still go down there, but never on a weekend or a weekend night.

As far as all of the restaurants and bars we’ve enjoyed so far I’m not going to even attempt to list them all here. (Though I will give a shout out to D’Agostino’s Trattoria as we’re there most frequently.) If you want to know go to the new Las Vegas Highlights page on Eve’s Wine 101 and scroll away to your heart’s content! And if you like that page, and Vegas, check there often to see #EveBushmanWhatsInYourGlass and #EveBushmahWhatsOnYourPlate Thanks for reading!

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in 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 Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

April 2022: Buddy Valastro “Cake Boss” Transforms Customer Experience At PizzaCake Harrah’s Resort

Read more: https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/buddy-valastro-cake-boss-transforms-customer-experience-at-pizzacake-harrahs-resort#ixzz7PgA4bP7y

Photo: King5.com

March 2022: My nephew Zack and his wife Cristina wanted to check out Osteria Fiorello in the Red Rock Casino during their recent visit. We had wanted to try the bar, especially the section that is outside overlooking their fountains, so we agreed! We also agreed to try these dishes, which would you order: Burrata cheese with salt-roasted beets, aged Balsamic and Arugula alongside their Sweet Onion Crepe that lasted like French Onion soup sans soup. Rigatoni with Fiorello sausage ragu and Parmesan. Or the photo below of Almond Tortellini with white truffle butter and Parmesan! There were ZERO leftovers!

March 2022: I did a podcast!

Visit Vegas Places with Coyal

Las Vegas learns about wine 101 with Eve Bushman, owner of Eve’s Wine 101

Las Vegas takes classes from Eve Bushman, owner of Eve’s Wine 101. Eve Bushman is an American Wine Specialist. Eve talks about her website which is stocked with great wine columns and current wine events held locally. Eve educates beginners and intermediate wine fans in understanding the wine industry. You can also check out Eve’s book on Amazon titled “Wine Etiquette for Everyone”

Eve Bushman website:
http://evewine101.com/

Support the show (https://cash.app/$visitvegas)

March 2022: Have you tried the oh-so-decadent Pink Box doughnuts? A chain only found in Las Vegas baby! Most are filled and topped with the most amazing flavors, I really have no idea how they come up with so many choices! I went for a lemon filled and Eddie had a Crème Brulée donut. We will definitely be back, as long as we are exercising that day too! (No, neither of us had the POOP donut, but it did give us a giggle!)

March 2022: The Super Pour Lists for the Universal Whisky Experience…

March 2022: It’s Wine and Painting In The Village!

February 2022:

About the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport

“The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) and Made in Nevada (MIN) have collaborated to establish the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport. Offered as a printed or printable digital booklet, this is your guide to a fun, educational and rewarding time exploring Nevada’s finest craft beverage establishments. The passport contains detailed maps to better assist you in planning your visits to participating distilleries, breweries and wineries statewide. Each participating establishment has their own page in the passport, and when you visit one, they will stamp and date their page, some may even have a special incentive for you! A visit to a location counts as one stamp. The more locations you visit, the bigger the prize. Visiting the same location multiple times cannot be redeemed for more than one stamp. Stamps for the 2022 passport can only be collected through Dec. 31, 2022…” Read the rest of the information here.

February 2022:

What I’ve Learned About the Las Vegas Wine, Spirits and Dining Nightlife

There are so many places to eat and drink in Las Vegas that I can safely say that in the first year we’ve lived here we have barely scratched the surface of what is out here. We have been welcomed by new neighbors in Spanish Trail community for wining and dining, from people I only knew on social media that now include us for blind wine tastings in their home or favorite restaurants, and been invited as guests in the Spanish Trail country club for wine dinners and more casual wine flight nights… (Follow this link for the entire article.)

February 2022: How do you like this sign at the Star Piano Cocktail Lounge that reads, “FREE BEER – TOPLESS BARTENDERS – AND FASLE ADVERTISING”??? Then there’s the fake Prince billboard right above it? LOL. The things we see in Las Vegas never cease to entertain us!

FOR February 2022:

Universal Whisky Experience is back and celebrating their 10th year! This is just a tidbit of info:

There are many reasons why aficionados of fine spirits have The Nth 2022 marked on their calendars as an unmissable date, and just as many reasons why guests will be flocking to Wynn Las Vegas from across the globe. Our exclusive High Roller Experience comes with a stunning array of master classes, super pours, gifts, dinners, networking and tasting some of the world’s most expensive new releases of spirits in the world. However, at every Nth Experience the real big draw is the chance to explore what’s on offer from our incredible array of guest vendors and exhibitors, who represent the absolute cream of the crop of the spirits world. As you’d expect from a 10th anniversary celebration, this year’s event has truly gone the extra mile to include representatives from the world’s most prestigious and exciting distilleries.

We’ve invited exhibitors from Scotland, Japan, the USA, France, and even further afield this year, bringing them together for your pleasure right here in Las Vegas. Guests at The Nth 2022 will be able to pick up tips from the masters, peek behind the curtain of some of the world’s greatest producers, and get up-close-and-personal with some absolute wonders from their archives and cellars. From The Dalmore to Bowmore, Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich, and from The Macallan to Michters and countless others in between, it’s a deep dive into the greatest names and hidden treasures of the industry. (Click here to read more)

January 2022: Have you got a favorite neighborhood bar? I have to say we hadn’t looked for one in Vegas but kept our eye on one. It was across the street from Spanish Trail, no gaming, no smoking, with a craft beer and cocktail menu and food of course! We finally went into 595 Craft And Kitchen on Rainbow and Tropicana and were thrilled! I tried the “Queen Bee” cocktail made with gin, ginger, honey and chartreuse while Eddie tried a couple of their Pilsner beers on tap. For munchies we had their extremely loaded Garbage Nachos with brisket, pork belly, chicken…while Eddie enjoyed a bowl of Clam Chowder with bacon with garlic bread! Plenty of spaced out seating in the dining area and at the bar.

January 2022: Been to the Whiskey Licker Up Saloon on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas? I have to admit that we’ve tried to get to that balcony bar more than once and this time we got lucky! The view, including the live zip liners, is so cool up there. They also have a rotating bar for us to try next time! Drinks were damn good too! In the Martini glass was a Northern Standard made with Jack Daniels rye, sweet vermouth, Fernet Branca, aromatic bitters and Amaro Montenegro, the other cocktail was an Old Fashioned made with Powers Irish Whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, simple syrup, aromatic bitters and a brandied cherry!

January 2022: What’s your go-to place to eat and people watch on the strip? We love Mon Ami Gabi but this time we just wanted simple food and drink, nothing fancy, but we had to have a view. Our friend referenced Yelp for every place we walked past, and most had pretty low ratings, 2 to 2.5 stars. When we got to the Hard Rock Cafe, which has a second-story balcony viewpoint and a better Yelp review, we went inside for a brief 10-minute wait before settling in for drinks and burgers overlooking the strip. Pretty good, will be back.

January 2022: How much do you want to know about whisky/whiskey? In the latest issue of the 89113 (you need to be a Las Vegas local to get a copy, it’s not online) I tackled a lot of Q and A about this particular brown spirit category, my current favorites, details on the upcoming Universal Whisky Experience, as well as sharing some of my favorite cocktail recipes. If you do have questions feel free to email me: Eve@EveWine101.com

January 2022: “Back in December, a few days before their opening on New Year’s Eve, I shared news about the latest S Bar in the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Unable to attend that first night we rectified our loss by visiting them two weeks later. From the outside in, we were thunderstruck with just how the place looked. Once seated we had our chance to sample as much as we could – the atmosphere, art, drinks, food and music – and were left at the end thinking, this is not the bar for selfies and to be seen, at least not for us. This is the bar of 2022, where all of your senses will be gratified in luxury. Let me share why…” tune into EveWine101.com on January 28 to get your fill!

January 2022: How do you like our new coupe glasses? Snatched up the only set at Crate and Barrel in Summerlin because the rose gold glass would match our quartzite counters so well! They are about six ounces and very delicate. In the freezer now to add the chill for a cocktail…what should we make in them first? If you can email me with the name of a cocktail you’d like to see in this glass, and the recipe if you have it: eve@evewine101.com

December 2021: “S Bar, a concept by visionary Sam Nazarian and sbe’s elevated dining brand Disruptive Restaurant Group, joins the Las Vegas nightlife scene by bringing a sensual and elegant social space to The Strip. Debuting New Year’s Eve, the venue will deliver a craft cocktail experience and lush lounge ambience along with high-energy entertainment to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino guests, local community and visitors from around the globe…” Read the full press release here.

December 2021: Well color me happy, was invited to my first wine event as press in Las Vegas – and it was organized by the Bourgogne Wine Board. For my wine 101ers Bourgogne is the French word for the region of Burgundy, France. This event was led by Bourgogne Wine Ambassador James King, which meant I was destined to learn a few things. And if that wasn’t enough it was over a luncheon at Ada’s Wine Bar, reputed to be one of the best wine bars in Las Vegas…tune into Eve’s Wine 101 this Friday December 17 for the details!

November 2021: Favorite display on the strip? We don’t venture there too often but last time we did we visited the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s new “Deeper Into the Woods” display! Glad we did. The curled up foxes were the best, but we also enjoyed looking at the koi fish, treehouses, fairies, dragonflies, bears, pumpkins and gigantic colorful mushrooms. According to the Bellagio the display “features more than 8,700 pounds of pumpkins and 44 types of flowers, shrubs and trees..”

December 2021: Bought a new wine cooler lately? We have a large Vinotemp cellar but we had to get a new “cooler” for the Vegas house when the non-Vinotemp one we brought up broke down. I learned that Vinotemp’s showroom is in nearby Henderson so we made a trip over there. We looked at a lot of chillers, and though I would be satisfied with anything Vinotemp makes Eddie has more “elevated” opinions! Thank Bacchus he does! Enter the “Private Reserve Series 141-Bottle Backlit Panel Commercial 168 Single-Zone Wine Cooler” that blew us away! If you are into wine coolers with “telescopic” shelves that pull all the way out so you can see every label and don’t have to remove bottles in the front to see the bottles in the back, different colors of LED lighting, a patented back-lit lighting system and more…scroll down for the details on this Private Reserve Series!
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Vinotemp’s Private Reserve Series 141-Bottle wine cooler has innovative features such as telescopic shelves, label forward wine bottle display, interior Backlit™ in three different colors, and LED side lighting to maximize your display capability. This Vinotemp wine refrigerator is front venting with easy installation to build in and fit perfectly in any kitchen or bar area. The commercial style wine cooler is an entertainer’s delight with three different color options to display whatever mood fits. The design forward wine cooler features vibration-damping design to better protect its contents and is engineered for low energy consumption and low noise. Its patented interior Backlit™ panel has three different options – Heliotrope, Amber, and Vinotemp BioBlu™ (which helps reduce the growth of bacteria and mold) – and can be selected at any give time. Adjustable temperature range allows users to select a proper, customized storage and serving temperature for light or darker wines. Sturdy, stylish patented label forward VinBo™ Racks cradle bottles so the labels of wine stored are front facing while the racks glide and extend forward adding to the cooler’s visual appeal and function. A digital LED temperature display makes temperatures easy-to-read and ensures wine is being stored and served at the appropriate temperature.

November 2021: Once again the Drammers Club Las Vegas introduced us to a range of spirits: rye (one from Manhattan!), bourbon (from Nevada!), blended whisky, single malt (one from Ireland and another from India!) and even a Mezcal last night! My favorites were the Frey Ranch and Stellum. Here are founder Charlie Prince’s notes on just those two:

Frey Ranch 4 Grain Bourbon. This farmer husband-and-wife team are taking bourbon to the next level — all the whisky they make uses grains they grow themselves on their generations-old farm just outside Reno, Nevada. Initially conceived as a way to show off the quality of their grains, it has taken on a life of its own, and this is the first single barrel they have allowed outside of the Nevada and California markets (it was selected by our members as a Drammers exclusive bottling). Stellum Single Barrel Rye (Serpens). The new Stellum line from our friends at Barrell Craft Spirits has arrived, and we were proud to select a private barrel of their rye just for our club. At only $59/bottle, it was the easily standout favorite for the price at our event in Charlotte a couple days ago. The “Serpens” name refers to the mashbill (95% rye, 5% malted barley), and of course it is bottled at cask strength.

October 2021: The pretty ambiance of the Good Morning Kitchen and Cocktail Bar in Las Vegas? The fresh chips in the Chilaquiles? The Eggs Benedict? THE PANCAKE TOWER at the end of the video? Yea, I’m totally getting those pancakes next time we visit! It’s a popular place on the weekends for brunch and booze, but mid-week is easier to get in! And about 3 minutes from our house! Next time we are trying the cocktails! I have my eye on the Flowers in The Attic!

Photo from their Facebook page.

October 2021: Went to Oak and Ivy in Downtown Las Vegas, in the Container Park off Fremont Street to be specific, to meet up with fellow scotch lovers Erik – aka @Scotchy_Scotch_Scotch – and Chuy that man the bar and more! They made us some outstanding cocktails: A sidecar for me and a Smoked Old Fashioned for Eddie (video), as well as sampling new-to-me cherrywood bourbon and rye from Sonoma Distilling, meeting Max Solano aka @BarChefProductions and getting a wee bit of his Bardstown Bourbon Discovery Series too!

Photo from their Facebook page.

October 2021: Did you know that the Pancho’s Mexican restaurant in Manhattan Beach has a second location in Summerlin, Nevada? We walked into the Summerlin restaurant and noted how much it looked like the Pancho’s we had been to many times at the beach…even the napkins were the same! We then saw information about the two locations on the menu and asked our waiter about it. He said the man that owned both recently passed away but explained that he had two sons, one living in each area, and that was why he built them in both places. We then sat back and enjoyed the classic Mexican food and drink, and felt very much at home!

October 2021: Have you see the latest Eve Wine 101 article? Well, if you live in Spanish Trail, Las Vegas check your brand new issue of the 89113, that has wine glasses in the cover and the article “Wine 101 in the 89113” on pages 20-21! I introduce myself, my husband Eddie and share some excerpts from my book, Wine Etiquette for Everyone! Stay tuned to the next issue for more!

October 2021: Have you discovered Din Tai Fung inside the Las Vegas Aria Resort? A pal of Eddie’s had been to the one in Glendale and invited us to join her at this location. And it was incredible! One of their dishes, “Xiao Long Bao means ‘little dumpling in a basket.’ These broth-filled dumplings, from the Jiangnan region of China, are steamed in a bamboo basket.”

October 2021:Been to the Petrossian Bar in Bellagio yet? How inviting does this look? It’s close to the Conservatory and the Hotel Lobby. We have never done the menu, though it does look grand, but we do love people watching over our Martinis and listening to the live piano music!

September 2021: Do you follow a favorite chef when he leaves one place to create his own place? Our friends from @StreetSommVegas do, and lucky us, they took us along to sample an amazing special menu from the new Aromi in Summerlin by Chef German Castellanos. Take a look at the dishes we had, and the wine we brought in, for your taste! Starts with the most amazing fish – including this one on their lunch menu, “Tonno | Citrus Flavored, Lightly Spicy Tuna Tartare with Green Olives Tapenade, Shallots and Agrumato”, then perfectly grilled prawns with squid ink, White Rabbit Ragout Pappardelle, Quail over Risotto, Buffalo filet and then a sampling of amazing desserts!

September 2021: Who here loves Indian food or would like to try it? How about a restaurant that has a new menu, new owners, fresh Halal dietary standards, and only 2.5 miles from the Las Vegas strip so you’re not paying strip prices? If you are unfamiliar with Indian food I will tell you this: it’s NOT spicy but instead incorporates dozens of interesting spices. Check out our photos of their: Mint Lemonade, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Karahi, Biryani rice with a hard boiled egg, butter and garlic Naan breads, Rava Masal Dosa and Mango Lassi! We learned that this particular Dosa is a cream of wheat and lentil crepe filled with potatoes, onions and chilies, served with sambhar and coconut chutney! All so delish! If you want to know more about these dishes just look at their website for the full tasty menu! Al Madini Halal Family Restaurant is on Desert Inn and Decatur. Open for lunch and dinner and they deliver too! Address: 4860 W Desert Inn Rd suite # 9, Las Vegas, NV 89102, Call # 702-268-7425.

September 2021: Ever dined in a country club? A friend with a “social club” membership invited us to the Spanish Trail Country Club for their “Friday Night Flights” where we got to sample some of the red wines from their wine list and a nice cheese and charcuterie board, each only $10. We saw lots of our neighbors and fellow pickleball players also there enjoying the drinks, food and live music. Then, to test the bar a bit we finished off the evening later with Martinis that were absolutely perfect and also well priced! Should we join the social club? Time will tell, maybe by the time our Vegas remodel is done!

September 2021:Would you believe that in all of my adult years I’ve never had a Lemondrop Martini? Something about the simple syrup, Triple Sec, and the sugar rim just sounded too sweet to me. I prefer to taste my booze! LOL! Anyway, one of our new friends in Las Vegas had us over for dinner – remember we have no kitchen right now as ours is being remodeled -and surprised us with these cocktails as soon as we walked in. She had used lots of hand-squeezed fresh lemons, vodka, Triple Sec and some simple syrup. Her sugar rim is orange colored, but rest assured, it was all sugar. So guess what? We liked them! It was a very refreshing aperitif that I just might have to make myself someday! (Note on the food: she also handmade a Parmesan and cream cheese roll with toasted pecans! So good!)

September 2021: Too much for a week night? That was the text I sent one of the friends I was meeting for a wine dinner in Vegas. My thoughts then reminded me – this was Vegas baby, where anything goes! 💃💃 And a couple more: less frump is my new thing and, according to LinkedIn, “When it comes to being overdressed or underdressed, the answer is – always, always overdress!” What say you?

September 2021: How about a Negroni? With a side of Geese! LOL. Once again I find myself in the most surprising circumstances. I had to make cocktails in our wet bar – only “wet” due to a little sink and there is no fridge nearby. The fridge, a temporary rented one for us to use during the construction, is down the hall where we have the most room! So it takes me like 20 minutes to make cocktails, a Martini for him and this Negroni for me. Then when I finally sit down with mine (made with rinsed ice from his shaker because I just wanted to be done) and I’m rewarded with this view! My life is so weird!

August 2021: How about some killer Italian food and a blind wine tasting? That was my night, along with over a dozen other wine friends, and it was incredible. Thanks to the chefs and staff from Milano Restaurant and Bar for taking such good care of us! And to Steve and Vashti Roebuck for including us!

August 2021: Been to any of the Eataly locations lately? The one at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas had many areas re-opened the last time we visited! I saw one of their employees making up multiple cheese and charcuterie plates, that you design yourself, with over 100 different salami (aka salumi) choices!

August 2021: Who orders the Lasagna when it’s the special of the week? We do! But, since we had this at D’Agostino’s you know we had to split the mammoth slice! SO GOOD! Nothing better than treating yourself with a restaurant’s special, right?

August 2021: So much to see, learn and taste at yesterday’s Pizza Expo! From these photo grids you can see some of our favorites that included @Dole.Fruits for pineapple on pizza, @Nutella for dessert, @EauGalleCheese is very savory, @VeroCoffeeGelato for something cool after pizza, @BelGioiosoCheese has always been a favorite of mine, @TomateSanMarzano tastes so fresh I can’t believe it’s canned tomatoes, @TuranoBread is yum-worthy, @KillerBrownie looked amazing, @BillsLemonade really is awesome on the rocks or frozen, @PeroniUSA was a popular booth serving beer, @FireWithinPizza ovens were really cool looking, @MelindasFoods had incredible hot sauces for pizza, and @OoniHQ Pizza Ovens for perfect pizza at home!

August 2021: Have you made Frose yet? It’s a frozen rose wine concoction, quite refreshing, and I just made it for the first time. Watch the video to see the yumminess and go to EveWine101DotCom today for the details and full recipe! Thanks to the original Wine of The Month Club for the recipe and inspiration!

July 2021: Remember my post about the funny Red Solo Cup brand Martini glasses? At the Beer Park in Las Vegas we were surprised when our drinks came in these cups! We made fun of them, and then ended up ordering some for drinks at the pool. Finally had a chance to bring them out and they worked perfectly, insulated just like the red cups everyone uses for parties! What do you think of them?

July 2021: What’s your favorite cocktail to pair with scorching hot weather? This time it was a gin Martini for me with 2 ounces of Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice, 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc, shaken and drained into a chilled coupe, orange peel garnish. So refreshing and light!

July 2021: Missing Cassandra Brown, fellow wine judge, at the first Las Vegas Global Wine Awards June 2018. Photo: David Glancy, San Francisco Wine School. Judges pictured: Me, David, Stacie Hunt, Roger Bomrich and Cassandra Brown. RIP @thechocolategrape

August 2021:  Joined any new groups lately? We joined a new whisky club in Vegas! These are members of the @drammersclub LV chapter, including members of the @lasvegaswhiskeydrinkers = twice the fun! 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 (Eddie was there too but got cut off in this photo.) Posted @withregram • @lasvegaswhiskeydrinkers Thank you @vegasdrams for the invite to the @drammersclub get together tonight! Had a great time and can’t wait to do it again.

July 2021: When was the last time you enjoyed a perfectly nice red wine outdoors, slightly chilled, paired with a couple of your favorites cheeses? Today’s a good day for it as it’s #NationalWineAndCheeseDay !!! We purchased this 2015 Bordeaux Blend from Derby Wines just before the shut-down, and I’m hoping it wasn’t the last in our cellar!

The cheeses were also a true find as I hadn’t seen them in months: the one with the red and black wax is the Challenger IPA, a creamy aged English Cheddar infused with the hoppy IPA, from Somerdale, which we found at Smith’s. And the speckled one is the New Woman, a savory cheese from Beecher’s made with Caribbean jerk spices, found at Smith’s and Ralph’s. We added in some salami, nuts and fruit and it was just the perfect dinner for a summer night!

July 2021:Do I look happy or what? LOL! Surprised to find that our new fave Las Vegas sushi bar – Sapporo Sushi, Spring Mountain location – also has a full bar, and an experienced bartender that makes a damn fine gin or vodka Martini! So refreshing with sushi! 

July 2021: So what exactly did we have at the new hidden Speakeasy in Resorts World, aka the Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den? Our stunning waitress took great care of us, for one. From “The Cat’s Meow” Menu we ordered an Old Fashioned for Eddie, while I sampled their “Awana Skyway” made with Empress 1908 gin, Italicus (an Italian liqueur made with rose petals), Butterfly Pea Flower (for color I believe), lemon and egg white. The menu called for Beefeater gin but the bartender swapped it out for Empress and it was oh so tasty! Hope to have it again!

July 2021: Who loves Wally’s Wine in Westwood or Beverly Hills? How about a new location…in Las Vegas? Eddie and I took a brief tour of the new Resorts World on the strip, a hotel that boasts dozens of food options and three different hotels in one, and also a Wally’s Wine?!?!?!? We walked past the diners on the promenade-facing patios, the open kitchen, the gourmet cheese and charcuterie shop and took a gander at the amazingly tall shelves filled with wine and spirits! Found our fave @codigo1530 Tequila! Eddie even got into the temperature controlled cellar for a good look at some very nice wines. And Wally’s President Christian Navarro was also there! The lunch menu was reasonably priced and we look forward to coming back!

July 2021: Have you ever taken a sample from a vendor’s table, realized it’s not a sample, put it back and then let the vendor know what you did? Yea, what happens at the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas doesn’t stay there! It was ME that gave them a big laugh! More importantly, who wouldn’t want everything at this table from the Tipsy Chics? Love the magnetic wine charms, bedazzled tumblers and blingy bracelet flasks! Find their goodies online – that’s what I’m going to do! TipsyChicsDotCom says, “When a Fun Gift Counts – We are Classy, Sassy & a Little Smart Assey!

June 2021: Have you been to the Peppermill on the north end of The Strip? Been getting ideas from social media, pals and even Yelp for places to check out in Las Vegas. Though the restaurant had a long wait we were able to walk right through and into the Fireside Lounge. After looking around we could choose from bar, fireside or booth seating, and two lovely ladies helped to answer questions, and of course, show us the menus. It was a blast from the past indeed, and now have another fun spot to add to our list of places to take visiting pals to! This is how they describe themselves on Instagram, “As Vegas as Vegas gets. Coffee shop and home to the Fireside Lounge since 1972”

June 2021: Can I make your mouth water a bit? We finally had our first dinner in the Spanish Trail Country Club Bar and Grill! It was Executive Chef Anthony Taormina’s last meal – he’s now off to open 3 restaurants in Mandalay Bay – and it was this multi-course wine pairing with Frank Family Vineyards! If you love sparkling, Chard, Zin, Pinot, Cab and/or late harvest Chard from Napa’s family-owned and historic winery Frank Family check out what we had with it all! And special shout out to Brand Ambassador Kelly Kerrigan for hosting a stellar evening!

May 2021: When was the last time you visited a new-to-you bar that happens to be very old? We took a slight side trip on our way into Las Vegas, about ten minutes off the 15, and discovered “Pioneer Saloon Goodsprings NV. Historic 107 year old #Saloon just outside of #lasvegas in #Goodsprings NV! Featured in tv shows, films and in a popular video game! ph. 702 874-9362.” They have a LOT of history plastered all over their walls (including the saloon being the spot Clark Gable drowned his sorrows after confirming the death of Carole Lombard) fresh beers on tap we took advantage of, wildlife (we found a cat) and dozens of barrels filled with Moonshine! We learned that people purchase the barrels and once the Moonshine runs out they can fill with whatever booze they like. Unfortunately for us, no one was there unlocking their barrel for a taste! Maybe next time!

May 2021: When was the last time a restaurant’s social media made you go that very same day to try them out? Watching a video of how Frijoles and Frescas makes a giant Shrimp Cocktail did it for me! The menu doesn’t say what’s in it but there are tons of large shrimp, avocado, cilantro, tomato and maybe some mango or cucumber…then it’s filled with a slightly sweet tomato juice mix that is to die for! Served with chips, saltines and a lime! I couldn’t finish it! And I also got a yum-worthy Watermelon Agua Fresca to go! Both were so refreshing, perfect for a warm day in LA Vegas!

May 2021: Anybody been to the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas, or at least the Speakeasy, aka the “Underground” below? Friends visiting from Florida treated us to tickets for the museum, including two additional “interactive” experiences. It was a lot of information, many via artifacts, not just on mob bosses in Las Vegas but all over the U.S. The interactive experience of interest most to me was time in their working distillery, hearing about bootleggers and then sampling Moonshine straight, flavored with cinnamon and a final one with jalapeño and ginger! What fun! We entered the underground speakeasy just as they were prepping for an event so we will have to return to have a drink there! From their Instagram accounts: The Mob Museum is A world-class destination and non-profit Museum in Las Vegas dedicated to the thrilling story of organized crime and law enforcement. And the Underground is: Surrounded by artifacts from the 1920s, experience the Prohibition-era through our speakeasy and distillery.

March 2021: Happy National Cocktail Day from The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas! This is a must visit spot, with reservations, for your Tiki drink fix! We went for the Happy Hour and started with Dole Whip with dark rum (OMG so yummy!) a Mai Tai and then tried their Tiki Mule! You must check out their menu, everything can be ordered with extra shots or lit on fire! Service was great and the entire atmosphere was amazing!

November 2020: We just had the best time celebrating Eddie’s birthday last weekend in Las Vegas. A few of our friends just happened to be in Vegas at the same time so we got to show off the house and get their opinions. We celebrated at D’Agostinos Trattoria of course! They take such good care of us! To see pics of the food stay tuned to @TamarHouse on Facebook as many of the dishes – the antipasto, cheesy garlic bread and Chicken Marsala – I’ve already shared pics of! Just have pics of the killer Wine Spectator wine of the year 2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia we brought, and some of the desserts! The wine was perfect, as was the homemade gelato and cheesecake! The owners and staff presented Eddie with a birthday card and gift card too! It really was the most perfect end to a perfect Vegas day!

February 2021: Does anyone remember Happy Hour? It sure has changed. In Las Vegas they do allow indoor dining, but cap it at 25% and no more than 4 at a table. We like having a booth at Hearthstone as they have plexiglass between each one. We would love to sit at their bar someday, with other human beings, but at least we have options while we stay healthy! This time we enjoyed a cocktail new to their Happy Hour bar menu, the Sidecar: Remy Martin Cognac + Cointreau + Lemon Juice + Orange Blossom Water Spritz + a sugar rim! For food (after a dozen of the $1 freshly shucked oysters – not pictured – they feature every Wednesday) we enjoyed Pork and Beef Meatballs, Bacon Wrapped Dates with Chorizo and a Spicy Pepperoni Pizza!

February 2021: Check out these pics and one video for a taste from…”Las Vegas Valley’s first Winery! Come in for a tasting and Nevada-made wine by the glass. Reservations REQUIRED.” And with that, we finally visited the very cool winery tasting room aptly named “Vegas Valley Winery” in Henderson. We learned a lot about the place – and more – as we sampled wines made from CA grapes, took home a few bottles, and checked into making our own barrel of wine with a group! Shout out to staffer “Fireman Steve” who took great care of us and made my firefighter feel right at home!

January 2021: What great Texas style BBQ, sides and wine have you had lately? Ed was craving BBQ during our last trip to Vegas. I went to the Vegas Foodie Group and Yelp for suggestions and this one came up in both places: Big B’s Texas BBQ. We had two plates, one meat and two sides included in each. I think we spent about $20 total and had tons to take home: Brisket, tri tip, mac n cheese, green beans, baked beans, creamed corn and corned bread that had a bit of cinnamon made for the perfect dessert. We brought one of Mitch Cosentino’s wines, aka the PureCru label, a super tasty 2013 CFM blend of Cab Franc and Merlot that paired perfectly with our food. No corkage fee (we brought a corkscrew) and they gave us plastic cups = fine for us! (This is the Fort Apache location. Those not in Vegas: Yes, the have dining indoors but super spaced out. We ate at a large picnic table alone and far from other diners.) Winos that want to know more about the wine, these are Mitch’s tasting notes: Cedar-cigar box notes aromatically right up front with hints of classic sweet clove from the Franc and a deep rose. On the palate the clove, cedar mingles with black fruits and a touch of pepper to form a complex spicy wine with a Bordeaux like minerality accented by currants, pomegranate and black plum. Complex and full bodied, yet bright with big shoulders and a long finish.

December 2020:We were looking for a nice filet under $40 in Vegas last week, and the Las Vegas Foodie group on Facebook had some amazing suggestions! One of which was Echo and Rig in Summerlin’s lovely Tivoli Village. We started with their Smoked Bacon Bourbon Manhattan and a Negroni, and then we split a classic Caesar salad. For entrees we had the “Bavette” described on the menu as “SRF American Kobe One of Europe’s most popular cuts” with creamed horseradish and Filet Mignon with Béarnaise sauce. As their steaks are all “served with homemade garlic chips and mushroom Rockefeller” we didn’t need dessert! All so good and we’ll definitely be back for more!

October 2020: Which would you go for? During a recent trip to Las Vegas and we hit up 3 really yummy places off the strip! A lot less money, and really good. The video is at The Magic Noodle where they, clearly, make their own noodles. We had a Chinese Burrito with the yummiest sauce and the House Special with everything. Next we tried Brooklyn’s Best Pizza and since my Italian Mama is from Brooklyn, and we often went when we were kids to visit, I can tell you this was the real deal. Enjoyed Pepperoni, Meat Lovers and Grandma’s Pie with cheese, tomato sauce, traditional pepperoni on top and spices. Then to top it off, another night we got some delish pasta – my favorite is Carbonara – and Chicken Parmesan at D’Agostino’s Trattoria.

April 2020: More news for the Nth, aka the Universal Whisky Experience, that’s coming up fast this April 23-24! Now we have the Super Pour list for the Friday night High Roller Lounge: 1. Dalmore 25YO. 2. Dalmore 35YO. 3. Glenfiddich 30YO. 4. Balvenie 21YO. 5. Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute. 6. Scape 29YO. 7. Aberlour 39YO. 8. G and M Private Collection – Mortlach 1954. 9. Benromach 45YO. 10. Hardy Cognac Hiver (Winter). 11. Dewars 25YO. 12. Dewars Double Double. 13. Glenturrett 30YO. 14. Glenfiddich Grand Cru. And the Super Pours for the Whisky Speed Date Dinner on Saturday: 1. Balvenie Tun 1509 batch 7. 2. Dalmore 30YO. 3. Benromach 40YO. 4. Aultmore 21YO. 5. Glenlivet 38YO. 6. Dewars Double Double.

March 2020: Happy National Cocktail Day from The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas! This is a must visit spot, with reservations, for your Tiki drink fix! We went for the Happy Hour and started with Dole Whip with dark rum (OMG so yummy!) a Mai Tai and then tried their Tiki Mule! You must check out their menu, everything can be ordered with extra shots or lit on fire! Service was great and the entire atmosphere was amazing!

March 2020: What’s in YOUR glass today? Hubby likes his Sazerac, in an iced coupe glass, against the backdrop of the sun just about to set on the golf course…and it’s almost 7pm here! ONE reason to tolerate Daylight Savings right? For the Sazerac, build in a shaker with ice: 2 ounces rye whiskey (husband prefers Bulleit), 3 dashes bitters, 1 teaspoon simple syrup, stir or shake. Grab an iced Coupe glass from your freezer (we keep a couple of Coupe and Martini glasses there), and pour about a tablespoon of Absinthe in to coat the empty glass. We like that flavor so I tend to make sure the entire inside of the Coupe is coated, then discard the Absinthe. Pour your cocktail into the coupe!

March 2020:Do you feel like a kid in a candy store, when you stop for junk food during a road trip? I do! When on the way to or from Las Vegas, and you see the giant milkshake from Interstate 15, it just calls you to get off right there in Yermo, CA! This little sign inside the huge Eddie World store got my attention too. The place is filled with sweet and salty treats, and you know once you have one you crave the other right? So cheers to having it all like a kid on a road trip!