Eating Las Vegas

Here’s the latest from There’s a Newf in My SoupI I just returned from a Girly Weekend in Las Vegas, reconnecting with some girly friends and celebrating Susan’s Birthday. What an amazing place! Of course, it’s even more amazing when you know people who know people… Six Coronado women were treated to a weekend of luxury in a stunning 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite at Hotel 32, located on the top floor of the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino. We felt like princesses in our beautifully furnished suite. My favorite amenities included soothing bubble baths in the hydrotherapy soaking tub, long showers with overhead panels that produce a gentle rainfall, gourmet chocolates on my pillow each night…

…and the private Lounge32, which offered evening wine, cocktails, and hors d’œuvres…

After arriving Friday afternoon, and relaxing in our suite with a few cocktails and hors d’œuvres, we then dressed for an evening on the town. Three of us boarded the convenient Monte Carlo-Bellagio Monorail to the Bellagio for Cirque du Soleil’s “O”, an aquatic masterpiece of surrealism and theatrical romance. This was my first Cirque du Soleil experience and it was amazing! Following the show, we set off to MGM Grand for a little gambling and our VIP table at Studio 54, one of Las Vegas’ hottest nightclubs. Not really my scene, but very entertaining people-watching. I was the first to retire to the suite, shortly past 2, with plans to get up early and venture out on my own. I was up early and ready to explore. Since I had already donated enough of my hard-earned cash to the slots and tables, I made the decision to spend my money in some of incredible restaurants that have opened since my last visit.

I commenced my culinary journey with brunch at Bouchon. I sat at the French pewter bar, snapped a few photos, chatted with some of the waiters, and savored every bite of the signature Chicken and Waffles…roasted chicken alongside savory bacon and chive waffles, accompanied by Tahitian vanilla bean butter, syrup and Chasseur sauce.

When we arrived at our table, we were pleasantly surprised to find two bottles of Silver Oak Cabernet waiting. Shortly thereafter, the Trio of Duck Fat Fries arrived, including the most amazing truffle oil fries with truffle aioli, clearly the favorite out of the three.

For my entrée, I wavered between the Prime Short Rib with Celariac-Horseradish Puree and Glazed Mirepoix, or one of the steaks. Based on our waiter’s recommendation, I chose the 8 oz. American Kobe Rib Cap. It was the most incredible piece of meat I’ve ever tasted. As a vegetable side, I shared the Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Lardon.

Some of the other dishes gracing our table included…

On Sunday, some of our group flew back to San Diego. Four of us packed our bags and moved over to Caesars Palace, to stay another night and watch the Chargers…lose to the Jets. Although the game was disappointing for Charger fans, I was happy to take a break and slip in at Mesa Grill’s bar for a late brunch. I love Bobby Flay and wanted to try one of his signature dishes. I went with the Spicy Chicken & Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs and Green Chile Hollandaise. This dish was so wonderful; I can’t wait to recreate it at home!

The two Italians in the group immediately voted on Rao’s for dinner. I was familiar with Rao’s after the recent Feast of the Seven Fishes Throwdown between Bobby Flay and the Pellegrino family of Rao’s. I ordered Linguine al Vongole Marechiara, New Zealand Cockle Clams Sauteed with Garlic, White Wine and Parsley, topped with a touch of Tomatoes and Spice, and served over linguine.

And Pammy ordered Le Polpette di Rao’s, Traditional Rao’s Meatballs served in Tomato Sauce. These were the size of baseballs and oh so heavenly (sorry, no photo). For dessert, we shared Profiteroles with Gelato and Chocolate Sauce, and Cannoli

Thank you, Susan, for including me in your special birthday celebration, and thank you to all of my girls for an awesome weekend!