Sinfully Delicious Summertime Cocktails, Las Vegas Style. (Courtesy of MGM Grand Resorts International)

This summer, the pools at MGM Resorts International properties are offering thirst-quenching libations that are anything but ordinary. Edible alcohol-infused fruit cocktails, exotic mojitos, twisted lemonades and low-calorie concoctions deliver tasty ways to combat the desert heat. Everyone deserves an escape from the mundane routines that we all get stuck in, whether it be handling business to get the bills paid or the taxing responsibilities that come with being a parent or caring for a loved one. 

What better way to take your mind off all of the stresses being thrown your way than to relax poolside in Las Vegas sipping on some of the finest cocktails to ever be poured on the face of this planet? Read along to see who is pouring what and where you need to be as the Summer heat begins to become unbearable.

Exquisite Edibles

Edible libations break the boundaries to quench thirst and calm hunger during the hottest summer days. 

Available at Bellagio’s Cypress pool, the Doriae is equal parts cocktail and snack. Fresh watermelon slices vacuum-sealed with Tanteo jalapeño tequila, raspberry syrup and lime juice are presented with a martini glass full of the sweet and spicy mixture. Guests may dip their fruit in the cocktail for an extra burst of flavor or sip the libation as an accompaniment to the infused watermelon slices.

Snow cones are all grown up at Bellagio’s pool with offerings like Simple Cherry, which is crafted with Skyy cherry vodka, cherry syrup and house-made salted caramel sauce. Guests can grab a spoon and escape the heat with this intoxicating blend.

(For more Cocktails & Photos, click Read More)

Chase Encounters, Las Vegas Uncork'd 2013 - $20,000 Scholarship Challenge

LAS VEGAS – Chase Sapphire Preferred®, a premier travel rewards card from Chase, in partnership with Bon Appétit hosted the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge, on Saturday, May 11, during Bellagio’s Block Party at the seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. Renowned chefs Akira Back and Todd English partnered with two local Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute students, Andrew Merfalen and Todd Huelsman, respectively, to re-imagine a classic French dish during a live grilling competition.

Todd English and Todd Huelsman were named grill challenge champions after stunning the judges with a show-stopping dish featuring a rich foie gras mousse paired with chicken payard, topped with panko asparagus and finished with a demi-glace. Todd Huelsman was awarded a $20,000 scholarship, presented by Chase Sapphire Preferred, to help fund his culinary education at the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute. An additional $5,000 was presented to runner-up Andrew Merfalen.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with acclaimed chef Todd English at such a prestigious food festival” said Todd Huelsman. “The generous $20,000 donation from Chase Sapphire Preferred is truly life changing and will allow me to further my culinary education as I strive to be as successful as the world-class chefs at the event.”

The two students from the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute were selected for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve as sous-chefs for Akira Back, Executive Chef of Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at Bellagio, and Todd English, Chef at Olives at Bellagio, through a Vine video and essay competition presented by Bon Appétit and the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute.

“It is an honor to be involved in the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge and work with rising culinary talent from Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu,” said Akira Back. “I had fun working side-by-side with Andrew building our dish and battling Team English.”

Bon Appétit restaurant and spirits editor, Andrew Knowlton, emceed the event. The judging panel included Denise Valdez, KLAS-TV anchor and 8 News NOW personality, alongside Bon Appétit, Editor-in-Chief, Adam Rapoport, and a lucky Chase Sapphire cardholder. 

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge was the highlight of the weekend, the celebrity chefs and Le Cordon Bleu students not only brought their culinary expertise, but also their competitive edge to the event,” said Sean O’Reilly, general manager, JP Morgan Chase. “We know how important it is to support the next generation of chef talent, and by providing scholarships funds we are furthering these students’ culinary dreams.” 

The seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by presented by Bon Appétit and Las Vegas, in partnership with Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and Chase Sapphire Preferred ran May 9-12. The food festival featured chefs including Akira Back, Todd English, Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay, Michel Richard and Joël Robuchon.

As a presenting sponsor of Vegas Uncork’d, Chase Sapphire Preferred offered cardholders the ability to redeem credit card rewards points or purchase tickets to select Vegas Uncork’d events – and enjoy exclusive perks, such as a VIP lounge at the Grand Tasting and a private brunch featuring cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Julian Serrano of Picasso at Bellagio. About Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit

Strip House at Planet Hollywood: A Steak House & Bar Worthy of Vegas Sized Accolades

Nothing is wrong with eating, drinking and enjoying the fruits of your hard labor. Celebrating a noteworthy highlight in life is sometimes all that you need to put you on the right course of action. Sometimes eating at an establishment you really love can be a double-edged sword. Having so many things on the menu that you truly wouldn't mind indulging yourself with can leave you feeling as if you’re in dire need of a nap, which may ruin the remainder of the evening for all parties involved.

Hence why it is sometimes imperative to take a different approach to dining at many of the latest and greatest restaurants that can be found just about everywhere you look. True, in a large number of restaurants frequented by the masses the more is more approach is appreciated. With many Chefs reaching deep into their culinary bag of tricks, sometimes the over abundance of combining great flavors can become too much to handle for anyone looking to continue on with their evening after eating. 

Las Vegas Uncork'd 2013: Grand Tasting @ The Garden of The Gods Oasis Pool, Caesar's Palace (Photos)

This years Las Vegas Uncork’d 2013, was something to behold. It isn’t often you can attend a multitude of parties designed to indulge ones gastronomic desires all while rubbing elbows with the most celebrated names in the culinary world. We were able to catch a few great photos and snack on an assortment of feats directly from the minds that control the most sought after kitchens around the globe. Although bon appetite magazine presented the entire affair, a myriad of public relation firms, hotel marketing teams and many other companies helped to make all of these wonderful events achieve the results everyone was anticipating.

Hitting up the Grand Tasting at the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace we were amongst the mob of people looking to get their hands on freshly prepared canapés from the likes of Chuys Tacos, Gordon Ramsay Steak, Hypnotiq, Don Q Rum, Aureole, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak and many more. It was interesting to see everyone’s approach to eating so much food in such a tight space, being that everyone was so elegantly dressed. With Chefs like Morimoto, Boon, Colicchio and Ramsay walking amongst the crowd it was truly a foodies dream to be able to shake hands, show some love and enjoy a great cocktail in this atmosphere.

Finding Heaven in the City of Sin: Ferraro's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, Las Vegas

Moments shared over an astounding meal seem to provide memories that can last a lifetime. First dates much like a perfectly prepared meal should be savored, flowing smoothly from start to finish without any distractions. A first date or an important business meeting can quickly turn sour, should some unscrupulous food make its way into the mix. Be honest with yourself, not too many things can compare to sitting in an intimate location, looking into the eyes of someone you find yourself hopelessly falling for, eating bite after delicious bite of handmade old-world gourmet faire.

World renowned for its never ending, over the top excesses in all categories of life, the Las Vegas Strip draws foodies, thrill seekers, gamblers and lovers in by the millions annually.  And what better way to keep your guests stuck at the gambling tables than by stuffing them with delicacies created by big name celebrity Chefs? The problem with many of the new eateries helmed by these über Chefs becomes not only getting a reservation but, eating creations that resemble outer space creatures instead of delicious food. Not to say pushing the culinary envelope isn’t needed in this day and age, we strongly believe that taking things to the next level will help elevate everyone’s palates. But what about those nights when you want a dish that was created a few hundred years ago and can only be found in select regions further away than you’re willing to travel? In steps a place like Ferraro’s, an Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar that hands down has everyone beat on the strip when it comes to dishing out authentic Italian cuisine.

35 Days & Counting until bon appetite presents... Vegas Uncork'd 2013

Make sure you have your tickets, this is one weeks worth of events you wont want to miss. 

Vegas Uncork'd 2013 Chef Spotlight: Chef Ho Chee Boon

International Development Chef Ho Chee Boon is a Michelin-starred chef with 24 years of experience at several of the world’s most renowned Asian restaurants, including Hakkasan Hanway Place in London, Turandot in Moscow, and Breeeze in Bangkok. Boon has been with Hakkasan since its inception and was the chef behind the original Michelin-starred location in London. His international culinary expertise transforms any restaurant and its cuisine into a true epicurean experience.

Boon presents a unique take on modern Chinese featuring dishes he specifically designs for each Hakkasan restaurant, sitting alongside their signature classics. His traditional techniques combined with fresh ingredients from local purveyors produce contemporary dishes with the essence of traditional Cantonese cuisine. With just 40 days and a few hours until the kick-off party at Hakkasan, there is still time to get your tickets and reserve your place at an event loaded with great food, incredibly original libations and celebrities from all walks of life. 

For more info check out: Vegas Uncork’d 2013

The Countdown to Vegas Uncork'd by bon appetit

With only 45 days until a multitude of the most innovative forces in the culinary world unite in the desert to throw a months worth of celebrity filled, awe inspiring parties in just under 72 hours, the question remains, will you be there? 

Vegas Uncork’d by bon appétit, will be celebrating its 7^th anniversary this year with a few dozen jaw dropping, stomach growl creating affairs that will without a doubt will be bigger, bolder and more extravagant than all of the years passed, combined. When the biggest names in the hotel & food industry come together to honor the greatest Chef’s & Sommeliers in the Nation, it truly can be touted as a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only experience their culinary feats, but to also get a chance to strike up a conversation with them in person.

On hand will be some of the biggest names from Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay, Alan Ducasse, Ho Chee Boon, Michael Mina, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay, Michael Richard, Joel Robuchon & many more. Backing the event to ensure a great that each fete is better than the last are bon appétit, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada and more. Combining the honorees with the incredibly famous celebrity attendees this event draws year after year helps you to realize why this coveted event sells out fast.

For a complete listing of the events taking place or for more info on how to get tickets, click Read More.

Cooking Up Some Fun w/ Benihana

AVAILABLE NOW through AUGUST 31st Hibachi Steak and Chicken for Two Only $45 Share two hibachi steak and chicken entrées, served with Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, mushrooms, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea. The Chef's Table birthday certificate is not applicable to the monthly Chef's Special. Not available in Little Rock, Hawaii and some International locations. Click here to find a location near you.

SEAFOOD DIABLO ONLY $20 Enjoy sea scallops, calamari, shrimp, assorted vegetables and Japanese udon noodles grilled in a homemade spicy sauce, served with Benihana onion soup, Benihana salad, hibachi shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, homemade dipping sauces, steamed rice and Japanese hot green tea. The Chef's Table birthday certificate is not applicable to the monthly Chef's Special. Not available in Little Rock, Hawaii and some International locations. Click here to find a location near you.

ADD YOUR KABUKI KIDS TO YOUR ACCOUNT Update your account and preferences today and add your children ages 12 and under.

SHARE THE FOOD, SHARE THE FUN, SHARE THE EXPERIENCE Looking for a great gift idea? Benihana gift cards are available online and in-store.

AUGUST IS HOT WITH NINE NEW LOUNGE ITEMS  If you haven't dined in our Sushi Bar or Lounge you're missing out on trying nine new delicious items*! Try our new Volcano Shrimp or Chili Shrimp Roll for a little heat or enjoy our refreshing Sashimi Cucumber Roll, Chili Ponzu Yellowtail or Sashimi Ceviche. *Lounge Menu items not available in all Benihana locations.

SPECTACULAR SUSHI Treat yourself to our delicious sushi and enjoy a variety of specialty rolls, hand rolls and sashimi. Benihana sushi is the perfect lunch, dinner or post-work pick-me-up.

EXCLUSIVE LAS VEGAS OFFERS FOR MEMBERS OF THE CHEF'S TABLE The LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is pleased to offer members of The Chef's Table an exclusive hotel and dinner package available now through August 31, 2012. For only $45* per person, per night, members will receive a one night stay, a delicious four-course meal at Benihana, sake tasting and traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Learn more and make your reservation.  Members of The Chef's Table can also plan a dream wedding at LVH - The Las Vegas Hotel & Casino's Benihana Village, where beauty and tradition mingle amidst a lush Japanese garden. Packages start at just $49* per person and will create a one-of-a kind experience with memories to last a lifetime.

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas to Open Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

LAS VEGAS (July 25, 2012) – Caesars Palace is pleased to announce internationally renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay will expand on his relationship with Caesars Entertainment and open his second Las Vegas restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, in late 2012.  The new contemporary yet casual restaurant and bar will serve lunch and dinner and will be located in the heart of the resort adjacent to the premiere entertainment venue, The Colosseum, replacing Bradley Ogden restaurant. 

Michelin Star Chef Gordon Ramsay, known not only for his superior cuisine, but also his popular TV personality on the FOX Network programs “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Master Chef” and “Kitchen Nightmares,” has emerged on the Las Vegas culinary scene with rave reviews at the newly opened Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will provide his fans another outlet to enjoy the chef’s award-winning skills in a lively and approachable English pub-style setting, offering the finest casual food utilizing the freshest ingredients.

“Like many others, I’ve followed the accomplishments of Chef Gordon Ramsay for years at both his restaurants and on TV, and I am honored to welcome him into the Caesars Palace family of acclaimed chefs,” says Gary Selesner, Caesars Palace regional president. “With its prime location near the Forum Shops and across from The Colosseum, convenient parking for locals, and menu of familiar and
casual food, presented in a style fitting of Ramsay’s unique flair for cuisine, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will be a lively new restaurant concept to offer our Caesars Palace guests.”

The menu at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will be comprised of items consistent with British pub food—bangers and mash, fish and chips and roasted chicken—as well as some of Ramsay’s favorites like London broil prepared on a wood-burning grill, all part of a rustic menu that will change seasonally. Paying homage to a true pub, the new restaurant will feature a wide selection of craft and microbrews from around the world, offering beer enthusiasts more than 40 beers on tap.

“I am overwhelmed by the support Gordon Ramsay Steak has received by guests and our Caesars Entertainment partners, and I’m excited to now bring some more of my favorite cuisine and an authentic pub experience to Caesars Palace with Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill,” said Ramsay.

EDG Interior Architecture + Design will create a space that is welcoming, high-energy and comfortable utilizing distressed woods with cheeky references to historic and iconic events throughout the space. 

The centerpiece of the space will feature a striking bar with an array of beer taps on display and the backdrop inspired by traditional London red telephone booths. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will take advantage of its location with a patio area extending onto the casino floor where guests can be in the middle of the action.

Kegs will serve as a major part of both the dining experience and the design while pop culture relics from both England and the United States will fill the walls. The 290-seat
restaurant will include an impressive bar, a vintage-style lounge, a series of casual dining rooms and a private dining room, giving guests a variety of culinary experiences to fit any mood.

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas.

Last month in May Gordon Ramsay brought his award winning flair to the current Culinary capital of the world, Las Vegas. With the opening of the brand new Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas, both Chef Ramsay and David Hoenemeyer, president of Paris Las Vegas, have exceedingly high hopes for the restaurant as evidenced by the menu and methods for choosing your drink of choice for the evening. 

Ramsay’s vision for the restaurant is reflected in the dishes on the modern steakhouse menu. Gordon Ramsay Steak showcases prime beef dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days and cuts like the 32-ounce Royal Long-bone Chop for two hand-selected by Pat LaFrieda (of Meat Men fame) as well as delicious mouth watering American Kobe.

Biscayne Steak, Sea & Wine, Brings South Beach To Las Vegas

Las Vegas – Oftentimes when people wax the philosophical about what great spots they have vacated too or what fascinates them, you will be told about a dining location that one must not miss out on. Food and its supernatural powers can either make or break an entire trip. How many times have you heard someone return from a vacation to hear, everything was great but the food was horrible. Let us put it bluntly, when the food sucks, everything from that point on might as well not even have happened.

The city of Las Vegas knows this fact and that is why they have become the ultimate dining hotspot within the last decade. The Gastronomical /Culinary crazed monster that has overtaken the World is leaving an incredible mark in the hearts and stomachs of millions of people night after night in the city where anything goes and for the right price anything can be had.

Enter To Win The "Kick Off with Hass Avocados Recipe Contest" Today

This post brought to you by Hass Avocado Board featuring Hass Avocados.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Growing up in Southern California we are spoiled with the abundance of great tasting Avocados, especially Hass Avocados. Well for those of you who love Avocados as much as we do, Hass Avocados is holding a “Kick Off with Hass Avocados Recipe Contest” which is a weekly sweepstakes where they will give away a box of avocados for 14 consecutive weeks as well as a Recipe Contest where the winner will win a trip to the Rose Bowl Garne®! Hass Avocados

For those of you who follow the site you know we love to use Avocados in Recipes such as our Tuna Tataki & Watermelon Salad w/ Lemon Wasabi Dressing or our Slow Cooked Chicken Thighs w/ Jamaican Rice & Peas. Avocados are so much more than Guacamole or a topping on a Hamburger, have no fear Hass Avocados are so perfectly grown you can do just about anything with one and always know that its true flavor is going to shine through, get creative and try your hand by entering your own recipe in the “Kick Off with Hass Avocados Recipe Contest” by Clicking Here: Kick Off with Hass Avocados Recipe Contest

Winners of the Grand Prize package will be given (for 4 people) Round Trip airfare, hotel accommodations, participation in a Rose Bowl Game® Welcome Reception, admission to “behind-the-scene” Rose Bowl Parade® decorating sites, a sightseeing tour of the lovely and Historical city of Pasadena (Birthplace of Julia Child,) admission to the Rose Bowl Game® on January 2, 2012 and much, much more.

For more information on how the winner is chosen be sure to check out the official rules on their Facebook page. Be sure to enter the contest, sign up for free emails that give you healthy recipes, coupons and more from Hass Avocados (at least once a month) and check back often because 1 Lucky Winner will be chosen every week to win a box of deliciously fresh and healthy Hass Avocados. tailgating tips and recipes

For those not sure on just how healthy an Avocado truly is, One-fifth of a Medium Avocado (1 oz.) has 50 calories and contributes to nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense food choice. Avocados contribute to the good fats in one’s diet and over 75% of the fat in Avocados is unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) making them a great substitute for foods high in saturated fat.



avocado recipes



avocado recipes

The Supreme Plate Road Trippin' Coming Soon

Coming in April & May, will be the first of our Las Vegas reviews for 2010. The Supreme Plate will once again be taking its show on the road, this time touching down in Las Vegas to enjoy some of the best restaurants but more importantly to attend the Vegas Uncorked 2010 event in May. Be on the lookout for some reviews from spots such as Sage at the Aria Resort & Casino, Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand and a few other unknown treats on and off the strip in the heart of Sin City.