Sunday, November 28, 2010

Bartolotta Risorante di Mare

The final stop on our self-made Michelin restaurant tour was Bartolotta at the Wynn Hotel. Once again, we opted for the chef's menu, which in this case doesn't have a printed menu because it changes daily based on what fresh seafood has arrived from the Mediterranean. You can see the spread in the pictures below. We got to sit outside and enjoy the lake, which really did almost make it feel like we were back in the Med.



Le Cirque Las Vegas

On our continuing journey of Michelin starred restaurants, our next stop was Le Cirque. Perhaps we were foolish to begin at Robuchon, because as nice as every other restaurant was, there is a reason he is the only 3-star restaurant in town. In any case, Le Cirque also offered a tasting menu, which of course, Danny had to experience. Below is the menu and our photos:

Dégustation Menu:


Amuse-Bouche

Lobster Salad "Le Cirque"

Sautéed Foie Gras
Raisin Brioche, Nashi Pear, Candied Cherry & Rhubarb Gastrique

Or

Risotto - Supplement $24
with Fresh Summer Truffles

~~~

Paupiette of Sea Bass
with Braised Leeks & Pinot Noir Sauce

Yuzu Glazed Duck
Turnips & Confit, "Pralin" Reduction

Or

Australian Wagyu "Kobe" Beef Strip Loin

~~~

Pre-Dessert

Dessert Fantasy
Mignardises and Gourmandises













Next stop...Bartolotta Risorante di Mare....

Saturday, November 27, 2010

I Love Brunch!

Mon Ami Gabi - The Paris Hotel, Las Vegas

Seriously, the best waffles and french toast I've ever had. Clinton Street still takes the pancake prize, but if there was a Mon Ami Gabi in NY, we'd have quite a decision to make each weekend!
And did you see how gorgeous that fresh fruit appetizer is? It came with an incredible mint syrup...yum, yum, yum!

Joel Robuchon - Las Vegas

Yeah, yeah...I should have titled this post, "Better late than never." I know.

Danny and I went to Las Vegas back on Memorial Day weekend. We stayed in THE Hotel at the Mandalay Bay. It was wonderful and definitely worth staying in again. The only real downside is that it is far enough at the end of the strip that it's necessary to take a cab to most of the great restaurants, which as you know, is why we went to Vegas in the first place.


These photos are from Joel Robuchon (the 3 Michelin star location, not L'Atelier which is also great, but only holds 1 star.) I ordered an entree and dessert, while Danny opted for the 16-course tasting menu, which also comes with bread, an amuse bouche, and chocolate confections, making it really a 19-course meal. Here is the menu, right off of the MGM Grand website:

Sixteen Course Degustation Menu $385/Person

  • Le Caviar
    en infusion de corail anisé, en surprise
    Caviar on a fennel cream served as a surprise
  • Le Foie Gras
    en duo mêlé de pomme ratte comme un carpaccio aux copeaux de truffe blanche
    Carpaccio of foie gras and potatoes, covered with white truffle shavings
  • Les Champignons
    une fine feuille croustillante aux cèpes en gondole, une royale tremblotante au cappuccino de persil plat, thé de matsutakés au gingembre
    Crispy toast topped with cèpes mushroom, trembling parsley royal and ginger matsutake tea
  • La Grenouille
    la cuisse en fritot à la purée aillée et au coulis de cresson
    Crispy frog leg, garlic and watercress coulis
  • Les Crustacés
    le homard rôti au curry et fines graines de chou-fleur, la langoustine truffée et cuite en ravioli, l'oursin, zéphyr lacté d'un nuage tout moka
    Roasted lobster on cauliflower with green curry, truffled langoustine ravioli with chopped cabbage, delicate flan of sea urchin with mocha foam
  • La Châtaigne
    dans un fin velouté soyeux sur un voile virtuel de lard fumé
    Chestnut velouté with smoked lardons foam
  • L'Os à Moelle
    garni d'un ragoût de légumes aux éclats de maïs épicé
    Bone marrow and vegetable ragout with corn and spices
  • Le Bar
    poêlé à la citronnelle avec une étuvée de jeunes poireaux
    Pan fried sea bass with lemongrass emulsion and stewed baby leeks
  • Le Veau
    en côte au plat avec un jus gras et escorté de taglierinis de légumes au pistou
    Sautéed veal chop with natural jus and vegetable taglierinis flavored with pesto
  • Les Racines et Pousses d'Ici
    maraîchères, mêlées de couleurs de saison à l'huile d'argan en tagine
    Fall root and sprout vegetables with Argan oil
  • L'Ananas
    infusé aux saveurs des Iles en coque meringuée
    Fresh pineapple inside a crunchy meringue, finished with an exotic fruit cocktail
  • Le Café
    glacé, frappé, sur un crémeux de chocolat grand cru
    Coffee ice cream, dark chocolate ganache and tahitian vanilla
  • Le Moka - Le Thé
    escortés de mignardises























Don't worry - we ate it all and it was DELICIOUS. We thought it might be hard to follow up a meal that amazing, but we did. More posts about more incredible restaurants await...

Friday, November 26, 2010

This Year I am Thankful for...

PUPPY KISSES
Arissa at the start of our Swiss-tacular weekend!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Give and Get is Here!

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from November 11-14 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."


Give & Get Starts Today!
30% off now through November 14.


There's still time to share the discount with friends and pick a non-profit to receive 5% of what you all spend when you shop. Simply click here to make a difference.

Choose a non-profit to get 5%CLICK HERE TO START
Shop 4 days only, November 11–14
At Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store in-store or online
With this email or the online promo code at checkout

Everyday FREE Shipping on any orders over $50

In-Store Barcode
(for multiple uses)
Online Promo Code
(for one-time use)
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I chose WWF - I love the animals! It was a tough choice though...rounding out my top three were Product Red and Teach for America. There are many others. If you're spending your money there anyway, please enroll.