Celine Dion in Vegas

I didn’t realize how much a concert could effect me. My girlfriends and I had a girl’s trip for my adult best friend’s early birthday celebration. Having started a new job and a young baby at home, I literally was only there for activities for 24 hours. The main event for this 24 hours was to see Celine Dion and it was worth the long traveling, short trip and no sleep. This is a concert after the loss of her beloved husband, and seeing her dedicate her show, and how much love they have basically made me cry uncontrollably for the first 2 two songs. She is amazing.

  

There were times where it would just be her voice and I just let it wrap around me like a warm hug. Though there were probably thousands of others there, it felt very intimate. It was a magical experience, and to know that I was breathing the same air as her and hearing her live was indescribable. The night was perfect…almost. 

You would think that the Celine Dion crowd would be full of classy older people, who would sip their drinks and applause when needed and enjoy the beauty of her performance respectively. BUT NOPE. We had 4 obnoxious women and their bestie gays when them. THEY WERE SOOO LOUD, SO OBNOXIOUS. SO ROWDY. This is Celine Dion, not fucking Chris Brown. Read the room assholes. One even spilled their skunky ass beer down my back and all over the floor which seeped down to wear my feet were. I was torn between telling them to shut up, and trying to fully embrace and experience the wonder that is Celine. Many people in their row shushed them and told them to be quiet, which resulted in them getting even MORE louder and hostile. Also, “YASSSS QUEEN” and “BAE” and off key singing and CONTINUOUS CHATTER during her whole show. Seriously, if you conversation is so important, why even bother coming. Everyone paid a good chunk of money to spend the night with the Queen. Don’t ruin it for us. 

Despite that, I was still able to focus on her and relish in this amazing experience. 

I don’t know if I would ever go to Vegas again, unless it was to see Celine Dion again, or just eat (more on that later). Definitely not my scene. But I had a great time with my girlies, even though I missed my little family at home. 

db Brasserie

To start off our night with Celine, we had dinner at db Brasserie. It was a comfortable French restaurant, with guests in fancy attire. Not sure if that was the requirement or because people were all also headed to a show. But the outfits in Vegas all seem to be..basically naked or formal!

  
We began with a bottle of white wine for the table, and the charcuterie board. There were rillettes, a couple of terrines, some salame and prosciutto. Slices of baguette and some other loaf lined the board. For the most part everything was tasty, but the salame had a weird aftertaste, to me at least.

  
Then it was time for business. We all had the duck in some form or another. I chose the duck confit, because I will always choose the duck confit when I can. Duck fried in its own fat? How can I not? The duck was so tender, and the skin was so crisp. It was laid across some braised kale, pearl onions and white beans. So juicy…I am sure my eyes rolled back at some point. I ate the whole thing. Perfect portion.

  We had to end our meal quickly to catch our show so there was no dessert! If I had the chance, I would go again to try out all the other things on the menu. Scallops perhaps?

What are some of your favorite places and meals in Vegas?

Yardbird Las Vegas

When I think of Las Vegas, Nevada, “good food” isn’t what instantly comes to mind. I mean I know there are a lot of great chefs and restaurants out there, but when you think of Vegas you think, Sin City, not “din” city. Harhar. But since I don’t partake in excessive drinking, gambling or partying which is on the itinerary for most spring breakers, food (and Celine Dion) were the highlight(s) of my trip!

For a city that literally, never sleeps, (sorry New York) food places seem to operate 11-11. And since we were up on east coast time, by 9am we were HONGRY. Luckily for us Yardbird was opening at 10, so there wasn’t too long of a wait. It was also our first pick.

We had a southern style brunch…and it was everything you could dream it to be. At our table we feasted on flavorful, juicy fried chicken with honey hot sauce (it literally tasted like honey and tabasco). So crisp on the outside and hot on the inside with the flesh perfectly seasoned, I didn’t need the accompanying sauce. On the side, not on the menu, the chef had maybe the best collard greens in my life (sorry Mom2) with bits of celery and okra. Yummy, perfect cheddar grits, a thick slab of pork belly bacon, and eggs benedict. We had dreamy sausage gravy and biscuits with bits of their yardbird…topped off with mimosas. I still dream of this brunch, and I’m determined to recreate it for myself. Coming soon my dear friends, I will fatten you up just in time for bathing suit season!

I hear there’s one in Miami too. I think its on my MUST EAT if I ever go back, or if I go to Miami.

Girls Trip: Vegas!

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a “girls trip”. So for my Ride or Die’s 30th we went to Vegas to see the Queen, Celine Dion. Being that I started a new job, and I’m a new mom, I couldn’t take as many days off, so we will no refer to my portion of the trip, #24hoursinvegas.

Friday started off with a lunch with the hubs, and a flight from DC which put me in Vegas at 10pm. Got on the shuttle, and got to the hotel at around 11. We stayed at the Venetian, and it was glorious. Though, to be honest, it reminded me a lot of Atlantis in the Bahamas. Except they have awesome ceilings and grand hallways here. Made my way to the girls, caught up on what they’ve done so far, showered and slept.

Saturday morning started off with a search for food. Ended up eating brunch at yardbird, then shopped a little. After that, GONDOLA rides…cuz Venetian. We had a singer name Rosalina, who refers to us as bellas with a (fake/real) Italian accent and tells us stories of her home. One of my friends told me that shes fake and is probably just an acting student. Fairytale crushed.

Somehow the day escaped us, and it was time to grab a coffee and get ready for dinner and Celine! Since our suite was full of mirrors everyone seemed to get ready at the same time without a hitch.

Dinner was at db Brasserie and was yummy.

We ran down the street to Caesars Palace to get in line for a highlight moment of our lives! She was magical, she was wonderful, she is a unicorn, so much so that the show will get it’s own post later.

Afterwards we took a ride on the High Roller Ferris Wheel.

We got our tickets on groupon, 2 for 1 PLUS there was a 50% off groupon code. So in the end we only paid $39 for two people for a ticket for the ferris wheel AND open bar (which was useless to me because I was on antibiotics and couldn’t drink). After we boarded this tiny pod loaded with a bar and tvs…we decided that maybe it was a good idea that we didn’t pay full price. The floor was sticky, which makes sense, it’s a bar. The people that were in there were random, and some were young and annoying (jeez I’m an angry grandma now). Though I did enjoy our little squad, the view was somewhat similar to what we saw in our room…but I’d say I wasn’t as impressed and hyped as I thought I would be. Maybe if the music wasn’t terrible. And we were on the parking lot side of the pod. I think next time, if we try to do this again, get a big enough group of people you want to hang out with and fill the pod!

Overall, I had a great time, and it was a brief break and a chance to sleep in that was welcomed. I was ecstatic to come home and see my dancing baby and my sweet husband.

Where to next?!

Phipps Conservatory

Since we are doing a big west coast trip soon, we decided to do a couple small trips with baby, to see how she would do. We went to Pittsburgh, for her to visit her great grandparents, and then explored Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

This place is beautiful! And it’s nice and mellow for a little 4 month old. She liked seeing all the vegetation. It was quiet and indoor/outdoor so we got to enjoy the sunshine. What I really liked about this place is that they grow and harvest ingredients for their “green” cafe. They encourage and recycle all that they can!

This would be a good place when the little one is older too. They have lots of interactive stations for kids, like building a fort, planting things, a mini fresh market where they can play “store” and other learning type activities.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3830

Crabby Cravings

xhdKHnaLJFw3YZQ5.jpgI am addicted. Maybe because I haven’t had crawfish ALL year. It’s just a lot of effort to do at home when you live in a condo. But every week, literally, every week, I’ve gone to Captain Pell’s and engorged myself on blue crabs. I always eat at least six. I know that sounds a little bit much. Especially because I’m pregnant. Mercury and all that jazz. But I looked it up. Crabs only live a couple of years anyway, that doesn’t give them enough time to build up mercury. So they are low on that scale.

So of the 4 times I’ve gone this last month, the price did go up. I guess because market price went up. But here’s the skinny. You can get a dozen medium steamed (male) crabs for $45 or ALL YOU CAN EAT for $45. I can’t really eat more than a dozen (if that, I usually share with whoever I end up going with) so the dozen is good for me. The husband is allergic to blue crab (poor guy) so he gets snow crab leg platter which he really enjoys. Their other dishes have been good too. Though I don’t usually have much room for them. The hush puppies are yummy and I love their fries.

We usually get the same server and HE’S GREAT. Even when they are busy, he tries his best to take care of you. But if you are going in for crabs, you plan to stay awhile so no worries if its busy. Crabs come out really fast!

Captain Pell’s
10195 Fairfax Blvd
Fairfax, VA 22030

Great Wolf Lodge

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So I’m sure you’ve heard commercials for this place. I believe there are multiple locations. We went to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA. For those of you that DON’t know what this place is, it’s basically a resort with an indoor water park. They’ve got a wave pool, a kiddie play area, a children’s “hot tub”, and adult hot tub, boogie boarding, a few huge slides, a swimming pool, a lazy river…

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and this big climbing thing. Aside from water activities, they also have an arcade, which has this human size wack-a-light type game that I want to come back to play when I’m not pregnant. They also have minature bowling, a kiddie spa, and adult spa (with maternity massage!), Shadow/Magic quest which sends you on adventures all over the lodge and of course story times, face painting and a balloon animals guy. THERE IS A LOT TO DO.

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The husband and I have always wanted to check it out, but since we didn’t have kids of our own yet, it would have been awkward to just plan a weekend there. Luckily, our friend has children, of age, and it was spring break and they asked us if we’d like to join. Uh..yes. There really was something for everyone, and I’d love to come back with our mini bun. During the summer they open up the outdoor part of the park so there is even more to do! One thing I recommend is getting the souvenir sipper cup. For $13 you get the cup and free refills your entire stay, and anytime you come back. Well worth it for us because this included Icees, and I am all about the Coke Icees. A small icee which is half that size is about $4 so it started paying for itself!

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I was actually quite surprised to see some teens there. Looked like they brought their significant others as well. This particular location was very close to wal-mart, sonic, chick fil-a and other restaurants,so if you find the food too expensive in there you can always go off the resort for eats. They also provide a fridge and microwave in your room so bring snacks and your own water!

I definitely would go back with our little one, and friends and theirs!

Restaurant Eve’s Asian Tasting Menu

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The other day, the Chef wanted to go out to dinner. We haven’t spent much time together since I’ve gotten further into my pregnancy, and since my work is done via mobile/internet there was no need for face to face meetings. On her day off, she wanted to try the Asian tasting menu at Restaurant Eve in Old Town.

The sign and brick hallway could be easy to miss but it’s right where the address leads you. Just squeeze through the tiny brick hallway. Right away we were offered to check our coats. It’s a very nice restaurant, no jeans. Remember that!

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Right off they offered us drinks. They were also kind enough to make a tamarind mama-to-be safe mocktail. Meyer lemon, tamarind juice and pineapple juice. Usually made with rum, and came in a “drunken glass”. It wobbles! I liked it, had two orders of it!

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First bites, which I am guessing change with the whim of the chef, were quail deviled eggs with a spicy kick, gruyere gougères, a french cheese puff and pork belly croquette with mustard. All were perfect.

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Parsnip velouté with golden raisins, this was nice and smooth and had a great balance of flavor. Just the right amount of soup to keep you satisfied but not full, because hey! More food was coming. I normally hate raisins, but it worked with this dish.

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Filipino street bbq, pork belly, champagne vinegar, and a poached quail egg on top of rice. Instead of the second piece of pork belly, there is a ceviche that gets the citrus poured as soon as it hits the table. The server asks everyone about any food allergies and limitations at the beginning of the meal, and were kind enough to accommodate the one prego lady. I loved the flavor of the bbq, and how all the bites worked together when dipped in the champagne vinegar.

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The tasting menu comes out all at once as a family style meal.

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Jaeyukgui a spicy kimchi and pork stir fry.

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Dinuguan is a filipino spicy stew, traditionally with pig’s blood and offal, garlic, chili, and vinegar, what chef does is use blood sausage, instead of the full bodied blood, to appease the less adventurous eaters.

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Stir fried shitake mushrooms with garlic, tasty with rice.

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We had two kinds of curry, red  with hawaiian blue prawns, and green curry with daurade. They both look the same so I just took a picture of one. The prawns were mighty tasty and full of flavor, but I’m always a fan of head on shrimp!

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Callos – filipino stew with clams and tripe. This was also one of my favorite dishes that came out.

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Lentils cooked in duck fat.

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Panang curry with soft tofu and pork belly. Tasted less like Thai and more like an Indian curry.

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And to end the meal, warm rice pudding with house made coconut sorbet. This was the perfect ending to the meal. Not too sweet, with the warm and cool contrasting so well in your mouth. I would come back just for this.

Overall it was a great attempt at bringing unique flavors of Asian cuisine by an Irish chef. It’s a nice introduction to the more exotic types of Asian dishes that you’d find at your Americanized Thai or Korean restaurants. If you are used to the more traditional side of Thai, Korean, or Filipino dishes, don’t expect that. It’s definitely made to cater to people who’d like to have exotic foods but aren’t too sure if they aren’t ready to jump two feet in.

The staff is super friendly, attentive, and the quality of food and flavors are worth the trip! I’d love to come back and have the regular menu.

 

Burger 21

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Last Friday, the hubs and I had a double burger date with one my best friends. She is also pregnant too! So I’m looking forward to continuing to have these double dates with our babies! We both wanted burgers, and she lives in Ashburn  so she suggested Burger 21, since I’ve never been there.

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The place was pretty cool. It had its own shake bar, and a sauce station. Lots of different sauces, Cajun Mayo, Toasted Marshmallow (what?!), Thai Ketchup, Ranch…etc. Plus plenty of types of burgers to choose from, cow, chicken, seafood, turkey, veggie and hot dogs!

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There’s also a selection of ways you can get your fries. I went for half and half. Over all I really liked the taste of the burgers and options of toppings and sides!

Burger 21
43800 Central Station Drive
Ashburn, VA 20147

Brunch: Farmers Fishers Bakers

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Looking for a brunch place in Georgetown? Check out Farmers Fishers Bakers. A couple of friends visited from NYC and their go to spot in DC is this place for brunch. That means a lot coming from a couple of foodies that LIVE in one of the best culinary cities in America. They asked us to join, and hello, I love brunch, I couldn’t say no.

The husband HATES looking for parking in the city, but lucky me, he will take us here again (because it is that good) because they have a paid parking garage available. He doesn’t care the cost, as long as he doesn’t have to scrape rims on the city sidewalks.

The food is fresh, hot and delicious. There is definitely something for everyone. I like that they bring the the breads to the table, as well as passed dishes like eggs benedicts and fried shrimp. And what’s even better? All this quality food, at a buffet brunch price of $29.99.

They’ve got grilled veggies, make your own nachos, a plethora of desserts, hot meats, friend chicken, french toast. SO much food.

Did I mention, the cinnamon buns are amazing? Yes. And they come out hot and gooey.

So who wants to go to brunch?

Farmers Fishers Bakers
3000 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20007