Category Archives: Restaurant

Seaside Metal Oyster Bar, Chef Mike Selvera, Guerneville, Sonoma County Wine Country

The casual and modern 35-seats classic raw bar and seafood Sonoma Co June 2015 066restaurant is located in downtown Guerneville, just a short drive from the Russian River Valley wine country, a spin-off of the popular Bar Crudo in San Francisco. Chef Mike Selvera offers a small menu with an assortment to choose from, shellfish, oysters, crudo, cold, and hot dishes. Many of the plates are on the smaller side Sonoma Co June 2015 079which is perfect for sharing. To pair with these delicate seafood dishes, they offer more than 40 domestic beers and local wines.

Seaside Metal is the latest creation of Executive Chef Mike Selvera and Front of House Manager Tim Selvera to join the growing culinary scene in welcoming downtown Seaside_Metal_arctic_charGuerneville.  When dining in the open kitchen you will experience the freshness of pristine oysters, and the complexities of his signature crudo. Seaside Metal sources local produce, artisan cheese, award winning wines, and craft beer that only Sonoma County can offer. Mike Selvera is a San Francisco Seaside_Metal_octopusChronicle Top 100 chef that brings his ideas on seafood, from his well-loved Bar Crudo to the intimate, unique, and gorgeous surroundings of the Russian River Valley.

Beside the fresh oysters, marinated mussels, lobster are always on the menu; the seafood chowder is one of the popular dishes here. Sonoma Co June 2015 070The Spanish octopus with chorizo, cranberry beans, caperberry, and tomato was unique and full of flavors. But the Arctic char remains our favorite, simple, nothing overdone, crudo at its best.

Sonoma Co June 2015 083Seaside Metal Oyster Bar
16222 Main Street
Guerneville, CA 95446

HOURS: Dinner, Wednesday – Sunday, 5-10 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.604.7250

Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Manda Bear, a former restaurant owner, has had a strong passion for food and wine from a very young age and has traveled the world dining at over one hundred Michelin Star/James Beard award winning restaurants. Currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, Manda Bear works as publisher and contributor Drink Me Magazine, @DepLifestyleMag,  @DiningOutVegas. Previously, she was a contributor for Viet Press USA, Studio 14 Magazine, and DiningOut Magazine. Additionally, Manda Bear is a certified level II Sommelier at www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley, a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and the wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. To follow her food and wine adventures, you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Valette, Chef Dustin Valette, downtown Healdsburg, Sonoma County Wine Country

Chef Valette honed his craft in some of the most celebrated Sonoma Co June 2015 150restaurants on the West Coast; including the Michelin-starred Aqua in San Francisco, Napa Valley’s Bouchon, and Dry Creek Kitchen, a Charlie Palmer restaurant in downtown Healdsburg.

Sonoma Co June 2015 154The dream of Valette Healdsburg began some 15 years ago amongst two brothers. Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini were sitting at their father’s house overlooking the Alexander Valley. Over a glass of wine the two dreamt of opening a restaurant that showcased all Sonoma County has to offer.

Opening a restaurant together is a dream come true for both brothers.  The combination of Chef Valette’s culinary acumen Sonoma Co June 2015 152featuring fresh, local ingredients and Aaron’s savvy ability to provide a warm and authentic environment has brought these two local brothers full circle, back to the land they are from, and working together in the industry they love.

 

Sonoma Co June 2015 170Valette was born in spring 2015; Chef Valette offers the intense, flavorful, and dynamic cuisine.

House made charcuterie was a real treat. The furikake crusted Hawaiian ahi tataki; the flavors were delightful. The smoked lamb
Sonoma Co June 2015 178sausage “Banh Mi” with a twisted, bold flavor, a Vietnamese influenced dish. The chicken fried chicken with organic salad, buttermilk dressing was also fantastic.

Our favorite dish was the Day Boat Scallops en Croute, fennel, caviar, Champagne Beurre ValetteBlanc was one of the most creative scallop dish. It was balanced, tasty, smooth, and explode in your mouth.

Valette

344 Center Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448

HOURS: Dinner, Monday – Sunday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Lunch, Friday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.473.0946

Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Manda Bear, a former restaurant owner, has had a strong passion for food and wine from a very young age and has traveled the world dining at over one hundred Michelin Star/James Beard award winning restaurants. Currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, Manda Bear works as publisher and contributor Drink Me Magazine, @DepLifestyleMag,  @DiningOutVegas. Previously, she was a contributor for Viet Press USA, Studio 14 Magazine, and DiningOut Magazine. Additionally, Manda Bear is a certified level II Sommelier at www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley, a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and the wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. To follow her food and wine adventures, you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Underwood Bar and Bistro, Graton, Sonoma County Wine Country

A hidden gem in West of Sonoma, Underwood Bar & Bistro is underwood_barbistro_mussellocated in the picturesque Sonoma wine country, sleepy town of Graton. About an hour drive from San Francisco, Graton is the geographical hub of Sonoma’s West County, nestled in the middle of Occidental, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol. Underwood provides classic dishes and local wines in a laid-back bistro setting. It’s a happening spot for the locals and tourists alike on the weekend, and also offers a late-night menu.

underwood_barbistroMoroccan lamb sandwich, spicy grilled lamb sirloin, tomatoes, arugula, red onion, grilled flatbread, and French fries; that tzatziki, slightly aromatic garlicky spread made all the different. It’s a perfect sandwich to fill up before you continue your wines tasting adventure.

Underwood Bar and Bistro
9113 Graton Road
Graton, CA 95444

HOURS: Dinner, Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday, 5:30-10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 5:30-11 p.m.

Lunch, Friday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.473.0946

Website // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Manda Bear, a former restaurant owner, has had a strong passion for food and wine from a very young age and has traveled the world dining at over one hundred Michelin Star/James Beard award winning restaurants. Currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, Manda Bear works as publisher and contributor Drink Me Magazine,  @DepLifestyleMag,  @DiningOutVegas. Previously, she was a contributor for Viet Press USA, Studio 14 Magazine, and DiningOut Magazine. Additionally, Manda Bear is a certified level II Sommelier at www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley, a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and the wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. To follow her food and wine adventures, you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

5th ANNUAL LOS ANGELES FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS AUGUST 27-30, 2015

LA Food Wine 2015

Michelin starred honorees, James Beard Award winners, Food & Wine Best New Chefs, and 200 wineries, will once again converge on the City of Angels during the annual epicurean jubilee produced by Coastal Luxury Management.

LA Food Wine Alan FergieThe fifth annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, presented with founding partners FOOD & WINE and Lexus, is set to feature three nights and four days of unrivalled tastings, dinners, lunches, seminars, book signings, cooking demonstrations, and special events, showcasing the finest in food.

Enjoy 4 days of the decadent in food and wine with an epic epicurean event, Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival. One of the country’s premier destinations, bringing together the world’s most revered culinary talent for 3 nights and LA Food Wine ches4 days of epicurean excellence.  Headquartered in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, with main events directly in front of the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall (with closures along Grand Avenue, between 1st and 3rd street), attendees are invited to explore world-class Beverly Hills, happening West Hollywood, beach town of Santa Monica, and LA Food Wine 6upcoming downtown LA, more than 100 celebrity chefs and 200 wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, live concerts,  and experience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts and most coveted restaurants in the world.

In past years, the star-studded LA Food Wine 5 Elliot Graham Fabiolineup has included celebrated chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Curtis Stone, Dominique Crenn, David KinchGiada De Laurentiis, Rick Bayless, Wolfgang Puck, Nancy Silverton, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Thomas Keller, Roy Choi, Michael Chiarello, Michael Voltaggio, Robert Irvine, Guy Fieri, Fabio Viviani, and Graham Elliot, as well as local favorites including Tim Hollingsworth, Michael Cimarusti, Suzanne Goin, Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, Jessica Koslow, Ari Taymor, Ori Menashe, Josef Centeno, Sang Yoon, Ben Ford, and Ray Garcia, to name a few.lexus

Marquee events slated to return include Live on Grand, Asian Night Market, the Power Lunch series, exclusive chef collaboration meals, and live musical performances from award-winning artists.

Lexus Grand Tastings
The Lexus Grand Tasting Tent at Los Angeles Food & Wine is the weekend’s most spectacular opportunity for maximum culinary LA Food Wine 1indulgence. With over 200 wines from top-notch producers from around the world to a “who’s who” list of 30 top celebrity chefs, this is your chance to mingle, mix and sip with the very best in the field. As always, there will be opportunities for book signings and photo moments with many of the weekend’s biggest and brightest names, so buy your tickets early as this extravaganza sells out each year.

no kid hungryThe Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival has supported Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and other L.A. based charitable endeavors.

LA Food Wine 3Get your tickets here: www.LAFW.com

Save the date: Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30, 2015

To follow Los Angeles Food & Wine events:  www.lafw.com


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Photo credits: Gina Sinotte, Stefanie Parkinson, Tomo, Muscionico, and Jake Ahles

 

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by Manda Bear

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BITE Silicon Valley Grand Tasting Recap

levisThis inauguration Bite Silicon Valley 2015 wasn’t only for foodies + techies get together, but also for a great cause, supporting two outstanding organizations in the Bay Area.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties (SHFB) is the trusted leader dedicated to ending local hunger in Silicon Valley. And the 49ers Foundation mission is to ‘Keep Kids Safe, on Track and in School.’

The two days Grand Tasting fill with food, wines, cocktails at the state of the art Levi’s Stadium, the home of the 49ers. There was food_bite_silicon_valleymore than 60 chefs, 30 wineries, liquor, beer, sake, and more; all come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional bites, cooking demos, and chef collaborations. Bite SV featured the industry’s leading technology experts and celebrity chefs such as including José Andrés, Michael Chiarello, Roy Choi, Dominique Crenn, Michael Mina, and Michael Voltaggio. And it’s in the heart of Silicon Valley at the newest and beautiful stadium, the host of Super Bowl 50, and the first professional football stadium to have achieved LEED Gold certification. Levi’s® Stadium is predicted Bite Silicon Valley 2015 052to be the first Californian pro sports venue to achieve net zero energy performance. There’s no place better to host Bite SV than here.

The two days Grand Tasting with over 700 guests for the first year. The two afternoons that you can get up close and personal with celebrity chefs for the first hour or so, it’s best if you get the VIP ticket so that you can attend the wine seminars. You got to meet your favorites, TV celebrities, Master Top Chefs, you name it, they were there to greet and hand you food. There was no line on both days. There were plenty of food and drinks, floating all day, except a few stations the dishes were gone after 2.5 hours. There is no place else can do a grander epicurean event for foodies + tech together like Bite Silicon Valley.

The best part of the Grand Tasting was that no food gone to waste. Bite Silicon Valley 2015 087The excellent company Feeding Forward made sure all food leftover was to deliver to feed the less fortunate. A social venture using technology to connect those with excess food to feed those in need through their mobile app. According to @FeedingForward, by saving just 5% of food from being wasted, we can feed 4 million people. Did you know that 365 million pounds of edible food are thrown away every day? Feed Forward goal is to eradicate hunger & food waste in America. Their platform enables businesses with excess edible food to fed communities in need, instantly. Please join the movement. Follow them @FeedingForward www.FeedingForward.com.

Thank you www.BiteSV.com and Octagon Culinary for an unforgettable weekend.

Some of the high-tech dishes that fans loved:

  1. Chef José Andrés used Clean Cook Stoves solar to make that tasty tacos  @CookStoves. Many attendees were wow by it, only in Silicon Valley.
  2. Revolutionary Plant-Based Dairy @KiteHillCheese, healthy, nutritious, and sustainable. The truffle Dill & Chive cheese and 2-3dcream cheese options make out of almond milk is perfect for lactose intolerance.
  3. 3DS Culinary, 3D Printing candies booth was a popular attraction for techies here.
  4. Cracker bite by @Nomiku was a big heat with a lot of home cooks and chefs.

3-motoA few of our favorite vegetarian dishes:

  1. Chef Richie Farina, Executive chef at Moto Restaurant in Chicago, Top Chef Texas contestant, with his stunningly beautiful edible garden.
  2. 2-beyondmeat-burger100% plant base meat, burger, and taco @BeyondMeat was a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan alike.
  3. Vegetarian bite by chef Charlie Parker at happening spot in Oakland @HavenOakland, Furikake Cracker, Smoke Goat Cheese, Sweet and Sour Eggplant, Mint.

Some of the tastiest dishes of all:

  1. Bite Silicon Valley 2015 055The Glazed Pork Belly bite by Michelin Starred Chef Peter Armellino @PlumedHorse, it was our favorite dish on Day 2 Grand Tasting.
  2. Txampis “Bar Soriano” by Chef Jeffrey Weiss @JeninniKWB Seared Mushroom and garlic, it was our favorite 3-mushroomdish on Day 3 Grand Tasting. It was so good that brought many foodies back to the line for second or third bite at Sunday’s Grand Tasting.
  3. Since Foie Gras is legalized again in California, it was 3-ateliercrennpopular at BITE SV. Foie Gras Mousse bite elegantly displayed on a nice wood log by Michelin Starred Chef Dominique Crenn @AtelierCrenn, it was gone an hour before the Grand Tasting over.
  4. Delicious & the most aromatic Minced Lamb Sandwich dish @DosaSF.
  5. 3-spoonbarSimply Tasty Chilled Carrot Broth, Fermented Curry, Shallot, Peanut Granola, and Basils by Top Chef finalist Louis Maldonado @SpoonBar in downtown Healdsburg.
  1. Fresh oyster prepared by Chef Yu Min Lin’s signature dressing and Chef Dan Huynh of @TheSEAbyASH of Alexander’s Steakhouse Group was a perfect dish for 95-degree hot afternoon.
  1. 3-bourbonsteakpubLocal Salmon Crudo, Pressed Caviar, Yuzu Kosho, Crème Fraiche was the most photogenic dish by chef Chris Curtis @Chefcurtiss of @BourbonSteakPub a @ChefMichaelMina restaurant.
  1. Duck and Crab Fritter bites packed with flavor by Chef Dinari Brown @CenterPlate @LevisStadium
  2. Smoked Sea Scallop with Drop Biscuit, Bacon Aioli and tomato jam by Chef Parke Ulrich @Waterbar
    Bite Silicon Valley 2015 065
  3. Have you ever tried Foie Gras Macaron? Michelin Starred Chef Dmitry Elperin @TheVillagePubCA undoubtedly delivered this savory bite.

For sweet tooth foodies, there’re plenty desserts and pastries:

  1. 3-slanteddoorFor sweet tooth Chef Charles Phan @charlesphansf  @TheSlantedDoor served Vietnamese Coconut Rice Pudding dish. We have seen chef Charles Phan countless time at many food festivals, recently at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival, but he hadn’t prepared any 3-michaelminasfdesserts before. This dessert spoon bite was a real treat.
  2. Perfect chocolate Jasmine, Hibiscus, Strawberry by Chef Matt Siciliano @MattSiciliano of the Michelin Starred @MichaelMinaSF
  3. Delicious chocolate mousse dessert from chef Veronica Aroyo @BourbonSteakPub
  4. 2-iccChocolates and plenty desserts by International Culinary Institute @ICCeduWebsite: BiteSV.com
    Twitter: Twitter.com/bitesv

Le Cirque Restaurant at Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV – Chef Wilfried Bergerhausen

Chef_Wilfried_Bergerhausen2     Le Cirque is owned by Sirio Maccioni and family in New York City, a French with contemporary influences under new executive chef Wilfried ‘Wil’ Bergerhausen. The French native, he earned his certificate of cooking (B.E.P.) at the prestigious Paul Augier in Nice, France. He went on to earn a bachelor degree in culinary arts management. He trained with “Le Nôtre” and was chosen to assist M.O.F. Chef Eric Finon at the National Competition of Artistic lecirque_pea_soupCooking in France which was a preliminary qualifier for ‘The Bocuse d’Or’. He also worked at “Le Sud”, restaurant “Villa Des Lys”, 2 Michelin Star restaurant “L’Oasis” lecirque_lambin La Napoule, and 3 Michelin Starred Joël Robuchon, then became chef de cuisine of Michael Mina restaurant at Bellagio. Now Chef Bergerhausen is managing one of the most prestigious Michelin Starred restaurant on The Strip, Le lecirque_hamachiCirque, at the Bellagio Hotel.

I got to try at least a dozen dishes from him, everything was delicious, but this “Le Crabe et Caviar” with Maryland Blue Crab and Russian Osetra Caviar, 24K gold flake, and Salmon Roe topping it off in style, was the most lecirque_caviar_blue_crab_24kgold_salmonroe2memorable dish of all. The dish presented elegantly on a pile of
rocks, colorful flowers, and finish off with dry ice smoke. It was truly magical and theatrical just like how Las Vegas shows are. On that first bite, the saltiness of caviar, blends with the blue crab meat, and the salmon row, all popping up on your tongue in harmony, you can forget the world for a moment. This dish is as decadent and Michelin Star worth it dish as it gets.

lecirque_spring_frog    I’m falling in love with Le Cirque all over again because of this dish this “Le Crabe et Caviar” dish, and this 28 years young, handsome, and talented chef Wil Bergehausen. It won’t be long before this restaurant becomes one of lecirque_1982_chavelier_macaronthe hardest reservations to get in Las Vegas.

Le Cirque at Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas
HOURS: Dinner, Tuesday – Sunday, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: Required by calling (702) 693-8100
Website: www.bellagio.com/restaurants/le-cirque.aspx
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/LeCirqueLV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeCirqueLasVegas

Manda Bear

 

Author: Manda Bear

To follow her food and wine adventure, you can follow her on:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/1mandabear
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1mandabear

Guy Savoy Restaurant at Caesars Palace Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Chef Mathieu Chartron

The 2 Michelin Starred Restaurant Guy Savoy, featuring delicate, Guy_Savoy_caviaracclaimed French masterpieces created by the famed chef. Designed to emulate the menu of his Paris restaurant. The rich, velvety traditional French cuisine can only be described as a “melt in your mouth” splurge. If you want to celebrate that special occasion in style, Guy_Savoy_KrugRestaurant Guy Savoy houses the only Krug Chef’s Table in the United States. If you’re looking for a quick drink or after-dinner libation, check out the Cognac Lounge with impressive list of Cognacs, the rare Perfection by Hardy, Hennessy Ellipse and Hine Talent all exclusively offered at Restaurant Guy Savoy.

Guy_Savoy_lobsters     The young and talented executive chef Mathieu Chartron’s passion for food began at an early age at his parent’s Michelin Starred restaurant in Saint Donat sur L’Herbasse, a small town in France. He began culinary school at the age of 16, and started at Michelin-starred restaurant Bouvarel in Saint Hilaire du rosier, Guy_Savoy_langoustineFrance, then prestigious Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris. Chef Mathieu Chartron then moved to Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace. This year, he has been named a semifinalist for the 2015 James Beard Awards. Chef Chartron is recognized as a semifinalist for the Rising Star of the 2015 category, Guy_Savoy_langoustine (2)from nearly 35,000 submissions, an honorable achievement that only a few chefs have dreamt of.

On this visit, I got to try some of the classic dishes of Guy Savoy such as Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup, the decadent Caviar, Guy_Savoy_chef_mathieuLobster Salad, and more but the one that won me over was the Langoustine variations: 1. Asparagus “bavaroise” stuffed with Langoustine Tartare, topped with Country Side Bread Crouton Asparagus Brunoise and Salmon Roe, Péquillo Pepper Purée. 2. Seared Langoustine à La Plancha, Tomato Concassé and Cilantro Emulsion. 3. Langoustine custard, topped with Dill Espellette Pepper and Crouton. If this dish doesn’t make you go WOW, I’m not sure what will. A must order dish this when you visit Guy Savoy.

Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace Hotel, Las Vegas
HOURS: Dinner, Wednesday – Sunday, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: 1.702.731.7286
Website: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace/restaurants/guy-savoy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mchartron
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mchartron26/

Manda Bear

 

 

Author: Manda Bear
To follow her food and wine adventure, you can follow her on:  Instagram: https://instagram.com/1mandabear
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1mandabear

StripSteak at Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Chef Gerald Chin


     StripSteak, a Modern American Steakhouse by entrepreneur chef Chef Gerald Chin - LambMichael Mina. The Executive Chef Gerald Chin, started at 16 in the kitchens of some of the top restaurants in New York, including Tavern on the Green, Judson Grill (Chef Bill Telepan) and the private membership-only Piping Rock Club (Certified Master Chef John Johnstone). Chef Gerald, The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York graduated, was the opening team of Bradley Ogden, James Beard Best New Restaurant Award. Then he was the Chef Gerald Chin - Wagyuopening team for the 3 Michelin Starred Joël Robuchon at the Mansion. He was also PiPS opened and in full operation in NYC, Celebrity Chef Rick Moonen as Chef de Cuisine for his restaurant RM Seafood, and then Chef de Cuisine for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas May 13 036Vegas. Now Executive Chef at StripSteak, where he serves modern American fare with a focus on all natural Certified Angus Beef and American Wagyu cuts of beef cooked over wood, Slow-Poached Prime Ribs that are cooked in their own juices for eight hours; American Kobe Beef Short Ribs with Horseradish-Celeriac Puree and Red Wine Jus, and more.

Chef Gerald Chin - caviar     Only a few chefs that I can honestly say, I’ve tried their food for the last decade, Chef Gerald Chin is one of the less than a handful chefs that I have followed for this long at Bradley Ogden, RM Seafood, and Joël Robuchon, and now here at StripSteak, just like wine, Chef Gerald food is getting better and better each time.

On this visit, Chef Gerald Chin fed me with Wagyu steak, lamb, StripSteak_duck_candybone marrow, caviar, and the best of all, this Duck Prosciutto aka Duck Candy Canes, Cherries, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Cornichon Puree, Fresh Cherry Glazed. I don’t eat much eat candy, because I love savory too much. However, if this was in candy shop, this “Duck Candy Canes” will be the first candy I devour.

StripSteak at Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas
HOURS: Dinner, Monday – Sunday, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: 1.702.632.7414
Website: http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/stripsteak/
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/StripSteakLV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strip-Steak/100719936663870

Author: Manda Bear
To follow her food and wine adventure, you can follow her on:  Instagram: https://instagram.com/1mandabear

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1mandabear

Picasso at Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Michelin Starred Chef Julian Serrano

2 Michelin Starred Chef Julian Serrano’s menu is inspired by the picasso paintingregional cuisine of France and Spain where Pablo Picasso spent much of his life. Award-winning Chef Julian Serrano brings his memorable Mediterranean cooking to Picasso. Serrano earned the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award Best Chef twice and is regarded as one of the finest culinary talents in the nation.

picasso2     At Picasso, the décor of this Mediterranean-style restaurant features a collection of Picasso originals, including paintings, rare tile work and a collection of hand-painted plates. This Picasso originals work alone, is worth a visit, simply amazing to dine there and got to admire these beautiful paintings, without even visiting a museum in New York City or Europe.

picasso_quail     The restaurant’s rustic yet elegant charm is reflected in vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, terracotta tile and hanging pottery mingling with table settings of fine china and lavish floral arrangements. From the scenic lakeside patio, guests can view the spectacular fountain show that performs nightly. It’s one of the most romantic restaurants in Las Vegas. It’s a perfect place for any special occasion celebration.

On this visit, I got to tried some of my favorite dishes here such as picasso_lambFoie Gras au Torchon, Japanese Wagyu Filet Mignon Symphony of Vegetables, Colorado Lamb, Poached Oysters Garnished with Osetra Caviar, Pan Seared U-10 Day Boat ScallopPotato Mousseline and Jus de Veau, and more. The lamb and Oyster used to be my favorite dishes to indulge here, not this time, the Sautéed Ruby Red Shrimp, Roasted Zucchini, Crispy Artichoke, Tomato Confit and Piquillo Pepper Vinaigrette got picasso_ruby_red_shrimp2me at the first bite. The shrimp was fresh, the broth was light, citrusy, sweet, yet tasty and full of flavor. I picked up the gigantic plate, and drank to the last drop. This is probably one of my favorite dishes of this spring in Las Vegas.

picasso3Picasso at Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas
HOURS: Dinner, Wednesday – Monday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: 1. 702.693.8865
Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/picasso.aspx
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chefjserrano

*************************************
aAuthor: Manda Bear
To follow her food and wine adventure, you can follow her on:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/1mandabear
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1mandabear

Manda Bear has a passion for food and wine as a very young age. She’s currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, as a publisher and contributor @DepLifestyleMag @DiningOutVegas @FabMediaSF. She also contrinbuted for Drink Me Magazine www.DrinkMeMag.com, Viet Press USA, Studio 14 Magazine, DiningOut Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area.

She’s a certified level II Sommelier at www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley. She’s also a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high tech companies in Silicon Valley. She has traveled to dine at hundreds of Michelin Star/James Beard Award winning restaurants around the world.

 

Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit April 2015 Recap

   It was surely an incredible weekend of food, wine, drink, and social in Las Vegas April 23-26, serving up exciting culinary events at ARIA, BellagioCaesars Palace and MGM Grand. This year’s extravaganza features intimate dinners and interactive experiences hosted by acclaimed chefs, sommeliers and mixologists such as first-Vegas Uncork'd 2015 035time participant Emeril Lagasse, along with talents like Gordon Ramsay, Michael Mina, Guy Savoy, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain and Ho Chee Boon, as well as Emeril Laggase, Francois Payard, Wolfgang Puck, and Alain Ducasse.    

     Las Vegas where more than 30 celebrity chefs and 100 wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, and experience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts and most coveted restaurants in the world. And it’s all surrounded by some of the most beautiful hotels in Las Vegas

     The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace is the grandest event of all, Vegas Uncork'd 2015 397with over 2,500 guests.  This is the evening that you can get up close and personal with celebrity chefs for the first hour or so, it’s best if you get the VIP $300 ticket, to avoid the crowd, you got to meet your favorites, TV celebrities, Master Top Chefs, you name it, they were there to greet and hand you food.  There is no place else can do a grander epicurean extravaganza event for foodies than Las Vegas. 

Thank you www.vegasuncorked.com and Bon Appétit Magazine for an unforgettable weekend, no surprise that Vegas Uncork’d was voted the top 10 Best Readers’ Choice: Best Food Festival Winners on USA Today 2015.

Until 2016, let’s eat, drink, be merry and celebrate life in Las Vegas style.

Thursday APRIL 23, 2015 

The ninth annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit, presented by Vegas Uncork'd 2015 150Chase Sapphire Preferred®, began with a splash as some of the biggest names in the culinary world united in Las Vegas. Joined by more than 20 other iconic chefs, including Emeril Lagasse, Michael Mina and Guy Savoy, chef Julian Serrano did the honors of traditionally sabering a bottle of Mionetto Prosecco on the patio of Vegas Uncork'd 2015 156his newest restaurant, LAGO at Bellagio, as the resort’s famed Fountains of Bellagio danced in the background.

A-list celebrity chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina and Shawn McClain came together for an all-star feast at The Buffet at ARIA to
Vegas Uncork'd 2015 152put their gourmet spin on self-service style dining. Diners sipped champagne while sampling dozens of award-winning specialties including Julian Serrano’s Spanish tortillas, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s smoked kurabota pork rack with ancho chili glaze and escargot from Michael Mina.

Over at the new Boarder Grill inside Caesars Palace, Chefs Vegas Uncork'd 2015 065Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger spiced things up with a fabulous fiesta, fueled by tequila and tacos during their Master Series Dinner. Foodies embraced savory Mexican fare including oysters on the half shell, a variety of ceviche, grilled fish JG STeak (2)tacos and seafood cocktails while sipping free flowing and award-winning margaritas from the interactive drink station.

Acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten created an exclusive
dinner at the lakeside patio of Prime Steakhouse, offering guests a spectacular view of the famed Fountains of Bellagio. Guests were treated to an elegant four-course dinner JG STeak (1)showcasing various cuts of beef which included A5 Japanese wagyu beef Carpaccio and prime dry aged rib-eye, served by Jean-Georges Vongerichten himself and perfectly paired with premier wines.

Friday APRIL 24, 2015 

chef Wolfgang Puck Emeril Lagasse   The culinary masters of Wolfgang Puck’s Las Vegas restaurants came together for a special lunch, hosted by Spago Executive Chef Eric Klein, to showcase the many flavors of Wolfgang Puck’s empire at Spago in Caesars Palace. Foodies enjoyed five courses prepared by top chefs Eric Klein, Dustin Lewandowski, Mike Tiva, Jorge Martinez and Matt Hurley, and guests were treated to a surprise appearance by Wolfgang Puck.

Vegas Uncork'd 2015 322        Dessert connoisseurs became pastry savvy during the sweetest Master Series at Vegas Uncork’d in Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace. Pastry Chef François Payard shared his techniques as attendees enjoyed the freshest, most delicious French pastries, including rice crispies with milk chocolate and crispy
Vegas Uncork'd 2015 351chocolate filo, white chocolate and raspberry napoleons and floating islands with spiced chocolate sauce.

The luxurious Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace hosted the ultimate culinary event, The Grand Tasting. Grand TastingGuests experienced the best of the best with free-flowing wines and spirits while mingling with more than 75 award-winning chefs including Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsay, Jean-George Vongerichten, Guy Savoy, François Payard, Michael Mina, Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger and more.

Vegas Uncork'd 2015 307        Guests got up close and personal with Border Grill chef-owners Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger during the fun-filled boozy brunch and cooking class at Caesars Palace. Foodies gathered during this exclusive demonstration to watch the innovative Mexican dishes such as huevos rancheros, homemade Vegas Uncork'd 2015 421chorizo chilaquiles and Jalisco burro as well as intricate libations including sparkling pineapple mimosas, vere maria and blood orange jalapeno margaritas come to life before indulging on the five-course brunch.

Saturday APRIL 25, 2015 

Vegas Uncork'd 2015 393       Over at Bellagio, award-winning chef Julian Serrano curated a special brunch to debut his new restaurant, Lago. The exclusive afternoon of creative Italian small plates and innovative cocktails included build-your-own Bloody Mary and champagne Vegas Uncork'd 2015 419cocktails along with frittata della nonna, spiedino di salsiccia and biancomangiare.

Cocktail connoisseurs learned to pour like a pro with ARIA Mixologist Craig Schoettler at Alibi Cocktail Lounge. Attendees broke into teams to show off their Chef - Aria Kim Woodbest bartending skills and competed against fellow participants to see who could shake up the best original cocktail. The winning team’s cocktail will be featured in Alibi’s Cocktail Lounge menu.

Chef Guy Savoy     Chef Guy Savoy and luxury Champagne house, Krug Champagne, brought a one-of-a-kind experience to diners at Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace. Ticket holders sat at the only Krug Chef’s Table in the U.S., sipping on luxurious Krug champagne while Chef Guy Savoy prepared a tantalizing menu of artichoke and black truffle soup and colors of caviar, perfectly paired with Krug Vintage 2000, Krug Vintage 2003 and Krug Rose.

Chef Emeril Lagasse and Michale Mina     Culinary enthusiasts united poolside for a New Orleans Style Fish House experience at MGM Grand Producer’s Pool. Guests were treated to craft beer on tap with freshly shucked raw and grilled oysters, cooked to order whole grilled market fish and New Orleans style boiled seafood delicacies.
Vegas Uncork'd 2015 469During the event, students Elsa Sabellano Jenstad and Krista Burdick of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas teamed up with Vegas Uncork’d chefs Emeril Lagasse and Michael Mina to battle it out for a $20,000 scholarship during the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Grill Challenge. Ultimately, the grand prize went to Elsa Jenstad of Team Emeril.

Vegas Uncork'd 2015 496     Jasmine Restaurant at Bellagio hosted an educational tasting and welcomed representatives from four member wineries from In Pursuit of Balance, Rajat Parr of Domaine de la Côte, Jasmine Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards, Matt Licklider of Lioco and Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson. During California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: A Tasting of Balance, an array of wine was served including Vegas Uncork'd 2015 470LIOCO Chardonnay “Hanzell Vineyard,” Domaine de la Cote Pinot Noir “Estate,” Matthiasson Merlot “Red Hen Vineyard” and Hirsh Vineyards Pinot Noir “San Andreas Fault Estate.” sipping on Vegas Uncork'd 2015 432the selected Pinot Noir and California Chardonnay’s from Bellagio’s Director of Wine and Master Sommelier Jason Smith, alongside Bon Appétit Wine editor David Lynch.

Internationally acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay gave foodies the Chef Gordon Ramsaychance to compete in a friendly cook-off to experience the heat of Hell’s Kitchen at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace. Following the cook-off, participants celebrated with a corresponding dinner alongside Ramsay and Hell’s Kitchen winning chefs Christina Wilson and Scott Commings for a three course meal which included a spring garden journey, Kurobuta pork tenderloin and strawberry rhubarb mosaic.

Guests enjoyed an interactive journey through the art of modern Cantonese cooking with Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon at Hakkasan Restaurant & Nightclub at MGM Grand. Diners embraced the special six-course dinner that featured the restaurant’s globally acclaimed cuisine paired with exquisite wines selected by Christine Parkinson, the world-renowned curator of Hakkasan’s award-winning wine program.

All Star - Buffet     Guests at ARIA’s Sage Restaurant enjoyed a sophisticated five-course dinner celebration by tasting some of the most highly-coveted vintage wines, hand selected by Flower’s Vineyard Estate Director, Greg Miller, and ARIA Director of Wine, Kim Wood and paired with farm-to-table fare from James Beard and award-winning chef Shawn McClain, including Maine lobster pave, Hawaiian kampachi, aged ricotta ravioli, glazed veal cheek and blackberry panna cotta.

Bravo’s newest TV competition series came to life during the star-studded Saturday soiree, presented by Buick, at the Bravo’s Best New Restaurant Pop-Up at Caesars Palace. Guests enjoyed a four-course seated dinner prepared by America’s “Best New Restaurant,” DOLCE Italian, with signature dishes such as ricotta cavatelli, grilled octopus and seared branzino.

Sunday APRIL 26, 2015 

Inside ARIA at BARDOT Brasserie, internationally celebrated chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Jean Philippe CHefsMaury, Shawn McClain and Julian Serrano created a one-of-a-kind daytime soiree. Guests enjoyed the bountiful brunch that featured classic French dishes including Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s char grilled wagyu strip steak, Michael Mina’s hunters waffle, Shawn McClain’s Maine lobster ravioli, Julian Serrano’s huevos Serrano and “The Sweet French Affair” prepared by Jean Philippe Maury with opera, warm chocolate cake and lemon chefsensation. World-class French wines, which included a 2006 Domaine La Tour Vieille Rimage Banyuls and a 2010 Jean Follard Cuvee Corcelette Morgan flowed throughout brunch to pair perfectly with the French cuisine and sultry sounds of the live French jazz band.

Attendees’ senses took a trip to Southern Italy during an Vegas Uncork'd 2015 424afternoon affair at Rao’s at Caesars Palace. Frank Pellegrino, Jr. entertained guests in true Italian fashion by serving multi-course family-style plates that featured family favorites such as the beef and pork braciola, Rao’s meatballs, and sweet and hot Italian sausage braised together in a rich and flavorful Italian meat sauce known as “Sunday Gravy.” Perfectly paired with the authentic specialties, guests also enjoyed seasonally inspired libations including Quercerto Chianti and Nuschese Pinot Grigio alongside non-stop entertainment that comes with a traditional Italian Sunday meal.

Over at Bellagio, in the private room of Sensi, Vegas Uncork’d Chef Sensiguests took center stage for one final over-the-top social dining extravaganza. Foodies feasted on whole roasted beasts of land and sea, including a whole roasted lamb, ketchup dusted pork rinds, deviled duck eggs and a whole roasted fish served spit-roasted, crispy-skinned, slow-smoked and salt-baked, while giant bottles of hand selected artisanal and craft label beers from Brooklyn Brewery and Samuel Adams flowed throughout the evening.

Author: Manda Bear
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Manda Bear has a passion for food and wine as a very young age. She’s currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, as a co-publisher and contributor @DepLifestyleMag@DiningOutVegas @FabMediaSF. She has contributed for Viet Press, Viet Tribune, Studio 14 Magazine, DiningOut Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is currently contributing for Drink Me Magazine www.DrinkMeMag.com and Dep Lifestyle Magazine.

She’s a certified level II Sommelier @VintageWineSR at  www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley and you can find her on YouTube for her “Wine Not” Rượu Cho Người Việt by Dep Lifestyle Magazine.

She’s a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high tech companies in Silicon Valley. She’s also a former restaurant owner and has traveled to dine at over hundred of Michelin Star/James Beard Award winning restaurants around the world.