Tag Archive | Foodies

Lip Smacking Food Tours

Nov28

Las Vegas

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I recently celebrated a milestone birthday in Vegas with friends and family and scheduled a food adventure with Lip Smacking Food Tours. What a great way to “spice up” the usual Vegas trip! We scheduled the three-hour afternoon food tour, considered this our late lunch, and had plenty of time left for a night on the town and a late dinner. It worked out perfectly.

I have not been to Vegas in almost fifteen years and had no idea how much the restaurant business had grown. There are now over 350 restaurants on The Strip and every celebrity chef has their own place. There seems to be an absence of the old 99 cent steak buffets that were so popular in years past. Those are now replaced by high-end, fine dining establishments in every hotel and casino. Times they are a changin’…..for the better, in my opinion.

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After researching “things to do” in Vegas before our trip, I came across the highly rated food tours. The Lip Smacking Food Tours seemed to be the  perfect way to visit four high-end restaurants and taste a sampling of some very raved about dishes. What was not to like? You visit four amazing restaurants to sample their food and drink their craft cocktails (optional). It is advertised to be an easy walk between all the stops. The guide will fill you in on local art, Las Vegas history, and give you inside information that only the locals know. Sounds good – I signed us up!

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We met at The Focus, a beautiful water wall at the Aria Hotel. There were seven of us and seven others who joined the group. Whitney was our awesome (and gorgeous!) tour guide. She was extremely knowledgeable about the food scene and about Vegas in general.  The tour was relaxed (but not too slow) and very informative (without being boring ). Whitney kept us moving but never hurried.  In addition to the food sampling, we got a cultural/art tour and an overall V.I.P. Vegas experience. There were also a couple of completely unexpected surprises along the way. The tour was way more fun (and way more food) than just going to dinner somewhere.

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After a brief introduction to the tour guidelines, our first stop was Javier’s, a high-end Mexican restaurant well-known for premium tequilas and beautiful art work. We were seated in a gorgeous, private dining room ($3500 per night rental) at a beautifully decorated table. We sampled a variety of tasty salsas and chips, enchiladas (crab and organic chicken), traditional rice and beans, and a pineapple margarita (yum!). Delicioso!

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Our second stop was Estiatorio Milos, a Greek and Mediterranean seafood restaurant. We were seated at round tables with great views and displays of fresh vegetables and seafood were all around us. Food here was served family style. We feasted on baked bread with Greek olive oil and sprigs of fresh oregano. The Greek Salad (with delicious feta cheese), grilled octopus, and the Milos Special (fried zucchini tower with tzatziki and cheese) was delicious and most enjoyable. Every item was fresh and tasty. Loved it all.

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Our third stop was Momofuku, a new Asian/Korean restaurant. We began with Spicy Cucumbers and toasted cashews. Our second course was Pork Buns which were large bao buns stuffed with thick slices of pork belly.  The last course was a fantastic Chickpea Ramen. The roasted chickpeas, scallions, miso and bok choy created a great mix of flavors and it was most enjoyable. We sat by a large, graffiti-style wall mural that was really cool. This stop was a feast for eyes and bellies!

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At this point in the tour, we were pretty full….but we were on to our final stop. Our last restaurant was Cucina by Wolfgang Puck. What a way to end a food tour! This is the celebrity’s chef’s latest rustic Italian restaurant. We had desserts here and what a treat it was. The Salted Caramel Budino was creamy and delicious. The Tiramisu was perfection. The Vanilla Zeppole (think donut hole) with raspberry sauce was sweet and tart, all at the same time. The Cremoso sponge cake and mousse was my favorite. Delizioso! Since it was my birthday, I got a specially decorated plate and a birthday serenade by an Italian singer. It was a perfect ending to a most perfect day.

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At each restaurant, the staff was welcoming, prompt, and professional. We were seated at the best tables in the place. Printed menus were provided at each stop detailing the food and beverages. We were served in a quick and timely manner and any additional drink order was easily handled. The entire tour was top notch and quickly became one of the favorite things about our Vegas trip. We had been entertained, educated, and fed the best of the best. The complete experience, from beginning to end, was perfectly executed and my group thoroughly enjoyed it. Lip Smacking Food Tours did it up right!

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If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas in the near future and are a self-proclaimed “foodie,”  I highly suggest trying out Lip Smacking Food Tours. I will leave you with a few simple words of advice: go hungry, wear comfy shoes, pace yourself, and wear stretchy pants.

Bon appetit!

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Mille Lire

Oct21

Dallas, Texas

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I love having friends who are foodies! They are a wealth of information regarding new restaurants, new food trends, and the latest recipes. One of my best “foodie friends” just happened to turn me on to Mille Lire.

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Mille Lire is a great little Italian restaurant located in the Dallas Arts District near Cedar Springs, in the Centrum Building. From the second I walked in, I liked it. I was impressed with the chic, modern decor and the “homey” feel. The tables were beautifully set. Interesting art work was located throughout the dining rooms. A high glass ceiling, colorful floor tiles, big windows, and beautiful lighting fixtures created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. So far, so good!

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The hostess was welcoming and my husband and I were promptly seated at our table in the middle of the restaurant. Our server made us feel welcome and delivered the right amount of attentiveness throughout our meal. The cocktail and wine lists were impressive and the menu selections were very appealing. Now it was time to make some tough decisions!

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I opted for a glass of Amore Prosecco and it was cool and crisp – just the way I like it. My husband ordered the Italiano Mule and it was awesome! Limoncello was the secret ingredient that gave the mule its special  “oomph!” Delicioso on both counts.

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We chose the Roasted Cauliflower and the Roasted Beet Salad for our antipasti. The cauliflower florets were drizzled with Thai chili cream sauce and the flavor was amazing. The roasted beets were cut into bite-size squares and were served with goat cheese, toasted pistachios and orange slices. The textures, flavors, and plating of both of these appetizers was spot-on. Our server also brought over a complimentary bread basket, creamy butter, and dipping oil that was a nice addition to our other dishes.

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For our entrees, we decided to try a couple of the housemade pasta dishes. We opted for the Fettuccine Carbonara and the Pappardelle al Ragu. The fettuccine dish was served al dente with pecorino cheese, pancetta, a poached egg, and topped with crispy Brussels sprouts. This dish was rich, creamy, and delicious and made for some great leftovers. The pappardelle was also al dente and was served with a bold sauce of dry-aged beef bolognese, tomatoes, and fresh grated parmesan. This was authentic Italian cooking at its best – simple and flavorful.

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Dessert might have been my favorite part of the meal…no surprise there! My husband and I shared a piece of Ricotta & Amaretto Cheesecake topped with wild cherries. At this point, I really, really wished I had not agreed to share. I would have licked the saucer clean if it would not have embarrassed my husband! The slice of cheesecake was creamy and smooth with the perfect amount of sweetness versus tartness. More, please!

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At one point during our dinner, I saw the chef come out from the open kitchen and talk to a few patrons. Giuliana Matarese is the owner and executive chef of Mille Lire. He was born and raised in Napoli and has over 20 years experience at top-notch restaurants, including in NYC. This new restaurant of his just received the 2018 Open Table Diner’s Choice Award, so they must be doing something right! Mille Lire is not open just for dinner hours. They also offer “Pranzo Veloce”  (quick lunch) specials Tuesday thru Friday and a Prosecco Brunch with a Live DJ on Sundays.

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My husband and I really enjoyed our visit and I would love to return soon to try their Sunday brunch and Prosecco Bar. I hope you will check them out the next time you are in the mood for some authentic Italian fare. Buon appetito!

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Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Jul3

Dallas, Texas

If you are looking for that perfect fine-dining meal, I would like to suggest Perry’s in uptown Dallas. This is a great restaurant for a date night, a celebration or a business meeting. 

Perry’s Steakhouse has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a meat market and butcher shop that began in 1979. Today Perry’s remains true to its roots and serves only the finest cuts of hand-selected, USDA-aged prime beef and pork. If you are a meat lover – this is definitely your kind of place.

My husband and I just recently dined at Perry’s for the third time and had another wonderful dining experience. The valet parking is very convenient and affordable ($5). The upscale interior is warm and inviting, refined and elegant. I immediately noticed the beautiful light fixtures that set the tone and give the dining rooms a romantic ambiance. There is a modern bar area, a 5,000-bottle “wine wall”, several large open dining areas, an outdoor patio and a sunken wine cellar where we were seated. It was very cozy, private, and comfortable. The award-winning menu offers an impressive list of wine and cocktails. Appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts are all upscale and every dish is high quality.  Service has always been very attentive, personable and prompt.

During the month of July,  Perry’s is offering two special anniversary menus. On Sunday evenings they offer a 3-course Pork Chop Dinner (salad, pork chop and dessert) for $34.95. They are also offering an evening special “4 for $44” (appetizer, salad, entree and dessert). These are both great deals since the 32 oz. pork chop usually runs $40 alone!

Now let’s talk about their incredible Signature Pork Chop. Perry’s famous pork chop is a “7 finger high” pork chop (think three, very thick pork chops stacked on top of each other). The pork is cured, roasted, slow-smoked and then caramelized. It is brought out to your table whole and is then carved table-side for your viewing pleasure. It is cut and separated on your plate with one huge chunk of pork loin (fork tender), the eyelash (the tastiest and most tender part) and the three individual, thick-cut, bone-in pork chops (very flavorful). It is absolutely delicious and enough meat for at least two people. This is served with a side of tasty applesauce. Perfection.

We chose to have the “4 for $44” special this particular evening. We began with house-made Polish Sausage and Fried Asparagus appetizers. Both were good but my favorite was the battered asparagus spears with a garlic/lemon/butter sauce and the crab topping. Yum! The Caesar Salad and Kale Salad were both fresh and delicious. My favorite here was the Kale Salad with its tangy jalapeno vinaigrette dressing, shaved parmesan, and tiny, crunchy croutons. Next came our entrees – the signature Pork Chop for my husband and the Chicken Oscar with Roasted Aparagus for me. The two chicken cutlets were well-seasoned and the lump crab meat was very tasty but nothing really compares to that hunka-hunka pork chop! Our dessert choices were the Dessert Trio (vanilla bean crème brulée, chocolate crunch and praline cheesecake bites) and the Nutty D’Angelo – which we shared. This “nutty” dessert was quite the spectacle. The wait staff came to our table and flambéed crushed pecans, brown sugar and brandy and poured it over a huge ball of vanilla ice cream that was topped with white chocolate and almonds plated on a chocolate drizzled dessert plate. Need I say more?

Overall, we had a great dining experience. It is rare when we hit the trifecta these days with service, food, and atmosphere. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is well worth checking out and I hope you go visit during the month of July for these great money-saving specials. Perry’s is not inexpensive… but the quality and quantity of food easily justifies the cost. Bon appetit!

 

Parigi Restaurant

Mar7

Dallas, Texas

I first discovered Parigi several years ago and  remember thinking “how have I not heard of this place sooner?” I think foodies and the neighborhood locals have purposely kept this small restaurant one of their best-kept secrets!

This quaint little gem is tucked away on Oak Lawn (between Lemmon Avenue and Cedar Springs) and has been in this same location for more than thirty years. Their menu can best be described as creative New American cuisine with strong French and Italian accents (“Parigi” is the Italian word for “Paris”).

Chef/Owner Janice Provost wanted Parigi to be like “a bistro in Paris with a New York feel”  and she succeeded. The cozy interior setting is chic, intimate and comfortable. There is a lovely little outdoor patio in front complete with cafe tables and beautifully lit trees. The ambiance can be perfect for a brunch with friends, a date night dinner, cocktails with girlfriends, or a casual business meeting.

I have had Parigi as one of my “go-to” restaurants for years now because they always seem to be at the top of their game. I have dined here for special occasions with family. I have had some romantic evenings with my husband and have also grabbed a casual meal before a play or sporting event. I have also invited and dined with friends wanting to introduce them to Parigi’s wonderful fare. 

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Caesar salad
Brussels Sprout salad
Crab beignets

I have always found the staff and service to consistently be friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a very chic, but casual, dining atmosphere without any “snooty” pressure. Drinks are always refilled and dirty utensils and plates are whisked away. Quite frankly, the main reason I keep returning to Parigi is because the food steals my heart every time. The creative menu changes twice a month and I love that! It gives me something to look forward to each visit. I never know what new dish I might fall in love each time, so each visit is a new and exciting experience.

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Lobster BLT Trio with guacamole sidecar and a balsamic Eiffel Tower

Chef Provost sources their produce from local farmers, their cheese from small-batch cheese makers, and their seafood from sustainable fisherman. This is the main reason the menu changes frequently. They prepare their delicious entrees with whatever is fresh and in season at the time. Menu staples such as the Pappardelle, Gnocchi, Risotto and Fish are always featured – just with different ingredients and flavors depending on the growing season. 

Bay Scallops
Sea Bass and Asparagus
Salmon and Brussels Sprouts
Beef Tenderloin Risotto

Some of the standout dishes that I have enjoyed over the years include their award-winning Caesar Salad, a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Watermelon Radishes, a Lobster BLT Trio, Beef Tenderloin Risotto, Crab Beignets, Grilled John Dory Fillet, Peppermint Red Velvet Cake, and a Chocolate Glob for dessert. Every item I have ordered has been beautifully plated, perfectly seasoned, and very tasty. That is why I keep going back!

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Peppermint Red Velvet Cake

If you are a true foodie or would just enjoy a great meal out – I highly suggest dining at Parigi. The restaurant has been voted one of the “Most Romantic Restaurants”  in Dallas and Chef Provost has been voted a “Dallas Chef Favorite.”  You will most likely see her working in the open kitchen or meet her when she frequently steps out to personally greet patrons at the tables.

I hope to see you at Parigi soon. Look for me! I’ll be the one dining on the patio, under the lights, with a martini and a nice grilled fish  🙂

 

I hope you have enjoyed reading my travel and food blog. If you would like to read more of my dining and travel experiences, feel free to subscribe. Please leave comments and suggestions as well. Thanks so much for your input – it is most appreciated!

Crumbzz

Jul11

Forney, Texas

This little European-style bistro is located in the heart of historic downtown Forney.  Open since 2011, my girlfriends and I have made several visits to Crumbzz for breakfast and lunch. I recently took my husband David there for brunch and decided it was time to let other foodies know about this little hidden gem.

The interior resembles a little chic, uptown Dallas cafe. There is seating along the Italian marble bar where you may sit and watch the live action in the open kitchen. The front area has several cozy round-topped aluminum tables and comfy leather chairs. The decorative ceiling, slate floors, succulents on the tables, and stage lighting add to the ambiance. The walls are usually lined with nature photographs or colorful paintings by local artists. 

I highly suggest that you not be in a “fast food” frame of mind when you dine at Crumbzz. All of the food is made to order and takes a little time. Order a cup of their delicious custom blend coffee or iced green tea and sit back, relax, and chill for a few minutes. Chef J Stephen Sadler will proudly tell you that every item is fresh, prepared on site and made from the finest natural ingredients. Most of his butter, eggs, dairy products and produce comes from local producers. Many of his spices and flavorings are imported from all over the world.

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lemon ricotta pancakes

When David and I dined here for brunch a couple of weeks ago, we started our meal with a delicious, very smooth, vanilla latte (notice the cool asymmetrical coffee cups). Our first order was the Taylor Ham & Egg Sandwich which was delicious. Taylor Ham comes from New Jersey and is similar to the country ham I grew up eating in Mississippi, just not as salty.  The eggs were cooked to perfection and the fresh ciabatta roll and melted Gruyère cheese made this breakfast sandwich a hit.

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Gaufre Liege Waffle with Cinnamon Streusel Butter

Next up was one of my favorites – the Gaufre Liege Waffle. This is not your normal waffle-maker waffle! This is a dense and rich waffle that is made from caramelized brioche-based dough. It is chewy, tasty, and no topping is necessary – but  fortunately, it is served with a cinnamon streusel butter that melts as your spread it on the waffles and elevates this dish even more. Yum!

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Gruyere Egg Souffle

The entree that keeps me and my gal pals coming back to Crumbzz is the Gruyère Egg Soufflé. It takes a little longer to cook, so order this first thing. This soufflé is a light and airy, golden-colored delight. The Gruyère cheese gives it a rich saltiness and parmigiano-reggiano enhances the flavor. The fluffy, cheesy bites literally melt in your mouth. 

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Tomato Basil  Soup & Sandwich

If you are not in the mood for breakfast foods, try one of Crumbzz’s house made soups. The Tomato Basil and the French Onion are standouts. I have also enjoyed their Tuna Salad and Fribourg Grilled Cheese. There are several lunch specials that include soup, half of a sandwich or salad. The menu seems to have something for everyone.

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Large Crumbzz cake

Chef J Stephen, owner and executive chef,  frequently comes out of the kitchen and visits with patrons. He seems to enjoy his customers and is a joy to talk to.  He has made a name for himself and gained notoriety for his crumb cakes. These tasty cakes are made to order and ship nationally and internationally. This crumb cake recipe is a 400-year-old Sadler family recipe! When dining at Crumbzz, there are usually five flavors available each day: cinnamon, raspberry, apricot, chocolate, and a “flavor-of-the-month.” The fresh crumb cakes come in several sizes, so save room for one of the small individual sizes for dessert before you leave. Or better yet, take home one of each flavor to sample!

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Ladies enjoying lunch with Chef J Stephen Sadler