WhatsinMyBackyardBlog

During our entire stay in Vegas, I didn’t manage to book us reservations at any of the culinary destinations I had in mind, rather, I went with no agenda, no plans. Things worked out anyway. Our last night in Vegas we ended up at Botero in the Encore. The decor is inspired by Fernando Botero, the famed Colombian figurative artist (if you’ve seen the Bourdain Colombia episode-you’ll recognize him). Chef Mark LoRusso makes his mark with juicy, flavorful steaks. You can choose the cut of steak you’d like and the a choice of 3 sauces to accompany your steak. My husband and I both chose chimichurri as our sauce. My petite filet was cooked to a perfect medium and the best part of our dinner, was the side dish of truffle mac n cheese. A bit too rich for an accompanying side, perhaps, but oh so good. We should have chosen a lighter side, but anything with “truffle” on a menu, just jumps out to me. Our starter was nothing spectacular, but good ol’ tuna tartar.

Botero has a casual, relaxed vibe. I was pleasantly surprised to see many groups of women dining at a steak house alongside, all the men sitting down 6-8 deep at some tables. There were a few couples, but Vegas always lures the groups of friends who are out looking to relive their youth or find it. Our service was great and they were very attentive when our wine glasses needed filling. The prices are typical for a steakhouse. My petite filet was $50. There were seafood options as well, and a small vegetarian selection too. The art pieces are fun to look at and definitely conversation starters. Reservations were not too difficult to get compared to SW (the other steak house located at the Wynn) if you’re planning last-minute.

I’ve come back from a much-needed getaway with my husband sans kids. It was WONDERFUL, to the say the least. Vegas was our destination of choice and in usual Vegas manner, it always delivers. We stayed at the Encore–thanks very much to the promotional letter I received over the summer, and somehow managed to salvage from the recycle pile. Whaddaya know, those things work after all! I managed to also upgrade us for FREE to a King suite (if available, via promo) and we had two show tickets to Le Reve. The Encore is the newest of the Wynn Properties in Vegas and it truly is beautiful. The view from our king suite was amazing. We could see the Wynn in front of us, the strip to the right of us and the golf course to our left. For a more in depth review of our stay, please refer to here and here.

Vegas has become quite the culinary destination in the last decade. You can find four-star, michelin-rated restaurants all within walking distance from any hotel on the strip, and ubiquitous small eateries on lower budgets. Across the street from Encore, located on the strip at the corner of Fashion Show Mall, is Strip Burger. You might overlook it since a massive Maggiano’s sign looms over it, but don’t pass this place up. That would be a BIG MISTAKE. From the outside, it looks like any other Vegas joint, beckoning people with late-night hangovers with the smell of hand cut, fresh-cut fries and fresh-baked buns and an outdoor bar.

Their menu is pretty basic and affordable. You’ve got burgers, salads, choice of sides, shakes, cocktails, and beer. Order their famous bleu cheese burger topped with crispy-fried onion strings and you won’t regret it. I ordered a sample of 2 oz. burgers and one of them was the bleu cheese and it did not disappoint. The buns alone are delicious without any patty in the middle–but the FRIES! Oh the FRIES! I can’t even remember when the last time I got so EXCITED about fries. I mean, it’s almost become a once-a-week staple since I’ve had kids. Strip Burger’s fries however, are from another universe. We got a half order of regular fries and half-order of garlic fries. Both, still a happy memory that warms me all over. As my good husband pointed out, when you order garlic fries, it’s either too garlicky (picture a pile of crushed garlic dumped on top of fries), or too greasy and soggy. But these garlic fries were neither. The individual fries were crispy on the outside, and moist inside. Cooked in trans-fat free oil, there wasn’t an overload of crushed garlic and it was seasoned well. And the regular fries-well, let’s just say they’re even better. And no, I wasn’t hung over or anything like that in case any of you doubt how good these fries are. It didn’t even need “muchup.” (that’s mustard and ketchup for you-my hubby’s own creation)

The husband got a grilled chicken breast sandwich. It was moist, tender, and very flavorful. He often orders grilled chicken sandwiches and the man knows when he’s eating a good one. Because let’s admit, grilling chicken breasts and having them maintain any juiciness can be difficult. Kudos to Strip Burger for accomplishing such a feat.

Yup, yup. My family and I are heading to the Philippines early next year. Tickets have been purchased! We’re all excited (ok, except for our 14 month old who doesn’t understand yet) and hoping this travel getaway will be fun and not painfully exhausting. Because, really, let’s face it, when you’re heading home to visit tons of family, it’s hard to get down time for yourself and your kids. Which is why, I will make it my priority to ensure that my family won’t be overwhelmed by too much sightseeing and see family in healthy doses. The last thing I want is for all of us to remember the trip as being “too much” and not fun.

I’m most excited to see my grandmother who I haven’t seen since my wedding and has yet to meet my kids. So, a happy toast to “going home.”

It’s Fall! And I’m so happy because this is my FAVORITE time of the year. Cozy layers and sweaters, and plenty of hot drinks in hand. What’s not to love?

We’ve had a great summer and though it’s almost coming to an end, I’ve been anxiously awaiting for Fall. No big travel plans for the remainder of this year, BUT, I do have an exciting weekend coming up in November, sans kiddos. The husband and I are going to Vegas! Can you believe we are stealing away for a weekend in Sin City? I can’t. We’ve never gone there together–though we’ve both been there with friends separately plenty. I’m looking forward to it, and trying to figure out where to eat in such a small amount of time is nerve-wracking. I mean, c’mon, when was the last place or meal I managed to write about thoroughly without inserting a comment about it being “kid-friendly” or “noisy-enough?” So, if any of you have any discerning opinions about where we should eat while there, do share. Share now. Because making reservations can be hard.

As for things that have been happening in my backyard these days, I’ve begun cooking with my eldest child (granted, he’s 2.75 years old, but, hey, never too young to start) and today we made mini corn muffins. My youngest just turned one a month ago and is now happily standing up by herself. She has yet the courage to take those first few steps, but it might be soon. We managed and survived our first trip with 2 children under the age of 3, and yes, it was successful. Thank you very much. We are now in the planning stages of doing our first international trip with BOTH KIDS. A trip to the Philippines early next year. Aiya!

Have I eaten anywhere worth writing about? Hmm, hmmm, hmmm. Oh that’s right, I haven’t had time to go to “fahncee” places anymore because my daughter has major separation anxiety. Unless it’s my husband or my mother watching her-she’ll cry LOTS. So really, you may be waiting awhile for reviews of certain places.

Have I cooked anything spectacular as of late? Hmm, another good question. I have. Unfortunately, my lame brain can’t remember and/or I’m extremely lazy these days to document it in photo and blog about it. I suffer from having young children. There’s not much I can do about it, but it’s not permanent.

a simple, tasty, but filling lunch

You know how you find those perfect little places in and around your neighborhood. Your favorite local spot that you don’t want anyone to know about, because it might not be your favorite spot anymore once the crowds gather. Well, I’ve found such a place and I’m not sharing the name nor its’ locale. It’s not pretentious and I like the food they serve. Its’ location isn’t anywhere trendy or hard to park. It’s open and airy, and even has a little play area for your wee ones. They brew awesome locally-sourced coffee and recognize that parents need a space where they can enjoy their coffee too, so they have a tiny play area for kids. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and offer weekend brunch. Perfection in my eyes.

The above photo is of a salami panini with sauteed spinach (super yum!) and provolone that came with a small scoop of potato salad (with not too much mayo, thank you). So crispy and perfectly crunchy on the outside and savory on the inside. In the background is my pomegranate lemonade. I had to pass up the beautiful baked goods they offer because I didn’t have anymore room in my tummy.

I’m looking forward to frequenting this new little spot o’mine and hope it remains a mystery for awhile. Do you have any favorite spots you like to kick back at and don’t want its location to be discovered? Whether modern & chic, or rustic and in need of new walls, whatever and wherever it is, tell me what you love about it.