Month: May 2016

Dining Outside the Home: Paris Baguette at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada 

Dining Outside the Home: Paris Baguette at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada! Surrounded by elegant architecture on the edge of St. Mark’s Square where charming costumed characters entertain the crowds with music, song, and dance is Paris Baguette, a café and bakery. Sweetened pastries overflowing with light cream, decadent chocolate, and honeyed fruit as well as gourmet sandwiches abundant enough to share make the perfect picnic lunch along cobbled streets. Be serenaded in this deliciously delightful romantic setting. 

Living Statues Spring to Life at St. Mark’s Square in Las Vegas, Nevada

Absorb the ambience of Old Italy at The Venetian Streetmosphere throughout a journey of the Grand Canal Shoppes. Graceful dancers, limber court jesters, vibrant carnivalesque personalities, and talented musicians effortlessly entertain the masses in St. Mark’s Square. Go ahead, choose a bench for people-watching while satisfying your sweet tooth with a refreshing gelato. After all, one must truly indulge to appreciate the savior-faire. Grazie, grazie molto!

Time Travel on a Gondola Ride

On water as smooth as glass, a skilled gondolier guides the narrow, flat-bottomed boat through the canals of Venice. Close your eyes for a moment and be taken away beneath stone arched bridges, past bustling cafés and iron street lamps where couples embrace in romantic murmurs. This is Italy, or at least it appears so, presented for your enjoyment on the gondola rides at The Venetian in Las Vegas. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter V

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food Junkie Favorites: Vermicelli Pasta Salad! A little advance planning goes a long way whether you choose to make this a side dish or a main course. Plus, you get bonus points if it becomes your Midweek Meatless Meal. It’s easy, it’s versatile, and it’s made with fiber-filled veggies for extra crunch and flavor. Substitute ingredients to match your family’s personal cravings. On the go? Pack it in single serving jars for fuss-free options. 
VERMICELLI PASTA SALAD
Ingredients:

1 pound vermicelli 

1 1/2 tablespoons Accent seasoning

2 tablespoons seasoned salt

1/2 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup green pepper, chopped

3/4 cup onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups broccoli/carrot/red cabbage slaw

1 cup black olives, sliced

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 cup mayonnaise 
Instructions:

Cook vermicelli as directed on package. Rinse in cold water. Drain. Place in large bowl. Make a marinade of Accent seasoning, seasoned salt, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Pour over vermicelli; mix well. Cover and marinate for two days, stirring once or twice. Add green pepper, onion, cut-up broccoli/carrot/cabbage slaw, black olives, poppy seeds, and mayonnaise. Mix well. Marinate overnight. Serve chilled. 

I’ve Got Swag!

I’ve got Swag! This is the reason I don’t gamble….or do I? Betting on a sure thing awarded me the classy sophistication of “The Swagger by Coach!” This is how to make a statement in Vegas! Love the color blocking in addition to Shady, the emoji bag charm; both personalized for a twist of attitude. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter U

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Food Junkie Favorites: Unrivaled Chocolate Caramel Treats! Do you get weak in the knees over chocolate? You may be tempted once you taste this salty sweet confection. One little piece will have you rolling your eyes in delirium. The crust keeps this bar crunchy, kinda like a shortbread cookie. And the sea salt crystals form a balance that is unrivaled! This recipe has a few shortcuts, so it can be thrown together in a matter of minutes. No baking is required. Don’t hate me!
UNRIVALED CHOCOLATE CARAMEL TREATS
Ingredients:

Club crackers, whole

1 cup crushed Club crackers

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup coconut, flaked

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter, melted

16-ounce can of Chocolate Fudge Frosting

1/4 cup pecans, chopped

1 teaspoon sea salt crystals
Instructions:

Put one layer of whole Club crackers on the bottom of a 7″X11″ pan. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, coconut, milk, and melted butter. Boil ingredients for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let cool. Form a layer of caramel mixture over crackers. Put another layer of Club crackers on top. Frost with canned frosting, sprinkle with pecans and sea salt crystals. Store in the refrigerator. 

Pinch Me. I Think I’m Dreaming!

Escape from reality into a world of passion in Le Rêve, The Dream. In it Hope is eternal ignited by the lure of Romance, the seduction of Lust, the fire of Jealousy, and the depth of Love. Be mesmerized, be entertained, be tempted, but most of all…be prepared to enter a world of mystery worth experiencing. Le Rêve. The Dream at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada.