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.
Dining Outside the Home: Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada! From the moment we stepped away from the jangle of slot machines, it was clear we were about to experience an authentic English pub. The renowned chef of “Hell’s Kitchen”, Gordon Ramsay has set the stage for the best sampling of British fare this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Waitresses scurrying by with heaping platters of Yorkshire Ale Batter Fish and Chips still take time to stop and chat with curious customers needing direction. The menu offers a plethora of pub temptations from Olive and Sea Salt Roasted Nuts to Grilled Lamb Burger to Sticky Toffee Pudding. Think about sharing a plate in order to experience “The Full Monty”.
Godiva Chocolate cravings are so satisfying. When the urge to nibble on creamy gourmet chocolate strikes, think chocolate-covered strawberries! Godiva chocolatiers are artists-in-residence who beautifully create these legendary masterpieces before your very eyes. Try not to drool. The struggle is real whether to admire its allure or succumb to that first bite of semi-sweet cocoa. Go ahead….oblige! The juicy ripe strawberries are the ultimate complement for white, dark, or milk chocolate indulgences. And never, ever refuse the decadent samples offered by the gracious hostess. Permission granted.
The Mint Julep has got to be the greatest afternoon drink south of the Mason-Dixon Line, next to its nonalcoholic partner, Sweet Tea. Anyone who has ever heard of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby appreciates this smooth concoction of bourbon whiskey, sugar, mint, water, and ice. Derby Day is traditionally celebrated the first Saturday in May, as the Earth announces the arrival of mint. And if you’ve ever planted this herb, you already know it must be contained or it will overpower everything within its reach. Hence the reason for consuming this signature drink in a frosty chilled highball glass. Crowd control. Now that’s what I call Southern hospitality!
MINT JULEP
Ingredients:
4 mint leaves
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons water
Cracked Ice
2 ounces Bourbon whiskey
Splash of sparkling water
Mint sprigs
Instructions:
In a chilled highball glass, gently muddle mint leaves. Add sugar and water. Stir to combine. Fill the glass with cracked ice. Add Bourbon whiskey and stir well; it keeps the glass frosted. Top off with sparkling water. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Dining Outside the Home: El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant in Richmond, Indiana! One foot in the door and it is apparent a celebration of Mexican heritage, culture, and pride exists on Cinco de Mayo. Between the lively mariachi music and the clink of margarita glasses as big as fishbowls, the atmosphere is hypnotic. Spicy aromas envelope the crowd in south-of-the-border savory dishes. Hardworking employees pass by with sizzling hot plates carefully stacked all the way up their arms without missing a beat. Lively conversation bubbles in our midst as we make our way to a treasured vantage point of activity, celebration, feasting, and of course the classic jumbo margarita. Olé!
Dining Outside the Home: The Merchant House in Greenville, Ohio! Centuries ago in the town where the famed sharp-shooter Annie Oakley lived, an 1880s merchant building was the hub of all activity providing supplies and groceries for its patrons. Today that historical building still stands and has been transformed into the town’s newest eatery, The Merchant House. Much of the building’s character has been a labor of love. Decorative tin tiles adorn the ceiling, majestic architectural columns divide seating areas, and antique brick walls boldly offset black and white murals. The menu features smoked barbecue, deep dish pizzas, specialty salads, two-handed sandwiches, gourmet desserts, and local craft beers. Farm-to-table ingredients are a plus. For casual family dining and live entertainment, The Merchant House is spot on.
Dining Outside the Home: Olde Richmond Inn in Richmond, Indiana! Dining al fresco is a luxury impossible to ignore, especially when the sky is blue and the sunbeams are warm. Colorful umbrellas beckon guests to sit awhile and enjoy the international specialties of the house skillfully prepared by the master chef. Every course becomes an unique discovery of the palate through the catering skills of the Molina Family. Is it any wonder this popular restaurant has been voted “Worth the Drive” by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine?! Located in the Old Richmond Historic District, this 1894 home-turned-restaurant is a landmark destination worth experiencing.
The world’s most complex cocktail, the Bloody Mary, seems to be a favorite no matter how you serve it up. Get creative. Go spicy. Check out the ingredients in your refrigerator for a “conversation starter” at your next informal gathering. Anything goes! Don’t forget to season the rim of the glass with a smoked sea salt for extra flavor. Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar creates a hands-on experience everyone is sure to remember. This little number is the specialty of the house at Fat Tuna Grill and Oyster Bar in Williamsburg, Virginia. Gotta love the ultimate shrimp cocktail garnish!
Dining Outside the Home: Le Yaca French Restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia. White linens, soft candlelight, a warm fireplace, and fresh flowers. Mais, oui! Every table is placed to make one feel as though it’s a private dining experience. The wine list alone is a sweeping journey across the French countryside. Roasted Leg of Lamb is a weekly ritual bathed in natural herbs over an open fire. And yet, the light and elegant Soufflé au Grand Marnier dessert, with its tantalizing crown of fluffy sweetness, punctuates the evening as a Troisième Course. Pamper your stomach; indulge your appetite in greatness.
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