Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Week 70 Culinary Dropout

Welcome back friends! Can you believe we not only are halfway through October but also that this is week 70?! I cannot tell you how appreciative we are to everyone who follows, likes, comments on, emails, and chats with us about the blog. We are so blessed with all the opportunities this blog has provided us, all the amazing people we connect with because of it and the memories we are making together.  It is always such an amazing feeling that people recognize me when I go into Patty's Closet and they buy the outfits of the week that I wear. Thank you Patty, Juan and Jose for helping me every week and inspiring me with your passion. Brett and I love the time we get to spend together and look forward to our dates every week, so again thanks for joining us on this continuing journey. 

Remember you can always find us in the Las Vegas Informer under the Local Interest Section http://lasvegas.informermg.com/ and you can keep up with all the latest news for our blog on our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants

What Teray Says...

So many people have talked to us about going to the Culinary Dropout at the Hard Rock. I knew that the decision was made when I talked to one of my closest gal pals Chelsie a few weeks back that this restaurant was now in Vegas and she raved about the one in Arizona. 
As I mentioned above, Culinary Dropout is located in the Hard Rock Casino. It is easy to find from parking and it is tucked to the side but opens out into an outside area which surrounds the pool, so the restaurant has a really open, fun feel. 

We were greeted right away by the friendliest hostess. We compared notes on our sock buns and I knew immediately this was going to be a good experience. Brett and I were seated at a table right by the stage (a band was there) but bordered the outside seating so we were able to enjoy the gorgeous weather while still being on the inside of the restaurant. 

Not long after we were seated our waitress also incredibly friendly and helpful came over and took our drink order; Brett ordered beer in a brown bag and I ordered a glass of Riesling. The drink prices were so reasonable for the strip that I was blown away quite frankly. Mixed drinks were 10-12 dollars, wine averaged about 8 bucks and beer was reasonable too. While waiting for our main drinks our waitress brought over a drink that the bar tender made for someone by mistake that they didn't want (great more for us!). This drink was called "mule' something and it was an amazing ginger mojito type drink that might be one of the best combinations I have ever had in a cup. If I could remember the ingredients and the recipe I bet I would be drinking it weekly, so maybe it is better that I don't recall. Haha. 






For our appetizer we had to go with what everyone told us about, the hot pretzel bites and provolone fondue cheese. Holy crow was this amazing! The portion size is excellent and every bite I was just in sheer delight savoring as my mouth watered for the next one. I probably would go back just for that and to drive to the Hard Rock for pretzels, you know that they have to be good. 





As for our food, which also came out very quickly, I ordered the turkey pastrami which was on a pretzel roll. I know, I became obsessed with the pretzel and Brett ordered a burger. For my sandwich, again it was amazing and so filling I could only finish half. If you know me that never happens with pastrami; I am obsessed with it. The price was also awesome for the strip. I didn't try Brett's burger but from what he said it had to be amazing. He will explain more in his portion of the review. 





The only complaint I had was that the band was very loud where we were sitting. I am not going to take points off for this though because I am not the biggest live music fan. That is a personal issue I have because I like music soft (ask Brett, in the car I always turn the volume down) unless I am at a pool or a nightclub and ready to dance. 

Culinary Dropout has such a fun vibe and the decor is absolutely awesome. I would love to go back not only for lunch and dinner but to try the brunch menu. I would also love to sit outside next time. If you are my friend you most likely will be invited to my birthday dinner which as of right now I will be having there. Without a doubt I would rate Culinary Dropout 5 out of 5 and one of my favorites out of this whole blog experience so far and in Vegas as a whole. 

What Brett Says...


This week we went a route out of the box.  We went to a very touristy casino, Hard Rock.  Living in Vegas often means you avoid places heavy in tourists.  Not sure why we decided to surround ourselves in with "woo girls," men in metallic shirts, and fanny packs but we did.  I guess occasionally you need to enjoy what your town is know for, at least it was off the strip.  This week we went to "Culinary Dropout."  

Culinary Dropout is located along the pool, part of the seating is next to the pool.  On a nice night it might be one of the most comfortable place to eat a meal and relax.  The entire atmosphere is just cool; it has the theme of a restaurant gone wrong but they put it together in a way that makes it work.  It isn't overbearing and it isn't trashy.  They also have a small stage for live bands.  The unfortunate thing is that we weren't told there would be a live band and we were seated directly in front of the band.  Which may be great if we were there to see the performance, unfortunately we were there on a date.  Once the band started warming up (and there is nothing worse then listening to a sound check) conversation was impossible.  I just wish we were told that we would be dining with a speaker.  If they would have warned us we would have asked to be seated elsewhere, imposing the band on us was poor customer service on their part.  Or they could have warned us when we made our reservation.  Either way they need to realize some people are there for an enjoyable meal.  It didn't help that the band was pretty rough sounding.

One saving grace of the band situation was the service.  Our waitress was awesome.  From the minute we sat down she took care of us and made sure we experienced.  I really wish I remembered her name because she deserves praise.  At one point she brought us a free drink because the bar made an extra.  She was on top of things with suggestions and helping us decide between things.  She really did make the meal better.

Dipping things in hot cheese, I really can't think of anything better as an appetizer.  We decided to get the soft pretzel bites with cheese.  This was great, I am thankful I do not have access to these more often because they would be a staple of my diet and a major contributor to an expanding belt size.  For my entree I kept it simple and decided to get a burger, the Pub Burger.  Meat, havarti cheese, and bacon on a pretzel bun.  Simple and amazing.  My only complaint is that the bun fell apart halfway through the burger.  My suggestion is to put a lettuce leaf on the bottom to keep the bun dry and in one piece.  As for dessert, didn't make the cut this week.  Were were completely full and had no more room.  The free drink we got was almost like a mojito with ginger...in a brass culminate. It was delicious.


Overall I enjoyed Culinary Dropout.  I pointed out a few things that would have made it better, some more important than others.  If the service across the board is as good as we had then that alone makes it worth while.  The pretzel bites will get worked into my stomach again, even if it means I have to start hanging out at tourist spots.

4 out 5
Probably 5 out 5 without a band at our table




Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week
Thanks to Patty and Juan for providing me with my outfit of the week for this date. Check out my outfit of the week provided by Patty's Closet Fashion Boutique. I am dying over this jacket. Every fashion magazine that you read highlights black and gold for the fall season (trust me on this). You can dress up any outfit wit
h a jacket and I am already thinking of many ways I can wear this. I paired it with a simple black dress also from Patty's. My teal flats with the gold undertone are from Heart&Sole by PC. I love to put a pop of color with a black outfit. My earrings from Sparkle by Patty's Closet are teal and gold and match my shoe colors. If you want to find this outfit just hit the trifecta of stores next to the Rainbow location.




To find all the pieces I am wearing you can visit the Facebook pages of Patty's, Sparkles, and Heart and Sole which are linked above when you click the name. If you are not lucky enough to have a Patty's near you, you can order these looks online at shop.ilovepattyscloset.com . Make sure you check their pages frequently because they always post all the newest items and latest news on events and store openings. 

Until next time, cheers to being classy and fabulous. xo

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