Sunday, March 25, 2012

Week 42 PT's for St. Patty's Day (Ft. Apache)

Hi guys!! Brett and I have been a little bit behind on this blog. He was sick, I was finishing up graduation requirements and then I was sick. Kind of a bummer being we were supposed to go on a getaway this week-end. Always the way!! Anyway, welcome back :) If you haven't already be sure to like our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants?bookmark_t=page

You can also access our blog on the Las Vegas Informer: http://lasvegas.informermg.com/

What Teray Says...
As you guys know we just moved into a new house a few months ago and we wanted to find a neighborhood bar kind of like they go to in our newest show obsession "How I Met Your Mother." Being that it was St. Patty's Day, we wanted somewhere that was not too far of a drive because of the wackos on the road, but also that had a great beer selection and corned beef and cabbage. 


It is crazy that I have lived here for so long and never have been to PT's. I used to be very against going to casual bars like that, but now that I have become more casual and calm  in my role of a married woman, I actually really like them. LOL.


PT's had a pretty good crowd for St. Patty's day. We couldn't get a seat at the bar, but we got a high top table near by. There wasn't any green beer, but really to me the look of it is pretty gross. I would rather just stick to Bud Light, which I did...followed by my favorite drink ever: the Bloody Mary. Brett got some black and something beer. It did not look good to me, looked like a lava lamp,  but he liked it. 






I thought we were getting a corned beef sandwich, but we ended up getting the dinner. I am still going to find a corned beef sandwich on rye somewhere. The corned beef was a very good portion size; you got two big pieces, potatoes, cabbage and carrots. It was very filling and perfect for the St. Patrick's Day theme. I still needed something after that so we decided to get the giant chocolate chip cookie sundae. That was the best part of the whole meal. Ice cream was oozing everywhere!! 





The prices were great, I think because we went during happy hour, but bar food is always pretty cheap anyway. Brett and I are pretty psyched that we have found our new spot to hang out at that is less than a half mile away. :) I rate PT's 3.5 out of 5 for fun and for making us feel like we finally found our neighborhood bar in our new neighborhood! 


What Brett Says... 


This week we went out not only for the blog but also to find our new "go to" bar for us.  Now that things with the house are settling down we needed to find a place close to our new home where we could get a few drinks and keep the cab fare cheap.  We decided to give the Sunset/Ft. Apache PT's; and what better day to check out a bar then on St. Patty's Day.  At our old place we were Putters people, so we weren't sure what to expect from their biggest competitors.  I also wasn't thrilled about not having someone I know working at the bar, I'm not really use to paying for all my drinks and food at a local bar.  Unfortunately I'm out of the industry and I don't have enough time to get drunk enough to get to know the bartenders...so going in blind is how we roll now.

I was surprised how big this PT's is, there is a large dining room as well as a good size bar area.  Besides the seating they also have two pool tables and a sports book kiosk.  I'm not sure how I feel about being able to place bets while I am getting drunk, as long as it doesn't take credit I should be fine.  I just like the fact that they have a couple pool tables and some Golden Tee, having a few drinks with a few games to play is the way to go.  They weren't all that busy for it being a drinking holiday but we were also there a little earlier then when their normal crowd shows up.  The service was pretty good considering there was a server and a bartender working.  We are so use to going to all these restaurants, I forget that this is the normal staffing for the local bars.  The server took good care of us and was pretty friendly considering we were nobodies, we never weren't getting drinks.  The only down side was that she brought us the wrong entrees...we ordered corn beef sandwiches and got the corned beef and cabbage dinner.  Not that big of a deal but worth pointing out, we didn't say anything because we were starving.


Overall I had a good time.  I will be going back, we might try one or two more bars but this seems like it will be a good fit for becoming our weekly spot.  Especially since cab fare is $10...with tip.  Prices were good, they have a couple happy hours that help out.  I rate them 3.5 out of 5, part of that might be that I am sour because I have never paid full price at a local bar.  But it is good enough that I will go back...pizza and wings next time.



Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week
Thanks to Patty and Juan for providing me with my outfit of the week this week. Yes, I know it wasn't green but have I ever been someone who fills the mold?! No, I do my own thing! :) This top is perfect for the warm weather season. You can wear it with jeans and heels to dress it up for date night or drinks with your girls. You could also pair it with shorts and wedges for a casual day look. In addition to the awesome colors, the straps adjust, so you can make it the perfect length and fit! This top is available at the Rainbow location.





Fantastic news Patty's Closet lovers!! Not only is the online store opening up this week at: ilovepattyscloset.com but they are opening their second Sparkle next to the Summerlin Patty's on Saturday!!!! Check out their facebook pages for all the details: http://www.facebook.com/PattysClosetLV and http://www.facebook.com/events/136619713132713/ <----The Sparkle opening details :)


Until next time, cheers to spring break right around the corner!!! <3

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Week 41 Bachi Burger

Welcome back food and fashion lovers. It is week 41 of the blog; wow, how time is flying. We are getting more followers on Facebook and if you haven't already it would be awesome if you could like our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants

Also, remember you can find us in the LV Informer, one of our favorite newspapers. We still feel so honored to be apart of this. Check us out @ http://lasvegas.informermg.com/category/lv-local-interest/blog-connection/ and the rest of the paper; it is awesome!


What Teray Says...
This week we took the suggestion of my cousin, Pat Lazarus, and decided to go to Bachi Burger. We have been hearing a lot of buzz about it lately, so I was excited to try it out. Bachi Burger is an Asian/Burger fusion. It is located on East Windmill Lane. From the outside, being in a strip mall, you wouldn't know what to expect, but inside it is actually a nice size restaurant. Brett and I were seated right away at a table for two; the crowd was a decent size for a Sunday afternoon. 


We had heard suggestions of what to order and we always like to try to take some of them into account. Going through all the different types of burgers, it took me awhile to decide which one I wanted because they all looked so amazing. I decided on the Banh-Mi Burger. This burger consists of Angus beef, pork, shrimp, pork pate, lemongrass, fresh herbs, curry aioli, picked vegetables and this special sauce which was some type of spicy fish sauce. 


Brett ordered the Kiki Burger, which consists of Angus beef, sauteed shiitake, enoki and  eryngi mushrooms, caramelized bacon, sweet onion marmalade, gruyere cheese, and garlic chili aioli. We also ordered sweet potato fries and each got a red velvet milkshake.


My burger was so amazing. The portion size is out of control. This burger was humongous and I had to give Brett some. The combination of the shrimp, meat and pork was something that I have never experienced, and I loved it. The sauce that came with the burger was also mouth-watering. For a gourmet burger, this was perfection. I also tried Brett's burger and it was just as good as mine. If all of the burgers taste like the two that we had, then this place needs to open another location on the southwest side of town. 










The sweet potato fries were a suggestion from my aunt, and I am so glad we got them. They were cooked to the perfect amount of crispiness. I hate soggy fries, and love sweet potatoes so these hit the spot. As for the red velvet milk shake, I took that down like I was going to the electric chair. Red velvet is my favorite flavor of all time, so to have it in a milkshake is just goodness beyond words. If I was in the mood for a milkshake,  I would make the drive and order that to go (which says a lot because I normally do not leave the west side, unless Brett 
drives). 







Overall, I loved Bachi Burger. I without a doubt would go back and try another type of burger and get the salt and pepper fries, because I bet they would be fantastic! For food and service I rate Bachi Burger 4 out of 5. 


What Brett Says...



This is my second time writing the review for this week; the first one did not save and did not send.  So here I am trying to remember what was in the first, hopefully this does not disappoint.  This week we took a suggestion from Teray’s cousin, Pat, to go try “Bachi Burger.”  They are located at Windmill and Bermuda.  I have heard other people talking about it and how amazing it is, I guess I just never had the desire to go.  But when you are writing reviews for places you have never been…gives us a perfect opportunity to go to the places we normally wouldn’t just go.  From the outside it is another nothing special kind of place.  From what I gather they are a Japanese/Hawaiian burger fusion.

The inside of the restaurant is what you would expect of a sushi restaurant, the décor is what I’ll call modern Japanese chic.  There isn’t a ton of tables but enough to get a decent crowd and it appeared to be that they would be able to accommodate a slightly larger group.  When we went for lunch it seemed to be groups of friends that made up the majority of the crowd, there were a few couples.  As for being date friendly I would say it is for a lunch date or a “we’ve been together for a while and there is no need to impress” date. 

The service was good, nothing special or remarkable.  We got traded off a few times between servers, apparently we looked like the cheap people.  This bothers me a little, when I was a server it seemed like the only time servers take over for another server is if your server wants to call it a day.  Which sucks when you go to tip because you are now tipping someone that got you maybe a refill.  Either way, we were never lacking anything we needed but there wasn’t an “it” factor to their service.  It is neither a reason to avoid or a reason to go out of your way to go.

Since it was lunch we weren’t going to go crazy on ordering.  We did however decide to mix things up and start with some milk shakes (my inner fat kid was out and proud, I’m not sure if Teray’s was out since last week I said her’s was out and I got hit for it).   We decided to continue on with our red velvet kick and get red velvet shakes.  Not caring one way or the other for red velvet I will give them credit and say that it was one tasty shake.  As for our meal; we each ordered a burger and we split an order of sweet potato fries.  Teray got the look up in her review for the name burger and I ordered the “Kiki’s Burger.”  Kiki’s is angus beef with sautéed shitake, enoki, and eryngi mushrooms, carmelized bacon, sweet onion marmalade, gruyere cheese, and garlic chili aioli.  I also ordered avocado on the side…gotta make sure there is a healthy fat somewhere in there.  My burger was pretty darn good.  My only real complaint was that the bun started to disintegrate towards the end, which is annoying to me personally.  It was an interesting take on the burger.  I would happily eat it again.  One thing I noticed on the menu is that they put “Wagyu” beef instead of “Kobe” beef.  I say that only because 99.9% of places that say they serve Kobe beef really serve Wagyu beef because Kobe is technically only from a place in Japan.  While Wagyu beef is a type of cattle bred in the US.  Kobe beef is much pricier and until several years ago was not available in the US due to import restrictions. Wagyu beef is still an amazing cut of meat, it just shouldn’t be confused for Kobe.  Most places just put Kobe on the menu hoping their customer will not have this knowledge and assume they are getting a Japanese delicacy.  So I applaud them on their honesty.

Overall I was happy enough to give them a 3.8 out of 5.  I think if their service was a little more energetic, personable, and if we had the same server the entire meal they would have been able to get a 5.  On food alone they earned a 5; so maybe 5 out of 5 for takeout.



Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week


Thanks to Patty and Juan of Patty's Closet for providing me with my outfit of the week this week. I love not only this look, but this color. The shirt as you can see is angled so that one side is longer than the other. It is a sheer, flowy material, which is perfect for spring. There is a zipper in the back and the sleeves flare out. The skirt is a bandage style, but it is stretchy so different shapes can wear it. The bag is also perfect for a day out, because it is big enough to hold essentials, but small enough to not get in the way. This whole entire look is available at the Rainbow location. (The skirt comes in all different colors)






If you haven't already, you need to like Patty's Closet on Facebook, because you can find out the locations of all the fabulous stores around the valley, but they also post pictures of the new items that come in on shipment days (Tuesdays and Fridays) http://www.facebook.com/PattysClosetLV


So fashionistas and food lovers, our friends at Sinner Magazine need your help. Sinner is a fan and supporter of our blog, and as we know I wrote for their last issue and am a huge fan of them. They are raising money to expand their circulation and distribution and purchase equipment. If you click the link below and donate to help this awesome magazine, which is creative people at it's finest, it would really mean a lot to them and to us.

and to check out the magazine, which includes an article by yours truly (Teray) click here: http://www.sinnermag.com/

Locals need to support Las Vegas locals!! <3
Until next time, cheers to spring being in the air...and go out season beginning....

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Week 40 The Griddle

Wow, the amount of fun we are having with this blog and response we are getting is unreal to us.  We really enjoy hearing your feedback and recommendations so much. It is so funny when we get messages from people we don't know about the blog; it really makes my day.




Don't forget that you can also access us in the BLOG CONNECTION section of the Las Vegas Informer! :) http://lasvegas.informermg.com/category/lv-local-interest/blog-connection/




So if you haven't heard already, I wrote an article that is in the current issue (it just came out today) for Sinner magazine. The release party is tomorrow and I couldn't be more excite! Def. check them out @ http://sinnermag.com/

Also, we are on Facebook!!! Please like our page: http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants?bookmark_t=page


What Teray Says...
My favorite meal to go out to eat for is brunch. When Brett suggested that we go to a place where we could have brunch last week, I was beyond psyched. He needed some ideas and I mentioned the Griddle being it is about 4 blocks from our new house. The Griddle reminds me of the homey breakfast places back in Jersey. Everyone is very welcoming when you enter. We sat down right away, but got there at the perfect time because the crowd started to hit; everyone must have had the same idea. 


I was told before we went that I had to try the red velvet pancakes. To my surprise there are many different kids of unique pancakes: red velvet, protein, peanut butter, wheat...etc. I of course had to get the red velvet with whipped cream cheese on the top with fresh strawberries. Not only did I ordered that, I also got scrambled eggs and bacon. 








Brett told me to order 3 pancakes, I don't know why I listened.  My pancakes basically tasted like I was eating my red velvet wedding cake. They were the best pancakes I have ever had in my life, but they were so huge I could not finish them. Luckily he did! I tasted Brett's peanut butter pancake and it was fabulous. I would order that next time I go there. What is pretty cool there is if you check in on Facebook, you get a free pancake. Score! Everything food-wise was perfection, top notch when it comes to breakfast food! 


Our service and the atmosphere was wonderful. Our waiter was very friendly and informative as well as had a great sense of humor, something we both appreciate because we don't get the best service when we go place. The service here was excellent. We even got coffee and water at the perfect times, not every other minute like some places or not one round like other places.  I rate the Griddle 5 out of 5 for a brunch place, which I think will definitely become Brett and my new spot! 


What Brett Says...


I just want to start by letting you all know that when Teray posts that the blog will be up on a certain day and then it isn't, all blame goes to this guy.  Some of you know me some don't, for those of you that don't I am usually insanely busy and I am a procrastinator...not a good combo.  This week we decided to catch a breakfast for our meal of the week, as you know we recently moved and needed to find a new breakfast place.  "The Griddle" is on Durango just north of Warm Springs, east side of the street.  I drive by it every day on my way to work and have never thought twice about it.  A couple of people recommended it to us and since we are the peoples reviewers we opted to check it out.  I'll say this before I forget, when you go make sure to check in on Facebook because you get a free pancake.

"The Griddle" looks like an ordinary strip mall restaurant when you are in the parking lot and they are only open for breakfast and lunch, which I find is common in Vegas which kind of surprises me.  You would think in a town that is 24/7 and shifts start around the clock you would want to be available to all customers, but it isn't my place and I don't work nights anymore so I don't really care.  When you walk in you get more of the modern diner/take out feel.  The have huge blackboards where they advertise various things; the pancakes, the specials, and some eating challenges (when I have some extra cash I will conquer them).  We had perfect timing because when we got there we pretty much had our choice of tables, shortly after it exploded with people.  For those of you that are familiar with "Maggie's" in Kalamazoo, MI (I know not likely) you will feel at home here; I cannot attest to the quality of food for drunk/hungover events.

This week a surprising plus for our review was the service.  I'm not sure if I'm saying this because it was amazing or because the servers look like they are about to be on ESPN2 competing in the World's Strongest Man Competition.  These guys are the definition of gentle giants, kinda like me, they look like they should be working the door at the premier club in town but the minute they step up to the table and start talking you realize that you are in good hands and that they actually care about the service they provide.  We had one main server but everyone helped each other out and made it flow.  Our server was all about it being our first time there and was excited to explain how things worked and what he suggests.  Considering the guys size I assumed he new what he was talking about when it comes to food.

Teray ordered red velvet pancakes with whip cream frosting topping, we all know she loves her red velvet.  I can also attest to how amazing these pancakes were; considering the pancakes are huge I ate the majority of her order on top of mine.  It doesn't stop there, I have been on a bit of a perfect eating binge lately so I took advantage of this experience, I also ordered the chorizo special.  Any normal person would be full off of the special...and very satisfied, I however wasn't full until I ate the special, my two pancakes, and two of Teray's pancakes.  I would have eaten more but Teray's cakes were a little sweet at that point.  I don't remember what the eating challenge was but I do remember it making the amount of food I ate trivial.  Teray got some eggs and meat but I don't remember and I didn't try it.  I can just say overall the food was perfect.

I think I did a good job saying how good this place was, if you are still wondering what I think...it is amazing you should go.  Easily rated a 10 out of 10.  I usually go with a 5pt scale but between the level of quality service and the perfection of the food they deserve 10pts.



Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week
Thanks to Patty and Juan of Patty's Closet for providing me with my outfit of the week this week. I was told when I went in to get it that Patty had gotten this jacket too. I always know that is a good sign when I pick what she picks, because she has the best taste...honestly, you can't really go wrong with anything in any of the stores :)


Check out my outfit of the week provided by Patty's Closet Fashion Boutique. This floral chiffon jacket is to die for. It is light weight and with the romantic feel, you are ready for a spring day. The jacket can be worn open or buttoned for different looks. I paired it this time with some super flairs and wedges for a bohemian 70's inspired look. This is the perfect transition piece for the changing of seasons and it is available at the Rainbow location! (Hannah, the dog, is not included--haha)


If you haven't already you need to check out the Patty's Closet website for all of the locations: ilovepattyscloset.com Also, you need to like their Facebook page because they post pictures of their new items every Tuesday and Friday when they get shipments----fabulous!!!!! http://www.facebook.com/PattysClosetLV

Also, if you haven't already, you need to check out the newest addition to the Patty's Closet family, Sparkle by Patty's Closet. It is all accessories and it is amazing!!!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sparkle-by-Pattys-Closet/160713480701946

Until next time, cheers warm weather and longer days <3 

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Week 39 Pink's Hot Dogs- Planet Hollywood

I cannot believe we are already at week 39! This blog has been so much fun for us and is presenting us with so many great opportunities; we are really blessed. Can't wait for you guys to see what comes next.  If you haven't checked us out in awhile, welcome back and you can now find us on the LV Informer http://thelasvegasinformer.com/blog-connection.html  You can also like our Facebook page for many updates. We love the comments and suggestions as well. Check us out at: http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants?bookmark_t=page


What Teray Says...


This week we wanted to go somewhere casual as well as on the strip. I have been dying to visit Pink's since it opened at Planet Hollywood, but as locals we are not at the strip much. We found a Groupon, so it was definitely a sign to go there.






Pink's is located outside on the strip at Planet Hollywood. We lucked out that it was a gorgeous day (got a little tan) that we didn't mind waiting in line over of over 30 people. There is seating on the outside patio which is perfect, because like I said the weather was gorgeous. 




I ordered a Showgirl dog. On my hot dog was ketchup, relish, bacon, onions and mayo all stacked high. I have to admit, I am not the biggest hot dog fan, but sometimes I really crave them. I went with the Showgirl dog, because I felt Vegasy being on the strip, and that is a Vegas name. It was by far the best hot dog I have ever had (well, maybe in second place compared to the dogs at Yankee Stadium).






Brett ordered a 3 Dog Night; which is 3 hot dogs wrapped in a tortilla with chili, cheese, guacamole (which he added) and bacon. That hot dog was serious. I took one bite and it was delicious, but I think I would have gained 5 lbs eating it. 




For an appetizer we had onion rings. Again, I am not an onion rings fan, but I heard a lot of other people ordering them, and they turned out to be delicious. You really get a good size portion to share for two people. 




Overall, I know this review is short and sweet, but that is all that it needs to be. Pink's was fantastic and I definitely rate it 4 out of 5. It is casual dining at it's best on the Las Vegas Strip. 




What Brett Says...
So who would have thought we would review a second hot dog place.  Well thanks to Groupon we have, "Pink's Hot Dogs" got called up to the big leagues.  Pink's is in front of Planet Hollywood on the Strip...I know we said we weren't trying to do the whole Strip thing but when a discounted meal calls and it's my week to pay I answer.  Teray had wanted to try them for a while, she is definitely a fat kid in a smokin' hot body (I just so happen to be a fat kid in a formerly fat kids body, according to my mom I was just big boned and/or husky).  They were really busy, the line went way out of the building.  I will say they burned through the line fairly quickly...then again we are talking hot dogs.  It is pretty much a glorified hot dog stand and they have you order then pick up at the other end of the counter.  

I order the Three Dog Night hot dog.  This is officially the inner fat kid in me busting out and taking over.  My "hot dog" was actually 3 hot dogs wrapped in a tortilla with chili, cheese, bacon, and the guac I added in.  I ate and ate then realized I was half way done, so the fat kid came out to play and finished the entire thing and a Monster energy drink.  I'm not really sure how to feel about the meal.  I mean hot dogs are good, chili...good, cheese...good, bacon...amazing, and guac....good.  Putting them all together in a tortilla, jury is still out.  I was full and I enjoyed it, just not sure if it was a good idea.  I think this would be a great place to take your pregnant wife when she is having weird cravings

They were fast.  They were interesting.  I left extremely full.  The food was good.  

Rating 3 out of 5...I'm still not sure how much I liked it, they whole chili hot dog burrito is confusing.



Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week
Thanks to Patty and Juan of Patty's Closet for providing me with my outfit of the week this week!! <3 This dress is the perfect staple for the warm weather. I got many compliments walking along the strip today! It is a satiny material with tan and navy tiger like stripes. The sleeves flutter out and it cinches at the waist. This dress is on the short side, but you can put a tank dress underneath and be fine! I tried it on with jeggings too and you could wear it as a tunic. This fabulous dress is available at the Rainbow location! The bracelet I am wearing is from Sparkle. Check out both! 




So if you haven't already you need to check out Patty's Closet website for all the locations nearest you: ilovepattyscloset.com  . It is also a must that you check out not only Patty's Closet Facebook page for all the latest shipments and items at the stores around the valley, but Sparkle's Facebook page too: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sparkle-by-Pattys-Closet/160713480701946