Sunday, May 27, 2012

Week 51 Babystacks Cafe

Wow, life has been busy. I can't believe that we have been doing this blog for almost a year. We have gotten so many requests to keep it going past the year, so I think we might do that (time allowing). It is just so fun for us to go out and try all these places, plus the fabulous fashions, it is such a hit!

Remember you can always find us on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants?bookmark_t=page and we are featured in the LV Informer (an awesome Vegas online newspaper) so you can check us out there too! http://lasvegas.informermg.com/

What Teray Says...

So last week-end (we are a week behind) we headed to brunch (even though it was more like lunch time) at Babystacks Cafe. We have had many recommendations to go here, and I was in the mood for breakfast food, so we decided to hit it up. Babystacks is located on Buffalo and Flamingo in a strip mall (of course)....not too far from where we live. 

The crowd at Babystacks was huge. I was a little nervous that when we pulled up because there was a crowd gathered outside. We went in and were seated right away though, probably because two people was the smallest group at that time, which we lucked out. Looking around there were people of all ages and families, so this is really a place that anyone can go.

We were greeted by our waitress right away and took a few minutes to go through the menu. I had decided right away what I wanted, but Brett needed a little more time. I decided to go with the hash and eggs (I am obsessed with hash) I think because I remember my grandma ordering it when I was little, so when I see it on a menu, I normally choose it. For my side I upgraded to one of the gourmet pancakes and chose cinnamon raisin. 
Brett ordered the Loco Moco (I will let him explain what it is). Basically from what I remember it was rice, beef patties and eggs, but from the taste I had it was amazing. He also ordered half a stack of Rocky Road pancakes, which also were to die for, but if I ate something that rich I would have probably been full for days. 



It didn't take long for our food to come. The portion sizes are great. You really get your money's worth at babystacks. My hash and eggs had to be the best hash I have ever had, and the potatoes were out of this world. My pancakes were the perfect amount of sweet, and I ate every single bite. 

I would absolutely go back to Babystacks just to start trying all the different types of pancakes they have. You can check out their menu online: http://www.babystackscafe.com/ My rating for Babystacks Cafe is definitely 5 out of 5.



What Brett Says...


Sometimes you just need a good breakfast.  This week was one of those weeks, Teray keeps talking about "Babystacks" and how everyone raves about it so we figured we should give it a go.  They are at Flamingo and Buffalo.  Going in I had high expectations because the only other pancake specialty place I have been to was "The Griddle" and it was amazing.  Pulling in they looked busy which can be a good sign.

Babystacks is a small diner, not too many tables.  They have a simple design but it is comfortable, we sat at a two top table and we weren't crunched for space which was nice.  The menu is pretty extensive, it was to the point of being too much.  One of those places where you tend to spend more time looking at the menu then actually eating, luckily I was hungry and ordered two things.  The service was also another plus to Babystacks.  Things happened fast, which they should in a breakfast hotspot.  We always had things covered and never really needed to ask for much.She even dealt with the fact that I needed extensions on time to decide what to order; breakfast places tend to run at a higher speed then dinner places.  Their turnover is so much higher, they expect people to be in and out and get on with their day.  I never felt pressured to speed things up.

As for the food, I will start with the fact that they met those high expectations of mine.  I think their prices were a little high for breakfast, actually I will narrow it down more and say that their pancakes and add-ons were too high.  Everything else seemed to be an appropriate price.  Trying to decide what to order was the real challenge, not only do they have a vast variety of food but they have a bunch of different pancake flavors to choose from.  My advice is to do what I do and order a breakfast and some pancakes, both are worth it.  To start with I order the "Loco Moco:" steamed rice, hamburger patty, eggs, gravy, and macaroni salad.  Surprisingly this was a good combo, they had a couple combos that were Filipino and/or Hawaiian inspired.  I just took it all and mixed it all up, minus the macaroni salad, and tossed a bunch of hot sauce on it.  Just worked out.  I then had a half-stack of the "Rocky Road" pancakes.  They were chocolate, almonds, marshmallows, and chocolate sauce.  I'm not entirely sure how to describe it but amazing.  Had I known how great they were I probably would have manned up and gotten the full stack.  If you look at the pictures they don't do them justice.  I sampled some of Teray's and from what I remember it was good as well.

Overall Babystacks was a worthwhile experience.  Not really the place to go for a weekly breakfast but the occasional or the "when someone's in from out of town" breakfast.  I wish they had some kind of pancake sampler so I could see if they were all as good as the cakes I had.  I would recommend Babystacks to anyone looking for a good meal, especially if you are in the mood for Filipino or Hawaiian food...they even had Spam.  I knocked them down a little for the pricing but overall a good place to go.

RATING: 4.75 out of 5







Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week
Thanks to Patty and Juan for providing me with my outfit of the week this week! This dress is the perfect summer brunch look which can go from day to night. The straps at the top are leather and they adjust to fit your body perfectly. Also the belt is included and cinches at the waist. The material is light weight and the ruffles add a little girly detail to the top. I wore this during the day with flip flops and dressed it up at night time with sandals and jewelry. This look is available at the Rainbow location.

You can check out all the latest items at all the Patty's Closet locations on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/PattysClosetLV They get new items on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can also shop wherever you live from their online store: shop.ilovepattyscloset.com


Until next time- cheers to the week-end that starts off summer!!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Week 50 Firefly Our 1 Year Anniversary Dinner

So a little over a week ago, Brett and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary. It has been by far not only the busiest, but the best year of our lives. We have been blessed with and accomplished so much. 2012 is the year of the Dragon, or as I like to say, the year of the Dragun, so I think that has something to do with it. ;)


Remember, you can always find our blog on the LV Informer, which is a fabulous Vegas based online newspaper: http://lasvegas.informermg.com/category/lv-local-interest/blog-connection/

Also, if you haven't already, you should definitely like our Facebook page. We update it frequently and love your feedback on there. http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants?bookmark_t=page

What Teray Says...


Anyone that knows Brett and I know is familiar with the fact that Firefly is our favorite restaurant. We have brought so many guests there, had many romantic nights there, and had our rehearsal dinner there, so we figured it would only be appropriate if we went there for our one year for the blog. Well, if you haven't been to Firefly or heard of it, you need to get there now. For anyone that has lived under the rock, Firefly is a tapas place. Tapas means small plates, so it is like getting appetizer portions for each item on the menu. It always makes me giggle when you tell people it is a tapas place and they think you say topless. I am sure my husband would love that, but it is not the case. HAHA.






We went early during Happy Hour so that we could get half off sangria pitchers. It is such a savings! We started with the red sangria (love, love, love). I actually love the white and sparkling too, but haven't had the red in awhile so we went with that. The first two appetizers we ordered were the fried calamari (I picked that because I heard the table next to us order it and my mouth started to water) and the stuffed dates (by far our favorite thing on the menu). The cool thing about the portions is you get enough of each item to keep you full but you can also share it. The calamari is a pretty decent portion size and amazing. The dates you get five; I always let Brett have the extra one. :) 








For the second round of appetizers we just randomly pointed our fingers at stuff and went with it. I think we have had about 3/4 of the things on the menu, and always tend to get most of the same things, so we tried to go for something different with the random pointing. My finger landed on the steak and mushroom skewers and Brett's landed on the shrimp cerviche. The shrimp cerviche was beyond fantastic. It was my first time having it there and it will definitely  be a staple from now on. I love that it was a cold tapa because it was so hot out on the patio. The steak skewers were good, but too heavy for me. The fact that they were heavy does not take away from how good they were. 





After those four tapas I started to get very full, but we always have room for our favorite dessert at Firefly which is the tres leches. Again, I think I love this dessert because the cake is cold. I really like when food is cold. If I could sit and eat that cake all day, I would. 



Overall, everything about Firefly is amazing. The service is always excellent, the atmosphere is one of the best in Vegas and the food is out of this world. Without a doubt I rate Firefly 5 out of 5. Perfection. 

What Brett Says...

This week we travel to a restaurant we know well, why would be review a place that we know so well?  Simple, it is our one year anniversary and we figured celebrating our first year as newlyweds should be brought in the same place it started.  The day before our wedding we had our rehearsal dinner at Firefly on Paradise.  It was the first time both families met, my friends met her friends.  It wasn't some stuffy sit down dinner, it was lively and the sangrias were flowing.  How can you have an amazing time like that and not try and relive a little of it.  Because of this blog and our desire to try all these different places we were kinda railroaded away from our favorite restaurant, it took us 367 days (it was a leap year) to get back.  If you have never been to Firefly, any of them, I would recommend going.  I would recommend the Paradise location for your first experience, just to get the full feel.  They are a Spanish tapas restaurant; a tapas restaurant serves smaller portions which are meant to be shared, generally you order many things for the table.  That isn't Webster's definition but it should be.

The atmosphere is a little old Vegas meets college bar/restaurant.  It is comfortable and lively.  This is the place to go as an outing whether it is two or 20 people, even good for first dates since there is so much around you to talk about.  They have an area where you can eat on couches and they also have an outdoor patio.  They also have a fairly awesome fish tank, something I always enjoy...beings my nickname is Fish.

Teray is going to post all the pictures of the food, I'm not going to tell you what we had on this particular night.  Instead I am going to give yo the basic amazing tapas to try.  First and foremost are the stuffed dates, they have an almond and bleu cheese stuffed into the date and wrapped in bacon.  I stumbled on these during a happy hour trip and have never went back.  The stuffed peppers are also a staple.  While you don't have to order it because it comes automatically I would dig into the bread and butter.  Most places it is boring, here it starts the meal with a kick.  They also have filet sliders, think healthy upclass White Castle sliders.  Teray and I sometimes just point randomly at the menu and order whatever the finger lands on, I honestly cannot think of a single time we have ever been disappointed.  Lastly, you absolutely must end your meal with the tres leche.  This is two small slices of chocolate cake with thick creamy milk poured over it, this cannot be missed.  Without it your experience is not complete.  While those are your recommendations for food I only have one recommendation for drinks...Sangria.  I know I said one but it is actually three; they have white, red, and sparkling sangria.  I personally prefer he red sangria but they are all amazing and will all get you to a good place.  FYI if you go during happy hour the pitchers of sangria are half off...just means you get twice as drunk.  I had several pitchers at the rehearsal dinner prior to my bachelor party and can tell you they set your night up for greatness.  What that greatness is you will have to ask the attendees of my bachelor party because most of the night was lost due to time traveling (blacking out).  All I can tell you is that it included me telling a bachelorette party off for 15min about how they paled in comparison to my bride and dueling piano bars have a limit to how many times you can take your shirt off on stage.

All in all, go to Firefly.  I know it is kinda cheating reviewing a place that had a 5 out of 5 going in but Firefly earned a 5 out of 5 once again.


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 a fun palazzo pant. The colors are perfect for spring. These pants are high-waisted and can be worn with a shirt tucked in or out. It is great to pair it with a basic tank because it lets the bottoms be the focal point of the outfit. The cool, cotton material is light enough that you won't sweat in the warm weather. This look is available at the Rainbow location.



Being it is summer time, it is time to shop. Everyone wants a new summer wardrobe and Patty's Closet is the place to go. You can check out all the new items which come in Tuesdays and Fridays at all locations on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PattysClosetLV  They also now have an online store, so you can get their looks everywhere you live! shop.ilovepattyscloset.com

Until next time, cheers to summer nights and long days in the sun. xo

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Week 49 Super Mex Cinco de Mayo

Welcome back! So much has happened since we last posted. I (Teray) took a new position and graduated from UNLV and Brett has started his clinicals. We also celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary yesterday! It has been the best year by far and we have had so many blessings. Anyway, remember you can always check out our blog on the LV Informer http://lasvegas.informermg.com/ . Also, like our Facebook page; we are on it frequently http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants?bookmark_t=page


What Teray Says.... 


 I am writing this from my iPad so it will be shorter than normal because it takes me awhile to type. We decided to go to Super Mex for Cinco de Mayo because it is not too far from our house. Super Mex is a lot bigger than I thought. The place was hopping and all areas were full. We were seated right away and brought chips and salsa, which the chips were amazing by the way. 






We also ordered house margaritas, totaling two each for the night. As for an appetizer we ordered Mexican pizza, which was basically like a pizza with quesadilla toppings all over it. It was amazing, but pretty rich and filling. 








As for our food I ordered tacos and Brett ordered chimmichamgas. I had one steak and one chicken taco. It came with rice and beans and it was double wrapped, which again made it very filling. I only could eat one taco and took one home to eat the next day. I'm glad the portions were big though because it coated my stomach with the strong margarita.








 The atmosphere and service was food and seemed fun. It was perfect for what we were looking for. We also had a coupon for buy one meal and two drinks and get one meal free. We love coupons and aren't ashamed. I really I would give Super Mex 3.5 out of 5. The highlight being the portion size. 






What Brett Says...


I'm not as cool as I use to be, well I am just in a completely different way.  Five years ago on Cinco de Mayo I would be at the bar the minute it opened, having amply pregamed.  I would be at that bar, or several, till they closed and then I would head to the after party.  The day would be filled with nachos, burritos, and salsa.  I would be drinking Coronas and cheap tequila like it was water.  The party would be strong and there would be little room to move.  I would usually end up in a sombrero.  I would do all this while being the man I was..."Fish."  Now I am cool in the mature married adult way.  I still went to a Mexican restaurant, ate sensibly, and had a whopping two margaritas.  I spent the day running errands and only had one woman on my mind, my amazing wife.  People refer to me by my birth name, Brett.  My "party" experience lasted maybe 2 hours, and that includes driving time.  This year for my Cinco de Mayo celebration I went to "Super Mex" with Teray.  It is on Durango at Sunset, it is very unassuming and looks like an off-brand Roberto's.  The assumptions were proven wrong.

Like I said Super-Mex doesn't look like much from the outside, looks small, has a decent patio, not to mention the cheesy name and signage.  But we figured we shoud give it a try and keep it close to home.  I was honestly amazed when we walked in, the place is large and looks authentic.  The bar was pretty crowded...it was a Mexican holiday which gives Americans an excuse to drink.  We decided to grab a booth in the bar area, that way we could feel like we were part of the party...we weren't though.  It was fun making fun of the drunks (the ones that would have been me years ago).  The booth was large and comfortable.  The whole atmosphere just worked.  Our server made sure we were taken care of, nothing overly good but good enough for an honorable mention.  Lately it seems like I am just hoping for the correct order, refills, and the check in a timely matter.  This guy and the rest of the staff made sure our experience wasn't ruined by them.  

Teray and I eat pretty clean throughout the week and on Saturdays we tend to allow ourselves a little leeway.  First we begin with a couple house margaritas, then some more.  The margaritas tasted like margaritas, they weren't watered down and they weren't miniature.  Can't say the bartenders were loose with the tequila but it was in there.  We decided to have a little Mexican appetizer...Mexican pizza.  The pizza consisted of 4 slices of fried tortillas smothered with all that is Mexican toppings.  The pizza was really good, it could work as an entree for some, for us it made the perfect entry way into Cinco de Mayo cuisine.  From the pizza I went into the direction of fried goodness.  I decided to order the two chimichanga entree, I went with one chicken and one beef.  They weren't as good as the chimichangas I use to make at Chi-Chi's back in the day but they were good.  The course itself was extremely filling, with the beans and rice that came with it I couldn't even finish it all...which is sad since it was my cheat meal.  We were so full from everything we didn't even get dessert.

Overall I was impressed, not sure what it is like on a day that isn't dedicated to drinking and eating at a Mexican restaurant.  I would return to get my burrito on again.  4.5 out of 5.



 Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week


Check out my outfit of the week provided by Patty's Closet Fashion Boutique. This high-low dress trend is so in for the spring and summer. It is awesome because you can flaunt your legs in the front, and don't have to worry about it being too short in the back. The vertical stripes slim any figure, and the cinched waist does also. This dress can be worn everywhere, and I love it! You can find this at the Rainbow location. Make sure to check out Patty's Closet Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PattysClosetLV?ref=ts page for all of their newest items and their online store at shop.ilovepattyscloset.com


Until next time, cheers to new chapters and new years plus taking the time for what is the most important in life, love and family. xo

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Week 48 Garfield's

Hi Everyone! Thanks for the continuous support with our blog. I cannot believe how many views were are getting; it is truly amazing. It is like the little blog that could :). Remember you can always find our  blog on the LV Informer http://lasvegas.informermg.com/ in the local interest section, and we always are writing on your Facebook page, so if you could like that it would be awesome! http://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants?bookmark_t=page


What Teray Says...


This week Brett had a Groupon that we bought awhile back which include credit at Garfield's as well as two 25 minute massages at the spa next door. We headed into the lakes in Summerlin, which is gorgeous by the way and went right to the spa. The staff was extremely friendly and the massages were great. It was so quaint and peaceful to even be remotely near the lake.






After our massage we headed over to Garfield's for lunch. Garfield's reminds me so much of the beach restaurants back in Jersey. The decor is very summery, yet still a fancier place, and there is a patio  you can sit outside. We sat inside, but had a perfect view of the lake. Our waitress was very friendly and advised us of what we should order for lunch. I loved feeling the warm breeze as we waited for our food. You are given bread while you wait, which is always something that I love and hate at the same time. ;) I ordered a grilled chicken pesto sandwich with fries and I cannot for the life of me remember what Brett ordered. He will talk about it in his section. I normally am not the biggest fan of chicken because I eat it all the time, but it was delicious. I actually ate every single bite and all of the fries too. That is a sandwich I probably could eat a few times a week. 


My food



Brett's food
I really would like to go back there one day for dinner. I think it would be a great place for happy hour in the summer and very romantic. I rate Garfield's 4.5 out of 5 and I really enjoyed it. I think next time when I order more, they will get even a higher rating from me. 

What Brett Says...

So my life is hectic once again and it is causing a delay of the blog, I apologize.  This week's blog was inspired by an amazing Groupon deal; $55 for two 25 minute massages and lunch.  Not really sure how you could pass that one up.  Needless to say "Garfield's" was getting some outside support.  Being reviewed after an amazing massage is the way to go for a restaurant.  For any restaurant out there, I can be bought...just give me a massage and I will be happy to review you.  Seriously though...good reviews for massages.  Actually I am too much of a blunt ass to lie about something that isn't up to par.  So I guess you have to read to see how it was.

Garfield's is located on the water in Summerlin, there is a little strip mall on Regatta Drive.  This is a true transformation from strip mall to something else.  In Vegas you get so use to going to restaurants that are in strip malls, just a way of life.  Garfield's is amazing as far as transition and atmosphere.  You walk into an elegant dining room, the hostess leads you to the back where they have a two tiered patio which is set on the lake.  Sitting there eating I thought I was back at the restaurants in Michigan or Jersey.  I was just waiting for a boat to pull up and tie off.  There is just something special about eating on the water, getting to look out over the water, the soft breeze.  There is simply no better way to enjoy a meal on an amazing day.  Aside from the atmosphere we also had a pretty great server.  She was on top of things, offered some good conversation, and was honest about the menu.  Teray was going to order the Waldorf salad but the server informed her that there is way too much mayo...nothing like blunt honesty.  Only when a server tells you the flaws can you accept their suggestions.  

As for the meal, I went with the burger and fries.  Sitting on the water sometimes you just have to go simple and get American.  I can say they did a god job getting it right, the burger was filling and it tasted amazing.  The fries were right on as well.  This was the right way to cap off a strict clean eating week, on Saturdays I go crazy and eat what I want for three hours, this did me well.  Not a lot to say considering it was a burger and fries except it was good and I recommend it.  Everything we had there was good.

Garfield's for brunch gets a 4.5 out of 5




Patty's Closet Outfit of the Week
Huge thanks to Patty, Juan, and Jose for providing me with my outfit of the week this week. This dress is from the online Patty's Closet. You can get it at shop.ilovepattyscloset.com Not only is the color amazing, but the material is too. The lace details along the front are extremely flattering and give it a girly feel. The back is totally open and ties criss-cross on your back. I cannot wait to wear this dress again ♥ obsessed. This dress can be yours no matter where you live!! 


So if you haven't already you really need to like Patty's Closet on Facebook because you can find out all of the locations and they post pictures of their new items a few times a week. Main shipping days are Tuesdays and Fridays. :) http://www.facebook.com/PattysClosetLV

Patty's Closet is also doing this amazing event for charity on the 19th of May called "Walk in Your Party Dress." Brett and I will be there and we hope you will be too. You can find out all the details by clicking the link: http://www.facebook.com/events/364916146893580/ Who wouldn't want to get dressed up for a good cause and what makes it more fun is that it is at Town Square. xoxo

Until next time, cheers to when opportunities knock, answering the door ;)