Week 97 Chinita

Hello blog readers! Welcome back. I cannot believe this is week 97.  We never would have imagined that this blog would be as successful as it is and have such a following. Thank you to everyone who reads it, even if you have only read it once. 

Remember, you can find our blog in the LV Informer under the Local Interest section, http://lasvegas.informermg.com/category/lv-local-interest/blog-connection/ . Also, we have a Facebook page, so if you haven't already, it would be awesome if you liked it, https://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants. 

What Teray Says...

I have had the Groupon to Chinita for awhile and being I was, and still am on the Paleo way of eating at this time, I wanted a cheat meal where I could really eat! Chinita is located in Village Square on Sahara and Ft. Apache. This isn't too far from where we live, so we were pleased with the drive. Chinita has both outside seating with fire pit tables and inside seating, because of the wind, we chose to sit inside. 

We were seated right away in a big booth. Chinita is a pretty large place. There are booths, tables, a stage, a full bar and a back room. From what I gathered it actually turns into a "go out" spot at night with a DJ, drink specials, and so on. 

You get free chips and salsa, which are amazing I must add, right away while you look through your menu. There are so many great options I didn't even know where to begin. For an appetizer we picked avocado rolls. The avocado rolls were like open faced egg roles with tons of avocado. I personally have never had these and would rank them up there with some of the best appetizers I have ever had at a Mexican restaurant. 

For our drinks I ordered a skinny marg and Brett got a Mexican beer (I took one taste; it was pretty good). As for our food I ordered the carnitas. They were to die for. The portion size was huge and the rice and beans were amazing. I would order this every time I go back there it was so good. The dessert we had the churros which sweet and delicious and I am not even the biggest churro fan. 

Now onto service, our server was top notch. He told us it was his second day, you would never know that at all, because he was by far one of the best servers we had in the 97 weeks of this blog. We never wanted for anything and he had great suggestions and made great conversation.

Overall, Chinita was absolutely awesome; I cannot wait to go back with a group and sit outside around the fire pit tables. We will also request to sit in our previous server's section. I rate Chinita 5 out of 5 without a doubt. 

What Brett Says...

Once again we turned to Groupon to make our decision for us.  We stumbled onto a nice little deal for some Mexican food.  We were originally going to try somewhere else but the line was out the door and we were starving, "Chinita" was right around the corner so we decided to go with it.  They are a new restaurant in the shopping area on the northwest corner of Sahara and Ft. Apache.

Strip mall restaurants are usually a standard design with nothing special.  Chinita was able to mix things up and come up with something that actually separates them from the masses.  They have an outdoor patio with a fire table; it is actually pretty cool.  I'm not sure I would recommend getting too drunk next to the open flames...just speaking from experience.  The inside is relaxed and spread out, you aren't sitting on top of everyone else.  They also had a live acoustic singer, he was playing everything from Mexican songs to top 40 from the last 30yrs...and he was legit.

Overall I think we fair decent on getting good service; most of the time we get decent, we do get quite a bit of horrible, but once in a great while we get amazing.  This was  time when we got absolute amazing.  I forgot the server's name but we found out that it was only his second day on his own as a server there.  He was so on point, especially for being so new.  He had a great flow, amazing manners, and he related with us.  It was almost like our friend was taking care of us.  If he is any example of the overall service then you won't be disappointed.

Mexican food is tough to screw up, I use to cook at a Mexican restaurant and if I could do it while living the college life then it really isn't that tough.  To start things off we ordered some avocado spring rolls, they were different then I expected.  Other avocado spring rolls have the avocado in the actual roll; these had it sliced on top.  I was surprised at how good they were and how the fresh cool avocado complimented the spring roll.  For dinner I decided on special item recommended that night, that I cannot recall the name of, which isn't something I usually get at a Mexican restaurant.  The flavors all worked together and I was full at the end.  The rice and beans were nothing special but I don't recall being able to do much with those either.  The meal itself was pretty good, I would happily eat it again.

I can honestly say that this is a place I would like to go again, I'm thinking with a small group for appetizers and drinks out on the patio.  Between the live music, the drinks, and the flavors it works as a spot to chill.  

Rating 5 out of 5

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. Check out my outfit of the week provided by Patty's Closet Fashion Boutique. Not only do I love summer fashions, but I love neon and I love shorts season. As soon as I saw Patty post these peplum shorts on FB I new I had to get them. What a statement piece right? I love items that you can dress up or down. I paired it with a black jacket that I tucked in so that you could see the full effect of the shorts and took a picture from the side too so you can how they look from both angles. The shorts are a stretchy material, which is nice for different body types. You cannot go wrong with peplum or neon this season, so I suggest you head over to the Rainbow PC location and pick yourself up a pair.

If you aren't lucky enough to have a Patty's Closet near you, make sure you check out their online store at shop.ilovepattyscloset.com. Also, like their FB page which is linked above and you can see pictures of all the latest shipment items on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

Until next time, cheers to life <3 xo

Week 96 Due Forni

Hi Everyone, welcome back. As I mentioned last blog, we are publishing three this week to catch you up on all the places we have been the past couple of weeks. When life gets busy, as it always is, sometimes times to sit down and write slips away from us, now it is time to catch up. 

Remember, you can always find our blog on the LV Informer under the Local Interest section, http://lasvegas.informermg.com/category/lv-local-interest/blog-connection/ and we have a Facebook page which we update multiple times a week, so if you haven't already, please be sure to like it, https://www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants. 

What Teray Says...

So week two of the 30 Day Hot Pilates Challenge I was really craving eating something that wasn't Paleo. It was my cheat meal after all so I figured, where could I get all the things I am missing so much (cheese and bread), and an Italian restaurant came to mind. I have been recommended Due Forni since last summer, but for some reason, we had never been there yet. It wasn't until a few weeks ago when I was driving home from tutoring that I noticed it on the right hand side of Town Center Drive and it rang a bell, we needed to visit there this week. 

As I mentioned Due Forni is located on Town Center Drive and 215 next to the Coffee Bean. There is an outdoor eating area as well as an indoor. Upon entering we were greeted and asked our name which the people at the door remembered all night (impressive!). We were seated right away and our server came over and went over items on the menu with us because it was our first time. He made suggestions and we went with them. 

For an appetizer we ordered the Carpaccio which was thin sliced prime beef, arugula, pine nuts, parmesan, cremini mushrooms, black true vinaigrette. It was one of the items our waiter suggested, so we went with it. Well, I am glad that we did. The portion size was amazing (we each got two big pieces), the presentation was beautiful (it looked like sushi) and the taste was out of this world, by far one of the best appetizers I have ever had at an Italian restaurant. 

For dinner we ordered from the mozzerella bar in which you can choose from three types of mozzerella: classica (delicate) • aumicata (smoked) • stracciatella (soft and creamy). We paired the stracciatella with artichoke. This option also comes with many pieces of some of the best bread you will ever have. The cheese was literally melting in my mouth. Speaking of the cheese, they import it from Italy. Yea, amazing right?! 

We also ordered a pizza for dinner; there are many options for pizza but we went with the QUATTRO FORMAGGI which was like a white pizza with extra pizazz. I was in love when I took the first bite. Now you could be thinking I found this all so good because it was my cheat meal of the week. Wrong, I know pizza and this pizza was amazing, by far some of the best I have had not only in Vegas, but in my life. 

Brett and I also had to order dessert. We needed to have the full experience; I didn't want anything too sweet being I had a Hummingbird to drink (if you go there you must have this drink). We had the sweet bufala ricotta which was that honey, pistachios, and sugar. Again, out of this world. I probably could eat that dessert for the rest of my life. 

Now, let me talk about the service, probably by far some of the best we have had while doing this blog and as you can see at the top, we are at week 96. From the person who greeted us at the door, the wait staff and the manager, who by the way is from NY and came over and explained the whole experience to us, it really made us feel welcome. I was beyond impressed. 

Without a doubt I will going back to Due Forni as soon as possible; from the looks of it, they have an amazing happy hour menu too. Speaking of happy hour, the wine list and drink list are very long, so there is something for everyone in every price range. Due Forni gets a 5 out of 5 and now falls in my top 5 from this blog. 

What Brett Says...

This week we had absolutely no idea what we were in the mood for.  We all have those times where nothing sounds good and you just want someone else to pick...unfortunately we both were in that mood.  I threw out Italian and Teray decided we should try a place others have recommended, we went to "Due Forni."  They are at Town Center and the 215, an area we never go to for some reason.

The feel and atmosphere are amazing but a complete contradiction, which really works for them.  It feels almost like fine dining, at first I felt underdressed, but then you realize it is laid back.  They have an extensive wine selection, fine dining tables, and intimate lighting.  On the flip side the place mats are the menus, the servers wear jeans, and the big draw is pizza.  This has to be one of the cooler places we have been to, it works no matter the occasion or the lack of.  They also have a nice outdoor patio.

The service was also another area that made an impression.  Everyone we dealt with was amazing, they were as professional and acted as though it was a 5 star fine dining restaurant.  Out server was extremely helpful and walked us through the entire menu and made quite a few recommendations, which we followed.  The manager also came by the table a couple times to check on us, he told us about the concept behind the entire restaurant.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy working there and it rubbed off on the customers.

Now for the food.  We all love pizza, Italian, and cheese.  That being said how did Due Forni do?  To start things off our server suggested the carpaccio; the presentation alone won me over.  Then I decided to taste it and was hooked, I was hoping Teray wouldn't like it just so I could have more.  Since the appetizer was so good we decided to go with another suggestion from our server.  They have a mozzarella bar that allows you to choose from a selection of mozzarellas and sides.  We went with the stracciatella (soft and creamy) with marinated roman artichokes.  I am not a huge mozzarella connoisseur, Teray is Italian so she is a little more well versed.  I did enjoy they selection, it went well with the meal and wasn't heavy.  Our next selection was a pizza, kinda have to at a pizza place.  We decided on the quattro formagi pizza, Roman style with a gluten free dough...translated: mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, fontina fontal (4 types of cheese) on a thin crust.  The gluten free was just to see how a gluten free pizza would work out (surprisingly normal).  This pizza was legit.  I'm talking Tony Soprano in Little Italy NYC legit.  Since we were 3 for 3 on ordering we wanted to see what dessert was all about.  We got a ricotta pistachio ice cream, once again it was a knock out.  Every aspect of the dishes were perfected.  I would love to see what the other dishes taste like.

I think it goes without say but this place is the shit.  Every aspect has been perfected and implemented.  I cannot think of a single thing to complain about.  I recommend Due Forni for dates, groups, whatever.  Just go and enjoy.

A very easy 5 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. Check out my outfit of the week provided by Patty's Closet Fashion Boutique. I love the color of this dress, the texture of this dress, and the fit of this dress. It probably is one of my favorite dresses I have ever worn from Patty's. Theemerald color really stands out and can be worn with many different color accessories. The back is racer back, so in the warm weather you can show a little more skin. You can dress this up or down. I wore it during the day with casual flats and a cardigan and then at night with some heels. You can find this look at the 
Rainbow PC location.

If you haven't already, make sure to like the Patty's Closet Facebook page, which is linked above. If you do, you will stay up to date on all the latest events, store openings, and get to see the items that each store receives every Tuesday and Friday. Also, if you aren't lucky enough to have a PC near you, you can shop online at shop.ilovepattyscloset.com. 

Until next time, cheers to food, fun and fashion. xo 

Week 84 The Martini

Welcome back readers, happy to have you with us again. We have gotten so many suggestions within the past few weeks of where to go for the blog so we are excited to try out some of those places very soon. Remember, you can always find our blog under the Local Interest section of the LV Informer http://lasvegas.informermg.com/ . We also have a Facebook page that we update frequently and will be adding a new component to it soon so make sure to like our page if you haven't already www.facebook.com/thenewlywedsguidetovegasrestaurants

What Teray Says...

So now that Brett is on a new schedule and doesn't get home until later on Saturday nights I am normally starving by the time it is date time. I was especially excited that when we were heading to The Martini because we had a prix fixe Groupon and that meant a lot of food for my starving belly. 

The Martini is located in Summerlin on Charleston and Ft. Apache. It is not too far from where we live now, which we love in a restaurant, so that is an added bonus. Entering The Martini was I immediately impressed by the vibe of the place. There was a big bar in the center that looked very upscale, not like your local bar that we sometimes all frequent. Surrounding the bar were leather chairs like we having in our family room that would surround little tables. It definitely seems like a fun place to kick back with your friends and enjoy some drinks. 

We were seated right away in the back where there is all tables for dining, flat screen tvs and fire places. What is cool is that where we sat you can check out the action of the bar too  but be away from the noise. Our waitress was very friendly and we ordered our drinks. Brett got a Side Car and I got a drink called the Hummingbird. In my Hummingbird there was Elderflower, soda water, and champagne. Let me tell you, it was delicious and I plan on making this at home! The coolest part about it was that you pour the drink into a beaker. 

I guess I should back up. The prix fixe menu included 2 drinks, 2 salads (house or Cesar), 1 appetizer, 2 meals and 1 dessert. For our appetizer we got truffle mac and cheese balls. They were absolutely to die for. Although I know they probably had enough calories for a day's worth, they were so worth it. We both chose Cesar salad too, which also was great. 

For dinner we both got the drunken Kobe burger with sweet potato fries. The burger was served on pretzel bun. I love when burgers are served that way. It was a huge burger, so I ate half and took half home to eat for lunch the next day. I would definitely order that again if I went there. 

For dessert we ordered the fried Oreo Sunday. I have never had fried oreos. We know I am not the biggest fried food fan. Let me tell you though, that dessert was one of the best that I have had in the 85 weeks we have been doing this blog. When I go back I will for sure be ordering that again. 

As for the service, our waitress was awesome. We never wanted for anything and she had good suggestions. It was so wonderful to have a pleasant experience at The Martini. I will definitely be back there. Without a doubt I rate The Martini a 5 out of 5. 

What Brett Says...

This week we went to "The Martini."  We have seen it multiple times since I used to live in the area, then a Groupon came along for a prix fixe menu.  The prix fixe Groupons are the best, this one included two drinks, an appetizer, two side salads, two entrees, and one dessert.  

When you walk in you just get a good vibe, the place looks like the cool place to go.  You would expect them to be the staple of a NY/Chicago nightlife.  Being they are in Vegas they are just one of the thousands of local bars.  They stand out though, they don't have a run of the mill look.  It doesn't look like a former chain bar converted.  They have a relaxing bar area, they have lounge chairs to relax as a group, and off to the side there is a nice modern dining room.  The look would go with "Herbs and Rye" and "Triple George Grill" which is a good thing.

The service here was stellar.  We walked into the dining room and were immediately sat, not that they were busy but they noticed us and made us feel welcome.  Our waitress was friendly and didn't ignore us after we told her we had the Groupon...sometimes we have found that servers blow you off once they know you have a deal/coupon.  She walked us through the deal and the menu, she had suggestions and made things flow well.  She did everything you want a server to do and wasn't overbearing, she was talkative but never lingered.  

First we started with our drinks, I ordered a Sidecar and Teray ordered a Hummingbird.  I used to work at a martini bar so the Sidecar used to be a staple and this one was just as good as I remember.  I had never heard of a Hummingbird, it was good but I would say it is more of a girl drink.  It isn't fruity or girly it is just cut with champagne and not strong, maybe save it for breakfast/brunch.  For our appetizer we decided to get the truffled mac n cheese balls.  I have never thought about deep frying mac n cheese...it is a pretty amazing idea.  I would consider getting two orders next time as an entree, they are awesome.  Side salads are not usually a point to talk about, I mean who cares about a small portion of lettuce with some dressing?  We both got the side Caesar and these were the exception.  They deserve to be mentioned.  I'm not sure but I would assume the dressing is homemade, if not I want to know the brand.  Even the lettuce was fresh and crisp.  Teray and I both decided to get the Drunken Kobe Burger.  I'm not sure why but I was craving a burger for a while, not a fast food burger, but a real juicing hot off the grill burger.  This burger is made with quality beef, prosciutto blue cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, on top of a pretzel bun.  This filled my need and then some; I rarely get full on these dates but I couldn't even finish it.  Plus I had to save some room for dessert.  Which brings me to our finale.  We gave our server a couple options and told her to surprise us.  She decided to bring us the fried oreos and ice cream.  I saddened to say that this was the first time I have ever done the fried oreo thing...it won't be the last.  I am now planning on trying other fried items (twinkie, snickers bar, etc).

Overall I was very impressed.  I would recommend this place for pretty much everything from needing a drink to couples to groups.  If it was closer I would probably frequent here quite a bit.

Rating 5 out of 5

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. Check out my outfit of the week provided by Patty's Closet Fashion Boutique. As of this week-end the weather is warming up and I can't wait for the spring fashion season. This top is a sneak peek of what is to come. I love a crop top; it is one of my favorite pieces this year. This one of lime green and white is perfect to transition over to the spring. I paired it with high waisted black harem pants which are also from Patty's for a peek-a-boo look. It is nice to show a little skin once in awhile but we all know it is a fashion no no to put it all out there, that is why this top is perfect! You can find this look at the Rainbow location.

So if you haven't already make sure you like the Patty's Closet Facebook page which is linked above to check out all the latest details on store openings, events, and of course their biweekly shipment items. Patty's website also go a make over, so head over there and check it out. If you aren't lucky enough to have a PC near you, you can shop online by visiting the link as well at ilovepattyscloset.com .

Until next time, cheers to love, it's all you need. xo