COCHON 555
When: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Time: 5pm-8pm; VIP 3:30pm-8pm
Where: Chelsea Piers
Pier 60, West 23rd Street & Hudson River
New York, NY 10011
Cost: $125; VIP $175
(404) 849-3569
www.cochon555.com

Sunday, March 21, Chelsea Piers will host the mother of all pork competitions-COCHON 555. Five chefs, five pigs, and five wineries will meet and compete at Pier 60. A compilation of worthy judges will decide who is the "Prince or Princess of Porc."

Mark Ladner of Del Posto, Corwin Kave of Fatty "Cue, Marco Canora of Hearth, Adam Kay of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and Gavin Kaysen of Café Boulud will prepare a whole heritage-breed pig, from head-to-toe, and the winner will be declared the "Prince or Princess of Porc." An as attendee, 750 pounds of heritage pork will be available for your dining pleasure. Wash down your swine with wine from five wineries-Gamble Family Vineyards, Buty Winery, Elk Cove Vineyards, Wind Gap Wine, and K Vintners.

VIP Butcher Tom Mylan, The Meat Hook, and Resident Butcher Ryan Farr, 4505 Meats, will demonstrate the breakdown of a whole pig. A "Swine & Spirits" mixologists showcase is also part of the entertainment lined up for the porky event.

If you can afford to shell out the extra $50 for VIP, a "Meat & Greet" will take place in the VIP lounge. Artisan cheeses, oysters and reserve wine from Domaine Serene and Shinn Estate Vineyard for tasting are all part of the VIP experience.

Pig out!

The Lunch Box
4632 S. Maryland Pkwy, Suite 20
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 722-6400

Remember those good ol' days when the best part about school was showing off your rad Power Rangers lunchbox and getting to indulge in the simple comfort food within? Now, you can relive those pre-tween years thanks to Joseph Moore.

On Monday, Moore opened a new restaurant The Lunch Box, an updated version of those elementary school snacks for a more matured set of students. Located very close to the UNLV campus, The Lunch Box serves up a menu as simple and wonderful as its nostalgic theme. Sandwiches, salads, Chicago style hot dogs, and more all served with a side of chips, coleslaw, or a fruit cup, for under $5. Sure beats those old squished PB&Js and bruised bananas of yesteryears, doesn't it?

Moore opened The Lunch Box to give LasVegas college kids something that challenged him during his school days: good food, good prices.

"When I was in college, you just wanted cheap prices for a great value and that's something I wanted to bring. I thought the college crowd would be a great place for that because you get sick of dorm food and orange chicken and cheeseburgers."

And Moore definitely delivers a delicious escape from dorm drudgery as well as fun trip down memory lane. While the outside of The Lunch Box may be sparse, inside the eatery is filled with vintage lunchboxes featuring all the classic designs, from old cartoons to board games to film and music stars.

Unfortunately, the boxes are only for decoration and not for food service...yet. Moore has considered the idea for the restaurant's future if it continues to thrive.

Moore is also accepting lunch box donations to add to his recently started collection. But like with every good quest, there is always the one that got away.

"I didn't start until within the past few years, but the one that I had that I don't own anymore was the GI Joe. If I could get that again that'd be it."

So if you happen to have access to a GI Joe lunch box that holds little-to-no-sentimental value, head on over to The Lunch Box. Moore would be more than happy to put it on display. Plus, it'd make the customers happy as well.

Moore describes how much, in the few days the restaurant has been open, customers really relate to and really enjoy the vintage feel of The Lunch Box.

"We've had customers come in and point and say, ‘Yeah I had that!' It's fun to see something light up their eyes."

Another way Moore is trying to keep the light in the customers' eyes (and the customers returning) is to take the nostalgic concept and apply it to every aspect of the restaurant, not just the décor.

"We're trying to push a lot of the glass-bottle drinks to go with the nostalgia feel, and we're trying to push for pure sugar cane sodas as opposed to high-fructose corn syrup," says Moore.

And for dessert Moore has a deliciously vintage upgrade as well, provided by Bread Merchant.

"The cupcakes...if you went to school with a lunchbox maybe you'd get one of the Hostess ones, only this is extremely better. It's the best cupcake. There's nothing mechanically done or any additives. Its straight-up chocolate and eggs and the filling is delicious."

The Lunch Box seems to have it all. Cheap food? Check. Good food? Check. Awesome, kitschy décor? Check. What more could we really ask for? (Besides that GI Joe lunchbox, of course.)

Double Helix Wine Bar
3325 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 702-607-7777 
www.doublehelixwine.com  

Double Helix Wine Bar is the premier destination for wine connoisseurs in Las Vegas. Located inside the Palazzo, the 2,100-square-foot space is filled with more than 50 different wines available to sample by the glass. There is also the Double Helix Boutique located adjacent to the bar which features almost 300 bottles of rare wine from across the globe. Double Helix even provides a small menu from Emeril Lagasse's Table 10, offering winos the chance to enjoy a nice artisan cheese board, crab trinity salad, tiramisu, or crème brulee with their drink.

Now, the Double Helix is offering another form of wine snacking with the addition of wine ice cream to their menu. Starting March 26, Double Helix Wine Bar will offer six flavors of Mercers of New York wine-infused ice cream. These include a Cherry Merlot, Chocolate Cabernet, Peach White Zinfandel, Red Raspberry Chardonnay, Royal White Riesling, and an Ala Port.

These treats are seriously delicious, but they aren't child's play. A three-ounce scoop costs $9, as does the three-flavor three-ounce taster. You can also take home a pint for $19, but remember - don't eat and drive!

I'm joking about that last part. A whole pint only contains about as much alcohol as a glass of wine. Plus, who are we kidding here? If you plan on sitting down and eating enough of this ice cream to where you could hypothetically get tipsy, you ain't going anywhere - wine, or no wine.

If you're a little on the broke side, Double Helix will be offering a $5 tasting of all their wine-ice cream flavors from 5-7 on March 26. It will kind of be like going to a high-class Baskin Robbins.

Sage

3730 Las Vegas Boulevard

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Phone: 877-230-2742

http://www.arialasvegas.com/dining/sage.aspx

First being declared one of Las Vegas Weekly's "6 new Las Vegas restaurants to know in the New Year" and now a James Beard nominee, Sage in Aria is making quite a name for itself in the few months its been open.

Sage comes to Vegas from acclaimed chef Shawn McClain. The restaurant marks his first endeavor outside of hometown Chicago. It seems as though the move has been quite beneficial for the award winning chef, even if he has had to adjust from his Midwestern ways.

"It's a challenge for chefs out here to balance creativity along with things that are a lot more safe and understandable," said McClain. "There are definitely some quirky people, but my attitude has always been to take care of them. If it's something silly like a steak quesadilla, which was a request last week, we get it."

Sage specializes in direct from the farm produce, artisanal meats, and sustainable seafood. Providing diners with chic dining experience and contemporary American cuisine with a strong Mediterranean influence, Sage is quickly rising to the top of the Vegas restaurant scene.

Sage also features a well-stocked absinthe cart containing Le Tourment Vert, St. George Verte, Spain's Obsello Verte, and many more. All of the bottles are prepared traditionally and are sure to make you befriend the green fairy after just one sip. And all that absinthe is in addition to the state of the art cocktails and lengthy wine list encompassing everything from bargain bottles to the pricey exclusives. Sage has made sure to have you covered when it comes to libations.

Now, onto the food.

All things on the menu are both creative and savory. The Grilled Wild Mushroom salad consisting of grilled wild mushrooms, baby lettuce, warm Robiola cheese, toasted Marcona almonds, and aged sherry vinaigrette is close to perfect.  

The Bacon Baguette in lieu of traditionally white and brown rolls is ingenious! The slight saltiness of the bacon along with the Australian sea salt and house-whipped butter provide a perfect break between starters and the main course.

Now, I know it's hard to chose the main feature of the meal. But when trying to make this decision, remember: the sooner you pick, the sooner you get your food. I recommend both the Braised Veal Cheeks with polenta, confit peppers, and a light Picholine olive and shaved fennel salad and the Day Boat Scallops with wild mushrooms, broccolini, and a carmel reduction.

The desserts at Sage by Lura Poland are infamous as well. The Custard-filled Caneles with the crispy carmelized exterior and the Sticky Toffee Pudding, both served warm under ice cream, are to die for and worth many return visits.

Or, if you've stuffed yourself a little too much already, just opt for a nice shot of Chocolate Soup. It'll satisfy your post-meal sweets craving without overloading your stomach.

But what does all this success mean for McClain now that he's laid down his roots in Vegas? Is he planning on becoming the next Strip megachef?

"The future, obviously, is completely unknown, but for now I'm just focusing on a single restaurant out here and don't even include myself in that category. The guys that are out here, their accomplishments include restaurants, TV, cookbooks, and I find myself in the very beginning point of that process. We'll see." 

The James Beard Foundation just announced the 2010 list of restaurant and chef awards semifinalists. The lucky honorees include chefs who have influenced the Vegas fine-dining scene and high-quality local establishments such as Shawn McClain's Sage at Aria. Here's how Vegas figures in to this years awards:

Outstanding Restaurateur nominee:

Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (Chicago)

            Vegas relation: Richard owns the Eiffel Tower restaurant in Paris Las Vegas

Outstanding Chef nominees:

Tom Colicchio, Craft (NYC)

            Vegas relation: There's also a Craft location in the MGM Grand

Michael Mina, Michael Mina (San Francisco)

Vegas relation: Michael also has restaurants at the Bellagio, Aria, and MGM Grand

Julian Serrano, Picasso at Bellagio (Las Vegas)

            Double Vegas relation: Julian also has a self-named restaurant in Aria

Outstanding Restaurant nominees:

Babbo by Mario Batali (NYC)

            Vegas relation: Mario also has restaurants in The Venetian and Palazzo

Bouchon by Thomas Keller (Yountville, CA)

            Vegas relation: Thomas also has another Bouchon in The Venetian

Daniel by Daniel Boulud (NYC)

            Vegas relation: There is also a Daniel Boulud Brasserie in the Wynn

Rising Star Chef of the Year nominees:

Vanessa Garcia for Restaurant Charlie at the Palazzo (Las Vegas)

Timothy Hollingsworth for The French Laundry (Yountville, CA)

            Vegas relation: Also owned by Thomas Keller of Bouchon

Best New Restaurant nominee:

Shawn McClain's Sage in Aria at MGM CityCenter (Las Vegas)

Outstanding Pasty Chef nominee:

Kamel Guechida for Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand (Las Vegas)

Outstanding Wine Service nominees:

Emeril's New Orleans, Emeril Lagasse (New Orleans)

Vegas relation: Emeril has three restaurants in Vegas in The Venetian, Palazzo, and MGM Grand

Jean Georges, Jean-Georges Vongerichten (NYC)

            Vegas relation: The recently opened Jean-Georges steakhouse at Aria

Picasso at Bellagio, Julian Serrano (Las Vegas)

Outstanding Service nominees:

Emeril's New Orleans (New Orleans)

            Vegas relation: See Outstanding Wine Service

Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand (Las Vegas)

Nobhill Tavern at MGM Grand (Las Vegas)

Best Chef Southwest nominees:

Saipin Chutima, Lotus of Siam (Las Vegas)

Claude Le Tohic, Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand (Las Vegas)

Rick Moonen, RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas)

Waffles Café
5165 S. Fort Apache Road
702-597-9775
Las Vegas, NV 89148
6646 N. Durango Drive
702-727-3267
Las Vegas, NV 89149
www.wafflescafe.com

Every Saturday morning, my roommate is subjected to my bad impression of Donkey from Shrek as I wake her up, exclaiming, "I'm makin' WAFFLES!" without fail each week.

She'll be happy to learn that it has recently come to my attention that I will no longer have to slave over the waffle iron, quoting an animated children's film, because there's a restaurant here in Vegas called Waffles Café. You can guess what they specialize in.

Apparently, Waffles Café has been around for some years in the southwest suburbs and just recently opened up a new location in the northwest. The restaurant is decorated in the bright colors of childhood play, though it is the menu itself that delivers the most fun and whimsy.

To my delight, every item featured is waffles, waffles, and more waffles, topped with everything you could dream of: apple-pie filling, ice cream, strawberries, even tuna fish. The thing I'm probably most excited about is the waffle pizza, which seems to be the love child of my dreams.

Waffles Café caters to every meal of the day. You can order a breakfast sandwich of cheese, egg, and ham or bacon in a folded waffle or just a classic one topped with fruit. For lunch, you can sample one of the many waffle-wiches with fillings every normal sandwich shop would offer.

If you're in the mood for something simple, just order a singe-sized plain waffle for $3.75, which comes topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and maple syrup (a total steal, if you ask me). They also have flavored waffles including oat, organic flax, chocolate and pumpkin.

The combinations you can make here are endless when you pair the many flavors with the countless toppings, including Nutella, pecans, marshmallows, kiwi, mango, M&Ms, and more. Plus, don't forget a smoothie, boba tea drink, or milkshake to complete your dining experience.

The waffles here are as wonderfully crispy and moist as you'd expect them to be. And though the restaurant acts as more of a waffle-centric Cold Stone, is there really anything wrong with that?

Celebrity chef Rick Moonen is launching something unbelievable: a five-course tasting night at his restaurant in RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay for just $65.

Foodies are overcome by the unique dishes on the menu from Oprah's favorite seafood chef.

Moonen and his executive-chef Adam Sobel have complete control in the shopping, cooking, and preparation for the new bill and it sounds like are they loving every minute of it.

"I wanted to make people think about their food and where it comes from. We're having fun in the kitchen doing only what we want to do and what hasn't ever been attempted before. Some of the food is deconstructed and then put back together and served in a totally unique way never seen before."

Some examples of Moonen and Sobel's pioneering palate pleasers would be the miniature steak and eggs served on a bed of fried spaghetti, frozen sake with foie gras, the crab with risotto, and the China Pig, a five-spice roasted pork belly.

Moonen and Sobel serve a genius meal where everything astounds, from the taste to the preparation and presentation. Even the table vase gets in on the action, beginning only with a simple stalk of lemongrass before blossoming into a miniature greenhouse with basil, mint, syrup, and green tea. Then, after you have satisfied your sweet tooth with dessert, liquid nitrogen is added to induce a wonderfully pleasant bubble effect to conclude the meal.

The new tasting night isn't the only exciting thing lined up for Moonen. It has now been confirmed that Moonen will be returning to Top Chef Masters this season, beginning April 7. While Moonen is one of six returning chefs to the Bravo series, he is also one of three Las Vegas locals on the show this year. David Burke of The Venetian and Susan Feniger of Border Grill in Mandalay Bay will be joining Moonen on the show.

All the episodes but the finals have been filmed and kept under strict secrecy so don't bother trying to track down any of the chefs to quiz them about outcomes.

Judging Season 2 will once again be restaurant critic Gael Greene, culinary expert James Oseland, food critic Jay Rayner, and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons. Kelly Choi will also return as the host.

Names of an abundance of guest stars and judges have also been released, some sparking my confusion and curiosity (what do cast members of Modern Family or Real Housewives of OC know about food? Or Simpsons-creator Matt Groening?).

The winner of Top Chef Masters will receive $100,000 for the charity of choice and usurp the title from Season 1 winner, Chicago's Rick Bayless.

There are just some days where you wake up and know you need some good ol' down-home cookin'. I'm talking about fried chicken, biscuits, cornbread, barbecue, and most importantly--shrimp po'boys (good lord, my mouth is watering just thinking about all that deliciousness).

Just because you're in the Southwest doesn't mean that you don't have access to all the delectable comfort food of the South. Here are five of the best places to satisfy your southern/soul food desires right here in Las Vegas.

The space at the northeast end of the strip mall on Martin Luther King Blvd. has played host to a bounty of soul food eateries, none of which lasted more than a few years. Angie's Soul Café is latest to challenge the pattern. Its namesake, Angie, originally hails from South Carolina before settling in Ohio where she opened two restaurants on Cleveland's east side a quarter of a century ago.

Now she's here to try her luck in Vegas with her hefty, and sometimes surprising, menu. In addition to soul-food classics, Angie's also offers some non-traditional southern-fare, including salmon croquettes, vegetable omelettes, and fried cabbage.

The fried chicken is crisp and tender, while the sides are generally satisfying (try the spiced red beans and rice or the perfectly sweet baked candied yams). The best thing on the menu is arguably the catfish, which is so inherently delicious there's no need for any hot sauce or other accessory.

The prices are as good as the food, so let's just hope Angie has better luck than her predecessors in staying open.

Jazz Brunch at the Country Club Gril
3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(888) 352-3463
www.wynnlasvegas.com

If you're looking for a "classier" soul-food experience than Angie's provides, just head over to the Wynn on Sundays for their recently added Jazz Brunch.

The idea came from New Orleans native and executive chef Carlos Guia, who expanded on the original Wynn Buffet by offering fresh oysters, real gumbo, as well as many other Creole and Cajun staples. Included in the $59 price ($24 for children under 12) is an "eye opener" cocktail, either a Bloody Mary, flute of champagne, or Kentucky-style sweet tea.

You will also be treated to their wonderful specialty breads which will tempt you to fill up before you even order--don't say I didn't warn you!

There are five stations to select from along with a printed menu to order things from the kitchen. 

From the stations, I'd recommend the make-it-yourself shrimp remoulade, which features Vegas' most authentic remoulade, as well as shelled shrimp, Malpeque oysters and king crab leg. I'd also suggest the trio of ceviches and selection of sausages from the carving board, specifically the andouille.Yum...

From the kitchen, you can order the wonderful poached eggs with smoked pulled pork served on a flaky bacon-cheese muffin or the nice twist on a classic, shrimp and grits.

While you savor every bite of food at your table, the jazz-trio Pyramid softly serenades you in the background, making for a wonderful brunch experience.

Cajun BBQ Shack
9620 S. Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 737-7427
www.cajunbbqshack.com

Standing on the south end of the Strip where K's BBQ used to stand is the Cajun BBQ Shack. With some of the softest brisket in Las Vegas paired with one of the best spicy hot sauces around, this restaurant has made a name for itself as one of the top places to go for barbecue on the Strip.

The owner prepares most of the food himself, an impressive feat for such a popular joint. The rib tips are crusted to perfection and the ribs themselves are massive. The star of the Cajun BBQ Shack is probably the pulled-pork and out of the side dishes, the dirty rice most definitely stands out.

Gritz Café
1911 Stella Lake St.
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 255-4748
www.gritzcafe.com

While the location is a little odd for a soul food café (a desolate strip of Lake Mead across from a government building), Gritz Café is more than worth the trip. The friendly service and homestyle southern food has garnered this restaurant a loyal local following.

Serving all-day breakfast, which includes their famous chicken and waffles, is a great addition to the small café, but the best dish served here is probably the fried catfish with a delectable, crispy cornmeal crust. The burgers are also massive, along with the baskets of crisp fries and the chicken wings and fingers.

While Gritz Cafe is quite popular, the restaurant never feels crowded, nor does the service ever falter. The only downside to Gritz is the lack of adult libations, which is why I recommend it as the best place for brunch when you've got such a killer hangover even the idea of "hair of the dog"  in the morning makes you consider putting off drinking for good. Plus, who needs complimentary mimosas when you've got mac and cheese? I know what my choice would be.

Rosemary's
8125 W. Sahara
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 869-2251
www.rosemaryrestaurant.com

For gourmet southern cuisine out of the way of the hustle and bustle of the Strip, Rosemary's is the best choice. Serving an extensive menu featuring American cooking with a southern twist along with a beer and wine pairing for each item, there's a reason Rosemary's has drawn both local and tourist foodies to their restaurant.

Their specialty is the Texas BBQ shrimp, but you can't really go wrong with any of their offerings (try the Creole grilled prime ribeye with Anson Mills Carolina Quick Grits, crystal red onion crust and Rosemary's own steak sauce).

The service at Rosemary's is as impeccable as the food. It'd be a rare occurrence for you to empty your water glass before a waiter has come over to refill it.

There's no doubt that by the time you've ordered you will have completely forgotten that you're in a strip mall on not on the Strip.

Plus, Wednesday is ladies' night, which means a 50% off discount on dinner for women--probably Rosemary's most exciting feature for me.

Bar Masa Las Vegas
3730 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 230 - 2742
www.arialasvegas.com

Any fan of Japanese cuisine has no doubt heard of Masayuki Takayama's celebrated and three-star Michelin restaurant, Masa in New York City. These same fans must now be overcome with excitement as Masa has opened up a new location in Vegas at CityCenter, of course. Where else could house a new branch of a restaurant that is often regarded as one of the most expensive and luxurious eateries in the States?

Bar Masa has expanded on Chef Masa's original NYC creation quite literally. The Las Vegas space is approximately three-times the size of the New York location, which does disrupt Masa's key idea of intimacy in dining. Though, the secluded restaurant-within-a-restaurant, Shaboo, will provide a refuge for those seeking a more intimate experience. That is, if one can afford the $500 price-tag and is in the mood for the omakase-only menu.

The original Masa at the Time Warner Center in New York is a great display of Masa's own belief in shibui, a practice of simplicity devoid of unnecessary elements. The 26-seat establishment serves whatever Masa deems the best catch of the day, flown directly from Japan.

Masa is never one to compromise quality, and this practice does carry over to Las Vegas. The simplicity on the other hand, didn't fare so well. The new Bar Masa is a grand display of decadence and luxury and diners familiar with the New York eatery will be surprised to learn that Masa claims design credits on both establishments.

The Las Vegas Bar Masa is absolutely cavernous with 36-foot ceilings featuring drop-lights designed to resemble fireflies. Masa has even created a menu for his new restaurant, which features his interpretations of Japanese comfort food and will change seasonally.

The prices at Bar Masa are also much more reasonable compared to the decadent New York location, allowing one to sample Chef Masa's incredible food for under $50.

With delectable food presented beautifully on the specialty plates Masa designed himself to resemble stone, dining at Bar Masa is a Vegas experience you won't want to miss.

I've been taking regular trips to Las Vegas since I was four years old, but my last trip in December was the first time I was in Sin City and had to follow a very un-sinful gluten-free diet. My diet, which I must adhere to for health reasons, forbids gluten (think anything with wheat), soy, and red meat, and restricts dairy, sugar, and preservatives. Surprisingly, I ate many great meals on my trip and none of them cost me as much as the video poker machines.

Before my trip, I decided to look online for a few gluten-free restaurant recommendations, menus of restaurants that sounded interesting, and guides to being gluten-free on The Strip. I barely came up with anything helpful. Because of my generous nature, I have compiled a guide to where I ate delicious and weird-diet-friendly meals in Las Vegas.

Isla Mexican Kitchen at TI
3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702)-894-7223

My traveling companions and I were staying at Treasure Island (as a Vegas purist I refuse to call it "TI") and after a busy day of shopping, walking, and gambling it was all too easy to take the elevator down to the casino and grab dinner at this dimly lit Mexican/Southwestern eatery.

I informed our waiter about my dietary needs and he was more than accommodating. I asked if I could get the shrimp quesadilla appetizer with corn tortillas instead of flour and he immediately went back to the kitchen to check with the chef. The chef was more than happy to accommodate me and I had a great meal with practically no fuss. The waiter even came and checked with me to see if the corn tortillas were up too snuff (they were fantastic). In fact, the food and service were so good we came back a second time while we were on our trip.

Meal: Shrimp Quesadillas, corn tortillas by request ($12)
Grade: A

Tao Asian Bistro at Venetian
3377 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 388-8338
taorestaurant.com‎

Tao is a restaurant that transforms, Cinderella-style, into a nightclub. My party and I were just interested in dinner, so we arrived fairly early. The place was almost empty, but I doubt the 6pm dinner crowd is whom Tao intends to cater to.

Even though the restaurant aspect seems secondary to the nightlife at Tao, our waiter was very attentive and dedicated to making sure I could have a good meal that still adhered to my dietary needs. He went back and forth to the kitchen multiple times to make sure the dishes we chose could be prepared gluten-free.

He later informed me that the kitchen posts a list of all common allergens and their presence in all dishes on the menu. Nice, but couldn't they have printed out a copy and just handed that to guests instead of having the well-meaning waiter scurry back and forth across the dining room?

We ate family style and the food was good, but nothing special. Tao was interesting mainly for the décor (we were seated directly under the 20-foot Buddha) and the impressively well-stocked women's restroom. Seriously, you may want to go to Tao just to pee.

Meal: Roasted Thai Buddha Chicken ($26), Pad Thai Noodles with Chicken ($19), and Five Plus Five Ingredient Fried Rice ($15)
Grade: B

Olives at Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 693-7223
www.bellagio.com

My party and I agreed that this was the best meal of our trip. We ate at Olives on Christmas Day, and we were seated on the patio overlooking Lake Bellagio. We were treated to Christmas-themed fountain shows throughout our meal, but being so close to the huge water spectacular didn't cause a huge interruption to the meal, only added to it.

Once our server was alerted to my dietary needs he was amazingly attentive and helpful. I ordered the salmon, and when it came out with the crust, the server quickly apologized and brought me an un-crusted plate of salmon within 10 minutes. The salmon was fantastic and the wine list was the size of a phone book. What more could a gluten-free eater ask for?

Meal: Crustless Pacific Northwest Salmon ($29)
Grade: A+

Terrace Point Café at Wynn vs. Society Café at Encore
3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109-1967
Terrace Point Café: (702) 770-3360
Society Café Phone: (702) 770-5300

It's pretty clear when dining at Society Café that it is a reincarnation of The Terrace Point Café at the original Wynn Resort. One disappointing difference is that Wynn's café features a patio with pool views, while Society is windowless. We typically breakfast at Wynn, but one morning we decided to mix it up and head over to Encore. Big mistake.

I have ordered the yogurt granola parfait at Terrace Point before (which is fantastic). I ordered what I thought was the same thing at Society and was presented with a small dish of yogurt, maybe five raspberries, and a tablespoon of granola. For the same price at The Wynn, I was given a large dish of yogurt and granola covered in fresh fruit ranging from blueberries to mangos. Terrace Point Café also makes an amazing bacon avocado omelet that I still have dreams about. Both cafes serve lunch and dinner as well, so perhaps breakfast isn't Society Café's strong suit. Either way, I was very disappointed in Encore's bastardized version of my favorite breakfast spot.

Terrace Point Café at Wynn:
Meal: Yogurt Granola Parfait with Fresh Fruit ($12), Bacon Avocado Omelet ($15)
Grade: A

Society Café at Encore:
Meal: Yogurt & Homemade Granola with Mixed Berries ($11)
Grade: B-

Something delicious has happened to Las Vegas entertainment. Chef Tina Martini (yes, that is her real name) has moved into the M Resort to debut her all new cooking show. This is not some network show that we all just have to watch and drool over the scrumptious food on our screen that we know we'll never be able to replicate, and therefore taste. This is something new, something different, and something so much better.

Tina's show is a live cooking show that won't be broadcast on TV, but instead performed three times a day for live audiences. That way, when Tina prepares an oh-so-yummy Portabella Napoleon, each person in the audience actually gets to taste it! How revolutionary?

And Tina is mesmerizing onstage. She makes sure to engage every audience member and her wit and charm make her a pleasure to watch. But Tina does more that merely entertain, she educates. Audience members receive complimentary "handy hints" and "tasty tips" handouts, a Chef Tina signature.

Tina has worked as an educational chef with Whole Foods and has more than 25 years of experience assisting everyone from celebrities to over-scheduled executives in achieving a healthy lifestyle. The woman knows what she's talking about.

Now she has taken her skills to Studio B Buffet's cooking studio, equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen within the kitchen, built specifically for Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini.

The show goes on five days a week, three times a day, and focuses on the three key areas of healthy living: nutrition, fitness, and mind/body.

"My shows are about real food and real fun. It's about wellness-eating great and feeling great. I give practical advice, tips and techniques to empower people in various areas of their life," said Tina.

Tickets for Martini Time are on sale with prices ranging from $39.95 to $59.95 and all ticket prices include a Studio B Buffet lunch or dinner, depending on your show time, as well as reserved seating at the buffet immediately following the show.

Here's hoping this trend catches on because I can forgo the show girl eye-candy for some real, in-my-mouth candy entertainment.

The Sugar Factory, best known for their Couture Lollipops and celebrity fans including Kim Kardashian, the Pussycat Dolls, and Eva Longoria, have come up with something even more revolutionary than reusable and fashionable lollipop sticks.

Coming later this year, Sugar Factory is opening up a new flagship store inside Paris on the Strip. The 15,000-square foot location will expand upon Sugar Factory's current brand with the addition of a full-blown restaurant that will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night options, and, of course, dessert.

Marilyn Winn, president of Paris Las Vegas, sounds just about as excited about this business venture as I am.

"The addition of Sugar Factory will offer our guests a distinctive and engaging experience and ensure that there is something exciting waiting for everyone at Paris Las Vegas."

The new Sugar Factory will be situated right at the entrance to Paris, where guests will immediately be immersed in the bold, candy-colored, innovative designs that will create "a one-of-a-kind confectionery heaven where the imaginative world of Willy Wonka meets the trendsetting style of MTV."

The menu will feature inventive appetizers (does this mean that things like chocolate-dipped mozzarella sticks might exist elsewhere besides my fantasies?), over-sized sandwiches, salads, pizza, and tons more.

Of course, it'd be rude to leave the new Sugar Factory without sampling -who are we kidding here?- devouring their extensive dessert menu. It would be impossible to choose just one out of the selection, including "warm, freshly-baked waffles and crepes, childhood favorites and rich, gourmet chocolates cascading from colossal fondue fountains."

And since the Sugar Factory isn't just for sweet-toothed tots, there will also be an exceptional selection of more adult drinks, in addition to the child-friendly ones.

Sugar Factory is also introducing a sprawling gelato bar that will feature celebrity flavors. Now you'll be able to hone your palette to perfection as you mix and match your celebrity lollipop to your celebrity gelato until you find that perfect pair. (I'm hoping for a good Sting lolli along with a nice Wilmer Valderrama gelato. Sting's seriousness will balance the overwhelming goofiness of Wilmer. It should be a delightful meal.)

The flagship location is sure to become a celebrity hotspot and a top host for high-profile birthday parties and more.

"With a premium location in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip at Paris Las Vegas, the Sugar Factory brand is poised to take its celebrity appeal to the next level," said Rollie Sturm, a partner for Sugar Factory, LLC. "With the debut of our full-scale dining and retail concept we look forward to announcing exciting new confections we are developing with some of the most recognizable stars in the world." 

The Sugar Factory is even developing lines of tea and coffee which will debut at the new Paris location and will add to the already overflowing selection of thousands of nostalgic and contemporary must-have candies.

And, to add a wonderfully sweet visual treat to the already sweet store, as a special seasonal gift, Sugar Factory will turn their Strip-front windows into an enthralling confectionary wonderland, reminiscent of window displays on New York City's Fifth Avenue.

It's as though Paris and Sugar Factory crept into my dreams and decided to create my ultimate desire as an early birthday present. I love it! I mean, yes, this is coming from a girl who believes that buying excessive candy and reading celeb gossip counts as a great Saturday night activity, but even those who are less prone to vegging and pigging out will not be able to stop themselves from loving this delectable dining concept.

This May 6-9 (which just happens to be Mother's Day Weekend) there will only be one sin dominating Vegas, and I think it's one that even our moms can get on board with, just this once at least: Gluttony.

Over the 2010 Mother's Day Weekend, Sin City will play host to the delectable Vegas Uncork'd, presented by Bon Appetit. Four days, thirty events, fifty renowned chefs, and more deliciousness than your taste buds can handle. That doesn't sound like such a bad thing, now does it?

Vegas is one of the top gastronomical centers of the United States, but many people forget the incredible array of celebrated chefs and award winning restaurants that all call Vegas their home. Or maybe they're just too drunk to remember sampling them, or too hungover to even enjoy them.

Vegas Uncork'd is here to remind America of the amazing culinary scene in Las Vegas (if the awe from last season's of Top Chef has worn off already, that is). The celebration has quickly become one of the fastest growing epicurean events in the country, with ticket sales seeing a 17% increase last year, and it is for good reason. Vegas offers a unique blend of food, gaming, and entertainment that no other city can even come close to matching.

"Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appetit celebrates our culinary scene in a way unique to Las Vegas," said Cathy Tull, the senior VP of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, one of the events sponsors. "It appeals to visitors drawn to top-tier epicurean experiences as well as the world-class resort atmosphere Las Vegas offers."

"Each year, the program continues to build off its own momentum. As we enter into our fourth annual event, the growth continues as everybody spreads the word that the combination of Las Vegas and its top culinary talent presents an epicurean festival not to be missed," said Rob O'Keefe, the executive director of Vegas Uncork'd.

And here are the top ten events you truly don't want to miss at the 2010 Vegas Uncork'd.

1. Ultimate All-Star Interactive Luncheon: Step into the kitchen and play sous-chef to an all-star lineup of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Las Vegas chefs at this incredible interactive luncheon at Wynn/Encore with Paul Bartolotta, Frederic Robert, Alex Stratta and David Walzog
2. Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace: A delectable evening featuring 50 restaurants and 50 vintners at the wildly expanded, five-acre Garden of the Gods pool complex at Caesars Palace.
3. Culinary Conversation With Chef Wolfgang Puck: New to the program this year, Bon Appetit Editor Barbara Fairchild holds a tête-à-tête at Bellagio's Fontana Lounge with Wolfgang, the icon who created the world of the celebrity chef. They trace the growth of Las Vegas as a dining destination.
4. Masters' Series Luncheons: New this year are luncheons at The Venetian and Palazzo with CUT with Wolfgang Puck, David Burke with David Burke, Restaurant Charlie with Charlie Trotter and Valentino with Luciano Pellegrini and Piero Selvaggio.
5. Better by the Bay With Alain Ducasse and Charlie Palmer: Dine for the first time under the stars with a beachside barbecue at Mandalay Bay's 11-acre tropical water environment and 1.6 million gallon wave pool. Enjoy an East Coast-inspired menu from Charlie Palmer and tastes from coastal France created by Alain Ducasse. Beach attire required.
6. Chef's Table With Alain Ducasse: New this year is a seat at the table with renowned French chef Alain Ducasse at Mix atop The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. A small group of Vegas Uncork'd guests will join him as he conducts his seasonal menu changes.
7. Fashion Feast: A Delicious Evening of Style and Taste at Bellagio: New this year, haute cuisine meets savory couture. This event delivers front row access to Bellagio chefs and Via Bellagio designers while indulging in a five-course dinner accompanied by wine pairings selected by Bellagio Wine Director and Master Sommelier Jason Smith.
8. Culinary Theater: Two Master Chefs Collide: Chef Rick Moonen of RM Seafood and Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys, both at Mandalay Bay, have mastered the art of entertainment in the kitchen and onstage. They prepare their favorite signature dishes and dish about each other in this new event.
9. Celebrity Chef Black Jack: Try your luck poolside at Encore with icons of the culinary world such as Bobby Flay, Charlie Palmer, Joel Robuchon, Alex Stratta, Kim Canteenwalla and Carlos Guia. Afterward, the excitement continues at the spectacular XS nightclub.
10. Payard Patisserie and Bistro Tea & Dessert Demonstration at Caesars Palace: Celebrate Mother's Day weekend with a unique and scrumptious glimpse into the technique of  Payard Patisserie and his classic Parisian pastry shop. New to the program this year.

Both the Bluth boys were wrong as to what the most important thing is. It's not family and it's not breakfast. In fact, it's brunch! And that statement is especially true now that the Bellagio has started what is sure to become a Las Vegas Sunday staple: the Fountains Brunch at Jasmine.

For $55, only $19 for children 6-12 or free for tiny tots, customers get to enjoy gourmet cuisine along with the incorporation of multiple live-action cooking stations, as if the incredible views of the Bellagio Fountains and lake weren't spectacle enough.

The Fountains Brunch is more than just dining; it is a true experience which begins when you enter at the Tableside Bakery Trio, a selection of pastries, muffins, Danishes, along with seasonal berries.

From there, guests just follow their hearts desire to whatever station they feel drawn too. Whether it be the Lakeside Shellfish Bar, offering a tempting array of seafood such as Alaskan red king crab with creamy lemon aioli or the Bellagio's take on the classic bagels and lox, Scottish smoked salmon or dill and vodka-cured lox with mini-bagel chips.

Or head over to the Organic Brown Egg Station where guests may choose to build their own omelet or try the indulgent lobster-potato cake eggs benedict.

There's also a Carving Station if you happen to be craving some classic home-made sausage or even Peking-style duck.

There is no lack of selection at the Fountains Brunch. There's additionally a Cold Table, where guests can savor Kobe beef roulade prepared with enoki mushrooms and topped with a miso-butterscotch dressing, a Hot Station serving Dungeness crab cakes, and an Asian Noodle Soup Station.

But no matter how tempting it is to fill up sampling all the tantalizing stations, be warned, because the Fountains Brunch does save the best for last.

The deserts offered at the Fountains Brunch are as delectable and savory as can be imagined. Chocolate fondue, truffles, bon bons, white and dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, and much more. It's a perfect way to end a perfect meal and the Bellagio has truly created a perfect brunch experience, set to redefine Sunday afternoons as we know it.

The Fountains Brunch runs every Sunday from 11 am until 2:30pm and reservations are recommended.

Zine Noodles Dim Sum made history this week by being by being honored as one of the Top 10 Chinese restaurants in America for this year’s Top 100 Chinese Restaurants Awards.

Editor-in-chief of Chinese Restaurant News, Betty Xie, congratulated the restaurant saying, “With these awards, we acknowledge those restaurateurs who excel at the overall experience: exceptional food and magnificent service in beautiful restaurants. We salute Zine Noodles Dim Sum for being the first restaurant from our host city of Las Vegas to rank in the top 10 in our six year history.”

The ceremony was held at The Palazzo, which also acts as home to the luxurious Chinese restaurant on its casino level.

Zine’s own chef Simon To prepared the eight-course meal for the awards ceremony on January 5^th. Attendees got to enjoy Simon’s very authentic Chinese dishes, including twice-boiled ginseng and quail soup, pigeon, and dried scallops in jade squash.

The courses at the ceremony gave diners just a small taste of the amazing dishes Simon has created for Zine. Inspired by Cantonese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Szechuan, and other Asian styles, Simon’s dishes range from simple and comforting to exotic and daring. There’s a little bit of something for everyone at Zine. The décor is elegant and modern, but the dining experience can be as casual or as extravagant as you like.

“Zine’s philosophy is to provide an authentic Chinese experience to our guests through cuisine and service. We are thrilled that Chinese Restaurant News, the restaurant industry, and our valued guests have recognized this and provided us with such an honor,” said the executive director of Paiza Club Operations at The Palazzo and The Venetian, Ken Wong.

Here’s the full list of the Top Ten Winners at the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants Awards.

1.    1. Ching’s Table in New Canaan, Connecticut

2.    2. Bo Ling’s in Kansas City, Missouri

3.     3. Wong’s King Seafood Restaurant in Portland, Oregon

4.    4. Mr. K’s Restaurant in New York, New York

5.    5. Ana Mandara in San Francisco, California

6.     6. Seafood Village in Honolulu, Hawaii

7.     7. Happy Harbor Restaurant in Rowland Heights, California

8.     8. Chef Chu’s in Los Altos, California

9.     9. Lao Sze Chuan in Chicago, Illinois

10 10.  Zine Noodles Dim Sum in Las Vegas, Nevada

If you've ever dreamt of graduating from cooking for friends and family to tutelage under the, ahem, "watchful" eye of chef Gordon Ramsay, then today is your lucky day. Ramsay is looking for a select number of talented amateur chefs for the opportunity to become a MasterChef!

Ramsay will challenge and coach contestants to new culinary heights, but isn't afraid to speak his mind. If you've got a thick skin and special talents, this may be your chance to shine.

For those in the New York area, simply fill out the application at Fox.com/casting and make your way to Sur La Table in Manhasset this Sunday, January 10th, where they'll be holding auditions between noon and 5 pm. Don't forget to bring your best - judges will be expecting one prepared dish to be served at room temperature. You'll be given the opportunity to plate your dish there, but you are responsible for any utensils or other materials that you may need.

If you've got any questions, you can send them over to MasterChefNewYork@gmail.com. Good luck everyone!

Ferraro’s has been a Las Vegas mainstay on Flamingo since it was opened by Gino Ferraro 17 years ago. Now, however, the Italian restaurant has packed its knives and moved across the strip to the corner of Paradise and Harmon. The new Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is set for a grand opening in the last week of January.

The Ferraro family and restaurant have done very well in their current location with their focus on authentic homemade Italian food. Gino boasts that “59 items are made fresh when you order,” leaving the osso bucco as the only item on the menu which is prepared ahead of time.

The Flamingo restaurant has the feel of a cozy Italian home, with Gino as a dining experience staple for the customers. “When people come through that door, they want to see me,” Gino explains. That is one of the reasons why the Ferraro’s have decided to move locations instead of opening up a second one. The family has tried to run three other restaurants while simultaneously keeping the Flamingo location open. All three have since closed, and Gino’s wife Rosalba remembers how, when booking reservations, diners would call the different restaurants to learn at which location Gino would be working that day.

The move is a gamble for a restaurant with such a loyal clientele, but with the menu remaining 80% the same and the expansion of their wine selection, the new Ferraro’s should have enough attractions to maintain their Flamingo regulars and draw in a whole new crowd of diners.

The new location will have a double-sided wine bar which will serve both the indoor bar area and an outdoor patio with a wine system dispenser for their 10,000 Italian and California wines. There will also be two chef’s dining tables, lounge seating, and live music to entertain their patrons each day.

“Ferraro’s will continue to bring the Italian flair and authentic menu partnered with personalized gourmet pizzas, Antipastini, and, of course, one of the top selections of Italian wines in the world,” Gino states.

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar will open at 4480 Paradise Road this January and will serve lunch, happy hour, dinner, and a late night Antipastini menu until 2am.

Unless you're abstaining from alcohol completely this New Years Eve, it pays to drink smart. An oxymoron, I know. One can always try. Here are a few ideas.

Tip #1 - Pace Thyself

The most obvious and the most often ignored rule of any prolonged New York New Year's Eve Party, proper pacing is essential to ensure that when midnight comes around you’re kissing your date/stranger of choice/whoever, not hugging a toilet in New York City.

Tip #2 - The Bottle Is For the Whole Table

Bottle service: always a good idea. Doing shot after shot after shot while your friends are out on the dance floor living it up: don’t. Not only is it a bit rude, it’s also a guaranteed way to have people start saying, “Wow, what happened to that guy?”

Tip #3 - Water

Superstitions about drinking water on NYE being bad luck abound, but a glass or two of plain ol’ H2O here and there can help you make sure you aren’t the first to go home.

Tip #4 - Eat Sensibly Before You Start Drinking

Indulge in a fatty piece of pizza, small steak, or al pastor taco before you head out. The fat will help your body cope with all the booze to come. Carbs will help keep your blood sugar high for hours to come. Yes, it’s a holiday. No, it’s not Thanksgiving, so keep portions sensible. If you’re going to a formal dinner, constantly refilling wine glasses and cocktails can make it difficult to tell how much you’re actually drinking, so try to keep track.

Tip #5 - Quality Over Quantity

It’s a celebration, so celebrate New Years Eve! Take the chance to be classy. After all, you probably didn’t get all dressed up just to drink the same thing you were drinking back in college.

Looking for the best NYE Parties? Check out 6-Hour Open Bar Amnesia New Years Party.

Have fun, stay safe, and have a happy hangover!

Consider yourself warned: bubble guts and long lavatory visits will be the consequence of negligent champagne and wine selections. Don't be a victim. Instead, on New Year's Day 2010 you should be feasting on black-eyed peas, watching football and maybe even sifting through some bills. The toast on New Year's Eve, which officially brings in the New Year, traditionally marks the unmitigated totality and culmination of the year as well as the climax of the evening. Therefore, mustn't we honor this occasion appropriately? For just this one night, abandon the Andre and ditch the Sutter Home, because tonight, your taste is held to a higher standard. Here are a couple new world suggestions to help guide you.

New Year's Eve Wines

Although all of the Scholium Project wine varieties are new, hip and upcoming among this community and will be sure to satiate your palate, we've chosen the Babylon Tenbrick Project Petite Sirah from the Suisun Valley Vineyard in California as this year's landmark selection. Pour this fierce 2004 vintage throughout the night and an air of class and fun will ventilate your atmosphere.

A luxuriously crafted and classic choice for New Year's celebrations is always suitable. That's why we're suggesting the Long Shadows Winery Sequel 2006: a polished and precisely textured Syrah with pure class and contemporary innovations. Based out of Washington, this winery from the Columbia Valley competes with even the most acclaimed winemakers, the definitive preference for traditional celebrations.

Quintessa Red Wine 2001, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, is a signature variety with beauty and flair. Instead of intensifying your New Year's Eve experience to the extreme, relax, enjoy, and sip on this refined choice. What better way to rejoice than with this sophisticated and mature blend?

New Year's Eve Champagnes

When making that ever so anticipated toast, make sure your glass is not too full and without a doubt, sparkling! Bringing in the 2010 New Year denotes the end of one  decade and the beginning of another. Before a midnight kiss, a toast to this epoch is customary. Fill your flutes with Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne Rosé 2002, grab a handful of confetti, and live in the moment!

Sip the lesser known, yet equally elegant Domaine Ruinart Brut Rosé to begin 2010 with élan and style. We suggest casual sipping of this powerful and persistent selection, paired with creamy and decadent flavors.  Cheers!

A flagship of new age champagnes, Krug Grande Cuvée Brut, is another of our recommended flute fillers. Highly rated with sweet style and complex, refined depth, this gem alone is toast-worthy by itself. Feel an exclusive confidence in your celebration drink and raise your glass high!

Tonight, we’re planning to experiment with something new, kiddies. Its name is Spike Your Juice. Actually, scratch that…we’ve nicknamed it the Jesus Juice Experiment. Think of it as juice that starts off sweet and turns into a tangy, refreshing alcoholic drink. A popular European favorite that has made it all the way to the NoHo Lofts for an inquisitive group of amateur mixologists to taste test. Natural fermentation in an easy-to-use packet! Bacchus must be smiling. What more can we ask for to start an adventurous night?

A great conversation piece: what the heck is in that packet that was only available during harvest time until now? We learn that yeast, organic evaporated cane juice and emulsifier make up this magical powder. We read the simple-looking directions. It’s a three step process. Starts with a basic 64 oz bottle of your favorite juice and presto! Champagne-like alcohol.

The first step is to grab a 64 oz bottle of your favorite minimum sugar juice, although best results mandate you use grape, cranberry or pomegranate. The juice should be unfiltered, not artificially sweetened and not refrigerated. The second step is to Spike Your Juice with the packet provided. Half way done gang, and here’s a fun fact: Federal law permits making 100 gallons of beer or wine per year for personal use and not for resale.

Next fill the provided Airlock bottle with water and seal with a Rubber Stopper. One last step and we’re almost there. Final step… wait 48 hours. Wait? What? Bacchus stops smiling. You want a stronger and dryer taste? Wait longer. Apparently fermentation doesn’t rush for anyone. A regular work in progress that one.

The motto is “Make it the way YOU like it.” We tend to like our booze fast. After staring at the concoction for 45 minutes, we wanted our instant alcohol. Our hostess suggested we get a chemist on speed dial. Stat!

A trip to the market and three bottles of red wine later, we were still transfixed by how we could speed up the process. We stared at the bottle intently. Who knew natural fermentation was so interesting? Was that a bubble in the air locked water? Something is happening.

Questions led to more questions. Are you supposed to leave it out? Or put it in a fridge? What if we just do it now? What if we just…add alcohol?

The hostess couldn’t locate a chemist and decided to go commando. She poured all 6 packets in the juice. Encouraged by any form of speedy progress, I assisted her. The others dismissed our rash impulses. There was nothing more left to do but wait.

FORWARD: Two Days Later…
Some members of the original group were present. Others had things to do or were done with the magic of fermentation. Our concoction had been juggled around so much that it was sticky due to getting dropped, thus, the Airlock got a bit of oxygen. However, we were down to taste, and taste we would.

The end result was quite delicious and refreshing, albeit the fizziness, bubbles, and a good buzz. Was our inept mismanagement of the specific directions the culprit? Final consensus, the experiment was a fun night for all involved. If the Europeans have the patience to figure it out, then we can make Bacchus smile again in Noho.

Suggested time for use of product: long weekends or a very long date.