Mon Ami Gabi

Last date I was here: 04/26/2010

Restaurant: Mon Ami Gabi (http://www.monamigabi.com/)

Location: Reston, VA

Total Rating: 4
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Mon Ami Gabi is a Classic French Bistro. "Mon Ami" means "My Friend" in French and "Gabi" is for renown Chef and Owner Gabino Sotelino. Mon Ami Gabi specializes in Classic Bistro Fare including crepes and quiches.

February 2009: We went to this restaurant for lunch in the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas to hopefully get an outdoor seat and catch the famous water fountain show across the street at Bellagio. Although we did get a lovely table outside, we missed the show and another would not start for a few hours. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our food in the sun. I might be interested to check out this place for diner, as a few items on the menu caught my eye.

UPDATE: During a day of shopping wiht my mother, we stopped at this restaurant in Reston, VA. We went towards the end of the lunch crowd, so we were seated without any problem. Our server was young and polite. Our food was prompt and delicious. My mother really enjoyed the fresh baked baguette we received before our meal and her strong French coffee afterwards. We shared our entrees, which was more than enough for lunch. With many tantilizing rich French dishes on the menu, Mon Ami Gabi is a nice place.

What I ate:

Chicken and Gruyere Crepe
w/ small frisee salad

Chicken, Brie, and Spinach Crepe

w/small frisse salad

Mussels Marienere

half portion of mussels steamed in garlic wine butter sauce with onions

Plus Keith ate:

Fish and Frites
w/ French tartare sauce

Aloha Specialties

Last date I was here: 03/01/2009

Restaurant: Aloha Specialties

Location: Las Vegas – California Hotel

Total Rating: 4.1
Food: 4, Price: 5, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Aloha Specialties, located on the California Hotel & Casino's mezzanine, will satisfy your taste buds with its Island fare. With the umbrellas and wicker chairs lining the mezzanine outside the restaurant, Aloha Specialties transports its diners, at least for a short moment, to the islands. Step inside and its walls are lined with native art and the tables and chairs are covered with the "aloha" prints that you'd see in Hawaii. Featuring teriyaki plates, stews and curry specialties, combination plates and noodle dishes such as Chicken Tofu Saimin and of course, the popular "rice bowls".

We had an unexpected extra night in Las Vegas and headed downtown to Freemont Street. We stopped by this spot for dinner and I was so excited! Small menu but great cheap prices. I am happy we got a little island bite before returning home.

What I ate:

Saimin
Noodle soup w/ fried egg and pork

Plus Keith ate:

Fried Saimin
w/ char siu pork

Local Plate
Teriyaki chicken, beef, spam musubi
Served with white rice and macaroni salad

Mr. Lucky’s 24/7

Last date I was here: 02/28/2009

Restaurant: Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 (http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas/dining/mr-luckys-24-7/)

Location: Las Vegas – Hard Rock Hotel

Total Rating: 3.35
Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4

Summary: As the name signifies, Mr. Lucky’s 24/7 is open ‘round the clock and offers a traditional style eatery with a family-friendly atmosphere. The standard diner fare - burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items such as French toast. Inexpensive as most venues placed in the ‘diner’ category, Mr. Lucky’s ups the ante with its cool, energized rock ‘n’ roll aura with décor to match: rock memorabilia, a large Jim Morrison mural, leopard-print seating, vintage motel signage and wood floors. Since 2003, Mr. Lucky’s has been recognized as one of the city’s “Best Late Night Snack” according to the Las Vegas Weekly Reader’s Choice Poll.

We went to this restaurant for dinner and the food was ok. Typical diner food – so I did not have high expectations. I suppose its convenient for late night snacking, but I would pass on eating here again.

What I ate:

Grilled Turkey Burger
w/ Avocado and French Fries

Plus Keith ate:

BLT Burger
w/ French Fries

Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

Last date I was here: 02/28/2009

Restaurant: Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill (http://www.mgmgrand.com/dining/wolfgang-grill-bar-restaurant.aspx)

Location: Las Vegas – MGM

Total Rating: 4.75
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4

Summary: One of the most recognizable names in food today - Wolfgang Puck - reinvents American bar and grill food. Located in the MGM Grand, at the Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, you'll find a unique interpretation of California cuisine prepared with a new spirit. The combination is best described as beachfront bistro meets classic bar and grill.

We went to this restaurant for lunch and I was pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh and the staff very friendly. The dining area was clean and located in the middle of the casino. There was a small bar area with flat screen tvs. Overall a decent spot with reasonable prices and several eye-catching items.

What I ate:

Wood Oven Roasted Mushrooms, Leeks, Thyme and Goat Cheese Pizza

Plus Keith ate:

Reuben Sandwich

with German potato salad

Nobhill Tavern

Last date I was here: 02/27/2009

Restaurant: Nobhill Tavern (http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/nobhill-tavern-restaurant.aspx)

Location: Las Vegas – MGM

Total Rating: 4.75
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4


Summary: Located in the MGM Grand, Nobhill Tavern boasts itself as The ONLY hip and fresh gathering place for classic cocktails and Michael Mina’s interpretation of modern American tavern fare. Featuring a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance, elegant cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, the Nobhill Tavern experience truly advances your senses beyond the plate. The menu offers Michael Mina’s signature style of small-plate trios--variations on a dish; same ingredient, different preparations, and unique presentation. Other offerings include Tasmanian Ocean Trout with Cauliflower Puree and Michael Mina Classics like the Lobster Pot Pie and North Beach Cioppino.

We went to this restaurant for dinner after we saw Cirque du Soleil, and it was amazing. The décor was modern and the service was wonderful. The bread was served fresh and in an unique variety – French, olive, honey bran with fresh churned trios of butter – plain, roasted garlic, and onion. Keith and I shared the Whole Chicken for two and they presented the cooked bird to us table side before carving. I really enjoyed the late meal and was pleased with the overall experience.

What Keith and I ate:

♥Whole Fried Chicken for Two with Truffle Mac & Cheese♥
Served w/ onion jus, duck confit and frisee salad, and fresh steamed vegetables

Il Fornaio

Last date I was here: 02/26/2009

Restaurant: Il Fornaio (http://www.ilfornaio.com/)

Location: Las Vegas – New York New York

Total Rating: 4.55
Food: 5, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4


Summary: Located in the New York New York hotel, Il Fornaio’s emphasis is placed on simple, fresh ingredients and Italian cooking methods. Rotisseries are used for variety of preparations. Pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven. Fresh pastas are made in-house daily and our dried pastas are imported from Italy. All meals are complemented by a selection of hand-made breads baked according to traditional methods.

We went to this restaurant for dinner and sat in the patio area, which is great for people watching in the casino. It can be loud, so I would not recommend for intimate occasions. I really enjoyed my meal though and the olive oil served with bread was really fresh. Keith did not enjoy his pizza too much, it was a little cold.

What I ate:

♥Pennoni alla Vodka♥

Large pasta tubes with applewood-smoked bacon,

vodka-cream-tomato sauce and parmesan cheese

Plus Keith ate:

Pizza Cristina

Fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, wild arugula, prosciutto,

shaved parmesan and white truffle oil

Craftsteak

Last date I was here: 02/25/2009

Restaurant: Craftsteak (http://www.mgmgrand.com/dining/craftsteak-steak-house.aspx/)

Location: Las Vegas - MGM

Total Rating: 4.55
Food: 5, Price: 3, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 4


Summary: Craftsteak, located in the MGM Grand, is the creation of award winning chef Tom Colicchio, who is also the owner of Manhattan's Grammercy tavern. Replacing Big Apple-chic with Hollywood sleek, the wood floors and bronze and leather accents create the classy yet comfortable atmosphere of a lower east side hangout. Like the decor, natural ingredients procured by local farms and specialized venues are key in presenting the straight forward and sophisticated menu and extensive wine list. Using the purest ingredients and a philosophy that simpler is better, he makes every dish burst forth with flavor. While this famous steakhouse offers mainstays like Kobe Beef, it also tempts your taste buds with veal, salmon and lobster dishes.

We went to this restaurant to celebrate Keith’s birthday and I give it a 4 for accessibility because although it was very close to the hotel we are staying in, reservations are needed and so it may not be as easy for anyone to get in. Our experience at this steak restaurant was wonderful, despite having a head cold. We were explained the daily menu by our two servers for the evening and offered some fresh warm biscuits. Even though my taste buds were not at their fullest, I wanted to try something from every course and splurge for the special occasion. As they arrived in little copper plates and placed in the middle for sharing, we dove right in. Just to note, the first course portion was pretty large – the delicious grade A quality tuna dish that Keith ordered was divine and definitely generous enough for 2 or 3 people. We really enjoyed ourselves and the bill certainly showed it. This celebrity chef certainly did not let us down. Superb!

What I ate:

♥Lobster Bisque♥
w/ fresh chunks of lobster

Diver Sea Scallops
In a white butter sauce w/ shaved fennel

Sauteed Spinach

Baby Shiitake Mushrooms

Roasted Garlic and Leak Gratin

Plus Keith ate:

Yellowfin Tuna Crudo

♥Grilled Ribeye Steak♥
44 oz. served w/ roasted shallot

Spice Apple Cake
w/ Maple ice cream and toffee bits

Monkey Cake
Cinnamon cake with chocolate icing and chopped nuts served w/ toffee ice cream