Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Bouchon Las Vegas, French Restaurant by Thomas Keller, Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, NV

Bouchon Las Vegas
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 10101
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-6200


GOOGLE MAP


I have wanted to go to Thomas Keller's the French Laundry since I saw Anthony Bordaine go there on his old Food Network show, A COOK'S TOUR, and started learning that this was the number one restaurant in the US, and when I went to NAPA, I ended up going to the number 3 restaurant the BISTRO JEANTY instead and loved it. And then again it was Anthony Bordaine who showed me about Bouchon Las Vegas, but this time on his travel channel show, NO RESERVATIONS. And on the plane ride to Vegas to go to NAB this year I was reading Anthony Bordain's book THE NASTY BITS, which had the article that he was writing about Bouchon when he did the show, and I knew my girlfriend and I had to go. We called at 3 in the afternoon (they are not open for lunch) and got reservations for 9:30 PM. And I recommend you get there early and ask for directions, because the restaurant is quite well hidden away in the new tower, but it is quite nice inside.


Kelly and I got there a few minutes early, and got a table outside in the courtyard next to a fountain. It was a bit overly windy, but quite warm, and an amazing setting. The place is gorgeous. And when you sit down, the menu is a piece of paper wrapped around your napkin, so you can keep it. The wait staff was very good and helpful, and the food was honestly some of the best I have ever had. And the price was quite reasonable. With 1000Ml of wine, and an order of Oysters the dinner for the 2 of us was just under $150 with tip. Quite reasonable for food of this quality. If you are ever in or near vegas, YOU MUST GO TO THIS RESTAURANT NO MATTER WHAT! IT IS AMAZING!!!! Now I have to try THE FRENCH LAUNDRY!!!!



Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Bar and Bar food, Las Vegas Nevada


Margaritaville

3555 Las Vegas Blvd. So.

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 733-3302


GOOGLE MAP


Honestly, while I have to admit to actually liking a few songs of Buffett's, but really I dragged Kelly here because I was hoping to get one of those meter long Margaritas, to look like an idiot, and walk around Vegas, but unfortunately they didn't have them. Still they did have quite good margaritas, we got the largest order of Nachos I have ever had, and the floor show was at least entertaining.


Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Bistro Provence, French Restaurant, Burbank, CA


Bistro Provence

345 N. Pass Avenue,

Burbank, CA 91505

(818) 840-9050


GOOGLE MAP


I have been reading about this little French Restaurant for some time in Los Angeles Magazine, and decided I finally had to give it a try. It is strangely located in a strip mall in between a Starbucks and a Dry Cleaners with an Albertsons and a Bank of America, and is only about a block from my girlfriend's house, so where better to go for her birthday celebration? Well, maybe The Hungry Cat just spoiled us, but honestly this place seemed only mediocre. Not bad, but not amazing in any way shape or form.


Monday, April 2, 2007

Topz, Hamburger Restaurant, Toluca Lake, CA

Topz
10119 Riverside Dr.
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818) 766-9066


GOOGLE MAP


I had been looking forward to this place, which bills itself as having the LEANEST BURGERS IN AMERICA for a while, since one of the producers I have been working with mentioned it to me. And I have to say I was very disappointed. I was not too impressed at all, though I did like the syrups and formulas you can add to your soda, though they can't be good for you, and don't make up for the unimpressive and borring hamburgers and fries this place serves.