DogTrekker and Mother Nature's Inn - Lake Tahoe

New thing today, booked a hotel room to stay in Tahoe City. We want to travel with our dog so we checked out the DogTrekker website and researched some vacation areas, hotels and cabins. We decided to go to Lake Tahoe and I called and researched a few places. I finally decided on reserving a room at Mother Nature's Inn. It got great reviews and seems really cute and cozy and the right place for us. Crossing fingers and hoping we have a good trip. This is a good start I hope!

The Alton Browncast - Andrew Zimmern & Samantha Brown

New thing today, listened to The Alton Browncast for the first time, and listened to 2 episodes - the interviews with Andrew Zimmern and Samantha Brown. This was pretty awesome because they are two of my favorite Travel Channel show hosts! I'm not a huge fan of the Alton Brown personality from the Food Network, but mainly because I don't watch him or pay attention. These podcasts were great so I may start having to pay attention to him. Anyway these were great interviews and it was really interesting to hear about my favorite travel hosts!

I love how Alton Brown wants to ask questions that have never been asked before and the way he engages and interviews people. I may be subscribing to this podcast. Anyway here are some highlights.

Andrew Zimmern - I had no idea he was an addict who struggled, recovered and succeeded. He goes into a bit of his story in this podcast and that really surprised me and made me appreciate him a lot more. I also loved his perspective on life and travel and how he tries to appreciate other cultures through the Bizarre Foods show (also a favorite). Overall a very interesting interview.

Samantha Brown - She has a luggage line! So exciting! I did not know that. I also appreciated her perspective on travel and the way she finds connecting with people and finding her own path and adventure more exciting than "hitting the greatest hits list" when traveling. They talked about getting lost and staying safe and travel preferences, as well as traveling and eating off the beaten path. They're both fun to listen to and also a great interview.

Fun new thing! Learning to travel life in your own style :)

Big Bus Tour and VPL - Vancouver Public Library

New things today, travel and reading.

We took the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Tour in Vancouver. I highly recommend this mode of tour/transportation in Vancouver and it was a fantastic experience we will repeat if we get a chance. It's a great way to learn about a city as a tourist, and to get around to major highlights when you aren't from an area and you don't know your way around. Loved the break from walking, and loved the convenience of learning about a place while getting around.

Anyway one of the stops was the Vancouver Public Library. On the Big Bus tour they talked about the origins of the architecture and layout of the library. It was a very cool building and as iconic as it is, looked familiar like a few movie scenes were shot around it. We relaxed, read and wandered around. The inside atrium was awesome. My favorite part was the automatic book/media return conveyor belt. As you return items, it scans them and automatically sorts them to the right sections. You can see this as you walk into the main entrance next to the gift shop. This was my favorite part!

Anyway here are some photos from the library :)

JAPADOG

New thing today, tried JAPADOG! These are Japanese style hot dogs with the crazy kooky tones and flavors of Japan. I was fascinated and wanted to try it. I wasn't sure what to order, so I got one of the popular dogs - #3 Okonomi. I got a combo with Canada Dry and Ketchup Lays - also both new things. I loved the Canada Dry and Ketchup Lays. I was disappointed with the Okonomi dog. I'm still curious about the dogs, so I will try the #1 Terimayo dog next time as I heard that was good. I am very curious about the other hot dogs. Overall a fun new experience. 

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Vancouver

New thing today, experienced the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Vancouver BC.

The Good - Today we biked the Seawall at Stanley Park. We wanted to explore more of beautiful Stanley Park so rented some bikes and decided to bike around. Originally the plan was to go inside around the trees, but we ended up just doing the bike loop around the perimeter bordering the ocean. It was really scenic and beautiful. Guides say it takes about an hour to bike, but we took about 2 with maybe 6 stops for rests. Gorgeous and enjoyable. Tiring but good.

Some shots of the seawall bike path from the internet.

The Bad and the Ugly - We decided to explore Chinatown and try to have dinner there. We were craving good Chinese food and we figured Chinatown would have good food. We decided to take a bus over to that area at about 7pm, walk around and enjoy some shops, then find a good place to eat and have dinner. Whoa were we surprised. It was a holiday today, so most of the shops were closed. Then we ended up on Hastings street which had a large amount of homeless and crazy people condensed and walking around. As tourists we were a bit lost not knowing where to go or where we should go or even how to get out of that area or get back on some public transportation. Finally we decided to just take a bus back to a familiar area and eat somewhere "safe".

More Good - We were waiting at the Main Street bus stop and then we saw our savior - the New Town Bakery and Restaurant. It was like a little jewel in the middle of some a wasteland. This place was awesome. It is an award winning bakery and had good Chinese food. Unfortunately we were there a little late and they were closing in the middle of our meal. But the food and service were excellent, and they helped us get directions and advice on getting around in Chinatown.

No photos of the place or food because I forgot, but we got pork dumplings (shumai), shrimp dumplings (hargow), bbq duck, yang chow fried rice and fresh squid with spicy salt. Some friends had also previously brought my relatives the pork siopao buns, which we had tried earlier and we liked those as well.  Food and Service were excellent! A jewel of Chinatown! Photos of their food are on their menu and website, and you can probably find some on the internet as well.

So our friendly waitress told us that - Apparently Chinatown pretty much shuts down after 6pm, and Hastings street is notoriously bad so we should avoid it. They helped us find the GasTown which is a hip downtown eating and shopping area. From there we walked through Waterfront Station area and Coal Harbor. A ton of walking and sightseeing in the evening, but an interesting way to see the city.

Good stuff overall. Glad we made it!

Hello Vancouver

New thing today, traveled to the West End of Vancouver BC. We have some family visiting Vancouver BC and decided to be tourists with them for awhile, so we are staying together in a hotel in the West End of BC. There are a few firsts in here with this.

First time voluntarily choosing to travel minimalist/light with one roll-on carry-on for a 2 week trip. Decided to pack light and be mobile. This was a goal, but ended up being a real treat because of our next few firsts.

First time taking the SkyTrain and Bus un-escorted through new territory in Vancouver. At the airport we had the option of taking the public transportation or a taxi to our final destination. If we had taken a taxi, it would have been more expensive, more sure and simpler time traveling. Since we had packed light and were feeling adventurous, decided to try for public transportation. It was a good experience. I was a bit worried because I didn't know if we would be targeted for theft or hustled due to our carry-on luggage. I put on my city girl attitude, and asked help from very nice locals, and we were able to find our hotel easily and cheaply! Amazing and fabulous and surprised how well it went. Unfortunately we didn't know we had to only use coins on the bus, and we were short a bit, but our bus driver was nice and covered it for us. Awesome!

First time roughing it in the living room of a hotel vacation condo. The relatives got a teeny tiny little one bedroom unit in the area, as it was the most economical. I am guessing it's about 500 square feet for a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and such. This is where the minimal packing really helped as we don't have much room at all.

First time at one part of Stanley Park. Stanley Park is HUGE. We ended up walking through a new bit of it and we expect to discover more as we go.

Anyway traveling always brings about a ton of new firsts, so yes, more to come :) Hello Vancouver!

Upgrade on Holland America

New thing today, got an UPGRADE on our cruise. We booked awhile back, and I guess they were just booking people up, but I guess we got UPGRADED!!!! Woooot! Feels good, and fancy!

Thanks Holland America! Much appreciated!

Burbank Airport Veggie Frittata

New thing today, tried a breakfast Veggie Frittata at the cafe at the Burbank airport. We were waiting to drop someone off, and decided to try it while we waited. Surprisingly large and delicious. I was expecting re-microwaved pre-frozen overpriced food. Instead I got a hot, fresh and healthy yummy giant breakfast. Took some home, but it was delicious! Try it!

Thai Lantern Festival - Desktop Photo

New thing today, my new desktop, the Thai lantern festival. This is real. *sigh. I can only dream.

My Life in France by Julia Child

New thing today, finished reading My Life in France by Julia Child. I came across it browsing at the Barnes & Noble bookstore. Then I went home and bought it on my Barnes & Noble Nook book so I could have it for a trip we were taking.

(Tangent) I love that the Nook can hold multiple books. Only problem is I get fickle and switch between books a ton on the nook. Whereas if its a physical book, I'm far more likely to sit down and finish that one book. Plus the lend-ability of physical books is nice. Anyway.

(Tangent) So I've had this book for nearly a year, enjoying it and reading bits at a time. I was really consistent a few months ago (how time flies?) and reading it nonstop. It inspired me to buy Mastering the Art of French Cooking and getting into cooking and food experiments which I will write about in the future.

Anyway, the book overall is really a pleasure to read. I love her style of writing and the way she tells stories. Sometimes there is absolutely no point to her tangents but they're interesting and amusing to read. She has soul and heart and a good sense of humor. There's a sophistication to Julia that isn't snobby. I would probably enjoy reading her commentary or chatter about anything.

I loved learning about how she learned how to cook. She's got an adventurous soul (like me!). I find she takes on cooking like a captain would take on a mysterious sea. She just goes for it and is brave and hopeful, with skill, patience, persistence, humility, curiosity and love. She found out about French food later in life, and fell in love with it and did her work learning about it and teaching it much later in life. There's a certain maturity with her when she comes across it. It also feels like Jiro Dreams of Sushi - always striving to become better. It's a labor of love.

Anyway I just really enjoyed the book. It makes you a little hungry while reading it sometimes. I had her voice in my head half the time saying "Bon Appetit". I also love the love story between her and Paul, very sweet. She has soul and heart and isn't afraid to share it.

I also loved her perspective and biography on life after WWII and life in Europe and France. Her stories from her time in Marseille, Provence, Paris and France are enchanting. She has a way of finding beauty in people as well and describing them - the art of appreciation I suppose. Her stories take you away to such a different lifestyle, and it's nice imagining the way she lived and a fun mental vacation from modern life.

If you decide to read this I hope you enjoy it as well. I may have to read her other books and add her to my list of favorite authors.

I Love Burger - Palazzo - Las Vegas

New thing of the day, my review of I Love Burger at the Palazzo Las Vegas. I was very excited to try this place, as the menu looked amazing.

Caprese Burger - eh ok. Husband thought it was just ok, better than average but not great either.

Wagyu Kobe Truffle Garlic burger - disappointing! It looked so promising on the menu. Meat was undercooked and cold. I was so sad because it looked so good. I probably should have sent it back but oh well. The crispy prosciutto was pretty good though.

Poutine Fries - saving grace. These were quite good. Had mushrooms, brown gravy, onions, cheese & yummy goodness. Mmmmmm.

I also got a special soda something that was alcoholic. I remember that being quite tasty and red, but I don't remember what it was called.

In the end, we did NOT love the burgers, but fries & drink were worth it! I would try it again. Maybe it was a bad burger night for them - but shouldn't their burgers knock it out of the park? Eh.

Purses!

New thing today, sharing my bag purchases. I don't gamble but I like to shop. They have so much shopping on the way to Vegas and in Vegas. I'm a purseaholic.

We went to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Make sure to bring your AAA membership card to the info booth and you'll get a discount coupon book. That saved me a good amount of money. You get the book free with AAA membership or just pay $5 for the coupons.

Below are the name brand bags I got at a ridiculous amazing discount. The styles are old and it seems like they were getting rid of their stock, but I didn't care! A great bag is a great bag. The outlet also has the biggest LeSportSac store of bags I've ever seen. Pretty fun!

I also splurged on a checkered black & white with red strap bag below from a booth at Caesar's Palace called Ollin Arm Candy. They recycle materials and fold up old candy wrappers to make the plastic pattern. I'm sure you've seen these types of bags around. I thought it was super cool and couldn't resist.

I love bags. I think I probably have too many. Anyway these are the latest! Great sales!

Ginseng 3 - 24 hour Asian food - Las Vegas

New thing of the day, ate at Ginseng 3 - 24 hour Asian food - Korean, Japanese & Chinese cuisine at the Quad.

It was surprisingly delish! I was a little worried as it was generic Asian food and in a Vegas hotel, might be more of a rip off or just whatever food. We were hungry around midnight so we tried it. VERY GOOD FOOD!

It might be a bit weird/hard to find. You have to find signs and take 3 escalators up to the 5th floor. Then it's this little restaurant.

Egg Rolls - Eh OK. No photos but these were ok.

Sushi Combo B - 8 pieces of eel rolls and tuna, salmon and snapper sushi. Excellent!

Pineapple sorbet in a pineapple - Really tasty!

The place seems to be a family run place - with good food, 24 hours, and reasonable Vegas prices, check it out :)

High Roller - World's Largest Observation Ferris Wheel - Las Vegas

New thing of the day, some photos from building of the High Roller - World's Largest Observation Ferris Wheel - Las Vegas.

I originally saw the article in the LA Times - Las Vegas: High Roller Ferris wheel changes the city skyline again. We happened to be staying at The Quad (previously Imperial Palace) where our room had an awesome view of the wheel being built. It will be ready in 2014. In the meantime, it was incredibly interesting to see and we can't wait to try it when it opens.

Here are some photos from our trip of the wheel. Very exciting and cool.

Wikipedia Article - High Roller Ferris Wheel Las Vegas 

Time Article - Largest Ferris Wheel Near Completion in Las Vegas

Views from our hotel room

From Koval Lane, behind the Vegas Strip

Driving by the Wheel

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health - Las Vegas

New thing, saw up close the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. We were driving on the 15 in Las Vegas going places, and out the window I got a glimpse of this building. It looked really cool, so when we were leaving Downtown Freemont Street, I asked the husband to drive towards the area. It's near the Las Vegas Premium Outlets too.

This building is way cool. It reminds me of the LA Walt Disney Concert Hall. We drove around twice and I took photos. Anyway photos speak louder than words. Look up the images on Google and check out my photos - very neat :) You might want to drive by it if you're in the area.

Gordon Ramsay's Pub & Grill - Las Vegas Caesar's Palace

New thing today, food review of Gordon Ramsay's Pub & Grill in Caesar's Palace Las Vegas. We ate there twice during our trip, and overall it was good, not great, but overall pretty good, ok like a 7 out of 10 or so. I love the service and oddly enough also love the wait staff's uniforms. They wear these rocker weird getups. The girls have cute outfits, waitresses have a printed black and white pattern and the hostess has like a newsprint dress which is very cool. The guys all wear these suspender things - I guess it's a pub German rocker feel or something, but I like the outfits. The atmosphere is very cool casual. They have comfy chairs, living room feeling settings and lots of TVs playing the latest games.

My favorite thing I tried was probably the mustard that came with the pretzel breadsticks for dinner. It was amazing. The pretzel breadsticks were super yummy too, but the mustard - OHHHHH! It also came with a horseradish sauce that was also super tasty.

The Magic Hat #9 - I just had to try this beer just from the name. Good stuff and I was glad I got to try a new beer. Haven't had a new beer in ages :)

Bangers and Mash - Lunch. The mashed potatoes excellent. The bangers were good. The gravy sauce was a little too sweet for me. I noticed that the more beer I had, the better the bangers tasted. If it's paired with the beer it's far tastier. Overall quite good.

Truffle Fries - Lunch. Yum! I preferred regular fries though. Truffle fries came with some killer aioli sauce though. Ok to good if you like truffle fries.

Regular Fries - AMAZING! The fries are thick cut yum. I don't even like thick cut fries but they're good. The lunch fries were better than the dinner fries. 

Pub Burger - Lunch. Delish! I was jealous of my husband's order and he really liked it - excellent and well done burger & fries. They did this basic very well!

Rillettes of Duck and Pork - Dinner. It's like pate and pretty good. I like pate. The husband preferred the duck and I prefer pork. Also a new thing, I haven't ever had rillettes before, so it was interesting appetizer. Came with thick crunch outside bread, the killer mustard and pickled veggies.

Fish and Chips - Dinner. Tasty and good. Husband liked the mushy peas. I thought overall it was good but not anything incredible.

Braised Pork Belly - Dinner. Excellently and expertly cooked. Super fatty and unhealthy. I prefer more salt and seasoning, but it had really great texture. If you want a fatty soft and juicy meat, that's not beef, then this is quite good. It has a thin slightly crisp outside and the rest is soft. 

So that's what we thought of the Ramsay Pub & Grill. I'm a fan of the TV chef with Kitchen Nightmares and all. I love pubs, and his pub was good to great. 

Price - It's a lot pricer than we can regularly afford. I think the irritating thing about expensive places is the food has to be awesome to impress me. It can't just be good if I'm paying $40-$50 for my meal. So overall this was a little disappointing just being "good" and not every bite divine. But if we found this hole in the wall pub, and the dishes were less expensive, I'd recommend this place to give the people good business. Ramsay needs very little good press, and the food here is good if you can afford it. 

Variety - The trouble is, we only had 2 meals here. I would have gladly come here multiple times as I was curious about a ton of dishes on the menu. I'd say fair maybe 5 times, try all the different dishes, then put in my final review. For the 2 meals we had, it was good. I would demand the mustard and the fries again, and maybe the Magic Hat #9, just for sentimental reasons. Have a drink, relax and try something new at this place.