All posts by Shirley

All Posts, Food, Travel

The Prime Steakhouse Restaurant at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas

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Las Vegas has incredible restaurants — many are world-class. On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I stayed at the Bellagio Hotel and ate dinner at their Prime Steakhouse restaurant.

The Prime is notable because it faces the large manmade lake in front of the hotel, and while dining you can watch the world famous Fountains of Bellagio water and light show.

I had an early reservation at 5:00 just at opening time. My friend and I had a table for two in a great location to see the water show. Before dinner I had a glass of red wine. It may sound silly, but many Las Vegas restaurants have amazing bread and butter before dinner. I forced myself to only eat a little bit of bread and butter because I knew the serving sizes at Las Vegas restaurants are huge.

My friend and I decided to share. We ordered a 28 oz. bone-in rib eye steak, medium rare, and Chilean sea bass. For side dishes we had Brussel sprouts with bacon and pear, and mashed potatoes.

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Restaurant server cutting our Bone-in Rib Eye

Everything was amazing as I had expected for a famous restaurant. What surprised me a little bit was how good the Brussel sprouts were — I could have made an entire meal of just them and the mashed potatoes.

Brussels Sprout
Brussels Sprout
Bone-in Rib Eye and Chilean Sea Bass
Bone-in Rib Eye and Chilean Sea Bass

We saw the water show several times during out meal. Even though I’ve seen the Bellagio Fountain Show many times, it was still amazing.

PrimeWaterShow
The view of the Fountains of Bellagio by our window seats.

For dessert, we ordered coconut soufflé, served with chocolate gelato. Just like everything else, dessert was incredibly good.

Coconut Soufflé with Chocolate Gelato

Our total bill was just over $300. Sure, that’s a lot of money, but in my mind the dinner and view and service were well worth the price. If you’re ever in Las Vegas, be sure to consider the Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio.

PrimeInterior
Chandelier inside of the Prime Steakhouse Restaurant
Smashed Potatoes
Smashed Potatoes
Sauces: Peppercorn, Béarnaise, and Soy-rice Wine
Sauces: Peppercorn, Béarnaise, and Soy-rice Wine
All Posts, Holidays, Travel

2015 Chinese New Year’s in Las Vegas

I went to Las Vegas in February 2015 with three of my Chinese friends during the two weeks of Chinese New Year’s celebration. One my friends and I stayed at the Aria Hotel. The other two girls stayed at a different hotel.

I’ve been to Vegas many times, but not too often during Chinese New Year’s. I noticed that most of the nicer Vegas hotels had Chinese themed decor. But other Las Vegas hotels, like the Excalibur and the Luxor, did not have any Chinese themed decorations.

MGM Grand Lobby
MGM Grand Lobby

This fact reinforced the idea that there’s a somewhat clear distinction between the very best hotels in Las Vegas — those that adapt to different seasons — and those non-elite hotels that more or less remain static all throughout the year.

Aria Lobby
Aria Lobby

For example, at the nice Aria and the Wynn hotels, I saw many red lanterns and Chinese dragon decorations. And at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Encore resorts, I saw decorations for the ram animal, because this is the Chinese year of the ram.

Aria Special Check-In
Aria Special Check-In
Ram for Chinese New Year
Ram for Chinese New Year

Also, at the Aria (even though I didn’t get to take a photograph), I noticed that the employee name badges they wore had their name in English plus the Chinese characters for the ram animal.

BellagioConservatory

I have no major conclusion, but if you’re going to Las Vegas, in my opinion, it’s worth it to spend a little bit more to stay at a top end hotel (Wynn, Encore, Bellagio, Venetian, Palazzo, and Aria) and get a lot of extras that can make your visit more special.

Bellagio Conservatory Botanical Gardens
Bellagio Conservatory Botanical Gardens
All Posts, Food, Travel

My Dinner at Canlis Seattle Restaurant

Canlis is one of Seattle’s oldest restaurants. It was established in 1950 and has been popular ever since then. Canlis has an elegant but relaxed feel — not really traditional and not really modern. I guess what I’m trying to say is that Canlis is unique, at least for Seattle.

I went there with two of my friends on a Friday, for no special reason other than we all like food. None of us had ever been to Canlis before. My bottom line is that I liked Canlis a lot and I’d go back again for some special occasion.

I had a four course meal that started with scallops, seared with a vegetable presentation. Next, my friends and I shared an order of raw oysters. They were very fresh and tasty. Next came a mixed green salad. It was better than the average mixed green salad but it wasn’t amazing in any way. Then we all shared a pate foie gras. It was excellent and it came with really good toast — some of the best I’ve ever had.

CanlisOysters

CanlisSalad

My main course was duck, which I shared. The duck was whole roasted with a honey glaze. The entire duck was presented at the table, then taken to the back where it was carved and then retuened to our table for serving. I’ve had duck quite a few times, and this was probably the best duck I’ve had. I’ve had good duck at some Chinese restaurants too, but the preparation was so different I can’t really compare the Canlis duck to any of the Chinese duck dishes I’ve had.

CanlisWholeDuck

CanlisPrepared Duck

We finished our evening with coffee and dessert. For dessert I had a vanilla souffle. It was good — maybe the second best souffle I’ve ever had (next to a souffle at Joel Rubicon in Las Vegas).

CanlisSouffle

CanlisChocolate

All in all, I was very happy with my Canlis dinner experience. It was quite pricey, but that was expected and I felt I got good value. If you’re ever in the Seattle area and are in the mood for dinner at an upscale restaurant, consider Canlis.

All Posts, Fashion

True Religion Hand Picked Legging Big T Women’s Jean

A few days ago I was browsing the True Religion Web site. Right away a style of jeans caught my eye — the Hand Picked Legging Big T style. I was immediately attracted to the design on the back — I always liked the Big T style of seat pockets, especially with the button flap.

Tr4ueReligionHandPickedLeggingBigTWomensJeans

It took me only about a minute to decide that I wanted a pair! I put a pair into my Shopping Cart, and a few minutes later I had two additional pairs of True Religion jeans, but that’s another story.

TrueReligionCropped

It took about four days for my Big T jeans to arrive. I opened the package and tried them on instantly. I was very happy because they fit me perfectly!

I don’t want to sound too snobby but I feel lucky that I’m able to wear this style of jeans. Not every woman can. Because of the size and design of the rear seat pocket, if you’re too skinny (not me!) or have a full figure, these jeans just won’t work. And the stitching in three colors — light yellow, dark yellow, and orange, which contrasts with the blue of the denim, is a bit bold.

I’m very happy with my new pair of True Religion Hand Picked Legging Big T Women’s Jeans, and think they’ll pair nicely with a pointed-toe pump for a weekday or weekend night out. The color of shoe will depend on the top.

All Posts, Fashion

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jayden Sheer-Underlay Suspender-Strap Dress

I’ve always liked Marc by Marc Jacobs but recently I’ve been even more into his collection than usual. A good example is the Jayden Sheer-Underlay Suspender-Strap Dress I recently bought. At first, I wasn’t sure that I liked the style. The sheer part of the top was a bit bold for my taste. But after a few days, I took another look and decided I’d take a chance. One of my friends echoed what I was thinking — the dress had to be a perfect fit in order for it to look nice. Otherwise, the dress could end up looking very awkward.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jayden Sheer-Underlay Suspender-Strap Dress

Anyway, when the sheer dress arrived, I was a bit hesitant to try it on. I was worried that, because the dress is backless, I wouldn’t be able to wear a bra with it. That’s always a hit-or-miss proposition. But when I tried the dress on, I was pleased with the look and how it fit me.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jayden Sheer-Underlay Suspender-Strap Dress

I think there are two likely scenarios for wearing this dress. First, I can see myself wearing the dress to work, with a sweater or other light wrap or cover. Second, I can see myself wearing this dress to a semi-casual event like an after-work Happy Hour.

Anyway, I’m glad I took a chance on the Marc by Marc Jacobs Jayden Sheer-Underlay Suspender-Strap Dress . It’s a tiny bit daring for my relatively conservative tastes, but in this case the style works. The moral is, don’t be afraid to take a style chance every now and then.

All Posts, Fashion

My Saint Laurent Glitter Mary Jane Pump

A few months ago, I first saw the Saint Laurent Glitter Mary Jane Pump. I really liked them a lot, but I didn’t buy them right away. However I gave in quickly, and bought a pair from the Saks Web site!

MaryJaneGlitterShoe

I tried the pumps both with and without tights. On some models, the Glitter Pumps look great without anything on their legs, but for me, I much prefer wearing them with black tights.

I think these pumps have a very happy feel to them. I can see myself wearing them on days when I want to dress up a bit, but don’t feel like wearing my stiletto heels. Sadly, these Saint Laurent Glitter Mary Jane Pumps are sold out, but I love my pair and will keep my eyes open for similar shoes!

All Posts, Fashion

The Yumi Crepe Dropped-Waist Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Have you ever tried to explain a dress to a guy, and he just didn’t really understand? Some dresses are just hard to explain. The Yumi Crepe Dropped-Waist Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs is one of these.

DroppedWasitDressModel

I first saw the Yumi dress about three months ago, and it immediately caught my attention. Finally, I couldn’t resist it anymore, and so I bought it. The first thing that I noticed was that the model wore the dress with a plaid shirt. I think the shirt looks great on the model, but for me, I prefer wearing the dress without a shirt or layer underneath. I like wearing the Yumi dress with a long-waisted cashmere sweater.

DroppedWaistDressShirleyCropped

The dress is pleated, which gives it a distinctive look. The pleats remind me in some way of the school uniform dresses I wore when I was young. The overall effect of the dress is a bit girly, but sophisticated.

A friend asked me about where I’d wear this dress and where I wouldn’t. I answered that, in my opinion, the dress is perfectly suited for work in a business casual environment (like where I work now) or maybe a Happy Hour after work. I don’t think I’d wear this dress to a weekend event, but I can see other people doing so.

Appropriate shoes are an interesting question too. Today, as I write this post, I’m wearing almond-shaped-toe black flats with kitten heels. The model in these pictures is wearing booties with straps, which I think is another good match. I wouldn’t wear this dress with sandals or tall boots, but again, those options might look good on you.

The neckline is V-cut which makes it perfect for a short chain and pendant, if you’re not wearing a shirt. There are many V-neck black dress designs, but the Yumi Crepe Dropped-Waist Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs is one you should check out!

All Posts, Fashion

Alice + Olivia “Love is in the Air” Shift Dress

The Alice + Olivia brand is one of my favorites when I’m looking for a holiday or special event dress. Alice + Olivia was created in 2002 and is based in New York. The head designer is Stacey Bendet.

My impression of the Alice + Olivia line is somewhat mixed — their designs are stylish and contemporary, but also feature items that I’d describe as cute and girly.

Recently, I came across the A + O “Love is in the Air” shift dress. My initial reaction was that the dress is very cute and happy, and that it’d be perfect for a sunny day. When I first came across the dress at the Nordstorm Web site, I really wanted to buy it because I was just getting ready to take a trip to California to visit family. But I thought the Love-is-in-the-Air shift dress was just a bit too expensive ($550.00) for a piece of clothing I’d probably only wear once.

Alice + Olivia Love Is In The Air Shift Dress

But, I still really like that dress! After initially passing on buying the dress, I’m thinking I’ll wait and hope the dress goes on sale — I am planning to take a trip to Europe (Spain and southern France in particular) and this dress would be absolutely perfect!

So, the “Love is in the Air” shift dress by Alice + Olivia isn’t right for everyone (of course, no dress is!) but I think it’s a great dress that makes a “happy” statement. Check it out!

All Posts, Fashion, Travel

My Winter Outfit for Whistler, Canada

I decided to take an unplanned trip from Seattle (where I live) to Whistler, Canada. Whistler is an upscale ski resort located about a four-hour drive due north of Seattle. Just before Thanksgiving, one of my girlfriends and I had dinner together. On the spur of the moment, I asked her what she was doing on the weekend following Thanksgiving. She said she had no plans so we decided to go to Whistler, in part because my friend had never been there before.

We drove from Seattle to Whistler on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. After we got into Canada, we stopped for a late lunch in Vancouver, Canada (just above the Washington-Canada border). After lunch, we decided that rather than spend the day in Vancouver, which although is a very nice city, is one we’ve both been to many times, we’d continue on to Whistler.

We arrived in Whistler about 8:00 in the evening. Expecting this scenario, I had made a hotel reservation at the Fairmont. We checked in and then ate dinner at the very fancy Bearfoot Bistro restaurant in the Whistler Villager.

Fast forward to Sunday at Whistler. I hadn’t planned on any activities in particular. But my friend and I decided to take the peak-to-peak gondola ride from Whistler to the neighboring Blackcomb ski resort area. For the trip I wore True Religion skinny jeans with crystal accents, a J.Crew pink cashmere sweater, a pair of UGG short boots, a knitted hat and a pair of Lululemon gloves that I bought in Whistler, and an Eddie Bauer jacket.

I brought my latest Lois Vuitton Alma red bag with me, mostly because I had already checked out from the hotel and didn’t want to leave it at the Bell Desk. That was not necessarily a great idea, but it turned out well because I was able to store all my accessories when they weren’t needed.

MyWinterOutfitForWhistler_Canada_1

Even though I hadn’t planned much, I was very happy with the way everything turned out!

MyWinterOutfitForWhistler_Canada_2

All Posts, Food, Travel

The New Upscale “Starbucks Reserve” Cafe in Seattle

I live in the Seattle, Washington area. Seattle is home to several large companies, including Starbucks. Starbucks is constantly trying new products and new approaches. This weekend (as I write this post), Starbucks debuted a new upscale cafe called Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room in downtown Seattle (the Capitol Hill area), not far from their original cafe.

StarbucksReserveExterior2

On their first Sunday, I decided to visit. I went there about 3:00 in the afternoon. Parking anywhere near downtown Seattle is always a mess, but I was able to find a lot with an open stall not too far away.

The place was packed and there was a line out the door. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait too long and got inside soon. Once inside, I found myself in a waiting foyer area. A host explained the history of the building and the layout of the store. I waited in the foyer only a few minutes. Then I was allowed to enter the actual cafe. Inside, I first walked around a bit and checked out their merchandise; many items are available only at this one store.

StarbucksReserveMerchandise
Starbucks Reserve Merchandise

Next, I looked at the roasting area, where coffee beans are actually roasted. Then I got in line to order some coffee and pastries. Many of the drinks are unique to this store. I ordered an unusual iced coffee drink. It wasn’t bad, but I don’t think I’d order it again. Instead, I’ll probably order a standard coffee item.

I also ordered a potato scone and a macaroon cookie to eat. After ordering, I found a seat. My drink and food order was delivered to me. I was a bit surprised that they found me — I’m not sure how they did that.

StarbucksReserveFood
Starbucks Reserve Drinks and Pastry

My bottom line is that the new Starbucks Reserve is a great place for friends to meet and get together. My guess is that the “Reserve” concept will be a success and you might see these establishments where live, in the no-too-distant future.