Tag Archives: Top Ten

All Posts, Food, Travel

Michael Mina Restaurant at Bellagio in Vegas

During my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I ate dinner at Michael Mina (MM) in the Bellagio Hotel. Michael Mina is classified as an “innovative seafood” restaurant. Overall, the meal and experience were fantastic, and when I update my list of Top Ten Restaurants in Vegas, I’m certain that Michael Mina will bump an existing restaurant off and join the list.

The entrance to MM is near the Bellagio’s famous conservatory which is a must-see if you’re anywhere near Bellagio. MM is what I’d call medium-size and the initial visual impression was very nice.

Our waiter, Paul, was excellent. Paul carefully answered all my questions about the menu items – there were lots of items that I had no idea what they were. I decided to order the chef’s tasting menu.

The meal started with tuna tartare. It was very different from others I’ve had; it had pine seeds, Asian pear, and sesame oil which gave the dish a unique taste. After the appetizer, I had Michael Mina’s house specialty lobster pot pie. It was delicious – very rich but the moderate portion was just right. My second main course was American Wagyu ribeye steak. The portion was small, about 3 ounces, but it complemented the pot pie perfectly. My dessert had three items: cheesecake with blueberries, passion fruit panna cotta, a mini root beer float, and chocolate chip cookies.

I talked to the restaurant manager David, and complimented the service, food, and experience. He was very gracious and gave me his business card. I learned he has been promoted to the general manager of a MM restaurant in Dana Point, California.

Michael Mina was a bit pricey, but really only just a bit more than other fine restaurants in Las Vegas. I felt MM was a great value considering the entire experience. MM isn’t for everyone, but if you don’t mind paying a premium price for a premium meal, I recommend Michael Mina.

Michael Mina at Bellagio
Ahi Tuna Tartare at Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
Lobster Pot Pie from Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
3oz. American Wagyu Ribeye from Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
King Salmon from Michael Mina restaurant
Michael Mina at Bellagio
Dessert Tasting Trio from Michael Mina at Bellagio
Michael Mina at Bellagio
Front view of Michael Mina at Bellagio
All Posts, Food, Travel

The Circo at the Bellagio Hotel in Vegas

During my most recent trip to Las Vegas I ate dinner at the Circo restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel. Overall I was very impressed. When I update my list of Top Ten Restaurants in Las Vegas, I’m pretty sure Circo will be on the list.

The evening began in the small bar near the entrance of the restaurant. There were three or four small tables and an intimate bar with about 10 tall chairs. The bartender was very friendly and suggested a Raspberry Fizz, one of their house specialties. It was very tasty and the next time I’m at Circo, I’ll probably order it again.

I was seated at a window overlooking so-called Lake Bellagio and had an excellent view of their world famous water fountain show. The waiter was friendly and helpful. For an appetizer, he suggested the lobster salad. The great evening got better when I found it was the best lobster salad I’ve ever had. My friend had a 20 vegetable soup that was fantastic too.

The waiter suggested one of Circo’s signature dishes, a lamb entree, but I decided on an elegant duck ravioli instead. My meal was excellent but be honest I think the duck ravioli would be better as a shared appetizer or shared plate with a group of people. My friend had a New York Steak that was excellent but it’s hard to distinguish between excellent steaks so I can’t really compare it to other steaks I’ve had in Vegas.

For dessert, I had “Zabaglione” – made with raspberry sorbet, champagne, and poached peach. It was perfect – not too sweet, not too heavy – just right. If you’re at or near the Bellagio, and want a good selection with items that are different, but not too different, I recommend that you check out Circo.

Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas_1
FRANTOIANA-Tuscan twenty-vegetable and bean soup
Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas_2
INSALATO D’ARAGOSTA-Chilled Maine lobster & avocado salad
Circo at Bellagio, Las Vegas
PANSOTTI-Braised duck filled ravioli
ZABAGLIONE dessertfrom Circo at Bellagio in Las Vegas
ZABAGLIONE-raspberry sorbet, champagne, and poached peach
All Posts, Fashion

The Ten Best Coats for Fall

There are so many fabulous wool coats available for this fall. Here are my top ten picks.

Alice + Olivia-Mariska Wool Trenchcoat – This classic wool coat is a timeless piece to add to anyone’s wardrobe.

Purchase Alice + Olivia; Mariska Wool Trenchcoat from Nordstrom.com

Badgley Mischka ‘Madeline’ Coat – Scalloped eyelash fringe with lace makes the already classic coat even more elegant.

Purchase Badgley Mischka 'Madeline' Coat from Nordstrom.com

Burberry Brit Double-Breasted Wool-Blend coat – This ladylike wool and cashmere coat is modern and edgy! It goes well with both dresses and skinny jeans.

Purchase Burberry Brit Double-Breasted Wool-Blend coat from SAKS

Calvin Klein Faux Fur Trim Duffle Coat – The wool duffle coat with detachable hood and faux-fur ruff trimming. It’s a versatile coat with its own style.

Purchase Calvin Klein Faux Fur Trim Duffle coat from Nordstrom.com

Elie Tahari Shawl Collar Wrap Coat – A classic coat with stylish shawl collar transforms the traditional coat to a different kind of elegance.

Purchase Calvin Klein Faux Fur Trim Duffle Coat from Bluefly.com

Helene Berman Single Breasted Reefer Coat – “A fit-and-flare silhouette lends feminine polish to a bright-colored coat crafted in a wool blend softened with cashmere.”

Purchase Helene Berman Single Breasted Reefer Coat from Nordstrom.com

JCrew Toggle coat in wool-cashmere with Thinsulate® – This traditional coat made in cashmere is simple but timeless. It will keep you warm and stylish year after year.

Purchase Toggle coat in wool-cashmere with Thinsulate® from JCrew.com

Kate Spade New York Faux Fur & Wool Coat – The faux-fur collar and hemline on the bright color wool make it a must-have fun coat for the season.

Kate Spade New York Faux Fur & Woll Coat Nordstrom.com

Mackage “Sohie” Belted Coat – The removable belt highlights the already chic style in an eye-catching bright color.

Purchase Mackage “Sohie” Belted Coat from Nordstrom.com

Nanette Lepore Lord & Lady Coat – Military inspired design with defined shoulders and goldtone studs make it perfect for both casual and elegant occasions.

Nanette Lepore Lord & Lady Coat from SAKS

All Posts, Beauty

Top Five Facial Serums

Facial serum is one of the essential elements of skin care regimen. It penetrates into the deeper layers of skin and provides the necessary nutrient to keep your skin healthy. It should be used right after the toner and followed by moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

After trying many serums throughout years, I have five favorite picks (see below).

L’Or de Vie Serum – Dior

This is the most expensive serum out of my favorite ones. It’s designed to use during the day to shield the skin from environment damages, especially from the sun. It keeps my skin well hydrated.

Purchase L'Or de Vie Serum-Dior from NeimanMarcus.com

Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Serum – Dior

It hydrates my skin and helps to prevent wrinkles. I love it because it keeps my skin soft!

Purchase Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Serum – Dior from NeimanMarcus.com

 Visionnaire – Lancome

Lancome’s 1st advanced skin corrector; designed to reduce wrinkles, reduce pores, and evens skin ton.

Visionnaire – Lancome

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex – Estee Lauder

It’s designed to use at night. It helps skin to repair and rejuvenate while I sleep.

Purchase Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex – Estee Lauder

Acai Damage-Minimizing Serum – Kiehl’s

Organic damage-repairing formulations made with acal berry to help detoxify skin. It’s not as hydrating as the other four serums listed above. But I can see my skin ton brighten with daily uses.

Purchase Acai Damage-Minimizing Serum – Kiehl’s from NeimanMarcus.com

All Posts, Food, Travel

Sinatra at Encore in Las Vegas

Out of my list for top ten restaurants in Las Vegas, Sinatra at Encore property is the BEST. I am a fan of Frank Sinatra music. I love the decoration and Sinatra’s music they play in the restaurant, not to mention the delicious Italian food, cocktail drinks, and great services they have.

For starter, I recommend Polpettina (housemade meatball and polenta fries). For entrée, I recommend Lasagna Bolognese (fresh pasta layered with veal, pork and beef). It’s served in a little hot metal pan. I always wondered how they keep the handle so cool while the pan itself was hot. I finally asked them on my most recent visit. It turned out that the lasagna is baked in the little pan in the oven and they cooled the handle with ice before they serve the dish. If you like rib eye, try Tagliata (bone-in rib eye grilled with cherry tomatoes, capers, and basil). I am usually a filet mignon person, but the Tagliata I had in Sinatra last time was so juicy and tender; I really like it.

If you drink cocktails, try Sinatra Smash; it’s mixed of whiskey and blackberries. It’s fruity and refreshing. If you have room for dessert, try the tiramisu. The tiramisu is made of mascarpone cream and espresso soaked ladyfinger biscuits, served in a martini glass. The texture is so smooth; it melts in the mouth with every bite.

I’ve been going to Sinatra every year since they opened (near the end of year 2007). I love the restaurant so much because of their food and the atmosphere. Frank Sinatra played an important part in the history of fabulous Vegas. What can be more classic than a restaurant tribute to his music and achievements!

Sina at Wynn, Las Vegas
Sinatra interior with special chandelier
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Polpettina-house made meatball and polenta fries
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Lasagna Bolognese-fresh pasta layered with veal, pork and beef
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Agnello-lamb chops, goat cheese mashed potato, fagiolini
Sinatra at Wynn, Las Vegas
Tiramisu-mascarpone cream and espresso soaked ladyfinger biscuits
All Posts, Food, Travel

Allegro at Wynn in Las Vegas

Allegro at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas used to named Stratta and was classified as a casual Italian restaurant. After Chef Enzo Febrravo joined the Wynn he changed the name to Allegro, which debuted on Monday, August 6, 2012.

When I made a dinner reservation for Thursday, August 19, I expected Allegro to be a similar casual Italian restaurant like Stratta used to be. But I was surprised at how great and unique the food was at the new restaurant.

My friend and I had Osso Buco D’agnello, made with a bone-in lamb shank, vegetable stew, and Pappardelle pasta (freshly made), and Baked Lasagna Napoletana, made with Sunday meat ragu sauce, meatballs, and smoked mozzarella cheese. The stew with the lamb dish was tasty and the pasta was chewy. The lasagna was the best lasagna I ever had!

We told our server how much we loved the new Allegro food compared to the old restaurant. He came back with the manager and the Chef Enzo Febrravo to talk to us. The chef told us that he wants his restaurant to be unique with authentic Italian flavor. His dishes are crafted with an at-home cooking style.

I had such a great experience on my first visit to Allegro. I went back there again three days later with a different group of friends. I was surprised that the manager and the chef recognized me (given that they were packed with guests every night). The chef came to our table to greet us and offered his special sampling menu. We sat there, enjoyed our drinks, and were overwhelmed with appetizers, special dishes, and desserts. Everything was so great. My friends loved the food and the special treatment.

Although Allegro is categorized as casual dining at the Wynn hotel, it’s on my top ten best fine dining restaurant list and I will definitely go back to again. The next time you go to Vegas I encourage you to check out the Allegro restaurant at the Wynn.

Osso Buco D’agnello at Allegro, Wynn
Osso Buco D’agnello at Allegro, Wynn
Baked Lasagna Napoletana at Allegro, Wynn
Baked Lasagna Napoletana at Allegro, Wynn
Special Fish Dish by Chef at Allegro
Special Fish Dish by Chef at Allegro, Wynn
Desserts at Allegro, Wynn
Desserts at Allegro, Wynn
All Posts, Fashion

Top Five Picks for Handbags

There are so many fabulous handbags available for this fall. I’ve narrowed them down to my top five picks. They are Emily Antique Rose Guccissima Leather shoulder bag from Gucci, Speedy Bandouliere 25 from Louis Vuitton, Rockstud New Tote from Valentino, 2Jours Calfskin Tote Bag from Fendi, and Floral Spazzolato Doctor’s Bag from Prada. See below for more details.

Emily Antique Rose Guccissima Leather Shoulder Bag-Gucci

It is a classic piece with Gucci’s iconic horsebit details. I love its rose color and the leather tassels. It will go well with classic black dresses for day and night.

Buy Gucci Emily Antique Rose Guccissima Leather Shoulder Bag from Gucci.com

Speedy Bandouliere 25 in Aurore-Louis Vuitton

Speedy bag is one of LV’s iconic designs, which has been reinvented all the time. This bag in aurore, Monogram Empreinte line, is perfect for fall.

Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere 25

Rockstud New Tote in Prun-Valentino

I mentioned how I like the Rockstud Calf Hair New Tote in my earlier post. This bag also looks good in textured leather in prun. Both bags are classic and stylish, but one is more sophisticated and the other is more versatile.

Valentino Rockstud New Tote in Prun

2Jours Calfskin Tote Bag in Forest Green/Cape-Fendi

This is Fendi’s latest iconic bag, also available in black, honey, dark red/cherry, etc. The two green shades complement each other well; makes this already sophisticated bag stands out even more. This bag can be paired with a simple dress for a professional day look.

Fendi 2Jours Calfskin Tote Bag

Floral Spazzolato Doctor’s Bag-Prada

When the bag first came out, I thought it was a vintage bag with a girly and cheesy look. Now I learned to appreciate its beauty. The design is unique and playful. The flowers definitely stand out!

Prada Floral Spazzolate Doctors Bag