Family Friendly Dining in Las Vegas

28 Tuesday Jan 2014

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Featured, Fun

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Photo By: Four Seasons Las Vegas

Don’t do it! Don’t sacrifice all those culinary offerings artfully designed by Celebrity chefs’ whose names are on the marquee of almost every hotel on the Las Vegas Strip just because you brought your kids! What to do? Take them to with you at some of the most recognized restaurants and hotels in Las Vegas. With the availability of Children’s Menus, with kid-friendly selections and prices, you will be able to relax and enjoy that $12 cocktail you are about to imbibe, along with that $50 prime-cut steak. There are some seriously amazing spots you probably don’t know about, where your family is actually really welcome to dine, and dine in style, in Las Vegas. We have been taking our kids to dining experiences all over the Las Vegas Strip since they could chew, and now, at 9 and 7 years old, they are beginning to enjoy these meals as much as we are, and look forward to trying and exploring new places. From a local’s point of view, consider these restaurants as some of the best of family friendly dining in Las Vegas.

Breakfast: Four Seasons Las Vegas Weekend Breakfast Buffet at Verandah There is not a better breakfast buffet option on the Las Vegas strip that combines atmosphere, delicious food options, and price. For $39 per adult and $16 per child, 5-12 years, the Weekend Breakfast Buffet at the Four Seasons Las Vegas is top notch. The casual elegance of the Four Seasons keeps this location a sweet spot with lovely indoor as well as seasonal outdoor dining. Buffet items are unique and amazing- try the Bread Pudding, Eggs Benedict and house-made donut station for starters. Daily fresh squeezed juices and blends are available, and differ depending on the day. If your littlest dining guests are not hungry enough for an entire buffet, there is a Children’s Menu loaded with their favorite foods, and all dishes are $6.00. Reservations are suggested. Price with the Unlimited Bloody Mary Bar, $51, or add a glass of champagne to make it $46. The Breakfast Buffet is offered every Saturday and Sunday, 8am-1pm. (702) 632-5121

What My Kids Say: This has only been a mother/daughter spot so far, and it is my daughter’s absolute favorite place to eat brunch. Staff is very attentive to the kiddos, and treat them just like mini-adults. My daughter rarely orders the breakfast buffet, and usually opts for a selected item off the menu. We love to eat outside by the pool. One time she said to me, “Mom, if you close your eyes and listen to the birds and feel the sun, it is almost like we are just at the beach.”. Golden.

What Mom & Dad Say: We agree this is the best breakfast buffet value on the Las Vegas Strip, and both love how kid friendly the Four Seasons properties are in general. We know that when we can’t get away on our own, but still crave a nice Sunday brunch, the Four Seasons Las Vegas is really our only choice. They make our children feel special and at home. Plus, bonus for us, it takes us right back to our wedding day. We love that we can share that with our kids.

Photo By: Neiman Marcus Las Vegas

Lunch: NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus in the Fashion Show Mall Lunch and shopping just go together, and if you find yourself at one of the best shopping malls in the city, why not find yourself at one of the best places to lunch? The NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus is located on the 2nd floor just outside the Children’s World department. The restaurant itself is open, light and looks right onto the Cloud located at the front of the Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip, where there is plenty of hustle and bustle taking place. Children dining in your party will enjoy a fun circus themed menu filled with tasty, traditional treats with a healthy twist like All-Natural Chicken Strips with Sweet Potato Fries, and Grilled Cheese served on Whole Wheat with Fruit. Each option is $8 an includes a drink and dessert. The adult menu offers Mediterranean and healthier options, along with a seasonal and weekly menu with some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever tasted. Be sure to order that infamous Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookie for dessert! The NM Cafe generally can accept walk-ins, but just in case call (702) 697-7340.What My Kids Say: Food selections for the kids is right on par, and they were quite happy with their coloring books and crayons.

What Mom & Dad Say: One of the only places on this list that I have brought the twins, and it was still a good experience. I love the food here- I’ve never had something I didn’t like. I say try the specials because they have never disappointed me. Service is super friendly and quick, and most importantly, very attentive to the needs of the kids. This is great in knowing that you can get in and out and still enjoy a delicious meal.

Afternoon Tea: The Tea Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas If Afternoon Tea is a must-do itinerary item in every major city in America, like it is mine, then call ahead to book your table at the Tea Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental. Like all Mandarin Oriental’s around the world, the one in Las Vegas is luxury defined. A tranquil combination of modern Asian decor, coupled with intimate spaces and not to miss views of the Las Vegas Strip. Don’t let that hold you back from bringing the children along to Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin. The Mandarin Oriental still prides itself on being family friendly, even in Las Vegas, offering a traditional English Tea menu selection served on an elaborately sophisticated display. Classic Afternoon English Tea is served for $36, or add a glass of Veuve Cliquot to make it $56. Little ones will love the Kid’s Afternoon Tea; $28 for children 12 and under, served with PB&J and Turkey & Cheese sandwiches. Tea is served 2-5pm daily. 1.888.881.9367

What My Kids Say: Both of my kids love high tea. I’m not sure if it’s more the art of making the tea or enjoying all the fabulous sweets that mom let’s them indulge in. Probably both. Both kids enjoyed being in the room itself, although the seats were a bit uncomfortable for them, which made them a bit fidgety towards the end. Otherwise, the experience was great.

What Mom & Dad Say: When we first arrived, it was quiet and not very crowded, making us second guess our decision in bringing the littles with us. However, the room began to get busy and there were more families there, which helped us relax. The tea itself is a remarkable experience, and we were able to chat amongst ourselves, as well as include the kids in the conversation. The sandwiches and desserts were delicious, and the room was lively.

Dinner: Sunday Family Dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Pizzeria and Cucina in The Shops at Crystals in City Center Talk about family friendly dining in Las Vegas…did you know Wolfgang Puck restaurants offer Children’s Menus? Which makes Wolfgang Puck’s Pizzeria and Cucina a Las Vegas family dining favorite. The atmosphere alone is bound to keep the littles entertained for at least 20 minutes or so. Located inside The Shops at Crystals, request a table near the back where the views of the shopping mall showcase the art installations and people watching below. Children are handed a paper menu and crayons, along with a beverage of their choice, and a lid. When dining with larger parties of 4 or more, the Sunday Family Dinner offers an abundance of food items for $28 per person. A 4-course meal with 9 different dishes including an Artisanal Italian Meats and Cheeses, divine salad options, home-made raviolli, tender chicken in a Cacciatore sauce and delectable desserts. Make it a real Italian family-style meal and add a bottle of Wolfgang Puck’s own label wine for $28 a bottle. Dinner is served starting 5pm on Sundays. (702) 238-1000

What My Kids Say: They absolutely loved loved loved the chicken fingers (we added them to our order), and the desserts. They were not huge fans of the pasta or calamari, but enjoyed the Cesar Salad, and of course, the desserts. Both children ordered a cup of hot mint tea, which was literally fresh mint tea leaves seeped in hot water and amazing! The atmosphere of The Shops at Crystals below also gave kept them entertained during dinner.

What Mom & Dad Say: Everything served to us was out of this world delicious. We really enjoyed the kale salad and the Artisanal Italian Meats and Cheeses. Our favorite pasta dish was the Maccheroni alla Chitarra, a delicious combination of pork and mushroom sugo, Parmesan Reggiano and rosemary. Though we tasted the wine, we went with cocktails instead. We would recommend the wine with dinner if you are looking to keep costs in check, the wine was pleasant enough to enjoy with your meal. The Sunday Family Dinner is a great choice if dining with at least 4 adults, or teens who eat like adults, and is always fun to do Family Style when dining with family and friends.

Are you on Instagram? Follow me there @RockStarMomLV, and find more great places to eat in Las Vegas on and off the Strip search #TasteLasVegas.

Portions of this article was originally featured on TravelingMom.com. Unless indicated, all photos are ©StefanieVanAken.

Flowers for Valentine’s Day

24 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Archive It, Fun

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Las Vegas, luxury

Today’s post is sponsored by BloomNation.com.

Make an impression with their favorite flowers for Valentine’s Day with an elegant bouquet from BloomNation.com. Flowers are a special treat that truly brightens up anyone’s day. How excited are you to get a surprise bouquet of your favorite stems? Ever notice how even a single rose or a handpicked daisy makes your day even more delightful? I had the opportunity to select and send my parents a beautiful bouquet for their 39th Anniversary last week from the BloomNation.com website. It was difficult to choose because I loved the floral design of all the options from one of the chosen BloomNation.com floral artisans based out of Las Vegas, the Rose Shack Las Vegas. Full, modern, lush, delicate- I always have a hard time choosing the right combination for people. I try to match their personalities, maybe decide based on their favorite colors, and sometimes I happen to know their favorite flowers, which makes the arrangement even that more special.

It’s one thing to browse through the professionally handcrafted floral arrangements on a website, but it’s another to actually receive the said arrangement, and have it look identical to what you think you are buying. When visiting a floral site, remember the floral arrangements are not going to be identical to what you actually receive. Depending on the expert craftsmanship of the florist depends on the final product. Luckily, Juliet at Rose Shack Las Vegas is one of those experts. The flowers arrived to my parent’s home as expected, along with a sweet note. Both my mom and my dad were impressed with the quality of the flowers. I loved that the Rose Shack offered all of my mom’s favorites flowers in one bouquet. I choose the Low and Lush in a Wooden Box arrangement featuring hydrangea, tulips, roses, and cymbidiums. Take a look at their website image, then compare it to the actual one my parents received:

Still pretty impressive, right? Even a day or two after delivery, the flowers were fresh, dewy and perky. The only downside to the longevity of the arrangement was that it was quite warm in my parent’s house, so the tulips opened rather quickly, and the smaller delicate white flowers wilted sooner than the others. But the majority of the bouquet stayed hearty looking for a little over a week.

Rose Shack Las Vegas is one of the several florists based out of Las Vegas that are connected to a larger network of national floral companies, all located on a site called BloomNation.com. As their Instagram (@BloomNation) profile states, “BloomNation.com- Think Etsy for Flowers,”. Basically, it is a marketplace to choose and send unique floral creations to most cities across the country, all hand crafted by top floral artists. The next time you are looking to order a floral creation (in fact, why not send flowers for Valentine’s Day?), consider utilizing the BloomNation.com florists. Here are some reasons to select BloomNation.com:

BloomNation’s state of the art platform makes it simple to find the best designs, prices and reviews of top florists across the country, all in one place.
Unlike the current floral service brokers that show a stock catalog of products, BloomNation displays photos directly from the local florist. They even send customers a picture of the final product before they hand deliver them.
BloomNation fits the needs of every consumer, and at every price point. And because you’ll always deal with local florists, you will pay local pricing without any service fees.
Unlike competitors, BloomNation offers 25,000 plus bouquet options. Your gift (for a loved one or yourself) will be as one-of-a-kind as you are.

Along with Rose Shack Las Vegas, you can also choose from an array of elegant, fun, sweet and over the top creations from other locally owned floral boutiques. It really is so simple, just visit BloomNation.com and enter your zipcode. The website will pull up a collection of flower creations to choose from. Select the one you love most, and the local florist who creates that particular one will handle your requests and order. In fact, I am giving you, my loyal RockStarMomLV readers, the chance to win your own beautiful bouquet, up to $100, just in time for Valentine’s Day from BloomNation.com. Send it to someone special, or keep it for yourself!

For a real visual treat, follow them on Instagram @BloomNation. Enter to win a gorgeous bouquet from Las Vegas’ English Garden using the Rafflecopter below.

Thank you BloomNation.com for sponsoring today’s post.

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Dinner is Served at Carmine’s NYC in Vegas

08 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun

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dining, Las Vegas, Taste

What’s the best thing about Carmine’s NYC coming to Las Vegas? Not sure I can name just one, but if you are not familiar with the Italian restaurant based out of New York City, I suggest heading down to The Forum Shops at Caeser’s Palace to find out what you are missing. If you are a local and wondering the best place to park (because we do that), it’s a wash as Carmine’s NYC is smack dab in the middle of the mall. But, you can not miss it. It’s gigantic- like 28,000 square feet gigantic, with over 7 rooms that can be turned into private dining, business meetings space and small celebrations like weddings, birthdays and graduations.

Here are some of my favorite things about Carmine’s NYC:

It’s Family Style. Which also means it is quite affordable for large groups. The menus are allergy and dietary accommodating (gluten and nut free options are available). There is also a secret “Kid Menu”. Though not on display, if you ask your waiter, they will provide you a list of several kid friendly options that are not such substantial proportions.
Theater and Show friendly. Can’t decide which is more important…getting to your show on time or taking home those delicious leftovers? Not to worry. Carmine’s NYC offers a “LeftOvers Check”. They will gladly keep your left over items in a fridge while you are enjoying yourself in Vegas. Just don’t forget to come back for those scrumptious late night bites!
Curb Side To-Go is coming if it’s not already available. Locals know the hinderance of wanting amazing take-out from those world class restaurants on the Strip, but it is not always so user friendly to pick up and go. Au contraire mon frere. Carmine’s NYC is the first, and only that I know of, to offer a Curb Side To-Go option. Call in your order ahead of time, a Carmine’s NYC employee will meet you at the original Forum Shops valet with your dinner bagged and ready to go. Awesome.

I do suggest though, that if you can make the time to dine-in, to do so. Even though the restaurant is rather large, it still feels very intimate. I was an invited guest of Carmine’s NYC and even with the large group we were with and the large groups sitting around us, we could still hear each other without shouting or leaning over. The decor is designed to create an intimate feeling, with over 1,000 framed photos on the walls, I felt like I was eating at my own Italian grandmother’s house for Sunday supper. Yes, I said supper. Plus, the cocktail menu, wine list and dessert options are well worth the visit.