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Tag Archives: Las Vegas

Dom de Marco’s Pizzeria and Bar

13 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun

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Las Vegas, Restaurants

A Brooklyn style pizzeria with Grandma’s homemade sauce and meatball recipes can be found Off the Strip in Las Vegas. In fact, it can be found in Summerlin, right next to the Whole Food Market. I was invited to experience lunch at Dom de Marco’s Pizzeria and Bar, and am grateful for the opportunity. The friendly wait-staff and very knowledgeable manager, loaded up our table with all kinds of goodies and pizza-oven delights! We started with a simple salad, fresh and light. Moved quickly into the eggplant dish and finished off with Grandma’s Meatballs. Having an Italian grandmother myself, I can never seem to find meatballs that are just right. Blended with veal and beef, this secret family recipe got it right, and I’m glad they shared their meatballs with us. My favorite though was the eggplant dish. Fried to a golden perfection, and topped with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a dollop of house made marinara and a sprinkle of basil- that could have been my whole meal.

Dom de MArcos Eggplant

Next came the pizzas…we tried three. Yeah, you gotta problem with ‘dat?? My favorite was the Sicilian style pepperoni pizza. Crispy on the bottom, cheesy and saucy on the top, just how I like it. Next was the white pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil. And, finally the New York Style with meat imported from Italy. the manager was very careful not to share any secrets like recipes, ingredients or where the food comes from. But, she was quick to say everything is hand selected by the owners, prepared in-house and made with love. OK, maybe I threw that one in there, but the employees were quite proud to be serving up these delicious dishes.

Dom de MArcos Pizza

Of course, we had to wash all this Italian goodness down with some hand-crafted cocktails from behind the bar. Two favorites are the Italian Shandy and Dom’s Mojito. Both priced nicely at under $9 each, and also available during Dom de Marcos Happy Hour. And, the coolest thing I had seen all week, Wine on Tap. 

Dom De Marco Cocktails

Finally, who can resist a hand stuffed cannoli at an Italian restaurant. Certainly not me. So, I indulged. And, it was delicious. Well worth the calories. 

canoli

With all this talk about how very tragic our food supply seems to be these days, it occurs to me daily that what I am feeding not only myself, but my family, will affect their health in some way, shape or form in the future. Options like organic, all-natural, gluten freeFTCDisclosure and vegan can seem intimidating and trying to figure them out is like information overload. Now factor in school, after-school activities, homework, baths and…dinner! Who has time for healthy cooking after all that?? As much as I try to eat in and cook for my kids, sometimes our schedules just make it impossible. It is reassuring to know there are some places out there in the restaurant biz that have our backs, and work to provide healthy eating options for those with all kinds of dietary needs and restrictions. Dom de Marco’s Pizzeria and Bar also offers Gluten Free and Vegan options on their menu. I tried both, and though I would not normally go out of my way to order a Gluten Free and Vegas pizza, it was actually pretty tasty. I’ve noticed since I’ve cut down on my personal consumption of cow’s milk, that I feel better throughout the day. My son is also a bit lactose intolerant, so he is even learning to steer clear from the stuff. It’s nice to know this option is available when it’s time to feed my hungry, and somewhat picky, eaters.

Dom de Marcos Las Vegas

Dom de Marco’s Pizzeria and Bar is a Hip and Off the Strip find for lunch, dinner or Happy Hour. The atmosphere of the restaurant is modern and fun, yet traditional and intimate. I loved the chalk drawings on the wall, mixed in the dark woods and red checkered napkins. Visit the next time you are looking for a taste of Brooklyn in Las Vegas.

Galaxy Green Valley Luxury+ Theatres

14 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun

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family, Las Vegas

Before you spend money on your next movie theater experience, check out the new Galaxy Green Valley Luxury+ Theatres. Located at 4500 East Sunset Road in Henderson (formerly the AMC Theater if you are familiar with the area), is a brand new way to go to the movies.

Top 5 Reasons to Pick Galaxy Green Valley Luxury+ Theatres

  • Comfy leather seats that fully recline, including the foot rest. In fact, they recline so much, it’s just like sitting in your favorite chair at home.
  • Cup holders and trays. No more lap-popcorn or spilled candy or sodas.
  • Sodas? Why not, have a glass of wine or a premium beer. When I say premium, I mean the good stuff, like Stella Artois and Corona.*
  • Crisp, clear HD film, Dolby surround sound, and over-sized screens so you don’t miss a thing.
  • Pre-selected seats. You have to make a reservation and choose your seats in order to see the movie. This is great for timing and the “where are we going to sit” dilemma.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to visit the Galaxy Green Valley Luxury+ Theatres. I brought my 9 year old son to see the movie, “42”. It was a great Mother/Son date. We grabbed our popcorn, candy and drinks, reclined our hand selected seats, and enjoyed the show. It was a 7pm show, and my son was in his comfort zone- he actually fell asleep towards the end.

Galaxy Green Valley Luxury Theatres

I was so impressed with the theater, I’m not sure I will go to another one again! I also know that if I want my husband to accompany me (he hates going to the movies) that this is the only theater for him.

galaxy_oliver

5 Things You Should Know about Galaxy Luxury Theater

  • Their motto: Luxury amenities at an affordable price. Tickets are $12 flat all day, all day, for every movie. No matinee prices here, but the $12 is worth the visit.
  • If you are into movie theater hot dogs, Galaxy Luxury Theater offers premium dogs for around $6. You can design them yourself or pick from the menu.
  • I’m actually not sure I would bring my littles to this theater. They wouldn’t appreciate the experience. My older kids (9 & 7) love it, and it’s great for family night.
  • Gift Cards system is not fully up and running yet, but will be soon. Love the idea to give the gift for teachers, “You’re the best teacher in the Galaxy!”.
  • Check on-line periodically for which films show at Galaxy Luxury Theater. Due to the limited number of screens, they do not get every movie. However, it seems as though most of the block busters come through there at some point.
  • For more information, or to book your reservation for your next movie theater experience, visit Galaxy Green Valley Luxury+ Theatres on Facebook and Twitter.

 Galaxy_Collage

*Beer and wine selection vary based on availability and popularity.

As a member of the media I was given two movie passes and concessions. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Vegas Women Who Rock : Stephanie Springel

22 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun

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Food, healthy eating, Las Vegas

RockStarMoms are always looking for ways instill healthy eating habits amongst their little entourage. As a parent of four, I know how challenging it is to ensure my kids will make good choices when it comes to the foods they put into their bodies. We work on it at the grocery store, at home, and when we eat out for meals. However, once they leave the confines of my little healthy eating bubble, I can only hope they have learned something. Especially when headed to school. They eat five meals a week without me, and though I force their hand a bit about taking a sack lunch 4 out of those 5 days, I am confident my oldest son conveniently “forgets” his all-natural PB&J, organic apple slices and gluten-free veggie chips in exchange for the Taco Bowl Chalupa served at school that day. Fortunately, my twins attend a private pre-school, where I willingly purchase hot lunch for them every day. It is a healthy alternative, and I know the food is fresh and organic as much as possible. During Summit Ridge Day Camp summer camp, at Henderson International, my oldest children also get to buy their lunch through the meal program for the same reasons.

Why the sudden change of attitude when it comes to allowing hot lunch at the pre-school and summer camp vs the CCSD? A very smart, RockStarMom herself, Stephanie Springel, had the same concerns for her children, and introduced a new business into the Las Vegas Valley offering healthy meal options to area schools. That business? Wholesome Tummies. If your children attend some of the local private schools like Las Vegas Day School or St. Anne’s Elementary, you may already be familiar with Stephanie Springel and Wholesome Tummies.

RSMLV: Hi Stephanie, so great to meet you! Tell us a little about yourself, and how you happened upon moving to Las Vegas.

SS: I moved to Las Vegas from Southern California in 2002 with my family (husband and 2 kids). We had opened a law firm in 1997 in Orange County that had expanded to Las Vegas and was becoming very busy. We moved here to further expand our office in Las Vegas.

RSMLV: Love Orange County. Definitely a change in scenery here in the desert. What are some of your favorite ways to spend your time?

SS: I love spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy exercise, reading, traveling, the beach and cooking (of course)!

RSMLV: How did you get involved or learn about the Wholesome Tummies program?

SS: In 2010 I left the law firm and began volunteering at Three Square Food Bank. The most enjoyable volunteer position for me was working in the kitchen, preparing and packaging the meals for children. After seeing the amazing meals being prepared for the kids, I started doing research on children meal programs (specifically lunch programs) and found Wholesome Tummies in Orlando Florida!

Wholesome_tummies_las_vegas

RSMLV: Yes, I believe Three Square has been a huge asset for those in need of assistance in Las Vegas. They have done so much for our community, and a very respectable and reputable organization. Wholesome Tummies- great name. What is the main idea behind the program?

SS: Wholesome Tummies (WT Cafe) is a woman owned company in Las Vegas. We are very passionate about what we do and want to have a positive impact on the children in our community. We provide a feel good product to kids who really enjoy our product and service! Parents and school administrators are very appreciative of what we are trying to do for these kids.

RSMLV: That is awesome. What is your specific role within the organization?

SS: On any given day I can be serving meals to kids at a school or meeting with school administrators discussing meal programs for their kids. I am in my office and kitchen daily, meeting with vendors, tasting new recipes or helping with the portioning of our meals!

Smoothie in a Blender

RSMLV: I noticed that the Wholesome Tummies program is only available in private schools and specific summer camp programs. Any plans to expand or work with the Clark County School District to provide an alternative to those who want it?

SS: Since this is a market I have not yet targeted, I have very little information; however, I feel that there is a demand from many parents whose children are in the CCSD (me included) to be able to purchase WT lunches for their children.

RSMLV: What are some of the ways Wholesome Tummies gives back to the Las Vegas community?

SS: Although we are a for profit company, we support many charitable organizations in Las Vegas. We sponsor a monthly birthday party for all kids living at Safe Nest. Additionally we support Joy Prom, Extra Life and Autism Speaks.

wholesome_tummies_plate

RSMLV: Do you have an overall goal for Wholesome Tummies Las Vegas? What is something you would want to share with the Las Vegas community about Wholesome Tummies?

SS: I would love to see all children eating our food each day, regardless of which school they attend. All children deserve to eat nutritious, delicious food! Our company employees individuals with diverse backgrounds and levels of culinary experience. We recognize that ALL of our employees are our organizations strongest asset, and EVERY employee contributes to the success of our company.

Wholesome Tummies is a for-profit business, providing healthy meal alternatives to local area schools. The meal prices range from $4.50-$5.50 per day, depending on grade level for portion size. If you love this idea and would like to see the Wholesome Tummies concept brought to your children’s school, complete this form and help get the ball rolling! Keep up to date with Wholesome Tummies on their website or Facebook page.

This is not a sponsored post.

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