May has been a study in contrasts for me so far here is the breakdown, the good, the bad and the ugly.
The first weekend was a successfully executed pub crawl and surprise party for the hubby’s 50th birthday. Two full days, more than 50 people, 7 venues – including my home – 2 dinners, goody bags, airport runs on the sly and with just a few hiccups, it ran beautifully. With all the moving parts required to pull this off only one venue was a disappointment. We didn’t allow that one bump in the road to mar the event. The hubby was thrilled and a good time was had by all! Mission accomplished!
John with a bevy of beauties at his Party. Photo courtesy Gonzo Greg Spillane of Gonzo.fm. I have NO IDEA where I was when this was being taken! At Atomic Liquors.
Last weekend was arguably one of the biggest foodie events in Vegas – Bon Appetit’s Vegas Uncork’d. In the past few years I have worked the Grand Tasting event for Texas Pete Hot Sauce. Because they elected not to attend this year, I had the opportunity to attend as a guest. All things considered, I prefer working it to attending it. When you work the event you are there early and leave late. Because I am not an A list journalist or other celeb hot shot, I didn’t get early admission this year and entered with the GA tickets. All I can say was that it was over sold. At $225 per head, we could barely squeeze thru some of the areas and getting food at some of the booths was nearly impossible. Bonus – I had a great conversation with Bruce Bromberg of Brooklyn Bowl and Blue Ribbon Sushi. John and I both agreed that we’d rather spend money on the smaller, individual events (like the Master Series Dinners) next year and that we won’t attend unless we are comped or get early admission. Highlight bite of the night? Foie gras macarrons at Michael Mina’s booth.
Lee’s Liquor Beer & Tequila tasting event was something altogether different! A really well laid out floor plan allowed for maximum traffic flow so we were able to try everything we wanted without missing anything. Friendly vendors, live music and a fun crowd at an affordable ticket price made the whole event a winner. Of course there was no FOOD, but that was remedied with a cab ride. We did this as a Girls Night Out and I am so glad we did.
A quartet of buds out for a Girls’ Night Out to celebrate Mother’s Day
Despite disappointing bland dishes, brunch on Mother’s day with friend Lillian and her family was fantastic. It was more about the company than it was about the food. Bottomless Bloody Marys for the Moms and great conversation with fantastic service was just what the doctor ordered!
Vic Vegas hosted a viewing party for his appearance on Bar Rescue and I was honored to be on the friends and family list. He is a charming host and a lovely person. Hanging out with peeps I enjoy in a venue with a breathtaking view was the perfect cap to my Mother’s Day weekend.
Rachel (MGM PR), Vic Vegas and Juanita (LV Food & Beverage Professional)
