Trip Report: Las Vegas...All Work...Not!

A friend of mine adores using the hashtag #allwork.  Usually, this hashtag accompanies pics of him on a yacht, a private jet, or in his F12 Ferrari.   All work...RIGHT!!!  Whether I am in Vegas for a few hours or a few days it is tough to have any trip JUST be all work.  Last weeks Board Review Course  and more meetings two days later on how to make my hospital awesome[r] had me in Vegas twice in the last 10 days.  Here are some hits from my "work" trips:


Mon Ami Gabi:

Mon Ami Gabi

The conference I attended was in The Hotel Paris...you will note it DOES NOT get mentioned as a highlight.  It was super cheap and I was focused on the conference so I figured "what the hey".  I will not be staying there again.  It's a dump.  Having said that, Mon Ami Gabi was suggested by a local friend as a place with decent Steak Frites and a solid wine list full of Bordeaux and Burgundy.  We had dinner there Sunday and I had lunch there twice more during my stay.  

Right Bank Easy Drinker

The steak frites were indeed tasty and I found a great Bordeaux at a reasonable price to wash it down with: 2010 Chateau Louvie Saint Emillion Grand Cru. Cool, Right Bank, ready to go Bordeaux that was perfect with our Steak Frites.  Went back to Mon Ami later in the week and had the Salmon Salad with a nice, by the glass, Pouilley Fussie.  This place was alarmingly solid for the volume of humanity they push through.


Le Cirque:

Le Cirque

In the theme of Joel Robuchon, a decadently adorned small space which is run tight.  Some of the best service we've had to date in Las Vegas.   We went with the Degustation, 7 courses from Amuse Bouche through dessert.

Caviar Trio

The highlights were the Caviar Trio and The Kobe with Bone Marrow.  This was the perfect tasting menu for when you are hungry but not famished.  Also, nothing was overly heavy and if it was heavy there was very little of it.

White Burgundy and Bordeaux of the Night

We started our wine adventure out with Domaine du Chateau de Pulignay-Montrachet Merasault Premier Cru. Moved on to a 2006 Chateaux Giscours Margaux.  Big, dirty, earthy, chewy...Cab forward Bomb! Just my style.


Cirque Du Soleil "O":

"O"

I am fortunate enough to have a good friend who is a lead in the show.  As such, I've seen it over 10 times.  This time we scored comped Light Box ( the control room from whence the show is directed)  tickets.  Thanks Anja, you the shizz! One might think I would get tired of seeing something again and again.  Not so.  Still one of the most entertaining and spectacular ways to spend an hour and a half.  The clowns, the music.  The dudes in the red coats and thigh highs( don't judge) who fly out over the show.  I am lost in this show every damn time.  LOVE IT!


Prime Steakhouse:

Prime

If you live in Phoenix the "fine dining" options are essentially the high end steak houses.  So, when I'm in Vegas I tend to avoid them for more subtle fair.  But sometimes you just need a damn steak. Mastros is always an excellent choice but if you want to have a steak in an exceptional setting Prime is really the only choice.  Located along "Lake Bellagio", this elegant room adorned in heavy drapes, plush seating and carpet, this is a BOSS steakhouse.  Great Steaks, sides and wine list.  I went with a Peppercorn New York Strip with Broccioli and Truffled Mashed Potatoes on the side.  Washed down with a young but ample 2011Cliff Lede Cab.  Chased with a splash (or more) of Hine Triomphe Cognac, this was a great meal.


American Express Centurion Lounge:

American Express Centurion Lounge

I've had an Amex Platinum Card for years.  The convience and access this card has provided has been a game changer.  Simple things like being able to pay an Ubër bill with my Amex points or perks like having Amex Concierge score me a two top at a Michelin 3 Star restaurant make the $400 annual fee more than worth it.  The Centurion Lounge at select airports (in this case Vegas) is a nice touch.  Tasty Buffet Lunch, Gourmet Coffee's and Solid Complimentary wine are some of the benefits.  My last two trips to Vegas we used the lounge to grab a bite and relax in comfort while waiting for our flights.  The lounge may be reason enough to break me of my habit of arriving to the airport with minutes to spare.  Well done again Amex!


These last two trips to Vegas were more filled with work than I would prefer.  However, I am a proponent of squeezing in play time whenever possible.  My philosophy is to MAKE opportunity happen.  Work it important but MUST be balanced with a healthy dose of self indulgent play time.  This, I have on lock!

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

Trip Report: Flagstaff...Again...Sue Me!

We snuck up again.  Why?  Cause there's a TON to do up there and it's still HELL HOT in Scottsdale.
When it's 100 degrees out before 10:00 AM you need to reassess your options.  We love to be outside.  We hike, we mountain and road bike we take leasurly post dinner strolls.  When I arrived home from work at 3pm it was 113...none of these are possible at 113 so Flagstaff here we come:

Tinder Box:

Tinder Box

Not even on my radar at all.  We got last minute beta on this place from a friend and Flag local.  Glad we did.  Fun menu and well executed menu with a four course tasting menu option. I cannot lie, we were skeptical at the start.  I mean, it's Flagstaff.  How good could it be!?  My arrogance not withstanding, it was fantastic!

The Start at Tinder Box

One of the most fun, beautifully plated and perfectly prepared menus we've had in the whole damn state! We started with a trio of bite sized apps which included a stand out olive tapenade and a portion of pork belly.  The seafood course featured a perfectly prepared scallop and lobster tail.  We moved on to a nice veal preparation and finished with a dessert trio with a killer creme brûlée, a brownie and a fritter with blue berries.  Everything was between good and excellent.  All of this for $50 a person and $25 for wine parings.  Wines were mostly fun colorado wines.  All were solid.  The standout was a killer Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine from Scarpetta.  We love their Pinot Grigio.  Outstanding meal and maybe best of all, we enjoyed it outside!

Heritage Square:

Heritage Square Downtown Flagstaff

We were walking by, post dinner, when we here the unmistakable sound of Salsa.  As we get closer we realize people are dancing.  This is when it is VERY nice to be married to professional ball room dancer.  One song salsa the next swing, then repeat.  We danced for a solid hour...outside...in July!!!  Awesome!!


Elden Lookout Hike:

The view near the top of Elden Lookout Trail

If you try to get your outdoor workout on in Scottsdale after 9am in the summer you risk heatstroke and/or death.  In Flag, you can start your hike pretty much anytime and you're all good.  We parked at the Ranger Station and started our way up the steep Elden Look Out Trail.  Great hike that gets Camelback steep toward the top.  The altitude is NO JOKE either.  We made it 3/4 of the way and had to bail because of time constraints.  Stunning views and a great workout.  On the way down, near the bottom, got caught in a fantastic afternoon monsoon complete with hail!  Absolutely spectacular.

Our very wet 458 Italia

Quick, rainy drive back down the mountain had us back to Scottsdale in two hours.  This trip only made us want to get back up there sooner.  Maybe next week?

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

Trip Report: Flagstaff Fly By

Destination Worthy Pizza

Me: Ay Ron, you guys wanna grab dinner?
Ron: Sure.  Where?
Me: Pizzicletta
Ron: Uh...isn't that in Flag?
Me:Yessir! Yes it is!!

When we decided to cruise up to Flagstaff yesterday it was 113 in Phoenix and 83 in Flagstaff.  Any further questions!? I am committed to doing everything in my power to get the HELL out of here as often as possible when it's hot.  So, destination worthy pizza beconned up amongst the pines.  Just over 2 hours north, Flag is a great day trip and a better overnighter.


Lumbardyard Brewing Company:

Lumberyard Brewing Company

When we arrived I settled up to the bar with a pint of delicious Lumberyard IPA and my wife looked at me like I had 8 heads.  She rebuked me with, "It's 78 degrees outside and YOU want to sit at the bar!?"  Touché!  I promptly followed the brains (and the looks) of our family outside.  Lumberyard is especially great because while there was a wait for a table outside there is ample outside seating for people who just want a DRANK (us!). 

Lumberyard Brewing Company

  

Mother Road Brewing:

Mother Road Brewing

Intimate microbrewery with beer snob worthy beers.  Killer outdoor patio with live music. I went with a delicious Lost Highway Black IPA.  G went with a super solid Roadside American Pale.  This place needs to be in the rotation of every valley beer connoisseur.

Pizzicletta:

Pizzicletta

40 Minute wait for a 4 top at 7 on a Friday Night...Not bad!! (ergo, Mother Road pre dinner beers...it's literally next door). This tiny, charming place can, maybe sit 20 in and 10 outside...perfect!  We started with a Salumi and Formaggi plates; rotating meats and cheeses with olives and focaccia to round it out.  I'm not sure I've had more fresh nosh outside Italy...ever!  

Marinara with Sopressata

The quality of EVERYTHING was through-the-roof!  From here we moved on to some ZA!  One Margherita, One Marinara (add sopressata), and One Special (Fontana White Pizza with Ripe Fresno Chili's...Hawt Hawt Hawt!!). 

Fontana with Fresno Peppers

The inevitable comparisons to another famous Arizona Pizza Joint WILL be made by some...not me!  Let me just say that these were among the best pies any of us had ever had...anywhere...nuff said.


We opted to stay for the night.  Grabbed a room at a very new Marriott Courtyard a couple miles from downtown Flag.  Finished out the night enjoying the gorgeous 70 degree weather  and a wonderful Aroma De Cuba Cigar.  Sprinted back down the mountain this AM with zero traffic.  Spied a couple other newish restaurant that will make our next trip back up happen sooner than later.  Hungry and tired of the heat? Put a quick run to Flag on the list!

Thanks for Reading

Doc Jay

Day Trip Report: Sedona, Gears and Golf

Sedona, our neighbor city to the north. Red Rocks, Vortexes and 10-15 degrees cooler than Scottsdale. No need to twist my arm. I'm in!   

458 and 360 Spider

On this day the play was to meet Steve at Hava Java, grab a bite and then exercise our Cavallino Rampante on the drive up.  Here are some "Enzo" worthy highlights.

Sedona Golf Resort:

Sedona Golf Resort

I love golf. I've been playing a little more than a year. I am absolutely awful.   Handicap?  Think Steven Hawking. I'm a solid 120 (or more) strokes...easy. But a few times a round I can hit a shot that would make everyone's favorite Blasian golfer tip his hat. These precious few shots keep me coming back for more.  Possibly the most beautiful course in AZ is Sedona Golf Resort.  Epic views, dramatic cliff shots and only $55 for 10 holes. Situated 10 minutes off the 17, you don't even have to fight your way up the 179 to Sedona proper, just under an hour and a half (at F car speed anyway) from Scottsdale.

Enchantment Resort:

Enchantment Resort

While the food at Tii Gavo, Enchantments only lunch choice, is not earth shattering the views are a show stopper.  The food at Chi-Ah-Chi, the "fine" dinning restaurant on property, is much much better.  Another fan favorite here is their spa, Mii Amo.  Enchantment is one of the best staycation places in all of AZ. The drive back into Boynton Canyon is full of twisties to assure the "Ponies" were ridden hard and put away wet.  G and I love the place so much we got married there last September. 

G and I on our Wedding Day

After lunch, we made quick detour through Cottonwood to avoid the Sedona tourist traffic and back down the 17.  Great way to get out of the sandpit for a few hours.

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

Trip Report Las Vegas: Does it Count if it's on Someone Else's Dime?

Las Vegas translates to "The Meadow".  This really has nothing to do with the post but I thought it was interesting and entirely oxymoronic.  Las Vegas is all about a 3 mile strip bursting with more entertainment, dining (and debauchery) than just about any other 3 mile stretch in all the land.  I'm a fan.

This trip was a quick hit (Friday-Sunday).  Fortunate enough to go on The Phoenix Suns dime.  We have court side season tickets and they incentivise  folks to pay early with the "carrot" of a trip to Vegas for Summer League Basketball...easy enough...count me in.  It will come as no surprise that we made time to eat, drink and be merry.  Here are some "slam dunks" from this weekend:

Wynn Hotel:

Wynn

Steve Wynn is probably THE hotel trend setter in Vegas.  He did "cheese" with Mirage and later Treasure Island.  He's done opulent with Bellagio and now Wynn and Encore.  His properties, especially Bellagio and Wynn, are the gold standard for Las Vegas Luxury.  We've stayed in all manner of rooms at Wynn before and we love it.  Of late, we kick it at Aria....price an amenities are tough to beat but if I had to pick one room in Vegas to "ball out in" it'd probably be a tower suite at the Wynn.  Separate entrance, valet, lounge, pools and you don't have to walk through the casino...ball-so-hard!  Alas, this trip we had to "settle" for the standard rooms which are still very nice...perhaps made even nicer because someone else was picking up the bill (Thank you Robert Sarver).  Great common areas, elegantly decorated and solid food choices make Wynn worthy of a stay.

Cabana Pool Bar at Wynn

With Encore adding Beach Club you can get your party turned up to Hi along with 2,000 close friends with the quickness.  Been there. Done that.  I generally want a little less party than that (and I prefer my pool with less urine) so Wynn's pools will do for me.  As you move further away from the hotel the pool becomes more adult and the music gets better.  On the far side of the pools is Cabana Bar which has it's own DJ (house music all day long!) but is far from packed to the gills...chairs A plenty.

La Cave:

La Cave at Wynn

Suns hosted a happy hour here.  We had not been in a couple years and forgot how good it was.  Menu is basically all small plates, wine and beer.  Spoiled for choice here.  The Salmon Tostada and Chorizo Pizza always get got when we come thru.

Parasol Up:

Padron 1926 at Parasol Up

I've been known to enjoy a cigar and a whiskey (and a whiskey) from time to time.  Vegas is unparalleled in it's choices of comfy spaces to do so.  Parasol Up is one of my faves.  Solid whiskey offerings at reasonable prices.  They have a decent cigar selection but if at all possible BRING YOUR OWN...unless you don't mind spending 4X on an Opus X.

NBA Summer League:

Andrew Wiggins and Coach Blatt

For $25 a day you can see 7 games a day. This is crazy! If you are a hoop head (like my wife and I) you see the value in this.  No, the whole team doesn't play but the stars of tomorrow do (you'll be like that friend of yours who used to see Dave Mathews in an empty dive bar back in the day).  Plus, some of the biggest names in basketball are just there to hang out and watch.  I waited in line behind The Unibrow, Anthony Davis, for a pizza.  In addition, you are unlikely to ever see NBA players work harder in a game in your life.  Many of these guys are on the bubble.  I have never seen more guys fighting for a loose ball or diving in the stands in my life. Awesome!

Giada at The Cromwell:

Giada

I wasn't familiar with Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis but I am now a fan.  This place is a classic Vegas "scene" restaurant.  Big, vibrant and live room teeming with well dressed folks from far and wide.  Usually a "scene" restaurant falls way down on food.  Not the case here.  The Charred Octopus, Bucatini and Rack of Lamb were fantastic.  We also scored a table with a killer view of The Fountains at Bellagio just across the street.  Plus, they have a photo booth...how can you go wrong!?

Cheese!!

Michael Mina:

Michael Mina at Bellagio

I've been trying to get to this place for the last 10 trips to Las Vegas but something has always come up.  In five words: It Was Worth The Wait!!!  Delicately prepared, fish based menu with a great wine list (we went through two bottles of Chablis and a bottle Burgundy...both excellent).  

Chardonnay for Days

G and I  did the Signiture tasting menu.  The Caviar Parfait and Lobster Pot Pie were "slap yo mama" good. The tasting menu had a great mix of beautifully plated, delicate, well delineated flavors and comfortable, savory courses with well blended tastes and textures.  Great meal.

Caviar Parfait

Any experience is enhanced when someone else picks up the tab.  We didn't get too nuts this trip but still found ways to help fund the local economy a bit.  Vegas never disappoints with so much choice in such a small area.  We will be back again later this summer adding to our list of personal favorites.

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay

Trip Report: LA...again...shocker.

The City of Angels will be a recurring theme.  We go a lot.  A manigagble 5-6 hour drive (depending on how law abiding I'm feeling). This trip was a little business and, as always, a lot of pleasure. Here are some highlights on this LA quick hitter:

The Andaz:

Andaz

We like WeHo. It's central location affords you access to Beverly Hills, downtown LA and it's not crazy far from the beaches.  Plus, most of our favorite shopping and dinning are close by. It's where we typically base ourselves.  Andaz was a different look for us. Our first stay at the property was driven largely by plummeting prices days before we were to arrive in LA.  The reviews were solid, the location was familiar, figured, "what the hell!?"  

Pool

The property is 4 star to 4 star plus overall. Rooms are a good size with smallish bathrooms. Common areas are modern but inviting.  Roof pool is not huge but with great views. We'd stay here again if we were discount hunting but prefer The Mondrian ( literally just across the street) and The London.  

Nobu Malibu:

Nobu

Here on official business (long story) I didn't truly have a meal (or a drink) this trip. But, Nobu is becoming the Chipotle of high end sushi places with multiple locations.  I'd have to imagine the food and drink are as solid as ever (and anywhere). What I can tell you is the view and physical space are destination worthy (day and night...I was there from 4pm-2am).  I can also tell you Leonardo Dicaprio, Silvester Stalone, and Gwen Stefani are super chill and down to earth.  It was a good night.  

Fourth of July Fireworks at Longbeach:

58' Sea Ray Sedan Bridge

Enjoyed epic views of the fireworks from a friends boat and gleaned some killer intel for return trips.  One of the best places to enjoy these fireworks ( and multiple others in the area) is from the deck of the decommissioned cruise ship The Queen Mary. 

Independence Day at The Queen Mary

By the time we ancored a few hundred yards from the QM the party on board it was already TURNT UP! Now a hotel, one gets the feeling that it is easy to find a party aboard The Queen Mary.  

Le Pain Quotidien WeHo:

Le Pain

Le Pain is a chain of French Breakfast/ Lunch joints known for fantastic breads, pastries and coffee.  Several years back, this particular location was the first one I'd ever been to.  

Raspberry Tart

We started with an excellent raspberry tart and coffees then moved into ham and gruyere sandwiches of one type or another.  The mustard trio and breads at this place really are top notch. This location enjoys a killer patio and it's almost never crazy crowded here since is is about 200 feet down Melrose from another one of our West Hollywood faves, Urth Caffe (almost always a zoo)

Urth Caffé

LA never disappoints.  We'll be back in a couple weeks checking out some new (and a couple old) restaurants which should provide even more to report on. 

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay 

Telluride: 5 reasons to Bi-Pass Snowbowl and Sunrise

The Town of Telluride

It's 100 degrees at noon in Scottsdale...and rising to 109 by 6pm.  I'm choosing to think more pleasant (and cooler thoughts) today.  Telluride!!!  Door to Door Snowbowl is 165 Miles away(never been),  Sunrise is 213 miles away (been once...never again), Telluride is 478 miles away(winning).  Why, you may ask, would I be suggesting you drive 7 hours instead of 2 or 4?? Because, "when you have had a taste of excellence, you cannot go back to mediocrity." -Maximillian Degenerez. Telluride = Excellence.  Here are 5 reasons why the drive is worth it:


Bon Vivant:

Bon Vivant at Telluride

Open Air dining mid mountain.  Open only on "bluebird" days this (accessible only by ski or board) is THE namesake and inspiration for THIS blog.  Epic views, solid wine list and fantastic food.  Boar Sausage Cassoulete , Short Rib Mac and Cheese...I mean DAMN!!  When it is open, THIS is where we eat mid day PERIOD.


Alpino Vino:

Alpino Vino

Where else can you have a Four Cheese Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, at 12,000 feet, for the low low price of $27!?  Yup..worth every penny!  They do a killer tasting menu dinner here on the weekends where they bring you up on a snow coach! 

Snow Cat Dinner at Alpino Vino

Gorono's Ranch:

Gorron's Ranch

Here's the play: hit the mountain at 10, lunch at 1, Gorrono's at 3...until they throw you the hell out!  This mid mountain hot spot (literally) enjoys late afternoon sun like no other place on earth.  Grab a Ranger IPA and a chili dog and Apreś Ski in the sun.  If I  had to pick one place to flex, post gnar shredding, for the rest of my life it would be HERE!  NO QUESTION!

There Bar:

There Bar

Where? THERE!  Ramen Bowl's, Steamed Pork Buns, Crispy Bussel Sprouts??  Yup! It's-About-to-Go-Down!. Run by a bunch of Ex-NYC food snobs this place is fantastic!  

The Mountain:

G Hiking into Black Iron Bowl

My wife has been skiing 4 years.  No ski area, anywhere has provided her opportunity to grow the way Telluride has.  The range, pitch and variety of terrain will challenge the best skier and mold the beginner like none other.  If you want long cruisers  telluride has it. If you want steeps and trees telluride has it.  It will entrain you.  It will teach you.  I defy you not to love it.

Sun Breaking thorough the Clouds on Chair 9

The food, apreś ski options and the skiing make the drive to Telluride well worth it.  We love Vail, Aspen and Park City but Telluride has our hearts.  I have a TON more to write about Telluride as we visit a lot.  If you haven't been, make it happen this winter!  Hell, summers there are nothing to sneeze at either.

Thanks for reading!

Doc Jay