Celebrating the 2012 Season Grand Opening of Encore Beach Club

Me and Grace Russell

Tiësto

Last Sunday, James and I hung out at Encore Las Vegas as a guest of Wynn public relations darling Grace Russell and Las Vegas Nightlife Group and. It was a special media VIP event celebrating the 2012 Season Grand Opening of Encore Beach Club with the super famous Tiësto as he kicked off his Wynn DJ residency. The party was also hosted by Sara Underwood, voted “Hottest Woman of 2012” by Esquire magazine, according to the invite. We didn’t see her in the throngs of beautiful 20-somethings fist pumping, jumping and posing in the hot sun.

Lucky for us, we camped out inside the air conditioned Surrender Nightclub which served as the VIP room. I love special media events like this because I get to see some of my favorite industry peeps and catch up on what new in their lives. Our gracious hosts set our pitchers of blueberry lemonade, the sister to their famous skinny lemonade, champagne and beer to go alongside lolli-chicken pops, grilled artichokes and meatballs.

Me and David Schnitzer

One thing about working in PR and marketing is the amount of people I get to encounter via email or phone call and rarely meet face to face, so I was excited to finally meet David Schnitzer who handles public relations and marketing for Surrender Nightclub, Encore Beach Club and Society Café. He is such a cutie pie and bears a striking resemblance to Glee’s Blaine Anderson (a.k.a. actor Darren Chris) just checks out his Twitter profile picture (@DaSchnitz.) I think I have a crush – lol.

Me and Susan Stapleton

That day was also a great time to catch up with Susan Stapleton and pick her brain on the where to eat right now in Las Vegas. After a few suggestions she directed me and James to The 38 Essential Las Vegas Restaurants, April ’12 on Eater Vegas of which she is the editor. I shared a laugh with the very fit and tan Mark Gray, and give a hug to Doug Elfman who I haven’t seen in nearly a year. It was also a chance to say hi to Sean Christie who doesn’t seem to age and is as handsome as ever.

After a couple of hours, a several laughs and a few cocktails, it was time to go. One question James and I was finally able to answer is: How do headlining DJs get a chance to go to the bathroom when guest are paying $100 a head for general admission?

Answer: They put on a really long song and run to a restroom. Ahhhhh….

Photo Courtesy of Las Vegas Nightlife Group (photo credit: Erik Kabik)

Skinny Lemonade

1 ½ oz. TY KU Liqueur

4 oz Lemonade

Splash of soda

Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon and cherry

 

 

 

 

Cheers and thank you for reading!

Adrienne xo

Try Something New at Least Once a Month

Chef Kerry Simon (source: Caesars Entertainment)

It’s always good to try something new at least once a month. So when Ryan Slattery reached out to me to write a brief for Caesars Entertainment‘s in-room magazine Vegas Player, I said  why not? I love to write and I miss editorial writing (check out some of my past work on my business website http://2girlsconsulting.com.)  I have a love affair with words, especially when the words involve food.

KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers (source: Caesars Entertainment)

My assignment was to try KGB: Kerry Simon’s Burgers and Shakes at Harrah’s. I called Ryan and he met me for lunch. Keep in mind I try to avoid overindulgence more than twice a month, but  savory comfort food from an Iron Chef is hard to turn down. KGB  is lip-smacking goodness and there is something for even the most finicky eater like myself.

Captain Crunch Shake (source: Caesars Entertainment)

The menu features childhood favorites with a gourmet twist like creamy mac and cheese sticks with white cheddar dipping sauce ($7/$6) along with the unforgettable sloppy Joe updated with braised short ribs, onions and pickles ($13/$12.)  Or build your own handcrafted burger and pair it with a signature shake like the amusing Captain Crunch and smooth Espresso or beloved orange Creamsicle float ($7/$6) and if you are total rewards card member you get a discount hence the two prices.

I took trying something new to heart and ordered the Lamb Burger made with Tzatziki sauce, red onion, lettuce, and roasted red peppers on an onion roll ($15/$14), sweet onion rings ($4.) I am not a fan of lamb. I actually hate lamb unless it’s in a gyro hidden by a mixture of beef, vegetables and seasonings, but I was trying something new. It was good. I ate half and took the rest to my boyfriend James who’s most favorite food on Earth is lamb. Ryan inhaled the Cobb Burger made with cheese, avocado, tomato salsa and red pepper aioli on a sesame brioche bun. We slit an Espresso shake that I sucked down in a matter of minutes it was so good. It would have been even better if it had a shot of vodka in it, however it was the middle of the day.

With so much to choose from, it can become overwhelming. Make it easy and have the decision made for you by asking the server about KGB’s new special burger and shake of the month. For April it’s an Italian Burger made with Pancetta, mozzarella sticks, Parmesan crisp, mixed greens, tomato, balsamic-basil aioli, served with marinara, on an onion roll served with a side of marinara sauce paired with a Tiramisu milkshake. May features a Carne Asada Burger marinated with Cotija cheese, fried tortilla strips, fresh guacamole, lime marinated peppers and onions, roasted tomatillo cilantro mayo, on a jalapeño cheddar bun  along with a Mexican Hot Chocolate Milkshake made with homemade chocolate ice cream flavored with classic Mexican hot chocolate spices and garnished with whipped cream and a cinnamon biscotti.

KGB: Kerry Simon’s Burgers and Shakes
Harrah’s Las Vegas
11am- 6am, Daily

Thank you for reading.
Adrienne xo