The Getaway to San Diego

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San Diego in the early summer is the purest definition of decompressing I can think of. Astonishingly beautiful weather, tranquility, exceptional dining, and genuine friendship as my company, made for a much-needed reprieve from everyday life. I was trying to get away for my own peace of mind and to be a support and provide a pep talk.

He is a best friend, really. He has encouraged and supported my every move and has been a part of my every success and failure for more than 20 years. I don’t know if I would have accomplished as much if it weren’t for him, allowing himself to be used as a sounding board.

Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Restaurant 2019

Fresh off the flight and headed directly to dinner at Juniper and Ivy, a San Diego Magazine Best Restaurant Award winner for the past five (5) years and a 2019 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Restaurant. It was quintessential San Diego upscale casual dining serving an ever-evolving menu, which means what is offered tonight might not be available tomorrow or ever again. A refreshing way to dine. 

As stated on the website, Juniper and Ivy is “Founded by Owner Michael Rosen and Top Chef All-Star, Richard Blais, with Executive Chef, Anthony Wells,” making for a great dining experience that evening. 

Juniper and Ivy menu

Small plates are lovely when you want to try multiple dishes without having to eat off the plates of others. There is a tact factor that is missed when reaching across the table and stabbing your fork into someone else’s food. We ordered and let the server bring it out at will. The yellowtail with shark sauce and tostada was delicate, as was the tuna crudo, The spot prawns were so good I had two plates. The shishito peppers were underwhelming and greasy and the BBQ Carrots were nothing to brag about; still, that did not ruin the experience. The food was creative and fun. I didn’t taste the sea urchin, mainly because I hate the texture of sea urchin, plus I have an allergy to the oil in the rind of any type of orange citrus fruit, and the dish is made with a tangerine.

Tuna Crudo ~ Rocky Sweet Melon, White Soy Ponzu, Purple Basil

Sea Urchin ~ Hibiscus Aguachile, Tangerine, Red Onion, Mojito Snow

Spot Prawns ~ Corn and Old Bay Butter, Lemon, Chives

Obviously a favorite. I had two.

BBQ Carrots ~ Mint Yogurt, Golden Raisins, Pickled Carrots, SoCal Za’atar

What I like most is the seasonal progressive menu. What is served one night might not be offered the next, as so graciously provided by the friendly women seated at the table next to us celebrating a birthday. Meeting people and sharing dessert is easy since the seating for two is incredibly close together. Another intimate experience, having menus from the section above drop on your head, as I watched it happen several times to my new friend (a glass partition would fix that problem), good thing we were all in a celebratory mood or that could have ruined the vibe. Instead, we laughed it off.

Birthday Girl

Surprise Birthday Fudgesicle

Coconut Cake ~ Macadamia Nut Brittle, Freeze Dried Pineapple,
Frozen Lime Cream

The fudgesicle was divine and the coconut cake – super sweet and required an entire presentation to melt the white chocolate. Unfortunately, my video will not load. Trust me, it was impressive.The fudgesicle was diving and the coconut cake – super sweet and required an entire presentation to melt the white chocolate. Unfortunately, my video will no load. Trust me it was impressive.

Juniper and Ivy Fine Dining
2228 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, California 92101
619.269.9036
juniperandivy.com

Getting “Soul-chestra” with Violin ‘Soul-o-ist’ Karen Briggs and the 20 Pearls Foundation of Las Vegas

Back in January the 20 Pearls Foundation, the charitable arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Theta Omega Las Vegas Chapter, of which I and my mother are proud members, presented “An Evening with Violin ‘Soul-o-ist’ Karen Briggs with special guest Freddie B,” for a concert in support of the HerShe Group Foundation, Inc., an organization preparing girls in foster care for successful transition into adulthood.

Me and my mother

I remember asking, “Who is Karen Briggs?” when it was requested I write and distribute the press release on behalf of our chapter’s 20 Pearls Foundation. Seriously, I had no idea who she was, and I fancy myself “in the know” when it comes to popular jazz artists (See my Jazz Groupies post), so not having name recognition had me less than excited, as well as being told “she toured with Yanni” had me thinking the 90s, world music, a mustache and a mullet. Any enthusiasm to write the news release was all but removed.

Come to find out after a little digging, I could not have been more wrong. Karen Briggs is a highly sought after featured soloist who has perfected the melismatic style (I had to look that term up, and for those of you that don’t know what the word means either, it is defined as “A passage of several notes sung to one syllable of text, as in Gregorian chant” ~The Free Dictionary by Farlex.) Her musicianship is reflective of her exposure to countless music genres including jazz, gospel, Latin, classical, African and Middle Eastern.

 

She is world renown and has played Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, the Apollo Theater, and the Kennedy Center.  Her nickname, “The Lady in Red” was given to her by her fans (I am now one of them) after extensively touring with Yanni.  She was a part of his critically acclaimed and live multi-platinum recorded album Yanni Live at the Acropolis (1993) which became “one of the best-selling PBS specials of all time and was broadcast in 65 countries.”

She began her professional career with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra after graduating from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. Several years later she released her self-titled debut album Karen (1992), her sophomore album Amazing Grace (1996), followed by Soulchestral Groove (2009). And has collaborated with many influential musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Swinging into the 21^st (2012) and Selections from Swingin’ into the 21st (2011); Ledisi, Lost & Found (2007); Kenny Loggins, More Songs from Pooh Corner (2000); Vertu’, Stanley Clark, Lenny White and Richie Kotzen (1999); Diana Ross, Every Day Is a New Day (1999); and Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams, The Hopeville Tour/DVD (2009), to name a few and there are many to name.

 

Karen Briggs talking to a fan.

That was a great night and she is one funny lady who really loves and appreciates her fans. At one point we were all grooving when I noticed she had us all clapping along to a square dance song. It felt like Hee Haw for a minute. I was waiting for a Minnie Pearl look-alike to appear on stage.

I highly recommend you catch a show when you can. She has her schedule on Facebook at Karen Briggs, Violinist Page II. She will be in Austin, Texas on Friday, April 5 at the Women in Jazz Association, Inc.’s JAZZ IN P!NK CONCERT.

Summer Lovin’ with Kaskade

Hot off the press release! Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub will have  Fire & Ice Grammy-nominated DJ Kaskade host SUMMER LOVIN’ starting in May and ending in August. That’s 12 weeks of daylife poolside and nightlife in the club at the Nightclub & Bar number one ranked venue in the nation.

If you live for electronic dance music there are VIP “All Summer Long” packages for diehards:

Package 1 ($900 pp): Move to the front of the line and get a commemorative ticket package mailed to your home.

Package 2 ($18,500 pp): Terrace Studio two night accommodation, VIP entry and premium open bar for two people with a personal room coordinator at the hotel and a personal host at Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub with available table upgrades and a commemorative mailed ticket package.

Package 3 ($25,000 pp): Premium wraparound Terrace Suite two night accommodation, VIP entry and premium open bar for two people with a personal room coordinator at the hotel and a personal host Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub with available table upgrades and a commemorative mailed ticket package.

For reservations email: allsummerlovin@marqueelasvegas.com.

Summer Lovin’ with Kaskade at Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South
(702) 698-7000

NIGHTCLUB                                                                       DAYCLUB

Saturday, May 4                                                               Sunday, May 5    

Saturday, May 18                                                             Sunday, May 19  

Saturday, May 25                                                             Sunday, May 26    

Saturday, June 1                                                               Sunday, June 2    

Saturday, June 8                                                               Sunday, June 9    

Saturday, June 22                                                            Sunday, June 23 

Saturday, July 6                                                                 Sunday, July 7    

Saturday, July 20                                                              Sunday, July 21      

Saturday, August 3                                                          Sunday, August 4    

Saturday, August 10                                                        Sunday, August 11    

Saturday, August 17                                                        Sunday, August 18    

Saturday, August 31                                                        Sunday, September 1    

 

Filet and Lobster

It’s the little things that make life exciting, like the Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar filet mignon and North Atlantic lobster tail combination back for spring until April 7. I’m thrilled because lobster with drawn butter is my mother’s favorite (I’ll be taking her soon) and this savory combo, at only $37.95 (excluding tax and gratuity), comes with a choice of the wedge salad or French onion soup to start, and sautéed spaghetti squash with lime butter with entrée. Simply add wine and dessert.

This treat is only available at all locations and upon request and I suggest a reservation, however eating in the bar is fun too!

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
8721 West Charleston Boulevard (Summerlin)
Las Vegas, NV 89117
702-838-4774

 

Inside Hakkasan Las Vegas

On Facebook, Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub shared a video on the progress of the mega dayclub/nightclub/restaurant, which I mentioned in my January 15 post Hey DJ Won’t You Play That Song And Keep Me Dancin’…

Click here to view the video called “First Look…”

Eat. Breakfast & Lunch Joint by Chef Natalie Young

Me & Chef Natalie Young

The first time I heard of Eat. was about one month ago on a call with Cedric Crear when he mentioned having a great breakfast. Not understanding what he had said, I asked, “Where did you go?” and he replied “Eat.” I said, “Yes, you ate breakfast… where?” ‘Eat. I ate at Eat Downtown.”

Oooohhhh! Duh. I am usually on top of new things in Vegas, but I missed this one. The second time I heard of Chef Natalie’s new restaurant was on my Facebook feed when Gina Gavin posted “A hearty breakfast at EAT this morning. It was good! Thank you Chef Natalie for bringing a great breakfast & lunch joint to the hood.” I had to try this place.

The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Theta Theta Omega Las Vegas Chapter

The morning started with my mother at our sorority’s (Alpha Kappa Alpha) Emerging Young Leaders presentation at the 100 Academy of Excellence then across the street to the “Get Out the Vote” rally at the William U. Pearson Community Center with the intentions of voting early until we saw the long line (I didn’t vote until the final day of early voting at Albertsons grocery store which was unusual for me since I’ve always voted on day one of early voting. I even got a Civic Duty badge from Foursquare when I checked in.) 

After our sorority meeting I remembered my conversation with Cedric and headed downtown to 7^th and Carson. Because it was a Saturday and the restaurant closes at 2 p.m. on weekends, we only had an hour of which I waste a good 15 minutes trying to find the place  neatly tucked away in an old apartment building. I kept driving past the entrance not realizing it was on the corner where the people were standing out front (duh.)

I parked across the street and luckily found a meter with an hour left. My mom and I lucked out that day because it was not too busy with plenty of seating when we arrived. I have to say I loved the interior and since it was not packed yet, Chef Natalie was able to sit and chat for a good while about the interior.

She designed the space herself and cleverly used reclaimed wood from shipping palettes to add texture to the wall under the counter at the kitchen and the emergency exit. She chose a summery green for her banquettes to coincide with bright orange chairs  made from a recycled material as well and black and white art on the walls. All art is from local artists, the very spirit of Downtown.

Chef Natalie told us artist Krystal Ramirez spent an entire day hand painting the mural “I’ll See You In The Flowers”  on the wall which reminds her  of her mother. It complements the open duct ceiling painted black. It’s cozy and comfortable. A place where you get lost in conversation with friends.

Shrimp & Grits with Bacon and Two Fried Eggs

When James and I dine we make it a point not to order the same dish so we can sample the others plate for variety. Not my mother. No matter how much I tried to talk her into not having the shrimp and grits with bacon and two fried eggs it fell on deaf ears. We had the same meal down to the glass of water and cup of coffee which was really good and not surprising, the Sumatra from Colorado River Roasters. It was creamy and light. I ate the entire bowl. My mother said, “Usually grits are heavy and loaded with cheese and butter and make you want to take a nap.”  To which I responded, “That’s the difference between a seasoned chef and cook.”

My sister Carri

Fast forward to the end of November and Eat was exactly what we did again and this time brought along my sister Carri and my niece Jaslynne who graced us with her presence after attending a concert the night before…teenagers. Three weeks ago being seated was quick as was this time, but only because we arrived as tables were leaving. It was packed as expected since the food, service and atmosphere is exceptional.

My adorable niece Jaslynne

Jaslynne had the chicken fried steak with two eggs scrambled, country gravy, smashed potatoes and toast, our mother had two eggs over medium with smoked bacon, chive potatoes and toast, while my sister and I enjoyed the DWBLT  (smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado) minus the  chipotle mayo (I’m allergic to mayo) on toasted sourdough with a pickle and homemade chips. I cut out the pickle and my sister added potato salad. Since I can’t have mayo I poured freshly made ranch dressing and Dijon on my sandwich giving it an extra kick of deliciousness.  My plan is try everything on the menu at least once before summer. I think I’m off to a great start.

DWBLT:  Smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato avocado and chipotle mayo

Chicken Fried Steak with two eggs scrambled, country gravy, smashed potatoes and toast

Two eggs over medium with smoked bacon, chive potatoes and toast

Address: 707 Carson Street (at 7^th)
Number: 702-534-1515
Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Thank you for reading.

Adrienne xo

Jazz Groupies?

Tanya Flanagan and Temako Roque

Two weeks ago was the Las Vegas Jazz Festival at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa. My mother had talked about going for weeks and since I consider myself a fan of jazz (all types of jazz) I decided I would go too and meet up with our sorority sister Tanya and her niece Temako. Plus, I was curious about the venue and how it would pull off a concert with limited space. It was tiny. It had a few vendor booths where I purchased a really cool huge butterfly necklace and tried on some big round black glasses which got a resounding “No!” from my 17-year-old niece Jassie when I text her asking if she liked them on me.

It was a three-day festival, but we decided to go on the last day and thank goodness we did because I don’t think I would have lasted for more than one day in that heat.  It started at 12:30 p.m. and ended at 8:30 p.m. We arrived around 2:30 p.m. and spent the day listening to Sax Pack, The Rippingtons, Eric Darius and Larry Braggs and finally Will Downing to close out the day. I have to say, I was completely caught off guard by the jazz groupies. It has been many years since I cared if I was in the front row at a concert because I had a crush on the artist, plus this is jazz and there are no back up dancers or elaborate stage sets to look at to keep you entertained; and the women didn’t care. They were in full effect in miniskirts, stilettos, biker shorts, and skin-tight jeans ready to pounce… and I couldn’t get enough people watching.

At one point, a musician, a saxophonist, went into the crowd and was mobbed as if he was Prince. It was hilarious. I was waiting for a security detail to start pushing people back. Needless to say it was a good grown up time.

Next up for Vegas:

• Flautist and urban jazz saxophonist Najee inside The Railhead at Boulder Station Hotel & Casino on Friday, October 5 at 8 p.m.
• Pianist Vernell Brown Jr.  at The Village Lake Las Vegas on Saturday, October 6 at 7 p.m.
• Smooth jazz singer/songwriter Michael Franks inside the Access Showroom at Aliante Station Casino + Hotel on Friday, October 19 at 8 p.m.
• Jazz fusion Hiroshima inside the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino on Saturday, October 27 at 8 p.m.
• Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2012 (David Benoit, winner of NBC’s The Voice Javier Colon, Sheila E., and Margo Rey) at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now.

 

Thank you for reading.

Adrienne xo

FNO 2012 – Caught Up for a Good Cause

 

Tanya Flanagan and Ronald Smith

Last night I attended Fashion Night Out at Crystals at City Center  to support my friend’s and their charities – Jenn is the PR Director for the Nevada Ballet Theatre and Tanya serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Las Vegas After–School All–Stars. Initially, I was there for moral support but once I arrived I was immediately caught up for a good cause. It’s been a while since I paid retail for anything, then I thought of a conversation I had the last week with my hair wizard Richie. He and I agreed that if you attend a charity event and freely imbibe and eat their food, it is morally appropriate to financially support their efforts … the free-flowing champagne helped me release my purse strings.

Melinda Sheckells

First stop was Bottega Veneta for Tanya to show face and take a look at some handbags. One of the things I love about events like this is running into my friends I haven’t seen in a long time like the super talented Melinda Sheckells, editor-in-chief of Vegas/Rated magazine. She and I used to work together at Greenspun Media Group. I was her publicist and she was editor of Las Vegas Home + Design. We chatted for a bit and vowed to have lunch soon. I hope we actually keep our word.

Jenn Kratochwill 3/15/12 Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

Next stop was upstairs to Stella McCartney to say hello to Jenn who looked fabulous in a purple sheer dress with a slim gold belt. As I walked around the boutique I fell in love with a pair of off white wide-legged embossed pants and then quickly fell out of love with the $1500 price tag. So I keep looking until I spotted the tiny kids section and the most adorable pink tulle skirt. I almost chose it until I turned around and saw a set of Stella McCartney Peonie girl organic cotton ‘days of the week’ panties.

Stella McCartney Peoni Panty Set

They screamed buy me for Brielle, my almost three-year old great-niece – sadly, I recently found out I am unable to have children – so I vowed to spoil her as if she were my own and the panties brought back memories of when I was a child and the days of the week sets my mother used to buy for me and my sister. As ridiculous as the price is I bought them anyway. It’s for a good cause I kept telling myself. I had another glass of champagne after that one.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum

On to Tom Ford to say hello to Suzanne a friend of a friend, meet up with the extremely well dress Ronald Smith, and unknowingly purchase the second item which was a bottle of Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum for me. I have been without this scent for nearly a year and the moment I smelled it again I knew I had to have it. It exudes sensuality. I feel super sexy every time I wear it. It was also cause for another glass of champagne before buying it.

Tiffany Bow ring

The final stop was at Tiffany to try to find me a gift suggestion for my August 17 one year anniversary with my boyfriend James. Our special day was put on the back burner because he was in the process of moving to Texas to work for Chevron in their North American Exploration Division so I think I deserve something extra special. For our first Christmas he got me a Tiffany Elsa Peretti Letter “A” pendant in sterling silver with three little diamonds so I was hoping it came in a ring or earrings so I would have a set. Unfortunately it doesn’t, but I wasn’t deterred. It is Tiffany. I kept looking. I fell in love with their diamond platinum bow ring and sent a picture to him via text. I hope he understands I want him to buy it and not just look at it. I’ll keep you posted.

Adrienne xo

 

Fashion’s Night Out’s Fashion Pressure

I love fashion. Especially high-end unaffordable fashion (my Pinterest page is a testament to it.) If I could, I would always be dressed like any starlet on Turner Classic Movies.

Events like tonight’s Fashion’s Night Out Las Vegas at Crystals at City Center hosted by Patricia Field, the Emmy Award winning style genius of Confessions of a Shopaholic, Ugly Betty, The Devil Wears Prada, and Sex in the City (movies and television shows I watch repeatedly), puts on the  pressure to be extra cute and make it look effortless.

I am invited to three events by dear friends who are opposites on the style spectrum. The first from Tanya Flanagan at Bottega Veneta with hostess Judi Perez, executive Vice- President of the Siegel Group, in support of the After-School All-Stars Las Vegas. The second is from Jenn Kratochwill at Stella McCartney for the Nevada Ballet Theatre, and the third from Adrienne Pearson at Tom Ford. There’s so much happening. If you are attending check the Las Vegas Weekly for the list of the Who, What, When and Wear!

After consulting with all three on what they will be sporting, I opted for a something I bought on sale months ago at Nordstrom Rack and pair of Jessica Simpson heels from last year. My reality has a different budget. My motto: ‘as long as it’s cute and I look good, wear it!’

Thanks for reading and see you tonight.

Adrienne xo

VEGAS Saturday Nights

Last week, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation to the VEGAS Magazine 9^th Anniversary party hosted by GRAMMY Award–winning artist Kelly Rowland at the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. I haven’t attended an anniversary party for the publication since March 2008 when I last worked with Greenspun Media Group as a publicist in the marketing department. I was looking forward to attending because I knew it was going to be a reunion of sorts seeing former colleagues.

Originally, my handsome other half, James, and I were hosting a cocktail party I themed Rieslings & Rosès’ (a theme he laughs at, but that’s a future post), anyway, we decided to post pone it when half our list was already committed to attending the event. We started out having dinner with Nevada Ballet Theatre PR dynamo Jenn Kratochwill and her husband Chris at Sen of Japan, a hidden gem I found by a simple Google search and a place I’ve driven by many times over the years and never stopped to try it out. My mistake! It has some of the freshest sushi I’ve tasted in a long while. My other favorite forward thinking place is Sushi Wa in Henderson (Try both. You’ll thank me later.)

After dinner we head to the Strip amidst thousands of other party-goers heading to either the Electric Daisy Carnival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley fight at the MGM Grand or this party. Not to mention all the beauty industry peeps in town for the International Beauty Show (IBS Las Vegas.) To say it was a madhouse at every stop is an understatement.

Once we finally find a parking space deep beneath the resort, we make our way to the East Deck. As soon as I walked in I run into friends/coworkers from back in the day: Josef Vann who is now publisher, the very bubbly bride-to-be Katy Ball, and former Kirvin Doak superstars Michele St. Angelo and Kala Peterson. The list goes on.

After a night in the wind, we are all starving and head to Secret Pizza. It’ was now close to 2am and I had no more energy which made me grouchy. Needless to say, my feet ached the next day after seven hours in 5 inch heels, but it was worth it!

Thanks for reading.

Adrienne xo

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