Silverado Steakhouse - Las Vegas, NV

I am a horse lover, collector and enthusiast. I love their gentle hearts, athletic builds and kind eyes... There are special horses who go above and beyond my general love for the animal. Rubys CD, also known as "Ruben" is one of those rare horses. He won the second round of the Open Derby with Scott Weis, tied for the lead going into the finals and was making a run to win the whole darn thing. He tries his guts out and is just one cool dude. 

Bad luck got in Ruben's way of winning the Open Championship in Las Vegas but I spoiled him so much after that he had no idea anything was wrong. He eats bags of cookies in one sitting.

What makes "Ruben" even cooler is he goes in multiple divisions at a horse show. This is not typical but Cowboy Ron pilots him in the Amateur division with ease. He advanced into his finals and swept the competition by 6 points. Are you starting to see why "Ruben" is so cool...

"Ruben" has become so humanized that he wanted to check out the trophy that he won.

To celebrate the team success we decided it was time to check out the Silverado Steakhouse inside the South Point Casino, where the competition was being held. We ordered a bottle of Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir, a nice red wine that goes well with just about everything.

Our entrees all came with salads and I just have to send a shout out complimenting the ranch dressing served with my greens. Not all ranch is equal. I have had some pretty terrible versions and this one was just right.

I have had this before so don't feel like you are having deja vu. Pan fried Orange Roughy served "Oscar" style with asparagus, crab and pan sauce. Perfectly smooth mashed potatoes served with a lattice chip on top was exactly what I love to eat. I finished my entire entree through over an hour of conversation and was completely satisfied. I did have Creme Brulee as well...   

Scott played nice with his simple filet. It was cooked to his likening of medium rare and was finished with his side order of baked potato.

Ron had fun with his meal and got saucy! Three sauces in fact, Bearnaise, Garlic and Mushroom, all complimented the miniature filets. The medallions all create a fair amount of meat so he didn't leave hungry, a baked potato also finished his meal.

We are on one fun ride with Ruby's CD aka... "Ruben". He is a one of a lifetime kind of horse and I am blessed just to be able to clean his stall. Cheers to many more successful shows!

Zenshin - Las Vegas, NV

We have been to Zenshin many times before during our stays at the South Point Casino. Our dining experiences here, have always been enjoyable so we looked forward to another great meal. To kick things off we ordered the Chili Garlic Edamame and happily devoured it within minutes.

Eggplant Fries shouldn't be so delicious but believe me, they are! The tempura batter is so light and crisp, these bad boys are addicting. The mayonnaise they serve with it is fine, but really not needed.

We decided to order a few rolls to share: Baked Alaska, Hawaiian, Ultimate Shrimp and Tiger. I usually a big fan of baked rolls at sushi joints because they are so decadent but I was truly disappointed in these because they taste like the fuel from their torch. Instead of truly being broiled in an oven they hand flame it and that is all you taste. The two other rolls were fine but the chunks of cucumber could have been smaller, the seafood to vegetable ratio was off.

We were craving something more after our lack luster meals so we decided to go hard on the dessert menu. Bananas Foster Wonton's served with vanilla ice cream were nice to share amongst the table, eat these quickly while the shells are still crunchy. The Mini Malassadas are like little cinnamon donuts and served with custard and chocolate. I liked these the best.

I knew this meal was not going to be our favorite dining experience while at the South Point but I wanted to give it an additional try. The following day I went in for a Happy Hour lunch and had an order of Hoisin Pork Belly Bao Buns. These little babies were great! I guess you just have to know what to order! Maybe stick with the appetizer's and the entree's and you will be a happy diner.

Primarily Prime Rib - Las Vegas, NV

Hello readers! Boy, we have been busy the past few days at the PCCHA Derby at the South Point Casino. We still have been eating every night so that is a good thing! A couple days ago we decided to dine at Primarily Prime Rib with our buddy, Cowboy Ron. We chose a bottle of Bernardus to share with our meal and away we went...

Every entree receives their choice of soup or salad and I chose the Pea Soup. I love it. It is not as good as Andersen's of course, but it was satisfying to me. 

Scott and Ron chose salads are their starters and they came out heavily dressed. I prefer it that way, a little salad with my dressing. They happily consumed their bowls of lettuce while I sipped my soup. 

Although they are known for their Prime Rib I was craving fish so the Chipotle Glazed Salmon with julienned vegetables and lime cream sauce. It was fine. I actually cannot say anything negative or positive but all I can say is it filled me up when I was hungry. It did the job.

Scott and Ron both had the Prime Rib - Scott's choice to order the Cajun spiced version. They ask if you prefer it with Mashed or Baked potatoes and they both chose Baked. They two were not totally blown away with their meals, just happy to fill their grumbling tummies.

What I was totally impressed with was the desserts! We all shared bites of Strawberry Romanoff, Chocolate Layer Cakes and Peach Bread Pudding. My personal favorite was the bread pudding as the sauce was lovely.

My experience at Don Vito's the night before was so excellent that I was comparing this meal to just that. I should not compare apples to oranges but I did. Don Vito's is still on my mind...

Silverado Steakhouse - Las Vegas, NV

Cowboy Ron killed it yesterday in the show pen. He won the Non-Pro Derby on his new horse Rubys CD and fourth on Scamper in the 50,000 Amateur. What a lucky guy to have such great horses!

Oh hi, just me with another selfie! It felt nice to be outside in the sunshine! Casino air can get a little dry after awhile.

We treated ourselves to a nice meal at the steakhouse after our most successful day. Our meals all started with salads, mine dressed with ranch.

I have always wanted to try the Scallop appetizer and I was sadly disappointed. The sauce it was bathed in was much too sweet and did nothing for the dish.

I ordered the Halibut like I have done a million times before. It was ok. There was nothing wrong I was just getting full after I scarfed 3 pieces of the raisin bread from our table's basket. It sometimes weirdos me out how much egg comes on to the plate with the fish, it is breaded with an egg wash. The sauce is always good, buttery and sinful.

I was extremely full but the boys just insisted on dessert and how could I let them down? One creme brûlée and chocolate cake was brilliant paired with our wine.

Stuffed to the gills we waddled up to our rooms and barely made it into our pajamas before we started sawing logs. 

Las Vegas Cutting - Las Vegas, NV

When we come to the South Point Casino Cuttings I have two solid meals that I will order every time...

Always the Fish and Chips from the Oyster Bar. They fry them up golden and delicious to order with the batter ever so light. The fries are dusted with a paprika seasoning that makes them virtually impossible to stop eating.

While at the horse show arena it is hard to get down into the casino to order at a sit down restaurant so I go to the Snack Bar. If I do not order nachos, it is always The Soup of the Day. Yesterday's option was a Pasta Fagioli -- It was tasty after a doctored up version of hot sauce and cracker croutons. I wonder what today's option will be...

Anyway you shake it, no matter where it what you order - The South Point is an amazing place to get to show your horse!

Coronado Cafe - Las Vegas, NV

Guess who is on the road again... Melissa Good Taste and her posse loaded up the trailer and made their way to Las Vegas. Yee haw!

Scott and I did our chores of unloading the tack and horses before heading off for a quick lunch. The Coronado Cafe is always an easy pick because it usually busts out quick food.

We both wanted to get salads, mostly because we had horses to ride after lunch and didn't want to be too full. I went for the Cobb minus the tomatoes. I hate mealy, flavorless tomatoes so I usually ask for them to be left off when I know they are out of season. It was great otherwise, a total fattening mess but delicious all the same. Scott ordered better and had the Asian Chicken Salad, I love crispy wontons and they had plenty!

We finished off our evening with a relaxing beverage and a run on the Black Jack machine. We didn't win big in the casino but hopefully we will have better in the cutting pen tomorrow.

Las Vegas National Golf Course - Las Vegas, NV

The Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association's Annual Banquet and Convention holds a golf tournament and I signed up the Good Taste's! Professionals and instructors from across the country were set up with us in a scramble format... Lets golf!

I had a ringer fly in from the coast! Hi Kathy!

We didn't get to practice before but at least we look the part!

Our pro was named Justin and from the Phoenix area. He was very patient and kind. Hi Justin!

I was mostly just happy to be there!

Scott took his love of the beach very seriously! He actually handled this shot out like a champion.

Finally, the last drive of the day I actually connected and blasted one. We used it as our last shot to the green!

To celebrate our long day we wandered back tot he South Point Casino and had a fine meal at the Silverado Steak House. i started with my usual, Lobster bisque soup and was pleasantly surprised in the silky flavor. Sometimes I get it and it is too thick for my liking but today it was fabulous.

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I went for the Seafood Special of a pan fried Orange Roughy topped with crab. It was delightful. With each bite of mashed potato and creamy sauce I was in heaven. This was the best plate I have had in the Silverado.

To top off my most excellent meal I devoured the creme brulee which was equally fantastic. The day was long and challenging but I spent it with two of my favorite people in the world and tucked into bed overly fed. It was the perfect day.

Mon Ami Gabi - Las Vegas, NV

With our last night in Las Vegas upon us we decided to go out as a group and have a nice dinner. Jenny, the person who arranged the trip suggested Mon Ami Gabi as she loved it so we all agreed.

I settled into the Soup of the Day, Butternut Squash and a glass of Cabernet. The soup was creamy and delightful, with pieces of fried sage mixed in. I made sure not a drop was wasted.

I also ordered the scallops and couldn't help but notice the extreme hard sear! They were tasty all the same, with bites of more sage and sauteed mushrooms inbetween. It really was a perfectly sized dinner for me.

The rest of the girls ordered the Steak and Frites. A thin cut steak with crispy, crunchy fries. No one seemed overwhelmingly impressed but I did not hear any complaints either. The frites were good, I snagged a couple.

It was not just about the food, it was about the friendship of girlfriends old and new. It is so refreshing to spend a few days from home, have fun, but then know you get to head home in the morning...

Il Mulino - Las Vegas, NV

On Saturday night of our stay in Las Vegas we were graciously welcomed to enjoy a dinner with our friends from back home. There was a birthday in the house, but all in we were celebrating to good friends and health. We all met up at the Caesar's Forum and went in to the wine room to enjoy a big group dinner.

I did not photograph every course or any of the beautiful scenery because I just wanted to soak it in all for myself. I then got an itchy photo finger at least snapped a few iPhone photos because the food was just too marvelous to pass up. Beyond the table appetizers that were waiting for us, I also started with a half Caprese. It was deconstructed of sorts and everything singly was fantastic. The red pepper with capers was salty and sweet, the mozzarella so creamy and tomato totally juicy.  

I went for a specialty of the house, something I wouldn't always order because I wanted to go outside the box. No fish or risotto this time. I had the Portobello Mushroom Ravioli and  I like it. It was cheesy, earthy, smooth and filling! i got about half way through and had to wave the white flag.

We went on to share desserts among the table, sip a shot of grappa and enjoy conversation among the table. It was a magical evening, one I will not forget. If you love someone in while in Las Vegas, take them to Il Mulino for a meal of a lifetime.

Fleur by Hubert Keller - Las Vegas, NV

My group of girls had shopping on the brain Friday morning so we loaded up and went to the Mandalay Bay to experience their Cowboy Christmas vendors. I broke from the pack and wandered the aisles and aisles of fine Western items before I declared myself famished. I hiked into the main casino floor of Mandalay and sat myself down at Fleur.

Everything on the menu sounded exquisite but it was the White Onion Veloute with truffle oil that really got me excited. 

I googled this dish to try to find his "secret" recipe and this is all I came up with...

The soup starts with a hot butter, frothing in a pan - a great start! Thinly sliced white onions (2) and then leek (1) slowly cook for 20-30 minutes creating a soft, sweet base. A poatoe meanwhile is cooking in 2 cups of chicken broth in another pot until it falls apart. The onion pot dives in with the potato pot and a hand blender blends until smooth. Garnish with drops of truffle oil and chive.

I cannot believe the recipe did not contain cream?! It was velvety smooth, totally rich and fantastic! I will try the recipe tonight to see if it was anything like I had at the restaurant. I am craving it now!