Andrea’s To Open at Encore Las Vegas

Andrea's restaurant - Encore Las Vegas
Andrea’s – Encore Las Vegas

The incredible Encore Las Vegas is a luxury resort, casino and hotel found on the world famous Las Vegas Strip. The resort is connected to the Wynn Las Vegas, which are both owned by Wynn Resorts Limited, lead by wealthy casino developer Steve Wynn.

Set to open on December 28, Andrea’s restaurant will be a unique new dining concept in Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. This “vibe dining” concept restaurant aims to cater to Wynn Las Vegas’ vibrant nightlife scene.

Las Vegas offers a variety of culinary choices, but Andrea’s is expected to really raise the bar in Sin City. What will make Andrea’s unique is it combines both a restaurant and nightlife experience into a single environment.

Upon it’s grand opening next month, Andrea’s now completes the massive Encore Beach Club and Surrender Nightclub entertainment complex. This upscale restaurant will become the initial Wynn Las Vegas restaurant to be completely integrated into a nightclub.

President of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, Marilyn Spiegel was quoted, “We are delighted to add another distinctive concept to our collection of dining experiences. Andrea’s will launch a new era in nightlife with a combination of culinary excellence, legendary Wynn design and the energy of Surrender Nightclub.”

Andrea’s will be enclosed from view of the casino floor. The 6,194-square-foot fine dining restaurant will feature a spacious and inviting lounge conducive to socializing, a step-up dining area designed for diners to see and be seen, hexagon tables for larger groups, intimate private dining enclaves, and a 2,100-square-foot terrace overlooking Surrender Nightclub’s panoramic outdoor space.

Seating will accommodate 155 people in the impressive dining room. Andrea’s will embrace a contemporary style of dining that is more fluid and less formatted than the traditional three-course model.

It doesn’t matter whether you dine, but fine diners will receive a sensory immersion of exotic Asian-inspired flavors, imaginative cocktails, high-end service and mood enhancing sounds set in a sexy atmosphere.

Your Andrea’s dining experience will be delivered from a steady stream of Asian cuisine including: sizzling
platters of expertly prepared meats, seafood and noodles and sushi and dim sum. The sharable dishes can be enjoyed with sublime cocktails, many named after the resort’s world-famous resident DJs.

Andrea’s at Encore Las Vegas will be open 7 nights a week between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. For more information or to make reservations, please call 702-770-DINE (3463) or visit www.wynnlasvegas.com




The Beach House – Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui, Hawaii

The Beach House restaurant -Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua - Maui
The Beach House restaurant – Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Maui

The stunning Beach House restaurant is located at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui.

Near the beautiful Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy a delicious lunch, including salads, sandwiches, as well as other local Hawaiian island entrees.

The outdoor settings at The Beach House are incredible. As you eat your meal or sup on an island cocktail, enjoy the views of the ocean, soothing sounds of waves, talented surfers and sometimes even a whale, during the whale migration season.

Creating a natural canopy over the restaurant, there are over forty towering coconut palms gently swaying in the ocean breezes.

The Beach House also offers patrons a private dining room for intimate meals or special occasions.

If you’re looking for one of the premier beachfront restaurants on Maui, then plan a visit to The Beach House for great tropical cocktails and fresh, light fare.

The Beach House serves lunch & cocktails daily, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Beach House
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Maui
808-669-6200




Kimo’s Restaurant in Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii

Kimo's restaurant = Lahaina Maui
Courtesy of: Kimo’s

Kimo’s Restaurant has long been a local Lahaina landmark on Maui. Its restaurant customers are offered wonderful waterfront views of the Pacific Ocean.

You can find Kimo’s restaurant in the heart of Old Lahaina Town on the main street of the shopping district.

Kimo’s has been around for well over 20 years, and this casual restaurant has been delighting both visitors and locals ever since.

At Kimo’s, there is nothing better than just sitting outside on their deck or at the bar eating and enjoying your favorite cocktail, and take in the incredible Maui beach views.

Kimo’s is often crowded so plan ahead and make your lunch or dinner reservations to be safe. Kimo’s is also a favorite watering hole, and it offers live music on the weekends.

One thing you can always count on at Kimo’s is their exceptional service and ultra friendly staff.

You know what they say – “Always save room for dessert!” At Kimo’s, a must have is their famous Hula Pie dessert – YUM!

Kimo’s
845 Front Street
(808)661-4811




The Fairmont Kea Lani Voted Best Resort on Maui for Dining and Culture

 Kō restaurant - The Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawaii
Kō Restaurant – The Fairmont Kea Lani

The allure of visiting the beautiful Hawaiian Islands has long been on many people’s wish list for a memorable vacation. The island of Maui is often the most favorite of those fortunate to visit.

The Fairmont Kea Lani is located on the pristine white sands of Wailea on Maui and is Hawaii’s only luxury oceanfront resort that features spacious and luxurious suites and villas.

Readers of the Maui News newspaper, recently voted The Fairmont Kea Lani was recently voted as the best resort on Maui for both dining and authentic Hawaiian culture. Kō is The Fairmont Kea Lani hotel’s signature restaurant and is proud to have been voted “Best Resort Restaurant,” and “Best Plantation Cuisine.”

The awards kept coming as Kō restaurant was also runner-up for the “Best Restaurant Overall” and “Best Chef” categories. In addition, the luxury Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui was voted “Best Hawaiian Cultural Program.”

Last fall, Kō underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and foodies enjoy the restaurant’s diverse culinary history of the sugarcane plantation era, by preparing a variety of innovative Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese dishes.

Kō actually translates to “sugarcane” in Hawaiian.

 Kō restaurant - The Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawaii
Kō Restaurant – The Fairmont Kea Lani

This new hotspot in Maui’s upscale Wailea area provides nightly entertainment, an extensive wine list consisting of over 200 bottles, plus delicious hand-crafted signature cocktails and two daily fresh catch fish specials.

Located on the sunny southwest shores of Maui Hawaii, indulge in true luxury at The Fairmont Kea Lani and treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Kō restaurant.

For additional information about Kō restaurant, please visit www.korestaurant.com  You learn more about The Fairmont Kea Lani’s Hawaiian cultural program, by visiting www.Fairmont.com/KeaLani.




Sushi Sasabune – Honolulu, Hawaii Restaurant

Sushi Sasabune Restaurant Honolulu

This elegant sushi restaurant, Sushi Sasabune in Honolulu, is tucked away among nondescript shops along a very busy street, is one of the marvels of the edible world.

Called the Sushi Nazi, chef-owner Seiji Kumagawa, handsome and impenetrable as Toshiro Mifune in “Rashomon,” runs his sushi bar as chef’s choice only. (If you sit at a table, get whatever you want.)

And those in the know willingly surrender to his flow of creations starting with thin slices of Spanish tuna and hamachi in a ponzu sauce, and including his trademark crab-stuffed squid along the way.

A dab of ume here, a piece of shiso there turn basic ingredients into memory-making flavor and texture combinations. And the quality of fish is unparalleled. Never a piece of stringy tendon or off-putting colors as you get to the edge of that piece of hamachi.

The restaurant, along with Nobu, offers the best Tokyo-style sushi experience in town just ask the business bigwigs and rock stars who go there. The only problem is that parade of magical morsels hasn’t changed in years. And predictability is death.

Sushi Sasabune
1417 South King St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Tel: 808-947-3800




Hyakumi Restaurant and Sushi Bar – Caesars Palace

Hyakumi Restaurant and Sushi Bar Caesars Palace

The trendy Hyakumi (pronounced yah-COO-me, translated it means “100 tastes”) Restaurant in Caesars Palace Las Vegas,  offers traditional and innovative contemporary Japanese favorites in the serene atmosphere of an authentic, Japanese garden restaurant.

Prepared by master chefs, diners can enjoy Teppanyaki style cooking in addition to delicious à la carte dishes including noodle soups and grilled items.

When you make your reservations at Hyakumi, be sure to specify your choice of seating in the Teppan Yaki section — this section is where a chef will skillfully prepare your dinner at a table-side grill — or a la carte dining.

The Sushi bar, which overlooks the Caesars casino and Cleopatra’s Barge Nightclub, offers an extensive menu of the freshest sushi and sashimi, with a varied beverage selection that includes Japanese beer and several fine sakes.

The restaurant’s skilled waitresses where authentic kimonos and obis. Hyakumi’s stunning interior decor contribute to the restaurant’s atmosphere of graceful hospitality — honoring a centuries-old tradition of Japanese fine dining.

The Hyakumi Restaurant (dinner only) and the Sushi Bar are open Tuesday through Saturday. Jackets are optional for gentlemen. Reservations are suggested.

Restaurant Open Daily:
Lunch: 11am – 3:30pm
Dinner: 5pm – 11pm
Please call 702-731-7778 / 866-733-5827




Terzetto at M Resort in Las Vegas

Terzetto restaurant
Courtesy of: Terzetto at M Resort

Capping off a recent stay at the “M” Resort in Las Vegas, we were going to drive back into the strip, (probably 5 miles +), and try out another potentially interesting eatery.

But alas, it was already 8:45 p.m. and our energy level was running on empty. Hence, we opted to remain at the “M” and try out its local cuisine, — and we’re so glad we did.

We made arrangements to dine at “Terzetto”, which boasts a wonderful oyster bar, and an interior design worthy of the cover of “Architectural Digest”.

We began with a shared appetizer salad of a tomato / mozzarella caprese with spring greens and a light vinaigrette. –Very tasty. My friend ordered a rare 12 oz prime rib*, with a side of fresh sauteed brocolinni, prepared deftly and perfectly, –very nice.

My entree was a combination 8 oz fillet mignon* (rare) and 8 oz lobster tail served with drawn lemon butter. Both accompanied by a side of cubed butternut squash gratinee.

All three offerings were prepared impeccably and tasted magnificently.

Some beautiful deserts were presented to us, but alas, we were stuffed to the gills, –no more room.

The meal was served with a buttery complex house chardonnay, which was quite acceptable. The french bread offered at the onset was one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

* All beef served at Terzetto is raised on the owner’s cattle ranch in Montana, and the quality was superb.

I strongly recommend Terzetto to everyone. It is a comfortable and beautiful restaurant, with excellently prepared food.

Please enjoy!!!

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.




Pineapple Grill at Kapalua

Pineapple Grill at Kapalua restaurant on Maui - Seafood display
Courtesy: Pineapple Grill at Kapalua

Located on Maui, Pineapple Grill in Kapalua Resort is a wonderful romantic restaurant.

Pineapple Grill just celebrated its one year anniversary and has been a popular restaurant on Maui for both locals and tourists.

Kapalua’s Pineapple Grill has been popular with food critics as well. The restaurant has recently been awarded two best new restaurant honors in two separate reader polls.

Food lovers will find a tasty menu featuring several excellent seafood entrees. Pineapple Grill calls their food offering Maui-style “Pacific Island Cuisine.”

Chris Kaiwi, who is Pineapple Grill’s managing partner was quoted, “We’re creating a fun atmosphere without sacrificing a sense of elegance.”

The restaurant also offers a wonderful beer and wine list.

Pineapple Grill at Kapalua restaurant on Maui - Roasted Rack of Lamb
Courtesy: Pineapple Grill at Kapalua

Pineapple Grill features a popular happy hour. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll walk past the large bar, featuring a black-marble island with plenty of stools for enjoyable bar-top dining.

Pineapple Grill overlooks the golf course at Kapalua Resort – The Bay Course and there are distant ocean views to be enjoyed.

One of the favorite dishes is a dessert – the restaurant’s famous pineapple, upside down cake!

For a fantastic fine dining experience, without the high price, Pineapple Grill should be your choice.

The restaurant is open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Pineapple Grill
200 Kapalua Dr
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 669-9600




New Tetsu Restaurant at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas

teppanyaki Chef Masa Takayama
Chef Masa Takayama

Las Vegas will welcome another fine dining restaurant for patrons who want the ultimate foodie experience. Later this summer, both Forbes and Michelin-decorated Chef Masa Takayama will introduce the first teppan concept to his extraordinary culinary repertoire.

The new Tetsu restaurant will be located at the luxurious ARIA Resort & Casino, and will be an intimate and interactive dining experience, offering guests the first taste of Chef Masa’s passion for fine Japanese grilling.

Located inside Masa’s famed Japanese restaurant, barMASA, Tetsu will replace Shaboo, which closes April 28. The exclusive venue will feature four blackjack-style tables and two communal teppan grill tables seating 20 and 19, respectively.

Tetsu will feature highly skilled teppanyaki chefs, who will also cleverly oversee the evening’s culinary entertainment – prepping, cooking and plating orders specific to each guest’s request. A produce table will serve as the room’s centerpiece, displaying the finest quality meats, seafood and vegetables, and will allow guests the opportunity to hand select the proteins of their entrée, specifying the exact cut, portion size and preparation style they desire.

“ARIA is a leader in the evolution of the Las Vegas culinary scene, now a recognized contender as one of the world’s top epicurean destinations,” said CityCenter President and COO Bill McBeath. “With Tetsu, we continue to set the pace by offering guests a brand new, exclusive concept from Masa Takayama, arguably the world’s most celebrated Japanese chef.”

Tetsu Executive Chef/Creator Masa Takayama said, “With a passion for the finest-sourced ingredients, I have always been intrigued by the sizzling vegetables, meat and seafood prepared on a teppan grill. The act of choosing your ingredients and interacting with the chef as he prepares them elevates the conventional dinner – creating memories – which is how food is meant to be experienced.”

The teppan grill menu allows guests to try a variety of offerings at smaller portions and reasonable prices such as the Toro Tartare with Caviar, Wagyu Beef Steak Tartare and Pacific Lobster Sashimi Ceviche in addition to Tataki selections. Tataki, meaning to “pound,” is a traditional manner of preparing fish and meat so they better absorb other flavors, therefore enhancing the protein in the dish. The cuts are briefly seared over a hot pan, marinated in vinegar, sliced thin and seasoned with ginger. Tetsu’s tataki offerings will differentiate the restaurant with the finest culinary creations, such as the Wagyu Ribeye, and Filet Mignon-Soy Vinaigrette.

Main course offerings include prime cuts of beef such as Center Cut Lamb Chop and Filet Mignon. Seafood and steak also will delight guests with the incredibly fresh ingredients for which Masa is renowned, such as Butterflied Scottish Langoustine, Mediterranean Turbot and decadent Fatty Tuna. Side accompaniments including Kobe Garlic Fried Rice, Yakisoba Noodles and Seafood Udon will complement the main course. Completing the meal are unexpected and refreshing desserts such as Masa’s famous Truffle Ice Cream, Grapefruit Granite and Yuzu Sorbet.

Tetsu’s hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sunday 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Guests enter Tetsu through barMASA, located adjacent to the stunning ARIA lobby.

The centerpiece of CityCenter Las Vegas is ARIA Resort & Casino, a stunning AAA Five Diamond resort on The Strip featuring an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service, spectacular amenities and premium meeting and convention space.

For additional information or to make reservations at the new Tetsu Restaurant at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, please call 702.590.7111 or visit www.arialasvegas.com




Looking for Unique and Elegant? Herbs & Rye is the Place for You

Herbs & Rye
Courtesy of: Herbs & Rye

Herbs & Rye, which opened in December of 2009, is located in what used to be The Venetian Restaurant. That wonderful “old Las Vegas” style Italian restaurant was were you went for traditional Italian food, good drinks and to meet friends late in the evening.

“I’ve dreamed of bringing this type of restaurant back to Sahara for years,” proud owner, Nectaly Mendoza informed me. His goal is to encourage other venues to come back to Sahara, giving the new generations a taste of the old Las Vegas. He is doing a wonderful job of it so far!

Walking in you will immediately get a feeling of déjà vu, as you take in the vintage chandeliers, red flocked wallpaper, and the high-backed leather banquettes. The large room is divided in half, with the ristorante to your left, and a large mixology bar ahead of you.

The intention here is to become THE place to go, both for unique Italian cuisine and a late-night cocktail lounge specializing in authentic cocktails from the 1800s to the early 1900s.

You can expect the menus to change every few weeks, to better make use of produce that is fresh and in season. The drinks are made from scratch, which is entertaining to watch and sometimes requires guest participation.

Herbs & Rye
Courtesy of: Herbs & Rye

The ambiance is good, if not a bit too dim and has background music that is a bit too loud. But the waiters cheerfully provide a flashlight for easy reading of the rather extensive menu.

Executive chef Fabian Badillo serves rustic Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair and an element of surprise. A good example would be the Calamari Fritti, served with aioli. Expecting a spicy tang, I was surprised with a citrus tartness that I later learned was grapefruit. It was refreshingly delicious.

If you enjoy the sharpness of gorgonzola, you must try the pork tenderloin, which is artfully encrusted in fig and gorgonzola. The Lasagna Bolognese with mushrooms and a Chianti meat sauce again shows Chef Badillo’s unique touch. Too full to order it, we were sorely tempted to try the cheesecake with its chocolate ganache.

When all is completed there will be live jazz and brass bands on Monday evenings, and a true, old-fashioned piano bar. Flat screen TVs will show the old mobster movies from the 30s and 40s, while the servers will wear flapper era costumes. If you want a taste of yesteryear, unique food, fabulous mixed drinks, and entertainment, Herbs & Rye is a must do!

Herbs & Rye
3713 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV‎.
(702) 982-8036
Hours 5 pm – 5 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
5 pm – 4 am on Monday through Thursday

Nectaly Mendoza – Owner
Fabian Badillo – Executive Chef
Gerado De La Torre – General Manager

Authored by Sandra Oertell




Le Diane, Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière’s Gourmet Restaurant

Le Diane - Paris France
Le Diane – Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière

Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière is the leading ecologically responsible “palace” hotel in Paris France.  Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière  offers characteristics of elegance, refinement and modern technology.

Le Diane is the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière’s celebrated gourmet restaurant. This fine dining restaurant is proud to receive its first Michelin star – a prestigious award honoring restaurants of the most outstanding quality.

Le Diane restaurant is found in the heart of the Paris hotel and opens up onto a beautiful courtyard garden.

Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere’s General Manager, Fabrice Moizan was quoted. “We are honored to be recognized in this way by such a venerable institution and the award underscores the level of excellence we strive for in all areas of hospitality at the hotel. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Lucien Barrière Hôtels & Casinos group, of which Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière is a member, and this distinction certainly adds to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding that.”

Le Diane restaurant offers a contemporary interpretation of classic French gastronomy.

For additional information, visit: www.fouquets-barriere.com