Tag Archives: foodie

Boston Bacon and Beer Festival 2015

shojo boston

I have been dying to go to this event for literally YEARS. Every time it came around it would sell out immediately and I was never able to attend until this year. In their 6th annual year, eatBoston’s Boston Bacon and Beer Festival moved venues to Fenway Park and so could accommodate more people. Even with space for additional attendees, the event was still a sell out.  I found out why!

While it was fun to suck down some cold pops and sample some new brews, the beer wasn’t the highlight of this event for me at all. The inventive chefs of 38 restaurants were what stole the show. The things they did with bacon were incredible. My personal favorites were…

The Bacon Doughnut by Blackbird Doughnuts

blackbird doughnuts

A Bacon Smore by jm Curley

JM Curley

Bacon Flavored Ice Cream by Lincoln Tavern

https://instagram.com/thercj

The “Beast in Show” winner of the event voted by Bacon & Beer attendees was Shojo Boston with their Togarashi Mantou Stuffed with Bacon & Cheddar. Unfortunately, I didn’t try this one out.

shojo boston

Other bites I’m disappointed I never got around to trying were the Bacon Mac & Cheese and the Maple Bacon Cotton Candy by Sweet Cheeks BBQ. (apparently a favorite for several years)

The winner received the obvious recognition but even better $750 donation toward their charity of choice. That’s right, this delicious fun-filled event has a charitable aspect too! In fact, the entry fees to the event went to several charities including Lovin’ Spoonfuls – dedicated to rescuing and distributing healthy food that would otherwise be discarded to organizations where it’s most impactful. Community Servings – not-for-profit food and nutrition program that provides medically tailored meals to people with critical and chronic diseases in Massachusetts. And the Red Sox Foundation – raising monies for several programs focused on children and families in Massachusetts.

fenway

What I loved and what I didn’t love:

Fenway was an AMAZING venue. Perfect for this event. Better yet was getting access to the grandstands when the park was practically empty – what a treat!

Since this was my virgin Boston Bacon and Beer Festival I didn’t know exactly what to expect but one thing for sure, I thought I’d get a TON of plain ole bacon and those tasty strips were NO WHERE to be found. Also, carting around a map, beer and plate for the various tastings (as well as an iPhone for photo evidence) I wish there had been a few empty tables scattered about so that attendees could put down things and enjoy a bit more instead of juggling things in their hands. Other than that, I thought this event was truly fun and worth the ticket price! I’ll be back next year AND I hope it’s still held at Fenway. I know I have a few followers that now want to attend too.

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Fun & Fine Dining in Las Vegas

Vegas is fit for the King & Queens

Vegas is fit for the King & Queens

I’ve never made it a secret that Lola likes her VIP treatment. One place that comes to mind for VIP’s is Vegas. As I mentioned, I’m hoping to finally experience the Vegas pool party scene this summer. Another VIP perk I love about Vegas is all the great restaurants located there. Casino property owners know that visitors to Las Vegas want the best of the best and that includes the best in fine dining.  Over the last decade, Vegas has earned a solid reputation as having some of the best fine dining in the world.  If you are heading out to Sin City sometime in the near future, check out our list of restaurants you must visit in Las Vegas.

Tournament of Kings

While not a restaurant, the Tournament of Kings is certainly the most unique dining experience that you will have in Las Vegas.  While you eat a medieval style dinner consisting of roasted chicken, soup, and other fare, you are entertained by a medieval style jousting tournament.  It is Las Vegas’ version of dinner theater and appropriate for the entire family.

photo 3-15

Bright Strip Lights. One Crazy & Delicious City!

Delmonico

If you are a fan of Food Network’s Emeril Lagrasse, then you have to make a stop at Delmonico Steakhouse in the Venetian.  Emeril is the head chef at this properties and this place not only serves the best cuts of steak in town, but also has numerous dishes that you will not find at  any other steakhouse.  Each dish has Emeril’s special touch and the decor is straight out of the 1970’s.  Groovy baby.

Michaels

The only non-Strip restaurant on our list, Michael’s at the South Point Hotel and Casino is a trip back into Victorian times.  The restaurant has a complete Victorian style and the staff provides black-tie service that includes tableside preparation of meals.  South Point is located about 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, but is definitely worth the drive.

Show Me the Money!

Show Me the Money!

Picasso

The Bellagio is known for having the best of everything in Las Vegas from gambling to entertainment, and even food.  Picasso is not only the crown jewel of Bellagio restaurants, but it is also the standard that fine dining is measured by in Vegas.  Amazingly, close to 85 percent of the original staff from when the restaurant opened 20 years ago still works at the property.  Chef Julian Serrano has put together a magnificent French-Spanish menu in a property accented by classic pieces of artwork from Pablo Picasso.

Top of the World Restaurant

If you want a view of Las Vegas that you will not see anywhere else in the city, then a trip to the Top of the World Restaurant is a must.  Located at the top of the Stratosphere, the restaurant rotates 360 degrees to give a ever-changing view of Sin City.  To be honest, the food here is about average in comparison to most Vegas restaurants, but the views make up for what the food lacks.

Who couldn’t love all the foodie fun that Vegas has to offer?! I hope I will still fit into my swimsuit so I can enjoy the pool party scene too! 😉

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Filed under travel, vegas