The Cupcakery at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas

So when I was in Las Vegas I had to check out at least one cupcake joint. We were staying at the MGM Grand and I saw that there was a cupcake place called The Cupcakery in the Monte Carlo. That Casino wasn’t too far away from where we were going that night so we decided to check it out. You know I’m always down to try out a cupcake. Since it wasn’t Mr. Curly Fry and I taste testing cupcakes, my friend and I only got two. Yes, I was sad about that but my friend isn’t into cupcakes like I am.

I have to say that I wasn’t really all that impressed with the choices of flavors. I thought for “…the best little cupcakes in Vegas!” that they didn’t have enough of a selection. Now, we went on a Monday evening, so maybe they sold out of a lot of flavors? I don’t know. Maybe I should give them the benefit of the doubt? So I guess I wasn’t too bummed to only try two flavors since there really weren’t all that many that I wanted to try.

I’m a huge fan of Peanut Butter…so that’s up first.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup™
Rich chocolate cake topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting
and sprinkled with peanuts and mini chocolate kisses

Well where do I start? I was really looking forward to this one and I have to say I was let down. The cake wasn’t moist at all. It had a bit of chocolate flavor but it wasn’t as rich as I was hoping for. It pretty much became a crumbled mess, and I’m definitely not a fan of that. The Peanut Butter frosting was anything but fluffy. It was actually quite hard.  It almost tasted like a cream cheese peanut butter frosting to me… you know cream cheese frostings kind of firm up a bit? I also didn’t think there was quite enough peanut butter in there, but that was the least of my concerns.The biggest disappointment though was that it wasn’t fluffy. Who likes a hard icing? Definitely not me. So I have to say this was a let down.

Chocolate Passion™
Our rich chocolate buttercream frosting paired with
our moist vanilla cake or decadent chocolate cake

My friend picked out this flavor. I was just kind of “eh” on trying it because it’s so basic, but it actually turned out to be better than the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup one. The soft, vanilla cake was definitely moister than the chocolate cupcake that we had already tried, and it had a much better consistency. The chocolate buttercream wasn’t bad – it tasted more along the lines of the frosting in a jar than true buttercream. It was kind of thick and heavy if you know what I mean. So I really can’t complain about that. It just wasn’t light and fluffy like I was anticipating.

So overall I would have to say that I wouldn’t run back to The Cupcakery for cupcakes on my next trip to Vegas. I’d rather go to Serendipity 3 for a Frrrozen Oreo Hot Chocolate or Jean-Phillippe Patisserie in the Bellagio for some Gelato or other desserts.

Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
3770 Las Vegas Blvd, South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 730-7777

Viva Las Vegas!

So you may have noticed that I wasn’t around much last week. I was just in Vegas for a little bit of a getaway. I have to say it was so nice to get away, and I had the opportunity to sit at the pool with some cocktails as well as try out some wonderful restaurants. It’s funny though – we decided to go in April because it’s usually not that hot. We wanted to be able to enjoy the pool and be outside without sweating. Well what do you know? It was like 100 degrees almost every day that we were there. No joke. But we still had a blast.

Can’t really complain about this view at dinner…


While drinking this at The Sugar Factory


Stopped in the Bellagio to check out Jean Phillippe Chocolates

All of these desserts looked amazing


I couldn’t leave without trying the Gelato. I got Cappuccino and Oreo (on the bottom)

And you better bet I ate it all

Although I wanted to stick my tongue under the Chocolate Falls

A delicious drink from Trevi in the Caesars Forum Shops


We loved breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi in Paris. Too bad it wasn’t the real Paris.

But the BEST brunch in Vegas is Bouchon. I’m still thinking about it.


This was the best Cheese Danish I’ve ever had in my life.

I’m still dreaming about it. Seriously.


The main part of my breakfast was good too. Lots o’ bacon.


We went to Serendipity 3 for Brunch.


But really only so I could get one of these…


Frrrozen Oreo Hot Chocolate

And it was amazing.

BUT – I didn’t appreciate that the waitress asked me if I wanted Marshmallows (and proceeded to tell me that it’s so much better with them) – and didn’t tell me they cost extra. Seriously lady? At least be up front about it. I wouldn’t mind spending the extra money if I was told about it first, ya know? But for me to find out when I get the bill? That’s shady.


This drink from Wolfgang Puck Cafe in MGM was amazing.

I had that after we went on a Scoot Car Tour of Red Rock Canyon.

We rode around in these…


And we got to see some beautiful sites




Seriously…how beautiful is that?

I highly recommend trying this out. The two leaders were awesome. And we had so much fun!

And driving around in those little cars was so much fun! Can you believe they go like 60 mph?

It was hot that day, but with the breeze in that little car it didn’t feel that hot.

Which is a good thing.

Because it got HOT there.


So we spent a lot of time here:


And the drinks were refreshing


Even at Happy Hour!


You can’t beat $5 Sangria

And we went to Holstein’s at the Cosmopolitan so I could have this:


And let me tell you – I LOVED IT! I’m going to recreate it at home.

It was so good.

I could’ve had one every single day.


Even Freddy Kruger was out!

We got to see Kevin James & Ray Romano. They were funny.

I love Kevin James. The King of Queens is our favorite show!

What are your favorite things to do in Vegas? Any favorite restaurants?

Cupcakes from The Boardwalk Bakery [Walt Disney World]

So as you know, I was in Disney World last week for Food Blog Forum (you can read my trip report here).  I had an amazing time and I was on a mission to try some different flavors of cupcakes while I was there. In lieu of getting dessert after our dinner at the Kona Cafe, we decided to go on a mission for some cupcakes at the Boardwalk Bakery.

I really had high hopes for these cupcakes since after all, it’s a bakery. Aly from Cooking In Stilettos was my partner-in-crime for this Cupcake Mission. We had to take the monorail from the Polynesian to Magic Kingdom, and then a bus from Magic Kindgom to The Boardwalk. This was my first time checking out the Boardwalk property and I have to say it was pretty nice! Check out a view from there:

There weren’t that many flavors of cupcakes to choose from. There were only three total. They had the Oreo Bon Bon Cupcake,  Coffee Mocha Cupcake and an Orange Creamsicle type cupcake. I decided to get the first two.



I tasted the Oreo Bon Bon Cupcake first since I LOVE Oreos. As you can see from the picture, it looked a little rough. It wasn’t really in perfect condition when I got it, and me transporting it didn’t help matters. But I have to give a shout out to one of the bus drivers. He picked us up from the Boardwalk and was en route to the Magic Kingdom, but he dropped us off at our resort (The Polynesian). That was so nice of him and he didn’t need to do that at all. So I hope something wonderful happens to him because he deserves it. He definitely made it easier on us by doing that. And for that, I thank him.

So back to the cupcakes. The chocolate cupcake wasn’t moist at all.  It was quite crumbly and dry. There was a cookies & cream type filling that was just okay. I love the idea, but the flavors just weren’t there. It made the middle of the cupcake a bit moister than the rest of it. The frosting disappointed me the most though. It was more like a whipped topping than a buttercream. And we all know that I’m not a fan of that whipped stuff. So needless to say I didn’t waste any more calories on this cupcake. It was disappointing though since it looked like it would taste good.

So after tasting the Oreo one, I definitely didn’t have high hopes for the Coffee Mocha Cupcake. And it’s a good thing I didn’t because it was more of the same stuff….that whipped crap. The cupcake was average, nothing to write home (or blog) about, really. It also had a filling, but I didn’t care for it much. It tasted very similar to the whipped icing on top.

I have to say that the Bakery really let me down. I was expecting a lot more of them and they just didn’t deliver. But I didn’t give up. I didn’t let these cupcakes keep me from trying out more cupcakes in Disney World. You’ll be surprised to find out who had one of the best cupcakes that I tried!  Stay tuned!

A Magical Experience ~ Food Blog Forum Orlando [Walt Disney World]

So I had the amazing opportunity to go to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL for Food Blog Forum Orlando. I felt so lucky to be one of the food bloggers to attend. It was truly a Magical Experience. I can’t even put into words how much I appreciate all of the hard work that everyone put into this event. It was a really special event.

I learned so much from so many talented people. Everyone was so willing to help others and I loved seeing that. A special thanks to Disney World, Whole Foods, Julie of The Little Kitchen (who did such a wonderful job organizing!), Steamy Kitchen (Jaden & Scott), White On Rice Couple (Diane & Todd) and to all of the  sponsors (OXO, KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Land ‘O Lakes, Bob’s Red Mill, Spice Islands, Goo Goo Clusters, King Arthur Flour, Scharffen Berger, and anyone else I forgot). The Door Prizes were totally crazy and everyone was so generous! I mean seriously, TWO APPLIANCES as well as countless KitchenAid Mixers, LeCreuset Dutch Ovens, and many other prizes. But they weren’t even the highlight of the weekend.  All of the information that we all went home with was the main prize. And that’s a fact.

The accommodations were spectacular, the 4 day park hoppers were generous, the food was delectable and the people there were just plain remarkable. I could go on and on about this past weekend and ramble on for hours, but I’d rather show you how magnificent it was in pictures. Because I had so much fun trying to capture these wonderful moments on camera ~ even if it was an iPhone camera!

[click to enlarge any of the photos]

My room at the Polynesian

A beautiful view from the Grand Floridian

Another stunning view

Succulent Shrimp

Macaroni & Cheese with Lobster & Pancetta – absolutely to die for!

Desserts – Chocolate Creme Brulee, Cake Pop,
Chocolate Mousse type dessert

Taste of Disney Lunch Menu

Olive Oil-infused Chocolate Truffle Mousse with Sea Salt Caramel

Peruvian Chocolate Cylinder with St. Germain Glaze

OXO supplied Assorted Sea Salt Caramels from
Good Karmal – Seriously the BEST! I’m enrolling
myself in a 12 step program ASAP.

Magic Kingdom

Whole Foods Brunch Menu

Candy Coated Mickey Apples!

Pineapple Teriyaki Steak from Kona Cafe

Kona Cool Sundown

Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom

Monorail at the Polynesian

Frozen Margarita from Hollywood Studios

My favorite ride ~ Tower of Terror

Pop Century – My home for the 2nd part of my trip

Monorail – Photo taken from bench outside of the Coral Reef Restaurant

Superfruit Sangria from Coral Reef

Baileys and Jack Daniel’s Mousse from Coral Reef

Boat outside of Magic Kingdom

Captain Hook at Epcot

I had these on my AirTran flight and they are my favorite now!
I ordered some from Amazon when I got home.

All of the information that I learned there was priceless. I don’t think I can thank everyone enough for allowing me to be part of this event. There are so many talented food writers and photographers out there and I’m so proud to be a part of that.

I was on a mission for Cupcakes when I was there, and you will get to read about that in another post! Because it wouldn’t be a trip without a Cupcake!

Are you on Instagram? Follow me!

Food Blog Forum ~ Orlando [March 2012]

My day just got a little bit brighter. As you probably know, I love Disney World. It’s so much fun to go there and act like a little kid. I haven’t been there since 2009 though. This past weekend I signed up to go to the Food Blog Forum in Orlando, FL.  Walt Disney World is the Hosting Sponsor, so you know  it’s going to be an amazing event!  I can’t wait to learn a lot of useful information there so that I can make my blog better.

Check out the details from the web site…

Food Blog Business | Food Styling & Photography | Food Blog Design | Food Writing

Food Blog Forum Orlando is a full-day seminar on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Epcot Center, designed specifically for food bloggers.

We’ll be covering the most relevant topics for food bloggers, including food styling and photography, photo editing, recipe writing and development, food blog design and social media.

In addition to the information and skills you’ll be able to immediately implement, we’ll have several networking and social opportunities throughout the weekend.

Schedule

Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday Evening – Welcome Reception at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa sponsored by Walt Disney World

Saturday, March 17, 2012
8:00am-4:30pm
Coffee and continental breakfast provided by Walt Disney World

Food Photography & Styling: Sharing your food story through your creative voice
Diane Cu & Todd Porter
Everyone has a unique food story to share through images. Crafting your visual voice and sharing your authentic story in compelling food images is what makes your unique style stand out. Learn how to define your own food photography style and food storytelling. Elements of lighting, composition, style, basic propping, editing and story will be discussed to help you make your best photographs. Be inspired to craft images that are original, fresh, authentic and uniquely you.

PRspectives
Jaden Hair, Rachel Barbarotta, Arianna Bastianini, Tom Smith
A lesson in PR 101, from various perspectives. This panel brings together bloggers, brands and PR professionals to give you an inside look into the process of working with brands and forming relationships that can benefit both the bloggers and companies they work with.

How to Write Bigger, Better, More Badass Food Posts
David Leite
In this solo panel, learn what it takes to write the kind of posts that move people to leave comments as well as to forward, tweet, stumble, and Facebook the hell out of them. Not to mention getting awards and recognition. Use David’s checklist to evaluate how successful your posts are and how to improve them.

From Hobby to Professional: Taking your Blog to the Next Level
Dawn Viola
Do you want to take your food blog from hobby to professional? Food writer and research chef, Dawn Viola, will show you how to develop your unique food writing niche, find your blogging voice and harness free marketing tools to establish yourself as a professional writer.

LUNCH

A (Healthful) Taste of Disney! Sponsored by Walt Disney World

Experts Round Table

Dive deeper into the topics that interest you most. We’ll have our speakers and other experts available to you during a series of four 30-minute “speed-networking” sessions. Ask questions and get advice from our experts in a more personal setting. Explore topics such as Social Media, Technology and Design, Photography & Styling Live Demonstration, Basic Photo Editing and File Management, Pitching to Editors, Writing Cookbook Proposals, Recipe Development, The Business of Blogging and more.

Closing Party

Saturday, March 17, 2012
Sponsored by Walt Disney World
Private dessert party at Epcot Center with front row viewing of Illuminations

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Brunch At Whole Foods Market Orlando

Does this look amazing or what??!

Are any of my fellow food bloggers going? If so, let me know in the comments! I’d love to meet!

Todd English’s Ça Va Brasserie in New York City

One day earlier this week Aly from Cooking in Stilettos and I paddled up to New York City in our canoe so that we could go see a taping of the Nate Berkus Show. I think it had to be the wettest day so far this year, but we didn’t let the rain put a damper on our trip!  The folks from Ça Va Brasserie got wind (via Twitter) that we were going to be in the city to see Nate Berkus and invited us to stop by for lunch. We were happy for the recommendation because we really weren’t sure what we were going to do for lunch yet. As you can see, social media is a powerful tool!

According to their web site, World-renowned Chef Todd English’s newest restaurant concept, Ça Va, is located in the heart of New York City’s Theater district. Ça Va is a modern twist on the traditional brasserie serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a Pre-Theater dining menu.

We had the opportunity to experience their  Taste of Ça Va – 3 Course Menu. You get three courses for $24.07, and let me tell you that’s a steal! They change up the menu every so often, so it’s not always the same dishes on there. I think this is wonderful for those that are repeat customers.

I started off with a Cocktail (isn’t that how you have to start?!) and I chose the Ginger Sangria. I don’t remember everything that was in it, but I can tell you that they did not skimp on the alcohol. But I guess at $14 each, you really can’t.

FIRST COURSE

FALL VEGETABLE SALAD
brussel sprouts, fuji apple, pomegranate seeds, enokii mushrooms

PUMPKIN BISQUE
maine lobster, apple sage cloud, cinnamon croutons

RACLETTE CLASSIQUE
cornichons, onion, air dried beef

So as you see, I decided to go with the Pumpkin Bisque and it was a phenomenal choice. It was packed full of flavor and spice. I loved the addition of the cinnamon croutons. What a fantastic idea!

SECOND COURSE

RICOTTA GNOCCHI
roasted tomato sauce, arugula pesto, parmesan

ROASTED LEG OF LAMB
rosemary potato, glazed carrots, black olive jus

LOUP DE MERI ROTI
roasted mediterranean sea bass, lentil salad, braised greens, vadouvan butter

I don’t think I can say enough good things about this dish. It was absolutely delicious. The Ricotta Gnocchi was so light and fluffy that it melted in your mouth. The roasted tomato sauce was packed full of delicious tomatoes and the pesto had the perfect balance of flavors. I think I could eaten a few helpings of these! They’ve inspired me to try to make my own Ricotta Gnocchi. If I can make them taste as half as good as these, I’ll consider it a success.

THIRD COURSE

CANDY CANE CHEESECAKE
oreo cookie crust, cocoa nib tuile

AUTUMN FRUIT BREAD PUDDING
warm fruit compote, vanilla anglaise

SELECTION OF ICE CREAMS OR SORBETS

Now it’s no surprise that I love dessert. I knew that I was going to try the Candy Cane Cheesecake because I do not care for Bread Pudding at all. If that was my only choice for dessert I would skip it. I was a bit nervous to try the Candy Cane Cheesecake because peppermint + cheesecake doesn’t really sound all that good to me. But I was willing to take one for the team and try it. And honestly, it  was very good. I love being pleasantly surprised.  The chocolate sauce on the plate had a slight hint of peppermint to it, and it complimented the cheesecake very well. I really enjoyed the cocoa nib tuile. And the oreo crust? My fave!

And what’s dessert without a Vanilla Latte?

If you’re ever in New York City, be sure to stop by Ça Va Brasserie for a meal. You won’t be disappointed!

Ça Va Brasserie
310 W 44th STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10036
TEL 212.803.4545

Thanksgiving Cocktails

I don’t know about you but I love Cocktails. Thanksgiving is one of those days where I love to plan out some good spirits to enjoy throughout the day. Since I’ve already shared my Thanskgiving Must Haves with you, I wanted to share my cocktail menu!

As always, wake-up time requires some good coffee! I’ll probably get out my french press and enjoy some delicious Kona Coffee that I picked up a few weeks ago. Who knows, maybe some Baileys will find its way into my mug? :)

Next up…Blood Orange Mimosas. All morning long. Our favorite thing to do is watch the parade while sipping on Mimosas! I just fill the champagne glass up 2/3 of the way with champagne, and top it off with a little bit of freshly squeezed Blood Orange juice. You don’t want to dilute the champagne too much, lol. Then I garnish with a slice of a Blood Orange.

This year we will have two featured cocktails, all from the wonderful Sunny Anderson! I’ve tasted these cocktails at her Sliders Party at the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival, and they were out of this world!

Sunny’s Brooklyn Iced Tea

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces limoncello (recommended: Toschi Italian Lemon Liqueur)
  • 3 ounces dark rum
  • 3 ounces tequila
  • 1 (24-ounce) bottle sweetened iced tea
  • Ice
  • Lemon slices, to garnish

Directions

Pour the limoncello, rum, tequila and tea into a pitcher filled with ice and stir vigorously. Serve in ice filled highball glasses with a straw. Garnish with a lemon slice on the rim.

My tip – I like to freeze some lemon slices and then throw one in – it not only gives it some great flavor, but keeps it cold without watering it down!

Mr. Curly Fry is a HUGE fan of this cocktail. It’s his absolute favorite. So I knew I had to make it for Thanksgiving. I enjoy it very much myself. Since this is definitely a One Curly Fry Fave, we always keep these ingredients on hand!

Bourbon Cider Twist

Ingredients

  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 8 ounces (1 cup) bourbon
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • Lime wedges, for garnish
  • Ice, as needed

Directions

Add the apple cider, bourbon, and the lime juice to a pitcher and stir. Pour over ice. Serve with a lime wedge.

I had this cocktail at the latest Sliders party and it was delicious! I knew it definitely had to make the cut for the Thanksgiving Cocktails!! I’ll probably freeze a few lime wedges for the garnish!

What Cocktails are making their way to your Thanksgiving table this year?

Robert Mondavi Prize Pack Winner!

The Winner of the Robert Mondavi Prize Pack is…

#19: Nancy says:  I follow you on Twitter!

Congrats Nancy!

Please contact me at jen @ onecurlyfry.org to claim your prize!


The Philadelphia Food & Wine Ticket Winner!


And the winner of the 2 tickets to the Philadelphia Food and Wine Festival is:  Jennifer Robertson! Congratulations! Please email me [jen @ onecurlyfry.org] at your earliest convenience!

For those that didn’t win, tickets to the show can be purchased here. Enter in the exclusive discount code “FOODIE” and you will receive 10% off the ticket price.

Be sure to enter my Giveaway to win a Robert Mondavi Prize Pack!! That contest ends Friday October 21st at 12pm!

 

GIVEAWAY: Robert Mondavi Prize Pack!

THIS CONTEST IS OVER!

 

So as you know the 2011 Philadelphia Wine and Food Festival is coming up soon! I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely looking forward to the wine! The 2011 Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour with special guest Ted Allen is wrapping up at the Philadelphia Food & Wine Festival. To celebrate the tour, Robert Mondavi Winery is offering one of my readers a prize pack! Before we get into that, let’s hear more about the tour!

Now in its sixth year, the Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour is an interactive, educational, and fun event that brings the Napa Valley wine country experience to wine-lovers across the US at various food and wine festivals.  The Philadelphia Food & Wine Festival will feature cooking demonstrations and tips by Food Network Chopped host Ted Allen, a Robert Mondovi Private Selection Food & Wine Ambassador, who continues to engage with consumers and solve – and simplify – the food and wine pairing mystery.  Along with Ted at the Robert Mondavi Winery’s Napa-inspired tasting pavilion will be educational seminars and other interactive events all communicating Robert Mondavi’s message that wine is for everyone, not just connoisseurs and sommeliers.

Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour highlights include:

  • Educational Seminar – a Wine 101 class to help learn the basics on what to look for (and taste) in every bottle
  • Wine & Cooking Stage – get the taste buds going with demonstrations and tastings by local chefs and wine experts
  • Essence Station – put your senses to the test and learn how to appreciate wines subtle aromas
  • Interactive iPad – email recipes and wine pairings, see photos, sign up for Winery news, and view tasting notes all at the touch of a button
  • Mondavi Theater – watch a short documentary film showcasing how Robert Mondavi revolutionized the American wine industry

Now…on to the giveaway! I’m giving away a prize pack to one lucky reader! The prize pack includes a Robert Mondavi chef’s apron, Sigg Steel water bottle, key chain, and copy of Ted Allen’s The Food You Want to Eat cookbook.

RULES:

1. Eligibility:

Giveaway is open to readers with US shipping addresses only.

2. How to Enter:

Please leave a blog comment on this post telling me what your favorite kind of wine is! Chardonnay? Merlot?  Riesling? Share with us!

For BONUS ENTRIES, please leave a SEPARATE comment for each additional entry letting me know you’ve done any of these:

1)      Follow me on Twitter;

2)      Follow Robert Mondavi on Twitter;

3)       Tweet about the giveaway “I entered @one_curly_fry’s giveaway to win a @RobertMondavi prize pack! http://bit.ly/pq4vh0″

4)      Subscribe to email updates at the top of the left sidebar;

5)      Blog about this giveaway on your blog.

6)       “Like” one curly fry’s Facebook Page.

7)       “Like” Robert Mondavi’s Facebook Page.

This contest will run until Friday October 21st, 2011 at 1:00pm  (Eastern) and a winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will be announced by 2:00 pm (Eastern).