Julian Serrano Vegas

I cannot recommend Julian Serrano enough. There's Tapas restaurants and then there's Tapas restaurants...this was one of the best I've ever tried, no it was THE best. Many of the ingredients are imported from Spain and what a difference that makes! It changes everything! The recipes are traditionally Spanish with a modern flair...words really cannot do it justice, it was that good! 

The service, rather than opting for a lot of pomp and circumstance, was fast, efficient, polished and I never needed to ask for anything without it already being there. Only in Las Vegas... 

You see, the thing is: Julian Serrano understands how foodies want to eat in 2012. We want a little less pageantry and a lot more flavor, an abundance of choice and more accesible portions. From pata negra, croquetas to patatas bravas everything was genuinely delicious and by that I mean it was as good as any restaurant in Barcelona.

The decor is modern, trendy and comfortable...there's no 5 hour dinner standing on ceremony here and yet the food is not compromised...au contraire, the food might actually rival more than one of its French Michelin counterparts. But enough rambling about how good it was, here are some images to give you a real taste of Julian Serrano...

This Tuna Tartare was SO fantastic!!! One of the best I've had, if not THE best!

Pata Negra imported from Spain. This Spanish delicacy is simply divine. It was my first time trying it and it was sensational. Seriously, this is out of this world. One of the best things I have ever tasted in my life!!!

Fresh fuit with a delicious tasting foam

Pork Chop- I didn't eat this but apprently it was incredible

Croquetas...not my dish either

Seafood Ceviche...also the best ceviche I've ever tasted!

Bacalao- DAMN this is so good!

Coffee

Beignets...simply divine. These weren't just any beignets...they were classically Spanish, like nothing I've ever tasted in the US before...AMAZING

I am starting to sound repetitive but this almond cake with almond ice-cream was OUTSTANDING!!! A real traditionally Spanish recipe with a modern flair.

Chef Julian Serrano (who also runs restaurant Picasso at the Bellagio) had a dream of creating a traditionally Spanish Tapas place where people could eat, have fun conversations, stay out late and get true enjoyment from their food much like they do in cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Aria is not a restaurant where you sit in museum-like silence enjoying your dinner in hushed reverence...no, no it's a vibrant ambience where flavor is the guest of honor...

I cannot recommend Julian Serrano enough. If you want the finest food, the speediest service, the best quality and a chic, urban decor: this is the place to eat in Vegas!

http://www.arialasvegas.com/dining/julian-serrano.aspx

The Beverly Hills Crescent

The Beverly Hills Crescent is a sleek, sexy hotel just minutes away from Rodeo Drive. Check out these pictures...

If you want to live like the rich and famous for a few days in Beverly Hills the Crescent provides an accesible and ideally located sleek boutique hideout to do just that

For more info log onto http://www.crescentbh.com/

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach is a luxurious enclave in an already luxurious destination. Located in Palm Beach it's one of the top hotels in the area. In fact it's more than a hotel, it's a home away from home for the well-heeled. Like more and more top hotels they accomodate long-term stays making it a cross between a hotel and a residence...and not just any residence... 

If Palm Beach was a woman she'd be introverted, gorgeous and well, just a little bit "uppety"...but when you get to know her she'd take you to a world you never knew existed and you'd like it! The Brazilian Palm Court, also home to the famous Cafe Boulud, warmly welcomes its guests, they are after all coming back home...often, back to one of their many homes.  

Brazilian Court is minutes away from high-end shopping on Worth Avenue and steps away from the beach. If you prefer to use the private beach the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle (a BMW with your own private chauffeur) to the beach area. It's worth going to the beach just to enjoy the shuttle ride and drive past some of the world's most exclusive real estate.

The white drapes and lush vegetation welcome you into this private enclave located right at the heart of everything in Palm Beach. I love being able to see right through to the inner courtyard.

Cafe Boulud (see post about my dinner there)

Interiors

The Ballroom

The inner courtyard with comfortable reclining white chairs, the murmur of elegant fountains, the soft brushing sound of lush palm trees over your head...one could sit here all day long and not get bored.

One of the common areas

You all know how I feel about crisp, top quality bed linens...passionately!

The fountain...I can still hear its soft gurgling...ah, Palm Beach I miss you!

The bathroom in my guest room was, as you can see, pretty substantial. On the other side was a large bathtub. Double sinks in the center...room to break out some dance moves in the shower. I spend a lot of time primping and preening in the bathroom and I felt very comfortable spending time in this one! 

The pool. Small and intimate...perfect for lounging poolside.

Inner Courtyard and Cafe Boulud at night. If you are planning to spend time in Palm Beach then you simply must do it at the Brazilian Court...you'll get to feel as though you're not some stray visitor but a resident, someone who truly belongs, and that is a priceles feeling.

http://www.thebraziliancourt.com/ 

I left my heart in Charleston...

If you are looking for romantic whimsy on your next trip within the United States, then I recommend Charleston...my last trip there has stayed with me and I suspect will continue to do so. The cobblestoned streets are alive with history and romance, the food is exceptional and very fairly priced and the overall beauty of the city will transport you to a long lost world where Southern gentlemen tip their hats and hospitality is at its finest...

Pink mansion in Charleston...so much more beautiful in the flesh!

Mansions on the Battery (the famous street in Charleston where great antebellum mansions overlook the water)

Colorful mansions on the Battery...there were large beautiful butterflies everywhere...

Boone Hall: the plantation about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. They filmed The Notebook here.

The alley of mossy oaks at Boone Hall, it's quite impressive.

Downtown Charleston

True Southern perfection

This churchyard was the epitome of Southern style...quiet, warm and full of soul and character

I love the wrought iron

The newer part of the Battery

Rainbow Row: every townhouse is a different color...pink, yellow, green...Oh yes, I definitely left my heart in Charleston!