restaurant Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Las Vegas Dining: Michael Mina’s StripSteak Restaurant

January 17, 2013 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

With numerous restaurants to choose from on the infamous Las Vegas Strip, my husband and I dined at Michael Mina’s StripSteak in the Mandalay Bay Resort. Having been to two other Michael Mina restaurants, most recently Bourbon Steak in San Francisco, we were thrilled to enjoy the familiarity while on vacation.

With its classic menu, inviting bar scene and sophisticated atmosphere, acclaimed Chef Michael Mina breaks new ground with his first steakhouse. STRIPSTEAK plays host to guests looking for the perfect filet in a modern alternative to the traditional steakhouse setting. As with Mina’s other restaurants, STRIPSTEAK uses only the highest quality ingredients — corn-fed, all-natural meat, line-caught seafood and fresh, seasonal produce. Don’t miss the A5 Japanese Kobe beef and 300 Single Malts.

The restaurant’s bar and lounge has a happy hour nightly from 4-6pm. As we awaited our table we enjoyed a few $3 beers, a deal if you’re not gambling but drinking in Vegas!

We had an early dinner reservation, the restaurant had a few other diners, so we had plenty of attention from our fabulous waiter Glenn who was expecting us. We were in for a treat and a lot of delicious food to taste to get a bit more of what StripSteak is about. Like we enjoyed at Bourbon Steak, the trio of duck-fat fries was presented (standard free appetizer to dining patrons) with the three dipping sauces, a ketchup, old-bay, and truffle aoili. We only had a few fries anticipating our meal sampling.

We started with some seafood. I’ll premise this with the fact that I don’t eat much seafood, though this night has me craving lobster, something I haven’t eaten in 16.5 years! Maine Lobster Fritters was presented, lobster and bacon with shiso fried in tempura. Glenn taught us the proper way to enjoy them was to squeeze lemon on the fritter, wrap them in the accompanying lettuce leaf, then dip them in the creme fraiche. First bite I was shocked and amazed how light and melt-in-your-mouth good the lobster was. With each bite the tang of the lemon with the crisp lettuce, crunch of the tempura, cool creme fraiche, and the velvety texture of the lobster was heaven in my mouth. I could have eaten 15 of them, though I share 3 with my husband!

Next up were Maryland Blue Crab Cakes. I’ve enjoyed crab before, my husband loves it and it’s similar to chunk tuna that I like. The crab cakes were thick and ample with delicious meat, each bite delicious with a nice acid contrast from the dressed greens it sat upon.

We’ve had duck and chicken at Michael Mina’s restaurant this time we chose steak and pork. My main course was Berkshire Pork Chops with grilled stone fruit, polenta, over arugula. The presentation was beautiful and it was so much food. The pork was so juicy and tender with the crispy skin on the outside so full of flavor. The fruit was very tasty, but so sweet and reminiscent of baby food in texture. The polenta was dry and bland, while the arugula was bitter.

Luckily were were treated to a trio of pureed potatoes that were divine! Lobster, sour cream and onion, and horseradish potatoes to be exact and I think I devoured two of the 3 alone. The lobster had warmth and very small bits of lobster in it, slightly sweet and so good. The sour cream and onion potatoes were unreal, like a creamy onion soup almost but with more texture. The horseradish flavor has got to be acquired, rich and strong. I like it the least of the three but my husband added it to his medium well steak for a nice pairing.

My husband had a skirt steak, medium well. We enjoy our meat closer to well and though the photo shows the meat dark in color, it was full of flavor, was not dry by any means and the spicy and crispy outer portion was really good! We could see the kitchen from our table and this steak was kissed by flames in the best way! Like I said, he paired it with a bite of the potatoes and also a platter of a variety of mushrooms (didn’t snap a photo). The mushrooms were meaty and were a nice combination with the steak, my husband and I swapped dishes back and forth to take in all the flavors.

Could we possibly have room for dessert? When someone says beignets, butterscotch cream made with near- 2 decade old scotch, and creme brulee, then yes you do! I’ve only heard of beignets in relationship to New Orleans, never have had one. They are powdered sugar dusted donuts if you will. Crispy and golden on the outside and like a pillow of goodness in the center. Dip them in the butterscotch and words immediately escape your mind and your eyes roll back in your head. Yes. That happens.

More you say? Berry topped cheesecake made with marscapone cheese makes life more dreamy. A first eating marscapone, it’s so light in flavor, not overly sweet, with a bite of berries dipped in the crumble…I was afraid I would have to be removed from the table by a crane. Heaven, but oh so full were we.

If you can’t tell our experience was grand, the food and service was wonderful, I will eat there again next trip to Vegas and it just makes me crave my bay area Michael Mina restaurants even more.

Our evening was hosted, by no way influencing this honest post. All opinions our ours.

Kona Coast Dining with a View: Ray’s on the Bay

November 1, 2012 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

We dined at Ray’s on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona a few times during our week-long stay on the Big Island. Having it on site was ideal when you want to have a few drinks and take your time, it’s just a quick stroll back to your room. The menu is family friendly (freshest local seafood, farm to table cooking, handmade artisan pizzas and fresh fruit from the mountains), the food divine, and it has amazing views that you’ll never forget!

Walking in the decor is striking with blue lights and bubbles adorning the wall. You feel you’re underwater and then see the spectacular manta ray mural on the wall, stunning!

The decor and colors mimic the lobby, hall, and room themes and it’s so gorgeous.

Our first night we were excited to get a spot in the fire-pit lounge with ocean-front seating. We were exhausted after a full day of flying and we had heard they had the best mai-tais on the island! Taking a sip, I knew they were great and was eager to try some appetizers. We started with a mai-tai, a Longboard ale, veggie rolls served with sweet chili, and manapua (steamed bbq pork buns). I’m in love with the pork that we have on the islands, its unique and delicious and I was eager for those most. The veggie rolls were crisp and fresh and were yummy with the chili sauce. The pork buns came in a basket with the same sauce and I found them to have too little meat, I craved more, and they were doughy but a lovely presentation. I ordered a second round of the veggie rolls (and beer) and awaited our main course that we were sharing. We had the Kalbi Style Short Ribs, boneless short rib “Kalbi Style”. Served with mango onion relish, wood fired local vegetables and signature coconut rice and the meat was so moist and flavorful it just melted in your mouth. I love that the islands cook with so much mango, I just love the sweet touch and the texture of the fruit, it pairs well with so much!

As the sun went down we were treated to a beautiful pastel view in the sky, our fire-pit was lit and we anticipated what we heard was to come. Hula Kai (a sister boat to the Fair Wind II) sends out a nightly boat in the waters just below the hotel and restaurant where divers and snorkelers can gather and feed manta rays! It’s so neat to see the water lit up by lanterns and imagine how thrilling the experience is!We dined a second night at Ray’s and enjoyed the nightly entertainment of Olga Salvatore and her pianist sing classic songs and ballads and even take requests. She was amazing and we sat near the bar and enjoyed Lilikoi Pin-jitos, passion fruit rum, passion fruit puree, coconut, pineapple and a zip of mint and those were my favorite drink of the entire trip. The sweetness with just that kick of mint was the tropics in a glass, yum. We also dined on Portuguese Pizza, Portuguese sausage, tomato sauce, Maui onion, mozzarella cheese and fresh cilantro that was to die for!

Our view of the restaurant from our room was calm, it wasn’t too bright and it was just such a lovely place to dine, whether or not you are staying at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. You must check it out!

Our meals were hosted, gratuity and opinions are all ours.

Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak, San Francisco Review

July 21, 2012 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

Social Media and Twitter steered us to Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak for dinner while in San Francisco last weekend. It was perfect, only steps from our hotel at the Sir Francis Drake. Bourbon Steak is inside the Westin St. Francis on Powell Street just a revolving door away from some magnificent dining.

When photographing the sign, I realized I was familiar with another Michael Mina Restaurant, RN74 also in the city. Though I didn’t dine there, I did have a behind the scenes opportunity to see Chef Jason Berthold film a promo for the Food Network, as well as make my own video for a contest.

The restaurant was gorgeous with stunning columns and large mirrors reflecting light, making a dramatic atmosphere. The menus reflected local ingredients that would make your mouth water, check it out online!

Traveling with my family, I did make sure there was indeed a children’s menu. Sent via email as it isn’t published on the website, I was happy to see the selection was going to work perfectly for my 11 and 6 year old.

Starting off with drinks, my husband settled for a local brew despite the novel that is the cocktail menu and wine list. I chose the “Peculiar Purple Pie Man” that the server delightfully explained was a play on the Strawberry Shortcake character, I did expect a purple drink, but the coral hues were pleasant. The drink with Flor de Cana Rum, strawberries and a few other ingredients I had to ask about was delicious, not too sweet and a bit tart. My daughter and son wanted to join in the fun with their choices of a Shirley Temple and a strawberry lemonade presented grandly to their bulging eyes!

Soon came our appetizer, our server explained the french fries were a style of Michael Mina’s, a signature dish style he calls “trios” presented in three different ways on the same plate that takes simple up a notch. Duck fat fried, onion dusted fries were crispy and happily palatable to even the little guys who are used to their happy meal style. A sour cream dipping sauce was okay, though the kids opted for the spicy ketchup that appealed to their sense of normalcy and was actually sweet rather than spicy. The herb flaked fries were a close second place and the paprika hit very hot on the tongue for all of us, though the presentation and uniqueness of the appetizer was an overall hit.

I ordered BBQ chicken that came with two large pieces of breast as well as a glazed thigh that was amazing. I almost asked for more of just the sauce to dip my drier white meat pieces, but I was pleased by the portion. To add to our duck-themed weekend (staying at the Sir Francis Drake, duck fat fries, heading to Ride the Ducks), my husband ordered duck for dinner. The crispy duck breast comes medium rare though he ordered it cooked a little longer. The fat just under the crisp skin was so full of flavor, I tasted not one but two of his sliced bird. Excited about the promise of chorizo flavors, none were boldly detected.The kids were presented with a cream corn with popcorn and sweet pork rind side dish that looked exciting. The corn was sweet, popcorn just a hint of salt, plus the added crunch of the pork rind was a flavor trio in my mouth as well as the kids’. My daughter’s mac and cheese was creamy and “perfect” according to her rave review, just the right amount for her. My son’s steak and potatoes were cooked perfectly though he was hoping for a mound of mash, he’s a growing boy! Before I knew it, he had cleaned the plate and even had some of his sisters dinner.Satisfying meal with stellar attention to service, what a lovely night. Though our stomachs were too full for an entire dessert, we promised to come back just for beignets, blueberry-peach cobbler, and the signature root beer float! To kiss our sweet tooth and cap off the night, bourbon caramels for mom and dad and sugared strawberry gels for the kids, thank you I’ll have another!

After a day of shopping at Union Square, step into Bourbon Steak and enjoy a meal!

Our dining experience was hosted to facilitate our review. Alcohol and gratuities our own, opinions are our own.

Lanai, Hawaii: Lanai City Grille Dinner Review

March 8, 2012 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

My poor husband fell ill during our stay in Lanai, nothing worse to be on vacation and not feeling well. I knew for sure though that he had to make sure he ate, his fever and bronchitis begged for it to fight off all that ailed him. With as much energy as he could muster, we took the hotel shuttle from the Lodge at Koele down to Lanai City for dinner at the Lanai City Grille.

Designed by culinary genius Bev Gannon, the menu is a tantalizing collection of vibrant flavors and colors inspired by the surrounding organic island milieu. Anticipate generously portioned entrees ranging from locally caught fresh seafood, prime meats and our signature rotisserie chicken.

Set below the Cook pines and inside the Hotel Lanai, this friendly restaurant greeted us with the same candor and family feel that you get all over the island. The atmosphere was casual, we dined among familiar faces including the couple we went horseback riding with, I almost felt as this was Cheers, everyone knew our name, and “Norm” would be walking up the bar at any moment.The chef’s cookbooks decorated the shelves along the perimeter of the restaurant, and the manager Michelle greeted us as special guests.

Due to the medication my husband was taking, we skipped wine for the night but did indulge in some appetizers, pulled Kalua pork won tons. Kalua pork is something I’ve had in our travels to Hawaii, and it’s incredibly tasty, melts in your mouth, sweet and tangy goodness that I just can’t pass up. The outer won ton was crispy while the warm tender meat inside was a comfort food I can get used to.Two won tons a piece was enough to tempt our stomachs but not fill us for the meal we had coming. I spied something on the menu that called out to me. Chorizo mashed potatoes was something I’d never had eaten before, but chorizo is a Mexican sausage I’ve grown up on. The pairing enticed me so much that I substituted it for the potato cake my filet normally comes with, I couldn’t wait! My husband longed for comfort food to help his healing process and ordered the signature 1/2 rotisserie chicken and truffled macaroni and cheese.

I was so impressed by the creamy potatoes with the hint of spice from the chorizo. I normally eat the sausage with eggs, but I have to say it’s taken to the next level with the mash, wow so good! My filet was well done and they mentioned they’d butterfly it for even cooking and it was perfection, still tender and juicy and full of flavor, my meal was a HUGE hit. My husband spoke of his meal, “this was the meat-iest chicken I’ve ever tasted!” Opting for the 1/2 rather than whole he was amazed how much meat he continued to take it, “it’s replenishing itself, I swear!” The outer skin was crispy, the meat perfectly cooked with the sweet glaze beneath. His first time the mac and cheese cooked with truffle oil, it was an earthy flavor that he didn’t dislike but wasn’t used to. A few bites was enough though he did devour both mine and his own vegetables. To this day he’ll speak of our meal and that chicken he ate that must have been the chubbiest alive for being so good!

Our service was excellent, had it not been our last night on the island we would definitely gone back for lunch or another dinner, especially to enjoy those mashed potatoes again!

Our dinner was hosted by the Lanai Visitors Bureau, though an additional gratuity was our, opinions all our own.

Honolulu, HI: Tiki’s Grill and Bar Review

September 20, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

With so many fabulous restaurants and local fare it’s tough to choose where to dine in Honolulu. When you are traveling with family, you’ll be happy to know that Burger King, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and all those favorites your kids enjoy are also available. Eating where it’s familiar is nice and quick on a pinch, but we wanted good food that made us feel more like we were dining on an island while on vacation!

We were able to check out Tiki’s Grill and Bar one evening, a leisurely stroll down Kalakalua Avenue overlooking Waikiki Beach. It was Open Mic night, where local and visiting artists can share their art with Waikiki, be it music, poetry, or what have you. We were immediately invited in before we reached the reservation desk, but opted to eat dinner first!

The retro South Pacific-style Tiki’s Grill & Bar opened in October 2002 and was popular from the start. Located on the second floor of the ASTON Waikiki Beach Hotel and with breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and its spectacular sunsets. The 272-seat restaurant serves lunch, dinner, a late night menu and weekend brunches.

An indoor/outdoor restaurant, like most, there were fans going and fresh breezes coming in from outside. The atmosphere was relaxed, the lights dim, and the smell of the food was mouth-watering! We were seated and drink orders were taken. Their Blue Bikini was as gorgeous as it was tasty, I admit I had about 3 of those to enjoy the evening. Kid’s menus are available, with drinks in plastic cups with lids to take with you if you desire. My husband and I were famished and everything looked good on the menu.

After drinks were served, taro rolls were brought out with a sweet butter that everyone couldn’t get enough of. We started with an appetizer, I’m a huge fan of Kalua pork and the Kalua Pig Quesadilla was exactly what we needed. The pork is slow cooked and the flavor is phenomenal, sweet and salty at the same time. Served in a purple taro tortilla, the pepper jack cheese made the dish a quesadilla and the corn gave it a great sweet bite! With sour cream and quacamole on the side you cannot go wrong, we almost ordered a second! It’s one of those appetizers you eat with your eyes first then dive in with your mouth!

The 3 kids decided on beef sliders for dinner that was served with fries and carrot sticks. The best part for them, the plate was served atop a Tiki’s frisbee, so they had their own souvenirs with dinner! Luckily for my oldest daughter, my youngest was done after one slider and gave the second to her sister, not quite enough food for a near teenager, but dessert was still a possibility!

I opted for the Parmesean Crusted Chicken, and was over-whelmed at the size of the portion. It was literally enough for 2 people! Presented beautifully over linguine and broccoli, the best part was the chardonnay/sun-dried tomato glaze that I dipped each crispy bite of chicken in. This my friends, I could have eaten every night along with those Blue Bikinis.

My husband chose the Pulehu Ribeye that was as tender as can be and again enormous portions with garlic mashed potatoes that gave a nice kick in flavor. My oldest is a steak fan and contemplated this meal, but was happy to take many bites off dad’s plate to satisfy her small kid’s meal portions.

Surprisingly the steak was gone after we all sampled it, but I had a whole lot of chicken left for lunch the next day, thank goodness for hotel refrigerators!

We hoped to get back to the restaurant on another night for just dessert, but for sure on our next trip to Oahu! While there, don’t forget to take home a Tiki’s branded souvenir from their store at the entrance to the restaurant!

Tiki’s is a feel good restaurant, not fancy in the least, no need to dress to the nine’s and if come on different nights of the week, you’ll be entertained by live music each time. Try Tiki’s and I guaranteed you’ll be hooked!

Our meal was compensated in exchange for honest review!