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The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
877-551-7778

As you know from our previous Bellagio post, We consider the Bellagio our Vegas home and we have had some problems when we tried to stay other places. So I was a bit nervous to try the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas on our recent weekend trip. We chose the Cosmo for two reasons…it is the hippest spot (right now) on the strip and the location is amazing. Well…I have to say we have a new Vegas home! The place was fantastic and we had a great time.

To start, check in was quick and our room was ready early. The Terrace Suite was our own Vegas condo with a full kitchen (yes, stove, full fridge, microwave), living room, bedroom and a washer/dryer. It also had views of the Bellagio Fountains. See the video here:

YouTube DirektCosmopolitan Terrace Suite

The only minor issues were the high tech room features which included lighting and temp control through our tv. This is great in theory but they are still working the bugs out. Our room was not hot by any means but we could not get it as cold as we like. The remote for the tv worked intermittently. I stress these are minor issues that will be worked out.

We spent most of the trip exploring the onsite activities and restaurants (restaurant report to follow in separate post). Walking through the halls is an adventure in itself with interesting and sometime interactive art around every corner.

While we rarely visit pools in Vegas, we could not pass on the Boulevard Pool. This adult playground overlooks the strip and has free foosball, ping-pong and pool tables scattered throughout the complex. The pool itself has a large ‘shallow’ area that enables you to lounge in the water with your drink. The hottest club in Vegas is the Marquee Day/Night Club at Cosmo that also has a pool. However, the ridiculously long lines (2-3 hours starting at 10:00 am) kept us from visiting it.

Overall, we loved this resort and cannot wait to return. It is safe to say that the Cosmo is our new goto Vegas spot.

Tags: Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, Las Vegas Pools, Terrace Suite
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Port Of Call

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

838 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 523-0120

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In a city like New Orleans where amazing restaurants are absolutely everywhere- you should never visit the same one twice. So- why do we visit Port Of Call every single time we are there? There are two reasons…#1 a Monsoon. The Monsoon is a delicious punch like drink that packs…well…a punch in the nose. It is rumored to be made using several types of rum with a spash of fruit juice…I think this is true because I watched the bartenders make several and …yikes! But they are so good and last (or should last) hours. Which works out really well since you can carry your cocktail all over NOLA if you like. But on to reason #2…

THE BURGERS!!! This is another example of a place that does only one thing and does it very well. You can order beef (hamburgers or steaks) and you get a baked potato on the side. No problem deciding…probably not the best choice for my vegetarian friends.

The burgers arrive perfectly cooked and delicious! Note that this another place where you will have to wait and, again, it is worth it!

Tags: Best Burger new orleans, Port of Call
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Cafe Du Monde

Saturday, February 5th, 2011

1039 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116

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While in New Orleans it is essential that you visit Cafe Du Monde and eat the most amazing bingets (fried dough drowning in powdered sugar). This is just one of those experiences you can only have in NOLA.

It is always packed and you frequently have to wait in line and, although this process can be tense since there seems to be no organization, it is worth it!

The simple menu is basically beignets and drinks.

Yes…This is what they look like…and Yes…you will be covered in powdered sugar by the time you leave.

Tags: breakfast new orelans, Cafe Du Monde
Posted in 3 WOK Some Kids, 5 Overall Amazing, Cafe Du Monde | 1 Comment »

Inn the Quarter

Friday, January 28th, 2011

935 Dumaine Street
New Orleans, LA 70116-3022
(504) 523-0505

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This was our fifth trip to New Orleans, and to say we love this city is simply an understatement. I am always surprised when I talk with one of you and you don’t like it -at which point-I just know I get obnoxious and “know-it-all” like and try to convince you that you are wrong. If you are one of these people-let me take this time to apologize and tell you…well…you are still wrong. If you are a WOK (WithOut Kid) traveler and you dislike New Orleans- we just have to go together…so let me know when you are free.

Over the years during our visits we have discovered that it is best to bypass the 5 star hotels (yes, audible gasp here) and rent a house in the French Quarter. This provides the perfect situation for you to walk and explore the entire city while staying in the middle of everything. This is the second time we have used Inn the Quarter. You work personally with Robin who helps you find just the right space for your group.

This visit we had six people-two couples and two singles. She connected us with our gracious and wonderful host Paula. We stayed at the Magnolia Suites. These were separate units that were once the slave quarters for the main house. We shared a two bedroom with one of the singles in our party. While the other members of our party each had a studio.

Our beautiful unit was newly remodeled and included a kitchen, living room and powder room down stairs as well as two bedrooms and a full bath upstairs. The upstairs had a wrap around balcony and looked out onto the courtyard shared by all of our unit as well as one additional studio.

We were smack in the middle of the French Quarter and walked absolutely everywhere. Bourbon Street was the next street from ours and, although we were that close to the action, we were able to have quiet when we wanted it.

Tags: French Quarter Lodging, French Quarter Rentals, Inn the Quarter, Inn the Quarter review, New Orleans Lodging, New Orleans rentals
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Brennans

Sunday, January 16th, 2011

417 Royal St
New Orlean, LA
(504) 525-9711

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You are probably getting tired of hearing this but Brennans is…

1-another place we visit every single time we come (see Port of Call)

2-another experience in New Orleans that you cannot have anywhere else (see Cafe Du Monde)

So…you really should go….and you really should go for an absolutely over the top breakfast.

When you first enter you are greeted by the hostesses and then immediately escorted to the bar (Yes, I know it it the morning, but just go with it) where they share a full breakfast drink menu. I went traditional with a bloody mary but it was way above ordinary. I think the best part were the spicy pickled green beans.

On this trip there were two couples….three of us ordered the New Orleans Breakfast which includes and appetizer, entree and dessert. D and I both ordered the MAUDE’S SEAFOOD OKRA GUMBO- This is a slightly spicy and totally flavorful gumbo with large chunks of seafood.

I chose SHRIMP SARDOU which is “Deliciously spicy fried shrimp atop sliced artichoke bottoms nestled in a bed of creamed spinach and covered with Hollandaise sauce”. I could eat only about 1/3 of the huge, delicious entree but don’t despair D ate the rest the next day.

D selected EGGS NOUVELLE ORLÉANS–”Poached eggs served on a bed of lump crabmeat topped with a brandy-cream sauce”. As you can guess, extremely rich and unbelievably delicious.

We both selected the house specialty for dessert-BANANAS FOSTER “A Brennan Creation and now World-Famous. Bananas sautéed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and banana liqueur, then flamed in rum. Served over vanilla ice cream. Scandalously Delicious!” This is an entire production created right at your table…I don’t even like bananas and I just love it!

Tags: Breakfast New Orleans, Brennans, review brennans
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