Travel Tuesday: The Beauty of the Wynn Las Vegas Golf Course

There are many hidden jewels in Las Vegas and the Wynn Las Vegas Golf Course is one of them. Not a golf enthusiast? You can still enjoy the beauty of this stunning setting while dining at the Wynn Country Club. Travel tip: be sure to make reservations and request to sit outside. 

Traveling brings so much wonder and discovery even in your own home town can leave one speechless. I was inspired by a quote I came across by Freya Stark and paired it with a photo I took while dining with friends at the country club the food great)! 

"Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.” – Freya Stark

Savoury Saturday- Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup 

1 tbsp olive oil 

1 medium onion, chopped 

200g mushrooms, roughly chopped 

200g potatoes, chopped 

1 tsp garlic purée 

1 tsp parsley 

1 tsp ground black pepper 

600ml vegetable stock 

2 tbsp creme fraiche 

1. Sautee onion & garlic until softened 

2. Add mushrooms & potatoes and sautéed for 2 minutes 

3. Add stock & seasoning 

4. Simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are cooked 

5. Blitz with a hand blender add creme fraiche & enjoy 

Day 12: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. Rice Christmas Squares

Rice Krispie treats 

Makes 12 squares 

100g butter 

200g marshmallows 

150g Rice Krispies 

Red colour mist

Light pink edible glitter 

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a large pan 

2. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until melted and blended with butter

3. Add Rice Krispies and stir until fully covered. 

4. Press into a 7" square tin lived with wax paper 

5. Spray with food colour spray and sprinkle with edible glitter 

6. Score, Leave to set for 40 minutes, fully cut squares & enjoy 

Day 11: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. WLFEO Wed:Christmas Season Memories in London.

Last year, we had a bonus adventure in December! It was such a treat after seeing each other a month prior. Monica came back to the UK with her brother Paul and his three best friends from grad school. 

We had a little bit over 24 hours since I had to tend to my sweet family back in Lymington, the next day. We still always manage to have so much fun!!

 Russell Square-PH Hotel, great place to stay!! 

We spent the day wondering and wandering around Covent Garden, an excellent area of London that's thriving with people, shops, and restaurants. 

 We then enjoyed Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. What a beautiful transformation to the park!!

There were many craft and food booths. Plus, Christmas music!! 

Later in the evening we enjoyed a great time at the Mews on Mayfair and met up with Paul and his friends. 

It was just like old times during our university days. 

 We enjoyed fab bubbly, delicious food, and were surrounded by great company.

Amazing, isn't how? How at the moment we often don't realize we are making memories for a lifetime. Cheers!

Day 10: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. Festive in Southern Hampshire

On the Dorset/Hampshire county border there is a tiny street, only 5 houses long that have all collaborated to create a fantastic Christmas light extravaganza! The street is packed with people taking pictures and enjoying the Christmas spirit! 

Day 9: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. Crafting Christmas Memories with Children.

We love creative projects at Bon Voyage Friends! Making homemade Christmas ornaments is a great way to not only create and have fun, but a perfect way to incorporate children (including infants)!!!

I first made the Santa hand print ornaments last year, capturing Alfie's hand imprint when he was 6.5 months old. Close family and friends just loved them! Its so fun to have little ones and I enjoy getting everyone involved in family projects, including my newborn, Ollie!

The ornament dough recipe is from Pinterest (if you want more detailed instructions, you can search  Pinterest for "Santa Salt Dough Ornament) or visit this site: http://fromabcstoacts.com/2013/12/40-christmas-crafts-snacks-activities-kids.html

Left to Right: Rudolph Ornament, 19 month-old Alfie's hand print. Festive Bone: in honour of our family dog, George. Santa Claus, 4 week-old Ollie's hand print. Snowman: 4 week-old Ollie's foot print. How precious to be able to craft and mold these memories!!

Foam ornaments with pictures also brighten up any tree. You can make these using stencils, foam sheets, glue, and ribbons.

Monica proudly displays Alfie's 2013 Christmas ornament on her family's tree. Homemade ornaments make great gifts, they are unique and sentimental. Happy creating!

Day 8: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. Notre Dame at Christmas Time 2013

Travel has brought endless joys and blessings into so many different aspects of my life. I visited the Notre Dame during Christmas time last year and wanted to share a previous post about Notre Dame and 5 Lessons of Faith. 

http://bonvoyagefriends.blogspot.com/2013/12/inspirationnotre-dame-and-5-lessons-of.html

During the Christmas and Holiday seasons and beyond, may your your hearts be filled with love and joy.

Day 7: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. Fashion Show Mall Las Vegas

The Fashion Show is decked out for the Christmas Season and this year they added a new attraction to their Christmas festivities. The Ultimate Santa Experience, a family friendly activity that takes you through a magical adventure and leads you to Santa. More details below.

A view of The Ultimate Santa Experience, a partnership with the Fashion Show Mall and Dream Works animation.

Chanel advertisement at the Fashion Show Mall. Love the surrounding sparkle!

Christmas Tree at the Fashion Show Mall.

Interested in visiting The Ultimate Santa Experience?

Courtesy of:  http://www.thefashionshow.com/events/santa-photos

Santa Photos

11/14/2014 - 12/24/2014

Location: The Great Hall, lower level Nordstrom

Visit the Ultimate Santa Experience!
November 14 - December 24

Fashion Show and Dream Works Animation take guests on a never-before-seen, magical experience with Adventure to Santa. Join Shrek and his friends as they take you on an interactive journey to find Santa at the North Pole.

Once your journey is complete, you'll visit with Santa and pose for a keepsake photo of your unforgettable experience!

This 15-minute adventure is a must-do for the entire family! Reserve your spot today.

For Reservations: 

http://www.dreamplaceexperience.com/#/welcome/mall/1/schedule

Day 6: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

The conservatory at the Bellagio is always a gorgeous exhibit, especially during the Christmas season. I can't wait to visit the Bellagio soon and see what their talented artists have created!

The photo below is from the 2013 Christmas exhibit, I love how the design is changed every year. I look forward to sharing new pictures, soon!

More about the gardens, current exhibit, and hours. Source: https://www.bellagio.com/attractions/botanical-garden.aspx

Current Exhibit: Winter Holiday
On display through January 3, 2015.

Catch Mr. & Ms. Green Thumb daily in the Conservatory between the hours of 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. providing tips and answering your questions about the gardens.

Guests can enjoy live musical performances daily from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the South Garden

Brilliance abounds inside our breathtaking Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The attention to detail is astounding. The passionate display of nature in all its awe-evoking glory - quite simply, sensational! Let your imagination wander as you assume a leisurely stroll amongst rare natural finds selected distinctively for Bellagio from all over the world.

Admire the essence of every season recreated with exceptionally gorgeous plants, flowers and trees thoughtfully arranged to inspire full splendor. Specially designed lighting spotlights every flower to accentuate its best features. To ensure the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens maintains magnificence 365 days a year, 140 expert horticulturists theatrically arrange gazebos, bridges, ponds, and water features uniquely for each season. Treat yourself to this unrivaled attraction's ever changing personality for the Holidays, Chinese New Year, spring, summer, and fall!

• Hours:
  Open 7 days a week, 24 hours.
• 2014 Exhibit Calendar
  Winter Holiday | Dec 4 – Jan 3, 2015
• 2015 Exhibit Calendar
  Chinese New Year | Jan 9 - Mar 1
  Spring Celebration | Mar 6 - May 11
  Summer Garden | May 15 - Sept 7
  Autumn Harvest | Sept 18 - Nov 30
  Winter Holiday | Dec 4 - Jan 8, 2016
• Open to General Public
• Free admission

Day 5: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. Treat Thursday Chocolate Soufflé

Divine! The best word choice I can think of to describe the amazing soufflé Marlène taught during my wonderful stay at the Le Gargantua cooking holiday nestled as a Farmhouse in Southwest France. Sharing these recipes brings so many smiles to my face, its only been a few months since I experienced one of the most memorable holiday adventures-but I have memories for a lifetime.

Chocolate soufflé made at Le Gargantua Farmhouse.

If you love chocolate, this recipe will fulfill your cravings!! I was enthusiastic to learn how to make soufflé, but at the same time, I felt intimated about creating this delicate delight. I promise-creating a soufflé  is not as intimidating as people perceive it to be. Its important to have your ingredients ready, especially when incorporating the egg whites into the chocolate custard mixture. Thank you again, Marlene for allowing me to share the recipes from the cooking holiday with our friends.

Bon Appétit!


SOUFFLE AU CHOCOLAT
pour 6 personnes


INGREDIENTS:

For the chocolate cream:
350 ml milk
80g caster sugar
4 egg yolks
30g flour
50g cocoa powder, sifted
180g dark chocolate ( 70% cocoa), finely chopped

For the soufflés:
8 egg whites
30g caster sugar

For the ramekins:
40g butter
40g sugar


PREPARATION:

•    Butter and sugar the ramekins
•    Make the cream: in a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil with 2/3 of the sugar.
•    Whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until thick and pale.
•    Add the flour to the eggs with a hand whisk
•    Pour the hot milk whilst whisking.
•    Return the mixture to the saucepan and stir with a whisk until the cream thickens and boils.
•    Cool down in iced water, then when it reaches room temperature, add the cocoa powder and the 
     chopped chocolate.
•    Preheat the oven to 200°C.
•    Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and whisk.
•    When they get fluffy, add the sugar and whisk more, until soft peaks.
•    Incorporate 1/3 of the egg whites to the cream with a whisk then fold in the rest with a spatula.
•    Pour into the ramekins and flatten the surface with a knife.
•    Bake for 10-12 min.
•    Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.


Want to learn more about Le Gargantua, visit:

Web Site: www.legargantua.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/legargantua

Blog: http://legargantua.wordpress.com

Day 4: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends. WLFEOWed: Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan, Adpi Sisters

As Di and I have shared with all of our friends around the world, our sorority-Alpha Delta Pi has a special place in our hearts. 

A few weeks ago, I had a fantastic time at the Cosmopolitan Ice Rink with sorority sisters Emily, Shanna, and Marion (pictured above).  

The friendships I made during my collegiate years are special. But what has truly surprised me most are the friends that I made by becoming an advisor for the UNLV chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. 

Shanna was chapter president right before I became an advisor so I didn't get to know her while she was an undergrad but she has so much passion and dedication for the sorority and has led the alumnae efforts for several years. It's been so great getting to know her. 

I met Marion during the first week of classes my freshman year of college, she was the chapter president and one of the reasons why I wanted to join the sorority. I have always looked up to her and am so grateful being advisors brought her back into my life. 

Emily attended school at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and was initiated at the Zeta Psi chapter. She's fun, creative, always optimistic and has she has showed how regardless of chapter we all share a special bond.  

These girls have just been an incredible support and great friends, I always look forward to and enjoy when we all get together. I truly value these ladies being in my life and look forward to many great memories ahead. 

I didn't realize how much I needed a night out with friends. It was a light hearted evening and we laughed, made s'mores on the fire pit, drank delicious beverages, and enjoyed this fun winter wonderland in Las Vegas. 

More about the Cosmopolitan Ice Rink 

This seasonal attraction is a perfect winter wonderland activity for couples, families, and friends. The Boulevard Pool is transformed into a rooftop ice skating rink. 

There are also fire pits, delicious treats, and alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages available. Pricing: There is no fee to walk in and enjoy the view, beverages, and food (except roasting s'mores, unless you reserve a fire pit).

If you want to skate its $10 for Nevada residents plus $5 for skate rentals, for non-residents its $15 to skate and $5 for skate rentals. You can bring your own skates. There are also plastic seals available for the little ones to sit on and be pushed around the ice rink. So cute! The pricing for the pits varies, in non-peak times its $25/person and you can use the $25 towards skating fees and food/beverage costs.

The fire pits are great and you can order drinks, foods, and s'mores kits. Food and drinks range from $6-$8 for non-alcoholic drinks and $8-$15 for alcoholic. You can even order a thermos to share with 6-8 people, $25 for hot chocolate and $30 for coffee. Food ranges from $8-$14.

It was such a fun evening with friends and is worth visiting. Where else but Las Vegas would a rooftop pool be transformed into a winter wonderful with snow showers every 30 minutes. Worth visiting!!!

Day 3: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends, Travel Tuesday: Galeries Lafayette Paris

The gorgeous Christmas decor at the Galeries Lafayette in Paris is a wonderful tradition and I am so grateful to have visited the department store three times during the Christmas season. Each year the tree in the center of the flagship location in the 9th Arrondissement (Opéra Quarters). The display last Christmas was just spectacular! It was just incredible to be there and enjoy the festivities, the tree also lit up with music and the village around the tree rotated.

2013 Christmas Tree at the Galeries Lafayette

As I was thinking about how blessed I am to have visited Paris and the fun times spent at the Galeries Lafayette, especially during the Christmas season- it inspired me to research some interesting facts about this flagship department store. I am so grateful for the adventures of travel and look forward to returning to Paris in March with my friends Swati and Maisie. Di's sweet newborn, Ollie, will be too young to go along for this adventure, but with Facetime and Whatsapp -she won't be very far. 

Five Facts About The Galeries Lafayette

History
In 1893, two cousins from the Alsace, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn, decided to open a shop selling novelty items in a small haberdashery, measuring just 70 m2, on the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin in Paris.

Its location and the internal layout of the store, which encouraged customers to move along the aisles in straight lines, led to its name “Aux Galeries Lafayette”. Whilst the venture was a bit of a gamble, the store was in the perfect location near to the Opera and the Grands Boulevards. Crowds of Parisians and visitors from out of town spilled out of the neighbouring Saint-Lazare railway station, attracted by the businesses in the area. Source: Galeries LaFayette http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/culture-and-heritage/

Fashion Shows 
Professional models will be taking part to unveil the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store’s fashion collection. Fashion shows every Monday and Friday at 3pm in the Salon Opéra, 7th floor of the Lafayette Dome* (Duration: 25min.)

*By reservation only, subject to schedule and availability, by telephone on +33 (0)1 42 82 30 25 or by email to fashionshow@galerieslafayette.com

Source: Galeries LaFayette http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/visit-a-galeries-lafayette-fashion-show-2-2/
Free Art Gallery 
Galeries Lafayette has long enjoyed strong links with the worlds of fashion and contemporary design. The Haussmann department store regularly hosts prestigious events, showcasing key designers of the moment as well as introducing its customers to artists whose work has endured the test of time.

In 2001, the Galeries Lafayette group decided to cement its links with contemporary design by creating the Galerie des Galeries, a free-entry art gallery on the first floor of the store, dedicated to exhibiting the cross-over between art, fashion and design. Source: Galeries LaFayette http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/culture-and-heritage/

Shoes, shoes, shoes!!!
The Deluxe Fitting Room. Need to find the perfect pair of shoes? Then the Deluxe Fitting Room in the Shoe Department is where it’s at! Step in and take a look at the 12,000 pairs of shoes and 150 brands! Source: Galeries LaFayette http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/the-deluxe-fitting-room/

Restaurants 
The department store has over 20 restaurant spaces for you to choose from: names renowned and loved the world over such as Le Pain Quotidien, Angélina and Starbucks as well as exclusively designed concepts for Galeries Lafayette like Japanese restaurant Paris Tokyo and the Steak Point.Bon appétit! 
Source: Galeries LaFayette http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/our-restaurants/

Day 2: The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends

The 12 Days of Christmas: Day 2- Thankful for the gift of friendship. Had a delightful time with mentor and friend, Val while we visited the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas Tea Lounge. Always a wonderful experience at the Mandarin Oriental.

 "Getting the most out of life isn’t about how much you keep for yourself, but how much you pour into others." – David Stoddard

The 12 Days of Christmas by Bon Voyage Friends

We hope the beauty of the Christmas and Holiday season is warm and bright throughout the world. May we be thankful for the gift of being able to spend time with family and friends. BVF is celebrating this Christmas season with our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas. During this time we will feature Christmas trees, recipes, stories, and much more. From our homes and hearts, cheers to a blessed and beautiful season. 

Treat Thursday- Banoffee Bread

Makes one loaf

Preheat oven 180C 

75g unsalted butter at room temperature 

25g granulated sugar 

1 egg 

379g Carnation Caramel 

225g flour 

2tsp baking powder 

3 black bananas 

100g chocolate chips 

1. Cream butter & sugar 

2. Add egg & caramel 

3. Sift in baking powder & flour gradually, mix by hand until fully blended 

4. Add bananas and chocolate chips, stir until fully blended 

5. Pour into greased loaf tin and bake 65 minutes

Savoury Saturday: French Cuisine, Quail and Fruit Salad. A Farmhouse Cooking Holiday Recipe.

I am smiling as I write this blog post because it instantly takes me back to Le Gargantua, the spectacular cooking holiday in Southwest France. Amazing isn't it? How travelling is more than an experience for right there and then, its a gift that continues to give. One of my favourite travel quotes is "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer". I am not sure who the quote is attributed to as its widely used on the web without crediting the author, but the words perfectly sum up the investment of travel. I am so blessed and grateful for the opportunity to travel and at BVF we love sharing our personal experiences with each of you and wish you endless adventures ahead.

I am so happy to be able to continue sharing recipes from Marlène's kitchen with our friends around the world. Enjoy and Bon Appétit!

Quail and Fruit Salad

INGREDIENTS 

6 quails, over ready (or substitute Cornish game hen for the quails)

1 small onion, peels and sliced

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed

1 glass of dry white wine

Chicken stock

Thyme

18-20 dried apricots, soaked in brandy + hot water for 20 in then gently browned in butter

150g hazelnuts, toasted in a dry frying pan

Lettuce

Butter

Sunflower Oil, vinegar, salt & pepper

PREPARATION

Heat up some sunflower oil with a little knob of butter in a heavy pan. On high heat, brown the quails on all sides, rotating them as they colour. Set aside.

Sweat the onions, add the garlic, move around and deglaze with the wine.

Return the quails, add some thyme, and add some chicken stocks to cover the quails (or hens) half way up.

Cover and cook on low hear (do not boil) for 20 minutes. Leave to cool in the pan.

When time to serve, divide the quails: 2 legs and 2 breasts. Season.

Season the lettuce with oil, vinegar, salt & pepper, then arrange ingredients on serving plates (if desired, drizzle balsamic glaze).

Feature Friday: Avery's Coffee and Roasting Cafe

I stumbled upon this cute and cozy coffee shop after dining at Viva Mercado's restaurant at Village Square. Since it was Small Business Saturday and BVF loves to explore new places, I went inside and was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered. Avery's is a jewel!! There's a comfortable and calm setting- the warmth is alluring and made me want to stay longer. The owners, Sherman and Linda are so personable and welcoming.

I had a decaf latte with almond milk and just loved that there was an option to get almond milk. The latte was delicious! It was great to also learn that they have their own coffee roaster, one of the few places to have one in Las Vegas. Impressive! 

If you enjoy tea, Avery's also sells loose leaf teas in an array of flavours. 

You can read a book while you enjoy your beverage. 

There's also a variety of gourmet sandwiches and pastries, seems like a great way to relax and unwind. I look forward to returning soon!

Treat Thursday: French Delight, Apple and Prune Tourtière Gasconne. A Farmhouse Cooking Holiday Recipe.

Its been nearly two months since I experienced the memorable cooking holiday at Le Gargantua in Southwest France. The laughter, conversations, field trips, and food were the perfect combination for an incredible experience. I highly recommend this experience to anyone with the desire to spend a holiday learning, relaxing, meeting new people, and having fun ! Marlène is kind enough to let us share recipes from the school, this is the first in the series and many more will follow.

Today's Treat Thursday recipe is a delicious pastry I enjoyed making at Le Gargantua.  The Apple and Prune Tourtière Gasconne was a delicately assembled and delicious flavour combination of sweet and tart with a touch of liquor. It's simple to make and will please guests!  My time spent at Le Gargantua is an experience that I will always cherish and look forward to sharing more recipes from Marlène with our friends around the world. Bon Appetit

TOURTIERE GASCONNE/CROUSTADE

pour 6/8 personnes

INGREDIENTS:

1,5 kg apples

85g butter

8-12 large prunes without stones, soaked in Armagnac

4-5 tbsp of Armagnac

Vanilla extract

50g of caster sugar

8 to 10 sheets of Filo pastry

PREPARATION

Peel, core and slice apples. Cook on low heat with 25g of sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, covered at first until the heat builds up, then uncovered to let the steam out.

Melt 60g of butter and leave to cool

Melt 25g of butter with Armagnac and 25g of sugar. Leave to cool

Fold the sheets of Filo in half in the length. Arrange them in a tart tin, like the sun, overlapping each other at the center of the tin.

Brush every sheet of Filo pastry with the plain butter

 
 Place the drained apples on the pastry, scatter the prunes on top.

 

Fold the pastry over, twisting once, and crunching up the end of each sheet.

Brush the top with butter and Armagnac mixture, insisting on the roses.

Bake in preheated oven (220 degrees C) for 10-12 min, then lower the temperature to 180 degrees C and bake for an additional 20 min.

 

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Travel Tuesday. 5 BVF Favs, Isle of Wight

The time Di and I spent in the Isle of Wight was fun filled and adventurous! Here are 5 BVF Fav Things to do while visiting the IOW:

1. Visit the Needles 
We bought a 24 hour group bus pass (for up to 5 people), and it cost 25GBP. Great deal!! During our adventures we explored the Needles. Take in the views and history!! Visit the National Trust site and enjoy the peaceful environment.

Di's husband Phil, son Alfie, and family dog George enjoying the visit and view.

Another gorgeous moment from the top of the hill.

Stunning view of the Needles.

2. Osborne House 
We featured our visit to the Osborne House in a previous blog entry, it was such an incredible experience!

View of the terrace from the upstairs of the Osborne House.

We enjoyed walking in the gardens, so beautiful!

 
Visit our blog entry featuring the Osborne House for more info http://bonvoyagefriends.blogspot.com/2014/10/feature-friday-lovely-visit-to-osborne.html


3. Dinner at Isla's at the George Hotel


We also featured our woonderful dining experience at the George Hotel. With its Michelin star chef, delicious cuisine, and personable staff-its worth visiting! Check out our previous blog entry for our tasting menu pictorial.

We enjoyed bubbly before dinner. Cheers!

French macaron and pistachio ice cream.

http://bonvoyagefriends.blogspot.com/2014/10/motivation-monday-isla-restaurant-at.html

4. Enjoy Scenic Walks 
Take in nature and enjoy walks around the Isle of Wight, we had a wonderful journey with Di's family while visiting Yarmouth. 
 

We had a beautiful walk in Yarmouth.

Such a peaceful setting in Yarmouth.

5. Lunch at Off the Rails 

Great menu variety, delicious food, and a fun ambiance!! The Rails is a must do when visiting Yarmouth. 

Indoor seating with a tranquil outdoor view!!

Yummy cheddar and tomato sandwich.