Sunny Sunday: Gilcrease Orchards in Las Vegas

Spending time with my mom, last weekend at Gilcrease Orchards, was such an enjoyable adventure!! Gilcrease is a family owned orchard approximately 20 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip. The history of the orchard is quiet unique and you can visit this link for the detailed histor: http://www.thegilcreaseorchard.org/history-orchard

Walking around the orchard brought back childhood memories of spending time during the summers in Northern, California. In an instant my childhood awe and wonder were back, it was just as thought I was 10 again picking fruit at an orchard in CA and enjoying summer time fun. 

I hope you enjoy the photo tour included below and have the opportunity to visit this jewel in the desert. 

Tips for Visiting Gilcrease Orchards

⚫ Be respectful of nature

⚫ Check the opening days before you     

    head out and arrive early

⚫ Stay hydrated 

⚫ Bring reusable bags for gathering  

    produce

⚫ Watch your belongings 

⚫ Embrace the experience and enjoy the  

    simple joys of picking fruits and   

    veggies 

Gilcrease Orchards Information 

Days open: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays 

Operating hours: 7am-12pm 

Address: 7800 North Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131

Website: www.thegilcreaseorchard.org

 

Childhood nostalgia at Glicrease. 

Complimentary wheelbarrows for gathering produce. 

Apple trees at Gilcrease. 

Great educational components! 

I had such a great time picking fruit! 

Patrons enjoying their visit to Gilcrease. 

Zucchini, cucumber, and tomatoes were also in season. 

Yummy peaches!! 

There was an abundance of pears. 

Delicious apple cider made on site. 

Fresh fruit we picked at Gilcrease. 

Yummy peaches! 

Zucchinis, tomatoes, and apples! 

Feature Friday: Las Vegas Restaurant Week

It's that time of year and one of my favorite traditions with friends- Restaurant Week. Over 150 restaurants on and off the Las Vegas Strip participate in the city wide efforts to raise money for Three Square Food Bank. 

Restaurant Week begins today and runs through August 28th. It's such a wonderful way to be engaged with helping others and an extra added bonus is trying to many great restaurants at often discounted rates.  

All of the menus are prix fix and depending on the restaurant, some even offer lunch options. 

Society Cafe at Encore had a wonderful menu during the Spring 2014 Restaurant Week! 

An excerpt from the Three Square gives a great description of the impact Restaurant Week has on our community. 

"We are proud to report that since 2007 over 2.5 million meals have been provided for those in need through Restaurant Week. Today, Three Square feeds more than 100,000 men, women, children and seniors each month; however, the need is estimated at three times our current reach. By joining us for Las Vegas Restaurant Week, you are helping us get closer to our goal of feeding the 320,000 food insecure people in Southern Nevada. All proceeds from Restaurant Week remain local and help Three Square in its fight to end hunger in Southern Nevada."

For additional information on how Three Square is providing wholesome food to hungry people, please visitwww.threesquare.org.

Bon Appetite!!  

Motivation Monday: Just have fun!

George Bernard Shaw said it best. "We don't stop playing because we grow up; we grow old because we stop playing.  

Who says we have to be kids to let go, play, and be free? This past weekend, I had a wonderful time visiting Gilcrease Orchards with my mom. Instantaneously, summertime childhood memories from time spent in Northern California resurfaced. We use to visit orchards, tun around, and enjoy the sweet nectar of summer fruit. As I reflected on my childhood, I gained a desire to just let go and embrace the moment. 

So go out and explore nature, have fun, use your imagination, be a kid again, and go play!! 

P.S. 

Look for Sunny Sunday's post to read more about Gilcrease Orchards-a   hidden jewel in the desert. 

Savoury Saturday: Review 35 Steaks and Martinis, Hardrock Hotel

It's easy to see why 35 Steaks and Martinis was recently a contender for Vegas Eater's Best Steakhouse.  The manager, Mario Gonzalez is a class act and Chef Marty has created a superb menu. I spent a delightful evening with friends and look forward to experiencing the delicious cuisine again!!!

Ambiance 

The steakhouse features a great motif, it's an ideal place for a celebratory evening or business gathering. Plus there's a great bar if you want to enjoy happy hour. 

Enjoy Happy Hour in the bar and lounge!

Nice ambiance!

Service

Mario and his team provided an elevated level of service- it was phenomenal. Everyone was friendly, courteous, knowledgeable. Mario has vast knowledge and creates an experience that exceeds expectations. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious!! 

Mario Gonzalez, General Manager.

Menu and Pricing

The menu offers a wide range of options and everything was delicious! We started with steak tar tar and an impressive array of seafood. 

For dinner, I absolutely loved the Chilean Sea bass, its my favorite fish and its the best Chilean Sea bass I have ever had! It was perfectly prepared and accompanied with succotash. Wow, Chef Marty!

My friends enjoyed Wild Salmon with risotto (again, best risotto I have ever had), and scallops. We didn't have room for dessert but based on everything else we enjoyed, I am certain dessert would have been grand.

Presentation and Taste
The presentation of the seafood alone was impressive!! Every appetizer and entree had a beautiful presentation! The perfect wine pairings enhanced the already amazing flavors we enjoyed.

Overall Experience 
35 Steaks and Martinis is a must!! The experience from start to finish complemented a wonderful evening with friends. Time well spent!!