Las Vegas, NV, USA: Greek Food Festival

Quick and amazing recommendation.

Make plans now for September 2019!

Every year in September, in Las Vegas, Nevada, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church hosts a 3-day event: the Greek Food Festival.

After 11 years in Las Vegas, I am ashamed that I have only made it to this festival two times. Both times, however, have been extraordinary. It’s not just the shopping, the music, the dancing, or even the food–it’s the coffee!!

Last year I waited for some Greek coffee, which is delicious and it’s own awesome delight. I got to the front of the line and they’re serving Baklava Iced Coffee. Intrigued?

Thank you curiosity because I ordered it, and I absolutely fell in love. I have been to many Greek establishments for meals, and have always kept my eye out for this treat–it’s nowhere else except this festival.

***

Hot day in Vegas–it’s still summer in September, trust me–means iced coffee cools the soul while still caffeinating the body. Iced coffee is a good choice.

Baklava is a delicious sweet dessert, a layered pastry with nuts and honey. Take that sweetness and mix it into coffee, and a bold rich flavor comes alive.

Once you’re caffeinated you can dance, listen to the music, grab some actual Baklava, shop, and enjoy outstanding homemade Greek food. So start planning now: Vegas, Greek Food Festival, September.

September 28, 2018 0

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Bad Owl

I am a Hufflepuff. I thought for sure I was a Ravenclaw. Alas, out of four tests, three times I was deemed a Hufflepuff–one test did say Ravenclaw though! I may have changed a few responses on purpose, but I still think it counts. 😉

Anyway, I have accepted my status, and even embraced my designation–it is an inclusive house. I am incredibly loyal, I am a hard worker, and I do love yellow.

I am a Hufflepuff.

If this introduction made all kinds of sense to you, if you’ve read all the books, if you can name all the Weasleys, and if you know why July 31st is a sacred day–then you might just find yourself in love with Bad Owl.

***

Bad Owl is a Harry Potter themed coffee shop in southern Nevada. At the time of my writing only one location was open. I say this because as I type another location is in the works.

Bad Owl is a beautiful coffee shop with lots to offer for the Potterhead and the coffee connoisseur alike.

The decor is on-point. It’s simple, not overdone, and clever. The first 10 or so visits I kept noticing a detail I had missed in my previous visits. Potter fans will instantly notice the subtle and brilliant references.

In terms of the layout, the location I have visited in Henderson, NV has a few cushioned chairs and a small outdoor seating area. Additionally, there is one nice picnic-like table, some high seating, and some smaller tables with regular seating. The small tables are my favorite as they have Harry Potter inspired quotes on them.

I appreciate the varied seating. I can read on the cushioned seats, stand at the tall tables, sit outside, or spread out on the picnic table.

The amount of plugs is fairly decent. Wifi is free and works well. It is usually relatively quiet; I have been on weekends and weekdays, early morning and late at night, and have always found it to be an exceptional place to work or read while I drink my coffee. Although, I must say I know its popularity is growing as recently I have encountered increasingly larger crowds and some waiting. This fact warms my heart though–more people are discovering this place and now it’s time you do too!

Let’s begin with the all important factor: the coffee.

They use coffee from a local micro-roaster, Colorado River Coffee Roasters–a local and family-owned roastery. The coffee and non-caffeinated specialty drinks are superb.

For some time I was obsessed with their Pistachio Latte; my favorite styling is actually with no espresso, iced, and with whipped cream.

The Butterbrew Latte is seriously the greatest concoction in life. With this drink, if you need caffeine, you do have to add the espresso, as this drink does not automatically come with it. For this drink, I prefer hot and butterbrew whipped cream on top. 🤤

When have I had their coffee? How can I call myself a coffee reviewer and writer? Well, I tried their Almond Latte. It was good–it has actual almond bits in it too, which was super different and unexpected.

I have had their Nutella Latte and I have to say, so far, in all my coffee adventures, it was hands-down the best Nutella Latte I have ever had. It was rich, strong, and smooth. I have a sweet tooth; I have been told it’s too sweet for some, but for me and my sensibilities, it’s perfection.

And, finally, drum roll please, I have had their ultimate caffeinated creation: the Hippogryph.

This is meant for the serious drinker, as an early morning adventure, or something to be shared–in my opinion. I have only done it once, and it was early in the day, and I was by myself. It was a good day to stay hyped and caffeinated–and I hate sharing. So, I took the plunge.

It packs a caffeinated punch! Be wary if you are not a regular coffee drinker. This is a lot of caffeine.

The flavors were all strong, but not overpowering. I was the biggest fan of Unicorn Blood, which keeps you alive in the Harry Potter world but also curses you. As a cursed living lady I’m here to say if you can only visit once this is the experience. If you wanna play it safe, share and give someone else the Unicorn Blood, let them be cursed. 😉

Now, as though all of this weren’t enough, the food is literally too delicious. The waffles are beautiful and fluffy. They come with the most insanely fresh butter and whipped cream. The Avocado Everything toast tastes exactly like an everything bagel. It is beautiful to the eye, filling to the stomach, and delightful to the palette. The BLT is the best BLT I have ever encountered in my life. It is light, well-portioned, and the Japanese mayo is the ultimate flavor elevator.

It astounds me how much this place has to offer and how much it succeeds in each category.

Bad Owl could have fallen flat easily. It could have taken a theme and just leaned on the theme alone, but it didn’t! It exceeds every expectation and reality–it is truly magical. The coffee, the atmosphere, the food, and the staff make the whole experience –did I mention that in all my visits I have always been greeted and served with pure joy?

If you go anywhere next time you’re in town, go to Bad Owl. Whether you’re a Potterhead, a foodie, or a coffee lover, Bad Owl has you covered. Oh, and if you also like adult beverages, they have those too–and a Happy Hour.

What are you waiting for?

Apparate!

Get to Bad Owl now!

May 30, 2018 2

Boulder City, NV, USA: CRCR

CRCR: Colorado River Coffee Roasters

Boulder City is about 45 minutes from The Strip in Las Vegas. It is located near the Arizona/ Nevada border.

When I think of Boulder City, I think ‘under the radar.’ It’s very easy to look over it or to drive by, drive over the Hoover Dam, and keep going. I’m here to say: don’t. Don’t let it slip under your radar.

First, consider what they tell you on the sign: Home of the Hoover Dam. So go see it. Marvel at construction, technology, and a bit of U.S. history.

LRG_DSC00036 (2).jpeg — View from Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Now you’ve seen the Hoover Dam. Well, the Hoover Dam is home to Lake Mead National Park. I’m a HUGE fan and advocate of national parks–they are American treasures, which now more than ever, deserve to be admired. People come from all over the world to admire our parks–you should too.

LRG_DSC00031 (2) — Lake Mead from a viewpoint before reaching the Hoover Dam

Now, there’s lots to do. So, enjoy the lake. Walk through the Historic Railroad Trail. Take a hike. Love nature.

Not outdoorsy? Not really a nature person? Drive around it. There are dirt roads and paved roads to take great photos. In fact, I took a dirt road with a friend and saw a donkey. A real-life donkey, just in its element.

IMG_4698 (2) — Just a donkey, watching me drive by . . .

Ok, at this point you’re thinking a day with man-made and natural beauty sounds fabulous, but I think I need some coffee to make this day better.

Well, I have an answer.

Colorado River Coffee Roasters is a small venue for coffee education and purchase. It is not a coffee shop. It’s a place to learn and taste, and buy.

CRCR roasts Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. During this time you can watch the process and talk to the owners.

It’s a family-owned business. I went twice: once on a non-roasting day and once on a roasting day. Go on a roasting day, the smell is incredible! Not to mention, you get to see the action!

LRG_DSC00194 (2) — Roasted coffee beans–it’s glorious!

The people are super-friendly, ready to show you around, and eager to share about their coffee and its origins. They’ll offer an espresso, or some coffee they have brewed for the day. Correct answer to a sample: yes, please.

It’s a small operation, and again it’s not a coffee shop. I visited for about 10-20 minutes. I took pictures, talked coffee, and purchased some beans. I loved it. It was a great way to sample some coffee, see the roasting process in action, and talk with people who are genuinely and fully passionate about coffee–my kind of people.

So, before or after Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, before perhaps some antique shopping even (Boulder City is great for this too), stop by Colorado River Coffee Roasters.

Tour, learn, taste, and buy.

LRG_DSC00221 (2).jpeg — When I left CRCR I turned onto the main highway and saw Desert Bighorn Sheep. Fresh coffee, Lake Mead National Park, the Hoover Dam, antique shops, and the sight of Nevada’s state animal–Boulder City is amazing!

February 11, 2018 1

Las Vegas, NV, USA: MOTHERSHIP

So you’re in Las Vegas and wondering where to get the best coffee?

There’s really only one response: Mothership.

I will always vote Mothership.

I have other recommendations, but if you can only go to one place, it’s Mothership.

***

Let’s start with some basics: it’s a bit small and hidden. It’s in a Trader Joe’s parking lot and had a friend not heard of it, and told me to meet them there, I would have continued walking by it as I had done for some time.

It’s relatively new, I believe it opened about 3 years ago, so it’s quite the find and many locals are still in the throws of discovery. If you ask someone and they don’t say Mothership, they just don’t know, otherwise they would have recommended it.

The plug situation is not great. For those of you interested in typing away, make sure you’re fully charged–seats next to the powerstrip are limited. For those of you who don’t care, this is probably the best place. I actually appreciate that I see more people sitting and actually talking to one another, or reading an actual book, than plugged into a device. It adds to the experience.

Mothership is owned by a local, like someone who actually grew up in Vegas. For those of you who don’t understand the emphasis–no one is ‘from’ Vegas. Vegas is home to transplants from all over the world, so when someone is from Vegas, that’s noteworthy. It’s some place local, owned by a true local and thats makes going here extra special.

Now, on to the shop itself!

Mothership has a small menu for coffee. It’s not about options, it’s about quality. Not to mention there’s always the ability to tailor any drink to your palette. My forever drink: hot almond milk latte.

I have had the Peruvian pour over, it’s excellent. I had their short-lived lemonade, which was outstanding. I’m actually pretty surprised it didn’t do well. Their hot chocolate is incredible–not overly sweet, just a smooth chocolate that melts in your mouth and travels to your soul.

Locally owned, great coffee, an environment built around the coffee experience, but it doesn’t stop there. Pastries.

The baking is unbelievable. There are sweet and savory options–and vegan options. And everything, literally everything, is delicious.

Recently, they have had these pumpkin pop-tarts that are heaven. The pop-tart breading is just a tad bit crispy around the edges. The filling is creamy–pumpkin joy. The drizzle of chocolate on top offers an added touch of sweetness. It’s flaky and a little messy, but the perfect companion to any coffee drink.

For a year, yes a year, every Sunday, I had a chocolate croissant. Croissant: delicious. Chocolate: delicious. Combining croissant and chocolate? Genius.

As though this weren’t enough, I have never had a bad experience at Mothership. Every barista, on any given day, has been helpful, kind, and ready to explain or offer up something new–should you ask. They know their stuff.

If you’re in Vegas and you want a local gem, it’s Mothership. If you’re driving through Vegas, stop at Mothership. If you live nearby, go now. Whatever the question, the answer is Mothership . . . and if there’s no pumpkin pop-tarts left, I ate them. I apologize in advance.

February 1, 2018 5

Las Vegas, NV, USA: Coffee and Bingo

When I first moved to the Las Vegas area, I only gambled when people were in town. I essentially stuck to The Strip too. At some point though, I ventured into the local casino scene and discovered BINGO.

When I walked by the Bingo Hall, at times, the doors were opened but the place was empty. At other times, it was closed and filled with people. Mostly people far from my age bracket. It was intimidating, but alluring. I just wanted to be able to say I had done it.

So, with some brave friends, I tried it. I haven’t looked back. I’m a Bingo fanatic. I won’t bring trolls, or a fancy dauber bag, but trust me, my love is real.

Bingo is normally about an hour. Sessions are generally odd hours only. Some places have only paper play, others combine electronic and paper play.

In a casino and gambling environment, Bingo is one of the few places where money is guaranteed to last. You pay to play for the full hour; that’s one whole hour you know your money will live. It’s the only time you play until someone wins, that’s pretty positive playing. Although it can be stressful, because you still want to be the winner, but that’s another story.

Finally, Bingo is the cheapest and best deal for gambling fun, or really any paid fun. Only have 5 bucks to spare? No problem, $4 for a blue pack, $1 for a dauber. Go ahead and play.

So what does this have to do with coffee? Well, it’s quite the deal for coffee too, especially spiked coffee.

***

You’re in Vegas and want to gamble but need some coffee this morning?

Here’s my recommendation: BINGO. Specifically, 9 a.m. Bingo.

See 9 a.m. is special, not only do you get free drinks, you get a free donut. All initial sessions of the day–at Station Casinos and Southpoint for sure–donuts are provided to players.

Sunset Station is my favorite Bingo establishment, it’s the closest to my home and I know the workers now, so it’s extra cozy. I also know a few people at Green Valley Ranch, thanks to its distance to my home as well and a few transplants from Sunset. Nevertheless, wherever you go, you’ll be in good hands. People are helpful with Bingo orders as well as drink orders.

And this, this is where coffee enters. You’ll need an extra couple of bucks for drinks, so bring at least $7 not $5. Yes, they are *free* drinks, however I absolutely support tipping.

***

Your recommendation for coffee today: Bingo Hall, Sunset Station (any Station Casino technically). Your order: coffee with Baileys and whipped cream. Baileys at 9 a.m.? This is Vegas. Whipped cream adds 100 calories? Well, I might run around after winning Bingo, so I’ll take my chances.

And that my friends is my first coffee find and insight for you. Bring cash (all Bingo halls are cash only businesses), drink, play.

***

If you’re worried about smoke, head over to Red Rock Station or Green Valley Station, there’s a separate room for smokers and non-smokers, won’t smell a thing.

If you go anywhere else, there are separate sections for smoking and non-smoking. So just sit at the far end of non-smoking like I do.

January 22, 2018 1