STK Las Vegas

If you follow me on my social platforms (especially Snapchat … @susieoz), you’ll know that I’ve been spending some time in Las Vegas for work.  One evening I was able to try out STK at the Cosmopolitan.  Eddie and Angelee, the dynamic duo behind His + Her went along with me to the Chef’s Menu–a smattering of their best dishes–the night before we skipped town.  The NYC transplant offers a decidedly sexy steakhouse feel.

We were greeted by our very friendly server and started with a few drinks to ease into the night.  I was told that the Strawberry Cobbler Martini (Belvedere, strawberry, graham cracker crust) is their most popular drink … which was delicious, but a bit sweet for a dinner drink, so save this one for dessert.  Later on I tried the … Not Your Daddy’s Manhattan (Bulleit Bourbon, Fernet Branca, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth).  It was much more my speed and the Fernet was a surprisingly perfect addition to the traditional manhattan.

(Bear with me through the pictures … the lighting is quite low in there and I didn’t have my camera. ?)

Our waiter began our tasting with a Caesar Salad, Tuna Tartare, a plate of large shrimp, and a cluster of their bleu cheese pull-apart bread.  The pull-apart bread was nearly irresistible.  They serve it with a cilantro oil that was unreal … Angelee and I all but licked the ramekin it came in.  (Also, since I’m allergic to bleu cheese, they kindly served one portion without the glaze.  So kind!)  I usually don’t mess with salads … who wants to waste the space?  But this one was worth a few bites … especially the housemade croutons.  The Tuna Tartare, served with perfectly crispy taro chips, was fresh, tender, and had a soy honey sauce with it that was to die.  I’d definitely recommend ordering this!

Being a steakhouse, STK obviously had a bomb steak–nice and tender … so tender that we could cut it with our butter knives.  (If I were ordering it for myself, I’d have ordered it medium instead of medium well, but to each her own.)  The Seared Big Eye Tuna (served with wasabi potato, maitake mushrooms, and sweet miso jus) was seared to perfection and nearly fell apart.  We nearly had to flip a coin to decide who got the last piece … and you better believe that the sweet miso sauce was sopped up … and some bread may have been dipped in it, too.  I personally enjoyed the Free Range Chicken (served with polenta fries, smoked tomato whiskey, and green beans) the most because I couldn’t get enough of the green beans.  They had a simple soy-based sauce that made them like crack to me.

For me, dessert after steak is completely unnecessary–I’ve had my awesome meal and don’t need something else to fill me up even more.  However, if you go to STK and don’t order the STK Donuts (sweet potato donuts, maple glaze, candied pecans), then you’re doing it wrong.  These things were little pillows of goodness and I stared the discomfort of a full belly right in the face, defied it, and ate two.

Make sure to make a reservation if you plan to visit STK on your next visit to Vegas … if for anything, for their take on the Manhattan and those GD green beans.


STK Las Vegas
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
(702)698-7990

Fa-la-la-la-liquor: Festive Cocktails

’Tis the season for good cheer generosity big freakin’ family gatherings. Do you have a game plan for ensuring your loved ones remain in a holly-jolly mood? If you don’t, you should. Arrive armed and ready, and even your Aunt Irma (you know, the one who dresses her cats in little outfits and takes them for walks in a stroller) will be feeling merry and bright by the end of the evening. Allow me to introduce two festive new spirits on the scene- just in time for the holidays- sure to please everyone on your naughty AND nice list …

First, meet Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam’s newest offering. With a refreshing take on family tradition, Jim Beam distillers brought together the taste of crisp, green apples and Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The result is a perfect balance of apple and delicious bourbon, with a light, juicy twist. I found Jim Beam Apple to be delightfully smooth and sippable straight or on the rocks, with a bright, apple flavor, and mellow, oaky undertones.

Jim Beam Apple is also perfect for crafting simple, cravable cocktails. Here are two to try this holiday season:

Hot Apple
1 part Jim Beam® Apple
Hot Cider
Whipped Cream

Build in a heat proof mug. Top with whipped cream.

Jim Beam Apple & Soda
1 part Jim Beam® Apple
2 parts Club Soda
Lemon Wedge

Build over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

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Secondly, I would like to introduce you to your new favorite after dinner drink: Baileys Espresso Crème Irish Cream Liqueur. I mean, what’s not to like here? As the name suggests, this new addition to the Bailey’s collection boasts a bold dark roast coffee aroma on top of the classic Irish Cream. Even granny will like this one.

Tempting cocktails you will want to sample:

Espresso Martini
2 ounces Baileys Espresso Créme
1/4 oz  Vodka
1/4 oz Espresso

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shake filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a Martini glass.

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Bailey’s Eggnog
1 1/4 ounces Baileys Espresso Créme
1/4 oz Irish Whiskey
3 oz milk
1 egg, unwhisked (optional)

Add ingredients to a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass. Add a pinch of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick to garnish.

Enjoy these holiday spirits responsibly, and preferably in this mug. Happy Holidays!

I was graciously provided with complimentary bottles of Bailey’s Espresso Créme and Jim Beam Apple for my sampling pleasure. Both were, in fact, delicious. 

 

Recipe: Hot Buttered Rum

Christmasy drinks can be a little intimidating … at least by name.  I mean, who decided to call a creamy nutmeg treat egg nog or delicious apple cinnamon goodness hot buttered rum?  (What is a nog anyway?)  Well … as scary as the name “hot buttered rum” is, it adheres to the cardinal rule of life (or at least Paula Deen’s rule): adding butter makes it better.  Unfortunately the name isn’t an misnomer.

I found myself in Plano recently and happened into Holy Grail Pub.  Our waitress hardly finished saying the whole phrase “hot buttered rum” before I yelled that I’d have one.  After two sips I demanded the recipe and she nicely obliged.  I whipped up HALF a batch for a recent holiday party, and, even though it wasn’t even a tad cold outside (what the heck’s up with this weather?!), it was the first to run out.  (I’ve also had three attendees ask for the recipe, so I thought posting it was easier.)

HOT BUTTERED RUM (recipe from Holy Grail Pub in Plano)
1 gallon unfiltered apple cider (I really love the cider at Trader Joe’s)
2 Gala apples, cored & sliced 1/16” thick
2 Bartlett pears, cored & sliced 1/16” thick
3 oz fresh ginger root, peeled & sliced thin
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 cups Sailor Jerry spiced rum
1/2 cup butter

Mix all ingredients in a HUGE saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.  Simmer for at least 30 minutes.  Serve warm and garnish with an apple or pear slice and cinnamon stick.
(Makes a whole lot.)

Some quick tips when making this:

  • plan ahead on the size of your saucepan (it really makes more than you expect)
  • if you’re using a beverage dispenser, strain out the solids before you put it in as it’ll clog the nozzle
  • make this ahead of time … it’ll make your house smell ah-mazing

If you’re not into butter in your drinks or making giant batches of drinks, here’s a simpler version that you can spice up as much as you’d like.

SIMPLE SPIKED CIDER
2 parts apple cider
1 part spiced rum
1 dash cinnamon

Mix, warm, and add the following ingredients as desired: apple slices, pear slices, fresh orange juice, orange bitters, cinnamon sticks, more rum

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Check out more winter cocktail recipes on my recipes page!

Old Chicago Mockingbird Station

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom celebrated its first birthday in Dallas since its opening on December 8, 2014 in Mockingbird Station. On December 11th, they hosted a birthday bash with live music, giveaways, and more for the attendees. On December 13th, I attended a media luncheon, where media supporters of Old Chicago were invited to experience their full menu and really extensive beer selection. Additionally, they invited us to experience their limited run of Blue Moon’s Gingerbread Spiced Ale and Martin House’s Pretzel Stout.

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Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom’s Dallas location boasts 36 beers on tap–some unique, some usuals, and some locals–and a menu of handcrafted appetizers, salads, entrees and amazing pizza that will satisfy any craving.

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I first discovered Old Chicago in Arizona with my wife and was immediately hooked. In the three months that we lived in there, we consumed more of their pizza than was socially acceptable. (It didn’t stop us.)  It seems Susie’s had a similar issue avoiding their Italian Nachos.

There are some of the things that make Old Chicago unique:
1) SERVICE: they have excellent service and you’re always greeted kindly at the door.
2) QUALITY: their pizzas are handcrafted and made from scratch every day.
3) LOCAL CONNECTIONS: it always feels like a local pizza joint though there are quite a few locations all over the United States. Their selections of local craft beers really emphasize a connection to the community. Some of the Dallas location’s taps include selections from Lakewood Brewing, Deep Ellum Brewing and Revolver. (Their Friday happy hour beer special is always a Texas beer of the week.)
4) LATE NIGHT: they’re open until 2am every night!!!

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During this event, I sampled the Sicilian Pepperoni Rolls (amazing and very highly recommended) and my personal favorite, the Double Deckeroni Pizza. This pizza is the reason I fell in love with Old Chicago in the first place. It has all the cheese, pepperoni and hot sauce you could dream of in a deep-dish pizza. Other samplings included the Ale Crust Italian Grinder pizza, Hand-Tossed Chicken Wings, and more.

This was an excellent experience, and I want to thank the General Manager, Dan Childers, and their local marketing coordinator, Esther Hirsch, for inviting our team to join. If you haven’t already done so, head over to Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and experience the great food, atmosphere and staff for yourself! Beer selections and pizza choices, along with other dining options, can be found at Old Chicago’s online menu. Also ask about the World Beer Tour, which rewards members for enjoying 110 of the best craft beers locally and across the globe.

Cheers!

OLD CHICAGO PIZZA & TAPROOM
oldchicago.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Mockingbird Station (5319 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 100)
214-821-5700

This event also featured a new amazing bakery in town, Tricia’s Treats, who surprised us all with a personalized cupcake for each attendee. I know we will be seeing great things from them in the future!

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How To: Holiday Spice Syrup

I love a good holiday gifty for friends, neighbor, etc. … in years past I’ve done bacon chocolate, infused liquor, and regular old Christmas cookies, but this year I went with spice syrup.  I’m looking forward to using this in Old Fashioneds at my Christmas Eve family dinner.  (I’m always the bartender at family events … no pressure there.)

This syrup has some serious legs.  It has the essence of a spiced cider without being too overpowering.  (I’m going to avoid the cliche “spice up your cocktail” business here.)

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Spice Syrup (recipe from The Fashionable Cocktail)
1 cup water
2 cups brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 clove
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest (make sure to avoid overzesting)

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until all sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat, allow to cool, then strain.

Taste the syrup and add additional sugar as desired.

I like to use swing-top bottles for my syrups that can be purchased at  SpecialtyBottle.com or Marshall’s/TJ Maxx and add gift tags with recipes like the Spiced Fig & Pear Daiquiris.

Happy Holidays, y’all! Happy gifting.

 

Shout out to Chris from Midnight Rambler for sous chefing on this recipe!  

San Antonio Cocktail Conference 2015 Recap & 2016 Teaser

Each January Texas’ most talented mixologists (and those of us that just really appreciate their craft) gather in Alamo City to learn about new cocktail trends and enjoy some general alcohol-fueled merriment … all while raising money for a great cause!  Think seminars, cocktail demonstrations, liquor tastings, pairing dinners, parties … really, just all the best things.  This year will be the fifth San Antonio Cocktail Conference (SACC) and will take place January 14-17 at the newly renovated St. Anthony Hotel … and you can be part of it.

sacc logo

I mentioned the charity aspect … which the bar industry seems to be all about.  The SACC donates 100% of its profits to Houston Street Charities and actually raised $115,000 in 2015 for The Children’s Shelter, ChildSafe, HeartGift San Antonio and Transplants for Children.  Isn’t drinking for a good cause the best way to drink?

The only thing that comes close to rivaling the amazing cocktails slung at the SACC is the food that keeps attendees (close enough to) sober during the festivities.  From sampling at the opening event at the Majestic by local restaurants to oyster shooters at the Houston Street Stroll (which is not to be missed), the food is as almost as clever as the libations they accompany.

This year’s schedule will offer the usual seminars on everything from  the usual industry-focused panels to complex cocktail concepts.  (Be careful … you could end up with five drinks in front of you before 10am … you know, purely for “research” purposes.)  Some of the sessions that I won’t be missing this year include:

While the edification is important, one must not neglect the parties.  (Because people in the bar industry somehow have some terrifying ability to drink until 4am and be fresh alive at 9am to lead their sessions.)  All evening events include cocktails (obvi), amazing local eats, and live music.

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While i’ve only attended one year, I will be posting a few tips on how to best experience the SACC.  Stay tuned!

Join the fun this year and purchase your ticket now!  If you can’t make it but want to support Houston Street Charities, go ahead and donate!

Dallas #BoozeNews: December 13, 2015

LIMITED TIME OFFERINGS

ii_ihp45csv0_15163d4dd996bcb8Stop into Eureka! in West Village for a taste of the holidays, Gingerbread Man Old Fashioned … complete with gumdrop buttons.
Cost: $12
Available: through January 3, 2016

Proof + Pantry, purveyor of some of the best drinks in the whole of Dallas thanks to Michael Martensen’s brilliance, is serving up the Witch Hanger (a spicy spin on the classic Harvey Wallbanger).  (BONUS: they will also offer $6 Irish Coffees and Manhattans anytime it rains!)
Available: through the end of football season

Paul Martin’s American Grill will offer a special holiday menu including Chilled Alaskan King Crab Legs, Herb Crusted Filet Mignon, and a few festive cocktails (like Egg Nog, naturally).
Available: through January 3

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Hopdoddy’s Frozen Banana Shake

Hopdoddy didn’t go with the traditional holiday treats like gingerbread, egg nog, or peppermint … ohhhh no, they decided that The Frozen Banana Shake (handmade ice cream, roasted banana mash, chocolate sauce, a chocolate dipped banana chip, whipped cream) would be the winner for the holidays.  Grab one and see if you agree!
Cost: $6
Available: through December 20

The Cheesecake Factory is making the holidays even sweeter this season with its ‘Slice of Joy’ gift card promotion and holiday favorite, Peppermint Bark Cheesecake!

Cheesecake Factory Peppermint Cheesecake

Cheesecake Factory Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

gift guide 2015

1. THE HATCHERY MONTHLY CONDIMENT DELIVERY
I’ve always been wowed by those people who have those really unique seasonings or sauces … balsamic fig spread made with figs that were grown only on the east side of hills (because figs are just better when grown facing east?) or some rare salt that has was backpacked up to at least 14,000 feet by left-handed Mongolians in woven bags.  Treat your friends to the gift that can keep on giving and make them THAT host with a membership to The Hatchery, a monthly delivery service that delivers those unique condiments!
giltcity.com | $36 for three months

2. CHEERS PRINT & 2016 DESK CALENDAR
A year ago, I launched the CHEERS line with Southern Fried Paper with some cheeky cards, gilded napkins, prints and coasters, and a desk calendar with a seasonal cocktail recipe for each month.  This print features “cheers” in six languages and is available in white, black, blush, and fuchsia.
SFP Studio (2524 Converse Street in the Design District) or SouthernFriedPaper.com | $26 (print), $18 (calendar)

3. WHISKEY BARREL WATCH WITH ITALIAN LEATHER
These babies are not only sexy, but they have some seriously badass bones.  Made from reclaimed American Oak Whiskey Barrels and paired with Italian Leather, these water resistant watches make the perfect statement … that you love your booze enough to wear it.
originalgrain.com | $159

4. ZANE LAMPREY’S DRINKING JACKET 2.0
I was a Girl Scout … and our leaders always told us to be prepared.  Enter: the Drinking Jacket 2.0, a sort of sartorial Swiss army knife complete with a bottle opener zipper, built-in drinking mitts, a flask pocket, and more.  Oh, and it’s available in black, blue, red, and grey.
missinginkshop.com | $95 (on sale now for $84.99)

5. TUMBLEWEED TEXSTYLES DEZAVALA STAR COPPER MUGS
Moscow mules only seem to taste right when they’re in copper mugs, amiright?  Get these Texas-centric mugs by a local company and sport the DeZavala Star!
TumbleweedTexStyles.com | $24.99

6. BARSMITH OLD FASHIONED MIX
Most of us don’t have great mixology skills, so let this syrup do the work thanks to this sweet, cherry-citrus syrup.  Wrap it up with your friend’s favorite whiskey and it’s a damn perfect gift.
World Market, Total Wine & More, or barsmithmix.com | $4.99

7. MAKER’S MARK SILICON ICE BALL TRAY
Ice balls can take your in-home cocktails from usual to unique.  My team and I have tried quite a few of the molds on the market, but this one is our favorite.  It makes four balls at a time and allows for overflow.
MakersMarkShop.com | $14.95

8. JONATHAN ADLER VICE CANDLE
I love all the things at Jonathan Adler … all the things.  However, I can’t imagine a cooler candle than one that looks sexy and smells like  my favorite thing … booze!  The copper candle (shown) smells like bourbon with notes of plum, leather, birch, and cedar.  BONUS: the vessel can be reused as a vase after the bourbony goodness is burned up.  Vice candles come in champagne (copper), absinthe (chrome), and vodka (silver) and have a 40-hour burn time.
Jonathan Adler store or JonathanAdler.com | $42

9. TOTE + ABLE COLLAPSIBLE FLASK
You just never know when you’re going to need a nip … so be prepared with this BPA-free collapsible flask that holds 16oz of your favorite poison.  Made in the USA, the inside is made of a food-grade lining and the outside is heavyweight cotton with cheeky designs or even Dallas-themed options!
Accents at Mockingbird Station or toteandable.com | $19

10. ABSOLUT ELYX PINEAPPLE GIFT SET
You’ve seen these badass copper pineapple vessels at your favorite bars around Dallas, but they’re more than just a neat tiki touch. Absolut Elyx crafted these gilded fruits to be sold alongside their clean, sipping vodka “crafted from single estate winter wheat”.  They chose the pineapple because it’s actually the international symbol for hospitality!  BONUS: Absolut Elyx teamed up with Water for People, so each Elyx Pineapple sold will give a month of safe water to someone in need.
reservebar.com | $120