#border grill

For the third consecutive year, Veganuary presented by Vegans, Baby returns to Sin City.

This month, it’s easier than ever for people to go vegan. For the third consecutive year, Veganuary presented by Vegans, Baby returns to Sin City while launching in two new cities – San Diego, CA and Portland, OR.

  Veganuary presented by Vegans, Baby

With the goal of making vegan life accessible and approachable, Vegans, Baby’s monthlong celebration features restaurants offering special vegan…

MacRostie Wines Help No Kid Hungry

Recently I sat down with Gillian Jeske Dodd from Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Partners at a Taste of the Nation LA preview dinner at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.

She enlightened me about one of the evening’s sponsors, MacRostie Winery & Vineyards. This state-of-the-art winery is located on a picturesque hilltop overlooking the bucolic Russian River Valley in California.

Established in 1987,…

I’ve always wondered about the Santa Monica Farmers Market. I was expecting to be impressed but it didn’t seem that different than other farmers markets in the LA area. The Santa Monica FM says it offers the “largest percentage of certified organic growers of any market in the city” with weekend menu options from downtown restaurants.

The farmers market covered 4 blocks and is close to Third Street Promenade. I spotted produce, jam, baked goods, flowers, grassfed meat, cheese – the usual items with fewer samples and more panhandling. There was one food truck from Border Grill – I expected more prepared foods.

The market is held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays.

3 out of 5 stars.

Border Grill actually spawned a lot more than just a truck so that title might be misleading. They’ve got locations and trucks in multiple spots around LA and a couple of locations in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, their Santa Monica location is closing down, but I don’t get to Santa Monica that much so the truck always works for me. In fact, it’s the only way I’ve ever experienced Border Grill.

The line was short, only five people ahead of me when I walked up to it. Of course, once I blinked and turned around the line practically extended the corridor of the office building I work at. Maybe not the whole corridor, but it was a lot longer than when I got there.

As Ray Davies once sang, “I’m a hog for you baby,” and that means carnitas was what I needed. I went with two. I also had green corn tamal for my health.

What’s not to love about their carnitas? They were tender and juicy and made me want to run home and slow roast a pig myself in the vain attempt to recreate Border Grill’s perfectly executed carnitas. The cabbage added a freshness and crunch and the cheese rounded the whole taco out. 

What is green corn tamal? Don’t I mean tamale? No, does that look like a tamale? It’s like a tamale all mixed up with crema and salsa on top. Maybe they skip the wrapping in a corn husk part? I don’t know and I don’t care cause it’s my favorite thing they have on the truck and it was just as delicious as I remember it being. 

Eat|See|Hear, LA’s Premier Outdoor Movie, Food Truck & Live Music Series Schedule

Now in its fifth year, LA’s unique traveling outdoor film live music and food truck weekly extravaganza (Eat|See|Hear) announced their Spring/Summer schedule for summer 2016 a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, no outdoor film series will be permitted to screen the Star Wars Trilogy.  The resulting changes to the schedule are outlined below.  Additionally, in memory of…

Welcome to Your Ultimate Las Vegas Getaway (Part 3: Rest and Repose)

It’s been awhile since you had a vacation and you need some downtime STAT. You know there are tons of things to do to relax but you’re tempted to stay in your room all weekend and sleep. Here are a few ideas that will make you happy you ventured out.

Stay at Delano™ Las Vegas

You seek a sanctuary and this all-suite boutique hotel has it. Chic style and clean lines define the space and conjure images of its famous Miami counterpart. Each suite offers floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting sweeping views of Las Vegas, and serves as a dreamy retreat from the rest of the world.

Eat at…

Javier’s at ARIA® This is a good option for a few drinks and leisurely dinner. Begin at the statement-making bar, replete with an illuminated rope installation and some of the world’s best tequilas, for a fierce hand-shaken margarita. Then move to the dining room marked by a carved-wood backdrop highlighting the glory of Aztec culture for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Café Gelato or Palio at Bellagio® This quick-stop spot has everything you need for an on-the-go breakfast. You can even find cold-pressed, USDA-certified organic juice to increase vital enzymes and elevate your mood.

CRUSH at MGM Grand® The small-plate menu features favorites with a cosmopolitan edge such as the Angus Mini Burgers topped with buttermilk blue cheese, balsamic onion and a fried quail egg. Sit in the solarium for a little light therapy, as it emulates the sun’s natural rays, and linger over a selection from their list of wine, cocktails and beer.

Border Grill at Mandalay Bay® Go for an al fresco brunch and relax as you take in the view of Mandalay Bay Beach. Try a Border Bacon Mary—bacon-infused vodka, horseradish and red pepper-spiced tomato juice—and then feast on breakfast staples with a modern Latino twist. The Bananas Foster Crepes with cajeta, tequila-infused maple glaze and horchata foam delivers just the right amount of indulgence.

Play at…

BATHHOUSE SPA at Mandalay Bay This is where you can push the metaphorical reset button. Modern and minimal with just the right amount of natural, meditative elements, it is as visually appealing as the treatments are healing.

Cypress Pool at Bellagio Surrounded by cypress trees and characterized by a Mediterranean aura, this is the pool for those who prefer understated elegance. All you need to do is stretch out on a daybed with a book in one of the five courtyard settings and relax. (And in Vegas, pools are open year-round!)

Shadow Creek Golf fans can score a tee time to play 18 holes at the world-famous, Tom Fazio-designed course, which is exclusive to MGM Resorts guests.

HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD at New York-New York® Stress eating isn’t good, but enjoying a kiss from one of the world’s most famous chocolatiers is just what you need. Step into the West Coast flagship store and find more than 800 candies as well as a chance to personalize your own candy bar wrappers.

Carrot Top at Luxor® If laughter is the best medicine, you’ve come to the right place. Called the “Best Male Stand-Up Comedian” and the “Entertainer of the Year,” Carrot Top’s hilarious and offbeat brand of prop-filled comedy will inject levity into your night.

Via Bellagio While not always recommended, a little retail therapy can do wonders for your peace of mind. Stroll through the beautiful boutiques that fill Via Bellagio, such as Chanel, Gucci, Dior and Prada, to name a few.

This article originally appeared in M life magazine and was written by Jessica Villano.