Dinner at Brand, Drinks at Union

Hi all!  I couldn’t wait to tell you about my amazing night on Saturday!  I went to a dinner hosted by Light Group, with a mix of editors, writers, bloggers, and PR representatives. 

We started the night off at Brand Steakhouse  inside the Monte Carlo Hotel.

The restaurant has a modern vibe, with dark and seductive lighting.  Perfect for a romantic date, but not so perfect for a food blogger.

After many failed attempts at some super orange pictures, I resorted to using (picture me cringing) the flash!  You see, a number one rule in food photography is to never use the flash.  But this was, as I said, a last resort.  Unless you wanted a picture-less post…but what fun is that.

Enough of my rambling… back to dinner.

At the start of the meal, the chef came out to welcome us.  A wine sommelier also came around the table and offered us a red or white which she personally selected. 

I went with the red which I found was a grenache and syrah mix from Spain.  Here is more info about this amazingly delicious wine.

Then the appetizers came out!  First, we started with raw oysters.  When it comes to food, I’ll usually try everything once.  So I figured I why not try an oyster.  Not bad!  I think with oysters, you have to just get used to the consistency.

The other appetizers included…

Beef carpaccio served with pickled shallots, truffle vinaigrette, crispy toast points.

New york strip served on hot rocks.

This was such a neat concept.  The river rock is heated to 700 degrees!  The meat gave a nice sizzle when you layed it on the stone. The meat was juicy and had a wonderful seasoning.

Colossal crab louie with fresh lemon and louis sauce.

Tuna tartare served with pine nuts, asian pear and toast points.

While enjoying every delicious bite, I caught up with some of the other attendees.  Here is a picture with a couple from the evening.  Johnny works for Sinner Magazine, here in Vegas.

For my entrée, I decided on the 8oz. filet.  I rarely eat steak, so it was a treat to order it.  The filet was tender and juicy and just about melted in my mouth.

Me + Delicious Food = Big Smiles

I think the hit of the night were the side dishes. Among them, gratin with gruyere cheese and roasted garlic cream,

wood grilled asparagus served with truffle fondue sauce, wild mushrooms with white wine, shallots, fresh herbs,

and, my favorite dish of the night, baked mac and cheese.

I know you’re thinking, this girl goes to a steakhouse and her favorite item is from the side dishes.  But trust me when I say that from the very first bite of the mac and cheese I knew I was hooked.

I am telling you hands down, this was the best mac and cheese I’ve ever tasted.  Every bite was blanketed in cheesy goodness.  One of the best comfort foods. 

I was literally in a food coma, everything tasted so good.

I didn’t think the night could get any better, until we headed over to grab a drink at Union inside the Aria.

Union had very stylish décor and (even though this sounds weird, the bathrooms were super retro and fun! In Vegas, bathrooms are kind of a big deal. )

The server brought out a round of a drink called berrylicious.  I just adored the fruit skewer on top.  I did eat all of my fruit.  I am a dietitian after all.

This is the kind of drink that can get you in trouble.  Why you may ask?  Cause it is so darn delicious, you forget it’s alcoholic.  But no worries, I only had the one.

It was a wonderful night filled with fabulous food and making new friends! Thanks to Light Group for making it happen!

What is your favorite side dish? Favorite fruity drink?

*Disclosure- The events of the evening were provided courtesy of The Light Group. My opinions are completely honest and my own.

Tagged as: aria, brand steakhouse, monte carlo, union, vegas