Wine With Wanda

Living it Up in Las Vegas

I know they say "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" but, since I'm amongst friends, I'm going to share SOME highlights from my whirlwind weekend in Sin City (hey, a girl has to keep something to herself!) When yours truly was recently invited to enjoy a weekend in Vegas as a guest of the Monte Carol Resort & Casino, I packed my little black dresses and hopped a flight quicker than you could say Elvis has left the building!

Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

Yes, I have visited Las Vegas before but things in this town happen so fast that I knew I was guaranteed to see something shiny and new. In fact, the blingiest thing on the Strip right now is the City Center (a multi-billion dollar gaming, dining, hotel and retail complex). Conveniently, the Monte Carlo is a gateway to City Center via a high-tech & futuristic free 3 minute tram ride.

My Vegas weekend included tasty food, stellar entertainment, and even a little pampering. Time stands still in Vegas and sleep is an afterthought, so a weekend here is equivalent to 4 days anyplace else. Here are a few places worth adding to your itinerary on your next trip to Vegas.

Where to Stay

If unpretentious luxury is what you desire, then book your room at the Monte Carlo With rates as low as $59 per night, you will have plenty of money left over for FUN!  While not as glitzy as some of the other Vegas hotels, the Monte Carlo boasts spacious and comfortable rooms and many amenities. Book a poolside cabana, get your latte fix at the on-site Starbucks, or relax with a spa treatment (I highly recommend the Refreshed & Radiant Facial to erase the signs of jet lag. It is a well-spent $70 for 25 minutes of beauty bliss and wonderful conversation with a lovely facialist named Flower.)

Standard room at the Monte Carlo
 

If you want hotel accommodations with more Vegas sparkle, swankiness awaits you at Hotel 32 on the 32nd floor of the Monte Carlo. This boutique hotel within the Monte Carlo opened about a year ago after a fire ravaged the 32nd floor. Rising from the ashes like a sidelined showgirl who knows the show must go on, the sexy Hotel 32 emerged and its fifty rooms include suites, studios and two-bedroom penthouses. The guest lounge has a breathtaking view of the City Center where the mesmerizing curves of the complex can be viewed while you sip on cocktails. Lavishly yet tastefully decorated, Hotel 32 is a high-tech wonder -  the room's drapes, lights and electronics can be controlled with a nifty remote system. Also, a BluRay player and TV are integrated into the bathroom mirror (no need to miss your favorite show while getting dolled up!) Hotel 32 makes it easy to create your own in-room spa experience - each suite features a hydrotherapy soaking tub and comes stocked with luxurious Kiehl's toiletries. Hotel 32 treats you like the VIP that you are and every guest has exclusive access to a dedicated Suite Assistant who provides butler and concierge services throughout your stay. All reservations also include round-trip limo transportation to and from McCarran airport. That's Las Vegas baby! Best of all, this level of luxury is very accessible - rates at Hotel 32 begin at $150 per night.

A rose petal adorned bathtub at Hotel 32.


Hotel 32 employee Ashley displays an IPhone that is loaned to guests from which they can access concierge and hotel services via a special application.

Hotel options within the new City Center include ARIA, Vdara and the Mandarin Oriental - the ARIA alone has more than 4,000 gorgeously appointed rooms!The attention to detail at City Center is astounding - each property even has a custom scent. If you love art, City Center is Las Vegas's first major collection of contemporary art to be displayed in a public space and includes pieces by Maya Lin and Frank Stella. Indulge in some retail therapy at CRYSTALS - City Center's upscale shopping and entertainment complex houses prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Kiki de Montparnasse.  Best of all, the City Center is a marvel of sustainable design and has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

City Center at night (image courtesy of MGM Resorts International)

Public art at the Mandarin Terrace: Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, Typewriter Eraser, Scale X
(image courtesy of MGM Resorts International)

Where to Eat
Vegas has an endless buffet of fine-dining options but I am going to focus on two within the Monte Carlo.

Brand Steakhouse
Something about Vegas brings out my carnivorous side and being in this lusty town made me want to indulge in a big juicy steak. Located in the heart of the casino floor at the Monte Carlo, Brand is amazingly intimate and retains its own personality while allowing you to soak in the ambiance of the casino. My word of advice: book your reservation here before gambling away all of your money. You must order the Hot Rocks - this thinly sliced and marinated sirloin is served raw alongside a steaming VERY hot rock (don't touch it, really).  Use your chopsticks to place the sirloin on the hot rock and watch it sizzle and brown within seconds. Delicious! I also give the juicy and tender Beef Short Ribs high marks along with the New Wedge Salad (a wedge of lettuce served with red onion, tomato, blue cheese, egg, and bacon mustard dressing.)

Hot Rocks preparation.

    Juicy short ribs!

Andre's Restaurant
Although I did not get a chance to dine at Andre's Restaurant it ranks high on my list of places to visit on my next trip to Las Vegas. I did get to take a tour and I was amazed that this elegant and quiet oasis was tucked in the corner of the Monte Carlo. A AAA- four diamond establishment, many people consider Andre Rochat to be Vegas's first celebrity chef - he's been wining and dining this town for 30 years! The restaurant serves classical French fare and delights oenophiles with their wine list which features over 15,000 vintages. Andre's also has an intimate Cigar and Cognac lounge that looks like a jewel box and has an amazing filtration system - not even a hint of smoke sullied the air. On my next trip, I hope to win the jackpot so that I can indulge in a snifter of 1914 Maison Lheraud Grand Siecle Cognac. David Borowik, the General Manager of Andre's said that, "The 1914 is the 'Year of the Lady.' It marks the start of the First World War when all the men in France went off to fight, leaving their mothers, sisters, wives and daughters to tend the fields. The Year of the Lady is said to be a very elegant and feminine vintage. " Sounds like the perfect Cognac to sip while wearing a little black dress.

   

The Cigar Lounge & Main Dining Room at Andre's

Entertainment 

Here I am with Frank Caliendo as he makes one of his funny faces.

Last but not least, you can't visit Vegas without seeing some live entertainment. I was invited to comedian and master impressionist Frank Caliendo's popular show and even had a chance to meet him backstage - he is a sweetheart. Frank does amazing impressions of everyone from Kermit the Frog to Charles Barkley. And, Frank has an amazing band on stage with him that warms the crowd up. It was hard to contain myself from dancing when they played that timeless 80's anthem Jesse's Girl by Rick Springfield.

If you are fan of magic, Lance Burton ends his 13 year run at the Monte Carlo (the longest of any Vegas entertainer at the same theater) on September 4th. Lance has been voted "Best Magician" 11 years in a row by the Las Vegas-Review Journal.

There you have it - glitzy and decadent with a dash of magic, just another weekend in Vegas!

Declare Your Denim in Times Square to Help Victims of the Gulf Oil Disaster

Considering that I only own one pair jeans, it may seem odd that I would promote an event that encourages ladies to don denim. However, I appreciate an original idea that supports a good cause and Teen's Vogue Declare Your Denim scores on both fronts.

If you know a denim loving teenage girl, tell her to head over to Times Square (Military Island at Broadway between 43rd and 44th) on Wednesday, July 28 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM wearing her favorite pair of jeans. Roving photographers will snap photos of young women in their denim to be displayed live on the Times Square Jumbotron. Free copies of the Teen Vogue August special denim section will also be distributed.

More than just an opportunity to be seen, the event will also feature a charity denim drive in partnership with the Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation to benefit victims of the Gulf Coast oil disaster. Consumers can donate $5 to have a new pair of denim donated from one of Teen Vogue's denim sponsors, or donate a new pair of their own.

Teen Vogue has also collaborated with Essie on a limited edition "Declare Your Denim" nail polish -  a bold, true blue polish that will be gifted with every donation/purchase of denim, while supplies last.

 

California Sunshine in a Glass: Conundrum White Wine

I am a big believer in exploring the world through taste and Conundrum White Wine captures the essence of a California summer. The color of sunshine, Conundrum is a secret blend of California white grapes including Sauvignon Blanc from the Napa Valley, Muscat Canelli from Tulare County, and Chardonnay & Viognier from Monterey County. The exact composition is never revealed - hence the conundrum!

Conundrum's sweet notes of peach, honey and vanilla pair brilliantly with food that has a hint of spice. My favorite Conundrum pairings include carne enchilada (spicy pork) tacos and honey BBQ wings - ideal for a  backyard barbecue. For the perfect summer picnic,  I would recommend pairing Conundrum with a sharp cheese such as manchego or parmigiano reggiano.

The wine is called Conundrum but I'm not confused - it is delicious! Pour yourself a glass or two and start California dreaming!

Conundrum retails nationwide for about $19.99 per bottle.

The Red Carpet at Target in Harlem was SIZZLING!

A favorite of frugal fashionistas everywhere, Target has FINALLY opened their first Manhattan store in East Harlem. Target celebrated the highly anticipated store with a red-hot exclusive party on Tuesday, July 20 featuring an impressive group of famous faces including Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld, Bethenny Frankel and Selita Ebanks. Celebrities shop at Target too! Singer Kelly Rowland told me that she once purchased a little black dress by Mossimo at Target (see video). When asked what he would buy his sweetie from Target, model Tyson Beckford told me he would get the latest Maxwell CD, bubble bath, and baby oil. (see video) Who said Target wasn't romantic?

Here are a few of my favorite looks from the red carpet!

Bethenny Frankel - reality TV superstar, author and creator of the Skinny Girl Margarita looked fantastic in a red frock.

Destiny's Child superstar Kelly Rowland was flawless in a little black dress.

Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks left her wings at home but still looked absolutely angelic.

Jessica Seinfeld is one hot momma in this sparkly green and block mini .

  

Model Tyson Beckford, chef Marcus Samuelsson and comedian Jerry Seinfeld were all on target with their stylish looks.

In addition to stocking all of the cute clothes, travel essentials, and accessories that make shopping at Target such a penny-pinching pleasure, the East Harlem store will feature an exclusive Harlem Designers Collection - a limited edition collaboration series featuring designs from artists Isabel and Ruben Toledo, designer Stephen Burrows and chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Target in East Harlem is located at 517 East 117th Street and opens to the public on July 25.

 

Strangers on a Plane: Thank You Shirley!

Confession: as much as I love to travel, I am a nervous airplane passenger. Some flights are better than others but I can never completely relax at 30,000 feet. I even have some rituals that I go through to make the experience less stressful, including that I always travel with a picture of my Dad holding me when I was a little girl to remind myself of how safe I felt at that moment. Nonetheless, turbulence can turn me into a scared four-year old all over again.

Traveling alone is liberating but at those tense moments, high above the clouds, I often yearn for a hand to hold. Yesterday, that helping hand came from a stranger named Shirley. Shirley from Wyoming was traveling back home from Las Vegas with her husband who was sitting to her right and peacefully napping with his head leaning against the window. She turned to her left to say hello and we began a pleasant conversation about our respective trips, her daughter's upcoming big Greek wedding, and our hometowns.

Whoomp! All of a sudden the turbulence hit. And then again. I began gripping my seat as tightly as I could and began inwardly praying for a safe landing. I could see that Shirley had noticed the change in my demeanor and I was forced to confess that this jetsetter was feeling a little scared. Shirley told me that she used to feel the same way and proceeded to share a story about how a stranger on the plane reached over and placed a hand over hers to calm her. Shirley distracted me from my distress and kept me chatting and laughing until the plane was safely on the ground. 

Shirley from Wyoming, thank you. Your verbal hand-holding made this lonesome traveler feel a little less alone. Just one question, where are you flying next? Please save me a seat!

Ooh La La: Phyto Shares French Beauty Secrets

Darlings, you don't need to be French to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14. This annual commemoration of French independence is the perfect time to drink a glass of bubbly, put on your favorite little black dress, and incorporate some French beauty secrets into your regimen. Go ahead and liberate yourself from ineffective beauty products!

Last night I was invited to a lovely Bastille Day themed soiree at one of my favorite places, Phyto Universe , a natural beauty oasis in the heart of Manhattan. While sipping on wine and nibbling on hors d'oeuvres, we learned some of the secrets that French women use to look so effortlessly beautiful and chic. What is the difference between American and French women when it comes to beauty?

- Americans spend more on makeup but French women spend more on skin care. Many young women in France begin receiving facials as young as 14 because monthly facials are not considered a luxury but an essential part of an effective skin care regimen. The equation is simple - better skin = less makeup. If you are in New York City, you can visit Phyto Universe for a facial treatment. At home, you can pamper your skin with their gentle Lierac cleansers and treatments that replicate more intensive procedures that many Americans turn to their plastic surgeons and dermatologists for. Instead of a harsh chemical peel, try Lierac Comfort Peel ($52). I can vouch that this alpha hydroxy rich moisturizer gently yet dramatically smooths lines and evens skin tone while moisturizing. It also helps reduce breakouts.

  - Sacre bleu, 98% of all women have cellulite! So whether you are French or American, most women have some jiggly bits. The difference is in how we treat these pesky areas. Give your exercise and healthy diet a helping hand the French way with a targeted body creme. Lierac Morpho-Slim (2 for $82.50) uses caffeine and glaucine complex to reduce the look of dimpled skin.

- Don't let your hair age you. Dull and flat hair can make any woman look years older. Botanical based Phyto products nourish the hair and give it a natural shine. Best of all, Phyto has products for every hair texture from silky to coarse. Two of my favorites are the Phyto Specific Moisturizing Styling Balm ($24) for a daily moisture boost and Phtyojoba Intense Hydrating Mask ($38) for a deep conditioning treatment. Tip: Wet your hair before swimming and coat it with conditioner to protect it from chlorine and salt. This will keep your hair healthy and help to preserve the color.

There you have it cherie, a few French beauty secrets. Remember, keep it simple, keep it chic!

PS. In honor of Bastille Day, I am giving away a full size of Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask for hair (retail value $38). To enter, just leave a comment below. Your comment can be as simple as "Bonjour"or you can share a beauty secret of your own! Comments must be received by Friday, July 23 at 5:00 pm (EST) and the winner will be announced the following week.

World Cup in a Glass: Wines from Spain & South Africa

Even a casual soccer fan like me happily succumbed to World Cup fever. How could I not be seduced by a sporting event featuring gorgeous men from all over the globe, set in South Africa, and featuring music by Shakira? Really, I adore events that demonstrate, if only for a fleeting moment, that people from different cultures can play nicely together. (Perhaps the UN should meet on a soccer field?)

Spain, one of my favorite places in the world, beat the Netherlands to claim their first World Cup victory. And, although the South African soccer team didn't progress very far in the competition, the country made history as the first African nation to host the World Cup. So I raise my glass to Spain and South Africa. Both of these countries make delicious wines that are perfect anytime! Tell your friends to bring their own vuvuzelas for your World Cup celebration.

South African Wines
Heritage Link Brands is committed to making the best wines from Africa available to consumers via their online shop and distributors across the country. Did you know that South Africa is the continent's leader in wine production and is the 8th largest wine producing country in the world?  With so many wines to choose from, selecting a South African wine can be overwhelming. You can't go wrong with one of these picks.

M'Hudi Pinotage (2006) $16.99 - Produced in Stellensbosch, South Africa from 100% pinotage grapes, this deep red wine with notes of berries, spice and vanilla pairs brilliantly with barbecue,

Seven Sisters Yolanda Chenin Blanc (2008) $14.99 - The  liquid gold hue and appealing aroma of passion fruit make this a perfect summer wine.  It has subtle vanilla and tropical flavors and is produced from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from the Western Cape.

Wines from Spain
During the 2 years I lived in Spain, I had the opportunity to drink many delicious wines, from the simple to the sublime. Spain can trace their wine production back to the Romans and is the third largest wine producing country in the world.

Llopart Rose Brut Reserva (2006) $16.99 - Spain's sparkling wine is known as cava and this sparkling pink version is a celebration in a glass. Produced in the Catalonia region, Llopart Rose Brut Reserva is composed of 60% Monastrell, 20% Garnacha and 20% Pinot Noir. The delicious notes of strawberry with a hint of spice would nicely complement thinly sliced Serrano ham.

Montecillo Crianza Tinto (2005) $13.29 - I once dated a charming guy from Brooklyn who made a mean paella and this was the wine he served. A full bodied red-wine from the Rioja region and composed of Tempranillo grapes, Montecillo Crianza has the unique ability to taste good with almost everything. This is a great everyday wine!

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

The heat is on in the Big Apple! Are you looking for an incentive to leave your air-conditioned cocoon? Why not check out a free concert at El Museo del Barrio (Thursday, July 8), a World Cup Wine Tasting ($15 plus tax, Thursday, July 8), the World Financial Center Restaurant Showcase (Thursday, July 8. $1-5 per tasting), a culinary tour of Bensonhurst with NoshWalks (Saturday, July 10. $45.) or Bastille Day on 60th Street (free admission, Sunday, June 11).

Would you like to escape the concrete jungle for the day? Join the Greenwich Wine Society for an excursion to Connecticut and the Hudson Valley on Saturday, July 10th. This bus trip leaves from Greenwich (near the Metro-North train station). Readers of The Black Dress Traveler pay the affiliate rate of $110 (regular price is $125)

My readers can enjoy a 42% discount to Freud's Last Session. This play caused a sensation during last year’s summer theater season, extending twice due to sold-out performances. FREUD’S LAST SESSION centers on the legendary psychiatrist Dr. Sigmund Freud, who invites the young, rising academic star C.S. Lewis to his London home. Lewis, expecting to be called on the carpet for satirizing Freud in a recent book, soon realizes that Freud has a much more significant agenda. On the day that England enters World War II, Freud and Lewis clash about the existence of God, the joy of love, the purpose of sex, and the meaning of life – just a few weeks before Freud’s own death. Not just a powerful debate, this is a profound and deeply touching play about two men who boldly addressed the greatest questions of all time.
Use code PROD610 for tix @ $39.50 – a 42% savings off the regular box office price! Show starts July 9th. Click here to order tickets!

Big News: The Black Dress Traveler Quoted in Ebony Magazine

Wow, I was so honored to be quoted in the August 2010 issue of the iconic EBONY magazine in their fantastic Travel in Style feature. Look for my advice on page 47. This magazine is easy to spot at your local newsstand, the gorgeous Idris Elba is on the cover!

 

Queen Elizabeth, Live it Up in New York City!

New York City will roll out the red carpet for Queen Elizabeth when she heads into town on Tuesday, July 6 - her first trip to the Big Apple since the Bicentennial in 1976. Her Majesty's visit will be a short and solemn affair - a speech at the United Nations, a few moments of reflection at Ground Zero, and a ribbon cutting ceremony at the British Garden in Hanover Square ( a memorial to British subjects that died in the World Trade Center attacks). 

Despite this whirlwind day, Queen Elizabeth will not be spending the night in town - she and Prince Philip will fly back home to England at the conclusion of her official duties. However, if Her Majesty does change her mind and would like to spend a little more time in my fair city, here are a few places where she can enjoy the ambiance of Great Britain right here in New York City.

Afternoon Tea: Of course, the Queen deserves to relax with a lovely cup of tea and some delicious scones. For a real taste of Britain, a visit to Tea & Sympathy is a must.  In addition to the afternoon tea, the restaurant also serves English favorites such as bangers 'n' mash and treacle pudding. And, the Tea & Sympathy store stocks all manner of English goodies. Myers of Keswick, a traditional British grocery store in NYC, is another great spot to stock up on meat pies and other proper provisions. I wonder if the Queen likes Jaffa Cakes ("Original Sponge Cake Cookies with Plain Chocolate and a Smashing Orangey Bit in the Middle") as much as I do?

Hat Shopping:  Like every woman who visits New York City, the Queen is entitled to indulge in some retail therapy. She seems to love her hats, so I recommend a trip to Harlem to purchase a real show-stopper. Popular milliners include Harlem's Heaven Hat Boutique and Hats By Bunn.

Take Time to Smell the Roses: English gardens are legendary but New York City has our share of fantastic floral spaces. I can just picture the Queen strolling through the breathtaking Conservatory Gardens - Central Park's only formal garden. The Conservatory Garden's six acres is divided into 3 sections: French, Italian and English. Something tells me that Her Majesty will like the English Garden's magnolia scented walkways best of all!

Belle of the Beach: Big Bag of Beauty

So often we stress about putting on a bathing suit, that it is easy to forget about the other important items that can help us feel pretty on the playa! From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, these beauty products will help you secure your status as belle of the beach! And please, stop, fretting over how your body looks when you are out enjoying the sun and sand. Strut with confidence in your little black bathing suit! 

The perfect tote is a must! I don't believe in spending a fortune on a cute little straw bag. This chic two-tone beach tote is on sale for $19 at Newport News.

 Don't forget to fill your beach bag with the most important beauty product: sunscreen! No matter your age or complexion, daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is a MUST - increase the SPF if you plan on sunbathing.  In addition to your local drugstore, Amazon stocks a great selection of sunscreen and other beauty products. 

  

Try Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Sunscreen SPF 55 ($32) for your body and Kiss My Face's Face Factor Sun Screen for Face and Neck SPF 20 ($38.85 pack of 3). Don't neglect your lips - protect your pucker with NIVEA A Kiss of Protection SPF 30 ($5.99 pack 0f 6).

                 

Nail polish can also fade and turn yellow with sun exposure. Orly Nail Polish Sunscreen for Nails Topcoat Treatment ($4.95 at Amazon.com) is a high shine bond that absorbs UV rays. 

From the Riviera to the Shore, a floppy straw hat is low-tech and high-style sun shield. This model is on sale for $29 at Newport News.

Melt-proof makeup is must on a hot day. Heavy makeup on the beach is a no-no but if you don't want to go completely bare try Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 ($34.50).  This mineral enriched powder offers moderate coverage with a great matte finish and sun protection. Unlike other loose powders, it has a no-waste grinder that you twist to shave the makeup - no mess, no waste. The mirrored compact includes a brush.


Apply a coat of FSL Lip Gloss ($18.50) to give your lips a natural glow with a non-sticky and kissable texture. Created by female chemical engineer and cosmetic chemist Kimberly Riley, FSL glosses are chock full of lip-nurturing emollients and anti-oxidants, including organic jojoba oil, acai extract, and avocado oil. Did I mention they smell lick-lipping delicious too? The Coco Bronze looks especially great for the summer! In case you are wondering, FSL stands for Feel good Smell good Look good. 

Make sure your haircare product contains a sunscreen.  Phyto, the leaders in botanical haircare, has an entire line of  products dedicated to protecting hair from the sun, wind saltwater, and chlorine. Protect your tresses from UVA and UVB rays with Phyto Plage Protective Beach Spray ($20 at Drugstore.com).