WINTER GARDENS The work doesn’t stop in cold weather

WINTER GARDENS

BY MEGAN MEINTASIS

CROPS FOR A WINTER HARVEST

In the San Joaquin Valley, December is still a great month for planting and harvesting. In fact, with no extreme heat to deal with, it can be much less labor intensive than growing a summer garden. Beets do great when planted in December and are very easy to grow. Onions can also be planted right now for an early spring harvest. Leafy vegetables like lettuce and cabbage thrive in the cooler weather and are a great addition to your winter garden. You can also plant garlic, broccoli, carrots, radishes, and turnips.

December is also a great time to plant bulbs, like tulips, for a beautiful spring bloom. You can also get affordable bare root roses. And it’s a great time to have a citrus tree in the valley as long as you are sure to cover your fruit in the event that ole’ Jack frost is in the forecast.

KEEPING POINSETTIA HAPPY THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON

There’s no other flower that quite screams Christmas like the bright and cheery Poinsettia! Though her most popular color is bright red, she comes in many different varieties. When picking a poinsettia, consider inspecting the little yellow flowers in the center. If they are still closed, that’s the one to pick since it indicates that the plant has not been in bloom for a long period of time yet. If poinsettia are well taken care of, they can last long enough to add a bright spot of beauty to your home throughout the winter season.

Poinsettia are cold sensitive and are happiest with a consistent temperature of 65-70 degrees inside of your home. They also love the sunshine, so placing them in a spot that gets a good amount of sunlight during the day is important. Keeping poinsettia watered is also imperative, as they prefer a little bit of consistent moisture.

DECEMBER GARDENING TASKS

• Prepare garden beds by removing any dead leaves and adding a thick layer of compost

• Aerate waterlogged portions of lawn to allow water to run away

• Add leaves and leftover fall pumpkins to compost pile

• Harvest leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard

• Service your lawnmower

• Start picking out seed varieties for spring

Hidden Las Vegas

SIN CITY BOASTS SECRET HOTSPOTS AND NEW ATTRACTIONS

BY NORA HESTON TARTE D SELECTED PHOTOS BY MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL

Culturally it seems we have all become charmed by the concept of a speakeasy in the past decade. One hundred years removed from the prohibition-era establishments, the air of secrecy that comes with one of these hidden bars (even though we no longer have to hide alcohol consumption in the U.S.), is still appealing to us all. It’s that satisfying feeling of being in-the-know that seems to have us all whispering about the cool bar hidden at the bottom of a secret staircase, or illuminated by a single green lightbulb down a back alley we would typically never step foot in. By the end of this article, we may all be experts on Las Vegas’ most discreet operations, featuring the illusive speakeasy, hidden kitchens, and attractions so new people just don’t know about them yet. Read on to get the inside scoop, but shhhh because we’re only sharing it with you.

Superfrico

THE COSMOPOLITAN

If you’re looking for Las Vegas’ little mysteries, starting with The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is an ideal first step. It seems every corner of the purple-hued and swanky hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard hides its own secrets, from food spots to bars. Despite the lack of advertisement, there are certainly plenty of people waiting to be let in, so reservations are preferred at many stops. And while most hotels may boast one or two, we promise you, The Cosmopolitan is teeming with opportunities.

Hidden in the food court behind a door marked with only a colorful donkey is the hotel’s most laidback speakeasy, Ghost Donkey, that doubles as a Mexican restaurant. The 1920s air doesn’t stretch past the hidden door, however, as this secret bar boasts music, dancing, margaritas, and a menu. Not far away, there is another casual stop, a hidden eatery called simply, Secret Pizza. To find it, you’ll start at the Chandelier Bar (definitely not a secret and hard to miss). Take the elevators up to the third floor and follow the record-lined hallway. At the end is the pizza spot in question. While it’s hard to find and you won’t notice any signage to indicate it’s there, the best part of the secret is the price; this may be the least expensive, quality pie you’ll find on the strip, satisfying your craving for a budget-friendly Las Vegas meal (is that an oxymoron?)

The Cosmo’s next best-kept secret is two-fold, and it’s hidden in the bright and weird Spiegelworld attraction. Known best for their raunchy Absinthe show, Spiegelworld has a reputation for being larger than life and evoking muttered “wtfs” under the breath of those who stumble into one of their establishments. It’s no secret that Opium is a resident show at The Cosmopolitan, but not everyone knows it’s linked to the restaurant Superfrico. It’s impossible to pin down the vibe of this otherworldly hotspot, but it’s certainly a treat for the senses. Order up a small pizza and take in your surroundings while performers bounce from colorful room to colorful room dancing their way between tables in costumes that seem to suggest you may be in the world’s oddest airport lounge.

If that wasn’t secret enough for you, ask your brightly dressed server to point you in the direction of The Ski Lodge when you leave. A speakeasy within a semihidden restaurant is the ultimate trip, and this one dons picture windows showcasing

Barbershop

excessive snowfall just outside for a vibe that feels more Montana than Las Vegas, except for the life-size penguins. Don’t worry—they don’t bite, but they do pose for photos.

You may have thought you’d seen it all, but we’re just getting started. Beauty and Essex is located in restaurant row and there are arrows pointing in its direction, however, when you get there, the front doesn’t look like a restaurant at all. Instead, you’d think you’re walking into a pawn shop where you can buy some of the items on the shelves. Once you’re inside, however, that all changes, and you’ll soon be dining on inventive shared plates including Mexican Street Corn Ravioli, Peruvian Salmon Ceviche, and Roasted Bone Marrow before diving into a full menu of steak and barbecue favorites.

Before you leave, it’s time for a haircut. Well, not really—but maybe. The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails is our last speakeasy inside of The Cosmopolitan and it is a fully functional barbershop giving haircuts even late night. The line outside, however, is likely for the bar in back. You’ll be led through the laundry room and into a dark space with a big stage boasting high-end live music, a full bar with signature cocktails, and tables if you arranged for one beforehand. Unlike many speakeasies that require a quieter vibe, this one is as rowdy as the Las Vegas Strip, with an air of superiority. MORE SPEAKEASIES

Resorts World Las Vegas, a collection of three hotels in one, is a newer property and in addition to its collection of eclectic eateries, there is also a rather daring speakeasy. Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den is part of Famous Food Street Eats, a food hall that boasts a collection of eateries with very diverse menus for grab-and-go grub. Fuhu Cha Chaan Teng displays a wall of lucky kitties that is actually a door. Walk up to the cashier, request to see the back room, and you’ll be led into the bar. Signature cocktails here fit the theme, playing to your vices, and let’s just say some come with extra surprises (i.e., this place isn’t for those that blush easy).

Like The Cosmopolitan, one secret spot

wasn’t enough for Resorts World developers. Alle Lounge 66 is located on the 66th floor in one of the hotel’s towers, offering stellar views alongside its cocktail menu. The newest spot, however, is Jaliscos Underground. This place is truly off the radar and even hard to Google. But if you’re near Wally’s Wine & Spirits, you may see a man in a suit standing awkwardly off in a corner. He’s your key for entry. Once you’re there, you’re immersed in the culture of Mexico City with high-end tequilas, live music, and an opulent vibe that feels like its reserved for VIPs.

WAKUDA offers some secrets of its own. Located in the lobby of The Venetian, it’s hard to miss the restaurant front aglow in neon colors and blacklights. From outside, it looks tiny, but once

Vanderpump à Paris

Mob Museum

you walk through the doors, you’ll be transported to another world. Looking to land the same success in Vegas as Chef Wakuda has found in his overseas operations, dinners promise to be an experience. Choose between the lounge or the main room and dive into items as casual as fried chicken wings or as diverse as Yuba, a fresh bean curd skin from Kyoto with uni, fresh wasabi, and mountain caviar. The best experience is hidden in the Omakase Room, a secret kitchen with a per person tasting fee reserved for once-in-a-lifetime private dinners devoid of a menu and curated personally by the chef.

Off-strip, The Mob Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon. Officially the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, it’s not far from the strip and it boasts a detailed and interactive history of mobsters that feels right after exploring all of the nearby speakeasies. As an added bonus, there’s a secret bar. Once you’ve finished the tour, head to the bottom floor to The Underground. A loose part of the wall pushes back into a quiet room where you can order up cocktails for impressive presentations. We won’t spoil the fun, but we do suggest ordering either the Bathtub Fizz or the NAME.

Nearby on Fremont Street, The Laundry Room is arguably the most popular speakeasy in Las Vegas. It gets its name because it was once a laundry room for the El Cortez Hotel and Casino. Today it’s a pre-prohibition themed bar serving vintage cocktails.

NEW BUT NO SECRET

Being “in-the-know” doesn’t only mean having the details of those little-known spots. It also refers to knowing what’s new. Las Vegas moves fast and it appears there is always a fresh attraction or restaurant to enjoy.

When it comes to live entertainment, you won’t run out here. But if you want to see some of the Strip’s newest shows, we’ve got you covered. America’s Got Talent LIVE! at the Luxor Hotel & Casino is widely advertised—with giant letters on the outside of the pyramid-shaped hotel—but it’s only been live since October 2021. With a collection of past contestants including winners that changes sporadically, the family-friendly show is big and bold and feels a bit like a live finale.

Looking for something more adults-only? Mad Apple is New York New York’s cirque show that was unveiled in May. A rowdy combination of dancing, singing, comedy, and acrobatics, it feels a bit grungy and underground like a show you may really stumble across in New York City. It offers a different creative flair than most Las Vegas cirque shows and definitely feels authentic.

Depending what your definition of fun is, Kamu Ultra Karaoke might be the best time you can have on the strip. Located in the Grand Canal Shoppes inside of the Palazzo Tower of The Venetian, it is touted as the first and only high-end karaoke club on the Strip, opened in 2020. With private

KAMU

Mad Apple

rooms filled with stage lights and a neverending library of songs, singles and groups can rent their own studio by the hour to croon and dance the night away, all while ordering plates of delicious grub and premium cocktails from the Korean kitchen.

Looking for something to do midday? Flyover Las Vegas opened in September 2021 and it feels like Soarin’ Over California from California Adventure in Disneyland. The ride has the same basic concept with different themes and is another one of those options that’s appropriate for all ages.

No evening is complete without dinner, and some of the best eateries are also the newest. For a truly over-thetop Vegas experience, step into Kusa Nori at Resorts World. The Japanese restaurant features teppanyaki, which is fun regardless of where you are, but the atmosphere is more reserved. Large koi fish hang from the ceiling and the over-the-top décor matches the cuisine. The menu is constantly evolving, which makes the food feel like a surprise with big presentations and delicious flavors, including some dishes served tableside with dry ice for extra oomph. Little known secret? They just launched Happy Hour.

Also in Resorts World, those who prefer vegan fair can get their fill at Crossroads where everything the restaurant offers is meat-, egg-, and dairy-free. Opened in May, it’s not just the standard vegan items either, here there is caviar, eggs, sausage, and more.

Fans of the Real Housewives franchise may be aware that former RHOBH castmate and restaurant connoisseur Lisa Vanderpump opened her own cocktail bar in Caesars Palace a few years back. Well, she’s double downed on Sin City and selected Paris Las Vegas as her second Las Vegas location. The two spots feel the same yet completely different all at once, and because Paris is a favorite cost-friendly hotel on the strip, visiting Vanderpump a Paris, which debuted in April, is a must. Come for the Caviar Bites and Goat Cheese Cakes and stay for the drinks. It’s My F***ing Birthday has a special presentation perfect for celebrating a big day. If you decide to stay at Paris, don’t forget to visit the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck, or dine at the restaurant inside the monument’s half-size replica.

At MGM Grand, restaurant row has been transformed into a Memphis look alike with plenty of barbecue fare and live music to keep the party going late into the night. Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is one of the hotel’s newest restaurants, opened in June and brought to you by The Jonas Brothers. Don’t let their clean teen image fool you, these guys know how to create a late-night spot, and one with good food, too. Dedicated to their grandmother Nellie, the menu is simply down-home southern cooking you wish your grandma knew how to make, with arguably the best bread pudding in the city. If you’re stepping in here though, don’t plan to engage in deep conversations; the music is played at top volume near the stage.

Mad Apple

Nellie

&dinewine

RESTAURANTS | WINE | DRINKS | SWEETS

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

CHRISTMAS COOKIE CRAVINGS CARRYING ON TRADITIONS, CELEBRATING CULTURE, AND SATISFYING SANTA

 ARTICLE & D BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

When it comes to Christmas cookies, Santa isn’t the only one who craves a freshout-of-the-oven treat. Whether it’s a melt-in-yourmouth chocolate chip cookie, crispy shortbread, or decadent chocolate morsel, this is the season to continue family traditions and recipes we’ve all grown to love. In honor of Santa’s midnight fuel, we’re sharing three cookie recipes baked with tradition and made to satisfy cravings while also bringing a little family fun to your holiday season.

CARRYING ON A FAMILY TRADITION

One of our family’s favorite holiday traditions that always gets us in the festive spirit is a day-long adventure in the kitchen. We decide which cookies we are going to share with family and friends, gear up in our holiday aprons, and get to work. Recreating family recipes passed down from generations before us is an essential holiday experience. I can fondly remember baking fresh chocolate chip cookies and snowball crinkle cookies as a child each year, stooped over the mixer with my father. And now, life has come full circle, carrying that same ceremonial custom with my nine-year-old son, Chase.

CHRISTMAS SNOWBALL CRINKLE COOKIES

These decadent, delicious cocoa crinkle cookies are a Christmas cookie staple. Best served straight out of the oven, you’ll need to make sure you devour them Santa style—with a tall glass of chilled milk.

INGREDIENTS

1 2/3 c. flour 1 ½ tsp. baking powder ½ c. cocoa powder ¼ tsp. Salt ½ c. softened butter 1 ¼ c. plus 1/3 c. sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 ¼ c. powdered sugar DIRECTIONS

Add flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt to a bowl. Mix to combine and set aside. Add butter and ¼ cup sugar to large bowl. Beat with electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla to batter and mix until smooth. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Preheat oven to 250 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop a level tablespoon of dough and roll into a one-inch ball. Repeat with remaining dough. Add 1/3 cup sugar to one bowl. Add powdered sugar to another small bowl. Make snowballs by dipping each ball into sugar and then powdered sugar to coat. Bake for ten minutes and let cool.

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SANTA’S FAVORITE SALTED CHOCOLATE CHIP

The quintessential chocolate chip cookie gets a boost from savory sea salt. A trick taught to me by my late father, we think Santa will agree that the combination of salt and sweet are sure to satisfy every Christmas cookie craving.

INGREDIENTS

1 ¼ c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda ½ c. salted butter, room temperature 1/3 c. plus 2 tsp. granulated sugar 1 large egg, room temperature 1 ½ c. semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ tsp. sea salt, plus 1 tsp. sea salt for sprinkling Add flour, sea salt, and baking soda to mixing bowl and incorporate. In bowl of a stand mixer, add softened butter and both sugars. Mix for two minutes until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing on low until combined. Slowly add flour mixture and beat on low speed. Do not overmix. Add chocolate chips and fold into dough. Cover dough and chill for thirty minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out dough into rounded mounds and place in oven for ten to twelve minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining sea salt. Editor’s Tip: I always place a few additional chocolate chips into the cookie dough before baking. It ensures a hearty dose of chocolate in each cookie, and they look better, too!

SUGAR COOKIE

Every child’s favorite cookie is the ultimate sugar cookie. They love to roll out the dough, pick their holiday cookie cutter, and decorate each treat with frosting and sprinkles. This is a fun family tradition that empowers their culinary interest and gets them in the mood for the big day.

INGREDIENTS

1 c. unsalted butter 1 c. granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. almond extract 1 egg 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt 3 c. all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In bowl of your mixer, cream sugar and butter until smooth, at least three minutes. Add extract and egg, then mix. In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, salt, and flour. Slowly add in flour mixture. Divide dough into workable batches and roll onto floured surface until ¼-inches thick. Cut to desired shape with cookie cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for six to eight minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet until they are firm enough to remove and prep for frosting.

EPIC FROSTING

INGREDIENTS

1 c. shortening 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. almond extract 8 c. powdered sugar ½ c. heavy cream Food coloring, if desired

DIRECTIONS

In the bowl of your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or with an electric mixer, beat together shortening and extracts for one minute. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add cream, two tablespoons at a time, alternating with powdered sugar. Mix until creamy, adding more cream if needed until smooth. Add two to three drops of food coloring, if desired.