80% off Las Vegas? Oh Yeah!

If you are a foodie like me, a simple burger and fries just wont cut it. Case in point: Michael Mina's Duck Fat Fries at StripSteak restaurant in Las Vegas.

My boyfriend and I went to vegas for a few nights, and stayed at the Mandalay Bay Casino. This casino has some of the best restaurants on the strip including China Grill, Aureole, Fleur De Lys, and StripSteak.

For those who do not know, Restaurant.com offers gift certificates to restaurants all over the U.S at discount prices. The types of discount I got after are much more enticing that your regular 30%off. You have probably seen a little box at checkout which says "enter

a promo code". This is when you can get creative. Restaurant.com will give out 80% codes every once in a while. There is no way of knowing when, but you can search it on google. This code will get you a $25 gift certificate for only $2 or a $50 gift certificate for $4.

This is how we ended up at Michael Mina's famous steakhouse StripSteak. The $50 certificate came with a few restrictions which were:

1. Must be used with a minimum purchase of 2 entrees

2. Not valid for tax or tip

Restaurant recap:

Loved it!

Once we arrived they brought over a trio of complimentary Duck Fat Fries. Cajun fries with BBQ dipping sauce, Truffle fries with truffle aioli, and Herb fries with good old fashioned ketchup. These were perfectly crispy and flavorful!

We ordered a half organic fried chicken with truffle mac and cheese, and caramelized onion jus $29, and the Kansas City Steak $44. With our $50 certificate this 5 star meal was

very affordable!

If you're looking for some variety, their prix fixe menu offers 3 courses for only $55. Happy Hour has $3 beers, $7 cocktails, and half-off their entire lounge menu.

This goes to show that gourmet dining is affordable and not always pretentious.

StripSteak

3950 Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89119

http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/stripsteak.aspx

Akasha....not so much.

I rarely write a bad review on a restaurant, but in this case I truly have no other option. When I started The Food Goddess, I promised to not only find the best deals for you, but to help you avoid those places that will rip you off and leave a bad taste in your mouth. So here goes:

We went to Akasha to bid farewell to our Swedish friend who was returning to the homeland.
At first glance, you might think "Oh it's so cute, the food must be amazing!", but sadly it is not.

What we ate:

Turkey Burger (more like ground up- day old meatloaf burger)

Heirloom Tomato Salad (with minuscule pieces of burrata, and nearly spoiled heirloom tomatoes)

Sweet Potato Fries ( I've had better)

Australian Sea Bass (The sauce was bland and the fish was not flaky)

Beer Battered Onion Rings (which they seemed to be famous for, but were nothing spectacular. At that point we were so hungry anything fried was bound to taste good).

For the size of the portions, I think the food the was a little over priced.
If you have a drink at the bar, they will not let you, under any circumstances, transfer that to your dinner bill. I must admit the bartender herself was a little scary.

In conclusion, I would recommend that if you want to meet someone for a drink, at an esthetically pleasing restaurant, you could in fact go to Akasha. BUT, If you are looking for delicious food, amazing service, and good deals, this is not the place for you (or me for that matter).

If you still decide you want to give this place a try, at least do it on Wednesdays and get 50% off their entire wine menu.

Cheer-i-o!

My Favorite Truffle Fries!

I'm a an obsessed truffle lover, and for me truffle creations will never go out of style.

Just like the cupcake craze, truffles are here to stay. I went to Rush Street for my 25th birthday dinner, because there is nothing pretentious about this place. You drink, you eat, you play, and leave quite satisfied, without bruising your wallet too much.

The atmosphere is fast paced and very energetic, which was perfect for a birthday party.

Happy Hour:

Monday - Friday 5pm to 7pm.

Food $3 to $6.
Well Drinks and House Wine $3
Bucket of (3) beers (Corona or Pabst Blue Ribbon) $10

Their regular menu is not to shabby and ranges from $9 to $19 (Appetizers, Pizzas, Sliders, and Main Courses).

Since we had a table of 7, we brought 2 yummy bottles of champagne and only paid $15 corkage fee on each!

Rush Street
9546 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
www.rushstreetculvercity.com