post #47 - Lemon Spinach Spaghetti Squash

Happy, happy Hump Day!

I got some questions about the spaghetti squash I posted on Friday, so I figured I'd share the recipe with you. We have started making this almost every week - it's delicious and healthy! And, RIDICULOUSLY easy.

Ingredients:

1 spaghetti squash

1 bag of spinach

1 lemon

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Place spaghetti squash on a plate. Use a medium sized knife to punch around 10 holes in the squash. Microwave for 9 minutes (give or take, depending on the size of your squash).

2. While squash is in the microwave, heat oil and garlic over low-medium heat (I use 3-4). Zest and juice the lemon and add both to the oil mixture.

3. When about 5 minutes remain for the squash, add spinach to stove and saute. I generally cook this at a 5. 

4. Remove pan from heat. 

5. Slice spaghetti squash in half (long ways) and scrape out the seeds from the middle section.

6. Once seeds are removed, use a fork to scrape squash out of the shell. It should come out in strings. 

7. Combine spinach/liquid in the pan with the spaghetti squash.

8. Enjoy!

Don't forget to follow along on Facebook, Bloglovin, GFC, etc! Xo!

post #28 - Las Vegas Eats...The Good, The Bad, the Great, and the Ugly

Las Vegas Eats...the Good, the Bad, the Great, and the Ugly

One of the main reasons why I love going to Vegas is for the food. This was my third time visiting, and this trip was no different. We had some awesome, amazing, incredible meals. But a few were not so hot. Want to hear about them? If not, stop reading. But, if so...here it goes.

Day 1 - Tuesday

We arrived around 11:30 am, but after a longggg day of travel (we left at 6:50 our time, meaning that we'd been traveling for about 8 hours) we were starving. We decided to start our Buffet of Buffets pass at lunch. For those who have never done this, for about $50 per person, you can gain unlimited access to several buffets in Las Vegas. 

Lunch - Planet Hollywood Spice Market Buffet

Verdict: Ugly

This was a bad start to our trip. Luckily, it only got better from here. When we arrived around 1:30, we waited in a long, long line, only to see tons of open tables. When we finally got to eat, the food was sub-par. We'd eaten dinner here before and were impressed, but both agreed that we wouldn't be returning. The shrimp was soggy and terrible, and I kept trying new things but literally was not impressed by anything (except the cotton candy, which is pretty hard to screw up). This food all just tasted like buffet food - something that is not characteristic of most vegas buffets.

{tempura shrimp, lo mein, crab stuffed flounder?, pesto pasta, mac & cheese...all average at best}

Dinner - Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar's

Verdict: Good to Great

This meal was one of the things I was looking forward to the most about our trip. The Bacchanal Buffet is relatively new and was not open the last time I traveled to NV. Stated by many to be the best buffet in Vegas, I couldn't wait to try it and compare it to the rest - hopefully it would be worth the extra $25 surcharge per person. It was glitzy and glamorous, I can say that much. The entrance is gorgeous (see the picture of the chandeliers in my last post). However, we waited in line for almost two hours to eat. The group of two in front of us had ten people join their party within the last 15 minutes of waiting, which rubbed me the wrong way - especially when the employees were watching it happen and didn't stop it. The food was very, very good. The crab legs were available cold or steamed, and they had a great seafood selection with fresh raw oysters and delicious seafood gazpacho, among other things. Other highlights included the sushi, guacamole (yes, I try it everywhere I go), and lamb. The prime rib was sub-par and had too much fat. Unfortunately, I filled up on food before I could get to my favorite part - the desserts. The desserts were amazing and wonderful. If I go to this buffet again, I will definitely save more room for all of the exotic offerings. Gelato flavors included fig/balsamic, watermelon/mint, sour cherry, and thai tea (plus tons more!). They had cobblers, macarons, and tortes. Anything you could hope for, really. Think Willy Wonka's factory, at your fingertips. Overall, I would go back to Bacchanal again, but only if the wait time was shorter.

{the only picture I got. it was late, and I was too focused on the food}

Day 2 - Wednesday

Breakfast - Paris Le Village Buffet

Verdict: Good

I've eaten here for breakfast every time I've been in Vegas. Try the smoked salmon, omelets, cheeses,  and crepes - you won't be disappointed.

{the monkey crepe - bananas, nutella, hazlenuts, and whipped cream}

Lunch - Harrah's Flavors Buffet

Verdict: Bad

No pictures. We were so full at this point that we just basically had a snack for lunch. Wasn't as bad as Planet Hollywood, but wouldn't eat here again. The best part was the pasta with pesto sauce and the cotton candy (duh - noticing a trend?).

Dinner - Hot Dog on Fremont Street!
Nothing to see here, folks. Just some frowning faces after cheap Blackjack games by me and Jo and some dancing (and me singing every lyric) to a slightly-better-than-average 90's band. Oh, and a magician.

Day 3 - Thursday

Brunch - Tacos El Gordo (off the strip)

Verdict: Great

Our lunch was $20. We got 8 tacos and two drinks. Say WHAT? I did a little research in the morning and found this little joint on the far end of the strip. We still had bus passes, so we decided to try it out. It was a little sketchy. Okay, a lot sketchy. But the food was so good! If you're going to Vegas and want to try something outside of one of the casinos, give this a shot. It is right beside the Wynn in a small shopping center. Bring ya pepper spray.

{taco de cabeza - beef head, taco de tripa - tripe, and taco de suadera - beef shoulder)

{horchata in a fountain drink. have you tried this? it tastes like a cinnamon milkshake, but a drink. yum is right, y'all.}

{the 2 tacos pictured on the left are tacos de adobada - spicy pork. the 3 pictured with guacamole on top are tacos de asada - steak}

Dinner - Mon Ami Gabi

Verdict: Great

This was my favorite meal of the trip. We decided to give it a try upon the recommendation of some friends and some glowing online reviews. I can't wait to go back and eat there again! The views were absolutely gorgeous. The service was top notch. And the food was phenomenal. We shared a lovely bottle of wine and ordered way too much, but ate it all. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

{appetizer - baked goat cheese + tomato sauce + warm herb garlic bread. can still taste the deliciousness}

{appetizer - onion soup au gratin + gruyere cheese}

{my choice -- caramelized sea scallops + pea puree + spring vegetable fricassee + bacon}

{jo's choice - filet mignon merlot + butter + red wine reduction + hand cut frites}

Day 4 - Friday

Snack - Serendipity' 3s Frozen Double Hot Chocolate

Verdict: Great

This is just a treat/dessert review. We didn't have a chance to sit down at Serendipity, since the wait was around 45 minutes and we had a plane to catch sooner than later. But - don't leave Vegas (or NYC!) without one of these treats. I, of course, chose the double chocolate flavor. Jordan's pick was the Moccacino, but we both agreed that the Double Chocolate was better. (Don't worry, I shared a little)

{nom nom nom. worth every penny}

Brunch - Max Brenner's @ Caesar's

Verdict: Great

We had a delicious breakfast here. I wasn't super hungry after above snack, but wished that I could fit more in my tummy. The prices were reasonable and the food was great. Service was also great. The biscuits were to die for, described as "diamond dusted sugar buttermilk biscuit, served with pure melted chocolate lick." I could eat that chocolate ganache with every meal.

{my choice - 'max'ican omelet - black beans + swiss cheese + avocado + onion + fire roasted salsa, served with spiced home fries}

{jo's choice - lazy breakfast - two extra large eggs scrambled + mushrooms + sausage, served with spiced home fries}

Do y'all have any favorite recommendations in Vegas? We can't wait to go back!

Don't forget to follow Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook, BlogLovin, and Instagram! See ya for the Friday link up tomorrow!

Xo - MBC

post #18 - Basil {Restaurant Review}

Columbia Cuisine - Basil!

On Friday night, I went with a friend to try out a new restaurant in Columbia called Basil. While Basil is new to Columbia, it's not new to Charleston or Charlotte- I have several friends who are regulars there. I haven't been to any of the locations, so when my friend suggested it, I couldn't wait to visit.

I tried the Pear Martini, and she tried the Thai Tea Martini. We were both happy with our choices!

(Pear Martini)

(Thai Tea Martini)

I got some recommendations going in from the Charleston friends, since the menu is a little overwhelming if you don't eat Thai on the regular. I enjoy it, but I definitely don't eat it regularly. Both friends suggested the Pad Thai, which is the international dish of Thailand. I figured I couldn't go wrong with this choice, and it was delicious!!

(rice noodles stir fried with chicken, shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, scallions, peanuts, and pad thai sauce. garnished with fresh bean spouts and a wedge of lime)

My friend got the Basil Tilapia, which looked amazing as well!

(lightly floured, deep fried, topped with vegetables and stir fry sauce with fresh jalapenos)

For those of you who like it spicy, you can choose the heat of your meal. I didn't need any extra spice, but my friend got it HOT! (She said it wasn't super spicy).

Neither one of us can wait to go back to Basil! We had great service and a truly enjoyable evening. Next time, we'll bring the husbands along to get their take on the food. The dishes were delicious and large (with enough for leftovers!) so we think they'll be satisfied.

Until next time!

MBC

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin, Blogger, Facebook, and Instagram!

Did you miss my post on my favorites last week? Check it out here!

post #14 - Skinny Lettuce Wraps

Skinny Lettuce Wraps!

When summer rolls around, we are always looking for recipes that are light, cheap, and easy. This recipe is definitely light and cheap, and the hardest part is eating it fast enough. We started making this last year, and it has become a staple in our house. Best of all - it's a low-fat recipe that was apparently featured on The Biggest Loser! (Original recipe found here) You can definitely add other veggies to this recipe, but here are the basics. 

Disclaimer -- this is messy!!

Skinny Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey or ground chicken

2 tablespoons low-fat peanut butter

3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons low sodium teriyaki sauce

1 can water chestnuts, drained

1/2 chopped onion

1 head of lettuce washed & divided into large pieces for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Brown ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any fat.

2. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, teriyaki, onions, and water chestnuts. Mix until combined. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Spoon meat into lettuce and wrap. Take a bite and try not to spill! Enjoy!

On a separate note, have y'all heard of Gretchen Scott Designs? Tuckernuck and Gretchen Scott are doing an exciting giveaway that involves a trip to NYC and a chance to design a clothing item! Sign me up! Register for the giveaway by clicking here! It only takes a second! Plus, when you invite 10 friends to enter the giveaway, you will get a free gift! 

Have a wonderful week...only 3 more days 'til the weekend!

As always, I love reading your comments! Don't forget to like Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook and follow me on Google Blogger!

MBC

Laws in the Lowcountry

Need more convincing that this recipe is legit? Check out this post at Yellow Brick Blog!

post #12 - 116 Wine Bar {Restaurant Review}

116 Wine Bar + Farmers Market

Happy Hump Day everyone! I'm a little late on my first post for the week - I've been a little more stressed about studying this week than I have been recently. I guess that time is coming! 

I took a break on Saturday morning to head to the Soda City Farmers Market and brunch with Jo. We got some great finds at the Farmer's Market this week - cucumbers, trout sausage, "Tuscany" goat cheese, and shrimp + pancetta ravioli. Oh, and a raspberry macaroon, for good measure. 

After walking around, we headed to 116 Wine Bar. (Wanna see the menu? Click here!) I seemed to be out of town or busy every time my girlfriends headed here for brunch over the past few years, so I was very excited to try it. (P.S. - they only serve brunch on Saturday!) This hole in the wall is known for using local ingredients to make delicious drinks and food.

My friends have raved about their Bloody Marys. I was a little worried that the Bloody Mary's Revenge would be too spicy, but it really had the perfect amount of spice!

(absolut peppar vodka, 116's extra hot bloody mary mix, made with spices, fresh horseradish, + a touch of guinness)

Jo got the Steak and Eggs.

(chili rubbed sirloin steak with two eggs and toast)

I went with the 3 Potato Hashbrowns + Eggs. The sweet potatoes were our favorite!

(blend of yukon gold, purple, and sweet potatoes with sauteed jalapenos, bell peppers, onions, and goat cheese, + scrambled eggs)

Later that night, as an early birthday celebration, we grilled steaks and baked potatoes. We topped our bacon wrapped filets with the Tuscany Goat Cheese from the farmers market. We had our baked potatoes with greek yogurt and bleu cheese. Yum!

I think I gained about 100 pounds, but it's safe to say that we ate well on Saturday! We will definitely be heading back to 116 sometime soon for brunch, or maybe for dinner and drinks. 

Here's to looking forward to getting my life back and trying more Columbia brunch spots!

MBC