Del Amo Fashion Center Brings Vegas Seafood Buffet! #ad

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I am a mall ambassador on behalf of Del Amo Fashion Center.  I was provided a free meal on behalf of this review.

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A few short weeks ago the Del Amo Fashion Center added a new restaurant to the mix.  Vegas Seafood Buffet.  This being their 3rd location within the Los Angeles area.  Other locations are in Glendale and Hollywood.

Vegas Seafood Buffet was very much inspired by all the buffets found in Vegas, but like many, asked the question, “why isn’t there anything like this in LA?”  So, they did just that.  Their buffet bringing the Vegas touch, and for us, in LA, not having to travel so far for a well fed meal.

The best part?  They’re really affordable.  Lunch starts at 12.95 (M-F) and Promotional Dinners 19.95 (M-Th. night.) And Dinners on Fri. and Sat are just 21.95 per person.

Vegas Seafood Buffet isn’t just your typical dinner buffet.  They specialize in Brazilian Meats, Seafood, and Sushi ans Sashimi leaving you adventurous to try new things each time you visit.

Brazilian Meats

Brazilian Meats ready for you.  The chefs of Vegas Seafood will assist you by serving the meats you desire.  Everything else throughout the buffet is pick as you choose.

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For those that love their salads, they don’t leave you hanging.  There are many fruit options available for those that love fruit, and a variety of salad dishes to choose from.

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And for those that love seafood, they have options.  From crab legs to coconut shrimp to oysters to scallops, and of course, you can’t forget the rice.  Crab legs are only available during the dinner hours.

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BUT I have to be honest.  The best part of Vegas Seafood Buffet lies in their Sushi and Sashimi bar.  For a person being from Minnesota, I was always hesitant about ordering new and random things without being able to see what I was getting especially when it comes to sushi.  So, the fact that sushi and sashimi is all laid out before you, well labeled, it truly gives you the option to stay on the safe side, or try something a bit more daring.  It’s also a great way to begin teaching you a bit about sushi, and the ingredients that lie within.

And with any good buffet, a person always has to end with dessert:

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With desserts such as mango pudding, mocha cakes, green tea cakes, and even a chocolate fountain it will leave you wanting more, that is, after you fully recover.

Since it is a buffet, there’s no leaving this place HUNGRY.  Have you been to Vegas Seafood Buffet?  If not, stop by the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance to try it out.

 

 


Categories: Events in LA, Restaurants | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ariel Inspired D23 Expo!

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was provided media credentials to cover D23 Expo this past weekend.

Ariel has always been my favorite Disney Princess, so it was no surprise, to me, at least, that she took center stage at D23 expo.

Perhaps with the release of The Little Mermaid coming out in 3D on September 20th, 2013 that made Ariel, front and center, or perhaps, it truly came down to my love of her.  We’ll never know, now will we?

Beginning Saturday at 9am when the Disney Store opened.  Ariel and Prince Eric joined in on the opening celebrations.  The store was showcasing their new Ariel lined merchandise, not quite available to the public yet.

PRINCE ERIC, PRINCESS ARIEL

Sephora was also present giving Eye and Lip and Nail makeovers throughout the day on Saturday.  They were launching their new Ariel inspired “Dare to Dream” line:

DISNEY FANS

A specially designed compact mirror, lip gloss set, nail polish set, and small eyeshadow and large eye shadow sets were available.  They also launched a perfume (both roller ball) and a full size bottle.  This collection can be found throughout Sephora stores right now.

With every makeover, an Ariel inspired hair clip was handed out (a Starfish beautiful blue clip to be exact.)

Right next store was the “Find Your Voice” singing karaoke booth where members of D23 were invited to sing Disney music to the surrounding audience.  Many times, as I walked by, a song from The Little Mermaid was being sung.  They were also encouraged to dress up as Ariel during their sessions.

DISNEY FAN

But, the true highlight of the day for me was when I was walking through the Collector’s Forum section of the expo, and sitting down to the right of me was none other than Pat Carroll, the voice of Ursula in the “The Little Mermaid.”

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Later in day on Saturday, directors Ron Clements and John Musker were also present signing autographs to the first 100 people.  I was so lucky to walk by as this was happening, but not lucky enough to be one of the first 100:

Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker

Of all the days for me to attend D23 Expo, I couldn’t have chosen a better day to catch these amazing members of one of my all time favorite Disney movies.

But, one last stop at The Dream Store within the expo led me to a gift I just had to take home:

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The Precious Moment “Ariel” doll.  Artist Linda Rick, was also present, signing the dolls that day.  So, this was my gift to myself.

Are you an Ariel fan?

Disclosure: I was provided media credentials to cover the D23 Expo. 

Ariel and Castle Fridge Magnets


Categories: Events in LA, Fun Stuff | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

What’s new at Santa Monica Place? Redwood Grille is. #ad

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary meal on behalf of this post.

Santa Monica is always a place I enjoy visiting throughout the year.  A day of shopping, or a day spent at the beach, or to take in the ocean view from the pier, it is a place of fun, and a place where people gather.

The question of where to eat always crosses a person mind when they spend a day there.  After hours in the sun, where to eat, or if you have a night out in Santa Monica, a place to grab a bite before the event takes place.

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This is where Redwood Grille at The Santa Monica Place comes in.  Located atop the third floor of Santa Monica Place and opened a little over 4 weeks ago, this restaurant gives a modern twist on classic American meals.  I was invited to try out the restaurant.

The first thing I truly loved about The Redwood Grille was the options for seating.  If you want more of a bar like lounge area, you could choose to sit in the front of the restaurant that overlooks Santa Monica place.  If you are on a date, and prefer a more intimate setting, you could choose a booth within the restaurant, or love to sit outdoors, the patio area is covered with comfortable seating with a variety of options to choose from:

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Redwood Grille Patio Seating

But, with any restaurant, it’s truly all about the food.  So lets take a peek at some of the options, shall we?

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We started our meal off with a few appetizers.  Three to be exact.  The Grilled Octopus (front and center), Avocado Ahi Tuna Tartar (left) and for our Canadian friends Poutine (right).

The Tartar, very much like a bruschetta spread was very easy to work into and mix with the bread offerings.  The amount of bread paired well with the Tartar that was served leaving your dish empty afterwards.

poutine

The Poutine, featured above, came out looking like that.  Now, what is Poutine exactly?  French fries covered with fresh cheese curds then layered with gravy.  Redwood Grille definitely has this down.  Although, Poutine is well known as a Canadian dish, it has become more popular in the US lately.

grilledoctupus

But the real winner of the appetizers was the Grilled Octopus.  I’ve been to many restaurants where this is served, and came to the conclusion that I just didn’t like the dish.  But, when I cut into this one, I could truly taste the flavors.  Not only that, but the octopus was incredibly tender to cut through.

Now we move onto the entrees.  Redwood Grille has options from Burgers and Sandwiches to Salads to Steaks, Fish, and a few Classics.  It was a tough choice but we chose:

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The Lobster Grinder.   A sandwich of lobster, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and basil mayonnaise.  Also served with a side of Quinoa salad.  My SO really loved the Quinoa salad, and ate a ton of this sandwich.

babybackribs

As for myself, the classic Danish Baby Back ribs.  Whenever I get ribs, I’m always hesitant with how messy they’ll be, but even more so, hesitant with how easy it’ll be to cut into.  I was so surprised with how tender these ribs were, and to be honest, probably the best ribs I’ve ever had.

And of course we ended with dessert:

Cheesecake

Two Cheesecakes with very distinct flavors.  The one on the left being the New York Style Cheesecake with a raspberry sauce and the one on the right being their Key Lime Pie Cheesecake.  The sauce truly added to the New York Style Cheesecake, and it was all about the crust with the Key Lime Pie Cheesecake.

I briefly looked over the wine list and was very happy to see they offered many varieties of wines from Sparkling to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigios to Syrahs to fans of Reds with Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons and Zinfandels.

This is a restaurant that is definitely worth checking out in Santa Monica.

Redwood Grille

395 Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica, CA

For Reservations: (310) 576-0600 or book a reservation through Open Table.

Connect with Redwood Grille on their Website or Facebook


Categories: Restaurants, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments