89117 Magazine | May-June 2015
Your favorite Zip Code Magazine is now available online! Click here to read the issue now.
89138 Magazine | May-June 2015
Your favorite Zip Code Magazine is now available online! Click here to read the issue now.
89134 Magazine | May-June 2015
Your favorite Zip Code Magazine is now available online! Click here to read the issue now.
89128 Magazine | May-June 2015
Your favorite Zip Code Magazine is now available online! Click here to read the issue now.
89144 Magazine | May-June 2015
Your favorite Zip Code Magazine is now available online! Click here to read the issue now.
A Refreshing Farewell to Pretentious Fine Dining: David Clawson, A Fine Cooking Restaurant
By Aly Wagonseller
IN A PLACE THAT (FOR SOME) MAY SEEM LIKE A metropolis away, one of the best new restaurants our city has experienced, regardless of locale, has taken root. David Clawson, A Fine Cooking Restaurant, located at 2840 Bicentennial Parkway between the Anthem Highland and Sun City communities, brings something extraordinary to the south side of town. The attention to detail here is aston- ishing; from the amuse-bouche of thinly sliced salmon with avocado mousse served on a Himalayan salt plank to the garde manger stylings of a meticulous young chef who artfully plates behind the open view, chef’s counter seating area, David Clawson Fine Cooking is a must visit for anyone who enjoys elevated cuisine, yet can do without the snobbery that’s so often associated with it.
The origins of this Strip-worthy establishment could easily be mistaken for celebrity chef status if it weren’t for the philoso- phy of Chef David Clawson, an unpretentious restaurateur who prefers to offer honest, sophisticated food sans the tourist trap fluff. Chef Clawson has been in the industry for more than 30 years, opening and heading the culinary teams of fine dining establishments that include The Ritz Hotels, Hotel Nikko Atlanta and most recently the Vail Mountain Dining at the Game Creek Club and Restaurant. Living in NYC, he discovered more modern influences under the direction of Daniel Boulud. While his namesake restaurant exhibits a contemporary sensibility, he prefers to bill his fare as real food that you can identify, taste and crave well after you have eaten it. And crave I most certainly do.
The menu consists of globally influenced small plate offer- ings that are designed to be ordered on their own or paired with wine, sake and beer options as suggested on a separate pairing menu. We chose the 2 ounce pairing option and were impressed at how amiable they were to changing out options due to personal taste requirements. Not once did I feel like a low life wine slob because I preferred a Pinot Noir with my fish or a stainless steel aged Chardonnay with my steak. In fact, our server’s enthusiastic suggestions for substitutions made our meal that much more memorable. This is how a real restaurant – for real people – should be.
Small plate may sound ho hum but this is not your normal fare. Organized by one word categories of food genre, i.e. wild game, fish, duck, bread, pork and so on, the menu is easy to follow and not overly complicated, yet presents a sophisti- cated flavor profile. We started with the vegetable, a cold asparagus, shiitake mushroom beauty served atop a meyer lemon curd with lemon foam. Lemon done two ways was an interesting addition to the earthy vegetables; the acidic tart- ness of the light and airy foam acting as the perfect foil to the sweet and creamy curd that coated the plate. A jumbo crab cake followed that had no binder, just huge chunks of succu- lent crab with a thin coating of panko on the outside holding it together. A delicate basil oil and vibrant red pepper sauce took the cake up several notches. Miso Sea Bass in a delicate broth, Lo Mein Garlic Noodles with crunchy garlic chips throughout, and an amazing Truffled Gouda and Fig Jam cheese plate served with house made crackers were all out- standing but for me, the Black Tiger Shrimp and Quail dish- es completely blew the lid off the place. Expertly prepared shrimp tossed in a chipotle vinaigrette were served atop a sweet corn puree dotted with chorizo slivers, jicama and cilantro micro greens. The combination of smoky, sweet and spicy was superbly balanced and, simply put, sublime. The quail offering was equally outstanding. I have to say quail is not on my staple list of food items I order at the neighbor- hood watering hole, but this rendition was bold, yet some- how homey and comforting at the same time. Marinated with an achiote spice rub, the skin was caramelized and crispy while the meat remained moist and flavorful. Served atop a green chili spiked macaroni that provided a nice kick, it’s a go-to for any future visits.
There really is something special about David Clawson, both the chef and his restaurant. He’s created something truly inspired and sophisticated, and he’s made it for locals that know their food, but don’t feel the need to brag about it. David Clawson, A Fine Cooking Restaurant also offers a Chef’s Choice, multi course prix fixe Omakase experience with reservations only. For information, call 702-466.2190. ◆
Back to the Basics
Sometimes it’s good to go back to the basics. For the Zip Code Magazines and our customers, that means taking a look at the tried and true ways to achieve the highest ROI and the biggest bang for an advertising dollar. As many of you have heard us say, “Advertising stays where it pays.” That couldn’t be more true, but there are definitely ways to make sure the “pays” part is as big as possible. From understanding messaging and calls to action, to really dialing in your methods for effective measurement (That’s not just asking random customers where they heard about you!), going back to the basics is a great way to cut through the gnarly forest of modern day advertising options to ensure the foundation of your brand is strong.
We found a great article from advertising expert Dean Parker to help focus us on the basics of effective advertising. Hope you enjoy!
Get the most bang for your advertising buck by following these eight tips
By: Dean Parker
- Reach your target market.
To ensure your advertising campaign is effective, you need to speak with the right people. Start by reviewing the demographics of your current client base. If you are already successful in one geographic region, age group or industry, then look at maximising the exposure to other potential customers in that same group. Find out which publications or websites target these people and look at advertising there. - You need more than one advertisement.
An advertising strategy is a plan that you commit to for the long term. Advertising results are not always instant.It is best to advertise in the same medium repetitively, rather than placing ad hoc advertisements here, there and everywhere. It generally takes three exposures to your same advertisement before a potential client will respond.
By advertising on a regular basis, it shows that you are committed to finding new clients, and the next time you advertise, they may be in a position to respond.
- Have a call to action
To gain instant results from your advertising campaign, include a discount or special offer. An expiry date help motivate customers to act straight away. No expiry date means people soon forget about the offer and may not purchase. - Negotiate for editorial coverage.
If you commit to regular advertisements with a publication, ask for editorial coverage. A third person editorial provides your product or service with credibility. Your editorial should be written to look like a regular article. It must be newsworthy and include some professional tips, news or trends that re-enforce the message of your advertisement. The aim is to build your reputation as an expert in your industry. When a customer needs your product or service or has a problem, you’re the first person they think of. - Make it professional.
When designing your advertisement, seek professional advice. Many publications have a graphic design department that will be able to assist you. Ensure that any logos or photos you are using are of the right resolution. Include all relevant contact details in the advertisement, such as your web address and phone number. - Check and double check.
It is your responsibility to ensure the details in your advertisement are right. Ensure that phone numbers, web addresses, dates, prices and details are correct. Have someone else in your business proof-read the ad. - Be prepared!
Hopefully your campaign is a success and you are rushed off your feet with new enquiries. Before the advertisement goes to print, ensure that any products or services advertised are in stock and available. - Measure the outcomes.
Question every new client on where they heard about you. This will enable you to work out which advertising campaigns have worked and which haven’t. This is valuable information that helps you set an effective advertising strategy for the following year. This information also helps you accurately allocate future advertising budgets for maximum return.
Now that your advertising strategy is in place, get ready for the phone to ring.
RESIDENTS SNAP SELFIES AT HENDERSON TRAILS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES
Enter Bike It or Hike It contest by sharing photos on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
Residents can win prizes by simply snapping a selfie, on bike or by foot, at one of many Henderson trails during the months of April and May as part of Bike It or Hike It. There is no cost to participate.
Kicking off Monday, April 6, participants have until Friday, May 29 to take a selfie in front of any Henderson trail signage, including trailheads, kiosks and interpretive signs. Participants must like or follow the City of Henderson on Facebook, Twitteror Instagram, and post or tweet selfies on Instagram, Twitter, and the City of Henderson’s Facebook page using #bikeitorhikeit to be eligible.
Participants are encouraged to explore more than one trail or all 184+ miles of trails in Henderson. Multiple entries may be submitted; however, each selfie must contain a unique image.
Winners will be chosen at random. The grand prize is a hybrid bicycle valued up to $400. Bonus prizes include five $50 and five $25 VISA gift cards, five $25 movie gift cards, and five $25 City of Henderson FunCards.
A list of rules and a comprehensive trail map is available online. For more information on Bike It or Hike It or any other city-sponsored bicycling events or programs, visit BikeHenderson.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hard Rock Cafe Announces Instrument Drive and Fundraiser to Support Music Programs Throughout Clark County During the Month of March
This March, in honor of Music in our Schools Month, Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas teams up with Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS of Nevada) to host a month-long instrument drive and fundraiser in support of local students and music programs across the valley.
Throughout the month, both Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas locations will encourage locals to stop by to donate a new or gently used instrument to help kids throughout the valley discover the power of music. As a thank you, all participating Hard Rock patrons who bring in items for donation will receive 20 percent off their total check that day.
Both Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas locations will also be raising money to eliminate educational barriers that students face at school. Guests will have the ability to “Round Up for Charity” with the option to add a donation to their checks, all of which will benefit CIS of Nevada. In addition, many of the bands performing at Hard Rock Live throughout March will also get in the action by providing an autographed guitar to be auctioned off at each of their individual shows.
“It’s proven that music has a deep and lasting impact on a child’s success both in and out of school,” said Darcy Byers General Manager of Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas on Paradise, “and with Hard Rock being a company that is so deeply connected by our love of music, we wanted to give back and share that passion with kids throughout the local community.”
What: Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Hosts Month-Long Instrument Drive and Fundraiser to Benefit Communities In Schools of Nevada
When: Throughout the month of March
Where: Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas
4475 Paradise Rd
Las Vegas, NV
Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas
3771 Las Vegas Boulevard South Suite 120
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 733-7625
For more information, visit www.hardrock.com/las-vegas.
Take the Meatball Challenge with Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts
How many meatballs can you eat in a day? Celebrate Meatball Day with Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts on March 9th, and challenge yourself to try an array of meatballs from a variety of restaurants in one day. From Caesars Palace to The Cromwell to Paris Las Vegas, there will be no shortage of meatballs for guests to enjoy.
Five exciting options to kickstart your Meatball Challenge include:
The recently opened Di Fara Pizza, located in the Forum Food Court at Caesars Palace, will aid guests in their Meatball Day celebrations with Gram’s Meatball, served alone or in a sandwich. Indulge in the secret DeMarco family recipe, a mixture of pork, veal and beef crispy on the outside and tender throughout.
Looking for a twist on the traditional beef or pork meatball? Head to The Cromwell to try one of GIADA’s signature Chicken Marsala Meatballs made with Marsala wine, fresh crimini mushrooms and pecorino cheese. You won’t want to share this popular antipasti dish with anyone.
Treat yourself to lunch at highly-acclaimed Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace where the meatball options abound. From mini meatballs to meatball sliders, Bacchanal is the perfect place to continue your Meatball Day celebrations.
Since 1896, four generations of the Rao’s family have proudly served simple, authentic and utterly unforgettable Southern Italian cuisine. The Las Vegas location at Caesars Palace makes no exception, and the meatballs remain legendary. Served in pairs, the meatballs, either alone or accompanied by one of the many pasta dishes, taste as if Aunt Anna were still rolling them each morning. Made with veal, pork and beef, the secret to these meatballs lies in the homemade breadcrumbs and lukewarm water.
Once hailed “the best meatball in the world,” you won’t want to miss out on Steve Martorano’s famous Martorano Meatball & salad at Martorano’s, with locations at both the Paris Las Vegas and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Served with a heaping scoop of ricotta cheese, this juicy meatball will not disappoint. Finish off Meatball Day by dancing the night away those calories at Martorano’s Supper Club after dinner.
For more information and high resolution images, visit: blog.caesars.com.
