Dogmom's Dish

Ring In The New Year: Seattle Style

Forget coffee, Seattle is undergoing a cocktail explosion.

We discovered some fine libation lairs and a new 'zine, called Imbibe. 

Here's a real live hot toddy from the Hotel Monaco's cozy Sazerac bar and restaurant.

Going To See The Elephant: Louis Vuitton Las Vegas & Beyond...

Love the lighter -than-LV cutie in the Crystals window display.

Reminds me of one of my fave books, Going To See The Elephant.  Written by my friend Rodes Fishburne, this was a hands-down favorite of book clubs across the country in 2011.  

Now available on Kindle or in paperback...for all of you, who like me, still prefer to kick it old school. (-:

Brides Across America: Wedding Gowns for Military "I Dos"

What an amazing idea!

Brides Across America is an accredited non-profit that pairs donated gowns and accoutrements with military brides.  

Clean your closet, snag a tax deduction...and pay it forward to make someone else's big day.

Top 10 Things I Love About Vegas

Las Vegas is a city of contrasts  and always OTT. 

It's also the ultimate people-watching destination...that's why we can't resist going back, even though our friends think we're nuts to travel there and then just walk around.

Here are some of my fave things to do and see.

Finally, a place where DogDad never gets hungry...

...and DogMom can get her show fix.  Harrah's All Stage Pass is $99 for 48 hours and includes the classic Jubilee as well as some other excellent rising and established comics and performers.  Stick to those and you won't be disappointed!  The pass also offers hefty discounts to mega-shows like Cher, Donny & Marie, etc.

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Frank Gehry's designs take my breath away.  One of the items on my bucket list is to experience every single one.  His City Center creation is a rare commercial venture, but still stunning.

Oversize, Alice-in-Wonderland decor (spotted here @ City Center's Aria)...

....giant pools with rooftop gardens to match (V Hotel)

Todai's fun and high quality all-you-can eat sushi buffet (Planet Hollywood)

Mongo meringues and cupcakes @ the Sugar Factory

Floor to ceiling chocolate fountain @ the Bellagio

 

Now for the low brow...

....and where even the shoes are filled with chocolate!

Peet's Peppermint Mocha + Choco Mint Whoopie = Holiday Bliss

Nothing says yuletide cheer like Peet's perfect pair! 

Wasn't sure what to think of the green filling in the whoopie pie, but one bite took me straight back to the homemade peppermint rose-shaped mints that were a staple of all southern social events. 

Matched with the mocha's refreshing peppermint and rich devil's food cake, it may be the best tradition of all.

Where's The Gal's Line, Gwen??

Gwen Stefani's guest line for Target dropped earlier this week.  Called Harajuku Mini , it builds on the cute nerd-themed paper pieces she's been doing over the past year.

Besides the fact that pieces aren't available online, there's a bigger problem.  The collection is only for little girls and boys...nothing for those @ the adult's table and mama's dying for that biker jacket!! 

Too bad, because there are some cute party dresses ($24.99) as well as mini skirts ($14.99) in the same fabrics.

The only piece I didn't love was the plaid pants  with the weird drape in the back.  They looked too much like a college marching band…and I’m in no mood to be hazed.

Check out some sample pieces below or the entire lookbook here.    

More Bots For Your Holiday Pleasure: From TV To The Table

Robots are tres popular this season...from Progressive Insurance's FloBot to Old Navy's knit-crazed grandma bot. 

Indulge the trend with these cute salt and pepper shakers...wind 'em up and they'll bring it.  ($14.99 on eBay)

'Tis the Season for Science: Cal Academy of Sciences

Once again, there is an alternative to the Nutcracker.

Cal Academy is hosting a number of after-hours events this season...if you're lucky enough to get an invite or ticket, just say "heck yes"!

Our very cool benefit involved the main floor and entire aquarium.  As you can see, I shared a tender moment (and a hot toddy) with one of the resident catfish.  Awesome!

The rainforest exihibit was visible, but not walkable...no biggie, since the lobby had blackjack (where DogDad got held up for 99% of the party) and flower/spice smelling exhibits.

 

 

Only For Egg Heads: Two Ways To Get Your Nog On

Chase away a bad case of the bah humbugs with an iced eggnog scone or an eggnog latte.

Exponentially better when consumed together...

Got A Minute? Get A Play!

San Franciscans were just treated to one of the year's best hours of theatre, as the One Minute Play Festival (in partnership with the Playwright's Foundation) rolled into town. 

Presented in six “clumps” of ten plays by local playwrights using  local actors and directors, the action moved along non-stop. 

No surprise that themes like yoga, Occupy and pet love cropped up.

Dog Park Discussions (Tom Swift) riffed on the joys of poop, puke and the truly degutant topic of the Republican presidential race…

Other tales took on loftier themes, like Lauren Gunderson’s Queen Elizabeth’s A Slut and Aaron Loeb’s Hamlet (as reflected back from Siri). 

The one-minute format didn't preclude musicals and Lauren Gunderson's This Is My One Minute Musical brought down the house.  Quickly.

Although the San Francisco festival was this year's last, next year will bring even more cities into the mix.  In addition to the ten cities from this year, more new locations including Baltimore/Washington Metro Area, Minneapolis, Philidelphia, and an addtional West Coast Engagement will be announced next month.

Check out their blog for updates.