Tag: Las Vegas

Afternoon Tea at the Waldorf Astoria

A definite highlight of our girls’ weekend in Las Vegas was afternoon tea. The Waldorf Astoria tea lounge is located on the 23rd floor, with a view over the famous strip.

Service was warm and efficient, run like a well-oiled machine. After choosing our teas (Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for Stephanie, and Flowery Earl Grey for me), we were left to chat and get comfortable.

Stephanie also ordered herself a glass of Ruinart Rosé Champagne, which was a nice addition. I was on medication so sadly couldn’t join her.

On the menu..

Tea Sandwiches

Porchetta Sandwich (Brie cream and apple compote on white bread) | Gougère (spinach and mushroom filling) | Salmon Sandwich (cucumber, capers and cream cheese on marble rye bread) | Chicken Sandwich (curry chicken, pecans and Boston Bibb lettuce on an hoagie roll)

Freshly Baked Signature Scones

Accompanied by Devonshire Cream, strawberry preserves and lemon curd.

Tea Desserts

Canelé (Tahitian vanilla, rum custard) | Chocolate Passion Tart (passion fruit gel, crunchy chocolate pearl, chocolate mousse) | Strawberry Choux (white chocolate cream, strawberry crémeux) | Pistachio Macaron (pistachio ganache)

I’m a big fan of afternoon tea, and would have to say that the Waldorf Astoria puts on one of the nicest I’ve experienced.

It was such a lovely time catching up with Stephanie over tea and delicious finger foods. We don’t see each other nearly as often as I’d like. I look forward to our next tea for two.

To see my complete album of photos, click here.

Bonne journée!

Marla

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

Perhaps surprisingly to some, there is much more to do in Las Vegas than engaging in drunken shenanigans, baking in the sun next to the pool or gambling away your life savings. No judgement from me, but none of those things are my cup of tea.

Over the next several days I’ll share some of the things my friend Stephanie and I got up to during our girls’ weekend in Las Vegas.

First we’ll visit the small Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art with its current installations featuring Japanese contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama.

Narcissus Garden features 750 stainless steel balls “that create an infinite lake that distorts images of reality reflected on the surface of the 12-inch orbs.”

This particular installation was originally created 5 decades ago, and has been re-installed in various locations multiple times over the years.

Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity is set in a small room that you enter solo or in pairs. Once the door closes behind you, “an array of lights ignite a delicate mirage mirrored on every surface representing the eternal cycle of life over the span of just under a minute.”

The mirrors camouflage the walls, tricking your mind into thinking that you’re in a much larger space.

“The space represents Kusama’s lifelong obsession with the dissolution of the self into the infinite.“

Being in such tight quarters with the boundaries distorted made me a little bit claustrophobic and dizzy, and I was relieved when the door opened behind me.

Yayoi Kusama has been acknowledged as one of the most important Japanese artists. Amongst her numerous accolades are Praemium Imperiale, and Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art offers the opportunity to experience works by various renowned artists in its intimate setting.

The featured artists and works change regularly, so I do recommend checking it out if you’re in Las Vegas. I remember years ago visiting during a showing of Ansel Adams black and white photography that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Have you ever been to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art?

Bonne journée!

Marla