Monday, April 25, 2011

SERENDIPITY 3 AND A BALD MAN.

Let's start this by saying I love chocolate. I love the smell, I love the shape, and I love the taste. I want to make out with it. I want to bathe in it. I want my clothes to be made of chocolate so I can eat them. You get the picture. So I took a recent trip to Sin City, good ol' Las Vegas and did my pants expand. If you enjoy indulging (and boy do I) I suggest you make two trips. Both are incredible, so don't ask me to pick a favorite. First up: Serendipity 3.
If you can't make it to Vegas, there's one in NY too. Serendipity 3 is perfectly located on the Strip in front of Caesar's, if you don't have a reservation expect to wait a couple hours. The Frozen Hot Chocolate is their signature, but their food is bomb too (their portions are huge!). That drink was like sipping heaven thru a straw. It was light and fluffy, a perfect after meal compliment. They had so many chocolate options I wanted to curl into the fetal position and wait for my stomach to make room. Great vibe, great food, great desserts, and priced quite reasonable. My advice: share an entree and get crazy with those many dessert options! Onto my other new favorite restaurant:
Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald Man!

He's a modern day Willy Wonka. I'm not kidding. His restaurant just opened in the Caesar's Palace last year, and it is PHENOMENAL. Dude. The restaurant has two levels and wasn't too busy (even on a Saturday night). The food, portions, and service were great. I especially loved the decor and the vibe. If you go, get the chocolate drink concoctions, the hot chocolate, the desserts, and if you have room buy something to bring home. So I could barely button my pants when I left. Whatever. This man knows chocolate. He only has a few locations in the U.S. (NY, Vegas, Philly, and now Boston!) It's an experience. If you love chocolate, you need to find your way to these two restaurants. Trust me.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

TIPPING: ITS NOT JUST A CITY IN CHINA.

Everyone at some point in their lives should be in the service industry. EVERYONE. Then they would understand the trials and hurdles a waiter faces. This blog is inspired by two new buddies from Denmark
(whom I met on my travels in NZ and then proceeded to meet up with later in Hollywood). In NZ, Australia, and Denmark it is not customary to tip.  Here's why: the minimum wage in these countries is double (if not triple) than that of the United States.  That's why they don't need your money. In the United States, its a bit different (especially outside California).  The U.S. is kinda backwards all over (hello feet, inches, degrees, mph). We don't make what the rest of the world makes, precisely why we depend on your tips.  But Paul, my service really sucked! Well, the guy probably has been there too long or maybe he's having a bad day. It happens. Solution: Ask for a manager. I don't take it out the waiter's pocket.   Give the guy some $, and politely as for a manager.  That way, Mr. X got his money and you have someone to talk to about your bad service.  Don't make a scene, don't throw things, don't stomp about til you get a free appetizer (because that appetizer was dropped on the floor on purpose).  Say your peace, pay your money, and hopefully someone will respond with someone productive.  Scenario 2: You walk up to the bartender and say "Hey man, I'm a real big tipper, take care of me, and I'll get you back." More often than not, that dude stiffs you after you've been hooking him up all night.  Solution: You get to a bar, throw the bartender $ up front and say "Hey, you get me, there's more to come." Now I know you mean business. When I left $6 on the table after my $30 meal, my guys from Denmark thought I was crazy.  Dude is working at 3am and probably has been there since 6pm with no breaks.  Ya, I gave'em $6.  Minimum wage in Denmark is $20. I'll type that again. MINIMUM WAGE IN DENMARK IS $20. They get free healthcare and free university (college to you U.S. types). Sounds like paradise...where do I sign up?! The catch: they get taxed double what we do.  They make more and get taxed more, which in turn goes back into the country so they can pay for healthcare/school. We get taxed less and pay for everything. So it evens out really.  Well look at that, we all learned something today.  We all got some culture.  That's what I'm here for, education. Bringing the world together, one tip at a time
airline tickets around the world