Leave it to Wynn’s head cake artist, Flora Aghababyan, to create an over the top gingerbread house. Look a little closer and it’s a reproduction of the Wynn Resort Las Vegas, side by side with the Encore. This takes the idea of a holiday gingerbread house to a whole new level. Are those really the […]

So I must admit, my downfall is Chef Mark LoRusso’s Chocolate S’more Doughnuts at Wynn Resort’s  Botero Restaurant. Last evening, I had to introduce my “Blue Baker” to this over the top, melt in your mouth, can’t get enough dessert. Honestly, this has no connection whatsoever to my memories of roasting marshmallows over a bonfire and putting between […]

Who doesn’t associate colorful, healthy and festive red cranberries with the holidays? The Barefoot Contessa features this Cranberry and Apple Cake recipe in her new cookbook,“How Easy Is That.” Ina’s newest cookbook is the essence of fabulous entertaining without a lot of fuss. Nothing beats this crowd pleasing dessert during an otherwise hectic time of  year!   […]

This Hint of Mint Frosting recipe is absolutely delicious and spreads easily on any cake or cupcakes. It’s my “Blue Baker’s” variation of the frosting used on my childhood favorite cake recipe. True to form, my granddaughter likes to “tweek” recipes, so she switched the green to orange food coloring this week to match our Halloween […]

This Lemon Ginger String Bean recipe is the best I have ever eaten.  The combination of fresh ginger, garlic and lemon zest with freshly squeezed lemon juice, topped with a bit of Parmesan cheese and garnished with  freshly cut  chives is sure to have your guests begging for the secret to this recipe! SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS […]

Every year there is a short window for savoring Copper River salmon. The runs come in for several weeks in May and this Northwest delicacy from Alaska can be shipped anywhere in the US. So, what’s all the fuss in the Pacific Northwest about at the opening of Copper River salmon season? Could be that […]

Risotto Primavera (with spring vegetables) is one of the popular risottos prepared at Villa d’Este by Executive Chef Luciano Parolari on romantic Lake Como in Italy. Throughout the world, Chef Parolari has been known as the “King of Risotto” for good reason! The Gourmet Review would like to wish Executive Chef Luciano Parolari good luck, as he […]

Basil, lemon and garlic roasted chicken. What could be easier than this colorful, tasty dish? It’s perfect for a casual evening or entertaining. The cherry tomatoes, zucchini and lemon wedges provide the color. Every cook needs an arsenal of quick , yet easy  to prepare , meals that can be beautifully presented. This is one […]

Who doesn’t love an easy to prepare pasta dish? Try celebrity chef Giada de Laurentii’s recipe for Linguine With Shrimp and Lemon Oil Recipe. The fresh lemon juice and arugula turn an ordinary pasta in a great meal. SERVES:   6   INGREDIENTS ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil Zest of 1 lemon 1 pound linguine […]

Wolfgang Puck creates another seasonal favorite with his Bartlett Pear and Prosciutto Salad with EisweinVinaigrette recipe. The sweet and juicy pear is a favorite ingredient of mine. Remember, you can always substitute Asian, Bosc or Anjou pear, depending on the season. Instead of prosciutto, you can substitute ham, but I personally love the distinctive taste […]