Photo Highlights from Official Taste of #AtlanticCity #RestaurantWeek Exclusive Preview Event @BorgataAC #DOAC

Above: Atlantic City Restaurant Week Ice Sculpture at Exclusive Preview Event held at Borgata Atlantic City

With things finally looking more like Spring in my neck of the woods I thought I would share a reco for those of you wanting to shed that 'cabin fever' and find something foodie and fun to do to lure yourself out the bat cave!

I had the chance to hit an Exclusive Preview Kickoff Event for Atlantic City Restaurant Week at the Borgata in Atlantic City and thought I would share the photo highlights from the event and give you the lo down because you are not going to want to miss this!

From March 6th - March 12th, participating restaurants from the best of Atlantic City's culinary scene will offer three-course lunches for $15.14 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and three-course dinners for only $33.14 person (plus tax and gratuity), check out the Atlantic City Restaurant Week Website for more info.

Here are my Photo Highlights:

Above: The Preview Event was held in the Event Center of The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

Above: I knew there would be an interesting backstory to these tables, and I was right, at the end of the evening the 'table decor' was donated to a local food pantry. I loved the clever way that they incorporated the donations into the table settings. 'Decor with a cause' gotta love that!

Restaurants (in the same order the room was set up from front to back):

Above: Il Verdi Restaurant, Tropicana Casino and Resort will be participating in Atlantic City Restaurant Week, you can check out their exclusive to Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Cavatelli Bolognese prepared by Il Verdi Restaurant, Tropicana Casino and Resort

Above: This Lobster Bisque Shooter from Fin Restaurant, Tropicana Resort and Casino Atlantic City was creatively staged by me to nab this killer shot! Check out FIN's Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Tropicana Resort and Casino Restaurant Chefs hamming it up for the press cameras! Far Left, FIN's Head Chef, Demetrios Haronis - read more about him HERE or HERE (press where it reads 'meet the chef')

Above: The Melting Pot offered Chocolate Covered Strawberries - their proximity to Tanger Outlets aka "The Walk" in Atlantic City make it the perfect place to pop in after a grueling afternoon of shopping while in Atlantic City! Check out their special Restaurant Week Only Menu HERE

Above: Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Golden Nugget Atlantic City served up Caesar Salad (gotta get those greens in!) And can I just add just how much smiling, happy chefs make me happy?  Check out the Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Grotto Restaurant, Golden Nugget Atlantic City served us 'Arancini Balls' and I couldn't resist getting a close up of them, see below:

Above: Arancini Balls prepared by Grotto Restaurant, Golden Nugget Atlantic City - this photo might just be 'award winning' just saying.....(and you know Golden Nugget has been featured on Ascending Butterfly often - they are always nice to us bloggers! Look for past coverage HERE and HERE and HERE) - You can check out their Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: Lillie's Restaurant, Golden Nugget Atlantic City offered a very simple but sweet dessert! I wish they had brought us the sushi they are so famous for though! I haven't had the chance to try Lillie's yet but would like too, this dessert was a fun start! You can see Lillie's Restaurant Week Menu HERE.

Above: Sammy D's Restaurant, Harrah's Atlantic City, you can check out various menus for the restaurant HERE

Above: Hell's Kitchen Season 14 Winner Chef Meghan Gill presents Mini Beef Wellington a specialty of Gordon Ramsey Pub & Grill at Caesar's Atlantic City. Check out their Menu HERE

Above: The Sashimi Tuna Tacos were FANTASTIC! I dug the laid back approachable vibe and now I really want to check out the restaurant the next time I visit AC! Like me, most of the folks we shared a table with went back up for more of these, they are totally addictive! I only wish I could have met Guy in person and thanked him for these! Check out the menu for Guy Fieri's ChopHouse, Bally's Atlantic City HERE

Above: Nizam's II is a second location that is a short distance away from Atlantic City right off the Garden State Parkway where you can enjoy Authentic Indian Cuisine check out their Restaurant Week Menu HERE we got to taste their Dahi Puri, Chicken Seekh Kebab Dish

Above: The Historic Smithville Inn of Smithville, New Jersey prepared a Braised Short Rib Quesadilla and served it with honey chipotle aioli, you can check out their Atlantic City Restaurant Menu for Lunch and Dinner HERE

Above: Breadsticks Restaurant at Resorts Atlantic City will also be offering a Restaurant Week Menu which you can peruse HERE (sorry I can't be more chatty but this is my least fave restaurant not only at Resorts but in Atlantic City as a whole, I am hoping that things there have drastically changed since my last visit)

Above: Prime Rib from Gallagher's Steak House at Resorts Casino, you can check out their Atlantic City Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: I love that Gallagher's Displayed the Prime Rib with an assortment of Wines ready for pairing!

Above: The team at Broadway Burger Bar from Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City served up Pan Seared Salmon Served with Mashed Potatoes, while only Il Verdi and FIN are doing something official for Restaurant Week you can check out Broadway Burger Bar's Menu HERE (you may remember them being featured on Ascending Butterfly in December of 2015 when I attended the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Tropicana, they hosted the Press for a bite to eat afterwards, if you missed that coverage see it HERE)

Above: The Twenties Restaurant at Claridge Hotel presented Meatball Al Forno, check out their full Atlantic City Restaurant Week Menu HERE

Above: The Academy of Culinary Arts, Atlantic Cape Community College served up Roasted Cornish Game Hen with Farro Pilaf and Dates, Fancy!

Above: Last and certainly not least, not to be outdone was the event venue host - Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa who prepared Smoked Duck with Fresh Vegetable Lumpia in the most adorable 'mini pails' - you can check out which of their restaurants are participating and their respective menus HERE

Above: There was an amazing Dessert Bar and you know I had to get creative with my cupcake staging!

Above: So many great sponsors were involved in bringing the event together, my tummy can't thank them all enough! :)

MY TAKE:

Not only is this is a great way to 'eat your way through Atlantic City', but it gives you the chance to experience fine dining at many popular venues well below cost! I can't say enough about the dishes I got to try and I got to experience a few other amazing things during this trip that I will share later this week. 

Tomorrow check out my post where I share a full tasting experience with the menu items offered from FIN Restaurant at Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City! (Many of the items are on the Restaurant Week Menu by the way!)

I am also going to share about the Tropicana Winter Wine Festival this week as well so stay tuned my foodie and 'spirits' loving friends, there is much more in store!

Which of the above Restaurants is calling your name? Are you going to hit Atlantic City Restaurant Week this week? If so, please share your finds and picks! Do you love prix fixe menus too?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, passes to the Exclusive Preview Event were provided for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} #SundayBrunch @Theos_NY Restaurant and Oyster Bar in #NYC with @955PLJ @toddandjayde

Free Time isn't exactly flowing, but every now and then when I have a spare moment online I like to enter a contest or two. I am born under the zodiac sign of Aries and we tend to be 'risk takers' at heart.

Well my gamble paid off with a local radio station contest win for Sunday Brunch at Theos Restaurant and Oyster Bar in the Trump Plaza in Manhattan!

Above: I couldn't resist nabbing a shot of the custom menu and place holders at the table!

Above: 'La Dolce Vita' Specialty Cocktail: Prosecco, Pom Juice and House Infused Dolce Mix and Pom Seed (Let's face it, what's Brunch without Bubbles?) A #Pomsecco (yes I am going to make a 'thing')

Above: There were sweet parting gifts too! Decisions, Decisions on the menu!

Above: Lobster Bisque one of the choices for Course One of this Three Course Prix-Fixe Tasting Menu

Above: Lobster Citrus Salad was my choice for Course One with bits of Avocado and lemongrass

Above: Maine Lobster Benedict was one of the choices for Course 2!

Above: My Choice for Course 2 was the Steak and Eggs!

Above: Sadly they were out of my dessert choice by the time they got to me, and didn't have any alternates so this is pretty much fruit and whip cream but I can't get mad at it.

Above: The chef came out to take a photo with the Radio Station Personalities Todd and Jayde and the WPLJ Blown Off Brunch Contest Winners! Can you spot the butterfly? :)

I am never totally Wordless on 'Wordless Wednesday' but it is photo heavy, that counts right?

Readers Sound Off: What Dish catches your eye and tempts your taste buds? Where do you 'Sunday Brunch'?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post I WON a Radio Station Contest and was under NO obligation to post my experience. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} The 'Wanna Sneak Peek of my boudoir"? Edition #Photos

I knew the subject would get ya! You dirty little butterfly! :-)

With the Groundhog predicting an early Spring, I have slowly but surely been re-decorating and doing some purging (I won't call it 'Spring Cleaning' as there aren't really signs of Spring yet in New York City!)

As promised a sneak peek of my boudoir!

Almost too pretty to sleep in!

I wanted my bedroom to feel more like a suite!

The Bedding Set is from Macy's - Oddly for some reason it photographs sort of 'brown' but the colors that actually run through this set are black, white, pink and purple (thankfully purchasers who reviewed it were kind enough to share this, which help solidify my decision as I ordered this set online not in store). The monogrammed pillowcases are from a Luxor Linens Valentino Sheet Set (press on the link to see my previous review of them) - and by the way the initials are 'T.A.I' not Taj (although I like to visit the Taj Mahal Casino when I go to Atlantic City!). The curtains are from Hayneedle and they are purple and grey (the purple in the curtains are picked up by the purple in the bedding set and dust ruffle) and the Buddha Wall Art is from Cost Plus World Market - I loved this piece so much I bought two of them and the other is in my Foyer so it's the first thing you see when you enter.

I love how cohesively it all comes together! Especially since all of the items were purchased very far apart from one another time wise and at different retailers.

The walls were freshly painted in Grey, A matte that has the lightest trace of blue in it and is making me all kinds of happy.

While there is way more to be done I have purged about 10 bags of stuff I no longer needed and I am loving my 'bedroom zen vibe'.

So there it is butterflies a peek at my boudoir!

Readers Sound Off: What Vibe are you trying to bring to your home for Spring?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post these items were purchased by me personally and NOT sent to me. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

@JennyCraig 5 day weight loss starter kit available exclusively at @Walmart #JennyCraigKit #spon

If you checked out Friday's Instagram and Blog Post Teaser, then you know I am going to spill the tea today on Jenny Craig's new weight loss kits being sold exclusively at Walmart in participating stores. (right now in store only)

Last year I entered a blog contest over at The Chatty Momma for one month of Jenny Craig which included weekly one-on-one consultations with a dedicated consultant who would help identify challenges, map out goals and track my progress as well as a one month supply of food. Shout out to Tonia for the amazing giveaway, it really helped me get a good running start to re-vamping my Lifestyle Choices when it comes to meals and portion control.

That was my first ever intro to Jenny Craig, I had never tried a program like this prior to this experience and I am happy to report I was successful at losing weight with the program - Members following the Jenny Craig program on average lose 1-2 lbs. a week.

Out of the four weeks, I had only one 'un-successful' week and it is because I didn't stick with it, I was away from the meals most of that week because of my insane schedule - that is the only week I gained, not much, but it proved without a shadow of a doubt that if you stick to it, the program really does yield results. I wasn't just 'out and about' I was traveling so I couldn't take the food with me, if only this kit had been available then, I could have just purchased one when I landed!

As promised, I am going to prove to you that this average sized box actually contains 3 meals a day PLUS a snack for FIVE days (here is the kit 'un-boxed'):

Contents:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five healthy Breakfasts! (Very Left with the Yellow Labels)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five Healthy Lunches! (Second to Left with Orange Coded Labels)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five Healthy Dinners! (Second to Right with Green Labels)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five Tasty Snacks! (Far Right with Purple Labels - a little salty and a little sampling of sweet - because sometimes you want chocolate other times chips!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One month free consultation at any Jenny Craig Center or Jenny Craig Anywhere

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ***Special $50 food savings when you join a Jenny Craig Center***

The Jenny Craig Weight Loss Starter Kit is available exclusively at Walmart - right now in store only - there are also three day kits available (the three day kits retail for $44.98) - those kits have the chocolate dream shakes in them which I highly recommend! (If you buy both kits you'll have the weekend covered too! PERK)

For the truly observant you may notice my kit accidentally contained 4 dinners and 6 lunches but if that happens to you don't worry you can substitute - I just used one of the lunches for dinner.

and one of the things I love about the program is that you can add a salad to any lunch or dinner - now just remember, it's NOT the salad that does folks in, it's the dressing - the plan comes with a pre-portioned balsamic dressing that I really love. They also offer 'anytime' items. 

MY TAKE:

Advantages/Loves/Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The fact that this kit does NOT require refrigeration and can be stored at room temp makes it perfect for my 'cubicle chicks' - no worries about stuff disappearing from the office fridge. (In my younger days I worked on a Trading Floor and lunches constantly disappeared from the Fridge - not cool, especially in winter!) - Just store them in your desk and you have all your meals literally at your fingertips. And with having the dinners with you, if you work late, you are covered and don't have to worry about being starved by the time you get home.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hate meal planning? - BOOM, this kit plans for you - it literally doesn't get easier than that.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Hate shopping for a ton of ingredients you don't end up using or having food go bad? Not going to happen with this kit. With me being a single gal in the city with no kids I don't want to prepare elaborate meals just for me - lunches especially - I don't have time for it, so this is absolutely perfect for me. I also tend to skip breakfast if left to my own devices, this system helps me start my day with something in my system making me less likely to snack before lunch and give me more energy. PERK!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Even as a SOHO (small office/home office) I love that I can always have something portion controlled, healthy and TASTY at my disposal. They are super fast to prepare which is perfect and some of the lunches that don't even require heating like the salad kits (chicken or tuna salad with whole wheat crackers and apple sauce) can be tucked into your purse for a meal on the go so you are less likely to cheat while out.

Cons: (these are actually not 'bad' - totally personal preference stuff)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In the beginning it takes getting used to the smaller sizes, especially for the snacks. Re-training my brain can be hard, especially when I am up late at night trying to meet deadlines - that is my snacktime danger zone. I know enough to know it can be exhaustion from working solid so many hours coupled with de-hydration from not taking enough breaks that make me crave the bad for me snacks. I wish the snack portion sizing were a bit bigger but that's the point - not to cut out snacking completely, just learn to cut back. By the way, while it was not included in this kit - the triple chocolate cheesecake from Jenny Craig's is addictive and rivals any of my favorite cheesecakes hands down. A pro and a con indeed! Delicious - total pro, the fact that I want to eat at least four of them in one sitting a con! LOL

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am a grab and go if at all Breakfast person - the chocolate dream shake is PERFECT, but it is not included in this particular kit (I am at an advantage and dis-advantage that I am familiar with the entire range of meals offered and have my favorites!) I do wish this five day kit included the shakes as the shakes can also be used for a boost mid-day if you are craving something and are far from your next meal time, the shakes are considered 'anytime' items (as well as many of the bars like the Chocolate Peanut Butter Anytime Bar). Nothing to count, just follow along the menu plan and it outlines how to incorporate anytime items into your day.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Now I don't know if all the kits are like that, but I wish mine hadn't repeated meals more than once, and had given me total variety with something different each day but I have a feeling that most of the other meals are ones that require refrigeration so that is why they weren't included.

Now I know what you are thinking butterflies, "but butterfly if the program worked for you, why didn't you stay on it longer than the trial month?"

Good Question, simply put the weekly meetings were really hard to fit into my schedule. I am a Life Coach, Social Media Consultant, Freelance Writer and Blogger and commuting to the city as there is no branch closer to me just for the consultations got harder and harder to schedule, now that the kits can be picked up at MY convenience I can see myself picking it up again to jump start my way into Spring and get myself back on track eating wise and portion control wise. Also, with the beverages, hauling the food from the branch to my home as someone who does not drive and was taking public transportation was also a challenge for me, this kit is way lighter and much more compact and can be picked up during a regular shopping trip closer to home so it's a total win/win in my book.

For those of you who decide to become full members after trying the weight loss kit, here are my personal food faves from the Jenny Craig Menu:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Breakfast Faves: Egg, Cheese & Turkey Sausage Burrito, Florentine Breakfast Pizzas (Whole Wheat Crust, Scrambled Egg White, Spinach and a blend of cheeses and BACON, yes Bacon!) and for me I used the Chocolate Dream Shakes often for Breakfast as well.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lunch Faves: Baja Style Chicken Quesadilla, Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder, Stuffed Pizza Bites, White Bean Chicken Chili (this one is included in the kit! PERK!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dinner Faves: Turkey Chili, Chicken Carbonara (which has BACON!), Chicken Fettucini, White Fish and Mushroom Risotto

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Snack Faves: Bruschetta Veggie Chips, Black Bean Taco Chips, Chocolate Lava Cake and Gold Stars to the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake!

When following the program, I lost just under 2 pounds per week each week, so I hope that the new kits at Walmart will also be made available soon at Walmart.com because having it delivered right to my door would definitely make an already good thing - that much better!

What say YOU? Do you shop at Walmart? Will you be making a bee line for the diet/weight loss aisle to try the new Jenny Craig 5 day Weight Loss Starter Kit exclusively at Walmart? The Ground hog says Spring is coming early and you know what that means - summer isn't far behind!

***NOTE: $50 Food Discount to be used in $10 increments with minimum food purchase of $90 (US) $95 (CAN), plus the cost of shipping, if applicable. Membership is required to redeem the $50 Food Discount. Enrollment fees and monthly fees may be required and vary by location. Valid at participating centers, Jenny Craig Anywhere and jennycraig.com - Valid for food purchase only;  may NOT be used for shipping costs. No Cash Value. Not Transferable. Restrictions Apply.***

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FTC Disclosure:  This is a sponsored/compensated Post in conjunction with Acorn Influence and Walmart, however all opinions are 100% my own! The Weight Loss and The Love Is Real Folks - Portion Control really is KING. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Check with your Doctor before starting this or any weight loss program. Some meal/snack items contain tree nuts, read ingredient labels carefully before purchasing.