Meet The Neighbor – Judy Hart & Natasha Reese

By Callie Thomas

Although life’s challenges can easily cause us to focus on our individual needs, it’s when we look up and around to others that we find our ultimate success. 89052 resident Judy Hart and 89074 resident Natasha Reese each took a moment of their lives and re-focused it on a charitable program that they were introduced to as members of Hope Church called Operation Mobilization. The international mission serves approximately 160 countries around the world and specifically supports at risk women and children who are exploited, enslaved, oppressed and trafficked. After learning of the startling facts about human trafficking, the women were ready to help, which in this case meant to reach the top—that is, the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Hart and Reese became two of the forty-seven women from several countries to make “The Freedom Climb” (thefreedomclimb.net), which would not only raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist the effort but bring awareness to this issue. For the first time in Freedom Climb’s history, the percentage of women who reached the top far exceeded typical percentages for groups. Having participated in the extreme fundraising effort has not only made a difference for women and children in need but has enriched their own lives as a result.

Hart and Reese of Las Vegas signed on for the grueling climb with others who came together for a bigger purpose than themselves. The 2012 effort raised $350,000 and brought support to thirty projects around the world, but Hart and Reese aren’t stopping there. They are getting ready to climb another mountain in the next few months; this time, it’s Mt. Everest. Hart and Reese talk about their experiences on the mountain and why saying yes to The Freedom Climb has been a defining moment in their lives.

The Freedom Climb is an enormous undertaking. What prompted you to take the trip to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Hart: “It was an opportunity to give hope to the hopeless and give whatever I could to restore innocence and self worth to young girls and women here in Las Vegas and the world.”

Reese: “The Freedom Climb was my first introduction to the issues of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Once I started reading about victims’ stories, I knew that I had to contribute something and the climb was an opportunity to do so.”

Any experiences you can relay from the climb?

Hart: “As I stood at Uhuru Peak (Swahili for ‘freedom’) I knew my pain from fatigue, lack of oxygen and bruiser headaches would lessen as I descended the mountain. I also knew that the pain for the victims won’t end and the next day would bring more unimaginable horrors. The money we are raising will help to bring awareness and freedom for these women.”

How did you prep for the expedition?

Hart: “Most people are surprised at how little individual physical training I did to prepare. The real preparation to me was getting to know the cause and the other women who would be climbing. Having the support of a team to encourage me when I wanted to quit allowed me to summit.”

Reese: “I enjoy running and I’ve run three marathons and two half marathons. I’ve also made mission trips with Hope Church to Honduras, Thailand and South Africa. I think my belief in Christ is responsible for enabling me to accomplish such things!”

What effect do you think this climb has had on you?

Hart: “When I put my YES on the table to join the Freedom Climb, it was a big turning point in my life and has become my definition of success.”

Reese: “I have had the opportunity to share these issues at churches, Bible studies and on television. My job as a veterinarian has given me ample opportunities to share the climb as well. Once I began having these conversations, people opened up about their own experiences.”

You’ve both signed on for the next Freedom Climb to Mt. Everest. Any inspiration or life lesson you can share with us?

Hart: “Be willing to make yourself available for something you believe in. Surround yourself with other people who believe the same.”

Meet The Neighbor – Stacia Lemke

By Callie Thomas

How many times have you heard the phrase “Mother knows best?” Moms just seem to have that extra sensory perception about what’s right for their children, and in many cases, what’s right for the children in their community. 89012 resident Stacia Lemke has a good idea of what is needed to ensure that all of our kids have access to the resources that are best for them.

Lemke spent ten years working in the area of marketing for American West Homes. Today, she’s a stay at home mom with four children. Both of her careers have occasionally led her to brick walls, both literally and figuratively. In her career as “mom” she has become educated on a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome, which her oldest son Cameron lives with daily. She’s active in his treatment and education, and in the process has found gaping holes in the available resources for our children within the community. As a result, Lemke has developed a passion to not only fill in the gaps but to help bring moms and kids together in the process.

She has focused her efforts on a nonprofit organization called Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), which formed a Las Vegas chapter one year ago this month. The group enables mothers and their teenage sons to work together to serve the community. Their philanthropic efforts will help support a variety of programs that better the lives of others such as Joy Prom, Miracle League, Operation School Bell, After School All-Stars, Toys 4 Smiles, Catholic Charities and more. We had the opportunity to talk with Lemke about her work with the organization and how it’s brought her closer to her own kids and helped inspire other mother-child teams.

What is your role with YMSL?

“I’ve been the VP of Membership. Since the chapter began, we’ve had an overwhelming response with waiting lists of boys and moms interested in being part of the organization. It is heartwarming to see how many people want to give back and help others. In less than a year, we’ve served over 3,000 hours to our community. This year I am stepping into the role of VP of Philanthropy.”

How does the organization support the community?

“Chapter members commit to serving a minimum of 75 hours of service over the four years of high school, mostly as a mom/son team. Members may also donate items needed by charities through a giving program called Wish List.”

YMSL is new to Vegas and yet you’ve already reached so many. Is there a standout event over the last year?

“Joy Prom was our first big charity event. It’s a free, full-scale extravagant prom for teenagers and adults with cognitive and physical impairments. It was breathtaking to watch our YMSL boys escort their disabled companions. Our teen boys spent an entire night giving of themselves to ensure that their guest had an amazing evening. The best part was when we left and our exhausted teen boys were smiling ear to ear and talking about the great night they had making a difference for others!”

Your efforts are not just relegated to mom-son duos. You help an organization that pairs moms and daughters, too?

“Yes. My daughter and I are involved with the National Charity League, which is a similar organization for young ladies and their moms.”

With all of your efforts, do you ever get any down time?

“My weekends typically start with a long run with my friends—that’s my “me” time. The rest of the time is spent watching my kids Cameron, Shaye, Coleman and Graydon play sports or doing some charity work and hopefully relaxing for a bit with my husband Michael.”

Do you have any “motherly” advice to give the kids in our community?

“Every day I tell my children to do your best, do what’s right and I love you always.”

Together We Can…Grassroots Philanthropy for a Better Community

By Aly Wagonseller

It is estimated that 85% of American households donate or volunteer their time to charitable causes. Yet, the dynamics of giving are changing. It’s not just the Warren Buffets of the world who are out to make a difference. People with more modest means are looking for creative ways to not only make dollars count in their community but to promote neighborhood camaraderie, instill philanthropic habits within their children and make charitable endeavors personally meaningful. Banding together to form partnerships for giving just may be the answer.

Outside of the Box

A concept known as the Giving Circle is the model for this collaborative approach to modern day philanthropy. In its most basic form, groups are comprised of like-minded individuals who pool both financial and voluntary resources in an effort to fund a variety of giving projects. It’s not an entirely new concept; prominent organizations including Dining for Women, a Giving Circle where members “dine in” together as a chapter once a month and donate to charity what they would have spent eating at a restaurant, are in part responsible for the more than $100 million dollars donated by the 400 plus Giving Circles worldwide. Various organizations offer different social and activity structures, making for a variety of groups to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to a local girl’s night out event, start your own neighborhood circle, or participate in more traditional groups with structured donation requirements, Giving Circles are a realistic way to mix and mingle while promoting social consciousness.

The Domino Effect

In most cases, circles are started by one individual with a penchant for philanthropy. That person enlists friends, co-workers, or neighbors who are like-minded, and hence the organization is born. Such is the case of local success story, Nevada Women’s Philanthropy (www.nvwomensphilanthropy.org). Founded by Las Vegas resident Heather duBoef, and modeled after the organization Everychild in Los Angeles, this active group of local women has gifted $2.5 million dollars in grants since its inception in 2006, including a $350,000 grant this past year to Goodwill of Southern Nevada to launch a veteran’s work integration program. “We’ve been successful as a word-of-mouth network and have found that asking our members to make an investment with us gives them a feeling of ownership over the projects we’ve funded,” says current president Nazanin Ford of the $5000.00 annual commitment each member brings to the circle. “The appeal was that pooling our funds to make one large grant would magnify the impact the money could make in our community,” she adds. Each member is encouraged to participate in the decision-making process for grant recipients, with the final decision being made by member vote. “This form of fundraising, as opposed to the more traditional, allows us to be an all-volunteer group because we don’t have to plan multiple big events to fund our operations.”

Smaller scale donations can also make for meaningful gifts in our community while promoting friendship, networking opportunities and social activity among the group’s members. That’s the philosophy behind Fabulous Shoe Night www.facebook.com/fabulousshoenightlasvegas, a form of Giving Circle whose local chapter was founded this past August by Henderson resident Julie Yeomans. “Fabulous Shoe Night is a vehicle for busy women to have a fun and affordable night out while doing good in the community,” shares Yeomans. “Eight times a year, women put on their favorite shoes and gather for a Girls Night Out event at participating local restaurants. A $25.00 admission at the door includes appetizers, $5.00 drink specials, and a $15.00 donation that goes directly to a local Las Vegas charity chosen for the month,” she adds. Strength in numbers and an active Facebook following have allowed the group to donate more than $6500.00 to local charities including Project 150 and Girls on the Run in just four outings. “We’re excited about the potential in 2013. We have already scheduled an event at Blue Martini on February 27^th to benefit The Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Center of Excellence, and another on March 21^st to benefit Goodie Two Shoes Foundation.”

Success in Numbers

Creating your own group of do-gooders is a wonderful way to promote neighborhood or friendship activism with big monetary results. It doesn’t take long to realize the impact you can make by pooling money together for a cause. For example, experts from SmartMoney.com estimate that the average cost of a night out for a family of four, including dinner, a movie, and other incidentals, can top $200.00. If you go out twice a month for 12 months, that’s $5000.00 you’ve spent on entertainment! By opting for dinner and a movie every other month at home, you’ll bank close to $1000.00 per year. Recruit eight to ten other families who share your vision, and you’ve created a Giving Circle with the ability to provide close to $10,000.00 annually to those in need. Think about the activities you or your family enjoy and “pitch” the idea to others involved in these same activities. Set up a Facebook page to promote events, post after party pictures and recruit new members. The beauty of it all is that you’ll have as much fun, if not more, while collectively gaining a sense of accomplishment by helping the community.

Details to Consider

Any time money and donations are involved, a few important details must be addressed.

• Set financial goals for the group. Consider how often you’ll be meeting and the amount that each person in the circle can reasonably donate, as well as any yearly dollar commitments you might require.
• Find a common area of interest among members and donate to organizations that match those interests. Check the credentials of organizations to ensure their validity and donation history by visiting sites including www.give.org or www.charitynavigator.org.
• Decide how the funds will be administered. The easiest way is to open a joint checking account that requires at least two signatures, preferably from different families. Checks will be written from this account to chosen charities.
• Elect a treasurer to handle the accounting and devise a reliable way to keep track of the funds given and dispersed. Consider using an Excel spreadsheet or QuickBooks software.
• Explore the tax ramifications by speaking with a tax professional. Consider seeking a host, such as a community foundation that may provide certain tax benefits to members.
• Visit www.givingforum.org/givingcircles for additional information.

Traditional means of fund raising often leave people with limited resources feeling like they can’t make a significant difference. By pooling money together and joining a social organization that shares in your idea of generosity, you’ll be giving back in a bigger way than you ever imagined.

Making A Difference – ThinkFirst Nevada, Land Rover & Ricardo Laguna

With injury being the leading cause of death among children and teens, it’s more important than ever to promote safety for our local youth. ThinkFirst Nevada aims to do just that by providing programs to help inspire kids to make safe choices. ThinkFirst recently teamed up with Land Rover for just such an educational endeavor, aided by professional BMX rider Ricardo Laguna.

Throughout his incredible career, Laguna has won much recognition and numerous accolades, taking part in the X-Games, the Dew Action Sports Tour, Gravity Games, BMX Masters and many other rigorous competitions. At a special event held at Land Rover Las Vegas on January 12^th, kids got the chance to meet Laguna and receive a free helmet from ThinkFirst. Laguna and friends also took time to put on a BMX demonstration for everyone, much to the delight of the crowd. Other entertainment on site included an energetic performance from a crew of breakdancers with Jay R Beatbox, while tasty bites were provided by the Spot to Eat food tuck.

Everyone will agree that it’s always a good thing when kids stay active, but never at the expense of well being. Thanks to initiatives such as the ones promoted by ThinkFirst Nevada, along with the help of Land Rover and Ricardo Laguna, local young people can stay active all the time while still making sure they are aware of personal vulnerability and the importance of safety.

For more information on ThinkFirst Nevada, visit www.thinkfirstnevada.org.

Making a Difference – Park Place Infiniti

For over forty years, HELP of Southern Nevada has provided programs and services to the local community that assist the poor, the homeless, and all those in crisis throughout the area. To show their support, employees of Park Place Infiniti recently adopted two families from HELP and collected enough donations for them to fill an Infiniti G convertible.

The holiday donation drive was part of the Circle of Excellence program, an employee led program dedicated to raising money for worthwhile local charities. HELP provided the dealership with a list of presents that each family needed, and Park Place Infiniti employees secured every item listed, often going above and beyond what was asked for. Employees also put together individual stockings with each child’s name and filled them with stocking stuffers. A convertible on the showroom floor quickly overflowed with all of the presents collected, totaling more than $2,000 in merchandise, along with gift cards to local grocery stores for each family.

“Park Place Dealerships has a proud history of being active community partners,” said Park Place Infiniti GM Stephen James. “Circle of Excellence allows employees to select the charities that they want to support and coordinate the projects so everyone can be involved.” Shawntelle Adler, a member of the finance department and coordinator of the holiday drive, added, “It was important to us to get every child what they wanted and be sure they had plenty of gifts to open.”

For more information on HELP of Southern Nevada, visit www.helpsonv.org.

Making a Difference – Henderson Professional Fire Fighters & Henderson Fire Fighters Benevolent Association

House fires can have a devastating effect on the lives of anyone who suffers through them. Henderson Professional Fire Fighters and the Henderson Fire Fighters Benevolent Association (HFBA) helped out those displaced from their homes by donating $2,000 on January 4^th to the Southern Nevada Chapter of American Red Cross’s “Fire Hurts… Red Cross Helps” campaign.

A joint effort by the American Red Cross and Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada, the campaign hopes to raise $300,000 in order to help fund emergency assistance programs with all the money raised staying right here in Southern Nevada to help benefit local families. On average, the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to a residential fire at least once a day with volunteers on call to respond twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Thanks to contributions and donations from citizens across Southern Nevada, the Red Cross continues to provide its assistance as an outright gift to the local population, ensuring that families in need across the region have someone to turn to when times are desperate.

“In our service to the community, we respond to fires that often not only impact individual families but numerous displaced residents,” says Dan Pentkowski, president of the Henderson Professional Fire Fighters. “It is important to support the American Red Cross because they provide desperately needed assistance. We are proud to assist the Red Cross in this campaign.”

For more information on the Henderson Professional Fire Fighters, visit www.hendersonfirefighters.com.

Making a Difference – WestStar Credit Union

We all know that a simple smile can help make a dreary day seem brighter and lift the spirits of those around us, but one local organization proved that something as simple as a smile truly can change the world. On January 4^th, WestStar Credit Union made a $16,000 donation to Opportunity Village to mark the culmination of their 2012 charity campaign A Mile of Smiles.

Beginning in August of 2012, WestStar sent teams of volunteers to local venues such as Fremont Street, UNLV, local malls, Las Vegas Wrangler hockey games and more to capture pictures of people’s smiles, while others uploaded their own grins to the online gallery set up by WestStar. For each smile collected, WestStar dedicated one dollar to Opportunity Village, which has been helping improve the lives of the intellectually disabled in our community since 1954. WestStar’s CEO Rick Schmidt, Vice President of Business Development Mona Joseph, and Marketing Manager Kerry Cook presented the donation to Dawn Newburg, Resource Development Director for Opportunity Village.

Programs such as A Mile of Smiles help to remind those of us in Southern Nevada that a smile is contagious and goes a long way toward making the world a better place. WestStar Credit Union has proved that many times over by turning smiles into a new ray of hope for everyone at Opportunity Village and being an inspiration to everyone in the community.

For more information on A Mile of Smiles and to view photos, visit www.amileofsmiles.org.

Souper Delicious –

By Aly Wagonseller

 Awww… the mystical allure of a steaming bowl of piping hot soup. Touted as one of the world’s oldest forms of cooking, the simple act of piling fresh vegetables, proteins, a grain or pasta and liquid into a large pot has transcended cultures from India to Spain, the U.S. to China. Who’d have thought that something so humble could turn out such diverse flavors and textures while remaining relatively easy to prepare?

Besides being mighty tasty, the benefits of eating soup don’t end with the tip of your spoon. Grandma’s cure for the common cold has been attributed to curbing your appetite, helping maintain weight loss and making for an easy way to consume healthy doses of antioxidants necessary for optimal health. In recent studies conducted by Pennsylvania State University, dieting adults that started their meal with a broth based soup or consommé  ate 20% less calories than those who didn’t consume the appetizer. A variety of textures and recipes were tried, from chunky vegetable to blended soups, with all versions ranging between 100-150 calories producing favorable results.

Soup is also a great way to make a complete meal in a flash. Throwing all ingredients into a Crock Pot will save time, as will pre-chopping vegetables on the weekend to be used for a quick meal during the week. We’ve provided a variety of flavorful soups easy enough for after work preparation. They’re all souper healthy and fairly low in calories, making them the perfect choice as a weight loss appetizer. Add a sandwich, quesadilla or fresh salad to the mix, and you’ve got a hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied without any of the guilt.

 Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Pancetta

Serves  4 to 6

• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 slices pancetta, finely diced
• 1 leek, washed and dried, thinly sliced
• 6 cups organic chicken stock
• 1 small cauliflower, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 2 russet potatoes, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 cup aged cheddar cheese
• Pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh chives, minced

In a pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pancetta to the pot and sauté until crispy. Remove the cooked pancetta from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside.

In the pancetta oil, sauté the leeks for a few minutes, until soft. Deglaze the pot with the organic chicken stock. Add the cauliflower, potatoes and bay leaf to the stock and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the veggies are fork-tender. Remove from the heat. Remove approximately one cup of cauliflower florets and potatoes and set them aside.

Puree the soup using a hand blender, then put the cauliflower and potato pieces back into the pot. Add the aged cheddar cheese, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Turn the heat down to medium-low and whisk until the cheese is melted.

Serve the soup topped with crispy pancetta and fresh chives.

Recipe from Nadia G.

Curried Lentil Soup with Yogurt and Cilantro

Serves 4

• 1 Tbsp. canola oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
• 1 Tbsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. curry powder
• 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
• 3 cups fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 – 16 oz package steamed lentils (available at Trader Joe’s)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 1/4 cup plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; sauté 1 minute. Add curry powder and red pepper; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add broth, vinegar and lentils. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes.

Place half of lentil mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid; secure lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in lid. Blend until smooth. Add blended mixture, spinach, salt and pepper to pan; stir until spinach wilts. Stir in 2 tablespoons cilantro. Serve with yogurt and remaining cilantro.

Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine

Easy Chicken Posole

Serves 6-8

• 1 pound tomatillos
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 3 pounds chicken breast and thigh pieces, skinned
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and quartered
• 1 (30-ounce) can white hominy, drained
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• Lime wedges, cabbage and radishes for garnish

Discard husks and stems from the tomatillos. Cook whole tomatillos in boiling water 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Place tomatillos in a blender; process until smooth; set aside.

Place stock and the next seven ingredients (stock through oregano) in a large stockpot; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 35 minutes or until chicken is done. Remove chicken from bones; shred. Stir in pureed tomatillos and salt; cook for 5 minutes or until heated. Stir in chicken and serve with cilantro, sour cream and garnishes.

Spicy Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup

Serves 4

• 3 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1/2 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1/2 – 1 tsp. red curry paste
• 1 cup light coconut milk
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Combine first seven ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in coconut milk; cook 2 minutes or until hot. Add shrimp to pan; cook 3 minutes or until shrimp are done. Remove pan from heat; stir in onions, basil and juice. Serve.

A Bite of Old Las Vegas – How to Eat Like a Native

By Mike Sweeney

With the rapid rise of trendy restaurants from all star celebrity chefs, the Las Vegas Strip has become a nerve center for new culinary creations. Foodies from around the globe may flock to upscale eateries, but true natives know that some of the best food in Vegas lies hidden among the neon, where tantalizing menus filled with classic fare will transport you back to another era.

The Old Guard

During the 1950s, Las Vegas experienced a building boom that gave birth to many legendary landmarks, including Bob Taylor’s Ranch House (6250 Rio Vista St). A veteran of World War II, Bob Taylor built the Ranch House in 1955, where he cut and cooked the meat himself over a mesquite coal fire, drawing guests from all over the city. Elvis and Ann-Margret even filmed a scene from Viva Las Vegas here. Cowboy movie posters and memorabilia encircle the dining room, while the aroma of seared meat fills the air as you can still watch thick cuts of beef being grilled right before your eyes. City slickers can opt for a chicken or seafood entrée, but steak is what they’re known for: ribeye, sirloin, prime rib and more, including the monster 32 ounce “Diamond Jim Brady” New York cut. The Wild West may be long gone, but the classic cowboy grub is still here. Call 645-1399 or visit www.bobtaylorsranchhouse.com for more information.

Glitz meets kitsch at The Peppermill (2985 Las Vegas Blvd.), a Las Vegas institution featured in TV shows and films such as Casino and Showgirls. Built in 1972, the restaurant and lounge has endured amid the closing of many neighboring establishments, including the legendary Silver City casino, and its upscale diner vibe has long been a favorite of locals and tourists. Celebrities such as Robert DeNiro, Debbie Reynolds and Holly Madison have all been guests; Penn Gillette of Penn & Teller even replicated one of the restaurant’s booths in his kitchen. Mirrored ceilings, fake cherry blossoms and neon lighting dominate the chic décor, while the menu features over 100 delectable food choices and signature desserts, from burgers and sandwiches to full entrees. You don’t need to go digging around in your closet for that old leisure suit to have a groovy time here, baby. Call 735-4177 or visit www.peppermilllasvegas.com for more information.

Downtown Destinations

No trip down memory lane is complete without a visit downtown, where you’ll find some of the best Mexican food in the city at Doña María’s (910 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). The casual and brightly colored cantina setting reflects the down home atmosphere of this family owned restaurant that has employed three generations of the Martinez family. From its humble beginnings as a quick bite taco shop in 1969, the business expanded into a full restaurant in 1990 that has long been known for its selection of hand crafted tamales, from spicy to cheesy to sweet dessert variations on this southwest classic. And don’t you dare run out that door before trying the juicy, tender beef fajitas. There’s no pretension here, no desire to be hip or trendy. Just good, timeless Mexican food done right. That’s the spirit that Doña María’s has been bringing to Las Vegas for decades. Call 382-6538 or visit www.donamariatamales.com for more information.

A favorite lunch spot for downtown employees is Chicago Joe’s (820 S. 4^th St.), where the flavors of old world Italy come to life in a distinctly Vegas setting. While this quaint little brick house looks like anybody’s uncle could live there, it was converted into a restaurant over thirty years ago. Take a step inside and you’ll discover a cozy dining space with all the flair of the old country. As with Doña María’s, the menu doesn’t put on airs; it’s just old fashioned Italian food that makes you want to mangia to your heart’s content on lasagna, mussels or just plain pasta with garlic and oil thanks to recipes owner Joe Collura inherited from his grandmother. While the frills are minimal, the flavors are big, and the intimate setting is perfect for conversation. Bask in the warm candle glow and enjoy a feast of Italian flavors that only old Vegas can bring. Call 382-5637 or visit www.chicagojoesrestaurant.com for more information.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Once a fixture of the downtown scene for decades, the original Andre’s closed several years ago, but you can still enjoy the same great food that made chef Andre Rochet famous at their Monte Carlo location (3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd.). Ask anyone who’s been around Vegas for long and they’ll vouch for Andre’s, where you can find a touch of class combined with the spirit of traditional French cuisine such as pan seared foie gras and roasted venison. Rochet was one of the city’s original celebrity chefs, long before there was anything called the Food Network, and he’s still serving up ample appetizers, magnificent main courses and decadent desserts, along with a wine list full of over 15,000 legendary vintages. It’s a great taste of France and old fashioned Vegas all in one. Call 798-7151 or visit www.andrelv.com for more information.

Las Vegas continues to stand at the forefront of culinary innovation, but if you yearn for the days of good old fashioned food and the spirit of local institutions that have been feeding the residents of our fair city for generations, you won’t be disappointed in what’s still hanging around. Let your nose and stomach be your guide, and you’ll find yourself eating like a native in no time!

In the Know

Laka Manicure Express

For the busy woman on the go, a quick and fashionable manicure seems hard to find, but that’s exactly what Laka Manicure Express provides. The leading Israeli express manicure chain, Laka can get your nails looking sharp and colorful in just fifteen minutes at their dynamic nail bar located at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets near the Nike Store. Choose from over 150 fashionable shades with an ever changing collection that matches the latest trends. There’s no appointment or special trip required; you can take care of your nails in the middle of your shopping day. Of course, you can still spoil yourself with their extra options such as hand massages or anti-aging treatments. Get your nails looking great and get on with your life thanks to Laka Manicure Express.

270-0327  /  7400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.  /  www.lakamanicure.com

Nine and a Half Months

Expectant mothers looking for quality maternity wear in Las Vegas have a great new place to turn with Nine and a Half Months, the only comprehensive retailer of all things maternity. Now open in Henderson, Nine and a Half Months will showcase the most popular and effective products on the market with designer clothing lines that are difficult to find in the Las Vegas area, including Ripe Maternity, Maternal America and Japanese Weekend. A wide range of other maternity products will also be available, such as personal skin care products, books and magazines, supplements, gift boxes and more. The store also plans to hold special events in the future that will include maternity focused speakers, wellness education and yoga classes. Discover a friendly and unique maternity shopping experience at Nine and a Half Months.

749-7174  /  10880 S. Eastern Ave.  /  www.nineandahalfmonths.com

Shabu Grill

You may not be familiar with doing dinner Shabu Shabu style, but you can discover this fun and unique phenomenon for yourself at Shabu Grill, recently re-opened under new management. Shabu Shabu is the Japanese art of cooking thinly sliced meat, seafood or vegetables in a boiling broth, followed by dipping in a mouth-watering sauce. You get to be the chef and help prepare your meal any way you like it! Choose from signature sauces that include Sa Cha Sauce, Wasabi Sauce, and Peanut Sauce. If you want something more traditional, Shabu Grill also offers Asian barbecue, bento boxes for lunch, noodles, curries, salads, and other delectable specialties. For a new take on dining with a distinctive Asian flair, dip into a fresh experience at Shabu Grill.

998-7606  /  1263 E. Silverado Ranch Blvd., #106-108  /  www.shabugrill.com

Dip Sticks Dessert Pops Bakery

If you’ve never had a Snickers stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie pop, get yourself over to Dip Sticks Dessert Pops Bakery and indulge yourself. Located in Green Valley Town Square between Smith’s and Barley’s Casino and Brewing Co., this darling new bakery is filled with innovative treats such as cookie pops and cake pops, all made from scratch with fresh ingredients. In addition to classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate and red velvet, Dip Sticks stretches their creativity with interesting, adventurous tastes such as peanut butter buckeye, peach cobbler, maple bacon, and a variety of alcohol infused flavors. You can even have your dessert delivered within a five mile radius. “Pop” in and satisfy your sweet tooth at Dip Sticks Dessert Pops Bakery.

818-4442  /  4500 E. Sunset Rd., #14  /  www.dipsticksbakery.com

BNB Scooters

Want to find high quality parts and accessories for your custom pro scooter? BNB Scooters has the best selection for everything you need at competitive prices. As the first scooter shop serving the greater Las Vegas and Henderson area, BNB offers all the latest brands such as Fasen, Envy, Lucky, Proto and more. Their scooter technicians will make sure you find the perfect parts and accessories to get your scooter assembled or repaired to your specifications. Whether you’re a beginner looking for the best way to start out or a seasoned pro rider nurturing your lifelong passion, they’ve got all your scooter needs covered. Shop in store or online today and let BNB Scooters get you rolling out the door for a fun ride that you’ll never forget.

431-8202  /  9272 Tamarus Ave., #125  /  www.bnbscooters.com

Bouari Clinic

Now that the new year has arrived, it’s time to tackle some of those pesky resolutions. If losing weight is your big goal for 2013, the experts at Bouari Clinic can help. With a plan that doesn’t obsess over counting calories and features a wide range of all natural supplements, they’ll strive to get you on a path toward wellness that doesn’t require surgery and puts the focus on nutrition. You can also discover many additional services to help you feel revitalized, from Hormone Replacement Therapy to help reduce the risks of age related disease to the Viora Reaction system, which uses radio frequency energy and vacuum therapy to get your skin looking its best. Lose weight, feel great and look brand new with help from Bouari Clinic.

312-1101  /  9555 S. Eastern Ave., #270  /  www.bouariclinic.com