ItsOnMe | The Gift Card Reinvented

The Gift Card Reinvented

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Whether you’re an LA native or just vacationing on the west coast, The District by Hannah An is a must-try restaurant. Hannah’s dedication to cooking comes after years of learning in her grandmother’s kitchen. At The District, you will experience traditional Vietnamese dishes with a flavorful, new-age twist.

Pictured above is the Shaken Beef. This savory-sweet stir-fry, known as bo luc lac or “dice” in Vietnamese, gets its English name from the constant shaking of the pan performed by the cook while browning the meat.

Other signature dishes that may suit your fancy include Wok lobster with hand-made noodles, and the turmeric-crusted Chilean bass with dill rice vermicelli noodle. If you have never tried fresh, hand-made noodles, this dish will rock your world!

If you know an LA foodie who would love to experience an evening at The District by Hannah An, you can gift them one of these signature dishes directly from their online gifting menu, powered buy ItsOnMe.

Links:

Hannah’s Full Gifting Menu

Gift the Shaken Beef

Hannah Ann’s Website & Hours

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Looking to add a new tasty cocktail into your life? Let us introduce you the the Negrowler at Cockscomb SF.

There are many things to love about Chef Chris Cosentino’s Cockscomb Restaurant in San Francisco from the whole pig's head ($60) roasted in the space's original wood-fired oven to the pin-bone steak for four people ($110) with bone-marrow dip.

There is no denying that Cockscomb is consistently putting out some of the tastiest and most original dishes drawing out the inner foodie in us all but sometimes you and a friend just need a killer cocktail. 

Next time you are in SF and your thinking, where can we get some mouth watering cocktails, a dozen Oysters and maybe a Pig’s Head we suggest you stop by Cockscomb. Go upstairs (great view of restaurant), order yourself the Negrowler and we promise you everything else will work itself out.

#GiftLocal - Looking for a great gift for that foodie in your life, you can buy a friend a drink or a 5 course dinner by clicking on the “Send A Gift” button on Cockscomb’s website. This eGift Card can be sent immediately or be scheduled to be delivered on a special date. 

Cockscomb Website

Cockscomb Gifting Menu

Gift The Negrowler Now

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Spotlight on Local Las Vegas: Josh Molina of Makers & Finders

In 2015, Downtown Main Street was in dire need of a great coffee bar and ethnic cuisine to bridge the gap between Fremont & The Strip. Josh Molina & partner, Valeria Varela answered both of our prayers when they opened Makers & Finders. 

With five single origin beans, and specialty lattes with house-prepared syrups, your sure to get your coffee fix made the way you like it. The breakfast/lunch menu is comprised of Authentic Latin inspired dishes prepared in a beautiful, vibrant presentation. 

We had the opportunity to sit down with Josh and learn a little bit more behind the scenes of this fun local venue.

Who/what inspired you to open a business?

Arepas, empanadas, and the entire South American kitchen really inspired us to provide Las Vegas an easy to navigate Latin comfort food menu.  This cuisine was completely underrepresented in the area before we opened. 

If you published a cookbook, what would you name it?

Oiga Mira y Vea: A Geographical Exploration of Latin Comfort Foods

Above: Chorizo brussel sprouts:  ground chorizo, sauteed mushrooms, grilled shrimp, red wine vinegar

Did you ever want to do anything else besides what you do now?

Real Estate Developer

What was the first meal you cooked for someone else? How did it turn out?

3 eggs bacon and cheddar omelet.  Needless to say I broke the omelet and made a giant mess.

Why did you choose this concept / cuisine?

I wanted all Latin Americans to feel proud and passionate of their cuisine, and most importantly, it made my mother proud.

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?

The liberated feeling of a young, independent neighborhood with a team spirit.

What is your favorite dish or cocktail on your current menu and why?

Lomo Saltado, because it represents Asia's influence in the Latin kitchen, stemming from social/political causes.

Are there any upcoming events or new dishes / cocktails coming out soon we should know about? 

In late 2017, we will begin what we call “Sunday Sessions.” It will be a monthly Main Street activation celebrating community through a musical and culinary lens.

Martini. Up or on the rocks?

Up

How do you dress your hot dog?

Ketchup, mayo, relish, mustard, saurkraut... the works!

What is your go to neighborhood gem?

Velveteen Rabbit

What is your favorite meal of the day?

Brunch

What is your favorite course in a meal?

Appetizers

Favorite city to travel to for the foodie in you?

Tokyo

Visit their website to learn more about their menu here

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Neighborhood Gem Spotlight: Wyndee Forrest of Crafthaus Brewery

Crafthaus Bewery is the epitome of a “local gem”. This family-owned and operated venue was started up by Dave & Wyndee Forrest in 2014. With a small space just outside of Las Vegas, the venue feels intimate and inviting of questions and opinions on beer. When you’re hanging out at the brewery, Dave and Wyndee feel more like friends than business owners which really adds to the overall experience. Did we mention the beer is liquid gold?

We had he pleasure of sitting down with Wyndee Forrest, owner of Crafthaus Brewery of Henderson, NV.  After asking her more questions than a drunk customer on a Saturday afternoon, we put together the highlights for you below:

Who/what inspired you to open a business?

My husband Dave, and his passion for craft beer, brewing and culture.

Did you ever want to do anything else besides what you do now?

Yes, I was a professional, trained dancer.

Why did you choose this to open a brewery?

We were inspired by the culture surrounding craft beer and wanted to share it with our community. 

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?

Our guests! We have the best regulars who make new guests to CraftHaus feel like they are immediately part of our community.

What is your go-to neighborhood gem?

KitchenTable

Favorite city to travel to for the foodie in you?

San Diego

Back to questions about Crafthaus.... What is your favorite beer on your current menu?

Jean Claude, Belgian Strong Golden Ale. Because he’s a strong Belgian!

Are there any upcoming events or new dishes / cocktails coming out soon we should know about?

Yes! We are celebrating our two year anniversary with Hop Bomb Party September 17th 5-11pm at our brewery. It is going to be bigger, badder, bolder and hoppier than ever with five food trucks, local live music, ample beer stations including over 20 taps. 

If you have any questions about how to make delicious beer (or about Wyndee’s former professional dance career) make sure to head out to Crafthaus and grab a cold one straight from the Brewery. We’ll see you there at the Anniversary party. 

Here’s a link to the Crafthaus website: http://www.crafthausbrewery.com/

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We love nothing more than eating at local venues. That’s because the real culinary magic happens when culture and creativity have a place to come together. This is definitely the case at Lucky Foo’s; One of the best places to eat and drink in not only Henderson, but the entire valley. If gorgeous sushi creations, Asian tapas and fantastic cocktails strike a chord with you, this is your new spot.

Here’s some highlights from our interview with Michael Fuller -The man behind the magic. 

Why did you choose this concept / cuisine?

Location and what I felt the area was lacking and it was always an interest for me personally.

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?

I feel that people here are very down-to-earth and I respect that

What is your favorite dish or cocktail on your current menu and why?

ALL DAY BREAKFAST BURRITO. Such a simple thing, but for some reason people really screw it up. This one has so much flavor and it is new to our menu.

Are there any upcoming events or new dishes / cocktails coming out soon we should know about?

Our goal is to launch a very new menu in September which features over 20 new dishes. We have been working on it for months. We are also continuing viewing of the Olympics leading into football season. Should be awesome!

If you published a cookbook, what would you name it?

K.I.S.S. -- Keep it Simple Stupid

How do you like your martini? Up or on the rocks?

On the Rocks

How do you dress your hot dog?

Sauerkraut, ketchup, dijon mustard, and most likely... onion

And what is your favorite city to for the foodie in you?

New York, of course.

Thanks to Michael for answering all of our questions! If you’d like to enjoy an amazing meal and some great cocktails in Henderson, visit our friends at Lucky Foo’s. 

Here’s the link to their menu

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Hanging out at the Velveteen Rabbit, where the cocktail menu is as refreshingly unique as the Victorian decor. It’s dark and cool, the perfect atmosphere for a hot summer night. I’m enjoying a “Norwegian Wood” -bourbon, sake, lime, basil & spicy ginger beer, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my drink choice.

While enjoying my cocktail, I had the opportunity to speak with Owner/Bartender,  Pamela Dylag, a key member of the local community here in downtown Vegas. Known not only for her awesome cocktail bar, but also for her love and support for fellow business owners in the growing Arts District.

Here’s some highlights from our interview:

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?

We LOVE the Arts District. We know almost all of our neighbors and each one of them are so passionate about their business. 

What is your go to neighborhood gem?

Carson Kitchen, it's an ideal downtown spot for dinner. Chef John Courtney is remarkable with food! Also, the staff is always super friendly and knowledgeable.

Martini... Up or on the rocks?

Up

Sunday brunch. Mimosas or Bloody Marys?

Rosé all day!

How do you dress your hot dog?

Kimchi. I love Korean inspired dogs 

Favorite city to travel to for the foodie in you?

San Francisco (although, I really want to visit Chicago soon!)

Back to Velveteen Rabbit... What’s your favorite cocktail on your current menu?

"All Gold Everything" from our bartender Chris Ferri. It's a take on the Trinidad Sour, so it's perfect for the summer. Also, it's garnished with edible gold dust so who doesn't love that?

Are there any upcoming events or new dishes / cocktails coming out soon we should know about?

We're always hosting new events, this month every Sunday we have a performance of "The Cat's Meow" from local theatre group Table 8 Productions. It's so fun! Live theatre in a bar setting is definitely something to check out! You can purchase tickets at : table8lv.com

Special thanks to Pamela for sharing with us. Here’s some of our favorite cocktails from Velveteen Rabbit:

Bronze Bell:  rye + aperol + lemon + demerara maple syrup + cherry bitters

Black Leather Jackets: mezcal + lustau east india sherry + cynar + vanilla

Jamestown Cider:  apple-infused vodka + green tea honey + lemon + cinnamon

You can visit Velveteen Rabbit’s website here

#GiftLocal with ItsOnMe

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The Perch is easily one of my favorite places to enjoy an afternoon beer. Maybe it’s the energetic, yellow wall paper that sets the mood. Or perhaps the second story view, over-looking the excitement of Container Park. If nothing else, it’s the wide selection of local and national craft brews that suites my fancy. (Currently drinking a Red Hydrant Ale by Big Dog, if you’re wondering).

At ItsOnMe, we love beer. We love food, and we love local businesses. Always wanting to learn more, we had the opportunity to sit down with Ryan Blair from The Perch for another edition of our Neighborhood Gem Spotlight.

Ryan, why did you choose this concept?

It was our mission to bring fresh & creative dishes to the local community.

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?

This location right in the heart of DTLV really gives us a unique opportunity to connect with the unique personalities and build positive rapport within the community

What is your favorite cocktail on your current menu?

My favorite cocktail is definitely the Perch Martini. We use Absolut vodka, fresh hibiscus syrup along with the unique flavor of elder flower. The combination of these flavors really accentuates many of the fresh dishes on our menu

Gift someone this Perch Martini instantly by clicking here

If you published a cookbook, what would you name it?

For the Tastebuds in Us All

What was the first meal you cooked for someone and how did it turn out?

Spaghetti. Very salty and al dente.

Martini. Up or on the rocks?

On the rocks

How do you dress your hot dog?

Coney style

Favorite city to eat?

Detroit

Favorite meal of the day?

Breakfast

Sunday Brunch. Bloody Mary or Mimosa?

Neither. Coffee & a beer

Special thanks to Ryan Blair for sharing with us. Stay tuned for more interviews with local chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @itsonme

GiftLocal with ItsOnMe

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Neighborhood Gem Spotlight -Interview with Ryan Blair of The Perch

The Perch is easily one of my favorite places to enjoy an afternoon beer. Maybe it’s the energetic, yellow wall paper that sets the mood. Or perhaps the second story view, over-looking the excitement of Container Park. If nothing else, it’s the wide selection of local and national craft brews that suites my fancy. (Currently drinking a Red Hydrant Ale by Big Dog, if you’re wondering).

At ItsOnMe, we love beer. We love food, and we love local businesses. Always wanting to learn more, we had the opportunity to sit down with Ryan Blair from The Perch for another edition of our Neighborhood Gem Spotlight. 

Ryan, why did you choose this concept? 

It was our mission to bring fresh & creative dishes to the local community. 

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?

This location right in the heart of DTLV really gives us a unique opportunity to connect with the unique personalities and build positive rapport within the community

What is your favorite cocktail on your current menu?

My favorite cocktail is definitely the Perch Martini. We use Absolut vodka, fresh hibiscus syrup along with elder flower. The combination of these unique flavors really accentuates many of the fresh dishes on our menu

If you published a cookbook, what would you name it?

For the Tastebuds in Us All

What was the first meal you cooked for someone and how did it turn out?

Spaghetti. Very salty and al dente. 

Martini. Up or on the rocks?

On the rocks

How do you dress your hot dog?

Coney style

Favorite meal of the day?

Breakfast

Sunday Brunch. Bloody Mary or Mimosa?

Neither. Coffee & a beer.

Favorite city to eat?

Detroit

Special thanks to Ryan Blair for sharing with us. Stay tuned for more interviews with local chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @itsonme 

GiftLocal with ItsOnMe

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Neighborhood Gem Spotlight -Interview with Pit Master of Rollin’ Smoke

I had the privilege to chat with Dusty Ardoin at Rollin’ Smoke, one of Vegas’s neighborhood gems.  On a hot summer day, he was quick to greet me with a big smile and a cold bottle of water. This was the “southern hospitality” that comes second nature for a boy from southern Louisiana. The moment we sat down on the picnic benches in the dining room, I felt the nostalgia of my childhood family barbeques. 

That was exactly Dusty’s vision when he opened up shop in 2012. 

“My brother was living in Vegas, and he called me up one day while I was in Louisiana and told me that there was no good BBQ in this city. We wanted to show this region how traditional southern BBQ is done,” said Ardoin.

Here’s the highlights from out interview:

If you published a cookbook, what would you name it?

“Put Some South in Your Mouth”

What was the first meal you cooked for someone and how did it turn out?

“I made chicken fried steak. Glad I only cooked for my mom... You should have seen the kitchen. There was flour everywhere. I think I melted some Tupperware, too,” he chuckled.

How do you dress your hot dog?

“Definitely cheese. Relish and onions, too. On a grilled bun!”

Did you ever want to do anything else before opening a restaurant? 

“I studied psychology at University of Louisiana, Lafayette. I really wanted to help underprivileged children.”

What is your go-to, neighborhood gem in Vegas?

“Boiling Crab. They have big, fresh, juicy crawfish. Feels like I’m back in southern Louisiana eating with my family”

What’s your favorite thing about operating in this city?

“Diversity. Seeing all these different people from all over the world eating our food is incredible. No matter what language they speak, it doesn’t matter. A smile is universal.”

What is your favorite memory from your first month in the business?

“Before we had this restaurant, my brother and I were selling food out of a little grill pit we pulled around with the truck. It was over on Russell & Valley View. The guys at the hardware shop were nice enough to let us do business there. The first day we sold 3 sandwiches. The second day we sold 7. I was so excited that we doubled our sales in one day!” he said optimistically. 

When someone eats at Rollin’ Smoke, what dish do they absolutely have to try?

“The smoked meatloaf. It’s my mom’s recipe, but we added our smoked pulled pork and brisket. Can’t beat it”

Anything else we should know about Rollin’ Smoke? 

We opened up a second location at the beginning of this year. It’s at 725 N Las Vegas Blvd next to Gold & Silver Pawn. You can catch my partner Rick Harrison (from Pawn Stars) bartending there a couple times a month.”

The interview concluded with me chowing down on their signature meatloaf and a generous portion of pulled pork. Try it for yourself at one of Rollin’ Smoke’s two locations in Las Vegas. 

Eat local, Shop local and #GiftLocal with ItsOnMe

Shop e-gift cards for top location restaurants & bars here

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Neighborhood Gem Spotlight -Interview with Chef/Owner of Le Thai

If you're a Vegas local, then you are no stranger to Le Thai on East Fremont Street. You’ve likely put your name on the wait list and grabbed a cocktail down the street while rubbing your belly and day dreaming of short rib fried rice (You know we’re guilty). Last week, we sat down with Chef/Owner Dan Coughlin,  to get a more personal look at the man behind the culinary magic. 

“Thai food has always been my specialty. I grew up in my mom's kitchen so it became very natural to me, said Coughlin. 

That’s a statement we think any pad Thai or curry lover would agree with after dining at Le Thai. Going beyond his dishes, we were curious to find out what the chef has to drink when he’s at his own restaurant. 

“Our Thaijito cocktail is phenomenal. It’s a delicious remix of the famous mojito which is a great summer cocktail!” 

Want to gift a friend this refreshing Thaijto right now? Click here 

We were also curious to see where Dan likes to eat in the downtown area.

“Carson Kitchen has always been a favorite spot of mine since it opened. Great food, great staff!”

If you traveled to another city just to eat, what city would it be?

“New York!” He said quickly. 

And what do you put on your hot dog, Dan?

Ketchup, mustard, and relish.

It seems he’s pretty standard when it comes to his hot dogs. But nothing short of unique and bold when it comes to the creation of his menu at Le Thai.

We asked Dan if there was anything the local foodies need to know about, we think you are going to like his answer: “We have a brand new special. It is our Thai Fried Chicken. It comes with house fried rice and a ginger sauce that is to die for.” Now it will be even harder to decide on an entree when eating at Le Thai, we suggest you bring your friends and share plates!

(Pictured above. Pad Thai)

Special thanks to Dan Coughlin for chatting with us! 

#GiftLocal with ItsOnMe

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The nicely restored historic Highland Park Bowl now offers a prime destination for bowling, craft cocktails and wood-fired pizzas. Housed in a 1920s-era building, it continues the venue’s history while taking advantage of its rich history.

Highland Park Bowl – LA’s Oldest Bowling Alley Restored was originally published on Woodz

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Highland Park Bowl – LA’s Oldest Bowling Alley Restored

The nicely restored historic Highland Park Bowl now offers a prime destination for bowling, craft cocktails and wood-fired pizzas. Housed in a 1920s-era building, it continues the venue’s history while taking advantage of its rich history.

The post Highland Park Bowl – LA’s Oldest Bowling Alley Restored appeared first on Woodz.

from Woodz http://www.woodz.co/highland-park-bowl-las-oldest-bowling-alley/

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ItsOnMe’s Intern Program

Looking for part-time work experience in a fun environment this summer???

ItsOnMe is a mobile gifting company that partners with bars, restaurants and golf courses across the country to provide an on-demand gift card solution.

We’re scouting for an upbeat, motivated student exploring career opportunities in marketing, PR, business management, hospitality or related fields.

If accepted, you will be exposed to working with a small company, and gain experience utilizing paid and organic social media tools, writing techniques, customer success management, and more. As an intern, you will learn first-hand how a young business operates in a hands-on environment as we achieve our goals together as a team.

The best part is that we’re a GIFTING company!

Interested? Please submit a one page resume to [email protected]

Website: https://www.itson.me/

App: https://www.itson.me/download

Our offices are located in downtown Las Vegas on Charleston Ave. You will need reliable transportation throughout the summer.

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ItsOnMe’s Summer Intern Program

Looking for part-time work experience in a fun environment this summer? 

ItsOnMe is a mobile gifting company that partners with bars, restaurants and golf courses across the country to provide an on-demand gift card solution.

We’re scouting for an upbeat, motivated student exploring career opportunities in marketing, PR, business management, hospitality or related fields. 

If accepted, you will be exposed to working with a small company, and gain experience utilizing paid and organic social media tools, writing techniques, customer success management, and more. As an intern, you will learn first-hand how a young business operates in a hands-on environment as we achieve our goals together as a team. 

The best part is that we’re a GIFTING company! 

Interested? Please submit a one page resume to [email protected]

Website: https://www.itson.me/

App: https://www.itson.me/download

[itsonmeblog]

It’s Golf Season. Remind your pal he needs to practice by sending him a bucket of balls!

With golf season in full swing, there’s no better gift than 18 holes. If you’re not familiar, ItsOnMe allows you to send your buddy a round of golf at nearly 100 locations across the country. 

You can send 18 holes, a bucket of balls, driving range access, select pro shop items and even a beer or two at the restaurant. Any ItsOnMe gift arrives as an e-gift right to their email and never expires!

Makes the perfect birthday present, celebratory gift or “Hey, go practice” gift. 

Shop golf courses here

You can also shop e-gift cards for top-rated bars and restaurants.

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For the Love of Coffee! Wake up!

You’re probably too tired to read this, so let’s skip to the important stuff.

This article is about a coffee shop. Not just any coffee shop, but the coolest one in Las Vegas.

At Maker’s and Finders you can expect an urban feel, with attention to detail on your latte or pour over coffee. They use only five single-origin beans, and all specialty drinks are made with house-prepared syrups. So you know it’s made with love every time :)

If you have the luxury of working remotely, the coffee bar is a great place to get your caffeine fix while knocking out some work. Also plenty of outlets for your laptop and other portables... If you’re oddly concerned about that issue in the year 2016. (Just being resourceful)

If you want to take a moment to brighten someone’s day with a delicious coffee beverage from Makers & Finders, you can instantly send them an e-gift from their gifting menu here

Cheers and #GiftLocal

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What Most Vegas Locals Don’t Know about Frankie’s Tiki

If you’re a Vegas local, you’ve been to Frankie’s Tiki Room. (Unless of course you don’t drink, in which case: Salt Lake city is just up the road!)

Assuming you’ve been to Frankie’s, you know that you can sip on one of the best rum cocktails you’ll ever drink out of a miniature sculpture. But there’s some cool history about Frankie’s that you might not know. 

It turns out that the interior and all it’s movie-quality decor have all been hand crafted by a man by the name, Bamboo Ben. To you, “Bamboo Ben” is just a bad ass nickname that you wish you had. (What was I doing in college where I didn’t get a cooler nickname?)

However, to the community of designers, Ben is most famous for his Tiki style creations. As it turns out, he’s also the grandson of a man named Eli Hedley. Ever been to Walt Disney’s Enchanted TIki Room or Aku Aku? Eli’s the one that scavenged beaches to find the artifacts that you were charmingly fixated with on your visit. Turns out the vision for Frankie’s was born out of a family keen on south seas exotica.

Know someone that’s never been to Frankie’s Tiki Room? Buy em their first drink right from your desktop or from the ItsOnMe mobile app

Click here to gift a cocktail from the menu