Tag Archives: Classy

The Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas

By Rohan: 

The Aria represents everything Las Vegas is known for. Luxurious accommodations, divine dining options, vibrant nightlife, and a major gambling scene. It is the crown jewel of CityCenter, Las Vegas’ new expansion that welcomed five new casinos to Sin City. The Aria’s design sets it apart from many of the other hotels on the strip. It is sleek, modern, and sophisticated with a very welcoming aura and staff ready to cater to your every need. While some hotels nearby focus on a tacky theme or suffer from the strong smell of cigarette smoke, Aria feels fresh, clean, and elegant.

Aria boasts some of the most technologically advanced rooms ever seen in a hotel of its magnitude. Despite its enormous footprint, each room feels personal and provides for an excellent view of Las Vegas’ glitz and glamor. The rooms contain software built into them that allow the guest to adjust the temperature, start up a warm shower, or listen to some music without leaving his bed. Just playing around with some of the fancy devices in the room is an experience in and of itself.

When you are done exploring Aria’s unique accommodations, several fine dining options await in the lobby. A Tapas Bar, an award-winning Thai restaurant, a taste of Mexican flavors, and a delicious spot to grab dessert can all be found within a short walk from the guest suites. Jean-Phillippe Chocolatiers is a must-see stop in the Aria. This French pastry-maker has shops in several Las Vegas hotels (including Bellagio and Venetian), but his Aria location is considered his flagship chocolate paradise. Keeping with the Aria’s modern design, the store sells an incredible variety of fudges, candies, pastries, and crepes. As to be expected from a chocolatier, Jean-Phillippe makes a mean hot chocolate for a very hefty price tag. If Blackjack, Craps, or slots are treating you well, treat yourself to some delicious desserts and espresso drinks.

Aria also has a variety of pools, shops, and a spa to make your stay as relaxing as possible. It is home to Cirque Du Soleil’s new show Zarkana, which I was able to catch in New York City at Radio City Music Hall earlier this year. Zarkana is a visual masterpiece from the world-renown French-Canadian circus troupe. It dazzles you with breathtaking acrobatics, amazing set pieces, and music that is sure to give you goosebumps.

If you’re traveling to Vegas with family, business, or pleasure, the Aria is the ultimate place to stay.

You can visit their site here:

http://www.arialasvegas.com/

If you would like to share your Vegas experience with us, feel free to do so in the comments.

Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar

By: Siddhi

What’s more fun than classiness on a West Village fall night? Classiness and chocolate. Of course, anyone acquainted with my favorite part of New York City is well aware that the quaint yet tremendously lively part of Greenwich by the Hudson boasts no shortage of elegant evening experiences. But equipped with my serious sugar bias, I have to say that Ayza Wine & Chocolate on 7th Avenue South has definitely been one of the most memorable food experiences of my village days thus far.

Part of it was probably being with some great company, but even if I had gone alone, I would have been irresistibly coaxed by the warm seductiveness of the Ayza ambience. The realest electric candles, the subtle yellow and orange color scheme, and the slick and narrow outdoor dining area illuminated by the welcoming but not too effusive car headlights makes Ayza socially first class and yet intimate.

We ordered a chocolate fountain with fruits and brownies (oh yeah, brownies dipped in a pool of rich chocolate sauce.  Diabetes on a fork right there, but hey, you only live once), New York cheesecake drizzled with chocolate sauce, and some special red wine. All of it just hit the spot.

But the highlight of Ayza was undoubtedly the discovering of serenity in a perfect downtown alcove.  Greenwich Village away from Washington Square Park is a relatively quiet part of the city to seek sanctuary, but at night, as life flares up again, it’s sometimes difficult to find that much-needed intimacy with yourself or a few others.

Ayza may not be the prime crowd retreat, but for smaller gatherings, dates, or even solo ventures, the wine and chocolate bar is a West Village gem that surely does not disappoint.

To learn more, visit Ayza’s site here:

http://www.ayzanyc.com