7:00 PM Thursday May 10.
I was sporting my new lucky hat. It’s a weathered outback hat. They say I look manly in it. Mrs AlanLeroy and I were checking into the Rio on a Travelzoo deal….$59 One Night (Thanks Kevzilla). Includes View Room, $30 in Restaurant Credit and 2 $20 VIP admissions to Voodoo Lounge.
Dragon at Check In
Check-In
I tipped my hat to the Check-In lady and asked nicely for the ‘Finest Complementary Room Upgrade available’. Under the spell of my lucky hat, she promptly checked us into the elegantly appointed, 1600 square foot Masquerade Suite. It featured a breathtaking 180-degree view of the city….separate living, dining and bedroom, two bathrooms and a huge Jacuzzi. Score!
“Hello Down There”.
Bedroom
Bathroom
View
Rio Wine Cellar
Our first stop after exploring the cavernous suite was the Rio Wine Cellar for a leisurely glass of wine to unwind from a long week and our Vegas flight.
“The Rio Wine Cellar showcases some 50,000 bottles valued at more than $10 million including rare museum pieces like a bottle of 1800 Madeira from the cellar of Thomas Jefferson or the 1855 to 1990 vertical collection of Chateau d'Yquem, valued at $2 million.” Well at least that’s what they say. The Sommelier claimed only 1,000 bottles and went mum when the Thomas Jefferson bottle was mentioned.
Rio Wine Cellar
I had a glass of the 2007 Jordan Cabernet and Mrs AlanLeroy tried the 2008 Conn Creek.
“Aromas of freshly roasted coffee beans, ripe black cherries, bittersweet chocolate and new leather emanate from this classic Napa Valley Cabernet.” Well, at least that’s what they say. I didn’t taste or smell any of that crap…except maybe a hint of ‘new leather’ that was probably coming from my hat. To me it smelled like Red Wine. It tasted like Red Wine. $18 a glass red wine.
Rio Carnival Court Buffet
From the Cellar we headed to the Rio Carnival Court Buffet. We were both hungry. I always thought the Carnival Court Buffet had the most fantastic selection of average food in all Las Vegas. It did not disappoint. We were hungry. It was filling. The food was just OK.
San Gennaro Feast.
Once a year, Italians celebrate the feast of San Gennaro (the Patron Saint of Naples)….It’s traditionally celebrated in September. Las Vegas has one-upped the concept of an annual feast by making it a bi-annual feast.
It so happened that the May version of the San Gennaro Feast was happening right there in the Rio Parking Lot. I had ½ price tickets from Groupon. I was on the lookout for Famous Fresnoan Dick Contino…the ‘Worlds Greatest Accordion Player’ and Korean War draft dodger. Dick was supposed to be performing at the Feast. He graduated from my High School…Fresno High…in 1947…and was a classmate of my Mother. I wanted to see if he remembered her.
San Gennaro Feast
Mrs AlanLeroy and I made the rounds at the feast. There were lots of food booths. Absolutely any kind of Italian food you can imagine…from eggplant parmesan to stuffed artichokes to cannelloni. We weren’t the least bit hungry having stuffed ourselves on a wide assortment of run of the mill buffet food.
Feast Entertainment (No Dick Contino)
The smell in the air wafted with an interesting mix of Italian food and sweaty Italians. In retrospect, I wish we had not eaten at the Buffet and instead gone for the San Gennaro street food. I wish I had met Dick Contino too.
Lucky Shoe Shine
Back inside the Rio, I had a shine from my favorite Shoe Shine Guy…Rio Bill. Bill came to visit Vegas 27 years ago and just never left. He still thinks he’s visiting.
Masquerade in the Sky.
I’ve dreamt of tossing $100 bills off the floats in the Masquerade in the Sky ride for years. I had never ridden a sky float…until now. Yes, we finally had tickets to ride that ride. We were met by Safety Officer Johnny outside the Masquerade stage at 9:30. We were the only float riders for the 10:00 Show…It was our show. Safety Officer Johnny lead us though an employee’s only door and into the bowels of the Rio. Down a hallway and up a long metal staircase and we were there …at the float landing strip.
Picture from earlier show
Johnnie explained that there would be no photography, cell phones or recording devices of any kind….any of that stuff needed to be placed into one of the convenient lockers. Drat. They attribute that to a safety precaution…but I suspect they really want you to buy the $18.75 professional pictures they so kindly provide. We would have to sit in our designated float with safety belt fastened at all times. We were not allowed to throw beads or goose any of the performers….that seemed awfully restrictive.
We took our seat in the Gondola float. It was decorated like a bordello. Soon we were joined by a couple of show performers who chatted us up for about 10 minutes…Deborah from Detroit and Mark from Butte Montana. Deborah is also in ‘Vegas the Show’. Mark had 8 other performances last year including a stint in the short lived show with Charo.
Soon it was time for the Masquerade in the sky. We buckled up and away we go!..I wanted to boogie with the dancers…I wanted to throw the beads…I wanted to be tied to the figurehead out front…but no. Sit down, shut up and enjoy the ‘ride’ AlanLeroy. It was enjoyable. We circled once around the Masquerade casino. I watched the other floats in front of us with their performers swinging. I watched the begging crowd below being rewarded with plastic beads. I watched the mostly naked dancer in front of me gyrating her butt near my face. Ok…it’s all good.
About a month ago I purchased a ‘Spy Pen’ from China. It cost $10 and records HD video, still pictures and audio. Little did they know I had not only snapped a couple of pictures with my Spy Pen, I had it set to record the entire event. Yes, I’m a rebel.
Picture from Spy Camera
Another Picture from Spy Camera
[URL=https://tinypic.com/r/muvos3/6]View My Video[/URL]
Video from Spy Camera
Ok, Ok…Maybe the Spy Camera wasn’t the world’s greatest investment…Maybe.
VooDoo
After the Bordello Gondola safely landed, we walked out of the inner Rio and took the quick elevator ride to VooDoo Lounge. After all, we were VIP’s with free admission and front of the line privileges. There was no line.
We checked it out pretty quickly. A jaunt out on the terrace…they were playing that loud hippity hop music and there were way too many people. We don’t care for that. It was just plain entertaining enjoying the view and staring at the interesting mix of lonely drunken people, extroverted drunken partiers, men on the prowl and women on the make. I realized that I never fit into that scene and I’m so happy Mrs. AlanLeroy has been in my life for so long. After a few minutes, we returned to our luxury suite. We were tired and had done so much in a few short hours without ever leaving the Rio. There was an action packed day planned for Friday.
Riding the Bordello Gondola.
9:00 AM Friday May 11
We checked out of the fantastic Rio Masquerade Suite and headed across the street to the Palms. Played our Free Slot Play coupons ($40 for $25) and bet two $10 matchplays…all winners. Mrs. AlanLeroy was fascinated with the Breakfast at Tiffany’s slot.
Palms to Cosmopolitan.
Mrs. AlanLeroy signed up for the Identity Club and their $100 rebate deal…We sat down at a bar and she played Dollar VP. She had a nice Bloody Mary and I had a fantastic Bombay Sapphire Martini. Eventually she lost the $100 and got the rebate. We re-upped our drinks and she continued playing .25 VP, until she had amassed $92.50 in real money. -7.50 for an hour’s play + $50 (4 Comp Drinks at $12.50) = +$42.50 in AV (Alcohol Value). We’re ahead for the trip.
Lunch was one of the highlights of our vacation: The $20.12 lunch special at estiatorio Milos.
I Had:
Greek Meze Plate: Tarama, Tzatziki, Htipiti, manouri cheese, olives & cherry tomatoes
Organic Chicken Breast Skewer: grilled mushrooms & onions, served over pita
Mrs. AlanLeroy had:
Fresh Diver Scallop Skewer with green bell pepper, sweet onion & couscous
Honjake Salmon with steamed vegetables
We both had:
Walnut Pie with Kaimaki ice cream
Espresso for me Coffee for the Mrs.
This is a great deal for an outstanding lunch in a fabulous restaurant. I recommend it highly.
Milo\'s Fresh Fish
Cosmopolitan to Tropicana.
Traveled down the strip to the Tropicana. We had free slot play coupons (40 for 25 for me & 50 for 25 for the Mrs). I had a $100 rebate coming from the “First $200 is on us” promo, I played in December. When all was said and done, I turned my rebate into $70 and we worked our free slot play to about even.
There was a theme for this trip. I call it “The Mob Theme”. I figured we could visit the Mob Attraction the Mob Museum, Go on the Mob Tour, drink at the Mob Bar and Oscars, and eat Italian food at every meal. Mrs AlanLeroy didn’t exactly agree with that theme…especially the part about only eating Italian food. So instead of an overarching theme, the Mob is a subplot in our trip which begins with the Mob Attraction at the Tropicana.
It’s a nice walk to the Mob Attraction. You walk through that long elevated walkway that overlooks the pool area. Then, it’s down where they had the Titanic Exhibit and the Bodies exhibit. We had a ½ priced Groupon, so the cost was $14 each.
The attraction starts off at turn of the century Ellis Island where they take your picture and send you on your way. The attraction has several distinct elements: video ‘guides’ like actor James Caan that come to life when you enter a room, written still displays that document various aspects of Mob history, live actors and scenes you interact with, artifacts on display and video documentaries.
Our first encounter was on the streets of old New York where we met ‘Crazy Tony’. The shady looking guy with a gravelly voice handed me an envelope and asked us to deliver it to ‘Fat Tony’ at the restaurant around the corner. When that mug disappeared, I quickly opened the envelope to find 3 $100 bills. I convinced Mrs. Leroy that we were taking all the risk, so we should skim a little off the top. I slipped two of the bills into my pocket and we continued walking.
Sure enough, around the corner was Fat Tony seated at an outdoor restaurant. He motioned us over and asked if ‘We had somepin’ for him“ Mrs. Leroy handed over the envelope and he checked it out. He thought it was a little light, but we convinced him that’s what Crazy Tony gave us. Fat Tony had high hopes for our careers in the Organization. There was a commotion down the street…It was Officer O’Brady calling us to come have a word him. Fat Tony warned us The first rule is - you don't know nothin' 'bout nothin', capiche? We capiche.
Officer O’Brady grilled us about who we were talking to and what we gave to him. We clammed up. We didn’t know nothin’ about nothin’….he kept trying to get us to roll over until I finally squealed under the heat. “It’s Fat Tony”, I cried. “We brought him some money”. I sang like a canary. The Officer was stunned that I fingered Tony. He said that’s what he needed to put Fat Tony away. Man this is great…We got 200 smackers and Fat Tony is goin’ to the Big House.
The attraction progressed from New York to the beginnings of Las Vegas.
Hank Greenspun of the Las Vegas Sun\'s office.
I guess nothin’ ever came of our conversation with officer O’Brady because Fat Tony sent us out west to take care of a few things. One of Tony’s Vegas associates had caught some cheatin’ cafone …and we had to tell him what we wanted to do with the babbo . There were a few options from letting him go with a warning to a ride in the desert. We settled on roughing him up a little, maybe breaking a couple of fingers and letting him go….yeah, we’re softies.
Many of the various rooms you move through are filled with information displays.
Eventually you end up in an atrium with several side rooms where you ‘meet the Mob’. Rooms were dedicated to gangsters….Gangsters like Myer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel and Sam Giancana. Extensive biographic material was displayed for each Gangster. Other memorabilia populated the hallways...From the likes of Anthony “Tony The Ant” Spilotro, Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Mo Sedway, Moe Dalitz and Mickey Cohen. There were over 1,500 personal artifacts from their lives displayed. It was fascinating glimpse into how they lived. The scope of items from Lansky was incredible.
Just some of the inventory includes:
• Giancona’s and Siegel’s Living rooms,
• Giancana’s slot machine and shotgun
• Lansky’s Golf Clubs, Home movies and family photos,Hand-written letters and many other documents
• Spilotro photos, a crucifix, prayer cards, knives, a gun and .38-caliber bullets.
• Siegel's death certificate
• Mickey Cohen's brass knuckles
• Jewelry owned by Virginia Hill
Here’s Lansky’s Bow Tie Collection.
There was also a screening room which was showing a documentary on the movie "The Godfather" and how the Mafia community ‘helped’ shape the story. Finally, you enter a room where you get to implode all of the old Vegas mafia casinos.
After this fun in Vegas, you end up back in New York. A lieutenant tells Mrs AlanLeroy and I that the “‘Big Boss’ wants to meet youze guys down at the docks”. He gave us $100. So we make our way down to the docks. I’m thinkin’ that after the great job we did in Vegas they were going to make me a ‘Made Man’...even though I’m mostly Swedish. The Don shows up with a couple of his Cappos....they pull out their Tommy guns and whack us. Dang. Rubbed Out. I didn’t see that coming. So much for our mob careers....and we had such potential. I guess we shouldn’t have ratted out Fat Tony.
Notes on the Mob Attraction.
It’s well worth $14...$28 may be a little pricy, but I would have paid it. It was fun. I was shocked by the number of personal artifacts on display. It served to ‘humanize’ the Mobsters...and I’m not sure that’s a good thing, but it is certainly an ‘interesting’ thing. After examining the roots of organized crime in Vegas I learned my original theme of eating only Italian food should have been switched to Kosher. In some ways, Violence and Organized Crime was glorified and Italian Americans stereotyped, but “I don’t care”.
There is a huge ongoing legal battle over the artifacts. The original ‘Mob Experience’ went bankrupt soon after opening and there were other shell companies involved in acquiring the artifacts and lots of creditors with claims on them. If you want to see this attraction, see it soon. Given the legal problems, the large number of people required for staffing and competition from the Subsidized National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement....I can see the Mob Attraction going the way of the Elvis-A-Rama unfortunately.
Tropicana to Plaza.
To Downtown and our weekend destination resort the Plaza. Check-in was a breeze. We had a nice ‘view room’. We unpacked and headed out to Fremont.
Walked down to the D (Originally the Sundance Hotel opened in 1980 by organized crime figure Moe Dalitz) and picked up Show tickets for the 9:13 Kevin Burke Show.
Mrs. AlanLeroy was not feeling well and she decided to go back to the Plaza and rest a bit. We agreed I’d return to the room in an hour or so to see how she was doing.
As I strolled down Fremont, I noticed all the characters dressed up in costume. I’ve seen them before…but never this many.
I walked by Sponge Bob Square Pants, took a picture and started to walk away. Sponge Bob perked up.
“Hey…you can’t take my picture without paying me” he shouted.
“Whoa there Bob, It’s still an almost free country. This is a public street. I can take a picture of whatever I want…including you”. I retorted.
“Asshole” he muttered.
AlanLeroy Perked up…“I’m not sure I heard you there Bob, did you just call me an asshole, dude? “
“I’m not a dude and It’s hot in this costume and I’m not making any money today’ Sponge Roberta whined.
“I don’t care” I responded in my best possible Tommy Lee Jones voice.
As I walked away, Sponge Roberta gave me the finger. And so it started. The Toon War had begun. Please note that ‘they’ fired the first volley. Who were these cartoon people cajoling me for alms? How could they prevent Citizen Leroy from his photography hobby in a public place? Would they all try to shame me or insult me? Do they know I have no shame? I had a new goal for the trip…a new theme. I was going to take pictures of every one of these greedy characters…and not pay them a dime. I’ll teach them for trying to take away MY freedom to take their picture without paying tribute.
And here we have “The Amazing” Spiderman and a Centurion. Yeah..poor Spidy is so amazing he fears my camera. Look how these cowards avoid the All Powerful Lens of Leroy.
And this ‘whatever’ could only shout “Tipth for picth, dude tipth for picth”. And he wasn’t talking like that because he was some kind of gay stereotype…He was missing most of his front teeth. Yeah buddy, I’ll give you a tip alright…get those teeth fixed…and put some pants on.
I made my way over to Chicago Brewing inside the Four Queens and tried their Sampler which was 4 ounce samples of their 9 microbrews for 9 bucks. To sop up that beer, I also had their 3 Filet Slider appetizer. Thoroughly enjoyed both. Played a little VP.
I returned to the Plaza to Check on Mrs AlanLeroy. She was much improved and we set out on Fremont once again.
There was excitement in the air as this was The Ultimate Elvis Weekend and the preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Contest. We returned to Chicago Brewing where she had a personal pizza and I had a glass of their outstanding Hefeweizen.
We moved on to the Kevin Burke Show at the D. Kevin is a funny guy. He may be the hardest working guy in Vegas as he does the show at the D nightly and also “ Defending the Caveman” on the strip 5 nights a week. During the show, Kevin started referring to Mrs. AlanLeroy as "The Cougar”. Once she’s had a few drinks, Mrs. AlanLeroy can be pretty outspoken. Even without a few drinks. She started responding with comments of her own…frequent comments. To the point where our table mates said she was so good, she should be part of the show.
Kevin suggested we all take a look at the creature he had in a box outside the showroom. He called it the ugliest creature to come out of Lake Mead.
Here’s its pic. Anyone venture a guess what the hell it is?
We walked Fremont to the El Cortez and were considering taking the Zip Line back, but the line was too long.
Here’s a guy picking his nose at Heart Attack Grill.
Here’s a guy flipping me off at the Heart Attack Grill.
We caught The Fremont Experience “Doors Show”. I loved it…but there was this middle aged fairy kind of guy in diapers dancing quite strangely. I think he wanted money to take a picture. I got him on video, but it’s too big to post. Then there was this ugly chick in a bikini doing the splits…wait a minute…there’s an Adams Apple there….It must have been Dancing Transsexual Night…and shehe wanted a Tip. I don’t think so.
You want money? Kiss my...
The Devil made me take your picture.
What are you?
It was a fun filled and packed house on Fremont. There were a lot of people in Vegas this weekend. It was good to see.
Saturday May 12 10:00 AM
We ambled down to Main Street Station for their Saturday Buffet Brunch. There was a nice selection of breakfast items including their famous omelet station, fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict and all kinds of breakfast meats…included a carving station with ham and roast beef. Using the Fremont street ½ price coupon it was only $5.50 each. A great value. As we left the buffet a woman playing a VP machine started screaming.
She just hit this beauty. Good for her.
The Mob Museum
We gambled some at MSS and the Cal and then headed over to our morning destination…The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement. …affectionately known as ‘The Mob Museum’.
Housed in the former Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse (built in 1933) the Museum was a 50 Million dollar undertaking using Federal, State and Local money. The star of the show really is that 1933 building which has been refurbished top to bottom.
The Exhibits include many wall displays that flip through written and pictorial histories as well as photographs, films, props, documents, interactive displays and artifacts. About half of the exhibits focus on Organized Crime and Organized Crime Figures.
The other half relate to Law Enforcement and their methods and achievements in taking down the Mob.
There are various topics covered like “The Mob through History”, “Myths of the Mob”, “Sin City”, and “The Mob Busters”. There are several short films including early Mob history and Hollywood and the Mob. There are interactive displays including a Simulated Police Action in which you get to shoot the bad guy. I took the perp out with one shot. No hoodie.
I found one glaring inaccuracy in the Museum that I e-mailed them about. One display claimed Myer Lansky was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his work in WWII. The Congressional Medal of Honor is only for Military personnel who have demonstrated tremendous heroism at great personal risk. Lansky was actually awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom for his behind the scenes efforts in working to prevent sabotage related to US ships and shipping…He had some influence over the Docks, the Unions and criminals…if you know what I mean. The museum never acknowledged my e-mail.
The centerpiece of the museum is the fully restored courtroom. This is the same courtroom in which the 1950 Kefauver hearings on Organized Crime were held in Vegas. You sit in the same courtroom as the hearings and watch a 15 minute film that discusses the hearing. There’s a lot of actual footage of the courtroom and testimony….it’s like sitting in a history book.
Barber Chair being used by crime boss and hit man Albert Anastasia when he was shot to death in New York. When the shop closed, its contents were purchased by comedian Henny (Take My Wife) Youngman.
Tools of the Trade. These items were unlabeled so I assume they are props rather than true Mob artifacts…but who knows. There was a problem with lack of labeling throughout the museum.
We spent over 2 hours in the museum. At the end you are (of course) let out in the Gift Shop. Author Wendy Mazaros was doing a book signing there. Wendy wrote “Vegas Rag Doll” about her life married to a Mob Hit Man. I was going to take her picture, but Mrs. Alan Leroy demanded I lavish no attention on this ‘evil person’. Mrs. AlanLeroy reasoned that Ms. Mazaros was involved up to her red dyed roots in the Mob Life…and was just as much a low life as her rat husband. It was hard to argue with that.
Compared to the Mob Attraction the Museum is more ‘museum like’. There is far more content to read and review. The Museum dedicates a lot of space to Law Enforcement. The Attraction dedicates none. The Attraction has at least twice as many artifacts as the museum. I like the attraction better. I was fascinated with the artifacts. I enjoyed the story lines and interacting with the actors. The museum was good too, but not as good…even though they spent 20 times the money on it. I hope when the Mob Attraction inevitably goes bankrupt, that the Museum can acquire some of those artifacts.
Las Vegas is the biggest “Me Too” town I ever met. MGM decided to build a City Center…so Boyd attempted to build an Echelon Place (at the expense of our beloved Stardust and Westward Ho). For every Cosmopolitan, there’s an unfinished Foutainbleau. One joint makes a Mongolian Fusion Karaoke Tapas Happy Hour and a month later there are three in town. I don’t think Vegas is big enough for a Mob Museum and a Mob Attraction and I’m afraid the Mob Attraction is the odd Mob out…even though it’s the more interesting of the two.
Side Note: The next Me Too competition is bound to be the Dueling Mega Ferris Wheels: The High Roller Ferris Wheel envisioned for the Mid Strip Linc Project and the 500 foot Skyvue Ferris wheel under construction across from Mandalay bay. May the best Wheel win.
A final note on the Mob Museum. The Museum sits on Stewart at the end of Third Street, Just past the old Lady Luck. The newly opened Mob Bar, The Triple George Restaurant and Hogs and Heifers also line Third. There is a Friday Farmer’s Market on the Street as well. Once the Lady Luck reopens, that whole block could be a really happening, revitalized section of downtown. It was pure blight not long ago. We can only hope it all works out.
We returned to the Plaza. Mrs Alanleroy was going to relax before dinner, but I had just enough time to enjoy one of my many passions….Bingo. I got to the 5:00 PM Plaza Bingo session with just enough time to get my TED. I got a small rainbow and was set for the Bonanzas and of course I was validated for the Cash Ball. That’s Bingo Lingo for I had an electronic bingo device, a mixed pack of electronic Bingo Cards and was eligible for special games. I surveyed my competition. There were only about 35 Grannies there…I knew I had a great shot…This session might even be +EV. I didn’t win squat. I never win squat at Bingo. Those damn Grannies are just too good. One day…They’re going to slip up. I know I’ll win…one day.
El Cortez.
Dinner was at the El Cortez (Purchased in 1945 by gangsters Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum and Moe Sedway) Flame Restaurant. I had the Porterhouse and the Mrs. Had Salmon. As always, everything was perfect. The Flame (with the LVA 50% off) is still one of the best deals on a good dinner in all Las Vegas.
As we were leaving, a fellow in the end booth stood up and held out his hand. It was none other than El Cortez owner Kenny Epstein having dinner with his family. Kenny introduced himself and thanked us for coming to the El Cortez. I asked about Jackie and he responded that “Jackie was doing great”. Told him I enjoyed the article in the Sun about the El Cortez and his Daughter Alex and mentioned that “He must be Very proud”. I complemented him on the turnaround at El Cortez. He said that I should “Call him if I ever needed anything”. I’ve got friends in high places now….I thought about mentioning the ‘Toon Infestation’ out on Fremont, but decided against it.
LOVE
We drove from the El Cortez to the Mirage. Our evening’s entertainment was the Cirque de Soliel’s LOVE.
Mrs AlanLeroy and I both love the Beatles. We grew up with the Beatles. The Cirque Show was fantastic. The music & sound better than any other show ever. This is my new favorite Cirque show. At $55 on the Summer Of Cirque promo…it was just simply unbeatable.
We returned to the Plaza. It was around 11:30. I got a Double Espresso and Mrs. AlanLeroy had a decaf coffee from Cafelatte. We sat down on one of the Plaza’s plush lobby couches and people watched. It’s a great place to watch. Within five minutes we had witnessed two very drunk people being confronted by Plaza security. One had broken a glass in the lobby the other was sawing z’s on one of the other couches. Some people!
Mrs. AlanLeroy decided to call it a night and went up to the room. I had some unfinished business out on Fremont. Here Thar be Toon to hunt. It wasn’t long and I ran into Floisha and Cloisha. Flo was dressed as a nasty cop and Clo was just plain nasty.
I pulled out the camera and Flo held out her hand and said ‘Wait!’. Come on hon…We’re street performers…tip us a dolla’ and we pose for you…Here…I’ll show you my best side. She turned around and flashed her oversized bootylicious. And then it hit me like a ton of back. These weren’t trumped up beggars looking for a handout…they were hardworking entrepreneurs providing a pubic (sic) service….just tryin’ to make it in a cruel world. “Only a dollar?” I quizzed. “Well a dolla’ each” said Clo. Hell I had lots of dollars.
I quickly surrendered to my new revelation. What a Jerk I had been. I went crazy like Scrooge looking for a Christmas goose after his visit from the ghost of Christmas future.
Hey! Lookie! It’s the King. Here’s a buck Elvis. I’m all shook up!…
Here’s some money whatever the hell you are silver dude…
Nose Stud Lip Ring Barbie. They didn’t have those when I was a kid…I mean when my sister was a little girl.
Here…take my Dollar and Have a very Smurfy day my blue butted friend!
Money for The Wiz
Dollars for The Wench….show us your pastie!
I know you are a dollar richer…but what am I?
I never found SpongeRoberta to lavish a dollar bill on her and reconcile my prior bad behavior. But I’ve got a feeling the Toons may just play a role in my future visits. I’m wondering how far they’ll go for a dollar or two. Like…will they let me pose them in ‘sexual’ ways. I’m sure Flo was into it…but would Spidy hold hands with Toothless Guy? Would SpongeBob play piggyback with Clo and Flo? Only one way to find out. I’m tempted to budget Fifty bucks for this toonfoolery: The bribing of the Toons. It’s gonna be raining dollars on Fremont in December.
Side Note: I now find solace in the thought that I too could become a ‘Street Performer’ on Fremont should times become dire and I age ungracefully. All I need is an adult diaper, a lucky hat to store my tips and the ability to shake my substantial booty. People would pay me tips for pics…I know they would.
Sun May 13 7:00 AM
It was Mother’s day. And what better way to start it off than for AlanLeroy to get up early and head down to the 7:00 AM Special Mother’s day bingo game at Plaza. Unfortunately, the bingo hall didn’t open until their 11:00 AM Special Mother’s day bingo game. Crap. That’s it. Craps. Within 4 minutes I lost half my meager bankroll at the Craps table. Dang. We got packed up and walked over to Dupars for an average (read overpriced) breakfast. Then back to Plaza to check out.
Photo of Smith Center for the Performing Arts from our room.
Mrs AlanLeroy is returning to Vegas in June. She will be picking up a group of people at the airport and transporting them downtown. We went on an Airport Dry run so she could become familiar with the route.
On the way back from the Airport we stopped at MGM to give the old Lions Share progressive a go. I know I’ll win it…one day….but not today.
Eventually we ended up at Aria our final night’s destination resort. They made me a deal I couldn’t refuse. 1 Night in an upgraded room for $99.00…with a $100 resort credit. At check-in we requested a brochure that describes the City Center art collection. Our goal was to find each of the 21 pieces of Public Art on Display. First, we rested a bit in our beautiful City Center room and then struck off for a night of adventure.
Jun Kaneko-Untitled, Dango, 2002--Untitled, Triangle Dango, 1996--Untitled, Dango, 1992—Another Dango Dango Undated…
These were supposed to be at Mandarin Oriental…but were actually at Aria
Masatoshi Izumi – “CACTUS Life – living with Earth” 2007-2008
This was supposed to be at Mandarin Oriental, but was actually at Aria
Tony Cragg – “Bent of Mind” 2008, Stainless steel, 78 x 39 x 39 inches ARIA self-park Entry Lobby
Henry Moore – “Reclining Connected Forms” 1969-1974, Roman travertine marble, 10 x 17 x 7 feet – The Park between ARIA Resort & Casino and Crystals retail and entertainment district
Happy Hour at Michael Mina’s American Fish 6:00PM.
Our dinner strategy was to use our Resort Credit on small plates at American Fish and Jullian Serrano. What a good strategy it was.
American Fish has a fantastic Happy Hour. Appetizers $5.00. Wine by the glass $7.00. Beer $4.00. Classic Cocktails $7.00. I had a Vesper and Mrs. AlanLeroy had a Sidecar.
We shared the following appetizers…
Maine Lobster Roll / celery, parker house roll
Dungeness Crab Cake / piquillo pepper aïoli
Prime Rib Sandwich / ciabatta, horseradish
Tuna Tartare / pinenuts, sushi rice cake
Unpictured
Tortured Duck Liver Popper / brioche, blood orange, grains of paradise
Everything was fantastic including the cocktails (we had 2 each). A great setting. Exquisite food and drink. Inexpensive. What’s not to like?
7:00 PM Jullian Serrano
Huevos Estrellados- Fried Potatoes, Eggs, Imported Spanish Chorizo
Stuffed Dates | almond | applewood bacon wrapped | spicy piquillo pepper sauce
Salmon/Puff Pastry…
We both had their homemade Sangria. It was all good….but the Dates were nowhere near as good as the dates from Firefly. The Huevos Estrellados I loved it…but are eggs, sausage and potatoes really their “Signature Tappas”? I don’t think so. Even the Sangria was a step below Firefly at twice the price. All in all it was good..very good…but for Tappas we love ourselves some Firefly. If the truth be told, these small plates didn’t hold a candle to the $5.00 happy hour plates at American Fish.
Took the tram to Bellagio and checked out the conservatory and played a John Wayne Slot Machine... and then returned to Aria where we played a few penny slots and finally headed for bed.
Mon May 14 9:00 AM
We checked out of Aria around 9:00 AM. I thought it was lucky that crossed paths with this huge chocolate dragon…Lucky Dragon to start the trip Lucky Dragon to end the trip.
So here’s how I gamble. I milk my meager bankroll with matchplays and the like until my final day…and then hit a craps table…aggressively. Sometimes I do well and sometimes I lose my bankroll…but my bankroll is so small that’s it’s pure entertainment for me win or lose. On this trip, my gambling bankroll was $300. I know for some of you, that’s one or two bets. Not me. I had worked it up some, but then took a big haircut at the Plaza Craps tables. No matter. I still had over $200 to make my fortune. Many times I’ve turned a hundred or two into a thousand or two at a hot craps table.
Our last stand is at Bills Gambling Hall. I bellied up to the craps table and lost my bankroll within 5 minutes. Dang. Mrs AlanLeroy still had her $300 bankroll intact and she was casually playing a video poker game. I did the only thing I could. Begged the CFO for money. She obliged with a $35 TITO…warning me that I would get no more so I needed to be conservative. Took the $35 to a blackjack table and promptly won 5 hands in a row. Worked that $35 up to $120 in a couple of minutes. Aha!…That’s the ticket My Game is Blackjack. I should be playing blackjack! I promptly left the Blackjack table and returned to craps where I lost my $120 on one roll. Dang.
Time to head to the airport and call it a trip.
We made a quick stop at Silverton to scout out the Bass Pro Shop for Mrs. AlanLeroy’s June trip when she will be hiking the Grand Canyon. We had a quick breakfast and then on to the Airport. On the way out I spied Bagiant at the Mermaid bar. I promised I would take a picture of him with my spy camera and did. Should have done a shout out to Bags…but we were running late to the Airport. Next time.
At the Airport, I had an issue at Allegiant air’s check-in counter. The clerk claimed my travel bag was one inch too tall. The same bag wasn’t too tall in Fresno or on 10 other trips…but she measured it. I thought it was akin to extortion as at that point in the trip I had no other options but to pay their $35 tribute. If they weren’t going to allow my carry-on they should have stopped it at my home airport. I argued the point, but she wasn’t budging. Well after my return, I actually measured the bag myself. It turns out my travel bag IS the proper height…exactly 22” tall. The allegiant clerk had mis-measured me. I’m disputing this rip-off charge with my credit card company.
Summary:
What started as a Lucky trip with a fantastic room upgrade ended with me broke and screwed out of $35. Lucky hat my ass.
Even though I didn’t win, this was one of the best trips ever. Highlights included:
•The San Gennerro Feast,
•The Masquerade in the Sky,
•The Mob Attraction
•Milos
•Kevin Burke
•The Mob Museum
•LOVE
•Flame
•The Toon War
•Bingo
•American Fish
•Julian Serrano
•…and just spending time with Mrs. AlanLeroy
We had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. In retrospect losing is my own damn fault for not bringing an emergency lucky hat. I’ll be smarter next time.
I was sporting my new lucky hat. It’s a weathered outback hat. They say I look manly in it. Mrs AlanLeroy and I were checking into the Rio on a Travelzoo deal….$59 One Night (Thanks Kevzilla). Includes View Room, $30 in Restaurant Credit and 2 $20 VIP admissions to Voodoo Lounge.
Dragon at Check In
Check-In
I tipped my hat to the Check-In lady and asked nicely for the ‘Finest Complementary Room Upgrade available’. Under the spell of my lucky hat, she promptly checked us into the elegantly appointed, 1600 square foot Masquerade Suite. It featured a breathtaking 180-degree view of the city….separate living, dining and bedroom, two bathrooms and a huge Jacuzzi. Score!
“Hello Down There”.
Bedroom
Bathroom
View
Rio Wine Cellar
Our first stop after exploring the cavernous suite was the Rio Wine Cellar for a leisurely glass of wine to unwind from a long week and our Vegas flight.
“The Rio Wine Cellar showcases some 50,000 bottles valued at more than $10 million including rare museum pieces like a bottle of 1800 Madeira from the cellar of Thomas Jefferson or the 1855 to 1990 vertical collection of Chateau d'Yquem, valued at $2 million.” Well at least that’s what they say. The Sommelier claimed only 1,000 bottles and went mum when the Thomas Jefferson bottle was mentioned.
Rio Wine Cellar
I had a glass of the 2007 Jordan Cabernet and Mrs AlanLeroy tried the 2008 Conn Creek.
“Aromas of freshly roasted coffee beans, ripe black cherries, bittersweet chocolate and new leather emanate from this classic Napa Valley Cabernet.” Well, at least that’s what they say. I didn’t taste or smell any of that crap…except maybe a hint of ‘new leather’ that was probably coming from my hat. To me it smelled like Red Wine. It tasted like Red Wine. $18 a glass red wine.
Rio Carnival Court Buffet
From the Cellar we headed to the Rio Carnival Court Buffet. We were both hungry. I always thought the Carnival Court Buffet had the most fantastic selection of average food in all Las Vegas. It did not disappoint. We were hungry. It was filling. The food was just OK.
San Gennaro Feast.
Once a year, Italians celebrate the feast of San Gennaro (the Patron Saint of Naples)….It’s traditionally celebrated in September. Las Vegas has one-upped the concept of an annual feast by making it a bi-annual feast.
It so happened that the May version of the San Gennaro Feast was happening right there in the Rio Parking Lot. I had ½ price tickets from Groupon. I was on the lookout for Famous Fresnoan Dick Contino…the ‘Worlds Greatest Accordion Player’ and Korean War draft dodger. Dick was supposed to be performing at the Feast. He graduated from my High School…Fresno High…in 1947…and was a classmate of my Mother. I wanted to see if he remembered her.
San Gennaro Feast
Mrs AlanLeroy and I made the rounds at the feast. There were lots of food booths. Absolutely any kind of Italian food you can imagine…from eggplant parmesan to stuffed artichokes to cannelloni. We weren’t the least bit hungry having stuffed ourselves on a wide assortment of run of the mill buffet food.
Feast Entertainment (No Dick Contino)
The smell in the air wafted with an interesting mix of Italian food and sweaty Italians. In retrospect, I wish we had not eaten at the Buffet and instead gone for the San Gennaro street food. I wish I had met Dick Contino too.
Lucky Shoe Shine
Back inside the Rio, I had a shine from my favorite Shoe Shine Guy…Rio Bill. Bill came to visit Vegas 27 years ago and just never left. He still thinks he’s visiting.
Masquerade in the Sky.
I’ve dreamt of tossing $100 bills off the floats in the Masquerade in the Sky ride for years. I had never ridden a sky float…until now. Yes, we finally had tickets to ride that ride. We were met by Safety Officer Johnny outside the Masquerade stage at 9:30. We were the only float riders for the 10:00 Show…It was our show. Safety Officer Johnny lead us though an employee’s only door and into the bowels of the Rio. Down a hallway and up a long metal staircase and we were there …at the float landing strip.
Picture from earlier show
Johnnie explained that there would be no photography, cell phones or recording devices of any kind….any of that stuff needed to be placed into one of the convenient lockers. Drat. They attribute that to a safety precaution…but I suspect they really want you to buy the $18.75 professional pictures they so kindly provide. We would have to sit in our designated float with safety belt fastened at all times. We were not allowed to throw beads or goose any of the performers….that seemed awfully restrictive.
We took our seat in the Gondola float. It was decorated like a bordello. Soon we were joined by a couple of show performers who chatted us up for about 10 minutes…Deborah from Detroit and Mark from Butte Montana. Deborah is also in ‘Vegas the Show’. Mark had 8 other performances last year including a stint in the short lived show with Charo.
Soon it was time for the Masquerade in the sky. We buckled up and away we go!..I wanted to boogie with the dancers…I wanted to throw the beads…I wanted to be tied to the figurehead out front…but no. Sit down, shut up and enjoy the ‘ride’ AlanLeroy. It was enjoyable. We circled once around the Masquerade casino. I watched the other floats in front of us with their performers swinging. I watched the begging crowd below being rewarded with plastic beads. I watched the mostly naked dancer in front of me gyrating her butt near my face. Ok…it’s all good.
About a month ago I purchased a ‘Spy Pen’ from China. It cost $10 and records HD video, still pictures and audio. Little did they know I had not only snapped a couple of pictures with my Spy Pen, I had it set to record the entire event. Yes, I’m a rebel.
Picture from Spy Camera
Another Picture from Spy Camera
[URL=https://tinypic.com/r/muvos3/6]View My Video[/URL]
Video from Spy Camera
Ok, Ok…Maybe the Spy Camera wasn’t the world’s greatest investment…Maybe.
VooDoo
After the Bordello Gondola safely landed, we walked out of the inner Rio and took the quick elevator ride to VooDoo Lounge. After all, we were VIP’s with free admission and front of the line privileges. There was no line.
We checked it out pretty quickly. A jaunt out on the terrace…they were playing that loud hippity hop music and there were way too many people. We don’t care for that. It was just plain entertaining enjoying the view and staring at the interesting mix of lonely drunken people, extroverted drunken partiers, men on the prowl and women on the make. I realized that I never fit into that scene and I’m so happy Mrs. AlanLeroy has been in my life for so long. After a few minutes, we returned to our luxury suite. We were tired and had done so much in a few short hours without ever leaving the Rio. There was an action packed day planned for Friday.
Riding the Bordello Gondola.
9:00 AM Friday May 11
We checked out of the fantastic Rio Masquerade Suite and headed across the street to the Palms. Played our Free Slot Play coupons ($40 for $25) and bet two $10 matchplays…all winners. Mrs. AlanLeroy was fascinated with the Breakfast at Tiffany’s slot.
Palms to Cosmopolitan.
Mrs. AlanLeroy signed up for the Identity Club and their $100 rebate deal…We sat down at a bar and she played Dollar VP. She had a nice Bloody Mary and I had a fantastic Bombay Sapphire Martini. Eventually she lost the $100 and got the rebate. We re-upped our drinks and she continued playing .25 VP, until she had amassed $92.50 in real money. -7.50 for an hour’s play + $50 (4 Comp Drinks at $12.50) = +$42.50 in AV (Alcohol Value). We’re ahead for the trip.
Lunch was one of the highlights of our vacation: The $20.12 lunch special at estiatorio Milos.
I Had:
Greek Meze Plate: Tarama, Tzatziki, Htipiti, manouri cheese, olives & cherry tomatoes
Organic Chicken Breast Skewer: grilled mushrooms & onions, served over pita
Mrs. AlanLeroy had:
Fresh Diver Scallop Skewer with green bell pepper, sweet onion & couscous
Honjake Salmon with steamed vegetables
We both had:
Walnut Pie with Kaimaki ice cream
Espresso for me Coffee for the Mrs.
This is a great deal for an outstanding lunch in a fabulous restaurant. I recommend it highly.
Milo\'s Fresh Fish
Cosmopolitan to Tropicana.
Traveled down the strip to the Tropicana. We had free slot play coupons (40 for 25 for me & 50 for 25 for the Mrs). I had a $100 rebate coming from the “First $200 is on us” promo, I played in December. When all was said and done, I turned my rebate into $70 and we worked our free slot play to about even.
There was a theme for this trip. I call it “The Mob Theme”. I figured we could visit the Mob Attraction the Mob Museum, Go on the Mob Tour, drink at the Mob Bar and Oscars, and eat Italian food at every meal. Mrs AlanLeroy didn’t exactly agree with that theme…especially the part about only eating Italian food. So instead of an overarching theme, the Mob is a subplot in our trip which begins with the Mob Attraction at the Tropicana.
It’s a nice walk to the Mob Attraction. You walk through that long elevated walkway that overlooks the pool area. Then, it’s down where they had the Titanic Exhibit and the Bodies exhibit. We had a ½ priced Groupon, so the cost was $14 each.
The attraction starts off at turn of the century Ellis Island where they take your picture and send you on your way. The attraction has several distinct elements: video ‘guides’ like actor James Caan that come to life when you enter a room, written still displays that document various aspects of Mob history, live actors and scenes you interact with, artifacts on display and video documentaries.
Our first encounter was on the streets of old New York where we met ‘Crazy Tony’. The shady looking guy with a gravelly voice handed me an envelope and asked us to deliver it to ‘Fat Tony’ at the restaurant around the corner. When that mug disappeared, I quickly opened the envelope to find 3 $100 bills. I convinced Mrs. Leroy that we were taking all the risk, so we should skim a little off the top. I slipped two of the bills into my pocket and we continued walking.
Sure enough, around the corner was Fat Tony seated at an outdoor restaurant. He motioned us over and asked if ‘We had somepin’ for him“ Mrs. Leroy handed over the envelope and he checked it out. He thought it was a little light, but we convinced him that’s what Crazy Tony gave us. Fat Tony had high hopes for our careers in the Organization. There was a commotion down the street…It was Officer O’Brady calling us to come have a word him. Fat Tony warned us The first rule is - you don't know nothin' 'bout nothin', capiche? We capiche.
Officer O’Brady grilled us about who we were talking to and what we gave to him. We clammed up. We didn’t know nothin’ about nothin’….he kept trying to get us to roll over until I finally squealed under the heat. “It’s Fat Tony”, I cried. “We brought him some money”. I sang like a canary. The Officer was stunned that I fingered Tony. He said that’s what he needed to put Fat Tony away. Man this is great…We got 200 smackers and Fat Tony is goin’ to the Big House.
The attraction progressed from New York to the beginnings of Las Vegas.
Hank Greenspun of the Las Vegas Sun\'s office.
I guess nothin’ ever came of our conversation with officer O’Brady because Fat Tony sent us out west to take care of a few things. One of Tony’s Vegas associates had caught some cheatin’ cafone …and we had to tell him what we wanted to do with the babbo . There were a few options from letting him go with a warning to a ride in the desert. We settled on roughing him up a little, maybe breaking a couple of fingers and letting him go….yeah, we’re softies.
Many of the various rooms you move through are filled with information displays.
Eventually you end up in an atrium with several side rooms where you ‘meet the Mob’. Rooms were dedicated to gangsters….Gangsters like Myer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel and Sam Giancana. Extensive biographic material was displayed for each Gangster. Other memorabilia populated the hallways...From the likes of Anthony “Tony The Ant” Spilotro, Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Mo Sedway, Moe Dalitz and Mickey Cohen. There were over 1,500 personal artifacts from their lives displayed. It was fascinating glimpse into how they lived. The scope of items from Lansky was incredible.
Just some of the inventory includes:
• Giancona’s and Siegel’s Living rooms,
• Giancana’s slot machine and shotgun
• Lansky’s Golf Clubs, Home movies and family photos,Hand-written letters and many other documents
• Spilotro photos, a crucifix, prayer cards, knives, a gun and .38-caliber bullets.
• Siegel's death certificate
• Mickey Cohen's brass knuckles
• Jewelry owned by Virginia Hill
Here’s Lansky’s Bow Tie Collection.
There was also a screening room which was showing a documentary on the movie "The Godfather" and how the Mafia community ‘helped’ shape the story. Finally, you enter a room where you get to implode all of the old Vegas mafia casinos.
After this fun in Vegas, you end up back in New York. A lieutenant tells Mrs AlanLeroy and I that the “‘Big Boss’ wants to meet youze guys down at the docks”. He gave us $100. So we make our way down to the docks. I’m thinkin’ that after the great job we did in Vegas they were going to make me a ‘Made Man’...even though I’m mostly Swedish. The Don shows up with a couple of his Cappos....they pull out their Tommy guns and whack us. Dang. Rubbed Out. I didn’t see that coming. So much for our mob careers....and we had such potential. I guess we shouldn’t have ratted out Fat Tony.
Notes on the Mob Attraction.
It’s well worth $14...$28 may be a little pricy, but I would have paid it. It was fun. I was shocked by the number of personal artifacts on display. It served to ‘humanize’ the Mobsters...and I’m not sure that’s a good thing, but it is certainly an ‘interesting’ thing. After examining the roots of organized crime in Vegas I learned my original theme of eating only Italian food should have been switched to Kosher. In some ways, Violence and Organized Crime was glorified and Italian Americans stereotyped, but “I don’t care”.
There is a huge ongoing legal battle over the artifacts. The original ‘Mob Experience’ went bankrupt soon after opening and there were other shell companies involved in acquiring the artifacts and lots of creditors with claims on them. If you want to see this attraction, see it soon. Given the legal problems, the large number of people required for staffing and competition from the Subsidized National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement....I can see the Mob Attraction going the way of the Elvis-A-Rama unfortunately.
Tropicana to Plaza.
To Downtown and our weekend destination resort the Plaza. Check-in was a breeze. We had a nice ‘view room’. We unpacked and headed out to Fremont.
Walked down to the D (Originally the Sundance Hotel opened in 1980 by organized crime figure Moe Dalitz) and picked up Show tickets for the 9:13 Kevin Burke Show.
Mrs. AlanLeroy was not feeling well and she decided to go back to the Plaza and rest a bit. We agreed I’d return to the room in an hour or so to see how she was doing.
As I strolled down Fremont, I noticed all the characters dressed up in costume. I’ve seen them before…but never this many.
I walked by Sponge Bob Square Pants, took a picture and started to walk away. Sponge Bob perked up.
“Hey…you can’t take my picture without paying me” he shouted.
“Whoa there Bob, It’s still an almost free country. This is a public street. I can take a picture of whatever I want…including you”. I retorted.
“Asshole” he muttered.
AlanLeroy Perked up…“I’m not sure I heard you there Bob, did you just call me an asshole, dude? “
“I’m not a dude and It’s hot in this costume and I’m not making any money today’ Sponge Roberta whined.
“I don’t care” I responded in my best possible Tommy Lee Jones voice.
As I walked away, Sponge Roberta gave me the finger. And so it started. The Toon War had begun. Please note that ‘they’ fired the first volley. Who were these cartoon people cajoling me for alms? How could they prevent Citizen Leroy from his photography hobby in a public place? Would they all try to shame me or insult me? Do they know I have no shame? I had a new goal for the trip…a new theme. I was going to take pictures of every one of these greedy characters…and not pay them a dime. I’ll teach them for trying to take away MY freedom to take their picture without paying tribute.
And here we have “The Amazing” Spiderman and a Centurion. Yeah..poor Spidy is so amazing he fears my camera. Look how these cowards avoid the All Powerful Lens of Leroy.
And this ‘whatever’ could only shout “Tipth for picth, dude tipth for picth”. And he wasn’t talking like that because he was some kind of gay stereotype…He was missing most of his front teeth. Yeah buddy, I’ll give you a tip alright…get those teeth fixed…and put some pants on.
I made my way over to Chicago Brewing inside the Four Queens and tried their Sampler which was 4 ounce samples of their 9 microbrews for 9 bucks. To sop up that beer, I also had their 3 Filet Slider appetizer. Thoroughly enjoyed both. Played a little VP.
I returned to the Plaza to Check on Mrs AlanLeroy. She was much improved and we set out on Fremont once again.
There was excitement in the air as this was The Ultimate Elvis Weekend and the preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Contest. We returned to Chicago Brewing where she had a personal pizza and I had a glass of their outstanding Hefeweizen.
We moved on to the Kevin Burke Show at the D. Kevin is a funny guy. He may be the hardest working guy in Vegas as he does the show at the D nightly and also “ Defending the Caveman” on the strip 5 nights a week. During the show, Kevin started referring to Mrs. AlanLeroy as "The Cougar”. Once she’s had a few drinks, Mrs. AlanLeroy can be pretty outspoken. Even without a few drinks. She started responding with comments of her own…frequent comments. To the point where our table mates said she was so good, she should be part of the show.
Kevin suggested we all take a look at the creature he had in a box outside the showroom. He called it the ugliest creature to come out of Lake Mead.
Here’s its pic. Anyone venture a guess what the hell it is?
We walked Fremont to the El Cortez and were considering taking the Zip Line back, but the line was too long.
Here’s a guy picking his nose at Heart Attack Grill.
Here’s a guy flipping me off at the Heart Attack Grill.
We caught The Fremont Experience “Doors Show”. I loved it…but there was this middle aged fairy kind of guy in diapers dancing quite strangely. I think he wanted money to take a picture. I got him on video, but it’s too big to post. Then there was this ugly chick in a bikini doing the splits…wait a minute…there’s an Adams Apple there….It must have been Dancing Transsexual Night…and shehe wanted a Tip. I don’t think so.
You want money? Kiss my...
The Devil made me take your picture.
What are you?
It was a fun filled and packed house on Fremont. There were a lot of people in Vegas this weekend. It was good to see.
Saturday May 12 10:00 AM
We ambled down to Main Street Station for their Saturday Buffet Brunch. There was a nice selection of breakfast items including their famous omelet station, fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict and all kinds of breakfast meats…included a carving station with ham and roast beef. Using the Fremont street ½ price coupon it was only $5.50 each. A great value. As we left the buffet a woman playing a VP machine started screaming.
She just hit this beauty. Good for her.
The Mob Museum
We gambled some at MSS and the Cal and then headed over to our morning destination…The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement. …affectionately known as ‘The Mob Museum’.
Housed in the former Las Vegas Post Office and Courthouse (built in 1933) the Museum was a 50 Million dollar undertaking using Federal, State and Local money. The star of the show really is that 1933 building which has been refurbished top to bottom.
The Exhibits include many wall displays that flip through written and pictorial histories as well as photographs, films, props, documents, interactive displays and artifacts. About half of the exhibits focus on Organized Crime and Organized Crime Figures.
The other half relate to Law Enforcement and their methods and achievements in taking down the Mob.
There are various topics covered like “The Mob through History”, “Myths of the Mob”, “Sin City”, and “The Mob Busters”. There are several short films including early Mob history and Hollywood and the Mob. There are interactive displays including a Simulated Police Action in which you get to shoot the bad guy. I took the perp out with one shot. No hoodie.
I found one glaring inaccuracy in the Museum that I e-mailed them about. One display claimed Myer Lansky was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his work in WWII. The Congressional Medal of Honor is only for Military personnel who have demonstrated tremendous heroism at great personal risk. Lansky was actually awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom for his behind the scenes efforts in working to prevent sabotage related to US ships and shipping…He had some influence over the Docks, the Unions and criminals…if you know what I mean. The museum never acknowledged my e-mail.
The centerpiece of the museum is the fully restored courtroom. This is the same courtroom in which the 1950 Kefauver hearings on Organized Crime were held in Vegas. You sit in the same courtroom as the hearings and watch a 15 minute film that discusses the hearing. There’s a lot of actual footage of the courtroom and testimony….it’s like sitting in a history book.
Barber Chair being used by crime boss and hit man Albert Anastasia when he was shot to death in New York. When the shop closed, its contents were purchased by comedian Henny (Take My Wife) Youngman.
Tools of the Trade. These items were unlabeled so I assume they are props rather than true Mob artifacts…but who knows. There was a problem with lack of labeling throughout the museum.
We spent over 2 hours in the museum. At the end you are (of course) let out in the Gift Shop. Author Wendy Mazaros was doing a book signing there. Wendy wrote “Vegas Rag Doll” about her life married to a Mob Hit Man. I was going to take her picture, but Mrs. Alan Leroy demanded I lavish no attention on this ‘evil person’. Mrs. AlanLeroy reasoned that Ms. Mazaros was involved up to her red dyed roots in the Mob Life…and was just as much a low life as her rat husband. It was hard to argue with that.
Compared to the Mob Attraction the Museum is more ‘museum like’. There is far more content to read and review. The Museum dedicates a lot of space to Law Enforcement. The Attraction dedicates none. The Attraction has at least twice as many artifacts as the museum. I like the attraction better. I was fascinated with the artifacts. I enjoyed the story lines and interacting with the actors. The museum was good too, but not as good…even though they spent 20 times the money on it. I hope when the Mob Attraction inevitably goes bankrupt, that the Museum can acquire some of those artifacts.
Las Vegas is the biggest “Me Too” town I ever met. MGM decided to build a City Center…so Boyd attempted to build an Echelon Place (at the expense of our beloved Stardust and Westward Ho). For every Cosmopolitan, there’s an unfinished Foutainbleau. One joint makes a Mongolian Fusion Karaoke Tapas Happy Hour and a month later there are three in town. I don’t think Vegas is big enough for a Mob Museum and a Mob Attraction and I’m afraid the Mob Attraction is the odd Mob out…even though it’s the more interesting of the two.
Side Note: The next Me Too competition is bound to be the Dueling Mega Ferris Wheels: The High Roller Ferris Wheel envisioned for the Mid Strip Linc Project and the 500 foot Skyvue Ferris wheel under construction across from Mandalay bay. May the best Wheel win.
A final note on the Mob Museum. The Museum sits on Stewart at the end of Third Street, Just past the old Lady Luck. The newly opened Mob Bar, The Triple George Restaurant and Hogs and Heifers also line Third. There is a Friday Farmer’s Market on the Street as well. Once the Lady Luck reopens, that whole block could be a really happening, revitalized section of downtown. It was pure blight not long ago. We can only hope it all works out.
We returned to the Plaza. Mrs Alanleroy was going to relax before dinner, but I had just enough time to enjoy one of my many passions….Bingo. I got to the 5:00 PM Plaza Bingo session with just enough time to get my TED. I got a small rainbow and was set for the Bonanzas and of course I was validated for the Cash Ball. That’s Bingo Lingo for I had an electronic bingo device, a mixed pack of electronic Bingo Cards and was eligible for special games. I surveyed my competition. There were only about 35 Grannies there…I knew I had a great shot…This session might even be +EV. I didn’t win squat. I never win squat at Bingo. Those damn Grannies are just too good. One day…They’re going to slip up. I know I’ll win…one day.
El Cortez.
Dinner was at the El Cortez (Purchased in 1945 by gangsters Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum and Moe Sedway) Flame Restaurant. I had the Porterhouse and the Mrs. Had Salmon. As always, everything was perfect. The Flame (with the LVA 50% off) is still one of the best deals on a good dinner in all Las Vegas.
As we were leaving, a fellow in the end booth stood up and held out his hand. It was none other than El Cortez owner Kenny Epstein having dinner with his family. Kenny introduced himself and thanked us for coming to the El Cortez. I asked about Jackie and he responded that “Jackie was doing great”. Told him I enjoyed the article in the Sun about the El Cortez and his Daughter Alex and mentioned that “He must be Very proud”. I complemented him on the turnaround at El Cortez. He said that I should “Call him if I ever needed anything”. I’ve got friends in high places now….I thought about mentioning the ‘Toon Infestation’ out on Fremont, but decided against it.
LOVE
We drove from the El Cortez to the Mirage. Our evening’s entertainment was the Cirque de Soliel’s LOVE.
Mrs AlanLeroy and I both love the Beatles. We grew up with the Beatles. The Cirque Show was fantastic. The music & sound better than any other show ever. This is my new favorite Cirque show. At $55 on the Summer Of Cirque promo…it was just simply unbeatable.
We returned to the Plaza. It was around 11:30. I got a Double Espresso and Mrs. AlanLeroy had a decaf coffee from Cafelatte. We sat down on one of the Plaza’s plush lobby couches and people watched. It’s a great place to watch. Within five minutes we had witnessed two very drunk people being confronted by Plaza security. One had broken a glass in the lobby the other was sawing z’s on one of the other couches. Some people!
Mrs. AlanLeroy decided to call it a night and went up to the room. I had some unfinished business out on Fremont. Here Thar be Toon to hunt. It wasn’t long and I ran into Floisha and Cloisha. Flo was dressed as a nasty cop and Clo was just plain nasty.
I pulled out the camera and Flo held out her hand and said ‘Wait!’. Come on hon…We’re street performers…tip us a dolla’ and we pose for you…Here…I’ll show you my best side. She turned around and flashed her oversized bootylicious. And then it hit me like a ton of back. These weren’t trumped up beggars looking for a handout…they were hardworking entrepreneurs providing a pubic (sic) service….just tryin’ to make it in a cruel world. “Only a dollar?” I quizzed. “Well a dolla’ each” said Clo. Hell I had lots of dollars.
I quickly surrendered to my new revelation. What a Jerk I had been. I went crazy like Scrooge looking for a Christmas goose after his visit from the ghost of Christmas future.
Hey! Lookie! It’s the King. Here’s a buck Elvis. I’m all shook up!…
Here’s some money whatever the hell you are silver dude…
Nose Stud Lip Ring Barbie. They didn’t have those when I was a kid…I mean when my sister was a little girl.
Here…take my Dollar and Have a very Smurfy day my blue butted friend!
Money for The Wiz
Dollars for The Wench….show us your pastie!
I know you are a dollar richer…but what am I?
I never found SpongeRoberta to lavish a dollar bill on her and reconcile my prior bad behavior. But I’ve got a feeling the Toons may just play a role in my future visits. I’m wondering how far they’ll go for a dollar or two. Like…will they let me pose them in ‘sexual’ ways. I’m sure Flo was into it…but would Spidy hold hands with Toothless Guy? Would SpongeBob play piggyback with Clo and Flo? Only one way to find out. I’m tempted to budget Fifty bucks for this toonfoolery: The bribing of the Toons. It’s gonna be raining dollars on Fremont in December.
Side Note: I now find solace in the thought that I too could become a ‘Street Performer’ on Fremont should times become dire and I age ungracefully. All I need is an adult diaper, a lucky hat to store my tips and the ability to shake my substantial booty. People would pay me tips for pics…I know they would.
Sun May 13 7:00 AM
It was Mother’s day. And what better way to start it off than for AlanLeroy to get up early and head down to the 7:00 AM Special Mother’s day bingo game at Plaza. Unfortunately, the bingo hall didn’t open until their 11:00 AM Special Mother’s day bingo game. Crap. That’s it. Craps. Within 4 minutes I lost half my meager bankroll at the Craps table. Dang. We got packed up and walked over to Dupars for an average (read overpriced) breakfast. Then back to Plaza to check out.
Photo of Smith Center for the Performing Arts from our room.
Mrs AlanLeroy is returning to Vegas in June. She will be picking up a group of people at the airport and transporting them downtown. We went on an Airport Dry run so she could become familiar with the route.
On the way back from the Airport we stopped at MGM to give the old Lions Share progressive a go. I know I’ll win it…one day….but not today.
Eventually we ended up at Aria our final night’s destination resort. They made me a deal I couldn’t refuse. 1 Night in an upgraded room for $99.00…with a $100 resort credit. At check-in we requested a brochure that describes the City Center art collection. Our goal was to find each of the 21 pieces of Public Art on Display. First, we rested a bit in our beautiful City Center room and then struck off for a night of adventure.
Jun Kaneko-Untitled, Dango, 2002--Untitled, Triangle Dango, 1996--Untitled, Dango, 1992—Another Dango Dango Undated…
These were supposed to be at Mandarin Oriental…but were actually at Aria
Masatoshi Izumi – “CACTUS Life – living with Earth” 2007-2008
This was supposed to be at Mandarin Oriental, but was actually at Aria
Tony Cragg – “Bent of Mind” 2008, Stainless steel, 78 x 39 x 39 inches ARIA self-park Entry Lobby
Henry Moore – “Reclining Connected Forms” 1969-1974, Roman travertine marble, 10 x 17 x 7 feet – The Park between ARIA Resort & Casino and Crystals retail and entertainment district
Happy Hour at Michael Mina’s American Fish 6:00PM.
Our dinner strategy was to use our Resort Credit on small plates at American Fish and Jullian Serrano. What a good strategy it was.
American Fish has a fantastic Happy Hour. Appetizers $5.00. Wine by the glass $7.00. Beer $4.00. Classic Cocktails $7.00. I had a Vesper and Mrs. AlanLeroy had a Sidecar.
We shared the following appetizers…
Maine Lobster Roll / celery, parker house roll
Dungeness Crab Cake / piquillo pepper aïoli
Prime Rib Sandwich / ciabatta, horseradish
Tuna Tartare / pinenuts, sushi rice cake
Unpictured
Tortured Duck Liver Popper / brioche, blood orange, grains of paradise
Everything was fantastic including the cocktails (we had 2 each). A great setting. Exquisite food and drink. Inexpensive. What’s not to like?
7:00 PM Jullian Serrano
Huevos Estrellados- Fried Potatoes, Eggs, Imported Spanish Chorizo
Stuffed Dates | almond | applewood bacon wrapped | spicy piquillo pepper sauce
Salmon/Puff Pastry…
We both had their homemade Sangria. It was all good….but the Dates were nowhere near as good as the dates from Firefly. The Huevos Estrellados I loved it…but are eggs, sausage and potatoes really their “Signature Tappas”? I don’t think so. Even the Sangria was a step below Firefly at twice the price. All in all it was good..very good…but for Tappas we love ourselves some Firefly. If the truth be told, these small plates didn’t hold a candle to the $5.00 happy hour plates at American Fish.
Took the tram to Bellagio and checked out the conservatory and played a John Wayne Slot Machine... and then returned to Aria where we played a few penny slots and finally headed for bed.
Mon May 14 9:00 AM
We checked out of Aria around 9:00 AM. I thought it was lucky that crossed paths with this huge chocolate dragon…Lucky Dragon to start the trip Lucky Dragon to end the trip.
So here’s how I gamble. I milk my meager bankroll with matchplays and the like until my final day…and then hit a craps table…aggressively. Sometimes I do well and sometimes I lose my bankroll…but my bankroll is so small that’s it’s pure entertainment for me win or lose. On this trip, my gambling bankroll was $300. I know for some of you, that’s one or two bets. Not me. I had worked it up some, but then took a big haircut at the Plaza Craps tables. No matter. I still had over $200 to make my fortune. Many times I’ve turned a hundred or two into a thousand or two at a hot craps table.
Our last stand is at Bills Gambling Hall. I bellied up to the craps table and lost my bankroll within 5 minutes. Dang. Mrs AlanLeroy still had her $300 bankroll intact and she was casually playing a video poker game. I did the only thing I could. Begged the CFO for money. She obliged with a $35 TITO…warning me that I would get no more so I needed to be conservative. Took the $35 to a blackjack table and promptly won 5 hands in a row. Worked that $35 up to $120 in a couple of minutes. Aha!…That’s the ticket My Game is Blackjack. I should be playing blackjack! I promptly left the Blackjack table and returned to craps where I lost my $120 on one roll. Dang.
Time to head to the airport and call it a trip.
We made a quick stop at Silverton to scout out the Bass Pro Shop for Mrs. AlanLeroy’s June trip when she will be hiking the Grand Canyon. We had a quick breakfast and then on to the Airport. On the way out I spied Bagiant at the Mermaid bar. I promised I would take a picture of him with my spy camera and did. Should have done a shout out to Bags…but we were running late to the Airport. Next time.
At the Airport, I had an issue at Allegiant air’s check-in counter. The clerk claimed my travel bag was one inch too tall. The same bag wasn’t too tall in Fresno or on 10 other trips…but she measured it. I thought it was akin to extortion as at that point in the trip I had no other options but to pay their $35 tribute. If they weren’t going to allow my carry-on they should have stopped it at my home airport. I argued the point, but she wasn’t budging. Well after my return, I actually measured the bag myself. It turns out my travel bag IS the proper height…exactly 22” tall. The allegiant clerk had mis-measured me. I’m disputing this rip-off charge with my credit card company.
Summary:
What started as a Lucky trip with a fantastic room upgrade ended with me broke and screwed out of $35. Lucky hat my ass.
Even though I didn’t win, this was one of the best trips ever. Highlights included:
•The San Gennerro Feast,
•The Masquerade in the Sky,
•The Mob Attraction
•Milos
•Kevin Burke
•The Mob Museum
•LOVE
•Flame
•The Toon War
•Bingo
•American Fish
•Julian Serrano
•…and just spending time with Mrs. AlanLeroy
We had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. In retrospect losing is my own damn fault for not bringing an emergency lucky hat. I’ll be smarter next time.
