We just got back from yet another downtown trip, our semi-annual 7-night thing. This was a complicated one, we got together with a lot of people and also had a bunch of freebies from that MyVegas game. Still had plenty of time to gamble, and it went well (not one, not two, but three straight flushes helped). We had our usual low-40Ks coin-in, wound up about $665 ahead, for a 1.7% win. Also milked the coupons well (in addition to MyVegas), the MRB yielded about $150 and the ACG about $65.
So, anyway…
TUESDAY
We had stayed overnight at the La Quinta near the airport in Tampa; we had an early flight, and it’s nice to not have to get out of the house and drive in the morning. We usually stay at the Marriott in the airport but they were really expensive (like $350/night government rate). The La Quinta was $80, but for an extra $30 they also let you leave your car there all week and have a shuttle to and from the airport. Good deal. Anyway, early Delta flight, complicated only by some guy who passed out; I kind of dealt with that and got some free Pringles for my effort (guy was okay). Took the WAX downtown (strange to see the Strip hotels without a “Click to Collect” rectangle floating in front of them), was checked into the Four Queens by about 11:30. Played a little then went over to American Coney Island at the D. Good chili dog; okay chili but especially impressive natural-casing weenie.
Played VP the rest of the afternoon; spent a lot of time this trip on the 10/7 DB progressives, the royal was in the mid-$1200s until someone (not me) hit it. FINALLY got together with RecVPPlayer, we’ve been talking about meeting for years, finally were there at the same time. He was staying at the Union Plaza so we hung out for a while and played a little. Back to Four Queens, up and down some more, had the prime rib (fair, but convenient) at Magnolia’s, then got together with Evelyn, Joyce and Ken, Linda’s (wife’s) mother, sister and brother-in-law, who got in late; they had four nights at the Golden Nugget. Hung out some, watched the VivaVision Bon Jovi show (had to do it, they’re on my niece’s lunchbox). Played some more, up and down on 9/6 JoB and eventually connected on an inside straight flush, really a nice surprise. More DB, then bedtime.
WEDNESDAY
Slow start at Four Queens, then did some walking. Played some FP at Binion’s; best I could find was DDB. They have some nasty, “fooler” games, like 8/5 BP that pushes on 2 pair, and 9/6 JoB with a 2500 coin royal. Bastards. Ran over to the El Cortez for a while, too, played some Multistrike, did okay. Back to Four Queens, played some more, then went to Carson ST Café with the inlaws, had some passable oxtail soup. More DB, more JoB, some nickel Illinois Deuces (nickels are boring) at Four Queens, also some Li’l Red, one of my few slot obsessions. Back to dollar JoB, had one of maybe a dozen cliffhangers this trip, down over $200, then hit two quads in three hands.
The plan for tonight was the Circus Circus Steakhouse, had the $150 voucher from MyVegas. Met linda2244 there, she was staying at Cosmo at the time. Joyce, Ken and Ev came along too, just to see CC. Very uninspiring casino. I had wanted to spend some time at Slots a Fun (which wasn’t), I have fond memories from maybe 10 years ago, I remember playing dollar blackjack there when I was just learning the game. The place is really depressing, just a bunch of tight machines and a mall pizza outlet, pretty dirty without any of the charm of the Western. Linda2244 and I did go over to the Riviera, played a little bit there (had some FP and MP). Got a free Crazy Girls t-shirt (also known as the Shirt of Fourteen Cheeks) for signing up at the players club.
Dinner was at the Circus Circus Steakhouse, linda2244, Linda (wife) and me. Nice looking place, kind of Old Vegas. Food was good, very solid; we had a ribeye, rack of lamb and a filet, also French onion soup, some salads. All good, not terribly memorable, though. For that kind of old-school experience, I’d go with Golden Steer every time. The price was right, though.
Back to Four Queens, played DB for about 2 hours, almost until I went blind. Royal up to $1319 now. I didn’t hit it again.
THURSDAY
This was the busy day; plan was for Secret Garden, Mirage buffet and Terry Fator, all compliments of MyVegas. Can’t believe that we got almost $800 worth of stuff without giving them any play (well, Linda the Wife gave them maybe $100 or so, I didn’t give them a dime). Anyway, played at Four Queens in the morning, then got an early check-in at the Union Plaza (south tower). By the time I got back, the DB progressive was at $1001. Not me. Checked out of the Four Queens; at someone’s advice, and maybe against my better judgment, I asked the host what my theoretical loss was (to calculate what they figure the average player gives up on the 9/6 JoB, which was still most of my coin-in); the guy looked at me, said I had a theoretical win, but reluctantly comped the prime rib anyway. What the hell.
Ate lunch at DuPar’s, with Ev, Joyce, Ken and Linda’s cousins from Henderson. Nice time; had a 99 cent shrimp cocktail for $3 (bastards) and a patty melt.
Over to the Union Plaza. I still like this place, but unfortunately it’s only a year or so after the renovation and they’re already letting the place go. It’s a shame. Lots of neon and lights still burned out, elevators in very bad shape (got stuck twice, call buttons wouldn’t work once, some shook like crazy), room in poor shape already (broken lamp shade, crooked wall hangings), maid never came. Many of the machines are in poor condition (broken validators, no sound, out of focus screens, etc.), all but one cash machine was out of order. But anyway, we played for a little while then took the Deuce up to the Mirage. Lots of linda2244’s online friends were there as well (Jeff and Tannie, Don and Mary, Kevin; Chick and Patty didn’t come in until Saturday), most had MyVegas stuff as well. Secret Garden first, and I agree that this is nice for free but overpriced for $20. Very accessible dolphins and trainers, and a few nocturnal cats mostly sleeping. Fun.
Next was Cravings buffet, which I really enjoyed. Not a top-of-the-line buffet like Belaggio or Wicked Spoon, but everything was good. Terry Fator after dinner, sixth row (and the price was right). Very talented guy, really a lot of fun, didn’t think I’d like the show as much as I did.
Back downtown, late, losing JoB session (might have been my first loser), and bed.
FRIDAY
Today was our birthday; Linda the Wife and I were born on the same day, but she’s older. Plan was for Binion’s Steakhouse with the in-laws and linda2244 for dinner. Started the day screwing around with deuces coindroppers at the Las Vegas Club (also falling apart; the boothling told me that all the talk about renovations are just rumors, that they don’t have the money to fix anything). Lost on Bonus Deuces, won on Double Deuces. Went to Island Sushi and Hawaiian Grille (which is getting to be one of my favorite restaurants) for lunch, had some excellent spicy ahi poke, a laulau (pork belly and taro leaves, wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed), lomilomi salmon and chicken long rice. Very happy with that lunch.
Played a shitload of FP and MP today, I think I hit everything but one MP. Overall did well in the afternoon, then we got together with the in-laws and linda2244 at the GN pool (Linda and Joyce got some of those sweet frozen drinks at the GG; to me they tasted like something a bee would drink). Hung out for a while, then headed up to Binion’s Steakhouse. Good food, excellent service. It was Lent, so poor Linda and Joyce had to sacrifice and have the chicken-fried lobster instead of meatloaf. I had prime rib, which many people have recommended. The prime rib was very good, the CFL outstanding as always.
Back to the Plaza, lost some, made it up on DDW at the Las Vegas Club (got dealt three deuces at least three times, but the fourth was on vacation), played a little Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania (addicted since linda2244 showed me that one), hit a scatterpay for $60, and that was that.
SATURDAY
Another big day today, get-together with all of linda2244’s online friends at the El Cortez. Started the day getting beaten up on DDW, then had three quints (two on consecutive hands) and a wild royal; yet another narrow escape. Couple more good sessions, then we moved over to Main Street Station. Had a quick lunch at DuPar’s with linda2244 as well (she won pancakes). Had a few good sessions back at MSS, then met linda2244 and walked down to the El Cortez. El Cortez day is always my favorite. We met up with all the other folks (Jeff and Tannie, Chick and Patty, Don and Mary, Kev), all played for a while (I hit really well on Multistrike on some FP). Linda the Wife and I both played some blackjack, both did really well. Unfortunately, we didn’t get around to much BJ this trip; I always say that I’d wished I’d played more. Anyway, I had a bunch of fairly nice but fairly clueless frat boys at my table; I was at third base and they always asked me what I was going to do, so they could help give the dealer her “bust card.” I also listened to one guy’s system, which was based on the notion that, if the cards are random, good and bad shoes should alternate, so you should just flat bet $5 on one shoe and $25 on the next and just alternate. We discussed being out of sync some, but he didn’t understand. Anyway, lots of fun. We ultimately all got together in Jeff and Tannie’s Vintage Suite (up near the barber shop), I really enjoyed getting to know everyone. Next, dinner at Roberta’s, with lots of coupons honored, quite the deal. Linda (yeah, another Linda) was our waitress, always a treat to see her. Lots of good food and conversation, I had grilled walleye and Linda (wife) had king crab (oooh…). After dinner, the plan was to go to Binion’s and get a group photo with the million dollars, but Fremont ST was crowded and it was kind of like herding cats; seven of us ultimately made it for the photo, anyway. Then Linda and I went back to MSS, played a bit more, then bedtime.
SUNDAY
Less structured time from this point on; we said goodbye to linda2244, who moved from the Plaza to PH. Had a bad start on JoB, got beaten up for about $160, then got a dealt quad and a few FH’s, wound up cashing out ahead a little. Played some more, got my second straight flush, an open-ended draw this time.
Did pretty well on NSUD as well. Just a quick lunch, at the Cal Club (snack bar at the Cal), had a teri chicken bowl. The Shaka Five-Way was really hopping; this is a bank of quarter 7/5 BP machines with five progressives, on quads, SF and royal. The royal was at $1500, got in the running for about $60 but didn’t get that progressive, either. It was up to $1750 after dinner that night but back to $1004 Monday morning.
Anyway, mostly just played at MSS for the rest of the day, took a walk up Fremont ST and got some cigars at Castro Cigars (on 4th ST, formerly Bad Habits); can’t believe what a madhouse it was on Fremont ST for St. Patrick’s Day. I think I may have been the only person not wearing green (I’m non-partisan that way). Quick dinner at Market Street (Chinese fried chicken, very tasty; had a comp and we didn’t want to run around again today), played some more, also took a shot at the TDW machines at MSS (didn’t get those quad deuces this time), got a chocolate macadamia cone at Lappert’s and that was that.
MONDAY
Last full day, another day close to home (well, to MSS, anyway). Started with yet another cliff-hanger, down about $180 on my cup of coffee, then saved by a late quad. I did walk down to the D, I really like the remodel there, lots of cool stuff to see, decent VP upstairs. I played that 101.60% LDW nickel machine upstairs for a while, lost $2 in about 30 minutes. Tell me the truth, though, what the hell would I do with all those nickels? Anyway, played around there a little more, watched them reinstall the piece of the Blarney Stone upstairs (they had wiped all the saliva off it). Back to MSS, and had my first really bad losing day, got beaten up pretty bad all morning. Did play Colossal Wizards a bit (kind of like Li’l Red), hit pretty good on that and got up a bit. Quick lunch again at the Cal Club (fried wontons and chicken katsu), then another saved-by-the-quad session. Then Linda the Wife calls, she got a straight flush, too (also an inside draw; must be our week). Dinner was at Casa Don Juan, a Mexican place on Main ST just south of Charleston. We usually like Dona Maria’s for Mexican, but the place had good reviews. Fun place, nice people. Had choriqueso and mojarra a la Veracruzana (fried fish with a tomato/pepper/olive sauce), very good, but overall I think I like Dona Maria’s better.
Back to MSS, one more saved-by-the-quad session, some DB, and bedtime. Heading out tomorrow.
TUESDAY
Early departure for the airport today. Had my last cliffhanger, almost paid $200 for my coffee again but got a last-minute quad. One more DB session, then my usual last-morning Spam musubi for breakfast from Aloha Specialties, then WAX to the airport and an uneventful flight home.
Overall, it was a great trip, we did well gambling, met a lot of new friends, enjoyed all the company, ate well and saw plenty. Still a pretty structured trip; we’re looking forward to a less planned trip in July with our friends, Glen and Jennifer, and again after the first of the year, with linda2244 again. Thanks for reading!
So, anyway…
TUESDAY
We had stayed overnight at the La Quinta near the airport in Tampa; we had an early flight, and it’s nice to not have to get out of the house and drive in the morning. We usually stay at the Marriott in the airport but they were really expensive (like $350/night government rate). The La Quinta was $80, but for an extra $30 they also let you leave your car there all week and have a shuttle to and from the airport. Good deal. Anyway, early Delta flight, complicated only by some guy who passed out; I kind of dealt with that and got some free Pringles for my effort (guy was okay). Took the WAX downtown (strange to see the Strip hotels without a “Click to Collect” rectangle floating in front of them), was checked into the Four Queens by about 11:30. Played a little then went over to American Coney Island at the D. Good chili dog; okay chili but especially impressive natural-casing weenie.
Played VP the rest of the afternoon; spent a lot of time this trip on the 10/7 DB progressives, the royal was in the mid-$1200s until someone (not me) hit it. FINALLY got together with RecVPPlayer, we’ve been talking about meeting for years, finally were there at the same time. He was staying at the Union Plaza so we hung out for a while and played a little. Back to Four Queens, up and down some more, had the prime rib (fair, but convenient) at Magnolia’s, then got together with Evelyn, Joyce and Ken, Linda’s (wife’s) mother, sister and brother-in-law, who got in late; they had four nights at the Golden Nugget. Hung out some, watched the VivaVision Bon Jovi show (had to do it, they’re on my niece’s lunchbox). Played some more, up and down on 9/6 JoB and eventually connected on an inside straight flush, really a nice surprise. More DB, then bedtime.
WEDNESDAY
Slow start at Four Queens, then did some walking. Played some FP at Binion’s; best I could find was DDB. They have some nasty, “fooler” games, like 8/5 BP that pushes on 2 pair, and 9/6 JoB with a 2500 coin royal. Bastards. Ran over to the El Cortez for a while, too, played some Multistrike, did okay. Back to Four Queens, played some more, then went to Carson ST Café with the inlaws, had some passable oxtail soup. More DB, more JoB, some nickel Illinois Deuces (nickels are boring) at Four Queens, also some Li’l Red, one of my few slot obsessions. Back to dollar JoB, had one of maybe a dozen cliffhangers this trip, down over $200, then hit two quads in three hands.
The plan for tonight was the Circus Circus Steakhouse, had the $150 voucher from MyVegas. Met linda2244 there, she was staying at Cosmo at the time. Joyce, Ken and Ev came along too, just to see CC. Very uninspiring casino. I had wanted to spend some time at Slots a Fun (which wasn’t), I have fond memories from maybe 10 years ago, I remember playing dollar blackjack there when I was just learning the game. The place is really depressing, just a bunch of tight machines and a mall pizza outlet, pretty dirty without any of the charm of the Western. Linda2244 and I did go over to the Riviera, played a little bit there (had some FP and MP). Got a free Crazy Girls t-shirt (also known as the Shirt of Fourteen Cheeks) for signing up at the players club.
Dinner was at the Circus Circus Steakhouse, linda2244, Linda (wife) and me. Nice looking place, kind of Old Vegas. Food was good, very solid; we had a ribeye, rack of lamb and a filet, also French onion soup, some salads. All good, not terribly memorable, though. For that kind of old-school experience, I’d go with Golden Steer every time. The price was right, though.
Back to Four Queens, played DB for about 2 hours, almost until I went blind. Royal up to $1319 now. I didn’t hit it again.
THURSDAY
This was the busy day; plan was for Secret Garden, Mirage buffet and Terry Fator, all compliments of MyVegas. Can’t believe that we got almost $800 worth of stuff without giving them any play (well, Linda the Wife gave them maybe $100 or so, I didn’t give them a dime). Anyway, played at Four Queens in the morning, then got an early check-in at the Union Plaza (south tower). By the time I got back, the DB progressive was at $1001. Not me. Checked out of the Four Queens; at someone’s advice, and maybe against my better judgment, I asked the host what my theoretical loss was (to calculate what they figure the average player gives up on the 9/6 JoB, which was still most of my coin-in); the guy looked at me, said I had a theoretical win, but reluctantly comped the prime rib anyway. What the hell.
Ate lunch at DuPar’s, with Ev, Joyce, Ken and Linda’s cousins from Henderson. Nice time; had a 99 cent shrimp cocktail for $3 (bastards) and a patty melt.
Over to the Union Plaza. I still like this place, but unfortunately it’s only a year or so after the renovation and they’re already letting the place go. It’s a shame. Lots of neon and lights still burned out, elevators in very bad shape (got stuck twice, call buttons wouldn’t work once, some shook like crazy), room in poor shape already (broken lamp shade, crooked wall hangings), maid never came. Many of the machines are in poor condition (broken validators, no sound, out of focus screens, etc.), all but one cash machine was out of order. But anyway, we played for a little while then took the Deuce up to the Mirage. Lots of linda2244’s online friends were there as well (Jeff and Tannie, Don and Mary, Kevin; Chick and Patty didn’t come in until Saturday), most had MyVegas stuff as well. Secret Garden first, and I agree that this is nice for free but overpriced for $20. Very accessible dolphins and trainers, and a few nocturnal cats mostly sleeping. Fun.
Next was Cravings buffet, which I really enjoyed. Not a top-of-the-line buffet like Belaggio or Wicked Spoon, but everything was good. Terry Fator after dinner, sixth row (and the price was right). Very talented guy, really a lot of fun, didn’t think I’d like the show as much as I did.
Back downtown, late, losing JoB session (might have been my first loser), and bed.
FRIDAY
Today was our birthday; Linda the Wife and I were born on the same day, but she’s older. Plan was for Binion’s Steakhouse with the in-laws and linda2244 for dinner. Started the day screwing around with deuces coindroppers at the Las Vegas Club (also falling apart; the boothling told me that all the talk about renovations are just rumors, that they don’t have the money to fix anything). Lost on Bonus Deuces, won on Double Deuces. Went to Island Sushi and Hawaiian Grille (which is getting to be one of my favorite restaurants) for lunch, had some excellent spicy ahi poke, a laulau (pork belly and taro leaves, wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed), lomilomi salmon and chicken long rice. Very happy with that lunch.
Played a shitload of FP and MP today, I think I hit everything but one MP. Overall did well in the afternoon, then we got together with the in-laws and linda2244 at the GN pool (Linda and Joyce got some of those sweet frozen drinks at the GG; to me they tasted like something a bee would drink). Hung out for a while, then headed up to Binion’s Steakhouse. Good food, excellent service. It was Lent, so poor Linda and Joyce had to sacrifice and have the chicken-fried lobster instead of meatloaf. I had prime rib, which many people have recommended. The prime rib was very good, the CFL outstanding as always.
Back to the Plaza, lost some, made it up on DDW at the Las Vegas Club (got dealt three deuces at least three times, but the fourth was on vacation), played a little Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania (addicted since linda2244 showed me that one), hit a scatterpay for $60, and that was that.
SATURDAY
Another big day today, get-together with all of linda2244’s online friends at the El Cortez. Started the day getting beaten up on DDW, then had three quints (two on consecutive hands) and a wild royal; yet another narrow escape. Couple more good sessions, then we moved over to Main Street Station. Had a quick lunch at DuPar’s with linda2244 as well (she won pancakes). Had a few good sessions back at MSS, then met linda2244 and walked down to the El Cortez. El Cortez day is always my favorite. We met up with all the other folks (Jeff and Tannie, Chick and Patty, Don and Mary, Kev), all played for a while (I hit really well on Multistrike on some FP). Linda the Wife and I both played some blackjack, both did really well. Unfortunately, we didn’t get around to much BJ this trip; I always say that I’d wished I’d played more. Anyway, I had a bunch of fairly nice but fairly clueless frat boys at my table; I was at third base and they always asked me what I was going to do, so they could help give the dealer her “bust card.” I also listened to one guy’s system, which was based on the notion that, if the cards are random, good and bad shoes should alternate, so you should just flat bet $5 on one shoe and $25 on the next and just alternate. We discussed being out of sync some, but he didn’t understand. Anyway, lots of fun. We ultimately all got together in Jeff and Tannie’s Vintage Suite (up near the barber shop), I really enjoyed getting to know everyone. Next, dinner at Roberta’s, with lots of coupons honored, quite the deal. Linda (yeah, another Linda) was our waitress, always a treat to see her. Lots of good food and conversation, I had grilled walleye and Linda (wife) had king crab (oooh…). After dinner, the plan was to go to Binion’s and get a group photo with the million dollars, but Fremont ST was crowded and it was kind of like herding cats; seven of us ultimately made it for the photo, anyway. Then Linda and I went back to MSS, played a bit more, then bedtime.
SUNDAY
Less structured time from this point on; we said goodbye to linda2244, who moved from the Plaza to PH. Had a bad start on JoB, got beaten up for about $160, then got a dealt quad and a few FH’s, wound up cashing out ahead a little. Played some more, got my second straight flush, an open-ended draw this time.
Did pretty well on NSUD as well. Just a quick lunch, at the Cal Club (snack bar at the Cal), had a teri chicken bowl. The Shaka Five-Way was really hopping; this is a bank of quarter 7/5 BP machines with five progressives, on quads, SF and royal. The royal was at $1500, got in the running for about $60 but didn’t get that progressive, either. It was up to $1750 after dinner that night but back to $1004 Monday morning.
Anyway, mostly just played at MSS for the rest of the day, took a walk up Fremont ST and got some cigars at Castro Cigars (on 4th ST, formerly Bad Habits); can’t believe what a madhouse it was on Fremont ST for St. Patrick’s Day. I think I may have been the only person not wearing green (I’m non-partisan that way). Quick dinner at Market Street (Chinese fried chicken, very tasty; had a comp and we didn’t want to run around again today), played some more, also took a shot at the TDW machines at MSS (didn’t get those quad deuces this time), got a chocolate macadamia cone at Lappert’s and that was that.
MONDAY
Last full day, another day close to home (well, to MSS, anyway). Started with yet another cliff-hanger, down about $180 on my cup of coffee, then saved by a late quad. I did walk down to the D, I really like the remodel there, lots of cool stuff to see, decent VP upstairs. I played that 101.60% LDW nickel machine upstairs for a while, lost $2 in about 30 minutes. Tell me the truth, though, what the hell would I do with all those nickels? Anyway, played around there a little more, watched them reinstall the piece of the Blarney Stone upstairs (they had wiped all the saliva off it). Back to MSS, and had my first really bad losing day, got beaten up pretty bad all morning. Did play Colossal Wizards a bit (kind of like Li’l Red), hit pretty good on that and got up a bit. Quick lunch again at the Cal Club (fried wontons and chicken katsu), then another saved-by-the-quad session. Then Linda the Wife calls, she got a straight flush, too (also an inside draw; must be our week). Dinner was at Casa Don Juan, a Mexican place on Main ST just south of Charleston. We usually like Dona Maria’s for Mexican, but the place had good reviews. Fun place, nice people. Had choriqueso and mojarra a la Veracruzana (fried fish with a tomato/pepper/olive sauce), very good, but overall I think I like Dona Maria’s better.
Back to MSS, one more saved-by-the-quad session, some DB, and bedtime. Heading out tomorrow.
TUESDAY
Early departure for the airport today. Had my last cliffhanger, almost paid $200 for my coffee again but got a last-minute quad. One more DB session, then my usual last-morning Spam musubi for breakfast from Aloha Specialties, then WAX to the airport and an uneventful flight home.
Overall, it was a great trip, we did well gambling, met a lot of new friends, enjoyed all the company, ate well and saw plenty. Still a pretty structured trip; we’re looking forward to a less planned trip in July with our friends, Glen and Jennifer, and again after the first of the year, with linda2244 again. Thanks for reading!
