June 2-7 Trip

Just returned from a great trip, but it did feature an off-the-wall plane-switching adventure as we traveled from TRI (Tri-Cities, TN) through Dallas to LV. 

For the first three days, I was accompanied by sociologist Dr. Scott Beck, Fulbright scholar, author, and retired ETSU professor.

First -- trip summary. We both stayed at the Golden Nugget, Scott for three nights and myself for the duration. After our brutal trip west, we arrived in LV sometime after midnight and ate at The Grille in the Nugget, which was open 24/7. We were tired enough that our only other option was the 24-hour Roberta's at the El Cortez. I think we were too late even for Magnolia's next door at the Four Queens.

We hogged down some major breakfasts and went to our rooms to crash. The following morning, I gave Scott a quick tour of the now pre-eminent LV sports book at Circa and the Circa property in general. I was just following the lead of Mr. Bill Adee, CFO of VSIN radio network, who had given me and film director James Dennison a backstage Circa tour on my previous visit.

Then Scott and I headed to Main Street for a brunch buffet. I wanted to show Scott where I usually set up my day and figure things out. I like the Main Street buffet room because it's bright and you can sprawl out while prepping for the day to come. After Scott visited the Berlin Wall chunks in the restroom, we walked down to the Mob Museum, then circled around and traipsed through Binions, where I pointed out the WSOP memorabilia and photos.

Our afternoon featured an excursion to Harrah's to see Big Elvis, whom Scott had seen on a previous trip 10 years ago. Big Elvis had not performed for a couple of years (2017 to 2019 maybe), so I was happy and surprised that he was back in business and sounding better than ever. We hung out with the Big E most of the afternoon (performances are 2 to 6  with a couple of intermissions), closed out the show, then drove back downtown.

After a rest break, we headed to Vic and Anthony's for a stellar Monday night meal at the Nugget. We each had the filet, split some sides (au gratin and asparagus), and enjoyed a couple of drinks (Old Fashioned is the name I think). The steaks were great, the sides exceptional, and to be honest, the drink knocked me on my derriere. I knew it was potent, as in really, really potent, but I didn't appreciate its full effects until I attempted to play a little video poker at the Plaza afterwards and needed to keep pausing and coaching myself out of my not-quite-sharp state. I was surprised Vic and Anthony's was so packed on a Monday night. Glad we had made reservations well ahead of time.

I will wrap up the report tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

Our second full day featured breakfast at Magnolia's at the Four Queens, followed by some gambling at the Plaza, which is making a real effort with mid-week bonuses and dining vouchers. I played video poker, Scott played some blackjack; afterwards I made a moderate futures wager at Circa. That took us to lunch, which had us heading to the (in)famous Heart Attack Grill for  some hamburgers and hot dogs. We opted for minimal bacon. I slugged down a Pabst, which I hadn't had in about 20 years or so, and we managed to finish our lunches completely enough that we were not spanked by our waitress. At first I was disappointed, considering our waitress, but when the gentlemen at the next table, all with some fashionable mohawks, stepped to the spanking plate for some whacking, I was actually glad we didn't get spanked. The waitress swung a formidable switch. 

We headed to the Mirage for the evening to see Love before it closed. Fabulous show. I have no idea how many choreographers are required to design what in essence is a series of 15 or 16 mini-performances. Each song had completely different and comprehensive stagecraft. I can't believe they will shelve this show in perpetuity. It was impressive. Not as athletic or straight-shot narrative compared to Ka, for example, but more entertaining in its own way.

Scott and I capped the night with dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen at the Mirage, then headed back to the Nugget. We did manage to catch a final volcano eruption (feel the heat) before departing the Mirage. Scott left early the next morning, fortunately missing the worst of what turned out to be truly gruelling heat. Back in my youth, I was generally okay up until about 108, but in my old age anything over about 105 is a tester. Well, I got tested, as we had back-to-back days in the 112 range, which for June were Las Vegas records.

That was the gist of the trip. Scott had rented a car for his stay; I rented one for the Wednesday/Thursday after he had left. The semi-permanent effects of the F1 race on driving were a pain in the ass. I'll relay the driving drawbacks in another post, but I think that covers the highlights of the stay.

Great trip report,  Robert.  Bummer about the heat,  but it is essentially a desert environment.  

I've always wondered what an Old Fashioned consisted of.  A friend of long ago spoke of them being his and his wife's usual drink.  He would say "Bourbon Old Fashioned."  I don't know if they are made with different spirits depending on one's taste.  In any event, I must try one at the next chance!

Thanks for your TR.  Nice reading.

Candy

Thanks, Candy and Edso.

Quick addendum. Wednesday afternoon, I headed to South Point to check numbers, bask in the gestalt of famous bookmaker Jimmy Vaccaro, and eat at the buffet while fielding questions from various forum luminaries. South Point is classic old school -- the race book and sports book are separate, and frankly, the race book seems nicer to me.

The traffic west of the strip was nightmarish (Trop to 15 was closed), and maneuvering was tough. From Flamingo heading west, I really did not like the magic of four lanes narrowing to two with no signage warning you that would be the case. In any event, traffic flow made anything other than on-strip a royal pain.

I spent my last 48 hours basking in the 112 heat and eating primarily at the Nugget and Magnolia's next door. Other than my $6.51 Starbucks coffee gripe, I have no food complaints for the trip. 

On Friday, I did a Bell Trans to the airport, which was just $18 and change and on time. The negative was people moaned and groaned that the AC didn't work. It actually did -- but inside the shuttle the temp was about a hundred degrees anyway. I thought an airport cab ride had the potential to be ridiculously expensive, and I'm glad I opted for the old Bell Tran option. Just one stop along the  way, so not much slower than a cab, as it turned out.

That wraps it up. Wound up about $150 in arrears playing video poker, mostly at the Plaza and the classic El Cortez, which is where I spent my first night in LV roughly 42 years ago. We will see if the Plaza gods grace me with some comps in the near future.