Question of the Day - 25 February 2019

When they build the new Circa hotel downtown, is there any chance they will demolish that concrete zipline monstrosity that blocks the view of the Plaza entry lights?

We think not. There’s too much infrastructure, the Slotzilla makes too much money, and it’s owned by the same people who are building Circa.

I read that Bomb Tacos downtown closed and I never got a chance to try them out. They were in that downtown project area where many restaurants have gone out of business. Why do you think they have such turnover?

Bomb Tacos was open for less than a year. It closed suddenly, without any warning on its website or social media. We believe that it’s just a tough location, on Carson Street down on Sixth, where there’s not much foot traffic and parking can be a bear. Whatever the reason, Two Bald Brothers and Zydeco Po-Boys also both failed in that location in the past few years.

When will Palace Station be done with their remodel? I miss the Grand Café.

We called, asked, and were told that the current opening date is March 6, though a story in the Las Vegas Review-Journal pegs it at "mid-March." Perhaps the date was moved back since we inquired. Either way, it won't be called the Grand Café. It will reopen as the Brass Fork Café.

If I have a video poker strategy app on my smartphone, and the phone is locked and in my pocket, am I still breaking the law? I hope I don’t have to leave my phone in my car.

As your attorney, I advise … Nah, that’s just a line from Fear and Loathing. We’re not lawyers, of course, but our considered opinion is no, you’re not breaking the law. The statute prohibits casino patrons from using, or possessing with the intent to use (emphasis added), electronic devices to obtain an advantage. To us, that means that if your phone is off and in your pocket, you’re most likely safe from the long arm of the law.

Why is Casa de Shenandoah closed? As a local I liked taking visitors there. And how long will Newton be at Caesars?

First, Casa de Shenandoah is closed as it undergoes “extensive maintenance, repairs, and renovation” and “there’s no set date for completion,” according to the website (where you can go to sign up for notifications of reopening). As for how long Wayne Newton will be at Caesars, that’s anyone’s guess. He just landed there after a long stint at Bally’s, so we assume he’ll be there awhile.

Are there any free shuttles from the Strip casinos to the Rio?

No. Those have been discontinued.