Tales from Las Vegas

[billymach4]

 

[billymach4]

 

[billymach4]

BTW for Breakfast off the strip we found a Black Bear Diner. Perfect!

 

[easyrider]

Looks like a good time Billy.

Bill

 

[lynne]

Bouchon at the Venetian is worth going to. Hard to find. Lousy owner. Great food. I can live with the lousy owner part. (He really is a total ass. There's not enough money to get me to work for him.) But you should try it if you can. He's one of the best French chefs on the planet. And that annoys the French because he's an American. Reasonable prices considering what you're getting. The mussels frites is to freakin' die for. And if they're running a fried chicken special, get that -- it's the second best fried chicken on the planet.

EDIT -- And make sure you hit Rao's at Caesar's. Thank me later.

Totally agree with Bouchon - I had my 50th Birthday dinner there with a group of 14 (family and friends who travelled to celebrate with me). The meal was outstanding.

I know you will probably not agree, but we also enjoy the steakhouse at circus circus

 

[VacationForever]

Totally agree with Bouchon - I had my 50th Birthday dinner there with a group of 14 (family and friends who travelled to celebrate with me). The meal was outstanding.

I know you will probably not agree, but we also enjoy the steakhouse at circus circus

The problem with the Steakhouse is that it is often marketed as inexpensive, but it has become very pricey. Our former neighbor who owned a jewelry stand swore that they had the best steaks and it only cost $28. My husband and I headed over, steaks were over $60 a couple of years ago. I don't even want to fathom how much they now cost.

 

[ScoopKona]

Totally agree with Bouchon - I had my 50th Birthday dinner there with a group of 14 (family and friends who travelled to celebrate with me). The meal was outstanding.

I know you will probably not agree, but we also enjoy the steakhouse at circus circus

That steakhouse get consistent high marks, year after year. There's nothing else I like about Circus Circus. That whole place is a pit. A cash cow for the MGM. But the steakhouse is the very definition of "a diamond in the rough."

 

[slip]

Totally agree with Bouchon - I had my 50th Birthday dinner there with a group of 14 (family and friends who travelled to celebrate with me). The meal was outstanding.

I know you will probably not agree, but we also enjoy the steakhouse at circus circus

Yes. My son and I went to that Steakhouse years ago. It was very reasonable then and the steak was excellent.

 

[VacationForever]

Yes. My son and I went to that Steakhouse years ago. It was very reasonable then and the steak was excellent.

But the prices are no longer "very reasonable" anymore.

 

[slip]

But the prices are no longer "very reasonable" anymore.

I'm glad I'm not going now.

 

[ScoopKona]

The problem with the Steakhouse is that it is often marketed as inexpensive, but it has become very pricey. Our former neighbor who owned a jewelry stand swore that they had the best steaks and it only cost $28. My husband and I headed over, steaks were over $60 a couple of years ago. I don't even want to fathom how much they now cost.

USDA prime costs -- even when buying it in steakhouse quantities.

The prime rib at Binion's has gone up in price by more than double since the last time we ate there. It's *still* worth it. Pretty much every steakhouse has doubled their prices on beef. Just how it is -- demand is constant.

Steakhouses and rock concerts are two things which Las Vegas does better than pretty-much anywhere else. Go to Costco and look at the price of USDA prime beef -- that's why a steak dinner at Craftsteak costs so much.

PS -- The executive chef at Craftsteak is one of the nicest guys in the business.

 

[VacationForever]

USDA prime costs -- even when buying it in steakhouse quantities.

The prime rib at Binion's has gone up in price by more than double since the last time we ate there. It's *still* worth it. Pretty much every steakhouse has doubled their prices on beef. Just how it is -- demand is constant.

Steakhouses and rock concerts are two things which Las Vegas does better than pretty-much anywhere else. Go to Costco and look at the price of USDA prime beef -- that's why a steak dinner at Craftsteak costs so much.

PS -- The executive chef at Craftsteak is one of the nicest guys in the business.

We only buy USDA Prime grade beef so I am not an idiot. But the often marketed inexpensive steaks at The Steakhouse is no longer true. Last month we just ate at the new steakhouse Jack Binions in Las Vegas, not the Top of Binions, and it was quite good. Very pricey and they were not even prime grade beef.

 

[ScoopKona]

We only buy USDA Prime grade beef so I am not an idiot. But the often marketed inexpensive steaks at The Steakhouse is no longer true. Last month we just ate at the new steakhouse Jack Binions in Las Vegas, not the Top of Binions, and it was quite good. Very pricey and they are not even prime grade beef.

This was my line of work before I retired. The steakhouse pays far less than the average consumer for their ingredients -- including USDA prime beef. But they have to mark it up by at least five times in order to keep the lights on.

The menu items are sold at razor thin margins, and they make all their profits slinging alcohol -- particularly wine. That's the business model. Guests don't even question the $15 bottle of wine being sold for $120. But they plex-out on the price of a steak and side dishes. Never understood that -- because the screwage happens at the bar, not in the kitchen.

Every steakhouse in Las Vegas -- and I mean every single one of them without exception -- is a bargain when you consider what you're getting. I can fly there tomorrow, make a reservation, and get Japanese A5 Wagyu for less than I can purchase it on my own. That isn't hyperbole. Because of their quantity discounts, the best way to get Kobe beef on planet earth is to fly to either Japan or Las Vegas.

 

[pedro47]

Before the Covid-19 pandemic we enjoyed eating a breakfast buffet at the Cosmopolitan, right before lunch started so we could enjoy a breakfast and lunch buffet meals.

 

[dougp26364]

I thought the show on TV was a brilliant marketing opportunity. I can't think of the name of any other Pawn Shops anywhere, so this one has brand recognition. I've been told the "stars" are rarely in the shop these days, so it's a hit or miss thing when people visit. One of these days I'll stop and go inside.

Dave

We’ve been in several times when traveling with friends who are fans of the show. We’ve never seen any of the owners in the store during our trips nor do I expect to see them anymore. I’d imagine their celebrity would interfere with the stores day to day operations.

Honestly I’ve never found anything if real interest to me in the store to consider buying. Then again I’m not a collector of much and wouldn’t know what’s valuable and what’s junk.

The average pawn shop takes in items from desperate people needing money. Sometimes you find a bargain on everyday items and the occasional gem. The show makes it appear as if this is the place to sell valuable items/antiques. I’ve never sold anything of value at a pawn shop. When I was younger, I thought it might be quicker/easier to just sell items at one. The offer was so ridiculous I’ve never consider it again. Sure they need to make money but the typical offers were 20% of the value back then. At least in the show they’re offering 50-60% of what they believe they can gtt rats I’m for the item

 

[DaveNV]

The average pawn shop takes in items from desperate people needing money. Sometimes you find a bargain on everyday items and the occasional gem. The show makes it appear as if this is the place to sell valuable items/antiques. I’ve never sold anything of value at a pawn shop. When I was younger, I thought it might be quicker/easier to just sell items at one. The offer was so ridiculous I’ve never consider it again. Sure they need to make money but the typical offers were 20% of the value back then. At least in the show they’re offering 50-60% of what they believe they can gtt rats I’m for the item

When I was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas back in the 70s, it was local lore that the best bargains for mechanics tools were at pawn shops. Allegedly, so the story went, a mechanic would move to Las Vegas to work, then get caught up in gambling addictions. They'd hawk their tools to get money, then lose that, too. They'd leave town without ever collecting their tools from the pawn shop. Supposedly, pawn shops were "the" place to go if you wanted great tools without spending a fortune to get them.

Dave

 

[ScoopKona]

When I was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas back in the 70s, it was local lore that the best bargains for mechanics tools were at pawn shops. Allegedly, so the story went, a mechanic would move to Las Vegas to work, then get caught up in gambling addictions.

I heard that as well. Maybe once-upon-a-time that was true. I spent a lot of time at Superpawn -- you're more likely to find the end stage of "musician with gambling problem" than "mechanic with gambling problem." Loads of guitars. Not much in the way of tools -- and what's there is usually "beater" grade.

 

[DaveNV]

I heard that as well. Maybe once-upon-a-time that was true. I spent a lot of time at Superpawn -- you're more likely to find the end stage of "musician with gambling problem" than "mechanic with gambling problem." Loads of guitars. Not much in the way of tools -- and what's there is usually "beater" grade.

I'm sure the stories are similar. *Everybody* who moves to Las Vegas is going to strike it rich. Um hmm. Ok. Then reality sets in. Makes me glad I don't gamble.

Dave

 

[ScoopKona]

I'm sure the stories are similar. *Everybody* who moves to Las Vegas is going to strike it rich. Um hmm. Ok. Then reality sets in. Makes me glad I don't gamble.

I worked in the resorts. And I did high-end work, so I met high-end people. The sort of people who rent one of the luxury suites for six figures a night. One of the table-games directors (an MIT math guy) was telling me all about the odds. The people who think they're good at gambling aren't. The ones who think they know the odds aren't thinking about the big picture.

This MIT guy's advice? Make one bet each year -- the coin flip at the Superbowl. It's the only completely fair bet they offer. You either win or lose. Your chances are dead even. There is no baked-in advantage. Naturally, now they make you bet on something else besides the coin flip before they'll accept that wager.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Last time we were in Vegas, one night we ate at Pampas in the Miracle mile. Their regular prices were in the mid 50's (fixed price) but with the Marriott discount it was 50% off. That made their prices very favorable (in my opinion).

 

[am1]

I worked in the resorts. And I did high-end work, so I met high-end people. The sort of people who rent one of the luxury suites for six figures a night. One of the table-games directors (an MIT math guy) was telling me all about the odds. The people who think they're good at gambling aren't. The ones who think they know the odds aren't thinking about the big picture.

This MIT guy's advice? Make one bet each year -- the coin flip at the Superbowl. It's the only completely fair bet they offer. You either win or lose. Your chances are dead even. There is no baked-in advantage. Naturally, now they make you bet on something else besides the coin flip before they'll accept that wager.

Or not bet at all.

 

[ScoopKona]

Or not bet at all.

I gambled, once.

I found a dollar bill in front of a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Bally's. I bet the dollar, won a little less than $100, and used it at Sterling Brunch. We were there to go to Sterling Brunch.

I agree that the smart play was keeping the dollar and not gambling at all.

 

[billymach4]

Greetings from 33015 feet headed eastbound over Nebraska. Saw John Legend last night. Another spectacular performance . As usual I got overly optimistic and planned too much. Saturday we got tired and took most of the day to rest. Shucks I had to pull back on my Hoover Dam plans. Oh well I will just have to make sure I plan a return trip back to Vegas.

 

[pedro47]

I'm sure the stories are similar. *Everybody* who moves to Las Vegas is going to strike it rich. Um hmm. Ok. Then reality sets in. Makes me glad I don't gamble.

Dave

Now what are the odds in winning the lottery.......1 in 292,201,338 millions.

Now those are not bad odds if you work for the Lottery Commission. LOL

 

[SmithOp]

Now what are the odds in winning the lottery.......1 in 292,201,338 millions.

infinity if you dont play


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