Vegas Debate

[Lou_Covers_Com]

Lets have a meaningful Vegas debate.

I haven't been in Vegas since '95 or '96, but I'm heading there next week. In the eyes of the Boss and the Taxman (can you spell "business expense"?), I'm going to be attending COMDEX, but you guys know why I'm really going, right?

So, in the self-centered interest of improving my stay, I'm looking for opinions on the following:

1) The funnest casino.
2) The best buffet (for after going 4-0).
3) The cheapest buffet (for after going 0-4).
4) The best meal. Period.
5) The best sportsbook, comfortwise.
6) The sportsbook with the quickest desk - I hate lines.
7) Something else to do - I'm going to have The Girlfriend with me and she says she ain't spending every night in a casino. That bitch.
8) Best bang for the buck for a fun Vegas show. I've been to Vegas many times, but I don't think I've ever bothered to see a show that didn't have the word "Exotic" in the title.
9) Best looking blackjack dealers - must be female.
10) Best escort service

Thanks for the help.

[betmaker]

Emeril Lagasse has restaurants in the Venetian and the MGM. I've been dying to head out there. Check out Noodles (Chinese) & Prime (Steak) in the Bellagio. They both come highly recommended.

I haven't been in a year or so, but last time I was there the buffet at the Mirage was great.

[Polar]

I was just in Vegas a couple months ago. The Bellagio buffet was super. There was a long line, but It is worth it. Try to get a comp so you don't have to wait. They are good about comps. The sportsbook was great too. The weather is perfect this time a year also.

P.S. Just make sure you leave with more money. It's only right.......

[PaulieDV]

1. Funnest Casino----Hard Rock

2. Best Buffet----The Resort At Summerlin; off the strip but better than Bellagio.

3. Cheapest Buffet---Sahara but bring plenty of Pepto!!!

4. Best Meal---Napa inside the Rio which incidentally has the best ****tail waitresses in Vegas.

5. Best Sportsbook---Hilton, Caesars or Bally's. I think Bally's has the most comfortable set-up.

6. Sportsbook with the quickest desk---Don't go to any sportsbook on Saturday or Sunday because they all have lines prior to game time.

7. Something else to do; tell the girlfriend to go shopping at the Forum Shops inside Caesars that should keep her happy.

8. Best bang for the buck----Mystere at Treasure Island; either you will hate or love it.

9. Best looking blackjack dealers---go to the Rio and check-out the ****tail waitresses you won't even care what the dealers look like!!

10. Escort Service----You are going with your girlfriend, is there really a need?? the

[reno]

In 1995, when I was temporarily not involved in sportsbetting and, instead, was a partner in a San Diego-based company trying to sell "Portable (or virtual) Offices" (notebook computer, printer, scanner, cellular phone, etc. in cases), my company rented a booth at Comdex.

A private BM who I knew had connections with dealers at Caesar's Palace, and he set up a sweetheart deal for me during Comdex week. I got to stay in a premium suite and all of my meals, including guests, were comped. Just my meals, which naturally included friends, prospective customers, and very expensive wines, would have normally cost at least a few grand total. Instead, for meals and room I only paid around $700.

My BM buddy had a scam worked out with some Caesar's Palace dealers. They had somehow registered me as a high roller and created a false record of my table play. I was comped like a high roller but never even gambled while there.

[reno]

Lou_Covers_Com, Let's hope that Hartley doesn't read your post. He was very hard on me when I talked about married men getting a little action on the side at foreign brothels. You, taking your girlfriend while screwing escorts on the side might meet stern disapproval from him.

[mikren]

In all the discussions about Vegas sportsbooks I have seen on this site, I am surprised there has been little or no mention of the book at Mandalay Bay. This is the best one, comfortwise, that I have seen. Behind the stadium seating there is a huge open area with a bar and large coffee tables with very nice couches - IMO, it is the perfect spot to watch from.

As far as the best meal, my vote would go to Aureole at Mandalay Bay, although I'd definitely recommend going at least 4-0 before you try it. Actually there are a number of world class restaurants in Vegas now, which are mostly in the new casinos that have opened over the past year and half.

[cashusking]

real gamblers don't have time to eat.

if your idea of gourmet, like mine, is wolfing down an italian sub with a six pack of suds, try CAPRIATTI'S on sahara. only legit hoagie on the left coast

[chestrockwells]

Lou, be prepared for serious cab lines or valet lines in case you're renting a car. Comdex and CES are a real test for your patience. The high end restaurants are your best bet as most of the others see a dramatic decline of service...during the big conventions. I used to have to go to these things. If you're a real mellow person, you'll be fine. But if you're not here's a tip... is to keep your eye out for the private limos that cruise by the hotels and convention centers offering to rescue you from the cab line. It cost me $15-20. Probably the best $$ I've ever spent!

[mikren]

Something else I'd recommend - the drink service in the Mirage sportsbook (based on 10+ visits) is by far the best at any sportsbook I've been to. They'll be around with the free drinks every few minutes even if you're just sitting there - faster if you manage to leave a tip. MGM's book had me begging for someone to come around so I could PAY them for a drink.

The Rio has the reputation for having one of the best buffets; I went to both and felt they were overrated, but still not bad. I preferred the Mirage and Bellagio buffets.

Mandalay Bay has some outstanding ****tail waitresses.

Also, you could try taking your girlfriend to the funniest females show at O'Tool's?? (next to MGM). The headliner is very good, the show is free, and there will be enough male-bashing that you'll probably get to do whatever you want the rest of the week.

If all else fails, grab a cab and ask the driver to take you out to The Chicken Ranch.

[BigMoney]

A recent issue of the Wine Spectator gives these restaurants the best scores, starting from the top: (1) Napa (in the Rio), (2) Picasso, (3) Aureole, (4) Le Cirque, (5) Aqua, and (6) Andre's. This should keep you and your girlfriend/escort busy.

[Lou_Covers_Com]

Thanks a lot for your help guys. I appreciate it muchly.

See y'all in a few weeks. I'll let you know how it went, and might revise the list to help out future tourists.

Either way, I'm definitely going to milk a few weeks of columns (Oops, sorry. No advertising) out of this trip.

Later,
Lou