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The Seeking Revenge Tour

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by westie, Jan 16, 2020.

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  1. westie

    westie VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2002
    Messages:
    4,548
    Location:
    Kensington, CT
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    60

    My Trip Report

    Nov 29 – Dec 13, 2019



    Writing this trip report (TR) turned out to be a painful experience – literally. A storm coated our long and winding driveway with over an inch of ice shortly after our return and, though passable, we needed an oil delivery so I decided to clear as much of the ice as possible while sanding the remainder. In the course of said chopping and sanding, I managed to pull a muscle in my back causing severe pain and I do not do pain well – ask Ann. Seven sessions with our local chiropractor and some exercises have served to diminish the intensity though lingering longer 15 minutes on the computer sends tentacles of pain up my spine.



    Nov 29 – Our Southwest Airlines flights to Las Vegas included a change in planes in St. Louis where we had shared a TBLT (turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on sourdough toast) at the St. Louis Brewmasters Tap Room. The biggest problems with our sandwich were the turkey turned out to be ham, there was far too little of it and the sourdough bread should have spent more time in the toaster oven.

    2 Forks out of a possible 5



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    On retrieving our luggage at McCarran Airport and exiting we were greeted by frigid, howling winds.



    Our mode of transportation on this trip was a Toyota Corolla from Budget that was reserved via Costco for an all-in cost of $280. The vehicle had 4,384 miles on the odometer out and was returned 2 weeks later with an additional 936 miles.



    Once again we were staying at the Grandview located adjacent to the South Point Casino, but this time we decided to stay at one of the newer buildings, the Honeysuckle, set back far from the LV Boulevard.



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    At check-in I cut our “sales agent” off abruptly when he offered us the opportunity to participate in a drawing which embarrassed Ann but made my heart feel light. Our room, 1508A, featured upgraded kitchen appliances, marble counter tops and much nicer living room furnishings.



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    We typically dine lite on our first night so keeping with tradition we headed off to the recently opened Belly Bombz Korean Inspired Kitchen on Silverado Ranch. Okay, I agree going to a restaurant named Belly Bombz expecting a lite dinner was probably not my best idea of 2019. Each of us ordered the eponymous sandwich (fried chicken, aioli, lettuce and tomatoes) at the counter, requesting one combo with a miso citrus salad and the other a sandwich only.



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    The friendly cashier comped a second soda for the cheapskate sitting at our table and the manager later brought us a sample-sized portion of French fries with aioli. Everything was very good though the chicken might disappoint those who have actually eaten Korean Fried Chicken. 3 Forks



    Nov 30 – I was out the door and on my way to Green Valley Ranch Resort (GVR) by 2:30AM for my full pay deuces wild video poker (VP) session. I downloaded $10 in freeplay which I lost along with my shirt and skivvies. Prior to departing I swiped my card at the kiosk and received 4 x points instead of the usual 3.



    None of the nearby supermarkets were open so I walked around the South Point for about 30 minutes before settling in at the Grandview bar where I enjoyed a $1 bloody Mary.



    Brunch this morning was at Paris Baguette on Spring Mountain Rd where Ann ordered a blueberry cheese Danish and I a fruit pastry. Hers was not as generously filled as on our visit earlier this year while mine was lip smacking good. 3.5 Forks



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    The autumn exhibit “Indian Summer” at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was scheduled to close today so that was our first destination. 4.5 Claps



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    The charger for Ann's phone had taken early retirement so we stopped at Frye's for a replacement. Additional stops included Sprouts Farmers Market where we picked up bananas, a 5# bag of Cuties, granola and cashews then Albertson’s for OJ and milk.



    Ann’s first session on the South Point’s not so ugly deuces machines (NSUD) was a little better than mine, but still involved losing money.



    In the late afternoon we were off to the Clark County Library’s auditorium for the Las Vegas Pipe Band’s annual Celtic Thanksgiving show. The highlights of the show were provided by 3 groups of Irish/Celtic dancers while the pipe band seemingly played the same song over and over and over.

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    We arrived at Ellis Island and discovered the long delayed Front Yard was open though the official opening date was December 6th. I stopped at the bar and learned the Las Vegas Advisor’s 3 free rounds of drinks for 2 coupons would not be honored so we did an about face and headed to the karaoke lounge. Monique spotted us on entering and came over to give us big hugs. Gary Benson, the Elvis Ellis, was performing and, though a smile was extended, no hugs were exchanged.



    Two glasses of wine later and we were out the door with bottles of water in hand headed to Valencian Gold on Rainbow Blvd for dinner. On arrival we discovered there were no customers on this Saturday evening so we instituted Plan B, dinner at Meraki Greek Grill. We shared a spanokopita appetizer plus lamb/beef gyros. The latter’s filling was light on flavor while the gyros were not quite as good as on our prior visit. 2.5 Forks



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    Dec 1 – New month, new VP session, new results at GVR. In addition to receiving an additional $10 in freeplay, I managed to hit over a dozen wild royals including a dealt one plus a dealt quad deuces – color me happy.



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    A mid morning breakfast was had at Le Paris Brest Cafe on Eastern Ave. This small French bakery via Tahiti opened this past September and was pretty much full on our arrival though we did manage to score a table. A wide variety of tempting pastries were on display, but we each settled on individual quiche Lorraine’s that proved to be excellent though traditionalists might frown on the ham used rather than bacon, not a problem for us. 4.5 Forks



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    We could not and did not leave without purchasing a dessert, a tropezienne, for later that night. There is an interesting story behind the name “La Tarte Tropézienne” that includes Bridget Bardot, but you are going to have to go Google to learn about it because my lips are sealed at least until I have a second slice.



    On our return we read the Sunday LV Review Journal before Ann departed for a video poker (VP) session. I napped a bit before walking over to the South Point where I picked up 2 bottles of wine using a gift card Ann won in a previous promotion.



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    Ellis Island received the nod for both our adult beverages and dinner this evening. Ann started with a cup of chicken noodle soup and I a mundane house salad. For an entree she chose grilled chicken sauteed with portobello mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and spinach over rice.



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    I selected a grilled chicken breast with garlic green beans and steak fries. We both experienced difficulty cutting the chicken which was almost as tough as shoe leather while my garlic green beans were limp and largely tasteless. 1.5 Forks



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    Ellis Island for dinner was chosen because we had tickets to the 7PM performance of Jacob & Jordan: Pure Imagination in the Copa Room at nearby Tuscany Suites. The show starring Jacob Khalil and Jordan von Haslow was to include a wide variety of songs such as Come Fly With Me, That Old Black Magic, S’wonderful and New York, New York that had been re-imagined by them. Unfortunately it was us who were required to do the re-imagining because Jordan was a no show leaving Jacob to perform solo. We had scored free tickets so refunds were not requested. 2.5 Claps



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    There were no, no shows back in the room where we shared the delicious Tropézienne. 4 Forks



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    Dec 2 – I tried, I really really tried, but the deuces proved elusive this morning though my loss was acceptable, as if I had a choice, thanks to a few wild royals and a multitude of 5 of a kinds (5OAKS).



    Mondays are senior days at the South Point where dining is half off when using points so we opted for breakfast at the Coronado Cafe, both ordering easy over eggs with hash browns and bacon plus toast. The eggs were cooked to perfection, the bacon a little too thin and the hash browns crispy just as I prefer. We were amused to see a woman at an adjoining table noshing on a full stack of pancakes and a hot fudge sundae. 3 Forks



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    We stopped by the Preifert Pavillion in the South Point to watch the Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship Competition for a few minutes. It was free, it was boring, neither of us considered a second helping. 1.5 Claps



    Our initial stop of the day was Ellis Island where we played a pair of American Casino Guide (ACG) play $10, receive $10-100 coupons. The video poker schedules at Ellis have recently been downgraded, we each received the minimum freeplay and our combined profit was a mere $10.



    We also visited the nearby Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in order to view the Farewell Tour Memorabilia Exhibit. It was smaller than expected, but still an enjoyable experience. 3 Claps



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    I read and napped for the remainder of the afternoon while Ann put in a losing VP session at the South Point.



    Happy hour was held in our room where we were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Cashew plus the infamous J. Lohr Merlot. 3 Sips



    Dinner was at Don Vito’s in the South Point where we shared appetizers of shrimp cocktail and clams casino courtesy of ACG coupons supplied to us by Bob of Bobs fame. Both were excellent though the cocktail sauce would have benefited from a bit more horseradish.



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    We each ordered eggplant Parmesan that was decent, but not nearly as good as the one served regularly at Casa de Westie. It was senior day and we are card carrying seniors so Ann paid with points.

    2.5 Forks



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    The casino floor had begun filling up with folks sporting cowboy hats and boots though the official kickoff to the National Finals Rodeo lies 3 days in the future.



    Dec 3 – My VP session this morning was one to remember as I hit not only my #2 quad deuces of the trip, but a natural royal flush, my first in almost 3 years. Coincidentally, we have not had a winning year in the interim so this may be our chance for, drum roll please, REDEMPTION!



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    Following a lite breakfast in the room, we headed off to the north premium outlets but traffic soon backed up due to an accident so a quick exit was made followed by a few turns that landed us at Sunset Park where we walked along the jogging trail that circumvents a large pond occupied by a variety of ducks, geese and other waterfowl.



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    Next stop was Ethel M’s Cactus Garden which we toured prior to making a quick visit to the candy store. No purchases were made, no extra calories consumed.



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    We then stopped at Green Valley library where a pair of gently used hardcover books were purchased for the princely sum of $1.50.



    Lunch was at Mas Takos on Sunset Road where 1 chorizo and 3 pastor tacos plus a house made horchata were ordered and consumed. I also availed myself of some pickled carrots from the salsa bar. Everything was very good so the good folks at Mas Takos will likely be seeing us at their door in the future. 3.5 Forks



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    Ann and I both broke even this afternoon, her by playing VP and me by resting while washing our clothes. On the way back to the room she encountered a family in bathing suits and asked if by chance were they Canadians to which they replied “how did you guess”? Bear in mind that the outside temperature was well below 60 degrees and none of the Grandview pools are heated.



    Ellis Island was again visited followed by dinner at Weera Thai’s recently opened second location on Spring Mountain Road. We have dined at the original on Sahara Avenue several times, but the floral décor at this location and expanded menu sets it apart.



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    Orders of fish pad cha with catfish (deep fried catfish stir fried with house made roasted curry, peppercorns, bell peppers, onion and sweet basil) and spicy basil with shrimp (stir fried red peppers, onions, chili and sweet basil leaves) were shared, each proving to be delicious. 4 Forks



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    The evening was concluded after we walked around the South Point.



    Dec 4 – How long did I hold my own this morning? The answer my friend is blowing in the wind along with much of my bankroll.



    On my way back to the room I stopped at Le Paris Brest Cafe for a pair of cream cheese Danishes that did not disappoint. 3.5 Forks



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    It was raining so plans for walking around the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve ponds were cast aside. Later in the morning I dropped Ann off at Abuzz 2 Salon Suites on E Horizon Dr for a wash and blow dry by Melissa, formerly of Green Turtle Salon fame. 4.5 Curls



    I was a little hungry with time to kill, a dangerous combination, so I drove around the immediate area looking for someplace to have a “lite” lunch. I finally spotted a Roberto’s Taco Shop where a pair of adobada tacos were ordered. I initially thought the price a bit high, but these proved to be full sized, stuffed with marinated pork, guacamole and salsa. 3 Forks and an alka seltzer



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    The rain continued so I dropped Ann off under the South Point’s cochere and returned to the room to rest and digest.



    Happy hour was held in the room with our now close friends the Cashews and a bottle of Columbia Winery merlot. After saying goodbye, we drove over to Green Valley Ranch Resort for dinner at Tides Seafood and Sushi Bar. Ann ordered the combination pan roast (shrimp, crab, lobster cream, tomato sauce, and brandy). I countered by ordering Cioppino (seafood stew with shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, fresh fish, and a spicy tomato broth).



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    Neither dish was well executed so even though we paid ½ points on senior day, we felt we had been had. 2 Forks



    We closed out the night by walking around both GVR and the South Point.



    Dec 5 – Today was memorable because it marked not only the official start of the National Finals Rodeo, but Ann’s birthday as well.



    I started today’s VP session on a high note hitting a 5OAKS on my second hand and #3 quad deuces on my 5th.



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    My bankroll was slowly dissipating when I was dealt 3 to the royal and caught the needed Ace and King of spades. I pumped my fist high in the air, let out a loud hoot and hit the deal button to avoid listening to 4,000 credits accumulate. Much to my chagrin the payout stopped at 125, belatedly coming to the realization that one of the original held cards was a deuce. Sigh!



    I decided to take the birthday girl to the Rosallie – Le French Cafe on Rainbow Blvd for breakfast. Oh how we love our Rosallie. I went with my usual, quiche tartiflette (tartiflette cheese, hardwood bacon, red potatoes, sauteed onions accompanied by a small salad). Ann celebrated by ordering the recently introduced brioche French toast with housemade strawberry preserves.



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    Mine was very good as expected though a bit heavy on the potatoes, while hers proved to be a certified gastronomic delight, likely achieving “best ever” status. She could not and did not leave without stopping to compliment the chef. 4.5 Forks



    The weather on this trip to date had been seasonally cold with far too much rain, but today was sunny with a high approaching 65 degrees so our delayed, but not forgotten, at least by Ann, visit to the north premium outlets was our next destination. Ann scored a jersey at Chico’s and running shoes at Asic’s, trading her existing pair for an additional 15% discount. I departed empty handed except for her credit card receipts.



    On our return I dropped the birthday girl off at the South Point before heading off to GVR to pick up a pair of Golden Knights logo pajama bottoms that were earned earlier this morning. Other stops included Albertson’s, Le Paris Brest Cafe, and Sprouts Farmers Market.



    La Monja (The Nun) Cantina in the Fergusons Motel on Fremont St received our happy hour dollars this evening.



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    We started off with traditional margaritas followed by a round of Mexican beers. The margaritas were decent, the beers refreshing and the décor distinct. 3 Sips



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    Dinner was at the adjoining Hatsumi, a Japanese robata owned by highly regarded chef Don Kromher who also owns the aforementioned La Monja Cantina and Other Mama. We arrived in time for happy hour so we commenced the proceedings with $5 orders of skewers, chicken wings and vegetable okonomiyaki. The 3 skewers, chef’s choice, were chicken, shishito peppers and beef. Each was good, but the peppers were too spicy for these retirees. We loved the crunchy chicken wings and the vegetable okonomiyaki (pancake) proved to be a revelation.



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    Equally delicious were the 2 items ordered off the regular menu, the daily kimchi (cauliflower) and gomae (a Japanese spinach salad with sesame dressing). 4.5 Forks



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    Following dinner we walked around the grounds of the Fergusons motel.



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    Big Rig Jig by artist Mike Ross

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    The evening was closed out with a walk around the South Point followed by us sharing a strawberry cream puff from Le Paris Brest Cafe. 4 Forks



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    Dec 6 – I managed to hit quad deuces #4 and #5 just 20 minutes apart, but otherwise the session was terrible so only a modest profit was recorded.



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    Following a lite breakfast in our room, we drove to the Rio for the Stetson Christmas Show. The highlights being the 20 minutes we each relaxed on very expensive massage chairs while ignoring the salesman’s pitch and watching a wagon overflowing with cuties.



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    Lunch was at Made in Argentina on S Valley View Blvd though I suspect the food was actually made in Las Vegas. Ann ordered both a chicken and beef empanada while I chose blue cheese/mushroom plus a beef. With the exception of the chicken empanada, each was very good though the accompanying chimichurri sauce was a bit oilier than on our prior visit. 3 Forks



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    Ann put in another losing vp session while I put in another read n’ snooze session.



    We temporarily finished off the supply of Robert Mondavi cabernet at Ellis so we dropped down a grape or two by ordering glasses of BV Coastal merlot while listening to Gary Benson in the karaoke lounge.



    Dinner was at Garlic Yuzu on Durango Dr which chef/owner Kyung Hong describes as being 50% Korean, 30%% Japanese and the balance fusion. Ann ordered pan fried salmon with cauliflower puree and soy glazed potato. Her chubby hubby’s entree was 24-hour slow braised Korean short rib with crispy potato and baby carrot. Our one side was a Brussel sprouts salad that included kimchi, onion, ginger, soy sauce, honey and pumpkin seeds. Each dish was unique and delicious. 4.5 Forks



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    Following a walk around the South Point where we picked up another bottle of Columbia Winery merlot, we returned to the room and enjoyed a chocolate crumbled with mirror glaze dessert from Le Paris Brest Cafe. 4 Forks



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    Dec 7 – Lots of wild royals and 5OAKS today kept me even this morning.



    Brunch this morning at Baguette Cafe was not nearly as good as on prior visits dating back to early 2012. We each ordered our customary vegetable quiches, but were surprised to be served individual quiches rather than slices from a large quiche. More importantly, the crust of each quiche was hard and the fillings very dry. I am not sure if making the quiches the afternoon prior rather than each morning contributed to the problem, but I find myself hesitant to order it again. 2 Forks



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    In the early afternoon we headed to the Myron’s Cabaret Jazz in the Smith Center for Michael Grimm’s “It’s a Grimm Christmas” show. Michael was backed by a 7-piece band and 3 singers plus several guests performed, including his wife. A variety of both original and classic Christmas songs were performed. 3 Claps



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    We drove to The Stove on Eastern Avenue following happy hour in our room. On Friday and Saturday nights chefs Antonio Nunez and Scott Commings turn the second floor dining room overlooking the valley into The Test Kitchen. The restaurant is beautiful, but unfortunately it was largely empty this evening.



    The menu is highlighted by a wide variety of seasonal produce offered in tapas sized portions. We started off with 3 bites from the happy hour menu - bacon wrapped dates, a yakitori of chicken with a peanut/lime sauce plus a grilled peach salad of arugula, chevre and figs.



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    For an entree Ann chose the evening’s seafood special of grilled salmon over carrots and potatoes. I went bold by ordering the skirt steak with achiote sauce, Hollandaise, poblano hash brown and roasted carrots. The steak, like everything else we tried, was delicious.



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    Chef Nunez stopped by our table between courses to welcome us. Unfortunately service otherwise proved disappointing to the extent our server was unable to explain how the salmon special was to be prepared and failing to include the dish on our bill. I brought the oversight to our server’s attention who merely shrugged without conveying even a modicum of appreciation. Apparently she did not appreciate the extra work involved in redoing our bill. 4.5 Forks for the food, 2 for service = 3.5 Forks



    On our return to the South Point we walked around the casino stopping to watch the end of the evening’s NFR broadcast before continuing on to the Equestrian Center where the team calf roping competition was in progress.



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    Dec 8 – An amazing number of 5OAKS kept me close to even though not close enough.



    We attended the John Wayne: Spirit of the West exhibit at the South Point followed by a tour of the Cinch western gift show. The latter has greatly expanded in size since our last visit. 2 Claps



    Kirk Douglas as you have never seen him before

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    Ann stayed and won a few dollars while I made another visit to the World Series of Team Roping in the equestrian center.



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    I learned there were a total of 3,900 participants who would be sharing prize money in excess of $13 million. I also made another circuit of the western gift show and casino before returning to the room only to discover my key card would not work. A long walk to the Grandview check-in followed by an equally long walk back to the room yielded no better results so it was back to check-in where I picked up a pair of functioning key cards.



    In the early afternoon we watched most of the UCONN women versus Notre Dame basketball game before departing for the “A Very Swingin’ Christmas Show” at Freedom Hall in Sun City Anthem. Headlining the show was Vinny “Vin A.” Adinolfi from the Bronx Wanderers who was backed by 2 semi talented female singers and a band. Once again, a variety of new and classic Christmas songs were performed. 3.5 Claps



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    Happy hour happiness was attained in Ellis Island’s karaoke lounge where we met Jane Aikey of Everything Las Vegas board fame.



    Dinner this evening was at Thai Food Kitchen on Sunset Road. We shared an order of fresh (spring) rolls (rice paper wrapped spring mix, carrot, mint and cucumber with seasoned peanut sauce) that were by far the freshest and most delicious we have ever experienced.



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    Our entrees of drunken noodles with chicken and green curry with salmon and basil were almost as good. 4 Forks



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    Dec 9 – This morning’s VP session could be appropriately titled “Smackdown at GVR”. One 5OAKS, no wild royals, no quad deuces, no mas!



    We drove to MG Patisserie and Cafe on Rainbow Blvd, but on arrival we discovered this small bakery had very few pastries on display so we returned to Rosallie – Le French Cafe. What to order was not a problem for Ann who was again delighted by the brioche French toast with strawberry preserves while I experienced a quiche Lorraine with side salad that was a personal best. 5 Forks



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    Ann had a screw loose (on her sunglass frame) so we drove to Costco for a repair and gas fill-up. We also stopped at Silverado Ranch Park and followed the jogging trail where we encountered several dogs including one border collie who dropped her frisbee at my feet for me to throw.



    On our return Ann played VP while I rested.



    We decided while enjoying drinks at Ellis Island that neither of us was particularly hungry so we settled on lamb/beef gyros at the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill on Blue Diamond Rd. Maybe it was because we were not very hungry, but these did not seem quite as good as in the past. 3 Forks



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    Later that evening we attended the Monday’s Dark 6th anniversary show held in the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino. Monday’s Dark was celebrating the $1 million raised and distributed to local Las Vegas charities since Mark Shunock started this non profit. The show itself was highlighted by performances by Mark, Daniel Emmett and Travis Cloer plus an Opportunity Village ensemble performing a pair of songs made famous by Elvis. Unfortunately, too much time was devoted to self promotion at the expense of showcasing more entertainers. 2 Claps



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    Dec 10 – though I managed to hit my #6th quad deuces of the trip, my net profit was a paltry $20.



    Following a lite breakfast in the room, I dropped Ann off at Zeni Healing on N Green Valley Parkway for a massage by Leina. 4.5 Hands



    I spent the intervening hour making 3 circuits around the pond on the jogging trail at Sunset Park before returning to pick her up. Note: there is no jog in me, I walked.



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    Lunch at Joe’s New York Pizza on Eastern Ave involved one large diet cola and 2 slices of white pizza with spinach and ricotta that were very good. 3.5 Forks



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    Happy hour at Ellis was followed by dinner at Lola’s Louisiana Kitchen on Charleston Blvd. The restaurant was not as busy as on prior visits so finding a table this evening was not a problem. We each ordered our standard, bronzed catfish over Gouda grits with andouille sausage and mushroom ragout.

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    We again made a circuit around the South Point casino before calling it a night.



    Dec 11 – Lots of 5OAKS plus the occasional wild royal kept me even until I hit my #7 quad deuces of the trip.



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    Another lite breakfast in the room was followed by a trip to Abuzz 2 Salon Suites for Ann’s second wash and blow dry by Melissa. 4.5 Curls



    Next stop was CannaBnoiD Remedies on E Russell Rd. One of the owners was able to help Ann in choosing the correct CBD oil. 4 Claps and 0 high



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    We stopped in the Grand Cafe at Sunset Station for lunch since it was senior day with us sharing a very good turkey club. 3 Forks



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    Ann also took advantage of the complimentary Starbucks coffee offered to seniors before departing.



    We were in the immediate vicinity of Le Paris Brest Cafe so a quick stop was considered de rigueur. The manager and one of the employees recognized us on entering and extended thanks for our frequent patronage. The display case was again filled with tempting desserts making a solitary choice difficult, if not impossible, so we departed with a pair.



    Ann went off to play some VP, I went off to find the source of the manure.



    The smell of manure had been very strong since the team roping competition commenced and we had noted the hundreds of horse stalls located in a large lot immediately to the south of the Grandview, but I was curious as to where the calves were being held. I decided to follow my nose and walked up Le Baron Ave until it terminated finding a pair of large corrals filled with calves waiting to be chased down, roped and hog tied behind the South Point.



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    We broke from tradition this evening by enjoying happy hour drinks at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Town Square. Ann chose a flirtini (raspberry vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and pineapple juice, topped with prosecco) while the razzertini (raspberry vodka, black berry liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup) received my attention. Mine was an excellent choice while Ann’s was just okay. We were both happy with our second round choices, a razzertini for the lady and a tropical cosmopolitan (pineapple infused vodka, Malibu Coconut Rum, cranberry juice, and lime juice) for the gent. 4.5 Sips

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    We dined at Black Sheep on W Warm Spring Rd on our last trip and felt a return visit was warranted. Though the menu has been revamped in the interim, we had no problem choosing our entrees, each of which was creative and well executed. Ann opted for pan seared striped bass over cavatelli pasta, rapini, dan dan sauce and sauteed hen of the woods mushrooms. My entree was lemongrass duck confit with yellow curry couscous, Chinese broccoli, lap ceung sausage and charred plum sauce. 4.5 Forks



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    Another circuit around the South Point was followed by a shared chocolate Paris Brest dessert in our room that proved to be a divine pleasure. 4 Forks



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    Dec 12 – Another win for GVR.



    Ann woke up with a sore throat so she remained in bed for most of the morning and afternoon. At noon I drove to the local Sprouts Farmers Market where I picked up a turkey wrap for me and a cup of tortilla soup for Ann. The wrap was generously filled and could have easily served as lunch for both of us. 3 Forks



    I walked over to and around the South Point plus watched part of another session of the team roping competition before printing out our boarding passes. It is hard to believe but there were even more cowboys and cowgirls milling around the casino today.



    Plans to visit Bellagio’s winter exhibit, its fine arts gallery and Harvest by Roy Ellamar for happy hour were discarded in favor of one last visit to Ellis Island followed by dinner at Tres Las Cazuelas Artisinal Latin Cuisine, a long name for a small restaurant.



    On entering we were greeted by the owner who led us to the last remaining available table. Shortly after being seated we were served a small basket of housemade potato chips along with 3 sauces. An order of Ibercio dates (bacon wrapped with almonds and a balsamic/apricot reduction) was excellent as was our salad of organic greens in a balsamic-truttled (SP?) vinaigrette.



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    A Latin crab cake made with lump crab, cilantro and pickled onion, avocado with a habanero-truttled (SP?) aioli was similarly tasty though a bit on the small size.



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    The only disappointment was our shared entree of paella mar y tierra. The quantity of shrimp, chicken, clams and linguica was more than adequate, but the rice was oddly puffy with no discernible saffron flavor. We no doubt will be returning, but a different entree will be requested. 4 Forks



    [​IMG]



    On our walk around the South Point Casino we stopped to allow Ann to play $5 in order to keep my points current and discovered I had $10 in freeplay which netted us an impressive $3.75 profit.



    The tiramisu from Le Paris Brest Cafe was still quite fresh, but there was little to no liqueur flavor.

    2.5 Forks



    [​IMG]



    Dec 13 – As I approached GVR for my last VP session of the trip, the determination of whether revenge would be mine hung in the balance. Following 3 hours of almost continuous play, I hit the cash out button for the final time, redeemed the resulting TITO and counted out the spare change in my pocket. Yes we came out ahead, but does a $100 profit constitute revenge? Not in my mind so “The Seeking Revenge Tour” has been re-booked for spring 2020.



    Our last meal in Las Vegas was breakfast at the Garden Buffet in the South Point where I loaded my plate(s) with fruit, yogurt, easy over eggs, ham, and corned beef hash. 2.5 Forks



    [​IMG]



    [​IMG]



    Thanks are extended to everyone who took the time to read this long essay, hopefully your time was well spent.





    “The best revenge is massive success”

    - Frank Sinatra -
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2020
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  2. kkinwi

    kkinwi VIP Whale

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    Oh my, what a fun read!! Love all your reports, and congrats on the royal!! You two do so many interesting things on your trips, and I always pick up new ideas.
    Hope your back recovers quickly so that you can continue to entertain us with your Vegas info!
     
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  3. DsqrdDGD909

    DsqrdDGD909 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2007
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    MI
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    WOW That's a trip report. Thanks for such an informative and well written report.
     
  4. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

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    Love your trip reports, @westie . Where do you two get the energy to do so much?! And thanks to you I have more restaurant recommendations notated than I can ever expect to partake of. Roselle is at the top of my list.
     
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  5. zerofan

    zerofan VIP Whale

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    The king of TR's has done it again. What an awesome report...the food, the different places you don't normally see, etc.

    Thanks, Westie and Ann for sharing another trip with us.
     
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  6. GamblingGolfer

    GamblingGolfer VIP Whale

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    Thanks for an entertaining and well written report! Congrats on the royals and quad deuces. Looking forward to reading the next version.

    GG
     
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  7. westie

    westie VIP Whale

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    You are welcome. Rosallie is at the top of my list as well.
     
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  8. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

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    I really love your reports. And I always love how you all venture out to these different places to eat.
     
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  9. mr.vegas

    mr.vegas Peace sells, but who's buying?

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    Great TR Westie
     
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  10. vegasvette

    vegasvette High-Roller

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    Westie, once again a completely thorough and delightful TR. Thanks for doing so. And I hope you're fully recovered from your back issues.
     
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  11. raisingoo

    raisingoo Medium-Roller

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    Loved the report. Tell me-- why did Ellis Island refuse to honor your LVA drink coupon? Was it because you were in the new Front Yard? They have a separate bar, correct? Do you think it would have been valid at the main bar?

    Congrat's on that royal!
     
  12. azlefty

    azlefty VIP Whale

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    The passive voice is applied uniquely without a trace of pretense. Your reports are a joy and inspiration to read. 5 Yelp reviews.

    Thanks as always.
     
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  13. Niteshade

    Niteshade VIP Whale

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    Fabulous report as always. Thanks so much for sharing!!
    Love a Westie trip report!!
     
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  14. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    I always enjoy your trip reports and food reviews of places I haven't managed to venture out to.... yet! :)

    But this one gets bonus points for
    PAPILLIONS!!!! :wave: :love: :woohoo:
     
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  15. luckylinda

    luckylinda High-Roller

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    Love a Westie report. I enjoy all your food choices! Hope your back is better.
     
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  16. JasonK

    JasonK Low-Roller

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    Excellent trip report! I loved every bit of it, particularly the food reviews and pictures. Thanks for sharing.
     
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  17. Mirageluvr

    Mirageluvr Let's Ride!

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    Bravo!
     
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  18. Pancakes

    Pancakes Low-Roller

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    Amazing :) And thanks for the review of Hatsumi, it's on our list for the upcoming trip and now I know it's worth the visit!
     
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  19. wam

    wam Low-Roller

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    thanks again frank for an five star trip report. you are just amazing. and thanks for doing this for your readers even while you were not feeling well. good luck with the revenge trip in 2020
     
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  20. jgates8

    jgates8 VIP Whale

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    Always love your trip reports. Do you have a timeshare at Grandview? My curiosity in why you choose that vs. what I would think would be potentially comped hotel rooms? (Aside from Grandview having 'living' quarters vs. just a bed - I prefer Residence Inn vs. Fairfield Inn for that reason).

    I think I gained 7 pounds looking at the food photos, however my bloodsugar remained steady at 142 and I did not drool on my laptop keyboard.
     
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