7/30-8/7 Harrah’s, the D, Cosmo, Bellagio. Not necessarily in that order. Occasionally live.

The real itinerary for my trip:


7/30 flight arrives at 8:20pm. Off to check in at Bellagio

7/31-8/3 Cosmopolitan

8/3-8/7 Harrah’s

8/5-8/7 The D

8/7—4pm flight home


Goals:

-a few daily poker tournaments

-a long poker daily (probably Aria)

-eat at Fat Choy’s

-turn some freeplay into a massive stake

-China Poblano, Milos at Cosmo

-six Gentleman Jacks or Makers Marks at the Paris Diamond Lounge (per visit)

-retain Sterling Status at Cosmo

-eat at five places I’ve never tried downtown

-step foot in either Stratosphere or Excalibur for the first time in 25 years and 45+ trips

-doob it up on the balcony at Cosmo


Lots of other goals too….but will play it by ear.


This is my first VMB trip report and first attempt at liveness. I like writing, like writing trip reports, but have always done so after getting home and taking a deep breath. I find that writing afterwards gives me more time to be precise with my language and much more time to make shit up to fill in the dull spots.

Here’s a picture of my dogs.


I also have a cat.
(Not Pictured)

I also have three white tigers which live on the back acreage of my farm and perform at Cincinnati Bengals games during the NFL season.
(not pictured…because I had enough time to make that shit up.)


I also have a wife.
(not pictured, but definitely real)


We go to Vegas together around once a year. Those trips are wonderful and fun.


This trip I will be solo. I do that about once or twice a year. Those trips are wonderful and fun in a wonderfully fun and different sort of way. Hopefully this one will be too.


Here’s my bankroll:



I keep said bankroll, along with some gift cards (Shake Shack!), in this Cylinder of Hope and Prosperity. I am an all-cash Las Vegas traveler. Mostly.


Eight days is my longest ever Vegas trip, usually I only do five. I am going to take the opportunity to spend a little more time than usual just relaxing.


It’d be nice to get a windfall of cash, but I’ll be happy just letting the Vegas wind take my troubles away.


So, with both feet on the floor and two hands on the wheel….I'll be off to CVG.





The Caravan of one is on it’s way…





And I’m not gonna overthink it…..

 

Looking forward to following along. Still have four weeks until our trip.

Mark

 

You have adorable dogs but I’m afraid if the cat knows it was left out you may find a going away gift in your shoe.

Looking forward to your TR. I do them on solo trips because I feel the need to share the fun or commiserate with those who understand. I only have one gambling, Vegas loving friend. I may need to skip over the poker narrative. I play VP but not regular poker. The jargon is foreign to me. None of my friends are familiar with craps so I just say if I win or lost.

Have a wonderful time!!

 

Good Luck

 

Have you picked out your downtown dining choices?

Those are fine looking canines!

 

Ok, here's the damn cat.

 

LeThai was top on the list...but looks like that's not gonna happen as they are busy cleaning the place up. I'm pretty bummed about that.

I haven't stayed downtown in over ten years, and rarely eat there outside of Hugo's and Evel Pie. I haven't been to a few of the staples: Pizza Rock and anywhere in the Cal for example! So it's going to be no problem hitting five places where I've never eaten downtown.

Flock and Fowl looks pretty interesting.

 

My favorite downtown dining places include:

1. Andiamo’s at the D.

2. Triple George across the street from Downtown Grand.

3. Binion’s Steakhouse for the ambiance and view.

4. Triple 7 Brewpub. It is not fancy. But they do a great job with common meals like cheeseburgers and meatloaf.
It is also quite affordable.

5. LeThai has been a favorite. But, as you discovered, it will be closed for renovations for a couple of months.

6. Grotto Italian at Golden Nugget. I like to eat lunch at the tables beside the windows next to the pool.

7. California Noodle House at the Cal.

That’s a start. I’ll be happy to answer any questions.

 

Thanks! Most of those are on my radar, especially Andiamo's as I will have some dining credit.

I also am interested in the Smashed Pig. Whenever I research dining before I travel there is always a place like this...a gastropub with a really cool looking menu, usually with a name that starts with an adjective and ends with a farm animal. I find that there is a 50% chance that the food ends up being as good as it looks on the menu.

In my view, Downtown is killing the strip as far as places new, affordable and interesting food options. There are some good ones, but I've seen enough Celebrity Chef restaurants, and especially "Celebrity" "Chef" restaurants.

 

From my January trip...still can't get the song out of my head.

 

Great post and LOL about the Bengals and also wondering how many readers get the 'doob it up' reference! That's one sure way to get some relaxation in on a long trip.
Best Wishes !!

 

Enjoy! Great pics of your dogs as well!

 

Smashed Pig is on my radar for next trip. I want to eat fish and chips there.

Smashed Pig is just a few steps from LeThai, on Fremont Street East.

This isn’t food related, but I used to stay at The D quite a bit. I would always pay a little over the comp (maybe $20) & upgrade to a corner king on a high floor. Those rooms were quieter, larger, and had a pretty view.

 

Enjoy, good luck and don't forget to feed the Tigers before you leave!

 

I hear ya... Played that game a bit a couple of weeks ago and that polka music is still in my head. Have a great trip!!!

 

IMHO , Nothing beats deep - fried chicken skin @ Carson Kitchen located , kinda behind the D , Also try the Bacon Jam !


that is all !

 

I always try to do one Grotto meal each trip, and luckily, have always been seated by the pool, even solo. Safe travels today!

 

The sweet carpet at CVG gate A1. Looking forward to having more exciting things to photograph soon.

 

Those subtle hints of teal in that carpet really help the brown tones stand out.

 

Have a great trip, Slade. Loved your TR's on other forums so will be great to read one of your reports here, embellished by photos and imaginative swear words.

Expecting a comprehensive Diamond Lounge tour and review...and of course, more photos of carpets.