Two Weeks in Paradise - 9/5 - 9/18

First spin of the day. I’ll take it.



Did a quick bankroll count - up about $1,400. Put away what I came with in the safe. Don’t intend to do a ton of gambling today, but that way I’m guaranteed a break even trip gambling wise. I think I’m just going to bounce around town today and wander through some locals casinos. May even find a new (to me) place or two.

 

Brunch at Johnny C’s. Breakfast sandwich. This was a beast - I had to eat with a knife and fork. Nom nom.

 

Back to Blue Diamond for one last run. Didn’t connect on the 4 to a Royal draw. Finished down $140. Womp womp.

 

Pinball Hall of Fame. The new facility is giant. It was also way busier than I’ve ever seen it before - so good for them. Great way to kill and hour and $10.

 

A new to me casino. Oyo. I like it here. Not least of all because I won $170. The pool is small, but honestly I could see coming some time to hang out and have a drink at the pool bar.


View attachment 198025

 

Isn't the Oyo the place that used to be the Hooters Casino?

 

Yup!

 

Holy shit. The Wynn treats it’s high rollers well. A friend is playing in the $1,000,000 slot tournament. And the set up is sweet. Food, martinis, music. I’ll never gamble enough to be here myself but it’s good to have friends in high places.

 

Longhorn. Tiny little casino - but packed tonight. Lost $20 playing bartop VP, but won $13 slotting. They’ve expanded their bar since last time I was here.

 

Arizona Charlie’s. Even on a little slot and VP play. They have some really great dining deals here. One of these trips I want to try my hand at playing Bingo.

 

Pinball museum is awesome! Hopefully got to play a bunch of machines and enjoy, great write-up!

 

Boulder Station. Had live music in one of the bars. I lost $35 slotting around.

 

Kind of curious for my next trip in re Pinball HOF. How much does it cost to play the old-school pinball games?

 

The vintage machines are mostly $.25. Newer games are $.50 - $1 depending on game. $10 goes a long way if you want to check out some of the vintage machines.

 

crossing my fingers for a last minute royal,
and how in the world do you do so much every day?,
enjoying this TR has been exhausting..

 

Met friend back over at Encore for a late dinner at the newly opened Casa Playa restaurant. Wanting to sample the new menu we ordered WAY too much. Most things were good to great. The cocktail list was a high point and we didn’t order dessert but the menu looked really good. I could see myself coming back some night to have a drink at the bar and dessert. The only downside to me was the excessively loud music. I could barely hear myself think and conversation was difficult even in close quarters. That might just be because I am significantly older and infinitely less hip than their target demographic.




Chips and salsas


Cucumber chili margarita


Vitamin Sea cocktail


Mushroom something or other (menu isn’t online yet). These were essentially mushroom and cheese quesadillas.

Queso fundito


Duck confit tamal


Sweet potato thingies


Branzino. This was excellent. Served with tortillas and accompaniments to make tacos. Nom.


Chicken enchiladas


Squash


I’m so full. I meant to play at Rampart today, but nope. Did a little bit of slotting around and then back to the room to wine down the trip. I’m mostly packed - I might get up early and have breakfast, but realistically I’ll probably sleep in a bit and then head straight to airport.

 

Great stuff Eliza; how about one more week?

 

The guy serving the food needs to learn how to properly wear a mask! That spread looks fabulous though

 

Thanks for sharing your great trip. Loved keeping up with it.