Anthony Curtis’ nationally syndicated weekly column.
Aug. 31, 2011
Perhaps the best two-week stint of the year for food lovers is in progress now. Las Vegas’ fifth annual Restaurant Week runs through Sept. 11 and has prix-fixe deals for $20.11, $30.11 and $50.11 at an amazing number of high-end restaurants, including Aureole, Bacio, Nobu and many more. Check out the list at helpoutdineoutlv.org.
Primm’s upgrade: The three casinos at Primm – a city at the Nevada/California state line, 40 miles from Las Vegas – have completed an $8.5 million “property rejuvenation.” Improvements to Primm Valley Resort, Buffalo Bill’s and Whiskey Pete’s include refurnished rooms (with furniture and accessories from the Las Vegas Fontainebleau fire sale), new carpeting in the casino and new, energy-efficient LED light bulbs. The three resorts have 2,643 rooms (with low rates), 1,500 employees, 13 restaurants, an events center that draws top-name entertainment and Nevada’s best roller coaster.
Cheap comedy: The price for Big Al’s Comedy Club at Orleans has been reduced from $68.65 to $24.69. That’s a 64 percent reduction, making this one of the city’s lowest-priced entertainment tickets. The club runs Thursday through Saturday nights.
Ogden closing: After months of speculation, it’s been confirmed that the award-winning Bradley Ogden restaurant at Caesars Palace will close on Jan. 2. It’s believed that the space will become a Gordon Ramsay pub.
Question: Was the guy who stole the chips from Bellagio convicted? What was his sentence?
Answer: Anthony Michael Carleo, the son of a former Las Vegas judge, stole $1.5 million in chips from a Bellagio craps table last year. This month he was convicted and sentenced to a prison term of 3-11 years. He also was found guilty of a similar heist at Suncoast, which drew an additional 6-16 years (even though the amount stolen was much less – $18,945). The sentences do not run concurrently, meaning he will serve at least nine years.
