Has Las Vegas Got a Deal for You!

Posted on November 13, 2009 by admin

Nov. 13, 2009

USA Today Travel writer Kitty Bean Yancey spent a day with publisher Anthony Curtis, discovering how the recession means that there are great deals to be had for Las Vegas consumers:

“Everyone in Vegas is giving it away,” says Las Vegas Advisor publisher Anthony Curtis, savoring 8-month-old M Resort’s sushi in its modern-chic buffet with show kitchen. Pig out for $2 less by joining the free M players’ club, says Curtis, whose Advisor (lasvegasadvisor.com) gives subscribers the scoop on deals.

Click here to read the entire feature.

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World Series of Poker Champion Youngest Ever

Posted on November 12, 2009 by admin

Anthony Curtis’ weekly syndicated Vegas column.

November 11, 2009

Does this headline sound familiar? It should, given that this is the second consecutive year that the record for youngest WSOP main-event winner has been broken. Barely legal Michigander Joseph Cada outlasted Maryland logger Darvin Moon to win $8,545,435 and become the youngest World Series of Poker champion ever at just 21. Last year’s winner was 22. Moon took home a little more than $5 million for second. On the final hand, Cada’s two pair, 9s and 7s, beat Moon’s pair of 7s. Similar to last year, the final was played after a four-month delay, in order for it to be aired closely after the event’s conclusion.

B.B.’s Blues: B.B. King’s Blues Club, the much-anticipated new live-music venue at the Mirage, has opened. The intimate venue with seating for just 558 features four bars, a stage, and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends.

Viva Elvis: That’s the name of the new Elvis-tribute Cirque du Soleil show that will debut at CityCenter’s main hotel-casino, Aria. Aria opens December 16 and it’s believed that “preview” shows may be ready to go by then.   

High Society: Encore’s Society Cafe has been named one of the “Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire magazine. It’s the only Las Vegas restaurant to receive the accolade this year. Society Café is essentially the casino’s coffee shop, so it’s more convenient and reasonably priced than its sister restaurants.

Question: Last week you included Bette Midler in your list of big-name performers who have ongoing shows in Las Vegas, but I’ve heard she’s gone.

Answer: She’s not gone yet, but she is leaving soon. Bette Midler’s final performance of The Showgirl Must Go On will be Sunday Jan. 31, 2010. The final performance will mark the end of her two-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. There’s no word as yet as to who will fill her shoes.

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CityCenter hits center stage

Posted on November 5, 2009 by admin

Nov. 3, 2009
By Rob Lovitt — Travel writer; msnbc.com contributor

LasVegasAdvisor.com/Huntington Press president Anthony Curtis is quoted at length in msnbc’s feature about the opening of CityCenter.

“[CityCenter] will eventually be something that’s truly spectacular. Las Vegas will come back and all these new rooms will get filled. For now, though, it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise.”

Click here to read the entire feature.

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Entertainment Legends Hit the Las Vegas Scene

Posted on November 5, 2009 by admin

 

Nov. 4, 2009

Garth Brooks is at Encore. Wayne Newton is at the Tropicana. Carlos Santana is at the Hard Rock. Donnie & Marie are at the Flamingo. Cher & Bette are at Caesars Palace (no, not together). And as of next February, Barry Manilow will be at Paris. It’s now been confirmed that the entertainer, who’s currently performing his Ultimate Manilow: The Hits show atthe Las Vegas Hilton, will move to Paris on Valentine’s Day 2010. Who’s next? No telling, but the latest rumors have involved pop diva Avril Lavigne.

Lunch Down: Last month M Resort axed breakfast from its buffet; now Silverton has discontinued lunch during the week. Silverton still serves brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($18.99) on Saturday and Sunday.

Really Big Burger: LBS: A Burger Joint at Red Rock has unveiled the $30 “Extreme Burger,” which includes six half-pound patties loaded with American cheese, smoked bacon, a portobello mushroom, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, LBS Burger sauce, spicy mustard, herb mayo, “ghost” peppers (the hottest chili in the world), and a pound of French fries. Clean your plate in an hour and it’s on the house.

Gambling Movies: The Cincinnati Kid, The Sting, California Split, Rounders, Casino—what’s the best gambling movie ever made? You can have a part in deciding by voting for any of these, among several others, in a poll currently running at LasVegasAdvisor.com. See the results in a future column.

Question: I was at MGM Grand and they’d just cancelled their all-day buffet. Is this going on everywhere?

Answer: MGM is the first to cancel, but others—Stratosphere, Excalibur, and Mandalay Bay—have raised prices (these are in the $25-$38 range), indicating that too many big eaters might have been descending on the deals.

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World Series of Poker Final Table Convenes

Posted on October 29, 2009 by admin

 Anthony Curtis’ weekly syndicated Vegas column.

October 28, 2009

 

Poker fans all over the world (and there are millions of them now) will be looking to the Rio Hotel-Casino this week in anticipation of the crowning of a new world champion. The nine remaining players in the game’s most prestigious event will sit down on Nov. 7 to determine the new champ and the winner of a $8.5 million first prize. This year’s table mix will be different than in years past, as it includes one of poker’s biggest superstars, Phil Ivey (currently in 7th place). Another story of interest is the presence of 21-year-old Joe Cada, who’s seeking to become the youngest champion ever. The chip leader is Maryland logger, Darvin Moon. After a quick editing job, the event will be aired on ESPN on Nov. 10.

           

Good PR:The Orleans has an outstanding deal on a complete prime rib dinner in the Courtyard Café. It comes with an eight-ounce cut of meat (with au jus and horseradish), soup or salad, choice of potato, rolls, dessert, and a drink—all for $9.99. The dessert alone is worth half what you pay, since you choose from the full dessert menu, where hot-fudge sundaes, root-beer floats, and cheesecakes start at $4.49. The special runs Mon.-Fri. from 2 to 6 p.m.

 

Best on Mondays:You can get a free hot dog and a beer at the Monday Night Football parties at Sam’s Town and Suncoast, but here’s one that’s even better. The party in Stoney’s at Santa Fe is free to attend and you can eat unlimited hot dogs (and chips) for no charge. Domestic bottled beers are just $2, but $5 gets you a wristband for unlimited drafts throughout the game.

 

Question: Last week you wrote that Garth Brooks will play at Encore. Do you have any more information?

Answer: Garth Brooks’ return to the stage was as big a draw as expected, causing his first 15 dates (spread over Dec., Jan., and Feb.) to sell out in minutes. Not to worry, the agreement with Encore is for five years at 15 weeks per, and Brooks insisted that only 200 seats could be held out (for comps) for any show, so you’ll have your shot. Tickets for all seats are $143 after taxes and fees.

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Las Vegas Goes for the Green

Posted on October 22, 2009 by admin

Anthony Curtis’ weekly syndicated Vegas column.

October 22, 2009

The city famous for getting the green (as in “cash”) is now going for the green in another way. Several of the biggest casino companies are aggressively pursuing the so-called “green initiatives” aimed at preserving the environment through sustainable business practices. Not that they’re there yet, but in a recent in-depth report by Newsweek, which ranked the top 500 green companies in America, three Las Vegas casino companies made the cut: Las Vegas Sands at #128, MGM Mirage at #184, and Wynn Resorts at #176. Leading the way for LV Sands is Palazzo, currently the highest rated Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building in the nation, with CityCenter striving to achieve LEED certification for all of its elements. And while it didn’t make the list, Las Vegas’ oldest casino, the Golden Gate, is holding up its end by switching entirely to geothermal power for its hot water.

Breakfast Bounced:M Resort has eliminated breakfast in its buffet. The good news is the lunch and dinner buffets are still among the best in town.
 
Brasserie Bolting:Daniel Boulud Brasserie, the Las Vegas outpost of the star chef for whom it’s named, will close next April when its five-year operating agreement with Wynn Las Vegas is up. No word yet on what will take its place.
 
Garth is In: It’s official. Country superstar Garth Brooks will begin performing at Encore on December 11. There will be one show a night on Fridays and Sundays and two on Saturday nights, with tickets priced at $125.
 
Question: Are the women who are billed as big poker players on the TV show “The Amazing Race” for real? I’ve never heard of them.

Answer: They’re for real. Tiffany Michelle made a deep run in the World Series main event in 2008, finishing 17th, and Maria Ho was the last woman standing in the main event in 2007.

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Getting His Due

Posted on October 20, 2009 by admin

espnlogo

 

 

 

October 20, 2009

WSOP bracelet winner and co-author of Kill Phil, the book that ESPN.com’s own Andrew Feldman said “changed the poker world forever,” is featured in tonight’s coverage of the 2009 Main Event and was interviewed by Gary Wise for ESPN.com.

“The first time I saw the World Series of Poker was 1977. I started salivating, thinking ‘This is cool.’ I remember sitting at the baccarat table at the Horseshoe and watching them shuffle $100 chips and that became my goal, to shuffle $100 chips like they didn’t mean anything.”

“Slowly, the dream started becoming the reality…”

You can read the complete interview by clicking here.

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Getting His Due

Posted on October 20, 2009 by admin

October 20, 2009

WSOP bracelet winner and co-author of Kill Phil, the book that ESPN.com's own Andrew Feldman said "changed the poker world forever," is featured in tonight's coverage of the 2009 Main Event and was interviewed by Gary Wise for ESPN.com.

"The first time I saw the World Series of Poker was 1977. I started salivating, thinking 'This is cool.' I remember sitting at the baccarat table at the Horseshoe and watching them shuffle $100 chips and that became my goal, to shuffle $100 chips like they didn't mean anything."

"Slowly, the dream started becoming the reality…"

You can read the complete interview by clicking here.

 

 

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Las Vegas Fontainebleau Up for Grabs

Posted on October 15, 2009 by admin

October 14, 2009

After joining the ranks of stalled Las Vegas projects a couple months ago, the north-Strip located Fontainebleau seems to have a chance at landing the backing it needs to finish construction and open. Rumors are swirling that Penn Gaming, a company with 12 casinos in seven states and a Canadian province, may be willing to take on the beleaguered behemoth that is reportedly 70% finished, but only if it can snag it for pennies on the dollar from its original $3 billion valuation. It’s all spec as of now, however; and even if a deal is made, the big blue casino-hotel that was scheduled to open this month would probably not debut until late 2010.

Coco’s Open: After a quick conversion, several coffee shops in the Station Casinos group have converted to Coco’s restaurants. The new eateries have opened at Palace, Boulder, Sunset, and Texas Stations, joining an existing Coco’s at Santa Fe Station.

Charo Closed: The famed flamenco performer, who’s show at the Riviera has been on hiatus since she fell and suffered an injury during the Jerry Lewis Telethon in mid September, will be out for the remainder of the year. Whether or not she will return in 2010 has yet to be announced.

Fall at Bellagio: The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio has transitioned to a fall display, which features autumnal colors, a 35-foot-tall cider mill, a 13-foot scarecrow, and a 10-foot-tall mythical tree made of recycled paper and wood. The exhibit is free to the public and will be on display through November 28th.

Question: Who’s this year’s top dog in the rankings of wealthiest casino baron?

Answer: This year’s Forbes 400 list of America’s wealthiest individuals reveals a new leader. Carl Icahn, majority owner of Tropicana Entertainment, lines up in 22nd spot overall with an estimated net worth of $10.5 billion. Last year’s top industry representative, Sheldon Adelson, fell to 26th. Kirk Kerkorian, Steve Wynn, Donald Trump, Phil Ruffin, and Ed Roski, Jr. also made the list.

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Las Vegas Fontainebleau Up for Grabs

Posted on October 15, 2009 by admin

October 14, 2009

After joining the ranks of stalled Las Vegas projects a couple months ago, the north-Strip located Fontainebleau seems to have a chance at landing the backing it needs to finish construction and open. Rumors are swirling that Penn Gaming, a company with 12 casinos in seven states and a Canadian province, may be willing to take on the beleaguered behemoth that is reportedly 70% finished, but only if it can snag it for pennies on the dollar from its original $3 billion valuation. It’s all spec as of now, however; and even if a deal is made, the big blue casino-hotel that was scheduled to open this month would probably not debut until late 2010.

Coco's Open: After a quick conversion, several coffee shops in the Station Casinos group have converted to Coco's restaurants. The new eateries have opened at Palace, Boulder, Sunset, and Texas Stations, joining an existing Coco's at Santa Fe Station.

Charo Closed: The famed flamenco performer, who's show at the Riviera has been on hiatus since she fell and suffered an injury during the Jerry Lewis Telethon in mid September, will be out for the remainder of the year. Whether or not she will return in 2010 has yet to be announced.

Fall at Bellagio: The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio has transitioned to a fall display, which features autumnal colors, a 35-foot-tall cider mill, a 13-foot scarecrow, and a 10-foot-tall mythical tree made of recycled paper and wood. The exhibit is free to the public and will be on display through November 28th.

Question: Who’s this year’s top dog in the rankings of wealthiest casino baron?

Answer: This year’s Forbes 400 list of America's wealthiest individuals reveals a new leader. Carl Icahn, majority owner of Tropicana Entertainment, lines up in 22nd spot overall with an estimated net worth of $10.5 billion. Last year's top industry representative, Sheldon Adelson, fell to 26th. Kirk Kerkorian, Steve Wynn, Donald Trump, Phil Ruffin, and Ed Roski, Jr. also made the list.

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New Las Vegas Casino Proposed

Posted on October 9, 2009 by admin

 October 7, 2009

At a time when most analysts contend there will be no new projects initiated in Las Vegas for several years, a new casino may be in store for Harmon Ave., just east of the Strip. Siegel Group has acquired the foreclosed and shuttered 150-suite St. Tropez for $10.5 million. Siegel says it will substantially redevelop the building into a high-end boutique resort, including a restaurant and bar, nightclub, and an outdoor events center. The plan sounds similar to Siegel’s renovation of downtown’s Gold Spike, which is nearly complete only one year after it was announced.

Elvis Exhibit: Beginning October 21, the Imperial Palace will be home to The King’s Ransom Museum, a one-of-a-kind exhibit of Elvis Presley artifacts and personal treasures. It’s the first time the multi-million dollar collection has been displayed in Las Vegas and it will run until April, 2010, Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., admission is $10.

Manilow Leaving: Barry Manilow will conclude his five-year run at the Las Vegas Hilton at the end of December. There’s speculation that he’ll perform at another casino, but nothing has been announced.
 
South Points: Throughout October, slot players get 5X players club points at South Point. The deal doesn’t extend to video poker, but there’s a little giveback there in the form of free-play bonuses for royal flushes, starting with $10 for nickel royals and increasing proportionately—$20 for dimes, $50 for quarters, etc.—up to $1,000 for $5 royals.
 
Question: Is the ultra-exclusive Shadow Creek still considered Las Vegas’ top golf course.
Answer: It is by most, though three Las Vegas courses recently made Golf World’s list of “Top 50 Public Golf Courses in the U.S.” They are Coyote Springs (#7), Cascata (#14), and Bali Hai (#47). Wolf Creek in Mesquite came in at #35.

 

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New Las Vegas Casino Proposed

Posted on October 9, 2009 by admin

 October 7, 2009

At a time when most analysts contend there will be no new projects initiated in Las Vegas for several years, a new casino may be in store for Harmon Ave., just east of the Strip. Siegel Group has acquired the foreclosed and shuttered 150-suite St. Tropez for $10.5 million. Siegel says it will substantially redevelop the building into a high-end boutique resort, including a restaurant and bar, nightclub, and an outdoor events center. The plan sounds similar to Siegel’s renovation of downtown’s Gold Spike, which is nearly complete only one year after it was announced.

Elvis Exhibit: Beginning October 21, the Imperial Palace will be home to The King's Ransom Museum, a one-of-a-kind exhibit of Elvis Presley artifacts and personal treasures. It's the first time the multi-million dollar collection has been displayed in Las Vegas and it will run until April, 2010, Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., admission is $10.

Manilow Leaving: Barry Manilow will conclude his five-year run at the Las Vegas Hilton at the end of December. There’s speculation that he’ll perform at another casino, but nothing has been announced.
 
South Points: Throughout October, slot players get 5X players club points at South Point. The deal doesn't extend to video poker, but there's a little giveback there in the form of free-play bonuses for royal flushes, starting with $10 for nickel royals and increasing proportionately—$20 for dimes, $50 for quarters, etc.—up to $1,000 for $5 royals.
 
Question: Is the ultra-exclusive Shadow Creek still considered Las Vegas’ top golf course.
Answer: It is by most, though three Las Vegas courses recently made Golf World’s list of “Top 50 Public Golf Courses in the U.S.” They are Coyote Springs (#7), Cascata (#14), and Bali Hai (#47). Wolf Creek in Mesquite came in at #35.

 

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