Category Archives: Las Vegas Information

MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas

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On the North-Eastern edge of the desert, past Boulder Highway, about 20 minutes (17 miles) from the Las Vegas Strip, there is a cool oasis which is a man-made phenomenon called Lake Las Vegas. On the shores of 320-acre Lake Las Vegas there is a Mediterranean-style village with hotels, condos, gaming, restaurants, shops, sidewalk cafe’s and a small marina: “Most weekends, the marina offers a one-hour lake cruise aboard the La Contessa Yachtread more…
Also available: Gondola Cruises, Gourmet Dinner Cruisee, Electric rental boats, water toys, Kayaking and more. (click above)

There is a resort just beyond the marina called MonteLago Village Resort.

Lake Las Vegas with the village in the background...
Photo is from the MonteLago Village Resort’s Website

MonteLago Village Resort is a one of a kind luxury Las Vegas resort and real estate opportunity, located just 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Set among the desert mountains of Nevada on the shores of sparkling Lake Las Vegas, the Mediterranean-themed village offers exquisite shopping and dining, golfing, European-style gaming, and access to the championship golf and lakeside recreation of Lake Las Vegas Resort.” [Excerpt is from the MonteLago Village Resorts Website.]

The MonteLago Village Resort is a mix of a modern American hotel (condo) and an old Tuscan structure. Among several restaurants, there is a good cafe that has indoor seating as well as tables on a patio overlooking the town square: “Cafe Tenuta, Located in Casino MonteLago – Features 24-hour café dining with a diverse, breakfast, lunch and dinner menu including steaks, seafood, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.” [Excerpt is from the MonteLago Village Website.] Condos are available to rent (like hotel rooms.) Hotel rooms are available in nearby hotels, such as: Ritz Carlton Hotels or Loews Hotels.

Casino MonteLago is tucked into the hotel’s “wine cellar,” to loosely paraphrase the website: “Casino MonteLãgo offers you an intimate casino setting where value and service is paramount. Just a few miles East of Lake Mead Drive, at beautiful Lake Las Vegas Resort, Casino MonteLãgo charms you with European style and hospitality and is reminiscent of a cozy 17th Century Tuscan winery” read more…
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS Casino MonteLago boasts of over 200 Penny slots, as well as Video Poker and other current, popular video gaming machines; table games and a Sports lounge are active.

“The entire Lake Las Vegas scene is pretty cool allowing that it is just a little bit square.” They do, from time to time, have sidewalk Art shows and music concerts by the marina; the website declares that “The Ice Rink is now open.” It can be quite pleasant to stroll through the village streets, after dinner, or unlax on the grassy-knoll – on a blanket – watching a Jazz concert; they also produce an “Opera Under the Stars.”
The area is Kid/Family friendly…
Click on the web links for maps, driving directions, photos and other information.

The LasVegasBuffetClub’s main website has a page on the MonteLago Village Resort – click this link to access that page.
LasVegasBuffetClub.Com – Home page…
Take me to The LasVegasBuffetClub’s COUPON page

The Gold Spike Hotel Casino in Las Vegas reports having a new owner…

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Gold Spike Hotel & Casino – 400 East Ogden Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Contact Info:
(702) 384-8444
(800) 634-6703 (toll-free)
“Hot Diggity! The Gold Spike has new owners, and they plan to do something the old owners didn’t: spend money. They better, because they spent more dough buying it than they’ll ever find in lost change between the slot machines and stuck to the old carpet.” Read more…
From The Siegel Group:
Greetings from the new owners of the Gold Spike Hotel & Casino. Read more…

This is the new LOGO for the Gold Spike:

The new Gold Spike's Logo...

Take me to the LasVegasBuffetClub’s page for The Gold Spike Hotel and Casino

No Thanks, I’d rather go to The LasVegasBuffetClub’s Home Page

Broadway Pizzeria

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Anthony & Mario’s Broadway Pizzeria – in a strip-mall near the Palace Station (off Sahara) is a great little get-away place. Nondescript, this locals pizzeria in the Smith’s shopping-center is a good place to have a NY slice or two, or a pasta dinner. Nothing fancy, just good food for a few bucks.
From Las Vegas Boulevard & Sahara Avenue, drive west (a few blocks) to Rancho Drive (Palace Station,) turn right and drive a few more blocks till you see the Smith’s grocery store (on the left.) Broadway Pizzeria is on the north side of the parking lot:
840 S Rancho Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89106-3837
(702) 259-9002

This place has enough New York in it to make a Wyoming cowboy squirm…

Take me to the LasVegasBuffetClub’s page for Broadway Pizzeria.
Take me to the LasvegasBuffetClub’s home page…

10Best.com’s list of the 10 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas.

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This is 10Best.com’s list of the ten best restaurants in Las Vegas: 1. Rosemary’s Restaurant, 2. Delmonico Steakhouse, 3. Burger Bar, 4. Pamplemousse, 5. Sterling Brunch, 6. Royal Star, 7. Swiss Café Restaurant , 8. Shintaro, 9. Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare , 10. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop.

You can click a specific link or click the 10Best.com link below for more information.

10Best.com says: For many years, the dining scene in Las Vegas was considered subpar when compared to major cities like New York or Los Angeles. But just like everything else in this sparkling city, dining has been completely revamped – with overwhelmingly positive results. Here you can find outposts of the country’s most famous (and skilled) chefs, read more…

These are, of course, excellent places to eat! The Las Vegas Buffet Club, however, misses some of the long-gone eats & eateries, such as the BOARDWALK’S $.49 Hobo Stew or their greasy cheesebergers late at night; how ’bout the cheap late night breakfasts at SILVER CITY or a Cobb salad at the STARDUST’S TOUCAN HARRY’S. Speaking of Hobo Stew, there used to be an authentic HOBO JUNGLE behind the HACIENDA HOTEL where you could sit back on a discarded aluminum lawn chair and enjoy real Hobo Stew from a bean can. OH YEAH BABE…How about breakfast with TOM WAITS & CHUCK E WEISS at DUKES CAFE on Santa Monica Blvd. or sitting with RON BROWN & BOBBY BOYER at the IHOP in Hollywood next to the new, hot band: THE MONKEES, while RON BROWN was talking about another new band he just played (Fender bass) for in a recording session: CROSBY STILLS & NASH (before Neil Young;) he was also talking about playing with Stevie Wonder – wait a minute, that was in Los Angeles wasn’t it?

ENCORE At Wynn Las Vegas

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The following two paragraphs are from: EARLY VEGAS.COM.
“The Encore Las Vegas tower will be a $2.1 billion, 2,034 room hotel project next to the existing Wynn las [sic] Vegas Resort and on the remaining land of Las Vegas Blvd. Originally envisioned as an addition to the Wynn Las Vegas, The Encore will be a full resort and casino. It is scheduled to open at the beginning of 2009. The hotel features a 74,000 square foot. [sic] casino, manynightclubs [sic], restaurants, and bars. As of the beginning of 2007, construction was up to the 18th floor, and will be about 60 floors when complete. It is set to be the tallest hotel in Las Vegas.”

“As reported by Rod Smith, Gaming Wire: Despite project cancellations and concerns about overbuilding on the Strip, Wynn Resorts Ltd. is proceeding quickly with development of the 2,000-roomWynn Las Vegas Wynn Las Vegas Encore [sic], the second phase of Wynn Las Vegas. Developer Steve Wynn said Thursday the project is on pace to break ground in June, and Perini Building Co. Chairman Dick Rizzo calls Encore one of the surest bets on the Strip for completion by 2010.” read more
Click the read more link for photos and more information from earlyvegas.com

More information from WIKIPEDIA:
“On 28 April 2006, the resort celebrated its one year anniversary by breaking ground on a second hotel tower. [note link deleted] Called Encore, the tower will be a $2.1 billion, 2,034 room hotel project adjacent to the existing resort and on the remaining frontage of Las Vegas Blvd. Originally envisioned as an expansion of Wynn Las Vegas, Encore will be a full-scale resort and is set to open in the first quarter of 2009. The hotel will feature a 74,000 sq.ft. casino, several restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. As of August of 2007, construction was on the 50th floor, and will be 61 floors when complete, making it the same size as Wynn, floors 13, and 40 through 49 will be left out at Mr. Wynn’s request (Ideology which relates to the Western belief of 13 being an unlucky number, as well as the Eastern/Asian belief of the number 4 meaning death.) In August 2007, Steve Wynn stated that the casino that will be part of Encore will feature a similar design to that of Wynn Macau’s casino. [note link deleted]” read more…

Las Vegas Restaurants 9/07: Battista’s Hole In The Wall, The Garden Court Buffet, Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas, Lotus Of Siam, Triple Seven Restaurant and Brewery Bar

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Soup's on...

Battista’s Hole In The Wall
(Behind Flamingo Hilton Hotel)
4041 Audrie Street
Las Vegas, NV
89109
(702) 732-1424 

Battista’s (30 years in Las Vegas) is a classic Old Las Vegas, Southern Italian Restaurant serving an All Inclusive Menu
All Inclusive Menu Features:
• Minestrone Soup or Italian Salad
• Complimentary House Wine
• Garlic Bread
• Pasta Side
• Homemade Cappuccino

Entrees include: Traditional Pasta Dishes ($18.95 – $24.95,) Veal, Steak, Shrimp etc. dinners ($26.95 – $34.95.) Click Battista’s website link for the complete menu and other information…

At Battista’s, in addition to having a first rate dinner, you will be entertained by a strolling Accordionist as you enjoy the “vibe” of old-school Las Vegas. The restaurant is warm and cozy; there are 78’s and 331/3 records hanging on the walls and all that jazz…There is (very) secure parking in front of the restaurant…
Next door, there is a small convienience-type store and adjoining bar with gaming machines – also operated by Battista’s…
Take me to The LVBC’S page on Battista’s (General information & review)
Battista’s Official Website, including full menu…

The Garden Court Buffet
At The Main Street Station Hotel
200 North Main Street
Las Vegas, NV.
89101
(1-800-713-8933)

The Garden Court Buffet has long been a favorite. All things considered: price, food, ambience, location etc. make this buffet one of the very best around.
“The all-you-can eat Garden Court Buffet is the ultimate in Las Vegas buffets. From the moment you step inside, you’ll enjoy the spacious surrounding with the vaulted ceilings and Victorian gingerbread decor. And the food is fabulous, too!”
“With seating for close to 500 guests, the Garden Court, is not only the largest buffet and truly the grandest in downtown, it has garnered many accolades in its short history. Repeatedly voted downtown’s best buffet, it’s been rated among the top five buffets in the nation.”

Food stations include: American, Southern, Southwestern, Pacific rim, Chinese, Mexican, Pizza and Pasta, Salad bar, Dessert bar and more.
Buffet prices are very friendly; for example, the “Seafood Galore Buffet” on Friday & Saturday nights is only $15.99, Mon-Fri breakfast – $5.99…

Several dozen ceiling fans, antique sideboards, “Victorian gingerbread decor,” and windows help make this room unique.
Take me to The Main Street Hotel’s Official Website
Take me to The LVBC’S page on The Garden Court Buffet (General information & review)

Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas
4510 Paradise Road (Across from The Hard Rock Hotel)
Las Vegas, NV 89169
(702) 853-BEER (2337)

Ocktoberfest Kick-Off: Keg-Tapping with Siegfried & Roy – September 15, 7:00 pm…
“Add a Bavarian flair to your next dining adventure at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas. From live music direct from Germany, to authentic imported German beers, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas offers a classic Bavarian atmosphere that lends itself to fun, daily.”
“German Engineered Taste” in every stein! Our Hofbräu beer is brewed using the original recipes handed down by Wilhelm V, the Duke of Bavaria, (over 400 years ago) and is imported direct from the breweries in Munich, Germany.”
On the menu: Bavarian specials ( for example: Sauerbraten, Steak, Pork Roast,) Sausage specials, Burgers and Sandwiches, Salads, Side Dishes, Kids Menu, Week Day Lunch specials and more…
Celebrity Ocktoberfest Keg Tapping events through September…
(Visit HB website for complete menu and other information)

Official Website of Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas

Lotus of Siam
In The Commercial Center
953 E. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Tel. (702)735-3033

I vaguely recall reading in a Los Angeles restaurant magazine that Lotus Of Siam was one of the best Thai restaurants in North America. It must be a good Thai restaurant – Mayor Goodman was sitting at the next table the last time I was there. It was prime time on a Saturday night…”Of all the Gin joints“…Imagine the Mayor dining in a Strip-mall restaurant on a Saturday night given the food choices Las Vegas provides…

In a “real-old-vegas-seen-better-days” mall off Sahara Avenue, The Lotus of Siam serves the Mayor of Las Vegas and other happy customers Thai food and other Asian specials..My choice is usually Pad Thai.
I found the following information from CityGuide. It is so informative, I thought I’d include it…
“Amidst the karaoke bars and Mexican eateries in the Commercial Center lies Lotus of Siam, one of those jewels that regulars adore but hesitate to tell anyone about lest it get too popular. Voted “the best Thai restaurant in the United States” by Gourmet magazine, Lotus of Siam serves Issan-style Thai food, which is milder than most food from Thailand. The secret is blending each course with seasonings, including ginger, lemon grass, lime leaves, and hot peppers, to create varying degrees of sweet, sour, bitter and salty flavors.”

“The menu lists 131 dishes; some are tried-and-true, while other unusual items are influenced by the cultures of Laos and Cambodia. Favorites include tom kah kai (coconut infused soup), panang curry and of course, pad thai. Some of the more unusual dishes include nua dad dew (a very spicy beef jerky), nam kao tod (Thai sour sausage seasoned with ginger) and nua sao renu (sliced charbroiled beef atop a bed of sliced cabbage). Patrons should beware that these dishes are very spicy, so make sure to try the coconut ice cream and sticky rice — it’s guaranteed to cool off your mouth. — Jack Herrguth”
Take me to the LVBC’S page for Lotus of Siam (General information & review)
Take me to Lotus of Siam’s Official Website (Full menu included)

Triple Seven Restaurant and Brewery Bar
In The Main Street Station Hotel
200 North Main Street
Las Vegas, NV.
89101
(1-800-713-8933)

The Triple Seven is a downtown gathering place for locals, as well as visitors. Huge brass tanks are in view at the rear of the room competing with Big-screen TV’s for attention…Decent Appetizers, Salads, Burgers, Sandwiches, Pizza, Ribs, Pasta, Seafood and more are served in this cool downtown oasis…
Standard tables & chairs as well as long tables for groups, and bar seating provide a configuration for just about any situation. The room is large…Dark woods and brass define the ambience…Gambling is available just across the foyer.
Triple Seven is open 7 days a week, 11:00 am – 7:00 am; Late Night: Breakfast is served midnight to 7am.

“Want to party? Happy Hour 3pm-6pm Monday-Friday.
Graveyard Special midnight-7am 16oz. MicroBrews $1
We have party packages for groups of 10-40,
$8.95 to 22.95 per person.”
Take me to The LVBC’S web page for The Triple Seven…
Take me to The Main Street Hotel & Casinos Official Website

“ACCELERATION” – Clips from a Las Vegas Bikefest-2001 movie…The Fold A Napkin Into A Bra video…

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These are snapshots from LVBC videos…The first short video features some choice (loud) accelerating bikes from the ACCELERATION Video…The second video shows how to fold a napkin into a bra shape…Click on the photos to access the movies on The Las Vegas Buffet Club’s YouTube Video Channel or click on the YouTube video’s-lvbc link on the right, under websites…Take me to The Las Vegas Buffet Club’s main web pages…

Blue bike from Acceleration.……….Napkin Into Bra video.

WMS’ AMUSEMENT PARK WILD RIDE SLOTS – HOT HOT SUPER JACKPOT! – OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE AT ARIZONA CHARLIE’S, DECATUR

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ACCESS THE LAS VEGAS BUFFET CLUB’S MAIN PAGES HERE – or under BLOGROLL, above-right (lvbc-home.)
Turn me on...
“GET FIRED UP!” WMS GAMING (These are the folks who gave you hours and hours of pleasure playing William’s pinball machines at the local hangout) has trumped the industry with it’s Hot Hot Super Jackpot machines: Double Easy Money / Golden Chariots / Reels O’Dublin / Mystical Fortunes / Crazy Diamonds / Stroke of Luck are behemoth slots that will take you for a ride in more ways than one ($.01; up to 20 lines+10 for the super bonus; up to $.10 per line)…It’s all about the bonus with these luminous, colorful, exciting slot machines…Five brightly lit reels spin and generate typical payoffs until the player hits the most desired bonus symbols…When the Hot Hot Super Jackpot bet is made (20 lines + 10 for the super bonus – 30 units minimum bet for the bonus) 2 or more scattered bonus symbols activate the respin feature. At this point the two bonus reels freeze. As the remaining reels start to spin, a sound which sounds something like an airplane taking off increases in decibels as well as pitch…The excitement builds as one waits for the next step which could be more (awarded) spins or a sizable win…All the while a plethora of very bright lights and sounds spellbind the player…You have to play maximum to activate/play the bonus… THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING SLOT I’VE EVER SEEN – WMS uses the term Sensory Immersion Gaming…The woman sitting to my left at Arizona Charlie’s, Decatur the other night ran a series of $.30 bets (20 lines + the 10 unit bonus bet at $.01 per) up to $350.00 in very short order…I was treated to a dinner at the Outback Steakhouse at Arizona Charlie’s…It’s fairly typical; the food was decent; the restaurant is a nice getaway from the caos of the casino…The waiter’s mind was eleswhere…Please leave a comment (below) if you’ve played a Hot Hot Super Jackpot machine…
ACCESS THE LAS VEGAS BUFFET CLUB’S MAIN PAGES HERE – or under BLOGROLL, above-right (lvbc-home.)

Hybrid guitar from the mountains of Michoacan, Mexico.

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I thought I’d seen every type of guitar ever made, however last night at the Garduno’s Happy Hour party, at the Fiesta Rancho Hotel, I saw a hybrid, double-necked beauty originating from the mountain town of Paracho, ( Michoacan) Mexico; Have a drink or sit down to a dinner in any hotel in Mexico on any given evening and watch the strolling mariachi; chances are that the guitar players will be playing Paracho guitars…
The guitar in question is not of the typical double-necked variety with two necks “stacked” on top of one another. This guitar’s necks are “back to back.” In other words: one neck is attached in a normal fashion; the other neck is attached to the back of the guitar as if the back is the front (confused?)…I was told that the smaller (guitar) neck was of the “Requinto” style ( 1/5 higher – up the scale – than a standard guitar. ) The other neck is a standard 6-string. The acoustic body is wired with a pick-up…One of the members of the interesting “mariachi” trio which was performing at Garduno’s outdoor party told me that the guitar was made epecially for him in Paracho…There may be a slight mix-up. Is the name of the trio, LOS PEPES?
Read more about Garduno’s outdoor party in the previous post (below.)

NOW TAKE ME TO THE LAS VEGAS BUFFET CLUB’S MAIN WEBPAGES!!!
ACCESS THE LAS VEGAS BUFFET CLUB’S MAIN WEBPAGES HERE – or under BLOGROLL, above-right (lvbc-home.)