These are not firm, but possible/probable things I would like to do during the next visit: 1. Caesars Magical Empire, Celine (?), Legends in Concert, Orleans pool party, Orleans hot tub (a bunch), dinner at the Cortez room, dinner at the Pullman Grill, Italian at Anna Bellas (you wouldn't believe the taste of food coming out of this kitchen until you have tried it, Wayne Newton (repeat), Charo (repeat). Honky Tonk Angels (repeat/love the impersonation of Reba - she is "cute"! Lunch at Harrahs buffet - love the banana foster, Breakfast at the Orleans and or Gold Coast, video poker, slots, Megabucks, dinner at Canal Street, late night nightcaps at Peppermill, Lounge acts at the Trop and/or Orleans, people watching at the best places??, plus any other activities and/or mischief that I can dream up. Sounds like fun to me. Wendell

Wendell,

Reads as though this trip should be for an entire month.<G>

Beth

Beth - wish it was for an entire month - needless to say, the list will have to be screened and downsized abit - decisions, decisions, decisions but fun ones. Wendell

Wendell,

Sounds like a great plan. I'll be anxioius to hear how much you stick to it.

You ar right about Anna Bellas. Great Food. You might think twice about Celine. The revues have not been good and the ticket prices are steep.
Have a great time.

Wendell, I heard that Caesars Magical Empire has closed. Rumor had it originally that it was to make way for Celine's dressing room, but I think that was just a rumor. Ive heard Caesar's wants to put in a disco.

Gee. Just what Vegas needs - another night club.

I was really disappointed to hear about the closing, I thougth CME was so unique and a good value. Probably the real reason it was closed - good value for the customer did not always equal big profits for the landlord.

Hey - if any of you local TV'ers see or hear that I'm wrong and they're still open PLEASE post. I will be on the next plane!

Kes

Thanks Kes - I will definately check this one out-because I had planned on booking it. Will post my findings. Wendell

Kes - you heard right - I just called Caesars and they said it closed about 8 months ago, and that it was still up in the air as to what they are going to do. Thanks for the post, so it is back to the planning board. Wendell

Wendell,

Where is Anna Bella's? Always enjoy good Italian food.

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Wendell,
I'm afraid that as of now, you are going to have to rethink the Charo show, too. It seems like the folks that had that nightclub folded up their tents and stole away into the night, leaving Charo holding the bag for hundreds of thousands of dollars............isn't that the pits, for such a great entertainer???

Tom - Anna Bellas is located at 3310 Sandhill (at the corner of Desert Inn Rd and Sandhill. Enjoy -I would like your report on this one after you try it, please - I think you will like this one. Tater: That is indeed a shame about Charo - it was really a neat show, I was surprised that she did not receive more publicity and billing. Wendell

Wendell, do you happen to know if Tony and Janina musci still own/run Anna Bella? They were real nice to me several years ago and I told them I would send a of business their way. I'm sure they would not recognize me and I wouldn't know them if I saw them tomorrow because it's been such a long time.

JMT - We did meet the owners, but their names escapes me (must be the age creeping up on me), they were definately exceptionally nice people who came over to our table and introduced themselves. I presented them a copy of the review journal printout and informed them of Talk Vegas and also told them I would send business their way. (This netted us one free dessert (that was mouth watering). The thing that was really neat is that you were made to feel at home the minute you walked in the door. The telephone number is (702) 434-2537. When you learn their names, please let me know as we will be dining there again in early July. Hope this helps. Wendell

Just had a brainstorm - I think that for a nice Italian night out - Tater, Toby, Daisy, Maxine and I should have an italian dinner out at the Anna Bellas, say on July 3rd - and maybe top this off with a nightcap at the Peppermill. Any takers here??? Wendell

TATER, TOBY, AND DAISY - Please respond to the above post. Thanks. Wendell

It sounds like a good idea to me, Wendell, but I always have a nice Italian night out<vbg>.

Wendell:
Where is Anna Bellas?
Susan

Thanks Wendell,

I just made a note about Anna Bella's and we will try it on our July trip. I wish we were going to be there early July. We would love to join you. Maybe next time.

Tom

Susan,
As Wendell said earlier in this post " Anna Bellas is located at 3310 Sandhill (at the corner of Desert Inn Rd and Sandhill". You must of missed it. Sandhill is west of Boulder Hwy or 515 about 1/2 mile.

Tom - sorry we will miss you in July - would be nice to meet you and the Mrs in person. Hope you can join us Thanksgiving for our annual Thanksgiving meet. If we have enough attendees this year, I will probably arrange for a ballroom at the Gold Coast otherwise, the Irish Pub at the Orleans will be the place. Watch the board during July. DAISY - you have a July date girl, will keep in touch. Wendell

Thanks, Larry, I did miss it. I quickly skimmed down through the notes, but didn't see it.

Hi Wendell,
Dinner sounds wonderful, BUT Toby has got himself hogtied to tons of work, mostly out of town work, so cannot (will not) commit to anything at this moment! It may have to be a last minute thing for us, but it would be fun if he's in town.....love to see you two, three, again! L.

Tater: If the "last minute thing" springs loose, let us know or just show up - you know where we will be. Best Regards:: Wendell

Wendell,
We wern't invited, but if you need 4 more for dinner on the 3rd of July, let me know! LOL
If all goes according to plan, I'll be out with my daughter and son in law.
Lee-PA

Lee - You definately do not need an invite - but in case you do, you got it. 4 more, shall we say 7 p,m. 3 July (see ya then) - at Anna Bellas. (Guess what, I won $2.00 playing Texas lotto and spent a sackfull on Celine. (Maxine says I have fuzzy math). Wendell

When we were there last week Charo was at Sevilla in the Desert Passage.We had the tapas on the patio there, I asked the waiter what was going on inside, when he told me Charo is performing this evening I replied " is that the magician". Duh!

Wendell,
OK, July 3rd at Anna Bella's it is. Now talking about fuzzy math...I forgot one person, Sandy! So could I bump it up one more seat to 5 people???

Lee, how could you forget such a "neat" sister - ?5 it is. Wendell

In scaling down the above listed shows and dining places, I have about arrived at: FOR SHOWS: Serendipity (Gold Coast), Celine (Caesars), Legends in Concert (Imperial Palace), and Wayne Brady (Paris). FOR EVENING DINING; Cortez
Room (Gold Coast), Anna Bellas (Italian), Pullman Grill (MSS), and Buzios Seafood Buffet (RIO) - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions, - but fun ones Wendell (P.S. Any comments on the above shows and/or dining facilities would be appreciated)

Wayne Brady,
I was scheduled to see him (had tickets) and he canceled on us. I just hope that is not standard operation for him. He was appearing at Paris that time too.

Lee, hope you received your credit and/or refund.

Wendell, when I made regular trips to Vegas I would often plan over 50% of my dining at new places. Come to think of it, I would plan 50% of my total activities as new stuff. New hotel, show, dining, side trips, and even driving routes to some places, all so that I discover more of Las Vegas.

As things turned out, I never got around to that entire list of new stuff. Sometimes I wouldn't get half of it. Sometimes not any. Traffic, friends, time, mood, or something would always get in the way. So I would fall back on the old reliable comfort factor joints.

The point is that I discovered a lot of new places, and still got to hit the favorites. I know that my all time favorite top 10 list will never be from hitting the resorts. Trying the new stuff is how I found The Green Shack, The Garlic Cafe, Fatburger, Anna Bellas, Big Mamas BBQ, The Sportsmans Galley, and a bunch of other places that I will remember forever. Of course I had some horrible experiences in terrible places too. I will remember those forever too.

JMT; We have profited from your adventures and so kudos to you and keep recommending the "good ones" and informing us of the bad ones. After all to me that is what Talk Vegas is all about. Wendell

Wendell, that wasn't me bragging. That was a hint to you to add more new stuff to your list.

But thanks anyway.

JMT - I have often thought about your hint but it seems as though (Vegas, being the ever changing city that it is) always has new attractions up and down the Strip and/or down town that I "just have to go back" and check out. Sometimes people say they have seen things they haven't. For example, I was "tourguiding" 2 ladies from Oregon into the MGM. when one said "I have seen this one" and then quickly added "I didn't know there was a lion habitat in here. I didn't know they had a Rain Forest Cafe like this I didn't know there was a monorail back here, etc. However, I fully intend to explore further out as you recommended. At the present, the furtherest out I have ventured is Hoover Dam-it was mind boggling. I definately have your suggestion in mind - thanks for the comments. Wendell

Wendell,
I like the out of the way places also. I really like the real local casino's too.
While I know the Orleans is thought to be a locals joint, and a great many people here love the place, myself included, it's not the same as say, the Eldorado, or Rainbow, or even wildfire. While these places are owned by a bigger company, they are all small scale, and personal.
The coffee shops in these places have some of the best value to be found in LV.
Sometime, maybe we could all just do a quick tour of some of the real small casinos, that are a little out of the way, togeather. These places are all low on attreactions and shows, but high on food value, and cheap gambling.
Besides, some of the fun of these places is people watching, sometimes the best show of them ALL!

Lee - sounds like fun to me!

Wendell, I think you should catch DaisyTours out to Valley of Fire on your July trip.

Daisy - sounds good to me. Wendell

Wendell,
I just purchased tickets for my whole clan!
We will be at Anna bella's for dinner on the 3rd of July at 7pm! Can't offer a ride, my car is full of people already!

Lee, hey, don't worry about the ride (didn't have one last time) Sounds great, see ya there. What airline are you on?? Just wondering. Wendell

I'll be on United, although I hate them, thier price was the only one that was anywhere near decent for my dates. Trying to fly home on the 6th was the killer. Now I hope they are still flying then!!!
The other half of my group comes out on the 1st of July, they are on Northwest.

I will be on America West - only booked 3 shows, am trying to make for a more relaxed visit this time (if that is possible in Vegas) See ya soon. Wendell

Wendell,
What night did you book the Wayne Brady show for?
I might be too late for tickets, but it's really the only show (name performer) I really care to see. I was thinking, if we are going the same night, maybe we could meet afterwards and hit that Peppermill for a nightcap?

I didn't book Wayne Brady this trip - I booked Serendipity, Legends in Concert, and Celine - The Peppermill always sounds great, any suggestions?? (or maybe a good lounge act for a few late night cocktails?? - The Trop seems to have good lounge performers??) Wendell :p

Wendell - You booked Celine!! You may be the first one on our Board to see the show. I can hardly wait to hear about it! Mike

Mike: I definately will report on this one - tickets were "high priced" and there has been too much "ado" on the board about this one. Wendell

Wendell, I dislike the Tropicana so much. The last time I was in the place they had dancers lip sincing to the music. Bally's has a nice late night lounge called Indigo Lounge? But the pepermill is still a nice choice where you can catch up without shouting over the band. Lets keep it at the Peppermill, you pick the night & time, we'll be there!

Lee, Peppermill is great - is this in conjunction with our Anna Bella dinner or 2 nights at the Peppermill?? Wendell :p

Wendell,
Did we already make plans for the Peppermill? CRS is kicking in again. LOL If we already have plans for the Peppermill, pick another place for a second night cap! LOL

On another note, I secured tickets for Wayne Brady at Paris July 4th, 9pm. So maybe after the show we could meet for cocktails and tall-tails?

How about the lounge at Ballys?? I've never been there but I am always game for a first. We have Serendipity that night so the timing should be ok. We can discuss this one further at Anna Bellas??? Wendell :p

Wendell, Lee, i stopped by the Indigo Lounge for a beer last month. Nice lounge, good size with a dance floor in front of the band.
The lounge is open to the casino on three sides but elevated from the casino floor; with a 4 ft. wall that shapes a circular layout.

There are high tables with a good view along this perimeter wall, with the usual type of tables and chairs in the interior.

There's no bar and has a night club atmosphere rather than a lounge/sports bar combo type of lounge with screens showing the games.

There was a pretty good latino music band playing at the time and beer is $4, recommend it.

Thanks Ed - sounds good to me. Wendell

The original list has been downsized and finalized - subject to on-the-spot changes - fun time starts tomorrow. See all of you talk vegas people THIS WEEK. Wendell